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During pregnancy the plasma volume increases by 40-50% and the red blood cell volume increases only by 20–30%. [22] These changes occur mostly in the second trimester and prior to 32 weeks gestation. [24] Due to dilution, the net result is a decrease in hematocrit or hemoglobin, which are measures of red blood cell concentration.
The non-pregnant uterus undergoes small, spontaneous contractions in addition to stronger, coordinated contractions during the menstrual cycle and orgasm. Throughout gestation , [ 1 ] the uterus enters a state of uterine quiescence due to various neural and hormonal changes.
Methylergonovine: This is an ergot alkaloid and has multiple mechanisms of action to induce fast, regular uterine contractions which leads to sustained uterine contraction. [24] It can cause peripheral vasoconstriction and is contraindicated in patients with hypertension or pregnancy related hypertension. [25]
Braxton Hicks contractions are often confused for labor. Braxton Hicks contractions allow the pregnant woman's body to prepare for labor. [1] However, the presence of Braxton Hicks contractions does not mean a woman is in labor or even that labor is about to commence. [1] Another common cause of pain in pregnancy is round ligament pain. Table 1.
Kegel exercise, also known as pelvic floor exercise, involves repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles that form part of the pelvic floor, now sometimes colloquially referred to as the "Kegel muscles". The exercise can be performed many times a day, for several minutes at a time but takes one to three months to begin to have an effect.
Uterine Tachysystole is a condition of excessively frequent uterine contractions during pregnancy. [1] It is most often seen in induced or augmented labor, though it can also occur during spontaneous labor, [2] and this may result in fetal hypoxia and acidosis. This may have serious effects on both the mother and the fetus including ...
In absence of external interventions, the umbilical cord occludes physiologically shortly after birth, explained both by a swelling and collapse of Wharton's jelly in response to a reduction in temperature and by vasoconstriction of the blood vessels by smooth muscle contraction. In effect, a natural clamp is created, halting the flow of blood.
Pre-eclampsia is a multi-system disorder specific to pregnancy, characterized by the new onset of high blood pressure and often a significant amount of protein in the urine or by the new onset of high blood pressure along with significant end-organ damage, with or without the proteinuria.