Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Cancer in pregnancy: fetal and neonatal outcomes
Carl H Backes1, Pamela A Moorehead, Leif D Nelin
1Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Center for Perinatal Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA. carl.backes@nationwidechildrens.com
Abstract:
Cancer during pregnancy represents a potential conflict between optimal maternal treatment and fetal development. Traditionally, clinicians operated under the assumption that cancer treatment during pregnancy is incompatible with normal fetal development. However, recent evidence suggests that many diagnostic and treatment modalities cause little or no harm to the developing fetus. As such, both maternal and neonatal interests should be considered when developing management strategies for pregnant cancer patients. In this review, we will discuss issues related to fetal and neonatal health associated with conventional diagnostic and treatment approaches in the care of pregnant women with cancer. In addition, we offer recommendations on strategies to maximize fetal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Teratogenicity
Cancer Survival Analysis
Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Cancer
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...