Antenatal and postnatal complications Related

Review Antenatal and postnatal complications related questions and content

A patient at 32 weeks' gestation is diagnosed with polyhydramnios. The patient asks the nurse if polyhydramnios can affect the baby. What is the nurse's response to the patient's question?

  • A. No, polyhydramnios commonly occurs toward the end of pregnancy.
  • B. No, polyhydramnios is a sign that the lungs are maturing.
  • C. Yes, polyhydramnios increases the risk of a preterm delivery.
  • D. Yes, polyhydramnios causes umbilical cord compression.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Yes, polyhydramnios increases the risk of a preterm delivery. Polyhydramnios, an excess of amniotic fluid, can lead to uterine overdistension, which may trigger premature labor. The increased pressure from the excess fluid can also cause premature rupture of membranes. This complication can potentially result in a preterm delivery, which carries risks for the baby's health and development. Choices A and B are incorrect because polyhydramnios is not a normal occurrence at the end of pregnancy nor a sign of lung maturity. Choice D is incorrect as umbilical cord compression is a potential complication of polyhydramnios but not the primary risk associated with it.