Fetal Development

Fertilization

The beginning of pregnancy

Conception and Impregnation

Other terms for Fertilization

Fertilization

Union of an ovum and a spermatozoon

Fallopian Tube

Where Fertilization occurs in which the egg remains for 12-24 hours waiting to be fertilized

Ovum/Egg Cell

Capable of fertilization for only 24 hours (48 hrs at most)

Implantation

Once fertilization is complete, a zygot migrates over the next 3-4 days toward the uterus, aided by the currents initiated by the muscular contractions of the fallopian tubes

Embryo

Once the zygote is implanted

Ovum

From ovulation to fertilization

Zygote

From Fertilization to implantation

Embryo

From implantation to 5-8 weeks

Fetus

From 5-8 weeks until term

Conceptus

Developing embryo and placental structures throughout pregnancy

Age of viability

The earliest age at which fetusee survive if they are born is generally accepted as 24 weeks, or at the point a fetus weighs more than 500-600g

Cephalocaudal

Zygote growth; development or growth from head to the tail or toe. Head and brain develops first, followed by trunks and limbs

Major organs begun to form

Once the embryo becomes a fetus

Development at 4 weeks

Embryo is a little over half an inch in size. Eyelids and eyes are forming and can see the tip of the nose. Arms and legs are well formed, and fingers and toes grow longer and more distinct

Development at 12 weeks

Fetus measures about 2 inches and starts to make its own movement. May start to feel the uterus at the top of your pubic bone. Sex organs should start to become clear. Doctors may hear the heartbeat with special instrument.

The first trimester ends or is over

Development at 16 weeks

Fetus now measures about 4.3 to 4.6 inches Nd weighs about 3.5 ounces. You should be able to feel the top of your uterus about 3 inches below your belly button. The fetus’ eyes can blink, the heart and blood vessels are fully formed. Fingers have fingerprints and toes have footprints

Development at 24 weeks

Fetus' weighs about 1.4 pounds now and responds to sounds by moving or increasing their pulse. You may notice jerking motions if they hiccups. Inner ear fully developed so it may be able to sense being upside down in the womb

Development at 26 weeks

Fetus weighs about 10 inches and is a little more than 6 inches long. Your uterus should be at the level of your belly button. The fetus can suck its thumb, yawn, stretch, and make faces. You'll feel it move (quickening)

Development at 28 weeks

Fetus weighs about 2 pounds and 6 ounces and changes position at this point in pregnancy. A good chance of premature birth. Ask doctor for preterm labor warning signs.

With the third trimester beginning, now is the time to register for birthing classes to prepare for childbirth, including labor and delivery and taking care of the newborn

Quickening

When you feel the fetus move in the womb at week 26

Development at 32 weeks

Fetus weighs almost 4 pounds and moves often. Has fewer wrinkles as a layer of fats starts to form under the skin. Between now and delivery, your fetus gains up to half its birth weight

Colostrum may leak from breast to prepare for making milk. Most go to the doctor every 2 weeks at this stage

Colostrum

A yellowish fluid leaking from your breasts

Development at 38 weeks

Fetus’ size depends on things like gender, the parents’ size, and whether it's a multiple. On average, it's about 18.5 inches and weighs close to 6 pounds.

The brain has been developing rapidly. Lungs are almost fully developed. Head is usually positioned into the pelvis.

Early-Term

Born between 37-39 weeks

Term

Born at 39-40 weeks

Late Term

Born at 41-42 weeks

GTPAL

used to evaluate a woman's complete obstetric history; used to quickly help assess for pregnancy outcomes

GTPAL stands for

Gravida, Term, Preterm, Abortion, and Living Children

Gravidity / Gravida

Number of pregnancies; includes the present pregnancy, miscarriages/ abortions, and twins or triplets count as one

Term Births

The number born at term, more than 37 weeks of gestation; includes alive or stillborn, and twins and triplets count as one

Pre-Term Births

Number of pregnancies delivered between 20th- 36th weeks of gestation

Abortion/ Miscarriage

Number of pregnancies delivered before 20 weeks of gestation

Living Children

Number of current living children. Twins/Triplets count individually

Gravida

Total number of times a client has been pregnant, regardless of whether the pregnancy resulted in a live birth, stillbirth or miscarriage

Types of Gravida

Primigravida, Multi gravida, Nulligravida

Primigravida

Woman who is pregnant for the first time

Multigravida

Client who has been pregnant more than once

Nulligravida

Woman who has never been and ia not currently pregnant

Para

Number of times a client has given birth to a fetus' who has reached a viable gestational age ( 20 weeks or more) whether born alive or stillborn

Stillborn

An infant is born dead

Types of Para

Primipara, Multipara, Grand Multipara

Primipara

A woman who has given birth to one child past of age of viability

Multipara

A woman who has carried two or more pregnancies to viability

Grand Multipara

A woman who has carried five or more pregnancies to viability

GTPAL Assessment

Used in nursing practice to obtain a comprehensive obstetrical history from pregnant clients.

Importance of GTPAL

• healthcare providers can better understand a client's obstetrical history and assess potential risks for future pregnancies

• Can help healthcare providers anticipate potential complications, such as preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes

• Also help healthcare providers tailor prenatal care or education to the client's specific needs