Page 130 - 86 human physiology part-2

Pregnancy and Birth

• convenient always at temperature and ready to go
• less expensive
• uterus returns to normal size sooner
• less incidence of postpartum “blues”
• lower risk of breast cancer
• lower risk of osteoporosis

Postpartum Depression

"Having a baby is usually one of the happiest times in a woman's life, but for some women, it can
include times of sadness and depression." More women actually suffer from postpartum depression
then we really know. Women usually ignore the emotional and physical signs, dealing with their
feelings on there own.

"Postpartum depression affects approximately 10 to 15 percent of new mothers. It often causes
anxiety and obsession about caring for the baby or the cleanliness of the home. It may cause changes in
sleep patterns and affect relationships including the ability to form a bond with the baby and other
family members. Some mothers with postpartum depression have thoughts of wanting to die or of
hurting the baby. If the symptoms are so severe that they keep the mother from being able to function,
medical treatment is necessary." http://www.siumed.edu/news/Newsline%20TEXT05/8-03-04.htm

Baby blues are common due to rapid hormonal changes but resolve after 1-2 weeks. Post-partum
depression is characterized by persisting symptoms, and the mother should notify her provider
immediately.

Testing Your Knowledge

1. Is at this stage that an egg implants in the uterine lining

A) morula
B) zygote
C) blastocyst
D) embryoblast

2. Which part of the embryoblast will become the central nervous system in development

A) ectogerm
B) mesoderm
C) endoderm

3. This hormone is only produced in the human body when a woman is pregnant

A) estrogen
B) HCG
C) progesterone
D) FSH

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