Skip to content
Midwifery (MLE)

Obstetrics

"Future RM! Obstetrics ang puso ng midwifery. Pangangalaga sa ina mula pagbubuntis hanggang panganak!"

1. Prenatal Care (Pangangalaga sa Pagbubuntis) 🤰

Prenatal Visits Schedule

  • 1st Trimester: Monthly visits (4-12 weeks)
  • 2nd Trimester: Monthly visits (13-28 weeks)
  • 3rd Trimester: Every 2 weeks (28-36 weeks), then weekly until delivery
  • Minimum: 4 prenatal visits (WHO recommendation)

Initial Assessment

  • Complete OB history (GTPAL: Gravida, Term, Preterm, Abortion, Living)
  • Last Menstrual Period (LMP) - for EDD calculation
  • Naegele's Rule: LMP + 7 days - 3 months + 1 year
  • Physical exam, vital signs, baseline weight

Prenatal Laboratory Tests

  • CBC, Blood typing (ABO & Rh), Urinalysis
  • VDRL/RPR (Syphilis), HIV screening
  • Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
  • Blood glucose screening (24-28 weeks for GDM)

2. Normal Pregnancy Changes

Presumptive Signs (Subjective)

  • Amenorrhea (missed period)
  • Nausea/vomiting (morning sickness)
  • Breast tenderness
  • Urinary frequency
  • Fatigue

Probable Signs (Objective)

  • Positive pregnancy test (hCG)
  • Uterine enlargement
  • Hegar's sign (soft isthmus)
  • Chadwick's sign (bluish cervix/vagina)
  • Goodell's sign (soft cervix)

Positive Signs (Diagnostic)

  • Fetal heart tones (FHT) - Normal: 120-160 bpm
  • Fetal movement felt by examiner
  • Visualization of fetus on ultrasound

3. Stages of Labor 👶

First Stage (Dilation)

From onset of true labor to full cervical dilation (10 cm)

  • Latent Phase: 0-3 cm, slow dilation, mild contractions
  • Active Phase: 4-7 cm, faster dilation (1 cm/hr primi, 1.5 cm/hr multi)
  • Transition: 8-10 cm, most intense, patient may feel urge to push

Second Stage (Expulsion)

From full dilation to delivery of baby

  • Duration: Up to 2 hours (primi), 1 hour (multi)
  • Cardinal movements: Engagement, Descent, Flexion, Internal rotation, Extension, External rotation, Expulsion

Third Stage (Placental)

Delivery of placenta (5-30 minutes)

  • Signs of separation: Uterus rises, gush of blood, cord lengthens
  • Active management: Oxytocin, controlled cord traction, uterine massage

Fourth Stage (Recovery)

First 1-2 hours after delivery. Monitor for hemorrhage!

  • Check uterine fundus (should be firm)
  • Monitor vital signs every 15 minutes
  • Check lochia (vaginal discharge)

4. High-Risk Pregnancy Conditions ⚠️

Pre-eclampsia / Eclampsia

  • BP ≥140/90 after 20 weeks + proteinuria
  • Eclampsia: Pre-eclampsia + seizures
  • Treatment: Magnesium sulfate, delivery

Placenta Previa

  • Placenta covers cervical os
  • Painless, bright red bleeding
  • NO internal exam! Cesarean delivery

Abruptio Placentae

  • Premature placental separation
  • Painful, dark red bleeding, rigid uterus
  • Emergency! Fetal distress risk

Gestational Diabetes

  • Screen at 24-28 weeks (OGTT)
  • Risk of macrosomia, birth injuries
  • Diet, exercise, insulin if needed

💡 Board Exam Tips - Obstetrics

  • Remember GTPAL for obstetric history documentation
  • Placenta Previa = Painless bleeding; Abruptio = Painful + rigid uterus
  • MgSO4 for pre-eclampsia: Watch for toxicity (RR, reflexes, urine output)

Test Your Knowledge! 🧠

Ready ka na ba? Take the practice quiz for Obstetrics to reinforce what you just learned.

Start Practice Quiz 📝

📚 More from Midwifery (MLE)