Question Easy: A 28-year-old woman is 10 weeks pregnant and attends her first antenatal appointment. She is curious about what vitamins she should be taking during pregnancy to support her baby’s development. What is the most crucial supplement to recommend during early pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects? 🌟
A) Iron
B) Vitamin D
C) Folic Acid
D) Calcium
E) Vitamin B12
Question Medium: A 35-year-old woman presents to A&E with sudden onset severe lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. She is 9 weeks pregnant. An ultrasound scan reveals an empty uterus. What is the most likely diagnosis? 🤔
A) Ectopic Pregnancy
B) Miscarriage
C) Molar Pregnancy
D) Placenta Previa
E) Fibroids
Question Hard: A 32-year-old woman, G2P1, is at 32 weeks of gestation and presents to the clinic with complaints of severe itching all over her body, particularly on her palms and soles. There is no rash. Blood tests reveal elevated bile acids. What is the most appropriate treatment to offer this patient? 😷
A) Antihistamines
B) Ursodeoxycholic acid
C) Steroids
D) Induction of labour
E) Topical emollients
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: C) Folic Acid
Question Easy Explanation: Folic acid is essential during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. It is recommended by NICE guidelines that women take 400 micrograms daily before conception and until the 12th week of pregnancy.
Question Medium Answer: A) Ectopic Pregnancy
Question Medium Explanation: In early pregnancy, an empty uterus combined with abdominal pain and bleeding suggests an ectopic pregnancy. It occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, commonly in the fallopian tube.
Question Hard Answer: B) Ursodeoxycholic acid
Question Hard Explanation: The patient is likely experiencing obstetric cholestasis, a liver disorder in pregnancy characterized by itching and elevated bile acids. According to NHS guidance, ursodeoxycholic acid is used to decrease bile acids and improve symptoms.
Medical fact of the day: Did you know that preterm birth rates in the UK are around 8%, but improving prenatal care has steadily decreased complications related to premature deliveries?
Quote of the day: “In the tapestry of care, every thread counts. Your compassion is the needle that weaves healing into health.” 🌟