Physiological Changes in Pregnancy
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What is the primary role of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) during early pregnancy?

  • To stimulate follicle maturation
  • To promote uterine contractions
  • To initiate labor at term
  • To maintain the corpus luteum (correct)
  • Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating testosterone production from the fetal adrenal medulla?

  • Estrogen
  • Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone
  • Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (correct)
  • Progesterone
  • What hormone is the first indicator of pregnancy that is detectable in the bloodstream?

  • Progesterone
  • Early Pregnancy Factor (correct)
  • Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • What occurs to hCG levels approximately 12 weeks into pregnancy?

    <p>They peak and then decrease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone's levels increase significantly over the first 24 weeks of pregnancy and stimulates placental production of hCG?

    <p>Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for increased food preferences during pregnancy?

    <p>Hormonal fluctuations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a typical duration for hyperemesis gravidarum?

    <p>It lasts longer than the first trimester</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does progesterone have on the gastrointestinal system during pregnancy?

    <p>Relaxes smooth muscle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common unusual craving experienced during pregnancy that might indicate a deficiency?

    <p>Coal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What nutritional element is mainly transferred across the placenta through active transport?

    <p>Amino acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the symptoms associated with increased sensitivity during pregnancy?

    <p>Nausea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a result of the decreased motility in the gastrointestinal system during pregnancy?

    <p>Constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one effect of the increased levels of erythropoietin during pregnancy?

    <p>Increased red blood cell production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physiological change contributes to the feeling of 'pregnancy glow'?

    <p>Increased blood flow to the skin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the respiratory system adapt during pregnancy to enhance oxygen intake?

    <p>Increase in tidal volume</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common risk associated with the hypercoagulability condition during pregnancy?

    <p>Increased risk of thrombosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What anatomical change occurs in the uterus during pregnancy to support fetal growth?

    <p>Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the uterine tissue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could a decrease in tidal volume during pregnancy indicate?

    <p>Worsening lung condition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What compensatory mechanism occurs to offset the squashing of the lungs during pregnancy?

    <p>Increased depth of breathing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common symptom related to the increased oxygen demand during pregnancy?

    <p>Breathlessness during rest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of increased Aldosterone during pregnancy?

    <p>Increases absorption of salt and water retention</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are common symptoms of gestational hypothyroidism?

    <p>Persistent vomiting and weight loss</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does pregnancy affect proteinuria and glycosuria levels?

    <p>Standard levels differ from non-pregnant individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition is characterized by itching and leakage of bile salts into the bloodstream during pregnancy?

    <p>Obstetric cholestasis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What hormonal changes are associated with the body's response to fetal needs during pregnancy?

    <p>Fluctuations in cortisol and thyroid hormones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What commonly happens to venous valves during pregnancy?

    <p>They malfunction due to increased weight and blood volume</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is primarily responsible for preparing mammary glands for lactation during pregnancy?

    <p>Progesterone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common maternal issue linked to increased blood volume during pregnancy?

    <p>Leg cramps and mild bladder infections</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does oestrogen play during pregnancy in terms of tissue support?

    <p>Supports proliferation of fetal and maternal tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what point during pregnancy does hCG peak?

    <p>9 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the primary effects of relaxin during pregnancy?

    <p>Prepares the body for birth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much does blood plasma increase during pregnancy?

    <p>From 2.6L to 3.8L</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is primarily involved in preparing mammary glands for lactation?

    <p>Prolactin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause for the increase in cardiac output during pregnancy?

    <p>Increased stroke volume</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the chorion secrete at the early stages of pregnancy?

    <p>Oestrogen and progesterone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is known to increase cortisol levels during pregnancy?

    <p>Oestrogen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone primarily increases flexibility of tendons during pregnancy?

    <p>Relaxin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does human Placental Lactogen (hPL) have on maternal insulin levels?

    <p>Interferes with maternal insulin levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the roles of Progesterone during early pregnancy?

    <p>Inhibits ovulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is responsible for increasing blood cell production during pregnancy?

    <p>Erythropoietin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do Glucocorticoids have on maternal glucose levels during pregnancy?

    <p>Increase maternal glucose levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is primarily involved in milk production during lactation?

    <p>Prolactin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone helps increase kidney function during pregnancy?

    <p>Renin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH) during pregnancy?

    <p>Stimulates the adrenal cortex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physiological change does Relaxin promote during childbirth?

    <p>Relaxes the cervix</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is responsible for increasing calcium absorption during pregnancy?

    <p>Vitamin D</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Physiological changes in Pregnancy

    • This presentation details physiological changes during pregnancy.
    • Slides were adapted from Dr. Allyson Clelland.
    • Dr. Alpana Asurlekar, UM2010, presented the material.

    Lecture Plan

    • Identify key hormones and endocrine organs in reproduction and pregnancy maintenance.
    • Explain the function of hormones during pregnancy.
    • Identify and explain how hormones affect other bodily systems.

    Maintenance of Pregnancy

    • Key events in pregnancy include maintaining pregnancy and placenta formation/growth.
    • Pregnancy hormones initially released by the corpus luteum after ovulation.
    • Key hormones involved include Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), Progesterone and Oestrogen.
    • Placenta takes over hormone production from the corpus luteum post ovulation.

    Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin and Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone in Pregnancy

    • GnRH increases over 24 weeks, stimulating placental hCG production.
    • hCG is secreted by the developing placenta.
    • hCG maintains the corpus luteum (CL) for 6-7 weeks.
    • Maintains progesterone and oestrogen production from the CL, preventing menstruation and embryo loss.
    • hCG peaks around 12 weeks before decreasing, potentially linked to morning sickness.
    • Stimulates testosterone production from fetal adrenal medulla, supporting external genitalia development.

