Health, Pregnancy, and Birth

This lesson covers: 

1. The importance of health during pregnancy
2. The structures that support pregnancy
3. The process of birth

Importance of health during pregnancy

Maintaining good health is important during pregnancy, as it influences the baby's growth and development.

Physical and mental health are important for both the mother and the developing fetus.

Pregnant people are advised to:

1. Consume a balanced diet.
2. Take part in suitable exercise.
3. Avoid harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs.
4. Avoid stress and emotional challenges.

The structures that support pregnancy

The placenta has an important role in supporting the growing baby.

The key structures that support pregnancy include:

• Placenta - This is the site of exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between the blood of the mother and the blood of the fetus.
• Umbilical cord - This carries oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus and removes waste from the fetus to the placenta.
• Amniotic fluid - This cushions and protects the fetus from physical damage.
• Amniotic sac - This contains the amniotic fluid.

It is important to remember that harmful substances like nicotine from smoking, alcohol, and drugs can cross the placenta. These products can cause developmental issues and health problems for the baby so it is important to avoid them during pregnancy.

The process of birth

After about 38-40 weeks of growth inside the uterus, the baby is ready to be born!

The process of birth, sometimes called labour, involves the following stages:

• During labour, contractions of the uterus occur and the mother's water breaks.
• The water is the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby during pregnancy.
• The fetus passes through the cervix and travels down the vagina, finally exiting the mother's body.
• After birth, the umbilical cord is cut and the placenta passes out through the vagina.