Pregnancy and Fetal Development Quiz

Physical Changes During Pregnancy

• Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters.
• The embryonic phase lasts from fertilization to the 8th week of gestation, when the embryo becomes a fetus.
• By day 35, the fetal heart begins beating, and eye and limb buds develop.
• First trimester = weeks 1-13
• Second trimester = weeks 14-26
• Third trimester = weeks 27 onward (38-40 weeks)

Gestational Age

• Gestational age is calculated from the last menstrual period (LMP).
• Estimated Date of Confinement (EDC) / Delivery (EDD)/Birth is calculated according to LMP
• 266 days after fertilization
• 280 days after the onset of LMP

Embryo at Eight Weeks

• The embryonic period ends at the 8th week.

Nagele's Rule

• Used to estimate the due date (EDD). Add 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), subtract 3 months, and add 1 year.

Month 5 (20 weeks)

• Baby is 8-10 inches long, and weighs approximately 1 pound.
• Hair begins to grow on the head.
• A soft, woolly hair called lanugo covers the body.
• Fetal movement (quickening) can be felt by the mother.

Month 7 (28 weeks)

• Baby is 14-16 inches long, and weighs 2 1/2-3 pounds.
• Taste buds have developed, and fat layers are forming.
• Most organs begin to mature.
• Skin is wrinkled and red.

Month 8 (32 weeks)

• Baby is 16 1/2-18 inches long and weighs around 4.5 pounds.
• Overall growth is rapid, and brain development is significant.
• Most body organs are developed except the lungs.
• Movements or "kicks" are noticeable from the outside.
• Kidneys are mature, and fingernails extend beyond the fingertips. The skin may be less wrinkled.

Month 9 (38 weeks)

• Baby is 19-20 inches long, and weighs around 7 pounds.
• The lungs are mature.
• Baby is developed and can survive outside the womb.
• Skin is pink and smooth
• Baby settles lower in the abdomen, and may be less active.

Embryonic Membranes

• The amnion surrounds the embryo.
• The umbilical cord forms from structures in the connecting stalk.

Development of Organ Systems

• Organ systems develop during pregnancy

Cardiovascular System

• The cardiovascular system is the first system to function in the fetus.
• Fetal heart rate is 120-160 beats per minute.
• The heart begins beating during the 4th week after fertilization.
• Blood cells form during the 3rd week.

Neurological System

• Formed from the ectoderm from the 3rd week.
• Swallowing, fetal movement (quickening), respiratory effort, and sucking develop at different stages.
• Some myelinization begins in the nervous system after birth.

Gastrointestinal System

• Forms during the 4th week of development.
• Meconium (dark, tarry waste) accumulates in the fetal intestine.
• A baby may aspirate meconium if born before term.

Renal System

• Kidneys develop in the 5th week; function begins 4 weeks later.
• Urine can be voided into amniotic fluid.
• Uterine problems can be diagnosed before birth.
• Glomerular filtration rate is low at birth.

Endocrine System

• Thyroid gland is the first to develop.
• Insulin production begins at 20 weeks.

Integumentary System

• Two layers of cells develop by the 7th week.
• Vernix caseosa protects the skin, and lanugo (fine hair) is present.
• Fingernails and toenails begin to develop by the 10th week.

Response of the Mother's Body to Pregnancy

• The mother's blood volume increases dramatically.
• The mother's breasts will change from the start of pregnancy.
• Fluids in maternal tissue increase.
• Maternal fat and nutrient stores are increased.

Rate of Weight Gain

• Weight gain is based on pre-pregnancy weight and body mass index (BMI).
• Healthy weight women should gain 25-35 pounds.
• Underweight women should gain 28-40 pounds.
• Overweight women should gain 15-25 pounds.
• Obese women should gain 15 pounds

Thermoregulation

• Metabolic storage occurs in the body core to maintain temperature.
• Heat is transferred to the environment during pregnancy.
• Evaporation, conduction, convection, and radiation are mechanisms used to regulate temperature.

Nutrition During Pregnancy

• Increased caloric intake needed daily during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters .
• Increased needs for Vitamins and proteins during pregnancy.

Risks of Gaining Too Much Weight

• Potential medical problems arise with excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
• Gestational diabetes, Backaches, Preeclampsia, leg pain, increased fatigue, varicose veins, and an increased risk of cesarean delivery are among these concerns.

Anatomical Changes

• Pelvis, pelvic floor muscles, uterus, uterine ligaments, cervix, placenta, and amniotic fluid are aspects of pregnancy anatomy that change.

Pelvis

• Pelvic measurements are of interest during pregnancy due to possible complications if the pelvis is too narrow.
• Pelvis dimensions vary. This is important when considering childbirth.

