Pregnancy


 * Pregnancy**

**Pregnancy Definition and Terminology**

Pregnancy can be defined as the period from conception to birth. After the egg is fertilized by a sperm and then implanted in the lining of the uterus, it develops into the placenta and embryo, and later into a fetus (Free Dictionary/Medical Dictionary, 2011). The term embryo is used to describe the developing offspring during the first 8 weeks following conception, and the term fetus is used from about 2 months of development until birth (MedicineNet.com, 1996). Pregnancy usually lasts 40 weeks, beginning from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period, and is divided into three trimesters, each lasting three months (Free Dictionary/Medical Dictionary, 2011).

**Patient-Provider Relationship** Women who are pregnant often turn to medical care providers since they have a considerable impact on the general pregnancy experience. An obstetrician and gynecologist is a doctor that specializes in reproduction. They focus on female reproductive organs, fertility, prenatal care, childbirth and recuperation afterward. The relationships that develop between the patient and the provider are crucial concerning the welfare of the patient along with the health of the unborn child. Doctors are able to detect pregnancy by administering a blood test which is more sensitive than the early home tests and can be taken between seven and twelve days after patients believe they have conceived (American Pregnancy Association, 2011). Patient-provider relationships highlight communication about important concerns, explanation of procedures and the involvement of mothers in administering or choosing them (Drew, 1989).

Pregnancy is a very confusing time for women and they rely upon support systems from friends and families but most importantly, their partner. It is very beneficial for couples to learn and educate themselves as much as possible during the first stages of pregnancy. There are many issues that concern couples during pregnancy and it is best for them to honestly discuss all the issues with each other that concern them the most. They should be comfortable to talk to each other on every issue. Extra effort is required between the couple to communicate with each other during early phase of pregnancy. Many couples join childbirth preparation classes since they provide invaluable information and practical tips regarding all phases of labor. The classes are geared towards educating pregnant women and their partners about the process of labor and birth and the choices, including medications, available to them (California Pacific Medical Center 2011). Communication is important between mothers-to-be and their partner since the progress of pregnancy suffers if either of them does not understand the issue or feels uncomfortable in discussing it. By sharing issues and refining their communication skills during the early phase, the couple will make the last stages of pregnancy a better experience.
 * Partner Communication**

**References ** American Pregnancy Association. "Taking a Pregnancy Test." //American Pregnancy// //Association//. Willow Design Group, Mar. 2011. Web. 10 Apr. 2011. .

California Pacific Medical Center. "What Classes Should I Take During Pregnancy?" //Sutter Health’s California Pacific Medical Center//. Sutter Health Network, 2011. Web. 10 Apr. 2011.

Drew, N.C., P. Salmon, and L. Webb. "Mothers', Midwives' and Obstetricians' Views on the Features of Obstetric Care Which Influence Satisfaction with Childbirth." //BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology// 96.9 (2005): 1084–1088. //Wiley Online Library//. Web. 11 Apr. 2011. .

"embryo." Def. 1. //MedicineNet.com//. MedicineNet, Inc, 1996. Web. 6 Apr. 2011. .

"fetus." Def. 1. //MedicineNet.com//. MedicineNet, Inc, 1998. Web. 6 Apr. 2011. .

"Pregnancy." Def. 1. //The Free Dictionary/Medical Dictionary//. Farlex, n.d. Web. 6 Apr. 2011. .

Sykes, Breanna. "Our First Lamaze Class." //Tummy Time//. Onslow Memorial Hospital, 20 Aug. 2010. Web. 11 Apr. 2011. .

"Week by Week Pregnancy." //MaternitySecret.com//. WordPress, 19 Mar. 2009. Web. 6 Apr. 2011. .