Instructions It is anticipated that the initial discussion response should be in the range of 250-300 words. Response posts must demonstrate topic knowledge and scholarly engagement with peers. This is not the only criteria utilized for evaluation; substantive content is imperative. All questions in the topic must be addressed. Please proofread your response carefully for grammar and spelling. Do not upload any attachments. All responses need to be supported by a minimum of one scholarly resource. Journals and websites must be cited appropriately. Citation and reference must adhere to APA format (6th Ed.). Classroom Participation Students are expected to initially address the discussion question by Wednesday of each week. Participation in the discussion forums is expected with a minimum total of three (3) substantive postings (this includes your initial posting and posting to two peers) on three (3) different days per week. Substantive means that you add something new to the discussion, you aren’t just agreeing. This is also a time to ask questions or offer information surrounding the topic addressed by your peers. Personal experience is appropriate for a substantive discussion and should be correlated to the literature. All discussion boards will be evaluated utilizing rubric criterion inclusive of content, analysis, collaboration, writing and APA. If you fail to post an initial discussion you will not receive these points, you may however post to your peers for partial credit following the guidelines above. Due to the nature of this type of assignment and the need for timely responses for initial posts and posting to peers, the Make-Up Coursework Policy (effective July 2017) does not apply to Discussion Board Participation. Discussion Prompt [Due Wednesday] Select ONE of the questions listed below and create a substantive initial post. Please post the question number you chose in the title of your post. (i.e. Question 2 Referral) Review nationally recognized guidelines for at-risk pregnancy conditions such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, obesity, etc. What prenatal monitoring criteria did you discover? Describe how this information will impact your care and monitoring of a pregnant woman? There are conditions and circumstances where a woman requires a higher level of care to manage her pregnancy. Identify two pregnancy-related conditions which necessitate a referral to higher level obstetrical management. What resources are available to you as an advanced practice nurse in your area which would guide and support you in decision-making regarding referral for further management?

Question 1: Review nationally recognized guidelines for at-risk pregnancy conditions such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, obesity, etc. What prenatal monitoring criteria did you discover? Describe how this information will impact your care and monitoring of a pregnant woman?

Pregnancy is a complex physiological process that can be accompanied by various risk factors and medical conditions that require careful monitoring and management. National guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for prenatal monitoring in at-risk pregnancy conditions, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and obesity.

In pregnancy-induced hypertension, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends regular blood pressure monitoring to identify and manage elevated blood pressure. The criteria for diagnosis include blood pressure measurements of 140/90 mmHg or higher on at least two occasions, at least 4 hours apart after 20 weeks of gestation. Additionally, the ACOG recommends urine protein testing to assess for preeclampsia, a potentially dangerous complication of pregnancy-induced hypertension.

For gestational diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) provides guidelines for prenatal monitoring. These guidelines recommend screening pregnant women for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation using a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. If the results are abnormal, further testing and management are necessary. The ADA also recommends monitoring blood glucose levels regularly, both fasting and postprandial, to ensure optimal glycemic control and reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and the fetus.

Preterm labor is a condition that can pose significant risks to the health of the mother and the fetus. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has established guidelines for the assessment and management of preterm labor. These guidelines emphasize the importance of identifying risk factors for preterm labor, such as previous preterm birth, multiple gestation, and certain uterine abnormalities. Once identified, close monitoring is recommended, including regular cervical length measurements and fetal fibronectin testing, to assess the risk of preterm birth. Additionally, the ACOG recommends counseling and interventions to reduce the risk of preterm birth, such as progesterone supplementation and cervical cerclage.

Obesity in pregnancy is associated with increased risks for both the mother and the fetus. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom provides guidelines for the management of obesity in pregnancy. These guidelines recommend assessing body mass index (BMI) at the first antenatal appointment and offering appropriate advice and support for weight management. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and fetal growth is also recommended to identify and manage potential complications associated with obesity.

The information obtained from these national guidelines will have a significant impact on the care and monitoring of a pregnant woman. By following the recommended prenatal monitoring criteria, healthcare providers can detect and manage at-risk pregnancy conditions in a timely manner, thereby reducing the risks for maternal and fetal complications. Regular blood pressure monitoring and urine protein testing in pregnancy-induced hypertension can help identify and manage preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition. Screening for gestational diabetes and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels can help ensure optimal glycemic control and reduce the risks of adverse outcomes. Close monitoring of cervical length and fetal fibronectin testing in preterm labor can help identify women at high risk for preterm birth and implement interventions to reduce this risk. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and fetal growth in obesity can help identify and manage potential complications associated with this condition.

In conclusion, national guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for prenatal monitoring in at-risk pregnancy conditions. Following these guidelines can significantly impact the care and monitoring of pregnant women, helping to identify and manage potential complications and reduce the risks for adverse outcomes. Healthcare providers, including advanced practice nurses, must stay updated with these guidelines and incorporate them into their practice to provide the best possible care to pregnant women.