Pregnancy & Childbirth

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Labor & Delivery

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

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

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

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