Maternal and Women's Health Care:
Key Concepts and Screening
What is the goal of Healthy People 2030?
To improve the health and well-being of the United States population.
What are two goals related to pregnancy and childbirth in Healthy People 2030?
Reducing maternal deaths and reducing severe maternal complications.
What is the definition of therapeutic abortion?
Medically indicated if the pregnancy is detrimental to the client's health or if the fetus has a
condition that is incompatible with life.
What percentage of postpartum women experience postpartum blues?
50% or more.
How long do postpartum blues typically last?
Generally up to 10 days.
What are common symptoms of postpartum blues?
Crying, sadness, anxiety, insomnia, decreased concentration, exhaustion.
What is postpartum depression and its occurrence rate?
Occurs within 12 months of birth with a 6.5% to 20% occurrence rate, characterized by
persistent feelings of sadness and intense mood swings.
What is postpartum psychosis?
A very rare condition that develops within the first 2 to 3 weeks postpartum, characterized by
hallucinations, delusions, and bizarre behavior.
What are some risks associated with substance use during pregnancy?
Increased risk for spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, low birth weight, and fetal alcohol
syndrome.
What is cultural competence in maternal care?
, The ability to deliver care that values differences and includes cultural preferences.
What is the significance of genetic counseling/testing in maternal health?
It is important for known hereditary disorders or advanced maternal age.
How many chromosomes do humans have?
46 chromosomes (22 pairs plus 1 sex chromosome from each parent).
What is Trisomy 21 and its characteristics?
Also known as Down syndrome, characterized by flat facial appearance, smaller ears, protruding
tongue, and high risk for congenital heart defects.
What is an ultrasound and its purpose in pregnancy?
A procedure using high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs and tissues, typically
lasting about 20 minutes.
What does a nonstress test monitor?
It monitors the fetal heart rate response to fetal movement in the third trimester.
What is amniocentesis?
A procedure that involves aspiration of amniotic fluid for analysis, performed after 14 weeks of
gestation.
What does the Quad Screen test for?
It is a blood test that detects trisomy 21, trisomy 18, and neural tube defects.
What role does estrogen play in pregnancy?
It regulates the menstrual cycle.
What is the recommended daily intake of folic acid for pregnant women?
400 - 800 mcg daily to lower the risk of spina bifida.
What are some foods to avoid during pregnancy?
Raw/undercooked meat, seafood, eggs, unpasteurized dairy products, and lunchmeat.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
A medical condition that may result in ovarian cysts, infertility, and irregular periods; associated
with insulin resistance.
Key Concepts and Screening
What is the goal of Healthy People 2030?
To improve the health and well-being of the United States population.
What are two goals related to pregnancy and childbirth in Healthy People 2030?
Reducing maternal deaths and reducing severe maternal complications.
What is the definition of therapeutic abortion?
Medically indicated if the pregnancy is detrimental to the client's health or if the fetus has a
condition that is incompatible with life.
What percentage of postpartum women experience postpartum blues?
50% or more.
How long do postpartum blues typically last?
Generally up to 10 days.
What are common symptoms of postpartum blues?
Crying, sadness, anxiety, insomnia, decreased concentration, exhaustion.
What is postpartum depression and its occurrence rate?
Occurs within 12 months of birth with a 6.5% to 20% occurrence rate, characterized by
persistent feelings of sadness and intense mood swings.
What is postpartum psychosis?
A very rare condition that develops within the first 2 to 3 weeks postpartum, characterized by
hallucinations, delusions, and bizarre behavior.
What are some risks associated with substance use during pregnancy?
Increased risk for spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, low birth weight, and fetal alcohol
syndrome.
What is cultural competence in maternal care?
, The ability to deliver care that values differences and includes cultural preferences.
What is the significance of genetic counseling/testing in maternal health?
It is important for known hereditary disorders or advanced maternal age.
How many chromosomes do humans have?
46 chromosomes (22 pairs plus 1 sex chromosome from each parent).
What is Trisomy 21 and its characteristics?
Also known as Down syndrome, characterized by flat facial appearance, smaller ears, protruding
tongue, and high risk for congenital heart defects.
What is an ultrasound and its purpose in pregnancy?
A procedure using high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs and tissues, typically
lasting about 20 minutes.
What does a nonstress test monitor?
It monitors the fetal heart rate response to fetal movement in the third trimester.
What is amniocentesis?
A procedure that involves aspiration of amniotic fluid for analysis, performed after 14 weeks of
gestation.
What does the Quad Screen test for?
It is a blood test that detects trisomy 21, trisomy 18, and neural tube defects.
What role does estrogen play in pregnancy?
It regulates the menstrual cycle.
What is the recommended daily intake of folic acid for pregnant women?
400 - 800 mcg daily to lower the risk of spina bifida.
What are some foods to avoid during pregnancy?
Raw/undercooked meat, seafood, eggs, unpasteurized dairy products, and lunchmeat.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
A medical condition that may result in ovarian cysts, infertility, and irregular periods; associated
with insulin resistance.
