Conception, Pregnancy, and Childbirth

alternatives to pregnancy and sexual intimacy

• abstinence: restraining oneself from indulging in sex before marriage

• celibacy: restraining oneself from sex and marriage for their entire life to deepen their connection with Christ

• chastity: restraining oneself from sex and marriage for their entire life

• restraint: self control

conception

• during sex

  • the nucleus of the ovum (egg) carries 23 chromosomes

  • the nucleus of the sperm carries 23 chromosomes

  • the nuclei unite, giving 46 chromosomes to the offspring

pregnancy

• divided into three twelve-week (3-month) trimesters

  • first trimester

  • Rapid Growth

  • Implantation

  • Umbilical chord develops at end of trimester:

    • brain

    • spinal cord

    • eyes

    • ears

    • limbs

    • genitals

    • heartbeat at 6wks

    • Weight: 28 grams (1oz)

    • Length: (3-4 inches)

  • second trimester

  • Organs develop

  • Skin and hair form

  • Bone/cartilage growth

  • Fetus floats in amniotic sac

  • Fetus very active

  • All body systems formed

    • Weight: 1kg (2.5 lbs.)

    • Length: 10-12 inches

  • Mothers abdomen protrudes

  • Mother’s body prepares to breast feed

  • Water retention is common

  • third trimester

  • Fetus grows in size and length

  • Moves to a “head down” position

  • Lots of weight gain

  • May feel uncomfortable

    • Weight: about 7 pounds

    • Length: 18-22 inches

labor

• divided into three stages

  • First Stage of Labor:  Effacement and Dilation of Cervix

  • Second Stage of Labor:  Expulsion of the Fetus

  • Third Stage of Labor:  Expulsion of the Placenta