Normal Fetal Development

Question 1

Embryonic period

Answer 1

First 8 weeks of embryonic development (10 weeks by LMP)
Organogenesis
Susceptible period for malformations

Question 2

Fetal period

Answer 2

Weeks 9 and on (11+ for LMP)
Organs further develop and function
Growth

Question 3

What general thing happens in

1. Week 1
2. Week 2

Answer 3

1. Blastocyst formation

2. Implantation

Question 4

2 reasons why the cause of a birth defect matters

Answer 4

Implications for the child’s general health and learning

Recurrence risk for the parents’ future children

Question 5

What is the dose of folic acid a mother should take to prevent RECURRENCE of a NTD

Answer 5

4-5mg daily

Question 6

4 questions to ask when there are congenital abnormalities

Answer 6

Isolated anomaly or other malformations?
Maternal illness?
Nutritional status?
Family history?

Question 7

Signs of FASD

Answer 7

Facial features and other minor anomalies
Growth retardation including height, weight, and head circumference
Neurodevelopmental anomalies, microcephaly, structural brain anomalies, fine motor skills and coordination, hearing loss
Behavioural/cognitive/learning deficits

Question 8

Alcohol in the
1. first trimester
2. second and third trimester
will lead to…

Answer 8

1. Major and minor structural anomalies

2. Neurodevelopmental effects, growth effects

Question 9

“All or none” effect

Answer 9

First 2 embryonic weeks

Either the embryo is going to be immune to what is going on or it will be exposed and the pregnancy will not implant

Question 10

3 determinants of embryonic/fetal health

Answer 10

Genome (new and inherited variations)
Maternal health
Environment/expsosures

Question 11

High sugars from uncontrolled diabetes can lead to….

Answer 11

Macrosomic babies

Question 12

How much folic acid should the mother take preconception?

Answer 12

0.4-1mg preconception and throughout the first trimester at least