EXAM 1 Flashcards
What are the main functions of the placenta?
Interface between mother and fetus, hormone production, fetal protection, waste removal, nutrient transport, and maturation of fetal organs.
Name the two membranes surrounding the fetus.
Amnion (innermost, protective) and Chorion (outermost, encircling amnion).
What hormones are produced by the placenta?
hCG, prolactin, hPL (or hCS), estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin.
What is the role of Wharton’s jelly in the umbilical cord?
Protects the umbilical vein and arteries from compression.
List the three shunts in fetal circulation and their functions.
Ductus venosus: Connects umbilical vein to inferior vena cava, bypassing liver.
Ductus arteriosus: Connects pulmonary artery to aorta, bypassing lungs.
Foramen ovale: Opening between right and left atrium, bypassing right ventricle.
How is pregnancy duration divided?
1st trimester: 1st day of LMP to 13 weeks
2nd trimester: 14–27 weeks
3rd trimester: 28–40 weeks
What is Naegle’s Rule for estimating the due date?
Subtract 3 months from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), then add 1 year and 7 days.
Differentiate between presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy.
Presumptive: Subjective signs (e.g., nausea, fatigue).
Probable: Objective signs (e.g., positive pregnancy test, Hegar’s sign).
Positive: Direct evidence of pregnancy (e.g., ultrasound, fetal movement).
What are common physiologic changes in pregnancy?
Increased blood volume, fatigue, nasal congestion, breast enlargement, lordosis, and pigmentation changes like linea nigra.
What is GTPAL, and what does each letter represent?
G: Gravidity (# of pregnancies).
T: Term deliveries (38–42 weeks).
P: Preterm deliveries (20–37 weeks).
A: Abortions (<20 weeks).
L: Living children.
What is a nonstress test (NST), and what indicates a reactive result?
An NST evaluates fetal heart rate in response to movement. Reactive = 2 accelerations of at least 15 bpm lasting 15 seconds within 20 minutes.
What tests are included in initial prenatal labs?
CBC, blood type & Rh, urinalysis, rubella titer, hepatitis B, HIV, STI tests, glucose screening, and TB test
