Chapter 10 - Physiological And Psychosocial Changes During Pregnancy Flashcards
What are hormonal influences during pregnancy and what do they do?
Pituitary hormones: ovarian follicular development, prompt ovulation and stimulating of uterine lining.
Corpus luteum: Estrogen for growth, progesterone for maintenance.
What do the ovarian hormone do during pregnancy?
Maintain endometrium Provide nutrients Aid in implantation Decrease uterine contractility Initiates breast duct all system development
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Irregular and painless contractions that prepare uterine muscles for labor, lasting less than 60 seconds.
What are the layers of the uterus?
Decidua Vera: external layer
Decidua Basalis: uterine lining be eight the site of implantation (what the placenta forms out of)
Decidua Capularis: endometrial tissue that covers the embryo.
What happens to the cervix during pregnancy?
Estrogen increases glandular tissue.
Release of thick, sticky mucous (forms that plug, prevents bacteria, expelled with dilation of cervix)
Increased mucous production
Increased vascularity
What is Chadwick’s sign?
Bluish discoloration that appears on the cervix, vagina and vulva.
What is Goodell’s sign?
Cervical softening.
What happens to the vagina and vulva during pregnancy?
Vaginal mucous thickens
Edematous (due to increased blood flow)
pH decreased from 6 to 3.5
*more susceptible to yeast infections
What happens to breasts during pregnancy?
Montergomery tubercles (bumps on nipples)
Striae gravidarum (stretch marks)
Increased pigmentation
Colostrum (at 35 weeks)
What changes in the heart occur during pregnancy?
Position- upwards to the left
Heart sounds- exaggerated 1st and 3rd, systolic murmur
Cardiac hypertrophy due to increased blood volume (cardiac output)
What happens to blood volume during pregnancy?
Increased:
< Plasma and erythrocyte volume
> Need for iron (anemia)
< Fibrinogen volume
Teach about adequate hydration and diets high in protein
What changes to the respiratory system occur during pregnancy?
Diaphragm elevates Increased: < Tidal volume > O2 consumption < Chest circumference (dyspnea)
What changes occur to the eyes, ears, nose and throat during pregnancy?
Blurred vision (decreased intraoccular pressure and conceal thickening)
Nasal stuffiness, congestion (increased mucous production)
What happens to the thyroid gland during pregnancy?
Increases T4- increased basal metabolic rate.
What additional hormones does the pituitary gland produce?
Prolactin
Oxytocin
Vasopressin
