Prenatal Care & Maternal Nutrition - Cheat Sheet
Your 30-minute revision companion for high-yield prenatal care concepts, immunisation schedules, supplement protocols, nutrition guidelines, and screening schedules tested on the NLE.
Antenatal Care Visit Schedule & Content
Common values
Value
110–160 bpm
Symbol
FHR
Quantity
Normal fetal heart rate
Value
4 visits
Symbol
ANC
Quantity
Minimum DOH ANC visits
Important facts
- DOH recommends minimum 4 ANC visits; WHO 2016 recommends 8 contacts for better outcomes.
- Traditional schedule: every 4 weeks until 28 wk, every 2 weeks 28–36 wk, every week after 36 wk.
- High-risk pregnancies (HTN, DM, multiple gestation, prior loss) seen more frequently.
- Baseline labs at booking: blood type/Rh, CBC/Hgb, blood glucose, UA (protein/glucose/infection), VDRL/RPR, HIV, HBsAg.
- Every-visit assessment: weight, BP, urine dipstick, fundal height, FHR (110–160 bpm), fetal position by Leopold's, kick counts.
- Rh-negative women identified early; require anti-D immunoglobulin at ~28 wk and within 72 hr postpartum if infant is Rh-positive.
Key definitions
Antenatal Care (ANC)
Example
DOH-supervised visits at health centers or lying-in clinics for risk screening and education.
Systematic assessment and health promotion during pregnancy to detect/manage complications, protect fetus, and prepare woman for safe birth and parenting.
Booking Visit
Example
Performed at <12 weeks gestation; identifies Rh status, anaemia, infections, and baseline risk factors.
First comprehensive ANC visit including full history (GTPAL, obstetric, medical, family, social), physical/pelvic exam, EDD estimation by Naegele's rule, and baseline labs.
GTPAL
Example
G3P2Ab0L2 = 3 pregnancies, 2 term, 0 preterm, 0 abortions, 2 living children.
Gravidity (total pregnancies), Terminates (deliveries ≥20 wk), Preterm (deliveries 20–<37 wk), Abortions (losses <20 wk), Living (surviving children).
EDD (Estimated Date of Delivery)
Example
LMP 1 January → EDD 8 October (add 9 months + 7 days).
Expected date of birth calculated by Naegele's rule or confirmed by first-trimester ultrasound; accuracy decreases with advancing gestation.
Diagrams to know
- ANC visit schedule timeline (trimester-based intervals)
- Components of booking visit
- Every-visit screening checklist
Tetanus Immunisation (Philippine Td Schedule)
Common values
Value
0.5 mL
Symbol
IM
Quantity
Td vaccine dose
Value
≥4 weeks
Symbol
Td spacing
Quantity
Interval between Td1 and Td2
Value
≥2 weeks
Symbol
Td timing
Quantity
Minimum interval before delivery (Td2)
Important facts
- Td1 = given as early as possible in pregnancy (first contact); provides no protection yet.
- Td2 = given ≥4 weeks after Td1 (and ≥2 weeks before delivery); protects infant from neonatal tetanus for ~3 years.
- Td3 = ≥6 months after Td2; protection ~5 years.
- Td4 = ≥1 year after Td3; protection ~10 years.
- Td5 = ≥1 year after Td4; protection lifetime (booster complete).
- Route: intramuscular (IM) deltoid, dose 0.5 mL.
- Two Td doses already protect the newborn; spacing and timing are critical.
- Reinforced every antenatal visit in the Philippines as part of maternal health programs.
Key definitions
Td (Tetanus-Diphtheria)
Example
A pregnant woman with no prior Td receives Td1 at first visit and Td2 ≥4 weeks later (≥2 weeks before delivery).
Inactivated vaccine (IM deltoid, 0.5 mL) protecting against tetanus and diphtheria; given to pregnant women to prevent neonatal tetanus via maternal antibodies.
Child Protected at Birth (CPAB)
Example
Newborn of a mother who completed Td1 and Td2 during pregnancy will have passive immunity.
Newborn protected from neonatal tetanus because the mother received ≥2 doses of Td vaccine with adequate spacing.
Diagrams to know
- Td vaccination schedule table with intervals and protection periods
- Timing of Td2 relative to gestational age
Supplements in Pregnancy
Common values
Value
60 mg elemental iron
Symbol
Fe
Quantity
Iron supplementation
Value
400 mcg
Symbol
FA
Quantity
Folic acid supplementation
Important facts
- Iron + folic acid: 60 mg iron + 400 mcg folic acid daily.
