The Baby's Support System

• What forms from some cells after fertilization?

  Embryo
• What is formed by some cells after fertilization besides the embryo?

  Placenta
• What is the role of the placenta?

  It supports the baby's growth and development
• What are the components of the baby's support system?

  • Placenta
  • Amniotic sac and fluid
  • Umbilical cord
• What connects the placenta to the baby?

  Umbilical cord
• Where is one side of the placenta attached?

  To the uterus wall
• What is the approximate thickness of the placenta at 40 weeks?

  1. 5 cm
• What is the approximate weight of the placenta at 40 weeks?

  500 grams
• What color is the placenta?

  Deep red
• When is the placenta expelled from the body?

  During the third stage of labour
• What are the main functions of the placenta?

  • Provide oxygen to the fetus
  • Supply nutrients for development
  • Remove waste products
  • Link mother's blood supply to baby
  • Pass antibodies for infection resistance
  • Act as a barrier against harmful substances
• How does the mother's blood interact with the baby's blood?

  They never mix but come close
• What is the main purpose of the amniotic sac?

  To ensure safe growth of the fetus
• How much amniotic fluid surrounds the baby by the end of pregnancy?

  About 1.2 litres
• What are the main functions of the amniotic sac and fluid?

  • Enable fetal movement
  • Maintain constant warm temperature
  • Cushion and protect the fetus
• What is the umbilical cord's role?

  Connects baby to placenta
• What happens to the umbilical cord immediately after birth?

  It is clamped and cut
• How long does it take for the umbilical cord stump to fall off?

  About a week
• What is the baby's support system?

  The placenta, amniotic sac, and umbilical cord
• What does the umbilical cord carry to the baby?

  Blood and nutrients
• From what does the placenta develop?

  From the baby
• What does the umbilical cord remove from the baby?

  Waste products
• What does the umbilical cord carry to the baby?

  Oxygen
• What is the size of the placenta at 40 weeks of pregnancy?

  1. 5 cm thick and 20 cm wide
• What is the weight of the placenta at 40 weeks of pregnancy?

  500 g
• What are the functions of the placenta?

  • Links the blood supply of the mother to the baby
  • Provides the fetus with food
  • Supplies oxygen for the fetus to breathe
  • Removes waste products like CO2
  • Acts as a barrier against harmful substances
• What is the main purpose of the amniotic sac during pregnancy?

  To allow the fetus to grow safely
• What are the functions of the amniotic fluid?

  • Enables the fetus to float freely
  • Keeps the fetus at a constant warm temperature (37°C)
  • Supports, cushions, and protects the fetus from falls
• What does the umbilical cord carry to the baby?

  Oxygen, nutrients, and blood
• What does the umbilical cord remove from the baby?

  Waste products such as CO2