Phase One: Menstrual (1-5 days)

Shedding the unused uterine lining and will appear when pregnancy is not occurred and the cycle will begin again.

Phase Two: Post Menstrual (6-9 days)

The endometrium or uterine lining is thin and the egg matures in a resting stage.

Phase Three: Ovulation (10-14 days)

Endometrium thickens and matured eggs break from egg sac and leaves ovaries; next the egg enters the fallopian tube and if perm were to be present the egg could become fertile

Phase Four: Premenstrual (15-28 days)

To prepare the egg the uterus will thicken; If the egg is not fertile, it disintegrants.

The Uterine lining is not needed so it will be shedded and the cycle will repeat.

Chapter One: Menstrual Phases

The egg has matured and is ready for fertilization during phase three; next the egg would have traveled through fallopian tube up to 48 hours but ways to prevent the egg from becoming fertile is Birth Control. Some types of birth control are the Shot-Depo (99%), a condom (86-90%), And the only 100% way to not get pregnant is through abstinence. Yet there are some others but they are not as effective, such as, Natural Family planning (70%) and Spermicide (74%).

Fertilization/Conception

Birth Defects

Birth defects are a physical or biochemical abnormality that is present at birth and that may be inherited or the result of environmental influence. Some examples of birth defects are Anencephaly, Cleft lip. and many more.

To prevent birth defects taking folic acid, don't drink or do drugs/smoke, prenatal Care, and get vaccines.

To Do & To Not DO

To have a healthy pregnancy you should follow these do's and to not do's...

Do Not's

1. Do not use a hot tub
2. Paint indoor rooms

Do's

1. Do continue your exercise routine
2. Eat 500 extra calories a day while pregnant

Highlights of trimesters

First Trimester

Some early signs of pregnancy that you'll notice is Morning sickness and nausea frequent urination, breasts enlarge, may become painful and Fatigue. Another way to find out is to take a pregnancy test.

The Second Trimester

Skin it can either become Oily, dry or scaly, it may even darken; stretch marks can occur as well. Your emotions will change and you may experience mood swings, depression and bad dreams. Also at this time you will be able to Feel baby’s movements

Third Trimester

During 3rd trimester your abdomen enlarges, fatigue is more common

You will also be able to feel and possibly see the baby move a lot. A mother should feel the baby move every couple of hours. If not, she should call her doctor.

Months 1

**½ of an inch long.

**The heart, no larger than a poppy seed, has begun beating.

**Head, mouth, liver, and intestines begin to take shape.

Month 2

**1 inch long

**Distinct, slightly webbed fingers

**Veins are clearly visible

**Placenta has begun nourishing the baby

**Heart has divided into right and left chambers.

**Most vital organs are developed

Month 3

**2 ½ inches long and is fully formed.

**Begins swallowing and kicking.

**All organs and muscles have formed and are beginning to function.

**Arms, legs, hands, and feet are fully developed.

**Nails are starting to develop.

Month 4

**6-7 inches long

**Covered with a layer of thick, downy hair called lanugo.

**First outlines of the face are visible

**Heartbeat can be heard clearly.

**Mother may feel first kick