Overview of human genetics and genetic disorders
As part of the routine antenatal care, which Zara is receiving from her midwife at her local maternity unit, Zara is offered a 20-week anomaly ultrasound as part of the…
Embryo development and fetal growth
Zara is 5 feet and 2 in. tall (155 cm) and, prior to pregnancy, wore size 8 clothes; she wears size 3 (European size 35.5) shoes. Her husband, James, is…
The placenta
At Zara’s 20-week scan, the ultrasonographer documented in her report that the placenta was situated on the anterior wall of the uterus with the majority of the placental body situated…
The transition to neonatal life
The midwife officially recorded Zak as having an Apgar score of 9 at approximately 1 min of age. Following the delivery James was surprised how alert his son Zak was,…
Maternal nutrition and health
Both Zara and James follow a vegetarian diet and try to lead a healthy lifestyle. At her first visit to the midwife, Zara was calculated as having a body mass…
Overview of immunology
Zara and James try and live a healthy lifestyle; they both have never smoked and have not drunk any alcohol for many years. They follow a vegetarian diet and prefer…
Physiological adaptation to pregnancy
Zara is now in the third trimester of her pregnancy. She informs her midwife that she is not sleeping well, and James prefers to sleep in the spare room as…
The puerperium
Zak was born 2 days after his expected date of delivery and was the first son born to his proud parents, Zara and James. Zak was delivered at around 04:30…
Lactation and infant nutrition
Almost immediately following his birth, Zara placed Zak in her arms and he instinctively latched onto the breast and started feeding before the cord was cut. Zak fed on the…
Reproductive cycles
Note about terminology Although the terms are often used interchangeably, the term ‘oocyte’ refers to the developing gamete within the ovary, whereas the term ‘ovum’ (plural ova) refers to the…
