Fertilization
the union of a male sperm cell and a female egg cell
Implantation
the process by which zygote attaches to the uterine wall
Embryo
a cluster of cells that develops between the third and eighth week of pregnancy
Fetus
the group of developing cells
Amniotic Sac
a thin, fluid-filled membrane that surrounds and protects the developing embryo
Umbilical cord
a ropelike structure that connects the fetus with the mother's placenta
Trimesters
a three month period during the nine months
Multiple Births
twins, triplets, and quadruplets
Prenatal care
the steps that a pregnant female can take to provide for her own health and the heath of her baby
Fetal alcohol syndrome
a group of alcohol-related birth defects that includes both physical and mental problems
Premature birth
the type of birth that takes place at least three weeks before the due date
Miscarriage
the spontaneous expulsion of a fetus occurring before the twentieth week of pregnancy
Still birth
the delivery of a fetus that has died after the twentieth week of pregnancy
Gestational hypertension
high blood pressure during pregnancy
Preeclampsia
prevents the placenta from getting enough blood to nourish the fetus
Ectopic pregnancy
results when a zygote implants not in the uterus but in the Fallopian tube, abdomen, ovary, or cervix
Chromosomes
thread-like structures found within the nucleus of a cell that carry the codes for inherited traits
DNA
the chemical unit that makes up chromosomes
Genes
the basic units of heredity
Genetic disorders
disorders caused partly or completely by a defect in genes
Amniocentesis
a procedure in which a syringe in inserted through a pregnant female's abdominal wall to remove a sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the developing fetus
Chorionic villi sampling
a procedure in which a small piece of membrane is removed from the chorion
Gene therapy
the process of inserting normal genes into human cells to correct genetic disorders
Developmental tasks
events that need to happen in order for a person to continue growing toward becoming a healthy, mature adult
Autonomy
the confidence that a person can control his or her own body, impulses, and environment
Scoliosis
an abnormal lateral, or side-to-side curvature of the spine