Lecture 6: Conception, Pregnancy and Childbirth Flashcards
hyaluronidase
enzyme secreted by the sperm as they’re swarming the egg. Helps to dissolve the zona pellucida, allows one sperm to penetrate the egg.
second stage labour
- head into birth canal
- length
- urge to push
- crowning
- episiotomy
- first breath
psychological effects
50% of pregnant people suffer elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and grief
first stage labour
- effacement of cervix
- dilation of cervis
- length 2-24 hours
- 12-15 hrs 1st pregnancy
- 8 hrs, 2nd + pregnancy
- contractions
3rd trimester
- 27-38 weeks
physical changes in pregnant person
- uterus is large and hard
- symptoms from pressure on organs
- aware of fetal activity
- awkwardness
- braxton-hicks contractions
- engagement of head
psychological changes in pregnant person
- impatience, concern, re: health of baby and delivery
the negative factors of parenthood
- childcare is exhausting
- 35% of babies in USA are born to unmarried women
- fathers usually help much less than expected
- post-birth pain in vagina, uterus and breasts
- new mothers often feel incompetent
- expectations different than reality
- little contact with other adults
- father may feel neglected by mother
- new mothers feel they don’t live up to “perfect mother stereotype”
- people blame mothers for infants behaviour
Doula
Women’s servant, be present during delivery and labour to provide emotional support and education
what about postpartum sexual function?
- pregnancy and postpartum are a vulnerable time for couples sexual lives
- changes to sexual function (desire, arousal, lubrication, pain) are common after having a baby
- greater sexual distress, lower relationship satisfaction, and more depressive symptoms are more likely to experience persistent problems with postpartum sexual function
1st Trimester
- first 12 weeks
- physical changes in pregnant person
- breast swelling
- frequent urination
- bowel irregularity
- vaginal discharge
- nausea
- fatigue
teen pregnancy in canada
- teen pregnancy rates and teen abortions declined 36.9% from 1996 to 2006
- was 44/1000 in 2007, 30/1000 in 2017
beginning of labour
- mucous plug discharge
- reuptured memberanes
- increase braxton-hicks contractions
Ovulation
the egg is picked up by the fimbriae (finger-like structure at the opening of the fallopian tube) and the egg enters the fallopian tube.
The egg must be fertilized within 12-24 hours after its release or the egg will disintegrate
occurs on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle after the egg is released
How frequent do braxton hicks contractions get as you approach labour?
the positive factors of parenthood
- women report increase sense of their own strength
- parenting can be fun and interesting
- Identifying and developing ability to nurture
- fathers/partners express admiration and affection for their partner
- enjoys watching baby develop new skills
- more abstract than negative factors
Lowest rates of teen pregnancy
- 15-19 year olds
- PEI (23.4/1000)
- NB and NL (26/1000)
Zona pellucida
thin gelatinous layer that surrounds the egg. Helps to contain the chromosomes, proteins and the fats and nutritious fluids
Key points in fertilization and implantation
- Ovulation, 12-24 hour window
- Sperm follow chemical signal of the egg
- Zona Pellucida
- Hydralurondase
- Capacitation
- Implantation
prevention of miscarriage
- early prenatal care
- detect and treat illness
- avoid environmental hazards
Biology of Pregnancy
Zygote
- fertilized egg
- travels down the fallopian tube
- cell division begins ~36 hours after conception
- implantation occurs 5-7 days later
Embryo
- 2-8 weeks
Fetus
- 8weeks - birth
the father’s experience during the pregnancy
- some research on fathers, very little research on orher relationdship types
- couvade syndrome
- couvade ritual
- psychological changes for fathers in canada
Possible symptoms of Miscarriages
- low back or abdominal pain (dull, sharp or cramping)
- clot passes through vagina
- vaginal bleeding
risk factors of miscarriages
- history of psychiatric illness
- childlessness
- lack of social support
- poor relationship adjustment
- prior preganancy loss
Improving chances of conception
- track ovulation by basal body temperature (temperature will be slightly lower before ovulation and slightly higher the day after ovulation)
- Time intercourse right at ovulation or 1-2 days before
- maintain sperm count (2-3 times that week)
- gravity