Physiological Changes in Pregnancy

Question 1

What happens to the CVS?

Answer 1

HR increases

CO increases

BP decreases due to prostaglandin

Oedema due to increase in renin

Question 2

What do the CVS changes cause?

Answer 2

Oedema

Dyspnoea

SOB due to prostanglandins

Palpitations

LAD and Sinus tachy

Question 3

What happens haemotologically

Answer 3

Low platelets, ferritin and Hb (anaemia)

Prothrombotic state

Low protein (oedema)

Question 4

What happens to the respiratory system

Answer 4

• Increase in TV and decrease in RV
• RR and VC stay the same
• Compensated respiratory alkalosis is common due to placental oxygen need

Question 5

What happens to the kidneys?

Answer 5

Increase in size

Increase in renin

Hydronephoris

Pressure on bladder so nocturia, polyuria

Question 6

What happens to GI

Answer 6

Reflux to due Prostaglanding on LOS and pressure from baby

Nausea

Vomiting

Constipation

Question 7

What happens to the MSK system

Answer 7

SI joint and PS dislocations

Question 8

What happens to the endocrine system?

Answer 8

Transient hyperthyroidism due to HCG mimicking TSH

Question 9

What hormone could increase in pregnancy that is normally a sign of malignancy

Answer 9

Prolactin

Question 10

What may an ABG show in pregnancy?

Answer 10

Compensated respiratory alkalosis