Maternal Health and Pregnancy Physiology Examination Covering Braxton-Hicks
Contractions, Leukorrhea, Breast Changes and Colostrum Production, Iron
Deficiency Anemia and Hematologic Adaptations, Cardiovascular Adjustments
Including Hypertrophy, Increased Cardiac Output, and Postural Hypotension,
Vena Cava Syndrome, Edema and Varicose Veins Management, Respiratory
Adaptations and Dyspnea Relief, Renal and Bladder Changes Including Increased
GFR and Urinary Frequency, UTI Prevention, Skin Changes Including Striae
Gravidarum, Hyperpigmentation, and Pruritis Gravidarum, Postural Changes,
Back Pain and Round Ligament Pain, Neurological and Ophthalmic Changes,
Headache and Sleep Disturbances, Fatigue Management, Oral and Hepatic
Changes, Gastrointestinal Adaptations Including Morning Sickness, Hyperemesis
Gravidarum, Heartburn, Constipation, and Hemorrhoids, Lifestyle and Non-
Pharmacologic Interventions for Maternal Comfort Exam Questions Verified and
Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
Braxton-Hicks
Begin around 4 months-birth
Irregular, inconsistent, painless contractions
Call HCP if regular, painful, and persistent prior to 37 weeks
Relief measures for Braxton-Hicks
Ensure @ least 1000-2000mL fluid q/day
Pregnancy girdle
Exercise, walking
,Changes in the vagina during pregnancy
Increase in vascularity
Increase leukorrhea
Loosening of connective tissues
Variscosities
More acidic (lactic acid)
(More bacteriostatic, favors growth of yeast)
Leukorrhea
White-mucous like discharge that occurs daily
Relief measures for Leukorrhea
Reassurance of normalcy
Daily bathing
Cotton underwear
Wipe front to back
NO douching
Changes in the breasts during pregnancy
Increase in size, vascularity, fat deposits, pigmentation (areola/striae), Montgomery tubercles
When does colostrum come in?
, 16th week
Common discomforts of the breast
Enlargement > upper back pain
Tenderness, nipple sensitivity
Relief measures for breast discomforts
Well fitting supportive bra
Massage, heat
Good body mechanics & exercise to improve posture
3rd trimester leaking— soft cotton pads
Circulatory changes during pregnancy
Increase in body water, blood volume, RBC count, plasma volume, and NEED for iron
Physiologic anemia of pregnancy
3x greater than RBCs (dilution) = low Hgb
Hematologic changes
Increase fibrinogen (30-50%), coagulation factors, and WBC (up to 15000)
Decrease in Hgb, Hct, and fibrinolysis
Contractions, Leukorrhea, Breast Changes and Colostrum Production, Iron
Deficiency Anemia and Hematologic Adaptations, Cardiovascular Adjustments
Including Hypertrophy, Increased Cardiac Output, and Postural Hypotension,
Vena Cava Syndrome, Edema and Varicose Veins Management, Respiratory
Adaptations and Dyspnea Relief, Renal and Bladder Changes Including Increased
GFR and Urinary Frequency, UTI Prevention, Skin Changes Including Striae
Gravidarum, Hyperpigmentation, and Pruritis Gravidarum, Postural Changes,
Back Pain and Round Ligament Pain, Neurological and Ophthalmic Changes,
Headache and Sleep Disturbances, Fatigue Management, Oral and Hepatic
Changes, Gastrointestinal Adaptations Including Morning Sickness, Hyperemesis
Gravidarum, Heartburn, Constipation, and Hemorrhoids, Lifestyle and Non-
Pharmacologic Interventions for Maternal Comfort Exam Questions Verified and
Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
Braxton-Hicks
Begin around 4 months-birth
Irregular, inconsistent, painless contractions
Call HCP if regular, painful, and persistent prior to 37 weeks
Relief measures for Braxton-Hicks
Ensure @ least 1000-2000mL fluid q/day
Pregnancy girdle
Exercise, walking
,Changes in the vagina during pregnancy
Increase in vascularity
Increase leukorrhea
Loosening of connective tissues
Variscosities
More acidic (lactic acid)
(More bacteriostatic, favors growth of yeast)
Leukorrhea
White-mucous like discharge that occurs daily
Relief measures for Leukorrhea
Reassurance of normalcy
Daily bathing
Cotton underwear
Wipe front to back
NO douching
Changes in the breasts during pregnancy
Increase in size, vascularity, fat deposits, pigmentation (areola/striae), Montgomery tubercles
When does colostrum come in?
, 16th week
Common discomforts of the breast
Enlargement > upper back pain
Tenderness, nipple sensitivity
Relief measures for breast discomforts
Well fitting supportive bra
Massage, heat
Good body mechanics & exercise to improve posture
3rd trimester leaking— soft cotton pads
Circulatory changes during pregnancy
Increase in body water, blood volume, RBC count, plasma volume, and NEED for iron
Physiologic anemia of pregnancy
3x greater than RBCs (dilution) = low Hgb
Hematologic changes
Increase fibrinogen (30-50%), coagulation factors, and WBC (up to 15000)
Decrease in Hgb, Hct, and fibrinolysis
