All Correct Answers.
GTPAL - Answer Gravida, Term, Preterm, Abortions, Living
What is Naegele's rule? - Answer Add 7 days to the first day of the LMP and subtract 3
months to estimate a woman's EDC
What are presumptive signs of pregnancy? - Answer Subjective signs perceived by the
woman
- Signs: amenorrhea, breast changes & tenderness, nausea
- Symptoms: N/V, urinary freq, weight gain, fatigue, quickening (fetal movement)
What are probable signs of pregnancy? - Answer strong indicators of pregnancy, short of
confirmation (objective signs). Two or more are highly suggestive of pregnancy. Detected at
about 12th week
Goodwell's sign- softening of the cervix
Chadwick's Sign- purplish or bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva caused by
increased vascular congestion
Hegar's sign- softening of the lower uterine segment
abdominal enlargement
Braxton HIcks contractions- irregular, painless and begin in 2nd trimester
Ballottement- fetal part is displaced by a light tap of the examining finger
Striae- stretch marks, skin is stretched to its capacity
Positive pregnancy test
What are positive signs of pregnancy? - Answer Absolute proof of pregnancy
Fetal heartbeat- detected as early as 10 wks of pregnancy using a doppler device.
Fetal movement felt by examiner
ultrasound visualization of fetus- as early a 4-5 wks
Integumentary changes during pregnancy - Answer 1. Increased pigmentation
2. linea nigra (dark vertical line that appears on abdomen)
3. striae gravidarum (stretch marks)
4. hair thickens
, muskuloskeletal changes during pregnancy - Answer Relaxation of joints due to relaxin
hormone
Widening of symphysis pubis
Waddling gait (pride of pregnancy walk)
Lordosis
Increased back strain
cardiovascular changes during pregnancy - Answer Blood volume increases by 30-50%
Pulse rate increases by 10-15 beats/minute
Clotting factors increase RBC mass increases (plasma portion faster...therefore causing
physiological anemia)
BP basically remains essentially unchanged due to peripheral vasodilation related to
progesterone
500-1,000 mLs of blood to the uterus per minute!
Supine hypotension a major problem
Hgb < 11g/dL indicates anemia
Respiratory changes during pregnancy - Answer Oxygen consumption increases by about 20%
Dyspnea is common Nosebleeds and nasal stuffiness are common and related to estrogen
Rib cage widens
Respiratory depth increases
Metabolic changes during pregnancy - Answer Protein demands increase
Carbohydrate demands increase
Glycosuria may be present
Iron needs increase
Water requirements increase
GI changes during pregnancy - Answer N/V
Gums red and swollen- bleed easier. Due to estrogen.
Delayed gastric emptying causes and reduced tone of esophageal sphincter causes heartburn.
Progesterone causes this.
Costipation and hemorroids due to decreased motility in large intestine
Gallbladder emptying time prolonged. Potential gallstones.
Increased thirst and appetite.