12 Questions
What physiological change leads to a decrease in arterial blood pressure towards the end of the first trimester?
Reduced cardiac output
Why does the cervix become softer and swollen during pregnancy?
As a result of increased muscular tension
What effect does pregnancy have on vaginal discharge?
It becomes thicker and yellowish
What contributes to uterine enlargement during pregnancy?
Progesterone secretion
What is the purpose of the mucus plug in the cervix during pregnancy?
Facilitating labor by being expelled
What is a typical pH range of the vagina in a non-pregnant woman?
5-6.5
What physiological change in pregnant women leads to an increase in venous pressure and can cause varicose veins in the lower extremities?
Increased cardiac output
During pregnancy, why does the lying supine position potentially lead to inferior vena cava syndrome?
Compression of the vena cava by the uterus
Which hormone plays a key role in preparing the cervix for childbirth by softening collagen fibers?
Relaxin
Why do pregnant women often experience constipation as a common symptom?
Relaxation of intestinal smooth muscle fibers
How do abdominal muscles typically respond to the physical changes during pregnancy?
They stretch to their elastic limit
Which physiological system experiences dilation of structures like the renal pelvis and ureters during pregnancy?
Urinary system
Study Notes
Physiological Changes During Pregnancy
- The primary purpose of physiological changes during pregnancy is to provide a suitable environment for fetal growth.
- Estrogen contributes to uterine enlargement during pregnancy.
- Progesterone and estrogen cause the cervix to become softer and swollen during pregnancy.
Cervix and Vaginal Discharge
- The mucus plug in the cervix facilitates labor by being expelled.
- Pregnancy affects vaginal discharge, making it thick and white (leukorrhea).
Vaginal pH and Blood Pressure
- The typical pH range of the vagina in a non-pregnant woman is 3-4.5.
- A decrease in systemic vascular resistance leads to a decrease in arterial blood pressure towards the end of the first trimester.
Cardiac Output and Blood Volume
- Cardiac output increases by 30-50% at its peak during pregnancy.
- Expansion of blood volume occurs during pregnancy.
Complications and Symptoms
- Lying in the supine position during late pregnancy can cause inferior vena cava syndrome.
- Changes in urinary frequency increase then decrease as pregnancy progresses.
- Hyperventilation syndrome is characterized by breathing more quickly and deeply than normal.
- Relaxin affects collagen fibers, making the cervix softer.
- Hormonal changes that relax smooth muscle fibers in the intestines cause constipation.
- Abdominal muscles stretch to their elastic limit during pregnancy.
- Hormonal influence on ligaments causes postural changes during pregnancy.
Systems Affected During Pregnancy
- The cardiovascular system experiences profound supine hypotension affecting pregnant women.
- The renal pelvis and ureters dilate and remain enlarged for weeks after delivery.
Test your knowledge on the extensive physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. Questions cover topics such as the purpose of these changes, hormonal influences, and cervical softening. See how well you understand the physiological adaptations to support fetal growth.
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