Chapter 6: Conception and Birth Flashcards
During what part of a woman’s menstrual cycle is she most likely to get pregnant?
during ovulation: day 14
What are the three parts of a sperm?
Head, mid piece, and tail
How many sperm are contained in a typical ejaculate?
200 million
How fast do sperm travel and how long does it take for sperm to reach the egg after ejaculation?
Capable of swimming 1 to 3 sm per hour; 1.5 hours after ejaculation
Where does fertilization of the egg usually take place?
the outer third of the fallopian tube -near the ovary
How do sperm break through the “zona” of the egg?
Swarm around the egg and secrete an enzyme called hyaluronidase that dissolves the zona
What is a zygote?
Fertilized egg
If a couple wishes to get pregnant, how can they figure out when it would be best for them to have sex?
Determine when she ovulates by basal body temp chart; in a perfect cycle day 14
How long can sperm survive within a woman’s body?
Five days
What is the best sexual position for getting pregnant?
Missionary
What occurs during the embryonic period of fetal development (the first eight weeks)?
-most of the major organs
What is the ectoderm?
will form nervous system and skin
What is the endoderm?
digestive system
What is mesoderm?
muscles, skeleton, tissues, reproductive and circulatory systems
What is the placenta and what are its functions?
an organ on the wall of the uterus through which the fetus receives oxygen and nutrients and gets rid of waste products
How is the placenta related with the physical symptoms of pregnancy?
barrier between the fetus and the women’s blood for example if the mom was a cold that fetus will stay completely healthy
What hormones are involved in this process?
Estrogen, progesterone, and hCG human chorionic gonadotropin -pregnancy hormone
What is amniotic fluid and what are its functions?
Watery liquid that that fetus floats in and can readily move in; maintains the fetus at a constant temp
What are the different milestones that happen during fetal development? (Refer to Table 1)
First trimester: backbone and external body parts develop
- Second trimester: fetal movement and heartbeat
- Third trimester: chubby baby
What are the symptoms of pregnancy that occur during the 1sttrimester?
Missed menstrual period, spotting, increase in temperature, tender boobs
Why is it important for a woman to detect her pregnancy as early as possible?
To start getting prenatal care, get on a good nutrition diet
How do pregnancy tests work to detect pregnancy?
Immunologic test based on the presence of hCG
What are differences between laboratory vs. home (over-the-counter) pregnancy tests?
Laboratory are 99% accurate vs home may produce a false negative
What are “positive signs” of pregnancy?
Beating of fetal heart, active fetal movement, and detection of a fetal skeleton by ultrasound
What are physical changes that occur for women during the 1sttrimester of their pregnancy?
Large increase in hormone levels produced by the placenta, nipples darken or broaden, morning sickness, vaginal discharge
What are Braxton-Hicks contractions?
Painless contractions; not a part of labor
Is physical exercise good for pregnant women at this time?
Modern activity is not dangerous and it is beneficial
What are psychological changes that occur for women during the 3rdtrimester of their pregnancy?
Well-being is greater with women who have a support system
What are the physical and psychological changes experienced by some fathers during their female partners’ pregnancy?
Indigestion, gastritis, nausea, change in appetite, and headaches; they want to feel fetal movements and view ultrasounds for a sense of reality
How do fathers commonly prepare for having a baby?
Larger home, tests to be taken, take classes
Is it safe for a couple to have sex while pregnant?
Yes
What are the best sex positions for pregnant couples?
Side to side intercourse
What are teratogens?
Drugs that produce defects
What are the effects of taking antibiotics while pregnant?
Stained teeth, bone deformitities, and deafness
What are the effects of consuming alcohol while pregnant?
Somatic, behavioral, and neurological impairments extending to adulthood
What are signs of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in children?
Born with undescended testes, small brain, small eye openings, and joint/limb/ heart malformities
What is a “safe” amount of alcohol that can be consumed by pregnant women?
none
What are the effects of using cocaine while pregnant?
Premature birth
What are the effects of using marijuana while pregnant?
Reduced gestational age, fetal growth, and fetal birth weight
What are the effects of using steroids while pregnant?
Masculinities in a female fetus
What are the effects of taking antidepressants or selective serotonin inhibitors while pregnant?
Low birth weight and to be in the ICU
How might a man affect his offspring by taking drugs or smoking?
Damage the sperm and genetic contents
What is effacement and dilation?
Thinning out and opening up of the cervix
What occurs during the early, late and transition stages of first-stage labor?
Early: contractions are spaced apart, late is marked by the dilation of the cervix from 5-8 cm; transition: final dilation 8-10cm
What occurs during second-stage labor?
Stage through which the baby moves out through the vagina and is delivered
What is an episiotomy? What are the criticisms of using this technique?
An incision made in the skin just behind the vagina, allowing the baby to pass through more easily
What occurs during third-stage labor?
Stage during the afterbirth is pushed out
Why do some women receive a Cesarean section?
When normal birth is impossible or undesirable
What are rates of Cesarean delivery in the U.S.?
32.7%
