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Intrapartum period (labor)
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Terms in this set (656)
-Process by which the products of conception are expelled from the uterus and the vagina into the external environment.
-It begins with the onset of regular uterine contractions.
-Initiated by multiple factors, many of which are not precisely known.
-It is felt to be triggered by both maternal and fetal factors.
-A pregnancy is considered at term between 38-42 weeks.
-Uterine muscles are streched to the threshold point, leading to release of prostaglandins that stimulate contractions. Feedback loop-streching, pressure and irritation of the uterus and cervix as the fetus grows.
-Increased pressure on the cervix stimulates the nerve plexus causes releases of Oxytocin by the maternal posterior pituitary which stimulates contractions.
-The ratio of estrogen to progesterone changes and estrogen levels increase (stimulating contractions) while progesterone decreases (quieting effect).
-Oxytocin stimulates myometrial contractions. oxytocin and pprostaglandin work together to inhibit calcium binding in muscle cells, raising intracellular calcium levels and activating contractions.
-Increased sensitivity of the uterus to oxytocin.
-oxytocin level surges from stretching of the cervix.
-Increasing secretions from the maturing fetal pituitary.
-Release of prostaglandin from fetal membranes.
_Prostaglandin synthesis by the fetal membrane and the decidua stimulates contractions.
-Fetal cortisol produced by the fetal adrenal gland rises and acts also to decrease progesterone production.
-The aging placenta.