17) Maternal Problems in Pregnancy Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in 17) Maternal Problems in Pregnancy Deck (19)
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1
Q

What changes to the cardiovascular system occur during pregnancy ?

A

Blood volume, cardiac output, stroke volume and heart rate all increase

2
Q

Which parts of the maternal body have increased blood flow during pregnancy?

A

Breasts, kidneys and GI tract

3
Q

What happens to peripheral vascular resistance during pregnancy? What causes these changes?

A

Decreases - progesterone cause relaxation of smooth muscle

4
Q

Describe the changes in blood pressure during pregnancy:

A

Hypotension in T1+2 due to decreases in vascular resistance

Returns to normal in T3

5
Q

What can cause hypotension in trimester 3?

A

Aortocaval compression

6
Q

What is pre-eclampsia characterized by?

A

Proteinuria and high blood pressure (endothelium vasoconstricted)

7
Q

If pre-eclampsia is untreated what can occur?

A

Eclampsia - seizures

8
Q

Describe some renal changes that occur during pregnancy:

A

GFR increases
Renal plasma flow increases
Creatinine clearance increases

9
Q

Why may pregnant women get urinary stasis?

A

Smooth muscle in ureters relaxed

10
Q

What anatomical changes are there to the respiratory system?

A

Diaphragm displaced

Ant-Pos and transverse diameters increased

11
Q

What respiratory changes occur in pregnancy?

A

Increased alveolar ventilation
Increased tidal volume
RR unchanged

12
Q

What causes physiological hyperventilation in pregnant women?

A

Increased CO2 production by fetus, so progesterone increases resp. drive to blow off CO2

13
Q

Describe some changes to carbohydrate metabolism in pregnancy:

A

Reduction in maternal blood glucose
Insulin resistance in second half
Increased fatty acids, ketones and TAGs for maternal metabolism

14
Q

What hormones cause changes to carbohydrate metabolism in pregnancy?

A

Human placental lactogen, oestrogen, progesterone prolactin and cortisol

15
Q

What anatomical changes occur to gastrointestinal system during pregnancy?

A

Alterations to position of viscera - appendix to RUQ

16
Q

What are some consequences of progesterone’s effects on the GI tract?

A

SM relaxation causing:
Delayed emptying - constipation and bloating
Gall stones
Risk of pancreatitis

17
Q

What changes to haematology occur during pregnancy?

A

Pro-thrombotic state
Increased fibrinogen and clotting factors
Decreased fibrinolysis

18
Q

What causes physiological anaemia of pregnancy?

A

Plasma volume increases but red cell mass doesn’t increase by as much

19
Q

Why are women at risk of viral infections during pregnancy?

A

Suppression of local immune system at materno-fetal interface