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An overview of the physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy, including changes in the uterus, cervix, ovaries, vagina, breasts, GI system, urinary system, skin, musculoskeletal system, eyes, CNS, metabolism, and endocrine system. It also covers supine hypotension, Goodell's sign, Hegar's sign, cardiac changes, respiratory changes, physiologic anemia, and presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy. Additionally, it discusses psycho-social adjustment for both maternal and paternal figures, antepartum testing, and the importance of nursing assessment.
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Physiologic changes during pregnancy
- Uterus: o enlargement due to hypertrophy, thickening of walls, increase in vascular and lymphatic system, Braxton hicks - Cervix: o estrogen stimulates glandular tissue, development of mucous plug, Goodell and Chadwick sign - Ovaries: o ovum production stops, HcG maintains corpus luteum, secretes progesterone - Vagina: o hypertrophy, increased vascularity, hyperplasia from estrogen, increased secretions, loosening of connective tissues, increased blood flow - Breasts: o glandular hyperplasia and hypertrophy, darkened areolas, prominent veins, striae, colostrum (antibody rich yellow secretion that converts to milk following birth) - GI: o nausea and vomiting, hyperemia (bleeding of the gums) , many symptoms related to uterine pressure, liver changes, slow gallbladder emptying - Urinary: o pressure on the bladder causes frequent urination, dilation of kidneys, increased GFR and renal plasma flow, possible glycosuria - Skin: o hyperpigmentation, facial chloasma (melasma gravidarum) , striae, vascular spider nevi, decreased hair growth, hyperactive sweat glands - Musculoskeletal: o pelvic joints relax (waddling gait), center of gravity changes, separation of rectus abdomen - Eyes: o decreased intraocular pressure, thickening of cornea, may affect contact lenses - CNS: o decreased attention span, concentration, and memory, sleep problems - Metabolism: o weight gain (25-35lb above pre-pregnancy weight recommended) , nutrient metabolism (increased protein retention, fetal demands high during 2nd half of pregnancy, higher rate of fat absorption, fat deposits increase from 2-12%, body switches from glucose to lipid metabolism), carbohydrate demand increases, gestational diabetes, increased demand for iron, retention of calcium - Endocrine: o thyroid: serum thyroxine and BMR increase, TSH decreases o parathyroid: concentration of PTH increases, parallels fetal Ca requirements o pituitary: thyrotropin and adrenotropin alter metabolism, prolactin (lactation). oxytocin and vasopressin o adrenal: increased aldosterone o pancreas: increased insulin needs
Supine Hypotension
- AKA vena caval syndrome, aortocaval compression
Sudden gush of fluid from vagina Premature rupture of membranes Vaginal bleeding Abruptio placenta previa Lesions of cervix or vagina “Bloody show” Cervical, vagina infection Friable cervix (irritation of cervix) from intercourse, infection, or pregnancy Abdominal pain Premature labor, abruptio placentae Temperature about 38.3 C (101 F) and chills Infection Dizziness, blurring of vision, double vision, spots before eyes Hypertension, preeclampsia Persistent nausea and vomiting Hyperemesis gravidarum Severe Headache Hypertension, preeclampsia Edema of hands or face Preeclampsia Seizures or convulsions Preeclampsia, eclampsia Epigastric Pain Preeclampsia, ischemia in major abdominal vessel Dysuria UTI Absent or decreased fetal movement Maternal medication, obesity, fetal death, fetal distress Signs of Preterm Labor:
V A) ↑ risk renal damage Thyroid disorder ↑ infertility ↑ spontaneous abortion Hypothyroidism ↓ basal metabolic rate (B M R), goiter, myxedema ↑ risk miscarriage ↑ risk preterm labor/birth ↑ risk preeclampsia ↑ risk congenital goiter ↑ risk I U G R/S G A ↑ risk anemia ↑ risk stillbirth Hyperthyroidism ↑ risk postpartum hemorrhage ↑ risk preeclampsia Danger of thyroid storm Intellectual disability (cretinism) ↑ incidence congenital anomalies ↑ I U G R/S G A ↑ neonatal hyperthyroidism Renal disease (moderate to severe) ↑ risk renal failure ↑ risk I U G R/S G A ↑ risk preterm birth Diethylstilbestrol (D E S) exposure ↑ Infertility, spontaneous abortion ↑ cervical insufficiency ↑ risk breech presentation ↑ risk preterm birth Obstetric Considerations Previous Pregnancy Stillborn ↑ emotional/psychologic distress ↑ risk I U G R/S G A ↑ risk preterm birth Recurrent abortion ↑ emotional/psychologic distress ↑ risk abortion Cesarean birth ↑ possibility repeat cesarean birth ↑ risk preterm birth
▪ health promotion education // increase fluids, roughage, bowel habits, exercise o Back Ache ▪ curvature of lumbosacral vertebrae ▪ health promotion education // pelvic tilt, support belts o Leg Cramps ▪ can be caused by extension of foot ▪ health promotion education // stretching, massage, warm packs o Faintness ▪ sudden change of position / crowds ▪ health promotion education // understand symptoms, move slowly when changing position o Restless Leg Syndrome ▪ need to move legs or tingling sensation ▪ health promotion education // associated w iron deficient anemia o Round Ligament Pain ▪ due to growing uterus ▪ health promotion education // understand sensation to reduce anxiety, heating pad o Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ▪ compression of median nerve, commonly bilateral ▪ health promotion education // avoid aggravating activities, use a splint Risk of preterm Labor