The Developing Child Chapter 5 Preparing for Birth 5-1: A Healthy Pregnancy 5-2: Preparing for Baby’s Arrival 5-3: Childbirth Options

Common Signs of Pregnancy Missed menstrual period Full feeling or mild ache in lower abdomen Feeling tired or faint Frequent and urgent need to urinate Swollen breasts Nausea and/or vomiting, especially in morning

Medical Care It is important for a pregnant woman to receive regular medical care throughout her pregnancy. Protects the health of the developing baby Protects the mother’s health Health practitioners who can provide care for pregnant women include: Obstetricians Family doctors Certified midwives Certified nurse-midwives

Qualifications of Health Practitioners Obstetrician Doctor who specializes in prenatal care and delivery and is qualified to handle emergencies and complications Family Doctor Doctor who has some training in prenatal care and delivery but may not be qualified to handle complications Certified Midwife Has advanced training in normal pregnancy and birth and has passed a certification exam. Does not have a healthcare degree Certified Nurse-Midwife Nurse who has advanced training in normal pregnancy and birth and has passed a certification exam

Blood Tests Anemia Rh Factor Condition that results from not having enough red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, feeling cold and weak Rh Factor Protein that can be found in the blood Rh+ means the protein is present Determined by genetics If mother is Rh- and baby is Rh+, the mother’s blood will build up antibodies that attack the protein in the baby’s blood. This creates a problem for any subsequent pregnancies where the baby is Rh+ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OWp8d8WKkg http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rh http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rh-factor/basics/definition/prc-20013476

Other Conditions Gestational Diabetes Preeclampsia A form of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy and can cause the baby to weigh more than normal at birth Glucose tolerance test is performed to determine blood sugar levels Can be controlled with diet and/or medication Preeclampsia High blood pressure and protein in the urine Can prevent the baby from getting enough blood

Common Discomforts Nausea and/or vomiting Sleepiness / Fatigue Heartburn Shortness of breath Varicose (swollen) veins Muscle cramps in legs Lower back pain

Weight Gain During Pregnancy Factor Pounds Weight of average baby at birth 7 - 8 Placenta 1 - 2 Amniotic fluid 1 ½ - 2 Increased size of uterus and supporting muscles 2 Increase in breast tissue 1 Increase in blood volume 1 ½ - 3 Increase in fat stores 5 Increase in body fluids 5 - 7 Total 24 - 30

Physical Health Routines Eat a healthful diet Get plenty of rest Exercise Practice good hygiene

Emotional Health Routines Avoid sugary foods and caffeine Can cause nervousness and/or jumpiness Exercise Take a time-out Practice relaxation techniques Yoga or Meditation Talk about concerns Take a class for expectant parents

Nutrition Protein Folic Acid (leafy green vegetables and oranges) Vital to baby’s growth and development of bones and teeth Folic Acid (leafy green vegetables and oranges) Promotes normal spinal development Vitamin A Ensures proper eye development Vitamin B Assists in general fetal development Vitamin C Builds healthy teeth and gums and helps connective tissue form Vitamin D Aids in creation of bones and teeth Iron Helps prevent anemia. Assists in development of baby’s blood supply Calcium & Phosphorus Promote healthy bones and teeth for mother and baby Prevent osteoporosis (fragile bones)

Pregnant Teens Have special nutritional needs because they are still developing, themselves Need to make sure they get enough calcium and iron.

Sensitivities to Milk Expectant mothers who cannot tolerate milk products need special eating strategies Eat larger quantities of other calcium-rich foods, such as broccoli, tofu, and leafy green vegetables Get protein from meat, fish, dried beans, and nuts Lactose intolerance Cultured yogurt contains lactase, an enzyme that helps in the digestion of lactose

Preparing for Baby’s Arrival Supplies Diapering needs Disposable or cloth? http://www.lilbumsclothdiapers.com/4-steps-to-saving-thousands-of-dollars-with-cloth-diapering/ Clothing Feeding equipment High chair, bibs, bottles, breast pump Bedding Crib, sheets, mattress pads Bathing and other supplies Travel equipment Car seat, stroller, tote bag

Feeding: Breast or Bottle? Best source of nutrition Gives some immunity against diseases Speeds return of mother’s uterus to normal size Creates a bond through physical closeness Is available at all times Baby has to be fed more often May be more difficult Allows mother to have more flexible schedule Eliminates concern about mother’s diet or medications she takes Ensures baby gets essential nutrients Can be expensive Does not give baby natural immunities to disease Greater chance of baby developing allergies

Budgeting for Baby Fixed Expenses Flexible Expenses Generally can’t be changed (car payments, mortgage payments, rent, taxes, etc.) Flexible Expenses Can be reduced if necessary (food costs, household items, clothes, entertainment, etc.) Baby expenses include: Doctor’s fees Cost of hospital or birthing center Maternity clothes Baby supplies and furniture

Child Care Options Consider goals, skills, and time available Can one parent cut back on working hours or stay home full-time to care for the child? What other child care options are available and what are their costs? Family Medical Leave Act Employers with more than 50 workers must offer 12 weeks of unpaid leave to new mothers and fathers

Childbirth Prepared Childbirth Labor Delivery Education about childbirth and breathing and conditioning exercises for a pregnant woman Reduces pain and fear during the birth process Labor The process by which the baby gradually moves out of the uterus and into the birth canal to be born Delivery The birth itself

Childbirth Education Classes Breathing techniques How the baby develops Warning signs of a potentially serious problem during pregnancy What to expect during labor and delivery Role of the coach or support person How to make a birth plan What to expect after the birth of the baby

Places to Give Birth Home Hospital Alternative Birth Center Typically with a midwife Mother can be more relaxed in her own home Hospital Full staff of medical professionals May be subjected to unnecessary tests, etc. Alternative Birth Center May or may not be part of a hospital Facility that provides a more homelike environment for labor and delivery Emphasize prepared, natural childbirth

Chapter 5 Content Vocabulary obstetrician anemia Rh factor gestational diabetes preeclampsia osteoporosis lactose intolerance lactase formula pediatrician fixed expense flexible expense maternity leave prepared childbirth labor delivery