Pregnancy Changes: Abdomen and Structure

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Questions and Answers

What is the reason for the increase in oxygen requirement during pregnancy?

Decrease in cellular growth of the body and the fetus

Decrease in oxygen absorption from the lungs

Additional cellular growth of the body and the fetus (correct)

Shift of respiratory pattern from costal to abdominal

Why do some women experience constipation during pregnancy?

Progesterone decreases intestinal motility (correct)

Iron supplementation increases bowel movements

Progesterone increases intestinal motility

Fetal growth stimulates bowel movements

What is a common complaint during the last trimester of pregnancy?

Shortness of breath (correct)

Frequent urination

Nausea and vomiting

Headaches

What is the result of the relaxation of the ligaments and joints during pregnancy?

Increase in the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the thorax Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible complication of constipation during pregnancy?

Hemorrhoids Signup and view all the answers

What is a change that occurs in the breasts during pregnancy?

Enlargement Signup and view all the answers

Why does the respiratory pattern change from abdominal to costal during pregnancy?

Because the enlarging uterus pushes up on the diaphragm Signup and view all the answers

What is a normal change that occurs in the anus and rectum during pregnancy?

Constipation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main causes of fluid retention in pregnant women?

Increased hydrophilicity of the intracellular connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

Why are pregnant women at a higher risk of developing thrombophlebitis?

Because of the hypercoagulable state of pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the small, red angiomas that occur on the face, neck, chest, arms, and legs during pregnancy?

Spider nevi Signup and view all the answers

Why are women who are placed on bedrest during pregnancy at a higher risk of developing thrombophlebitis?

Because they are less active Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the darkening of the skin on the face that appears during pregnancy?

Chloasma Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the pinkish color that appears on the palms of the hands during pregnancy?

Palmar erythema Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following complications is caused by the expanding uterus exerting pressure on the kidneys and ureters?

Kidney infection Signup and view all the answers

What may result from the increased sensitivity of the mother's body tissues to insulin during pregnancy?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the craving for or ingestion of nonnutritional substances during pregnancy?

Pica Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common complaint in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy?

Urinary frequency Signup and view all the answers

What may cause lower pelvic discomfort during pregnancy?

Stretching of the round ligaments Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for excessive salivation during pregnancy?

Ptyalism Signup and view all the answers

What can be a result of the decrease in gastric motility and emptying time of the stomach during pregnancy?

Constipation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the softening and thinning of the scalp during pregnancy?

Excessive oiliness or dryness of the scalp Signup and view all the answers

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

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Description

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.