Physiologic Adaptations to Pregnancy
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Physiologic Adaptations to Pregnancy

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Questions and Answers

What is indicated by a score of 2/10 in a non-stress test?

  • Normal fetal activity
  • Reassuring fetal well-being
  • Equivocal repeat testing
  • Immediate delivery needed (correct)
  • Which of the following is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy?

  • Skin hyperpigmentation
  • Fetal movement palpated by examiner
  • Fetal heartbeat detected via Doppler
  • Nausea and vomiting (correct)
  • At what gestational age can quickening typically be first felt in a primigravida?

  • 14 to 16 weeks
  • 24 to 26 weeks
  • 18 to 20 weeks (correct)
  • 10 to 12 weeks
  • What does a score of 6/10 indicate in the scoring criteria for a non-stress test?

    <p>Equivocal results suggesting repeat testing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What hormone is primarily detected in a urine pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy?

    <p>Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sign of pregnancy is characterized by a dark line running from the umbilicus to the pubis?

    <p>Line nigra</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following would be considered a probable sign of pregnancy?

    <p>Breast enlargement and tenderness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the earliest gestational age at which fetal cardiac movement can be noted via sonographic visualization?

    <p>4 to 8 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is defined as a reactive nonstress test (NST)?

    <p>FHR increase by 15 bpm above baseline for 15 seconds at least 2 times in 20 minutes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a contraction stress test, what does a negative result indicate?

    <p>No deceleration in FHR during 10 min with 3 contractions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) measure?

    <p>Volume of amniotic fluid in the uterine cavity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes oligohydramnios in AFI results?

    <p>AFI less than 5 cm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What specifies the purpose of a biophysical profile?

    <p>Assessment of fetal well-being using multiple parameters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant risk associated with contraction stress tests?

    <p>High false positive rate due to short monitoring periods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option is an example of a screening test?

    <p>Amniotic fluid index measurement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a positive contraction stress test result?

    <p>Late decelerations occurring with 50% of contractions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of carrying out a comprehensive health assessment during the initial prenatal visit?

    <p>To identify potential risks to the mother and fetus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the abbreviation GTPAL stand for in documenting obstetric history?

    <p>Gravida, Term, Preterm, Abortions, Living children</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which trimester should education about pain relief options in labor be addressed?

    <p>Third trimester</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should a woman anticipate being screened for gestational diabetes?

    <p>24-28 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term teratogenesis refer to in prenatal education?

    <p>The production of congenital malformations due to teratogens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor is assessed to determine the need for a Pap smear during an initial prenatal visit?

    <p>If indicated based on medical history</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of performing a urinalysis during prenatal care?

    <p>To screen for urinary tract infections and other conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what point in the pregnancy is the screening for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) typically conducted?

    <p>35-37 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a physiological change in the uterus during pregnancy?

    <p>Hypertrophy of uterine wall</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does progesterone affect smooth muscle during pregnancy?

    <p>Relaxes muscle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What causes edema in the lower extremities during pregnancy?

    <p>Compression of iliac veins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What hormone is primarily responsible for nasal and sinus congestion during pregnancy?

    <p>Estrogen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential change in laboratory values due to cardiovascular adaptations in pregnancy?

    <p>Increased plasma volume</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method can help relieve lower extremity edema?

    <p>Hydration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about fetal movement counts is correct?

    <p>A minimum of 4 distinct fetal movements should be noted within 1 hour.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a likely physiological adaptation of the cervical glands during pregnancy?

    <p>Formation of a mucus plug</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the embryoblast play in development?

    <p>Develops into the embryo</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava in the fetal circulatory system?

    <p>Ductus Venosus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does oxygenated blood bypass the lungs in the fetal circulatory system?

    <p>Via the foramen ovale</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is primarily responsible for the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone during early pregnancy?

    <p>Placenta</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structure forms the maternal side of the placenta?

    <p>Decidua basalis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the placenta facilitate gas exchange?

    <p>Via diffusion and active transport</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the ductus arteriosus after birth?

    <p>It constricts due to higher oxygen levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is responsible for promoting fetal growth by regulating glucose?

    <p>Human placental lactogen (hPL)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Physiologic Adaptations to Pregnancy

    Uterine Changes

    • Uterus undergoes hypertrophy of the uterine wall.
    • Vaginal muscles and connective tissue soften, preparing for birth.
    • Increased contractibility leads to Braxton-Hicks contractions.
    • Cervical glands enlarge to form a mucus plug, acting as a protective barrier.
    • Uterus expands and stretches to accommodate the growing fetus.
    • Circulatory volume expands, causing vascular congestion.
    • Abdominal muscles stretch, which may lead to diastasis recti.
    • Increased vascularity in vaginal and cervical glands results in heightened leukorrhea.
    • Amenorrhea, or absence of menstruation, occurs during pregnancy.

