Physiology of pregnancy Flashcards
Which direction does the uterus move as it expands?
Upwards
Cervical changes in pregnancy (3)
Softening
Mucus plug closes cervical canal
Increased secretions from cervical glands
Vulva and vaginal changes in pregnancy
Increased vascularity (visible veins) More soft and moist
Skeletal changes in pregnancy (4)
Relaxation of pelvic ligaments
Increased lumbar lordosis (slouching)
Decreased calcium levels, increased calcitonin
High vitamin D for calcium absorption
Skin changes in pregnancy (3)
Linea nigra
Striae gravidarum
Chloasma gravidarum (discolouration)
Weight changes in pregnancy causes (4)
Increased appetite (Need 300 more calories per day) Pica (cravings) Enlargement of maternal organs Increased blood volume
What can cause shortness of breath in pregnancy
Splinting of the diaphragm by gravid uterus
Lung capacity decreases in pregnancy
What happens to peripheral resistance in pregnancy?
Large decrease due to vasodilation and increase in intravascular space from placenta
Blood pressure change in pregnancy
Little change because although blood volume increased, peripheral resistance decreased
What can cause swelling in pregnancy
Leak of fluids
What changes occur to the renal system?
Increased glomerular filtration due to increased blood flow
Can cause leakage of protein and glucose
Increased reabsorption
More filtrate means more urine
What are the five most influencing causes of the 12.5 kg weight gain
Fetus Fat and breast gain Fluid Blood Uterus
What is a result of the gastrointestinal system slowing in pregnancy
Constipation
Endometrial cycle can be divided into three phases
Menstrual
Proliferative
Secretory
What is the menstruated cycle part of
The endometrial cycle
How many days after implantation does ovulation occur
7
Two phases of the ovulation cycle
Follicular
Luteal
Cardiovascular system pregnancy change and symptoms
Increased heart rate
Due to an increase in blood volume, HR must increase to deliver larger quantity of blood around the body and to the fetus
Respiratory system pregnancy changes and symptoms
Shortness of breath
Splinting of diaphragm due to expansion of gravid uterus
Decreased lung capacity
Urinary system changes in pregnancy and symptoms
Needing to wee
Increased blood plasma causes more glomerular filtration and more filtrate
This causes more urine production
Digestive system
Constipation
Smooth muscles relax
This slows GI system
Causes constipation
Haematological system
Blood volume increases
Due to increase in blood plasma
12 body systems
Cardiovascular system Respiratory system Digestive system Lymphatic system Endocrine system Muscular system Skeletal system Urinalysis system Haematological system Reproductive system Breasts Integumentary system
Integumentary system change
Increased melanocyte stimulating hormone in pregnancy causing chloasma gravidarum
Skeletal system
Increased lumbar lordosis (slouching) caused by weight of fundus and extending uterus
Muscular system
Muscle strain in uterine muscles due to expansion to facilitate growth of fetus
Lymphatic system
Mucus plug closes cervical canal to prevent entrance of infection causing bacteria
Endocrine system
Placental progesterone and oestrogen are secreted which maintain uterine lining and inhibit FSH and LH
Reproductive system
LH and FSH are inhibited in pregnancy so ovulation does not occur
Breasts
Lactogenesis I causes production of milk components in breasts starting between 16-20 weeks
