Parturition Physiology and Mechanism: Phases of Parturition Flashcards
Activation makes up how much of parturition?
<5%
Quiescence makes up how much of parturition?
95%
Stimulation makes up how much of parturition?
.2%
Which phase involves the “softening cervix”?
Quiescence
Which phase involves the “ripening cervix”?
Activation
Three stages of labor under Stimulation phase of parturition
uterine contraction, cervical dilation, fetal and placental expulsion
Phase of parturition involving uterine involution, cervical repair, and breastfeeding
Involution
What are synthesized during parturition?
Factors inducing parturition (self-explanatory)
What happens to pregnancy maintaining factors during parturition?
They are lost
True or False: During quiescence, cAMP levels are low.
False. Low cAMP levels induce labor contractions. High cAMP levels promote relaxation.
The duration in which quiescence is maintained
Implantation until late in gestation
Final product of quiescence (induces relaxation)
cGMP
3 Functions of the cervix during pregnancy
- Maintenance of barrier function
- Maintenance of cervical competence
- Orchestrates extracellular matrix changes
The barrier of the cervix from infection during pregnancy
Mucus Plug
True or False: ECM structural changes are slow and progressive
True
Changes in the cervix during pregnancy
- Increase in vascularity
- Stromal hypertrophy
- Glandular hypertrophy and hyperplasia
- ECM structural changes
These changes begin weeks or days before the onset of contractions
In animal models, what are the changes in the cervix?
Collagen solubility, DECREASE in lysyl oxidase activity
Why are there more instances of preterm labor in twins?
Due to uterine stretch limit. Once the uterus reaches its stretch limit, contractions begin.
True or False: Non-classic progesterone withdrawal involves a decrease in progesterone secretion
False. It involves a decrease in progesterone EFFECTS, not necessarily the secreted amount.
What about the nuclear progesterone receptor changes during Phase 2 of parturition?
Expression
What happens to dermatan sulfate when cervical changes occur in ripening?
decrease, thus decreasing cross-linking of collagen fibers
What happens to dermatan sulfate when cervical changes occur in ripening?
Decrease, thus decreasing cross-linking of collagen fibers
Signs of uterine awakening or activation
Cervical ripening, increased frequency of Braxton-Hicks contractions, lower uterine segment development, myometrial irritability
What happens to hyaluronic acid when cervical changes occur in ripening?
Promotes the increase of water retention
2 Changes of cervical ripening
- Rearrangement of collagen fibers
2. Alterations in the relative amounts of the various GAGs
When does the uterine myometrial lining change to prepare for delivery?
Last 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, or 8th month of gestation
A gap junction protein that increases between myometrial cells when transitioning to contractile state
connexin 43
Contraction-associated proteins (CAPs) responsible for the shift from Braxton-Hicks (painless, irregular contractions) to more painful, frequent contractions.
Oxytocin receptor, prostaglandin F receptor, and connexin 43
What happens to uterine irritability and responsiveness to uterotonins during the transition to contractile state
Increases. Everything increases, actually- oxytocin receptors at the myometrium, connexin 43 between myometrial cells included.
What change in the uterus occurs to facilitate Lightening?
The development of the lower uterine segment.
When does the fundic height cease being a reliable measurement for AOG? This is due to what phenomenon?
32 weeks. Lightening
3 Stages of Labor (Phase 3)
1) Uterine Contractions and Cervical dilatation
2) Descent and Delivery of the Fetus
3) Placental delivery
2 Stages of contractions, cervical dilatations and effacement
Active and Latent
By how much should the cervix be dilated to be considered ready for delivery?
10 cm
The “active stage” of contractions, dilatations, and effacement consists of what substages?
Acceleration, Point of Maximum Slope, Deceleration
Fresh blood expelled from the vagina during labor contractions may be indicative of what condition?
Placenta Previa
The water component that is expelled during labor contractions may consist of all or any of the ff
Leukorrhea, Urine, Amniotic Fluid
Unremitting contractions compromising uteroplacental blood flow may cause what condition to the fetus?
Fetal Hypoxemia. Periodic contractions are needed not just to help mother bear the pain, but also for the fetus to breathe properly throughout the duration of labor.
The mechanical stretching of the cervix enhancing uterine activity
Ferguson’s Reflex