5-1. GENERAL
The changes that occur in the pregnant patient's body are caused
by several factors. Many of these changes are the result of hormonal influence,
some are caused by the growth of the fetus inside the uterus, and some are the
result of the patient's physical adaptation to the changes that are occurring.
This lesson is closely related to anatomy and physiology.
5-2. CHANGES
OF THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM DURING PREGNANCY
Changes in the body during pregnancy are most obvious in the
organs of the reproductive system.
a. Uterus.
(1) Changes in the uterus are phenomenal. By the time the
pregnancy has reached term, the uterus will have increased five times its
normal size:
(a) In length from 6.5 to 32 cm.
(b) In depth from 2.5 to 22 cm.
(c) In width from 4 to 24 cm.
(d) In weight from 50 to 1000 grams.
(e) In thickness of the walls from 1 to 0.5 cm.
(2) The capacity of the uterus must expand to normally
accommodate a seven-pound fetus and the placenta, the umbilical cord, 500 ml
to 1000 ml of amniotic fluid, and the fetal membranes.
(3) The abdominal contents are displaced to the sides as the
uterus grows in size, which allows for ample space for the uterus within the
abdominal cavity.
(a) Growth of the uterus occurs at a steady, predictable
pace.
(b) Measurement of the fundal height during pregnancy is an
important factor that is noted and recorded (see figure 5-1).
(c) Growth that occurs too fast or too slow could be an
indication of problems.
(d) The size of the uterus usually reaches its peak at 38
weeks gestation. The uterus may drop slightly as the fetal head settles into
the pelvis, preparing for delivery. This dropping is referred to as
"lightening." This is more noticeable in a primigravida than a multigravida.
NOTE : Remember a primigravida
is a woman pregnant for the first time. A multigravida is a woman who has
been pregnant more than once.
b. Cervix.
(1) The cervix undergoes a marked softening which is referred
to as the Goodell's sign."
(2) A mucus plug, which is known as "operculum" is formed in
the cervical canal. This is the result of enlarged and active mucus glands of
the cervix. It serves to seal the uterus and to protect the fetus and fetal
membranes from infection. The mucus plug is expelled at the end of the
pregnancy. This may occur at the onset of labor or precede labor by a few
days. When the mucus is blood-tinged, it is referred to as a "bloody show."
(3) Additional changes and softening of the cervix occur prior
to the beginning of labor.
c. Vagina.
Increased circulation to the vagina early in pregnancy changes the color from
normal light pink to a purple hue which is known as the "Chadwick's sign."
d. Ovaries.
(1) The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ceases its activity
due to the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone secreted by the
ovaries and corpus luteum. The FSH prevents ovulation and menstruation.
(2) The corpus luteum enlarges during early pregnancy and may
even form a cyst on the ovary. The corpus luteum produces progesterone to help
maintain the lining of the endometrium in early pregnancy. It functions until
about the 10th to 12th week of pregnancy when the placenta is capable of
producing adequate amounts of progesterone and estrogen. It slowly decreases
in size and function after the 10th to 12th week.
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LESSON OBJECTIVES
5-1.
Identify changes, which occur in the uterus, cervix,
vagina, and ovaries during pregnancy.
5-2.
Select changes of the skin and breast that occurs
during pregnancy.
5-3. Identify changes, which occur in the circulatory
system,
respiratory system, urinary system, skeletal system, and
gastrointestinal system during pregnancy.
5-4.
Identify changes, which occur in the cardiac output
during pregnancy.
5-5.
Identify nursing indications for a patient who may
have changes in her blood pressure during pregnancy.
5-6.
Identify changes, which occur in the body
temperature during pregnancy.
5-7. Identify nursing implications for the patient with
gastrointestinal symptoms.
5-8.
Identify changes in the endocrine system and
placenta during pregnancy.
5-9.
Identify changes in weight, which occur during
pregnancy. |
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