Basic Overview of Physiology of Pregnancy

Question 1

Hormones: Human Chorionic gonadotropin

Answer 1

• Produced by developing conceptus and placenta
• Basis of many pregnancy tests and lab tests
• Prevent involution of corpus luteum
• Causes corpus luteum to secrete larger quantities of sex hormones

Question 2

Estrogen

Answer 2

• Produced by corpus luteum and placenta
• Enlargement of uterus, breasts, and external genitalia
• Relax pelvic ligaments

Question 3

Progesterone

Answer 3

• Role in nutrition of early embryo
• Decreases uterine contractility
• Helps estrogen prepare breasts for lactation

Question 4

Placenta

Answer 4

• Formed from trophoblastic cells around the blastocyst

- Diffusion

Question 5

Response to body during Pregnancy: Weightgain

Answer 5

Average: 24 lbs

• Fetus: 7 lbs
• Placenta, amniotic fluid: 4 lbs
• Uterus: 2 lbs
• Breasts: 2 lbs
• Plasma Volume: 6 lbs
• Fat: 3 lbs

Question 6

Response of Body: Metabolism and Nutrition

Answer 6

• basic metabolic rate increases about 15% during latter half of pregnancy
• placental stores of nutrients are needed to sustain fetal grown during the last months of pregnancy

Question 7

Response of Body: increased RR

Answer 7

• 20% increase in oxygen used by mother at term
• Progesterone increases minute ventilation
• Uterus presses abdominal content up against the diaphragm

Question 8

Circulatory response

Answer 8

Plasma volume increases, blood volume increases, Hemotcrit decreases, red cell mass slightly increases

Question 9

Kidney Function Response

Answer 9

Systemic Vascular resistance decreases, serum creatinine decreases, renal plasma flow INcreases, GFR Increases, and Plasma Volume INcreases