Pregnancy Physiology Flashcards

1
Q

Over the counter pregnancy tests rely on the detection of which hormone in the urine?

A

Human chorionic gonadotrophin

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2
Q

Which of these is a positive sign of pregnancy?

A

A- positive pregnancy test
B- fetal heart detected on ultrasound (correct answer)
C- amenorrhea
D- enlarged uterus

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3
Q

What is pseudocyesis?

A

Imagined pregnancy

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4
Q

Why is the embryonic period a high risk time for the development of major birth defects?

A

Basic structures of all major body organs are completed during this time

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5
Q

Development of the glandular ducts in the breasts is due to the influence of?

A

Oestrogen

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6
Q

Which hormone is not secreted by the anterior pituitary gland?

A

Oxytocin

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7
Q

The drop in haemoglobin levels typically found during pregnancy is due to?

A

An increase in both red blood cells and plasma with plasma increasing at a greater proportion.

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8
Q

Coagulation time in pregnancy does what?

A

Decrease

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9
Q

Cardiac output increases during pregnancy how much?

A

40%

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10
Q

Progesterone does what in pregnancy?

A

Relaxes smooth muscle

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11
Q

During pregnancy some women may notice chloasma on their?

A

Face- brown patches on the skin

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12
Q

Changes in skin colour during pregnancy is due to?

A

Increase melanin

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13
Q

Name 4 symptoms of pregnancy?

A

Sensitive breasts
Fatigue
Headache
Vomiting

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14
Q

Which is HCG initially produced?

A

Blastocyst

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15
Q

How early after conception can HCG be produced?

A

6-10 days

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16
Q

How long into pregnancy can HCG be detected?

A

60-70 days

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17
Q

Which hormone does HCG promote the production of?

A

Progesterone and oestrogen

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18
Q

Which physical sign of pregnancy is HCG related to?

A

Nausea and vomiting

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19
Q

Amenorrhea is a sign of pregnancy but what else may it signify?

A

Poly cystic ovaries
Hormones in balance
Premature menopause
Pseudocyesis

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20
Q

Which endocrine organs enlarge during pregnancy?

A

Thyroid and pituitary

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21
Q

Which hormones are produced by the pituitary gland?

A

Prolactin, cortisol, oxytocin, progesterone

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22
Q

Which endocrine gland is responsible for the ‘glow’ of pregnancy?

A

Melanocytes

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23
Q

What is the temporary endocrine gland developed during pregnancy?

A

The placenta

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24
Q

Which hormones causes symptoms such as low BP, heart BURN and increased UTI

A

Progesterone

25
Q

Which hormone is responsible for increase in the sense of smell and thicker hair?

A

Oestrogen

26
Q

Which hormone is responsible for discomfort in the lower back and pelvis?

A

Relaxin

27
Q

Which hormone is responsible for constipation and why?

A

Relaxin because it relaxes smooth muscle

28
Q

During pregnancy and woman’s gait changes, what physiologically happens to cause this?

A

Pelvis tits forward, decreased abdominal muscle tone and increased weight bearing

29
Q

Which two hormones soften connective tissue?

A

Oestrogen and relaxin

30
Q

The changes in the kidney associated with pregnancy cause what symptoms?

A

Bladder irritation, frequent ruination and urgency

31
Q

The glomerular filtration rate increases by how much during pregnancy?

A

50%

32
Q

What is the volume of bladder capacity at term?

A

1000mls

33
Q

Glomerular filtration rate in pregnancy increases to manage what?

A

Increased metabolic demands
Exrection of fetal waste
Fetal requirements

34
Q

How much of the diaphragm is misplaced during pregnancy?

A

4cm

35
Q

Engorgment of the capillaries during pregnancy causes what changes to the respiratory tract?

A

Nasal and sinus stiffness
Voice chance
Mild respiratory infections

36
Q

How much does blood volume increase during pregnancy?

A

30-50%

37
Q

What is the increase in blood volume in pregnancy due to?

A

1000mls increase in plasma and 450mls increase in red blood cells

38
Q

When does the increase in blood volume begin?

A

10/12 weeks gestation

39
Q

Why is there increase in blood volume during pregnancy?

A

Fluid reserve for birth
Maintenance of BP
Hypertrophied vascular system of the uterus

40
Q

What causes haemodilution in pregnancy?

A

Increase in plasma volume

41
Q

What haemoglobin level indicates anaemia in pregnancy?

A

10g

42
Q

What causes increased chance of blood clotting in pregnancy?

A

Increased clotting factors

Depressed fibrinolytic activity

43
Q

What causes gums to become soft leading to easy bleeding?

A

Oestrogen and Increased vascularity

44
Q

What effect does the increase in progesterone have on the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal system?

A

Slower emptying of the stomach
Constipation
Regurgitation

45
Q

What are the main purposes of cardiac adaption during pregnancy?

A

Protects normal physiological functioning
Meets the metabolic depends of pregnancy
Provides for fetal growth and development

46
Q

What changes in position does the heart make in pregnancy?

A

Pushed upwards

Rotates forward

47
Q

What is the pulse increase in between 14-20 weeks gestation?

A

10-15bpm

48
Q

By how much does cardiac output increase during pregnancy and why?

A

40% and because of increased stroke volume= volume of blood pumped from one ventricle of the heart with each beat

49
Q

What effect does lying In a supine position have on cardiac output of a pregnant woman?

A

Compresses inferior vena cava leading to decreased venous return and leading to hypotension

50
Q

What is the most favourable recumbent position for a pregnant woman?

A

Lateral

51
Q

What is the cause of the diastolic BP reduction in the first and second trimester?

A

Hormonal vasodilation

52
Q

What are 4 changes that occur in the uterus through pregnancy?

A

Uterine blood flow increase
Uterus changes shape and size
Inclined and rotates to R of the pelvic cavity
Becomes abdominal organ at 12 weeks

53
Q

What effects does oestrogen have on the breast tissues during pregnancy?

A

Develop lactiferous tubules, ducts and stores fats

54
Q

What effects does progesterone have on the breast tissue during pregnancy?

A

Darken alveoli and enables secretory ability

55
Q

What physical changes and sensations happen to the breast at 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks?

A

6 weeks- tingling and feeling full
8 weeks- increased vascularity
12 weeks- growth and pigmentation, darling of Areola
16 weeks- colostrum secretion

56
Q

Which hormone increases blood supply to the cervix?

A

Oestrogen

57
Q

Progesterone is responsible for the secretin of thick mucus- what does this form and why is it important?

A

Operculum- barrier to infection

58
Q

What discharge is normal during pregnancy?

A

Thick, creamy, often runny