Final answer:
Fetal viability refers to the fetus' ability to survive outside the uterus, a critical marker for prenatal development, particularly in multiple pregnancies where each is counted as a single gravida. Nutritional needs and the avoidance of harmful substances are essential for successful fetal growth and development. Practices like IVF have been modified to reduce the chance of multiple-birth pregnancies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fetal viability is a crucial concept in understanding the development of multiple offspring during a pregnancy. It refers to the point in fetal development at which a fetus is likely to survive outside the uterus. It should be noted that a pregnancy involving multiple fetuses is still considered a single gravida and if the fetuses reach the point of viability, it would be regarded as a single para. Furthermore, intensive medical care is often essential for the survival of premature babies.
Throughout gestation, which encompasses both the embryonic and fetal stages, critical development occurs. The point from which the developing human is considered a fetus begins at the ninth week after fertilization, lasting until birth, around 38 weeks. When discussing prenatal development, it's important to recognize that the needs of the fetus, such as nutrients and waste removal, are met by the pregnant individual.
For those undergoing procedures like IVF (in vitro fertilization), there have been changes in practices to minimize the number of embryos transferred, acknowledging the increased potential for successful implantation with fewer embryos and thereby reducing the chances of multiple-birth pregnancies. Nutritional needs such as folic acid, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids increase during pregnancy, and avoiding harmful substances is crucial for the health of the developing fetuses.