Physiology of Normal Spontaneous Delivery

Predisposing factors: Precipitating factors:

 Sex  Sexual
 Age Intercourse

Meeting of Sperm and

egg cell

FERTILIZATION:
 murula S/Sx:
 Blastocyst Amenorrhea
 Trophoblast

Implantation of the
fertilized egg in the
Increase
endometrial lining
levels of
HCG and
progesterone
Attachment of the in blood
chorionic villi on the
maternal blood stream.
Body reacts to Increase
HCG 7 progesterone in
Development of blood. Thus sends signals
placental fragment tot the medulla.

Stimulation of the vagus

nerve by the Medulla
Exchange of
respiratory gases and
waste, and nutrients S/sx: nausea and
via umbilical cord. vomiting

1st Trimester 2nd Trimester 3rd Trimester

Organogenesis Organogenesis is complete Fetal position and attitude is

determined

Discernible heart beat Sex is determined

(fetoscope) Increase abdominal size due to
growing fetus
Heart Beat is audible by a
Presence of simple stethoscope
gestational sac Slight abdominal contraction can
be felt
 Enlargement of the uterine walls
Due to continuous fetal growth

Frequent uterine s/sx; linea Stretching of the

contractions Nigra abdominal skin and wall

Pregnancy reaches full term Prostaglandin release

due to uterine
contraction
Cervical dilatation and
effacement occurs Resetting of the hypothalamus

Signals pain on the effected area

IMMINENT DELIVERY