Gatrointestinal System Flashcards
Functions of GI tract
Ingestion
Propulsion
Mastication
Digestion
Absorption
Eliminations
How does the mouth change
Taste and smell
Appetite
Cravings
Pica
Saliva
Gums
How does taste and smell change
Inflammation and hyper secretion of the nasal mucosa may alter sense of smell and taste
How does appetite change
Progesterone is an appetite stimulant
Cravings
Cravings for different foods
What is pica
Craving o non food terms.
Influenced by social and cultural practices
Linked o nutrient deficiencies
Ho does saliva change
Cessna salivation in first trimester
May taste bitter causing nauseand vomiting
How do gums change
Oestrogen causes gums t become sponges and oedematous bleeding easily
Increase gingivitises and periodontal disease
How des oesophagi change
Progesterone relaxes cardiac sphincter allowin stomach acid to reflux causing heartburn
Around 80% of women will experience heartburn by the third trimester
How does the stomach change
Progesterone reduces gastric muscle tone and motility
Gastric aid secretion may reduce but research is unclear
gastric empting is delayed during labour reduced stomach motility leads to delay in emptying and a risk of acid aspiration
Small intestine
No increase absorption off food but calcium and iron absorption increase
Progesterone reduces motility and tone of the muscle so transmit time increased
In early pregnancy metabolism is anabolic
Increased sensitivity to insulin and nutrients are stored
In late pregnancy metabolism is catabolic. There is a reduced sensitivity to insulin so an increase in glucose available for fetal growth
Large intestine
Progesterone relaxes smooth muscl which slows peristalsis and can cause constipation
Rectum and anal canal
Rectum - in labour fetal head may press against rectum stimulating the same urge
Anal canal - damage to the sphincter or its nerve supply may occur in childbirth resulting in incontinence of faeces
Haemmorrihoidal veins are associated with the anal canal these may become distended resulting in varicosities and haemorrhoids
Diet - carbs
1/3food should be carbs
Extra 200kl a day required in 3rd trimester
Diet - protein
Increased from 46g/day to 71g/day
Increased for fetal, placental and maternal tissue development
