Physiology of Pregnancy

Question 1

By the time the woman misses her first period, how many weeks is she into gestation?

Answer 1

two weeks

Question 2

In how many weeks will the embryo transform into a fetus

Answer 2

end of week 8

Question 3

When does morning sickness normally occur?

Answer 3

in the first trimester

Question 4

Why are maternal adaptations required for pregnancy

Answer 4

to maintain uteroplacental perfusion and fetal demands

Question 5

Which part of the blastocyst 1) invades 2) becomes the fetus

Answer 5

1) trophoblast

2) inner cell mass

Question 6

Which two layers surround the amniotic fluid?

Answer 6

amnion and chorion

Question 7

Are GIT and renal systems active in a fetus?

Answer 7

Yes, it is active from 12 weeks onward. They contribute to the amniotic fluid

Question 8

T/F Amniotic fluid transports most of the fetus’s waste product

Answer 8

False, the umbilical cord excretes most of the waste

Question 9

What is the function of hCG

Answer 9

extends the lifespan of CL

Question 10

What is the function of human placental lactogen

Answer 10

Breast development and metabolic effects

Question 11

T/F Monozygotic twins come from the same fertilised ovum

Answer 11

True, hence they are identical (same sex). The ovum divides and implants to two sites

Question 12

How is parturition initiated?

Answer 12

Breaking of the placenta

Question 13

T/F Progesterone suppress uterine contraction

Answer 13

True

Question 14

What is the action of oxytocin during parturition

Answer 14

causes uterine contraction, and cause the placenta to release prostaglandin for further contraction

Question 15

T/F Oxytocin and protaglandins both work on a positive feedback loop

Answer 15

True

Question 16

What’s the advantage of having unfused skull bones on baby when it’s getting delivered

Answer 16

So the bones can slide on top of each other, compress the skull so the baby can make through the birth canal

Question 17

Which hormones lead to breast gland development during pregnancy

Answer 17

oestrogen, growth hormone and cortisol

Question 18

Which hormone converts and ducts to secretory epithelium during pregnancy

Answer 18

progesterone

Question 19

Which hormone blocks the production of prolactin?

Answer 19

prolactin-inhibiting hormone

Question 20

After birth, how is lactation triggered?

Answer 20

both high level prolactin and low level oestrogen are required

Question 21

While prolactin stimulates milk production, which hormone is responsible for milk ejection

Answer 21

Oxytocin

Question 22

What is Frank diabetes

Answer 22

a pre-diabetic state

Question 23

What is the definition of “preterm labour”

Answer 23

labour before 37 weeks gestation

Question 24

What are the presenting symptoms of pre-eclampsia

Answer 24

high maternal blood pressure, proteinuria, generalised oedema

Question 25

What’s the treatment of pre-eclampsia

Answer 25

deliver the placenta and trophoblast so mother can recover

Question 26

T/F Fetal growth is dependent on growth hormone

Answer 26

False, it’s dependent on IGFs, thyroid hormones and insulin

Question 27

T/F Glucocorticoids inhibit fetal growth

Answer 27

True

Question 28

What’s the difference between fetal growth restriction and being born premature

Answer 28

Premature = organ systems have not yet formed

FGR = organ systems have developed

Question 29

T/F Accelerated growth is a good way to compensate for fetal growth deficiency

Answer 29

False, babies should not grow beyond the normal trajectory in order to prevent diseases

Just drink mother’s milk. It’s programmed to be what the baby needs