How do the nervous, endocrine, and reproductive system work together in pregnancy
Introduction[edit | edit source]Pregnancy and the associated changes are a normal physiological process in response to the development of the fetus. These changes happen in response to many factors; hormonal changes, increase in the total blood volume, weight gain, and increase in foetus size as the pregnancy progresses. All these factors have a physiological impact on the pregnant woman: the musculoskeletal, endocrine, reproductive , cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, urinary, gastrointestinal and immune systems are affected, along with changes to the skin and breasts. The full gestation period is 39-40 weeks, and a pre-term birth is classed as delivery before 37 weeks gestation, although there is variation internationally and it is thought that the length of human pregnancies also vary naturally.[1] Show
Anatomy Background[edit | edit source]
Endocrine System Changes[edit | edit source]Pregnancy is associated with changes in hormone levels. These hormones work together to control the growth and development of the placenta and the foetus, and act on the mother to support the pregnancy and prepare for childbirth. Many organs of the body secrete hormones which affect the expectant mother, although when the placenta is developed it then takes over the production of many of these hormones, including: oestrogen, progesterone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), human placental lactogen, placental growth hormone, relaxin and kisspeptin. HCG is the first hormone to be released from the developing placenta and is the hormone that is measured in a pregnancy test. It acts as a signal to the mother’s body that pregnancy has occurred by maintaining progesterone production. Progesterone is initially produced by corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine gland found in the ovary. Progesterone maintains the pregnancy, by supporting the lining of the womb and preventing premature uterine contractions. It reduces the tone of smooth muscles (causing constipation due to the water retention in the colon), contributes to breast development, increases the storage of fat due to its catabolic effect on metabolism and increases body temperature. Oestrogen, is also initially produced by the corpus luteum and later by the placenta. Oestrogen levels rise towards the end of pregnancy. Oestrogen acts to stimulate the growth of the uterus to accommodate the growing fetus, by having a vasodilation effect and increasing blood flow to the uterus. It allows the uterus to contract by countering the effect of progesterone and in this way, prepares the uterus for labour. Oestrogen also stimulates the growth and development of the breasts. Relaxin causes the relaxation of pelvic ligaments and softening of the cervix at the end of pregnancy, which aids the process of labour. Reproductive System Changes[edit | edit source]During pregnancy, the internal genital tract undergoes anatomical and physiological changes to accommodate the changes and development of the foetus.
Uterus[edit | edit source]
Cervix[edit | edit source]The enlarged mucus glands of the cervix during pregnancy secrete a mucus, which forms a plug called the “operculum”. This acts as a seal for the uterus and protects it from ascending infection, and acts as a barrier between the vagina and cervix. Later in pregnancy before delivery, there is a softening of the cervix in response to oestrogen and progesterone. Ripening of the cervix occurs due to the effect of prostaglandin and relaxin as labour becomes imminent. Vagina[edit | edit source]The muscle layer of the vagina thickens and it becomes more elastic, making it possible for the vagina to dilate during the second phase of labour. The number of squamous cells increases, due to glycogen, which predisposes the vagina towards thrush. [3][4]. Musculoskeletal Changes[edit | edit source]Postural Changes[edit | edit source]
Articular Changes[edit | edit source]
Neuromuscular Changes[edit | edit source]
Nervous System[edit | edit source]
Cardiovascular changes[edit | edit source]
Respiratory Changes[edit | edit source]
Gastrointestinal changes[edit | edit source]
Renal changes[edit | edit source]
Nutrition[edit | edit source]
Skin[edit | edit source]
Breasts[edit | edit source]
Immunity[edit | edit source]
Problems may have during pregnancy[edit | edit source]
Exercise[edit | edit source]Exercising whilst pregnant is essential to optimise the chance of a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy. Learn more about physical activity during pregnancy. See also Pregnancy Related Pelvic Pain Low Back Pain and Pregnancy References[edit | edit source]
How does the endocrine system and the reproductive system work together?Endocrine glands in the reproductive system produce sex hormones that are responsible for secondary sex characteristics in men and women. Sex hormones also contribute to the production of sex cells, or gametes. Female sex hormones regulate ovulation, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy.
How does the reproductive system and the nervous system work together?Answer and Explanation:
The nervous system is the body system that is involved in information processing and transmission. The reproductive system is the body system that is involved in the creation of babies. The nervous system directs the reproductive system to ensure internal fertilization takes place.
How does the endocrine and reproductive system work together to maintain homeostasis?The endocrine system maintains homeostasis through a series of feedback loops, the most important of which are controlled by the hypothalamus interacting with the pituitary gland . Often, the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete an activating hormone to another gland.
What is the role of the endocrine system and nervous system in human reproduction?The endocrine system, made up of all the body's different hormones, regulates all biological processes in the body from conception through adulthood and into old age, including the development of the brain and nervous system, the growth and function of the reproductive system, as well as the metabolism and blood sugar ...
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