04 Prenatal Care and Pregnancy Health Free Online FlashCards

When should prenatal care begin?

Begin prenatal care as soon as pregnancy is suspected; visit timing and tests should be individualized.

Why can mild physiologic anemia occur during pregnancy?

Plasma volume rises more than red-cell mass, causing mild hemodilution known as physiologic anemia.

Which breathing change can be expected, and what is a warning sign?

Mild breathlessness, especially with exertion, can occur. Severe or sudden difficulty breathing is not a routine pregnancy change.

Why is an early urine culture commonly included in prenatal care?

Urinary stasis and asymptomatic bacteriuria are clinically important, so early care commonly includes a urine culture.

What are key purposes of the first prenatal visit?

The first visit establishes a baseline and reviews health and obstetric history, the last menstrual period, and prior pregnancy records to estimate gestational age and due date.

What is commonly assessed at prenatal follow-up visits?

Common checks include blood pressure, weight, and symptoms. When appropriate for gestational age, visits also assess fetal heart rate and uterine growth.

What is the key limitation of a screening test?

Screening identifies increased risk; it does not always establish a diagnosis.

How should a positive cell-free DNA screening result be followed up?

Counseling about screening options, including cell-free DNA screening, can be offered from about 10 weeks. A positive result calls for counseling and discussion of diagnostic testing.

When is the fetal anatomy ultrasound commonly performed?

An ultrasound at 18–22 weeks assesses fetal anatomy and is recommended even when genetic screening is reassuring.

When is group B streptococcus screening done, and why does the result matter?

Group B streptococcus screening is done at 36–37 weeks; a positive result informs antibiotic prevention during labor.

What daily folic acid amount does the CDC recommend for people capable of becoming pregnant?

CDC recommends 400 micrograms of folic acid daily for people capable of becoming pregnant; some people may need individualized higher-dose advice.

When is Tdap preferably given during pregnancy?

CDC recommends Tdap during every pregnancy, preferably at 27–36 weeks.