Continuing the life cycle Pregnancy and Birth Continuing the life cycle

Breast Stomach Mother’s Navel Placenta Fetus Umbilical Cord Uterus Cervix Vagina Public Health - Seattle & King County • Family Planning Program • © 1986, revised 2009 • www.kingcounty.gov/health/flash

What happens when? Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of a woman’s last normal period. The weeks are grouped into three trimesters.

What happens when? 1st Trimester Sperm and egg unite Limb buds form Fetus has a tail Pregnant woman experiences “morning sickness” Head bulge forms Fetus is about three inches long Placenta forms 2nd Trimester Fetus becomes active Heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope Gender can be determined with a sonogram Fetus is about 11 inches long 3rd Trimester Body systems complete development Fetus increases dramatically in size and weight Pregnant woman may find movement difficult Fetus is about 20 inches long Birth occurs

Identical Twins Fraternal Twins Image Source: Womenshealth.gov

Birth Cesarean Birth Vaginal Birth Image Source: Womenshealth.gov and aurorahealthcare.org Cesarean Birth

Healthy Pregnancy Prenatal Care – Early and often Nutrition – Increase good calories by 300 a day Exercise – 2 ½ hours a week Rest Daily vitamin and folic acid – to prevent birth defects Avoid cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol