Changes of the Reproductive System during Pregnancy (Nursing)

00:01 Hello, welcome to a conversation about pregnancy.

00:05 Today we're going to talk about the physiological changes of pregnancy.

00:09 This lays the foundation for everything we're going to talk about in this course.

00:13 So spend some time in this lecture and use it for a reference point.

00:17 If you ever feel like you're struggling with any of the content.

00:20 Are you ready? Here we go.

00:22 We're going to talk about the reproductive system.

00:25 We're going to talk about the cardiovascular system, the hematologic system, the endocrine system, the renal system, the gastrointestinal system, the musculoskeletal system, the respiratory system, and finally, the integumentry system.

00:43 So beginning with reproductive system changes.

00:46 So these are the things that go on in the reproductive system that are going to change as a result of pregnancy.

00:53 When we think about changes in the breast, the estrogen also causes changes in the milk ducts.

00:59 So let's look at this in detail.

01:00 As we have an increase in blood supply, we're going to have growth and proliferation of the milk ducts.

01:07 This is where the milk is going to be produced later on, so we have to start early.

01:12 Progesterone causes specifically the development of the mammary lobes.

01:16 So remember, estrogen causes growth and proliferation of the milk ducts, and progesterone causes development of the mammary lobes.

01:25 When we think about the areola, that's the dark area around the nipple.

01:29 This area is going to become enlarged and the pigment is going to change.

01:34 It's going to be much darker than it is normally.

01:37 Sometimes this is a cause for concern for clients.

01:40 Make sure they know that this is expected.

01:42 We also may notice something that looks like little pimples around the nipple.

01:47 These are called the tubercles of Montgomery.

01:49 The function of these tubercles is to supply the lubrication for the breast.

01:54 Remember, the function of the breast is to feed the newborn.

01:57 So we want to make sure that area doesn't get dry.

02:00 So the tubercles of Montgomery will help with that process.

02:04 Also, in terms of how the breasts look.

02:06 They're going to change. So they may look more transparent.

02:10 They may have more vessels that are visible superficially.

02:14 Again, these are things we want to reassure the client about, let them know these are normal changes.

02:21 There may be stretch marks that form on the breast as they enlarge.

02:24 And again, this may not be the most fun, but it is normal.

02:30 This process of milk production starts during the pregnancy.

02:34 So not just when the baby arrives.

02:36 We start the production of colostrum during Lactogenesis I.

02:40 This happens during the pregnancy.

02:43 It's important that you know that the lobes are formed, that the alveoli cells start to grow, and we also have formation of the milk ducts.

02:52 Fatty tissue will also help to support breast function.

02:56 The areola, as we mentioned previously, will become dark, the nipple will become more sensitive and often larger as well.

03:04 It's important that you remind clients that although cholesterol is produced during pregnancy, it's normal for it to leak out before delivery.

03:14 Let them know that and also let them know they will not run out.

03:19 This is all a part of Lactogenesis I.

03:22 Lactogenesis II, we'll talk about in a later lecture because that occurs after delivery.

03:28 Now, let's talk about the uterus.

03:30 Now, the uterus is primetime and we talk about reproductive changes.

03:34 Under the influence of estrogen, the cells proliferate and the uterus grows.

03:38 Now, because estrogen is present, whether the pregnancy is in the uterus, or as in the case of an ectopic outside the uterus no matter what the uterus is going to grow and stretch.

03:49 So understanding that the uterus grows from the beginning, all the way until the end of pregnancy to create a home for the baby.

03:57 Let's talk about some other changes that also happen.

04:00 Because of the increase of blood flow to the uterus, we have softening of the uterus.

04:07 So specifically when we speak of the isthmus, which is right above the cervix, that area becomes soft, and it has a name.

04:14 It's called Hegar's Sign.

04:16 So softening of the isthmus is Hegar.

04:20 So high above the cervix is how I remember.

04:23 Chadwicks is also another sign of pregnancy.

04:27 But specifically, what's going on is all that extra blood flow into the cervix makes it take on kind of a bluish color.

04:35 So if you place the speculum into the vagina, and you open up the blades, and you see the cervix, you may notice that it looks a little cyanotic.

04:43 That seems bad, but it's actually good.

04:45 Means we have great blood flow to the cervix.

04:48 C for color, C for chadwicks.

04:51 So, a Goodell's sign is when we can feel how soft the cervix is under the influence of all those hormones, as the cells proliferate and blood flow comes in the cervix is going to be softer. Good all Goodell's.

05:08 Within the cervical canal, we have the formation of a mucus plug, also called operculum.

05:15 I actually just love saying that operculum, operculum, operculum.

05:19 It makes me feel really smart.

05:21 But what it actually is is a wad of mucus.

05:23 And when it comes out later in pregnancy, it looks like a wad of... well mucus, or it's not, which is not really that nice looking.

05:31 But it is important because functionally what it does is to protect Cletus the fetus is there inside from all the bacteria they may form inside the vagina.

05:40 That's the operculum or mucus plug.