maternal newborn

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Fallopian Tubes

  • Each fallopian (uterine) tube is approximately 10 cm in length, extending from near the ovary to the uterus.

  • Fimbriae (finger-like projections) at the end of each tube draw an ovum into the tube.

  • Ciliated epithelium within the tube aids in transporting the ovum (or zygote, if fertilized) toward the uterus.

Uterus

  • The uterus is a muscular organ about 8 cm long and 5 cm wide.

  • Ligaments help keep the uterus in position, tilted anteriorly over the bladder.

  • During pregnancy, the uterus significantly increases in size and accommodates the placenta, which nourishes the fetus until birth.

  • Rising levels of oxytocin stimulate uterine contractions necessary for childbirth.

  • The uterus comprises three layers:

    • Perimetrium: the outermost layer.

    • Myometrium: the muscular middle layer.

    • Endometrium: the inner mucous membrane, highly vascularized, part of which is shed and regenerated during each menstrual cycle.

    • During pregnancy, the endometrium contributes to the maternal side of the placenta.

Vagina

  • The vagina extends from the uterine cervix to the vaginal orifice in the perineum, situated between the urethra and rectum.

  • After puberty, the vaginal mucosa becomes relatively resistant to infections.

  • The normal bacterial flora creates an acidic pH that prevents microbial growth.

  • The hymen, while present, provides mechanical protection.

External Genitalia

  • Also called the vulva, includes:

    • Clitoris

    • Mons pubis

    • Labia majora and minora

Mammary Glands

  • Located within the breasts and surrounded by adipose tissue, these glands produce milk following pregnancy.

  • High levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy prepare the glands for milk production.

  • Prolactin hormone stimulates milk production post-pregnancy.

  • Breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, further instigating milk release and uterine contractions.

Ovarian and Menstrual Cycles

  • Female reproductive cycles are controlled by:

    • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

    • Luteinizing hormone (LH)

    • Estrogen

    • Progesterone

  • These hormones drive changes in ovaries and uterus.

Menstrual Cycle

  • A menstrual cycle begins with the shedding of the endometrium during menstruation, typically lasting about 5 days.

  • After menstruation ends, the endometrium proliferates due to estrogen influences, leading to increased secretion of FSH.

    • Several ovarian follicles begin to develop, although usually only one becomes dominant.

  • An increase in LH occurs, peaking to induce ovulation.

  • Post-ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone in addition to estrogen.

  • Progesterone promotes further endometrial development.

  • If fertilization does not happen, progesterone levels decrease, resulting in the breakdown of the endometrium and menstruation commencement.

  • FSH levels increase as estrogen and progesterone levels decline, signaling the start of the cycle anew.

  • The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, with variations possible.

FETAL DEVELOPMENT

Placenta

  • The placenta functions for metabolic and gas exchange, hormone production, and serves as an endocrine organ.

  • It produces significant amounts of hCG, progesterone, estrogen, human placental lactogen, and prostaglandins.

  • Hormones are prominently active during pregnancy, maintaining pregnancy and preparing the body for delivery.

Umbilical Cord

  • The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta and contains 2 arteries and 1 vein.

  • The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood and nutrients to the fetus, while the umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste from the fetus to the placenta.

  • The cord is surrounded by Wharton’s jelly, a gel-like substance preventing compression.

Amniotic Fluid

  • Amniotic fluid is a clear liquid encapsulating the fetus in the amniotic sac.

  • It contains electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, hormones, fetal cells, fetal urine, and lung secretions.

  • In early pregnancy, the fluid is sourced primarily from maternal plasma; as pregnancy progresses, fetal urine becomes the main contributor.

  • Functions of amniotic fluid include:

    • Cushioning the fetus from trauma

    • Maintaining temperature

    • Facilitating fetal movement (essential for muscle development)

    • Preventing umbilical cord compression

    • Aiding in lung development

  • Normal amniotic fluid is clear, pale yellow, or straw-colored, with no odor or a slightly sweet smell.

PREGNANCY & PRENATAL CARE: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF PREGN