2: Prenatal Development, Pregnancy, and Birth Flashcards
death during the first year of life
infant mortality
a hormone often measured in saliva by researchers as a biological marker of stress
cortisol
second stage of prenatal development, during which all major organs are constructed - lasts 6 weeks
embryonic stage
an illness that a child gets by inheriting two copies of the abnormal gene that causes it (both parents)
recessive disorder
an image of a fetus in the womb that helps to date the pregnancy, assess the fetus’ growth, and identify abnormalities
ultrasound
new research discipline exploring the impact of traumatic pregnancy events and stress on producing low birth weight, obesity, and long-term physical problems
fetal programming research
the period of pregnancy (266-277 days)
gestation
the moment, around day 14 of a woman’s menstrual cycle, when an ovum is expelled from the ovary
ovulation
second-trimester procedure, involves inserting a syringe in woman’s uterus to extract sample of amniotic fluid, which is tested for genetic/chromosomal conditions
amniocentesis
a common situation in affluent countries, in which parents are torn between the demands of family and a career
family-work conflict
a substance that crosses the placenta and harms the fetus
teratogen
the earliest point at which a baby can survive outside the womb (22-23 weeks)
age of viability
the material that makes up genes, which bear our hereditary characteristics
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
the naturally occurring loss of a pregnancy and death of the fetus
miscarriage
the process in which a blastocyst becomes embedded in the uterine wall
implantation
the time when a body structure is most vulnerable to damage by a teratogen, typically when the organ or process is rapidly developing, coming “online”
sensitive period
a blood test to determine whether a person carries the gene for a given genetic disorder
genetic testing
a bag-shaped, fluid-filled membrane that contains and insulates the fetus
amniotic sac
any fertility treatment in which the egg is fertilized outside the womb
assisted reproductive technology (ART)
the narrow lower portion (neck) of the uterus
cervix
a professional who counsels parents-to-be about their children’s risk of developing genetic disorders, available treatments
genetic counselor
three month-long segments into which pregnancy is divided
trimesters
first 14 days of prenatal development, from fertilization to implantation
germinal stage
thread-like strands of DNA located in the nucleus of every cell (every cell has 46, except sperm and ova, which have 23)
chromosomes
almond-shaped organs that contain the woman’s eggs (ova)
ovaries
delivering a baby surgically by extracting the fetus through incisions in the abdominal wall and uterus
cesarean section (C-section)
the hollow sphere of roughly 100 cells formed during the germinal stage in preparation for implantation
blastocyst
slim, pipe-like structures that connect the ovaries with the uterus
fallopian tubes
an illness carried on the mother’s X chromosome that typically leaves female offspring unaffected but has a 50/50 chance of affecting male offspring
sex-linked single-gene disorder
the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected sex (or inability to carry a child to term)
infertility
popular method preparing women for childbirth by teaching pain management through relaxation and breathing exercises
Lamaze method
painkilling medication used to numb a woman’s body below the waist during childbirth
epidural
the union of sperm and egg
fertilization
an illness that a child gets by inheriting one copy of the abnormal gene that causes it (50/50 chance if parent has it)
dominant disorder
learning impairments and behavioral problems during infancy and childhood
developmental disorders
an egg cell containing the genetic material contributed by the mother to the baby
ovum
the developmental principle that growth occurs in a sequence from head to toe
cephalocaudal sequence
most common chromosomal abnormality, causing intellectual disability, distinctive physical characteristics and health problems
Down syndrome
a pregnant woman’s first feeling of the fetus moving inside her body
quickening
segment of DNA that contains a chemical blueprint for manufacturing a particular protein, carrying out physical processes of life
gene
third and final stage of prenatal development, characterized by physical refinements, massive growth, and development of the brain - lasts 7 months
fetal stage
a quick test used to assess a just-delivered baby’s condition by measuring heart rate, muscle tone, respiration, reflex response, and color
Apgar scale
the structure that attaches the placenta to the fetus, through which nutrients are passed and fetal wastes are removed
umbilical cord
an infertility treatment in which conception occurs outside the womb
in vitro fertilization
a fertilized ovum - result of fertilization
zygote
a physical or neurological problem that occurs prenatally or at birth
birth defect
chemical substances released in the bloodstream that target and change organs and tissues
hormones
person who provides emotional and physical support during labor (natural childbirth), doesn’t perform any healthcare tasks
doula
a riskier first-trimester pregnancy test for fetal genetic disorders, involves inserting catheter into vagina and withdrawing piece of placenta
chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
a cylindrical structure that forms along the back of the embryo and develops into the brain and spinal cord
neural tube
labor and birth experience without medical interventions
natural childbirth
a weight at birth of less than 3 ¼ pounds
very low birth weight (VLBW)
the developmental principle that growth occurs from the most interior parts of the body outward
proximodistal sequence
pear-shaped muscular organ in a woman’s abdomen that houses the developing baby
uterus
healthcare professional trained to handle low-risk deliveries with fewer medical interventions
certified midwife
a cluster of birth defects caused by the mother’s alcohol consumption during pregnancy
fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
structure projecting from the wall of the uterus during pregnancy through which the developing baby absorbs nutrients
placenta
a special hospital unit that treats at-risk newborns, such as LBW and VLBW babies
neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
the developmental principle that large structures (and movements) precede increasingly detailed refinements
mass-to-specific sequence
a weight at birth of less than 5 ½ pounds
low birth weight (LBW)
