Pregnancy & Perinatal health Flashcards
What factors contribute to fertility issues?
- age
- smoking
- BMI
- exercise
- drugs
- folate levels
- alcohol
At what age does the chance of pregnancy become much lower?
34+ years old
What is pregnancy divided into?
Trimesters!
when does the first trimester occur?
6-12 weeks
when does the second trimester occur?
13-28 weeks
when does the third trimester occur?
29-40 weeks
What maternal changes occur in pregnancy?
- physical changes
- hormonal changes
- haematological changes
- cardiovascular changes
- coagulation changes
How do oestrogen & progestoren levels appear in pregnant patients?
Increased !
Why do female hormones increase during pregnancy?
- act on kidney to increase renin secretion
- increased salt & water retention
- increased plasma volume by 45%
The lower oesophageal relaxes during pregnancy, what can this cause?
increased GORD chances
What negative effect can hormonal changes have on the mother during pregnancy?
Increased insulin sensitivity! Diabetes in pregnancy
What haematological changes can be seen in the mother during pregnancy?
- increased production of RBC/WBC/Platelets
- 20% increase in RBC to account for blood loss during pregnancy
why can diagnosing infections in pregnant patients sometimes be difficult?
Pregnancy increases white blood cell count anyway
What effect does pregnancy have on smooth muscle?
Relaxation of smooth muscle
- reduced peripheral resistance
- reduces systolic & diastolic BP
- HR increased by 25% to compensate
How is coagulation affected in the mother during pregnancy?
Clotting factor production increases
- increased system sensitivity with increased DVT risk
