NURS 315: Antepartum Care – Questions & Answers
What reproductive organs go through physical changes during pregnancy?
Right Ans - - vagina
- cervix
- uterus
- ovaries
- breasts
Changes the vagina goes through Right Ans - - hypertrophy
- increased secretions
Changes the cervix goes through Right Ans - - softening (Goodell's)
- bluish coloration (Chadwick's)
Changes the uterus goes through Right Ans - - enlargement due to
hormonal stimulation
- increased vascularity
- softening of isthmus (Hegar Sign)
Changes the ovaries go through Right Ans - corpus luteum releases
hormones to maintain the endometrium until the placenta is formed
Changes the breasts go through Right Ans - - glandular hypertrophy
- darkening of areola
- prominent blood vessels
- colostrum
Physical changes: Respiratory Right Ans - - increased tidal volume and O2
needs
Physical changes: Cardiovascular Right Ans - - increased CO and blood
volume by 40-50%
- decreased systemic and pulmonary resistance
- BP decreases in 1st and 2nd trimester but increases in the 3rd trimester
* SUPINE HYPOTENSION*
Physical changes: G.I. Right Ans - - N/V
- hyperemia of gums (gums bleed more easily)
, - slower peristalsis
- constipation
- heartburn
- hemorrhoids
Physical changes: Urinary Right Ans - - increased frequency
- dilation of kidneys
- increased GFR
- less able to reabsorb protein and glucose
Physical changes: Skin and Hair Right Ans - - hyperpigmentation
- supine (stretch marks)
- vascular spider nevi (show up around you ankles/lower legs/ and feet)
- hyperactive sweat and sebaceous glands
Physical changes: Musculoskeletal Right Ans - - separation of rectus muscle
- lordosis
- relaxation of joints causes waddling gait
Physical changes: Eyes Right Ans - - thickening of cornea
- difficulty with contact lenses
Physical changes: CNS Right Ans - - memory
- concentration changes
- sleep disturbances common
Linea Nigra Right Ans - a dark line appearing on the abdomen and
extending from the pubis toward the umbilicus
Supine Hypotensive Syndrome Right Ans - if mom lays on back the weight
of the baby suppresses the vena cava---> decreasing blood flow
- mom will feel dizzy, nauseous, will be pale, etc.
- baby's HR will go down and there will be declarations
If mom has to lay on her back for an exam, what do you do? Right Ans - Put
a wedge under their hip
Iron changes Right Ans - physiologic anemia of pregnancy
What reproductive organs go through physical changes during pregnancy?
Right Ans - - vagina
- cervix
- uterus
- ovaries
- breasts
Changes the vagina goes through Right Ans - - hypertrophy
- increased secretions
Changes the cervix goes through Right Ans - - softening (Goodell's)
- bluish coloration (Chadwick's)
Changes the uterus goes through Right Ans - - enlargement due to
hormonal stimulation
- increased vascularity
- softening of isthmus (Hegar Sign)
Changes the ovaries go through Right Ans - corpus luteum releases
hormones to maintain the endometrium until the placenta is formed
Changes the breasts go through Right Ans - - glandular hypertrophy
- darkening of areola
- prominent blood vessels
- colostrum
Physical changes: Respiratory Right Ans - - increased tidal volume and O2
needs
Physical changes: Cardiovascular Right Ans - - increased CO and blood
volume by 40-50%
- decreased systemic and pulmonary resistance
- BP decreases in 1st and 2nd trimester but increases in the 3rd trimester
* SUPINE HYPOTENSION*
Physical changes: G.I. Right Ans - - N/V
- hyperemia of gums (gums bleed more easily)
, - slower peristalsis
- constipation
- heartburn
- hemorrhoids
Physical changes: Urinary Right Ans - - increased frequency
- dilation of kidneys
- increased GFR
- less able to reabsorb protein and glucose
Physical changes: Skin and Hair Right Ans - - hyperpigmentation
- supine (stretch marks)
- vascular spider nevi (show up around you ankles/lower legs/ and feet)
- hyperactive sweat and sebaceous glands
Physical changes: Musculoskeletal Right Ans - - separation of rectus muscle
- lordosis
- relaxation of joints causes waddling gait
Physical changes: Eyes Right Ans - - thickening of cornea
- difficulty with contact lenses
Physical changes: CNS Right Ans - - memory
- concentration changes
- sleep disturbances common
Linea Nigra Right Ans - a dark line appearing on the abdomen and
extending from the pubis toward the umbilicus
Supine Hypotensive Syndrome Right Ans - if mom lays on back the weight
of the baby suppresses the vena cava---> decreasing blood flow
- mom will feel dizzy, nauseous, will be pale, etc.
- baby's HR will go down and there will be declarations
If mom has to lay on her back for an exam, what do you do? Right Ans - Put
a wedge under their hip
Iron changes Right Ans - physiologic anemia of pregnancy
