Fertilization, Pregnancy,

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Fertilization, Pregnancy, Childbirth

• A Journey in Parenthood

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Fertilization

• Pregnancy begins with the union of an ovum and a
  sperm (fertilization).
• For conception to take place, the sperm must get
  to the ovum within a 24 hour period after its
  release from the ovary (ovulation)
• Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before a womans
  next menstrual cycle.
• Women who pay attention to their body
  changes throughout the menstrual cycle may be
  more successful at predicting ovulation.

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OVULATION

• At ovulation, cervical mucus is clear and
  thin---like an egg white substance.
• Sometimes a discharge signals ovulation.
• Changes in body temperature can be used to
  monitor ovulation.

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Conception

• Results from the successful journey of a group of
  sperm to the outer third of the fallopian tube.
• After being deposited in the vagina, ideally
  close to the cervix, sperm must make their way
  into the uterus, over to and up the fallopian
  tube where the ovum is waiting.
• Some argue that conception is enhanced when
  sperm arrive early and wait for the ova to be
  released.

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Sperm

• A normal ejaculation usually contain between 250
  to 500 million sperm.
• Although only one penetrates the membrane of the
  ovum, million are needed to ensure fertilization.
• Sperm secrete a chemical that enables them to
  penetrate the ovum, dissolving a jelly like
  substance that coats the ovums surface
• Finally, the egg can now pull the sperm inside
  toward its nucleus.

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The Fertilized Egg

• Starts with the process of rapid cell division,
  travels down the fallopian tube over 3-4 days,
  reaches the uterus, where it will attach to the
  uterine wall in a process called IMPLANTATION.
• Once implanted the fertilized egg is now referred
  to as an EMBRYO.
• Embryo forms three layers
• -Layer 1 respiratory/digestive system
• -Layer 2 muscles, bones, blood vessels skin
• -Layer 3 nervous system, sense organs, and
  mouth.
• After approx. 8 weeks, the embryo is now referred
  to as a FETUS.

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FETUS

• The environment within the uterus is highly
  protected.
• Fetus floats in, and is protected by AMNIOTIC
  FLUID, which is contained within the AMNIOTIC
  SAC. Amniotic sac acts as a shock absorber that
  protects the embryo when its jarred or bumped
  and it insulates the embryo from temperature
  changes
• PLACENTA
• -Is an organ of interchange that attaches to the
  uterine wall.
• -A blood rich tissue developed from an outer
  layer of cell from the embryo and tissue from the
  mother.
• -It passes oxygen and nutrients through the
  umbilical cord to the fetus then passes waste
  products and carbon dioxide back to the mother.

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FETUS (continued)

• UMBILICAL CORD-
• -A tube through which nutrients/oxygen pass from
  the mothers blood into the embryos blood.
• -Blood vessels of umbilical cord also carry
  waste products from the embryo, where they
  diffuse into the mothers blood. These wastes
  are then excreted from the mothers body along
  with other body wastes.

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DID YOU KNOW?

• The average pregnant woman gains approx. 24 lbs
• The fetus weighs approx. 7 lbs.
• The amniotic fluid weighs approx. 4 lbs.
• The weight of uterus is 2 lbs.
• Enlargement of breasts approx. 3 lbs.
• Increased body fluid approx 3 lbs.
• Increase in lean muscle approx 2 lbs.
• Increase in fat approx 3 lbs.
• Total Weight Gain approx. 24 Pounds

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Drug/Alcohol use during Pregnancy

• Alcohol
• -Associated with many defects in children.
• -Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) can cause mental
  retardation slow growth before and after birth
  physical defects such as Cleft Palate or hip
  dislocation.
• Tobacco/Marijuana/Drugs
• -Greater chance of baby being premature.
• -Causes low birth weight which is leading cause
  of death in a babys first year of life.

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Drugs/Alcohol Use

• Drug/Alcohol use may affect
• Growth
• Mental Development
• Behavior
• Respiratory problems (bronchitis/ pneumonia)

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Miscarriage/Stillbirth

• Miscarriage
• -A spontaneous abortion, in which the female
  expels the embryo or fetus.
• Stillbirth
• -The birth of a dead fetus.
• Females who use drugs/alcohol/tobacco are more
  likely to have a miscarriage or stillbirth.

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Pregnancy Video

• 9-month video Journey.
• http//www.harthosp.org/womens/maternity/pregnancy
  _video.asp?mo1