1. The Wonders of Pregnancy Chapter 8
Family and Consumer Science Department
Mrs. Karen Swope

2. Pregnancy- the condition of carrying a developing child in the uterus.
Conception occurs when sperm and egg unite
Sperm and egg each contain 23 chromosomes
The new cell now contains 46 chromosomes and is called a zygote (germinal stage)
Zygote travels through the fallopian tube and attaches to the uterine wall, takes 2 wks.

3. Pregnancy: Gender Determination
The egg has 1 X chromosome.
Half the sperm have an X chromosome, half have a Y chromosome.
If an X chromosome enters the egg the baby will be a girl.
If a Y enters the baby will be a boy.

4. Early cell division - 30 hours
The zygote is now called a blastocyst, (ball of cells)
Still part of the germinal stage.
The germinal stage lasts approx. 2 weeks.
When the blastocyst attaches to the uterine wall it becomes an embryo. (2wks-8wks)

5. Signs of Pregnancy Missed menstrual cycle, or spotting
Hormonal changes cause the woman to be very tired
Nausea (may occur at any time, not just in the morning)
Breasts become tender, may feel fuller
Frequent urination

6. Pregnancy tests
Performed in a medical office, health clinic - most accurate; may use urine or blood test
Home tests - fairly accurate, greater chance of error, best if done 1 week after missed period
Test detects HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) hormone in woman’s urine.
Take note of expiration date on package

7. Physical exam: 6-8 wks into pregnancy a pelvic exam should be done
uterus increases in size, cervix softens
A thorough health history is done
Delivery date is predicted

8. Prenatal Support Systems
Amniotic sac- membrane that surrounds and protects
Amniotic fluid- fluid in sac that cushions and protects

9. Prenatal support systems
Placenta - organ in which the mother’s blood vessels meet the baby’s capillaries.
Umbilical cord- cord of blood vessels that connects the placenta to the baby

10. Embryo Stage
Begins at implantation in uterine wall through the end of 2nd month
Development is rapid
Foundations for brain, spinal cord, nervous system, eyes form

11. Embryo Stage Heart is pumping
By 8 weeks all internal organs are developing
Mother’s diet and environment can have a great affect on embryo’s development
Embryo is about 1/2 inch long

12. The Fetal Stage 3rd month
Beginning of the 3rd month
Eyelids form
Movement begins
Genitals have appeared

13. The Fetal Stage 4th month
Rapid growth
6 inches, 4-7 ounces
Skin is thin and transparent
Mother notices movement
Lanugo appears- downy hair over fetus’s body

14. The Fetal Stage 4th month

15. The Fetal Stage 5th month
About 12 inches long
8oz oz.
Vernix appears - white, pasty substance that coats and protects the fetus’s skin

16. The Fetal Stage 6th month
9-14 inches long
1 1/2 pounds
Lungs and digestive system are still developing
If born at wks, has a very slim chance of survival

17. The Fetal Stage 7th month
About 15 inches
2-3 pounds
Little fat under skin’s surface
Fair chance of survival is born prematurely

18. The Fetal Stage 8th month
16-17 inches long
About 4 pounds
Refinement of internal organs
Fetus may hiccup

19. The Fetal Stage 9th month
38-40 weeks is considered full term
6-9 pounds
17-22 inches long
Lanugo and vernix are almost gone
Lightening - baby shifts head down, ready for birth
Placenta releases oxytocin, starts labor

20. Summary Pregnancy begins when egg and sperm unite.
Prenatal development occurs between conception and birth.
Pregnancy is divided into three stages, according to the baby’s development.
During the 9 months f pregnancy a woman’s body changes to accommodate the growing baby.

21. Summary cont.
Several complications may occur. A woman should be familiar with these complications and watch for warning signs.
Emotional changes may occur.
Sharing emotions and the pregnancy experience may strengthen the couple’s relationship.