Biomechanics of Fetal Development

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Questions and Answers

What is the first fetal movement observed in humans?

Regular body movements

Kicking

Lateral bending

Head and neck flexion (correct)

At what week of pregnancy do regular body movements start?

12th week

15th week (correct)

20th week

10th week

What indicates fetal distress during pregnancy?

Increased fetal movements

Consistent kicking

Frequent hiccups

Decreased fetal movements (correct)

How does the cervix function during pregnancy?

Allows the uterus to grow laterally Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence how the embryo and fetus are shaped?

Mechanical forces and environment Signup and view all the answers

What developmental systems were examined during the previous course?

Nervous system and musculoskeletal system Signup and view all the answers

What type of movements can be measured in embryos and fetuses?

Small micro movements Signup and view all the answers

What happens to fetal tissues in response to mechanical forces?

They result in both linear and nonlinear deformation Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of pregnancy is influenced by the biomechanical properties and effects?

Uterine volume expansion Signup and view all the answers

What is kinesiology primarily concerned with?

The study of human movement Signup and view all the answers

What essential change occurs in the cervix during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy?

It ensures proper attachment of the fetus. Signup and view all the answers

What dilation measurement is necessary for birth to occur?

10 cm Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by abnormal or absent fetal movement?

Fetal Akinesia Deformation Sequence (FADS) Signup and view all the answers

What has a notable effect on the risk of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)?

Fetal movement Signup and view all the answers

At what week of pregnancy do fetal movement patterns typically begin to occur?

15 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the internal physical factors affecting fetal movements?

Fetal position Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key external factor influencing fetal movements?

Acoustic stimulation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of dislocation begins during the first or second trimester?

Paralytic dislocation Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by multiple congenital contractures resulting from decreased fetal movement?

Arthrogryposis Signup and view all the answers

What describes the loss of contact between the femoral head and the acetabulum in hip dislocation?

Complete dislocation Signup and view all the answers

How does excess weight gain during pregnancy affect the musculoskeletal system?

It makes adaptation more difficult. Signup and view all the answers

Which hormonal changes are linked to low back pain during pregnancy?

Progesterone and relaxin Signup and view all the answers

What postural change is commonly seen during pregnancy?

Increased lumbar lordosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of changes in gait during pregnancy?

Increased step width Signup and view all the answers

What internal forces are significant during pregnancy?

Tension of tendons and ligaments Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the condition of leg alignment changing from genu varum at birth to another alignment by age three?

Genu valgum Signup and view all the answers

What effect do primitive reflexes have on an infant's movement ability?

They prevent goal-directed movement. Signup and view all the answers

How does gravity affect the biomechanical interactions between the mother and fetus?

It plays a crucial role as an external force. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a postural change associated with pregnancy?

Increased thoracic lordosis Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the decreased strength of abdominal muscles during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes and stretching Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Weekly Learning Outcomes

Understand the biomechanical interactions between the embryo/fetus and the uterine environment.
Learn the significance and patterns of fetal movements.
Identify pathologies related to insufficient fetal movement.
Explain the biomechanical properties and effects of pregnancy.

About the Previous Course

Examined the developmental processes of the nervous system and musculoskeletal system in the fetal period.
Evaluated the role of brain and spinal cord structures in motor skill development and nervous functions.
Discussed how bones and muscles form during the fetal period and their impact on the fetus.
Examined muscle tone changes during the fetal period.

Kinesiology of Normal Motor Movement

Kinesiology is the study of human movement.
Kinesiology combines understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology.

Embryo, Fetus, and Uterus Biomechanics

Embryo movement occurs on a microscopic level before the mother is aware.
Embryo/fetus development is influenced by mechanical forces in the environment.

Fetal Movements

Specific fetal movements like head and neck flexion are observed in the 10th week.
Regular body movements start at 15 weeks.
Fetal movements are detected by the mother at around 17-20 weeks.
Precise measurement techniques are required for observing and measuring fetal mechanics.

Physical Factors Affecting Fetal Movements

Fetal movement is influenced by intrauterine space, amniotic fluid, fetal position, and the sex of the fetus.

External Factors Affecting Fetal Movements

A mother's diet and acoustic stimuli can influence fetal movement.

Arthrogryposis

Multiple congenital contractures are a characteristic of this syndrome.
Reduced fetal movement is a key component of this condition.

Hip Instability, Dysplasia, or Dislocation

Hip instability involves a poor fit between the femoral head and acetabulum.
Abnormal femoral head movement is a key component of this condition.

Developmental Hip Dysplasia and Dislocation

The acetabulum and femur are unstable, and the femoral head dislocates.

Dislocation

Dislocation involves a loss of contact between the femoral head and acetabulum.
Paralytic dislocation is linked to neuro-muscular problems and occurs early in pregnancy.
Typical dislocation occurs naturally.

Pregnant Biomechanics

Pregnancy is a natural process. Pregnancy weight gain makes musculoskeletal adaptation difficult.
Posture and gait are affected due to changing center of mass.
Body's kinematic adjustments aid in stability during pregnancy.

A Series of Biomechanical and Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy-related hormonal changes affect back pain and risk of falls.
Pregnancy impacts quality of life in a negative way.
Progesterone and relaxin hormones contribute to changes in spinal curves (lordosis & kyphosis).
Pregnancy causes reduced abdominal muscle strength.
Pregnancy-related shifts in pelvic tilt affect movement.

While Walking

Step width increases.
Stride distance decreases.
Walking speed slows down.

Postural Changes During Pregnancy

Pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, gravity line shifts and spinal curves (kyphosis and lordosis) alter.
Shoulder and cervical regions are also affected.

Mechanical Forces Affecting Fetal Development

Internal and external forces influence fetal development.
Internal forces like tendon, ligaments, and muscle contraction are relevant.
External forces like gravity are also significant.

Gross Motor

During pregnancy, primitive reflexes appear.
As the central nervous system (CNS) develops, reflex-based movements are suppressed.
Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex affects full rotation and midline hand use.
The Moro reflex impacts sitting and head control in infants.

Corrective and Balance-Preserving Reactions

Corrective and balance-preserving reflexes appear along with primitive reflexes.
These reactions help infants to sit up and establish head and body control.

Movement of Arms and Legs / Walking

Motor skills develop to include movement of arms and legs independently.
Walking backwards and kicking objects occurs after 2 years of age.

What to Take Home?

Motor development during pregnancy was covered.
Details about embryonic, fetal and uterine development was established.
Developmental significance of fetal movements was explored.
Conditions arising from insufficient fetal movement were explored.
Biomechanical interactions between mothers and fetuses were discussed.

Questions and Suggestions

Which hormone is linked to increased back pain during pregnancy?
Are biomechanical and hormonal changes related to back pain and falls in elderly?
When is the first fetal movement (head and neck flexion)? and (genu varum to genu valgum) change?
When do distinct patterns of fetal movement appear?

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Description

Explore the fascinating biomechanical interactions between embryos, fetuses, and the uterine environment. This quiz will cover fetal movements, the significance of these movements, and associated pathologies, along with the effects of pregnancy on biomechanical properties. It's an insightful look into normal motor movements and their implications during the fetal period.