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CHANGES IN THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The Pregnant Uterus: It shows remarkable enlargement
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Non-Pregnant |
Full term |
Weight
(in gms) |
40-60 |
700 – 900 |
The height of the fundus (in cms above
pubic symphysis corresponds to the weeks of gestation from 20 to 32 weeks. (pic with
animation)
The muscle fibres in the muscular layer
of the uterus undergo:
- Hypertrophy in the first half of pregnancy
- Stretching in the second half of the pregnancy
Intermittent painless uterine
contractions (Braxton Hicks contractions) occur from early months and become more
pronounced in the last few weeks.
The Cervix
The cervix becomes more vascular with marked proliferation of the cervical mucosa (inner
lining) and a mucus plug in cervical canal. The cervix looks bluish and is soft to touch.
The Vagina
The inner lining of the vagina is congested and thickened. Its secretion increases in
amount and acidity.
Vulva
The vulva becomes vascular & hypertrophied with a tendency for varicose veins to
develop.
Breasts
There is enlargement of the breasts with hypertrophy of glands. In addition visible veins
appear on the skin of the breasts; the areola becomes dark and a surrounding outer zone of
irregular less marked pigmentation appears (secondary areola). Enlarged, sebaceous glands
are seen in the areola (Montgomery tubercles). Clear straw colored secretion can be
expressed from the breasts.
| Changes in
other Organ Systems | Changes
in General Metabolism |
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