Page 624 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Large particles such as bacteria cannot pass through the

placenta, but nutrients, medications, alcohol, antibodies, and viruses
can pass through the placenta.

VIII. Fetal Circulation

A. Umbilical cord
1. It contains 2 arteries and 1 vein.
2. The arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste
products from the fetus.
3. The vein carries oxygenated blood and provides
oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.
B. Fetal heart rate (FHR)
1. FHR depends on gestational age; FHR is 160 to 170
beats per minute in the first trimester but slows with
fetal growth to 110 to 160 beats per minute.
2. FHR is about twice the maternal heart rate.
C. Fetal circulation bypass (Fig. 20-1)
1. Fetal circulation bypass is present because of
nonfunctioning lungs.
2. Bypasses must close after birth to allow blood to flow
through the lungs and the liver.
3. The ductus arteriosus connects the pulmonary artery
to the aorta, bypassing the lungs.
4. The ductus venosus connects the umbilical vein and
the inferior vena cava, bypassing the liver.
5. The foramen ovale is the opening between the right
and left atria of the heart, bypassing the lungs.
IX. Family Planning
A. Description
1. Involves choosing when to have children
2. Includes contraception, prevention of pregnancy, and
methods to achieve pregnancy
B. Birth control
1. The focus of counseling on contraception must meet
the needs and feelings of the woman and her partner.
2. Several factors should be considered when choosing a
method of birth control, including effectiveness,
safety, and personal preference.

3. The woman’s preferences are most important,

and cultural practices and beliefs and religious or
other personal beliefs may affect the choice of
contraceptives.
4. Other factors that bear on selection of a contraceptive
method include family planning goals, age, frequency
of intercourse, and the individual’s capacity for

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