Chapter 4 -- The Prenatal Period and Birth Flashcards
Perinatal Period
period beginning about the seventh month of pregnancy continuing until about four weeks after birth
Germinal Period
period lasting about ten to fourteen days following conception before the fertilized egg becomes implanted in the uterine wall
Embryonic Period
period of prenatal development during which major biological organs and systems form; begins about the tenth to fourteenth day after conception and ends about the eighth week after conception
Fetal Period
period of prenatal development, from about the eighth week after conception to birth, marked by rapid growth and preparation of body systems for functioning in the postnatal period
Embryo
label given to the developing organism from about two to eight weeks after conception
Fetus
label typically applied to the developing human organism from about eight weeks after conception until birth
Gestational Age
age of fetus derived from onset of mother’s last menstrual period
Placenta
support organ formed by cells from both blastocyst and uterine lining; serves as exchange site for oxygen, nutrients and waste products
Amniotic Sac
fluid-filled, transparent protective membrane surrounding the fetus
Teratogen
any environmental agent that can cause deviations in prenatal development. Consequences can range from behavioral problems to death
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
cluster of fetal abnormalities stemming from the mother’s consumption of alcohol; includes growth retardation, defects in facial features, and intellectual retardation
Toxoplasmosis
cased by a parasite found in many mammals and birds. Can lead to retardation, jaundice, visual and CNS damage, and fluid in the brain
Low Birthweight
label given to any infant weighing less than five and a half pounds at birth
Preterm/Premature
any infant born prior to thirty-five weeks conceptual age (37 weeks gestational age)
Small for Gestational Age
any infant that weighs substantially less than infants born at a similar gestational age
