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This represents an optimal environment for the implantation of a blastocyst upon its arrival in the uterus. The endometrium is central, echogenic (detectable using ultrasound scanners), and has an average thickness of 6.7 mm. During pregnancy, the glands and blood vessels in the endometrium
Uterine glands or endometrial glands are tubular glands, lined by a simple columnar epithelium, found in the functional layer of the endometrium that lines the uterus. Their appearance varies during the menstrual cycle. During the proliferative phase, uterine glands appear long due to estrogen secretion by the ovaries. During the secretory ...
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] The process known as decidualization occurs when the endometrium changes both physiologically and morphologically in order ...
The uterine glands, on the other hand, decrease in activity and degenerate around 8 to 9 days [30] after ovulation in absence of pregnancy. The decidual cells originate from the stromal cells that are always present in the endometrium, and make up a new layer, the decidua .
During pregnancy the plasma volume increases by 40-50% and the red blood cell volume increases only by 20–30%. [22] These changes occur mostly in the second trimester and prior to 32 weeks gestation. [24] Due to dilution, the net result is a decrease in hematocrit or hemoglobin, which are measures of red blood cell concentration.
During pregnancy, the uterine glands and blood vessels in the endometrium further increase in size and number and form the decidua. Vascular spaces fuse and become interconnected, forming the placenta , which supplies oxygen and nutrition to the embryo and fetus .
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.
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.