behavior 3
12: Reproductive Choices
Your Health Today, 6th edition
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Reproductive Choices
Are you ready to be a parent?
Safe and effective methods of contraception are available
Steps can be taken to increase the likelihood that pregnancy is a positive experience and the baby is healthy
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Communicating About Contraception
About half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended
Unintended pregnancies nearly always cause stress and life disruption and are associated with poorer health outcomes
Women with unintended pregnancies are less likely to receive adequate prenatal care and are more likely to have babies with low birth weight
You and your partner should decide together how to protect each other from STIs and unintended pregnancy
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Which Contraceptive Method Is Right for You?
Considerations:
Effectiveness
Cost
Convenience
Permanence
Safety
Protection against STIs
Consistency with personal values
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Abstinence
Abstinence is the only guaranteed method of preventing pregnancy and STI transmission
In heterosexual couples who have vaginal intercourse and use no contraceptive method, 85% of the women will become pregnant in one year
Abstinence requires control and commitment
Both partners should be free from sexual coercion
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Hormonal Contraceptive Methods
Hormonal contraceptives deliver hormones to prevent ovulation and discourage implantation of fertilized ova
Prescribed or administered by a health care provider
Advantages: effectiveness, ease of use, limited side effects, and do not permanently affect fertility
Disadvantages: no protection against STIs, minor side effects, rare serious side effects more common in older women
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Hormonal Contraceptive Methods (2)
Types of hormonal contraceptive methods
Birth control pills
Transdermal patch, releasing hormones via the skin
Vaginal contraceptive ring, placed in vagina
Injectable contraceptive (Depo-Provera), every 3 months
Contraceptive implant: flexible plastic rod that contains progesterone inserted under skin of the upper arm that slowly releases hormones
No hormonal methods are available for men
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The IUD
Intrauterine device (IUD): small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus
Long-acting reversible contraceptive
Believed to work by altering the uterine and cervical fluids to reduce the chance that sperm will move up into the fallopian tubes
Women who choose this birth control method are taught how to check that the IUD is properly located each month
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Figure 12.2 T-shaped IUD correctly positioned in the uterus.
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Barrier Methods
Barrier methods of contraception physically separate the sperm from the female reproductive tract
Condoms—male and female—are the only form of contraception that decreases the risk of STIs
Male condom is a sheath rolled down over the erect penis
Female condom is a pouch inserted into the vagina
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Barrier Methods (2)
Vaginal diaphragm: rubber dome inserted into the vagina
Cervical cap: cuplike device that covers the cervix
To increase effectiveness, the diaphragm and cervical cap should be used with spermicide, a chemical agent that kills sperm
Contraceptive sponge: small foam device presaturated with the spermicide nonoxynol-9, moistened, and inserted into the vagina
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Figure 12.3 Use of the diaphragm.
(a) With clean hands, place about 1 tablespoon of spermicide (jelly or cream) in the diaphragm, spreading it around inside the diaphragm and on its rim. (b) Using the thumb and forefinger, compress the diaphragm. Insert it into the vagina, guiding it toward the back wall and up into the vagina as far as possible. (c) With the index finger, check the position of the diaphragm to make sure that the cervix is covered completely and the front of the rim is behind the pubic bone.
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Fertility Awareness–Based Methods
Fertility awareness–based methods are based on abstinence during the window of time around ovulation when a woman is most likely to conceive
Standard days method is a calendar-tracking method used only by women who consistently have a regular cycle that is 26–32 days
Other methods of determining when ovulation has occurred are the temperature method based, cervical mucus method, and symptothermal method
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Figure 12.4 Fertility awareness–based methods.
These methods use the menstrual cycle to determine when fertilization is likely to occur and when unprotected sexual intercourse should be avoided. If a woman does not have a 28-day cycle, the variability in her cycle will be in the part of the cycle from menstruation to ovulation.
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Withdrawal
Withdrawal, or coitus interruptus: the man removes his penis from the vagina before ejaculating
Success is dependent on a man’s ability to tell when he is about to ejaculate and to have the self-control to withdraw with impending orgasm
While not generally recommended as a sole form of contraception, withdrawal may be better than no method at all
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Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (EC): morning-after pill, post-sex contraception, backup birth control
Reduces chance of pregnancy by preventing ovulation and fertilization
Most effective if taken within 48–72 hours and must be taken within 5 days of unprotected intercourse
Useful when another method fails (condom breaks, or diaphragm or cervical cap slips)
Will not cause termination of an existing pregnancy and thus is not an abortogenic (not abortion-causing)
Useful in cases of forced sex—rape and incest
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Permanent Contraception
Permanent contraception: surgical procedures that permanently prevents future pregnancies
Vasectomy: male sterilization procedure, involving tying off and severing the vas deferens to prevent sperm from reaching the semen
Tubal ligation or occlusion: female sterilization procedure involving severing and tying off or sealing the fallopian tubes to prevent ova from reaching the uterus
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Figure 12.5 Vasectomy.
