Foetal growth Flashcards
Other than ultrasound, how can foetus size be measured
Symphysis-fundal height
Why is ultrasound preferred to symphysis-fundal height? (5 reasons)
May be complicated by: 1 Baby lying transversely 2 Oligo/polyhydramnios 3 SGA 4 Multiple pregnancies 5 Maternal obesity
What measure of foetal size is ultrasound used to determine?
Crown-rump length until 14 weeks, then head circumference
Recall the 4 factors that are combined to estimate foetal weight
Biparietal (head) diameter
Head circumference
Abdominal circumference
Femur length
Other than the genetics, recall 2 non-teratogen factors that influence foetal growth
Substrate supply
Maternal cardiac output
Recall the 3 cardinal symptoms of pre-eclampsia
Hypertension
Oedema
Significant proetinuria
What is the main cause of FGR?
Pre-eclampsia
What is the optimum age for child bearing?
16-35
What is the main risk to the foetus when the mother has pre-natal depression?
Maternal cortisol levels
What is the effect of IGF on foetal growth
Increases mitotic drive and nutrient availability
What is the role of cortisol in foetal development
Acts as a TF
Regulates the transition from foetal to adult modes of development
What is the definition of IUGR?
Failure of infant to reach its predetermined genetic potential for a variety of reasons
What is the definition of SGA?
BW = < 10th centile
Recall the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia
Insufficient remodelling of the spiral arteries during pregnancy causes a reduced blood supply to placenta and foetus. This causes placenta to release a range of vasoactive factors which causes maternal vasoconstriction (hence high BP). Vasoactive factors also act in eg kidneys, causing leaky blood vessels which is why they get proteinuria
Recall the short term effecrs of pr-eclampsia
Respiratory distress
Sepsis
Hypoglycaemia
Necrotising enterocolitis
