Pregnancy and Parturition Flashcards
What produces relaxin?
Corpus Luteum and the Placenta in response to hCG
What is the function of relaxin?
- Inhibits myometrial contractions
- Relaxes pelvic bones and ligaments and softens cervix
What is the function of prolactin?
Stimulates lactogenic apparatus during gestation
What inhibits the lactation from prolactin during pregnancy?
Significant lactation is inhibited by high levels of progesterone and estrogen
Where does cholesterol used for steroidogenesis by the placenta come from?
Maternal LDL. The placenta cannot make cholesterol very well.
What does the placenta do with maternal cholesterol?
Converts it to pregnenolone
What happens to pregnenolone made in the placenta?
It is transported to the fetus where is is converted to DHEA-S and then 16-OH DHEA-S
What happens to the 16-OH DHEA-S?
It is transported to the placenta and converted into estriol which is delivered to the mother
What is the only synthesis mechanism for estriol?
It can only be made from fetal liver precursors
What is the function of progesterone in pregnancy?
Sustains the fetus
Inhibits uterine contractions
Inhibits maternal immune response
What is the function of estrogen in pregnancy?
Growth of breast and myometrium
Works with relaxin to soften pelvic ligaments
Role in parturition
What happens when the progesterone:estrogen ratio increases?
Maintains uterine quiescence and sustains the fetus
What happens when the progesterone:estrogen ratio decreases?
Linked in the start of parturition
What is the function of progesterone in BCPs?
Inhibits LH secretion which will block the LH surge in ovulation
What is the function of estrogen in BCPs?
Inhibits FSH release which will stabilize the endometrium