01:830:271 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Infant Mortality, Fetus, The Fluid
Document Summary
Recognize examples of the different prenatal tests and what they are typically used for. Ultrasound pictures are quite useful for determining the position of the fetus within the uterus and, 16 20 weeks after conception, its sex. Ultrasound is also helpful in detecting twins or triplets, as well as gross physical deformities. The fluid contains skin cells that can be grown in a laboratory dish and then analyzed to determine the genotype of the fetus. Roughly 200 genetic disorders, including down syndrome, can be detected. These procedures are virtually free of errors but come at a price. Know the 3 stages of labor and delivery. In stage 1, which may last from 12 to 24 hours for a first birth, the uterus starts to contract. Gradually, they become stronger and more rhythmic, enlarging the cervix (the opening from the uterus to the vagina) to approximately 10 centimeters. In stage 2, the baby passes through the cervix and enters the vagina.
