1. Title: foetal growth in pregnancy 30 April 2019
Learning question: What is antenatal care and why is it important?
Homework:

2. Aims from specification
(h) explain the use of fetal ultrasonography, amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for detecting named disorders and assessing fetal development.
The advantages and disadvantages of each technique should be outlined (HSW6a, 6b);

3. Diet in pregnancy
DRVs (dietary are reference values) published give advice to women about healthy eating during pregnancy.
Calcium - teeth, bone plasma levels, nervous system function and muscle contraction
Iron - haemoglobin formation
Vitamin A - rhodopsin (present in rod cells on retina)
Vitamin C – several functions, including collagen formation

4. Measuring foetal growth during pregnancy
Ultrasound scans are commonly used during pregnancy to produce images of the baby in the womb.
As sound waves are used rather than radiation, the procedure is safe.
The mother’s bladder must be full and a gel is put on her abdomen so there is no air between the instrument and the body

5. Ultrasound scans Detect if mother is having twins or single baby
18 weeks – most organs can be seen.
Scans show if the organs are developing properly
Umbilical cord is studied to see if oxygen and nutrients are getting to foetus
Shows position of cervix – if in abnormal location (cervix), can cause serious problems at birth – Casearean delivery may be needed

7. Measuring foetal growth
Baby is measured by a midwife to determine when it is due
This measurement also determines if the baby is the right size for its age
Two main measurements are carried out:
Crown-rump length
Length of foetus from top of its head to its bottom
Biparietal diameter
width of head at its widest. Normally done only after 12 weeks