Uterous

The uterus has three major functions: to prepare a bed for a fertilized ovum, to nourish the developing embryo during pregnancy, and to expel the fetus. Shaped like an upside-down pear, and tilted forwards, it lies within the pelvis and is held in place, along with its two extensions, the Fallopian tubes, by ligaments and folds of the peritoneum. The cervix forms the lower third, connected by a narrow isthmus to the main muscular body of the uterus. The non-pregnant uterus weighs 45–60 g and is 7–8 cm long but its weight increases more than ten-fold by the end of pregnancy.

Toxemia of pregnancy

Toxemia starts to develop as the placenta begins to develop. Toxemia is most likely to occur during first-time pregnancy. The causes of Toxemia are not known, and it is not possible to screen for Toxemia prior to pregnancy. The symptoms of toxemia are elevated blood pressure, protein in the urine, and hyper-reflexia (extremely fast reflex responses.) Other symptoms may include bloating of the hands, feet and face due to fluid retention. These symptoms warn of worse to come if they are not heeded.