Wk 5c Anatomical Changes & phsiology of pregnancy

A set of 84 question and answer flashcards designed to help review the physiological and anatomical changes that occur during pregnancy.

What hormone from the placenta maintains the corpus luteum early in pregnancy?

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

What are striae gravidarum commonly known as?

Stretch marks.

Which system undergoes significant enlargement in response to increased metabolic waste during pregnancy?

Urinary (Renal) System.

What cardiovascular change occurs due to increased blood volume during pregnancy?

Cardiac output increases by 30-60%.

What does progesterone do to blood vessels during pregnancy?

Relaxes them, reducing peripheral resistance.

In which trimester is the highest increase in cardiac output typically observed?

First trimester.

What physiological effect does rising estrogen have on the skin during pregnancy?

Increased pigmentation.

What happens to the respiratory rate during pregnancy?

It increases.

How much does plasma volume increase during pregnancy?

About 50%.

What is the effect of relaxin during pregnancy?

Softens ligaments and connective tissue.

What is the term for the dark line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy?

Linea nigra.

What triggers the release of oxytocin during parturition?

Pressure on the cervix.

What significant effect does hCG have in the early stages of pregnancy?

Maintains the corpus luteum.

What physiological change can result in frequent urination during pregnancy?

Compression of the bladder by the expanding uterus.

What type of anemia can develop during pregnancy due to increased plasma volume?

Physiological anemia.

What is melasma, which can occur during pregnancy?

Darkening of facial skin.

How does pregnancy affect hair growth?

Hair may become thicker due to prolonged anagen phase.

What position can a pregnant woman adopt to alleviate supine hypotensive syndrome?

Lie on her left side.

What cardiovascular condition may develop in the third trimester due to increased vessel distensibility?

Varicose veins.

What change occurs in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) during pregnancy?

It increases by about 50%.

What effect does human placental lactogen (hPL) have on maternal metabolism?

Promotes mild insulin resistance.

What hormonal changes trigger morning sickness during early pregnancy?

Increased levels of hCG and progesterone.

What anatomical change occurs in the uterus during pregnancy?

Hypertrophy and stretching of the uterine walls.

What is a common neurological symptom during pregnancy due to fluid retention?

Carpal tunnel syndrome.

What condition may cause headaches in pregnant women?

Changes in cerebral blood flow and blood pressure.

What happens to heart rate during pregnancy?

It increases by 10–15 bpm.

Which hormone is responsible for maintaining the endometrial lining during early pregnancy?

Progesterone.

What is the role of the placenta in pregnancy?

It acts as an endocrine organ and facilitates nutrient exchange.

What potential neurological condition can arise during pregnancy due to hormonal changes?

Anxiety.

What is a common effect of elevated progesterone during pregnancy on the gastrointestinal system?

Slowed gastrointestinal motility.

What physiological change occurs in the breasts during pregnancy?

Enlargement and tenderness due to hormone influence.

What major change occurs in the blood composition during pregnancy?

Increased blood clotting factors.

How does the body compensate for the increased metabolic demands during pregnancy?

Increased cardiac output and blood volume.

What happens to nutritional absorption in the gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy?

It increases due to slowed motility.

What causes the increased emotional changes during pregnancy?

Hormonal fluctuations.

Which organ system is directly influenced by the chorionic villi of the placenta?

Maternal blood system.

What anatomical change occurs to the diaphragm during pregnancy?

It is pushed upward and to the left.

What mechanism allows for fetal oxygen exchange in pregnancy?

Selective permeability of the placenta.

What is a sign of labour that indicates the cervix is beginning to soften?

‘Show’ from mucus plug.

What is a significant effect of the enlarging uterus on the urinary system?

Higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

What is the primary reason for increased blood volume during pregnancy?

To supply the developing fetus and placenta.

What is the effect of pregnancy on maternal metabolism, especially regarding glucose?

Mild insulin resistance to ensure glucose availability for the fetus.

What is the common term for the increased sensitivity to smells and tastes during pregnancy?

Nausea or morning sickness.

What impact does hormonal change have on sleep patterns during pregnancy?

It can cause fatigue and mood fluctuations.

What significant cardiovascular adjustment occurs as the pregnancy progresses?

Increased venous return and blood volume.

What is one of the first measurable hormonal changes upon conception?

Release of hCG.

What happens to the pelvic floor during pregnancy?

It may experience increased laxity due to hormonal changes.

What role does estrogen play in the body during pregnancy?

Stimulates growth of uterine and breast tissues.

How does the mother’s body adapt to increased oxygen demands during pregnancy?

Increased tidal volume and minute ventilation.

What is the purpose of the increased uterine muscle contractions in the first stage of labor?

To soften and dilate the cervix.

What hormonal changes can affect the mood and emotional state of a pregnant woman?

Altered levels of progesterone and cortisol.

What cardiovascular condition may develop in the third trimester due to placental effects?

High blood pressure (pre-eclampsia).

What defines the term 'parturition'?

The process of childbirth.

What is the expected blood volume increase during pregnancy?

30-50%.

How does the body maintain fluid-electrolyte balance during pregnancy?

Increased renal blood flow and GFR.

What happens to renal plasma flow during pregnancy?

It rises significantly, causing kidney enlargement.

In what stage of pregnancy do most anatomical changes occur?

Throughout the entire pregnancy, particularly second and third trimesters.

What role does the placenta play in fetal development?

Nutrient and waste exchange.

What heightens the risk of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy?

Increased levels of clotting factors.

How can body posture change during pregnancy?

Shifts center of gravity, which can lead to lordosis.

What mechanism deals with excess metabolic waste from both mother and fetus?

Increased renal filtration and excretion.

During which trimester does the majority of breast growth occur?

Throughout pregnancy, with changes continuing into lactation.

What can trigger early signs of labor?

Physical activity and hormonal changes.

What change happens physiologically to the mother's body after childbirth?

The uterus returns to its normal size.

What is retained in the body post-delivery due to hormonal effects?

Water and sodium.

What common symptom is associated with increased blood volume in pregnancy?

Ankle swelling.

What happens to the thyroid gland during pregnancy?

It may show slight enlargement.

What hormone levels typically change to facilitate breast milk production after birth?

Prolactin.

What is a psychological effect of pregnancy on the mother?

Increased stress and vulnerability.

What cardiovascular adaptation helps maintain higher blood flow to the uterus during pregnancy?

Decreased systemic vascular resistance.

What sensory experience is heightened due to hormonal changes during pregnancy?

Taste and smell sensitivities.

What anatomical change occurs to connective tissue during pregnancy?

Softening due to hormonal influences.

What physiological effect accompanies contractions during the second stage of labor?

Powerful expulsive contractions for birth.

By what factor does the uterus typically increase in size during pregnancy?

It increases approximately 500-1000 times its non-pregnant size.

What is the primary site of nutrient and waste exchange within the placenta?

The intervillous space, where maternal blood bathes the fetal chorionic villi.

What is cervical effacement during labor?

The thinning and shortening of the cervix, measured in percentages from 0-100%.

What is "lochia" in the immediate post-natal period?

The vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue, typically lasting several weeks.