RBC’s __________ in pregnancy.
increase
Hemoglobin and Hct __________ in pregnancy.
decrease
WBC’s ____________ in pregnancy.
increase
Serum ferritin and serum iron _________ in pregnancy.
decrease
TIBC ______ in pregnancy.
increases
In pregnancy, the rapid increase in _________ volume causes _____________. The increase starts _____ in pregnancy and _____ _______in second trimester. ____ volume increases faster and before ______ volume.
plasma; hemodilution.
early; rapidly increases
Plasma; RBC
Pregnancy is a ___________ state.
hypercoagulable
The relaxing effect of _____________ on vessel walls and valves makes them more pliable, which can lead to the development of varicosities. Another contributing factor is the pressure of the _________ ___________ on pelvic ________ which leads to vein __________.
progesterone.
gravid uterus; vessels; engorgement
Conditions that can predispose a woman to varicosities:
increased age; family hx, obesity, prolonged standing, existing leg trauma
T/F - Varicosities are usually worse in subsequent pregnancies.
True
Symptoms of varicosities _______ as the pregnancy progresses. Symptoms include:
increase.
cosmetic nuisance, but can have constant itching, pigmentation around ankles, ulcerations at ankles, mild swelling of feet, infection
____________ helps prevent varicosities.
Exercise
Treatment measures include:
Rest & compression stockings
T/F - Vulvar varicosities do not usually interfere with vaginal birth.
True
Differential dx for varicosities
DVT, peripheral arterial or venous disease
Physiologic cause of supine hypotension syndrome:
Weight of uterus on vena cava and other vessels causes a reduction in blood return from lower extremities, which decreases cardiac output - arterial hypotension.
Symptoms of supine hypotension:
dizzy, lightheaded
Treatment for supine hypotension
Turn to side or have her sit up
Differential dx for supine hypotension:
seizure, hypoglycemia, postural hypotension
What physiologic factors predispose a woman to dizziness/syncope?
Increased vascular resistance and vasodilation, and venous pooling in the legs. Cardiac output decreases, BP drops, and cerebral blood flow is reduced.
What should you tell the woman who suffers from dizziness/syncope? What info should you gather?
Educate about physiology; arise slowly, reassurance of normalcy.
Description of activity just prior to episode; hot room? Last food/drink? Any other sx - palpitations, headache, vomiting?
Differential dx for syncope/dizziness:
Women with SOB, chest pain or loss of conciousnness resulting in injury need to be further evaluated. Possible maternal cardiac disease is possible if these occurred.
Physiologic cause of palpitations in pregnancy:
Usually normal due to increase in blood volume and heart rate. Usually are pvcs or pacs and may also be related to hormonal changes, fluid and electrolyte imbalance or an active sympathetic nervous system.
When are palpitations most likely to occur in pregnancy?
28-32 weeks, when the heart stroke volume peaks