Nursing care plans covering maternity, most importantly the care of the pregnant mother and the newborn.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition affecting pregnant women which causes intractable nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. While the exact cause remains unclear, this condition is thought to be caused by rapidly rising hormone levels like HCG and estrogen during the first trimester. Another potential cause may include an increased incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), … Read more
Labor is a series of contractions that help the cervix dilate to allow the fetus to move through the birth canal and out of the vagina. Labor usually begins around the EDD (expected date of delivery), but no one can predict exactly when it will start. Early signs of labor vary for every patient, but … Read more
Premature or preterm labor is described as early labor occurring before the pregnancy reaches 37 weeks. While preterm labor does not necessarily result in a preterm birth, immediate medical attention is needed to prevent complications. If preterm labor results in preterm delivery, the baby will be born premature and may have serious health problems like … Read more
Breastfeeding or nursing is the practice of feeding your baby with breast milk directly from the breast. Experts recommend that new mothers exclusively breastfeed their child within the first 6 months after birth and continue through the infant’s first year of life if possible. The frequency of breastfeeding will depend on the baby’s size and … Read more
A Cesarean section (C-section) is the surgical removal of the baby from the abdomen. C-sections may be elective or required due to emergency conditions such as pregnancy complications. There are several reasons a baby cannot or should not be delivered vaginally. For instance, a Cesarean delivery is frequently advised if the patient has a history … Read more
Placenta previa is a condition in pregnancy characterized by the implantation of the placenta in the lower part of the uterus covering a part or all of the opening of the cervix. This condition can result in bleeding during pregnancy or during the delivery of the baby. The placenta provides the growing fetus with nutrients … Read more
Pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg (ovum) develops into a fetus inside a woman’s uterus. When counting from the first day of the last regular menstrual cycle, pregnancy lasts roughly 40 weeks. The body goes through amazing changes to prepare for birth by that time. Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters: Fetal growth and development … Read more
Preeclampsia is a serious complication that occurs during pregnancy and affects 5-7% of pregnancies worldwide. It is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine (proteinuria). The exact cause is unknown though research shows genetics or blood vessel abnormalities with the placenta could be a potential cause. The following risk factors increase the … Read more
The first few months of life, known as the newborn phase, are vital for both the child’s physical adaptation to extrauterine life as the neonate begins to breathe, suckle, swallow, digest, and eliminate naturally. Throughout their first year, infants continue to mature quickly, learning new skills as they engage with their environment. Physical milestones include: … Read more
Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious complication occurring after childbirth. 1-5% of mothers will experience PPH which is defined as a blood loss of greater than 1,000 mL of blood along with signs of hypovolemia. Primary PPH can occur up to 24 hours after delivery while secondary PPH occurs anywhere from 24 hours to 12 … Read more