Physiologic Adaptations To Pregnancy

"You're right. We'll inform the practitioner immediately."

"Lightening has occurred, so the fundal height is lower than expected."

"The body of the uterus is at the belly button level, just where it should be at this time."

"When you come for next month's appointment, we'll check you again to make sure that the baby is growing."

Have the client stand up and retake her blood pressure.

Have the client sit down and hold her arm in a dependent position.

Have the client turn to her left side and recheck her blood pressure in 5 minutes.

Have the client lie supine for 5 minutes and recheck her blood pressure on both arms.

Nasal stuffiness and nosebleeds are caused by a decrease in progesterone.

These conditions are abnormal. Refer the client to an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Estrogen relaxes the smooth muscles in the respiratory tract, so congestion and epistaxis are within normal limits.

Estrogen causes increased blood supply to the mucous membranes and can result in congestion and nosebleeds.

Drink plenty of fluids at bedtime.

Eat only three meals a day so the stomach is empty between meals.

Drink coffee or orange juice immediately on arising in the morning.

Use Tums or Alkamints to obtain relief, as directed by the health care provider.

These contractions may indicate preterm labor.

These are contractions that never cause any discomfort.

Braxton Hicks contractions only start during the third trimester.

These occur throughout pregnancy, but you may not feel them until the third trimester.