Placenta & Physiology of Pregnancy

Flashcards on Placenta and the Physiology of Pregnancy

Maternal growth

Precedes fetal growth, setting up the mother's body to support fetal development.

Anabolic and Catabolic Phases

Refers to the mother's physiology during pregnancy, leading to weight gain and stores being broken down.

Blood Volume Increase in Pregnancy

Necessary to provide the fetus and placenta with nutrients; reaches its maximum around 20 weeks.

Increased Progesterone

Especially in the first trimester, thought to contribute to morning sickness when the stomach gets empty.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

An extreme case of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, leading to dehydration and often requiring hospitalization for IV fluids.

Hemodilution

The increase in blood volume during pregnancy that is not matched by a proportional increase in RBC mass, leading to tiredness and potentially anemia.

Hemoglobin Concentration

An indicator for anemia during pregnancy; decreased levels suggest anemia.

Placenta Cardiac Output

Accounts for 10% of cardiac output, highlighting its need for significant blood flow.

Increase in heart rate during pregnancy

Roughly 6 beats per minute

Kidney Function in Pregnancy

Increased blood flow through kidneys leads to more filtration, which can potentially damage the kidneys over time.

Placenta

Mediates between maternal and fetal blood supplies, facilitating nutrient and waste exchange.

Amniotic Sac

Contains approximately 1L of amniotic fluid, surrounding the fetus.

Placenta Size

Weighs 1-2 lb at term and is larger than the fetus for most of the pregnancy.

Separate Blood Supplies

The fetus's and mother's blood supplies are separate and do not mix.

Placenta Functions

Transports nutrients to the fetus, removes waste products, and secretes hormones to prepare the mother for pregnancy and lactation.

Placenta Modulates Fetal Nutrition

Controls the nutrients available to the fetus for growth; abnormal function can cause fetal malnutrition.

Vitamin A in Pregnancy

Excessive amounts of performed vitamin A, especially in early pregnancy, should be avoided.

Listeria and Pregnancy

A bacterium sometimes found on deli meats, fruits, and vegetables that can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Glucose

Primary fuel for the placenta and fetus, transferred via simple and facilitated diffusion.

Amino Acids

Proteins are too large to cross the placenta, amino acids are actively transported and concentrated in the fetus, with some crossing via simple diffusion.

Triglycerides during pregnancy

Experiments on maternal/fetal health in unethical obviously; no intervention/ manipulation studies. So the effects of maternal weight loss or fasting during pregnancy is not very clear.

Vitamin and Mineral Transfer

Vitamins A, D, E, K, and sodium transfer via passive and facilitated diffusion; water-soluble vitamins, calcium, zinc, iron, and potassium transfer via active transport.

Placenta Hormone Production

The placenta produces and secretes important hormones necessary for pregnancy.

Hormone Modulation

The placenta hormones modulate pregnancy, starts early, indicates pregnancy, helps implantation, forming placenta, producing breast development etc.

Placenta: Modulates Fetal Nutrition

Modulates the nutrients that are available to fetuses for growth.

Fetal Growth Phases

90% of fetal growth occurs during the catabolic phase, with fat shifting to being the main food source.

Blood Glucose and Insulin

Normal increase in blood glucose and insulin/glucose ratio in maternal blood to provide more nutrients for the fetus.

Glucose and Insulin Spikes

Pregnant women exhibit higher glucose and insulin spikes compared to non-pregnant women, indicating insulin resistance.

Pregnant Women Amino Acid Concentration

Concentrations in pregnant women are lower than non pregnant women because the fetus is taking up these amino acids for building their own tissue

Fatty Acids Levels during pregnancy

More glycolysis occurring because mom is using fat as fuel source— so more fatty acids available. Higher levels of both in pregnant women

Human Placentophagy Risks

Placenta encapsulation after steaming & dehydration destroys placental nutrients and hormones. No scientific evidence of any benefit among humans.