1. Reproductive System<br />The reproductive system or genital system is a system of organs within an organism which work together for the purpose of reproduction. Many non-living substances such as fluids, hormones, and pheromones are also important accessories to the reproductive system.[1]Unlike most organ systems, the sexes of differentiated species often have significant differences. These differences allow for a combination of genetic material between two individuals, which allows for the possibility of greater genetic fitness of the offspring. <br />The major organs of the external genitalia (penis and vulva) as well as a number of internal organs including the gamete producing gonads (testicles and ovaries). Diseases of the human reproductive system are very common and widespread, particularly communicable sexually transmitted diseases. <br />Most other vertebrate animals have generally similar reproductive systems consisting of gonads, ducts, and openings. However, there is a great diversity of physical adaptations as well as reproductive strategies in every group of vertebrates.<br />Human reproductive system<br />Human reproduction takes place as internal fertilization by sexual intercourse. During this process, the erect penis of the male is inserted into the female's vagina until the male ejaculates semen, which contains sperm, into the female's vagina. The sperm then travels through the vagina and cervix into the uterus or fallopian tubes for fertilization of the ovum. Upon successful fertilization and implantation, gestation of thefoetus then occurs within the female's uterus for approximately nine months, this process is known as pregnancy in humans. Gestation ends with birth, the process of birth is known as labor. Labor consists of the muscles of the uterus contracting, the cervix dilating, and the baby passing out the vagina. Human's babies and children are nearly helpless and require high levels of parental care for many years. One important type of parental care is the use of the mammary glands in the female breasts to nurse the baby.[4]<br />Humans have a high level of sexual differentiation. In addition to differences in nearly every reproductive organ, numerous differences typically occur in secondary sexual characteristics.<br />29521155770880Male reproductive system<br />The human male reproductive system is a series of organs located outside of the body and around the pelvic region of a male that contribute towards the reproductive process. The primary direct function of the male reproductive system is to provide the male gamete or spermatozoafor fertilization of the ovum.<br />Major secondary sexual characteristics includes: larger, more muscular stature, deepened voice, facial and body hair, broad shoulders, and development of an adam's apple. An important sexual hormone of males is androgen, and particularly testosterone<br />-64135521970Female reproductive system<br />The human female reproductive system is a series of organs primarily located inside of the body and around the pelvic region of a female that contribute towards the reproductive process. The human female reproductive system contains three main parts: the vagina, which acts as the receptacle for the male's sperm, the uterus, which holds the developing fetus, and the ovaries, which produce the female's ova. The breasts are also a reproductive organ during the parenting stage of reproduction. However, in most classifications breasts are not considered to be part of the female reproductive system.<br />The vagina meets the outside at the vulva, which also includes the labia, clitoris and urethra; during intercourse this area is lubricated by mucus secreted by the Bartholdi’s glands. The vagina is attached to the uterus through the cervix, while the uterus is attached to the ovaries via the fallopian tubes. At certain intervals, typically approximately every 28 days, the ovaries release an ovum, which passes through the fallopian tube into the uterus? The lining of the uterus, called the endometrial, and unfertilized ova are shed each cycle through a process known as menstruation. When the reproduction takes place, the sperms of man fertilizes the egg and a new embryo is formed.<br />How Does a Baby Develop?<br />A baby develops over the period of 40 weeks in three stages. These stages are conception, embryonic development and fetal development. While each step is unique, each is necessary in the development of the baby.<br />During conception, a single sperm combines with an egg cell to create a zygote. Once this combination happens, all of the genetic information that a baby will ever have exists, half coming from the father in his sperm and half coming from the mother through her egg. This meeting occurs in a woman's Fallopian tubes and as the zygote moves down the Fallopian tubes toward the uterus for implantation, it continually divides, resulting in a blastocyst. A blastocyst consists of an ever increasing group of cells protected by an outer casing of cells. The cells inside the casing eventually become an embryo while the cells making up the casing nourish and protect the inner cells.<br />Once the blastocyst is in the uterus, it implants into the uterine lining. It usually takes six days from zygote formation to implantation. The uterus gives nourishment to the developing baby by transporting sustenance from the mother's blood to the baby.