Hygiene Practices
Bathing or showering during pregnancy should continue as part of routine hygiene. Increased perspiration is common, and good personal hygiene is important to prevent body odor. Tub bathing may become difficult in the later months of pregnancy because of changes in mobility and balance. Some primary care practitioners restrict tub baths in the last month because the cervix may have begun to dilate.
Most primary care practitioners recommend that women avoid hot tubs, sauna baths, and spas during pregnancy because maternal hyperthermia during the first trimester may result in central nervous system
defects of the fetus. Because a woman may not be aware she is pregnant early in the first trimester, those women who are not taking measures to prevent pregnancy are well advised to also avoid hyperthermic baths.
Pregnant women experience increased vaginal discharge. Douching is not recommended. Vaginal drainage that causes pruritus or other symptoms should be reported to the primary care practitioner.
Pregnant women do not have to buy special clothing but should choose garments that are comfortable and do not restrict movement. Circulation-restricting clothing, such as garters and socks with tight elastic bands, should be avoided. Larger bras may be necessary as breasts enlarge; a too-snug bra may interfere with breathing.
Table 25-5 Cardiovascular Changes in Pregnancy
PARAMETER | CHANGE |
Heart rate | Increases 10-15 bpm |
Blood pressure | Remains at prepregnancy levels in first trimester (systolic) Slight decrease in second trimester (systolic and diastolic) Returns to prepregnancy levels in third trimester (diastolic) |
Blood volume | Increases by 1500 mL or 40%-50% above prepregnancy level |
Red blood cell mass | Increases 18% |
Hemoglobin | Decreases |
Hematocrit | Decreases |
White blood cell count | Increases in second and third trimesters |
Cardiac output | Increases 30%-50% |
Adapted from Lowdermilk DL, Perry SE, Cashion K, et al.: Maternal and women’s health care, ed 10, St. Louis, 2012, Mosby. | |
Table 25-6 Respiratory Changes in Pregnancy
PARAMETER | CHANGE |
Respiratory rate | Unchanged or slightly increased |
Tidal volume | Increased 30%-40% |
Vital capacity | Unchanged |
Inspiratory capacity | Increased |
Expiratory volume | Decreased |
Total lung capacity | Unchanged to slightly decreased |
Oxygen consumption | Increased 20%-40% |
From Lowdermilk DL, Perry SE, Cashion K, et al.: Maternal and women’s health care, ed 10, St. Louis, 2012, Mosby. | |
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