Disorders of pregnancy and parturition Flashcards
What type of nutrition is present in the early embryos?
Histiotrophic nutrition
Describe Histiotrophic nutrition
Syncytiotrophoblast breakdown of endometrial tissue and uterine gland secretions provide nutrition
histio - tissue
trophic - feeding/growth
growth with tissue as the source of energy
What type of nutrition is present in the second trimester?
Hemotrophic (more chorionic villi)
Describe Hemotrophic nutrition
Nutrients delivered to placenta via maternal blood
What is a hemochorial type placenta
maternal blood directly contacts the fetal membranes
(chorionic villi)
How do fetal demands on the placenta change with time
Increased demands as the pregnancy progresses
How does the placenta change through pregnancy?
Chorionic villi become increasingly branched to allow a greater surface area for nutrient exchange.
How is the placenta structured
Fetal artery and vein (umbilical cord) branches into chorionic villi which are bathed in maternal blood, within the lacunae (maternal blood space). These lacunae are supplied by spiral arteries.
What are chorionic villi
finger-like extensions of the chorionic cytotrophoblast
What are the three phases of chorionic villi development?
Primary - outgrowth of cytotrophoblast + branching
Secondary - growth of fetal mesoderm into villi
Tertiary - umbilic artery & vein grows into fetal mesoderm which is now in villi
What is the structural adaptation of terminal villi to allow blood exchange?
Takes the appearance of a convoluted knot of vessels
This slows the blood and allows more time for exchange
Diameter thins over time, which provides a short diffusion pathway
What happens to spiral arteries as pregnancy progresses?
Spiral artery remodelling
What is spiral artery conversion
Artery becomes low pressure, high capacity conduit for maternal blood flow
what are EVT
Extra-villus trophoblast cells, coat the chorionic villi
Describe the process of spiral artery remodelling
EVT invade spiral arteries forming endovascular EVT
Triggers endothelium activation and recruitment of chemoattractants and .: WBC
WBC breaks down endothelium and smooth muscle
Endo EVT causes ECM to be replaced by fibrinoid
What happens if spinal artery remodelling fails?
smooth muscle remains
WBC are embedded in the vessel wall - proinflammatory environment
Occlusion of the artery occurs due to lack of space
What pathological change are unconverted spiral arteries at risk of
Atherosis - fat buildup
Intimal Hyperplasia - Extra wall cells
Consequences of failed spinal artery remodelling
Retained smooth muscle allows contraction -> Perturbed blood flow -> local hypoxia
free radical damage -> apoptosis
inefficient delivery of substrates to the intervillous space
What is preeclampsia
New onset hypertension post 20wks gestation (>140/90)
associated with proteinuria
What are the common symptoms of pre-eclampsia?
Reduced Fetal Movements, Reduced Amniotic Fluid, Oedema, Headache/Visual Disturbances, Abdo Pain, Eclampsia
What is eclampsia?
Seizures
What are the subtypes of pre-eclampsia?
Early Onset (20-34 weeks)
- Both fetal + maternal symptoms
- changes in placenta structure
- red placenta perfusion
Late Onset (>34 weeks)
- maternal symptoms only
- No changes to placenta structure
What are the risks to the mother in pre-eclampsia?
Organ Damage, (endothelial damage and death of glomerular cells)
Eclampsia,
HELLP Syndrome (Haemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets)
Placental abruption (sep from endometrium)