NGR 6301 Women's Health Final Exam Study Guide
Pregnancy & Postpartum
Initial Prenatal Visit
Confirm Pregnancy: Utilizes urine/blood hCG tests or
ultrasound to confirm pregnancy status. Due date
estimation is performed using the Last Menstrual Period
(LMP) and Nagele's Rule, which calculates the due date by
adding 280 days to the first day of the last menstrual
period.
History & Physical: A comprehensive obstetric and
gynecological history is taken, including psychosocial
screening. Physical and pelvic examinations are conducted
to assess the health of the mother and fetus.
Laboratory Tests: Essential labs include CBC, blood type
& Rh factor, HIV, rubella, hepatitis B/C, syphilis, urine
culture, Pap smear, and STI screening to ensure maternal
and fetal health.
Counseling: Important topics include nutrition
(emphasizing folic acid intake of 400–800 mcg), substance
use, safe exercise practices, immunizations, and
recommended weight gain during pregnancy (25–35 lbs).
Vaccination Guidelines: Vaccines safe during pregnancy
include inactivated influenza, Tdap (administered between
27–36 weeks), and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines
(Pfizer/Moderna). Contraindicated vaccines include MMR,
, Varicella, LAIV (nasal spray), and HPV (deferred until
postpartum).
Postpartum Birth Control Options: Progestin-only
methods (mini-pill, Depo-Provera, Nexplanon, IUD) are
safe for breastfeeding mothers. Estrogen methods should be
avoided during the first 3–6 weeks postpartum. LARC
methods can be inserted immediately postpartum or at the
6-week visit.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Onset and Screening: PPD typically manifests within 4–6
weeks to 1 year postpartum. Screening is conducted using
the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to
identify at-risk individuals.
Symptoms: Common symptoms include persistent sadness,
anxiety, irritability, detachment from the baby, and
sleep/appetite disturbances, which can significantly affect
maternal functioning.
Treatment Options: First-line treatments include SSRIs
(e.g., sertraline) and psychotherapy options such as
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal
Therapy (IPT).
Differential Diagnosis: It is crucial to differentiate PPD
from the 'baby blues', which typically resolves within 2
weeks, and postpartum psychosis, characterized by
delusions and hallucinations, requiring emergency referral.
Pregnancy & Postpartum
Initial Prenatal Visit
Confirm Pregnancy: Utilizes urine/blood hCG tests or
ultrasound to confirm pregnancy status. Due date
estimation is performed using the Last Menstrual Period
(LMP) and Nagele's Rule, which calculates the due date by
adding 280 days to the first day of the last menstrual
period.
History & Physical: A comprehensive obstetric and
gynecological history is taken, including psychosocial
screening. Physical and pelvic examinations are conducted
to assess the health of the mother and fetus.
Laboratory Tests: Essential labs include CBC, blood type
& Rh factor, HIV, rubella, hepatitis B/C, syphilis, urine
culture, Pap smear, and STI screening to ensure maternal
and fetal health.
Counseling: Important topics include nutrition
(emphasizing folic acid intake of 400–800 mcg), substance
use, safe exercise practices, immunizations, and
recommended weight gain during pregnancy (25–35 lbs).
Vaccination Guidelines: Vaccines safe during pregnancy
include inactivated influenza, Tdap (administered between
27–36 weeks), and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines
(Pfizer/Moderna). Contraindicated vaccines include MMR,
, Varicella, LAIV (nasal spray), and HPV (deferred until
postpartum).
Postpartum Birth Control Options: Progestin-only
methods (mini-pill, Depo-Provera, Nexplanon, IUD) are
safe for breastfeeding mothers. Estrogen methods should be
avoided during the first 3–6 weeks postpartum. LARC
methods can be inserted immediately postpartum or at the
6-week visit.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Onset and Screening: PPD typically manifests within 4–6
weeks to 1 year postpartum. Screening is conducted using
the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to
identify at-risk individuals.
Symptoms: Common symptoms include persistent sadness,
anxiety, irritability, detachment from the baby, and
sleep/appetite disturbances, which can significantly affect
maternal functioning.
Treatment Options: First-line treatments include SSRIs
(e.g., sertraline) and psychotherapy options such as
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal
Therapy (IPT).
Differential Diagnosis: It is crucial to differentiate PPD
from the 'baby blues', which typically resolves within 2
weeks, and postpartum psychosis, characterized by
delusions and hallucinations, requiring emergency referral.
