Changes During Pregnancy:
Respiration: Owing to the upward displacement of the diaphragm in the later months of pregnancy, the chest expands somewhat laterally and compensates to give an increased capacity of inspired air The Respiration respiratory rate is increased slightly during the last weeks of pregnancy.
Digestion: The digestive system shows the deviation from the normal in the early part of pregnancy because of the relaxation hormone. There is some showing of peristalsis, and as a result, there is a tendency to have nausea and constipation. it is well known that the liver is unable to maintain its store of glycogen. Therefore in the first three months of pregnancy carbohydrates prescribe to facilitate the work of the liver detoxifying the waste product of the fetus.
Nervous System: Because of the marked changes in the endocrine system, the personality and the nervous system of the woman may be affected, although the majority of women pass through pregnancy with disturbances of the nervous system, In the early part of the pregnancy the woman may show a tendency toward melancholia to have strange whims concerning food. As pregnancy progresses she may become much more relaxed and very complacent. On the other hand, emotionally unstable patients may become worrisome and fretful owing to the strain of pregnancy. The degree of nervous instability exhibited will depend upon the mental balance of the patient The nurse who comes in contact with such a patient should be very tolerant in explaining the changes that are taking place, and if necessary, guide such a patient into the hands of a psychiatrist.
Urinary Tract: There are no marked changes in the kidney during a normal pregnancy. However, they must perform the increased amount of work. Urine is increased in amount and is low in specific gravity. Because of lactose absorption from the breast .sugar is frequently found and is of no significance unless it persists. It is well known that the frequency of urination is increased during the first week of pregnancy, as well as during the last weeks, owning to the pressure of the uterus upon the uterus.
The Ureters: Especially the right, are definitely dilated and increased in length. Some distension may be due to hormone (progesterone) influence; however, most of it is due to compression of the hypertrophic ureters by the uterus at the pelvic brim.
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