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Questions and Answers
What happens to blood pressure during the first two trimesters of pregnancy?
What happens to blood pressure during the first two trimesters of pregnancy?
Which of the following findings occurs due to hormonal changes during pregnancy?
Which of the following findings occurs due to hormonal changes during pregnancy?
What is a common consequence of the growing uterus during pregnancy?
What is a common consequence of the growing uterus during pregnancy?
What change occurs in the diaphragm during pregnancy?
What change occurs in the diaphragm during pregnancy?
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What might a woman complain of due to edema caused by increased estrogen during pregnancy?
What might a woman complain of due to edema caused by increased estrogen during pregnancy?
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What is a common digestive issue experienced in the first trimester of pregnancy?
What is a common digestive issue experienced in the first trimester of pregnancy?
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Which hormonal change is primarily responsible for decreased motility in the digestive tract during pregnancy?
Which hormonal change is primarily responsible for decreased motility in the digestive tract during pregnancy?
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What physiological change can lead to an increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnant women?
What physiological change can lead to an increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnant women?
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What musculoskeletal change affects a pregnant woman's gait?
What musculoskeletal change affects a pregnant woman's gait?
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Which of the following is NOT a consequence of the increased renal blood volume during pregnancy?
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of the increased renal blood volume during pregnancy?
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What is the primary role of the placenta during pregnancy?
What is the primary role of the placenta during pregnancy?
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Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with hyperemesis gravidarum?
Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with hyperemesis gravidarum?
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What effect does the expanding uterus have on the digestive system?
What effect does the expanding uterus have on the digestive system?
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Which of these changes occurs as a result of the relaxation of pelvic joints during pregnancy?
Which of these changes occurs as a result of the relaxation of pelvic joints during pregnancy?
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What is a common sign of placenta previa?
What is a common sign of placenta previa?
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How does pregnancy affect the activity of sweat and sebaceous glands?
How does pregnancy affect the activity of sweat and sebaceous glands?
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Which of the following describes a potential complication of placenta previa?
Which of the following describes a potential complication of placenta previa?
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What differentiates abruptio placenta from placenta previa?
What differentiates abruptio placenta from placenta previa?
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What is a common complication related to hyperemesis gravidarum?
What is a common complication related to hyperemesis gravidarum?
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Which pregnancy-related change can impact balance?
Which pregnancy-related change can impact balance?
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What may occur due to the lower segment of the uterus being the site of placenta attachment in placenta previa?
What may occur due to the lower segment of the uterus being the site of placenta attachment in placenta previa?
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What characterizes a spontaneous abortion?
What characterizes a spontaneous abortion?
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What can potentially cause abruptio placentae?
What can potentially cause abruptio placentae?
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What is the most common site for ectopic pregnancies?
What is the most common site for ectopic pregnancies?
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Which of the following factors can contribute to ectopic pregnancy?
Which of the following factors can contribute to ectopic pregnancy?
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What is a potential consequence of a tubal pregnancy?
What is a potential consequence of a tubal pregnancy?
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What symptom may indicate a ruptured ectopic pregnancy?
What symptom may indicate a ruptured ectopic pregnancy?
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What is one of the first steps in the treatment of an ectopic pregnancy?
What is one of the first steps in the treatment of an ectopic pregnancy?
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Which treatment is used to inhibit cell division in ectopic pregnancy cases?
Which treatment is used to inhibit cell division in ectopic pregnancy cases?
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What is a characteristic of placenta previa?
What is a characteristic of placenta previa?
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Which of the following describes the classification of placenta previa where the placenta completely covers the cervical os?
Which of the following describes the classification of placenta previa where the placenta completely covers the cervical os?
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What is the definition of gestational hypertension?
What is the definition of gestational hypertension?
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Which of the following conditions may result from gestational hypertension if left unmanaged?
Which of the following conditions may result from gestational hypertension if left unmanaged?
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Which risk factor is NOT associated with gestational hypertension?
Which risk factor is NOT associated with gestational hypertension?
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What symptom would NOT typically be associated with gestational hypertension?
What symptom would NOT typically be associated with gestational hypertension?
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Which statement about the management of gestational hypertension is accurate?
Which statement about the management of gestational hypertension is accurate?
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What medication is commonly used to prevent seizures in women with gestational hypertension?
What medication is commonly used to prevent seizures in women with gestational hypertension?
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Which complication is associated with pre-eclampsia?
Which complication is associated with pre-eclampsia?
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What type of delivery might be necessary for a woman with severe eclampsia?
What type of delivery might be necessary for a woman with severe eclampsia?
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What is a common diagnostic finding indicating gestational hypertension?
What is a common diagnostic finding indicating gestational hypertension?
