Fetal Development and Membranes

This flashcard set consists of key vocabulary related to the fetal period, fetal membranes, and their functions during pregnancy.

Fetal period

The developmental phase from the 3rd month of pregnancy to birth.

Placenta

The organ facilitating nutrient and gas exchange between mother and fetus.

Amniotic fluid

The fluid in the amniotic sac surrounding the fetus.

Teratogen

Any agent that can cause damage during prenatal development.

Crown-rump length (CRL)

A measurement of the length of the fetus from the top of the head to the buttocks.

Crown-heel length (CHL)

A measurement of the length of the fetus from the top of the head to the heel.

Quickening

The first sensation of fetal movements felt by the mother.

Oligohydraminos

A condition of having less than 400 ml of amniotic fluid.

Hydraminos

The condition of having excess amniotic fluid.

Vernix caseosa

A whitish, fatty substance covering the skin of the fetus at birth.

Allantois

A structure that becomes part of the urinary bladder and helps remove waste from the fetus.

Chorion

The outermost membrane surrounding the embryo and later the fetus.

Amnion

The innermost fetal membrane that encloses the amniotic fluid.

Fetal growth

The increase in size and weight of the fetus during the pregnancy.

Fetal-maternal exchange

The transfer of nutrients and waste products between mother and fetus through the placenta.

Microvilli

Tiny hair-like structures that increase surface area in tissues.

Nutrient exchange

The process of transferring essential nutrients from the mother to the fetus.

Cervical effacement

The thinning and shortening of the cervix in preparation for childbirth.

Congenital malformations

Birth defects caused by genetic or environmental factors.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

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

Placental barrier

The separation between maternal and fetal blood supply in the placenta.

Intervillous space

The space in the placenta where maternal blood flows, allowing nutrient exchange.

Dizygotic twins

Twins that develop from two separate eggs fertilized by two sperm.

Monozygotic twins

Twins that develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos.

Parturition

The act of giving birth.

Hypoxia

A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

Gestational age

The age of a fetus or newborn, typically measured in weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period.

Fetal weight

The weight of the fetus, which increases significantly in the later stages of pregnancy.

Spinal column development

The process of growth and formation of the spine in the fetus.

Umbilical cord

The structure connecting the fetus to the placenta, providing nutrients and oxygen.

Maternal antibodies

Proteins produced by the mother's immune system that provide immunity to the fetus.

Neural development

The process through which the nervous system forms and matures in the embryo.

Sitting height

The measurement from the vertex of the skull to the sitting surface.

Standing height

The measurement from the vertex of the skull to the heel while standing.

Clinical correlates

The application of fetal development knowledge to clinical situations.

Developmental events

Key processes that occur in the fetus during its growth.

Fetal membranes

The amniotic membrane and the chorion that surround the developing fetus.

Fetal excretion

The process by which a fetus removes waste products, primarily through the urine.

Embryonic development

The early phase of development from fertilization to the fetal period.

Weight gain in pregnancy

The expected increase in weight of the mother and fetus throughout gestation.

Nutritional factors

Elements related to diet that can affect fetal health and development.

Birth weight

The weight of a newborn at the time of birth.

Intrauterine life (IUL)

The period of development within the uterus.

Erythrocyte mosaicism

A condition where two different types of red blood cells are present due to blood exchange between twins.

Chorionic villi

Projections from the chorion that enhance nutrient exchange between mother and fetus.

Cryptorchidism

A condition where one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum.

Cervical dilation

The opening of the cervix to allow the passage of the fetus during delivery.

Maternal diseases

Conditions affecting the mother that can impact fetal health.

Environmental agents

External factors that can influence fetal development, such as chemicals or infections.

Nutrition during pregnancy

The dietary needs of a woman while pregnant to support fetal development.

Fetal health

The overall well-being and development status of the fetus.

Gestational complications

Issues that may arise during a pregnancy affecting maternal or fetal health.

Premature birth

The birth of a baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed.

Bacterial infections

Diseases caused by bacteria that may affect pregnancy and fetal health.

Prenatal environment

The conditions and factors surrounding the fetus before birth.

Clinical evaluation

The assessment of maternal and fetal health during pregnancy.

Weight gain recommendations

Guidelines on how much weight a pregnant woman should gain.

Ultrasound in pregnancy

A method used to visualize the fetus and assess its development.

Amniotic sac

The fluid-filled sac that contains and cushions the fetus.

Obstetric history

A woman's previous pregnancies and their outcomes.

Fetal movements

Movements made by the fetus that can be felt by the mother.

Fetal development stages

Different phases of growth and change in the fetus throughout pregnancy.

Placental insufficiency

A condition where the placenta does not supply enough oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.

Maternal health

The physical and mental health of the mother during pregnancy.

Fetal viability

The ability of the fetus to survive outside the womb.

Pregnancy complications

Any condition affecting mother or fetus that complicates the pregnancy.

Maternal factors in development

Aspects related to the mother that can influence fetal development.

Genetic predisposition

The inherited likelihood of certain traits or conditions.

Bilirubin levels

The amount of bilirubin in the blood, whose high levels may indicate jaundice in newborns.

Neonatal period

The first 28 days of life after birth.

Prenatal vitamins

Nutritional supplements taken during pregnancy to ensure proper health.

Placenta previa

A condition where the placenta partially or totally covers the cervix.

Stroke volume during pregnancy

The amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat increased during pregnancy.

Exercise during pregnancy

Physical activity that is safe and beneficial for pregnant women.

Cervical closure

The sealing of the cervical canal during pregnancy to prevent premature labor.

Birth defect screening

Tests conducted to detect potential congenital abnormalities in a fetus.

Gestational diabetes

Diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

Placental abruption

A serious condition in which the placenta detaches from the uterus before delivery.

Preeclampsia

A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems.

Thyroid function in pregnancy

The role of thyroid hormones in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Inflammatory response during pregnancy

The body's immune response to protect the fetus and mother.

Neurodevelopment during pregnancy

The growth and maturation of the nervous system in the fetus.

Obesity in pregnancy

Being overweight during pregnancy which can lead to complications.

Amnion and chorion relationship

The connection and interaction between the inner and outer fetal membranes.

Twin gestation management

The care and monitoring practices for mothers expecting twins.

Biochemical markers in pregnancy

Substances in the blood used to assess fetal health.

Risk factors for pregnancy complications

Conditions or behaviors increasing the likelihood of issues during pregnancy.

Molecular biology of fetal membranes

The study of cellular and molecular functions of the membranes surrounding the fetus.