Pregnancy

Question 1

What is the amnion?

Answer 1

Membrane from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, containing amniotic fluid from the mother initially, but the embryo adds urine. Contains water, salts, urea and sugar. The foetus swallows it so it can be an indicator of swallowing reflexes.

Question 2

Give 5 roles of the amniotic fluid

Answer 2

Maintains temp
Provides lubrication
Contributes to lung development
Allows movement
Shock absorber

Question 3

What happens in the 1st trimester?

Answer 3

Brain hemispheres develop
Electrical activity in the brain
Eyes mouth and ears visible

Question 4

What happens in the 2nd trimester?

Answer 4

Some foetus open eyes

Movement can be felt

Question 5

What happens in the 3rd trimester?

Answer 5

All major structures complete

Period of growth - fat laid down, mass increases 3-fold and length doubles

Question 6

What hormone is first released after implantation?

Answer 6

Human chorionic gonadotropin is released by the embryo following implantation. It maintains the corpus luteum

Question 7

Why is maintaining the corpus luteum important in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy?

Answer 7

It produces progesterone which is important in maintaining the endometrium.

Question 8

What other hormones are released during pregnancy?

Answer 8

Oestrogen and progesterone by the placenta and corpus luteum. They inhibit FSH so no more follicles develop and LH so ovulation isn’t possible. Progesterone suppresses the uterine wall from contracting. oestrogen stimulates the growth of the uterus and development of mammary glands.