Unit 2 Flashcards
Describe the anatomy of the uterus
Divided into two parts: corpus and cervix
- Corpus: upper triangular portion, upper 2/3 of uterus
- Rounded top: fundus
- Cervix: lower 1/3, meets body of uterus (corpus) at the internal os and connects with the vagina at the external os.
Big muscle; why we cramp during periods, contracts to push a baby out
Very elastic; has to stretch a lot during pregnancy
What is the purpose of the fallopian tubes and ovaries?
Two fallopian tubes and two ovaries arise from the side of uterus
Ovum (egg) is released from the ovary during ovulation every month and fertilized in the fallopian tube.
Tube serves as a warm, nourishing environment as zygote (fertilized egg) moves to the uterus.
What are the phases of a woman’s cycle?
- Follicular phase - what varies cycle length
- Ovulation
- Luteal phase - relatively constant (typically 14 days always)
A normal, typical cycle is 28 days, but this varies per woman
A cycle could be 21 days or 35 days; could differ each month.
Day 1 of cycle is your period, when hormones are at their lowest
Describe the process of conception
Occurs as a sequential process: Ovulation, fertilization, implantation in the uterus
1. When the ovum is released from the ovary, it is viable for 24 hours (if not fertilized, it will dissolve). Sperm is viable for 72 hours after intercourse
2. Fertilization takes place in the outer third of the uterine tube (ampulla). Sperm head contains enzyme which enables it to enter ova. After one sperm enters, cellular change occurs in ovum which makes it impenetrable to other sperm. “Cortical reaction” -> Zygote: united egg and sperm
Egg (23 chrom) + sperm (23 chrom)= zygote (46 chrom)
After fertilization: the zygote begins to travel the length of the tube to the uterus, which can take 3-4 days
3. Implantation occurs about a week after fertilization
Describe what the zygote transforms into from fertilization to implantation
Zygote: fertilized ovum
Morula: 3 days after fertilization (16 cell sphere)
Blastocyst: day 5 (distinct inner and outer cell mass with fluid in between) this ball of cells has begun to differentiate into an outer layer of cells (trophoblast) and an inner layer of cells (embryoblast)
Describe what makes up a blastocyst and what they develop into
Embryoblast (inner cells): develops into amnion (amniotic membranes) and embryo
Trophoblast (outer cells): develops into chorion and the placenta
Describe the process of implantation
- Occurs 6-10 days after fertilization (a week from when she would expect her period)
- The blastocyst buries itself into the endometrium; erosion of blood vessel occurs which could lead to light spotting; starts to release enzymes
- The outer trophoblast adheres to the endometrium (secretion of hCG begins)
- hCG begins production
Describe pregnancy length, Post-conceptual age vs. LMP dates
Pregnancy lasts ~ 40 weeks (9 calendar months) from the the first day of the last period. So first day of last menstrual period + 40 weeks = due date. This is the LMP date
Post-conceptual age is the age of the actual “pregnancy”. It is 2 weeks less than the LMP date
Describe the 3 stages of intrauterine development
- Ovum (preembryonic): conception until day 14
- Embryo: Day 15 until 8 weeks after conception (10 weeks LMP)
- The most crucial part of development, the foundation for all major organ systems is forming
- The embryo is highly susceptible to teratogens
- By end of this phase, the embryo takes on a very human-like appearance - Fetus: 9 weeks (11 weeks post menstrual) until the pregnancy ends
Describe the chorion and amnion
They are the 2 layers of membranes surround developing embryo
1. Chorion: develops from the trophoblast, contains chorionic villi on its surface, which are finger-like projections that tap into mom’s circulation and increases diffusion of oxygen.
2. Amnion: develops from the inner layer of the blastocyst (embryoblast); “amniotic sac.” It is the membrane around the baby.
Describe chorionic villi
Finger like projections that form from the trophoblast
Performs respiration for the fetus
- Obtain oxygen and nutrients from the maternal bloodstream
- Dispose of waste products in maternal blood
Describe what happens to the volume of amniotic fluid throughout pregnancy
The volume increases weekly (700 -1000 mL, or about a L, present at term)
The amount changes continuously. This is a result of…
- Amniotic fluid is constantly moving in and out of the fetal lungs
- The fetus also swallows amniotic fluid and will pee it out (fetal urine is a component of amniotic fluid)
- Can also be affected by mom’s hydration status
Describe oligohydramnios
Small amount of amniotic fluid: Less than 300 mL
Related to a compromised fetus, decreased fetal well-being
Also related to renal anomalies in the fetus: abnormal kidney, missing a kidney, cysts on kidney.
