PREGNANCY
Is the time period
from
conception to birth
.
Conception:
Is the union of a
sperm and egg.
Also know as:
Fertilization
Conception
Although a dozen sperm may be close
to penetrating at the same time, when
one finally succeeds this 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 up the
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 enters
the uterus.
9 – The zygote becomes a
blastocyst. Multicelled
10 – The blastocyst
implants in the uterine wall.
This happens approximately
a week after fertilization.
Signs of Pregnancy
1- Period is late or missed
2-Abnormal period, lighter or
shorter than usual
3- Breast tenderness or fullness
4- Nausea & sometimes vomiting
5- Changes in appetite
6-Frequent urination
7-Fatigue or tired
Pregnancy Test
Urine Test- to detect the
presence of HCG, a hormone that is
produced when a woman is pregnant.
Pelvic Exam- to check the size
of the uterus.
Blood Test- confirms pregnancy
A fertilized egg, zygote, only thirty hours after
conception. Magnified here, it is no larger than the
head of a pin.
Zygote
Is the single cell that is
formed from the union of
the sperm and egg.
Embryo
Is the mass of cells during
the first eight weeks after
conception.
Fetus
The developing of cells from the
eighth week of conception until
birth.
3-4 Weeks
Called an Embryo
Heartbeat
Brain forming
1/4 inch long
Lungs forming
8 Weeks
Now called a FETUS
1-1/2 inches long
1/30 of an ounce
6 Weeks
Arms, Fingers, Ears
& Toes
12 Weeks
Movement felt
3 inches long
First external
Signs of sex appear
skin forming
9 Months
19-21 inches long
Full term pregnancy
7-9 pounds
Organs can function
on their own
The unborn child at seven weeks
(5 weeks after conception)
5 Weeks
6 WEEKS
8 weeks
14 TH
WEEK
Placenta
An organ that attaches
the egg to the inner wall
of the uterus.
Umbilical Cord
A ropelike structure through
which the mother and the
developing baby exchange
oxygen, nutrients and
waste.
Amniotic Sac
A thin membrane filled with
fluid in which the developing
baby floats.
Also serves as a cushion to
help protect the baby.
Ectopic Pregnancy
The zygote implants in the
fallopian tube.
Surgery is sometimes necessary
to remove the zygote.
Miscarriage
The 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.
Toxemia
The pregnant woman has high
blood pressure, swelling, & protein
in the urine.
This can be treated in the hospital.
If not treated can result in
coma, or death of mother
and or fetus.
Premature Birth
A 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 containers
that protect the baby while developing.
Still Birth
A fully developed fetus is born dead.
Causes may include: injuries, placenta or umbilical
cord problems, stopping of the heartbeat
In about 13-35% of still births, no explanation
can be found
Cesarean Section
If delivery through the birth
canal is considered dangerous for
any reason, an operation called a
cesarean section is performed.
An incision is made through the
abdomen & uterus, & the baby
is taken from the mother’s body.
Breech Birth
• A birth in which the feet or the
buttocks is coming out first.
Fetus is supposed to come out
head first
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 from
Cervix.
The amniotic sac will break & cause
water to flow out.
Is a series of 3 stages that
result in the birth of the
baby.
Effacement is the thinning &
shortening 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 & into
the birth canal. The mother pushes
during uterine contractions to move
the baby through the birth canal.
When the babies head is seen at the
opening of the vagina, the baby will
soon be delivered.
Lasts about 30 minutes to 1 ½ hours.
The afterbirth is expelled during
this stage.
The afterbirth is the
placenta & other membranes that
support the fetus.
This lasts about 10 to 30 minutes