<br />At this point in the development, the forming baby is called an embryo. As with the blastocyst, the embryonic cells continue to divide and multiply in a process called differentiation. Eventually, these cells will become different body parts, such as organs, tissues and blood. Embryonic development takes place very quickly and is a crucial period in the development of a baby taking place in weeks four through 13 of pregnancy, also known as the first trimester. At the end of embryonic development, a baby has developed all of its vital organs and tissues and resembles a baby, with fingers, toes and other external features being apparent.<br />The fetal development stage begins in week 14 of the pregnancy, also known as the beginning of the second trimester, and continues until the baby is born at the end of the third trimester, which normally takes place at 40 weeks. During fetal development, a baby's organs and tissues continue to develop and grow. The baby also grows in size and weight as it reaches maturation. At this point, the baby's weight and length grow considerably as does its chance for survival outside of the womb as each week passes.<br />CONFIRMING PREGNANCY<br />Symptoms .<br />Delayed period (amenorrhoea): If your menses are delayed more than 10 days beyond the due date, with previous periods being regular and you have been sexually active, there is a very good chance of you having become pregnant.<br />quot;
Morning sicknessquot;
(nausea): feeling sick, or vomiting in the morning (give a link for reasons).<br />Breast changes: Fullness, prickling sensations and heaviness in breasts is common. Your breasts may feel painful to touch also.<br />Urine problems: Feeling like urinating more often.<br />Tiredness (fatigue): feeling unusually tired and lethargic.<br />Food fads: Traditionally the image of a woman eating pickle /quot;
imliquot;
or other sour foods has been used to suggest pregnancy in Indian movies. There is some basis to this, as most women develop strong likes and dislikes for various food items in pregnancy. Rarely, there could also be craving for unusual thing such as mud. <br />Increased vaginal discharge.<br />Other bodily changes are:<br />Constipation.<br />Mood changes.<br />Irritability.<br />Excessive salivation.<br />Home Pregnancy Tests<br />Advances in laboratory testing have now reached a stage where we have access to easy-to-use reliable pregnancy test kits over the counter.<br />In pregnancy, the growing tissues of the new conception (early foetus) secrete a special hormone into your body called ‘human Chorionic Gonadotrophin’ (hCG). This enters your blood as early as one week following fertilisation. This can be traced from your blood or urine by special tests. Home tests are done with urine.<br />Depending upon the type and sensitivity of the test used, pregnancy can be detected as early as a day or two from the missed period.<br />Tests currently available include:<br />In the first week (within 7 days of missed periods)<br />Pregcolor card (used extensively in India)<br />Velocit one step pregnancy test<br />E-commerce Ad(Dr Reddy Laboratory)Both these tests use the principle of 2 colored bands appearing if you are pregnant and only one band appearing if you are not.<br />left0right0<br />(ii) Within 2 weeks of missed period: E-commerce ad.<br />pregnant<br />Pregcolour bottle<br />Granindex slide test<br />These tests need a higher level of hCG before they become positive. Hence they become positive after five weeks from the last menstrual period.<br />Points to Note :<br />For best results, you must take care that<br />Urine is collected in a clean, dry container.<br />Early morning sample of urine is preferred.<br />A fresh sample is preferable<br />It may happen that a test result comes negative although you may be, in reality pregnant. This is more likely if:<br />Your cycles are irregular or are often delayed.<br />The testing has been done very early in pregnancy. In such cases, if the test is repeated after one week, it may become positive.<br />It is always advisable to confirm the pregnancy diagnosis by a qualified medical practitioner as all tests have their limitations. <br />First Visit to Doctor As discussed earlier, you may feel certain changes in your body, which tell you that you are pregnant. Link to symptoms in Confirming pregnancy. You may have done a home test to find out in confirming pregnancy However, it is good to consult a doctor to be sure. This is how your doctor can help you.<br />Signs (What the Gynecologists sees / feels)<br />There various subtle changes in your body in pregnancy, which can be assessed before there are obvious physical changes.<br />General Examination:<br />Pulse rate goes up by 10 – 15 beats / minute.<br />Skin pigmentation increases. You may have a darker colored quot;
butterflyquot;
distribution rash on the face (chloasma).Using a sun protection cream may reduce the pigmentation.<br />Blood pressure tends to go low.<br />Breasts: <br />Darker pigmentation of the areola (area around nipple) and of the nipples.<br />Congestion of breasts and dilated veins seen over the breast.<br />Genital tract : <br />Increased vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) is common.<br />Dark, bluish discoloration of vagina and cervix due to congestion.<br />The cervix and uterus feel soft.<br />The uterus gradually starts increasing in size as pregnancy advances. However, it is difficult even for an experienced Gynecologists, to definitely confirm pregnancy only by uterine size before 6 weeks from the last period. It is only after 3 months that the uterus can be felt on abdominal examination. Before that, an internal check-up is necessary. <br />