Pregnancy and Birth Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to fertilization, pregnancy, and birth.

Fertilisation

The process where the nucleus of a sperm fuses with the nucleus of an egg cell.

Zygote

A single cell formed when an egg is first fertilised, which then begins to divide.

Embryo

A ball of cells formed from the zygote, which implants into the uterus wall and divides by mitosis.

Placenta

An organ that forms between the embryo and uterus wall, connected to the embryo by the umbilical cord.

Umbilical Cord

A thick knot of blood vessels connecting the placenta and the embryo.

Amniotic Sac

A sac filled with amniotic fluid that forms around the embryo to protect it from injury and temperature changes.

Foetus

The stage of development at 6 weeks after fertilisation, when the embryo becomes fully formed at 38 to 40 weeks.

Water breaking

Amniotic sac breaks and amniotic fluid leaves through vagina.

Afterbirth

Placenta is then delivered after baby is born.