-Antepartum period: period from conception to the onset of labor.

-Intrapartum: From onset of contractions that cause cervical dilation to the first 1-4
hrs after delivery of the neonate and the placenta.

-Postpartum: 6-week period after delivery of the neonate and the placenta, which
ends when the reproductive organs return to the nonpregnant state.

Uterine blood supply:

-Uterus receives blood supply from the ascending abdominal aorta, which divides
into the two iliac arteries, which further divide into the hypogastric arteries, which
divide into the uterine arteries. It also receives blood from the ovarian arteries, so it
always has an abundant supply of blood.

-These arteries are tourtuous and lay against the sides of the uterine body in a
nonpregant woman.

-As the uterus enlarges, the arteries unwind and can stretch to maintain an
adequate blood supply as the uterus grows.

Uterine support

-Bc the uterus isn’t in a affixed position, it can enlarge wout discomfort during
pregnancy.

-If supports become overstretched, they may not hold the bladder afterward and
may herniated into the anterior vagina, resulting in cystocele ( occurs when the wall
between a woman’s bladder and her vagina weakens and allows the bladder to
droop into the vagina. This condition may cause discomfort and problems with
emptying the bladder).

-If the rectum pouches toward the vaginal wall, a rectocele (occurs when the thin
wall of fibrous tissue (fascia) separating the rectum from the vagina becomes
weakened, allowing the front wall of the rectum to bulge into the vagina) may
develop.

Uterine deviations:

-In the fetus, the uterus first froms w a septum, which separates it longitudinally.
The septum gradually deteriorates as the fetus matures so that no septum remains
at birth. In some cases, the septum never atrophies, and the uterus remain as two
separate compartments. In others, half of the septum remains. It can lead to
bicornuate, septum-diving, double uterus, anterversion (fundius tips forward),
retroversion (fundus tips backward), anteflexion: body of uterus bends sharply
forward at the junction w the cervix. Retroflexion: body of uterus bends slightly
backward.
Fallopian tubes

-About 12cm long. Muscular layer produces peristaltic motions that conduct the ova
the length of the tube. Ciliated and mucous lining act as lubricant to aid in ova
travel and may act as nourishment for the fertilized egg bc the mucus contains
protein, water, and salt.

-Transport the ovum from the ovary to the uterus. Serve as the site of fertilization.
Provide a nourishment environment for zygotes.

Ovaries:

-To produce, matures, and discharge ova. Ova produce estrogen and progesterone
and initiate and regulate the menstrual cycles.

Menstrual cycle

• Avearge length of the cycle is 28 daysAveage length of the menses is 2-7 days.

• Initiated by the release of LHRH, also known as Gonadotrpin-releasing hormone

(GnRH), from the hypothalamus.

o Under the influence of LHRH, the anterior lobe of the pituitary produces
two hormones that act on the ovaries to further influence the menstrual
cycle.

o FSH and LH

• Phases: Menstrual phase (days 1-5)

o Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease

o FSH levels rise, and steady levels of LH influence the ovary to secrete
estrgeon

o Menstrual flow begins.

• Proliferative (follicular) phase (days 6-13)

o Estrogen production increases, leading to proliferation of endometrium

and myometrium in preparation for possible implantation of a fertilized
ovum.

o Follicle secretes estradiol. FSH stimulates graafian follicle. FSH production

decreases before ovulation (around day 14).

• Secretory (luteal) phase (days 14-25)

 o The corpus luteum forms under the influence of LH. Estrange and
progesterone production increase. The endometrium is prepared for
implantation of fertilized ovum.

• Ischemic phase (days 26-28)

o The corpus luteum degenerates if conception doesn’t occur. Estrogen and

progesterone levels decline if conception doesn’t occur.

Stages of Fetal development

Preembryonic:

• Begins with fertilization and last about 3 weeks.

• As the zygote passes through the fallopian tube, it undergoes a series of

mitotic devision or cleavage. Once formed, the zygote develops into the
morula and then blastocyst, eventfully becoming attached to the
endometrium.

Embryonic:

• Begins w the fourth week of gestation and ends w the seventh week. The
zygote, now called embryo beings to take on a human shape. Germ layers
develop, giving rise to organ systems.

• The embryo is highly vulnerable to injury from maternal durg, certain

maternal infections, etc.

Fetal period:

• Begins w the 8th week of gestation and continues until birth.

• During this period, the embryo now called a fetus, enlarges and grows
heavier.

• The head of the fetus is disproportionately larger than its body. The fetus also
lacks subq fat.