Prenatal Development and Birth

Cards

prenatal development development that occurs between the moment of conception and the beginning of the birth process.
period of the zygote first phase of prenatal development, lasting from conception until the developing organism becomes firmly attached to the wall of the uterus.
period of the embryo second phase of prenatal development, lasting from the third to the eighth prenatal week, during which the major organs and anatomical structures take shape.
period of the fetus third phase of prenatal development, lasting from the ninth prenatal week until birth; during this period, all major organ systems begin to function and the fetus grows rapidly.
blastocyst name given to the ball of cells formed when the fertilized egg begins to divide.
embryo name given to the prenatal organism from the third to the eighth week after conception.
implantation the burrowing of the blastocyst into the lining of the uterus.
amnion a watertight membrane that surrounds the developing embryo, serving to regulate its temperature and to cushion it against injuries.
chorion a membrane that becomes attached to the uterine tissues to gather nourishment for the embryo.
placenta an organ, formed from the lining of the uterus and the chorion, that provides for respiration and nourishment of the unborn child and the elimination of its metabolic wastes.
umbilical cord a soft tube containing blood vessels that connects the embryo to the placenta.
neural tube the primitive spinal cord that develops from the ectoderm and becomes the central nervous system.
fetus name given to the prenatal organism from the ninth week of pregnancy until birth.
vernix white cheesy substance that covers the fetus to protect the skin from chapping.
lanugo fine hair covering the fetus's body that helps vernix stick to the skin.
age of viability a point between the 22nd and 28th prenatal weeks when survival outside the uterus is possible.
teratogens external agents such as viruses, drugs, chemicals, and radiation that can harm a developing embryo or fetus.
sensitive period a period during which an organism is most susceptible to certain environmental influences; outside this period, the same environmental influences must be much stronger to produce comparable effects.
rubella (German measles) a disease that has little effect on a pregnant woman but may cause a number of serious birth defects in developing organisms who are exposed in the first 3 to 4 months of pregnancy.
toxoplasmosis disease caused by a parasite found in raw meat and cat feces; can cause birth defects if transmitted to an embryo in the first trimester and miscarriage later in pregnancy.
syphilis a common sexually transmitted disease that may cross the placental barrier in the middle and later stages of pregnancy, causing miscarriage or serious birth defects.
genital herpes a sexually transmitted disease that can infect infants at birth, causing blindness, brain damage, or even death.
cesarean delivery surgical delivery of a baby through an incision made in the pregnant woman's abdomen and uterus.
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) a viral disease that can be transmitted from a mother to her fetus or neonate and that results in a weakening of the body's immune system and, ultimately, death.
thalidomide a mild tranquilizer that, taken early in pregnancy, can produce a variety of malformations of the limbs, eyes, ears, and heart.
diethylstilbestrol (DES) a synthetic hormone, formerly prescribed to prevent miscarriage, that can produce cervical cancer in female offspring and genital-tract abnormalities in males.
fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) a group of serious congenital problems commonly observed in the offspring of mothers who abuse alcohol during pregnancy.
fetal alcohol effects (FAE) a group of mild congenital problems that are sometimes observed in children of mothers who drink sparingly to moderately during pregnancy.
cleft lip a congenital disorder in which the upper lip has a vertical (or pair of vertical) openings or grooves.
cleft palate a congenital disorder in which the roof of the mouth does not close properly during embryonic development, resulting in an opening or groove in the roof of the mouth.
folic acid B-complex vitamin that helps to prevent defects of the central nervous system.
spina bifida a bulging of the spinal cord through a gap in the spinal column.
anencephaly a birth defect in which the brain and neural tube fail to develop (or develop incompletely) and the skull does not close.
neonate a newborn infant from birth to approximately 1 month of age.
perinatal environment perinatal refers to the time around birth, both before and after birth; perinatal environment refers to the environment surrounding birth.
first stage of labor the period of the birth process lasting from the first regular uterine contractions until the cervix is fully dilated.
second stage of labor the period of the birth process during which the fetus moves through the birth canal and emerges from the mother's body (also called the delivery).
third stage of labor expulsion of the placenta (afterbirth).
Apgar test a quick assessment of the newborn's heart rate, respiration, color, muscle tone, and reflexes that is used to gauge perinatal stress and to determine whether a neonate requires immediate medical assistance.
Neonatal Behavior Assessment Scale (NBAS) a test that assesses a neonate's neurological integrity and responsiveness to environmental stimuli.
emotional bonding term used to describe the strong affectionate ties that parents may feel toward their infant; some theorists believe that the strongest bonding occurs shortly after birth, during a sensitive period.
natural (prepared) childbirth a delivery in which physical and psychological preparations for the birth are stressed and medical assistance is minimized.
alternative birth center a hospital birthing room or other independent facility that provides a homelike atmosphere for childbirth but still makes medical technology available.
postpartum depression strong feelings of sadness, resentment, and despair that may appear shortly after childbirth and can linger for months.
engrossment paternal analogue of maternal emotional bonding; term used to describe fathers' fascination with their neonates, including their desire to touch, hold, caress, and talk to the newborn baby.
sibling rivalry the spirit of competition, jealousy, and resentment that may arise between two or more siblings.
anoxia a lack of sufficient oxygen to the brain; may result in neurological damage or death.
breech birth a delivery in which the fetus emerges feet first or buttocks first rather than head first.
RH factor a blood protein that, when present in a fetus but not the mother, can cause the mother to produce antibodies. These antibodies may then attack the red blood cells of subsequent fetuses who have the protein in their blood.
preterm babies infants born more than three weeks before their normal due dates.
small-for-date babies infants whose birth weight is far below normal, even when born close to their normal due dates.