If seen on an ultrasound, mom will be sent to the hospital, and the first thing that is done is that mom is hydrated and fluid level is tested again after 24 hours,
Describe polyhydramnios
Large amount of amniotic fluid: 2 L or more
Not always a bad thing
Can be associated with GI anomalies in the fetus, such as esophageal atresia (baby is unable to swallow fluid)
Also associated with neural anomalies: meningocele, encephalocele; Also seen with maternal diabetes
Describe the functions of amniotic fluid
- Maintains constant body temperature for fetus: if mom were to overheat, there would not be a rapid change in the baby
- Musculoskeletal development: allows baby to have freedom of movement within the membranes; without it, growth would be restricted; it also cushions baby from outside trauma, so if mom were to fall or be in a vehicle accident, the amniotic fluid would serve as a barrier
- Barrier to infection: especially the membrane itself (amnion)
- Allows for fetal lung development: fluid is constantly moving in and out of lungs, therefore helping the lungs mature
- Cushions the umbilical cord: allows it to float freely, decreasing the chance of the cord knotting or becoming obstructed
- Contains fetal DNA (skin cells), so we can use it to do genetic tests
Amniocentesis - example of diagnostic test for chromosomal abnormalities
Describe the anatomy of the umbilical cord
2 arteries and 1 vein (AVA)
- Arteries: deoxygenated (umbilical arteries go away from the baby and carries deO2 blood and waste products)
- Vein: oxygenated (umbilical vein carries oxygen, nutrition, everything the baby’s needs)
The umbilical cord has a pulse, which can be felt pulsing after birth
Length of cord varies: some have thick cords, some have thin cords
- The bigger the baby, the thicker the cord and vice versa.
Sometimes the baby has two vessels in their cord;
- This is normally okay, but it can be associated with chromosomal abnormalities, so follow-up is done
What is Wharton’s jelly?
Connective tissue that prevents compression of the umbilical cord in utero - it is important that perfusion is kept in the cord
Protects the 3 vessels in the cord
Ensures continued nourishment to the fetus
What are some complications associated with the umbilical cord?
Nuchal cord: cord wrapped around the baby’s neck
- Fairly common
- Can result in stillborn baby
- What determines how bad it is is how tightly the cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck
- Nuchal x1 or nuchal x2 can be used to say how many times the cord is wrapped around the neck
- Decelerations may be seen on FHR
True Knot: the consequences depends on how tight the knot is
Describe the formation and structure of the placenta
Begins to form at implantation and is completely formed and functioning by end of 1st trimester.
It will take over the production of pregnancy hormones.
Will continue to grow and thicken throughout the pregnancy: the more surface area, the more nutrients it can take up.
By the end of the pregnancy, it will cover half of the inside of the uterus.
There is a very thin membrane that separates mom’s blood and fetal blood and keeps them from mixing;
The membrane allows for diffusion, good things (nutrients, O2) and bad things (medication, nicotine, drugs) can get through.
Maternal side: “lumpy and bumpy”; Fetal side: “shiny and smooth”
Describe the endocrine functions of the placenta
“Endocrine gland”: secretes hormones that will sustain the pregnancy and support the baby; prior to the placenta taking over this role (before end of 1st trimester), the corpus luteum performs this role -> this is cyst that is left when the egg is released.
1, hCG - The trophoblast secretes this right at implantation. It can be detected as early as 7-10 days. Its main role is to sustain or maintain the corpus luteum, which does not need to degenerate (as it does for period), because it secretes progesterone which a pregnancy NEEDS; IF this does not happen, miscarriage will occur
2. Progesterone - Maintains the pregnancy; maintains the endometrium; decreases contractility of the uterus; stimulates breast development and maternal metabolism
3. Estrogen - Involved with growth of the uterus, increasing blood flow to the uterus, preparing breast for lactation
Describe the metabolic functions of the placenta
- Respiration - The fetal lungs do not function in pregnancy. The placenta performs the function of respiration until birth occurs and baby takes first breath; the placenta diffuses oxygen from mom to baby and gets rid of carbon dioxide from baby to mom (works like our lungs).
- Nutrition - The placenta ensures that baby gets nutrition
- Excretion - The placenta gets rid of waste products; waste products will be excreted by MOM’s kidneys; Mom’s kidney function increases (GFR goes up)
- Storage - Protein, carbs, iron, and calcium can be stored in the placenta
Describe maternal blood pressure and placental function
Placental function depends on the maternal blood pressure supplying circulation.
By term: 10% of maternal cardiac output goes to the uterus
1. Hypertension - Vasoconstriction diminishes uterine blood flow. Vasoconstriction can also be caused by smoking and cocaine (cocaine also lead to small babies)
2. Hypotension/decreased cardiac output - Diminishes uterine blood flow
3. Supine hypotension -> “Vena Cava Syndrome” - When mom lies down, the pressure of the uterus compresses the inferior vena cava. Impeded venous return from lower extremities means that blood flow can’t get back to heart, lowering cardiac output. Mom will get dizzy, nauseated, and have sweaty palms. Usually seen in 3rd trimester. Best position for pregnant mom to lie: on her side (on her left side)
4. Time in labor that has an effect on perfusion; when uterus contracts, the blood flow is closed off temporarily; when contractions that are very prolonged and frequent, it negatively affects the baby
What are teratogens? When is the fetus most susceptible to teratogens?
Teratogens are substances or exposure that causes abnormal development (medications, drugs, smoking, viruses like MMR or chickenpox)
Embryonic phase: fetus is most susceptible to teratogens
Usually women find out they are pregnant after the period of greatest susceptible has passed (makes possibility of them using a teratogen during this period more likely)
What is viability?
Grandmultipara?
Stillbirth?
IUFD?
Abortion?
Viability: the capability of the fetus to survive outside of the uterus
Range acceptable to viability: 23-24 weeks (LMP) is when baby can survive outside the uterus
Grandmultipara: woman who has given birth 5 or more times
Stillbirth: a baby born dead after 20 weeks
Intrauterine Fetal Death (IUFD): a baby that has died in utero after 20 weeks
Abortion: any death before 20 weeks