Parturition & Lactation Flashcards
(43 cards)
Describe the components of a balanced diet important during pregnancy.
A balanced diet during pregnancy includes protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Explain the significance of vitamin D during pregnancy.
Vitamin D is important during pregnancy for various bodily functions, including calcium absorption and bone health.
List two important vitamins for pregnant women and their roles.
Folic acid is crucial for fetal development and preventing neural tube defects, while vitamin K is important for blood clotting.
Identify two essential minerals for pregnant women and their benefits.
Iron is vital for preventing anemia and supporting increased blood volume, while calcium is important for fetal bone development.
Define the three stages of parturition.
The three stages of parturition are: 1) Dilation, where uterine contractions dilate the cervix; 2) Expulsion, from full dilation to birth; 3) Placental, the delivery of the placenta.
Explain the role of fetal cortisol in the initiation of parturition.
Fetal cortisol is believed to be an important trigger for initiating parturition and stimulates the production of surfactant in the lungs, which is crucial for the newborn’s breathing.
How do estrogen levels change as parturition approaches, and why is this important?
Estrogen levels rise toward the time of parturition, ensuring an increase in oxytocin receptors on the myometrium and antagonizing the relaxing effect of progesterone.
What are the two key hormones involved during labor and delivery?
The two key hormones during labor and delivery are oxytocin and prostaglandins.
What happens during the placental stage of parturition?
During the placental stage, the placenta is delivered, usually within 30 minutes after the birth of the baby.
Explain the expulsion stage of parturition.
The expulsion stage occurs from full dilation to the birth of the baby, lasting from minutes to a few hours.
Describe the dilation stage of parturition.
The dilation stage involves uterine contractions that dilate the cervix up to 10 cm, with variable duration.
How do strong uterine contractions after birth affect bleeding?
Strong uterine contractions after birth compress uterine blood vessels, limit bleeding, and facilitate placental detachment.
Describe the typical time frame for placenta delivery after childbirth.
The placenta is usually delivered within 30 minutes after childbirth.
Explain the role of prolactin in lactation during pregnancy.
Prolactin stimulates milk production in the mammary glands during pregnancy.
How do estradiol and progesterone affect breast development during pregnancy?
Estradiol and progesterone levels increase during pregnancy, stimulating further growth and development of alveoli and ducts in the breast.
Define the structure and function of an alveolus in the context of lactation.
An alveolus is a glandular structure involved in milk production, lined by a single layer of milk-secreting epithelial cells.
What is the significance of glucocorticoids in breast development during pregnancy?
Glucocorticoids have permissive actions that support the growth and development of alveoli and ducts during pregnancy.
Explain the classical milk let-down reflex and its hormonal regulation.
The classical milk let-down reflex involves oxytocin, which causes contraction of myoepithelial cells to facilitate milk let-down, while prolactin is responsible for milk production.
Describe the components of a mammary gland and their organization.
Each mammary gland is divided into 15-20 lobes, which are further subdivided into lobules, with the basic component of each lobule being the alveolus.
How do high levels of certain hormones affect milk secretion during pregnancy?
High levels of hormones inhibit the actual secretion of milk during pregnancy, despite prolactin stimulating milk production.
Identify the two important hormones involved in lactation and their specific roles.
Prolactin is responsible for the secretion of casein, lactose, and fatty acids for milk production, while oxytocin is responsible for the contraction of myoepithelial cells for milk let-down.
Explain the importance of both prolactin and oxytocin for continued lactation.
Both prolactin and oxytocin are required for continued lactation; prolactin for milk production and oxytocin for milk let-down.
Describe the role of fetal CRH in pregnancy.
Fetal CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone) is involved in the regulation of fetal cortisol production, which plays a role in the timing of labor.
Explain how placental estrogens contribute to labor.
Placental estrogens help prepare the uterus for contractions and play a role in the regulation of other hormones involved in labor.
