• Keeping healthy before and during pregnancy

• 1. Avoid alcohol and drugs(including tobacco and caffeine)• 2. Maintain nutritious diet• ~Need up to 450 extra calories• 3. Prenatal vitamins• ~Folic acid is important because it reduces chances of birth

defects• 4. Get moderate to regular exercise• ~Improves circulation• ~Prevents excessive weight gain• ~Prepares mother for labor•  • 5. Have all medical conditions evaluated by a doctor• Prenatal Care: healthcare provided during pregnancy • 1st exam- physical exam, blood tests, discuss childbirth

options.

Stages of Childbirth

 

~Begins with onset of labor

~Signs of onset are contractions or tightening of uterine muscles

~Contractions are also known as “labor pains”

 

Dilation: 1st stage of labor

~Uterus contracts

~Cervix dilates or opens up

~Membranes surrounding baby open

~”Water breaks”- amniotic fluid is released out of vagina

~Head begins to push through the birth canal

~1st stage ends when the cervix is dilated 10cm

Expulsion: 2nd stage

~Head emerges fully

~Shoulders rotate

~Episiotomies may be done (surgical incision of the outer end of the vagina allowing for more room)

Placental: 3rd stage

~Begins after the baby is delivered

~Ends when the uterus expels the placenta and umbilical cord out of the body

After the 3 stages are complete:

~Mucus is sucked from baby’s mouth

~Umbilical cord is tied and cut

~Mother and baby are checked for signs (problems)

~Mothers breast feeds the baby

Types of Childbirth

1.Natural Childbirth (Through the vagina)2.Cesarean section (C-section)- baby and placenta are lifted out of the mothers body by surgery~An incision is made in the mother’s lower abdomen and then into the uterus~C-section are most common if:Baby too largeBaby is in wrong position

Child Development

~2 months: Baby lifts head

~4 months: baby rolls from front to back

Feeding schedule is more regular

~6 months: Baby sits up

Excellent head control

~9 months: Baby crawls

~1 year: Baby walks and talks

~2 years: Terrible twos

Encourage healthy diet

~5-6 years: Ready for school

Toilet training

Well developed speech