Lec66(reproductive system)

The Effects of Pregnancy on the Mother

· Pregnancy – period from conception until birth

· Anatomical changes· Female reproductive organ engorged with blood

· Enlargements of the uterus

· Lordosis (Accentuated lumbar curvature)

· Relaxation of the pelvic ligaments and pubic symphysis due to production of relaxin from placenta

· Weight gains occurs

Effects of Pregnancy on the Mother

· Metabolic changes· Placenta secrete human placental lactogen

(hPL)· hPL together with estrogen and progesterone

stimulate maturation of the breast for lactation

· Promote growth of fetus

· Placenta also releases human chorionic thyrotropin (hCT)

· Increases the rate of maternal metabolism

Effects of Pregnancy on the Mother

· Physiological changes· Gastrointestinal system

· Morning sickness is common due to elevated progesterone

· Heartburn is common because of organ crowding by the fetus

· Constipation is caused by declining motility of the digestive tract

Effects of Pregnancy on the Mother

· Physiological changes· Urinary System

· Kidneys have additional burden and produce more urine

· The uterus compresses the bladder and urination become more frequent

Effects of Pregnancy on the Mother

· Physiological changes· Respiratory System

· Nasal mucosa becomes congested and swollen

· Vital capacity and respiratory rate increase

Effects of Pregnancy on the Mother

· Physiological changes· Cardiovascular system

· Body water rises

· Blood volume increases by 25 to 40 percent

· Blood pressure and pulse increase

· Varicose veins are common

Childbirth (Partition)

· Labor – the series of events that expel the infant from the uterus

· Initiation of labor· Estrogen levels rise

· Stimulates the myometrial cells to form abundant oxytocin receptor

· Uterine contractions begin· Braxton Hicks contraction

· The placenta releases prostaglandins· Oxytocin is released from fetus and the pituitary· Combination of these hormones produces

contractions

Initiation of Labor

Stages of Labor

· Dilation· The time from labor’s onset until the cervix

is fully dilated by the baby’s head· Uterine contractions begin and increase· The amnion ruptures, event commonly

called “breaking the water”· The dilation stage lasts 6 – 12 hours

Stages of Labor

· Expulsion· Lasts from full dilation to delivery of the

infant· Strong contraction occur every 2 – 3 min

and last about 1 min· This period may last 2 hours· An episiotomy may be done to reduce

tissue tearing· Normal delivery is head first

Stages of Labor

· Placental stage· Delivery of the placenta and its attached

fetal membrane

· Accomplished within 30 min after birth of the infant

Stages of Labor

Adjustment of infant to extrauterine life

For the first few minutes after birth, the infant’s physical status assessed based on HR Respiration Color Muscle tone Reflexes

Apgar score of 8 – 10 indicates a healthy baby

Lactation

Lactation is production of milk by the hormone prepared mammary glands

Rising levels of placental estrogen, progesterone and hPL stimulate the hypothalamus to release PRF (prolactin releasing factor)

The anterior pituitary responds by secreting prolactin

The first three following birth, the mammary glands secrete colostrum

Milk production and the positive feedback mechanism

Advantages of breast milk to the infant

1. Its fats and iron are better absorbed and its amino acids are metabolized more efficiently than those of cows milk

2. It has beneficial chemicals, including IgA, lysozyme, interleukins and lactoperoxidase

3. Its natural laxative effects helps to cleanse the bowels of meconium. A green black paste containing sloughed off epithelial cells, bile and other substances