listed on the following cards
Uterus , Cervix and Vagina
increased levels of estrogen and progesterone -hypertrophie of uterine wall , softening of vaginal muscle and connective tissue and preparation for expansion of tissue , uterus contract ability increases in response to increased estrogen levels leading to Braxton Hicks contractions , hypertrophie of cervical glands leads to formation of mucus plug(protective barrier between uterus fetus and vagina) , increased vascularity and hypertrophy of vaginal and cervical glands leads to increase in Leukorrhea, cessation of menstrual cycle (amenorrhea) and ovulation.
•enlargement and stretching of uterus to accommodate developing fetus and placenta -increase uterine size 20 times that of non pregnant uterus , weight of uterus increases from 70 grams to 1100 grams , capacity increases from 10 milliliters to 5000 milliliters 80% of that to uteroplacental
.•expanded circulatory volume leads to increased vascular congestion -blood flow to uterus is 500 to 600 milliliters per minute at term ,
goodells sign- softening of cervix ,
hagars sign-softening of lower uterine segment , chadwicks sign blueish coloration of cervix vaginal mucosa and vulva
• acid pH of vagina -acid environment inhibits growth of bacteria , acid environment allows growth of candida Albicans leading to increased risk of candidiasis- yeast infection
Cardiovascular System
• Decrease in peripheral vascular resistance -decrease in blood pressure
• increase in blood volume by 40% to 45% -hypervolemia of pregnancy
• increasing cardiac output by 40% -increased heart rate Of 15 to 20 beats per minute
• BMR increased 10% to 20% by 3rd trimester -increased stroke volume of 25% to 30%
• increase in peripheral dilation -systolic murmurs , load and wide S1 split , load S2 , obvious S3 , increase in heart size
• increase in RBC count by 30% -In response to increased oxygen requirements of pregnancy RBC volume increases up to 33% with iron supplementations up to 18% without supplementation -physiological anemia of pregnancy
• Increase in plasma volume by 50%-Peaking at 32 to 34 weeks staying until term
-hemodilution is caused by increase in plasma volume being relatively larger than the increase in RBCS which results in decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit values=anemia ;
• Cardiac work is eased as the decrease in blood viscosity facilitates placental perfusion
• iron deficiency anemia=hemoglobin less than 11 grams per deciliter and hematocrit less than 33% maternal iron stores are insufficient to meet demands for iron in fetal development blood volume increases by 1500 milliliters to support uteroplacental demands and maintenance of pregnancy this is referred to as hypervolemia of pregnancy heart enlarges do too these factors
• hypercoagulation occurs during pregnancy to decrease risk of postpartum hemorrhage changes place women at risk for thrombosis and coagulopathies -Plasma fibrin increase of 40% fibrinogen increase of 50% coagulation inhibiting factors decrease
• increase in WBC count -values up to 16,000 mm3 in the absence of infection
• increase demand for iron and fetal development -iron deficiency anemia hemoglobin less than 11 grams per deciliter and hematocrit less than 33%
• plasma fibrin increase of 40% ,fibrinogen increase of 50% , decreasing coagulation inhibiting factors , protective of inevitable blood loss during birth - hypercoagulability
• Blood pressure decrease in first trimester due to a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance blood pressure returns to normal by term
• a systolic heart murmur or a third heart sound Gallup may be heard by mid pregnancy
• peripheral dilation increased
• increased Venous pressure and decreased blood flow to extremities due to compression of iliac veins and inferior vena cava -edema of lower extremities varicosities and legs and vulva hemorrhoids
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• Cardiac output increases 30 to 50% peaks at 25 to 30 weeks
supine hypotensive syndrome
• supine hypotensive syndrome supine hypotensive syndrome is a hypotensive condition resulting from a woman lying on her back in mid to late pregnancy in superimposition enlarged uterus compresses inferior vena cava causing reduced blood flow back to right atrium and a drop in cardiac output and blood pressure that results in the woman feeling dizzy and faint
Respiratory System
Renal System
• increased cardiac output an increased blood and plasma-increased renal blood flow of 50 to 80% in first trimester and then decreases ,
-increased progesterone cause a relaxation of smooth muscles -urinary frequency and incontinence and increased risk of UTI
• dilation of renal pelvis and ureters , ureters become elongated with decreased motility , decreased bladder tone with increased bladder capacity -increased risk of UTI
• pressure of enlarging uterus on renal structures , displacement of bladder and 3rd trimester
• increased glomerular filtration rate -increased urinary output
• increased renal excretion of glucose and protein -glucosuria and proteinuria(small amounts) exceeded tubal reabsorption threshold of protein and glucose due to increased volume small amount of protein area and glucosuria can be normal important to assess and monitor for pathology
• shift in fluid and electrolyte balance the need that’s increased
• In supine and upright maternal position blood pools lower body decrease in cardiac output GFR and urine output causing excess sodium and fluid retention
• a left lateral recumbent maternal position can maximize cardiac output renal plasma volume and urine output stabilize fluid and electrolyte balance minimize dependent edema maintain optimal blood pressure
• renal system secretes both maternal and fetal waste products
• Bladder capacity increases bladder tone decreases due to progesterone effect on smooth muscle relaxation and stretching
• urinary stasis -progesterone reduces tone of renal structures allowing pooling of urine stasis promotes bacterial growth and increases the woman’s risk for your UTI’s and pyelonephritis
• Urinary frequency urgency an nocturia begin early pregnancy continue varying degrees through pregnancy
UTI’s are common in pregnancy and may be asymptomatic symptoms of UTI urinary frequency discaria urgency sometimes pus or blood in urine if left untreated it can lead to pyelonephritis or premature labor
• decreased renal flow in 3rd trimester -dependent edema
• increased vascularity -hyperemia of Bladder and urethra
Gastrointestinal System
Musculoskeletal system
• increased progesterone and relaxin- lead to –softening of joints
increased joint mobility
widening and increased mobility of the sacroiliac and symphysis pubis -altered gate waddle gate , facilitates birthing process , low back pain or pelvic discomfort , pelvis tilts forward leading to shifting of center of gravity- change in posture and walking style increasing lordosis(Abnormal curvature anterior curvature of lumbar spine) , increased risk of falls
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• Diastasis recti separation of rectus abdominis muscle in the midline caused by the abdominal distention at benign condition that can occur in 3rd trimester
• distension of abdomen related to expanding uterus reduced abdominal tone and increased breast size -round ligament spasm
• increased estrogen and relaxing levels lead to increased elasticity relaxation of ligaments -increased risk of joint pain and injury
• abdominal muscles stretched due to enlarging uterus -diastasis recti
Integumentary system
Endocrine system
Neurological System
Headache, Syncope
Generalized or multisystem
Fatigue (first and third trimesters)
Reassure the woman of the normalcy of her response.
