Copulation: Sexual intercourse
Fertilization: Fusion of gametes (egg & sperm). Occurs in oviduct.
Development of the Embryo prior to Implantation:
30 hrs after fert., cell cleavage (division) begins.
Within one week, many cleavages have occurred, forming a blastula (Hollow ball
of cells. Inner cluster becomes embryo, outer ring of cells becomes chorionic
membrane.)
Hormonal Control of Birth:
Mid Pregnancy:
Estrogen & progesterone levels are high to maintain uterine development
& placenta. They also cause development of the mammary glands. High progesterone
prevents labor.
At Birth:
Levels of progesterone drop. This allows oxytocin levels to be released. Oxytocin
causes uterine contractions that trigger further release of oxytocin (+ feedback).
Milk production- As estrogen & progesterone levels drop at birth, the hormone
prolactin is released, causing milk production.
Family Planning:
Mechanical
Condoms
Diaphragm
IUD
Chemical
Oral Contraceptive
Spermacidal gels
Norplant- chemical implant under skin
Behavioral
Rhythmn Method
Ethical Issues of Family Planning/ Contraception
Pros: Cons: