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Pregnancy: Risks, Complications And Contraceptive Essay, Pregnancy: Risks, Complications And Contraceptive PREGNANCY: RISKS, COMPLICATIONS AND CONTRACEPTIVES Part I. Risks and Complications to the woman and child during pregnancy a. Introduction There are many risks that a woman (and the child) undertake before, during adapter pregnancy. These are due to a varied number of effects such as exposure to temperature extremes (very hot or very cold environments), radiation (from x-rays and dental instruments), certain harmful chemicals, drugs and certain contraband materials (such as marijuana smoke which can cause fetal prematurity).
An external agent that causes birth defects is called teratogen (From the Greek word teats which means monster and genes which means born). Most women prefer some kind of anesthesia to alleviate the pain associated with childbirth. Natural (unmediated) childbirth, however, is becoming more popular, in part because many women are aware and concerned that the anesthesia and medication given them is rapidly transported across the placenta to the unborn baby. Heavy doses of anesthesia can make the newborn baby less alert after birth.
b. Congenital Birth Defects, Conditions and Abnormalities and their causes Developmental abnormalities in the baby is the direct result of three influences; environmental, maternal and genetics. Meaning that a baby can be affected by things fromthe outside, things that a mother does, and diseases and conditions passed down from the mother s (or father s) biological family. 1. Genetic abnormalities and disorders A. Sickle cell anemia Sickle cell anemia occurs when there is a mutation in the gene responsible for creating hemoglobin. The structure of the oxygen-carrying protein in the human bloodstream is critically altered, changing the red blood cells into the shape of a sickle.
B. Down Syndrome Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder occurring in 1 out of 800 child births. Visually, they have mild-to-severe characteristics that include a small skull, extra folds oilskin under the eyes, a flattened nose bridge, and a large, protruding tongue. This condition was formerly know as mongolism because the people which had Down Syndrome were thought to resemble Mongols or Asians.
Down syndrome results when a person inherits all or part of an extra copy of chromosome 21. This can occur in a variety of ways, the causes of which are unknown. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that the-called triple-screen blood test be offered to all pregnant women. This test measures the levels of three chemicals in the blood of the pregnant woman to indicate the babys risk of Down syndrome. If the risk is high, amniocentesis, a procedure for removing a sample ofthe amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, is administered to confirm the findings from the blood tests. Fetal cells are present in their fluid and can be checked for the presence of the chromosomal disorder.
C Color Blindness Color Blindness is a defect of vision affecting the ability to distinguish colors, occurring mostly in males. Dichromatism (partial-colorblindness the most common form color blindness) is identified as a sex-linked hereditary characteristic. 1. Genetic abnormalities and disorders Conclusion There are many more genetic abnormalities and disorders listed in various Geneticist periodicals which include cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, testicular atrophy, spina bifida (which is a defective closure of the vertebral column). 2. Non-genetic disorders, complications and abnormalities About 15 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, most of which occur between the 4 th and 12 th weeks of pregnancy. A physician should be contacted immediately if aroma suspects that she is pregnant and then experiences severe abdominal cramping or vaginal bleeding. A Erotic pregnancy One rare but life-threatening complication is ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, in the abdomen, or in a Fallopian tube.
Symptoms include sudden, intense pain in the lower abdomen about the seventh or eight week of pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can result in massive internal bleeding and possibly death. B Toxemia Toxemia is another potentially serious complication of late pregnancy. Symptoms include high blood pressure; rapid, large weight gain, due to edema (swelling), ) and protein in taurine.
If untreated, toxemia can lead to seizures and coma and death of the infant. Once severe toxemia is diagnosed, the infant is usually delivered as soon as possible to protect both mother and child. 2. Non-genetic disorders, complications and abnormalities Conclusion There are obviously many more disorders that can be found with deeper medical research, so the general advice for a woman is to visit the doctor often and find out your risks and family history. Part II Contraceptives Condoms, Abstinence, Pills and other ways to avoid pregnancy- Introduction (Historical Methods) A variety of birth control methods and techniques have been used throughout history and across vast cultures. In ancient Egypt women actually used dried crocodile dung and honey as vaginal suppositories to prevent pregnancy. Primitive, but effective.
One of the earliest mentions of contraceptive vaginal suppositories appears in theaters Medical Papyrus, a medical guide written between 1550 and 1500 BC. The guide suggests that a fiber tampon moistened with an herbal mixture of acacia, dates, colocynth, and honey would prevent pregnancy. The fermentation of this mixture can result in the production of lactic acid, which today is recognized as a spermicide. The concept of the IUD was developed by ancient Turks and Arabs who inserted smooth pebbles into the uterus of a camel to prevent it from getting pregnant during treks across the desert. Although the use of colorful penis coverings and decorations can be traced back ancient Egypt, it is likely that their function was more decorative than contraceptive. In the 16 th century the Italian anatomist Fallopius (for whom the tubes that carry the eggs from the ovary to the uterus were named) described linen sheaths to be used to protect against syphilis.
Condoms made of sheep intestines were created by a physician in the court of King Charles II of England. It was not until after the vulcanization of rubber in 1844 that the condom was widely used as a birth control device. A Male and Female Condoms A male condom is a thin sheath made of latex, or less commonly, animal membrane, that fits over an erect penis. The condom is inexpensive, easy to use, doesnt require a prescription, and has no known side effects.
It is currently one of the most popular forms of reversible contraception in the United States. The female condom is an elongated polyurethane sac with a ring on each end. One ring is inserted into the vagina, while the other ring remains outside, partially covering the external genital organs. B Diaphragm The diaphragm is a shallow, molded cup of thin rubber with a flexible rim. Before intercourse, spermicide must be placed inside the cup and around the inside of the rim ofthe diaphragm.
The woman then inserts the diaphragm into her vagina so that it covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus into the vagina). The diaphragm is held in place by vaginal muscles and pubic bone where it prevents the passage of sperm from the vagina the uterus. The spermicide kills any sperm that are able to pass by the diaphragm. Diaphragms come in various sizes to fit the cervix.
They are available only from healthcare professionals who ensure that the device fits properly. In typical use, the diaphragm is about 82 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. C Abstinence ab+sti+none (Xb st -n ns) n. 1. Deliberate self-restraint. 2.
Abstention from sexual activity Part II Contraceptives Condoms, Abstinence, Pills and other ways to avoid pregnancy- Conclusion Birth control has left a relative mark on society; It has allowed us to control our population and our lives. One easy way to prevent AIDS, Syphilis and other STDs including children is to simply abstain.
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Research essay sample on Sickle Cell Anemia Genetic Disorders
