Preconception counseling is critical to the outcome of a pregnancy for a patient with diabetes because poor glycemic control before and during early pregnancy is associated with:

A. Systemic analgesics cross the maternal blood-brain barrier as easily as they do the fetal blood-brain barrier. While systemic analgesics do cross the placenta, they actually affect the fetus more readily than the mother because the fetal liver and kidneys are immature, making drug metabolism and excretion slower. This leads to prolonged effects on the newborn.

B. Effects on the fetus and newborn can include decreased alertness and delayed sucking. Opioid analgesics, such as fentanyl, meperidine, or morphine, can cause neonatal respiratory depression, reduced alertness, and difficulty initiating breastfeeding due to delayed sucking reflex. If administered too close to delivery, the newborn may require respiratory support or naloxone to reverse opioid effects.

C. Intravenous (IV) patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) results in increased use of an analgesic. PCA allows controlled dosing of pain medication, often leading to less total medication use because the patient receives smaller, more frequent doses rather than large, single doses. This helps maintain stable pain control without excessive sedation.

D. Intramuscular (IM) administration is preferred over IV administration. IV administration is preferred over IM because it provides faster pain relief and better dose control. IM injections have delayed absorption and an unpredictable effect, making IV the preferred route for labor analgesia.

A. Induction of labor with intravenous oxytocin. Induction is contraindicated in cases of abruptio placentae with a Category III fetal heart rate tracing, as labor induction can worsen fetal distress and maternal bleeding. An immediate cesarean section is the safest intervention to prevent fetal and maternal complications.

B. An emergency cesarean section. A Category III fetal heart rate tracing with minimal variability and a prolonged deceleration indicates severe fetal distress, requiring immediate delivery. Partial abruptio placentae can cause fetal hypoxia, maternal hemorrhage, and potential fetal demise. The priority is an emergency cesarean section to ensure the best outcome for both mother and baby.

C. In-hospital fetal monitoring for 48 hours. Continuous monitoring is essential in cases of mild abruptio placentae without fetal distress, but in this case, a Category III tracing indicates an immediate threat to the fetus, making waiting inappropriate.

D. Discharge home on strict bed rest. Abruptio placentae is a serious obstetric emergency, and home management is never appropriate when fetal distress is present. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent fetal and maternal complications.