Parent's body
This hormone increases relaxation in the pelvic joints
What is relaxin?
This important organ matures at the end of gestation.
What are lungs?
This hormone is increased in the placenta to prepare for laborl
What is estrogen?
Irregular, light contractions that can occur in late pregnancy
Braxton Hicks or toning contractions
This part of the fetal brain doubles in size.
What is the cerebral cortex?
Large molecules cross from the parent to the fetus, helping provide this to the fetus.
What are immunities?
Produced in small amounts of thick yellowish nutrient-rich fluid, it is rich in antibodies for newborns
What is colostrum?
The fetus gains this for temperature regulation.
What is fat and weight?
The uterus produces more of this in late pregnancy, as it plays a crucial role in cervical ripening and contractions.
What are prostaglandins?
Interrupted sleep, frequent urination, swelling, body aches, dry and itchy skin
What are common discomforts of late pregnancy?
The fetus develops these senses and abilities
This typically slightly decreases just prior to the onset of labor.
What is amniotic fluid?
Increased white or yellowish fluid caused by increased estrogen resulting in enlarged cervical glands and increased blood flow
What is vaginal mucus?
The baby typically changes position relative to the pelvis in this way.
What is head down, chin flexed, engaged?
Thee three terms describe how the cervix prepares for labor.
What is moving anterior, ripening, effacement?