CLINICAL NOTES- pregnancy changes Flashcards
HORMONAL changes
increase estrogen & progesterone
- -> effect mood
- -> glow of pregnancy.
Estrogen increases
more than throughout her entire life when not pregnant
estrogen–> improve vascularization transfer nutrients and support developing baby.
–> helps fetus mature & develop.
–> causes nausea in first trimester
–> causes big breast in 2nd trimester
Progesterone
causes laxity or loosening of ligaments and joints throughout the body
- -> causes internal structures to increase in size (uterus, ureters, ect)
- -> loosing ligaments cause sprains & strains when exercise
weight gain fluid retention & physical activity
weight gain increases workload on the body from any physical activity. Additional weight & gravity slow down the circulation of blood & body fluids, particularly in lower limbs. As result pregnant women retain fluids and experience swelling of legs feet hands and even face.
how to alleviate fluid retention
rest
avoid long periods of standing
avoid caffeine & sodium
increase dietary potassium
Hair changes
excessive hair shedding or hair loss
or growth & thickening during pregnancy.
or unwanted hair growth on face arms legs or back
Nail changes
faster
other … brittleness, breakage, grooves, or keratosis.
breast changes
prepare to supply milk skin pigmentation --> darken areola tenderness or sensitivity veins are darker and nipples protrude more than before stretch marks on breasts colostrum
Cervical changes
tissues thickens, firm and grandular
thick mucus plug to seal off uterus
Vision changes
increased myopia (nearsightedness)
blurriness and discomfort w/ contact lenses.
increase in IOP
women experiencing preeclampsia & diabetic may be at elevated risk of rare eye problems such as retinal detachment or vision loss.
Taste or smell changes.
most preferred saltier and sweeter foods
higher threshold for strong sour salty and sweet tastes.
**some women experience metallic taste in the mouth during pregnancy, which can aggravate nausea and may indicate a nutrient imbalance.
**heightened awareness and sensitivity to variety of odor.
skin changes
stretch marks (can be permanent) **hyperpigmentation (areolas, linea alba, genitals, & scars)
**darkening skin on the face aka “mask of pregnancy” or melasma.
mole & freckle changes.
hyperpigmentation
darken moles, freckles, & birthmarks
(if change in size color or shape seek dermatologist)
pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy
pustules and red bumps along the abdomen legs and arms or back. (NO HARM)
intrahepatic cholestasis and pemphigoid gestationis
premature delivery or problems for the baby.
Circulatory changes
huffing & puffing while climbing stairs
dizzy after standing quickly
changes in blood pressure.
–> expansion of blood vessels and the increased stress on heart and lungs, pregnant women produce more blood and have to utilize more caution with exercise
Heart beat & blood volume during pregnancy
heart working 40% harder.
HR increase to 15%
blood increase 40-50% and RBC mass 20-30% = need for IRON & FOLIC ACID intake
Blood pressure
pregnancy hormone affect the tone in blood vessels –> LOSS of TONE = dizziness & passing out d/t loss of pressure sends less blood to the brain and CNS
*** exercise vigorously may decreased blood flow to uterus because it is diverting to muscles but during rest the impact from exercise improved blood supply
dizziness and fainting (another cause)
lay flat ? compresses the large vena cava –> decreasing blood flow to & from the heart.
lying on left side may help relieve dizziness.
Respiratory changes
air movements increases 50% (each breath greater volume & rate increases)
uterus enlarge cause movement of diaphragm limited –> shortness of breath or feeling “air hungry”
metabolic changes
substantially by week 15 & peak in 3rd trimester which put them higher risk for HYPOGLYCEMIA
Body temperature changes
higher than core temp. greater need for water
higher risk for hyperthermia & dehydration
dehydration: decrease blood flow to uterus, muscle, and some organs. fetus need constant supply of oxygen and nutrients carried through the blood, injury may result from lack of fluids*
