Maternal Nursing Module 5: Fetal Well-Being

Front

What is an Ultrasonogram and how does it work?

Back

An Ultrasonogram uses intermittent sound waves of high frequency projected toward the uterus by a transducer placed on the abdomen. The sound frequencies that bounce back can be displayed on an oscilloscope screen as a visual image.

Front

What are the uses of an Ultrasonogram in fetal assessment?

Back

1. Diagnose pregnancy as early as 6 weeks. 2. Predict maturity by measuring biparietal diameter and crown to rump measurement. 3. Confirm the presence, size, location, and grade of the placenta. 4. Establish fetal size and detect gross defects. 5. Assess amniotic fluid.

Front

What are the grading stages of the placenta in an Ultrasonogram?

Back

0: 12–24 weeks, 1: 30–32 weeks, 2: 36 weeks, 3: 38 weeks (suggests fetal maturity).

Front

What is the Amniotic Fluid Assessment for less than 20 AOG?

Back

The abdomen is hypothetically divided into two (linea nigra). The vertical diameter of the largest pocket in each half is measured in cm, and the Amniotic Fluid Volume Index (AFI) is the sum of the two pockets.

Front

What is the Amniotic Fluid Assessment for more than 20 AOG?

Back

The uterus is divided into 4 quadrants using the umbilicus and linea nigra as reference points. The vertical diameter of the largest pocket in each quadrant is measured in cm.

Front

What are the normal and abnormal values for Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI)?

Back

Average AFI = 15 cm (28–40 weeks). 20–24 cm = hydramnios, 5–6 cm = oligohydramnios.

Front

What is Chorionic Villi Sampling and its purpose?

Back

Chorionic Villi Sampling is a procedure for the removal of a tissue sample from the chorion or placenta for genetic screening (DNA analysis) done in the first trimester (8-10 weeks).

Front

What are the indications for Chorionic Villi Sampling?

Back

Advanced parental age (50 Father, 30 Mother).

Front

What are the complications associated with Chorionic Villi Sampling?

Back

Fetal limb defects such as missing digits or toes, and infection at the insertion site.

Front

What is Amniocentesis and its purpose?

Back

Amniocentesis is the aspiration of fluids by inserting a needle through the abdomen into the amniotic sac for genetic screening (DNA analysis).