Pregnancy and Prenatal Development

Early signs of Pregnancy Absence of menstruation (some women may experience spotting) Extreme Fatigue After 6 weeks, increased need to urinate Nausea, Bloating Enlarged, tender breasts

PREGNANCY TESTS Home tests or Lab test - detects a hormone that is only present in pregnant women

PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

3 STAGES GERMINAL (Zygote) EMBRYONIC (Embryo) FETAL (Fetus)

GERMINAL Conception occurs ZYGOTE in the fallopian and the germinal stage begins Zygote embeds in the wall of the uterus. LASTS 2 WEEKS (most people don’t know a pregnancy has occurred) Placenta - organ filled with blood vessels that nourishes and filters the baby’s needs Umbilical Cord - from placenta to navel

EMBRYONIC 2ND STAGE Most critical stage 6 weeks (8th week of pregnancy) EMBRYO Any problem during this stage will affect the rest of the child’s life At the end of this stage, the baby has all the body parts and organs Baby receives both good & harmful substances from the mother

7 weeks

8 weeks 8 WEEKS - The unborn child, called a fetus after this week, is about half an inch long. The tiny person is protected by the amniotic sac, filled with fluid. Inside, the child swims and moves gracefully. The arms and legs have lengthened and fingers can be seen. The toes will develop in the next few days. Brain waves can be measured.

9th week to end of pregnancy Fetus Fetal Bone cells replace cartilage 3rd trimester 9th week to end of pregnancy 3rd month - heartbeat easily heard 4th to 5th month mom feels quickening 4th month - mom begins to show

20 WEEKS - The child can hear and recognize her mother’s voice. Though still small and fragile, the baby is growing rapidly & could possibly survive if born at this stage. Fingernails/prints appear. Sex organs are visible.

7th month - Age of Viability Age that a baby can survive if born The longer a child remains in the womb, the better the chances of normal birth and development 9th month - receives immunities from mom and turns to head down position to prepare for birth

Medical Care Where you live and availability Insurance or lack of insurance Doctors - Obstetricians, family practice physicians, certified midwife Costs of Care Normal - averages $5,000 Cesarean Birth - averages $8,000 Prenatal care and delivery are in one fee Hospital costs are extra Delaying care to save money doesn’t change fee

First Exam Usually the longest unless there are problems Complete medical history Draw blood for count and anemia Urine specimen: infection, diabetes, hypertension (sample taken at each visit) External abdomen measurement Internal - size & position of uterus (pap smear)

Regular Visits Monthly appointment until after the 7th month Then every 2 weeks until the last month Then every week 1. Keep a log of questions to ask doctor 2. Call in between if there are any problems

High Risk Pregnancies Being under age 17 - low birth weight Being over age 35 - especially over 40 Severely underweight or overweight A serious medical problem Rh incompatibility Previous history of pregnancy problems

Without early intervention, it is more likely that a child will be born with problems or the pregnancy will have complications.

Prenatal Tests Some routine, some only if problems Prenatal diagnostic techniques can detect more than 100 birth defects Ultrasonography Amniocentesis CVS - Chronic Villus Sampling

The End