Background: Knowledge of danger signs among pregnant women is the first essential step in accepting appropriate and timely referral. Also, it is important in improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. Aim: The present study aimed to assess knowledge and practices of pregnant women toward danger signs of pregnancy. Methods: A descriptive study design was utilized at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and Clinics at Mansoura General Hospital on 242 pregnant women who had been chosen by systematic random sampling technique. Three tools were used for data collection; a structured interview schedule, danger signs knowledge assessment schedule and danger signs practices assessment questionnaire. Results: pregnant women total knowledge score of danger signs was poor in 57.9% of them while fair in 29.3% and good in less than 12.8% of them, during pregnancy the most commonly identified danger signs were vaginal bleeding (69.8%) followed by severe abdominal pain (56.20%) and sever vomiting (55.4%). A significant association was found between women's general characteristics and their knowledge about pregnancy danger signs (p < 0.001). More than two thirds (65.3%) of pregnant women had inadequate practices regarding danger signs of pregnancy. Conclusion:The current study questions were answered where poor knowledge level regarding danger signs of pregnancy was reported among pregnant women. According to the actual practices taken by pregnant women to overcome their danger signs during current pregnancy, self-care was the most commonly reported actual practice. Recommendations: The study recommended developing antenatal classes programs for all pregnant women about pregnancy danger signs and about the actual time to seek emergency medical care. In addition, increase the mass media to disseminate correct and relevant information about danger signs of pregnancy to pregnant women, families and communities.

Background: Gestational Diabetes is associated with severe maternal, fetal and neonatal complications. Health education about regular exercises, dietary adjustment and proper taking of medication is important part in the care of women with gestational diabetes. Nurses have a significant role in educating women how to prevent and reduce gestational diabetes adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of educational sessions on knowledge, attitude and self-care practices among pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Methods: A quasi experimental pretest/posttest research design was used at the antenatal outpatient clinics of Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt. A purposive sample of 97 gestational diabetic women was studied, who aged 18-35 years, gestational age 24-27 weeks, have single live fetus. Data was collected for pregnant women knowledge about gestational diabetes using gestational diabetes knowledge questionnaire, pregnant women attitudes regarding gestational diabetes using diabetic attitude scale and pregnant women self-care practices using diabetic self-care practices questionnaire. Results: Post intervention, pregnant women had good knowledge score (77.3%), improved total positive attitudes score (91.8%) and improved total good self-care practices score (90.7%) regarding gestational diabetes. There were statistically significant differences (p<0.001). Conclusion: The current study hypotheses were accepted where pregnant women's knowledge, attitude and self-care practices regarding gestational diabetes were improved after implementation of the educational sessions. There were statistically significant differences between those variables before and after the intervention. Recommendations: The current study recommended that, simple clarified educational programs should be continuously implemented to increase women's knowledge and improve their attitude about gestational diabetes as well as promote their self-care practices and lifestyle. Also, training courses and workshops about gestational diabetes care and management for health care providers at antenatal units should be conducted on regular intervals.