Chapter 13: Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Flashcards
What is gravida, primigravida, multigravida, and nulligravida?
- gravida: woman who is pregnant
- primigravida: woman who is pregnant for the first time
- multigravida: woman who has had 2+ pregnancies
- nulligravida: woman who has never been pregnant
What is parity?
number of pregnancies in which fetus or fetuses have reached viability (20 weeks)
Differentiate between primipara, multipara, and nullipara.
- primipara: woman who has completed one pregnancy with fetus or fetuses who have reached viability
- multipara: woman who has completed 2+ pregnancies to viability
- nullipara: woman who has not completed a pregnancy with fetus or fetuses who have reached viability
What is the difference between preterm, term, and post-term?
- preterm: reached 20 weeks gestation and up to 37+6
- term: 38 weeks gestation to 42+0
- post-term: more than 42 weeks gestation
What are the time frames for each trimester?
- first trimester = week 1 - 13+6
- second trimester = week 14 - 27+6
- third trimester = week 28+
What does GTPAL stand for?
- G = gravidity
- T = term pregnancies (37+0 or more)
- P = preterm pregnancies (20 - 36+6)
- A = abortions (elective or spontaneous that occurred before 20 weeks)
- L = living children
– please note that twins count as 1 pregnancy but count as separate living children
What hormone is tested for in pregnancy tests?
human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); detected as early as 7 - 8 days after ovulation
Differentiate between presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy.
- presumptive: not something that can be seen by a provider; subjective changes felt by woman
-
probable: objective changes that can be observed by a provider, but can still be attributed to other causes other than pregnancy (but likely to be pregnancy)
1. Chadwick’s – blue/violet color of cervix
2. Hegar’s – softening of lower uterine segment
3. Goodell’s sign – softening of tip of cervix
4. pregnancy test -
positive: signs that can only be attributed to presence of fetus
1. fetal movement on ultrasound
2. fetal heartbeat
Describe some changes of the vagina and vulva during pregnancy.
- leukorrhea – white discharge
- mucus plug formation – blocks entry and exit; helps prevent infection
- lowered pH – 3.5; 4 when not pregnant
Describe the location of the fundus based on weeks of pregnancy.
- week 12 – at sysiphys pubis
- week 20 – at umbilicus
- week 36 – at sternum; highest point
- week 40 – lower than at week 36 because the head drops
How does the cardiovascular system change during pregnancy?
- vasculature expands (dilates) to accommodate increased blood volume
- HR increases
- BP should not change much from baseline
- increased CO
- increased clotting factors – increased risk for DVTs
- dilutional anemia is common in 2nd trimester – increased blood volume but iron levels don’t change (diluted)
How does the respiratory system change during pregnancy?
- pregnancy is a state of chronic, mild hyperventilation
- reduced PaCO2
- increased O2
- physical pressure of uterus on diaphragm
- SOB
How does the renal/urinary system change during pregnancy?
- increased blood flow to kidneys
- compression of bladder – urine stasis, increased risk of infection, urinary frequency
- avoid supine positioning – could hurt renal function
- renal system becomes more efficient but more taxed
What are some complications of the musculoskeletal system during pregnancy?
- lordosis – inward curve of T/L spine
- relaxin hormone causes stretching of ligaments
- diastasis recti abdominis could result – abdominal muscles split and don’t return to normal
What types of procedures are common for pregnant women during pregnancy?
- appendectomy
- colonectomy
