CHAPTER 10

THE REPRODUCTIVE

SYSTEM

Gestation• The time required for the development of a fetus is called gestation.

• The time period averages about 40 weeks although duration does vary• Early Term: A gestation period between 37 weeks, 0 days and 38 weeks, 6 days

• Full Term: A gestation period between 39 weeks, 0 days and 40 weeks, 6 days

• Late Term: A gestation period between 41 weeks, 0 days and 41 weeks, 6 days

• Post Term: A gestation period after 42 weeks, 0 days

• The chance of health risks to the mother and fetus increases the further away from a full term gestation period

Health risks of premature/early

term

• Delayed mental/physical

development

• Breathing/ respiratory problems

• Hearing loss

• Feeding and digestive problems

• Death

Health risks of late term/post term

• Increased cesarean or forceps

assisted birth

• Longer labor and increased

stress on mother

• Improper nourishment from

extra calcium and protein in

placenta

Stages During Gestation

Gestation is also divided into 3

trimesters

• 1st trimester- Last period through the

13th week

• 2nd trimester- Week 14 through

week 27

• 3rd trimester- Week 28 through week

40

The UterusThe organ in which the developing fetus resides is called the uterus.

Located in the pelvic cavity between the bladder and the colon

Divided into three sections:Fundus: The upper portion of

the uterus, opposite the

opening to the vagina

Corpus: The central portion of

the uterus and the largest

region

Cervix: The lowest portion of

the uterus that opens to the

vagina

Made up of 3 layersPerimetrium: Outermost

layer, attached to ligaments that hold

the uterus in place

Myometrium: Middle layer, made of

very thick smooth muscle, contracts

during labor to expel the fetus

Endometrium: Inner layer, contains a

rich blood supply in order to support a

growing fetus; gets expelled during

menstruation if there is no fetus

Uterine Sizes

• The average uterus is about the size of an orange without

a fetus.

• At full term pregnancy, the uterus has stretched to about

the size of a watermelon

• Within 1-2 days postpartum, the uterus shrinks down to

the size it was at 18 weeks prenatal

• At 1 week postpartum, it has shrunk to it’s 12 week

prenatal size

• At 6 weeks postpartum, the uterus has returned to it’s

normal size.

MenopauseThe cessation of menstruation is called menopause.

• This is commonly defined as the time when a woman ceases having her

period and the condition of her uterus.

• The exact date of menopause is considered to be when a woman finishes

the flow of her last menstrual cycle

• Menopause is a gradual occurrence, it does not happen over night

• Menopause usually occurs in a woman’s late 40’s or early 50’s, although

the average age in the US is 51

• Post menopause, a woman’s ovaries are no longer active and she is

infertile, however she can still be sexually active.

Menopausal Hormone Changes

• During menopause, hormone levels fluctuate. Some of

the hormones and their functions are:• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone- Act in tandem to control

the production of estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone. High levels of FSH identify

if a woman is postmenopausal

• Estradiol- Strongest of the estrogens in a woman’s body and acts as a growth hormone

for tissue development, especially the lining of the uterus during menstruation. Created

primarily in the ovaries.

• Progesterone- Plays a large role in pregnancy and fertilization of ovum. Allows the

sperm to find the egg to begin fertilization process. Created primarily in the ovaries.

• Testosterone- Influence sexual arousal in women and testosterone patches are often

used in postmenopausal women to help with low libido. Created primarily in the ovaries

during menstruation.

Menopausal signs and symptoms

• Due to the changes in hormones, women will potentially

experience the following perimenopausal symptoms:

• Mood swings

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Hot flashes

• Palpitations

• Decreased skin elasticity

• Increased risk of

osteoporosis

• Vaginal itching and

dryness

• Difficulty reaching

orgasm

• Increasingly erratic

menstrual cycles