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Question 1

What is the germinal period of prenatal development?

Answer 1

The germinal period occurs in the first two weeks after conception and includes the creation of the zygote, continued cell division, and attachment of the zygote to the uterine wall.

It ends when the blastocyst attaches to the uterine wall.

Question 2

Define blastocyst.

Answer 2

The inner layer of cells that develops into the embryo.

It is formed during the germinal period.

Question 3

Define trophoblast.

Answer 3

The outer layer of cells that provides nutrition and support for the embryo.

Question 4

What occurs during the embryonic period?

Answer 4

The embryonic period occurs two to eight weeks after conception, characterized by intensified cell differentiation and the formation of life-support systems and organs.

The mass of cells is now called an embryo.

Question 5

What are the three layers of cells formed during the embryonic period?

Answer 5

• Endoderm
• Mesoderm
• Ectoderm

Question 6

What is organogenesis?

Answer 6

Organ formation that takes place during the first two months of prenatal development.

Question 7

What characterizes the fetal period?

Answer 7

The fetal period lasts about seven months, from two months after conception to birth, and includes the development of body fat and organ maturation.

Question 8

What is the average weight and length of an American baby at birth?

Answer 8

8 pounds and about 20 inches long.

Question 9

What is the purpose of the amnion?

Answer 9

A sac that contains a clear fluid in which the developing embryo floats.

Question 10

What does the umbilical cord do?

Answer 10

Contains two arteries and one vein and connects the baby to the placenta.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The fetal period is commonly divided into three equal periods called _______.

Answer 11

[trimesters]

Question 12

What developmental milestones occur during the first trimester at 8 weeks?

Answer 12

• Just over 1 inch long
• Face is forming
• Arms and legs are moving
• Brain is forming
• Fetal heartbeat detectable

Question 13

What significant changes occur at 12 weeks of prenatal development?

Answer 13

• About 3 inches long
• Can move arms and legs
• Fingerprints are present
• Sex is distinguishable

Question 14

At 20 weeks, what are key developmental features of the fetus?

Answer 14

• About 12 inches long
• Heartbeat audible
• Sucks thumb
• Hair and eyebrows present

Question 15

What happens to the fetus at 36 to 38 weeks?

Answer 15

• 19 to 20 inches long
• Skin is less wrinkled
• Gaining immunities from mother

Question 16

What are the four important phases of brain development in the prenatal period?

Answer 16

• Neural tube
• Neurogenesis
• Neuronal migration
• Neural connectivity

Question 17

What is a teratogen?

Answer 17

Any agent that can cause a birth defect or negatively alter cognitive and behavioral developmental outcomes.

Question 18

What factors influence the severity of damage caused by teratogens?

Answer 18

• Dose
• Genetic susceptibility
• Time of exposure

Question 19

What are some negative effects of exposure to teratogens during the fetal period?

Answer 19

• Stunted growth
• Fetal brain development problems
• Organ functioning problems

Question 20

List some prescription drugs that can function as teratogens.

Answer 20

• Antibiotics (e.g., streptomycin, tetracycline)
• Some antidepressants
• Accutane

Question 21

What are fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)?

Answer 21

A cluster of abnormalities that appear in the offspring of mothers who drink alcohol heavily during pregnancy.

Question 22

True or False: Nicotine exposure during pregnancy is linked to low birth weight and ADHD.

Answer 22

True

Question 23

What role does prenatal care play during pregnancy?

Answer 23

Includes screening for manageable conditions and treatable diseases, along with educational, social, and nutritional services.

Question 24

What is CenteringPregnancy?

Answer 24

A relationship-centered program providing complete prenatal care in a group setting.

Question 25

What are the three stages of birth?

Answer 25

* First stage: uterine contractions * Second stage: baby moves through the cervix and birth canal * Third stage: afterbirth

Question 26

What is a doula?

Answer 26

A caregiver who provides continuous physical, emotional, and educational support for the mother before, during, and after childbirth.

Question 27

Define cesarean delivery.

Answer 27

Surgically removing the baby from the mother’s uterus through an abdominal incision.

Question 28

What is the Apgar Scale?

Answer 28

A method for assessing the health of newborns.

Question 29

What is a cesarean delivery?

Answer 29

Surgically removing the baby from the mother’s uterus through an abdominal incision.

Question 30

When is a cesarean delivery indicated?

Answer 30

In cases of breech position, fetal distress, maternal vaginal bleeding, and a natural birth hindered by an epidural.

Question 31

What is breech position?

Answer 31

The baby’s position in the uterus causes the buttocks to be the first part to emerge.

Question 32

What is the Apgar Scale?

Answer 32

A method for assessing the health of newborns at one and five minutes after birth.

Question 33

What five criteria does the Apgar Scale assess?

Answer 33

* Infant’s heart rate * Respiratory effort * Muscle tone * Body color * Reflex irritability

Question 34

What are low Apgar scores associated with?

Answer 34

Long-term educational support, ADHD, and developmental risks.

Question 35

What does a score of 0 indicate for heart rate on the Apgar Scale?

Answer 35

Absent

Question 36

What does a score of 2 indicate for muscle tone on the Apgar Scale?

Answer 36

Good breathing with normal crying and strong, active motion.

Question 37

What is the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS)?

Answer 37

Used in the first month of life to assess the newborn’s neurological development, reflexes, and reactions to people and objects.

Question 38

What does the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) assess?

Answer 38

The newborn’s behavior, neurological and stress responses, and regulatory capacities.

Question 39

What defines low birth weight infants?

Answer 39

Infants weighing less than 5 pounds 8 ounces.

Question 40

What is classified as very low birth weight?

Answer 40

Less than 3 pounds 4 ounces.

Question 41

What is classified as extremely low birth weight?

Answer 41

Less than 2 pounds 3 ounces.

Question 42

What characterizes preterm infants?

Answer 42

Born before the full term is completed—35 or fewer weeks after conception.

Question 43

What are the consequences of preterm birth and low birth weight?

Answer 43

More health problems and developmental delays.

Question 44

What is kangaroo care?

Answer 44

Skin-to-skin contact with the baby upright against the parent’s bare chest.

Question 45

What are some long-term benefits of kangaroo care?

Answer 45

* Better respiratory and cardiovascular functioning * Improved sleep patterns * Enhanced cognitive functioning from ages 6 months to 10 years

Question 46

What is the postpartum period?

Answer 46

The period after childbirth that lasts until the mother’s body has completed its adjustment and returned to a nearly prepregnant state.

Question 47

What adjustments are needed during the postpartum period?

Answer 47

* Physical * Emotional * Psychological

Question 48

What is postpartum depression?

Answer 48

A condition experienced by women that have trouble coping with daily tasks during the postpartum period.

Question 49

What are some risk factors for postpartum depression?

Answer 49

* Depression and anxiety during pregnancy * Low self-esteem * Postpartum blues * Poor marital relationship * Lack of social support * History of depression

Question 50

What is bonding in the context of childbirth?

Answer 50

The formation of a connection, especially a physical bond between parents and their newborn shortly after birth.

Question 51

What is a rooming-in arrangement?

Answer 51

The baby remains in the mother’s room most of the time during its hospital stay.