Embryology Test 3: Pregnancy/labor

Uterus growth effects

-pushes other organs out of the way
-pushes on stomach: causing heartburn
-pushes on blood vessels: increases blood pressure and causes swelling

Pregnancy effects

-appetite increase
-weight gain
-heart strengthening
-lung strengthening
-hair growth
-darkening of skin
-lordosis
-increased urination
-decreased digestive system contractions
morning sickness

Appetite increase

growing conceptus requires additional nutrition

weight gain

-baby is the largest contributor
-increased body fluids and fat stores are major sources

heart strengthening

heart pumps blood more efficiently
-compensates for increased blood supply to placenta
-brings additional oxygen and nutrients to conceptus
-allows higher metabolism (growth)

lung strengthening

lungs deliver more oxygen
-conceptus adds additional oxygen needs

hair growth

-may grow faster
-may become fuller
-facial and body hair may also grow

darkening of skin

-nipple of mammary gland and areola
-linea nigra
-mask of pregnancy

areola

area around nipple

linea nigra

dark line below belly button

mask of pregnancy

darkening of cheeks and around the eyes

Lordosis

extra curvature of the spine

Effects of lordosis

-causes back pain
-caused by change in center of gravity

increased urination

-uterus pushes on the bladder
-blood circulation to the kidneys increases - more urine, extra wastes from conceptus eliminated

decreased digestive system contractions

-contractions move food along digestive tract
-can cause constipation
-slows emptying of stomach
-can cause nausea, vomiting, and heartburn

morning sickness

nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy

Causes of morning sickness

-decreased digestive system contractions
-increased sensitivity to smells

Changes before labor

-cervical movement
-cervical ripening
-estrogens and progesterone

Cervical movement before labor

-cervix moves to more favorable labor position
-cervix moves downward - normally is high
-cervix moves toward chest - normally pointed toward back

cervical ripening

Cervix becomes softer - makes birth easier

Estrogen/progesterone change before labor

-estrogens rise sharply
-progesterone levels off weeks before birth
-estrogen/progesterone imbalance promotes preparations for labor

Presentation

part of fetus lying over cervix
-the first part delivered

Vertex presentation

top of head is presenting
-most common presentation by far
-safest presentation

breech presentation

lower areas are presenting - can endanger baby

Dangers to breech presentation

-body may be delivered before head can exit
-head may compress umbilical cord
-compressed cord stops oxygen to fetus