6.2d Endocrine

Question 1

Placental Hormones

Answer 1

• Estrogen and Progesterone
• Both drop and reach lowest levels after a week
• Decreased estrogen causes loss of extra fluid (diuresis)
• Non-lactating patients estrogen increases after day 14.
• Estrogen will be higher in non-lactating patients than breastfeed patients by day 17
• HCG leaves quickly and is detectable 3-4 weeks after birth

Question 2

Pituitary Hormones

Answer 2

• As progesterone decreases, prolactin increases (milk production)
• Prolactin decreases by 3rd week in non-breastfeeding patients
• Oxytocin triggers milk ejection

Question 3

Metabolic Change

Answer 3

• Blood glucose is lowered during immediate postpartum due to decrease in placental lactogen, estrogen, cortisol, insulinase
• Diabetes type 1 patients need less insulin after birth (especially breastfeeding patients)
• Thyroid gland normal within 3 months
• Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine decrease within 4 weeks
• BMR remains elevated for 1-2 weeks