The puerperium
Zak was born 2 days after his expected date of delivery and was the first son born to his proud parents, Zara and James. Zak was delivered at around 04:30…
Lactation and infant nutrition
Almost immediately following his birth, Zara placed Zak in her arms and he instinctively latched onto the breast and started feeding before the cord was cut. Zak fed on the…
Reproductive cycles
Note about terminology Although the terms are often used interchangeably, the term ‘oocyte’ refers to the developing gamete within the ovary, whereas the term ‘ovum’ (plural ova) refers to the…
Fertilization
Zara and James have attended the local hospital for the 12-week scan and have been informed that there is now only one baby present in the uterus. It would appear…
Sexual differentiation and behaviour
Zara and her husband, James, would very much like to know the sex of their babies and had been informed by one of their friends, who happens to be a…
Endocrinology
Zara is now just 6 weeks pregnant. She feels concerned about feeling increasingly nauseated, especially late in the evening; she actually vomited last night. Zara rings you, as her midwife,…
