Pregnancy And Birth Trivia Quiz

Answer: Missed period

The hormonal and biological changes that occur during menstruation and pregnancy are different. In menstruation, the inner female reproductive tract and organs undergo physical changes and in the absence of fertilization, the products are shed through the period. But if fertilisation occurs, different process take place which support the continuation of pregnancy and the bleeding doesn't occur.

Sometimes spotting in early pregnancy can be confused with a period.

Answer: Progesterone

A number of hormones are involved in the physiological process of pregnancy. Progestrone is one of the most important ones as it allows for the continuation of pregnancy. It helps in the preparation and maintenance of the internal environment for pregnancy and it is secreted by the corpus luteum in the ovaries.

The other important hormone is estrogen, which also has very important functions in the sustaining of the pregnancy. Other hormones that are associated with pregnancy to different degrees include human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), oxytocin and prolactin.

Answer: Cervix

The cervix lies in between the uterus and the vagina, in the birth canal. The fetus exits the birth canal through the vagina and the cervix has to dilate to allow passage of the fetus into it, from the uterus. Doctors usually measure the dilation in centimetres and the value can be used as an indicator for an impending birth.

A number of hormones are involved in the regulation of cervical dilatation including relaxin, prostaglandins and oxytocin.

Answer: Smoking

Smoking can cause a condition called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which can cause a small-for-dates baby. Smoking during pregnancy has effects on the placenta through which the baby receives blood, nutrients and oxygen. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of fetal death.

Moderate exercise is generally recommended during pregnancy and flying has not been linked with growth restriction of the fetus. Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy can cause macrosomia, a condition where the baby is large-for-date.

Answer: Meconium

Meconium is passed by the fetus within a short time after birth, sometimes in the first 48 hours. It usually has a sticky, greenish, tar like appearance. Delayed passage of meconium by the baby can indicate problems that need to be investigated. A situation called meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) occurs when the fetus passes the meconium inside the uterus, before the birth.

Answer: Perineum

The area between the vagina and the anus is referred to as the perineum. An episiotomy is a procedure done during birth, in which a surgical cut is made in the perineal area to support the passage of the fetus out of the birth canal. This cut is then sutured (stitched) after birth.

It is not done for all vaginal deliveries but only in certain conditions where it is important to support or speed up the birth.

Answer: Caesarean section

In Caesarean sections, the surgeon cuts through the abdominal and uterine walls to remove the baby. This method of delivery is only done in certain conditions often as the last resort. Sometimes the placenta blocks the reproductive canal which has potential dangerous consequences for the mother and baby. In this situation, a Caesarean section is recommended. Spinal anesthesia is usually given in most cases before the procedure.

Surgical delivery may also be needed if the baby is particularly large.

Answer: Day 14

Ovulation is the process by which an egg is expelled from the ovary into the fallopian tubes of the uterus. A hormone from the pituitary gland, called LH (luteinizing hormone), regulates this process. This event is considered to create the best environment for fertilisation. Women undergo physical changes during ovulation including slight increase is body temperature and some women experience mild abdominal pain.

Answer: Crowning

The head is the first part of the fetus that comes out at birth, in most cases. It is usually abnormal for other parts to present first at birth - some of these abnormal presentations are called breech. Crowning is an important process during birth that indicates imminent birth.

Answer: Placenta

The delivery of the placenta usually occurs a little while after the birth of the baby. This part of labor is usually referred to as the third stage of labor. The umbilical cord connects the baby to the placenta and this is usually cut or clamped after the delivery of the baby, before the placental delivery.

Placental delivery usually happens spontaneously but there are medications that can support it in cases that require them. Some small fragments can be retained in the uterus which can have physical effects on the mother.

Answer: Ectopic

After fertilisation occurs in the fallopian tubes, the fertilised ovum normally moves towards the cavity in the uterus and implants into its walls (implantation). When this occurs in sites other than the uterus, it is usually referred to as an ectopic pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy usually occurs in the fallopian tubes but can also be located in the ovaries and abdominal cavity. This condition can be diagnosed through an ultrasound scan. This situation can be life-threatening and needs the attention of a doctor.

Answer: Gestation

The period of gestation in humans is around 40 weeks, on average. The gestation period in humans is usually divided into first, second and third trimesters. Each one causes specific changes to occur in the mother and the baby.

A baby born during a normal length of gestation period is called term baby; one born very early is called pre-term and late ones are called post-term babies.

Answer: Yes

These twins are referred to as monozygotic twins, meaning that they develop from one ovum being fertilised by one sperm cell. The resulting zygote splits into two embryos and develops into twins. These identical twins usually have the same DNA and the same sex.

The other type of twins, called dizygotic twins, tend to be different from each other in many ways. They result from two sperms fertilising two separate ova, so the babies are no more alike than those born from separate pregnancies..

Answer: Prolactin

Prolactin is secreted by the pituitary gland, located in the brain. It prepares the mammary glands (breasts) during pregnancy and is involved in the production of milk. Low prolactin can cause insufficient milk supply. The baby's suckling can also trigger prolactin to start and maintain milk flow.

Answer: Anaemia

Iron is one of the integral molecules for development of haemoglobin and red blood cells. As haemoglobin is necessary for carrying oxygen, deficiency of iron in the body can lead to low levels in the body. The resulting condition is referred to as iron deficiency anaemia.

This can be caused due to low iron levels in diet or excessive loss of iron through blood loss. There are iron supplements that doctors may prescribe to those with iron deficiency based on results of lab tests.