Pregnancy and Birth Flashcards

These flashcards cover the stages of fertilization, fetal development milestones, organ system functionalization, nutritional requirements during pregnancy, and neonatal physiological characteristics.

Primary oocyte stage

The stage of the ovum while it is in the ovary before the nucleus divides by meiosis.

Secondary oocyte

The stage of the ovum after meiosis where the nucleus has divided and it contains 23 unpaired chromosomes.

Polar body

The structure that incorporates one partner of each of the 23 paired chromosomes during the formation of the secondary oocyte. AKA Waste Body

Entry of the ovum into the fallopian tube

During ovulation the ovum is expelled into the peritoneal cavity to enter the fallopian tubes to reach the uterus

Slow fluid current

The current that moves the ovum into the fallopian tubes

98

The percentage of the ova successfully moving into fallopian tubes

The way in which sperm transportation is aided for fertilization

Contractions of the uterus and fallopian tubes

Prostaglandins in male seminal fluid and oxytocin released by anterior pituitary in the female

The hormones which stimulate contraction of the uterus and fallopian tubes to aid in fertilization

Ampulla of the fallopian tube

The target location where a few thousand sperm succeed in reaching for fertilization.

Prostaglandins

Substances in male seminal fluid that stimulate uterine and fallopian tube contractions to aid sperm transport.

3-5 days

The time required for ovum to move through fallopian tubes to uterus following fertilization

Rising progesterone levels

Hormone which causes relaxation of the isthmus

The way transportation of ovum is slowed following fertilization

Feeble fluid current and weak contractions by the fallopian tube

Isthmus

The part of the fallopian tube that is spastically contracted for 3 days post ovulation until progesterone levels rise.

Blastocyst

A stage of cell division consisting of approximately 100 cells that forms before the ovum moves into the uterine cavity.

Endometrium

The area which the blastocyst fuses to following the move into the uterine cavity

Trophoblast cells

Cells on the surface of the blastocyst that produce proteolytic enzymes to digest adjacent cells for growth and eventually form the placenta after implantation.

Placenta

The main source of nutrients for the fetus after the 16th day of implantation.

Fetus

A Latin term meaning "offspring."

1 month after fertilization

Gross characteristics of all organs have begun to develop

At 3-4 months

Most organ details are established

Beyond 4 months

Organs are grossly the same as those of the neonate

Nervous system, kidneys, liver

Organ systems which lack full development at birth

4th week after fertilization

Heart begins beating

65

The rate at which the heart beats after the 4th week of fertilization

140

The rate at which the heart beats before birth

Respiratory system (fetal)

A system where respiration cannot occur during fetal life because there is no air to breathe, leaving the lungs almost completely deflated.

Myelinization

The process of coating major brain tracts that becomes complete after 1 year of postnatal life.

Mid pregnancy

When ingestion and absorption of amniotic fluid begins

Final months of pregnancy

GI function approaches that of a neonate

2nd trimester

When the kidneys begin to excrete urine, though renal control over volume, pH, etc. isn’t present until a few months following birth

Glucose; fat and protein

What is used for energy and what is stored for metabolism

Vitamin B

Essential vitamins for the formation of red blood cells, nervous tissue, and the overall growth of the fetus.

Vitamin C

A vitamin used for the appropriate formation of bone matrix, fibers of connective tissue, and cartilage.

Vitamin D

The vitamin necessary for normal fetal bone growth and the mother's calcium absorption.

Vitamin E

A vitamin required for normal development; a lack of it can cause spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy.

Vitamin K

Used by the fetal liver for blood coagulation factors, though it must be supplemented in the neonate after birth.

15%

Basal metabolic rate increase for pregnant women

Hypochromic anemia

A condition that can occur in the mother if she has insufficient iron intake (less than 375 mg for fetal blood and 600 mg for her own).

Partuition

The process at the end of pregnancy where the uterus becomes more excitable and begins rhythmic contractions. AKA birth

Oxytocin

A hormone from the neurohypophysis that specifically causes uterine contraction and increases in secretion during labor. Absence of this prolongs labor

Stretching of uterine cervix

Causes a neurogenic reflex through paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei causing posterior pituitary to increase secretion of oxytocin

Prompts breathing

Slight asphyxia and sensory impulses due to cooled skin

Jaundice

A condition in neonates caused by the liver poorly conjugating bilirubin with glucuronic acid resulting in a slight excretion of bilirubin

Hypoproteinemic adema

A deficiency in forming plasma proteins

Gluconeogenesis deficiency

Must rely on stored fats for energy needs immediately after birth due to this deficiency

Secretion of pancreatic amylase deficiency, absorbtion of fats is decreased, glucose concentration in blood in unstable

Digestion, absorption, and metabolism deferences from infants and children

Infancy

The first year of life, characterized by higher nutritional needs and rapid growth.

Neonate metabolic rate

A rate that is twice that of adults pound for pound.

39%

Appropriate amount of carbs for an infant

50-55%

Appropriate amount of fat for infants

6%

Appropriate amount of protein for infants

Arachadonic acid (omega 6) and omega 3

Found in breast milk and needed for neurological development for infants

Cholesterol

Needed for brain development in infants

Brest milk

Contains all needed nutrients for infants

Rickets

A risk for children, particularly premature babies, if calcium absorption is poor due to a lack of Vitamin D.

Fontanels and sutures

Skull structures whose closure allows for an additional 20% of brain growth beyond the first 2 years of life.

Severe anemia in infant

If mom has insufficient iron intake during pregnancy the infant can receive this after about 3 months post birth