Having a Healthy Pregnancy

Personal Care & Activities Hygiene (keeping the body clean & fresh) Because the skin helps maintain correct body temperature and eliminate waste, it should be kept clean Bathing before bedtime encourages relaxation and sleep Avoid very cold or very hot baths Replace tub baths with showers or sponge baths during the last 4-6 weeks Have a dental check-up

Clothing About the 4th or 5th month maternity clothing is needed (clothing especially designed for pregnancy in one’s regular size) Any clothing should be loose to allow for freedom of movement and circulation. COMFORT IS KEY! Choose clothing so it can be worn for a period of time. Shoes should be low heeled and offer good support.

Rest & Exercise Get plenty of rest each night; 8-9 hours/night. Plan rest periods during the day; 1 nap for 15-30 minutes daily. Moderate low-impact exercise can make the pregnancy more comfortable, 30 minutes daily. Exercises can help to strengthen and prepare the pelvic floor for delivery; improve ability to stop and start flow of urine. Example: Kegel Walking or swimming are great! Pregnancy is not a time to start any strenuous activities for the first time. Avoid contact sports.

Complications The outcome of a baby’s heath depends on the mother’s health and nutritional state. If nutrients are lacking in the mother’s body, the baby suffers. A mother brings to the pregnancy all of her previous life experiences (diet, food habits, attitudes about health, etc.) Prepare body 2 years ahead. Birth defects (environmental) occur before the 10th week of pregnancy

Doctor Visits See doctor regularly 1 visit during 1st trimester Monthly visits 2nd trimester 7th & 8th months, visits every two weeks 9th month, weekly visits Weight checked, blood pressure and pulse checked, urine sample Measure belly for growth Check baby’s heartbeat Answer any questions

Prenatal Testing Ultrasound Gel spread over mother’s abdomen and ultrasound want is rubbed across it. A video image is produced by sound waves bouncing off her internal structure Most common prenatal test Done in Dr.’s office Can be done anytime during the pregnancy Considered safe; non-invasive Receive a two-dimensional picture of the fetus

Prenatal Testing Ultrasound, cont. Can possibly determine: Defects in the fetal organs Size of the fetus Position before delivery Gender Due date Not 100% accurate!

Prenatal Testing Amniocentesis Drawing fluid from the amniotic sac by inserting a fine needle into the mother’s abdomen Done before the 15th – 18th week of pregnancy Tests for hundreds of genetic and chromosomal disorders Mothers over 35 are most likely to be tested due to the increased risk of having babies born with Down Syndrome Carries a very slight risk of infection that could lead to miscarriage; 1 of 200 test results in miscarriage Women with a family history of certain genetic diseases are often advised to consider this test

Prenatal Testing

Prenatal Testing Chronic Villi Sampling Small tube inserted through the vagina that allows a small hair-like tissue to be snipped or suctioned off of placenta to check for certain birth defects More dangerous than amniocentesis Tests for same disorders as amnio and can be done earlier in the pregnancy than an amnio

Prenatal Testing Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) – blood test that measures level of alpha-fetoprotein in mother’s blood during pregnancy as an indicator of possible birth defects in fetus

Options for Delivery Obstetrician – specializes in care of mothers and babies before, during and immediately after birth Family doctors – provide prenatal care and deliver babies; complications can be above their skills Licensed midwives – assist women in childbirth; complications can be above their skill; cannot deliver c-section

Options for Delivery Standard hospital delivery – most common; insurance companies cover at least 2 days after delivery; expensive Alternative birth center delivery – more home-like; have to go home within 24 hours of delivery; more family can be present Home delivery – only for healthy pregnancies and moms; no way to treat complications; not all doctors will deliver at home

Options for Delivery Childbirth options Natural childbirth – giving birth with little to no medication Lamaze method – mom & coach attend prenatal training/classes to physically and psychologically prepare for delivery using controlled breathing to facilitate process of natural childbirth Leboyer method – delivery occurs in a quiet, dimly lit room and infant’s head is not pulled, minimizing the trauma for the newborn and allowing for immediate bonding between mother and child

Options for Delivery Cesarean method – surgical procedure to remove baby from mother’s uterus in case of complications prohibiting a vaginal delivery Breech birth – baby delivered feet or buttocks first