61 Questions
Which cells within the myometrium increase in size during early pregnancy?
Myometrial cells
What is the major component of myometrial growth after mid-gestation?
Hypertrophy of uterine smooth muscle cells
Which statement best describes the physical changes of pregnancy?
They occur with startling speed and every woman reacts uniquely.
What is the role of many adaptations during pregnancy?
To protect maternal homeostasis and meet the demands of both the mother and the fetus
What occurs as a result of both hyperplasia and hypertrophy of myometrial cells?
Increase in uterine size
Which changes persist for life after childbirth?
Changes in the reproductive system
What is the cause of thrush in neonates born to mothers with symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis?
Fungal infection
During pregnancy, when do the ovaries reach their maximum size?
12th to 14th week
Why does ovulation cease during pregnancy?
Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone
Which hormone production supports the pregnancy until about weeks 6 to 7?
Progesterone only
What causes the breasts to increase in fullness, become tender, and grow larger throughout pregnancy?
Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone
What makes the nipples and the areola deeply pigmented during pregnancy?
Hormonal changes
What keeps the nipples lubricated for breastfeeding?
Tubercles of Montgomery (sebaceous glands)
What leads to striae (stretch marks) in approximately half of all pregnant women?
Tremendous breast growth
What happens to the diameter of the main uterine artery during pregnancy?
It approximately doubles in size
What are the spontaneous, irregular, and painless contractions that begin during the first trimester of pregnancy called?
Braxton Hicks contractions
What does the softening and compressibility of the lower uterine segment result in?
Exaggerated uterine anteflexion
What does the acute hemodynamic change, termed supine hypotensive syndrome, cause during pregnancy?
Weakness, light-headedness, nausea, dizziness, or syncope
At approximately what gestational weeks does the fundus reach its highest level, at the xiphoid process?
36 weeks
What is the term for the softening of the cervix due to vasocongestion and the influence of estrogen?
Goodell sign
What causes Chadwick sign, a cyanosis or bluish purple discoloration of the cervix?
Increased vascularization of the cervix
What happens to vaginal secretions during pregnancy?
They become more acidic, white, and thick
What does leukorrhea refer to during pregnancy?
Increase in whitish vaginal discharge
What does cervical ripening involve in preparation for labor?
Softening, effacement, and increased distensibility of the cervix
What happens to the vaginal vault during pregnancy in preparation for birth?
It begins to lengthen
What is the cause of uterine growth in early pregnancy?
Hyperplasia of uterine smooth muscle cells
Which factor causes the major component of myometrial growth after mid-gestation?
Mechanical stretch of uterine tissue by the growing fetus
What happens to the diameter of the main uterine artery during pregnancy?
It increases significantly
What causes Chadwick sign, a cyanosis or bluish purple discoloration of the cervix?
Increased blood flow to the cervix
What is the term for the softening of the cervix due to vasocongestion and the influence of estrogen?
Cervical ripening
What keeps the nipples lubricated for breastfeeding?
Sebaceous gland secretions
What causes the breasts to increase in fullness, become tender, and grow larger throughout pregnancy?
Prolactin hormone secretion
What does cervical ripening involve in preparation for labor?
Increase in cervical length
What happens to vaginal secretions during pregnancy?
They increase in volume and become more acidic.
What does the softening and compressibility of the lower uterine segment result in?
Facilitation of fetal descent and birth canal preparation.
What causes thrush in neonates born to mothers with symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis?
Maternal-fetal transmission of Candida albicans.
What are the spontaneous, irregular, and painless contractions that begin during the first trimester of pregnancy called?
Braxton Hicks contractions.
What is a potential consequence of symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women?
Oral infection in newborns known as thrush
Why are the ovaries not palpable after approximately the 12th to 14th week of gestation?
Because of the increased size of the uterus
What causes the breasts to become highly vascular and the veins to become visible under the skin during pregnancy?
Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone
What leads to the appearance of striae (stretch marks) in approximately half of all pregnant women?
Changes in the connective tissue of the breasts
What is the role of colostrum in pregnancy?
To nourish the newborn before breast milk is produced
What happens to ovulation during pregnancy?
It ceases due to elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone
What causes neonates born to mothers with symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis to develop an oral infection known as thrush?
Transmitted fungal infection from the mother
What is responsible for causing striae (stretch marks) in many pregnant women?
Connective tissue changes and breast growth
What takes over the major production of progesterone around weeks 6 to 7 of pregnancy?
The placenta
What happens to vaginal secretions during pregnancy?
They increase in quantity and become more acidic
What causes the breasts to become tender and grow larger throughout pregnancy?
Influence of estrogen and progesterone
Why does ovulation cease during pregnancy?
Because progesterone blocks secretion of FSH and LH
What is the purpose of the enlargement of the main uterine artery during pregnancy?
To accommodate the increased blood volume needed to supply the placenta
What is the term for the painless contractions that thin out or efface the cervix before birth?
Braxton Hicks contractions
What causes the supine hypotensive syndrome experienced by pregnant women?
The heavy gravid uterus falling back against the inferior vena cava
What does the term 'lightening' refer to in pregnancy?
The fetal head descending and engaging into the pelvis
What is the purpose of cervical ripening in preparation for labor?
To increase cervical elasticity and strength
What physiological change occurs within the vagina during pregnancy?
Thickening of the vaginal mucosa
What is the significance of leukorrhea during pregnancy?
It is a normal increase in white, acidic vaginal discharge
What role does progesterone play in cervical changes during early pregnancy?
It forms a thick mucus plug to block the cervical os
What does Chadwick sign indicate during pregnancy?
"Bluish purple discoloration" of the cervix
What changes occur to fundal height as pregnancy progresses?
It drops as the fetus begins to descend and engage into the pelvis between 38 and 40 weeks' gestation
What causes an increase in urinary frequency during early pregnancy?
Pressing of uterus on urinary bladder
What physiological changes occur within the lower portion of the uterus (the isthmus) as pregnancy progresses?
Hypertrophy and increased thickness followed by descent into pelvic cavity
Study Notes
Uterus and Pregnancy
- During early pregnancy, myometrial cells increase in size.
- The major component of myometrial growth after mid-gestation is due to estrogens.
- Physical changes during pregnancy include uterine growth, breast changes, and cervical softening.
Breast Changes
- The breasts increase in fullness, become tender, and grow larger throughout pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
- The nipples and areola become deeply pigmented during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
- The nipples are kept lubricated for breastfeeding by hormonal changes.
Cervical Changes
- The cervix softens due to vasocongestion and the influence of estrogen, known as Goodell's sign.
- Chadwick sign is a cyanosis or bluish purple discoloration of the cervix caused by vasocongestion.
- Cervical ripening involves softening, effacement, and dilatation in preparation for labor.
Uterine and Arterial Changes
- The diameter of the main uterine artery increases during pregnancy.
- The softening and compressibility of the lower uterine segment result in Braxton Hicks contractions.
Other Changes
- Thrush in neonates born to mothers with symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis is caused by vertical transmission.
- Striae (stretch marks) occur in approximately half of all pregnant women due to skin stretching.
- Supine hypotensive syndrome is an acute hemodynamic change that causes lightheadedness in pregnant women.
Labor Preparation
- Cervical ripening involves softening, effacement, and dilatation in preparation for labor.
- The vaginal vault prepares for birth by increasing secretions and expanding.
- The fundus reaches its highest level at the xiphoid process around 36 weeks of gestation.
Explore the physiological changes that occur in a woman's body during pregnancy to accommodate the growing fetus. Understand how each system of the body adapts to support the needs of the developing human being.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
