Prenatal Care Unit 2 Chapter 9

Bell Ringer February 28th, 2011 What are some questions you would have or think that someone should ask their doctor when they are pregnant?

Early signs of pregnancy Missed period Mild ache in abdomen Fatigue Frequently going to the bathroom Tenderness in breasts Nausea Can take a Pregnancy test

Prenatal Medical Care Prenatal care: Health Care Providers Health care during pregnancy Essential for both the health of the mother and the child Health Care Providers Primary care physician Obstetrician Specializes in pregnancy and delivery Certified nurse-midwife Trained to care for women with low risk pregnancies Offer the option of home birth

Prenatal Examinations First visit Confirms pregnancy Height, weight, and blood pressure measured Questions about health habits and medical history Urine test Check condition of kidney which carry a heavier burden during pregnancy Blood test Check for anemia Caused by lack of iron, which results in poor appetite Identify blood type Complete medical exam Pap test and internal exam Urine sample to test for any health conditions

Rh factor A protein found in the blood of some people Positive Has the protein Negative If mother is negative and baby is positive problems can occur Mothers antibodies work against the babies blood cells Usually does not affect first pregnancy Two injections are given to prevent problems in future pregnancies

Regular Check Ups Monthly for the first 28 weeks Every two weeks from 28 to 36 week During the last month weekly

Calculating due date Calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period Due date is only an estimate 38-42 weeks Only 4% of women give birth on their due dates

Possible Complications Preeclampsia 5 to 10% of women High blood pressure, protein in the urine, and fluid retention Can keep the placenta from receiving enough blood Eclampsia Cause seizures and permanently damage the mother’s health Signs Sudden weight gain, swollen hands and face, blurred vision, severe headache

Possible Complications Gestational Diabetes During pregnancy causes poor processing of sugars in a person's body. Can lead to having a very large baby. 3% of pregnant women 2 or 3 trimester Detected by a routine glucose screening Follow a diet an exercise plan Usually disappears after baby born, but mother can develop lifelong diabetes

Discomforts of pregnancy Nausea Snacking on soda crackers and eating smaller meals Sleepiness Heartburn Shortness of breath Varicose veins Rest with legs and feet elevated Muscle cramps Calcium Lower back pain Exercises

Assignment Chapter 5 worksheet Page 42 in students workbook