A. Systemic Changes
1. Circulatory/Cardiovascular
a. Beginning the end of the first trimester, there is gradual increase of about 30%-50% in total cardiac volume, reaching its peak during the 6th month. This causes a drop in hemoglobin and hematocrit values since the increase is only in the plasma volume=physiologic anemia of pregnancy. Consequences of increased total cardiac volume are:
Easy fatigability and shortness of breath because of increased workload of the heart
Slight hypertrophy of the heart, causing it to be displaced to the left, resulting in torsion on the great vessels (the aorta and pulmonary artery)
Systolic murmurs are common due to lowered blood viscosity
Nosebleeds may occur because of marked congestion of the nasopharynx as pregnancy progresses
b. Palpitations due to:
Sympathetic nervous system stimulation during first half of pregnancy
Increased pressure of uterus against the diaphragm during 2nd half of pregnancy
c. Because of poor circulation resulting from pressure of the gravid uterus on the blood vessels of the lower extremities:
Edema of the lower extremities occurs.
Management: raise legs above hip level
Important: Edema of the lower extremities is NOT a sign of toxemia.
Varicosities of the lower extremities can also occur. Management:
• Use/wear support hose or elastic stocking to promote venous flow, thus preventive stasis in the lower extremities
• Apply elastic bandage – start at the distal end of the extremity and work toward the trunk to avoid congestion and impaired circulation in the distal part; do not wrap toes so as to be able to determine the adequacy of circulation (Principle behind bandaging: blood flow thru tissues is decreased by applying excessive pressure on blood vessels)
• Avoid use of constricting garters, e.g., knee-high socks
d. Because of poor circulation in the blood vessels of the genitalia due to pressure of the gravid uterus, varicosities of the vulva and rectum can occur. Management:
Side-lying position with hips elevated on pillows
Advise modified knee-chest position
e. There is increased level of circulating fibrinogen, that is why pregnant women are normally safeguarded against undue bleeding. However, this also predisposes them to formation of blood clots (thrombi). The implication is that pregnant women should not be massaged since blood clots can be released an cause thromboembolism.
2. Gastrointestinal changes
a. Morning sickness (-nausea and vomiting during the first trimester) is due to increased human chorionic genadotropin (HCC). It may also be due to increased acidity or even to emotional factors. Management:
Eat dry toast or crackers 30 minutes before arising in the morning (or dry, high carbohydrate, low fat and low spices in the diet).
Hyperemesis gravidarum – excessive nausea and vomiting which persists beyond 3 months; will result in dehydration, starvation and acidosis. Management
• D10 NSS 3000 ml in 24 hours is the priority of treatment
• Complete bed rest is also an important
b. Constipation and flatulence are due to the displacement of the stomach and intestines, thus slowing peristalsis and gastric-emptying time; may also be due to increased progesterone during pregnancy. Management:
Increase fluids and roughage in the diet
Establish regular elimination time
Increase exercise
Avoid enemas
Avoid harsh laxatives like Dulcolax; stool softeners, e.g. Colace, are better
Mineral oil should not be taken because it interferes with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
c. Hemorrhoids are due to pressure of enlarged uterus. Management:
Cold compress with witch hazel or Epsom salts.
d. Heartburn, especially during the last trimester, is due to increased progesterone which decreases gastric motility, thereby causing reverse peristaltic waves which lead to regurgitation of stomach contents through the cardiac sphincter into the esophagus, causing irritation.
Management:
Pats of butter before meals
Avoid fried, fatty foods
Sips of milk at frequent intervals
Small, frequent meals taken slowly
Bend at the knees, not at the waist
Take antacids (e.g. Milk of Magnesia) but NEVER sodium bicarbonate (e.g. Alka Seltzer or baking soda) because it promotes fluid retention.
3. Respiratory changes – there is shortness of breath
a. Causes
Increased oxygen consumption and production of carbon dioxide during the first trimester
Increased uterine size causes diaphragm to be pushed or displaced, thus crowding chest cavity
b. Management: Lateral expansion of the chest to compensate for shortness of breath increases oxygen supply and vital lung capacity.
