So the idea that the fetus doesn't get nutrients from the mother for at least 6 weeks is thrown around a lot on this board.
I have never heard this before coming here so I am curious as to where you guys are getting this information? I'm not saying its not true, I'd just like to read something informative about it so I'm hoping you can link me to it.
I tried googling, but I can not seem to find anything relevant.
Also, there are a ton of changes that are occurring from conception to 6weeks, so how DOES the developing blastocyst get the nutrients needed to support such an expensive use of energy?
And if 6 weeks is the magic number, why are we told to take prenatal vitamins during the whole time we are TTA if it doesn't matter until 6 weeks?
Just curious, hoping someone can point me in the right direction
EDITED for spelling
Re: fetal nutrients before 6 weeks?
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While the primitive placenta is developing the yolk sak provides nutrients and creates red blood cells, around week 5 the primitive placenta starts to takes over and at 6 weeks or so the yolk sac is gone and the placenta takes over this is when blood and oxygen from the mother are shared (where you hear the term "crossing the placenta")
Prenatals are important for the nueral tube development, which begins in week 4 or 5, you are recommended to have prenatals in your body because the nueral tube is fold a the the top of the embroy which means it was created from the exisisting cells a the inception of pregnacy not at 4 weeks.
Does that makes sense? As lame as the website is, baby center does a pretty go job of explaining it as does your Pregnancy week by week.
https://www.babycenter.com/100_fetal-development_5214615.bc
BFP 3/17/10 Missed M/C Confirmed 4/12/10
MIF+Unexplained DX Feb 2012: Femara+Trigger+IUI=BFP
Yes, that makes sense. LOL, I would never have clicked on a site called babycenter for information, so I'm glad you pointed that out. However, I guess I see the yolk sac as being "made" by the mother with her nutrients. Fine line of distinction I suppose.
It's not that I'm worried about what people say, I was just curious b/c I never heard it before. Also, even though a cell maybe small, it needs a TON of energy to reproduce (biologically speaking).
But I agree to each their own.
yes, all true. I know WHY PNV's are important, I was questioning the 6 weeks thing. Many vitamins can not be stored in the fat cells and therefore are flushed out after a day or so. This is why I was questioning the 6 week thing. BUT I just read that extra folic acid can be stored in the liver for 6-9 months, so that answers that question.
I think the point that some people try to make is there is no need to freak out if you had a glass of wine or ate your weight in sushi*, feta cheese*, and lunch meat the night before you got your BFP, because there is no crossing of the placenta yet.
I do not see that as justicfication to keep drinking in excess and smoking and doing things that at any time are not good for your body etc until 6 weeks.
Issues with yolk sac development can obvious be a cause of miscarriage but there (from what I can find) no information if anything causes those developmental issues.
*My own PERSONAL thoughts on the matter is there is nothing wrong with pasturized soft cheese and sushi from a reputable place or wine in moderation after the 1st trimester.
BFP 3/17/10 Missed M/C Confirmed 4/12/10
MIF+Unexplained DX Feb 2012: Femara+Trigger+IUI=BFP
Here is my thinking. Technically speaking, you are 2 weeks when you ovulate. It takes another two weeks for the sperm to fertilize the egg and for it to implant. Putting you at four weeks. Not quite sure about the other two weeks, but IMO, if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant, you shouldn't do anything hazardous to the fetus.
I think when people say that, it's a simplification. It's my understanding that the embryo begins receiving some nutrients from the mother at implantation. But larger molecules like alcohol cannot pass through until there is a functioning placenta.
You are right, if the embryo received no nutrients from the mother, it wouldn't matter if we took PNVs. But since neural tube defects can occur earlier than 6 weeks and are a result of low maternal folic acid levels, obviously the nutrients in the mother's body do have an influence from the very beginning.
But where does the yolk sac get the energy and nutrients for those first few weeks?
From the glitter, duh.
BFP 3/17/10 Missed M/C Confirmed 4/12/10
MIF+Unexplained DX Feb 2012: Femara+Trigger+IUI=BFP
Thanks for asking this question. I've been wondering, too. I actually used to work for an organization that focused on brain disorders in children, and spoke to an expert on fetal alcohol syndrome (I was working on a study of autism development and we wanted to figure out a way to screen out babies at risk for FAS). She actually said that they believed (at the time - about 7 years ago) that the risk for FAS occurred very early. I remember she said 14-21 days of gestation; it struck me that most people have no idea they are pregnant at that time.
She also pointed out that they didn't know why FAS occurred for some women who drank in moderation, but not for other women who drank fairly large amounts throughout the pregnancy.
I know the common view on this board is "drink till it's pink" and that the baby starts getting nutrients from the mama at 6 weeks, but I think each person needs to determine what risks they feel comfortable with assuming.
All of this!!
Plus..don't forget...many women don't chart & some (like my SIL) don't have regular periods. therefore, my SIL didn't know she was PG until 8 weeks along and at that point the neural tube is closed.