The time taken for the development of a baby from an implanted zygote is called the gestation period.
LABOR AND BIRTH
Labor are the sequence of events that leads to the birth of a baby.
Stages of Labor:
- Contractions of the uterus walls start
- Contractions of the uterus walls become more frequent and powerful which causes the amniotic membrane to break and release the amniotic fluid.
- Cervix dilates and baby’s head is pushed out of the cervix into the vagina.
- Baby is born
Hormones responsible for birth:
- Level of progesterone falls
- A hormone released from the pituitary gland of the mother which is called oxytocin stimulates the process
- Level of oestrogen rises
CONTRACEPTION
ays to prevent pregnancy:
– Rhythm method (understanding of the body’s natural cycles)
– A physical barrier (condom, femidom, diaphragm)
– A chemical (pill, spermicide)
– A surgical procedure (vasectomy)
CONTRACEPTION (RHYTHM METHOD)
- Calendar method
time of ovulation is recorded with a calendar.
- Temperature method
measuring body temperature to look for changes in ovulation.
the release of ovum increases the body temperature slightly.
- Mucus method
taking note of the changes of the mucus lining at the cervix and vagina during ovulation
However, the rhythm method is not very reliable as compared to using artificial methods of contraception.
MALE CONTRACEPTION METHODS
- Withdrawal – penis is withdrawn from the vagina before ejaculation occurs
- Vasectomy – sperm ducts are cut in a surgical operation
- Condoms – acts as a barrier to prevent sperm from being released into the vagina and protects against sexually transmitted infections
FEMALE CONTRACEPTION METHODS
BREASTFEEDING AND BOTTLE FEEDING
Suckling stimulates the mother’s brain to release more oxytocin. Lactation is the process which occurs when the mammary glands squeezes out milk which is caused by oxytocin.
TWINS
Fertility drugs increases the chances of getting twins/triplets since more ova are released and fertilized at the same time.
Conjoined twins is the result of a zygote not fully splitting into two identical embryos.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STI)
STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.
Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria which can be treated by antibiotics.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for AIDS since it is caused by a virus
