Prenatal Development and Birth Review Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering prenatal development stages, teratogens, maternal health, prenatal assessments, labor stages, birthing complications, and newborn evaluation.

Spermatogenesis

The male process of sperm production, which takes approximately 64 days.

Germinal Stage

The first 1-2 weeks of prenatal development, beginning at conception and ending when the zygote implants in the uterine wall.

Embryonic Stage

The period of development from weeks 3 to 8, beginning at implantation, during which organogenesis and neural tube development occur.

Organogenesis

The process of organ formation and development that occurs during the embryonic stage when organs begin to function.

Fetal Stage

The period of prenatal development from weeks 9 to 40, characterized by continued growth and organ maturation.

Viability

The ability of the fetus to survive outside of the uterus, typically reached between 22 and 24 weeks of gestation.

Teratogen

Any substance or environmental agent that causes damage, birth defects, or abnormalities in a developing embryo or fetus.

TERATOWA

A mnemonic for teratogenic drugs: Thalidomide, Epileptic medications (Valproic acid, Phenytoin), Retinoid (Vitamin A), ACE inhibitors/ARBS, Third element (Lithium), Oral contraceptives/Hormones, Warfarin, and Alcohol.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

A condition caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, resulting in physical and neurologic issues, cognitive delays, heart defects, low birth weight, and distinctive facial features.

Micrognathia

A facial characteristic seen in conditions like Fetal Alcohol Syndrome where the lower jaw is underdeveloped and smaller than normal.

TORCH Infections

A group of infectious diseases (Toxoplasmosis, Other agents like syphilis/parvovirus/varicella/listeria, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus-2) vertically transmitted via placenta, birth, or breast milk.

Preeclampsia

A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure, edema (swelling), and proteinuria (excess protein in urine), which can progress to life-threatening eclampsia (seizures).

Alpha Fetoprotein Blood Test

A prenatal blood screening test used to evaluate the risk for neural tube defects and Down Syndrome.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

A prenatal genetic test that involves collecting cells directly from the placenta.

Amniocentesis

A prenatal procedure performed between weeks 14 and 16 that collects cells from amniotic fluid for genetic testing and assessment of fetal lung maturity.

Fetoscopy

A procedure allowing doctors to view an unborn baby using a small camera, as well as perform fetal surgeries and tissue biopsies.

Stage I Labor

The dilating stage of labor in which contractions begin and the cervix fully opens.

Stage II Labor

The birth stage of labor during which the baby descends and exits the birth canal with the head crowning.

Stage III Labor

The placental stage of labor during which the placenta detaches from the uterine wall and is delivered.

Umbilical Cord Prolapse

A birthing complication where the umbilical cord exits the vagina along with or before the baby.

Fetal Malpresentation

A condition during labor where the baby lies in any position other than head down with the crown delivering first.

Placenta Previa

A condition in which the placenta implants low in the uterus and completely or partially covers the cervix.

Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD)

A delivery complication occurring when the baby's head or body is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis.

Placental Abruption

A birthing complication where the placenta peels away from the inner wall of the uterus prior to delivery.

APGAR Score

An initial assessment performed after birth scoring Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration to evaluate a newborn's ability to transition to extrauterine life.

Surfactant

A surface-active agent that acts as a lubricant in the lungs to allow for oxygenation; deficiency in premature infants causes respiratory distress.

Low Birth Weight

A birth weight defined as less than 2,500 grams (5.5 lbs), placing the infant at risk for underdeveloped organ systems and feeding complications.

Anoxia

A total lack of oxygen delivered to the fetus in utero or during birth, which can lead to severe cognitive impairment, cerebral palsy, or death.

Nuchal Translucency

A first-trimester ultrasound screening test that measures the fluid behind the baby's neck to assess the risk of genetic conditions.

Quad Screen

A second-trimester screening test that evaluates the baby's risk for specific birth defects and genetic conditions.

Anomaly Screening

A second-trimester ultrasound evaluation performed to inspect the baby's structural health and physical development.