A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a newborn who has a prescription for a home phototherapy biliblanket.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale

Increased leukorrhea, or vaginal discharge, is a common and normal physiological finding during pregnancy due to increased estrogen levels and blood flow to the vaginal area. This increase in discharge helps prevent ascending infections. Unless accompanied by itching, odor, or color changes, it typically does not indicate a problem.

Choice B rationale

Urinary frequency is a common symptom in late pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. It results from the enlarging uterus compressing the bladder, reducing its capacity, and increasing renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, leading to increased urine production. It is a normal physiological adaptation.

Choice C rationale

A persistent headache in a pregnant client, especially in the third trimester, is a priority to assess further because it can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Other symptoms of preeclampsia include visual disturbances, right upper quadrant pain, and proteinuria. Early identification is crucial for intervention.

Choice D rationale

Insomnia is a common complaint during the third trimester of pregnancy. It can be attributed to various factors such as physical discomfort, frequent urination, fetal movements, anxiety, and hormonal changes. While bothersome, it is generally considered a normal, though often challenging, aspect of late pregnancy.

Abruptio Placentae: Typically does not cause increased contraction frequency; contractions may be normal or decreased due to uterine irritation or pain.

Uterine Tachysystole: Characterized by more than 5 contractions in 10 minutes averaged over 30 minutes, indicating excessive contraction frequency, which can reduce uteroplacental perfusion.

Uterine Tone
Abruptio Placentae: The uterus often becomes firm, rigid, and tender due to bleeding and inflammation caused by premature placental separation, increasing baseline uterine tone.

Uterine Tachysystole: Uterine tone is elevated because contractions are prolonged and close together, causing the uterus to remain tense with insufficient relaxation.

Pain Report
Abruptio Placentae: Patients usually report sharp, severe abdominal or back pain due to the sudden placental detachment and uterine irritation.

Uterine Tachysystole: Pain may be present but is typically related to frequent contractions rather than sharp, localized pain.

FHR Pattern
Abruptio Placentae: Commonly causes fetal heart rate abnormalities like late decelerations, bradycardia, or absent variability due to fetal hypoxia from compromised placental perfusion.

Uterine Tachysystole: Can cause decreased fetal heart rate variability and late decelerations because frequent contractions reduce oxygen delivery during inadequate relaxation.