    Hormonal Impact on Smooth Muscle

    • Muscle relaxation is facilitated by respiratory estrogen, progesterone, and prostaglandins, potentially causing:
      • Dyspnea and nasal congestion.
      • Epistaxis (nosebleeds).
    • Renal effects include increased urine output, incontinence, and a higher risk of urinary tract infections due to progesterone.
    • Gastrointestinal changes result in bloating, flatulence, and constipation also linked to progesterone.
    • Estrogen and progesterone relax smooth muscles in the cervix and pelvic floor ligaments.

    Edema in Lower Extremities

    • Edema is caused by increased venous pressure and compression of iliac veins and inferior vena cava during pregnancy.
    • Decreased renal flow occurs, particularly in the third trimester.
    • Relief methods include:
      • Sleeping on the left side to prevent vena cava compression.
      • Elevating the legs.
      • Staying hydrated and exercising.
      • Wearing compression socks and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing.

    Nasal and Sinus Congestion

    • Congestion results from elevated levels of estrogen, progesterone, and prostaglandins.

    Cardiovascular System Adaptations

    • Elevated red blood cell (RBC) count and volume.
    • Increased plasma volume leads to decreased hemoglobin concentration.

    Fetal Monitoring Techniques

    • Daily fetal movement counts (FMC) are recommended after approximately 28 weeks:
      • Options: Two-hour perception of ten distinct movements or one-hour perception of four movements.
      • If no movement is detected post-meal, advise lying on the side.
    • Vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) is used when a non-reactive non-stress test (NST) occurs:
      • Involves applying an artificial larynx on the maternal abdomen; reactive results show FHR increases.
    • Contraction stress tests assess fetal heart rate (FHR) response to contractions:
      • A normal (negative) result shows no FHR decelerations with three contractions.
      • An abnormal (positive) result indicates late decelerations during 50% of contractions, suggesting oxygen reserve issues.
    • Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) evaluates amniotic fluid volume to check fetal well-being:
      • Normal range is approximately 8cm to 24cm, while ologohydramnios and polyhydramnios indicate fetal distress.
    • A biophysical profile combines NST with ultrasound assessing five indicators and score interpretation.

    Diagnosing Pregnancy

    Signs of Pregnancy

    • Presumptive Signs:

      • Amenorrhea, nausea and vomiting, breast changes (enlargement, tenderness), fatigue, frequent urination, quickening.
    • Probable Signs:

      • Uterine growth, skin hyperpigmentation (melasma and linea nigra), and ballottement.
    • Positive Signs:

      • Auscultation of fetal heart sounds, palpable fetal movement, and sonographic visualization of fetal structures.

    Pregnancy Tests

    • Urine pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), with blood tests providing earlier detection.
    • First-morning urine specimens yield the most accurate results for home pregnancy tests.

    Preconception and Prenatal Care

    Initial Prenatal Visit Components

    • Comprehensive health assessment including pregnancy history and physical exam.
    • Determine estimated due date (EDD), nutrition assessment, and psychosocial evaluation.
    • Standard lab tests including blood type, CBC, RPR, HIV screening, hepatitis B, rubella titer, tuberculosis screen, urinalysis, and cultures.

    Teratogenesis

    • Teratogenesis refers to congenital malformations due to exposure to harmful agents during development.

    Prenatal Education Topics

    • Discuss pain relief, postpartum care, early pregnancy discomforts, breastfeeding, signs of labor, and infant care.

    Obstetric History Documentation (GTPAL)

    • G: Total number of pregnancies.
    • T: Term infants (37+ weeks).
    • P: Preterm infants.
    • A: Abortions (spontaneous or induced).
    • L: Living children.

    Screening Recommendations

    • Gestational diabetes screening occurs at 24-28 weeks.
    • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening is done at 35-37 weeks.

    Infertility Definition

    • Defined as the inability to conceive and maintain a pregnancy after six months.

    Pregnancy and Fetal Development

    Fertilization Location

    • Occurs in the outer third of the fallopian tube where sperm and oocyte nuclei merge to form a zygote.

    Fetal Circulatory System Structures

    • Ductus venosus connects umbilical vein to inferior vena cava.
    • Foramen ovale allows blood shunting from right to left atrium.
    • Ductus arteriosus connects pulmonary artery to descending aorta, directing most blood to the aorta bypassing the lungs.

    Placenta Function and Formation

    • Forms from both fetal (chorionic tissue) and maternal (decidual tissue) components.
    • Facilitates metabolic and gas exchange via diffusion and active transport, alongside hormone production (hCG, estrogen, progesterone, hPL) essential for pregnancy maintenance.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the various physiologic adaptations that occur in the body during pregnancy, particularly focusing on the changes in the uterus. Participants will learn about the hypertrophy of uterine walls, softening of vaginal muscles, and other crucial adaptations that facilitate a healthy pregnancy and birth process.

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