Prenatal care

Prenatal care is the care taken of both pregnant woman and the developing child before birth.

Diseases

Some diseases may travel from the mother to the fetus. Example: sexually transmitted disease,
HIV.

HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus

AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Syphilis and Herpes – can cause the baby to become blind or develop serious brain damage.

German measles (rubella) can cause the baby to become deaf or with a heart disease.

Effects of using drugs during pregnancy.

Some drugs that the mother takes can easily travel from her blood into the fetus.

- Mothers who smoke cigarettes are more likely to lose their babies in a miscarriage.
- They can have cross placenta or abnormal placenta.
- They can produce smaller babies/underweight babies.
- Drinking of alcohol can also cross the placenta.
- It can also affect the mental development of the fetus (brain).
- It puts an extra strain on the mother’s liver and may affect the babies developing nervous system.

NB: Pregnant women should not smoke and drink alcohol because of what can happen to the fetus.

X-rays can cause damage to the developing tissues of the fetus. They have been replaced by the use of
ultra sound.

Ultra sound is an imaging test it uses sound waves to create a picture of how the baby is.

Nutrition , a balanced diet is needed for the mother.

- Protein is needed for the development of the cells and muscles in the baby.
- Carbohydrates are needed to provide the mother with energy to carry the developing fetus.
- Fat is needed for the development of the baby’s brain. It also provides the mother with energy.
- Vitamins and minerals – she also needs more vitamins and minerals than usual to provide for both
the mother’s and the baby’s needs. Minerals like calcium and phosphorus are responsible for the
development of strong bones and teeth. Example: Milk
Another mineral is iron, it is needed for blood. It is used to make red blood cells.

Post Natal Care

How do humans care for their young after birth (post-natal care)
 1. Breast feeding is very important for the baby; it is the best food for the baby.

Advantages of breast feeding

1. It contains all the nutrients the baby needs the right proportion.
2. It is free from germs and it contains baby anti-bodies which help to protect the young from
diseases.

Disadvantages of breast feeding

1. Gastro – enteritis (diarrhea)

2. Malnutrition – making food to weak
3. Constipation/obesity/upset stomach

Malnutrition – for example, the milk the baby is supposed to be drinking the parent says that he/she has
no money. The milk they currently have would have to be stretched to last a longer period ofepi time.
Therefore, when the milk is stretched it would lose its nutrients.

Immunization

The baby should be immunized against diseases that could cause death or lasting damage such as
whooping cough, tetanus, polio, German measles, mumps, chicken pox, diphtheria, rubella and measles.

Sexual reproduction in animals

Parts of the male reproductive system:

1. Testes/testis 7. Epididymis
2. Ureter 8. Urethra
3. Penis 9. Bladder
4. Scrotal sac 10. Seminal vessel/vesicles
5. Scrotum 11. Prostate gland
6. Sperm dirt/vas deferens
Functions of the various parts

- Urethra carries out sperm and urine at different times

- Testes produces sperm, male sex cells and male sex hormones (testosterone)
- Epididymis is where sperm is stored
- Sperm dirt is a long tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
- Ureter is a long tube that carries urine to the bladder.
- Penis helps to discharge urine and sperm. It unites with the male gametes.
- Prostate gland is the gland that makes a fluid that mixes with sperm to make semen.
- Scrotum protects the testis
- Bladder stores urine
- Semen is a thick whitish liquid containing sperm that is produced by sex organs, fluid that
released from the penis during ejaculation.

Methods of birth control

- Natural – rhythm method and abstinence

- Mechanical / Barrier – condom, diaphragm (cap)
- Surgical/sterilization – Vasectomy , Tubal ligation or “tying tubes”
- Chemical/hormonal - injections, pills

Contraception is used to prevent pregnancy and determine how many children you would like to
have, and the size you want your family to be.

Natural Method or Rhythm method – avoid sexual intercourse during fertile period

Advantages

1. It does not involve the use of chemicals or mechanical barriers

2. No side effects or no cost
3. Do not upset the natural menstrual cycle
4. No cost is involved

Disadvantages

-it is not very reliable. It is very difficult to determine the exact ovulation date and period.

