Introduction to physiology
Zara is a 29-year-old primipara who presents herself at the midwife’s clinic, which is held at her GP’s surgery, giving a history of a positive pregnancy test. • If Zara…
Physiology of parturition
While working in Africa, Zara had been able to assist several of her African friends during childbirth, all of which had occurred at home and attended by mostly female relatives…
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…
The reproductive and urinary systems
Zara, during the booking appointment, is asked by the midwife to provide a mid stream specimen of urine to screen for infection. The midwife notes that the specimen appears cloudy…
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…
