Chpt 2 (From Conception to Birth) Flashcards
(1) In the Beginning, (2) From Zygote to Newborn, (3) Problems and Solutions, (4) Birth
Gamete
A reproductive cell. In humans it is a sperm or an ovum.
Zygote
The single cell formed from the union of two gametes, a sperm and an ovum.
Genome
The full set of genes that are the instructions to make an individual member of a certain species.
Allele
A variation that makes a gene different in some way from other genes for the same characteristics. Many genes never vary; others have several possible alleles.
Epigenetics
The study of how environmental factors affect genes and their genetic expression- enhancing, halting, shaping, or altering the expression of genes.
Genotype
An organism’s entire genetic inheritance, or genetic potential.
Microbiome
All microbes (bacteria, viruses, and so on) with all their genes in a community; here the millions of microbes of the human body.
Phenotype
The observable characteristics of a person, including appearance, personality, intelligence, and all other traits.
Carrier
A person whose genotype includes a gene that is not expressed in the phenotype. The carried gene occurs in half of the carrier’s gametes and this is passed on to half of the carrier’s children. If such a gene is inherited from both parents, the characteristics appears in the phenotype.
X-Linked
A gene carried on the X chromosome. If a male inherits an X-linked recessive trait from his mother, he expresses that trait because the Y from his father has no counteracting gene. Females are more likely to be carries of X-linked traits but are less likely to express them.
Monozygotic (MZ) twins
(Identical) Twins who originate from one zygote that splits apart very early in development.
Dizygotic (DZ) twins
(Fraternal) Twins who are formed when two separate ova are fertilized by two separate sperm at roughly the same time.
Germinal Period
0-14 days of prenatal development after conception, characterized by rapid cell division and the beginning of cell differentiation. 65% of zygotes don’t grow/implant properly.
Embryonic Period
3-8 weeks after conception during which the basic forms of all body structures, including internal organs, develop. 20% of embryos are miscarried.
Fetal Period
8/9 weeks until birth.
This stage of prenatal development from 9th week after conception until birth, during which the fetus gains about 7lbs (3,000+) and organs become more mature, gradually able to function on their own.
Age of Viability
22 weeks after conception at which a fetus might survive outside the mother’s uterus if specialized medical care is available.
Teratogen
An agent or condition, including viruses, drugs, and chemicals, that can impair prenatal development and result in birth defects or even death.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
A cluster of birth defects, including abnormal facial characteristics, slow physical growth, and reduced intellectual ability, that may occur in the fetus of a woman who drinks alcohol while pregnant.
Low Birthweight (LBW)
A body weight at birth of less than 2,500 grams (5 1/2lbs)
Very Low Birthweight (VLBW)
A body weight at birth of less than 1,500 grams (3lbs 5oz)
Extremely Low Birthweight (ELBW)
A body weight at birth of less than 1,000 grams (2lbs 3oz)
Preterm
A birth that occurs two+ weeks before the full 38 weeks of the typical pregnancy- that is, at 36 or fewer weeks after conception.
Small for Gestational Age (SGA)
A term for a baby whose birthweight is significantly lower than expected, given the time since conception.
Immigrant Paradox
The surprising, paradoxical fact that low-SES immigrant women tend to have fewer birth complications than native-born peers with higher incomes.
Doula
A woman who helps with the birth process. Doulas are likely to arrive at the woman’s home during early labor and later work alongside a hospital’s staff.
Cesarean Section (C-Section)
A surgical birth in which incisions through the mother’s abdomen and uterus allow the fetus to be removed quickly instead of being delivered through the vagina
Apgar Scale
A quick assessment of a newborn’s health, from 0 to 10. Below 5 is an emergency- a neonatal pediatrician is summoned immediately. Most babies are at 7,8, or 9- almost never a perfect 10.
Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS)
A test that is often administered to newborns, which measures responsiveness and records 46 behaviors, including 20 reflexes.
Kangaroo Care
A form of newborn care in which mothers (and sometimes fathers) rest their babies on their naked chests, like kangaroo mothers that carry their immature newborns in a pouch on their abdomen.
Couvade
Symptoms of pregnancy and birth experienced by fathers.
Implantation
Embedding into the nurturing lining of the uterus.
XX/XY
Female (XX) and Male (XY)
Genetic Counseling
“Intersection between psychology and medicine/genetics”
Assists individuals in making the decision about having a test (particularly for serious diseases i.e. Huntington’s disease) as well as coping with the aftermath of results (whether positive or negative).
