Pregnancy, Birth, and

Childhood
Haley Strahler and Amelia Stebbing
Introduction
In chapter 19 we will be talking about pregnancy, birth, and childhood. The most
important points in this chapter are the beginning of the life cycle, development in the
uterus, staying healthy during pregnancy, prenatal care, the birth process, complications
at birth, and childhood.
Learning Targets
Development Before Birth
Section 1
Summarize the events that occur during the first week after fertilization
Describe the structures that protect and nourish the embryo and fetus
The importance of prenatal care during pregnancy
During the week of fertilization the fertilized egg goes through many cell divisions and
travels to the uterus. There are five different events that occur during the first week. The
development in the uterus is very important because this is when a lot of other structures grow to.
It is always important to have medical care when your pregnant to make sure that the baby is
healthy.
Vocabulary
Section 1
Zygote- The united egg and sperm.
Embryo- The stage of human development from the two-celled stage until about 9 weeks after fertilization.
Blastocyst- A hollow, spherical structure made up of about 50-100 cells, formed when an embryo divides and grow
Implantation- The process in which the blastocyst attaches itself to the walls of the uterus.
Amniotic Sac- A fluid-filled bag of thin tissue that develops around the embryo.
Placenta- The structure that holds the embryo to the wall of the uterus.
Umbilical Cord- The cord like structure that connects the embryo to the placenta.
Fetus- The stage of human development from the third month after fertilization until birth.
Learning Targets
A Healthy Pregnancy
Section 2
Prenatal care- Monitoring tools
Complications
Behaviors that are essential for a healthy pregnancy
It is very important for you and the baby to be healthy before and during the pregnancy.
There are many tests women can take to assure the health of the baby. Many complications
can occur at any time during pregnancy.
Vocabulary
Section 2
Prenatal Care- Medical care received during pregnancy.
Obstetrician- A doctor who specializes in pregnancy and childbirth.
Trimester- One of three periods of time that divide a pregnancy. Each trimester is approximately 3 months long.
Ultrasound- High frequency sound waves used to create an image of a developing fetus.
Chorionic Villus Sampling- A prenatal test in which a piece of the developing placenta is removed and tested for
inherited disorders.
Amniocentesis- A prenatal test in which a small amount of the amniotic fluid is removed and tested for abnormalities.
Ectopic Pregnancy- A condition resulting from the implantation of the blastocyst in a location in the abdomen other
than the uterus.
Miscarriage- The death of an embryo or fetus in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Preeclampsia- A serious condition during pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, swelling of the wrists and
ankles, and high levels of protein in urine.
Gestational Diabetes- Diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
Learning Targets
Child Birth
Section 3
The birth process
Complications at birth
Multiple births
Vocabulary
Section 3
Certified Nurse-Midwife- A nurse who is trained to deliver babies.
Labor- The worked performed by the mothers body to push the fetus out at the end of pregnancy.
Postpartum Period- A period of adjustment for parents and their newborn during the six weeks after birth.
Stillbirth- The expulsion of a fetus that has died after the twentieth week of pregnancy.
Cesarean Section- A surgical method of birth.
Premature Birth- The delivery of a live baby before the 37th week of pregnancy.
Low Birthweight- A newborn weight of less than 5.5 pounds.
Multiple Birth- The delivery of more than one baby- for example, twins or triplets.
Learning Targets
Childhood
Section 4
Early childhood
Middle and late childhood
Vocabulary
Section 4
Pre-adolescence- The stage of development before adolescence.
Answers
Section 1
The 5 stages: fertilization, the zygote, cell division, the blastocyst, implantation.
Structures in the uterus: amniotic sac, placenta, umbilical cord, the growing embryo, the fetus.
The chance of having a healthy baby increases if the mother visits her doctor or clinic for checks during pregnancy`
Section 2
Health during pregnancy: proper nutrition, exercise, avoid alcohol and drugs, avoid environmental hazards.
Monitoring tools: ultrasound, chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis.
Complications: Ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes.
Section 3
Birth process: labor, delivery of baby, delivery of afterbirth, the postpartum period.
Complications: Surgical delivery, Premature birth, low birthweight.
Multiple birth: Identical twins, fraternal twins, triplets or more.
Answers
Section 4
Early childhood: Birth to eighteen months, eighteen months to three years, three to six years.
Middle and late childhood: physical growth, mental development, importance of friends.