Reproductive Health – SS2 Biology Lesson Note (First Term)

Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system.

• Genetic counselling: advice that helps people understand inherited conditions before, during and after reproduction.
• Safe breastfeeding: feeding a baby with breast milk in a healthy and correct way.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define reproductive health;
2. explain what genetic counselling is and when it can be given;
3. state the purpose of a genotype test before marriage;
4. list the advantages of breastfeeding to the mother and the baby;
5. correct common myths about breastfeeding.

What is reproductive health?

Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to reproduction and the reproductive organs.

• Meaning: it covers more than the absence of disease or weakness in the reproductive system.
• Genetic counselling: protects the health of couples and their future children.
• Safe breastfeeding: protects the health of the mother and the baby after birth.
• Other practices: personal hygiene, antenatal care and avoiding sexually transmitted infections also protect reproductive health.

What is genetic counselling?

Genetic counselling is the process of advising individuals and families affected by, or at risk of, genetic disorders.

• Aim: to help them understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and family effects of inherited disease.
• Focus: it explains how birth defects, genes and medical conditions run in families.

What are genetics and heredity?

Genetics is the study of heredity and variation in living things.

• Genetic material: every living thing contains genetic material made up of DNA molecules.
• Passing on: this material is passed on when organisms reproduce.
• Heredity: the process by which certain genes pass from parents to children.
• Resemblance: children often look like their parents or grandparents because of the genes they inherit.

When can genetic counselling be given?

Genetic counselling can be given before, during and after reproduction, and at every stage of life from pregnancy to adulthood.

• Before pregnancy: deals with factors that might affect the baby in infancy or childhood, or the ability to become pregnant at all.
• During pregnancy: advises parents on risks to the baby that is developing.
• After birth: helps the family understand and manage an inherited condition found in the child.

Why is a genotype test done before marriage?

A genotype test is done before marriage to find out a couple’s genetic compatibility and avoid health problems in their children.

• Who is advised: any two people who plan to marry.
• Purpose: to avoid health complications, especially where pregnancy is concerned.
• Reason: certain genotype groups should not have a baby together.
• Common genotypes: AA, AS, SS and AC.
• Sickle cell disease: a child with genotype SS has sickle cell disease.

What are the chances of sickle cell disease in a child?

The chance of a child having genotype SS depends on the genotypes of both parents.

What is breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding, also called nursing, is the feeding of babies and young children with milk from a woman’s breast.

• Nutrients: breast milk contains many nutrients needed for the survival of an infant.
• First milk: the thick yellowish milk produced in the first days after birth is called colostrum and is rich in antibodies.

What are the advantages of breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding benefits both the baby and the mother.

Advantages to the baby

• Ideal nutrition: breast milk has everything the baby needs for the first six months, in the right proportions.
• Continued feeding: breastfeeding is recommended for at least one year, while other foods are added to the diet.
• Protection: breast milk is loaded with antibodies that help the baby fight viruses and bacteria.
• Brain development: some studies show that nutrients in breast milk improve the baby’s cognitive development.
• Fewer illnesses: breastfeeding may reduce the baby’s risk of several illnesses and diseases.

Advantages to the mother

• Bonding: close contact during feeding strengthens the bond between mother and baby.
• Low cost: breast milk is free, always available and at the right temperature.
• Recovery: breastfeeding helps the womb return to its normal size after birth.

What are the common myths about breastfeeding?

Myths about breastfeeding are false beliefs that have affected how some women feed their babies.

• Advice: a mother should consult a health professional whenever she is unsure about breastfeeding.

Evaluation

1. Define reproductive health.
2. What is genetic counselling, and at what stages of reproduction can it be given?
3. Why are couples advised to take a genotype test before marriage?
4. State four advantages of breastfeeding.
5. What determines a woman’s ability to produce milk: the size of her breasts or her breast tissue? Correct one other breastfeeding myth.

Assignment

1. Explain how genetics accounts for the resemblance between children and their parents.