Nurs 425- Normal Pregnancy
test questions and answers
2025
Uterus changes
•Hypertrophy
•Braxton-Hicks contractions
•Softening of isthmus of uterus—Hegar's Sign (6-8 weeks).
•Contains 1/6 of maternal blood volume end of pregnancy
Fundal height
•Fundus palpable:
•Symphysis pubis: 10-12 weeks
•Level of umbilicus: 20-22 weeks
•McDonald's Method: Most reliable between 22-34 weeks
Ovaries changes
•Ovum production ceases
•In early pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) helps to
maintain the corpus luteum for 6-8 weeks
•Progesterone from corpus luteum maintains the endometrium until
placenta takes over progesterone production at 10-12 weeks
Cervix changes
•Estrogen stimulates glandular tissue of the cervix
•Number of cervix cells increases
•Thick mucus forms the mucous plug
•Goodell's sign - softening of cervix
•Chadwick's sign - bluish color (increased vascularization)
Vaginal changes
•Estrogen stimulates hypertrophy, hyperplasia, increased
vascularization (Chadwick's sign) and relaxation of tissues at term
•Thickening of mucosa
•Loosening of supportive connective tissue
•Increase in vaginal secretions (leukorrhea)
, •pH low (acidic) - helps to prevent infections but makes more
susceptible to yeast infections
Breast changes
•Under influence of estrogen and progesterone
•Increase in size and nodularity
•Areola hyperpigmentation
•Striae
•Colostrum: Present by 12 weeks, leaking common in last trimester
Weight gain
•Normal weight = 25 - 35 lbs
•1st trimester - minimal (1-4 lbs)
•2nd & 3rd trimesters- 1 lb/week
Metabolism
•Nutrient metabolism: Greatest fetal demand in 2nd half pregnancy,
Fetus doubles weight in last 6-8 weeks
•Increased protein retention for hyperplasia of organs
•Increased fat absorption for fetus and preparation for lactation
•Carbohydrate demand increases
•Increased insulin production (increased tissue resistance)
•Iron transfer to fetus in the 3rd trimester
•Increased calcium retained in maternal bone for fetal needs late
pregnancy
•Water metabolism increases: Extra water needed for fetus,
placenta, amniotic fluid, and mother's increased blood volume and
enlarged organs, increased water retention
Thyroid gland
•Grows in size & activity
•Metabolic rate increases by 20-25% to meet fetal metabolic needs
•Total serum thyroxine T4 increases and stays up until after birth
•Parathyroid - increased size & activity d/t fetal need for calcium 15-
35 weeks
Anterior pituitary
•Under stimulation of hypothalamus
•Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
•Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
•Helps maintain corpus luteum = secretory endometrium
•Prolactin
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller GUARANTEEDSUCCESS. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $14.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.