Early Signs of Pregnancy

Missed period Mild ache in lower abdomen Feeling tired, drowsy, or faint Need to urinate more than usual Tenderness in breast Nausea early in the day

Medical Care During Pregnancy

Obstetrician-MD who specializes in pregnancy

Group of doctors Cost: lump sum

Covers prenatal exams, normal birth, check up after birth

The Initial Exam

BP, pulse, respiration, weight Medical history Measure pelvis Analyze urine Blood test

Later Check Ups

1 time a month until 6 months 2xs month until 9th month 9th month – 1 time a week

Discomforts of Pregnancy

Nausea last until about 3rd month Sleepiness-first trimester Heartburn Shortness of breath Varicose veins Muscle cramps in legs Lower back pain

Possible Complications

Vaginal bleeding Excessive thirst Persistent headaches Fever Swelling Prolonged backache

Nutrition During Pregnancy

Protein-vital for growth of baby and keeps mom’s body in good repair

Vitamins-supplement, more folic acid

Minerals-iron Carbohydrates and fats-energy

Special Diets

Teens Body is still growing Higher calorie needs Calcium and iron

Lactose intolerant Vegetarians

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Normal BMI- 25-35 lbs Underweight-28-42 lbs Overweight-15-25 lbs 1-3 months, little/no weight gain,

weight loss 4-6 months, steady weight gain 6-9 months, 1 lb a week

Personal Care and Activities

Rest Exercise Hygiene Usually do same things before

pregnancy Maternity clothes around 4th month

Getting Ready for a Baby Role and responsibilities How we meet these responsibilities of

childcare Each partner’s goals, skills, schedule, and

personal characteristics Finances Maternity leave

Law requires employers with more than 50 employees to give 12 weeks leave to workers for family reasons-can be used by either parent

Preparing for Parenthood Discuss ideas about parenting before baby is

born Anticipate roles Other children in the family:

Children under school age-not too early Children 4+, before people outside family Include in plans Changing living space Changes in the child’s life-toilet training Do not create unrealistic expectations Sibling changes, patience for negative behaviors Give reassurance and love

Choosing a Pediatrician Doctor who specializes in treating children Questions to ask: Where is the location and what are the office

hours? How should an emergency be handled? When is the doctor available by phone? What hospital does the doctor use? How often are check ups? What are views on breastfeeding and bottle

feeding? What is the philosophy on guidance?

Decisions about feeding

Breastfeeding: many benefits Bottle-feeding: convenient

Formula-a mixture of milk or milk substitute, water, and nutrients

Personal decisions

Clothing, equipment, and space

Clothing, bedding, bathing supplies, travel equipment

Practical items first Separate room for baby? Crib or bassinet? Baby monitors Diaper changing area

Reducing Expenses

Shop carefully Quality used clothes and furniture Relatives and friends Yard sales Secondhand stores

Making a budget Identify income Where does money currently go?

Fixed expenses: cost of items that cannot change

Flexible expense: have control over Medical care, health insurance Maternity clothes Formula Furnishings for baby’s room Child care

Childbirth Choices

Prepared Childbirth-method of giving birth in which pain is reduced through the elimination of fear and the use of special conditioning exercises

What you learn in class

What happens during labor and delivery Watch films of childbirth Tour medical facility Learn skills to cope with discomforts

of labor such as relaxation techniques and patterned breathing

coach

Who will deliver the baby? Obstetricians: specialize in prenatal and

postpartum care of mom and baby Can handle emergencies and special

situations Family doctor: may need to call an

obstetrician if problems occur Licensed midwives:

Certified nurse midwife- RN with advanced training in normal pregnancy and childbirth

Lay midwife- special training in the care of pregnant women and normal deliveries, but does not have a nursing degree

Where will the baby be born?

Hospital Family centered maternity care

Classes Programs that help young children

prepare for a sibling Programs for fathers and other family

members to help during labor and delivery

Birthing rooms

Birthing rooms cont’d Options allow mom to choose position they

prefer for labor Special steps such as lighting and music Mom and baby can stay together for most of

the hospital stay LDRP concept Alternative birth center- homelike

rooms for giving birth, emphasize prepared childbirth, licensed midwives handle care, low risk deliveries