A client, a 26-year old, arrives at the women's clinic. She thinks she may be pregnant. She has experienced nausea and vomiting for the past month. She feels tired all the time and has trouble sleeping because she frequently has to get up in the middle of the night to urinate. Her last menstrual period (LMP) was six weeks ago. Her menstrual periods have always been regular, every 28 to 30 days. When asked about her past obstetrical history she states she had an elective abortion when she was 17 years old. She has no children. The client states she smokes 1 pack of cigarettes a day and has a few beers on the weekends with friends. She does not like to cook so most meals are take-out.
The health care provider (HCP) does a pregnancy test and it is positive. Her physical exam confirms the pregnancy. An ultrasound is performed and the client is approximately 6-8 weeks pregnant. The patient is ecstatic about the pregnancy but has many questions. The HCP reviews the importance of prenatal care and informs the client of the scheduled visits needed and what will be done at each visit. Lab work is ordered and a consultation with a dietician is scheduled for next week.
Questions:
- List the three positive signs of pregnancy.
- How would you calculate the client's delivery date? Calculate the estimated date of birth (EDB) if the client states her last menstrual period was on January 17, 2014.
- Identify the client's obstetrical history using the GTPAL method?
- List five expected changes that will occur during pregnancy.
- What initial routine laboratory tests will be conducted?
- At the initial prenatal visit what should the client expect? What should the client expect at ongoing prenatal visits?
- List four common discomforts of pregnancy.
- Name two potential complications this client should promptly report to the HCP.
- What is the recommended weight gain during pregnancy?
- What are the recommended nutritional guidelines during pregnancy?