PREGNANCY Is the time period from conception to birth.

Conception: Is the union of a sperm and egg. Also known as: Fertilization

Conception Although a dozen sperm may be close to penetrating at the same time, when one finally succeeds a remarkable thing happens: The ovum's outer wall changes its chemical composition and shuts tight, preventing any of the other sperm from entering. Once the head of the sperm has pushed its way through the inner wall of the ovum, its tail breaks off.

The Fertilization Process: 1 – Sperm pass through the uterus & move up the fallopian tube. 2 – The egg is ready for discharge from the ovary. 3 – The egg enters the fallopian tube. 4 – A sperm penetrates & fertilizes the egg. 5 – The zygote divides into two cells. 6,7,8 – The zygote has 64 cells by the time it enters the uterus. 9 – The zygote becomes a blastocyst. Multicelled 10 – The blastocyst implants in the uterine wall. This happens approximately a week after fertilization.

3-4 Weeks Called an Embryo Heartbeat Brain forming 1/4 inch long Lungs forming 6 Weeks Arms, Fingers, Ears & Toes 8 Weeks Now called a FETUS 1-1/2 inches long 1/30 of an ounce skin forming 12 Weeks Movement felt 3 inches long First external Signs of sex appear 9 Months inches long Full term pregnancy 7-9 pounds Organs can function on their own

Zygote Is the single cell that is formed from the union of the sperm and egg.

Embryo Is the mass of cells during the first eight weeks after conception.

6 WEEKS

Fetus The developing of cells from the eighth week of conception until birth.

8 weeks

14 TH WEEK

Placenta An organ that attaches the egg to the inner wall of the uterus.

Umbilical Cord A ropelike structure through which the mother and the developing baby exchange oxygen, nutrients and waste.

Amniotic Sac A thin membrane filled with fluid in which the developing baby floats. Also serves as a cushion to help protect the baby.

Signs of Pregnancy 1- Period is late or missed 2-Abnormal period, lighter or shorter than usual 3- Breast tenderness or fullness 4- Nausea & sometimes vomiting 5- Changes in appetite 6-Frequent urination 7-Fatigue or tired

Pregnancy Test Urine Test- to detect the presence of HCG, a hormone that is produced when a woman is pregnant. Pelvic Exam- to check the size of the uterus. Blood Test- confirms pregnancy

Ectopic Pregnancy The zygote implants in the fallopian tube. Surgery is sometimes necessary to remove the zygote.

Miscarriage The embryo or fetus is expelled from the uterus prematurely. May be caused by a genetic defect, illness in the mother, or drugs the mother has taken. Miscarriages usually occur during the first three months of pregnancy.

Toxemia The pregnant woman has high blood pressure, swelling, & protein in the urine. This can be treated in the hospital. If not treated can result in convulsions, coma, death of mother and or fetus.

Premature Birth A baby is born before it is fully developed. A baby may be considered premature if it is born before the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature babies are placed in incubators, which are special containers that protect the baby while developing.

Rh Incompatibility A woman’s blood produces a substance that attacks a substance in the fetus’s blood. This may occur if the woman is Rh – and the fetus is Rh+. This can be avoided by injections that prevent a woman’s blood from making Rh substance.

Still Birth A fully developed fetus is born dead.

Cesarean Section If delivery through the birth canal is considered dangerous for any reason, an operation called a cesarean section is performed. An incision is made through the abdomen & uterus, & the baby is taken from the mother’s body.

Breech Birth Is a birth with the feet or buttocks coming out first. A baby is to come out head first.

Multiple Births Two or more infants are born together. - Two infants are called twins Fraternal twins – two zygotes Identical twins – one zygote splits Polar Identical twins – one egg splits fertilized by two different sperm. - Three are called triplets - Four are called quadruplets - Five are called quintuplets

ULTRASOUND Uses high frequency sound waves to take an image of the fetus which can determine the size & position of the fetus.

Ultrasound 1st trimester

Amniocentesis A long needle is inserted into the mothers abdominal & uterine walls into the amniotic sac & draws out 3 to 4 teaspoons of fluid, which is tested for birth defects.

is the process by which a baby moves from the uterus to the outside world.

The following might occur during childbirth: The mother may experience severe cramps. Discharge of blood will come from Cervix. The amniotic sac will break & cause water to flow out.

Is a series of 3 stages that result in the birth of the baby.

Effacement is the thinning & shorting of the cervix. Contractions of the uterus cause the cervix & cervical opening to dilate & stretch. This allows the babies head to enter the vagina. (This can last from an 1 hour to 15 hours or more).

The baby moves out the uterus & into the birth canal. The mother pushes during uterine contractions to move the baby through the birth canal. When the babies head is seen at the opening of the vagina, the baby will soon be delivered. Lasts about 30 minutes to 1 ½ hours.

The afterbirth is expelled during this stage. The afterbirth is the placenta & other membranes that support the fetus. This lasts about 10 to 30 minutes

Apgar Score: This is a scoring system to rate the health of the a newborn baby. Postpartum Period: is the 6 to 8 week period after the birth of a baby.