Maternal adaptations to pregnancy Flashcards
What is the weight and cavity size of a non-pregnant uterus?
The non-pregnant uterus is about 70 g with a 10-ml cavity.
How does the uterus change by 6 weeks of pregnancy?
At 6 weeks, the uterus is soft, globular, and asymmetric.
What is the size of the uterus at 12 weeks of pregnancy?
At 12 weeks, the uterus measures 8-10 cm and is rising out of the pelvis.
Where is the uterus located at 14 weeks of pregnancy?
At 14 weeks, the uterus is one-fourth of the way to the umbilicus.
What is the position of the uterus at 16 weeks of pregnancy?
At 16 weeks, the uterus is halfway to the umbilicus.
What is the position of the uterus at 20 weeks of pregnancy?
At 20 weeks, the fundus is approximately at the umbilicus.
What is the relationship between the number of weeks of gestation and the measurement of the uterus after 20 weeks?
After 20 weeks, the number of centimeters measured equals the number of weeks of gestation within 2 cm.
What is the weight and volume of the uterus by term?
By term, the uterus weighs about 1,100 g with a 5-L volume.
What changes occur in the cervix during pregnancy?
The cervix develops increased vascularity, softening of the isthmus, bluish color, softening of the cervix, and a thick mucus plug forms due to glandular proliferation.
What is an effect of pregnancy on the ovaries-corpus luteum?
Anovulation secondary to hormonal interruption of the feedback loop.
How long does the corpus luteum persist during pregnancy?
The corpus luteum persists under the influence of the hormone hCG until about 12 weeks.
What is the role of the corpus luteum during early pregnancy?
The corpus luteum is responsible for the secretion of progesterone to maintain the endometrium and pregnancy until the placenta takes over production.
What hormone do the ovaries produce during pregnancy?
The ovaries are also thought to be responsible for producing relaxin.
What is a noticeable change in the vagina during pregnancy?
Bluish color.
What happens to the vaginal mucosa during pregnancy?
There is thickening of the vaginal mucosa.
What change occurs in vaginal secretions during pregnancy?
There is an increase in vaginal secretions.
What physical change occurs in connective tissue in preparation for birth?
Some loosening of connective tissue occurs.
What is a change in breast size during pregnancy?
Increase in size secondary to mammary hyperplasia.
How does the areola change during pregnancy?
The areola becomes more deeply pigmented and increases in size.
What may be expressed from the breasts after several months of pregnancy?
Colostrum may be expressed after the first several months of pregnancy.
What appears on the surface of the nipple during pregnancy?
Appearance of sebaceous glands on the surface of the dark area of the nipple.
What happens to vascularity in the breasts during pregnancy?
Vascularity increases.
What is the role of the pelvis during pregnancy?
Responsible for load transfer of body weight and gravity, which increases in pregnancy.
What pelvic change occurs throughout pregnancy?
Progressive anterior tilt throughout the pregnancy.