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The decidua is the modified mucosal lining of the uterus (that is, modified endometrium) that forms every month, in preparation for pregnancy. It is shed off each month when there is no fertilized egg to support. [1] The decidua is under the influence of progesterone. Endometrial cells become highly characteristic.
Decidualization is a process that results in significant changes to cells of the endometrium in preparation for, and during, pregnancy. This includes morphological and functional changes (the decidual reaction) to endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), the presence of decidual white blood cells (leukocytes), and vascular changes to maternal arteries.
The apical surface of the uterine epithelial cells is covered with microvilli that are under hormonal control and vary in length and number with the oestrous cycle and during pregnancy. A hormonally dependent glycocalyx is found outside the microvilli [ 2 ] while the center of the microvilli consists of an actin filament core which is embedded ...
Illustration of fundal height at various points during pregnancy. Some degree of weight gain is expected during pregnancy. The enlarging uterus, growing fetus, placenta, amniotic fluid, normal increase in body fat, and increase in water retention all contribute weight gain during pregnancy. The amount of weight gain can vary from 5 pounds (2.3 ...
The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive organ. The uterus provides mechanical protection, nutritional support, and waste removal for the developing embryo (weeks 1 to 8) and fetus (from week 9 until the delivery). In addition, contractions in the muscular wall of the uterus are important in pushing out the fetus at the time of birth.
Implantation bleeding occurs between 7 and 14 days after fertilization, [56] and is a small amount of light vaginal bleeding or spotting that can occur in early pregnancy due to the blastocyst penetrating the lining of the uterus during implantation.
As a paracrine hormone, relaxin helps the non-pregnant uterus become ready for pregnancy. [23] Women's endometrium contains relaxin, which is an essential component that helps prepare the body for early pregnancy. [21] The endometrium is transformed into decidua during the early pregnancy maintenance procedure. [21]
In women of reproductive age, two layers of endometrium can be distinguished. These two layers occur only in the endometrium lining the cavity of the uterus, and not in the lining of the fallopian tubes where a potentially life-threatening ectopic pregnancy may occur nearby. [4] [5] The functional layer is adjacent to the uterine cavity.