Laboratory screening: Maternal serum screening for chromosome abnormalities and neural tube defects should be offered at 15-20 weeks. See APEC Prenatal Screening for Fetal Birth Defects and Aneuploidy guideline #19 for additional information. Patient decisions regard uptake of testing should be noted in the chart.

What is the perinatal period considered?

The perinatal period, broadly defined, encompasses the time frame from one year before to 18 to 24 months after the birth of the child.

What is a high-risk pregnancy ACOG?

A high-risk pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy in which the mother or the baby may be at increased risk for health problems during the pregnancy and/or during and after delivery.

What is meant by perinatal care?

Prenatal care is often defined as the time before birth. Perinatal care is the time before and after birth. Although prenatal care is used before birth as well, perinatal care is used immediately before and after birth.

What is the normal range of blood pressure in pregnancy?

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) , a normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg and below. Readings below 90/60 mm Hg indicate low blood pressure, or hypotension. Readings above 140/90 mm Hg in pregnancy indicate high blood pressure, or hypertension.

What qualifies as a high risk pregnancy?

A “high-risk” pregnancy means a woman has one or more things that raise her — or her baby’s — chances for health problems or preterm (early) delivery. A woman’s pregnancy might be considered high risk if she: is age 17 or younger. is age 35 or older.

What is perinatal care in nursing?

A Perinatal Nurse is a nurse who cares for women during pregnancy, birth and post-partum. They also care for infants and families starting at the beginning of pregnancy throughout the first month of the infant’s life.

Where do perinatal nurses work?

Perinatal nurses have opportunities to work in hospitals including specialty hospitals, health departments, medical offices, health maintenance organizations, clinics, birthing centers, nurse midwife practices, and home health agencies. Registered nurse preparation is required.