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 upthe 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 entersthe 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 WeeksCalled an EmbryoHeartbeatBrain forming1/4 inch longLungs forming

6 WeeksArms, Fingers, Ears & Toes

8 WeeksNow called a FETUS1-1/2 inches long1/30 of an ounceskin forming

12 WeeksMovement felt3 inches longFirst externalSigns of sex appear

9 Months19-21 inches longFull term pregnancy7-9 poundsOrgans can function on their own

Zygote

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

EmbryoIs the mass of cells during the first eight weeks afterconception.

6 WEEKS

FetusThe developing of cells from the eighth week of conception until birth.

8 weeks

14 TH WEEK

PlacentaAn organ that attaches the egg to the inner wall of the uterus.

Umbilical CordA ropelike structure throughwhich the mother and the developing baby exchange oxygen, nutrients and waste.

Amniotic SacA thin membrane filled withfluid in which the developingbaby floats.Also serves as a cushion to help protect the baby.

Signs of Pregnancy1- Period is late or missed2-Abnormal period, lighter or shorter than usual3- Breast tenderness or fullness4- Nausea & sometimes vomiting5- Changes in appetite6-Frequent urination7-Fatigue or tired

Pregnancy TestUrine Test- to detect the presence of HCG, a hormone that isproduced 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.

MiscarriageThe 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.

ToxemiaThe pregnant woman has highblood pressure, swelling, & protein in the urine.

This can be treated in the hospital. If not treated can result inconvulsions, coma, death of motherand or fetus.

Premature BirthA 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 containersthat protect the baby while developing.

Rh IncompatibilityA woman’s blood produces a substance that attacks a substancein the fetus’s blood.

This may occur if the woman is Rh – andthe fetus is Rh+. This can be avoidedby injections that prevent a woman’s blood from making Rh substance.

Still Birth A fully developed fetus isborn dead.

Cesarean SectionIf delivery through the birth canal is considered dangerous forany reason, an operation called acesarean section is performed.

An incision is made through theabdomen & uterus, & the baby is taken from the mother’s body.

Breech BirthIs a birth with the feet orbuttocks coming out first.

A baby is to come out head first.

Multiple BirthsTwo 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 thesize & position of the fetus.

Ultrasound 1st trimester

AmniocentesisA long needle is inserted intothe mothers abdominal & uterinewalls into the amniotic sac & draws out 3 to 4 teaspoons offluid, 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 fromCervix.

The amniotic sac will break & causewater 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 & intothe birth canal. The mother pushes during uterine contractions to movethe baby through the birth canal.

When the babies head is seen at the opening of the vagina, the baby willsoon be delivered.

Lasts about 30 minutes to 1 ½ hours.

The afterbirth is expelled duringthis 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.