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Objectives: To educate on prenatal, perinatal,
and postnatal facts and expected experiences so as to promote a safe, healthy
delivery and future for mother and baby.
I. Maternal changes
and discomforts during pregnancy
A. Expected physical changes
1) Reproductive
(a) Uterine expansion from pear size to greater
than size of baby permitted by expansion of actual size of uterine muscle
cell
(b) Cervix softens and a mucus plug forms in the cervical
canal to prevent ascent of bacteria, which could cause infection.
(c) Ovaries cease to produce eggs, but secrete hormones
to assist with maintenance of pregnancy.
(d) Changes occur in vaginal secretions that help prevent
bacterial growth, but in turn allow overgrowth of normal yeast, which can
lead to yeast infections. Normal vaginal secretions should be white and
slightly thicker than usual. Menstrual cycles usually cease. Do not use
douches without consulting with doctor (douches usually not recommended).
(e) In the breasts, superficial veins become noticeable,
nipples become more erect, areola darken, and colostrum may leak from nipples
in third trimester.
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