Pregnancy, Birth and Infant Care

What are key considerations when planning a family?

• Partner selection

• Timing/readiness

• Family size

• Genetic factors

What are ova and where are they stored?

Ova are female reproductive cells stored in the ovaries.

When does ovum release begin?

At puberty, one mature ovum is released from an ovary each month.

Where does fertilization occur in females?

In the fallopian tube when a sperm unites with an egg.

What happens after fertilization?

The fertilized ovum travels to the uterus and implants into the uterine wall after about 2 weeks.

Where are sperm produced?

In the testicles.

When does sperm production begin?

At puberty.

How many sperm can be released at one time?

400–500 million.

What is conception?

When a sperm and an ovum unite.

How long can sperm live in the body?

4–5 days.

How long does an ovum live after ovulation?

24–48 hours.

What is infertility?

The inability to conceive after one year of trying.

What are causes of infertility?

• Physical health

• Body structure

• Stress

• Emotions

What are some medical solutions for infertility?

• Fertility drugs

• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

• IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)

What are non-biological parenting options?

• Adoption

• Foster parenting

• Surrogate programs

What are birth control options?

• Abstinence

• Hormonal methods

• Barrier methods

• IUDs

What is heredity?

The transfer of traits from parents to offspring.

How many chromosomes are in a human cell?

46 chromosomes (23 from each parent).

What are genes?

Units of heredity that determine traits.

What is a dominant gene?

A stronger gene that is expressed (e.g., brown eyes).

What is a recessive gene?

A weaker gene not expressed unless two copies are present (e.g., blue eyes).

Which chromosome pair determines gender?

The 23rd pair (XX = female, XY = male).

Who determines the baby's gender?

The father.

What causes most multiple births today?

Fertility treatments.

What are fraternal twins?

Two separate ova fertilized by two sperm; genetically different.

What are identical twins?

One fertilized egg splits; genetically identical.

What causes genetic disorders?

Abnormal or faulty genes passed from parents; some are recessive.

What is Down Syndrome caused by?

An extra copy of chromosome 21.

What are symptoms of Down Syndrome?

• Distinct facial features

• Intellectual delay

• Possible heart or vision problems

What causes Cystic Fibrosis (CF)?

Inherited faulty gene from both parents.

Symptoms of CF?

Lung infections, coughing, digestive issues, salty skin.

What is Muscular Dystrophy?

A genetic disorder that weakens muscles over time.

Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy?

• Trouble walking

• Climbing

• Progressive muscle loss

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

A blood disorder where red blood cells become sickle-shaped, blocking blood flow.

Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease?

• Pain crises

• Fatigue

• Anaemia

• Organ damage.

What causes Tay-Sachs Disease?

Inherited faulty gene from both parents that affects fat breakdown in the brain.

Symptoms of Tay-Sachs?

• Loss of motor skills

• Seizures

• Blindness; fatal in early childhood

What is PKU (Phenylketonuria)?

A disorder where the body can't process phenylalanine, leading to brain damage.

Treatment for PKU?

• Special low-protein diet

• Regular testing

• Medical formulas. 

What is prenatal development?

Development before birth, starts at conception and ends at birth.

What are the 3 stages of prenatal development?

1. Zygote

2. Embryo

3. Fetus

What happens during the zygote stage?

• Fertilized egg implants in u

What happens during Embryo stage?

• Lasts from 2 to 8 weeks after conception 

• All organs begin forming

• Umbilical cord attaches to uterus

• Amniotic sac and fluid form 

When does the fetal stage begin and end?

From the end of 2 months until birth.

How many trimesters are in pregnancy, and how long is each?

• 3 Trimesters

• Each is about 3 months long

What happens on Day 1?

Conception sperm fertilizes the egg.

What happens between Day 7-14?

Fertilized egg implants in the uterus.

What happens at 18, 21 and 28 days?

• 18 days: heart begins to form

• 21 days: blood circulation starts

• 28 days: eyes, ears, and respiratory system begins to form

What happens at 1 month?

• Cells multiply 

• Egg attaches to uterus lining

• Tiny heart (size of poppy seed) starts beating

What happens at 2 months

• Embryo is ¼ inch long

• FIngers forming

• Heart has two chambers

• Bones begin forming

• Organs start developing

What happens at 3 months?

• Fetus = 1 inch long, fully formed

• Organs and muscles exist but are immature

• Eyelids fused, fingers and toes forming

What happens at 4 months?

• Fetus = 3 inches

• Can suck thumb, swallow, hiccup, and move

• Clear facial features

What happens at 5 months?

• 8-10 inches long, nearly 1 lb

• Lanugo (fine hair) form

• More active, hair and eyelashes appear

What happens at 6 months?

• Lungs filled with amniotic fluid

• Begins breathing motions

• Can hear voices

• Fat forms under skin 

• Vernix (white creamy coating) develops

What happens at 7 months?

• 10-12 inches long

• 1 ½ to 2 lbs

• Very active, then rests

What happens at 8 months?

• Gain ½ pound per week

• Layers of fat build up

• Baby turns head-down

• Reacts to noise

What happens at 9 months?

• 6-9 lbs, 19-22 inches

• Moves less

• Receives antibodies from mother

• Drops into pelvis indicating ready for birth 

Trimester Summary: First Trimester

• Ovym, zygotic and embryonic stages

• Organs, nerves, and brain cells develop

Trimester Summary: Second Trimester

• Golden Trimester - mother feels best

• Baby continues steady growth 

Trimester Summary: Third Trimester

• Organs mature

• Baby gains most of its weight