Parenting Chapter 9: Prenatal Care Objectives: 1. Give examples of nutritious foods to choose for meals and snacks during pregnancy. 2. Discuss appropriate weight gain and clothing considerations for expectant mothers. 3. Recognize sports and activities that are safe and unsafe during pregnancy. 4. Explain how a pregnant woman’s emotions might affect her stress level and describe ways to reduce stress.

Eating Right How many additional calories per day does a pregnant woman need? Most of these extra calories should come from foods with a higher nutrient density (the relationship between the amount and types of nutrients a food has and the number of calories it contains). Eat according to the Food Guide Pyramid.

A Balanced Diet Protein the amino acids help build the brain, muscles, hair, skin, nails and immune system Carbohydrates more than half of the mother’s daily calories should come from these complex carbohydrates are the best (grains, cereals, pastas, nuts, etc.) Fats should account for no more than 30% of a woman’s calories

Vitamins Folic Acid helps produce extra blood To prevent birth defects of the nervous system B Vitamins for nerve cells the formation of red blood cells Vitamin A vital for developing cells, bones and vision too much can cause birth defects Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which gives structure to bones, muscles and blood vessels helps the body absorb iron Vitamin D aids the development of bones and tissue

Minerals Calcium builds strong bones and teeth the fetus will draw calcium from the mother’s body is she doesn’t consume enough for both of them Iron pregnant women needs twice the iron that other adults require used to create the blood supply of the fetus it bolster’s the mother’s red blood cells, which supply oxygen to the fetus

Weight Gain pounds during pregnancy gaining less than 20 pounds, babies often have a low birth weight—the fetus must live off her fat stores, resulting in calories but no nutrients Baby7.5 lbs Placenta1.5 lbs Amniotic Fluid2 lbs Uterine Enlargement2 lbs Breast Growth2 lbs Fluids and Blood8 lbs Fat and Nutrient Stores 7 lbs Average Gain30 lbs

Adequate Activity and Rest Getting plenty of sleep is important—10 hours per night is not uncommon. Take time for a nap or warm (not hot) bath, or to put feet up (to help relieve swelling). Exercise can help energize the expectant mother, as well as minimize backache, constipation, heartburn and swollen ankles. Always discuss any athletic activities with your health care provider.

Clothing Choices By the fourth month, most pregnant women are uncomfortable with their regular wardrobe. Experts recommend choosing comfortable, easy-care fabrics. Avoid shopping sprees, as clothes that fit early in the pregnancy often don’t fit by nine months. What are some good clothing options?

Understanding Emotions mood shifts and irritability are common hormones play a role, and so does the worry that life will never be the same

Understanding Emotions: Common Worries health of the baby feeling being dependent on their partner the father-to-be may also feel apprehensive about adjusting to parenthood What are some ways to combat this?

Understanding Emotions: Reducing Stress stress: physical and emotional tension caused by pressures, change and important events Some stress is normal, but if it results in headaches, poor appetite or sleep problems, stress becomes a problem for expectant mothers. Studies have shown a link between stress during pregnancy and premature births. Identifying stressors in her life is the first step to reducing a pregnant woman’s stress level.

Activity Worksheet: Prenatal Care Pays Off (10-15 minutes)

Objective 1. Identify specific substances, diseases and environmental hazards that can harm the fetus.

Review Which two minerals are important for a pregnant woman to consume? What vitamins should be part of a prenatal diet? Why? What are some clothing considerations for pregnant women? How many extra calories per day does a pregnant woman need? What is stress? How can it be reduced during pregnancy?

Dangers to the Fetus teratogens: substances and exposures that can cause birth defects the fetus is like a sponge, every substance a pregnant woman is exposed to is transmitted to the developing fetus irreversible damage can result from a woman’s behavior early in pregnancy before she realizes she is expecting a woman who might become pregnant should practice a lifestyle that would give a baby the best possible start

Dangers to the Fetus: Alcohol No amount of alcohol is considered safe for a fetus. Brain damage and miscarriage can occur even if the expectant mother occasionally drinks a small quantity. Women who have four or more drinks a day run a high risk of having a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

Dangers to the Fetus: Alcohol FAS is the leading cause of mental retardation FAS occurs in one out of every 750 birth FAS has no cure FAS often goes undiagnosed FAS and FAE are believed to cost U.S. taxpayers $320 million/year

Characteristic of Children with FAS Microencephaly (small brain) Distortions of the face Small for gestational age or in relation to peers Poor coordination Learning disabilities Hyperactive behavior Developmental disabilities (e.g. speech and language delays) Problems with daily living Poor reasoning and judgment skills Sleep and sucking disturbances during infancy

Characteristic of Children with FAS

It is estimated that FAS may affect as many as 1 in 750 live births, making alcohol one of the most common causes of physically based mental retardation.

Characteristic of Children with FAS Note: Not all of these symptoms are always present. Which ones occur depends on when during the prenatal period the mother was drinking. Because different parts of the body develop at different times during the pregnancy, different parts are influenced depending on when the alcohol is present.

FAS Through the Lifespan THE EFFECTS OF FASD ARE LONG-TERM Infants: Low birth weight Irritability Sensitivity to light, noise and touch Slow development Poor sleep-wake cycles Increased ear infections Toddlers: Poor memory capability Hyperactivity Lack of fear No sense of boundaries Need for excessive physical contact Older Children: Trouble keeping up with school Low self-esteem Teenagers: Poor impulse control Cannot distinguish between public and private behaviors Must be reminded of concepts on a daily basis Adults: Help finding affordable and appropriate housing Transportation needs Employment and money skills

Dangers to the Fetus: Smoking Premature births Low birth weights Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen the fetus receives

Dangers to the Fetus: Illegal Drugs the newborn can become addicted at birth at risk for a stroke, brain damage or death causes low birth weight and premature birth children face a lifetime of learning and behavioral problems Marijuana crosses the placenta and can put the fetus at risk. There have been some reports of children born with characteristics of FAS.

Dangers to the Fetus: Medications a drug does not have to be illegal to harm a fetus inform your health care provider of any medications you are taking expectant mothers should consult the health care provider before taking OTC medications

Dangers to the Fetus: Caffeine has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage avoid or consume no more than 300mg per day draws fluids and calcium needed by the mother and fetus out of the body interferes with iron absorption can prevent needed rest can make mood swings more severe

Avoiding Infections Avoid people with the flu, colds or other contagious illnesses, if possible. Common diseases that can seriously affect the fetus: Rubella—can severely damage the brain, heart, eyes and ears of the fetus Chicken Pox Toxoplasmosis—eyes and brain of a fetus can be damaged by a disease that may be contracted from eating undercooked meat or from contact with cat feces

Pregnancy Complications preeclampsia: a type of high blood pressure occurring in 5-10 percent of all pregnancies gestational diabetes: a type of diabetes that affects about three percent of expectant women and usually disappears shortly after the pregnancy.

Test We will review tomorrow! Test is on Thursday!!! If you behave, I will let you cook on Friday!