Pregnancy

Physiologic state in which a female carries an implanted conceptus (embryo or fetus) within the uterus from fertilization until termination of gestation (abortion, delivery, or birth), accompanied by extensive maternal hormonal, cardiovascular, metabolic, and anatomical adaptations to support fetal growth and development.

Physiology of pregnancy

1. Fertilization of an ovum by sperm

2. Implantation of the embryo into the endometrium

3. Development of the placenta and fetal membranes

4. Maternal hormonal adaptations involving:

   • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

   • Estrogen

   • Progesterone

   • Placental hormones