Reproductive Development in Women

We are a group of medical professionals who work hard and strive to advance reproductive justice by expanding access to abortion and contraception. There are different laws and regulations among different countries in the world as regards to abortion.

All people have the right to make fundamental decisions about their own bodies and health. That’s why we do our best to ensure that reproductive health services, including safe abortion and contraception, are available and accessible to all women.

Reproductive development in women involves several stages, beginning from fetal development and continuing through puberty, reproductive years, and eventually menopause. The following are the stages of the reproductive development of women:

Fetal Development

– Formation of Ovaries: By about the 7th week of fetal development, the ovaries begin to form. At around 20th week age of gestation, the fetus has developed around six (6) to seven (7) million oocytes or what we commonly know as egg cells. These egg cells are immature eggs that declines significantly by thr birt of the fetus.
– Development of Oocytes: By the 20th week of gestation, the fetus has developed around 6-7 million oocytes, which are immature eggs. This number declines significantly by birth. These eggs remain to be dormant and inactive during infancy and childhood. The major changes brought about by the different hormones as the female ages and reaches puberty and adolescence, the female develops secondary sexual changes including breast development, pubic hair development and the onset of menstruation. This stage typically occur between ages 8 – 13 years old. The onset of menstruation marks the beginning of the female’s ability to reproduce and the egg cells mature at this stage.

Reproductive Years

– Menstrual Cycle: A regular menstrual cycle is established, usually lasting about 28 days but can vary between individuals. The menstrual cycle has a different stages or phases. First is the follicular phase where in the ovaries responds to the hormone produced by the brain which makes one follicle or egg cell mature and ready to be fertilized. Second phase is the Ovulation stage. This is when the mature egg is released from the ovary as a response to the hormones released by the brain. Next phase is the Luteal phase. This is when the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the lining of the uterus sheds, resulting in menstrual bleeding. But if the egg is fertilized by a sperm, it implants in the uterine lining, and pregnancy begins. The pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks, divided into three trimesters, during which the fetus develops.

Menopause

– Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, often starting in a woman’s 40s, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms like hot flashes.
– Menopause is defined as the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, typically occurring between the age of 45-51. The ovaries cease releasing eggs and producing most of their estrogen. And so the woman loses the capability to reproduce.
– Postmenopause is the stage following menopause, where symptoms may continue but the reproductive years have ended.

Understanding these stages provides insight into the complex and dynamic nature of female reproductive development and health.

How does a woman get pregnant?

– During the reproductive stage, when ovulation occurs and the mature egg cell that is released from the ovary is fertilized by a sperm.
– Getting pregnant has both advantages and disadvantages, and not all women who would get pregnant are ready for the pregnancy and the circumstances that comes with it. Nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended—a global crisis, says new UNFPA report. [NEW YORK, 30 March 2022] — Nearly half of all pregnancies, totalling 121 million each year throughout the world, are unintended.

The average age of women who experience unplanned pregnancy are usually in the reproductive stage (18-29 years old). This is also the stage where in women are at the peak of their careers or are starting to reach the peak of their careers. This is also the stage where in the women enjoy their freedom, are enjoying being sociable and independence. And due to this, majority or more than half of women with unplanned pregnancy end up having abortion – either surgical or medical.

What are the options of a pregnant woman?

– Women facing unplanned pregnancies have several options to consider, each with different implications and support systems available. These options include:

A. Parenting
– Deciding to Raise the Child: Many women choose to carry the pregnancy to term and raise the child. This option requires careful consideration of emotional, financial, and social support.
– Support Systems: Available resources include partner’s support, family support, community programs, parenting classes, financial assistance, healthcare services, and childcare options.

B. Adoption
– Placing the Child for Adoption: Some women opt to carry the pregnancy to term and place the child for adoption. This can be done through private or public agencies. Counseling services, legal assistance, and adoption agencies provide support throughout the process.

C. Abortion
– Termination of Pregnancy: Abortion is a medical procedure that terminates the pregnancy. The availability and legality of abortion vary by country and region. There are different types of abortion, Medical Abortion and Surgical Abortion.
Medical Abortion involves taking medication to end the pregnancy, typically up to 12 weeks age of gestation. There are different medicines used in Medical Abortion, among these are misoprostol, mifepristone and methotrexate. While surgical abortion includes procedures like aspiration (up to 16 weeks) and dilation and evacuation (after 16 weeks). Clinics, healthcare providers, and counseling services offer support before, during, and after the procedure. Unfortunately, not all countries offer these services to women with unplanned pregnancies. That is why we strive hard to provide these support system and medicines which women can take if they have an unplanned pregnancies.

Making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy is deeply personal and can be challenging. Access to accurate information, compassionate counseling, and comprehensive support systems is crucial for women to make the best decision for their circumstances.