Maternal Medications Overview

In this lesson, we will cover common types of  Maternal Medications utilized during pregnancy and labor/birth and their indications,  including tocolytics, oxytocin, and analgesics. We will explore how the medications affect mother and fetus/newborn. We will discuss assessments and the priority nursing interventions

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to:

1. Define tocolytic, identify 2 tocolytics and 2 indications for use
2. Describe 2-3 related nursing interventions
3. Describe the purpose of betamethasone and its effect on the newborn
4. Describe the purpose of oxytocin, how it simulates contractions, and 2 related nursing interventions
5. Identify 1-2 medications administered postpartum to contract the uterus and treat/prevent excessive bleeding
6. Describe 2 analgesics, their purpose, and risks to mother and fetus/newborn