ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the maternal factors that influence fetal development, taking into consideration obstetric, medical, social and environmental factors. Pregnancy extends from conception to birth, which means that there are significant potential opportunities for factors to impact fetal development. The most serious complications occur in the early embryonic phase between 3 and 8 weeks. Insults occurring within 2 weeks of fertilisation will have one of two outcomes: either survival or loss of the pregnancy. The reason for this is related to the development of the zygote, a fragile cell mass, which goes through significant changes during early development. Good history taking before the clinical assessment will offer an understanding of the birth transition and highlight key areas for concern. Blood-borne viruses, for example, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B, can be transferred to the fetus in utero; antiretroviral drugs for HIV should be offered to treat the mother.
