Unit 1326: Introduction to Obstetrics and Gynecology

1. Introduction to Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Definition and scope
• Historical background and advances
• Roles of obstetricians and gynecologists
• Importance in healthcare

2. Female Reproductive Anatomy

• External genitalia (vulva, labia, clitoris)
• Internal reproductive organs
  • Vagina
  • Cervix
  • Uterus (structure and layers)
  • Fallopian tubes
  • Ovaries
• Supporting structures (ligaments, pelvic floor muscles)
• Blood supply and innervation

3. Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Regulation

• Overview of menstrual cycle phases
  • Menstrual phase
  • Follicular phase
  • Ovulation
  • Luteal phase
• Hormones involved
  • GnRH, FSH, LH
  • Estrogen and progesterone
• Endometrial changes
• Regulation by hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis

4. Conception and Pregnancy

• Fertilization process
• Early embryonic development
• Implantation and placentation
• Stages of pregnancy
  • First, second, and third trimesters
• Physiological changes during pregnancy
  • Cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine adaptations

5. Prenatal Care and Antenatal Testing

• Importance of prenatal care
• Routine antenatal visits and monitoring
• Screening tests
  • Ultrasound
  • Blood tests (e.g., glucose tolerance, anemia, infectious diseases)
  • Genetic screening
• Managing high-risk pregnancies

6. Labor and Delivery

• Signs and stages of labor
  • Early, active, and transition phases
• Mechanism of labor
• Types of delivery
  • Vaginal delivery
  • Cesarean section
• Pain management options
• Complications during labor

7. Postpartum Care and Lactation

• Postpartum physiological changes
• Postnatal care practices
• Breastfeeding
  • Benefits and techniques
  • Lactation physiology
• Common postpartum complications

8. Common Gynecological Conditions

• Menstrual disorders (dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menorrhagia)
• Infections (vaginitis, pelvic inflammatory disease)
• Benign conditions (fibroids, ovarian cysts)
• Gynecological cancers overview

9. Reproductive Health and Family Planning

• Importance of reproductive health
• Contraceptive methods
  • Barrier, hormonal, intrauterine devices, permanent methods
• Counseling and decision-making
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention

10. Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Definition and physiological basis of menopause
• Symptoms and health implications
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • Indications, benefits, and risks
• Lifestyle and alternative management strategies