Physiological adaptations in pregnancy - revision

Uterine Hypertrophy

Increase in muscle fiber size during pregnancy.

Uterine Hyperplasia

Formation of new muscle cells in the uterus.

Fundal Height

Measurement of uterus height during pregnancy stages.

Mucous Plug

Thickened mucus protecting the cervix during pregnancy.

Cervical Ripening

Cervix becomes thinner and more elastic before labor.

Leukorrhea

Thick white discharge due to increased estrogen.

Montgomery's Tubercules

Prominent glands on the nipple during pregnancy.

Cardiovascular Adaptations

Changes in heart and blood volume during pregnancy.

Supine Hypotensive Syndrome

Low blood pressure when lying on the back.

Varicose Veins

Enlarged veins due to increased blood volume.

Edema

Swelling from fluid retention during pregnancy.

Anemia

Low iron levels affecting oxygen transport.

Preeclampsia

Hypertensive disorder requiring close monitoring.

Hyperventilation

Increased breathing rate due to CO2 sensitivity.

Dyspnea

Breathlessness experienced in up to 75% of pregnancies.

Renal Blood Flow

Increased blood flow to kidneys during pregnancy.

Glomerular Filtration Rate

Increased waste elimination efficiency in pregnancy.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Gum sensitivity and bleeding due to hormonal changes.

Ptyalism

Excess saliva production during pregnancy.

Gut Motility

Decreased movement in the digestive tract.

Constipation

Common digestive issue affecting 40% of pregnant people.

Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Irregular, weak uterine contractions during pregnancy.

Oxygen Consumption

Increases by 20-30% during pregnancy.

Blood Volume Increase

Total blood volume rises by 30-50%.

Temperature Rise

Body temperature increases by 0.2-0.4 degrees C.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Blood clot in deep veins, often in legs.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Life-threatening condition from DVT clot traveling.

Hormonal Influence

Estrogen and progesterone drive many pregnancy changes.

Uteroplacental Circulation

Blood flow to the placenta and fetus.

Dehydration

Causes various digestive issues during pregnancy.

Flatulence

Increased gas due to decreased bowel motility.

Gallbladder

Slower emptying increases gallstone risk.

Hemorrhoids

Caused by constipation and uterine pressure.

Linea Nigra

Dark line from pubis to navel during pregnancy.

Melasma

Blotchy facial pigmentation worsened by sun exposure.

Striae Gravidarum

Stretch marks from collagen layer stretching.

Pruritis

Itching affecting up to 20% of pregnancies.

Lordosis

Exaggerated lumbar curve due to weight of uterus.

Diastasis Recti

Abdominal muscle separation during pregnancy.

Relaxin

Hormone that softens ligaments for labor.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

Supports corpus luteum; peaks at 8-10 weeks.

Estrogen

Increases blood flow and prepares breasts for lactation.

Progesterone

Essential for endometrial environment and pregnancy maintenance.

Prolactin

Stimulates mammary growth and lactation.

Thyroid Gland

Enlarges slightly; crucial for fetal brain development.

Basal Metabolic Rate

Increases by 5%, 10%, and 25% across trimesters.

Weight Gain

Recommended 25-35 lbs based on pre-pregnancy BMI.

Moderate Exercise

Advised during pregnancy; avoid high-impact activities.

Vivid Dreams

Reported due to REM sleep disruption in pregnancy.

Calcium/Phosphorus Metabolism

May cause leg cramps during pregnancy.

Sleep Deprivation

Affects cognitive function; common in pregnancy.

Nasal Congestion

Common discomfort due to hormonal changes.

Hyperpigmentation

Increased pigmentation in skin, scars, and freckles.

Spider Veins

Dilated veins often due to increased estrogen.

Palmar Erythema

Reddened palms linked to high estrogen levels.

Waddling Gait

Altered walking pattern due to pelvic changes.