Pregnancy Health and EDD Calculation

Fluid retention is the primary physiological change, with total body water increasing by 6.5-8.5 L by the end of pregnancy.

Plasma oncotic pressure decreases by 20% during pregnancy due to reduced albumin concentration, affecting fluid distribution in the body.

Physiological anemia results from a 50% increase in plasma volume, leading to hemodilution and decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

<p>In the second trimester, weight gain averages 0.45 kg per week.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An increase in white blood cell count occurs, which helps enhance immune response during pregnancy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sodium retention contributes to fluid retention, facilitating adequate blood volume expansion necessary for fetal development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The increase in polymorphonuclear leucocytes aids in the mother's defense against infections during the latter stages of pregnancy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The decrease in serum vitamin B12, due to its active transport to the fetus, can impact maternal energy levels and fetal development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Patients may experience elevated stroke volume, heart rate, and cardiac output for the first 2 days postpartum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In the supine position, the enlarged uterus can cause aorto-caval compression, reducing cardiac filling and potentially leading to hypotension.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Common findings include sinus tachycardia, premature atrial and ventricular ectopic beats, mild Q wave, ST-segment depression, and left-axis deviation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Common symptoms include nausea and vomiting, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, and food cravings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pregnancy increases tidal volume by 40% and total pulmonary blood flow while decreasing total lung capacity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>There is a dramatic increase in hormones produced by the placenta, including HCG, estrogen, progesterone, and human placental lactogen (HPL).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>There is a 50% increase in GFR leading to decreased serum levels of substances like urea, creatinine, and uric acid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pregnant women may develop hydronephrosis, hydroureter, urine stasis, UTI, and pyelonephritis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Naegele rule involves adding 280 days (or 40 weeks) to the first day of the last menstrual period.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Skin changes include increased pigmentation in areas like the face and abdomen, spider naevi, palmar erythema, and the development of striae gravidarum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Striae gravidarum develop due to rapid skin stretching and decreased collagen from hormonal changes, resulting in the rupture of subcutaneous fibrous tissue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cardiovascular changes include increased blood volume, decreased systemic vascular resistance, and increased heart rate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Palmar erythema is a physiological change associated with high estrogen levels and may signal normal pregnancy progression or underlying liver function changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Total plasma cortisol increases due to adrenal cortical hyperplasia, contributing to metabolic changes during pregnancy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>hCG can be detected in serum 8-12 days after ovulation and in urine 14-18 days after, making serum tests more sensitive early in pregnancy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Total plasma calcium decreases during pregnancy, while ionized calcium levels remain unchanged.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increased cortisol or hPL during mid-pregnancy can lead to insulin resistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Relaxin hormone causes ligamentous relaxation and softening of collagenous tissues, leading to increased joint laxity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>TBG concentrations double during pregnancy, affecting the transport of thyroid hormones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Breasts increase in size due to gland proliferation and fat deposition, starting around the second month of pregnancy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Alkaline phosphatase levels increase during pregnancy due to placental alkaline phosphatase.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The increase in platelet count postpartum may be attributed to the physiological changes that restore homeostasis after delivery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Plasma fibrinogen levels increase by 50% during pregnancy, contributing to a hypercoagulable state, which helps prevent excessive bleeding during labor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Goodell's sign indicates softening of the cervix due to increased fluid, while Chadwick's sign refers to the bluish discoloration of the cervix and vagina due to increased vascularity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The decrease in fibrinolytic activity reduces the risk of hemorrhage during pregnancy and protects the developing fetus by maintaining vascular integrity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The growing uterus elevates the diaphragm, resulting in breathlessness, and pushes the heart upwards and to the left, potentially causing left ventricle hypertrophy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>After delivery, cardiac output can increase by 10-20% due to autotransfusion from the empty uterus into the maternal circulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The cervical mucus becomes more viscous and forms a mucus plug that acts as a barrier against infections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pregnancy is associated with increased loudness of the first and second heart sounds, and the third heart sound may be audible, reflecting hemodynamic changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers