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1. Describe the symptoms of early pregnancy and be able to explain the mechanism by which the implanted conceptus signals its presence to the mother. Identify how this signal is exploited by commercial tests of pregnancy.
Textbook Reference: Pregnancy and Childbirth Raise Major Health Concerns, p. 323
2. Describe the methods that can be employed to maximize the probability of becoming pregnant.
Textbook Reference: Pregnancy Is Confirmed by Hormonal Tests, pp. 324–325
3. Survey the types of fertility problems that stem from defective sperm production.
Textbook Reference: Infertility Can Result from a Problem in the Woman or in the Man, pp. 327–335
4. Survey the types of fertility problems associated with ovulation and the female reproductive structures and comment on the impact age has on male and female fertility.
Textbook Reference: Infertility Can Result from a Problem in the Woman or in the Man, pp. 327–335
5. Detail some of the methods that are being used to allow subfertile couples to procreate and discuss issues pertaining to the source and ownership of gametes in these procedures.
Textbook Reference: Infertility Can Result from a Problem in the Woman or in the Man, pp. 327–335
6. Review the major threats to the survival of any given conceptus.
Textbook Reference: Many Embryos Do Not Survive, pp. 335–336
7. Review the major events of the first trimester of pregnancy from the perspective of the fetus and also that of the mother. Identify and describe major threats to the well-being of the fetus during this time.
Textbook Reference: Pregnancy Is Conventionally Divided into Three Trimesters, pp. 336–341
8. Review the major events of the second trimester of pregnancy from the perspective of the fetus and also that of the mother. Identify and describe diagnostic tests used to check the development of the fetus.
Textbook Reference: The Second Trimester Is the Easiest, pp. pp. 341–346
9. Review the major events of the third trimester of pregnancy from the perspective of the fetus and also that of the mother. What decisions and preparations should the parents-to-be make at this time?
Textbook Reference: The Third Trimester Is a Time of Preparation, pp. 346–348
10. Review the major events of labor, including the initiating signals and preparation of the fetus, effacement, dilation, and delivery. Also discuss the anesthetic and analgesic options that are available. What are some of the risks associated with a pre-term and delayed birth?
Textbook Reference: Labor Has Three Stages, pp. 348–353
11. Discuss the postpartum period from the following perspectives: physical recovery, depression, interpersonal relationships, and sexuality.
Textbook Reference: The Period after Birth Places Many Demands on Parents, pp. 353–356
12. Discuss the physiological mechanisms, advantages, and drawbacks of breast-feeding.
Textbook Reference: Breast-Feeding Is the Preferred Method of Nourishing the Infant, pp. 357–359
