Which maternal serum marker is typically elevated in cases of neural tube defects such as spina bifida?
A 35-year-old woman presents for her first prenatal visit at 12 weeks gestation. She has a family history of Down syndrome, with her sister having a child with the condition. Given her advanced maternal age and family history, the patient is offered first-trimester screening for Down syndrome. The patient undergoes a combined screening test, which includes a nuchal translucency ultrasound and maternal serum screening for pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), inhibin-A, and free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG). Which combination of maternal serum markers is most commonly associated with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)?
A 32-year-old pregnant woman (G2P1) presents for routine prenatal care at 17 weeks of gestation, confirmed by her last menstrual period and an earlier ultrasound. She has no significant medical or genetic history, and her first pregnancy was uncomplicated, resulting in the delivery of a healthy baby. Her family history is also unremarkable for genetic disorders or birth defects. During this visit, she undergoes a second-trimester maternal serum screening (quadruple screen) as part of routine prenatal care. The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level is above the 95th percentile. Which follow-up test can confirm the diagnosis of neural tube defects after elevated AFP in maternal serum screening?
A 32-year-old pregnant woman (G2P1) presents for routine prenatal care at 17 weeks of gestation, confirmed by her last menstrual period and an earlier ultrasound. She has no significant medical or genetic history, and her first pregnancy was uncomplicated, resulting in the delivery of a healthy baby. Her family history is also unremarkable for genetic disorders or birth defects. During this visit, she undergoes a second-trimester maternal serum screening (quadruple screen) as part of routine prenatal care. What is the primary marker associated with neural tube defects in maternal serum screening?
A 25-year-old woman, G1P0, presents for her first prenatal visit at 10 weeks gestation. She has no significant past medical history and is generally healthy. The patient is counseled on the importance of vaccinations during pregnancy to protect both the mother and the fetus. Vaccines contraindicated during pregnancy, such as live vaccines like MMR, are also addressed. Which vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal infection?
Joanna is a 28-year-old woman, currently 20 weeks pregnant with her second pregnancy. Her first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage at 10 weeks. She presents for a routine prenatal care visit. Joanna has no history of chronic illnesses or allergies, and her current pregnancy has been uncomplicated so far. During the visit, Joanna is counseled about the importance of vaccinations during pregnancy. The Tdap vaccine is discussed as essential between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation. Why is the Tdap vaccine specifically administered between 27-36 weeks of pregnancy?
Joanna is a 28-year-old woman, currently 20 weeks pregnant with her second pregnancy. Her first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage at 10 weeks. She presents for a routine prenatal care visit. Joanna has no history of chronic illnesses or allergies, and her current pregnancy has been uncomplicated so far. During the visit, Joanna is counseled about the importance of vaccinations during pregnancy. Which of the following vaccines is universally recommended during pregnancy to protect both the mother and the baby?
A 28-year-old Amish female comes to your office for vaccine counseling because she is 24 weeks pregnant. She has never received any vaccines but states, “For the sake of the baby, I would like to take any vaccines which are necessary.” Of the following, which vaccine is indicated for this patient? A) Varicella B) Measles, mumps, rubella C) Live attenuated intranasal influenza vaccine D) Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) E) Smallpox vaccine
A 24-year-old woman presents for her first prenatal visit at 2 weeks gestation. The patient is counseled on the importance of folic acid supplementation. Which group of women is advised to take higher doses of folic acid (e.g., 4 mg daily)?
A 26-year-old female visits her primary care physician for preconception counseling. She expresses excitement about starting a family and wants to ensure she is taking all the necessary steps for a healthy pregnancy. She has no prior pregnancies and no family history of congenital abnormalities. During the consultation, the physician explains the importance of folate supplementation. What is the primary benefit of folate supplementation during pregnancy?
