NCM 107 Fetal Growth & Development

Questions and Answers

What defines the pre-embryonic stage of fetal development?

Weeks 1-2 following fertilization (correct)

Weeks 8-birth

Weeks 3-8 of gestation

Weeks 12-16 of pregnancy

At what stage is organogenesis considered complete?

2 months or 8 weeks (correct)

3 months or 12 weeks

4 months or 16 weeks

1 month or 4 weeks

What significant development occurs at 3 months or 12 weeks?

Nail beds forming, bone ossification begins, tooth buds present.

The fetus can swallow amniotic fluids by the end of the first trimester.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of brown fat in a fetus?

Temperature regulation at birth Signup and view all the answers

When do eyebrows and eyelashes become well-defined in the fetus?

6 months or 24 weeks Signup and view all the answers

At _____ weeks, the fetus's heartbeat is audible by a Doppler.

12 Signup and view all the answers

What starts happening at 6 months or 24 weeks in terms of immunity?

Passive antibody transfer from mother to fetus. Signup and view all the answers

The fetus is aware of sounds outside the mother's body by the seventh month.

True Signup and view all the answers

At what month does the fetus generally turn into a vertex or head-down presentation?

8 months or 36 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fetal Growth and Development Overview

Pre-embryonic Stage:
- Lasts for the first 2 weeks post-fertilization.
Embryonic Stage:
- Weeks 3 to 8, critical for organogenesis.
Fetal Stage:
- Begins at week 8 and continues to birth.

First Trimester Development

1 Month (4 Weeks):
- Embryonic disc formation with undefined features.
- Spinal cord formation initiated.
- Rudimentary heart appears as a bulge.
- Limb bud structures for arms and legs emerge.
- Basic formation of eyes, ears, and nose.
2 Months (8 Weeks):
- Completion of organogenesis.
- Heart beats rhythmically.
- Facial features become discernible.
- Extremities fully developed; external genitalia present but not distinguishable.
- Primitive tail regresses; abdomen enlarges due to rapid growth of intestines.
3 Months (12 Weeks):
- Nail beds start forming on fingers and toes.
- Ossification of bones begins.
- Presence of tooth buds.
- Sex differentiation observable externally.
- Kidneys begin secretion; heartbeat detectable with Doppler.

Second Trimester Development

4 Months (16 Weeks):
- Fetal heart sounds audible via fetoscope.
- Lanugo fully formed, providing insulation.
- Liver and pancreas functional.
- Fetus swallows amniotic fluid, showing swallowing reflex.
- Sex determination possible via ultrasound.
5 Months (20 Weeks):
- Quickening felt by multigravida.
- Antibody production begins.
- Hair development includes eyebrows and scalp.
- Meconium present in upper intestine; brown fat starts forming for thermoregulation.
- Fetal heartbeat audible via stethoscope.
- Vernix caseosa formation begins.
6 Months (24 Weeks):
- Passive maternal antibody transfer starts, crucial for immunity.
- Meconium found in the rectum.
- Lung surfactant production begins; lungs mature.
- Full eyebrow, eyelash, and eye features; pupils reactive to light.
- Response to sound observed.

Third Trimester Development

7 Months (32 Weeks):
- Subcutaneous fat deposits increase, changing appearance.
- Fetus can hear external sounds.
- Active Moro reflex present; birth position can be assumed.
- Iron stores begin development for neonatal needs.
- Fingernails grow to fingertip end.
8 Months (36 Weeks):
- Further subcutaneous fat deposits.
- Sole of foot develops minimal creases.
- Lanugo decreases; vertex presentation common during this stage.
9 Months (40 Weeks):
- Final stages of fetal development complete; active movements observed.

Description

This quiz focuses on the stages of fetal growth and development as outlined in NCM 107. It explores pre-embryonic, embryonic, and fetal stages, emphasizing critical developments that occur from fertilization until birth. Test your knowledge on this essential topic in nursing education.