1. Pregnancy & Childbirth

2. Conception & Pregnancy
Zygote—a single cell formed by conception.
This zygote divides again and again until it becomes an…
Embryo—is the name for a developing baby during the first 8 weeks after conception
Fetus—is the name for a developing baby from the end of the 8th week after conception until birth

3. Conception & Pregnancy
Fertilized egg undergoes cell division and moves to the uterus
After 6 days these divides cells—an embryo are implanted into the uterus
Outer cells of the embryo form the placenta—links the embryo to the inner wall of the uterus
Umbilical Cord—a ropelike tube through which the mother and the developing embryo exchange oxygen, nutrients and waste.
One end connects to the placenta and the other end attaches the embryo’s navel.

4. The embryo is enclosed in the Amniotic sac in the uterus
Amniotic Sac—a thin membrane filled with fluid in which the embryo floats
Fluid serves as a cushion that protects the embryo from injury and helps maintain a constant temperature
It remains in the sac as it develops during the months of being a fetus

5. Pregnancy Pregnancy—is the time from conception until birth
hormones prepare her body for growth and development of the embryo and eventually the fetus
Hormones cause changes including absence of menstruation, enlarged or tender breasts, fatigue, increased urination, and morning sickness
Morning sickness—is the general term for nausea or vomiting that can occur any time of the day during pregnancy
Mood swings & depression are also common

6. Pregnancy Tests
Early pregnancy tests are important because a woman who does not know that she is pregnant might choose to avoid behaviors that will damage the fetus such as…
Avoid alcohol
Avoid tobacco
Other drugs
Avoid x-rays
A physician performs a pregnancy test
A pregnancy test kit can be purchased at a drug store
Tests check a woman’s urine for the presence of a hormone that is produced only during pregnancy.—hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
At home pregnancy tests can be done in 2 to 5 minutes and are as accurate as a doctors pregnancy test

7. Prenatal Care
Prenatal care—is the care a woman should receive when she is pregnant. It involves practicing healthful behaviors & regular medical checkups.
Obstetrician—physician who specializes in the care of pregnant woman
Pregnant woman should avoid the following…
Alcohol—can cause birth defects
Cigarettes—premature, asthma, respiratory infections and low birth weight
Drugs—consult a doctor, illegal—can cause the developing fetus to die
Exposure to infections—STD’s, rubella, German measles
Obstetrician—helps to ensure that mothers to be are practicing healthful behaviors…following a healthy diet, avoiding risk behaviors, exercise regularly and regular medical checkup
Alcohol—the alcohol passes directly into the developing baby’s system. Can cause birth defects including mental retardation. Birth Defect—an abnormality present at birth that can cause physical or mental disability or death.
Exposure to infections—some infections during pregnancy can hurt a developing baby. These include STD’s and rubella, or German measles. Women can be vaccinated against rubella before becoming pregnany

8. Possible Problems During Pregnancy
Miscarriage—a natural ending of pregnancy before the fetus has developed for 20 weeks. Possible causes include infection, diseases that the mother has (diabetes) and hormone problems

9. Preeclampsia—toxemia, is a condition in pregnant women that causes high blood pressure along with either protein in the urine or swelling. Can lead to coma, convulsions, and death if not treated.

10. Premature Birth—birth of the baby before it is fully developed
Premature Birth—birth of the baby before it is fully developed. Premature if it is born 3 weeks before it is due. Premature babies have a increase for health problems…underdeveloped lungs

11. Labor & Delivery

12. 1st Stage Contractions begin
Opening of the cervix dilates or widens gradually
Dilation of the cervix allows the baby’s head to enter the vagina or birth canal
Contractions may be mild, but gradually becoming stronger, longer and more frequent
Contractions can last up to a minute and a half.
This stage can last from 1 to 15 hours or longer

13. 2nd Stage
Baby slowly moves out of the uterus and into the birth canal via contractions
The woman pushes during each contraction to help nudge the baby forward
Baby’s head is seen at the opening of the vagina, and delivery soon follows
This stage usually lasts between 30 minutes and a hour and a half

14. 3rd Stage
After the arrival of the baby, the uterus starts contracting again
Contractions are mild, but strong enough to force the delivery of the placenta or afterbirth
Process takes from 10 to 30 minutes and completes the labor process
Delivery may happen through cesarean birth or C-section
C-Section—is a surgical procedure, in which the baby and the placenta are delivered through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus

15. The Postpartum Period
First few weeks post delivery, hormone levels in the woman’s body change dramatically
Mammary glands in the breast to produce milk so she can nurse
Breast milk—provide the baby with nutrition and contains antibodies that fight infections and enzymes that aid digestion
Drugs, alcohol can pass through to the baby—HIV can pas to the baby in breast milk
Some women may experience postpartum depression
Mildly depressed, upset or anxious