Terms of Pregnancy - Imagine/Laboratory Flashcards
Uses sound waves to create image of the fetus?
ultrasound
When should the ultrasound be performed?
When you have a medical reason for being performed.
What are some of the medical reasons for performing an ultrasound?
Estimate gestation age
Determine multiples
Suspected complications (fetal growth, fetal anomaly, amniotic fluid)
Do we know the long range (side effects) of ultrasound are to the fetus?
no
Using ultrasound, what is the most accurate way to determine gestational age?
Fetal crown to rump length (5-13 weeks)
If the fetus is >13 weeks, how does ultrasound determine gestational age?
Fetal biparietal diameter used in conjunction with femur length and abdominal circumference
At how many weeks is gestational assessment much less accurate via ultrasound?
> 30 weeks
Blood test usually offered between 15-18 weeks?
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
AFP test does what?
Screens for birth defects
Does AFP establish that a birth defect exists?
No, only indicates a RISK
What are some of the risks that AFP test screens for?
Neural tube defects Chromosomal abnormalities (trisomy 21 and 18).
What test is used to determine whether the fetus has a genetic defect?
Amniocentesis
When is amniocentesis usually performed?
Between 14-18 weeks
How is an amniocentesis performed?
Insert a long, thin needle through the abdomen into the uterus (using ultrasound as a guide) to withdraw a sample of amniotic fluid
What are some of the risks associated with amniocentesis?
Infection
Hemorrhage
Leaking of amniotic fluid
Miscarriage