- Iron: prevents/treats anaemia; supports maternal blood volume expansion and fetal needs.
- Folic acid: prevents NTD (spina bifida, anencephaly); should begin before conception; neural tube closes by ~week 4.
- Iron administration:
- – Take on empty stomach or with vitamin C (citrus, guava) for optimal absorption.
- – AVOID: milk, tea, coffee, antacids (reduce absorption).
- – Expect: dark/black stools (harmless); constipation (common).
- – Troubleshooting: if GI upset, take with food, split dose, add fibre; do NOT stop.
- Calcium: supports fetal skeleton; may reduce pre-eclampsia risk in low-intake populations; DOH recommends supplementation if dietary intake is low.
- Iodine: critical for fetal brain development; partly addressed via iodised salt (ASIN Law, RA 8172).
- Vitamin A: needed for fetal development; HIGH-DOSE vitamin A is TERATOGENIC — avoid megadoses and isotretinoin.
- Keep iron away from children (overdose is dangerous).
Key definitions
Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation
Example
Prescribed at first ANC visit; continued throughout pregnancy despite common side effects.
Standard DOH supplement: 60 mg elemental iron + 400 micrograms (mcg) folic acid daily throughout pregnancy and postpartum to prevent anaemia and neural tube defects.
Neural Tube Defects (NTD)
Example
Neural tube closes by ~week 4 of gestation, before many women know they are pregnant.
Malformations (spina bifida, anencephaly) resulting from incomplete neural tube closure; folic acid supplementation before conception reduces incidence by ~70%.
Bioavailability
Example
Taking iron with orange juice (vitamin C) increases absorption; taking with milk reduces it.
The fraction of ingested substance actually absorbed and utilised by the body; iron bioavailability is enhanced by vitamin C and inhibited by milk, tea, coffee, and antacids.
Diagrams to know
- Iron absorption factors (enhancers vs. inhibitors)
- Timeline of fetal development and supplement timing
Maternal Nutrition & Weight Gain
Formulas
Recommended total weight gain = varies by pre-pregnancy BMI
Meaning
BMI = pre-pregnancy body mass index (kg/m²); gain differs for underweight, normal, overweight, and obese.
Watch out
Sudden, excessive gain + oedema = red flag for pre-eclampsia; investigate immediately.
When to use
At each antenatal visit to assess appropriateness of weight gain pattern.
Common values
Value
340 kcal/day
Symbol
kcal
Quantity
Extra energy (2nd trimester)
Value
450 kcal/day
Symbol
kcal
Quantity
Extra energy (3rd trimester)
Value
+25 g/day
Symbol
protein
Quantity
Extra protein
Value
≤200 mg/day
Symbol
caffeine
Quantity
Caffeine limit
Value
<110 g/L or <11 g/dL
Symbol
anaemia threshold
Quantity
Fetal Hgb level risk
Important facts
- Recommended total weight gain (IOM) by pre-pregnancy BMI:
- – Underweight (<18.5): 12.5–18 kg
- – Normal (18.5–24.9): 11.5–16 kg
- – Overweight (25–29.9): 7–11.5 kg
- – Obese (≥30): 5–9 kg
- Trimester-specific pattern:
- – 1st trimester: little gain (~1–2 kg); no extra energy needed.
- – 2nd & 3rd trimesters: ~0.4 kg/week (normal BMI); ~340 kcal/day in 2nd, ~450 kcal/day in 3rd.
- Simplified teaching: ~300 kcal/day extra.
- Protein: increased needs +25 g/day (from ~50 g to ~75 g/day) for fetal and placental growth.
- Carbohydrates: adequate amount to spare protein and prevent ketosis.
- Key micronutrients & food sources:
- – Iron: meat, fish, dark leafy greens (malunggay, kangkong), dried beans.
- – Folate: dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, fortified grains, citrus.
- – Calcium: milk, small fish with bones (dilis), tofu, dark greens.
- – Iodine: iodised salt, seafood.
- – Vitamin C: citrus, guava, tomatoes (aids iron absorption).
- Local & affordable protein sources: fish, eggs, poultry, dried beans/monggo, tofu, milk.
- Malunggay (moringa): iron and vitamin-rich; supports lactation.
- Foods/substances to LIMIT or AVOID:
- – Alcohol: no safe amount; causes fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
- – Smoking & secondhand smoke: low birth weight, prematurity.
- – Caffeine: limit to ≤200 mg/day (~1–2 cups coffee).
