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This is an accepted version of this page This is the latest accepted revision, reviewed on 27 November 2024. Procreative biological processes of humanity Part of a series on Sex Biological terms Sexual dimorphism Sexual differentiation Feminization Virilization Sex-determination system XY XO ZW ZO Temperature-dependent Haplodiploidy Heterogametic sex Homogametic sex Sex chromosome X chromosome ...
Gestation is the period of development during the carrying of an embryo, and later fetus, inside viviparous animals (the embryo develops within the parent). [1] It is typical for mammals, but also occurs for some non-mammals. Mammals during pregnancy can have one or more gestations at the same time, for example in a multiple birth. [2]
According to the WHO, a preterm birth is defined as "babies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed." [20] According to this classification, there are three sub-categories of preterm birth, based on gestational age: extremely preterm (fewer than 28 weeks), very preterm (28 to 32 weeks), moderate to late preterm (32 to 37 weeks). [20]
The human reproductive system includes the male reproductive system, which functions to produce and deposit sperm, and the female reproductive system, which functions to produce egg cells and to protect and nourish the fetus until birth. Humans have a high level of sexual differentiation.
Birth is the act or process of bearing or bringing forth offspring, [1] also referred to in technical contexts as parturition. In mammals, the process is initiated by hormones which cause the muscular walls of the uterus to contract, expelling the fetus at a developmental stage when it is ready to feed and breathe.
A breech birth is when a baby is born bottom first instead of head first, as is normal. [1] Around 3–5% of pregnant women at term (37–40 weeks pregnant) have a breech baby. [ 2 ] Due to their higher than average rate of possible complications for the baby, breech births are generally considered higher risk. [ 3 ]
Smoking during pregnancy may also lead to miscarriages and low birth weight (2,500 grams (5 pounds 8 ounces). Low birth weight is a concern for medical providers due to the tendency of these infants, described as " premature by weight", to have a higher risk of secondary medical problems.
Pregnancy usually occurs by sexual intercourse, but can also occur through assisted reproductive technology procedures. [6] A pregnancy may end in a live birth, a miscarriage, an induced abortion, or a stillbirth. Childbirth typically occurs around 40 weeks from the start of the last menstrual period (LMP), a span known as the gestational age.