Psychology 2075 Lecture 8: Chapter 6

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2075
• Professor: William Fisher

Document Summary

In a 28-day menstrual cycle, the woman ovulates on about day 14. Pregnancy lasts for 9 months, or 38 weeks. In the past, the relationship between the conceptus and pregnant woman were seen to be harmonious, but now a new perspective is gaining support- pregnancy is a silent struggle (gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia) Both mother and fetus need a variety of nutrients and may be competing for them. Research with mice suggests that the placenta plays a role in regulating the flow of nutrients to protect the fetus. Gestational diabetes woman has high blood sugar because the body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs. Pre-eclampsia condition that occurs during the third trimester and involves sharp rise in blood pressure, the presence of protein in the urine, and swelling of the hands, feet, and face. Pregnancy is typically divided in 3 equal periods of time called trimesters.