Physiological changes of pregnancy Flashcards
What are some of the common “symptoms” of pregnancy?
varicose veins, heartburn, breathlessness, anaemia, glucose in urine, breast enlargement, hot and lfushed, swollen ankles and morning sickness
What happens to the volume of blood during pregnancy?
the volume increases due to utero-placenta circulation
however decreases at delivery due to some blood loss
Why does oxygen carriage change during pregnancy?
oxygen requirements increase by 20% as the are greater maternal needs as well as fetal needs
Why would someone develop anaemia during pregnancy?
Even though the blood volume increases and total red cell mass increases, there is a greater increase in plasma which causes functional anaemia - blood becomes diluted
What happens during pregnancy to the levels of anti-thrombin?
Levels decreases favouring a pro-thrombic state as haemostasis is required when the placenta shears off after delivery
Why does the output of the heart increase during pregnancy?
higher oxygen delivery needed
expanded circulation from utero-placental bed
What happens to the position of the heart during pregnancy?
the heart moves upwards and outwards due to the expanding abdominal mass
What happens to BP during pregnancy?
does not change that much
this id due to SVR decreasing to counter-act the increase in CO
What hormones cause changes in the breasts?
osetrogen, progesterone, prolactin and oxytocin
What is hCG?
it is a glycoprotein hormone
What hormones do the placenta secrete?
oestrogen, progesterone, hCG and human placental lactogen
What role does progesterone have during pregnancy?
- regulates homeostatic mechanisms - respiratory centre and renin-angiotensin system
- it is a smooth muscle relaxant
- quietens uterine contractions
- softens cervix and promotes cervical plug
What does human placental lactogen do?
- it has growth-like properties
- aids fat metabolism and utilisation and insulin resistance
- this makes more glucose available for the fetus
- promotes fetal growth
- could lead to gestational diabetes
What does oestrogen do during pregnancy?
mammary duct development
