1. Pregnancy & Childbirth

2. Conception Conception is when sperm and egg meet
and fertilization occurs
Sperm - one of the tiniest cells in the human body
• Conception occurs in the outer third of the
fallopian tube
• Zygote - fertilized egg

3. Improving the Chances of Conception
Time intercourse so it occurs around time of ovulation
• Sperm live inside a woman’s body for up to 5 days
• Egg is capable of being fertilized for about
the first 12 to 24 hours after ovulation
• Position during and after intercourse is important

4. Symptoms of Pregnancy Missed menstrual period • Breast tenderness
• Morning sickness
• More frequent urination
Pregnancy Tests
Physician tests:
– Immunologic test based on detection of hCG
– Beta-hCG radioimmunoassay
• Home pregnancy tests

5. Development of the baby
Nine months of pregnancy are divided into three equal periods of three months called:
Trimesters
– First trimester - months 1 to 3
– Second trimester - months 4 to 6
– Third trimester - months 7 to 9

6. The Embryo (fetus) and Its Support Systems
Placenta - an organ formed on the wall of the uterus through which the fetus receives oxygen and nutrients and gets rid of waste products
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) a hormone secreted by the placenta; it is the substance detected in pregnancy tests
Umbilical cord - the tube that connects the fetus to the placenta
Amniotic fluid - the watery fluid surrounding a developing fetus in the uterus

7. Trimesters First Trimester
Develops into a fetus with most of the major organ systems present
Second Trimester
Fetal heart beat can be detected, fetus opens its eyes
Third Trimester
Fetus experiences rapid growth

8. Sex During Pregnancy
Intercourse can continue safely until 4weeks before the baby is due
If intercourse is uncomfortable for woman, alternatives should be explored
Nutrition During Pregnancy
Diet during is extremely important
Woman must get enough protein, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and vitamin A
The fetus comes first – it draws the nutrients it needs first, and whatever is left is for mom

9. Birth: The Beginning of Labor
Bloody show
Amniotic sac ruptures
The Stages of Labor
First-Stage Labor
Regular contraction of uterus muscles, dilation
Second-Stage Labor: Delivery
Begins when cervix is fully dilated, Urge to push or bear down, Baby is born
Third-Stage Labor
Placenta detaches from walls of the uterus afterbirth and is expelled

10. Cesarean Section
A method of delivering a baby surgically, by an incision in the abdomen
Reasons to have a C Section:
– Baby is too large, mother’s pelvis is too small
– Cervix is not dilating
– Umbilical cord prolapses
– Excessive bleeding
– Placenta previa (blocking cervix)

11. After the Baby is Born: The Postpartum Period
Physical changes
– Hormones levels return to normal
– Woman may feel exhausted
– Discomfort from episiotomy
Psychological changes
– Postpartum depression