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Rh incompatibility is a risk when a mother is what blood type?
Rh incompatibility is a risk when a mother is what blood type?
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Study Notes
Pregnancy Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics
- Pregnancy is divided into three 13-week trimesters, aiding in understanding developmental stages.
- A laboratory diagnosis during pregnancy involves detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the mother's plasma or urine.
- Absolute signs of pregnancy (such as a fetal heartbeat) are detected later in gestation, often via auscultation or ultrasound.
- The estimated date of delivery (EDD) is determined using Nägele's rule, subtracting three months from the last menstrual period (LMP) and adding seven days.
- Gravidity refers to the number of pregnancies a woman has had, while parity refers to the number of pregnancies that have reached viability.
Terminology Related to Pregnancy
- Gravida: The total number of pregnancies a woman has experienced.
- Nulligravida: A woman who has never been pregnant.
- Primigravida: A woman who is pregnant for the first time.
- Multigravida: A woman who is pregnant more than once.
- Para: The number of viable births a woman has had.
- Primipara: A woman who has given birth to one viable child.
- Multipara: A woman who has given birth to two or more viable children.
- Nullipara: A woman who has never given birth to a viable child.
- Abortion: Pregnancy loss before 20 weeks.
- Gestational age: The time elapsed since the first day of the last menstrual period.
- Fertilization age: The time elapsed since fertilization.
- Age of viability: The gestational age at which a fetus may survive outside the womb.
Signs of Pregnancy
- Presumptive signs are those suggestive of pregnancy, but not conclusive. Examples involve amenorrhea, nausea, breast tenderness, and urinary frequency.
- Probable signs represent indicators that suggest pregnancy but are also not definitive, such as Goodell's sign, Chadwick's sign, Hegar's sign, abdominal enlargement, Braxton Hicks contractions, and positive pregnancy test.
- Positive signs are definitive indicators of pregnancy. These include an audible fetal heartbeat, fetal movement felt by the examiner, and fetal visualization via ultrasound.
Effects of Pregnancy on Body Systems
- Reproductive system: The uterus expands considerably to accommodate the growing fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid. The cervix undergoes changes in color and consistency, and mucus plugs may form. The ovaries produce progesterone to maintain the uterine lining initially, later the placenta takes over.
- Cardiovascular system: Blood volume increases significantly (by ~45%). This increased blood volume supports the needs of the expanded maternal tissue and the developing fetus. The pulse rate also increases. Supine hypotension (or vena cava syndrome) can occur if the pregnant woman lies flat on her back, as the uterus can put pressure on the inferior vena cava, reducing blood returning to the heart.
- Respiratory system: Oxygen consumption increases by 15%, and the diaphragm rises. Dyspnea (shortness of breath) may occur until the fetus descends into the pelvis.
- Gastrointestinal system: The growing uterus displaces the stomach and intestines, and salivary secretions increase. Gastric emptying slows, and heartburn is common.
- Urinary system: Glomerular filtration rate increases, potentially leading to glycosuria and proteinuria. Water retention is also common, and urinary stasis occurs.
- Musculoskeletal system: Pelvic joints relax, and posture changes. Increase abdominal weight during pregnancy affects the center of gravity.
- Endocrine system: There's a substantial increase in hormones, affecting most body systems, with the placenta playing a key role in hormonal production.
Pregnancy-Related Complications
- Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Excessive nausea and vomiting; can impact fetal growth, causing dehydration.
- Gestational Hypertension (GH): A condition of persistently elevated blood pressure (>140/90 mmHg) after 20 weeks of pregnancy, which resolves postpartum. Risk factors include first pregnancy, obesity, family history of GH, age, multifetal pregnancies, chronic hypertension, chronic renal disease and diabetes.
- Pre-eclampsia: A more severe form of GH, also involving edema, proteinuria, and potentially serious complications like HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets).
- Eclampsia: The most severe form of preeclampsia, marked by seizures.
- Abortio Placentae: Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, often associated with pain.
- Placenta Previa: Abnormal implantation of the placenta in the lower uterus or over the cervix, often causing painless bleeding in the third trimester during vaginal examinations, or contractions.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy that implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tubes, potentially leading to tubal rupture and heavy bleeding if not treated immediately.
Rh Incompatibility
- Rh incompatibility occurs when a mother is Rh-negative and the fetus is Rh-positive. If Rh-positive fetal blood enters maternal circulation, the mother produces Rh-antibodies which can cause fetal red blood cell damage in subsequent pregnancies.
- Early detection and prevention are essential, typically through RhoGAM administration.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of pregnancy pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics. This quiz covers the trimesters of pregnancy, laboratory diagnoses, and important terminology related to gravidity and parity. Test your understanding of critical aspects of maternal health and fetal development.