Maternal Adaptation Flashcards
Where is hCG produced and what is its role?
In the syncitiotrophoblast cells of the placenta.
- Maintains the corpus leutem
- Inhibits contractility (Gap junctions)
- Signals presence of blastocyst to mother
Where is hPL produced and what is its role?
In the syncitiotrophoblast cells of the placenta.
- Foetal control of blood glucose
- Lactogenic: converts mammary glands
Where are progestins produced and what is there role?
In the corpus leutem then the placenta
- Inhibits oxytocin receptor
- Increase maternal ventiliation
- Increase fat stores.
Where are oestrogens produced and what is there role?
In the corpus leutem then the placenta
- Breast and nipple development
- Increased cardiac output
- Increased insulin resistance
- Oxytocin receptors
Where is CRH produced and what is its role?
In the placenta.
Unknown precise role but is thought to be a mechanism of determining labour is complete.
CRH–> ACTH–> Cortisol –>Prostagladins + Oestrogens
Where is Relaxin produced and what is its role?
Placenta
- Inhibit contractility of the reproductive tract
- Anatomical : chest expansion
Where is oxytocin produced and what is its role?
PVN (stored in Posterior pituitary) and placenta
- SM contraction
- Milk ejection
- Bonding
Where is Prolactin produced and what is its role?
Anterior pituitary
The massive drop of oestrogen and progesterone at birth stimulates prolactin to increase and stimulates milk production.
What changes occur to the uterus in pregnancy?
- Increased size: first half is muscle hyperplasia and hypertrophy and second half is elastic tissue stretch
- Uterus straightens and dextrorotates
What changes occur to the cervix in pregnancy?
- Increased vascularity and oedema
- Increased cervical glands -> mucus plug
- Cervical ectropium = eversion of endocervical endometrium - RED CERVIX
What changes occur to the vagina in pregnancy?
Venous congestion –> BLUE VAGINA
Increased acidity, protective
What are the additional CVS risks of pregnancy?
Increased CO causes increased risk to pre-existing conditions
Do not lie on back as uterus can compress the great vessels
Describe the physiological changes to the CVS in pregnancy.
Decreased preiferal resistance -> drop in PB-> decreased afterload-> RAAS
- This causes the retention of sodium and water which causes the expansion of plasma volume.
Increased HR + Increased SV = Increased CO
Draw how pregnancy affects ventilation in the lung.
TV- increased
RV- decreased
RRC- decreased
Describe the physiological changes to the respiratory system in pregnancy.
Increased respiratory drive so SOB
Uterine expansion causes displacement of the lungs up and out
Increased ventilation so mild respiratory alkalosis
