Women's Health

PTA 160

Define the 1st Trimester

WEEKS 0-12 (1-3 months)

• Implantion of egg 7-10 fays after fertilization

• Mother : Increased fatigue, urination, nausea/vomiting, breast size, slight weight gain, emotions

• By end (12th week) : Fetus 6-7 cm / 2 oz

  • Fetus can move and has a heartbeat BUT mother does NOT feel them yet

Define the 2nd Trimester

WEEKS 13-26 (3-6 ½ months)

• Baby bump becomes visible

• Mother feels movement around week 20

  • Most feeling better, less sick

• By the end (26th week) : Fetus is 19-23 cm / 1-2 lbs

  • Now has eyebrows, eyelashes, & fingernails

Define the 3rd Trimester

WEEKS 27-40 (6 ½ - 10 months)

• Uterus is large & has regular contractions (may not be felt)

• Symptoms : Frequent urination, back pain, leg edema & fatigue, round ligament pain, SOB, & constipation

  • By the end (birth) : Baby is 33-39 cm / 7 lb

What is the average amount of weight gain that a mother might obtain during pregnancy?

25-35 lbs

How does pregnancy affect the uterus?

Increases from 5-10 cm → 25-36 cm

How does pregnancy affect the urinary system?

• Kidneys increase in length

• Ureters change in angle → urine to reflux back into ureters from bladder

  • Increased risk for UTI

How does pregnancy affect the pulmonary system?

• Change in rib position

• Diaphragm elevated by 4 cm

• Increase in oxygen consumption by 15-20%

• Tidal volume & ventilation increases (BUT total lung capacity remains the same)

• Dyspnea after mild exercise