Doula Class 2: Anatomy, Physiology & Conception

• Class 2 is about Doula Training & Mentorship: Anatomy & Physiology

Reproductive Anatomy

• Key components are ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and uterus.

Reproductive Functions

• During ovulation, an egg is released from the ovaries and travels via the fallopian tube.
• Ovaries release eggs and usually alternate.
• The egg remains in the uterus until fertilization, or sheds with the uterine lining.
• Fertilization results in formation of a zygote that attaches to uterine wall.

Menstrual Cycle

• The two main phases are follicular and luteal.
• A cycle begins with shedding (menstruation).
• Ovulation occurs on or around day 14.
• Ovulation symptoms include one-sided cramping, changes in vaginal discharge (egg white consistency), increased basal body temperature, and mood changes.

Conception

• 5 fertile days is the average per month.
• 1 day is that conception occurs per month.
• Sperm can survive internally for 3-5 days
• Released egg survives for 24 hours ready for fertilization
• Fertilization can occur if sperm enters and survives until egg release, or if sperm enters on ovulation day with the egg already present.

Due Date Calculation

LMP

• Helpful, because most clients know this information.
• Is not always accurate.
• This uses the most commonly used due date calculator
• Count 40 weeks from the first day of LMP

Ovulation

• This is most accurate, but most clients don't know this information
• It is not commonly used.
• Count 38 weeks from the first day of ovulation

Imaging

• Dating ultrasound scheduled for 8-12 weeks gestation
• This due date is typically not adjusted unless suggested date from LMP +/- 5 days
• Imaging either confirms or changes due date determined by LMP
• Does not always account for genetic factors for weight and height of fetus

Physiology of Pregnancy

• The Uterus protects the baby with muscles, amniotic sac, amniotic fluid, placenta, mucus plug, and cervix

Glossary of Pregnancy Hormones

Placenta

• Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG).
  • Made by the placenta.
  • Includes Spikes in early pregnancy.
  • Can play a part in nausea.
• Human placental lactogen (hPL).
  • Made by the placenta.
  • Provides nutrition to the fetus.
  • Stimulates milk glands.

Estrogen

• Develops female sexual traits
• Formed in the ovaries
• Made by placenta during pregnancy to maintain

Progesterone

• Made by the ovaries
• Made by the placenta during pregnancy
• Stimulates the thickening of the uterine lining

Relaxin

• Causes relaxation of pelvic ligaments
• Causes softening of the cervix

Bodily Changes

Key Changes

• The heart doubles its pumping capacity.
• The intestines shift positions.
• Diaphragm movement becomes restricted.
• Milk ducts expand.

Other Bodily Changes

• Weight gain.

• Water retention.

• Increased blood volume.

• Placenta.

• Baby.

• With the assistance of relaxin the hips widen, pelvis gains mobility, the symphysis pubis loosens, and round ligaments work extra

Key Points in Fetal Development

1st Trimester

• Zygote turns into embryo.
• At 6 weeks, the heart is detectable and the the neural tube develops.
• At 6 weeks, arm and leg buds develop.
• At 8 weeks, most organs take place and it becomes a fetus.

2nd Trimester

• Chance of miscarriage drops.
• At 14 weeks, skin starts to develop.
• At 18 weeks, fetus covered in lanugo (peach fuzz).
• At 20 weeks, movements are big enough to feel.
• At 24 weeks, lungs are developed, fetus may survive in NICU.

3rd Trimester

• Week 30 is when they can process information and develop patterns
• Week 33 is when the bones start hardening
• At 36 weeks, lanugo is lost/hair grows on its head and vernix coating thickens
• From Week 37-38, the fetus gains .5lb per week
• Week 39 is when the baby is full term

Class 2 focuses on the key components and functions of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and uterus. It also covers the menstrual cycle's follicular and luteal phases, ovulation symptoms, and the average fertile window for conception.