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SUGER Physiology > Pregnancy > Flashcards

Pregnancy Flashcards

1
Q

What are the roles of oestrogen during pregnancy?

A
  1. Stimulates growth of uterine muscle mass which will produce contractile force to deliver the foetus
  2. Prepares breast for feeding
  3. Induces synthesis for receptors for oxytocin (causes uterine muscle contraction)
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2
Q

What are the roles of progesterone during pregnancy?

A
  1. Inhibits uterine contractility so the foetus is not expelled prematurely
  2. Increases thickness of uterine lining to prevent miscarriage
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3
Q

How long does the corpus luteum last during pregnancy?

A

3 months

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4
Q

Which hormone allows the persistence of the corpus luteum?

A

Human chorionic gonadotropin = hCG

It is the detection of this hormone in the mother’s urine that is used as a test for pregnancy

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5
Q

What is the role of hCG?

A

Stimulates corpus luteum to secrete oestrogen & progesterone

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6
Q

How do the levels of hCG change during pregnancy?

A

Peaks 60-80 days
Rapidly decreases by end of third month
Remains low till end of pregnancy

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7
Q

What effect does low levels of hCG have on the placenta?

A

Allows placenta to secrete large quantities of oestrogen and progesterone.

High levels of these hormones leads to extremely low levels of anterior pituitary gland gonadotrophins so there are no menstrual cycles during pregnancy.

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8
Q

The placenta has the means to synthesise progesterone but not oestrogen due to lack of androgens. How does the placenta receive androgens?

A

Via maternal ovaries, maternal adrenal medulla and foetal adrenal medulla

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9
Q

What is the role of prolactin? Where is it produced?

A

Leads to milk production after birth and prevention of ovulation. Increases at the end of pregnancy.

Produced in anterior pituitary gland.

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10
Q

What is the role of relaxin? Where is it produced?

A

Softens cervix, involved in cervical ripening.

Produced by ovary & placenta

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11
Q

What is the role of oxytocin? Where is it produced?

A

Stimulates uterine contraction during labour.

Produced by posterior pituitary gland.

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12
Q

List the cardiovascular changes during pregnancy.

A 
Increased cardiac output
Reduced systemic blood pressure
Reduced total peripheral resistance
Increased uterine blood flow
Increased blood volume
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13
Q

Give a respiratory change during pregnancy.

A

Increased alveolar ventilation

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14
Q

Give a gastrointestinal change during pregnancy.

A

Increased acid reflux

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15
Q

Give skin changes during pregnancy.

A
  1. Linea nigra - a dark central line on abdomen
  2. Striae gravidarum - stretch marks in lumbar regions
  3. Darkened areolar of breasts
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16
Q

Give biochemical changes during pregnancy.

A
  1. Weight gain
  2. Increased protein & lipid synthesis
  3. Insulin resistance
17
Q

What is parturition?

A

The birth process. The successful transition from intra-uterine to extra-uterine life.

18
Q

How long does normal pregnancy last?

A

40 weeks

19
Q

What is cervical ripening?

A

Growth and remodelling of the cervix prior to labour. Becomes soft and flexible.

20
Q

What are the hormonal changes in pre-labour?

A
  1. Increased prostaglandin production

2. Increased oxytocin

21
Q

Which hormone initiates labour?

A

PGFa. Enhances action of oxytocin. Results in myometrial contraction

22
Q

What is a visible sign of labour?

A

Amniotic fluid flowing through vagina after amniotic sac has ruptured

23
Q

How often are uterine contractions during labour?

A

10-15 minutes

24
Q

What is the maximum dilation of the cervix during labour?

A

10cm

25
Q

Give the stages of labour.

A
  1. Latent phase - little cervical dilation
  2. Active phase - uterine contractions, full dilation, foetal expulsion, placental expulsion
  3. Post-partum phase
26
Q

What types of contraceptive pill are there?

A

Combined pill and mini pill

27
Q

How does the combined pill work?

A

Causes release of oestrogen and progesterone to give negative feedback to GnRH to stop FSH release to stop ovulation.

28
Q

How does the mini pill work?

A

Thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Also suppresses ovulation.

SUGER Physiology (11 decks)

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