Prenatal Development and Maternal Changes Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering prenatal stages of development, fetal structures, key medical terms, hormones, and maternal pregnancy symptoms.

Germinal Period

The stage of prenatal development spanning weeks 1-2, involving fertilization, cell division, and implantation into the uterine wall.

Embryonic Period

The stage of prenatal development spanning weeks 3-8, during which major organs build and form through organogenesis.

Fetal Period

The stage of prenatal development spanning weeks 9-12, focused on organ refinement, rapid growth, and reflex movement.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that travels to the uterus during month 1 to implant in the uterine wall.

Neural Tube

A structure forming during month 1 that eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord.

Organogenesis

The formation of major organs occurring during month 2 (weeks 5-8), representing a period of critical vulnerability.

Fetus

The official designation for the developing human starting at week 9 (month 3), when internal organs and external limbs are fully present.

Teratogen

An external environmental agent that can cause physical or developmental birth defects.

Placenta

An organ attached to the uterine wall that transfers oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby and removes metabolic waste.

Umbilical Cord

The flexible cord containing blood vessels that connects the fetus to the placenta and facilitates metabolic exchange.

Amniotic Fluid

Protective fluid surrounding the fetus that cushions against mechanical injury and regulates temperature.

hCG

A pregnancy hormone that increases during pregnancy and is primarily associated with morning sickness.

Progesterone

A key pregnancy hormone whose high levels are associated with fatigue and increased maternal metabolic demands.

Estrogen

One of the three major hormones that increase during pregnancy alongside hCG and progesterone.

Morning Sickness

Nausea and vomiting experienced during pregnancy, primarily associated with increased hCG levels.

Fatigue

A common maternal symptom associated with high progesterone levels and increased metabolic demands.

Breast Changes

Maternal tenderness and swelling during pregnancy as mammary tissue prepares for future lactation.

Frequent Urination

A maternal symptom resulting from hormonal changes and increased total blood volume during pregnancy.