Lecture 9: Pregnancy and Childbirth

Ovulation

Release of a mature egg around day 14 of the menstrual cycle

Site of conception

Outer third of the fallopian tube

Zona pellucida

Protective membrane surrounding the egg

Hyaluronidase

Enzyme allowing sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida

Zygote

Fertilized egg at the moment of conception

Implantation

Attachment of the fertilized egg into uterus at 5–7 days

Embryo

Stage from implantation until week 8

Fetus

Stage from week 9 until birth

Ectopic pregnancy

Implantation occurring outside the uterus

Placenta

Organ exchanging nutrients, gases, waste between mother and fetus

Umbilical cord

Connection between placenta and fetus for nutrient transfer

Amniotic sac

Fluid-filled membrane protecting and cushioning fetus

Amniotic fluid

Liquid maintaining temperature and cushioning fetus

Organogenesis

Formation of all major organs (first trimester)

Quickening

First fetal movements felt by the mother (~18–20 weeks)

Fetal heartbeat detectable

Can be heard around week 18 (late second trimester)

Couvade syndrome

Pregnancy-like symptoms experienced by the father

Preeclampsia

Condition with high blood pressure, edema and proteinuria

Rhesus incompatibility

Occurs when mother is Rh- and fetus is Rh+

Miscarriage

Spontaneous loss of pregnancy, highest risk in first trimester

Trimester 1

Key features: nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, miscarriage anxiety

Trimester 2

Key features: quickening, lower anxiety, fetal heartbeat detectable

Trimester 3

Key features: Braxton-Hicks, pressure, insomnia, fetal weight gain

Braxton-Hicks contractions

Irregular practice contractions in late pregnancy

Colostrum

Pre-milk substance produced in late pregnancy

Effacement

Thinning of the cervix in preparation for labor

Dilation

Opening of the cervix to 10 cm to allow delivery

First stage of labour

Cervical effacement and dilation to 10 cm

Second stage of labour

Delivery of the baby through the birth canal

Third stage of labour

Delivery of the placenta

Postpartum depression

Severe mood disturbance after birth with fatigue and inadequacy

First trimester fetal development

Organ formation, neural tube formation, placenta starts forming

Second trimester fetal development

Fetal movement, heartbeat detectable, senses develop

Third trimester fetal development

Major weight gain, fat deposits, lung maturation

Fat deposits

Develop in fetus during third trimester for temperature regulation

Neural tube

Forms early in first trimester; becomes brain and spinal cord

Amniocentesis

Prenatal test sampling amniotic fluid for abnormalities

CVS (chorionic villus sampling)

Test sampling chorionic tissue for genetic conditions

Preterm birth

Birth occurring before 37 weeks gestation

Stillbirth

Fetal death after 20 weeks gestation

Hyperemesis gravidarum

Severe persistent vomiting during pregnancy

Bonding

Hormone-mediated attachment process after childbirth

Oxytocin hormone

Supports bonding and stimulates uterine contractions during labor

Bloody show

Mucus plug release signaling approaching labor

Lightening

Fetus drops lower in pelvis before labor begins

Fetal station

Describes fetal head position relative to mother’s pelvis

Crowning

When the fetal head becomes visible during birth

Perineum

Area between vagina and anus; may tear or be cut during birth

Colostrum production

Begins late in pregnancy and continues after birth

Breast changes in pregnancy

Increased size, tenderness, and pigmentation

Linea nigra

Dark line on abdomen appearing during pregnancy

HCG hormone

Hormone produced by placenta, detectable early in pregnancy tests

Progesterone in pregnancy

Maintains uterine lining and prevents contractions

Estrogen in pregnancy

Supports uterine growth and increases blood flow

Fetal viability

Ability of fetus to survive outside womb, ~24–28 weeks

Fetal positioning

Breech, cephalic (head-down), transverse

Breech position

Fetus positioned feet or buttocks first

Dilation measurement

0–10 cm to allow passage of baby

Contractions

Involuntary tightening of uterine muscles to open cervix

Lochia

Bleeding and discharge in postpartum weeks

Postpartum period

6-week period after childbirth for physical recovery