Session 8 - Preggers changes Flashcards
Give 6 main physiological changes in pregnacny
o Cardiovascular system o Urinary system o Respiratory system o Metabolic changes Carbohydrate Thyroid hormones o Gastrointestinal System o Immune system
What are the five main CVS changes of pregnancy
o Blood volume increases o Cardiac output increases o Stroke volume increase o Heart rate increases - Blood pressure DECREASES
What causes hypotension in T1 and T2?
Progesterone decreases systemic vascular resistance
What causes hypotension in T3
T3 – Aortocaval compression by gravid uterus. Reduced return to the heart.
Give four main effects of pregnancy on the urinary system
o Renal plasma flow increases
o Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) increases
~55%
o Filtration capacity intact
o Functional renal reserve decreases as GFR increases
Why does urinary stasis occur in pregnancy?
Progesterone relaxes the smooth muscle in the walls of the ureters, which can result in stasis, hydroureter, UTIs and pyelonephritis.
Why is pyelonephritis dangerous in pregnancy?
Pre-term labour
What is the main effect of foetus on respiratory system?
Diaphragm is displaced
What 7 changes occur in respiratory system?
O2 consumption increases 20% Decreases functional residual capacity Vital capacity unchanged Tidal volume increases Respiratory minute volume increased Alveolar ventilation rate increased Respiratory rate unchanged
What does progesterone generate in resp system?
Physiological hyperventilaton, so mother can blow off the extra CO2 the foetus produces.
This leads to respiratory Alkalosis, which the kidneys compensate for by producing and reabsorbing less bicarbonate.
How is carbohydrate metabolism changed in pregnancy?
Glucose and amino acid metabolism are altered in pregnancy to favour nutritional supply to the fetus
What does progesterone stimulate in terms of carbohydrate metabolism?
Progesterone stimulates appetite in the first half of pregnancy and diverts glucose into fat synthesis
What does oestrogen stimulate in terms of carb metabolism?
. Oestrogen stimulates an increase in prolactin release, which, along with other hormones, generates a maternal resistance to insulin
Why is it good to increase insulin resistance in mother?
More glucos for foetus
How are mothers energy needs met later in the pregnancy?
etabolising peripheral fatty acids.