Pregnancy and Fetal Life

Characteristics of embryonic

period

• Major morphologic development

• Most susceptible to teratogens causing major structural anomalies

• Review of weeks

frist sign of behavior

• 5 ½ weeks after conception

• 7 ½ weeks gestation

9th-12th week

• Crown-rump length doubles

• Well formed cartilaginous skeleton

• Hands and feet well developed

• Eyelids fuse and remain shut

• Urine begins to be produced by kidneys

  • Polyhydramnios

  • Oligohydramnios

13th-16th week

• Fetal growth active

• Ossification active

17th-20th week

• Rate of growth decreases

• All body structures have approximated or reached final position and size proportions

• Lanugo & Vernix Caseosa present

• Emergence of adipose tissue

21st-25th week

• First age of viability, approximately 23 weeks

• Rapid eye movements observed

• Swallows

• Beginning of surfactant production

• Around 500 g (about 1 pound) desirable birthweight for survival

26th-29th week

• Viability much improved

• Improved thermal regulation

• Skin more resilient

• Cries audibly

30th-34th week

• 2500 grams (5 ½ pounds)

• Improved temperature regulation

35th-38th week

• Late pre-term

• Average weight 7 ½ pounds

• More fat tissue, improved temperature regulation

fetal behaviors

• response to stimuli

• continuity of temperament

state 1F

Quiescence

state 2F

Frequent bursts of movements with heart rate changes

state 3F (infrequent)

Eye movements and gross body movements

state 4F

Continuous movement, rapid heart rate

signs of fetal movement maturation

• Increasing Periodicity

• Emergence of new Movement

seven psychosocial tasks for pregnant women

1. Acceptance of Pregnancy

2. Adoption of Motherhood Role

3. Evaluating Relationship with own Mother

4. Relationship with Husband or Partner

5. Preparation for Labor

6. Anxiety about Pain, Helplessness and Loss of Control in Labor

7. Anxiety about loss of self-esteem in Labor

mother’s task in first trimester

Joy, Excitement, Anxiety

• Often sick, tired

mother’s task in second trimester

Quickening

• Energy Return, Plans & Dreams

mothers task in third trimester

• Ready to be Done

• May have heightened anxiety

• Fear of crowds, of something happening

fathers preparing for parent role

• Worry about health of infant

• Envious/concern about displacement in wife’s affections

• Fear loss of autonomy

• Fear loss of control

• May distance themselves to defend against intense feelings

mothers preparing for parent role

• Joy at anticipating birth

• *Ambivalence at loss of previous life

• Anxiety and fear about birth process, including fear of death

• Health, survival and normality of infant

• Frustration at things that are out of control

• Fear of own neediness

prenatal attachment

astract concept representing the affiliative relationship between a parent and fetus, which is potentially present before pregnancy

• Tends to increase when fetal activity can be felt

• Parents imagine how baby will look, their activity and development

• This translates to them taking a proactive role in caring for the baby after birth

risk factors for prenatal attachment (mother)

• Mental health conditions such as severe anxiety and depression

• Detachment or ambivalent attitude to pregnancy

• Poor relationship with partner

• Personal childhood experience of abuse/maltreatment

• Minimal social support

• Smoking

risk factors for prenatal attachment (father)

• Mental health conditions such as severe anxiety and depression

• Detachment or ambivalent attitude to pregnancy

• Poor relationship with partner

• Personal childhood experience of abuse/maltreatment