CONCLUSION
Pregnancy, labor, and birth are a wondrous time in the lives of many. However, this time can be clouded by a variety of complications that affect the patient and fetus. Fortunately, with early identification and treatment of complications and their side effects, patients and their infants have a greater chance of survival and the potential to thrive after delivery.
Nurses play a special role in ensuring the safety of the patient and fetus during all phases of pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. They must be knowledgeable about complications that can occur and be ready to act on behalf of the patient and fetus. This is the responsibility and goal of the nurse.
Most hospitals and birthing centers provide evidence-based guidelines for nurses caring for patients experiencing complications during their pregnancies. Nurses must provide comprehensive care that follows the recommendations of their facilities.
RESOURCES
American Society of Reproductive Medicine
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
Gestational diabetes (American Diabetes Association)
Gestational trophoblastic disease (National Cancer Institute)
Hyperemesis education and research (HER Foundation)
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NOTE: Complete URLs for references retrieved from online sources are provided in the PDF of this course.
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