Physiology of Maternal Changes Flashcards
What happens to CO and HR?
CO increases (CO=HRxSV) as a result HR increases
What happens to BP?
Drops during 2nd trimester
Increases back to pre-pregnancy in 3rd trimester
What nutrients must a mother take?
Iron during 2nd half of pregnancy
- iron requirements massively increase
Folic acid - 12wks prior and post fertilisation
Vit D
Why does blood viscosity decrease during pregnancy?
Less Hb mainly caused by dilation as plasma volume increases
Do reference ranges change during pregnancy?
Yes lots do!!! - important
Most are more sensitive to change apart from anaemia
- have to have lower than non-pregnancy levels of Hb to be deemed anaemic (lower Hb levels are normal to an extent due to dilation)
Why does RR and tidal volume increase?
Increased demand for O2
Progesterone signals for lowering of CO2
Is there an increased or decreased renal plasma flow?
Increased
Pregnant women have hypercoaguable blood which helps during blood loss in pregnancy but what does it put them at higher risk of?
VTe - venous thrombotic event
What is the average maternal weight gain?
11kg
What hormone is responsible for increased appetite?
Progesterone
During what half of the pregnancy is the nutritional demand of baby higher?
2nd half
1st half = anabolic phase
2nd half = catabolic
Why must women take 400mcg folic acid?
When must they take it?
Who needs 5mg?
reduce risk of neural tube defects
12 weeks prior and 12 weeks in to pregnancy
Diabetics and epileptic
