Michelle is a sexually active college student. On Saturday night, she has unprotected sex with her boyfriend. On Monday evening, she experiences the twinge of mid-cycle pain that she typically feels when she is ovulating. This makes Sherrise extremely anxious that she might soon learn she is pregnant. Is Sherrise’s concern valid? Why or why not?

Hypertension is a medical condition that can develop during pregnancy. What roles can nutrition play in preventing this disorder? What treatments, including dietary changes, can be made to prevent it from worsening? What effect does this condition have on the fetus both in utero and further in life?

True or false sperm and ova or not identical to the parent cells that produce them?

A couple living in Florida is trying to have a baby, but they are having trouble getting pregnant. The male is very light skinned yet enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors in the sun. From the male's perspective, why might he be contributing to the trouble with getting pregnant? Excessive ultraviolet light exposure can reduce folate levels, and folate is required for normal sperm development. Excessive heat from the sunlight inhibits normal sperm production; thus, he probably does not have enough sperm. The male does not have enough melanin production to support normal sperm development. Excessive sunlight exposure can rapidly increase folate levels, which then inhibits normal sperm development. Normal sperm development occurs best in colder temperatures; thus, living in Florida he has a reduced chance of getting his partner pregnant.