Pregnancy and the Placenta Functions

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of insulin in relation to glucose in the bloodstream during the 2nd trimester?

Insulin causes excess glucose to accumulate in the bloodstream.

Insulin is produced only when glucose levels are low.

Insulin prevents the conversion of rice to glucose.

Insulin acts as a key that allows glucose to enter the cells. (correct)

What might indicate a risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a patient?

Experiencing significant weight loss during pregnancy.

Having high glucose levels in the bloodstream and insulin resistance. (correct)

Having a regular diet with no carbohydrate intake.

Showing no signs of glucose in the urine during check-ups.

What distinguishes the 'Dirty Duncan' and 'Shiny Schultz' sides of the placenta?

Dirty Duncan indicates the fetal side, while Shiny Schultz indicates the maternal side.

Dirty Duncan is the side that separates from the start edges, and Shiny Schultz is centrally located.

Dirty Duncan has an outer layer appearance, while Shiny Schultz is the inner layer.

Dirty Duncan appears less appealing while Shiny Schultz has a glossy surface. (correct)

What is the average number of cotyledons found in a placenta?

25-30 Signup and view all the answers

When should screening for gestational diabetes typically occur during pregnancy?

Between 24-28 weeks in the second trimester. Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided to prevent complications from hemorrhoids during pregnancy?

Staying away from injury Signup and view all the answers

Why is hemorrhoidectomy not encouraged during pregnancy?

It may lead to anal sphincter damage. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about relaxin is correct?

It makes the pelvic bones more movable. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of leg cramps during pregnancy?

Muscle fatigue and hypocalcemia Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken to manage back pain during pregnancy?

Maintain proper posture Signup and view all the answers

What is expected to happen to the heart during pregnancy?

Slight hypertrophy of the heart occurs. Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological change is not expected during pregnancy?

High blood pressure. Signup and view all the answers

How can edema during pregnancy be relieved?

By elevating the legs above foot level. Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is commonly associated with increased plasma volume in pregnant women?

Easy fatigability. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is high blood pressure acceptable during pregnancy?

High blood pressure is never acceptable. Signup and view all the answers

For a gravida with cardiac issues, what is the most critical period for potential cardiac arrest?

Third trimester. Signup and view all the answers

What might happen as a result of the heart pumping more during pregnancy?

Potential for heart failure. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication of poor circulation in pregnant women?

Hemorrhoids. Signup and view all the answers

What defines presumptive signs of pregnancy?

They are subjective signs reported by the patient. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about a mother’s perception of the baby during presumptive signs is correct?

The mother interprets the baby as just part of her body. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a focus of management during the first trimester of pregnancy?

Providing comfort for the mother. Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'Lumalaki ang tyan ko' is commonly associated with which aspect of early pregnancy?

Presumptive signs of pregnancy. Signup and view all the answers

At 32 weeks of pregnancy, what may the mother typically feel regarding her weight?

The weight is expected to be overall heavier. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for increased salivation during the third trimester of pregnancy?

The cause is unknown Signup and view all the answers

What management strategy can be used to alleviate increased salivation during pregnancy?

Consume hard candies Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding weight gain during pregnancy?

The normal weight gain is 25-35 lbs throughout pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected average weight gain during the first trimester of pregnancy?

3 lbs. Signup and view all the answers

What symptom appears during the first trimester and typically disappears in the second trimester?

Urinary frequency Signup and view all the answers

Which method is more advisable for detecting gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)?

Blood sample Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal weight gain during the second and third trimesters?

1 lb. per week Signup and view all the answers

What dietary recommendation is advised for managing fluid intake during pregnancy?

10-12 glasses of fluids daily Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Placenta

The placenta is a vital organ that develops during pregnancy. It's responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, removing waste products, and producing hormones.
The maternal side of the placenta is located near the uterus and has a rough appearance (dirty Duncan).
The fetal side of the placenta is smooth (shiny Schultz).
The placenta is composed of cotyledons, which are small, lobular units that average around 25-30 in number.

### Diabetogenic Effect

The placenta can produce hormones that can have a diabetogenic effect.
It can make the body less sensitive to insulin which leads to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Insulin antagonist hormones prevent glucose from entering cells, resulting in GDM, especially in the late stages of pregnancy.

### Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

The risk of GDM increases in the second and third trimesters.
Screening for GDM is recommended between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.

### Physiological Changes

Elevated blood pressure is not a expected physiological change during pregnancy.
Slight hypertrophy of the heart is normal during pregnancy.
Increased plasma volume during pregnancy can lead to easy fatigability.

### Urinary Frequency

Urinary frequency is a common symptom during pregnancy.
It's caused by pressure on the bladder from the growing uterus.
Urinary frequency can appear during the first trimester, disappear in the second, and return at the end of the third trimester.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the anal area, caused by obstructed blood flow.
They are common during pregnancy due to increased pressure on the pelvic area.
Hemorrhoidectomy is discouraged during pregnancy due to the risk of anal sphincter damage, leading to incontinence and infection.
Infection is considered teratogenic (can cause birth defects).

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

The average expected weight gain during pregnancy is 25-35 pounds.
It's recommended to gain 3 pounds during the first trimester (12 weeks) and 1 pound per week during the second and third trimesters.

Signs of Pregnancy

Presumptive signs are subjective signs reported by the pregnant woman, such as missed periods, nausea, and breast tenderness.
Presumptive signs are not definitive proof of pregnancy.
It's important to offer comfort and support to expectant mothers who experience presumptive signs in the first trimester.

### Relaxin

Relaxin is a hormone responsible for making the pelvic bones more movable during pregnancy.
It's related to the wobbling gait and increased risk of falls in pregnant women.

Leg Cramps

Leg cramps during pregnancy are common due to muscle fatigue and low calcium levels.
Increasing calcium intake through consuming milk and seafoods, and getting adequate rest, can help alleviate cramps.

### Third Trimester Changes

Ptyalism (excessive salivation) can occur during the third trimester of pregnancy.
The cause of ptyalism during pregnancy remains unknown.
Hard candies, chewing gum, and frequent mouthwash can help manage ptyalism.

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Description

This quiz covers the important functions of the placenta during pregnancy, including its development and roles in nutrient delivery and waste removal. It also discusses the diabetogenic effect of the placenta, leading to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and highlights the recommended screening practices. Test your knowledge about this vital organ and its impact on pregnancy health!