chapter 2 Flashcards
puberty
when a boy or a girl matures sexually into a man or a woman
menstruation
a regular flow of blood from the vagina as the lining of the uterus breaks down
ovum
medical term for a womans egg
hormone
chemical released into the blood stream that has a specific effect on a certain area of the body e.g. oestrogen and progesterone are key to sexual development and reproduction
conception
when a mans sperm has fertilised a womans egg
fertilisation
the process of the sperm entering the ovum
uterus (womb)
a strong muscle that expands during pregnancy to contain the growing baby
placenta
this develops alongside the baby throughout pregnancy providing vital hormones and nutrients and dealing with waste products
health visitor
a qualified nurse with additional specialist health visitor training
antenatal
care given to a mother and a baby before birth
EDD
estimated date of delivery (roughly when the baby is due to be born
ectopic pregnancy
implantation occurs in the fallopian tubes instead of the wall of the uterus
miscarriage
the sudden loss of an unborn baby
threatened abortion
signs of potential miscarriage are seen but all is eventually okay
inevitable abortion
when the foetus is pushed from the uterus by the womans body
missed abortion
when the foetus is dead in the uterus and needs to be surgically removed
General Practitioner (GP)
a family doctor
obstetrician
a doctor specialising in the care of women during pregnancy
gynaecologist
a doctor specialising in problems of fertility and reproduction
paediatrician
a doctor specialising in the care of babies and children