Pregnancy and childbirth

3. Identify major
events of
pregnancy and
childbirth

5. Does a growing embryo always
look like a tiny human?
 The above picture shows the very early
stages of human development. Notice that,
at first, the embryo doesn’t look very
human!
 It takes time for the human features to take
shape.

6. Pregnancy and Childbirth
 While a woman is pregnant, the
developing baby may be called an
embryo or a fetus.
 Do these mean the same thing?
No, in the very early stages the
developing baby is called an embryo,
while in the later stages it is called a
fetus.

7.  When the ball of cells first
implants into the uterus, it is called
an embryo.
 The embryo stage lasts until the
end of the 8th week after
fertilization.
 After that point until birth, the
developing baby is called a fetus.

8. Growth and Development of the
Embryo
 During the embryo stage, the baby grows in size.
 3rd week after fertilization: Cells of different types
start to develop.
 Cells that will form muscles and skin, for example,
start to develop at this time.
 4th week after fertilization: Body organs begin to
form.
 8th week: All the major organs have started to
develop.

9.  Pictured below are some of the changes that
take place during the 4th and 8th weeks
 Look closely at the two embryos in the
figure.
 Do you think that the older embryo looks
more human?
 Notice that it has arms and legs and lacks a
tail.
 The face has also started to form, and it is
much bigger.

12. Growth and Development
of the Fetus

13.  There are also many changes that take place
after the embryo becomes a fetus.
 Some of the differences between them are
obvious. For example, the fetus has ears and
eyelids.
 Its fingers and toes are also fully formed.
 The fetus even has fingernails and toenails.
 In addition, the reproductive organs have
developed to make the baby a male or
female.

14.  The brain and lungs are also developing
quickly. The fetus has started to move
around inside the uterus.
 This is usually when the mother first feels
the fetus moving.
By the 28th week, the fetus is starting
to look much more like a baby.
Eyelashes and eyebrows are present.
 Hair has started to grow on the head

15. The body of the fetus is also starting to
fill out as muscles and bones develop.
 Babies born after the 28th week are
usually able to survive.
However, they need help breathing
because their lungs are not yet fully
mature

16.  During the last several weeks of the fetal
period, all of the organs become mature.
 The most obvious change, however, is an
increase in body size.
 The fetus rapidly puts on body fat and gains
weight during the last couple of months.
 By the end of the 38th week, all of the
organs are working, and the fetus is ready to
be born.
 This is when birth normally occurs.

17. The Amniotic Sac and Placenta
 During pregnancy, other structures
also develop inside the mother’s
uterus.
 They are the amniotic sac,
placenta, and umbilical cord

18. This fetus is 38 weeks
old and ready to
be born. Surrounding
the fetus is the
fluid-filled amniotic
sac. The placenta
and umbilical cord are
also shown here.
They provide a
connection between
the
mother’s and fetus’s
blood for the transfer
of nutrients and gases.

19.  The amniotic sac is a membrane that surrounds
the fetus. It is filled with water and dissolved
substances.
 Imagine placing a small plastic toy inside a balloon
and then filling the balloon with water.
 The toy would be cushioned and protected by the
water. It would also be able to move freely inside
the balloon.
 The amniotic sac and its fluid are like a water-
filled balloon.
 They cushion and protect the fetus. They also let
the fetus move freely inside the uterus.

20.  The placenta is a spongy mass of blood vessels. Some
of the vessels come from the mother.
 Some come from the fetus.
 The placenta is attached to the inside of the mother’s
uterus.
 The fetus is connected to the placenta by a tube called
the umbilical cord.
 The cord contains two arteries and a vein. Substances
pass back and forth between the mother’s and fetus’s
blood through the placenta and cord.
 Oxygen and nutrients pass from the mother to the
fetus.
 Carbon dioxide passes from the fetus to the mother.

21. It is important for the mother to
eat plenty of nutritious foods
during pregnancy. She must take in
enough nutrients
for the fetus as well as for herself.
She needs extra calories, proteins,
and lipids. She also needs more
vitamins and
minerals.

22.  In addition to eating well, the mother must
avoid substances that could harm the
embryo or fetus.
 These include alcohol, illegal drugs, and
some medicines.
 It is especially important for her to avoid
these substances during the first eight weeks
after fertilization.
 This is when all the major organs are
forming.
 Exposure to harmful substances during this
time could damage the developing body
systems.

23. Childbirth
 During childbirth, a baby passes from the
uterus, through the vagina, and out of the
mother’s body.
 Childbirth usually starts when the amniotic
sac breaks.
 Then, the muscles of the uterus start
contracting.
 The contractions get stronger and closer
together.
 They may go on for hours.

