Birth

Slide 1 of 15: Synopsis

Human Development Video Activity
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You must read each slide, and complete any questions on the slide, in sequence.
amniotic sac
A membrane that contains the amniotic fluid, in which the unborn baby develops and grows. The fluid within the sac protects the fetus from impact by absorbing shock, maintains a consistent temperature, and provides a means for the fetus to breathe.
birth canal
The passage, that includes the uterus, the cervix, and the vagina, through which a baby is delivered when born vaginally.
cervix
Organ that lies between the uterus and the vagina. It contains a canal that can dilate different amounts allowing sperm, menstrual flow, and a fetus to pass.
cesarean section (c-section)
A surgical procedure for delivering a baby non-vaginally that requires incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterus through which the fetus can be retrieved.
contractions
The periodic cramping of the muscles of the uterus that serves to push the baby through the birth canal.
crowning
The point in vaginal childbirth when the top of the baby’s head is visible outside the mother's vagina.
placenta
The vascular organ that builds up on the mother’s uterine wall to surround and nourish the embryo and fetus during pregnancy.
transition
The last part of the first stage of labor when the cervix is close to or fully dilated. It is the shift to the second stage of labor and is a time of very strong contractions and sometimes shaking or shivering. While intense, it is generally the shortest phase of labor.
umbilical cord
A tube that connects the fetus’s abdomen to the placenta. The umbilical cord delivers oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to the fetus and takes away waste and deoxygenated blood from the fetus.
uterus
The female organ in which the fetus develops and grows until birth. Often also called the womb.
A young mother resting with her newborn in a hospital bed

Author

Catherine Robertson, Grossmont College
S. Stavros Valenti, Hofstra University

Synopsis

This activity focuses on the biology of birth and the experience that most mothers go through in having a baby. You will see video clips and illustrations depicting the various stages leading up to a healthy, vaginal birth. You will also explore some medical interventions in the birth process as well as the growing trend to personalize the birthing experience for both mother and child.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2000). Trends in the attendant, place, and timing of births and in the use of obstetric interventions in the United States, 1989–1997. Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report, 49.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (1999). Achievements in public health, 1900–1999: Healthier mothers and babies. Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report, 48.

Troyer, L., & Parisi, V. (1994). Management of labor. In J. Scott, P. Di Saia, C. Hammond, & W. Spellacy. (Eds.), Danforth obstetrics and gynecology. Philadelphia: Lippincott.