Physiological Adaptations To Pregnancy Flashcards
What happens to blood volume and why?
Blood volume increases by 40%
To supply the placenta and baby
What happens during haemodilution?
Haemoglobin in pregnant women drops and there is more plasma but no increase to RBC
What happens to cardiac output?
Increases from 6 weeks gestation
what happens to RBC?
They expand in size to meet requirements of foetus and placenta
Why does folate metabolite increase?
Required for foetus growth
Helps with iron development
What happens to blood and why?
Able to clot more easily as changes to haemostatic components
Helpful in stopping bleeding post partum
What’s happens to the heart?
Size increases
Blood volume and cardiac output increases as more blood is pumped around the body
Faster heart rate
Why does the heart rate increase?
Peripheral resistance is decreased
What happens to breasts during pregnancy?
Increased blood flow to grow mammary glands for breastfeeding
Liver?
Increased metabolism
Why do pregnant women feel warmer?
Increased blood flow to skin and nose
Nosebleeds likley
Consequences of reduced venous blood return in the legs
Veracous veins and haemorrhoids
What happens to the respiratory system?
Diaphragm is pushed upwards
Diameter of chest increases
What’s does an increase to inspirational capacity mean?
Women will breathe more
What does progesterone do to the respiratory centre?
Mum becomes more sensitive to CO2
will take CO2 from baby more easily
Mum may feel out of breath when sitting down
