Physiological of Pregnancy

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Questions and Answers

What role does ACTH play during pregnancy?

Increases appetite and causes hot flushes

Regulates blood pressure in the mother

Stimulates maternal cortisol secretion (correct)

Stimulates mammary gland enlargement

Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating mammary gland enlargement?

Estrogen

Oxytocin

Prolactin (correct)

Progesterone

During which trimester is the increase in appetite and hot flushes most commonly associated?

Third trimester

Second trimester

First trimester (correct)

All trimesters equally

What is a significant complication associated with pregnancy?

Pre-eclampsia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is involved in fetal protein synthesis during pregnancy?

ACTH Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of oestrogen during pregnancy?

Maintains the lining of the uterus Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for causing relaxation of the cervix during childbirth?

Relaxins Signup and view all the answers

How does human placental lactogen affect the body during pregnancy?

Acts as an anti-insulin hormone Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of relaxins on blood flow during pregnancy?

Increases blood flow to kidneys and placenta Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about oestrogen is false?

It inhibits breast growth. Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone's primary function involves strengthening the pelvic floor?

Oestrogen Signup and view all the answers

During pregnancy, oestrogen primarily contributes to which physiological change?

Maintenance of uterine lining Signup and view all the answers

What is a secondary effect of relaxins beyond relaxing the cervix?

Softening the pelvic structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during the early stages of pregnancy?

It prolongs the life of the corpus luteum. Signup and view all the answers

Which change occurs in the respiratory system during pregnancy?

Diaphragm moves upwards 4-5cm. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to blood volume and pressure during pregnancy?

Blood volume increases while blood pressure decreases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of progesterone during pregnancy?

Facilitates the establishment of the placenta. Signup and view all the answers

At what point does hCG peak during the course of a pregnancy?

7-12 weeks. Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone primarily allows the establishment of the placenta and prevents contractions?

Progesterone. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change is associated with the urinary system during pregnancy?

Increased glomerular filtration rate. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about placental hormones is correct?

hCG is detectable in pregnancy tests. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of corticotrophin-releasing hormone in the fetus?

Stimulates the production of cortisol Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating uterine contractions during labor?

Oxytocin Signup and view all the answers

How does oxytocin affect the secretion of prostaglandins?

It directly stimulates their synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs regarding glucose during pregnancy?

It increases to provide energy to the fetus Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the pituitary gland during pregnancy?

It undergoes enlargement and enhances hormone release Signup and view all the answers

What role does cortisol play in fetal development?

It prepares the fetus for metabolic activity post-birth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about oxytocin is incorrect?

Oxytocin has no role in milk ejection Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the increased production of surfactant in the fetus?

It prepares the lungs for efficient gas exchange Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pregnancy

Pregnancy begins when the trophoblast implants into the endometrium, stimulating the production of hormones.
It lasts approximately 40 weeks, calculated from the last menstrual period to delivery.

Physiological Changes During Pregnancy

Organ Systems
- Urinary System
  - Polyuria (increased urine production) occurs due to increased blood volume and pressure on the bladder.
  - This may cause urinary frequency and urgency
- Cardiovascular System
  - Haematological changes include increased blood volume to support the growing fetus and placenta.
  - The blood volume increases by approximately 45% to 50%, reaching a peak at 32-34 weeks.
  - Maternal heart rate increases by about 10-15 beats per minute.
  - Blood pressure initially drops slightly, but then gradually increases to pre-pregnancy levels.
  - It's essential to monitor blood pressure for potential pre-eclampsia.
- Respiratory System
  - Tidal volume and minute ventilation increase, but functional residual capacity decreases as the diaphragm moves upwards.
  - This is due to the growing uterus pushing on the diaphragm.
- Integumentary System
  - Increase in pigmentation, particularly around the areola, linea alba, and face (chloasma).
  - Spider angiomas (small, star-shaped blood vessels) may appear on the chest, face, and neck.
  - Striae gravidarum (stretch marks) are common, especially on the abdomen, breasts, and thighs.
  - Hair growth may increase.
- Musculoskeletal System
  - Relaxin, a hormone produced during pregnancy, loosens ligaments and joints, preparing the pelvis for childbirth.
  - This can lead to changes in posture and stability.
- Immune System
  - The immune system suppresses itself to a degree to accommodate the fetus, which is essentially a foreign entity, leading to a heightened risk of infections.

