Pregnancy Stages and Development

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Questions and Answers

What hormone does the placenta primarily produce during pregnancy?

Estrogen (correct)

Testosterone

Progesterone

Thyrotropin

How does high estrogen levels affect FSH and LH release during pregnancy?

They increase their production

They stimulate their release

They have no effect

They suppress their release (correct)

What physiological change occurs in a mother's blood volume during pregnancy?

Increases by five liters

Remains unchanged

Increases by one to two liters (correct)

Decreases by half a liter

Which organ system is primarily stimulated by estrogen to grow during fetal development?

Respiratory Signup and view all the answers

What causes the increase in the mother’s metabolic rate during pregnancy?

Increased thyrotropin production Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the mother’s diaphragm as the uterus grows during pregnancy?

It gets compressed, leading to shortness of breath Signup and view all the answers

What condition can result from the increased blood volume in a pregnant woman?

Varicose veins Signup and view all the answers

What happens to skin during pregnancy as a result of stretching?

Stretch marks may develop Signup and view all the answers

What common digestive issue may occur for mothers due to pressure from the growing uterus?

Gastric reflux Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely outcome of the high energy needs during pregnancy?

Increased food intake Signup and view all the answers

What major factor contributes the most to weight gain during pregnancy?

Growing fetus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributes least to weight gain during pregnancy?

Actual fat gain Signup and view all the answers

How much total weight gain is typically expected during pregnancy?

25 to 35 pounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the average duration of a pregnancy?

38 and a half weeks Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change affects the urinary bladder during pregnancy?

Pressure from the uterus Signup and view all the answers

How many trimesters are there in a typical pregnancy?

Three Signup and view all the answers

Which component contributes approximately six pounds to a pregnant woman's weight gain?

Amniotic fluid Signup and view all the answers

Which hormones are primarily responsible for maternal changes during pregnancy?

Estrogen and progesterone Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about weight gain during pregnancy is false?

All weight gain occurs as fat tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the placenta play during the second trimester?

It becomes the primary hormone producer Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs in the mother's body during pregnancy?

Expansion of the uterus Signup and view all the answers

At what point in pregnancy does the corpus luteum stop being the primary hormone producer?

Around week 12 Signup and view all the answers

In which trimester does significant fetal growth begin to occur?

Second trimester Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is produced by the embryo and plays a significant role in pregnancy?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Pregnancy

Pregnancy, also known as gestation, involves the development of offspring within a woman's uterus.
The average duration is approximately 38.5 weeks, divided into three trimesters, each lasting about 13 weeks.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones play a crucial role in maternal changes, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) from the embryo supports early pregnancy hormones.
Initially, the corpus luteum and ovary produce estrogen and progesterone until about week 12, supporting embryo development and placental formation.
The placenta becomes the primary endocrine organ, taking over hormone production in the second trimester.

Functions of Estrogen

Estrogen rises throughout pregnancy, suppressing FSH and LH release to prevent ovulation.
It promotes fetal organ development, particularly in lungs and liver.
Maternal tissue expansion occurs, enlarging the uterus and mammary glands in readiness for lactation.

Physiological Changes

The anterior pituitary enlarges, increasing thyrotropin production, which raises the mother's metabolic rate and appetite to support gestation energy needs.
Blood volume increases by 1 to 2 liters for adequate fetal nourishment, leading to elevated blood pressure and pulse.
The expanding uterus can compress pelvic blood vessels, risking varicose veins development.

Skin and Dermal Changes

Stretching of the abdominal dermis can cause striae (stretch marks), usually seen on the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and hips, which fade post-childbirth.

Respiratory and Digestive Adjustments

The lungs must work 50% harder to supply oxygen for the increased blood volume, potentially causing shortness of breath in later trimesters.
The growing uterus can press against the stomach, causing heartburn or gastric reflux; symptoms typically ease as the fetus descends in late pregnancy.

Urinary Changes

Increased bladder pressure from the descending uterus can lead to frequent urination.

Weight Gain in Pregnancy

Total weight gain typically ranges from 25 to 35 pounds, consisting of the following:
- 7-8 pounds from the growing fetus.
- 6 pounds from the placenta and amniotic fluid.
- 3-4 pounds from increased breast tissue.
- 4 pounds from the growing uterus.
- 4 pounds from increased blood volume.
- Fat gain varies but generally adds 3 to 10 pounds.

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Description

This quiz explores the stages of pregnancy, known as trimesters, and the physiological changes that occur in the mother's body during this time. Each trimester lasts approximately 13 weeks, and understanding these phases is crucial for comprehending gestation. Test your knowledge about the development of offspring and related maternal changes.