Pregnancy

Sexual Intercourse

 The reproductive process in which the penis is inserted into the vagina and through which a new human life may begin Fertilization/Conception
 The union of the egg and sperm that takes place in the fallopian tubes

Zygote
 The genetic material of the egg and sperm combined to form one cell

Implantation
 The attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterus
 The egg is now known as a blastocyte, attaches to one of the walls in the upper
1/3 of the uterus
 This happens within 3 to 5 days of fertilization  Once implantation has happened a women is said to be pregnant

Implantation

Embryo
 The term for a developing pregnancy from fertilization to the end of week eight

Endometrium
 The lining of the uterus

Placenta
 An organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy  The placenta provides nourishment and oxygen to the growing baby and removes waste
 Some refer to it as the afterbirth because it is excreted from the body following the birth of the baby  Most substances are passed from the mother through the placenta to the baby

Amniotic Fluid
 The watery substance that surrounds the growing fetus during its time in the womb
 The fluid helps to cushion the baby from outside force

Amniocentesis
 A medical procedure used for prenatal diagnosis, in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is extracted from the amniotic fluid around a developing fetus

 It is usually offered when there may be an increased risk for genetic defects in the pregnancy.  Early amniocentesis can be performed as early as
13 weeks gestation
 Standard amniocentesis is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks gestation

Ultrasound

 used to visualize the embryo or fetus in its mother's uterus (womb)
 The procedure is often a standard part of prenatal care, as it yields a variety of information regarding the health of the mother and of the fetus, as well as regarding the progress of the pregnancy.

Umbilical Cord
 A hollow rope-like tube that connects the embryo to the placenta
 The placenta carries nutrients and oxygen to the baby and takes waste away

First Trimester
 The 1st 14 weeks of pregnancy
 The most important trimester because this is when the vital structures are forming
 The embryo develops all of its organs and grows to about 1.5 inches
 The heart, brain, lungs, eyes, arms, and legs have formed – not all of them are fully functional  The placenta and umbilical cord are also formed during this time

Second Trimester
 Months 4-6 of pregnancy
 The organs continue to develop and movement can be felt by month 4
 The heartbeat can be heard
 The fetus recognized voices and it grows hair and nails
 By the end of the 2nd trimester the fetus is about 14-15 inches long and about 2 pounds Third Trimester
 Months 7-9 of pregnancy
 The fetus gains most of its weight during this trimester and is able to grasp