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Definition
| The combining of genetic material from a male gamete (sperm) and a female gamete (ovum); fertilization. |
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Definition
| A fertilized ovum (conception-2nd week, corr with 1st missed period) |
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Definition
| The developing organism from the 3rd week, when implantation is complete, through the 8th week after conception. |
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Definition
| A fluid containing watertight membrane that surrounds and protects the embryo or fetus. |
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Definition
| An organ that forms where the embryo attaches to the uterus. This organ exchanges nutrients, oxygen, and wastes between the embryo or fetus and mother through a very thin membrane that does not allow the passage of blood. |
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Definition
| A soft cable of tissue and blood vessels that connects the fetus to the placenta. |
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Definition
| The developing organism from the 9th wk to the 38th wk after conception. |
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Definition
| The age (presently 23 or24 weeks) at which the infant has a chance to survive if born prematurely. |
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Definition
| An agent that can cause abnormal development in the fetus. |
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Definition
| The study of the effects of teratogens on development. |
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Term
| Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) |
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Definition
| A set of features in the infant and child caused by the mother's use of alcohol during pregnancy; typically includes facial malformations and other physical and mental disabilities. |
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Definition
| The practice of advising prospective parents about genetic diseases and the likelihood that they might pass on defective genetic traits to their offspring. |
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Definition
| A non-invasive procedure for detecting physical defects in the fetus. A device that produces soundlike waves of energy is moved over the pregnant woman's abdomen, and reflections of these waves form an image of the fetus. |
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Term
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Definition
| A procedure for collecting cells that lie in the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. A needle is passed through the mother’s abdominal wall into the amniotic sac to gather discarded fetal cells. These cells can be examined for chromosomal and genetic defects. |
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Term
| Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) |
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Definition
| A procedure for gathering fetal cells earlier in pregnancy than is possible through amniocentesis. A tube is passed through the vagina and cervix so that fetal cells can be gathered at the site of the developing placenta. |
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