Exam 1 Flashcards
(244 cards)
What 4 changes happen to the cervix during pregnancy?
1) Estrogen causes hyperemia
2) A mucus plug forms
3) Chadwick’s sign: a blueish purple hue of the cervix
4) Goodell’s sign: softening of the cervix
What 3 changes happen to the vagina and vulva during pregnancy?
1) Increased discharge (leukorrhea)
2) Increased vascularity
3) Connective tissue changes
**What 3 changes happen to the uterus during pregnancy?
1) Hyperplasia and hypertrophy
2) Blood flow rises to increase perfusion for adequate fetal growth and metabolic waste removal
3) Braxton Hick’s contractions: sporadic contractions and relaxation that are not indicative of labor
**What is the pattern of uterine growth during pregnancy?
12 wks: above pubis symphysis
16 wks: between pubis symphysis and umbilicus
20 wks: at umbilicus
36 wks: xiphoid process
40 wks: descends slightly d/t fetal head dropping into pelvic cavity
What 2 changes occur to the ovaries during pregnancy?
1) progesterone is secreted from the corpus luteum for 6-8 weeks
2) ovulation stops
What does estrogen do to the breasts?
Increases mammary ductal tissue
What does progesterone do to the breasts?
Increases growth of lobules, lobes, and areola
What 3 changes happen to the areolae of the breast?
1) Size increases
2) Color darkens
3) Tubercles of montgomery
What is colostrum?
Form of breastmilk high in antibodies that is produced after birth
**What is vena cava syndrome?
It is decreased blood flow to the heart as the fetus/uterus presses on the inferior vena cava. Common in supine.
**What cardiovascular changes are common in pregnancy?
1) Myocardium enlarges d/t increased workload
2) Decreased vascular resistance which lowers BP causing orthostatic hypotension
3) Heart rate increases 15-20 BPM
4) Hypercoagulation d/t increased clotting factors increasing clot risk
5) Cardiac output increases by up to 50%
6) Blood volume increases by 45%
7) RBC size increases
8) Systolic murmur is common
**What is physiologic anemia?
It is anemia that occurs d/t increased plasma volume in the pregnant individual causing dilution of RBCs
What respiratory changes are common in pregnancy?
1) O2 use increase ~40%
2) The diaphragm has more pressure on it d/t the uterus
3) The elevated diaphragm reduce lung capacity slightly
4) Thoracic cavity expands 2-3in
5) Slight hyperventilation occurs but RR stays the same becuse breaths are deeper
6) Tidal volume increase to lower CO2
What are 2 ways progesterone affects the respiratory system in pregnancy?
1) Progesterone decreases airway resistance by relaxing smooth muscle
2) Progesterone increases sensitivity to CO2 to maintain a higher respiratory drive
How does estrogen cause epistaxis during pregnancy?
Estrogen increases mucus membrane vascularity. Therefore, there is more pressure in the capillaries within the nose. Risk factors like dry air or injury can make it bleed more easily
What changes happen to the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and colon during pregnancy?
1) Mouth: Hyperemia d/t estrogen and ptyalism (hypersalivation)
2) Esophagus: Esophageal tone decreases d/t progesterone relaxing SM, pyrosis (heartburn is more likely to occur)
** 3) Stomach:** GI tone decreases d/t progesterone relaxing SM; constipation is more likely
4) SI/LI: Delayed empyting to allow for higher aborption time; hemorrhoids more likely
Why is GFR increased in pregnancy?
1) Blood volume has increased
2) Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle increasing the amount of fluid into the kidneys
Why is urinary frequency higher in pregnancy?
1) Higher GFR
2) Pressure on the bladder from uterus
What are striae gravidarum?
Stretch marks that occur during pregnancy d/t serparation of connective tissue
How can nasuea and vomiting be relieved in pregnancy?
1) Small, frequent meals
2) Ginger tea
3) Taking vitamin B6 (for nasuea) and unisom (antihistamine that sedates) together
4) Ondansetron (Zofran)
5) Avoid strong odors
How can fatigue be relieved in pregnancy?
1) regular rest
2) proper nutrition
3) light exercise
4) sleep hygiene
How can back pain be relieved in pregnancy?
1) Proper body mechanics + posture
2) Prenatal yoga + stretching
3) Heat packs
How can heartburn be relieved in pregnancy?
1) small, frequent meals
2) avoid spicy and fatty foods
3) sleep with your head elevated
4) antacids as appropriate
How can edema be relieved in pregnancy?
1) elevate legs
2) compression stocking
3) Reduce sodium intake
4) Regular movement