Physiology of pregnancy Flashcards
How does blood volume change during pregnancy?
- begins increasing during first trimester
- expands rapidly in second
- increases at lower rate during third
How much does plasma volume change during pregnancy?
45%
Why does haemoglobin concentration decrease during pregnancy?
Increase in RBC number is slight
Significant increase in plasma volume, so diluted
How much does peripheral vascular resistance decrease by in early pregnancy?
50%
How much does red cell mass increase by during pregnancy?
20%
How does cardiac output increase during pregnancy?
35-40% during first trimester
50% at term
Which organ experiences the highest increase in CO during pregnancy?
Uterus
When does blood pressure reach its lowest point?
17-24 weeks
Which in biggest factor causing drop in blood pressure in pregnancy?
Decrease in peripheral vascular resistance
What mediates the decrease in peripheral vascular resistance?
hormones of pregnancy (oestrogen and progesterone)
NO, relaxin and calcitonin gene-related peptide
What characterises pre-eclampsia?
Rising arterial blood pressure
Oedema
Proteininuria
Why shouldn’t pregnant women lie supine
Enlarged uterus compresses IVC
Resulting in reduction of CO and BP
What factors does process of coagulation depend upon?
Balance of clotting formation and clot dissolving
What is the main haemostatic change that occurs during pregnancy
Pregnancy proposed towards hypercoagulable state
Purpose of haemostatic changes?
- Maintain placental function
- Prevent excessive blood loss