Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Lactation Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards reviewing key terms and concepts related to pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates the enlargement of testes and production of sperm.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that plays a key role in regulating the development of male secondary sex characteristics.

Ovulation Prediction Kits

Tests that sample urine for hormones to predict ovulation.

Corpus Luteum

The structure formed after the oocyte is expelled, secreting estrogen and progesterone.

Trimester

A three-month interval used to divide the pregnancy into three stages.

Involution

The process of the uterus shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size after childbirth.

Colostrum

A type of milk produced in the first few days postpartum, high in antibodies.

Prolactin

A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates milk synthesis after birth.

Oxytocin

Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth.

Morning Sickness

Nausea experienced during the first trimester, potentially from hormones secreted by the fetus.

Lactation

The process of milk synthesis and ejection from the mammary glands.

Positive Feedback Loop

A cycle where stretching of the cervix leads to uterine contractions, further stimulating contractions.

Breast Milk Production

The average daily milk production for nursing women, around 1.5 liters.

Fetal Membranes

The structures that are expelled after childbirth known as afterbirth.

Metabolism and Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy

Increased metabolic rate and nutrient requirements for the health of both mother and fetus.