With only local anesthesia needed, this surgical procedure offers permanent sterilization. A health care professional makes a small incision or puncture in the scrotum, then ties off and severs the vas deferens, the duct that carries sperm from the testes to the seminal vesicle, where sperm would mix with semen.
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Figure 12.6 Tubal ligation.
This surgical procedure is often performed via laparoscopy, which involves creating two small incisions in the abdomen, one for the scope device and the other for the surgical instruments. The fallopian tubes, through which ova pass from the ovaries to the uterus, are then severed and tied or sealed. It usually requires only local anesthesia.
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Unintended Pregnancy
It is important to see your physician or health provider as soon as possible to discuss options
Carry the pregnancy to term and raise the child
Carry the pregnancy to term and place the child with an adoptive family
Terminate the pregnancy
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Signs of Pregnancy
Prior to the classic sign of pregnancy—missing a period—there are others:
Breast tenderness and swelling, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, light-headedness, mood swings
Ectopic pregnancy: rare and potentially life-threatening complication of early pregnancy
Signs include severe lower abdominal pain or cramping and vaginal spotting
If you experience these signs, see your physician or go to the emergency room immediately
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Deciding to Become a Parent
Are you ready to become a parent? Here are some questions to consider:
What are your long-term plans?
What is the status of your relationship?
Do you feel emotionally mature enough?
What are your financial resources?
If you are the father, do you plan to be involved?
How large is your social support system?
What is your health status and age?
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Adoption
Adoption provides a permanent family for a child in need
Open adoption: biological parents help to choose the adoptive parents
Closed adoption: biological parents do not choose the parents, and the adoption records are sealed
All forms of adoption require both biological parents to relinquish all parental rights
For couples wanting to adopt, international adoptions are becoming increasingly popular in America
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Elective Abortion
Since Roe v. Wade (1973), terminating a pregnancy through elective abortion has been legal in the U.S.
Distinguished from spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage
Some restrictions apply as the pregnancy advances through three trimesters
Debate over abortion is one of the most highly charged political issues of our time
Lowest rates of abortion occur in countries where abortion is legal, and highest rates where it is illegal
Sixty-one percent of women having an abortion have one or more children already
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Elective Abortion (2)
Surgical abortion: surgical removal of the contents of the uterus to terminate the pregnancy
Vacuum aspiration is most common method
Medical abortion: use of a medication to terminate the pregnancy
Mifepristone (formerly known as RU-486)
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Infertility: Causes and Treatment Options
About 12–18% of couples attempting pregnancy are unable to conceive within a year and are considered to have infertility
Causes vary
Genetics, infections, and environmental, chemical, or occupational exposures
Low sperm count or lack of sperm motility
Scarring of the fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or irregular ovulation
Other, unknown causes
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Infertility: Causes and Treatment Options (2)
Treatment ranges from counseling and advice to surgery
Open blocked fallopian tubes
Correct anatomical problems
Fertility (hormonal) drugs
Intrauterine (artificial) insemination
In vitro fertilization
Gamete intrafallopian transfer
Zygote intrafallopian transfer
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Pregnancy Planning
Events and conditions during pregnancy influence the child’s development throughout life
The best time to have a child is influenced by many factors: educational and career plans, relationship status, health issues, and others
The least health risk occurs when women have pregnancies between the age of 18 and 35
Male fertility also declines with age
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Pregnancy Counseling, Nutrition, and Exercise
Prepregnancy counseling typically includes an evaluation of current health status, health behaviors, and family health history
Healthy lifestyle factors before conception help ensure required nutrients are available
Folic acid in food or a supplement is recommended to reduce the risk of neural tube defects
Foodborne infections can have more serious effects in pregnant women, so certain foods should be avoided
Weight gain during pregnancy varies; regular exercise is recommended to maintain muscle strength and circulation
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Maternal Immunizations
Women should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations before pregnancy
Especially important are vaccinations for rubella and hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can be transmitted to the child during pregnancy and delivery (via vertical transmission)
Some infections during pregnancy increase risk of complications for a developing fetus
Toxoplasmosis
Zika
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Medications and Drugs
Most substances the mother ingests eventually reach the fetus
Teratogens cause physical damage or defects
Tobacco and alcohol are the most commonly used drugs during pregnancy
Alcohol use is linked to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
Tobacco use in the home is linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Illicit drugs have a variety of effects on a fetus, depending on the chemical action of the drug
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Prenatal Care and Delivery Choices
Pregnant women should visit their health care provider regularly for prenatal care
