Environmental Influences on Prenatal Development

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Questions and Answers

What is the term for the act or process of giving birth?

Delivery

Parturition (correct)

Labor (correct)

Childbirth

What is the effect of rubella on the fetus if contracted by a woman during pregnancy?

Has no effect on the fetus

Causes AIDS in the baby

Causes deafness and heart defects in the baby (correct)

Causes spontaneous abortion

What is the effect of maternal anxiety on the developing fetus?

It can spur organization of the developing brain (correct)

It has no effect on the fetus

It can lead to AIDS in the baby

It can cause deafness and heart defects

What is the term for the complete lack of oxygen delivery to an organ?

Anoxia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a risk factor for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome?

Maternal age Signup and view all the answers

During what stage of pregnancy are the risks of maternal illness highest?

All stages of pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a prenatal cell-free DNA scan?

To detect fetal abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of cocaine use during pregnancy?

Spontaneous abortion Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the position of the baby when its feet or buttocks are positioned to come out first during delivery?

Breech position Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of marijuana use during pregnancy?

It causes birth defects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an environmental hazard that can affect prenatal development?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

During what stage of childbirth does the cervix become more flexible?

Stage 1: Dilation of the Cervix Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the study of the causes and effects of birth defects?

Teratology Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the delivery of a baby by surgical removal from the uterus?

Cesarean delivery Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a maternal blood test during pregnancy?

To test for hormone levels associated with fetal abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the stage of labor where the baby's head moves down the birth canal and emerges from the vagina?

Stage 2: Descent and Emergence of the Baby Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the permanent alterations in genes or chromosomes that may produce harmful characteristics?

Mutations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of autosomes in humans?

Carrying genetic information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a risk associated with excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy?

Higher risk of obesity in the child Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the environmental agents that can interfere with normal prenatal development and cause developmental abnormalities?

Teratogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of heavy maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy?

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal sex chromosome pair in a human female?

XX Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential risk associated with maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy?

Higher risk of sudden death in infancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the study of the causes and effects of developmental abnormalities?

Teratology Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Environmental Influences: Maternal Factors

Teratogens are environmental agents that can interfere with normal prenatal development and cause developmental abnormalities, such as viruses, drugs, and radiation.
Nutrition and maternal weight gain during pregnancy are crucial, as excessive or inadequate weight gain can have long-range effects, including an increased risk of obesity in children.
Maternal calorie restriction during pregnancy might put children at risk of obesity later in life.

Genetic Factors

Genes are small segments of DNA located on particular chromosomes, serving as functional units of heredity.
Mutations are permanent alterations in genes or chromosomes that can produce harmful characteristics.
The human genome refers to the complete sequence of genes in the human body.

Sex Determination

Autosomes are the 22 pairs of chromosomes not related to sexual expression in humans.
Sex chromosomes are the pair of chromosomes that determine sex, with XX typically found in normal human females and XY typically found in normal human males.

Prenatal Development Risks

Maternal age is a significant risk factor, with higher risks of premature delivery, retarded fetal growth, birth defects, and chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down Syndrome.
Teratogens, including drugs and substances, can cause developmental abnormalities, such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and an increased risk of sudden death in infancy.
Maternal intake of caffeine, marijuana, and other substances can also have negative effects on prenatal development.

Labor and Delivery

There are three stages of labor: dilation of the cervix, descent and emergence of the baby, and expulsion of the placenta.
Vaginal delivery is the usual method of childbirth, while cesarean delivery is a surgical method.
Maternal blood tests, prenatal cell-free DNA scans, and amniocentesis are used to monitor and promote prenatal development.

Maternal Health and Wellness

Maternal anxiety, stress, and depression can affect fetal development, with moderate maternal anxiety potentially spurring organization of the developing brain.
Maternal illnesses, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and rubella (German measles), can have severe consequences for fetal development.
Avoiding infections, such as common colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted diseases, is crucial for both prospective parents.

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Description

This quiz covers the impact of maternal factors, genes, and teratogens on prenatal development. Learn how environmental agents can affect fetal growth and development.