Fetal Lifespan and Development Review

The Yolk sac is primarily responsible for nourishing the embryo and facilitating gas exchange during the early stages of pregnancy.

Certain medications, chemicals, radiation, illicit drugs, alcohol, and infections (like rubella) can interfere with fetal development and increase the risk of birth defects.

By week 6, the fetal heart is fully developed and begins to pump blood.

Week 31-34 marks the point where the fetal kidneys are fully formed, capable of filtering waste.

Amenorrhea (missed period), breast tenderness, and fatigue are early signs of pregnancy that are experienced subjectively by the pregnant woman.

Severe kidney disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular disease, and pulmonary arterial hypertension can pose significant risks during pregnancy.

Spontaneous abortion can occur at different stages and is categorized as complete, incomplete, inevitable, threatened, or missed based on the status of the pregnancy and the presence or absence of tissue passage.

Babies born at 32 weeks gestation may require extra medical attention and may experience respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, and other complications.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum and anus, commonly experienced during pregnancy due to increased pressure on the blood vessels.

Swollen feet during pregnancy, due to increased blood volume and pressure in the legs.

Leopold Maneuvers are a series of abdominal palpations used to determine the position, presentation, and attitude of the fetus in the uterus.

Kick counts are a simple way to monitor the fetal well-being. The mother counts the number of fetal movements during a specific time period.

Maternal heart rate increases by 20% above the baseline during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and cardiac output.

Lightening, which occurs near the end of pregnancy, is when the baby drops lower in the pelvis, relieving pressure on the diaphragm and making it easier to breathe.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by the corpus luteum and is used to confirm pregnancy. This hormone rises quickly early in pregnancy. Progesterone is important for establishing and maintaining the placenta, supporting blood vessel growth, and preventing uterine contractions. Estrogen promotes blood vessel growth and maintains the uterine lining. Prolactin stimulates breast growth and breast milk production.

The normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute.

A noninvasive test that monitors fetal heart rate to assess baby's wellbeing. It involves measuring heart rate increases of 15 beats per minute for at least 15 seconds.

A blood test performed during pregnancy that can identify the risk of birth defects in the fetus.

A condition where the placenta is located near or covering the cervix, potentially blocking the baby's passage during delivery.

These factors include the mother's age (over 35), endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and smoking.

These are factors like genetics, race, age, and pre-existing illnesses that cannot be changed.

This includes use of alcohol and drugs, as they can negatively impact fetal development.

This involves a fasting period followed by the ingestion of a glucose drink, and a blood test is taken after approximately one hour. The expected glucose levels in the blood should be below 140.

This system helps to track the pregnancy journey, including pregnancies, births (term and preterm), abortions, and living children, to make sure your pregnancy is progressing well.

A condition where blood clots are more likely to form, often due to inherited factors like Factor V Leiden or acquired factors like SLE (lupus) and other autoimmune diseases.

During pregnancy, the blood volume increases significantly, making it more likely for blood clots to form.

A pregnancy where an abnormal mass develops instead of a fetus, often due to abnormal fertilization.

A pregnancy where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube.

When the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before the baby is born, causing bleeding.

Most commonly caused by fetal chromosomal abnormalities, but the cause is often unknown.

A rare condition where the placenta covers the cervical opening, leading to bleeding during pregnancy.

A complete blockage of the cervical opening, commonly leading to preterm birth.

A surgical procedure to strengthen a weak cervix, typically performed during the second trimester of pregnancy. It involves placing a suture around the cervix to prevent premature dilation and birth.

Preeclampsia with severe features is characterized by high blood pressure (BP) above 160/110mm Hg despite medication, protein in urine (proteinuria), and other complications, such as headaches, vision changes, and decreased platelet count. It's a serious complication of pregnancy requiring immediate medical attention.

The severe manifestation of preeclampsia with severe features, HELLP syndrome affects the blood and liver, causing hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes (liver damage), and low platelet count (blood clotting problems). It is a serious complication of pregnancy demanding immediate medical intervention.

Magnesium sulfate is given to women with HELLP syndrome to prevent seizures, which are a serious risk during preeclampsia, especially in cases with severe features. It helps relax muscles and prevent over-excitement in the nervous system, reducing the likelihood of seizures.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after delivery. It can impact the health of both mother and baby, but proper management can help mitigate risks. GDM develops due to hormonal changes that make the body less sensitive to insulin, interfering with the regulation of blood sugar levels.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland overproduces hormones. In pregnancy, it can be caused by autoimmune disorders, thyroiditis, or goiter. It's important to manage hyperthyroidism during pregnancy to prevent complications for both mother and baby.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is characterized by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, often leading to dehydration and weight loss. It's thought to be related to hormone changes and can be challenging to manage.

Oligohydramnios is a condition characterized by low amniotic fluid, which can be caused by chronic uteroplacental ischemia, a condition where the placenta receives insufficient blood flow. This can lead to complications, such as fetal growth restriction and impaired lung development.