Characteristic of the antenatal period
Specialists subdivide this period into embryonic and fetal. The first begins with the formation of a zygote and lasts up to 12 weeks of gestation. At this time, the main systems, organs, tissues are laid, the functioning of the brain departments begins. With adverse effects on the mother's body, gross violations in the development of the fetus and miscarriages are possible.
After 12 weeks of antenatal period, early fetal begins. This stage ends in 29 weeks. All the main organs are completing their formation by this moment. If a woman undergoes any harmful influence during this period, then on ultrasound the doctor can find out that the mass of the fetus and its tissues does not correspond to the norms. One of the common violations of this stage is the symmetrical form of intrauterine growth retardation, that is, when the child lags behind the norm in weight, height, other indicators. Most often, this pathology occurs when the mother is infected with TORCH viruses, chromosomal abnormalities and various genetic disorders. Also, certain harm is caused by medications, alcohol.
After 29 weeks and until the end of gestation, they talk about the late fetal period. At this stage, the first signs of the maturity of the fetus appear. At this time, an asymmetric form of intrauterine growth retardation may occur. The reason for this, most often, is fetoplacental insufficiency. With her, the placenta is unable to provide the fetus with all the necessary nutrients and oxygen. Such a state can be caused by the following factors:
- multiple pregnancies;
- gestosis;
- abnormalities of umbilical cord development;
- placenta previa;
- pathology of the uterus.
Doctors have in their arsenal various methods of treating such pathologies.
Critical periods
In the antenatal period of the development of the child, terms are given that require special attention to the health of the expectant mother:
- 7-12 day, that is, the time when the embryo is implanted;
- from 3 to 6 weeks of gestation;
- from 9 to 12 weeks of pregnancy;
- from 18 to 22 weeks.
The antenatal and neonatal periods are closely related. The latter lasts from birth until the 28th day of the newborn's life. Congenital infections, immune conflict, intrauterine hypoxia - all this will affect the health of the baby.