Exam 4: Pregnancy and Labor Flashcards
Hormonal Changes
- hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
- produced by zygote
- early pregnancy tests detect this
- increase in first trimester, then drops off
- estrogen levels rise
- progesterone levels rise
- after 1st trimester placenta is main producer of estrogen and progestrone
Uterus and Mammary Glands
- enlarge
- massive growth of uterus
- fundus (top) of uterus at level of xifoid process of sternum
Weight Gain
-due to enlargement of uterus/mammary glands, growing fetus, and placenta (~20 lbs max), fluid accumulation, fat deposits
GI Tract Changes
- morning sickness
- heartburn
- constipation
Cardiovascular System Changes
- increased blood volume in mother
- potential for varicose veins because of problems with venous circulation late in pregnancy
Urinary System Changes
- 1st trimester expanding uterus pushed down on bladder
- 3rd trimester baby pushes on bladder
- makes a woman feel like she always has to pee
Labor
- refers to the series of events that push/expel the infant out of the mother’s body
False Labor (Braxton Hicks contractions)
-irregular smooth muscle contractions of uterus - does NOT lead into the 3 stages of true labor
True Labor
- regular smooth muscle contractions of uterus that increase in intensity and frequency
- consists of 3 stages
- oxytocin initiates/continues labor
- length of labor is highly variable
Dilation Stage
- 1st stage of labor from the onset of labor to complete dilation of the cervix
- cervix dilates to 10 centimeters in diameter
- amniotic fluid is expelled (“water breaks”)
- average length is 6-12 hours
- pressure from fetal head stimulates dilation
Expulsion Stage
- 2nd stage of labor from complete cervical dilation to delivery of baby
- lengthy varies could be hours
Placental Stage
- 3rd stage delivery of placenta
- occurs within 5-30 minutes after delivery of baby
Changes in Mother Postpartum
- loss of excess fluids gained during pregnancy
- lactation
- contraction/shrinkage ofuterus
- hormonal changes
Fluid Loss
- expulsion of amniotic fluid during birth
- more frequent urination for about a week
- increased sweating fro 1-2 weeks
- discharge of lochia
Lochia
- postpartum period
- much heavier bleeding than typical period
- lasts 2-3 weeks (sometimes up to 4-6)
Lactation
- prolactin: milk production
- oxytocin: stimulates milk release and causes uterus to contract and shrink
Contraction/Shrinkage of Uterus
- 6 weeks after birth, uterus shrinks to pre-pregnancy size.
- oxytocin facilitates uterus shrinkage
- “afterpains” are uterine contractions after birth
Hormonal Changes Postpartum
- estrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically
- possible cause of “baby blues” or postpartum depression
- prolactin levels rise as you breastfeed
