Cardiovascular system

Question 1

What happens to the heart size during pregnancy?

Answer 1

heart enlarges due to increased blood volume and cardiac output

Question 2

Describe the positioning of the heart during pregnancy

Answer 2

The heart is displaced upwards as the diaphragm moves up and is also rotated on its long axis.

Question 3

What happens to the heart sounds during pregnancy?

Answer 3

murmurs or extra beats may be heard.

Question 4

What happens to the heart rate during pregnancy?

Answer 4

increases

Question 5

What happens to cardiac output during pregnancy?

Answer 5

increased by 50% by late pregnancy due to an increased tissue demand for oxygen

Question 6

How can woman develop Supine/Postural hypotension

Answer 6

when pregnant woman lies on her back

Womb puts pressure on inferior vena cava and pelvic veins which slow the blood return to the heart.

Question 7

What does progesterone cause blood vessels to do?

Answer 7

dilate – vasodilation