    Hormonal Changes

    • Early Pregnancy Factor (EPF) is found in the bloodstream shortly after conception.
    • It's an immunosuppressant, stimulating trophoblast (placental) growth during peri-implantation.
    • β-human chorionic (β-hCG) gonadotropin is used diagnostically with ultrasound to confirm pregnancy.
    • Increase in Progesterone (P), Oestrogen (E), and Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) during pregnancy.
    • Decrease in Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Luteinising Hormone (LH) during pregnancy.

    Hormonal Changes in the Mother

    • Increases: Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) interacts with maternal insulin to raise serum glucose, fostering maternal fat storage. Relaxin increases tendon flexibility for fetal growth and birth, relaxing the uterus, and dilating the cervix for childbirth. Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) influences TH (glucose availability and growth).
    • Decreases: Vasopressin affects smooth muscle (blood vessels, uterus, and mammary glands). Prolactin inhibits ovulation, controls salt and water balance, and facilitates milk production. Thyroid Hormones (TH) increase maternal basal metabolic rate.

    Changes Continued for Pregnancy Support

    • Renin increases kidney function.
    • Erythropoietin increases blood cell production.
    • Vitamin D increases Ca++ absorption, significant during teenage pregnancies.
    • Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) increases serum calcium levels.
    • Glucocorticoids increase maternal glucose levels.

    Roles for Progesterone in Supporting Early Pregnancy

    • Progesterone inhibits uterine contractions, preventing embryo loss.
    • Supports embryo nourishment and maintenance of the endometrium.
    • Inhibits follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prevents ovulation.

    Progesterone in Later Pregnancy

    • Increases in progesterone affect mammary gland development.
    • Progesterone promotes prostaglandin precursors for labor.
    • Promotes expansion of the uterus, increases blood vessel capacity, and affects constipation due to slowed GI tract.
    • Glucose regulation is modulated, and placental lactogen and cortisol effects are altered.

    Roles of Oestrogen in Pregnancy

    • Oestrogen is secreted by placenta (first by corpus luteum).
    • Oestrogen is influenced by fetal and maternal androgens (adrenal glands).
    • Oestrogen relaxes pelvic ligaments for uterine expansion and birth passage from 2-3mm to 9mm.
    • Oestrogen supports proliferation of fetal and maternal tissues (uterus, breasts, and external genitalia).
    • Oestrogen increases cortisol levels.

    Hormonal Changes (Summary)

    • hCG is detectable at 8 days, peaks around 9 weeks, and decreases from weeks 4-5.
    • Chorion secretes oestrogen from 3-4 weeks and progesterone from 6 weeks.
    • Relaxin is produced by the placenta, increasing during pregnancy to prepare the body for birth.
    • Placental Lactogen prepares mammary glands for lactation.
    • Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone (CRH) alters glucose availability.

    Cardiovascular System

    • Blood volume increases from 2.6 liters to 3.8 liters.
    • Cardiac output increases due to increased stroke volume and normal heart rate.
    • Blood pressure decreases, blood supply increases to the kidney and skin.
    • Blood clotting (hypercoagulability) increases to prevent postpartum blood loss.

    Cardiovascular System (Oxygen Use)

    • Oxygen use by pregnant women increases by 16%.
    • Cardiac output increases, meaning more blood flow to the lungs.
    • Tidal volume increases by 40% (from 500ml to 700ml).

    Reproductive System

    • Uterine tissue undergoes hypertrophy and hyperplasia.
    • Muscle fiber arrangement changes: upper portion has spiral arrangement, lower portion has circular arrangement.
    • Blood vessels in the uterus are closed during contractions.
    • Strength of contractions is affected.

    Gastrointestinal System

    • Food preferences change throughout pregnancy (e.g., cravings).
    • Nausea is common.
    • Cardiac sphincter relaxes, leading to reflux.
    • Motility and gastric acid secretion decline.
    • Metabolic rate increases.
    • Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle to slow gut motility, often leading to constipation.
    • Increased nutrient transfer to the fetus through the placenta.

    Gastrointestinal System (Continued)

    • Constipation, hospitalization, and increased fluid absorption can occur.
    • Increased caloric intake and protein needs are necessary for third-trimester pregnancy.

    Urinary System

    • Urinary collection system (calyces, renal pelves, ureter) dilate.
    • Increased blood flow to kidneys, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increases.
    • Increased protein and sugar levels in urine compared to non-pregnant women.
    • Increased water retention.
    • Higher protein and glucose levels can signal problems.

    Other Considerations

    • Varicose veins and edema are common.
    • Bladder infections and mild infections are possible.
    • Leg cramps are possible.
    • Significant breast development and growth are common.
    • Venous valve malfunction contributing to varicose veins and edema.
    • Immune system modifications are common.

    Maternal Responses to Fetal Requirements

    • Maternal responses include: volume expansion, vasodilation, respiratory rate increases, peripheral insulin resistance, increased mineral absorption by the kidneys, increased renal glomerular filtration, hepatocellular stimulation, and uterine quiescence.

    Problems With Pregnancy

    • Gestational Diabetes: Decreased TSH levels mimicking normal pregnancy symptoms (tiredness, mood changes).
    • Gestational Hypothyroidism: Persistent vomiting, weight loss, tremors; increased T4 levels because hCG stimulates T4 production (resolving around 20 weeks).
    • Obstetric Cholestasis: Pruritis (itching), bile salt leakage into blood (common in multiple pregnancies).
    • Gestational Transient Thyrotoxicosis: Thirst, hunger, increased blood sugar; insufficient insulin production.

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    Description

    This quiz focuses on the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, including hormonal shifts and their effects on the body. Explore key hormones such as hCG, progesterone, and oestrogen, and understand their roles in maintaining pregnancy and supporting the developing fetus.

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