Pregnancy and Birth

  • Development of Foetus

    Development of Foetus

    After 8 weeks, the embryo develops into a foetus
  • Female anatomical changes

    Female anatomical changes

    The placenta is still secreting estrogen and progesterone but is also pumping out relaxin, a hormone that loosens joints and ligaments to increase flexibility. hPL is produced to tell the foetus to grow, get breasts to get ready to lactate and tells the body to hoard glucose for the foetus to use
  • Movement of zygote and morula

    Movement of zygote and morula

    The zygote and the morula are headed down the fallopian tube towards the nucleus
  • Trophoblasts

    Trophoblasts

    Trophoblasts secrete a luteinizing-like hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) - telling the corpus luteum to keep pumping out estrogen and progesterone
  • Implantation

    Implantation

    Implantation takes about 5 days and finishes around 12 days after ovulation
  • Implantation

    Implantation

    Estrogen and Progesterone from the corpus luteum prepare the endometrium to receive the blastocyst, allowing the uterine lining to bind to little proteins on the trophoblasts, holding onto them for the duration of the pregnancy
  • Embryonic Stage

    Embryonic Stage

    When the blastocyst develops into an embryo, surrounded by an amniotic sac, and hooked up to the placenta. The umbilical cord provides for the direct transfer of nutrients, hormones and wastes between mother and offspring
  • Expulsion Stage

    Expulsion Stage

    Cervix is dilated and the mother should feel the urge to push and the infant is pushed through the cervix and out of the vagina
  • Release of estrogen

    Release of estrogen

    Estrogen is released to prepare the uterus for birth