Physiology of Pregnancy Flashcards

1
Q

Blood volume in pregnancy increases to what %

A

150% of normal

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2
Q

Why should pregn women avoid lying supine

A

Compresses IVC - decreases BP substantially

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3
Q

How does BP change during normal pregnancy what is the main reason for this

A

Progesterone - smooth muscle relaxant - reduces vascular resistance.
BP drops in first 24 weeks, then returns to near normal
Only rises in pre-eclampsia, not a good sign

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4
Q

What is the reason for oedema in pregnancy (2)

A

Incr blood vol

Inc RAAS - h20 retention

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5
Q

What would you expect to see in following in pregnancy - with what consequence:
Platelets
Ferritin
Hct & Hb

A

They all drop - so watch for anaemia

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6
Q

What happens to Protein C and Protein S, and Fibrinogen factors - what is the consequence

A

Prot C and S reduce, fibrinogen factors incr - risk of clotting and thrombus formation

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7
Q

Do kidneys increase or decrease in size in pregnancy - why

A

Increase to accomodate incr blood flow

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8
Q

Why might some preg women get urinary incontinence (2)

A

Ureters obstructed at pelvic brim by abdom contents, progesterone relaxes smooth muscle

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9
Q

Why might preg women get joint pain esp hips

A

hormones esp. progesterone relax ligaments - SI joints. Combined with extra weight carried.

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10
Q

What is normal change to TSH and T4 in early weeks of preg - why

A

TSH drops
T4 increases - transient hyperthyroidism
Reason: HCG binds to TSH receptor on thyroid - stimulates increase T4 prod

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