Human Dev LVL 5

Amniocentesis

A procedure that samples amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, typically conducted between the 15th-18th week of pregnancy.

Chorionic Villus Sampling

A procedure that samples tissue from the chorion, conducted between the 9th-12th week of pregnancy, with a higher risk of miscarriage.

Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

A test that takes a blood sample from the mother to examine cell-free DNA, conducted between the 10th-22nd weeks of pregnancy, with no risk to the fetus.

Ovulation

The process in a woman's menstrual cycle when an ovum (mature egg) is released from the ovaries, typically occurring around the 14th day.

Germinal Period

The first two weeks of prenatal development following fertilization.

Zygote

The single cell created by the fertilization of an egg and sperm, containing two pronuclei.

Morula

An early cluster of germinal cells resembling a mulberry, formed by mitosis.

Blastocyst

A stage in embryonic development that consists of an inner cell mass that will become the embryo and an outer trophoblast that will form the placenta.

Neural Tube Closing

The process by which the neural tube forms and closes; lack of folic acid can cause defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida.

Teratogens

Any substance or agent that can cause birth defects.

Oxytocin

A hormone that initiates labor and aids in preparing the fetus for delivery.

Cesarean Section (C-section)

A surgical procedure where an incision is made in the mother's abdomen to deliver the baby; about 1/3 of births in the U.S. occur this way.

Lanugo

Soft, fine hair that covers the fetus during development.

Meconium

Fetal feces that accumulates in the intestines of a developing fetus.

Quickening

The first fetal movements felt by the mother.

Vernix Caseosa

A whitish coating on the skin of the fetus that provides antimicrobial and moisturizing properties.

Viability

The stage at which an offspring is capable of living outside the womb.

Incompatible Blood Types

When the mother's blood type is RH-negative and the offspring is RH-positive, leading to potential health issues for the offspring.

Maternal Nutrition

Dietary needs for pregnant women, including folic acid, iron, and DHA, to support fetal development.

Neurogenesis

The process of developing new neurons in the brain.

Neural Migration

The movement of neurons to their appropriate locations in the nervous system.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A pregnancy where the fertilized egg implants in an area other than the uterus, commonly in the fallopian tubes.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

A condition resulting from alcohol exposure during pregnancy, leading to cognitive and physical developmental issues.

Gastrulation

The process early in embryonic development where the blastocyst forms the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

A hormone produced during pregnancy that increases and is used to trigger positive pregnancy tests.

Ectoderm

The outer layer of cells in an embryo that develops into the hair, nails, and nervous system.

Mesoderm

The middle layer of cells in an embryo that develops into muscle, bone, the reproductive system, connective tissue, and the circulatory system.

Endoderm

The inner layer of cells in an embryo that forms the digestive tract and lungs.

Smoking during pregnancy

Exposure to nicotine prenatally increases the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, respiratory and cardiovascular problems, miscarriage, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Placenta Previa

A condition where the placenta is low in the uterus, covering the cervix, often linked to smoking, resulting in smaller offspring.

Placental Abruption

When the placenta detaches from the uterine wall prior to birth, depriving the offspring of oxygen and nutrients.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Symptoms

Includes lowered IQ, learning disorders, attention issues, memory problems, and physical features like a low nasal bridge, flat midface, and thin upper lip.

Radiation exposure during pregnancy

Best avoided as it can be passed to offspring, especially sensitive from gestational weeks 2 to 18, increasing risks of cancer, miscarriage, slowed growth, and abnormal brain development.

Caffeine consumption during pregnancy

Consuming more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.

Thalidomide

A drug marketed as a safe sleep aid during pregnancy in Europe, which caused serious birth defects including malformed limbs.

Tylenol during pregnancy

Considered safe for use during pregnancy.

Rubella effects in pregnancy

Known as 'German Measles', it poses risks for cataracts, cardiac issues, intellectual disabilities, brain damage, and deafness in offspring.

Genital Herpes risks in pregnancy

Can transfer through the birth canal, causing brain damage or death in the offspring, requires C-section.

Syphilis effects later in pregnancy

Risk to offspring includes eye lesions, skin lesions, and blindness.

Toxoplasmosis transmission

Exposure through cat feces or soil, with risks of brain damage, vision loss, and intellectual disabilities in offspring.

HIV/AIDS transmission methods

Can be transmitted to the offspring during gestation, delivery, or through breastfeeding.

Gestational Diabetes risks

Requires treatment during pregnancy; risk of larger birth weight and later diabetes in the offspring.

Maternal Nutrition recommendations

Includes folic acid 400 mcg, iron 27 mg, iodine 200 mcg, vitamin D 600 IU, DHA 200 mg, and calcium 1000 mg for optimal fetal development.

Incompatible Blood Types

RH incompatibility occurs when an RH-negative mother has an RH-positive offspring, potentially leading to serious health issues.

Maternal Age risks

Women over age 35 and adolescents face greater risks for genetic abnormalities and pregnancy-related issues.

Nutritional deficiencies in adolescents

Adolescents may face higher nutritional issues and less prenatal care, increasing pregnancy complications.