Pregnancy Overview and Hormones

Pregnancy Overview & Hormones

• Fertilized ovum is called a zygote. Implantation occurs within two weeks of fertilization.
• Fetal period begins at eight weeks. Gestation duration is 40 weeks.
• Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters.
• Critical periods in embryonic and fetal development exist. Organ systems develop rapidly during certain periods.
• Mood swings, morning sickness, and perspiration increases are common. Enlarging fetus puts pressure on bladder.
• Critical periods for organ systems development are susceptible to nutritional deficiencies, toxins, and trauma. Neural tube defects can occur.
• By the end of first trimester, fetus is approximately 4 inches long and 1 ounce. Eyes and ears develop, and buds for arms and legs appear.
• By the end of the second trimester, body adjusts to hormone levels, and fatigue/nausea lessen.

Anatomic and Physiological Changes

• 1st Trimester: Fetus grows to about 4 inches long and 1 ounce. Eyes and ears form and buds for arms and legs appear.
• Mood swings, morning sickness, and perspiration increases are common; fetus enlarges and puts pressure on bladder.
• Neural tube defects can occur.
• Brain undergoes substantial development during the fifth month.
• By end of second trimester, fetus grows to approximately 14-16 inches and 3 lbs.

Placenta

• Crucial nutritional depot and waste-removal system.
• Two bloods never mix. Metabolically active organ.
• Hormones are released by Corpus luteum; hCG, stimulating placental cell production of hormones.
• Placenta takes over hormone production after 12 weeks.

Role of Hormones

• hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) maintains corpus luteum until placenta develops.
• Corpus luteum grows in size during first month.
• Estrogen (estradiol, estrone, estriol) influences reproductive organs and is involved in the rebuilding of the endometrial lining.
• Estrogen production starts in the corpus luteum for 12 weeks, and then transitions to the placenta.
• Progesterone is secreted from the corpus luteum for the first 12 weeks, and then from the placenta. It helps regulate hormone levels and prevents uterine contractions.

Weight Gain in Pregnancy

• Woman's weight gain during pregnancy is a crucial factor in fetal health.
• Ideal weight-gain patterns vary.
• Benefits of appropriate weight gain and risks of abnormal weight gain are described.
• Underweight mothers tend to have low-birthweight babies.
• Maternal obesity is associated with conditions such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol, and triglycerides..
• Obesity increases the likelihood of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

Weight Gain in Pregnancy (Cont)

• Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine and can cause serious problems for both mother and child.
• Risks for mother and fetus include chronic versus gestational hypertension and preeclampsia..
• Obesity in pregnancy is marked by central obesity, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and elevated cholesterols and triglycerides.

Fetal Development

• Risks for mother and fetus, including preeclampsia (high blood pressure), protein in urine, and possibly developing into eclampsia..
• Possible factors influencing neural tube defects such as obesity.
• Risk factors for neural tube defects are discussed.
• Associated with conditions such as sleep apnea, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic renal function, and cardiac dysfunction.

Weight Gain (Additional Considerations)

• Large for gestational age has a positive correlation to obesity for adolescents and adults.
• Increased obesity, which is linked with gestational diabetes and other metabolic issues, is thought to increase in the adult population.
• There is controversy about whether the diabesity epidemic, linked with accelerated fetal growth, can begin in the womb or fetal stage.
• Gestational factors could influence obesity-related issues in offspring.

Exercise During Pregnancy

• Although no conclusive negative growth effects are confirmed in animals, pregnant women should not overexert themselves.
• Exercise should be avoided or limited during the first trimester.
• Exertion during pregnancy should be limited to prevent damage to the fetus.
• Exercise concerns include increased fetal core temperature, reduced blood flow to the uterus, potential for low birth weight, and possible damage to the fetus.
• Severe anemia, uncontrolled cardiac issues, chronic bronchitis, and poorly controlled diabetes are relative contraindications to exercise during pregnancy.
• Absolute contraindications include persistent lung issues, significant heart complications, multiple pregnancies at risk for premature labor, persistent bleeding, and placenta previa.

Exercise Considerations (Cont)

• Pregnant women should complete a PARMED-X exercise test prior to exercising.
• Exercise should be performed under medical supervision if needed.
• Sedentary pregnant women should increase exercise gradually.
• The frequency and volume of resistance training (RT) depends on training status and may not exceed 3 sessions weekly.
• Moderate exercise, such as walking or cycling, is recommended.
• Women who are obese or sedentary should start slowly and consult a doctor.
• Avoid high-intensity exercises, contact sports, or activities that may lead to balance problems

Exercise Prescription Considerations

• Exercise during pregnancy can benefit in reducing back pain, risk for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery.
• Exercise also improves overall fitness.
• Exercise may prevent or improve urinary incontinence, reduce depressive symptoms, and promote healthy weight gain.
• Exercisers are more likely to continue exercise after pregnancy.
• Metabolic, aerobic exercise helps prevent complications like eclampsia and reduces cholesterol and gestational diabetes risks.

Exercise Considerations (Cont)

• Time constraints for exercise should be considered.
• 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week is suggested.
• A gradual increase in duration is recommended.
• 10-15 minutes is recommended for warm-up and cool-down periods.
• Dynamic exercise using large muscle groups, such as walking, is most appropriate.
• Post-partum workout parameters depend on the type of delivery.

Exercise Considerations (Cont)

• Modifications may be needed for training status, and intensity changes may be warranted if symptoms are present.
• Exercise types and intensity levels should be appropriate and adjusted as needed.
• Exercise is encouraged to minimize back pain risks.
• It is recommended to encourage exhalation during concentric movements during resistance training.
• Pregnant women should avoid isometric contractions and activities that might increase joint instability risks.

Pregnant Women's Exercise Program Recommendations

• Exercise is beneficial for a variety of reasons including reducing back pain, managing weight gain, reducing risk of developing gestational diabetes.
• Guidelines emphasize gradual progression in aerobic exercise.
• Resistance training (RT) is a beneficial form of exercise during pregnancy, but requires proper pacing and intensity for safe practice.
• Pregnant women should not do high-intensity exercises like strenuous workouts.
• Moderate-intensity exercise at 15-30mins duration and 3 sessions per week is a recommendation.
• Exercise guidelines are given based on past history.

This quiz covers essential aspects of pregnancy, including the stages of development from fertilization to the fetal period. You'll learn about hormonal changes, critical periods of development, and common physical and emotional changes experienced by pregnant individuals. Test your knowledge on the timeline and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy.