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SOME
FUNCTIONS
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THE
PLACENTA : |
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It is a go-between
between you and your baby.
Roles
of the placenta :
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a breathing function :
you send oxygen to your baby, and your baby sends you in exchange
carbon dioxide.
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a feeding function :
you send water, minerals, sugar, lipids, proteins... to your baby to
feed it.
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a hormonal function :
the placenta secretes hormones, which are needed for the development
of the baby.
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a protective function :
Most bacteria are stopped by the placenta especially at the beginning
of the pregnancy. However viruses go easily through the placenta
especially until week 20.
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As far as the mother's antibodies are
concerned they go through it, protecting thus the baby.
However,
the placenta doesn't stop drugs, alcohol, medicines, cigarettes.
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THE
AMNIOTIC FLUID & SPACE : |
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Attached to her umbilical cord your baby floats in the amniotic space
in the amniotic fluid. At the beginning of the pregnancy the fluid is
a clear and sterile liquid. Its composition changes as soon as
pregnancy goes on.
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The quantity of the fluid also varies according to the age of the
foetus. At week 7, the amount is around 20 cm3, at week 22 around 400
cm3 to be at the end around 1 litre.
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The fluid is renewed very frequently.
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Roles
of the amniotic liquid :
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It protects the foetus from noises, shocks and also from any vaginal
germs which could go up.
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It gives to the baby the water and minerals he needs. Indeed when the
baby opens her mouth she swallows amniotic fluid.
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The baby urinates in the amniotic liquid.
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It is always at the same temperature.
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At the delivery, when the bag of water opens it helps to the cervix
dilatation.
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THE
PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES : |
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What
is it ? :
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The pelvic floor muscles is a group of muscles which support the
uterus, the bowel, the bladder, the anus and the vagina.
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During the pregnancy mostly all our organs grow, especially the uterus
which will weigh at the end of the ninth month a kilo more than
formerly. These extra weight causes the pelvic floor to become weaker,
which may lead to incontinence (flatulence and urine leaks) and uterus
prolapse.
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To strengthen your pelvic muscles, after the delivery you will go to
the midwife to learn some exercises to do, to avoid the above matters.
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How
to locate them ? :
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We are not conscious neither of our perineum, nor of our pelvic floor
muscles. To identify them, lie down on your back, tighten your buttock
muscles. You will also feel vaginal muscle tightening. Another way is
to stop the flow of urine when you are urinating.
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For
the delivery : | |
