Does blood pressure increase or decrease during pregnancy? why?
Decrease, Effect of progesterone on the smooth muscle, Placenta- whole new blood vessel circuit added reduces the resistance of the whole system.
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What can cause sudden drops in blood pressure later in pregnancy? what symptoms might this cause?
Maternal position (Lying on her back) causing compression of the inferior vena cava, this causes reduced blood flow to the heart and so the heart pumps less blood out- less volume=less pressure. Will cause feeling lightheaded or faint. move to LL
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name some changes to the respiratory system during pregnancy.
Inspiration rate increased, Oxygen consumption increases, so increase in resp rate. Increase secretion of bicarbonate ions to balance the PH of blood due to excessive co2 removal.
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What change does the enlarged uterus cause to the heart and lungs?
Presses on the diaphragm- causes difficulty breathing, chest wall is more mobile and chest circumference is larger- helps with breathing.
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what changes occur in your renal system during pregnancy?
Increased blood flow to the kidney ( increased vessle size due to progesterone and increased blood volume) causes increased filtration rate through the kidney( increased GFR)
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name changes that occur in the bladder during pregnancy
pregnant women urinate more frequently due to pressure of the large uterus, and increased urine production. Dilation of the ureters, ureters become kinked and stagnant urine becomes a medium for bacterial growth (Increased risk of UTI's/Kidney inf)
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what happens to the immune system during pregnancy?
It is suppressed, to continue the pregnancy as the trophoblast is viewed as a foreign body. Passive immunity to fetus.
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Name the changes to the reproductive system made to accommodate the fetus
Increased blood supply, Spiral artery invasion, uterus differentiates into 3 layers, Lower segment formation, decidua is more vascular.
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what happens to the vagina and the cervix to prepare for labour?
Cervix – retains water, wider not longer, increased water affects collagen integrity, blood supply increased. Vagina – alkaline, hypertrophy, effect on ruggae, increased blood supply
Increase in basal metabolic rate. Progesterone causes decrease in peristalsis, slower digestion, increased constipation and chance of haemorroids. Smooth muscle relaxation effects valves in esophagus and causes acid reflux.
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What changes occur to the muscular-skeletal system?
Relaxation of muscles, joints and ligaments. Braxton hicks cause formation of gap junctions. Oxytocin receptors develop on uterine and breast tissue.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Does blood pressure increase or decrease during pregnancy? why?
Back
Decrease, Effect of progesterone on the smooth muscle, Placenta- whole new blood vessel circuit added reduces the resistance of the whole system.
Card 3
Front
What can cause sudden drops in blood pressure later in pregnancy? what symptoms might this cause?
Back
Card 4
Front
name some changes to the respiratory system during pregnancy.
Back
Card 5
Front
What change does the enlarged uterus cause to the heart and lungs?
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