Exam 1 Test Map 2 Flashcards
makes LIGAMENTS LOOSE! Ligaments hold the pelvis so when they loosen (the pelvis gets a big boost of relaxin at birth) this allows the baby enough room to come out
relaxin
describe important considerations for relaxin
NOT specific to the pelvis-it relaxes ALL ligaments in the body!
May cause a gain in shoe size during pregnancy May also cause hip pain & back pain
do NOT stand on feet for extended periods of time & do NOT lift >25 lbs. during pregnancy (they don’t feel the ligaments stretching so may cause ligament damage)
found in the vagina (they are lipid substances that occur in high concentrations in the female reproductive tract); also found around the head of the sperm (which protects the sperm so they can get into the cervical mucous and make it into the uterus);
prostaglandins
like little helmet’s the sperm wear. Exact function is unknown (but believe they play a role in the initiation of labor)
prostaglandins
plays greatest role in maintaining pregnancy (maintains the endometrium/decidua & inhibits spontaneous uterine contractility (smooth muscle relaxer)
progesterone
if there is a decrease in this you will LOSE the pregnancy
progesterone
at delivery, progesterone will
decrease (but NOT cause blood clots)
symptoms and interventions of progesterone
constipation (+ not a lot of iron + not a lot of water/fiber), nausea/vomiting, & breast tenderness so tell mom-eat small meals, do not eat late at night, take antacids (Tums), eat a high fiber diet, & increase water intake!
interventions for ligament pain
Not preventable; rest, maintain good body mechanics to avoid overstretching ligament; relieve cramping by squatting or bringing knees to chest; sometimes heat helps.
Increased vascularity, slight hypertrophy, and hyperplasia (increase in number of cells) cause softening of the cervix, a probable sign of pregnancy, occurring during the second month/ 6 weeks.
Gooddell sign
Violet bluish vaginal mucous membrane and cervix that is visible around the 4th week of pregnancy; caused by increased vascularity.
Chadwick sign
uterine changes
The muscle and tissues of the uterus become lose and elastic, contributing to the velvety appearance of the cervix during pregnancy.
Plug of mucus that fills the cervical canal during pregnancy; acts as a barrier against bacterial invasion. Occurs in response to cervical stimulation by estrogen and progesterone.
Mucus Plug (Operculum)
mucus during pregnancy
the mucus is cloudy, clear, thick, and sticky
what happens to mucus plug as woman gets closer to labor
the mucus plug discharges as the cervix begins to dilate. The plug may come out as a plug, a lump, or simply as increased vaginal discharge over several days.
Specialized vascular disk-shaped organ for maternal-fetal gas and nutrient exchange. The placenta grows wide until 20 weeks, when it covers about half of the uterine surface, then it continues to grow thicker. Normally it implants in the thick muscular wall of the upper uterine segment.
placenta/cord
anatomy of cord
The cord is covered with Wharton’s Jelly that cushions its vessels during contraction and movements. It has 2 arteries for elimination of CO2/waste and one vein for supply of O2/nutrients.
Fluid surrounding the fetus derived primarily of maternal serum and fetal urine. The amount of fluid increases weekly; 700 to 1000 ml of transparent liquid is normally present at term. (regular volume changes)
amniotic fluid
amniotic fluid functions
The fetus swallow’s fluid, and fluid flows into and out of the fetal lungs. Beginning in week 11, the fetus urinates into the fluid, increasing its volume.
Maintain a constant body temperature.
Source of oral fluid and a repository for waste and assists in maintenance of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis.
Freedom of movement for musculoskeletal development. It cushions the fetus from trauma by blunting and dispersing outside forces. It acts as a barrier to infection and allows fetal lung development. The fluid keeps the embryo from tangling with the membranes, facilitating symmetric growth.
If the embryo does become tangled with the membranes
amputations of extremities or other deformities can occur from constricting amniotic bands.
describe breast changes during pregnancy
breast tenderness due to the rise in progesterone, estrogen, HPL, and enlarging size so tell mom to wear a well-fitting, supportive bra
describe skin changes during pregnancy
Chloasma (butterfly tan, red, or dark skin discoloration on face, “mask of pregnancy”) Linea Nigra (dark line down belly during pregnancy), Spider Nevi (collection of vessels with a central red spot with radiating red extensions like a spider web normally on skin of face) Striae Gravidum (stretch marks) due to a rise in estrogen and rapid weight gain
musculoskeletal changes during pregnancy
Since relaxin is produced this allows the pelvis to enlarge & relaxes the sacroiliac joints which causes pain & instability-NO HEAVY LIFTING; crossfit can cause injury
pain due to the uterus being anchored by ligaments in the pelvis
round ligament pain + abdominal discomfort