Fertility and healthy pregnancies

Teacher notes

This lesson can be used in KS3/ KS4. The other lesson plans around pregnancy in the series would be useful to pair with this one, e.g. **Stages of human pregnancy**. This lesson introduces Jay, a midwife working out of a mobile unit on the streets of Toronto, Canada where she works with vulnerable women facing homelessness and often mental health challenges and addiction. **Please be aware of, and sensitive to, any students who may have lived experience of homelessness, mental health issues or substance abuse.** **Lyfta Core themes:** Community and Citizenship, Equality and Human Rights, Health and Wellbeing, Professions and Entrepreneurship, Relationships. **SDGs:** 1,3,5,10,11. **National Curriculum Objectives:** This lesson supports the SRE framework: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education/relationships-and-sex-education-rse-secondary#by-the-end-of-secondary-school plus KS3 PSHE H23. the positive and negative uses of drugs in society including the safe use of prescribed and over the counter medicines; responsible use of antibiotics H24. to evaluate myths, misconceptions, social norms and cultural values relating to drug, alcohol and tobacco use H25. strategies to manage a range of influences on drug, alcohol and tobacco use, including peers R35. the roles and responsibilities of parents, carers and children in families H26. information about alcohol, nicotine and other legal and illegal substances, including the short-term and long-term health risks associated with their use H27. the personal and social risks and consequences of substance use and misuse including occasional use H29. about the concepts of dependence and addiction including awareness of help to overcome addictions H31. ways of assessing and reducing risk in relation to health, wellbeing and personal safety H36. that certain infections can be spread through sexual activity and that barrier contraceptives offer some protection against certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). KS4 PSHE H5. the characteristics of mental and emotional health; to develop empathy and understanding about how daily actions can affect people’s mental health H6. about change and its impact on mental health and wellbeing and to recognise the need for emotional support during life changes and/or difficult experiences H19. the consequences of substance use and misuse for the mental and physical health and wellbeing of individuals and their families, and the wider consequences for communities H20. wider risks of illegal substance use for individuals, including for personal safety, career, relationships and future lifestyle H21. to identify, manage and seek help for unhealthy behaviours, habits and addictions including smoking cessation H30. about healthy pregnancy and how lifestyle choices affect a developing foetus H31. that fertility can vary in all people, changes over time (including menopause) and can be affected by STIs and other lifestyle factors H32. about the possibility of miscarriage and support available to people who are not able to conceive or maintain a pregnancy R25. the importance of parenting skills and qualities for family life.