Pregnancy and Birth Anatomy Flashcards
To recognize the muscles and organs involved in birth, what their functions are, and what they look like
How do the abdominal muscles change during pregnancy and after birth?
During pregnancy, they stretch as your uterus expands and belly grows. After pregnancy, they may weaken and separate, which can cause lower back pain and make physical activities hard to do.
How does the pelvis change during pregnancy and birth?
Around 36 weeks, baby begins to drop lower in the ______. The body secretes hormones to soften the _____ ligaments, allowing them to open so the baby can pass through during birth.
What is the uterus’ role throughout pregnancy and brith?
The fertilized egg grows in your uterus as your uterus stretches like a balloon to accommodate your growing baby. It contracts during labor and delivery to help push baby through cervix
How does the cervix change throughout pregnancy and birth?
It effaces ( becomes softer, thinner, and shorter) and dilates (widens up to 10cm) to help the baby exit the uterus. It also secretes the mucus plug.
What is the placenta’s role throughout pregnancy and birth?
An organ that forms in the uterus, and attaches to the uterus wall. Provides oxygen and nutrients to a developing baby. It also removes waste from the baby’s blood, and is connected to the baby by the umbilical cord.
What is the mucus plug? What is it’s role throughout pregnancy and birth?
A collection of mucus that forms in the cervical canal.
It prevents bacteria or infection from entering your uterus
and reaching the fetus. Falls off during late pregnancy.
What is the role of the amniotic sac and amniotic fluid?
Fetus grows in here, and it is filled with fluid. It provides baby room to swim and move, which helps build muscle tone. Maintains a slightly higher temp than mom to keep the baby warm. Protects the baby from injury from bumps and external pressures.
What happens in the body when a woman’s “water breaks”?
The amniotic fluid leaves the amniotic sac and comes out the vagina
What is the role of the umbilical cord throughout pregnancy and birth?
Rope like cord connecting the fetus to the placenta. Carries oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, and waste products away from the fetus.
What is menstruation?
What is ovulation?
When an egg is released from a females ovaries in preparation for fertilization. Happens usually two weeks before
