a gelatinous tissue that remains when the embryonic body stalk blends with the yolk sac within the umbilical cord | Wharton’s jelly |
the normal umbilical cord has how many arteries and veins? | two arteries and one vein |
5 important functions amniotic fluid has for the fetus | 1. it acts as cushion against mechanical injury
2. helps regulate fetal temperature
3. allows the developing embryo or fetus room for growth
4. ^ which promotes musculoskeletal development
5. and provides for fetal development of lungs |
the amniotic fluid appears | clear yellow with a slightly alkaline pH |
the top portion of the uterus is referred to as | the fundus |
screening of serum alpha-fetoprotein provides prediction for certain birth defects. screening of the levels may be preformed to identify the presence of chromosomal abnormalities such as | down syndrome, or birth defects |
non stress test often is begun at how many weeks gestation | 28 weeks |
baseline fetal heart rate | 120-160 |
HCG hormone: initially secreted by the throphoplast in the developing pregnancy. it is responsible for stimulation to the | corpus leteum to promote production of estrogen and progesterone until placenta is functioning |
estrogen: secreted by corpus luteum and later the placenta. it is responsible for the increased | vascularity needed in the developing pregnancy |
progesterone: secreted by the corpus leteum and later the placenta. it is often referred to as the | maintenance hormone of pregnancy |
relaxin: linked to the softening of | the cervix and pubic symphysis |
during the second trimester the breasts begin to produce colostrum, often referred to | premilk |
presumptive signs of pregnancy | amenorrhea
nausea and vomiting
frequent urination
breast changes
change in shape of abdomen
quickening
skin changes
chadwick’s sign |
probable signs of pregnancy | changes in the reproductive organs
positive pregnancy test result |
Hegar’s sign | softening of the segment between the fundus and the cervix |
Goodell’s sign | change and softening or increased pliability of the cervix |
Ballottment | technique used 16 to 18 wks of gestation is a technique that involves palpating the uterus in such a way that the examiner feels the rebound of the floating fetus |
positive signs of pregnancy | palpation of the fetal outline
visualization of the pregnancy with ultrasound scan
presence of fetal heartbeat |
defining parity: five digit system: GTPAL | Gravidity
Term births
Preterm births
Abortions
Living children |
guidelines for counting fetal movements (kick counts)
kick counts should begin at | 28 wks gestation |
guidelines for counting fetal movements (kick counts)
the mother should pick a time when she can | sit or lie quietly |
guidelines for counting fetal movements (kick counts)
each fetal movement should be counted, the goal is | 10-12 movements/kicks in a 1-2 hour period |
danger signs during pregnancy | visual disturbances
headaches
edema
rapid weight gain
pain
signs of infection
vaginal bleeding
vaginal drainage
persistent vomiting
muscular irritability
absence or decrease in fetal movements |
a darkening of a line from the midline of the abdomen from the pubis to the umbilicus may result and is called | linea nigra |
the mask of pregnancy, is an irregular darkening of the cheeks, forehead, and nose | chloasma |
linea nigra and chloasma are more obvious in women with darker hair and skin and may be worsened with | sun exposure |
excessive body hair in a masculine distribution pattern as a result of hereditary, hormonal dysfunction, or medication | hirstutism |
an increase in the normal lumbosacral curve | lordosis |
pregnant women who carry more than one fetus may experience | overdistention |
excessive stress on the abdominal wall muscles may cause a | separation (diastasis recti abdominis) |
cardiovascular changes in pregnancy:
heart rate -
blood pressure - | increases 10-15 bpm
slight decrease in second trimester |
exercises used to help tone the muscles of the perineum and prevent stress incotinence | kegel exercises |
this can help reduce leg cramps | dorsiflexion of the foot |