Activity 2.1.5 Maternal and Child Health
Introduction
Due to her advanced age, Judy Smith is concerned about the health of her baby, but
she believes that some things should be left to chance. The couple is elated to be
pregnant again and they are excited to meet the new addition to the family. In order
to monitor the growth of the fetus and check for any chromosomal abnormalities,
they have agreed to routine ultrasounds as well as amniocentesis. However, she
and her husband James have decided against any other genetic testing of their
unborn child.
In this activity, you will learn about the procedures and medical interventions used to
monitor a pregnancy and safeguard the health of the fetus and the mother. You will
analyze Judy Smith’s test results and you will investigate technology used to monitor
and screen the growing child. Judy and James hope for a healthy pregnancy and a
healthy birth. A diary entry from one of the parents will reveal steps the couple is
taking to ensure proper prenatal care and the health of both mother and child.
Equipment
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Computer with Internet access
Laboratory journal
Procedure
Part I: Prenatal Screening: Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
1. Research the science behind amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
as well as the purpose of both tests. Begin by viewing the videos and reading the
articles listed below. Use additional Internet sites as needed, but make sure to
document each source. Take notes in your laboratory journal.
o Medical University of South Carolina – Health Video Library
http://www.muschealth.com/video/Default.aspx?videoId=10055&cId=34&t
ype=rel
o American Pregnancy Association – Amniocentesis
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/amniocentesis.html
o American Pregnancy Association – Chorionic villus sampling
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/cvs.html
2. Create a Venn diagram that compares the two procedures. Consider including a
simple, labeled illustration of each screening test in your diagram.
3. With a partner, discuss whether Judy Smith’s doctor should recommend
amniocentesis or CVS. Write a one paragraph summary of your argument in your
laboratory journal.
4. Answer Conclusion questions 1 - 4.
© 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Medical Interventions Activity 2.1.5 Maternal and Child Health – Page 1
Judy Smith has amniocentesis during the 16th week of her pregnancy. The procedure
goes well and there are no complications to the fetus. Chromosomal analysis reveals
the following karyotype.
5. Define the term karyotype in your laboratory journal. Describe what a karyotype
can tell expectant parents about their child. Use information you learned in PBS
or other facts you find on the Internet to compose your definition.
6. Analyze the karyotype of the fetus. Scan for any chromosomal abnormalities and
determine the sex of the new Smith baby. Describe your findings in your
laboratory journal.
7. Research one chromosomal abnormality (other than Down syndrome) that can
be diagnosed on a karyotype. Draw on the karyotype shown above to indicate
how this disease or disorder would be recognized. In your laboratory journal,
describe what life will be like for a child with this diagnosis.
8. Research why a woman of older age is at a greater risk for chromosomal
abnormalities. Relate your answer to the production of eggs and sperm in the
human reproductive system. Take notes in your laboratory journal.
9. Answer Conclusion question 5.
Part II: Prenatal Monitoring: Ultrasound
Judy’s amniocentesis results all come back normal. Judy goes in to the doctor regularly
for ultrasound examinations and for monitoring of her weight, blood pressure, and
glucose levels.
10. Use the Internet to research the science behind ultrasonography. Take notes in
your laboratory journal.
11. View the video clips on ultrasound listed below:
o Mayo Clinic: Fetal Ultrasound
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ultrasound/MM00084
o Medical University of South Carolina:
http://www.muschealth.com/video/Default.aspx?videoId=10055&cId=34&t
ype=rel
© 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Medical Interventions Activity 2.1.5 Maternal and Child Health – Page 2
12. Research what can be learned about a fetus by looking at an ultrasound image
by reading the information presented on Obstetric Ultrasound Scans at
http://www.ob-ultrasound.net/.
13. Using information from your research, the video clips and the article, write a one
paragraph description of how this technology can be used to monitor a growing
fetus. List at least four uses of ultrasound during pregnancy.
14. In your laboratory journal, describe to Mrs. Smith how her child is developing at
12 weeks and at 24 weeks. Use information found at the website The Visible
Embryo http://www.visembryo.com/baby/ to start your investigation. Explain
what she will be able to see on an ultrasound at each time period.
15. Read the National Geographic article 4-D Ultrasound Gives Video View of
Fetuses in the Womb at
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/02/0225_050225_tv_ultraso
und.html
16. Explore the 4D Ultrasound Scan Video Clips presented by Dr. Najeeb Layyous
found at http://www.layyous.com/ultasound/ultrasound_video.htm.
17. Answer Conclusion question 6.
Part III: Prenatal Care
Judy is vigilant about proper prenatal care. She wants to make sure she is taking good
care of herself and her unborn child.
18. Research steps Judy can take to ensure the health of her growing child. Think
about diet, exercise, vitamins, and any lifestyle restrictions. Take notes in your
laboratory journal.
19. Using what you have learned, create a one-page diary entry for either Judy or
James Smith that explains how each of the interventions you researched in Step
18 and studied in Parts I and II of the activity betters the lives of both mother and
child. Relay the information from the point of view of the parent, but make sure to
clearly show how the intervention or restriction promotes good health.
Judy Smith gives birth to a healthy baby boy named Carter later that spring. The Smiths
are elated that the pregnancy was a success and can not wait to introduce their new
son to the family.
20. Update your Smith family tree with the new addition.
21. Answer the remaining Conclusion questions.
© 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Medical Interventions Activity 2.1.5 Maternal and Child Health – Page 3
CONCLUSION QUESTIONS
1. Why do doctors more often recommend amniocentesis and CVS in women over
the age of 35?
2. Describe at least three reasons a woman may choose NOT to have a procedure
such as amniocentesis or CVS.
3. Why is amniocentesis a more widely used test than CVS?
4. How can cells obtained from CVS or aminocentesis be used for genetic testing?
5. Explain why advanced age has an effect on a woman’s eggs, but not necessarily
a man’s sperm.
6. How have 3-D and 4-D imaging technology changed prenatal care and
diagnosis?
7. Should a physician discourage a 42-year-old woman from having children
because of an increased chance of chromosomal abnormalities? Make sure to
think about all of the medical interventions that are available today as you explain
your reasoning.
8. Why should a woman who is pregnant take a vitamin high in folic acid?
9. Explain why a woman who is pregnant should avoid alcohol and drugs. What
effect do these substances have on the body systems of the fetus?
WEB PORTFOLIO
1. Upload a picture or re-create your Venn diagram that compares Amniocentesis
and Chorionic Villus Sampling
2. Include in your portfolio the chromosomal abnormality that you chose that can be
diagnosed on a karyotype. Include a description of the disease or disorder and a
schematic (picture) of the karyotype that shows how this disease or disorder
would be recognized. Describe what life will be like for a child with this diagnosis.
3. Create a table of steps that can ensure the health of a growing child. Think about
diet, exercise, vitamins, and any lifestyle restrictions.
© 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Medical Interventions Activity 2.1.5 Maternal and Child Health – Page 4