Physiology of Pregnancy & Antenatal Care

Topics in this chapter

• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Changes
• Renal and Hematological Changes
• Metabolic Changes and Nutrition
• Placental Hormones and Endocrinology
• Antenatal Care and Guidelines
• Prevention and Maternal Positioning

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-455B47

   A 26-year-old primigravida at 12 weeks of gestation presents for her first routine antenatal visit. Which of the following physiological hematological changes is expected during a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy?

   1. A.Increase in hemoglobin concentration due to erythropoiesis
   2. B.Decrease in total leukocyte count (TLC)
   3. C.Increase in plasma volume greater than the increase in red cell mass
   4. D.Decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-ECEF33

   A 30-year-old G2P1 at 28 weeks of gestation comes for an antenatal check-up. Her blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg. Which of the following cardiovascular adaptations is typically observed at this stage of gestation compared to the non-pregnant state?

   1. A.Increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
   2. B.Increased cardiac output
   3. C.Elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP)
   4. D.Decreased heart rate
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-6E5276

   According to the Government of India (MOHFW/RCH guidelines), what is the recommended minimum number of antenatal care (ANC) visits for a pregnant woman?

   1. A.One visit
   2. B.Two visits
   3. C.Three visits
   4. D.Four visits
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-D95C55

   A pregnant woman at 34 weeks of gestation is advised to lie in the lateral recumbent position rather than the supine position. This is primarily to prevent which of the following hemodynamic phenomena?

   1. A.Supine hypotensive syndrome due to inferior vena cava compression
   2. B.Portal hypertension due to hepatic artery spasm
   3. C.Acute renal failure due to bilateral renal artery kinking
   4. D.Pulmonary embolism due to deep venous stasis in the lower limbs
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-D36241

   Which of the following renal function parameters characteristically INCREASES during normal physiological pregnancy?

   1. A.Serum creatinine
   2. B.Serum urea (blood urea nitrogen)
   3. C.Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
   4. D.Serum uric acid
   See the answer and solution