Pregnancy

Question 1

Changes to Mother in Pregnancy

Answer 1

• Bulging abdomen to accommodate uterus
• Enlargement of breasts for development of milk secreting tissues (caused by progesterone via Corpus Luteum, and prolactin from pituitary).
• Increased heart size.
• Increased urine production.
• Emotional changes, due to hormones and fear.

Question 2

Stages of Labour

Answer 2

(Pre Labour)
Dilation of Cervix
Expulsion
Afterbirth

Question 3

Dilation of Cervix

Answer 3

• 8 - 9 hours in first labour, 4 thereafter.
• Peristalsis-like contractions move down uterus to cervix.
• Contractions pull on cervix, head of foetus pushed more forcefully against cervix.
• Cervix then dilates 10cm, forming continuous birth canal with uterus and vagina.

Question 4

Expulsion

Answer 4

• 20 minutes up to 2 hours
• Often begins with breaking of amniotic sac and a gush of fluid from vagina.
• Foetal head pushes through vagina, stimulating more forceful contractions in abdomen and uterus.
• As this occurs, baby twists to face mother’s back.
• Once head is out, baby rotates toward the hip to allow shoulders through more easily.

Question 5

Afterbirth

Answer 5

• Amnion, chorion, and placenta are still in the uterus after expulsion.
• Uterus continues to contract about 5 minutes after delivery, the placenta and other membranes (amnion) are expelled.