Sexual Intercourse
The reproductive process in which the penis is inserted into the vagina and through which a new human life may begin Fertilization/Conception
The union of the egg and sperm that takes place in the fallopian tubes
Zygote
The genetic material of the egg and sperm combined to form one cell
Implantation
The attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterus
The egg is now known as a blastocyte, attaches to one of the walls in the upper
1/3 of the uterus
This happens within 3 to 5 days of fertilization Once implantation has happened a women is said to be pregnant
Implantation
Embryo
The term for a developing pregnancy from fertilization to the end of week eight
Endometrium
The lining of the uterus
Placenta
An organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy The placenta provides nourishment and oxygen to the growing baby and removes waste
Some refer to it as the afterbirth because it is excreted from the body following the birth of the baby Most substances are passed from the mother through the placenta to the baby
Amniotic Fluid
The watery substance that surrounds the growing fetus during its time in the womb
The fluid helps to cushion the baby from outside force
Amniocentesis
A medical procedure used for prenatal diagnosis, in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is extracted from the amniotic fluid around a developing fetus
It is usually offered when there may be an increased risk for genetic defects in the pregnancy. Early amniocentesis can be performed as early as
13 weeks gestation
Standard amniocentesis is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks gestation
Ultrasound
used to visualize the embryo or fetus in its mother's uterus (womb)
The procedure is often a standard part of prenatal care, as it yields a variety of information regarding the health of the mother and of the fetus, as well as regarding the progress of the pregnancy.
Umbilical Cord
A hollow rope-like tube that connects the embryo to the placenta
The placenta carries nutrients and oxygen to the baby and takes waste away
First Trimester
The 1st 14 weeks of pregnancy
The most important trimester because this is when the vital structures are forming
The embryo develops all of its organs and grows to about 1.5 inches
The heart, brain, lungs, eyes, arms, and legs have formed – not all of them are fully functional The placenta and umbilical cord are also formed during this time
Second Trimester
Months 4-6 of pregnancy
The organs continue to develop and movement can be felt by month 4
The heartbeat can be heard
The fetus recognized voices and it grows hair and nails
By the end of the 2nd trimester the fetus is about 14-15 inches long and about 2 pounds Third Trimester
Months 7-9 of pregnancy
The fetus gains most of its weight during this trimester and is able to grasp