Theory 1 Flashcards
Growth refers to the increasing size of the fetus and occurs throughout normal pregnancy. It is a result of two factors
- an increase in the number of fetal cells
- growth in the size of the fetal cells.
Development refers to the functional and structural changes that occur in the fetal organ systems and occur throughout normal pregnancy. Development is more complex than growth and includes:
- the differentiation of the cells and tissues
- the organization of cells and tissues into organ systems
- cell growth.
Define Appropriateness for gestational age
refers to the relationship between fetal growth (size) and development (gestational age). It is an important factor in assessing the health of a fetus, or of a newborn, and we will look at this in more detail when discussing fetal assessments.
Define Preterm or premature:
born before completion of 37 weeks of gestation.
define Late preterm:
born between 34 weeks and 37 weeks of gestation. This group if the fastest growing subset of preterm infants; they account for 74% of all preterm births” (Shaw, 2008)
define Term:
born between the beginning of week 38 and the end of week 42 of gestation.
define Post-term (postdate)
born after the completion of week 42 of gestation.
define Postmature:
born after the completion of week 42 gestation and showing the effects of progressive placental insufficiency.
First trimester
weeks 1-13
Second trimester:
weeks 14-26
Third trimester:
weeks 27-40
define cephalocaudal pattern
This means an embryo-fetus develops and matures from head towards extremities. Fetal growth and development is extremely rapid during the first 18 weeks after conception
define organogenesis
is when a fetus’ organs and structures are formed and begin to function. The fetal brain, in particular, undergoes extremely rapid growth and development during this early period, and uses a considerable amount of the total nutrients available to the embryo-fetus.
summerize development of fetus after 18 weeks (last 20-22 weeks of pregnancy) including weights
a fetus focuses more on growth than development. Fetal weight goes from approximately 400 grams at 18 weeks to an average of 3400 grams at birth. This represents an average weight gain of 120–220 grams a week, or 20–30 grams (around one ounce) a day. Fetal organs and structures do continue to develop, becoming more sophisticated and refined in their function, in preparation for life outside a woman’s womb.
define preconception
begins on the first day of a woman’s menstrual cycle and lasts until conception occurs.
this is the ripening of the egg or ovum and uterus lining grows thicker to recieve the fertilized egg.
Define conception
Conception, which marks the real beginning of pregnancy for most of us, occurs when one of these sperm finds and penetrates the mature egg.
describe pre-embryonic stage
fetal age: 0-2 wks
egg differentiates into different specialised cells, travels down fallopian tube and implants into the uterus
describe embryonic stage
fetal age: 2-8 wks
when embryo becomes a fetus
rapid growth and development organogenesis occurs.
Heart beats :)
head is disproportionately large due to rapid brain development
arms and legs have joints
describe fetal stage
9 wks to term
starts at the begining of 9th week.
week 14, placenta is fully formed
when is the placenta fully formed?
14 weeks
the placenta is the only organ the contains cells from two different individuals: Fetus and mother
T or F
True!
what maternal component forms the placenta?
The Decidua basalis:
endometrium or uterine lining under the site of implantation
what fetal component forms the placenta?
from the chorionic sac: develops branches of villas that penetrate the decidua basalis
What is the role of the placenta?
acts as life support continuous O2 nutrients removes carbon dioxide produces hormones that maintain pregancy, facillitates fetal development and prepares mothers body for lactation
is there mixing of blood from mom to babe via placenta?
NO.
It is important to understand that the fetal/maternal exchange (of gases, nutrients, and wastes) occurs across or through the cell membranes that line the outside of the chorionic villi unless there is a break in these membranes, there is no mixing of maternal and fetal blood. The baby can, therefore, have a completely different blood type from the mother
can substances pass through the placenta?
YES
Although blood cannot pass through these cell membranes, many substances can, including most drugs, many infectious agents, and maternal antibodies. The placenta is not a “barrier,” but a sieve.
what hormones does the placenta secrete?
steroids:
estrogen and progesterone
protein: human chronic gonadotropin (hCG) chronis somatomsmmotropin (or) human placental lactogen (hPL)
list the metabolic functions of the placenta
respiration
nutrition
excretion
and storage
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placenta
what makes up the umbelical cord?
one vein - transports O2 and nutrients
two arteries - transport carbon dioxide and wastes from fetus
what is Whartons jelly?
gelatinous substance that surrounds the umbellical vein and arteries
prevents the compression of vessels
How many fetal membranes are surrounding the fetus? what is their names?
there are 2
Chorion - develops first chornic villi burrow into the decidua to become the fetal portion of the placenta
amnion - develops fromt he ectoderm. layer lies closes to the embryo forming a fluid like sac. the amnion will grow until it comes into contact with the chorion
eventually the two membranes adhere to form the bag of waters or fetal sac that contains the AMNIOTIC FLUID