Pregnancy and Childbirth

Question 1

What happens when a sperm cell makes contact with an ovum cell?

Answer 1

One sperm will bury its head into the egg and the tail will break off. This makes the egg surface change to block any other sperm from getting in. The egg is now fertilised – it is called a zygote.

Question 2

Where does the ovum usually become fertilised?

Answer 2

In the fallopian tubes (oviducts)

Question 3

Name the stages of foetus development.

Answer 3

Day 1 = zygote
Day 3 = morula
Day 5 = blastocyst (implantation happens here!)
2 weeks = embryo
9 weeks = foetus
Birth = baby

Question 4

At how many weeks is the embryo’s body systems present and functioning?

Answer 4

8 weeks!

Question 5

What is the function of amniotic fluid?

Answer 5

1. To protect baby from impact.
2. To maintain a constant temperature.
3. To allow the foetus freedom of movement
4. To allow the foetus to develop its musculoskeletal system

Question 6

What is the function of the placenta?

Answer 6

1. Filtration - removes carbon dioxide and wastes
2. Nutritional - delivers oxygen and nutrients using diffusion

Question 7

How does the placenta form?

Answer 7

The embryo develops a series of finger-like projections which invade (plug-in to) the uterus wall of the mother. This enlarges and forms the placenta.

Question 8

What connects the foetus with the mother?

Answer 8

The umbilical cord - connects from the baby’s stomach to the placenta.

Question 9

What is the gestational period?

Answer 9

The period of foetal development in the uterus.

Question 10

How many trimesters are there?

Answer 10

3!
1st Trimester – up to 12 weeks
2nd Trimester – 13-27 weeks
3rd Trimester – 28-40 weeks

Question 11

How many stages of childbirth are there?

Answer 11

3!

Question 12

What happens in the 1st stage of childbirth?

Answer 12

Dilation:
- Mucus plug comes away with a little blood.
- Uterus contracts & cervix dilates.
- Amnion usually breaks = breaking of waters.
- Baby will have normally turned so that its head is facing down.

Question 13

What happens in the 2nd stage of childbirth?

Answer 13

Expulsion (Delivery of baby):
- Contractions are strong & close together.
- Baby’s head is pushed face-down out the birth canal = delivery.

Question 14

What happens in the 3rd stage of childbirth?

Answer 14

After-Birth:
- Half an hour after birth, further contractions expel the placenta and amniotic sac.