6.   Individualized risk assessment determines choice of modality. The risk of iatrogenic premature delivery, prompted by false-positive testing results, must be considered. B. Screening ultrasound survey 1.   A screening ultrasound exam is commonly…

C. Assessment of renal function during pregnancy 1.   Renal function is commonly assessed by two techniques. The first measures serum levels of creatinine and BUN. However, these serum values will not…

B. Factors contributing to the difficult airway. Difficult mask ventilation, difficult laryngoscopy, and difficult intubation are factors that contribute to a difficult airway. 1.   Difficult mask ventilation and difficult laryngoscopy occurs…

B. First stage of labor. Pain during the first stage of labor is essentially visceral in nature and occurs due to a combination of both uterine contractions and endocervical dilation. Although…

(1)   The Cobb angle measures the degree of spinal curvature (see Fig. 26.2). Minor curves (10 to 20 degrees) occur in approximately 2% of adolescents in the United States. These are…

a.   Decreased maternal O2 tension is an uncommon cause of intrapartum fetal asphyxia. Clinical situations that may result in decreased maternal O2 tension and fetal hypoxia include anemia, pulmonary edema, smoking,…

B. Maternal comorbidities. Obesity is implicated as a direct cause in the development of disease in many organ systems (see Table 29.1). As maternal body mass index (BMI) increases, the…

b.   Reflexology involves the act of applying pressure to the “reflex” points on the feet and palms. Reflexology has not only been used for pain relief but also for treating nausea,…

CLINICAL PEARLMultiple gestation delivery is high risk, associated with CD, preterm birth, and obstetric conditions such as preeclampsia.          II.National Guidelines These U.S. guidelines present practice recommendations related to current evidence…

I. American Society of Anesthesiologists Practice Guidelines for Obstetric Anesthesia: recommendations for postpartum sterilization II. Postpartum anatomic and physiologic changes A. Cardiovascular changes B. Gastrointestinal changes III. Timing of postpartum…