Reproductive System

Female v Male Reproductive Systems

Why is the reproductive system important?
The reproductive system is important for making babies.

Do males and females have the same reproductive systems?
No. Females have two ovaries to produce eggs.
Females also have breasts to make milk.
Females have an opening for the birth of a baby which is called the vagina.
Males have two testes to produce sperm. The testes are protected by sacs called scrotum.
Males have penises to release sperm.

What is pregnancy and how long does it last?
Pregnancy is the process of growing a baby.
Pregnancy lasts 40 weeks or 9 months.

How does the growing baby get its nutrients?
The placenta is a lining that surrounds the growing babe.
It provides nutrients and removes waste.
The placenta is connected to the baby’s navel or belly button through the umbilical cord.

What are premature babies and why is it a concern?
Premature babies are born before they are mature enough.
This means that they are physically weaker and may not have had the nutrients to be strong.
They might not be ready for the real world.
Premature babies are kept in incubators.

How do doctors know that the baby’s heart is beating?
Mothers take a moving photo with sound called an ultrasound. This allows them to see how the baby is doing.