PREGNANCY &

CHILDBEARING
CONCEPTION
FERTILIZATION occurs as an ovum and
a sperm
ZYGOTE – Fertilized egg unites.
migrates to the uterus &
implants to its wall. ( 12-14 days )
EMBRYO – 15th day to 8th week
FETUS – 8th week to birth
"Life is present from the moment of conception."
 STRUCTURES OF PREGNANCY
FETAL MEMBRANES

AMNION
- inner membrane (bag of waters) maintains fetal
temperature and cushion full term – 500-1000
ml clear slightly yellowish liquid with
characteristic but not foul odor
oligohydramnios (<500ml) polyhydramnios
(>1500ml)
 STRUCTURES OF PREGNANCY
FETAL MEMBRANES

UMBILICAL CORD

• Connects placenta to fetus = 20 inches ¾ inch diameter

• Contains 2 arteries (deoxygenated) 1 vein (oxygenated)
• Has no pain receptors and covered with Wharton’s jelly
PLACENTA
• Organ of pregnancy that permits an exchange of nutrients, oxygen
(diffusion) and removal of products of fetal metabolism into the
mother’s bloodstream.
• Produces hormones of pregnancy:
• HCG – Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
• HPL – Human Placental Lactogen
• Estrogen and Progesterone
 STRUCTURES OF PREGNANCY

PLACENTA
Organ of pregnancy that permits an exchange of
nutrients, oxygen (diffusion) and removal of
products of fetal metabolism into the mother’s
bloodstream.
Produces hormones of pregnancy:
HCG – Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
HPL – Human Placental Lactogen
Estrogen and Progesterone
 FETAL DEVELOPMENT
This remarkable
photograph of a
tiny baby in his
unruptured 6 WEEKS
amniotic sac was
taken after
surgery for an
ectopic
pregnancy in
1972. This
picture
4 WEEKS
demonstrates the 7 WEEKS
development of a
baby at only six
weeks after
conception.

10 WEEKS
http://ww w.wprc. org/fetal .phtml

18 WEEKS 20 WEEKS
FETAL DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT
•Pre embryonic – 1st 2 weeks
•Embryonic – 3 to 7 weeks
•Fetal – 8 to 40 weeks
- Full term: 38-42 weeks
- Preterm: < 38 weeks
- Post-term: > 42 weeks
 FETAL CIRCULATION
DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS

- Joins the aorta and

pulmonary artery

DUCTUS VENOSUS

- Connects the
umbilical vein to
the inferior vena
cava

FORAMEN OVALE

- Opening between
the left and right
atrium
FETAL CIRCULATION
 MATERNAL ADAPTATIONS
ANATOMICAL
UTERUS – change in size and structure.
 weight increase to about 1000-1200gms (full
term)
 increase amount of fibrous & elastic tissues
 change in shape from pear like to ovoid
 lower uterine segment softening (Hegar’s Sign-
6th wk)
 MATERNAL ADAPTATIONS
ANATOMICAL

CERVIX – increased blood supply, edema and

hyperplasia of cervical glands contributing to:
 Softening (Goodell’s sign) – 6 weeks
 mucosal glands secrete tenacious mucus to
form a
“mucus plug” – operculum that seals the canal

OVARIES – no activity
 MATERNAL ADAPTATIONS
ANATOMICAL

VAGINA – increase vascularity, enlarged, thickened

 color from light pink to deep purple or violet
(Chadwick’s Sign) – 6-8 weeks
 increased amount of vaginal discharge –
leukorrhea
 connective tissue loosens, secretions – alkaline
 proper hygiene, twice daily showers
recommended
 MATERNAL ADAPTATIONS
ANATOMICAL
BREASTS
• estrogen causes hyperplasia, engorgement, feelings of
fullness, tingling sensation, tenderness
 nipple & areola become larger & darker in
color
 blood vessels enlarge & become more
prominent
 proper breast support with well fitting
brassiere

BODY MASS – weight gain 20-25lbs (10-12kgs)

 first trimester : wt gain 1.5 – 3 lbs
 2nd & 3rd trimesters : wt gain of 10-11 lbs /
trimester