Fetal Development THINGS TO KNOW

Menstrual Cycle Stages

3 stages, typically lasting 28 days.

Folicular stage (menstruation)

Losing uterine lining occurs on DAY 1

Ovulation

On day 14, ideally, the egg goes into the fallopian tubes and waits for fertilization.

Luteal

Day 16-28, uterine lining starts to grow then sheds (process restarts)

Human development starts when?

At conception

Role of Amniotic Fluid

Fluid within the amniotic sac serves to regulate fetal temp, cushion the fetus, and promote fetal movement to enhance musculoskeletal development.

How many Vessels in the umbilical cord?

2 ARTERIES 1 VEIN Remember AVA

Purpose of Wharton's jelly?

Surrounds the arteries of the umbilical cord to prevent compression.

What is the primary function of the placenta?

Provides the lifeline between mother and fetus via nutrition and oxygenation.

How does the placenta protect the fetus?

It protects the fetus from immune attack by the mother.

What does the placenta remove?

It removes waste products from the fetus.

What does the placenta produce in addition to oxygen?

It produces hormones that mature fetal organs.

Stages of fetal development

pre-embryonic or Zygote, embryonic, fetal

Pre-embryonic (Zygote) is when?

the first 14 days after conception (2 weeks)

Embryonic stage is when?

up to 12 weeks, here the basic structures of major body organs and main external features form.

Fetal stage is when?

weeks 12 to week 40 (full-term). Here we see a large amount of growth and development in prep for birth.

What fetal stage is it most important to avoid teratogens?

The embryonic phase (weeks 2-12) is crucial to avoid teratogens and TORCH infections, as organ formation occurs during this period.

First trimester weeks.

1 to 13

Second trimester weeks

13-26 weeks

third trimester in weeks

27-40 weeks

What milestone occurs at week 6 of pregnancy?

Fetal heart tones can be visualized on ultrasound. (Neural tube is formed by now).

What milestones occur at week 10-12 of pregancy?

Fetal Heart tones can be heard using a Doppler.

What milestones occur at week 14 of pregancy?

The gender of the fetus can be identified.

What milestones occur at week 16-20 weeks of pregnancy?

Mom can feel movement or (quickening) of the fetus. Multigravida moms will feel the baby sooner than primigravida moms.

What milestones occur at week 27 of pregnancy?

The baby assumes the size and characteristics of a newborn and prepares for birth.

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