Do Now: Look at the photo on page 443 and write a paragraph explaining why you think the egg is much larger than the sperm.

Ch. 18-Pregnancy and Early Development

4 Early Signs of Pregnancy 1) A missed menstrual period; often feels like a period is about to start. 2) Positive urine or blood test for human chorionic gonadotropin hormone. 3) Tenderness and enlargement of the breasts and darkening of the nipples. 4) Nausea (“morning sickness”) and fatigue.

How Life Begins Key Terms: Sexual Intercourse- is the reproductive process in which the penis is inserted into the vagina and through which a new human life may begin. Embryo: A developing human, from fertilization through the first 8 weeks of development. Placenta: A blood vessel-rich organ that forms in a mother’s uterus and that provides nutrients and oxygen to and removes wastes from a developing human. Fetus: A developing human, from the start of the ninth week of pregnancy until delivery. Prenatal Care: the healthcare provided for a woman during her pregnancy.

How Baby grows in womb during pregnancy tps://youtu.be/m6ahtFU4Jb_0I

Group Activity:

3 Groups: 1) First Trimester 2) Second Trimester 3) Third Trimester

Beliefs VS. Reality 1. “A missed menstrual period is a sure sign of pregnancy.” 2. “It takes the entire weeks for the major structures in a growing baby to develop.” 3. “Drugs cannot cross the placenta into the baby during pregnancy.” 4. “Pregnant women do not have to visit the doctor until at least 3 months of pregnancy.” 1. It is common for women to have irregular periods. A woman is not necessarily pregnant if she missed a period. 2. By the end of the first 3 months, all of the baby’s major body structures have formed. 3. Most drugs can cross the placenta into the baby’s body. 4. Regular doctor visits from the first sign of pregnancy are necessary to ensure the mother’s and baby’s health.

Group Discussion: Prenatal Care and the Father Why is it important for the father of the child to maintain good health along with the pregnant mother?

Keeping Healthy Before and During Pregnancy

What to do: Avoid alcohol and other drugs (including caffeine and tobacco), and exposure to cigarette. Maintain a nutritious diet that follows the Food Guide Pyramid and eat regular meals. Take prenatal vitamins, prescribed by a healthcare provider, before and throughout a pregnancy. Get a regular, moderate levels of exercise, if approved by a doctor. Have all medical conditions evaluated by a doctor early in the pregnancy.

**Prenatal Care During Pregnancy** Pregnant women are encouraged to exercise throughout their pregnancy as long as their exercise plan has been approved by their healthcare physician. Exercise is a good way for a pregnant woman to maintain good health, relieve tension, improve circulation, and increase muscle tone and strength. Walking, low impact aerobics, and swimming are recommended forms of exercise for pregnant women.

Exit Slip! Why is Prenatal Exercise important?