Pregnancy and Childbirth

It’s a…

Pregnancy• Conception occurs when a sperm and egg

join• The fertilized egg is called a zygote• The zygote implants into the uterine lining.• The placenta and umbilical cord begin to form• The endometrium becomes thicker and the

cervix is sealed by a mucus plug

How Pregnancy is Determined

• 1. Absence of menstruation• 2. hCG – Human Chorionic

Gonadotrophin is released into the blood stream (What is detected by pregnancy tests)

• 3. Morning sickness

Development• The developing

baby is called an Embryo until the 2nd month

• After the 2nd month the baby is called a Fetus

Tests done during pregnancy• Amniocentesis – a diagnostic procedure in

which a needle is inserted through the uterus to extract fluid from the amniotic sac.

• Amniotic sac – pouch of fluid that surrounds a fetus

• Ultrasound – another diagnostic procedure used to monitor the fetus• High-frequency sound waves are used to provide

an image of the developing baby

Going into Labor

• The process of childbirth is called Labor

• Signs of Labor• Lightening • Bloody Show• Contractions• Water Breaking• Cervix Dilation

Going into Labor• Lightening

• When the baby lowers into the lower pelvis area• Can occur weeks, days, or hours prior to labor

• Bloody Show• The mucus plug covering the cervix is expelled• Happens when the cervix begins to dilate• Can be clear, pink or bloody

Going into LaborContraction Characteristics False Labor True Labor

How often do the contractions occur?

Contractions are often irregular and do not get closer together.

Contractions come at regular intervals and last about 30-70 seconds. As time goes on, they get closer together.

Do they change with movement?

Contractions may stop when you walk or rest, or may even stop if you change positions.

Contractions continue despite movement or changing positions.

How strong are they? Contractions are usually weak and do not get much stronger. Or they may be strong at first and then get weaker.

Contractions steadily increase in strength.

Where do you feel the pain? Contractions are usually only felt in the front of the abdomen or pelvic region.

Contractions usually start in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen.

Going into Labor

• Water Breaking• This is the rupturing of the amniotic sac• This should occur within 24 hours of

delivery• The doctor sometimes has to rupture the

amniotic sac• Can feel like a sudden gush of fluid or a

constant trickle

Going into Labor

• Cervix Dilation• The stretching and opening of the cervix• During pregnancy the cervix will dilate up

to about 10 centimeters• Labor occurs when the cervix is dilated

completely

Stages of Labor

• 1. Dilation of the Cervix• 2. Delivery of the Baby• 3. Delivery of the afterbirth (placenta)

Dilation of the Cervix

• The first stage of labor can last for hours.

Birth of the Baby• The 2nd stage the baby moves head first

through the birth canal and out the vaginal opening. This can last for a few hours or more.

• Crowning – The appearance of the baby’s head during delivery

• Once the baby is outside the birth canal and begins to breath on its own, the umbilical cord is cut

Delivery of the Afterbirth

• The 3rd stage – the delivery of the placenta (afterbirth)

Multiple Births

Multiple Births

Complications

• Cesarean Section – a procedure in which the baby is removed from the mother by making an incision in the abdomen

• Often needed when a child is breech

Complications

• Ectopic Pregnancy – when a pregnancy occurs outside the uterus in the fallopian tube

Complications

• Rh incompatibility – a mismatch between the blood of the mother and the developing baby.