Fetal Age and Doppler Umbilical Velocimetry

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Questions and Answers

What does a high level of Alpha-Fetoprotein indicate in fetal assessment?

Congenital Heart Defect

Fetal Growth Restriction

Neural Tube Defect (correct)

Down's Syndrome

Which condition is typically indicated by low Alpha-Fetoprotein levels?

Fetal Anemia

Down's Syndrome (correct)

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Neural Tube Defect

What is the main purpose of fetoscopy during fetal assessment?

To visually inspect the fetus and obtain biopsy samples (correct)

To monitor fetal heart rate and rhythm

To assess maternal health conditions

To perform ultrasound imaging of the fetus

What is a consequence of Rh sensitization during pregnancy?

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of fetal fibronectin in the amniotic fluid suggest?

Increased risk of preterm labor Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure involves collecting amniotic fluid for analyzing fetal conditions?

Amniocentesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically assessed in chromosome analysis of fetal cells?

Estimation of gestational age Signup and view all the answers

What are common examples of inborn errors of metabolism that may be assessed during monitoring?

Cystinosis and Maple Syrup Urine Disease Signup and view all the answers

What is a common indication for measuring maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)?

Maternal age of 35 years or older Signup and view all the answers

What condition is associated with high levels of alpha-fetoprotein in maternal serum?

Fetal neural tube defects Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of performing an amniocentesis?

To assess fetal genetic conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is assessed through Doppler umbilical velocimetry?

Velocity of red blood cells in fetal vessels Signup and view all the answers

Which finding would indicate oligohydramnios during amniotic fluid volume assessment?

Fluid index of 8 cm Signup and view all the answers

What is an abnormal finding in a nonstress test?

Non-reactive with no accelerations Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential factor that indicates risk for fetal anomalies?

Previous child with chromosomal abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

At which gestational week is the placenta typically graded as Grade 2?

36 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of administering Rho(D) immunoglobulin to Rh negative women?

To prevent fetal isoimmunization. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a complication associated with the percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) procedure?

Improved fetal circulation. Signup and view all the answers

In the assessment of fetal health, what does a score of 8-10 indicate?

Healthy fetus. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for using amnioscopy during pregnancy?

To detect meconium staining. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tests is part of the blood studies performed during PUBS?

Direct Coomb’s test. Signup and view all the answers

What fetal assessment technique involves removal of blood from the fetal umbilical cord?

Cordocentesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant risk of amniocentesis?

Infection. Signup and view all the answers

What does a measurement of 1 cm in vertical diameter of a pocket of amniotic fluid indicate?

Oligohydramnios. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fetal Age and Assessments

Fetal age is calculated based on gestational weeks, important for evaluating fetal development.
Doppler umbilical velocimetry measures blood flow velocity in uterine and fetal vessels; low velocity indicates poor neonatal outcomes.

Placental Grading

Placenta grading helps assess maturity:
- Grade 0: 12–24 weeks AOG
- Grade 1: 30–32 weeks AOG
- Grade 2: 36 weeks AOG
- Grade 3: 38 weeks AOG

Nonstress Testing (NST)

NST evaluates fetal heart rate (FHR) response to movements and contractions.
Conducted in semi-Fowler's or left lateral position.
Normal result: REACTIVE NST with 2–4 accelerations in 10 minutes.
Abnormal result: NON-REACTIVE NST with no accelerations.

Amniotic Fluid Volume Assessment

Assessed by measuring the largest pockets of amniotic fluid.
Normal average fluid index: 12–15 cm (28–40 weeks).
Hydramnios: >20-24 cm fluid index.
Oligohydramnios: <5-6 cm fluid index.

Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)

Alpha-fetoprotein is produced by the fetal liver and found in maternal serum.
High AFP indicates neural tube defects, while low levels suggest Down syndrome.
Recommended for mothers aged 35 and older or those with previous chromosomal anomalies.

Chromosome Analysis

Skin cells in amniotic fluid can be cultured and karyotyped to examine chromosomal conditions.

Fetal Fibronectin

A glycoprotein in amniotic fluid aiding placental attachment.
Presence in vaginal or cervical fluid before 20 weeks may indicate risk of preterm labor.

Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Includes conditions like cystinosis (cystine crystals in urine) and maple syrup urine disease (amino acid disorders).

Fetoscopy

Visual inspection technique using a fetoscope for fetal well-being evaluation.
Indicates conditions like spinal column intactness and allows biopsy sampling.
Fetal tones are assessed, such as the fetus extending and flexing limbs or spine.

Amniotic Fluid Measurement in Fetoscopy

Amniotic space volume is classified:
- 8-10: Healthy fetus
- 6: Suspicious, need for further evaluation
- 4: Fetus in jeopardy

Complications of Fetoscopy

Risks include needle puncture, bleeding, infection, premature labor, and fetal distress.

Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS)

Procedure involves withdrawing blood from the fetal umbilical cord around 17 weeks.
Blood studies include CBC, Direct Coomb's test, blood gases, and karyotyping.

Amnioscopy

Visual assessment of amniotic fluid via amnioscope to check for meconium staining.
Complication risk includes rupture of membranes.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts related to fetal age, Doppler umbilical velocimetry, and placental grading. Participants will learn about the significance of measuring blood cell velocity in fetal and uterine vessels, and how it can indicate neonatal outcomes. Test your knowledge on these vital topics in fetal health.