ASSESSMENT OF

RISK FACTORS
JULIET VILLANUEVA- AVENA and Josephine MINGER
ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS

1. Previous Obstetrical History and Assessment

2. Current Obstetrical History and Assessment
3. Medical History and Assessment
4. Social – Personal Characteristics

JULIET VILLANUEVA- AVENA

•Obstetric History (previous)

* GP & TPALM
* infants at birth
- length of gestation
- weight
- complications with the newborn
•Obstetric History (previous)

*labor experience
* type of delivery
* birthing location
- attending physician, midwife or nurse
* birthing difficulties
* type of anesthesia
•Obstetric History (previous)

* maternal complications
*Menstruation period

*Contraceptive methods used

•Obstetric History (previous)
*childhood diseases and immunization
* chronic illnesses
* previous illnesses
* surgical procedures, and injuries
* previous infections
* history of and treatment for anemia
* medication intake
•Obstetric History (previous)

* medication intake
* problems in bladder or bowel functions
* amount of caffeine consumed each day
*tobacco use
*use of drugs
* general nutrition
* allergies and drug sensitivities
*occupation and related risk factors
• OBSTETRIC HISTORY (CURRENT OBSTETRICAL STATUS)

Risk factors implications

Total weight gain of more than Result from edema associated
10 lbs with gestational hypertension
or above recommended caloric
intake
Total weight loss of more than Fetal growth
5 lbs Need for dietary intervention
Height less than 154cm Lead to CS,CPD
Intrauterine fetus growth Limited circulation to the
restriction (IUGR) placenta
Large for gestational age fetus Associated with gestational
diabetes, risk for CS, fetal
injury
• OBSTETRIC HISTORY (CURRENT OBSTETRICAL STATUS)

Risk factors implications

Fetal surveillance test Abnormal result is associated
with congenital anomalies,
chromosomal abnormalities,
and placental functioning
Fetal presentation Requires an instrument assisted
delivery
Hydramnios Associated with certain
conditions such as Rh
sensitization, DM, fetal
neurological or gastrointestinal
defects
Oligohydramnious Found in post maturity , IUGR,
and fetal renal abnormalities
• OBSTETRIC HISTORY (CURRENT OBSTETRICAL STATUS)

Risk factors implications

Maternal anemia Inadequate iron intake or a
hemoglobinopathy or sickle cell
anemia

Gestational hypertention Decreased placental perfusion

leading to LBW and fetal
distress.
Maternal risk

Placental problems Interfere with circulation to the

fetus , lead to maternal
hemorrhage and CS
• OBSTETRIC HISTORY (CURRENT OBSTETRICAL STATUS)

Risk factors implications

Preterm labor Affect maternal physical and
emotional well being
Post date pregnancy Leads to complication to the
fetus
Medical History and Assessment
* chronic hypertension
* DM
* Major Organ System Disease
- cardiac
- pulmonary
- renal
- GI
- Thyroid
- neurological
- hemoglobinopathies
* STI
social – personal assessment
* inadequate prenatal care
*maternal age
*primigravida
*multiparity
*education
*low socio – economic status
 social – personal assessment
*minority status
*single marital status
*over/under weight at conception
*smoking more than 10
cigarettes/day
*drug or alcohol abuse
* family violence
Assessing the high- risk conditions
Nutrition Sleep/ rest

Elimination sexuality

Activity/exercise Understanding of
situation
Assessing the high- risk conditions

Coping Roles and relationships

Cultural/ spiritual issues Finances

The factors that place a pregnancy at
risk can be divided into four categories:
• Existing Health Conditions
• Age
• Lifestyle Factors
• Conditions of Pregnancy