Education for Pregnant Patients

Jun 12, 2024

Education for Pregnant Patients

Introduction

  • Topics Covered: Nutritional guidance, weight gain, warning signs of complications, and others.
  • Resources: Maternity Flashcards (available at leveluprn.com).

Nutritional Guidance

Key Nutrients

  • Folic Acid
    • Increase intake to 600 micrograms/day.
    • Prevents neural tube defects.
    • Critical for embryo development.
  • Iron
    • Increase to 27 milligrams/day.
    • Supports increased blood volume in pregnancy.
    • Best absorbed with vitamin C.
  • Protein
    • Needed for growth and development of the baby.
    • Recommended 60 grams/day.
    • Exception: Low protein for Phenylketonuria (PKU) due to phenylalanine.

Maternal Teaching: Weight Gain and Calorie Intake

Weight Gain Guidelines

  • Based on pre-pregnancy BMI:
    • Underweight: Gain 28-40 lbs.
    • Average weight: Gain 25-35 lbs.
    • Overweight: Gain 15-25 lbs.
  • By Trimester:
    • 1st Trimester: Gain 2.2-4.4 lbs (1-2 kg).
    • 2nd & 3rd Trimesters: Gain ~1 lb per week.

Caloric Intake

  • Varies by trimester and during breastfeeding.
  • Follow specific recommendations.

Things to Avoid and Warning Signs

Things to Avoid

  • Alcohol and Smoking
    • Encourage smoking cessation.
  • Caffeine: Limit intake.
  • Certain Fish: Due to mercury.
  • Hot Tubs and Saunas
  • Medications: Avoid without OBGYN approval.

Warning Signs of Complications

  • Diarrhea, Fever, and Chills
  • Severe Abdominal Cramping
  • Severe Vomiting: Could indicate hyperemesis gravidarum.
  • Decreased Fetal Activity
    • Monitor fetal movements post 17-24 weeks.

Common Unpleasant Side Effects

Respiratory and Digestive

  • Congestion: Due to increased blood flow; use saline spray.
  • Constipation: Increase fluid and fiber due to pressure on bowels.
  • Epistaxis (Nose Bleeds): Use a humidifier.

Others

  • Fatigue and Heartburn
  • Gingivitis and Dental Caries: Due to suppressed immune response; maintain oral hygiene and dentist visits.
  • Hemorrhoids: Use witch hazel and warm baths.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Try eating small, frequent, bland meals.
  • Urinary Frequency: Increase due to more blood volume and uterus pressure.
  • Varicose Veins: Use compression garments.

Conclusion

  • Interactive: Like, comment, subscribe, and share.
  • Contact: Invite classmates and friends to watch and use the resources.