Adaptation in pregnancy

Question 1

Antenatal care schedule

Answer 1

• Booking visit 8 -12 weeks

• Once every 4 weeks until 32 weeks

• Every week until birth of baby

Question 2

Presumptive signs

Answer 2

Changes felt by woman but are not proof of pregnancy as they can be caused by a number of other conditions.

• Morning sickness (4 - 6 weeks)
• Amenorrhea (4 - 6 weeks)
• Breast changes
• Fatigue (8- 12 weeks)
• Lassitude
• Frequent urination (6 - 12 weeks)
• Quickening (16 - 20 weeks)

Question 3

Probable signs

Answer 3

Signs observed by the examiner. More reliable than presumptive but still probable

• Hegar’s sign
• Ballottment
• Goodell’s signs
• Braxton- hicks contractions
• Positive pregnancy test

Question 4

Hegar’s sign

Answer 4

Softening of the lower segment just above the cervix

Question 5

Ballottment

Answer 5

Sinking and rebound of fetus

Question 6

Goodell’s sign

Answer 6

Softening of the cervix

Question 7

Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Answer 7

Painless contractions occuring throughout pregnancy

Question 8

Positive signs of pregnancy

Answer 8

Definitive and unmistakable signs of pregnancy. Objective signs that strongly indicate pregnancy.

• Fetal heart rate
• Fetal movements and feltal parts felt
• Fetal outline on ultrasound

Question 9

Most important nutrients for pregnancy

Answer 9

Calcium - strengthen bones and teeth

Folate or folic acid - prevents neural abnormalities

Vitamin D - lower risk of illness and infection

Protein - Critical for baby’s growth especially in 2nd and 3rd trimester

Iron - prevents preterm delivery and low birth weight infants

Question 10

Cardiovascular system

Answer 10

Cardiac output increases by 50%

B/P falls gradually

Diaphragm is displaced upward by enlarging uterus

Question 11

Renal system

Answer 11

Urine contains nutrients including glucose

Bladder irritability, nocturia and urinary frequency are commonly reported in early pregnancy

Question 12

Chadwick’s sign

Answer 12

Bluish discolarion of cervix, vulva and vagina