ACTIVATION OF THE MYOMETRIUM—PHASE 1 OF PARTURITION Part of “CHAPTER 109 – ENDOCRINOLOGY OF PARTURITION“ Activation of the myometrium (phase 1 of parturition) can be considered as an active process…
PREGNANCY—PHASE 0 OF PARTURITION Part of “CHAPTER 109 – ENDOCRINOLOGY OF PARTURITION“ Myometrial activity is inhibited during pregnancy by a variety of substances, including progesterone, prostacyclin (PGI2), relaxin, parathyroid hormone–related…
ENDOCRINOLOGY OF PARTURITION John R. G. Challis The duration of human pregnancy, counting from the first day of the last menstrual period, is ˜280 days, or 40 weeks. The expected…
EVALUATION OF THE FETAL-PLACENTAL UNIT BY ENDOCRINE TESTING Part of “CHAPTER 108 – THE MATERNAL-FETAL-PLACENTAL UNIT“ Because of the enormous increases in hormone levels in pregnant women, it was originally…
MATERNAL COMPARTMENT—ENDOCRINE ALTERATIONS AND ENDOCRINE DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH PREGNANCY Part of “CHAPTER 108 – THE MATERNAL-FETAL-PLACENTAL UNIT“ Various maternal adaptations involving the endocrine system occur during pregnancy. Also, many of…
PARATHYROID GLAND AND CALCIUM HOMEOSTASIS Part of “CHAPTER 108 – THE MATERNAL-FETAL-PLACENTAL UNIT“ The calcium levels in the fetus are regulated largely by transfer from the maternal compartment across the…
FETAL COMPARTMENT Part of “CHAPTER 108 – THE MATERNAL-FETAL-PLACENTAL UNIT“ The understanding and elucidation of the human fetal endocrine system have required the development of assays for minute quantities of…
FETAL MEMBRANES AND DECIDUA Part of “CHAPTER 108 – THE MATERNAL-FETAL-PLACENTAL UNIT“ Fetal membranes consisting of amnion and chorion were originally thought to be inactive endocrinologically. The amnion is a…
PLACENTAL COMPARTMENT Part of “CHAPTER 108 – THE MATERNAL-FETAL-PLACENTAL UNIT“ In mammals, especially humans, the placenta has evolved into a complex structure that delivers nutrients to the fetus, produces numerous…
THE MATERNAL-FETAL-PLACENTAL UNIT Bruce R. Carr The hormonal changes and maternal adaptations of human pregnancy are among the most remarkable phenomena in nature. During pregnancy, the placenta, which is supplied…
