The document discusses pregnancy and pre-natal care. It defines pregnancy as beginning with fertilization and lasting until birth, either 9 months or 38-40 weeks. During this time, the developing human is called an embryo for the first 8 weeks and then a fetus. The document outlines some common physical changes experienced by the mother, such as morning sickness caused by hormones and breast enlargement to prepare for nursing. Over the 9 months, the woman's uterus stretches significantly to hold the growing fetus, causing abdominal growth and other symptoms like leg swelling and sleep issues. Finally, it lists several normal physical conditions and symptoms commonly experienced during pregnancy.

1. PREGNANCY-RELATED
CONCERNS AND PRE-NATAL
CARE
SECOND QUARTER
Health
Week 4

2. PREGNANCY
It is the time when a new cell is formed during
fertilization, grows and develops into a baby in
the woman’s uterus. From the time that the ovum
and the sperm cell unite until the end of the eight
weeks, the developing human is called embryo.
From the eight weeks until birth, the developing
human is called the fetus. A normal pregnancy
generally lasts until 9 months or 38-40 weeks.

3. the mother’s uterus releases special hormones, which is only
released by the woman’s body during pregnancy
Changes in the Mother’s Body
Some of the hormones produced by the pregnant woman’s
body makes her nauseated, this situation is called “morning
sickness” and usually lasts for 3 months. The same
hormones make the woman’s breast enlarge and prepare to
produce milk.

4. Over the 9-month period, the woman’s uterus stretches to hold a full-
sized newborn baby. This stretching makes her abdomen get larger.
A pregnant woman also experiences swelling of legs, difficulty in
sleeping, restlessness, and irritability as the fetus gets larger. Many
women feel clumsy or uncomfortable too because of the changes that
are taking place.

5. Normal physical changes and symptoms throughout pregnancy although they can range
from mild to severe, the following conditions are common during pregnancy:
 Fatigue
 Nosebleeds and bleeding gums
 Morning sickness
 Sleep problems
 Hemorrhoids and constipation
 Varicose veins
 Breast changes
 Hair changes
 Heartburn
 Leg cramps
 Back pain and sciatica
 Stretch marks, itchiness, and other skin changes
 Pelvic ache and hip pain