Fetal Development

Question 1

What effects does the diet of a mother have on the development of her fetus?

Answer 1

1. Maternal undernutrition during gestation reduces placental and fetal growth of humans

Question 2

What are the benefits of eating a nutritious diet during pregnancy?

Answer 2

1. Good brain development
2. Healthy birthweight
3. Reduce the risk of many birth defects
4. Reduce the risk of anemia

Question 3

Why are pregnant women warned not to use drugs?

Answer 3

1. Can cause the child to have behavioural problems
2. Increases the chance of premature births, birth defects, underweight babies & stillborn births
3. Can affect the child’s memory and attentiveness

Question 4

What are the effects of smoking on fetal development?

Answer 4

1. Tissue damage in the unborn baby, particularly in the lungs & brain
2. Premature birth
3. Underweight baby
4. Birth defect or SIDS
5. Cleft lip
6. Miscarriage

Question 5

What is SIDS?

Answer 5

Sudden infant death syndrome

Question 6

What are ways to prevent birth defects?

Answer 6

1. Avoiding alcohol
2. Avoiding drugs
3. Avoiding smoking
4. Maintain a nutritious diet