HOW YOU BEGAN
How You Began—A Glimpse into a Mystery
This leaflet is part of a presentation designed specifically for secondary school students on the development of human life from conception to birth. The technologically-advanced nature of the presentation - with images, sounds, and video clips - engages students as they learn about the remarkable beginning of human life. It reveals the beauty of a developing baby in the womb.
Outline of Presentation:
1. Introduction. Exploring the usually unseen wonders of human life in the womb.
2. Multimedia Presentation: Video Clip, Interactive Questions, Guided Commentary, Live images of the developing baby.
3. Story of Hope: Baby Samuel.
4. Discussion Session. Q&A.
The Facts of Life
A: Conception:
At the moment of conception the male sperm and famale ovum unite, a new and unique human being comes into existence that is a different individual from both mother and father. From the beginning this tiny individual has his/her own distinct genetic identity and all physical characteristics. The words embryo, foetus, newborn and infant only refer to the different stages of the growth of a young human being.
B: Six Weeks.
About 40 days after conception the human being shows the beginnings of eyes, spinal cord, nervous system, lungs, stomach and intestines. The heart is already beating regularly since about Day 18.
C: Eight Weeks.
The growing child can now form a tiny fist, suck his thumb, be awake and sleep. His major organs are developed.
D: Sixteen Weeks.
The baby can now use his hands, move around in the womb, and open and close his mouth.
E: Eighteen Weeks.
At this stage the baby can hear and react to noises. About half-way to birth she begins to flex her muscles.
F: Twenty Weeks.
Hair, eye lashes, nails and fingerprints are perfectly formed now. After 26 weeks a baby can survive outside the mother's womb with special hospital care.