Pregnancy Module 5: Maternal Changes

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Questions and Answers

What hormone produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland is essential for the lactation process?

Oxytocin

Progesterone

Serum prolactin (correct)

Estrogen

What occurs to the cervix around the sixth week of pregnancy according to the Goodell sign?

It becomes rigid and firm.

It undergoes softening. (correct)

It begins to produce more mucus.

It totally closes off.

Ballottement during pregnancy is observed during which weeks?

16 to 20 weeks (correct)

8 to 12 weeks

20 to 24 weeks

12 to 16 weeks

What is the role of progesterone during the first 6 to 7 weeks of pregnancy?

To maintain the corpus luteum Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the significant changes in the uterus during pregnancy?

It enlarges due to hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones leads to an increase in aldosterone during pregnancy?

Human chorionic gonadotropin Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the mucus plug formed in the cervix during pregnancy?

To prevent ascent of organisms into the uterus Signup and view all the answers

How does vaginal pH change during pregnancy?

It becomes more acidic. Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected change in blood pressure during the second trimester of pregnancy?

It slightly decreases. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommended dietary intervention to combat physiologic anemia during pregnancy?

Include iron-rich foods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for swollen and easily bleeding gum tissue during pregnancy?

Higher levels of estrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is the daily iron requirement during pregnancy according to the material?

30 mg Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs in the mother's heart during pregnancy?

The heart is displaced upward and to the left. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the placenta play during pregnancy?

It acts as a temporary endocrine gland Signup and view all the answers

What is a common respiratory change experienced during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy?

Slightly increased respiratory rate. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common intervention to address frequency of urination during pregnancy?

Performing Kegel exercises Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested intervention to help manage fatigue during pregnancy?

Arranging frequent rest periods Signup and view all the answers

What intervention is recommended to prevent supine hypotensive syndrome in pregnant women?

Rest in a sitting position. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the condition known as physiologic anemia during pregnancy?

A dilution effect from increased plasma volume. Signup and view all the answers

During which trimesters is hemorrhoid occurrence most common?

Second and third trimesters Signup and view all the answers

During pregnancy, what happens to the circulating blood volume?

It increases by 40-50%. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does progesterone have on the bladder during pregnancy?

Increases bladder capacity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common intervention for managing constipation in pregnant women?

Drinking sufficient fluids Signup and view all the answers

What is ptyalism and what intervention can help manage it during pregnancy?

Increased salivation; use sugarless candy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Maternal Changes During Pregnancy

Dietary Recommendations
- High-fiber foods (whole grains, fruits, vegetables) alleviate constipation.
- Regular exercise, like daily 20-minute walks, supports overall health.
- Stool softeners and laxatives may be prescribed as needed.
Hemorrhoids
- Common during the second and third trimesters due to increased venous pressure and constipation.
- Interventions include warm sitz baths, soft pillows, high fiber diets, adequate hydration, and prescribed ointments.
Oral Changes
- Gum tissue can swell and bleed due to elevated estrogen levels.
- Maintain oral hygiene with soft-bristled toothbrushes.
- Ptyalism (excessive saliva) may occur; sugarless candy can help.

Renal System Changes

Urinary Frequency
- Increased urination frequency during first and third trimesters due to uterine pressure on the bladder.
- Recommendations include drinking at least 2,000 mL during the day, limiting evening fluid intake, regular voiding, side-lying sleep, using perineal pads, and Kegel exercises.
Bladder Changes
- Decreased bladder tone from rising progesterone and estrogen.
- Bladder capacity may increase due to higher progesterone levels.

Endocrine System Changes

Hormonal Changes
- Placenta acts as an endocrine gland, secreting hormones inclusive of hCG, hPL, estrogen, and progesterone.
- Basal metabolic rate rises; fatigue is common in the first and third trimesters.
- Interventions include frequent rest, correct posture, and regular exercise.

Cardiovascular Changes

Pulse and Blood Pressure
- Pulse rate increases by 10-15 beats per minute to meet fetal demands; blood pressure usually decreases in the second trimester, then rises in the third.
- Supine hypotensive syndrome can occur if laying flat; avoid the supine position.
Blood Volume Changes
- Total blood volume can increase by 40-50%, affecting plasma levels and leading to physiological anemia from hemodilution.
Nutrition
- Increase iron intake to 30 mg/day; iron-rich foods and supplements are advised for better absorption.

Respiratory System Changes

Respiration Adjustments
- Slight increase in respiratory rate and oxygen consumption (15-20%) to accommodate both mother and fetus.
- Shortness of breath may arise in the second and third trimesters; relaxation and strengthening exercises are recommended.

Reproductive System Changes

Uterine Enlargement
- Uterus grows from 60 to 1000 g due to hyperplasia and hypertrophy.
- Braxton Hicks contractions may begin around 16 weeks; Hegar’s sign indicates the softening of the lower uterine segment.
Cervical Changes
- Cervix softens (Goodell sign) around six weeks and may show increased friability with color and consistency changes, creating a mucus plug (Operculum).
Ovarian Function
- The corpus luteum secretes progesterone early in pregnancy due to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secretion.
Vaginal Changes
- Increased vaginal secretions contribute to a more acidic pH throughout pregnancy.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts regarding maternal changes during pregnancy, specifically focusing on managing hemorrhoids and constipation. Learn about dietary recommendations, the importance of exercise, and effective interventions such as warm sitz baths and medications. Test your knowledge on best practices for maternal health in the second and third trimesters.