4. Urinary changes
a. Urinary frequency, the only sign in pregnancy seen during the first trimester, disappear during the second and reappear during the third trimester, is due to increased blood supply in the kidneys and to the uterus rising out of the pelvic cavity; on the last trimester, is due to pressure of enlarged uterus on the bladder, especially with lightening.
b. Decreased renal threshold for sugar due to increased production of glucocorticoids which cause lactose and dextrose to spill into the urine; also an effect of the increase in progesterone. (Implication: It would be difficult to diagnose diabetes in pregnancy based on the urine sample alone because all pregnant women have sugar in their urine)
5. Musculoskeletal changes
a. Because of the pregnant woman’s attempt to change her center of gravity, she makes ambulation easier by standing more straight and taller, resulting in a lordotic position (“pride of pregnancy”)
b. Due to increased production of the hormone relaxin, pelvic bones become more supple and movable, increasing the incidence of accidental falls due to the wobbly gait.
Implication: Advise use of low-heeled shoes after the first trimester.
c. Leg cramps are caused by:
Increased pressure of gravid uterus on lower extremities
Fatigue
Chills
Muscle tenseness
Low calcium high phosphorus intake
Management:
Frequent rest periods with feet elevated
Wear warm, more comfortable clothing
Increase calcium intake (calcium tablets and diet)
Do not massage – blood clots can cause embolism
Most effective relief: Press knee of the affected leg and dorsiflex the foot
6. Temperature – slight increase in body temperature due to increased progesterone, but the body adapts after the 4th month
7. Endocrine changes
a. Addition of the placenta as an endocrine organ, producing large amounts of estrogen, progesterone, HCG and HPL
b. Moderate enlargement of the thyroid gland due to hyperplasia of the glandular tissues and increased vascularity. Could also be due to increased basal metabolic activity of the products of conception.
c. Increased size of the parathyroids, probably to satisfy the increased need of the fetus for calcium
d. Increased size and activity of the adrenal cortex, thus increasing the amount of circulating cortisol, aldosterone and ADH, all of which affect carbohydrate and fat metabolism
e. Gradual increase in insulin production but the body’s sensitivity to insulin is decreased during pregnancy
8. Weight
a. During first trimester, weight gain of 1.5 – 3 lbs
b. On 2nd trimester and 3rd trimesters, weight gain of 10-11 pounds per trimester is recommended
c. Total allowable weight gain during entire period of pregnancy is 20 - 25 lbs ( = 10 – 12 kgs)
d. Pattern of weight gain is more important than the amount of weight gained
e. Distribution of weight gain during pregnancy:
Fetus 7 lbs
Placenta 1 lb
Amniotic fluid 1 ½ lbs
Increased weight of uterus 2 lbs
Increased blood volume 1 lb
Increased weight of the breast 1 ½ - 3 lbs
Weight of additional fluid 2 lbs
Fat fluid accumulation 4 – 6 lbs
Characteristic of pregnancy _________
TOTAL = 20 – 25 lbs
9. Emotional responses
a. First trimester: the fetus is an unidentified concept with great future implications but without tangible evidence of reality. Some degree of rejection, denial and disbelief, even repression. (Implication: when giving health teachings, be sure to emphasize the bodily changes in pregnancy)
b. Second trimester: fetus is perceived as a separate entity. Fantasizes appearance of the baby
c. Third trimester: has personal identification with a real baby about to be born and realistic plans for future child care responsibilities. Best time to talk about preparation of layette and infant feeding method. Fear of death, though, is prominent (To allay fears, let pregnant woman listen to the fetal heart tones).
B. Local Changes
1. Uterus
a. Weight in crease to about 1,000 grams at full term; due to increase in the amount of fibrous and elastic tissues.
b. Change in shape from pear-like to ovoid
c. Change in consistency of the lower uterine segment causes extreme softening, known as Hegar’s sign, seen at about the 6th week
d. Mucous plugs in the cervix, called operculum, are produced to seal out bacteria
e. Cervix becomes more vascular and edematous, resembling the consistency of an earlobe, known as Goodell’s sign.
