Maternal physiology, Labour and Lactation Flashcards
What is meant by parturition?
The action of giving birth
What does the hormone relaxin in preparation for parturition do?
Softens and dilates the cervix
What happens to the uterine muscle before birth?
Becomes more excitable
more connected by gap junctions
There is an increase in prostoglandins and oxytocin receptors
What happens to CRH before birth?
Foetal CRH production increases which drives placental CRH up
What will an increase in CRH production cause?
Increase in foetal ACTH and cortisol
What are the 3 stages in birth?
- Onset to full dilatation cervix
- Full dilatation to birth (expulsion)
- Placental delivery
What happens at stage 1
Increase in oxytocin sensitivity activates cycle to the left
What happens at stage 2
Head exiting cervix activates powerful abdominal contractions
simulataneous “bearing down” helps
What happens at stage 3
Placental sheers off uterine wall
Low blood loss because the uterus is already contracted
What are the hormones involved in lactation?
oestrogen (duct development)
progesterone (secretory alveoli)
Human chorionic somatomonotrophin
What happens to the female regarding lactation
female can produce milk
high levels of female steroids prevent this until drop at birth
what is suckling also known as
Neuroendocrine reflex
What provides mechanical stimulation of the nipple?
- Increase in prolactin from ant pit due to decrease in PIH from hypothalamus
- oxytocin from post pit
what are the components of breast milk
Triglycerides carbs proteins vit calcium posphate
What is secretion known as for the first few days
Colostrum
