Psyc Exam 2 - Prenatal Development

Germinal stage of development

2 weeks

Embryo stage of development

3-8 weeks

Fetus stage of development

9 weeks - birth

 What is the major task of the germinal stage?

Implantation

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

Implantation in thee Fallopian tube

Outer layer of embryonic disk

Ectoderm - neural tube, skin - becomes CNS

middle layer of embryonic disk

mesoderm - muscles, skeleton, circulatory system

inner layer of embryonic disk

endoderm - lungs, gi/urinary tracts

What is the age of viability?

22 weeks

What is a teratogen?

environmental agents that can cause disruption of organogenesis (organ formation)

Are female or male offspring more likely to experience damage due to teratogen exposure? Why?

Males - recessive mutations can show easier

During which period is the developing organism the most vulnerable to teratogens?

embryonic period

Teratogenic factor - Dose/Frequency

threshold effect - harmless unless certain levels are reached

interaction effect - substances inc effect on each other

Teratogenic factor - timing

prevent implantation (early in preg)

decrease brain growth (fetal stage)

Teratogenic factor - genetic vulnerability

some individuals are more susceptible than others

Alcohol use

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - cog. defects / birth defects (CNS problems)

tobacco use

reduce o2 supply, slower growth development

What is thalidomide and why was it a potent teratogen?

angiogenesis inhibitor

lead use

brain damage, prematurity

mercury use

deformities, ceg. def., brain damage

BPA use

preterm birth, low weight baby

pesticides use

damage to neural tube

rubella

eye, hearing, heart, cog. def.

toxoplasmosis

parasite, eye infections, microcephaly/hydrocephaly

Rh factor incompatibility

vaccine can help (rhogam), effects protein on blood cells

Amniocentesis

sample of amniotic fluid, examine fetal cells, 14-15 wks

CVS - Chorionic Villus Sampling

sample chorionic villi around fetus, 10 wks

ultrasound

high frequency sound waves make picture of baby

Nuchal translucency

measurement of nuchal fluid, down syndrome, 11-14 wks

Birth stage

• dialation and effacement

• birth of baby

• delivery of placenta

perinaial complications - Anoxia

lack od o2

perinaial complications - breach position

c-section

What are 2 major causes for Low Birthweight?

too soon, SGA

SGA - Small for gestational age, causes

tabacco, nutrition/poverty

Apgar scale

Apparance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration

Postpartum depression

4 wks post, inadequancy + intense sadness