Maternal adaptations to pregnancy

Question 1

Why does the female body need to adapt in pregnancy?

Answer 1

1. Volume support
2. Nutrition
3. Increased waster clearance
4. To maintain the pregnancy
5. Childbirth

Question 2

What is the role of progesterone in pregnancy?

Answer 2

• initially secreted by the CL then by placenta
• maintains the development and functionality of the endometrium
• inhibits smooth muscle in the uterus to prevent premature expulsion

Question 3

What is the role of hCG?

Answer 3

hCG - this doubles every 48 hrs in early pregnancy and peaks at 10-12 weeks of pregnancyit maintains the corpus luteum for longer until the placenta can take over it - levels will fall after placenta formed

Question 4

What is the role of oestrogen in pregnancy?

Answer 4

secreted by CL then placenta

• increases blood flow to uterus
• softens pelvic and cervix ligaments
• growth of the myometrium
• inhibition of pituitary LH and FSH secretion
• stimulates breast growth and development

Question 5

What is the role of hPL in pregnancy?

Answer 5

-secreted by the placenta
- enhances AA transfer across placenta
- maternal insulin resistance
- maternal lipolysis and FA metabolism
(the last 2 spare glucose for the foetus)

Question 6

What is the role of relaxin in pregnancy?

Answer 6

• secreted by placenta
• relaxes the myometrium cervix and pelvic ligaments allowing the uterus to enlarge and the pelvis to stretch during birth

Question 7

How does relaxin work?

Answer 7

stimulating collagenase enzymes which break down collagen in the tissues

Question 8

What is normal pregnancy BP?

Answer 8

140/90