Pregnancy and Childbirth Flashcards
Uterine Changes
Uterus enlarges from 70g to 1000G by term 3
blood flow greatly increases from 60 to 600ml/min
haemorrhoids and varisocse veins more commin due to decreased blood flow to legs
Cervical Changes
Ebdicervical glands secrete thick musous -> musous plug
Cervix softens
Increased uterine blood and lymphatioc flow causes pelvic congestion and odema (CHADWICKS SIGN)
Vulva and breast tissue changes
Vagina increased blood supply, connective tissue is loosend -> facilitates the passage of the newborn
Breasts increase in size and tenderness
colostrum the precuroser to breast milk is produced in the third trimester
Breast milk provides the newborn with essential nutrients and immunoglobins
skeletal changes
Progesterone hormone relaxes ligaments and muscles
Altered centre of gravity, as gravid uterus causes women to lean back -> increased lordosis due to increased interior load
cardiovascular changes
Blood volume is increased by 30-40% by third trimester, pregant women can lose 30-40% of blood before showing signs of shock
resting HR (by 15-20)bpm and internal CO (by 1-1.5L) increase
Systolic BP can fall by 10-15 mmHg in 2nd trimester but RISEs in the third
Spinal position can lead to inferior vena cava obstruction which will decrease cardiac output
Haematological changes
Increase in blood volume
Expanded blood volume
physiological amenia (decrease in red blood cells)
mild neutrophilia (increase WBC)
Mild prothrombic state (hypercoaguability -> Increased risk of blood clots)
Respiratory Changes
Diaphragm is elevated by 4cm (results in mild dyspnoea while supine)
Tidal volume increases by 40% but residual volume decreases by 25%
Barrel chest
O2 demand is increased
Gastrointestinal Changes
displacment od inta-abdo structrues and delayed gastric mobility leads to an INCREASED RISK OF ASPIRATION
Intestines are displaced to upper abdo
decreased GI mobilty & tone + prolonged gastric emptying + relaxation if pyloric sphincter = heart burn & constipation
urinary changes
Bladder is displaced into the abdo, makes it more suscepitable to trauma
Increased glomeraur filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow by 20%
Increased renin secreation
Frequent urination
Endocrine System Changes
Oxytocin is produced onmasse in the onset of labour, produced throughout pregnancy
WHat is the purpose of the Follicle Stimulating Hormone?
to stimulate follicles to move egg
What is the purpose of the Lutenzing Hormone (LH)
The LH sycronzises the menstrual cycle
WHat is gestional diabetes Mellitus? (GDM)
Gestional diabetes Mellitus is diabetes mellitus that occurs during gestation. The increased glucose in the bloodstream is a result of pregnancy hormones released by placenta that impact the action of insulin
What are the metabolic changes in pregnancy
Increase in fat stores
- > increase of nurtients
- > increase in body mass
Important questions to ask in history taking of the pregant patient?
Previous Preganancies? Prior c-sections? Pairty and Gravidity of the patient? Complications/problems with previous pregnancies? Length of previous labour
Questions to ask about current pregnancy?
How many weeks pregnant are they?
single or multiple pregnancy?
have the membranes ruptured, if so when and what was the colour of the amniotic fluid?
Are they having contractions? If so assess frequnecy and duration
Do they have the urge to push?
have you felt fetal movements? If so are they normal?
What is a nulliparous women?
Never given birth before
How many times has a primagravdia patient been pregnant?
Just once
How many times has a primaparious women given birth?
Just once