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Illustration of fundal height at various points during pregnancy. Some degree of weight gain is expected during pregnancy. The enlarging uterus, growing fetus, placenta, amniotic fluid, normal increase in body fat, and increase in water retention all contribute weight gain during pregnancy. The amount of weight gain can vary from 5 pounds (2.3 ...
Human embryology is the study of this development during the first eight weeks after fertilization. The normal period of gestation (pregnancy) is about nine months or 40 weeks. The germinal stage refers to the time from fertilization through the development of the early embryo until implantation is completed in the uterus.
The growth rate of an embryo and infant can be reflected as the weight per gestational age, and is often given as the weight put in relation to what would be expected by the gestational age. A baby born within the normal range of weight for that gestational age is known as appropriate for gestational age (AGA).
Linear growth is a complex process regulated by the growth hormone (GH) – insulin-like growth factor-1 axis, the thyroxine/triiodothyronine axis, androgens, estrogens, vitamin D, glucocorticoids and possibly leptin. [25] GH is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in response to hypothalamic, pituitary and circulating factors.
Sample growth chart for use with American boys from birth to age 36 months. A growth chart is used by pediatricians and other health care providers to follow a child's growth over time. Growth charts have been constructed by observing the growth of large numbers of healthy children over time.
The nervous system develops enough to control some body functions. The eyelids open and close. The cochleae are now developed, though the myelin sheaths in neural portion of the auditory system will continue to develop until 18 months after birth. The respiratory system, while immature, has developed to the point where gas exchange is possible.
High levels of prolactin during pregnancy and breastfeeding also increase insulin resistance, increase growth factor levels (IGF-1) and modify lipid metabolism in preparation for breastfeeding. During lactation, prolactin is the main factor maintaining tight junctions of the ductal epithelium and regulating milk production through osmotic balance.
Caffeine consumption during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of pregnancy loss [5] [41] and increased risk of low birth weight, defined as below 2500 grams (5.5 pounds). [ 42 ] [ 43 ] [ 44 ] The European Food Safety Authority and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concur that habitual caffeine consumption up to ...