Keeping The Fetus Healthy

Keeping the fetus
healthy
Grade 8
How fetus gets nourishment
Pg 160
Growing Fetus
Q1. What were some key developmental milestones or
changes you observed in the video of the growing fetus?
-development of organs, limbs, facial features, and the growth in

size and complexity of the fetus.
Q2.. How do you think the nutrients a pregnant woman

consumes can influence the development of her baby's
organs and body parts during pregnancy?
- Nutrients from the mother's diet are essential for fetal

development, as they provide the building blocks for organs,
tissues, and bones.
During pregnancy, nutrition plays a pivotal role in ensuring both the
mother's and the baby's health and development. Let's delve into the specific
roles of carbohydrates, vitamins, and calcium in this process.
1. Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are the body's primary
source of energy.
During pregnancy, they provide the
necessary fuel for the mother's increased
energy requirements and support the
growth of the developing fetus.
Carbohydrates, particularly complex
carbohydrates found in foods like whole
grains, fruits, and vegetables, supply
glucose, which is vital for fetal brain
development and overall growth.
Vitamins:
Vitamins are essential for various
functions in the body, and during
pregnancy, their roles become even more
critical.
For instance, vitamins like folic acid are
crucial in preventing neural tube defects in
the baby. Other vitamins, such as Vitamin
C, support the immune system and help
with tissue repair.
Vitamin D is necessary for calcium
absorption, which is essential for fetal
bone development. Ensuring an adequate
intake of vitamins through a balanced diet
or supplements is vital for a healthy
pregnancy.
Calcium:
Calcium is a mineral that plays a significant role in

maintaining bone health and muscle function
. During pregnancy, the developing baby relies on

calcium to build strong bones and teeth. If the
mother's diet lacks sufficient calcium, her body will take
it from her bones, potentially leading to health issues
later.
Therefore, it's crucial for pregnant women to consume

enough calcium-rich foods to meet their increased
calcium needs.
DIET
Pg 161- Read and answer the questions.
Take the role of a gynaecologist specialising in women’s health.
Make a diet plan for a pregnant lady.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
O2RIvJ1U7RE
The World’s First Artificial Womb Facility.
Research and find about the possibilities and
challenges that this system could have.
The concept of the EctoLife facility was designed

by biotechnologist and science communicator
Hashem Al-Ghaili which shows what childbirth
might look like future. The artificial womb facility
is powered entirely by renewable energy.
EctoLife is designed to help countries that are

suffering from low populations. The facility
enables infertile couples to conceive and
become true biological parents of their own
children.
What according to you is responsible for the discomfort of the fetus ?
1. Maternal Diet: mother's diet could be a
factor, especially if she is consuming spicy
or unusual foods that might affect the
amniotic fluid's taste.
2. Environmental Factors: the environment
in which the mother lives, such as exposure
to strong odors or pollution, which could
lead to discomfort for the fetus.
3. Maternal Stress: Stress during pregnancy
might be identified as another factor
contributing to the fetus's discomfort. A
stressed mother might produce stress
hormones that affect the fetus.
4. Mother must be addicted to smoking.
How is it impacting the fetus?
1. Developmental Challenges: The discomfort could potentially hinder the

fetus's development because it may affect the baby's ability to receive
proper nutrition and oxygen.
2. Health Risks: The discomfort may put the baby at risk of health
problems because it could lead to stress and anxiety, which might have
consequences for the baby's well-being.
3. Potential Long-Term Effects: If the discomfort continues, it could have
long-term effects on the baby's health, possibly affecting their growth
and overall development.
SMOKING IN PREGNANCY (AV.17.4)
When a pregnant woman smokes, the smoke from cigarettes contains a harmful chemical
known as carbon monoxide (CO). This carbon monoxide is a significant concern because it
has a direct impact on the baby's oxygen supply. Now, let's dive into the details: (pg162)
1. Oxygen Supply: During pregnancy, it's crucial that the growing fetus receives a consistent
and adequate supply of oxygen. Oxygen is a vital element for the baby's healthy
development and growth. However, when a pregnant woman smokes, carbon monoxide in
the cigarette smoke enters her bloodstream.
2. Competition for Oxygen: Carbon monoxide has a special property—it has a much higher
affinity for haemoglobin in the blood than oxygen does. This means that when carbon
monoxide is present, it competes with oxygen to bind to haemoglobin.
3. Reduced Oxygen: As a result, carbon monoxide can push oxygen aside, binding to
haemoglobin and reducing the amount of oxygen that can be transported in the bloodstream.
This is a significant problem because it means less oxygen is available to be delivered to the
fetus.
4. Impaired Development: Oxygen is like fuel for the fetus. It's needed for all the metabolic
processes and growth. When the baby doesn't receive enough oxygen, its cells can't function
properly, and its development can be impaired. This can lead to various complications,
including low birth weight and even an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.
5. Increased Heart Rate: Furthermore, because the baby is not getting enough oxygen due to
smoking, its heart has to work harder to pump blood and try to compensate for the reduced
oxygen levels. This means the baby's heart rate may increase every time the mother smokes.
1. What can you see in this image?
Drawing of a fetus.
2. Can you guess who made this image?

- Leonardo Da Vinci
3. Why is it important to learn about the fetus?
- To understand human development and how

life begins.
- To learn about the early stages of a baby's
growth.
- To appreciate the complexity and beauty of the
human body.
- To be informed about the importance of
prenatal care for expectant mothers.
- To understand the connection between a mother
and her developing baby.
"How Smoking Affects Fetal Health:
Smoking, especially when a mom-to-be
smokes during pregnancy, can have some
serious and not-so-good effects on the
baby growing inside her. Here's how it
happens:
1. Less Oxygen: When someone smokes, they
breathe in harmful stuff, and it's not just bad
for them; it's bad for the baby too. The baby
gets less oxygen and nutrients because
smoking affects how blood flows to the baby.
2. Small and Early Babies: Smoking can make
the baby grow less. This means the baby might
be born too small, which can lead to health
problems. It might also make the baby come
out too early (premature), and that can be
risky.
"How Smoking Affects Fetal Health:
1. Breathing Problems: Babies born to

smoking moms can have trouble
breathing. They might need extra help
or even stay in the hospital longer.
2. Health Issues: Babies of smoking
moms are at a higher risk for health
issues like asthma, ear infections, and
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
3. Brain and Behaviour: Some research
suggests that smoking during
pregnancy might affect a baby's brain
development and behaviour as they
grow up.

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Keeping the fetus

-development of organs, limbs, facial features, and the growth in

Q2.. How do you think the nutrients a pregnant woman

- Nutrients from the mother's diet are essential for fetal

Calcium is a mineral that plays a significant role in

. During pregnancy, the developing baby relies on

Therefore, it's crucial for pregnant women to consume

Take the role of a gynaecologist specialising in women’s health.

Make a diet plan for a pregnant lady.

The concept of the EctoLife facility was designed

EctoLife is designed to help countries that are

1. Developmental Challenges: The discomfort could potentially hinder the

2. Can you guess who made this image?

3. Why is it important to learn about the fetus?

- To understand human development and how

1. Breathing Problems: Babies born to

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