physiological changes of pregnancy

Question 1

change to cardiac output

Answer 1

increase: to cope with demands of the uteroplacental circulation (begins around week 6 and can cause a raised HR, ECG changes, murmurs)

Question 2

effect of cardiac output on plasma volume and haemoglobin

Answer 2

increase in cardiac output increases the plasma volume in turn decreasing haemoglobin bu dilution

Question 3

what is the placenta derived from

Answer 3

trophoblast and decidual tissue

Question 4

BP during pregnancy

Answer 4

drops during 2nd trimester and then rises in 3rd trimester to pre-pregnancy levels

Question 5

effect of pregnancy on lung function

Answer 5

progesterone increase tells brain to lower CO2 levels
O2 consumption increases to meet metabolic need
to lower CO2 level:
resp rate increases
tidal and minute volume increase
pCO2 decreases slightly
vital capacity and PO2 dont change

Question 6

impact of pregnancy on the urinary system

Answer 6

GFR and renal plasma flow increases