2006-08-27 00:15:03 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
The human foetus gestates in a fluid filled sac within the mother's uterus (womb), connected to the mother by an umbilical cord and placenta. The placenta is attached to the mother's uterine endometrial lining (the lining of the womb) and is the means whereby the foetus gains oxygen and nutrients.
The description of normal intrauterine growth is quite a lengthy one, so look at the web sites.
A number of factors influence the growth of the foetus.
These include:
health of the MOTHER - including infections (eg rubella), drugs (either medications or drugs of abuse, incl alcohol), general health and nutrition - maternal illnesses like diabetes and hormonal disorders can influence the baby's growth - maternal heart or renal disease may influce the mother's ability to carry the pregnancy through
health of the PLACENTA - particularly affected by illness of the vascular system (hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, vasculitis and other autoimmune diseases) - cigarette smoking and other drugs which may impair the placental function - usually a poorly functioning placenta will result in a smaller baby
health of the FOETUS - genetic abnormalities (especially chromosomal aberrations) of the foetus will determine growth. Intrauterine infections and congenital malformations can also affect growth. Teratogenic drugs given at susceptible times can impede (& in theory accelerate) foetal growth
2006-08-27 01:47:12 · answer #1 · answered by Orinoco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Health, and other environmental factors for the mother such a drugs, alcohol, and smoking. Proper nutrition through the siting of the placenta. Hereditary factors that can lead to abnormal development.
2006-08-27 00:49:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