Obstetric ultrasonographyObstetric ultrasonography, or prenatal ultrasound, is the use of medical ultrasound in pregnancy, in which sound waves are used to create real-time visual images of the developing embryo or fetus in the uterus (womb). The procedure is a standard part of prenatal care in many countries, as it can provide a variety of information about the health of the mother, the timing and progress of the pregnancy, and the health and development of the embryo or fetus.
GestationGestation is the period of development during the carrying of an embryo, and later fetus, inside viviparous animals (the embryo develops within the parent). It is typical for mammals, but also occurs for some non-mammals. Mammals during pregnancy can have one or more gestations at the same time, for example in a multiple birth. The time interval of a gestation is called the gestation period.
PregnancyTime of offspring development in mother's bodyMedical conditionPregnancy is the time during which one or more offspringgestates inside a woman's uterus. A multiple pregnancy involves more than one offspring, such as with twins. Conception usually occurs following vaginal intercourse, but can also occur through assisted reproductive technology procedures. A pregnancy may end in a live birth, a miscarriage, an induced abortion, or a stillbirth.
Beginning of pregnancy controversyControversy over the beginning of pregnancy occurs in different contexts, particularly as it is discussed within the debate of abortion in the United States. Because an abortion is defined as ending an established pregnancy, rather than as destroying a fertilized egg, depending on when pregnancy is considered to begin, some methods of birth control as well as some methods of infertility treatment might be classified as causing abortions.
MenstruationPeriodic shedding of the uterine liningDiagram illustrating how the uterine lining builds up and breaks down during the menstrual cycleMenstruation (also known as a period, among other colloquial terms) is the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. The menstrual cycle is characterized by the rise and fall of hormones.
Human fertilizationHuman fertilization is the union of an egg cell and a sperm, occurring primarily in the ampulla of the fallopian tube. The result of this union leads to the production of a fertilized egg called a zygote, initiating embryonic development. Scientists discovered the dynamics of human fertilization in the 19th century. The process of fertilization involves a sperm fusing with an egg cell also known as an ovum.
Implantation (embryology)Implantation, also known as nidation, is the stage in the mammalianembryonic development in which the blastocyst hatches, attaches, adheres, and invades into the endometrium of the female's uterus. Implantation is the first stage of gestation, and, when successful, the female is considered to be pregnant. An implanted embryo is detected by the presence of increased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a pregnancy test.
ObstetricsObstetrics is the field of study concentrated on pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. As a medical specialty, obstetrics is - in some jurisdictions - combined with gynecology under the discipline known as obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN), which is a surgical field. Main areasPrenatal carePrenatal care is important in screening for various complications of pregnancy.
Beginning of human personhoodThe beginning of human personhood is the moment when a human is first recognized as a person. There are differences of opinion about the precise time when human personhood begins and the nature of that status. The issue arises in a number of fields, including science, religion, philosophy, and law, and is most acute in debates about abortion, stem cell research, reproductive rights, and fetal rights.
In vitro fertilisationIn vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a process of fertilisation in which an egg is combined with spermin vitro ("in glass"). The process involves monitoring and stimulating the ovulatory process, then removing an ovum or ova (egg or eggs) from the ovaries and enabling sperm to fertilise them in a culture medium in a laboratory.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.