Maternal Hormones

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
- Peaks at 7-12 weeks of gestation.
- Stimulates the corpus luteum to produce estrogen and progesterone, essential for maintaining pregnancy.
- It decreases as the placenta takes over hormone production.
Placental Hormones
- hCG - Maintains the corpus luteum, which produces estrogen and progesterone. - Detected in pregnancy tests.
- Progesterone - Prevents contractions, supports immunity and establishment of the placenta. - Stimulates blood volume to supply the uterus and placenta, strengthens the pelvic floor muscles. - Inhibits lactation during pregnancy. - Estrogen - Contributes to the growth of tissues, formation of gap junctions, and promotes contractions. - Maintains the lining of the uterus, supports breast growth and duct development.
- Relaxin - Secreted by the corpus luteum and then the placenta. - Causes relaxation of the cervix, relaxes blood vessels for increased blood flow to the kidneys and placenta. - Relaxes the pelvis, softens and lengthens the cervix during childbirth.
- Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) - Acts as an anti-insulin. - Increases the amount of circulating glucose for the fetus.
- Corticotrophin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) - Allows the fetus to produce cortisol, which stimulates type 2 pneumocytes to produce surfactant, preparing the fetal lungs for breathing.
- Oxytocin - Causes contractions in labor and the "let-down" reflex, releasing milk. - Stimulates uterine muscle contractions. - Stimulates the release of prostaglandins, which further increase contractions. - Can be used to induce labor.
- Other - Pituitary Gland - Oxytocin - The anterior pituitary gland enlarges and increases hormone production. - This leads to increased appetite and hot flushes.
- Prolactin - The main hormone for stimulating mammary gland enlargement.
- ACTH - Stimulates maternal cortisol secretion, assisting in fetal protein synthesis.
Estrogen
- It plays a crucial role in pregnancy, contributing to uterine growth, maintaining the lining, and stimulating breast development.
- It peaks in the third trimester.

Pregnancy Trimesters

First Trimester
- Morning sickness: often characterized by nausea and vomiting.
- Breast changes: Tenderness, enlargement, and darkening of the areolae.
- Fatigue: Due to hormonal changes and increased metabolic demands.
- Frequent urination: Pressure on the bladder due to a growing uterus.
- Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to emotional instability.
Second Trimester
- Energy levels typically increase.
- Fetal movement is felt.
- Quickening: The first noticeable movements of the fetus.
- Skin changes: Stretch marks, acne, and dark spots may appear.
- Increased appetite: To meet the growing demands of the fetus.
Third Trimester
- Labor: Increased Braxton Hicks contractions, cervical dilation, and effacement.
- Fatigue: The uterus is pushing on internal organs, causing discomfort.
- Shortness of breath: The expanding uterus puts pressure on the diaphragm.
- Increase in vaginal discharge: The cervix prepares for childbirth.
- Frequent urination: Pressure on the bladder, especially during labor.

Pregnancy Complications

Pre-eclampsia
- A serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
- It can lead to complications like seizure, liver impairment, and kidney problems.
- Typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy.
- Symptoms include headaches, vision changes, swelling of the hands and face, and abdominal pain.
- It is managed with medications, rest, and monitoring.
- In severe cases, delivery may be necessary.

Labor

Stage 1: Cervical dilation and effacement.
Stage 2: Pushing and delivery of the baby.
Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta.

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Description

This quiz explores the various physiological changes that occur in a woman's body during pregnancy. It covers essential aspects such as changes in the urinary, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Understanding these modifications is crucial for maternal and fetal health.

Physiological of Pregnancy - 2.1