- – High-mercury fish: limit (e.g., shark, swordfish).
- – Raw/undercooked meat, fish, eggs: listeria, toxoplasma risk.
- – Unpasteurised dairy: listeria risk.
- – Any medication, herbal product, supplement: only with provider approval.
- Special nutritional situations:
- – Nausea: small frequent meals, dry crackers before rising, avoid strong odours.
- – Constipation: fibre, fluids, activity (worsened by iron); increase fluids.
- – Pica (craving non-food items): assess and counsel; may indicate iron deficiency.
- – Adolescents & closely spaced pregnancies: higher nutritional needs; extra support required.
Key definitions
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
Example
A non-pregnant woman needs ~1800–2000 kcal/day; pregnant needs additional calories starting 2nd trimester.
Energy expenditure at rest; pregnancy increases metabolic demands, especially in trimesters 2 and 3.
Macronutrients
Example
Normal diet + 300 kcal/day (simplified) + 25 g extra protein daily during pregnancy.
Large-scale nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; pregnancy increases protein and energy needs to support fetal growth.
Diagrams to know
- Weight gain by trimester and BMI category
- Micronutrient sources and functions in pregnancy
- Foods to avoid in pregnancy
Screening Tests by Timing
Common values
Value
24–28 weeks
Symbol
OGTT
Quantity
Gestational diabetes screening
Value
36–37 weeks
Symbol
GBS
Quantity
GBS screening
Important facts
- Glucose screening (gestational diabetes): 24–28 weeks via OGTT.
- Ultrasound: 1st trimester for dating (most accurate); ~18–22 weeks for anatomy.
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS): ~36–37 weeks where available; IV antibiotics in labour if positive or unknown status.
- Rh-negative mothers:
- – Anti-D immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) at ~28 weeks (standard dose).
- – Repeat dose within 72 hours postpartum if infant is Rh-positive.
- – Additional doses if large fetal–maternal hemorrhage detected.
- Asymptomatic bacteriuria/UTI: treat to prevent pyelonephritis and preterm labour.
- Infections screened at booking: syphilis (VDRL/RPR), HIV, Hepatitis B (HBsAg); treatment/prophylaxis protects newborn.
Key definitions
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
Example
A 30-year-old woman has 2-hour glucose 150 mg/dL on OGTT; diagnosed with GDM; risk factors include obesity, family history, prior GDM.
Glucose intolerance first detected during pregnancy; screened via oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks; managed with diet, monitoring, and insulin if needed.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
Example
GBS-positive mother screened at 37 weeks; if labour occurs, receives IV penicillin to prevent neonatal infection.
Vaginal/rectal bacterium that can cause neonatal meningitis/sepsis if vertically transmitted during labour; screened at 36–37 weeks where available; IV antibiotics given in labour.
Rh Incompatibility
Example
Rh-negative primigravida with Rh-positive partner receives anti-D at 28 weeks and within 72 hours postpartum.
Situation where Rh-negative mother carries Rh-positive fetus; maternal-fetal hemorrhage during pregnancy or delivery can sensitise mother, causing haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in future pregnancies.
Diagrams to know
- Screening test timeline by trimester
- Anti-D administration schedule for Rh-negative mothers
Health Teaching Across Pregnancy
Common values
Value
6 months
Symbol
EBF
Quantity
Exclusive breastfeeding duration
Important facts
- Danger signs (reinforce every visit):
- – Vaginal bleeding
- – Leaking fluid (ruptured membranes)
- – Severe headache or visual changes
- – Facial/hand swelling (oedema)
- – Epigastric pain (right upper quadrant)
- – Fever
- – Painful urination
- – Decreased fetal movement
- – Preterm contractions (before 37 weeks)
- – Convulsions
- Activity & rest:
- – Moderate exercise (walking, swimming) is beneficial.
- – Left-lateral recumbent position improves placental perfusion; relieves supine hypotension.
- – Avoid overheating and contact sports.
- Sexuality: usually safe in normal pregnancy; avoid if bleeding, ruptured membranes, or preterm labour risk.
- Substance & medication safety:
- – Avoid alcohol, tobacco, unprescribed drugs.
- – Verify safety of all medicines with provider.
- Immunisation:
- – Td (tetanus-diphtheria): per schedule above.
- – Inactivated influenza vaccine: safe in pregnancy.
- – Live vaccines (MMR, varicella): contraindicated in pregnancy.
- Preparation for birth & newborn:
- – Birth plan development.
- – Danger-sign recognition.
- – Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months (DOH, WHO).
