17) Maternal Problems in Pregnancy Flashcards
What changes to the cardiovascular system occur during pregnancy ?
Blood volume, cardiac output, stroke volume and heart rate all increase
Which parts of the maternal body have increased blood flow during pregnancy?
Breasts, kidneys and GI tract
What happens to peripheral vascular resistance during pregnancy? What causes these changes?
Decreases - progesterone cause relaxation of smooth muscle
Describe the changes in blood pressure during pregnancy:
Hypotension in T1+2 due to decreases in vascular resistance
Returns to normal in T3
What can cause hypotension in trimester 3?
Aortocaval compression
What is pre-eclampsia characterized by?
Proteinuria and high blood pressure (endothelium vasoconstricted)
If pre-eclampsia is untreated what can occur?
Eclampsia - seizures
Describe some renal changes that occur during pregnancy:
GFR increases
Renal plasma flow increases
Creatinine clearance increases
Why may pregnant women get urinary stasis?
Smooth muscle in ureters relaxed
What anatomical changes are there to the respiratory system?
Diaphragm displaced
Ant-Pos and transverse diameters increased
What respiratory changes occur in pregnancy?
Increased alveolar ventilation
Increased tidal volume
RR unchanged
What causes physiological hyperventilation in pregnant women?
Increased CO2 production by fetus, so progesterone increases resp. drive to blow off CO2
Describe some changes to carbohydrate metabolism in pregnancy:
Reduction in maternal blood glucose
Insulin resistance in second half
Increased fatty acids, ketones and TAGs for maternal metabolism
What hormones cause changes to carbohydrate metabolism in pregnancy?
Human placental lactogen, oestrogen, progesterone prolactin and cortisol
What anatomical changes occur to gastrointestinal system during pregnancy?
Alterations to position of viscera - appendix to RUQ
