Physiology of Pregnancy Flashcards
Blood volume in pregnancy increases to what %
150% of normal
Why should pregn women avoid lying supine
Compresses IVC - decreases BP substantially
How does BP change during normal pregnancy what is the main reason for this
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
What is the reason for oedema in pregnancy (2)
Incr blood vol
Inc RAAS - h20 retention
What would you expect to see in following in pregnancy - with what consequence:
Platelets
Ferritin
Hct & Hb
They all drop - so watch for anaemia
What happens to Protein C and Protein S, and Fibrinogen factors - what is the consequence
Prot C and S reduce, fibrinogen factors incr - risk of clotting and thrombus formation
Do kidneys increase or decrease in size in pregnancy - why
Increase to accomodate incr blood flow
Why might some preg women get urinary incontinence (2)
Ureters obstructed at pelvic brim by abdom contents, progesterone relaxes smooth muscle
Why might preg women get joint pain esp hips
hormones esp. progesterone relax ligaments - SI joints. Combined with extra weight carried.
What is normal change to TSH and T4 in early weeks of preg - why
TSH drops
T4 increases - transient hyperthyroidism
Reason: HCG binds to TSH receptor on thyroid - stimulates increase T4 prod