24 Questions
What is the reason for the increase in oxygen requirement during pregnancy?
Additional cellular growth of the body and the fetus
Why do some women experience constipation during pregnancy?
Progesterone decreases intestinal motility
What is a common complaint during the last trimester of pregnancy?
Shortness of breath
What is the result of the relaxation of the ligaments and joints during pregnancy?
Increase in the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the thorax
What is a possible complication of constipation during pregnancy?
Hemorrhoids
What is a change that occurs in the breasts during pregnancy?
Enlargement
Why does the respiratory pattern change from abdominal to costal during pregnancy?
Because the enlarging uterus pushes up on the diaphragm
What is a normal change that occurs in the anus and rectum during pregnancy?
Constipation
What is one of the main causes of fluid retention in pregnant women?
Increased hydrophilicity of the intracellular connective tissue
What is the term for the pinkish-red streaks with slight depressions in the skin that appear over the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and buttocks during pregnancy?
Striae gravidarum
Why are pregnant women at a higher risk of developing thrombophlebitis?
Because of the hypercoagulable state of pregnancy
What is the term for the dark line extending from the umbilicus to the mons pubis that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy?
Linea nigra
What is the term for the small, red angiomas that occur on the face, neck, chest, arms, and legs during pregnancy?
Spider nevi
Why are women who are placed on bedrest during pregnancy at a higher risk of developing thrombophlebitis?
Because they are less active
What is the term for the darkening of the skin on the face that appears during pregnancy?
Chloasma
What is the term for the pinkish color that appears on the palms of the hands during pregnancy?
Palmar erythema
Which of the following complications is caused by the expanding uterus exerting pressure on the kidneys and ureters?
Kidney infection
What may result from the increased sensitivity of the mother's body tissues to insulin during pregnancy?
All of the above
What is the term for the craving for or ingestion of nonnutritional substances during pregnancy?
Pica
Which of the following is a common complaint in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy?
Urinary frequency
What may cause lower pelvic discomfort during pregnancy?
Stretching of the round ligaments
What is the term for excessive salivation during pregnancy?
Ptyalism
What can be a result of the decrease in gastric motility and emptying time of the stomach during pregnancy?
Constipation
What is the term for the softening and thinning of the scalp during pregnancy?
Excessive oiliness or dryness of the scalp
Study Notes
Abdomen
- Lower pelvic discomfort due to stretching of ligaments, especially round ligaments
- Kidney infection risk due to pressure on bladder, kidney, and ureters (especially on the right side)
- Urinary frequency in the first and third trimesters
- Constipation due to decreased gastric motility and relaxation of smooth muscles
- Ptyalism (excessive salivation) in the first trimester
- Pica (craving for non-nutritional substances) in all socioeconomic classes and cultures
Thorax and Lungs
- Increase in anteroposterior and transverse diameters due to relaxation of ligaments and joints
- Respiratory pattern changes from abdominal to costal
- Shortness of breath in the last trimester
- Increase in oxygen requirement due to additional cellular growth of the body and fetus
Breasts
- Tingling sensations and tenderness
- Enlargement of breast and nipple
- Hyperpigmentation of areola and nipple
- Enlargement of Montgomery tubercles
- Prominence of superficial veins
- Development of striae and expression of colostrum in the second and third trimesters
Anus and Rectum
- Constipation due to progesterone decreasing intestinal motility
- Hemorrhoids (varicose veins in the rectum) due to pressure on venous structures
Skin, Hair, and Nails
- Breasts and abdomen enlarge
- Striae gravidarum (stretch marks) appear over the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and buttocks
- Hyperpigmentation on the abdomen (linea nigra) and face (chloasma)
- Spider nevi (tiny red angiomas) on the face, neck, chest, arms, and legs due to elevated estrogen levels
- Palmar erythema (pinkish color on the palms of the hands)
- Excessive oiliness or dryness of scalp
- Softening and thinning of nails
This quiz covers the normal changes that occur during pregnancy, including changes in the abdomen, hair, and nails. It also discusses common complaints and conditions that arise during this period.
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