Physiology of pregnancy and lactation Flashcards
What do the inner and outer cells of the blastocyst become after implantation?
Inner- Embryo
Outer- Burrow into uterine wall and become placenta
How does the blastocyst implant into the endometrium?
Cords of trophoblastic cells (surface layer of cells of blastocyst) penetrate endometrium
They create a hole
When finished the whole blastocyst is buried
What are syncytiotrophoblasts?
Trophoblast cells (Chorion) that differentiate into multinucleate cells.
What are placental villi?
Developing embryo sends capillaries into syncytiotrophoblast, creating projections (Villi)
Action of HCG on corpus luteum?
Signals corpus luteum to continue to secrete progesterone–> Stimulates decidual cells to concentrate glycogen, proteins and lipids.
Also development of testes in male fetus
Which vessels carry oxygenated blood to fetus?
and Oxygen poor blood away?
Umbilical vein–> To fetus
Uterine Veins–> Back to maternal
How do water and electrolytes cross into placenta?
Diffusion along osmotic gradient, electrolytes follow H2O
What effect does Human chorionic somatomammotropin?
Produced ~week 5
GH like effect- protein tissue formation
Effect of progesterone?
Development of decidual cells
Decreases uterus contractility
Prepare for lactation
Effect of oestrogens?
Enlargement of uterus
Breast development
Relaxation of ligaments
CRH in placenta increases ACTH in mother, what does this cause?
Hypertension
Oedema and insulin resistance–> Gestational diabetes
Haematological changes in pregnancy?
Plasma volume increase proportional with CO–> Hb decreased by dilution
Iron requirements increase so iron supplements needed
Respiratory changes?
Progesterone signals brain to lower CO2
O2 consumption increase
Urinary changes?
GFR and renal plasma flow increase
Increase reabsorption of ions and water
How do postural changes affect renal function?
Upright- Decrease
Supine- Increase
Lateral during sleep- ++
