Chapter 5 Preparing for Birth

Objectives Identify early signs of pregnancy Explain the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy List six categories of basic baby supplies Describe why parents need to develop a budget Identify ways expectant parents can prepare for the birth of a child Compare and contrast the options for the delivery of a baby

Section 5.1 A Healthy Pregnancy

Early Signs of Pregnancy Within a few weeks of conception, women usually experience one or more of the following signs of pregnancy: A missed menstrual period A full feeling or mild ache in the lower abdomen Tiredness or faintness A frequent, urgent need to urinate Swollen breasts, causing discomfort or tenderness Nausea or vomiting, particularly in the morning

Early Signs of Pregnancy If a woman believes she is pregnant, she should take a pregnancy test as soon as possible Doctors can conducts test to confirm pregnancy There are also variety of home pregnancy tests Early detection of pregnancy is crucial to the health of the expectant mother and her baby

Medical Care Obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and childbirth

The First Exam Check blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and weight Discuss medical history and existing conditions Measurement of pelvis Urine analysis Blood tests

Periodic Checkups Once a month until about the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy Then twice a month Final month, once a week During visits monitor baby’s development and mother’s health Regular checkups allow immediate response should a problem arise

Periodic Checkups Between 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy women take glucose tolerance test to check for gestational diabetes Form of a diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy If left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause the baby to be heavier than normal or healthy Another serious condition that can occur in 2nd half of pregnancy is preeclampsia Condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the mother’s urine Can prevent baby from getting enough blood, which provides oxygen and food

Discomforts of Pregnancy Most women experience few problems during pregnancy Some discomforts women can experience Nausea or vomiting Sleepiness Heartburn Shortness of breath Varicose veins Muscle cramps in the legs Lower back pain

Possible Serious Complications Few women experience more serious problems during pregnancy Any of the following symptoms should be reported to doctor immediately Vaginal bleeding Unusual weight gain or loss Excessive thirst Diminished need to urinate or pain during Severe abdominal pain Persistent headaches Severe vomiting Fever Increased vaginal mucus Swelling of the face, hands, or ankles Blurred vision or dizziness Prolonged backache

Physical Changes Weight gain: typically gain between 24-30 pounds Daily routines Eat a healthful diet Get plenty of rest Exercise Practice good hygiene

Emotional Health During Pregnancy Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that may lead to mood swings Emotional and physical stress can lead to deep and lasting feelings of sadness, known as depression

Coping with Stress During Pregnancy Avoid sugary foods and caffeine Exercise Take a time-out Practice relaxation techniques Talk about concerns Take a class for expectant parents

Nutrition During Pregnancy Single most important requirement during pregnancy Baby’s growth and development, including crucial brain development, depends on nutrients from the mother Eating nutritious, balanced diet, a pregnant woman promotes baby’s development and maintains own health

Choose My Plate

Nutrition During Pregnancy Vegetables Rich in potassium, dietary fiber, folic acids, and vitamins A, C, & E Low fat so help control mother’s weight Fruits Many of the same benefits as vegetables Fruit juices higher in calories and do not contain fiber Good sources of potassium, dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and folic acid Grains Carbohydrates which gives body energy Fortified with folic acid Protein Vital to the baby’s growth and development of bones and teeth Helps keep mother’s body healthy Dairy Nutrients include calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein Important for building healthy bones and teeth

Vitamins and Minerals Vitamin A: eye development B Vitamins: general fetal development Vitamin C: build healthy teeth Vitamin D: creation of bones and teeth Folic acid: normal spinal development Women need extra iron to suppot baby’s blood supply Calcium and phosphorus also important to build strong bones and teeth

Create a day of meals for a Mom At your table groups: Using the MyPlate information for pregnant mothers create an example day of meals that would meet the MyPlate guidelines (breakfast, lunch and dinner) Create a day’s meals for both the 1st trimester and the 2nd/3rd trimester Would your meal plan change if mother was lactose intolerant or vegetarian? How so? Keep at table when finished

5.2 Preparing for the Baby’s Arrival

Preparing for Parenthood Pregnancy is time of anticipation and preparation Also time to think about what their baby’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs will be and how they are going to meet them Prepare for changing responsibilities Benefit from good time-management

Other Children in the Family Not always easy for children to accept a new baby in their lives Siblings may or may not be excited about the new addition Reaction depends on How prepared they were before How they react to change Age Parents should be prepared for a wide range of attitudes, from jealousy and confusion to excitement and love Tips for parents: Don’t change child’s routine as much as possible Sibling classes if available Have child visit hospital When relatives visit, make sibling feel included Encourage involvement with new baby Set aside alone time with child

Decisions About Feeding All parents need to decide whether to breast- or bottle-feed their baby Many advantages and disadvantages Fill out your worksheet comparing the advantages and disadvantages to both Once completed, we will discuss as a class which factors are most important and what an expecting mother should choose

Needed Baby Items Diapering Needs Clothing Feeding Equipment Bedding/bedroom Bathing and other supplies Travel equipment All items you will look up for your nursery assignment!

Making a Budget Prenatal care is an important expense that can be very costly Add on expenses for a new child and it can be more expensive than new parents think Planning can help parents meet expenses Creating a budget is one way A spending plan that people use to help estimate their present and future income and expenses

Making a Budget Indentify Income Create list of where that income currently goes Fixed expense: payment that generally cannot be changed Flexible expense: expense that can be changed

Making a Budget Estimate health care costs Consider child care options Doctors costs Costs of staying at hospital Health insurance? Consider child care options Maternity leave Paternity leave

Making a Budget Estimate other costs Make a plan Reduce expenses Maternity wear Basic child care supplies Formula ($1,200-$2,200/year) Substitute child care Make a plan Compare expenses to their income and savings Reduce expenses

5.3 Child Birth Options

Prepared Childbirth

Delivery Options: Health Care Professionals

Delivery Options: Places to Give Birth