IPP Ch 7: fetus

fetal stage

• growth and developing functionality

• behaviors, emotional states, cognitive processes

what happens in the 3rd month?

• external genitalia

• internal genitalia

• physical development

• chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

• amniocentesis

external genitalia

• presence or absence of Y chromosome causes production of male hormones (androgens)

• female development is the default

internal genialia

• both sexes have 2 internal ducts: Mullerian (man) and Wolffian (woman)

• uterus is identifiable in girls, ovaries begin processes in fetus

physical development at 3 months

• skeletal structure fully developed

• baby moving and turning head but mother can’t feel it yet

• organs present and functioning

• digestive system

chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

• test given to women 10-12 weeks pregnant to obtain genetic and chromosomal info about fetus

• 0.5-1% chance of miscarriage

types of CVS

• transcervical - more common, sample obtained by inserting tube through vagina and cervix where it uses suction to take sample, painless, less than 10 min

• transabdominal - less common, used when woman has tipped uterus, 5% chance of miscarriage, anesthesia, monitor fetus heartbeat, cramping

CVS vs amniocentesis

• CVS - higher chance of miscarriage, safer earlier in pregnancy, risk of birth defects, 99% accurate, more likely to be inconclusive

• amniocentesis - safer after 14 weeks, more accurate, includes neural tube defects

what happens in the 4th month of fetus development?

• fetal breathing

• lanugo

• meconium

• quickening

• amniocentesis

what is fetal breathing like?

• fetal lungs begin breathing amniotic fluid, practicing breathing

• periodic sighs and deeper gasps or grunting

lanugo

fine hair that insulates baby and reduces friction in the womb

mecomium

fetal feces

“quickening”

first fetal movement that mother can feel

what happens in the physical development of a 4 month old fetus?

using amniotic fluid as food, eating

amniocentesis

• to remove excessive amniotic fluid, also used for diagnostic purposes for women

• only recommended when older than 35, family history, previous pregnancy

• if used in 3rd trimester, determines if lungs are developed enough for birth

what happens in the 5th month of fetal development?

• vernix

• REM sleep

• fetoscopy

vernix

waxy white substance produced by fetus that serves as a lubricant and protects the skin when moving in the uterus

REM sleep

dreaming, 80% of time in REM sleep

what happens to physical development in the 5th month?

• increase neural function

• circadian rhythms, heartbeat

• lungs develop significantly

fetoscopy

• procedures to evaluate and treat fetus

types of fetoscopy

1. external - stethoscope like device to listen to heartbeat

2. endoscopic - invasive, fiber optic camera inserted in mother, sedation, takes sample of skin tissue of baby

what happens during the 6th month?

• gains sensory capabilities

• ultrasound

what happens in the 7th month?

• fetal surgery

what is fetal development like in the 7th month?

• begin final trimester

• movement more common

• baby flipping over in uterus

types of fetal surgery

1. obstructive uropathy - correct urinary blockage, common, urethra compromised

2. congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) - repair hernia, lung development problems

3. CCAM - surgery to remove abnormal mass in lungs

4. SCT - removes benign tumor at base of spine, can be complicated

5. spina bifida - spine doesn’t close and forms abnormally, surgery should improve it long term

what happens to the fetus in the 8th month?

• adds fat to body

• practice breathing

• lungs continue development to be prepared for birth and will do so until 8 years old

what happens to the fetus in the 9th month?

• pumping 300 gal of blood a day

• builds antibodies

• release hormones that result in contractions

• birth yay