Pregnancy: Difference between revisions
imported>Thomas Wright Sulcer (added picture) |
imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (Fertilization is a bit imprecise still) |
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[[Image:Pregnancy 26 weeks.jpg|thumb|right|340px|alt=Picture of a pregnant woman.|A woman 26 weeks into her pregnancy.]] | [[Image:Pregnancy 26 weeks.jpg|thumb|right|340px|alt=Picture of a pregnant woman.|A woman 26 weeks into her pregnancy.]] | ||
'''Pregnancy''' is a condition of [[female]] [[adult]]s in which a [[fetus]] or [[embryo]] is carried inside the [[body]] cavity called a [[womb]]. When a [[human]] [[woman]] is ''pregnant'', then for a period of time, the embryo or fetus grows to the point where it is [[birth|born]] by emerging out of the womb and becoming a [[life|living]] [[baby]]. In humans, the [[gestation]] period is roughly nine months, although it can vary depending on circumstances. In most [[species]], pregnancy happens as a result of [[sexual intercourse]] between an adult [[male]] and adult [[female]], in which [[sperm]] and [[ovum | '''Pregnancy''' is a condition of [[female]] [[adult]]s in which a [[fetus]] or [[embryo]] is carried inside the [[body]] cavity called a [[womb]]. When a [[human]] [[woman]] is ''pregnant'', then for a period of time, the embryo or fetus grows to the point where it is [[birth|born]] by emerging out of the womb and becoming a [[life|living]] [[baby]]. In humans, the [[gestation]] period is roughly nine months, although it can vary depending on circumstances. In most [[species]], pregnancy happens as a result of [[sexual intercourse]] between an adult [[male]] and adult [[female]], in which a [[sperm cell]] and [[ovum]] are joined to form a [[zygote]], which may develops into an [[embryo]]. Not every act of sexual intercourse results in pregnancy. | ||
==In Greek mythology== | ==In Greek mythology== | ||
In [[Greek mythology]], [[Greek god|gods and goddesses]] who were [[immortal]] could [[sexual intercourse|mate]] with [[human]]s; for example, the goddess [[Athena]] was [[birth|born]] out of the [[head]] of [[Zeus]], according to [[mythology|myths]] as described in works such as the ''[[Iliad]]'', ''[[Odyssey]]'', and ''[[Aeneid]]''. Any sexual relation between a god or goddess with a human ''always'' resulted in pregnancy. | In [[Greek mythology]], [[Greek god|gods and goddesses]] who were [[immortal]] could [[sexual intercourse|mate]] with [[human]]s; for example, the goddess [[Athena]] was [[birth|born]] out of the [[head]] of [[Zeus]], according to [[mythology|myths]] as described in works such as the ''[[Iliad]]'', ''[[Odyssey]]'', and ''[[Aeneid]]''. Any sexual relation between a god or goddess with a human ''always'' resulted in pregnancy. | ||
Revision as of 15:00, 18 April 2010
Pregnancy is a condition of female adults in which a fetus or embryo is carried inside the body cavity called a womb. When a human woman is pregnant, then for a period of time, the embryo or fetus grows to the point where it is born by emerging out of the womb and becoming a living baby. In humans, the gestation period is roughly nine months, although it can vary depending on circumstances. In most species, pregnancy happens as a result of sexual intercourse between an adult male and adult female, in which a sperm cell and ovum are joined to form a zygote, which may develops into an embryo. Not every act of sexual intercourse results in pregnancy.
In Greek mythology
In Greek mythology, gods and goddesses who were immortal could mate with humans; for example, the goddess Athena was born out of the head of Zeus, according to myths as described in works such as the Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid. Any sexual relation between a god or goddess with a human always resulted in pregnancy.