- – Newborn care (bathing, cord care, signs of distress).
- Oral health: dental care is safe and important; gum changes (gingivitis, epulis) are common in pregnancy.
- Seatbelt use: lap belt below the belly, shoulder strap between the breasts.
Key definitions
Danger Signs in Pregnancy
Example
A woman at 28 weeks calls with severe headache and blurred vision; nurse recognises pre-eclampsia danger signs and arranges immediate assessment.
Red-flag symptoms requiring urgent evaluation: vaginal bleeding, leaking amniotic fluid, severe headache, visual changes, facial/hand swelling, epigastric pain, fever, painful urination, decreased fetal movement, preterm contractions, convulsions.
Exclusive Breastfeeding
Example
Mother is counselled during pregnancy about exclusive breastfeeding intent and benefits; lactation support offered after delivery.
Infant receives only breast milk (no formula, water, or solids) for the first 6 months of life; DOH and WHO recommendation for optimal infant health.
Supine Hypotension
Example
A pregnant woman experiences dizziness when lying supine at a clinic; nurse positions her on left side; symptoms resolve.
Drop in blood pressure when pregnant woman lies flat on her back; caused by gravid uterus compressing inferior vena cava; relieved by left-lateral recumbent position.
Diagrams to know
- Danger-sign checklist for each trimester
- Safe vs. unsafe activities in pregnancy
- Immunisation safety in pregnancy (live vs. inactivated)
Common Problems Screened in Prenatal Care
Common values
Value
<11 g/dL or <110 g/L
Symbol
Hgb
Quantity
Anaemia threshold (pregnancy)
Value
≥140/90 mmHg
Symbol
BP
Quantity
Hypertension threshold
Important facts
- Anaemia:
- – Screened by Hgb at booking and 3rd trimester.
- – Managed with iron-folic acid + dietary counselling.
- – Persistent low Hgb despite supplements → further work-up (serum ferritin, folate level, B12, parasites).
- Gestational hypertension / pre-eclampsia:
- – Detected by rising BP (≥140/90), proteinuria, oedema.
- – Every-visit BP + urine dipstick = front-line screen.
- – Teach woman danger signs: severe headache, visual changes, epigastric pain, facial/hand swelling.
- Gestational diabetes (GDM):
- – Screened at 24–28 weeks via OGTT.
- – Managed with diet, monitoring, ± insulin (oral hypoglycaemics used selectively).
- – Key risks: macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycaemia, later T2DM in mother.
- Infections:
- – Asymptomatic bacteriuria/UTI: treat to prevent pyelonephritis & preterm labour.
- – Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B: screened at booking; treatment/prophylaxis protects newborn (prevent congenital syphilis, PMTCT, vertical transmission).
- Rh incompatibility:
- – Rh-negative mother + Rh-positive fetus → risk of haemolytic disease of newborn (HDN) in future pregnancies.
- – Prevention: anti-D immunoglobulin.
- Abnormal fetal growth or lie:
- – Tracked by fundal height & Leopold's manoeuvres.
- – Deviations → ultrasound confirmation and management.
Key definitions
Anaemia
Example
A 28-week pregnant woman has Hgb 9.5 g/dL; started on iron supplementation; follow-up Hgb in 4 weeks.
Low haemoglobin (<11 g/dL or <110 g/L in pregnancy); screened at booking and 3rd trimester; managed with iron-folic acid and dietary counselling.
Pre-eclampsia
Example
A 32-week woman presents with BP 152/98, +2 proteinuria on dipstick, and facial swelling; pre-eclampsia suspected; urgent evaluation.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) with proteinuria and/or oedema and/or end-organ dysfunction; detected by rising BP, urine dipstick, and swelling.
Gestational Hypertension
Example
BP rises to 145/92 at 30 weeks; no proteinuria or oedema; diagnosed with gestational hypertension; close monitoring.
Elevated BP (≥140/90) during pregnancy without proteinuria; may progress to pre-eclampsia.
Diagrams to know
- Screening pathway for anaemia
- Pre-eclampsia detection algorithm
- Gestational diabetes management flowchart
Nursing Role & Health-Teaching Priorities
Important facts
- Build rapport & continuity → woman keeps appointments, voices concerns; missed visits = red flag for social risk.
- Reinforce supplement adherence:
- – Many women stop iron due to GI upset.
- – Troubleshoot (take with food, split dose, add fibre) rather than let her quit.
- Teach danger-sign recognition every visit → single most protective prenatal education; timely reporting of bleeding, leaking fluid, or pre-eclampsia signs = lifesaving.
