What might result if a woman drank and smoked during the fifth week of gestation?
Since the woman is in the fifth week, this is the stage that is most susceptible to birth defects and miscarriage. If the woman continued to drink and smoke, she is at risk of having a child with low birth weight, premature birth, or the possibility of having a child with fetal alcohol syndrome.
When is a caesarian section typically performed?
A caesarian section is typically performed when the baby is not head-down prior to delivery. It could also be performed if the baby is too large to fit through the pelvis or when the baby is in distress.
Explain the three stages of labor.
The three stages of labor are active labor, birth of the baby, and delivery of the placenta. Active labor lasts an average of 8 hours and is when the baby begins to descend. The cervix dilates from 4 to 10 centimeters through contractions. The birth of the baby is when the cervix has reached the maximum 10 centimeters and the mother starts pushing the baby's head out. This stage may last from minutes to hours. The final stage is the delivery of the placenta, which includes mild contractions and lasts on average 5 to 10 minutes. The umbilical cord and the placenta are delivered vaginally.
What happens during a prenatal care office visit?
The prenatal care office visits provide a complete physical exam, blood tests, and a pelvic exam. They check the mother’s weight and blood pressure. They will also conduct an ultrasound.
What is the length of gestation for a baby and how is the age determined?
The gestation of a baby averages 38 to 42 weeks. The gestation is the time of conception to the date of the birth. The age of the fetus is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period to the date of the birth.
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