pregnancy and labour
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what is a teratogen
is any agent that can cause physical defects to a developing embryo.
list the main 5 teratogens
infection alcohol smoking chemicals maternal diet
example of an infection and defects it can cause
rubella Blindness, deafness, heart malformations, microcenphaly (small head)
example of alcohol and defects it can cause
wine foetal alcohol syndrome: smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, small and distant eyes, born with addiction
example of smoking and defects it can cause
tobacco increased risk of SIDs, born with addiction, increased respiratory issues (bronchitis, pneumonia)
example of a bad maternal diet and defects it can cause
lack of vitamins/folate • Spina bifida • Bone, heart, nerve, teeth, muscle development /growth complications.
example of a chemicals and defects it can cause
mercury/drugs • limb malformations • addiction
list 3 ways that foetal health can be monitored
three of… - chromosomal analysis - ultrasounds - fetoscopy - foetal blood sampling - DNA probes - foetal heart monitoring - biochemical analysis
what does chromosomal analysis test for, state the 2 types
defective, missing or additional chromosomes in the foetus’s DNA amniocentesis chorionic villi sampling
what is an amniocentesis
An ultrasound guides a needle into the amniotic cavity to extract 10 - 20mL of amniotic fluid
what is chorionic villi sampling
Foetal cells are removed from the chorion via a suction tube through the vagina.
what is a foetoscopy
an instrument - needle with a camera attached- is inserted through the abdomen allowing direct visuals of the foetus.
what is an ultrasound
high frequency sound waves produce an image of the foetus during pregnancy. the pulses of probe waves reflect tissue of the foetus.
how is foetal blood sampling done
blood is taken via a small needle from the placenta.
what are DNA probes
probes are mixed with foetal DNA to test for presence and absence of a gene. If the gene is normal, it appears highlighted. If it is abnormal, it doesnt show up.
how is biochemical analysis done
assessment of marker proteins. Either blood or large amounts of urine are assessed.
how is a foetus’s heart monitored
While in labour the mother wears a belt around the abdomen.
what are the 3 different features in foetal circulation that contrasts regular circulation
ductus arteriosus, foramen ovale and ductus venosus
what is the ductus arteriosus
it enables foetal blood to bypass the lungs. Blood flows directly from pulmonary arteries to the aorta through a small duct
how does the ductus arteriosus change at birth
Due to a reduced resistance and increased pressure in the lungs, less blood flows through it so it constricts into fibrous tissue- a ligament- over 6-8 weeks.
what is the foramen ovale
it is an opening between the atria that enables blood to flow directly from the right atrium to the left.
how does the foramen ovale change at birth
it is forced shut by an increased pressure on the left atrium as more biood enters via the pulmonary vein from the lungs. This ensures oxygenated and deoxygenated blood dont mix.
what is the ductus venosus
A foetal blood vessel extending from the umbilical vein to inferior vena-cava that enables blood to bypass the liver.
how does the ductus venosus change at birth
Due to no blood flow through the umbilical vein as the cord is clamped. it slowly constricts and becomes a ligament.