2. Vagina
a. Increased vascularity causes change in color from light pink to deep purple or violet known as Chadwick’s sign
To prevent confusion as to pregnancy signs arrange the body “out to xxx” and the different signs alphabetically. Thus:
Vagina - Chadwick’s sign
Cervix - Goodell’s sign
Uterus - Hegar’s sign
b. Due to increase estrogen, activity of the epithelial cells increases, thus increasing amount of vaginal discharges called leukorrhea. As long as the discharges are not smelling or irritatingly itchy, it is normal. Management: Maintain or increase cleanliness by taking twice daily shower baths using cool water.
c. pH of vagina changes from the normally acidic (because of the presence of the Doderlein bacilli) to alkaline (because of increased estrogen). Alkaline vaginal environment is supposed to protect against bacterial infection, however, there are two microorganisms which love to thrive in an alkaline environment:
Trichomonas, a protozoa or flagellate. The condition is called trichomonas vaginalis or trichomonas vaginitis or trichomoniasis. Symptoms are:
Frothy, cream-colored, irritatingly itchy, foul-smelling discharges
Vulvar edema and hyperemia due to irritation from the discharges
Treatment:
Flagyl for 10 days p.o. or vaginal suppositories of Trichomonicidal compounds (e.g., Tricefuron, Vagisec, Devegan). Note: Is carcinogenic during the first trimester. Treat male partner also, with Flagyl. (Important: avoid alcoholic drinks when taking Flagyl – can cause Antabuse-like reactions: vomiting, flushed face and abdominal cramps.) Dark brown urine a minor side effect-no need to discontinue the drug.
Acidic vaginal douche (1 tbsp. white vinegar to 1 quart of water or 15 ml white vinegar in 1000 ml water) to counteract alkaline-preferred environment of the protozoa.
Avoid intercourse to prevent re-infection.
Monilia, a fungus called Candida albicans. The condition is called Moniliasis or Candidiasis. Fungus also lives to thrive in environment right in carbohydrates (that is why it is common among poorly-controlled diabetics) and in those on steroid and antibiotic therapy when acidic environment is altered.
Symptoms:
White, patchy, cheese-like particles that adhere to vaginal walls. Irritatingly itchy and foul-smelling vaginal discharges
Treatment:
Mycostatin/Nystatin p.o. or vaginal suppositories/pessaries (100,000 U) twice a day for 15 days
Gentian violet swab to vagina (use panty shields to prevent staining of clothes or underwear)
Correct diabetes
Avoid intercourse
Acidic vaginal douche
Moniliasis is seen as oral thrush in the newborn when transmitted during delivery through the birth canal of the infected mother.
3. Abdominal Wall
a. Striae gravidarum – increased uterine size results in rupture and atrophy of the connective tissue layers, seen as pink or reddish streaks (gently rubbing oil on the skin helps prevent diastasis)
b. Umbilicus pushed out
4. Skin
a. Linea nigra – brown line running from umbilicus to symphysis pubis
b. Melasma or chloasma – extra pigmentation on cheeks and across the nose due to the increased production of melanocytes by the pituitary gland
c. Sweat glands unduly activated
5. Breasts
a. All changes due to increased estrogen
b. Increase in size due to hyperplasia of mammary alveoli and fat deposits. Proper breast support with well-fitting brassiere necessary to prevent sagging
c. Feeling of fullness and tingling sensation in the breasts
d. Nipples more erect (For mothers who intend to breastfeed, advise nipple rolling, drying nipples with rough towel to help toughen the nipples and not to use soap or alcohol so as to prevent drying which could lead to sore nipples).
e. Montgomery glands become bigger and more protruberant
f. Areolae become darker and diameter increase
g. Skin surrounding areolas turns dark
h. By the fourth month, a thin, watery, high-protein fluid, called colostrums, is formed. It is the precursor of breast milk.
6. Ovaries – no activity whatsoever, since ovulation does not take place during pregnancy and progesterone and estrogen are being produced by the placenta.
Table 2. Signs Of Pregnancy
STAGE | PRESUMPTIVE | PROBABLE | POSITIVE |
First Trimester | Amenorrhea Morning sickness Breast changes Fatigue Urinary frequency Enlarging uterus | Chadwick’s Goodell’s Hegar’s Positive HCG Elevation of basal body temperature | Ultrasound evidence |
Second Trimester | Quickening Increased skin pigmentation: Chloasma Linea nigra Striae gravidarum | Enlarged abdomen Braxton Hicks Ballotement | Fetal heart tones Fetal movements Fetal outline on X-ray |