Mechanical /Barrier method – condom (male)

Advantages of condom

1. It is easily available
2. It gives protection against STD’s and STI’s
3. It has no side effects

Disadvantages of condom

1. It can only be used once

 2. Putting it on may interrupt the process of intercourse or it may interrupt love making.

- Diaphragm/ cap

Advantages of diaphragm

1. It is easily available
2. It offers some protection against STD’s
3. There are few side effects

Disadvantages of diaphragm

1. It may be damaged during intercourse.

2. It must be inserted/ placed an hour before sexual intercourse
3. Medical advice is needed for the first fitting of the cap

IUD (Intra- Uterine Device) – mechanical barrier

IUD is a small piece of plastic that is placed in the pelvic area during intercourse.

Advantage of IUD

1. It can be kept in place, where there is no preparation needed before intercourse.

Disadvantages of IUD

1. The woman can experience heavier periods.

2. She can experience pelvic infection which can cause infertility (not being able to reproduce)

Hormonal method (contraceptive pill)

Advantages of hormonal method

1. It is simple and easy to take

2. It is reliable if taken as prescribed

Disadvantages of hormonal method

1. She would experience breast discomfort

2. She would have high blood pressure
3. She would get spotting of blood during periods
4. She would feel like vomiting (nausea)
5. She may experience water retention leading to an increase in weight.

Injectable contraceptive (injection)

Advantage of injection
 1. There is no need to remember medication (no taking of medication).

Disadvantage of injection

1. The injection must be repeated every three months

Abstinence – natural method

Advantages of abstinence

1. It is the only one that is 100% effective

2. It has no side effects or costs

Disadvantage of abstinence

1. It requires self-discipline (if you are not disciplined you would not be able to abstain, especially if
you are involved in it already).

Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Control of STD’s/STI’s

1. AIDS – virus
2. Syphilis – bacteria
3. Herpes – virus
4. Gonorrhea/ claps – bacteria
5. Hepatitis B - virus

Gonorrhea/claps Cause: Bacterium

Symptoms in men:

- There is a yellow discharge from the penis

- There is a burning sensation when passing urine
- Headache
- Fever

Symptoms in women:

- There is a yellow discharge

- Pain during sex
- Headache
- Fever

Prevention

- Abstinence (from sexual intercourse)

- Use of condom
 - Try to have at least one sexual partner

Syphilis Cause: Bacterium

Symptoms:

- Sores on the genitals

- Rash on the body
- Swollen lymph gland

Prevention:

- Abstinence
- Use of condom
- Having one sexual partner
- Daily injection of antibodies

Herpes Cause: Virus

Symptoms:

- There is an itchy feeling which is small and painful

- Ulcers on the genitals

Prevention:

- Abstinence
- Use of condom
- Having one sexual partner
- Avoid contact with ulcers of infected persons

Hepatitis B Cause: Virus

Symptoms:

- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite - Fever
- Nausea - Swelling of lymph gland
- Tiredness

Prevention:

- Use of condom
- Abstinence
- Having one sexual partner
- Avoid sharing needles
- It can be prevented by taking a vaccine

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) Cause: HIV (Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus)
Symptoms:

- Fever - Swelling of lymph gland

- Loss of weight - Rare type of skin cancer
- Excessive tiredness

Prevention:

- Abstinence - Use of condom

- Having one sexual partner - Avoid sharing needles
- A mother who is HIV positive should abstain from breastfeeding the baby

Ways HIV is transmitted

1. HIV is transmitted through unprotected sex

2. It is transmitted if you are sharing needles
3. The exchange of blood
4. From mother to child (during birth)

Population

Population typically refers the number of people in a single area whether it be a city or town,
region, country, or the world.

Population growth is the increase in the number of people in a population

Population Control – is the practice of artificially altering the rate of growth of a human population.

Effects of a high population

- Food shortages
- Shortage of water and space etc.
- Less jobs available
- Increase in pollution
- Poverty
- Increase in crime rate
- Increase in spread of diseases

Birth Rate: the official number of births in a particular year or place.

Death Rate: the official number of deaths in a particular year or place.

A population grows when the birth rate exceeds the death rate that is when the new individuals are being
born at a faster rate than existing ones are dying.