Prenatal Development & Birth Vocabulary

Conception: The union of an egg and a sperm resulting in the beginning of a pregnancy

SPERM: Male Cell

Ovum/Egg: Female Cell

Is it a GIRL or a BOY?

TWINS Fraternal: Twins that develop from two separate eggs that are fertilized by two separate sperm. Identical: Twins that develop from a single egg fertilized by a single sperm

ns Conjoined Twins

Uterus: The organ in a women’s body in which a baby develops during pregnancy.

Fallopian Tubes: Two very fine tubes that conduct the egg from the ovaries to the uterus.

Ectopic Pregnancy: Condition where a fertilized egg implants itself in any place other than the lining of the uterus.

Prenatal: Development of a baby during the period before birth, there are three stages.

Stage #1 Zygote: Conception – 2 weeks Sperm unites with the Egg Rapid cell division occurs

Stage #2 Embryo: 2 weeks to 6 weeks All major body systems and organs develop Most sensitive period because the foundations are being made

Stage #3 Fetus: 6 weeks to birth The fetus grows and matures during this time The body, head, arms, and legs grow rapidly Organs develop for blood circulation, breathing and digestion Nerves and muscles develop Heart pumps blood through veins and arteries

Placenta: Tissues that connect the umbilical cord of the fetus to the uterine wall

Lanugo: Soft woolly hair that covers the fetus

Amniotic Sac: Fluid filled pouch that cushions the developing fetus

Umbilical Cord: Nutrients and oxygen from the mother’s bloodstream pass to the embryo/fetus through this cord

Vernix: A white substance that covers the skin of the fetus and protects it from water logging

Ultrasound: Video image is produced by sound waves bouncing off baby’s internal structure

2D Ultrasound

3D Ultrasound

Amniocentesis: Drawing fluid from the amniotic sac by inserting a fine needle in the mother’s abdomen

OB-GYN/Obstetrician: Medical doctor who specializes in the care of pregnant women and delivering babies

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): Medical Nurse who is certified and trained to care for pregnant women and deliver babies Preferred by some women because CNM’s respect the natural process of childbirth and they give personal attention

Things to Avoid During Pregnancy: 1. Smoking 2. Alcohol 3. Lead

Things to Avoid During Pregnancy: 4. Work Related Hazards 5. Paint 6. Household Cleaners

Things to Avoid During Pregnancy: 7. Caffeine 8. Medications

Things to Avoid During Pregnancy: 9. Toxoplasmosis 10. Listeria :

More on Listeria……. What is it? a type of bacteria that is found in water and soil. Listeria has been found in uncooked meats, uncooked vegetables, unpasteurized milk, foods made from unpasteurized milk, and processed foods. What could happen? : Miscarriage Premature delivery Infection to the newborn Death to the newborn How can you protect the unborn baby? Eat hard cheeses instead of soft cheeses: The CDC has recommended that pregnant women avoid soft cheeses such as feta, Brie, Camembert, and Mexican style cheeses such as queso fresco, queso blanco and panela. Be cautious when eating hot dogs, luncheon meats, or deli meats : Eating out at certain restaurants that provide deli meat sandwiches is not recommended for pregnant women since they do not reheat their deli meats. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly