Physiology of Pregnancy

Question 1

Trophoblast cells

Answer 1

develop over placenta surface and lead to implantation
Progeniter villous trophoblast cells are the stem cells of the placenta: differentiate into
Nonproliferative invasive extravillous trophoblast (EVT)‏
syncytiotrophoblast

Question 2

Peptide Hormones Produced by the Placenta

Answer 2

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)‏
Human placental lactogen
Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH)‏
Insulin-like growth factors

Question 3

Steroid Hormones Produced by the Placenta

Answer 3

Progesterone
Estrogens
Glucocorticoids

Question 4

Cardiovascular Changes of pregnant mom

Answer 4

Cardiac output increases 30-50%
Maternal HR increases 14-20 BPM
Increase CO is distributed to placenta, kidneys and skin
During 2nd trimester BP usually drops
During the 3rd trimester BP may return to normal
Louder heart sounds and a systolic ejection murmur may be heard
Diastolic murmurs are uncommon in pregnant women and usually represent pathology

Question 5

Chadwick’s sign

Answer 5

Bluish discoloration of cervix

Question 6

Goodell’s sign

Answer 6

Softening of the vaginal cervix from increased vascularization