Pregnancy and Childbirth

Conception ► Conception/Fertilization – the union of an ovum and a sperm  One ovum matures and is released from an ovary each month  Ovulation usually occurs on about the 14 th day before the expected beginning of the next menstrual period  Once an ovum is released, it enters a fallopian tube where it can be fertilized if sperm are present ► Heredity is determined at conception

Conception ► In some cases, the physician may recommend a pregnant female have a test for possible genetic defects in the fetus or embryo  Genetic Counseling – a process in which a trained professional interprets medical information concerning genetics to prospective parents  Amniocentesis – a diagnostic procedure in which a needle is inserted through the uterus to extract fluid from the amniotic sac ► During amniocentesis, cells are analyzed to determine if any genetic defects are present in the fetus or embryo

Conception (cont) ► Ultrasound – diagnostic procedure used to monitor the fetus  Uses high frequency sound waves to develop an image of the developing baby  The image is evaluated by the physician and birth defects can be detected

Pregnancy Pregnancy ► After conception, the fertilized egg begins cell division and moves through the fallopian tube  The egg is a cluster of cells by the time it reaches the uterus ► Attaches to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) ► Embryo – the name given to a developing baby through the second month of growth after conception (4-5 cm) ► Fetus – the name given to a developing baby from the ninth week until birth

Structures that Form Outside Embryo ► Placenta – the outer cells of the embryo and the cells of the endometrium form the placenta  An organ that anchors the embryo to the uterus ► Umbilical Cord – formed by cells  Ropelike structure that connects the embryo to the placenta  Blood from the mother carries nutrients and oxygen to the embryo through the cord

Pregnancy Determination ► 1 st Sign of Pregnancy – absence of a menstrual period  A Missed period does not always indicate pregnancy  A female may skip her period because of stress, diet, physical activity, or illness ► If conception has occurred, there are other symptoms  Tenderness in the breasts  Fatigue  Change in appetite  Morning sickness ► Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

Fetal Development

Prenatal Care ► Prenatal Care – Care given to the mother-to- be and baby before birth ► Includes the following:  Routine medical examinations  Proper nutrition  Reasonable exercise  Extra rest and relaxation  Childbirth and child-care education  Avoidance of drugs and other risk behaviors  The practice of common sense!

Prenatal Care (cont) ► A pregnant female needs a well-balanced diet ► Premature birth or a low birth weight can result when a developing baby does not receive adequate nutrients  Premature birth – the birth of a baby before it is fully developed, or less then 38 weeks from the time of conception  Low birth weight – a weight at birth that is less than 5.5 pounds

Prenatal Care (cont) ► A pregnant female needs to check with her physician before taking any prescription or over-the-counter drugs ► Drugs present in her bloodstream can pass into the developing baby’s bloodstream and can harm the developing baby  Tranqulizers  Acne medication  Hormones (birth control pills)  Aspirin

Prenatal Care (cont) ► A female should not drink alcohol during pregnancy ► Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – the presence of severe birth defects in babies born to mother who drink alcohol during pregnancy  FAS includes: ► Damage to the brain and to the nervous system ► Facial abnormalities ► Small head size ► Below normal IQ ► Poor coordination ► Heart defects ► Behavior problems

Prenatal Care (cont) ► A pregnant female should not smoke or inhale sidestream smoke from tobacco products ► Females who smoke have smaller babies in poorer general health than babies of non-smoking females ► Increases the risk of complications, miscarriage, and still birth  Increased risk of heart disease in adulthood ► A pregnant female should not use other harmful drugs such as marijuana, crack, cocaine, or heroin  Babies can be born prematurely and have low birthweight  They may be born addicted to drugs  Caffeine has also be linked with birth defects

Childbirth ► Labor – the process of childbirth ► Signs that indicate the beginning of labor:  Muscular contractions in the uterus start, become more intense, last longer, and become more frequent  The amniotic sac may rupture before or shortly after labor begins ► A discharge or gushing of water from the vagina indicates the sac has broken  There may be blood from the mucous plug that sealed the cervix during pregnancy

Stages 1 of Labor ► There are 3 distinct stages of Labor:  Stage 1: Dilation of the Cervix ► The longest stage lasting from 2 hours to an entire day ► Dilation or widening of the cervix occurs ► The cervical opening enlarges 8 to 10 centimeters, wide enough for the baby to move through

Stage 2 of Labor  Stage 2: Delivery of the Baby ► Begins when the cervix is completely dilated and ends with the delivery of the baby ► The baby moves farther down the birth canal, usually head first ► The mother-to-be pushes and the muscles in her uterus contract to push the baby out ► Crowning – the appearance of the baby’s head during delivery ► When the baby has been eased out of the birth canal and begins breathing on its own, the umbilical cord is cut

Stages of Labor  Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta ► The expulsion of the afterbirth  Afterbirth – the placenta, which is expelled naturally ► If this does not occur naturally, the doctor removes the placenta ► Stump remains on navel where umbilical cord was cut which dries up and falls off on its own ► The physician gives the baby an Apgar Score  The rating of physical characteristics of an infant one to five minutes after birth used to predict the health of the baby ► Heart rate ► Color ► Respiratory effort ► Reaction to sucking

Complications During Pregnancy and Childbirth ► Ectopic Pregnancy – pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus  The embryo becomes implanted in the fallopian tube or another location in the abdomen  Symptoms include cramping, severe abdominal pain, and spotting  Surgery often needed to remove the embryo  Can be caused by STI’s

Complications During Pregnancy and Childbirth ► Toxemia of Pregnancy – a condition characterized by a rise in the pregnant female’s blood pressure, swelling, and leakage of protein into the urine  Untreated toxemia can result in the death of the female or the developing baby ► Miscarriage – the natural ending of a pregnancy before a baby is developed enough to survive on its own  Occur most often during the first trimester  May be caused by a defect in the fetus or the pregnant female  Signs include cramping, severe pain, spotting or bleeding

Complications During Pregnancy and Childbirth ► Cesarean Section – procedure in which a baby is removed surgically from the mother  Surgical incision through the abdomen and uterus  May be performed if: ► an unborn baby is too large ► not positioned correctly ► Vaginal delivery may be dangerous to the health of the baby or mother  Recovery time is longer ► Stillbirth – a fully developed baby born deceased  May be caused by a defect in the baby or a medical condition or the baby or pregnant female