ch 6: conception, pregnancy and childbirth Flashcards
what are some reasons why the sperm doesn’t reach the egg? (3)
- gravity: depends on sexual position
- acidity: kills any extra sperms
- wrong fallopian tube: some sperms swim up the wrong tube
what is the “zona pellucida”?
jelly layer surrounding the egg which has to be penetrated for sperm to reach the egg
what is hyaluronidase ?
this used to break down the jelly layer around the egg for sperm to reach the egg.
Steps to get pregnant? (7)
- find ovulation dates
- have sex at ovulation
- have sex every 24-48 hrs for sperm to re-spawn
- try missionary
- lift hips and legs after sex
- don’t douche
- have an orgasm
what are the three germ layers in a developing embryo?
- Ectoderm
- Mesoderm
- Endoderm
what is the ectoderm do?
forms skin in fetus
what is the mesoderm?
forms muscles, skeleton, circulatory system, and urine system in fetus.
what is the endoderm?
forms the digestive system in the fetus
function of the placenta? (3)
- Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG)
- Exchange nutrients from mother and fetus
- Produces extra progesterone which changes influx in hormones
what week does the umbilical cord develop?
the 5th week and it is attached to the placenta
what is the “amnion? (3)
- liquid that keeps fetus floating
- maintains temperature
- protects fetus from outside harm
what are the 3 signs of pregnancy (3 p’s)
- presumptive signs
-missing your period - probably signs
- positive signs
-ultrasound
“What is Nagele’s Rule”?
Estimated Due Date = 1st day of last period - 3months +7 days + 1 year
what is “Breech Presentation”
the head of the baby is facing up in the uterus
what is “Cephalic Presentation”
The head of the baby is facing down in the uterus
1st Trimester changes: PHYSICAL (5)
- swollen breasts
- frequent pee
- discharge
- nausea
- fatigue
1st Trimester changes: PSYCHOLOGICAL
- depression
- anxiety about miscarriage
- protective factors
2nd Trimester changes: PHYSICAL
- big belly
- decrease of symptoms
- edema
- boobs fully developed
- fetus moves
2nd Trimester changes: PSYCHOLOGICAL
- calmer
- pride
- excitement
3rd Trimester changes: PHYSICAL
- noticing more fetus activity
- symptoms from pressure on organs
- awkwardness
- braxton hicks contractions
- engagement of the head
3rd Trimester Changes: PSYCHOLOGICAL
- Impatience
- concern about the health of baby
- fears about labour and delivery
In the 1st trimester, why would a psychological change be depression?
if a pregnancy is unplanned and the woman is not able to support herself and the baby, this can lead to depression and anxiety
In the 3rd trimester, for “physical changes” what are the symptoms of pressure on organs?
- pressure on bladder = having to pee all the time
- pressure on lungs = hard to breathe with fetus pushing up against lungs
- pressure on stomach = it is a weird sensation
In the 3rd trimester, what are some of the “awkwardness’” that happen in physical changes?
-gaining up to 8lbs of water weight
- boobs getting 1.5lbs bigger
what is the “Braxton- Hicks” contractions?
can be mistaken for going into labour because the uterus tightens and releases and happens in late pregnancy
when would a doctor need to perform a c-section?
if the baby’s head is not in the “head down” position
less stress in pregnancy means what?
fewer problems in childbirth
3 good things for prenatal care?
- Nutrition
- Sex during pregnancy
- Exercise
why is nutrition important in prenatal care?
the fetus needs the nutrients that the mother ingests so you need extra of everything for the fetus and the mom
why is sex during pregnancy important in prenatal care?
its just healthy and completely safe
why is exercise important in prenatal care?
- increases oxygen for fetus
- reduces fluid retention
- strengthens body for giving birth
what happens at the beginning of labour?
- discharge of mucus plug (“the blood show”)
- membranes containing amniotic fluid rupture (“water breaking”)
- Braxton Hicks contractions increase
what is the mucus plug?
plugs the cervix opening from germs getting in
how long does labour last on the average?
2-24 hours
how long does labour last for someone who is pregnant for the 1st time
12-15 hours
how long does labor last for someone who is pregnant for the second time?
8 hours
what happens in the 2nd stage of childbirth?
- head moves into the birth canal
- “crowning”
- episiotomy
- first breath
what is an episiotomy?
an incision into the perineum (rectum).
this speeds up delivery
these are more common on fridays…
what happens in the 3rd stage of childbirth?
placenta detaches and afterbirth comes out of woman
when are Caesarean sections (c-sections) performed?
-breech birth
-labour is difficult or abnormal
-fetus is distressed
-women has had previous c-sections
what are some controversies about c-sections ?
they might be performed too routinely
what are some childbirth options?
- lamaze
- anesthetics
- home vs hospital births
what is lamaze
its a way to help people cope with labour, mentally prepares you for giving birth
what kind of anesthetics are used during childbirth ?
- epidural
- nitroxide
why might a home birth be better than a hospital birth?
being at home with family is a better setting than being in a hospital which is associated with sickness and disease
how old was the oldest woman to give birth?
66 years old
what are the role of dads when partner is pregnant?
ambivalence
couvade syndrome
couvade rituals
what is couvade syndrome
when the dad thinks hes having the same symptoms as his pregnant partner (cravings, nausea, weight gain)
what are couvade rituals
women squeezed partners testicles while giving birth so they can share the same pain of giving birth
what are some changes that come with the postpartum period?
- physical
- psychological
- lifestyle
- exhaustion
- discomfort
- changes in hormones
what are some changes with sex during postpartum period?
- discomfort after vaginal birth
- problems with lubrication
- not feeling confident in your own body
what is prolactin in breastfeeding?
prolactin : helps with the production of breastmilk
what is oxytocin in breastfeeding?
helps with the ejection of breastmilk
what is colustrum ?
it is “breastmilk” and its good for the immune system of the baby
benefits for babies who are breastfed?
- enhances brain and visual development
- less likely to be obese, straighter teeth, less infection in the body
benefits for moms who breastfeed?
- postpones ovulation
- uterus goes back to normal size while breastfeeding
- helps women lose pregnancy weight
why does breastfeeding help women lose pregnancy weight?
it burns calories while producing breastmilk and while breastfeeding
what are some disadvantages for moms who breastfeed?
- blocked milk ducts (painful)
- not being able to produce enough milk at the start
- lots of leaking
- not being able to control when milk comes out (random triggers)