Encourage the woman to plan for extra rest during the day and at night; focus on “work” of growing a healthy baby.
Enlist support and assistance from friends and family.
Encourage the woman to eat an optimal diet with adequate caloric intake and iron-rich foods and iron supplementation if anemic.
2 Identify nursing measures to relieve the discomforts caused by physiological changes during pregnancy.
As follows
Emotional lability (throughout pregnancy)
Reassure the woman of the normalcy of response.
Encourage adequate rest and optimal nutrition.
Encourage communication with partner/significant support people.
Refer to pregnancy support group.
Breasts
*Tenderness, enlargement, upper back pain (throughout pregnancy; tenderness mostly in the first trimester)
Encourage the woman to wear a well-fitting, supportive bra.
Instruct woman in correct use of good body mechanics.
*Leaking of colostrum from nipples (starting second trimester onward)
Reassure the woman of the normalcy.
Recommend soft cotton breast pads if leaking is troublesome.
Uterus
Braxton-Hicks contractions (mid-pregnancy onward)
Reassure the woman that occasional contractions are normal.
Instruct the woman to call her provider if contractions become regular and persist before 37 weeks.
Ensure adequate fluid intake.
Recommend a maternity girdle for uterus support.
Cervix/vagina
Increased secretions
Yeast infections (throughout pregnancy)
Encourage daily bathing.
Recommend cotton underwear.
Recommend wearing panty liner, changing pad frequently.
Instruct the woman to avoid douching or using feminine hygiene sprays.
Inform provider if discharge changes in color or is accompanied by foul odor or pruritus.
Dyspareunia(pain before during or after intercourse)(throughout pregnancy)
Reassure the woman/couple of normalcy of response, provide information.
Suggest alternative positions for sexual intercourse and alternative sexual activity to sexual intercourse.
Cardiovascular
Supine hypotension (mid-pregnancy onward) Instruct the woman to avoid supine position from mid-pregnancy onward.
Advise her to lie on her side and rise slowly to decrease the risk of a hypotensive event.
Orthostatic hypotension
Advise woman to keep feet moving when standing and avoid standing for prolonged periods.
Instruct to rise slowly from a lying position to sitting or standing to decrease the risk of a hypotensive event.
Anemia (throughout pregnancy; more common in late second trimester)
Encourage the woman to include iron-rich foods in daily dietary intake and take iron supplementation.
Dependent edema lower extremities and/or vulva (late pregnancy)
Instruct the woman to:
Varicosities (later pregnancy)
Instruct woman in all measures for dependent edema (see above).
Suggest the woman wear support hose (put on before rising in the morning, before legs have been in dependent position).
Instruct the woman to lie on her back with legs propped against a wall in an approximately 45-degree angle to spine periodically throughout the day.
Instruct the woman to avoid crossing legs when sitting.
Respiratory
Hyperventilation and dyspnea (throughout pregnancy; may worsen in later pregnancy)
Reassure the woman of the normalcy of her response and provide information.
Instruct the woman to slow down respiration rate and depth when hyperventilating.
Encourage good posture.
Instruct the woman to stand and stretch, taking a deep breath periodically throughout the day; stretch and take a deep breath periodically throughout the night.
Suggest sleeping semi-sitting with additional pillows for support.
Nasal and sinus congestion/epistaxis (throughout pregnancy)
Suggest the woman try a cool-air humidifier.
Instruct the woman to avoid use of decongestants and nasal sprays and instead to use normal saline drops.
Renal-Frequency and urgency/nocturia (may be throughout pregnancy; most common in first and third trimesters)
Reassure the woman of normalcy of response.
Encourage the woman to empty her bladder frequently, always wiping front to back.
Stress the importance of maintaining adequate hydration, reducing fluid intake only near bedtime.
Instruct her to urinate after intercourse.
Teach the woman to notify her provider if there is pain or blood with urination.
Encourage Kegel exercises; wear perineal pad if needed.
Gastrointestinal
Nausea and/or vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) (first trimester and sometimes into the second trimester)
Reassure the woman of normalcy and self-limiting nature of response.
Avoid strong odors and causative factors (e.g., spicy foods, greasy foods, large meals, stuffy rooms, hot places, or loud noises).
Encourage women to experiment with alleviating factors:
Oral or rectal medications may be prescribed for management of troublesome symptoms.
Identify, acknowledge, and support women with significant NVP to offer additional treatment options.