Study Session 7 Physiological Changes During Pregnancy 4
Introduction 4
Question 4
Answer 4
Learning Outcomes for Study Session 7 4
7.1 Physiological changes in the female reproductive system during pregnancy 5
7.1.1 Changes in oestrogen and progesterone 5
Question 5
Answer 5
7.1.2 Changes in the uterus, cervix and vagina 5
The uterus 5
Question 6
Answer 6
Question 7
Answer 7
The cervix 8
The vagina 8
7.2 Pregnancy-related changes in posture and joints 8
7.3 Changes in body weight during pregnancy 9
7.4 Changes in the cardiovascular system 11
7.4.1 The heart 11
Question 11
Answer 11
7.4.2 Blood volume 12
Box 7.1 Iron, haemoglobin and anaemia 12
Question 13
Answer 13
7.4.3 Blood pressure in pregnancy 13
Question 13
Answer 14
Question 14
Answer 14
7.4.4 Exercise and blood flow in pregnancy 14
7.4.5 Oedema in pregnancy 15
7.5 Respiratory changes 16
7.6 Changes in the gastrointestinal system in pregnancy 17
Question 17
Answer 17
Question 17
Answer 17
7.7 Changes in the urinary system during pregnancy 19
7.8 Skin changes 19
7.8.1 Linea nigra 19
7.8.2 Mask of pregnancy (chloasma) 19
7.8.3 Stretch marks 20
7.8.4 Sweat glands 20
7.9 Changes in the breasts 20
Summary of Study Session 7 21
Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 7 22
SAQ 7.1 (tests Learning Outcome 7.2) 22
Answer 22
SAQ 7.2 (tests Learning Outcome 7.3) 22
Answer 22
SAQ 7.3 (tests Learning Outcome 7.4) 23
Answer 23
SAQ 7.4 (tests Learning Outcome 7.4) 23
Answer 23
SAQ 7.5 (tests Learning Outcome 7.5) 23
Answer 23
SAQ 7.6 (tests Learning Outcomes 7.1, 7.2, 7.4 and 7.5) 23
Answer 24
