Prenatal Development

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the key vocabulary and concepts in prenatal development, suitable for exam preparation.

What marks the beginning of pregnancy?

The presence of a zygote that begins dividing.

How many trimesters are in a full-term pregnancy?

Three trimesters.

What is Nagele’s rule?

A method to estimate the date of delivery by subtracting 3 months from the last menstrual period and adding 7 days.

What are presumptive signs of pregnancy?

Signs such as nausea, missed menstrual period, and increased urinary frequency.

What hormone is involved in maintaining pregnancy?

Progesterone.

What does an increase in hCG indicate?

Confirmation of pregnancy.

What physiological changes occur in the urinary system during pregnancy?

50% increase in glomerular filtration rate and increased bladder capacity.

What is a congenital defect?

An abnormality during fetal development.

What term describes changes in the mother's body during pregnancy?

Adaptive maternal changes.

What is the significance of the blastocyst stage?

It is the stage when the embryo implants into the uterine wall.

What does the term 'linea nigra' refer to?

A dark line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy.

What occurs in the embryonic stage?

Development of major organs and structures from 2 to 8 weeks after fertilization.

What are the three germ layers formed during gastrulation?

Ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

What is the role of the placenta during pregnancy?

It facilitates the exchange of nutrients and waste between mother and fetus.

What is 'striae gravidarum'?

Stretch marks that may occur during pregnancy.

What are the signs of fetal development?

Detection of fetal heart tones and movements.

What role do maternal hormones play in pregnancy?

They regulate the physiological changes and support fetal growth.

What is the purpose of the amniotic sac?

To provide a fluid environment for the developing embryo.

What occurs during implantation?

The blastocyst attaches to the endometrium of the uterus.

What is a teratogen?

An environmental agent that can cause abnormalities in fetal development.

Which hormone is responsible for softening the cervix during pregnancy?

Relaxin.

What occurs during the fetal stage of development?

Continued growth and maturation of organs from 8 weeks until birth.

What changes happen in the cardiovascular system during pregnancy?

50% increase in cardiac output and blood volume.

What is fetal alcohol syndrome?

A condition resulting from maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, causing physical and cognitive defects.

What signifies a full-term pregnancy?

Completion of 40 weeks gestation.

What is the function of villi in the placenta?

To increase the surface area for nutrient and gas exchange.

What does the term 'chloasma' refer to?

Dark patches that can appear on the face during pregnancy.

What is the significance of amniocentesis during pregnancy?

It allows for genetic testing and assessment of fetal health.

What is the estimated date of delivery (EDD)?

Calculated based on the last menstrual period, typically 40 weeks later.

What are positive signs of pregnancy?

Objective indications such as ultrasound detection of fetal parts.

What does 'menses' refer to?

The monthly shedding of the uterine lining when pregnancy does not occur.

What is the role of the yolk sac during early pregnancy?

First site of red blood cell formation.

How does pregnancy affect a woman's respiratory system?

Diaphragm displacement and nasal congestion due to hormonal changes.

What is a zygote?

The initial cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg.

What is the purpose of chorionic villi?

They anchor the placenta to the uterine wall and facilitate exchange.

What are the stages of fetal brain development?

From neural tube formation to rapid neuron development.

What key developmental change occurs around weeks 3-8?

Foundation of all major body systems is established.

What differentiates the germinal stage from others?

It is defined as the first 10 days to 2 weeks after fertilization.

What is the definition of 'fetal movements'?

Detectable motions of the fetus that can be observed or felt.

What is the significance of pregnancy tests?

They confirm pregnancy through hormone detection.

How does maternal nutrition affect fetal health?

It is critical for fetal development and prevention of complications.

What is the importance of prenatal care?

To ensure maternal and fetal health throughout the pregnancy.

How does fetal development vary across different gestational weeks?

Different organs and systems mature at specific times during the pregnancy.

What impact does maternal age have on pregnancy outcomes?

Older maternal age can relate to complications such as chromosomal problems.

What indicates a breech presentation during delivery?

When the baby is positioned head up instead of head down.

How can ultrasound be used in prenatal care?

To monitor fetal growth and detect any anomalies.

What is the definition of 'nidation'?

The implantation of the embryo into the endometrium.

What changes occur in the musculoskeletal system during pregnancy?

Relaxation of joints and changes in center of gravity.

What is the estimated time frame for implantation?

Occurs about 6-10 days after fertilization.

Define 'preterm birth'.

Birth that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation.

What is the significance of the primitive streak?

It marks the beginning of organization within the embryo.

What are the implications of low maternal weight gain?

It may lead to low birth weight and complications.

What changes occur in the integumentary system during pregnancy?

Skin changes including stretch marks and pigment alterations.