Physiology in Pregnancy Flashcards
describe the breast changes in pregnancy
The breasts increase in size and vascularity resulting in them becoming warm, tense and tender.
There is increased pigmentation of the areola and nipple.
A secondary areola appears.
Montgomery tubercles appear on the areola.
Colostrum like fluid can be expressed from the end of the 3rd month.
why does systemic vascular resistance fall during pregnancy?
decreased afterload
what is the main indirect cause of maternal death?
CV disease
how much does blood volume increase during pregnancy
50-70%
what is increased in CV in pregnancy
blood flow HR CO SV O2 consumption red cell mass
in the supine position there is a reduction in CO of a pregnant women, how much and why?
25%
decreased venous return
by how much does red cell mass increase in pregnancy?
40%
what causes the physiological anaemia in pregnacny?
dilution
what doe the changes during pregnancy in the CVS result in?
warm hands and feet
pregnancy glow
why are pregnant women more prone to nose bleeds?
nasal mucosa has increase blood flow
how much blood does each contraction use?
500ml
what does pain during labour cause? in regards to the CVS
increased catecholamine release which increases BP and heart strain
how does CO change during labour?
increased bt 10%
80% in 1st hr post delivery
why do you give epidurals to women with cardiac issues?
takes away pain
therefore decreases strain on heart and BP
describe the post partum CV changes
By 3 months most of the changes have returned to normal. Blood volume decreases by 10% in the first 3 days post-delivery. BP initially falls then increases again days 3-7, pre-pregnant levels by 6 weeks. SVR increases over the first 2 weeks to 30% above delivery levels. HR returns to pre-pregnant state over 2 weeks. CO increases by up to 80% in the 1st hour post-delivery then continues to fall over the next 24 weeks.
