Parenthood, Conception, Pregnancy & Reproductive Health – Lecture Review

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key reproductive health terms from the lecture notes.

Parenthood (as an option)

A major life decision that can be achieved by biological birth, assisted reproduction, adoption, or fostering; choosing not to parent is also valid.

Advantages of Remaining Childless

More personal time, greater financial resources, less marital stress, spontaneity, and career devotion.

Advantages of Having Children

Reciprocal love, relationship enrichment, self-esteem from overcoming challenges, self-discovery, and ongoing stimulation as children grow.

Fertilization / Conception

Fusion of a sperm nucleus with an egg nucleus to form a zygote.

Zona Pellucida

Jelly-like layer surrounding the egg that hardens after sperm entry to block other sperm.

Acrosome

Cap on sperm head that releases enzymes enabling penetration of the zona pellucida after maturation in the female tract.

Zygote

The fertilized egg formed after sperm and egg nuclei merge.

Morula

Solid ball of ~16 cells formed about three days after conception.

Blastocyst

Hollow ball of cells (~day 5) that implants into the uterine wall; inner cell mass becomes embryo, outer trophoblast forms placenta.

Germinal Stage

First 0–2 weeks of development from conception to uterine implantation.

Embryonic Stage

Stage from implantation to 8 weeks when major organs begin forming.

Fetal Stage

Period from 9 weeks to birth characterized by growth and maturation of organ systems.

Ovulation

Release of a mature egg; conception most likely within the 5 days before and the day of ovulation.

Cervical Mucus Method

Fertility awareness technique that tracks hormone-driven mucus changes to predict ovulation.

LH Surge

Pre-ovulatory rise in luteinizing hormone detectable in urine; signals peak fertility.

Infertility (clinical definition)

Inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected sex (6 months if 35+).

Fecundity

Biological potential to produce offspring.

Varicocele

Enlarged scrotal veins that can impair sperm production.

Cryptorchidism

Undescended testes; raises testicular temperature and lowers fertility.

Sperm Morphology

Shape and structural quality of sperm; abnormal forms reduce fertilization chances.

Sperm Motility

Ability of sperm to swim properly toward the egg.

Oogenetic Infertility

Female infertility due to ovulation failure, hormonal imbalance, age, weight, stress, or structural issues.

Endometriosis

Growth of endometrial tissue outside uterus that can block fallopian tubes and hinder fertility.

Artificial Insemination

Medical insertion of semen into vagina or uterus; may use partner or donor sperm.

Sperm Washing

Laboratory separation and concentration of motile sperm before insemination.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

Medical techniques like IVF, ZIFT, GIFT, and ICSI that aid conception.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Egg and sperm unite in a lab dish; 2–3-day embryo transferred to uterus.

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)

Lab-fertilized zygote is placed into a fallopian tube.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

Eggs and sperm inserted separately into fallopian tube for in-vivo fertilization.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Single sperm injected directly into an egg; higher risk of birth defects noted.

Fertility Drugs

Medications that stimulate multiple follicle maturation, increasing chances of multiple births and certain complications.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

Hormone secreted by blastocyst that maintains corpus luteum; basis of pregnancy tests.

Hegar’s Sign

Softening of the cervix detectable about six weeks into pregnancy.

Chadwick’s Sign

Bluish-purple discoloration of cervix and vagina around six weeks gestation.

Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion)

Loss of a fetus before 20 weeks; at least 13 % of known pregnancies.

Stillbirth

Fetal death after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Roe v. Wade

1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion before viability; overturned in 2022 by Dobbs v. Jackson.

Viability (Pregnancy)

Ability of fetus to survive outside womb, typically around 24 weeks.

Medical Abortion

Termination using drugs (mifepristone & misoprostol) up to ~10 weeks gestation.

Mifepristone

Antiprogesterone pill that initiates medical abortion by blocking progesterone receptors.

Misoprostol

Prostaglandin pill causing uterine contractions to expel pregnancy tissue.

Suction Curettage

First-trimester surgical abortion using vacuum aspiration of uterine contents.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

Second-trimester abortion combining suction and surgical instruments after cervical dilation.

Prostaglandin Abortion

Use of prostaglandins to induce labor-like contractions for second-trimester termination.

Linea Nigra

Dark vertical line on abdomen developing during late pregnancy.

Quickening

First fetal movements felt, usually in second trimester.

Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Irregular, painless uterine contractions preparing for labor.

Vernix

White waxy coating that protects fetal skin in utero.

Lightening (Engagement)

Descent of fetus into pelvic cavity late in pregnancy.

Effacement

Thinning and flattening of the cervix before and during early labor.

Crowning

Moment the baby’s head first becomes visible at vaginal opening during birth.

Epidural

Regional anesthesia injected into lower spine to block labor pain while keeping the mother awake.

Episiotomy

Surgical incision of perineum to enlarge vaginal opening; less common today.

Cesarean Section (C-section)

Surgical delivery through abdominal and uterine incisions.

Placenta

Temporary organ that supplies fetus with nutrients and oxygen and removes waste.

Umbilical Cord

Vessel-containing cord connecting fetus to placenta for nutrient and gas exchange.

Amniocentesis

Sampling of amniotic fluid (weeks 14-18) to detect chromosomal abnormalities.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Removal of chorionic tissue (as early as week 9) for early genetic testing.

Postpartum Period

First six weeks after childbirth involving physical recovery and emotional adjustment.

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Serious mood disorder affecting ~15 % of mothers after delivery.

Lochia

Bloody vaginal discharge following birth as uterine lining regenerates.

Lactation

Production and ejection of milk from mammary glands beginning 1-3 days postpartum.

Colostrum

Early breast fluid high in protein and antibodies, low in fat and sugar.

Milk Let-Down Reflex

Oxytocin-mediated release of milk from alveoli into ducts upon suckling.

Prolactin

Pituitary hormone that stimulates milk production.

Oxytocin

Hormone that triggers uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

Fetal Evaluation Techniques

Methods such as ultrasound, amniocentesis, and CVS to assess fetal development and genetics.

Gestational Diabetes

Pregnancy-induced glucose intolerance affecting 4-7 % of pregnancies.

First Stage of Labor

Onset of regular contractions to full cervical dilation (10 cm).

Second Stage of Labor

From full dilation to birth of the baby; involves pushing and crowning.

Third Stage of Labor

Delivery of the placenta after the baby is born.

Braxton-Hicks vs. True Labor

Practice contractions are irregular and painless; true labor contractions are regular, painful, and cause cervical change.

Positive Feedback in Labor

Cycle where oxytocin induces contractions, which stimulate more oxytocin and prostaglandin release.

SpermCheck

At-home test that screens semen for low sperm count (<20 million/ml).

Assisted Reproductive Technology Costs

IVF averages ~$12,000 per cycle, not including drugs and related care; multiple cycles often needed.

Ethical Issues in ART

Concerns over unused embryos, genetic screening, and extending fertility beyond menopause.