MEDICAL CARE: INTERNAL CHANGES OCCURING DURING PREGNANCY

Oestrogen and Progesterone

But the placenta also produces other chemicals in conjunction with the ovaries. Oestrogen and progesterone are produced, together with other hormones which affect all parts of the system. In fact, everything is now geared to the safe development of the baby and to his needs after his birth. For this reason, the breasts commence development very early in pregnancy under this hormonal influence.

They become larger, the nipples more supple and bigger. The milk glands enlarge and after a while start to produce fluid. This is very thick, yellowish and creamy at first, and is called colostrum. But soon after birth, a regular, highly nutritious milk supply quickly becomes estab­lished. This fulfils baby's needs, and may continue on for many months.

 

Development of the Foetus

To give an indication of how the foetus looks during the early weeks of pregnancy, the following table sets out some of the features of development.

Where a miscarriage has occurred in early pregnancy, a casual examination of the foetus will reveal many of these features.

It is pointed out that many conceptions terminate in miscarriage (which is technically called an "abortion"—this word in medical discussions has no illegal overtones as it frequently has in lay connotation).

Recent work indicates that perhaps as many as 60 to 80 per cent of all pregnancies may end prematurely, often in the first weeks. It is now understood that many congenital defects can take place, and it is considered to be nature's way of maintaining a healthy race.

By eliminating a new life well before it means too much to the parents, and certainly many months before birth, gross defects or deficien­cies, both physical and mental, can be rectified by this normal and natural means. It has often been likened to nature's way of maintaining "quality control" of the human race.

Nature (and in effect, God) is trying to be kind. This avoids headaches and heartaches. Caring for physically and mentally abnormal children (and adults) is a major problem today. This is one way in which it may be checked, normally and naturally. Therefore, women undergoing a miscarriage should never be too upset. By considering the possible alternatives, they are invariably being done a favour by nature. Never forget this.

 

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GENERAL HEALTH