Nursing Care for Women in Labor Having Prolonged Pregnancy and the Essential Strategies and Considerations

Nursing Care for Women in Labor Having Prolonged Pregnancy and the Essential Strategies and Considerations

Women in labor having a prolonged pregnancy need proper and attentive nursing care ensuring their well-being and the safe delivery of their baby. In this specific case, Carol is beyond her due date and encountering a lower backache along with the passing of bloody mucus, indicating the start of the labor procedure. As her nurse, evaluating Carol’s condition promptly and offering necessary care is essential. At first, a thorough evaluation of Carol’s crucial signs and fetal well-being must be conducted. This involves observing her blood pressure, pulse, and temperature and evaluating fetal heart rate patterns. Any signs of distress in either Carol or the baby should be promptly recognized and addressed. Additionally, to physical evaluation, emotional support is vital during this time. Prolonged pregnancy can be emotionally demanding, anxious or frustrating for the mother. The nurse must offer a calm and supportive environment, reassuring and tackling Carol’s questions or concerns. Fostering her to express her feelings and addressing her fears can assist in alleviating her anxiety and enhance an emphatic birthing encounter.

During labor, progressive observation of both Carol and the baby is appropriate. This involves frequent evaluations of fetal heart rate, uterine contractions, and cervical dilation. The nurse must offer pain management methods and options to assist Carol in coping with labor discomfort, like breathing exercises, relaxation methods, or pharmacological pain relief if craved. As labor continues, the nurse must closely monitor Carol’s progress and alert the physician or midwife of any deviations from the expected course. In this case, Carol has gone through bloody mucus, indicating the loss of the mucus plug and the onset of cervical changes. This must be documented and reported to the healthcare professional because it may indicate the beginning of active labor. Finally, the nurse must adhere to Carol’s birth plan and wishes as long as they are within safe parameters. Moreover, it is essential to progress in educating and informing her about the possible risks of prolonged pregnancy and the benefits of interventions such as labor induction. Involving in open and honest communication can assist Carol in developing informed decisions to ensure the safety of both her and the child. Comprehensively, nursing care for women in labor with a prolonged pregnancy includes watchful observation, emotional support, pain management, and successful communication. By offering inclusive care and enhancing a positive birth encounter, nurses play a critical role in helping women like Carol during this crucial time in their life.

Conclusion

The case of Carol, a 17-year-old pregnant woman, indicates the necessity of comprehending the essentials of maternity, newborn, and women’s health nursing. As Carol surpasses her estimated due date and refuses induction, the risks of a prolonged pregnancy become severe for both Carol and her unborn child. Her prolonged pregnancy maximizes the opportunities for complications like placental inadequacy, fetal distress, and meconium aspiration syndrome. In addition, the possible risks to the baby are macrosomia, hypoglycemia, and a maximized likelihood of stillbirth. To offer nessesally nursing care for women in labor with prolonged pregnancy, healthcare providers should closely observe both the mother and baby to ensure regular evaluation, manage pain, enhance fetal well-being, and prepare for possible interventions or complications. By identifying and addressing the risks linked to prolonged pregnancy, healthcare providers can assist in ensuring the safety and well-being of both mother and baby during labor.

References

Irani, M., Khadivzadeh, T., Nekah, S. M. A., Ebrahimipour, H., & Tara, F. (2019). Emotional and cognitive experiences of pregnant women following prenatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies: A qualitative study in Iran. International Journal of community-based nursing and Midwifery, 7(1), 22.

Perry, S. E., Hockenberry, M. J., Cashion, M. C., Alden, K. R., Olshansky, E., & Lowdermilk, D. L. (2022). Maternal child nursing Care-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.