You should know:
 

• Trace the path of the egg and sperm just before (and as) conception occurs.
• What is the zona pellucida? hyaluronidase?
• How does the sperm penetrate the egg during conception?
• What is the difference between a zygote, embryo, and fetus?
• What is a blastocyst? Describe its course from conception until implantation.
• Explain 5 things couples can do to improve their chances of conception.
• What is the difference between sterility and infertility?
• Why is infertility on the increase?
• What are some possible causes of infertility in the female? the male? What are some combined factors which create infertility?
• What is artificial insemination? How does it treat infertility?
• Describe the process of in vitro fertilization.
• What is zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT)? How is it different than gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)?
• What is artificial embryonation (embryo transfer)?
• What is surrogate motherhood?
• What are some possible physical symptoms of prenancy?
• How does a lab pregnancy test work? How is it different from home pregnancy tests? What is a concern of home pregancy tests (i.e., what type of errors can contribute to birth defects and how)?
• How can pelvic exams detect pregnancy?
• Describe the exchanges of nutrients, oxygen and waste products between mother and fetus using the umbilical cord and placenta.
• What is the amniotic sac and what is its purpose?
• What types of changes occur in the mother and the fetus during the first trimester? the second trimester? the third trimester?
• What is quickening?
• What is colostrum?
• What are Braxton-Hicks contractions?
• Describe the following complications that can occur during pregnancy: pseudocyesis, Rh Incompatability. How are they prevented?
• What is toxemia? Describe the possible stages.
• What is an ectopic pregnancy? What is the most common type? What other types are there? Can any of these go to full term? What appears to be the cause?
• Why should pregnant women be concerned about general illness during pregancy? Why are such illnesses like rubella and herpes of concern for pregnant women?
• What is a spontaneous abortion? How common are they? What is a typical cause?
• What are various definitions of premature births? Which is probably best? How common is prematurity? What are some possible causes?
• What are some signs that a woman is about to go into labor?
• What are the three stages of labor? How many substages are there in the first stage of labor? What are the names of all the stages and substages? What occurs in each of the stages? Which stage is the shortest? the longest? On average, how long do each of the stages last?
• What are some routine procedures that sometimes occur in hospital births but are not necessary?
• How are births today different than those 20 years ago? than those at the turn of the century?
• Describe the Cesarean Section. Why are these sometimes necessary?
• What does the term “prepared or natural childbirth” mean? What is its premise? What are some of the procedures taught during such classes? What is the philosophy behind them? Do they work? Why?

This is not necessarily a complete list of topics covered. Please consult your text and lecture notes for omissions.

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