Problems in Prenatal Development Unit 2

Bell Ringer November 3rd, 2011 What worries do you have about being pregnant, or your spouse being pregnant?

Miscarriage and Stillbirth The spontaneous loss of the pregnancy less than 20 weeks The natural ending of a pregnancy before the embryo or fetus could possibly survive. The zygote, embryo, or fetus is expelled from the mother’s body Between 15-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage

Myths about Miscarriage Physical activity, stress, and minor falls are not believed to be cause Very early: genetic abnormally Occur by chance Could not have been prevented and many are able to have successful pregnancies later

Risk Factors Age (women over 35) Previous miscarriages Family history of miscarriage Certain diseases or infections Exposure to hazards such as alcohol, drugs, smoking, heavy caffeine use, or certain chemicals

Stillbirth If the fetus dies after the twentieth week of pregnancy Occurs in about 1 out of every 200 pregnancies

Ectopic Pregnancy A fertilized egg implants outside the uterus Usually in the fallopian tube Aka tubal pregnancy Without the nourishment and protection of the uterus the embryo cannot survive Can burst the fallopian tube causing life- threatening bleeding

Dealing with loss Do you think the loss of an unborn or newborn child could be as devastating as the loss of a child later in life? Why? Would you expect the grieving process to be different in the case of miscarriage or still birth?

Premature Labor and Birth Premature birth Baby is born before the 37th week Low birth weight babies weight 5 ½ lbs. or less (normal birth weight is between 7-8 lbs) Premature labor Begin to go into labor sooner than 37 weeks Sometimes doctors can delay premature labor with medication

Pre mature babies Born before the 26th week and weighting less than 2 pounds usually have the most problems Underdeveloped lungs, fluid accumulation in the brain, seizures, and growth and learning delays Born between 34-37 weeks May have short term health problems but in the long run they do well

Prenatal testing Some routine, others recommended for at risk Make sure to discuss risks Ultra sound imaging Amniocentesis Chronic villi sampling

Ultra sound imaging Process that uses sound waves to create video and still images of the fetus inside the uterus Image is called a sonogram What are other uses for ultra sound? Have any of you had an ultra sound?

Amniocentesis Removes a small amount of the amniotic fluid that surround the developing fetus While viewing an ultra sound image a needle is inserted through the abdomen and wall of the uterus Cells are analyzed for specific pr0blems Typically done at 15-18 weeks Slightly increases the risk of miscarriage so not routinely offered Risk factors Over 35 (check for down syndrome) History of problems

Chorionic Villi Sampling Take a sample of cells from the placenta Chorionic villi Microscopic fingerlike projects of placenta Thin tube through the vagina Can be used to check for 200 genetic disorders 10- 12 weeks (earlier than amniocentesis) Only done if serious problems suspected due to risk

Detecting birth defects More than 100 types of birth defects can be diagnosed prenatally Some cases can be treated before the baby is born

Activity Empathy Belly Walk around Observe profile Sit at desk Pick up items Lie down Try to get back up!

Activity Study Guide