Conception to Birth

Question 1

What is the APGAR score?

Answer 1

Infants are scored at 1, 5 & 10 minutes after birth using the APGAR score which measures:
Appearance,
Pulse,
Grimace,
Activity,
Respiration.
Each scored at 0-2, totalling 10.

Question 2

What are the possible scoring for the APGAR test?

Answer 2

0-3: severe distress,
4-6: moderate difficulty,
7-10: normal

Question 3

state the importance of folic acid

Answer 3

neural tube development, may reduce effects of birth defects and preterm birth.

Question 4

Define and describe common teratogens

Answer 4

Teratogens are any agent that can cause birth defects, structural or functional and can negatively impact health outcomes.
•Common teratogens include:
Cigarettes,
Alcohol,
Illicit substances,
Prescription medication.

Question 5

What is conception

Answer 5

Recall NS502 menstrual cycle.

Question 6

What is Gestation

Answer 6

The period between conception and birth.
Divided into three trimesters.

Question 7

Describe the first trimester

Answer 7

conception-12 weeks:
Germinal: first 2 weeks,
Embryonic: 2-8 weeks,
Foetal: 8-12 weeks.
•Organogenesis occurs in first 8 weeks
•Vulnerable to teratogens

Question 8

What is organogenesis

Answer 8

Cells differentiate & develop into essential organ structures

Question 9

Describe the second trimester

Answer 9

12-28 Weeks:
Foetal period,
•Foetus increases in size.
•weeks 16-20 mother begins to feel foetal movement.

Question 10

Describe the third trimester

Answer 10

28-40 Weeks:
•Subcutaneous fat is stored
•weight increases to between 3.2 & 3.4kg
•Immunity gained from mother.

Question 11

Describe the new born reflexes & at what age they disappear

Answer 11

•Rooting: cheek stroke causes head turning to find breast (3-4months)
•Sucking: auto, strong suck.
•Stepping: If held, will step as if walking (3-4weeks)
•Babinski: stroking sole causes toe extension (1year)
•Grasp: strong grasp (palmer:3months, planter:8months)
•Moro: stability loss causes abduction & fanning (3-4months)
•Startle: abduction of arms, clench in relation to loud sound (4months)

Question 12

How much mass is the brain at birth?

Answer 12

25% it’s adult weight

Question 13

Describe the patterns of growth

Answer 13

Cephalocaudal:
Growth & differentiation of features starts at top & works down.

Proximodistal:
Growth begins at centre of body & works towards extremities

Question 14

How much sleep does a newborn need?

Answer 14

18 Hours