Fetal & Neonatal Physiology

Question 1

The placenta primarily grows via what mechanism?

Answer 1

Hypetrophy

Question 2

The fetus grows primarily via what mechanism?

Answer 2

Hyperplasia

Question 3

What is the average height and weight of a baby at birth?

Answer 3

7 lbs & 53 cm (21 inch)

Question 4

Most of the growth, in terms of weight and height, occurs when?

Answer 4

During the last month of gestation

Question 5

During what weeks are considered the critical period, in regards to fetal development?

Answer 5

3-7 weeks

Question 6

Placental Growth increased linearly until when?

Answer 6

About four weeks before birth

Question 7

Mothers who smoke during pregnancy have an increased risk of what?

Answer 7

Having a smaller placenta and lower birth weight baby

Question 8

What is the role Glucocorticoids in the fetus?

Answer 8

It promotes the storage of glucose in the fetal liver

Question 9

Fetal production of TSH & T4 begin to increase by?

Answer 9

2nd trimester; prior to that,The T4 is mostly maternal

Question 10

When does the Heart develop?

Answer 10

It develops during the 4th week after fertilization

Question 11

Most of the reflexes involving the spinal cord and brain will be complete by when?

Answer 11

3rd-4th months after pregnancy

Question 12

When does the ingestion of amniotic fluid begin?

Answer 12

During the 2nd trimester; aided by formation of meconium (practice poop) which is excreted via the anus and recycled back into the amniotic fluid

Question 13

When does urine excretion begin?

Also, when is the functional development of the kidney system complete?

Answer 13

1) Begins, during the 2nd trimester

2) Done: ~ 1st month of life

Question 14

What are three possible causes for delayed breathing at birth?

Answer 14

1) Use of general anesthesia
2) Prolonged labor
3) Head trauma of the infant; damage to respiratory center

Question 15

The patency of the Ductus Arteriosus is mediated by what compound?

Answer 15

PGE2 (Prostaglandin)

Question 16

What instances can lead to the development of a Patent Foramen Ovale?

Answer 16

Pulmonary HTN, major cause

Other causes; transient increses in right sided pressure such as a BM, cough, or sneeze

Question 17

What physical exam finding is seen in patients with a patent foramen ovale?

Answer 17

Murmurs

Likely would also see decreased O2 sats

Question 18

Normal levels of HbA in the fetus’ blood are achieved by what time?

Answer 18

Four months; post delivery

Normally, there the fetal blood is composed of the Hb F subtype which decreases by ~ 3.0% per week

Question 19

During infancy; physical anemia, can develop during what weeks?

Also, when can hyperbilirubenima develop?

Answer 19

1) Physical Anemia: Weeks 6-12

2) Hyperbilirubinemia: 1st two weeks

Question 20

If the mother has a iron deficiency in her diet what is resulting pathology in the infant?

Answer 20

Can result in severe anemia; @ about three months of life

Question 21

At what age does the baby begin to form sufficient amounts of Gamma Globulins?

Answer 21

@ ~ 12-20 months of age

Question 22

Maternal transfer of antibodies through the production and ingestion of breast milk in the infant, produces immunity disease for about six months. What disease is the exception?

Answer 22

Whooping Cough; need immunization within the 1st month

Question 23

What is a common cause of death in a preterm infant?

Answer 23

Respiratory Distress Syndrome