Obstetrics Overview Quiz

Alterations in Reproduction

• HPO axis: the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis is the main hormonal feedback pathway for the reproductive system.
• Menarche: the first menstrual cycle.
• Os: the opening from the uterus through the cervix into the vagina; dilation can be measured to monitor labor progress.
• Fundus: the top of the uterus, used to monitor fetal growth during pregnancy and to monitor postpartum recovery.
• Infertility: the failure to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse; for females over 35, the interval is shortened to 6 months.
• IUI: intrauterine insemination, a procedure where semen is directly inserted into the uterus.
• IVF: in vitro fertilization, a procedure where eggs and sperm are collected and fertilized outside the body, and embryos are transferred into the uterus.
• Prenatal period: the time from conception to birth.
• Postnatal period: the time from birth to the return of the body to its pre-pregnant state
• Parity: the number of deliveries a woman has had greater than or equal to 20 weeks gestation.
• GTPAL: an abbreviation to represent a woman's obstetrical history:
  • G = gravida (total number of pregnancies, including miscarriages, abortions, and stillbirths)
  • T = term deliveries (deliveries greater than 37 weeks gestational age)
  • P = preterm deliveries (deliveries between 20 – 36 weeks + 6 days gestation)
  • A = abortions (spontaneous or therapeutic)
  • L = living children (number of surviving children)
• Macrosomia: a condition where the fetal head size is larger than normal, making vaginal delivery difficult.
• Polyhydramnios: an excessive amount of amniotic fluid.
• Normal female anatomy: sexual differentiation of an embryo occurs around the 7th week. The sex chromosomes determine the sex of the embryo → XX for females and XY for males.

Female Hormones

• GnRH: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• FSH: stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries, preparing eggs for ovulation.
• LH: stimulates ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum, which produces hormones critical to maintaining the pregnancy.
• Estrogen: responsible for the development and maintenance of female reproductive structures and secondary sex characteristics.
• Progesterone: works with estrogens to prepare and maintain the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for implantation and prepares mammary glands to produce milk.
• Relaxin: made by the corpus luteum, inhibits uterine contractions.
• Inhibin: a hormone produced by granulosa cells in follicles with feedback from HPO axis either stimulating or inhibiting FSH and LH production

Female Monthly Cycle Summary

• Day 1-5: Menstrual Phase
• Day 6-14: Pre-ovulatory Phase
• Day 14: Ovulation
• Day 15-28: Post-ovulatory Phase

Test your knowledge on key obstetrical terms and stages of pregnancy. Understand the importance of GTPAL in a woman's obstetrical history and the definitions of different stages of pregnancy. Perfect for students in healthcare and nursing.