keeping people healthy week 1 Flashcards
Describe the hormonal changes during pregancny
oestrogen is produced by the placenta
hCG increased - produced by placenta-cytotrophoblast
hCG maintains progesterone secretion by corpus luteum
progesterone secretion taken over by placenta - relaxes smooth muscle and increases ventilation
Prolactin levels increase and change mammary glands from ductal to lobular
PTH is increased to increase calcium reuptake
adrenal hormones, cortisol and aldosterone increase
human placental lactogen (LPL) is produced by placenta and stimulates lipolysis and fatty acid metabolism by the woman, conserving blood glucose for the foetus
Describe the physical changes during the first trimester
lots of changes and symptoms
extremely high levels of oestrogen and progesterone
morning sickness
tender and swollen breasts
elevated pulse rate
mood changes
What is detected in a pregnancy test?
Human chorionic gonadotropin present from time of conception and can be detected in home pregnancy test about a week after missed period
What are the physical changes during the second semester?
body adjusts to changing hormone levels and symptoms lessen or disappear
more energy
increased pelvic pressure
back pain
may feel kicking
What are the physical changes in the third trimester?
uterus pushes on diaphragm
ankle, feet and face swell as fluid is retained and circulation slows
hip and pelvic pain
varicose veins
leakage of colostrum
difficulty sleeping
What can be done to keep the embryo healthy?
healthy diet
avoidance of certain foods
avoid alcohol
smoking cessation
check drugs and medications
vitamin D supplements
folic acid
gentle exercise (if not new)
avoid high risk sports
What are the causes of spina bifida?
lack of folic acid
family history
some epilepsy medication
genetic conditions
obesity
diabetes
What are the effects of spina bifida?
weekness or paralysis of the legs
bowel or urinary incontinence
loss of sensation in legs or bottom
many babies will develop hydrocephalus which can cause brain damage
What are the types of spina bifida?
Myelomeningocele
meningocele
oculta
Describe myelomeningocele
most serious
spinal cord and meninges push out and create sac on baby’s back
Describe meningocele
only meninges push out
Describe oculta
most common - opening to spine is small and covered in skin
What is screened for during pregnancy ?
infectious disease
inherited conditions
Down’s, Edward’s or Patau’s syndromes
Abnormalities
What can be used for screening?
blood tests
ultrasound tests
What diagnosis tests can be carried out during pregnancy?
amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling
Describe the placenta
connection between mother and foetus
physical attachment of embryo to uterus
bringing feel/ maternal circulations to proximity
allow exchange of gases
foetal growth and development depend on placenta
Describe the chorionic placenta
chorionic plate is covered by avascular glossy amnion
the vessels that can be seen on this plate are chorionic vessels
chorionic vessels branch from the umbilical cord
Describe the basal plate
maternal side
top layer of surface adheres to the placenta after separation from the uterus
endometrial and trophoblast cells and fibrinoid
separated by lobes which roughly shows the underlying villous tree