Fetal Development
This term describes the first fetal movements felt by the pregnant client, usually around 16-20 weeks.
What is quickening?
This condition occurs when the enlarged uterus compresses the inferior vena cava while the client lies flat.
What is supine hypotensive syndrome or vena cava syndrome?
This hormone relaxes smooth muscle and contributes to constipation and heartburn.
What is progesterone?
This dark vertical line may appear on the abdomen during pregnancy.
This symptom is most common in the first trimester and is related to rising hCG levels.
What is nausea and vomiting?
The embryonic period ends and the fetal period begins at this gestational age.
What is 8 weeks gestation?
This vital sign typically stays the same or decreases slightly during the second trimester.
What is blood pressure?
This common first- and third-trimester symptom is caused by uterine pressure on the bladder.
What is urinary frequency?
This hormone softens pelvic joints and can contribute to back pain.
What is relaxin?
These painless, irregular contractions are common in the second and third trimesters.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
This substance produced by the fetal lungs helps keep the alveoli open after birth.
What is surfactant?
This respiratory adaption can make pregnant clients feel mildly short of breath.
What is elevation of the diaphragm?
This GI symptom results from relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.
What is heartburn and/or reflux?
This separation of the abdominal muscles may occur as the uterus enlarges.
What is diastasis recti?
This symptom is caused by venous stasis and pressure on the pelvic veins.
What are hemorrhoids?
This is the approximate gestational age at which the fetus becomes potentially viable outside the uterus.
What is 24 weeks gestation?
Name two normal findings caused by increased blood flow of the respiratory tract during pregnancy.
What are nasal congestion and epistaxis?
Progesterone slows gallbladder emptying during pregnancy increasing the risk for developing these.
What are gallstones (cholelithiasis)?
This skin change, often called the "mask of pregnancy," causes hyperpigmentation on the face.
What is melasma (cholasma)?
This sharp lower abdominal discomfort is caused by stretching of the uterine ligaments.
What is round ligament pain?
This substance protects the fetal skin during pregnancy.
What is vernix caseosa?
This maternal adaption can cause mild palpitations during pregnancy.
What is increased cardiac output?
This renal adaption causes increased urine production and lower serum creatinine levels.
What is increased glomerular filtration rate?
Name two common musculoskeletal discomforts of pregnancy.
What are back pain, round ligament pain, leg cramps?
This intervention helps relieve supoine hypotension.
What is turning the client to the left side?