Pregnancy and birth

2. PREGNANCY AND
BIRTH

3. HUMAN REPRODUCTION
• Human reproduction involves two different sex cells: a female
ovum and a male sperm.
• Each cell carries different genetic information which is why
children are unique: they have genetic code from both parents.
• Male and female reproductive systems are different: the male´s is
designed to produce and deliver sperm, while the females is
designed to produce ova, as well as housing, nourishing and
protecting a developing foetus.

5. 1. FERTILISATION
• FERTILISATION
Fertilisation of the ovum can occur after the egg is
released into the fallopian tubes.
Only one sperm can fertilise an ovum. Once the ovum is
fertilised, the cells will start to divide and multiply. This
ball of cells is called a zycote.

6. 2. DEVELOPMENT OF EMBRYO
• After fertilisation, the zygote travels to the uterus
where its cells carry on dividing and multiplying
until they become an embryo.(until 8 weeks) The
embryo fixes itself onto the lining of the uterus
where it will continue to grow. At eight weeks, the
embryo is about the size an adult´s thumb.

8. 3. DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOETUS
• After about nine weeks, all the organs have formed and
the embryo develops into a foetus (nine weeks). The
foetus floats in a sac of amniotic fluid which protects it
from knocks and bumps. The foetus receives oxygen and
nourishment from the mother´s placenta.
• Waste matter and carbon dioxide are transferred from
the foetus to the mother via the placenta.
• The baby is connected to the placenta by the umbilical

9. 4. BIRTH
• Pregnancy lasts about 280 days. When the foetus is ready to
be born, it pushes against the cervix, which starts to open and
widen. Amniotic fluid is released which is often the first sign
that birth is about to start. The muscles of the uterus begin to
contract and the cervix and along the birth canal.
• Babies are usually born head first. The umbilical cord comes
out with the baby. This is cut and tied, and forms our navel or
belly button. The placenta or afterbirth comes out after the