TOPIC: REPRODUCTION IN MAN SUBTOPIC: REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

INSTRUCTIONS: Read the handout assigned.

BIRTH

It takes about 40 weeks for a baby to develop in the uterus. This time is called gestation. After
this, the baby is ready to be born. Parturition is the act of giving birth and is controlled by
hormones. The hormone oxytocin causes contraction of the uterus which can be very painful.
This is known as ‘labour’ or ‘labour pains’. During these powerful contractions, the amniotic sac
or ‘water bag’ bursts. Amniotic fluid pours out of the uterus and the baby is then pushed out. The
umbilical cord is cut, separating the baby from its mother. After a few minutes, the placenta
separates from the uterus wall and passes out of the body.

Some babies are born too early and need to be put into a warm incubator, where they may also be
helped to breathe.

Pre-natal (or ante-natal) care ensures good health of the baby and mother during the pregnancy.
The mother should, for example, eat a balanced diet, should not smoke and should avoid drugs.
Post-natal care describes care of the child from birth to teens. It involves the physical, emotional
and mental care essential for healthy growth and development.

PREGNANCY AND NUTRITION- The advantages of breast milk

Mammals suckle their young. After birth of the baby, milk is produced by the breasts or
mammary glands as a result of the effects of many hormones, in particular, prolactin. The first
secretion of the breast is called colostrums. It is rich in antibodies and protects the newborn
from some pathogens it may encounter on the first days of its life out of the uterus.
Human milk contains the appropriate proportions of sugar, fat and protein suitable for a young
human baby. This is as opposed to ‘formula’ milk which is often bottle fed to infants.
The mother’s diet while she is lactating and breastfeeding should be rich in foods that will
provide the energy, proteins, vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy growth and
development of the infant.
Mothers who breastfed for longer, or have more children, are less likely to develop breast cancer
later in life.