1. When Egg Meets Sperm…

2. Life Spans Unfertilized egg can only live for 24 hours
Sperm usually live for 48 hours (can live up to 7 days) in a women’s body

3. Fertilization The fusion of a sperm and egg
Millions of Sperm are released in the vagina
move up uterus & to the fallopian tubes 
if there is an egg, fertilization occurs
ONLY 1 sperm can fertilize an egg!
Once this occurs, a protective shield forms (fertilization envelope) around the egg
Fertilized egg = Zygote

4. What’s Next? Zygote divides into many cells  moves into uterus
Ball of cells = blastocyst
Cells travel for 7-8 days
Attach to uterine lining & continue developing
Called implantation

5. The Pathway

6. Implantation Occurs when the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus
Some women can feel this occur (feel light cramps)
Causes a hormone called hcG to be released
Supports pregnancy
what pregnancy tests use

7. After implantation: Pregnancy
Membranes develop around the embryo to protect & nourish it = placenta

8. More on pregnancy… Umbilical cord: connects embryo to mom
Transports oxygen & nutrients to embryo
Removes waste products
At 8 weeks, embryo is called a fetus
Pregnancy lasts about 266 days
40 weeks or 9 months

9. Giving Birth Oxytocin (hormone) triggers uterine wall to contract
Labor begins
Cervix expands
Baby starts to emerge, head first  cut cord
Cord will dry up/fall off  becomes your belly button
Placenta must be delivered after baby

10. Miscarriages Spontaneous end of a pregnancy Types: Causes:
Occurs when a fetus can NOT survive out of the womb
Types:
Embryo stops growing very early  no fetus forms
Fetal heartbeat has stopped  fetus has died
Causes:
Genetic
Uterine abnormalities, hormonal abnormalities
Reproductive tract infections
Tissue rejection
Risk Factors: diabetes, smoking, drugs, fertility issues, etc

11. Stillbirth Baby has died during delivery or prior to birth
Causes: (many)
Umbilical cord
Diabetes
Trauma
Drugs, smoking
Birth defects
infections

12. Ectopic Pregnancies Implantation occurs outside the uterus in:
In fallopian tube *most common 95%*
Cervix
Abdomen
Ovary
Pregnancy has to be terminated
Symptoms similar to pregnancy
Additional symptoms: bleeding, lower back pain, low blood pressure, dizziness, sharp stabbing pain in back/neck

13. Infertility Inability to conceive Options: Can be female or male
Fertility drugs: side effects include multiples
IVF (invitro fertilization): fertilization happens outside the body
Very expensive, possible multiples
Egg Donors/Sperm Donors
Expensive, invasive for egg donors
Would you want it?
Adoption
Can be expensive, heartbreaking, and joyful

14. Why do Birth Control Pills Work?
Estrogen & progesterone pills  fool your body into thinking you are pregnant
Hence, you don’t ovulate (or shouldn’t), FSH & LH stay low
Effectiveness also depends on following directions