11/19/23, 9:25 AM 1. CH 10, 11, 12 – Normal Pregnancy
1
OB Exam 1 Study Guide Susset H. Alcover
CH 10 – Fetal Development and Genetics
Embryonic Layers
• Ectoderm: forms the central nervous system, special senses, skin, and glands
• Mesoderm: forms skeletal, urinary, circulatory, and reproductive organs
• Endoderm: forms respiratory system, liver, pancreas, and digestive system
Functions of the Placenta
• Serving as the interface between the mother and fetus
• Making hormones to control the physiology of the mother
• Protecting the fetus from immune attack by the mother
• Removing waste products from the fetus
• Inducing the mother to bring more food to the placenta
• Producing hormones that mature into fetal organs
Function of Amniotic Fluid
• Helps maintain a constant body temperature for the fetus
• Permits symmetric growth and development
• Cushions the fetus from trauma
• Allows the umbilical cord to be relatively free of compression
• Promotes fetal movement to enhance musculoskeletal development
Fetal Circulation
• Blood from the placenta to and through the fetus and then back to placenta (see Figure 10.9)
• Three shunts during fetal life:
• Ductus venosus: connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava
• Ductus arteriosus: connects the main pulmonary artery to the aorta
• Foramen ovale: anatomic opening between the right and left atrium
about:blank 1/11
, 11/19/23, 9:25 AM 1. CH 10, 11, 12 – Normal Pregnancy
2
OB Exam 1 Study Guide Susset H. Alcover
Fetal Circulation (my own words)
1. Umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood out of the placenta (vein – oxygenated > opposite of normal
circulation!!!!)
2. Goes to the liver and there’s a short cut to the inferior vena cava à Ductus Venosus
3. DV – Right side of the heart, where some of the blood goes through the normal heart pathway and some
goes from atrium to atrium through the foramen ovale and that blood is going to supply the upper
extremities and brain
4. the blood that went through the normal heart pathway, when getting out of the pulmonary arteries, there
is another shortcut to the aorta à Ductus arteriosus
5. DA – aorta – descending aorta – umbilical arteries – and back to the placenta
* Fetus’ lungs are not functional, oxygen exchange is done through the placenta
* Fetal circulation is not functional after baby is born
Nursing Roles and Responsibilities - when chromosomal abnormalities are present
• Beginning the preconception counseling process and referring for further genetic information
• Taking a family history
• Scheduling genetic testing
• Explaining the purposes, risks/benefits of all screening and diagnostic tests
• Answering questions and addressing concerns
• Discussing costs, benefits, and risks of using health insurance, and potential risks of discrimination
• Recognizing ethical, legal, and social issues
• Safeguarding privacy and confidentiality
• Monitoring emotional reactions after receiving information
• Providing emotional support
• Referring to appropriate support groups
about:blank 2/11
1
OB Exam 1 Study Guide Susset H. Alcover
CH 10 – Fetal Development and Genetics
Embryonic Layers
• Ectoderm: forms the central nervous system, special senses, skin, and glands
• Mesoderm: forms skeletal, urinary, circulatory, and reproductive organs
• Endoderm: forms respiratory system, liver, pancreas, and digestive system
Functions of the Placenta
• Serving as the interface between the mother and fetus
• Making hormones to control the physiology of the mother
• Protecting the fetus from immune attack by the mother
• Removing waste products from the fetus
• Inducing the mother to bring more food to the placenta
• Producing hormones that mature into fetal organs
Function of Amniotic Fluid
• Helps maintain a constant body temperature for the fetus
• Permits symmetric growth and development
• Cushions the fetus from trauma
• Allows the umbilical cord to be relatively free of compression
• Promotes fetal movement to enhance musculoskeletal development
Fetal Circulation
• Blood from the placenta to and through the fetus and then back to placenta (see Figure 10.9)
• Three shunts during fetal life:
• Ductus venosus: connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava
• Ductus arteriosus: connects the main pulmonary artery to the aorta
• Foramen ovale: anatomic opening between the right and left atrium
about:blank 1/11
, 11/19/23, 9:25 AM 1. CH 10, 11, 12 – Normal Pregnancy
2
OB Exam 1 Study Guide Susset H. Alcover
Fetal Circulation (my own words)
1. Umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood out of the placenta (vein – oxygenated > opposite of normal
circulation!!!!)
2. Goes to the liver and there’s a short cut to the inferior vena cava à Ductus Venosus
3. DV – Right side of the heart, where some of the blood goes through the normal heart pathway and some
goes from atrium to atrium through the foramen ovale and that blood is going to supply the upper
extremities and brain
4. the blood that went through the normal heart pathway, when getting out of the pulmonary arteries, there
is another shortcut to the aorta à Ductus arteriosus
5. DA – aorta – descending aorta – umbilical arteries – and back to the placenta
* Fetus’ lungs are not functional, oxygen exchange is done through the placenta
* Fetal circulation is not functional after baby is born
Nursing Roles and Responsibilities - when chromosomal abnormalities are present
• Beginning the preconception counseling process and referring for further genetic information
• Taking a family history
• Scheduling genetic testing
• Explaining the purposes, risks/benefits of all screening and diagnostic tests
• Answering questions and addressing concerns
• Discussing costs, benefits, and risks of using health insurance, and potential risks of discrimination
• Recognizing ethical, legal, and social issues
• Safeguarding privacy and confidentiality
• Monitoring emotional reactions after receiving information
• Providing emotional support
• Referring to appropriate support groups
about:blank 2/11
