female Flashcards
describe the biochemical/endocrine changes in response to pregnancy
weight gain
protein synthesis
lipid synthesis
insulin resistance
state the hormones associated with pregnancy
human chorionic gonadotrophin oxytocin prolactin relaxin oestrogen progesterone prostaglandin
what is the role of the human chorionic gonadotrophin
pregnancy test hormone
diminishes once placenta matures and oestrogen and progesterone levels are high
role of oestrogen in pregnancy?
produced throughout pregnancy
prepares uterus for baby
prepares breasts for lactation
role of progesterone in pregnancy?
inhibits contractions
prevents miscarriage
builds endometrium
role of prolactin in pregnancy?
- secreted by pituitary gland
- increase milk producing cells
- after birth when oestrogen and progesterone levels fall prolactin is able to stimulate milk production
- prevents ovulation (unreliably)
role of relaxin?
it is high in early pregnancy
limits uterine ativity
softens the cervix
role of oxytocin?
triggers caring reproductive behaviour
uterine contractions
contractions felt during breast feeding
can be used as a synthetic drug to induce labour
what is the role of prostaglandin in pregnancy?
it is a tissue hormone
role in delivery initiation
used as a synthetic used to induce labout
what is maternal weight gain attributed to?
around 12 kg baby placenta blood fluid in tissue amniotic fluid fat uterus breast tissue
what physiological changes occur in terms of blood chemistry during pregnancy?
increased blood volume
inc blood cells
inc clotting factors and fibrinolytic activity
iron deficiency and anaemia
what physiological changes occur in terms of systemic circulation during pregnancy?
tachycardia increased blood volume so increased SV increased cardiac output decrease in blood pressure (CO x TPR) decreased TPR
what physiological changes occur in terms of respiratory systems during pregnancy?
inc alveolar ventilation - hyperventilation
diaphragm displaced superiorly
decreased functional reserve capacity
inc risk of apnea and dyspnea
what physiological changes occur in terms of Gastro systems during pregnancy?
acid reflux
nausea and vomiting
inc nutritional demands
what skin changes occur during pregnancy?
linea nigra
striae gravidarum
varicose veins
How do the breasts change during pregnancy?
change shape and size
nipples become more erect
areola becomes larger and more darkly pigmented
mongomery’s tubercles become more active and secrete nipple lubricating substance
What happens to the spine during pregnancy?
lumbar lordosis
inc curvature of lumbar spine
why is folic acid important in pregnancy?
decreases risk of neural tube defects
describe the pregnancy landmarks
conception = missed period
foetal heartbeat on ultrasound 5/6 week
‘quickening’ movement felt my mother
symphysio-fundal height (measuring the foetus height by meauring top of uterus to top of pubic symphysis)
head engagement
show
labour
what is parturition?
the birth process. successful transition from intra uterine to extra uterine life.
describe the composition of the cervix
mainly collagen and ground substance
glysoaminoglycans
which is the main prostaglandin type released in labour? which is mostpotent
PGE2 is 10x potent than PGF2 alpha
PGF2 alpha is mainly produced in labor
describe how labour is induced
ACTH produced by baby pituitary gland
stimulates baby adrenal gland to increase production of glucocorticoids and androgens
causes decrease in progesterone in placenta. decrease in progesterone means uterus becomes more sensitive to stretch. this helps stimulates contraction
adrenal gland also causes increase in oestrogen in placenta. This stimulates increased sensitivity of uterus to oxytocin, stimulates contraction and softening of the cervix. softening results in stretch of cervix and vagina.
oxytocin also stimulates contractions.
contractions induce labour.
how does oestrogen help to induce labour?
induced oxytocin receptors on uterus.
oxytocin from fetal and mothers posterior pituitary can then act on uterus.
causes contraction
causes placental prostaglandin production
prostaglandin stimulate vigorous contraction and more oxytocin release. .positive feedback
how is oxytocin stimulates
head of baby pushes against cervix
nerve impulses to the brain
brain stimulates post pituitary to release oxytocin
oxytocin reaches uterus
causes contraction
head of baby pushed more strongly against the cervix
what does the placenta provide?
nutrition
gas exchange
waste removal
endocrine and immune support
describe the menstrual cycle
hypothalamus secretes GNRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) which stimulates FSH/LH production from anterior pituitary
LH causes the Theca cells to convert cholesterol to aldosterone. Aldosterone enters granulosa cells. Granulosa cells, with help of FSH transform into oestrogen.
as follicle grows, release of oestrogen increases and inhibin.
low level oestrogen inhibits the release of GNRH by hypothalamus therefore inhibits FSH and LH release.
as follicle matures, more oestrogen is released. High level oestrogen has positive feedback causing LH surge (and increase in FSH).
Ovulation occurs due to LH surge. egg completes meiosis 1 and cytoplasmic maturation.
follicle forms the corpus luteum. This secretes some oestrogen and progesterone.
progesterone inhibits FSH and LH by inhibiting GNRH release. Also does endometrial growth
if no fertilisation, Corpus luteum degenerates. FSH and LH no longer are inhibited
endometrium breaks down at day 28