Pregnancy and Perinatal Health Flashcards
What factors affect fertility?
Age
Smoking
BMI
Exercise
Drugs
Folate
Alcohol
What maternal changes are seen during pregnancy?
Physical
Hormonal
Haematological
Cardiovascular
Coagulation
What hormonal changes are seen during pregnancy?
Increased oestrogen and progesterone production - protects against haemorrhage at birth
:owner oesophageal sphincter relaxes
Hormonal changes reduce insulin sensitivity
What haematological changes are seen during pregnancy?
Increased production of RC, WC, platelets
Increased RC mass
Increased platelet consumption
Increased WC makes diagnosing infections difficult
What cardiovascular changes are seen during pregnancy?
Relaxation of vascular smooth muscle - reduces blood pressure
Vascular compression by the uterus
What weight gain is seen in pregnancy?
11-16kg
What coagulation changes are seen in pregnancy?
Coagulation screens remain normal
Clotting factor production increases
Fibrinolysis increases
What foods shouldn’t be eaten during pregnancy?
Raw meat and fish
Raw eggs
Non-pasteurised milk and cheese
Spicy, grilled and fried food
Marlin, tuna and shark
Describe development in the first trimester
Development starts at week 4
Week 6-10 - embryonic development and growth
Foetus from 10 weeks on
Describe development during the second trimester
Second from week 14
Hair, nails, toenails and eyelids start to form
18 weeks - toes and fingers formed and hearing starts to respond
20-26 - final development of vision and senses
Describe development during the third trimester
From week 27 onwards
Growth and nervous system maturation
Why does screening take place in the first trimester?
To find the due date
To determine the number of foetuses and identify placental structures
To diagnose an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
To examine the uterus and other pelvic anatomy
To detect foetal abnormalities
What diseases and infections can be found through maternal screening?
Hypertension
Diabetes
Rubella
Syphilis
Hep C
HIV
Why does screening take place in the second trimester (18-20 weeks)?
To confirm due date
Assist in prenatal tests such as amniocentesis
Examine foetal anatomy for abnormalities
Examine placenta
Monitor foetal growth
Observe foetal behaviour and activity
What screening tests are carried out in the first trimester?
Ultrasound
Maternal hCG - blood
PAPP-P - blood