- Address social determinants:
- – Nutrition on limited budget (use local, affordable foods; e.g., malunggay, dried fish, monggo beans).
- – Safe home environment (screen for intimate-partner violence, child safety).
- – Support system (presence of partner, family, community).
- – Refer to DOH social services, community health workers, women's centres as needed.
- Prepare for birth & newborn:
- – Encourage facility-based delivery (reduces maternal/neonatal mortality; RA 9173 standards).
- – Develop birth plan (partner presence, pain relief options, cord banking, delayed clamping).
- – Teach exclusive breastfeeding intent & benefits; offer lactation support.
- – Teach newborn care (thermoregulation, feeding, cord care, signs of distress).
- – Align with DOH maternal & newborn health programs.
Key definitions
Continuity of Care
Example
Same nurse sees a client at each visit; recognises when social circumstances change and refers early to social services.
Consistent relationship between nurse and pregnant woman across multiple visits; promotes adherence, trust, and early detection of social/medical risk.
Social Determinants of Health
Example
A pregnant woman lives in an abusive relationship; nurse assesses safety, provides resources, refers to women's shelter, ensures confidentiality.
Non-medical factors affecting health outcomes: poverty, nutrition access, safe housing, intimate-partner violence, education, employment, social support.
Diagrams to know
- Nursing interventions by visit phase
- Social risk assessment and referral pathway
Must remember
- DOH ≥4 ANC visits minimum; WHO 2016 ≥8 contacts. Traditional: q4 wk ≤28, q2 wk 28–36, q1 wk ≥36.
- Td1 at first visit, Td2 ≥4 weeks later (≥2 weeks before delivery). Td2 protects the newborn from neonatal tetanus for ~3 years.
- Iron 60 mg + folic acid 400 mcg daily. Take with vitamin C, avoid milk/tea/coffee/antacids. Folic acid before conception prevents NTDs.
- Every-visit assessment: weight, BP, UA dipstick (protein/glucose), fundal height, FHR (110–160 bpm), fetal position (Leopold's), kick counts.
- Rh-negative mothers: anti-D immunoglobulin at ~28 weeks and within 72 hours postpartum if infant Rh-positive.
- Weight gain (normal BMI) 11.5–16 kg total. Sudden gain + oedema = pre-eclampsia red flag.
- Caffeine ≤200 mg/day; NO SAFE AMOUNT of alcohol (fetal alcohol syndrome).
- Danger signs (reinforce every visit): bleeding, leaking fluid, severe headache, visual changes, facial/hand swelling, epigastric pain, fever, decreased kick counts, preterm labour.
- Live vaccines (MMR, varicella) contraindicated in pregnancy. Inactivated (Td, influenza) are safe.
- High-dose vitamin A is teratogenic. Do not megadose; use normal supplementation only.
Last minute tips
- Td dosing trap: Students forget that Td2 alone protects the newborn—not Td1. The interval (≥4 weeks) and timing (≥2 weeks before delivery) are exam-critical. Write them down: Td1 first visit → Td2 ≥4 weeks later.
- Iron absorption rules: Remember "Iron-Vitamin C = friends; Iron-Milk/Tea/Coffee = enemies." This is always tested. Pair iron with citrus, avoid dairy/stimulants.
- Weight gain by BMI: Exam questions often ask about the total gain, not the weekly rate. Use the IOM table: Underweight 12.5–18 kg, Normal 11.5–16 kg, Overweight 7–11.5 kg, Obese 5–9 kg. Sudden gain + oedema = think pre-eclampsia immediately.
- Danger signs list: Be able to recite all 10 danger signs without notes. If an exam question says "A 32-week pregnant woman presents with [symptom]," you must quickly identify if it matches the danger-sign list and recommend urgent evaluation.
- ANC visit schedule memory aid: Think "4-2-1 rule" = every 4 weeks until 28, every 2 weeks until 36, every 1 week after 36. High-risk pregnancies = more frequent. DOH minimum is 4 visits; WHO is 8 contacts.