24. Eventually, the contractions
squeeze the baby out of the
uterus.
Once the baby enters the vagina,
the mother starts pushing. She
soon pushes the baby through
the vagina and out of her body.

25. As soon as the baby is born, the
umbilical cord is cut.
After the cord is cut, the baby
can no longer get rid of carbon
dioxide through the cord and
placenta.

26. As a result, carbon dioxide builds
up in the baby’s blood.
This triggers the
baby to start breathing. The
amniotic sac and placenta pass
through the vagina and out of the
body shortly after the
birth of the baby.

28. Vocabulary
 • Amniotic sac: Fluid-filled membrane that surrounds
the fetus.
 • Childbirth: Passage of the baby from the uterus, through
the vagina, and out of the mother’s body.
 • Embryo: Stage of development that occurs from
implantation in the uterus through the eighth week after
fertilization in humans.
 • Fetus: Developing human baby at least eight weeks after
fertilization.
 • Placenta: Mass of maternal and fetal blood vessels
where the the mother’s and fetus’s blood exchange
substances.
 • Umbilical cord: Tube that connects the fetus to the
placenta.

29. 5 Things That Change
With Pregnancy and
Labor:

30. 1) Through pregnancy, your
uterus grows as your baby grows.
2) Moving into labor, your cervix
changes. It is firm, thick, long,
and closed during pregnancy, and
during labor, it softens, thins,
shortens and opens.

31. 3) As your cervix dilates, you may
release a mucus plug. This could,
but not always, allow for some
blood to show.
4) Your vaginal canal of muscles
is stretched, holding space for
your baby’s head to come
through.

32. 5) Your pelvis, which is 3 bones
connected by ligaments, can
stretch. It can get smaller or larger
depending on your position. When
we talk about station, it’s in
reference to whether the baby’s
head is engaged in the mid pelvis,
or how many centimeters it is
above or below it.

33. 13 Foods to Eat When You’re
Pregnant

34. 1)Dairy Products
 During pregnancy, you need to
consume extra protein and calcium to
meet the needs of the growing fetus
 Dairy products, especially yogurt, are a
great choice for pregnant women.
They help you meet increased protein
and calcium needs.
Probiotics may also help reduce the
risk of complications.

36. 2. Legumes
This group of food includes lentils,
peas, beans, chickpeas, soybeans
and peanuts.
Legumes are excellent plant-based
sources of fiber, protein, iron,
folate (B9) and calcium — all of
which your body needs more of
during pregnancy.

38. 3. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent
source of beta-carotene, which
your body transforms into
vitamin A. Vitamin A is important
for the growth and
differentiation of cells in your
growing fetus.

40. 4. Salmon
Salmon contains the essential
omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA,
which are important for brain and
eye development in your growing
baby. It’s also a natural source of
vitamin D.

42. 5. Eggs
Whole eggs are incredibly
nutritious and a great way to
increase your overall nutrient
intake. They also contain
choline, an essential nutrient
for brain health and
development.

44. 6. Broccoli and Dark, Leafy
Greens
Broccoli and leafy greens contain
most of the nutrients that
pregnant women need. They’re
also rich in fiber, which may help
prevent or treat constipation.

46. 7. Lean Meat
Lean meat is a good source of
high-quality protein. Beef and
pork are also rich in iron,
choline and B vitamins, all of
which are important
nutrients during pregnancy.

48. 8. Fish Liver Oil
A single serving (one tablespoon or
15 ml) of fish liver oil provides
more than the required amount of
omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and
vitamin A. Fish liver oil may be
particularly important for women
who don’t eat seafood.

50. 9. Berries
Berries contain water, carbs,
vitamin C, fiber, vitamins,
antioxidants and plant
compounds. They may help
pregnant women increase
their nutrient and water
intake

52. 10. Whole Grains
Whole grains are packed with
fiber, vitamins and plant
compounds. They’re also rich
in B vitamins, fiber and
magnesium — all of which
pregnant women need.

54. 11. Avocados
Avocados contain high amounts
of monounsaturated fatty acids,
fiber, folate and potassium. They
may help improve fetal health
and relieve leg cramps that are
common in pregnant women.

56. 12. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit may be highly
beneficial for pregnant women
since they are small and
nutrient-dense. Just make sure
to limit your portions and avoid
candied varieties, to prevent
excess sugar intake.

58. 13. Water
Drinking water is important
as your blood volume
increases during pregnancy.
Adequate hydration may also
help prevent constipation
and urinary tract infections.