Obs the reproductive system

Question 1

Which of the following increase/decrease during pregnancy:
1. Plasma volume
2. Kidney size
3. Renal blood flow
4. BP
a) early
b) late
5. Cardiac output
6. Stroke volume
7. HR
8. Tidal volume
9. Vital capacity

Answer 1

1. Plasma volume - increases
2. Kidney size - increases
3. Renal blood flow - increases
4. BP
   a) early - decreases
   b) late - increases
5. Cardiac output - increases
6. Stroke volume - increases
7. HR - increases
8. Tidal volume - increases
9. Vital capacity - decreases

Question 2

Why do pregnant women get dilution anaemia?

Answer 2

RBCs increase but not enough to meet the increase in plasma volume. This results in decreased haematocrit and decreased Hb

Question 3

How does CO2 sensitivity change during pregnancy? What is the result of this?

Answer 3

• CO2 sensitivity increases from 4.7 kPa to 4.0 kPa
• Increased dyspnoea

Question 4

Why are pregnant women at increased risk of thromboembolism?

Answer 4

They have increased clotting factors, plasma fibrinogen levels and plasminogen activator inhibitor

Question 5

How much does a) renal size and b) renal blood flow increase during pregnancy?

Answer 5

a) 20%
b) 50-60%

Question 6

Why does pregnancy result in an endocrine balance that favours Na retention?

Answer 6

Natriuretic factors normally promote water and Na excretion. In pregnancy anti-natriuretic factors increase more than natriuretic factors.

Question 7

Why does BP fall in the second trimester?

Answer 7

Decreased vascular resistance

Question 8

What is the most common cause of anaemia in pregnancy?

Answer 8

Iron deficiency anaemia