Common pathologies in pregnancy Flashcards
What is the purpose in the fallopian tube?
Increases the amount of time the egg is able to be fertilised
What happens to progesterone if the egg is fertilised?
It continues to increase rather than dropping as it usually would in the cycle
What effect does progesterone have on the endometrium?
Thickening of the walls
Maintains the endometrium
Turns the endometrium into decidua
What is the chorion?
The outside of the egg after fertilisation
What are trophoblast cells?
Cells on the outside of the chorion which invade mother’s blood vessels to link them back to the fetus
What hormone is produced by trophoblasts?
Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin
What is the target for beta-hCG?
The coprus luteum in the ovary
What is the action of beta-hCG?
Increases release of progesterone from the corpus luteum
What is the purpose of increased progestogen?
It stops the decidua from shedding
What can beta-hCG be used to test for?
Pregnancy
What are decidual stromal cells?
Procoagulant cells in the decidual which prevent the mother bleeding to death under the effect of trophoblast cells
What are chorionic villi?
Projections of the chorion covered in trophoblast cells moving into the decidua
What are causes of miscarriage?
Chromosomal abnormality
Infection
Maternal issues - ill-health, trauma, hormonal problems
What is the most common site for ectopic pregnancy?
The fallopian tube
