Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Flashcards

What is the term for the position in which the largest diameter of the fetal head has passed through the pelvic inlet?

Answer: Engagement

Engagement occurs when the largest part of the fetal head (biparietal diameter) passes through the pelvic inlet, typically occurring in the last few weeks of pregnancy in first-time mothers.

What is the name of the dark pigmented line that often appears running vertically along the abdomen during pregnancy?

Answer: Linea nigra

The linea nigra is a dark vertical line that appears on the abdomen due to increased melanocyte-stimulating hormone activity during pregnancy.

Supine hypotensive syndrome in late pregnancy occurs because the gravid uterus compresses which vessel?

Answer: Inferior vena cava

When a pregnant woman lies flat on her back, the heavy uterus can compress the inferior vena cava, reducing venous return to the heart and causing a drop in blood pressure.

Which of the following correctly describes the 'station' of fetal presentation during labor?

Answer: The position of the fetal head relative to the ischial spines

Station measures the descent of the presenting part relative to the maternal ischial spines, with 0 station at the spines, negative above, and positive below.

The process by which the fetal head rotates from a transverse position to an anteroposterior position as it descends through the pelvis is called:

Answer: Internal rotation

Internal rotation is the cardinal movement of labor in which the fetal head rotates to align the longest diameter of the head with the longest diameter of the pelvic outlet.

Which type of pelvis is considered most favorable for vaginal birth due to its wide, rounded shape?

Answer: Gynecoid

The gynecoid pelvis has a round, wide shape that provides the most space for fetal descent and is found in the majority of women, making it the most favorable for vaginal delivery.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone detected by home pregnancy tests and is produced by which structure?

Answer: Trophoblast cells of the developing embryo

hCG is secreted by the trophoblast cells of the developing embryo shortly after implantation, signaling the corpus luteum to continue progesterone production.