Final answer:
During pregnancy, the digestive, circulatory, and integumentary systems undergo significant changes to support fetal development. Postpartum, the examination of the placenta is crucial to prevent hemorrhage while lochia is a normal discharge experienced. The stages of childbirth include cervical dilation, delivery of the baby, and delivery of the placenta.
Step-by-step explanation:
Changes During Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy and childbirth involve significant changes to a mother's body, affecting various systems including the digestive system, the circulatory system, and the integumentary system. During pregnancy, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone support the pregnancy and changes in these levels lead to labor. The circulatory system experiences an increase in blood volume by approximately 1-2 liters, which prepares the body for fetal nourishment and waste removal. This increased blood volume also contributes to a moderate rise in pulse and blood pressure. Additionally, as the fetus grows, the uterus compresses underlying pelvic blood vessels, which can lead to varicose veins or hemorrhoids.
After the childbirth, it is important for the obstetrician to examine the expelled placenta and fetal membranes to ensure they are intact and no fragments remain in the uterus, as this can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Postpartum, the mother also experiences a vaginal discharge called lochia, which transitions from lochia rubra to lochia serosa, and then to lochia alba over several weeks. Breastfeeding aids in the involution process, where uterine contractions help return the uterus and other abdominal organs to their pre-pregnancy states.
Stages of Childbirth
Childbirth is divided into three stages:
- The dilation of the cervix.
- The delivery of the baby.
- The delivery of the placenta.