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Theme 3: Risks for the foetus. - Coggle Diagram
Theme 3: Risks for the foetus.
Genetic abnormalities.
Faulty genes: Genetic abnormalities stem from faulty genes that transmit distorted messages, impacting development.
Types.
Ethnically-linked abnormalities: Disorders with higher prevalence within specific ethnic groups due to inheritance of a faulty gene from a common ancestor.
Sex-linked abnormalities: Occur on the sex chromosomes, like haemophilia.
Rarity: Emphasise that while genetic abnormalities can occur, they are uncommon, affecting only a small percentage of live births.
South African examples.
Tay-Sachs disease.
Albinism.
Porphyria.
Thalassemia.
Chromosomal abnormalities.
Significant impact: Chromosomal abnormalities are a major cause of pregnancy loss.
Down syndrome.
Characterised by intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, a stocky build, and often a pleasant temperament.
Usually caused by Trisomy 21: an extra chromosome on the 21st pair, resulting in a total of 47 chromosomes.
The most common chromosomal abnormality.
Teratogens
Diseases as teratogens.
Examples: Rubella, AIDS, Syphilis and Genital Herpes.
While the placenta provides protection, some pathogens can cross the harm the developing foetus.
Substances as teratogens.
Foetal Tobacco Syndrome: Restricts growth and can negatively impact later cognitive development.
Other drugs: Prescription medications, illicit substances, and even excessive caffeine can be harmful.
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Causes growth, cognitive, and behavioural problems. Severity depends on dosage.
Teratology: The field studying the harmful effects of environmental exposure on development.
Timing matters.
Embryonic period: Exposure risks major malformations as organs are forming.
Foetal period: Exposure can impair growth and developmental delays.
Teratogens defined: Substances that can cause developmental abnormalities.
Foetal origins hypothesis: How early life shapes later health.
Programming: Prenatal environment shapes the development and functional capacity of organs.
Predictive adaptive response.
If the foetus experiences poor nutrition, the body adapts to conserve energy and resources.
This prepares the foetus for continued scarcity but can become detrimental if the postnatal environment is plentiful.
Central idea: Prenatal experiences can have long-lasting effects on a person's health throughout life.
Implications.
The Foetal Origins Hypothesis suggests that prenatal conditions can predispose individuals to later health problems like:
Cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes.
Obesity.
Malnutrition: A threat across generations.
Consequences of malnutrition.
Retarded growth, risk of death in infancy, and potential intellectual disabilities.
Heightened susceptibility to infections.
Increased risk of stillbirth, low birth weight, premature birth, and deformities.
Long-term impact.
Malnutrition during critical periods can disrupt organ development.
It can program lifelong metabolic and health issues.
Dependency: The foetus relies on the mother's nutrition for healthy development.
Poverty and risk.
Kids in poverty are more vulnerable to physical, cognitive, and developmental problems.
Emphases the link between poverty and heightened health risks.
Maternal age and prenatal risks.
Older mothers (35+).
Likelihood of longer and more difficult labour and delivery.
Increased risks with pregnancies after age 40.
Important considerations.
Access to healthcare: Limited access to prenatal care can exacerbate risks for both young and older mothers.
Additional risk factors for older mothers: Pre-existing conditions, chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
Teenage mothers.
Highest risk for those 15 years of age and younger.
Increased susceptibility to premature births, stillbirths, and birth complications.
Maternal stress: Impact on prenatal development.
Mechanisms.
These hormones can cross the placenta, potentially affecting the foetus.
Stress hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline are released in response to the mother's emotional state.
Potential effects.
Research suggests links between maternal stress and:
Behavioural changes in newborns.
Potential long-term impacts.
Increased foetal activity.
Connection: A mother's anxiety or depression can influence the developing foetus and newborn.