Anatomy & Physiology of Pregnancy Flashcards
(117 cards)
1
Q
What is the uterus made of?
A
The uterus is a muscle.
2
Q
What contracts during labor?
A
The uterus contracts during labor.
3
Q
What is the size of the uterus before pregnancy?
A
The size of a pear.
4
Q
What is the size of the uterus at full term?
A
The size of a watermelon (depends on the baby’s size).
5
Q
What causes myometrial cells to increase in size during pregnancy?
A
Estrogen
6
Q
What are myometrial cells?
A
Muscle cells that make up the myometrium which is the middle/muscular layer of the uterus.
7
Q
How does the uterine wall change during pregnancy?
A
It becomes more elastic.
8
Q
Why does blood volume increase during pregnancy?
A
To support the pregnancy and supply the baby with nutrients
9
Q
At full term, how much of the body’s blood flows through the uterus (mainly the placenta)?
A
About 1 out of 6 cups of blood.
10
Q
What hormone causes Braxton Hicks contractions?
A
Estrogen.
11
Q
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
A
Fake contractions that are irregular (they subside compared to regular contractions) and are less painful
12
Q
Where is the cervix and what does it connect?
A
The most basal part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina.
13
Q
Where is the cervix located?
A
At the bottom (basal layer) of the uterus.
14
Q
Where is the fundus?
A
The top (most superior) part of the uterus.
15
Q
What are fundal checks used for?
A
To check where the top of the uterus (fundus) is located and assess if it is decreasing after delivery.
16
Q
What is fundal height measurement used for?
A
To assess uterine growth during pregnancy by measuring from the top of the fundus to the pelvis.
17
Q
How is fundal height measured? What should the result equal to?
A
The mother lies supine, and the measurement in centimeters should match the baby’s gestational age.
18
Q
What is the cervix?
A
The opening of the uterus that allows blood to pass during menstruation and connects the uterus to the vagina.
19
Q
What is the mucus plug?
A
A thick mucus barrier at the bottom of the cervix that blocks microorganisms from entering the uterus.
20
Q
What does it mean when a woman loses her mucus plug?
A
It means labor is approaching.
21
Q
What effect does estrogen have on the cervix?
A
Increases thick mucus secretions from cervical glands.
22
Q
What is Goodell’s sign?
A
Softening of the cervix due to increased vascularity (blood flow).
23
Q
What is Chadwick’s sign?
A
A bluish discoloration of the cervix (normal cervix is pink when not pregnant).
24
Q
What does the ovaries stop producing in pregnancy
A
Ova (Eggs)
25
What is the corpus luteum?
A temporary gland in the ovaries that appears in early pregnancy to help maintain the pregnancy.
26
What is the function of the corpus luteum?
Produces the hormones needed for pregnancy during the first 6–8 weeks.
27
What produces hormones during 6–8 weeks of pregnancy?
The placenta takes over hormone production.
28
When does the corpus luteum terminate
During the luteal phase.
29
Can Chadwick sign happen in the vagina?
Yes. It happens due to increased blood flow, causing a blue discoloration of the vaginal walls
30
What causes thickening of the vaginal mucosa during pregnancy?
Hormonal changes related to pregnancy.
31
Why are pregnant women more prone to yeast infections?
pH shifts to 3.5–5.0; increased secretions create acidity that prevents infections but supports yeast growth.
32
What are early visible breast changes during pregnancy?
Darker areolas, increased sensitivity/tingling, prominent superficial veins.
33
What causes stretch marks (striae) on the breasts during pregnancy?
Rapid growth of breast glands in size and number.
34
What is colostrum?
Antibody-rich yellow secretion that leaks from the breast in the last trimester; also known as "liquid gold."
35
When does colostrum turn into mature milk?
A few days after birth
36
37
When is the full milk supply present?
around day 3–4 with stimulation.
38
Where is the perineum or the perineal area referring to?
Around the vagina
39
Volume breathed per minute increases by how much during pregnancy?
30–40%
40
Why does mom breathe more during pregnancy?
To get more oxygen for herself and the baby
41
What does progesterone do to airway resistance?
Decreases it by relaxing smooth muscle
42
Oxygen consumption increases by how much due to progesterone?
15–20%
43
What happens when the uterus pushes up on the diaphragm?
Rib cage flares, breathing shifts to thoracic
44
What is the intervention for hypoventilation or hypotension in pregnancy?
Turn mom on her left side
45
What causes nosebleeds (epistaxis) in pregnancy?
Increased estrogen which leads to edema and vascular congestion
46
By how much does blood volume increase in pregnancy?
40–50%
47
How much can the pulse increase by term?
10–15 beats per minute
48
What trimester is it normal for BP to drop?
Second trimester
49
What do we worry about if BP is high in the second trimester?
Preeclampsia or gestational hypertension
50
When should BP return to normal pre-pregnancy level?
Third trimester
51
Why does H&H decrease during pregnancy?
RBC only increase by 30% which causes (hemodilution)
52
What’s the treatment when oral iron isn’t tolerated well?
Iron transfusion
53
How does the heart shift during pregnancy?
Upward and to the left
54
What is vena cava or supine hypotension syndrome caused by?
Uterus compresses aorta and decreases blood return to right atrium
55
What’s the intervention for supine hypotension syndrome?
Turn mom on her left side
56
What happens to platelets and albumin during pregnancy?
Both decrease
57
What happens to clotting factors 7, 8, 9, 10 in pregnancy?
Increase which puts patient in a hypercoagulable state
58
What causes leg edema, varicosities, and hemorrhoids in pregnancy?
Uterus compresses femoral/pelvic veins
59
What causes postural hypotension in pregnancy?
Decreased blood flow to the legs
60
Which hormone causes softened gums and nausea in early pregnancy?
