Obstetric Patient Flashcards
What are different signs and symptoms considered in manifestations of pregnancy?
Presumptive, probable, and positive
Presumptive definition
Affording reasonable ground for belief
Things may resemble pregnancy signs and symptoms, but may in fact be caused by something else
Presumptive signs of pregnancy
Linea nigra- which is a deep pigmentation at the midline of the lower abdomen. Some women have this naturally
Chloasma- deep pigmentation over bridge of nose, and under eyes. Could also result from BC
Definition of probable
Signs that indicate pregnancy the majority of the time however, there is some chance it could be caused by something else
What are probable signs of pregnancy?
Discoloration and cyanosis of the vulva, vagina and cervix
**Chadwick’s sign dark discoloration of vulva and vaginal walls
Leukorrhea- increased white, noninfectious vaginal discharge
Abdominal or uterine enlargement
relaxation of bones and ligaments of pelvis
Hegar’s sign- uterine isthmus and cervix becomes softer
What is a positive sign
Signs that cannot under any circumstances, be mistaken for other conditions, and are evidence that pregnancy occurred
What are positive signs of pregnancy?
Detection of fetal heartbeat at 10 weeks by Doppler and 18 weeks by fetoscope
Palpation of fetal outline at 22 weeks
Visualizing the fetus by ultrasound
What is increased hCG categorized as a sign?
Probable
Pituitary tumor can increase hCG as well
What produces progesterone until the placenta takes over?
Ovaries until 8-10 weeks
What is hCG secreted by?
Trophoblast(blastocyst) cells; later chorion
What does hCG act on?
Prompts corpus luteum to continue secretion of progesterone and estrogen
Promotes placental development. Yeah, it’s autocrine growth factor activity
How should hCG levels rise?
Should double every day for the first two months, then decline as placenta takes over and begins to secrete progesterone and estrogen
Low values at four months and the rest of the pregnancy
What subunit of hCG is measured in pregnancy and it’s a bacis for Serum pregnancy tests?
Beta hCG
When does hCG begin to rise?
eight days after fertilization
If pregnancy continues values peek at 10 to 12 weeks and then decline after 34
What level can serum assays detect for beta hCG
> 3 mlU/ml
What level can urine tests detect hCG?
> 25-50 mIU/ml
Is the hCG level definitive for where the patient is at in pregnancy?
No, because the levels overlap
What does serum beta hCG > 1000-1500 signify?
The discriminatory zone: ultrasound is expected to show a viable pregnancy
What can cause some high or low hCG levels
Falsely Very high- molar pregnancy and twin gestation, Down syndrome, choriocarcinoma
Low - ectopic pregnancy and impending spontaneous abortions
What is the most accurate type of pregnancy test?
Serum pregnancy test beta hCG
What can provide information on the stage of pregnancy?
Quantitative serum pregnancy tests
Can urine give quantitative levels of hCG
No
When is the corpus luteum the primary source of progesterone?
<7 weeks
When does the placenta take over for progesterone production?
> 10 weeks
Between seven and 10 weeks the placenta begins to take over
What happens to the red cell mass during pregnancy?
Expands by ~33%
Body has to supply fetus and mom
Why does hemoglobin and hematocrit drop in pregnancy
Due to great increase in plasma with slightly smaller increase in red blood cells
This is called physiologic anemia of pregnancy
How much does the blood volume increase by in pregnancy?
30 to 50%
How much does cardiac output increase in pregnancy and why?
Increases by 40% early in pregnancy to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the fetus
How much does the resting pulse rate of the mother increase in pregnancy?
By 15 bpm
What happens to blood pressure in pregnancy? Why?
Blood pressure decreases in mid pregnancy and rises later
because progesterone causes vasculature to relax so BP initially drops but the opposite happens later
What is the prevalence of systolic murmur in pregnant women and why?
90%
From increase cardiac output
Why does total body water increase in pregnancy?
Due to sodium and water retention (edema/swelling in feet)
What can happen to a pregnant patient lying supine
Gravid uterus compresses vessels(IVC/aorta) with supine position, resulting in fall of BP (nausea, dizziness, syncope)
lateral position relieves symptom
Why are pregnant women more at risk for hemorrhoids and thrombosis?
Venus compression of gravid uterus, compresses scenes of LE’s resulting in hemorrhoids and thrombosis
Increased intra-abdominal pressure can cause hemorrhoids because they’re being squeezed especially because of constipation from straining
What does the uterus due to the diaphragm?
Elevates diaphragm about 4 cm and may increase chest circumference but decreases lung volume
What is a result of decreased lung volume and increased work of a pregnant patient
Shortness of breath, tachypnea
What happens to tidal volume during pregnancy?
Increases due to progesterone
What happens to total lung capacity in pregnancy
Decreases because no space for the lung to expand
What can hyperventilation result in?
Respiratory alkalosis- rapid, deep breathing leads to decrease in co2 and increase in pH
This is very severe case
What happens to G.I. in pregnancy
Enlarging uterus displaces stomach and bowel
Gallbladder function slows in pregnancy- can cause cholestasis
Increased acidity of gastric secretions and reduced function of lower esophageal sphincter because of progesterone increasing reflux symptoms