IDENTIFYING FETAL DEVELOPMENT

Updated 1/26

Dear nurses,

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In the image above, a young woman is visiting her
doctor for her first prenatal checkup. A history and
physical is done by the nurse. Blood pressure, pulse
and heart rates are checked and recorded at each 

prenatal visit. Lab values are also done.

Significant information about her last menstrual
period, still births, any previous pregnancies or
abortions.

The first three weeks of pregnancy is known as
the pre-embryonic or zygote stage. The next
four- eight weeks are known as the embryonic 
stage.

Types of pelvis

There are four main types of pelvis. They
are demonstrated in the image above.

Fundal height

During the prenatal period, the pregnant
uterus grows as the fetus grows.The fundal
height is used to assess the growth of the
developing fetus. 

During each visit the fundal height will be
measured in centimeters. This is done, from
the top of the uterus to the top of the pubic bone.

Learn more about: Fetal Heart Monitoring

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Braxton Hicks contractions

These contractions are mild uterine contractions
that may start around the second trimester. They
become more frequent in the third trimester.