Intro & Genetic Influences Flashcards
Blastocyst
in mammals, an embryo before implantation into the uterine wall
Embryo
name given to a developing mammal following conception; in humans, first eight weeks of pregnancy
Placenta
name given to a developing mammal following conception; in humans, first eight weeks of pregnancy
Cephalocaudal Development
development process that begins at the head and proceeds to the tail
Proximodistal Development
development process that begins at the midline and proceeds outward
Viability
able to live independently outside a mother’s uterus
Teratogens
any substance, agent, or process that causes birth defects or interferes with typical development
Preeclampsia
high blood pressure, plus possible damage to the liver and kidneys; also called toxemia
Rh Disease
Rh is a protein found in the blood. Most people are Rh-positive, meaning that they have this protein. Some people, however, are Rh-negative, meaning this protein is absent. Mothers who are Rh-negative are at risk of having a baby with a form of anemia
Braxton-Hicks contractions
uncomfortable but painless “practice” contractions that occur during pregnancy
Spontaneous abortion
miscarriage; a non-induced death of a nonviable embryo or fetus. Experienced in an estimated 20 to 40 percent of undiagnosed pregnancies and in another 10 percent of diagnosed pregnancies. Usually occurs due to chromosomal abnormalities, typically before the twelfth week of pregnancy.
Lamaze Method
One of the most common methods for preparing for childbirth. Developed by a French obstetrician that emphasizes reduction of pain during childbirth without the use of drugs
Ectopic (tubal) Pregnancy
occurs when the zygote becomes attached to the fallopian tube before reaching the uterus. About one in fifty pregnancies in the United States are ectopic pregnancies and this number has been increasing.