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
61
What is a common reason for hospitalization in the first trimester?
Severe nausea and vomiting
62
What effect does progesterone have on GI smooth muscle?
Relaxes it
63
What does decreased peristalsis during pregnancy lead to?
Bloating and cramping
64
What happens when the gallbladder empties slower during pregnancy?
Bile salts build up → pruritus and gallstones
65
What causes heartburn in pregnancy?
Relaxed cardiac sphincter
66
Why is urinary frequency common in the 1st trimester?
Increased Progesterone which acts as a diuretic
67
Why does urinary frequency return in the 3rd trimester?
Uterus pressure on bladder
68
Why are pregnant women at risk for UTIs?
Uterine enlargement leads to trapping of bacteria
69
What is glycosuria and what might it indicate?
Sugar in the urine; could be normal or a sign of gestational diabetes (GDM)
70
What hormone is responsible for changes like palmar erythema and spider angiomas?
Estrogen
71
Which areas become darker due to increased pigmentation during pregnancy?
Areola, nipples, vulva, and perineal area
72
What’s the dark vertical line that can appear on a pregnant belly called?
Linea nigra
73
What is the medical term for stretch marks during pregnancy?
Striae gravidarum
74
What’s the term for dark patches on the face seen during pregnancy?
Chloasma (Mask of Pregnancy
75
Wha areas are effected with Chloasma
Nose, Cheeks, Forehead
76
Why do pregnant women often experience increased sweating and night sweats?
Increased activity of sweat glands
77
What causes the pelvic joints to become more flexible during pregnancy?
Hormones (they relax the pelvic joints to prepare for childbirth)
78
Why does a pregnant woman's walk become more unsteady or “wobbly”?
Widening of the symphysis pubis shifts the center of gravity
79
What change in the spine during pregnancy leads to posture changes and back pain?
Exaggerated lumbar curve (lordosis)
80
What is it called when the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy?
Diastasis recti
81
Who is more likely to experience diastasis recti?
Women carrying multiples or small moms with large babies
82
What mental changes are common during pregnancy related to focus?
Decreased memory and concentration
83
Why should pregnant women avoid changing their eyeglass prescription?
The cornea thickens due to fluid retention, which can temporarily affect vision
84
What hormone helps regulate glucose for the baby and supports fetal growth?
hPL (human placental lactogen)
85
Why is it important to assess BMI early in pregnancy?
It determines healthy weight gain goals in pregnancy
86
How much weight should a woman with a normal BMI gain during pregnancy?
25–35 pounds
87
What is the recommended pregnancy weight gain for someone underweight?
28–40 pounds
88
What is the expected weight gain for someone with obesity during pregnancy?
15–25 pounds
89
What happens to the thyroid gland during pregnancy?
It enlarges
90
By how much does the basal metabolic rate increase during pregnancy?
20–25%
91
What is basal metabolic rate (BMR)?
The minimum calories needed to perform basic body functions
92
Which hormone produced by the pituitary gland starts initial milk production?
Prolactin
93
What hormone stimulates uterine contractions and promotes milk ejection?
Oxytocin
94
What is the drug name for oxytocin used in labor?
Pitocin
95
What hormone does the adrenal gland increase during pregnancy and why?
Cortisol increases to help the baby manage stress and support lung maturity.
96
How does the pancreas adapt during pregnancy?
Insulin needs increase. If the pancreas can't keep up, it can lead to gestational diabetes (GDM)
97
What are the three types of pregnancy signs?
Presumptive, probable, and positive signs.
98
What are presumptive changes in pregnancy?
Subjective data reported to HCP (Not proof that patient is pregnant because these changes can have another etiology).
99
Give examples of presumptive signs.
- Breast pain/missed period, quickening, morning sickness.
100
What is quickening?
Fluttering sensation early on in pregnancy.
101
What causes morning sickness?
Morning sickness in pregnant mom is due to a rise in HCG levels and is called morning sickness because this is when a patient has nausea and vomiting in the morning on an empty stomach.
102
What are probable changes in pregnancy?
Objective data reported to HCP such as cervical changes. Symptoms can be due to someone.
103
Give examples of probable signs
Positive pregnancy test, positive Goddell/Chadwick sign, amenorrhea/uterine enlargement.
104
What are positive changes in pregnancy?
Diagnostic confirmation that the mother is pregnant—mother is 100%.
105
Give examples of positive signs.
Fetal movement by palpation at 20 weeks, fetal heartbeat by Doppler, visualization by transvaginal ultrasound or sonogram.
106
What helps with heartburn during pregnancy?
Small frequent meals, Tums are ok for pregnant women.
107
What helps with SOB during pregnancy?
Good posture/pregnancy pillow.
108
What is the intervention for leg cramps in pregnancy?
Dorsiflex the foot; notify HCP if it happens frequently.
109
What helps with constipation in pregnancy?
Increase fiber, fluid, and exercise.
110
What are interventions for hemorrhoids in pregnancy?
Sitz bath, topical ointment, Witch hazel pads.
111
What helps with backache during pregnancy?
Pelvic tilt exercises and good posture.
112
What is the intervention for Braxton Hicks contractions?
Notify HCP if it doesn’t subside with rest.
113
What should you teach about UTIs in pregnancy?
Teach about prevention.
114
What emotional change is common in the first trimester?
Disbelief and ambivalence about pregnancy.
115
What emotional changes happen in the second trimester?
Quickening sensation leads to mother viewing fetus different from herself; begins to plan for the baby.
116
What emotional changes are common in the third trimester?
Nesting (burst of energy), anxiety about labor and delivery.
117
Why are Intimate partner violence and depression screened at prenatal visits?
To anticipate if the woman is likely to deal with postpartum depression.