Midwives usually take patients who are at low risk for medical or pregnancy complications
Your family physician may provide pregnancy-related care, and some deliver babies in birthing centers or hospitals
Obstetricians are trained to handle all kinds of pregnancies, from low risk to high risk
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Complications of Pregnancy
U.S. rates of maternal and infant death are higher than the rates in 16 peer countries
Approximately 15–50% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, most during the first trimester
Gestational diabetes occurs in some women midway thought the pregnancy
Women with gestational diabetes are advised to exercise, control their diet, and monitor glucose levels
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Complications of Pregnancy (2)
Preeclampsia: dangerous condition characterized by high blood pressure, fluid retention, possible kidney and liver damage, and potential fetal death
Signs include facial swelling, headaches, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting
Can progress to eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition marked by seizures and coma
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Complications of Pregnancy (3)
Complications for the child:
Approximately 1.2% of all pregnancies end in infant death
Half of these deaths occur before the fetus is born
80% occur before the 28th week
Stillbirth: infant death before or at the time of expected birth
After birth, the leading cause of death are preterm birth, low birth weight, and SIDS
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Fetal Development
Within 30 minutes of fertilization the single-celled fertilized ovum (zygote) starts to divide
Week 2 to week 8 is the embryonic period: formation of embryo, placenta, and amniotic sac
By 8 weeks, all major body systems and organs are present in rudimentary form; by 16 weeks, the mother can feel fetal movements; 26 weeks, eyes are open; and at 30 weeks a layer of fat begins forming under the skin
Fetus has excellent chance of survival at 36 weeks
Full term occurs at 38 weeks
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Diagnosing Problems in a Fetus
About 5% of babies born in the United States have a birth defect
Several tests have been developed to detect abnormalities in a fetus prior to birth
Ultrasound
Chromosomal analysis
Amniocentesis
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
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Labor and Delivery
Labor begins when hormonal changes in the fetus and the mother cause strong uterine contractions
Early first stage: cervix thins and begins to open
Second stage: baby moves downward through the pelvis, cervix, and into the vagina; head emerges, followed by the shoulders and body
Third stage: contractions continue, and placenta (afterbirth) is expelled
Certain difficulties for mother and baby suggest use of a cesarean section (C-section): surgical delivery
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Figure 12.8 Labor and delivery.
(a) In the first stage of labor, the cervix thins and dilates, ending with (b) the transition phase. (c) Delivery of the baby occurs in the second stage. (d) In the third stage, the placenta is expelled.
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Newborn Screening
Babies are evaluated at birth to determine whether they require any medical attention or will need developmental support later
The Apgar scale is used as a quick measure of the baby’s physical condition
Most babies are pronounced healthy and taken home within 24 to 48 hours of birth
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The Postpartum Period
The first few weeks or months of parenthood are a period of profound adjustment as parents learn how to care for their newborn (or neonate)
Issues for the newborn that deserve attention:
Growth and nutrition
Illness and vaccinations
Adjustment and attachment
Attachment: deep emotional bond that develops between an infant and its primary caregivers
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The Postpartum Period (2)
About 13% of women experience depression in the first year after giving birth, referred to as postpartum depression
Can be due to hormone changes, broken sleep patterns, self-doubt, a sense of loss of control, and changes in support systems
Can contribute to feelings of sadness, restlessness, loss of interest, guilt, difficulty focusing, and withdrawal
Effective treatments exist; partners should be aware of signs and symptoms
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In Review
What are the commonly available contraceptive methods?
What are the options in the event of unintended pregnancy?
What are the options when a couple cannot conceive?
What are the basics of prenatal care?
What happens during prenatal development?
What happens during labor and delivery?
What concerns arise during the postpartum period?
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Appendix A
Long image descriptions
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Figure 12.4 Fertility Awareness Methods Appendix
Days 1 to 7 of a 28-day menstrual cycle are when menstruation occurs and it is relatively safe to have unprotected intercourse
On days 8 through 13, the days immediately preceding ovulation, unprotected intercourse should not occur
On days 15 through 19, the days immediately following ovulation, unprotected intercourse should not occur
Days 20 to 28, it is once again relatively safe to have unprotected intercourse
Jump back to slide containing original image
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Figure 12.8 Labor and Delivery Appendix
In the early first stage, the cervix thins and begins to open; light bleeding may occur, and the amniotic sac may rupture
In the late first stage, or transition phase, contractions become stronger and more frequent; when the cervix is completely open with a diameter of about 10 centimeters, it is ready for passage of the baby’s head
In the second stage, the baby moves downward through the pelvic area, past the cervix, and into the vagina; the baby’s head emerges first, followed by the shoulders and the rest of the body
In the third stage, the placenta (afterbirth) detaches and is expelled
Jump back to slide containing original image
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