Exam 4: Pregnancy and Labor Flashcards

1
Q

Hormonal Changes

A
  • 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
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2
Q

Uterus and Mammary Glands

A
  • enlarge
  • massive growth of uterus
  • fundus (top) of uterus at level of xifoid process of sternum
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3
Q

Weight Gain

A

-due to enlargement of uterus/mammary glands, growing fetus, and placenta (~20 lbs max), fluid accumulation, fat deposits

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4
Q

GI Tract Changes

A
  • morning sickness
  • heartburn
  • constipation
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5
Q

Cardiovascular System Changes

A
  • increased blood volume in mother

- potential for varicose veins because of problems with venous circulation late in pregnancy

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6
Q

Urinary System Changes

A
  • 1st trimester expanding uterus pushed down on bladder
  • 3rd trimester baby pushes on bladder
  • makes a woman feel like she always has to pee
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7
Q

Labor

A
  • refers to the series of events that push/expel the infant out of the mother’s body
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8
Q

False Labor (Braxton Hicks contractions)

A

-irregular smooth muscle contractions of uterus - does NOT lead into the 3 stages of true labor

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9
Q

True Labor

A
  • 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
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10
Q

Dilation Stage

A
  • 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
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11
Q

Expulsion Stage

A
  • 2nd stage of labor from complete cervical dilation to delivery of baby
  • lengthy varies could be hours
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12
Q

Placental Stage

A
  • 3rd stage delivery of placenta

- occurs within 5-30 minutes after delivery of baby

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13
Q

Changes in Mother Postpartum

A
  • loss of excess fluids gained during pregnancy
  • lactation
  • contraction/shrinkage ofuterus
  • hormonal changes
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14
Q

Fluid Loss

A
  • expulsion of amniotic fluid during birth
  • more frequent urination for about a week
  • increased sweating fro 1-2 weeks
  • discharge of lochia
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15
Q

Lochia

A
  • postpartum period
  • much heavier bleeding than typical period
  • lasts 2-3 weeks (sometimes up to 4-6)
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16
Q

Lactation

A
  • prolactin: milk production

- oxytocin: stimulates milk release and causes uterus to contract and shrink

17
Q

Contraction/Shrinkage of Uterus

A
  • 6 weeks after birth, uterus shrinks to pre-pregnancy size.
  • oxytocin facilitates uterus shrinkage
  • “afterpains” are uterine contractions after birth
18
Q

Hormonal Changes Postpartum

A
  • estrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically
  • possible cause of “baby blues” or postpartum depression
  • prolactin levels rise as you breastfeed