Pregnancy and Childbirth

This period of development starts during the ninth week of pregnancy and lasts until birth. The early body systems and structures formed in the embryonic stage continue to develop. In this stage the neural tube develops into the brain and spinal cord. In this stage all the organs of the fetus predicate their specialized functions.

When the process of birth starts, the uterus begin to contract rhythmically about once every ten minutes; this is the onset of labour.

Placenta provides nutrition to the embryo and also removes waste material. Exchange of gases occurs through placenta. Placenta also provides certain antibodies for immunity. However, placenta has no role in controlling and coordinating embryo. 

Placenta is located on the uterus in female reproductive system. 

Laminaria is used to slowly dilate the cervix to induce labour and delivery.

Prenatal means before childbirth.

It is true that fetal heart rate is faster than an adult heart rate, which ranges from 100 -140 beats per minute. Changes in the fetal heart rate, which occur with contractions, form a pattern. Baby's heart rate increases with mother's movement and with uterine contractions.

In a pregnant lady, the plasma hCG levels are the highest between weeks 8 and 10 of gestation as the hCG is secreted by the early embryo.

The L : S ratio was the first test to assess fetal lung maturity. Sufficient amniotic fluid is required for accurate assessment of fetal lung maturity. It is regarded as the best single assessment of fetal lung maturity.

The placenta facilitates bidirectional exchange between maternal and fetal blood. Oxygen and nutrients flow from mother to fetus, while waste products (primarily carbon dioxide) flow from fetus to mother for elimination. Option C is correct - the mother's blood removes CO2 waste from fetal circulation.

The placenta is the specialized organ that transfers oxygen, nutrients, and antibodies from the mother's blood to the fetus while removing waste products. Option A is correct. Blood capillaries are tiny vessels, the uterus is the muscular organ that houses the fetus, and the oviduct (fallopian tube) is where fertilization occurs, not nutrient transfer.

People use pre-natal sex determination techniques to know the sex of their child, whether it’s a male or a female.

(4) “Par” is the root word which means “give birth”.

Erythroblastosis fetalis is an hemolytic disease of the newborn. It classically results from Rh incompatibility when  Rh negative mother carries a foetus,  which is Rh positive. Such Rh positive RBC of foetus when comes in contact with the blood of mother, it stimulates maternal antibody production against Rh antigens. The first pregnancy may be normal, but in subsequent pregnancy, these antibodies lyse foetal RBC causing anaemia and even death. However, maternal sensitization and antibody production can be prevented by injecting mother with Rh (D) immunoglobulin at parturition.

Yes, it is correct as both b and c are true. Uterus is a pear-shaped hollow muscular organ, where the embryo gets implanted and develops into a newborn baby. The wall of the uterus provides safety and nutrition to the growing foetus.