Biologic Foundations of Pregnancy

    1. Alterations affecting protective functions - integumentary system
      1. Physiological changes - estrogen-induced vascular and pigment changes.
      2. Assessment:
        1. Increased pigmentation.
        2. Striae gravidarum (stretch marks).
        3. Increased sebaceous and sweat gland activity.
        4. Palmar erythema.
        5. Angiomas-vascular “spiders.”
      3. Nursing care plan/implementation:
        4. Goal: health teaching
        1. Bathe or shower daily.
        2. Reassure woman that skin changes decrease after pregnancy.