Comparison tables
Td Vaccination Schedule & Protection by Dose
| Dose | Timing | Interval from Previous | Protection Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Td1 | As early as possible in pregnancy (1st contact) | — | None yet | N/A |
| Td2 | ≥4 weeks after Td1 (≥2 wk before delivery) | ≥4 weeks | Protects infant from neonatal tetanus | ~3 years |
| Td3 | Postpartum or beyond | ≥6 months after Td2 | Booster; further maternal protection | ~5 years |
| Td4 | Later (non-pregnant) | ≥1 year after Td3 | Booster | ~10 years |
| Td5 | Later (non-pregnant) | ≥1 year after Td4 | Final booster | Lifetime |
Recommended Weight Gain in Pregnancy by Pre-pregnancy BMI (IOM)
| Pre-pregnancy BMI | Category | Total Recommended Gain | Average/Week (2nd & 3rd trimester) |
|---|---|---|---|
| <18.5 | Underweight | 12.5–18 kg | ~0.5 kg/wk |
| 18.5–24.9 | Normal weight | 11.5–16 kg | ~0.4 kg/wk |
| 25–29.9 | Overweight | 7–11.5 kg | ~0.3 kg/wk |
| ≥30 | Obese | 5–9 kg | ~0.2 kg/wk |
ANC Visit Frequency & Key Assessments by Gestation
| Period | Weeks Gestation | Visit Frequency | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Trimester | <13 weeks | Booking visit (1st contact) | History, baseline labs, EDD, risk screening, Td1 |
| 2nd Trimester Early | 13–20 weeks | Every 4 weeks | Anatomy U/S, weight gain, BP, UA, Td2 (if interval sufficient) |
| 2nd Trimester Late | 20–28 weeks | Every 4 weeks | GDM screening (24–28 wk), fundal height, FHR, kick counts, Td timing |
| 3rd Trimester Early | 28–36 weeks | Every 2 weeks | BP, UA, fundal height, FHR, fetal position (Leopold's), anti-D if Rh-negative |
| 3rd Trimester Late | ≥36 weeks | Every week | Fetal position, kick counts, BP, UA, GBS screening (~37 wk), labour readiness |
Foods to Limit/Avoid vs. Safe Alternatives in Pregnancy
| Category | AVOID | WHY | SAFE ALTERNATIVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | ALL types, any amount | Fetal alcohol syndrome, birth defects, developmental delay | Non-alcoholic beverages (milkshakes, fruit juices, water) |
| Caffeine | Excess (>200 mg/day) | Possible increased miscarriage risk at high doses | ≤1–2 cups coffee, tea, or cola per day |
| Fish | High-mercury (shark, swordfish, king mackerel) | Mercury accumulation; fetal neurotoxicity | Low-mercury fish (salmon, sardines, tilapia, dilis) |
| Meat & Poultry | Raw or undercooked | Listeria, toxoplasma, E. coli risk | Fully cooked (internal temp 74°C/165°F) |
| Eggs | Raw or undercooked | Salmonella risk | Fully cooked (yolk firm) |
| Dairy | Unpasteurised milk/cheese | Listeria risk | Pasteurised milk, yogurt, cheese |
| Medications | Any without provider approval; isotretinoin, ACE inhibitors (some) | Teratogenic effects, congenital anomalies | Verify safety with OB provider before taking |
Immunisation Safety in Pregnancy: Live vs. Inactivated Vaccines
| Vaccine Type | Vaccines | Pregnancy Safety | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inactivated | Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td), Influenza | SAFE in pregnancy | Anytime during pregnancy (Td especially 1st/2nd trimester) |
| Live Attenuated | MMR, Varicella, Rotavirus | CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy | Give before conception or after delivery/weaning |
Diagrams
Antenatal Care Visit Schedule Decision Tree
Decision tree showing ANC visit frequency, timing, and key assessments by gestational age. Highlights booking visit comprehensiveness and high-risk referral triggers.
Prenatal Care & Maternal Nutrition - Key Topics Overview
Mind map showing the hierarchical relationship between major topics in prenatal care and maternal nutrition. Useful for rapid concept review before exam.
Td Vaccination & Anti-D Immunoglobulin Timeline in Pregnancy
Timeline showing key immunisation and screening milestones across pregnancy. Clarifies the critical timing of Td2 (must be before delivery) and anti-D administration.
Iron Supplementation: Absorption Enhancers & Inhibitors
Flowchart detailing iron absorption optimization, common side effects, and troubleshooting strategies. Essential for teaching pregnant women to maintain adherence.
Pre-eclampsia Screening & Danger-Sign Recognition
Flowchart showing the integration of every-visit BP/UA assessment with danger-sign teaching for pre-eclampsia detection. Emphasises nurse's role in front-line screening.
Recommended Weight Distribution in Pregnancy (Normal BMI)
Pie chart showing the physiological distribution of gestational weight gain, illustrating that gain is not only fetal. Helps students understand why total gain varies and why sudden gain is concerning.