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2.5Biology 02. Life Processes

Discuss how fetal development is affected by the health of the… — Cambridge Checkpoint Science 0893 Revision Notes & Topical Questions

5 min read 7 parts Lesson 5 of 13 1 quiz

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2.5 Fetal development and the health of the mother — CHECKPOINT - Lower Secondary Science 0893 notes: Discuss how the health, diet, smoking and drug use of the mother affect the development of a fetus.Fetus — a baby growing inside its mother before it is born.It lasts for the fir…

  • Needs of the fetus
  • Separate blood
  • Harmful substances
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Effect on babies
  • Medicinal drugs

Section 1 of 7The fetus and its mother

Fetus
  • Fetus a baby growing inside its mother before it is born.
  • It lasts for the first nine months of life.
Needs of the fetus
  • Needs of the fetus the fetus needs nutrients, oxygen and removal of its waste, all of which depend on the mother.

Section 2 of 7Exchange between mother and fetus

Separate blood
  • Separate blood the mother's blood does not mix with the fetus's blood.
Diffusion
  • Diffusion substances the fetus needs diffuse from the mother's blood into the fetus's blood.
  • Waste substances diffuse in the opposite direction.
Harmful substances
  • Harmful substances most drugs and chemicals in the mother's blood pass into the fetus's blood too.

Section 3 of 7Diet of the mother

NutrientReason it is needed in pregnancy
ProteinMakes new cells for the fetus and extra haemoglobin
CarbohydrateGives energy for both mother and fetus, but too much becomes fat
IronMakes haemoglobin for the mother's and the fetus's blood
CalciumHelps the fetus grow strong bones and keeps the mother's bones healthy
VitaminsKeep both mother and fetus healthy
  • A pregnant woman eats a balanced diet with a little more than usual.

Section 4 of 7Smoking

Carbon monoxide
  • Carbon monoxide diffuses into the fetus's blood and reduces the oxygen that haemoglobin can carry.
  • The fetus's cells respire less, which affects development.
Nicotine
  • Nicotine an addictive drug that damages blood vessels.
Effect on babies
  • Effect on babies babies born to mothers who smoked tend to be smaller than babies of non-smokers.

Section 5 of 7Drugs and alcohol

Drug
  • Drug a substance taken into the body that affects the way it works.
Medicinal drugs
  • Medicinal drugs a pregnant woman should check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any, including aspirin.
Harmful drugs
  • Harmful drugs illegal drugs and alcohol should be avoided.
  • Caffeine in large amounts is not recommended.

Section 6 of 7Key terms

TermMeaning
FetusAn unborn baby developing inside its mother.
DiffusionMovement of particles from where there are more to where there are fewer.
Carbon monoxideGas in tobacco smoke that reduces oxygen carried in blood.
NicotineAddictive drug in tobacco smoke that damages blood vessels.
DrugSubstance that affects the way the body works.

Section 7 of 7Exam technique

1
The blood of the mother and fetus mixes — the two blood systems come close but do not touch.
2
Only the mother is affected by smoking — carbon monoxide and nicotine pass to the fetus.
3
A pregnant woman should eat for two — she needs a little more food, not double.
4
All drugs are harmful in pregnancy — some medicines are needed but must be checked with a doctor.

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