Healthcare Considerations for the Pregnant and Postpartum Patient: Normal Changes, Complications, and Implications for Care

Upon completion of this continuing education course, you will be able to identify the normal changes, possible complications, and implications for care for the pregnant and postpartum patient. Specific learning objectives to address potential knowledge gaps include: 

•  Describe the ways in which pregnancy affects patient care.

•  Differentiate normal from abnormal lab values in pregnancy.

•  Identify signs and symptoms indicating possible pregnancy complications.

•  Discuss the medical management and nursing care typically provided in response to the most common complications of pregnancy.

•  Summarize relevant patient teaching offered to patients with gestational diabetes.

•  Name the complications that can arise when amniotic membranes rupture prematurely.

•  Discuss issues related to preterm labor and birth.

•  List the most common postpartum complications.