Pelvic Floor Muscles

• Pelvic floor muscles are involved in maintaining the alignment and support of internal organs. These muscles affect urine flow and sexual functions.

Pelvic Floor Functions

• The pelvic floor supports internal organs, regulates urine flow, and enhances sexual function. It aids in elimination and recovery from episiotomy.

Uterus & Uterine Ligaments

• The uterus expands significantly during pregnancy.
• Uterine ligaments attach the uterus to the pelvic girdle.

Diastasis Recti

• Describes separation of the abdominal rectus muscles.
• During pregnancy, abdominal muscles can separate.

Cervix

• The cervix becomes softer and has an increased blood supply during pregnancy.
• A mucus plug forms during pregnancy.
• The cervix weakens significantly.

Placenta

• The placenta develops in the uterus of a pregnant mother.
• It connects to the fetus via the umbilical cord.
• Maternal tissues give rise to the placenta.

Amniotic Sac & Fluid

• Amniotic fluid fills the sac that encircles the fetus, cushioning it.
• The amniotic sac and its fluid support fetal development.

Physiological Changes

• Circulatory, thermoregulatory, metabolic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, skin, breast and biomechenical changes occur during pregnancy

Cardiovascular Changes

• Blood volume, cardiac output, and stroke volume increase during pregnancy.
• Hematocrit, blood pressure, blood supply to the uterus, and cardiac reserve decrease during pregnancy.

Orthostatic Hypotensive Syndromes

• Orthostatic hypotension during pregnancy is a concern.
• Supine positioning during exercise should be avoided.
• Aerobic and other exercises should be done with caution.

Water

• Hydration is critical during maternal exercise.
• Provide a ready water supply, encourage frequent water breaks.

Metabolic Changes

• Insulin levels, carbohydrate utilization, estrogen, progesterone, relaxin, caloric requirements, and protein and fluid needs increase during pregnancy.

Respiratory Changes

• Respiratory capacity and pulmonary reserve decrease during pregnancy. This can lead to shortness of breath.
• Increased risk of muscle soreness and the tendency to hyperventilate can occur during pregnancy due to respiratory changes.

Digestive Changes

• The digestive system slows down, intestines move to the sides and upwards, smooth muscle relaxes, and the risk of heartburn and constipation increases.

Urinary Changes

• Kidneys enlarge and filter more blood due to increased blood volume.
• Increased susceptibility to bladder and kidney infections is common during pregnancy.
• Bladder compression leads to frequent urination and incontinence.

Skin Changes

• Stretch marks, a dark-pigmented line on the abdomen (linea nigra), pigment changes on the face and neck, and small blood vessels can all result from pregnancy changes.

Breast Changes

• Breast tenderness and tightness are common during the early stages of pregnancy.
• Breasts grow, and blood vessels become more visible.
• Nipples become larger and darker.
• A thick yellowish fluid can be expressed from the nipples during pregnancy.

Biomechanical Changes

• Weight distribution shifts, joint laxity increases.
• Spinal curves become more pronounced, increasing potential for nerve compression.

Postural Dynamics

• Posterior curves in the spine increase, and forward shifts in the pelvis cause changes in postural dynamics during pregnancy.
• Muscles in the pelvic floor are more susceptible to changes.

Muscles Affected

• Gluteal, hamstring, abdominal, pelvic floor, and upper back muscles are frequently affected by changes in pregnancy.

Changes to Body Systems (First, Second, and Third Trimesters)

• Summarises effects of pregnancy on body systems by trimester.

Exercise During Pregnancy

• Exercise recommendations for women during pregnancy.
• Benefits of exercise to both mother and child, including fewer musculoskeletal complaints, a better body image, less weight gain, and a reduced chance of complications.
• Exercise should consider factors like hydration, safety concerns, exercise mode, and intensity for pregnant women.

Benefits for Prenatal Period

• Benefits for expectant mothers and their babies due to exercising mothers, including infants' smaller size, shorter gestation periods, and shorter labors

Exercise and Pregnancy (Cardiovascular & Fitness benefits, Other benefits to women)

• Exercise benefits, risks, and considerations during pregnancy.
• Positive effects of exercise during pregnancy include improved cardiovascular health.
• Increased plasma volume from exercise is additive in pregnancy.
• Cardio and fitness benefits are increased during pregnancy.

How Much Weight Should I Gain?

• Weight gain guidelines for pregnant women based on pre-pregnancy weight.
• Women who are underweight should gain 28-40 pounds, normal weight women should gain 25-37 pounds, overweight women should gain 15-25 pounds, and obese women 15 pounds during pregnancy

Test your knowledge on pregnancy stages, gestation period, and fetal growth with this informative quiz. It covers key concepts such as Nagele's Rule, fetal weight, and nutritional needs during pregnancy. Perfect for students studying maternal health and fetal development.