I Think I’m Pregnant! Chapter 6 – Preparing For Birth Child Development 521

Section 6:1

Terms to Know Anemia Obstetrician Rh Factor Preeclampsia Folic Acid

*Some Early Signs of Pregnancy A missed menstrual period A full feeling or mild ache in the lower abdomen Feeling tired and faint A frequent, urgent need to urinate Swollen breasts causing discomfort or tenderness Nausea and/or vomiting, particularly in the morning.

Medical Care As soon as a woman suspects she is pregnant, she should see a doctor. Many women prefer to see an obstetrician. An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and birth. The Initial Exam: Once a pregnancy has been confirmed the women will have a thorough exam

Medical Care During Pregnancy Seek an obstetrician Schedule first exam Check blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and initial weight. Medical history discussion – may reveal conditions that require special treatment. Pelvis measurement – to determine if the birth passage is wide enough to allow a normal size baby. Analysis of urine – to check for infection, diabetes or preeclampsia (high blood pressure)

Medical cont… Blood tests (to rule out anemia) – a condition caused by lack of iron, can result in poor appetite, tiredness, and weakness. The blood test is to check the Rh factor in the blood. A check of the woman’s immunity - This check is for rubella or German measles. This disease can seriously harm a developing baby. If the mother has not had the disease or has not been vaccinated for it, she has no immunity. Check-ups Typically an expectant mother has a checkup once a month until the sixth or seventh month. Then the visits are scheduled to two visits per month.

Rh Factor explained Blood tests (to rule out anemia) – a condition caused by lack of iron, can result in poor appetite, tiredness, and weakness. The blood test is to check the Rh factor in the blood. A person’s blood is either Rh positive – having a certain protein, or Rh negative –not having that protein. Problems can arise if the mother’s blood lacks that protein and the fetus’s blood has it (passed from the father). In this case the mothers blood will pass antibodies that attack the protein in the fetus’s blood, as though it were a germ invading the mothers body. In this case, a certain chemical is injected into the mother’s blood to prevent this problem from arising.

Discomforts of Pregnancy Many women go through pregnancy without any problems or complications. In fact some women find it a time when they feel particularly healthy Nausea and/or vomiting Sleepiness Heartburn Shortness of breath (later) Varicose veins Muscle cramps in legs (a diet rich in calcium, can help) Lower back pain

More Serious Complications Vaginal bleeding Unusual weight gain or loss Excessive thirst Diminished need to urinate or pain during urination Severe abdominal pain

More Serious Complications Persistent headaches Severe vomiting Fever Increase vaginal mucus Swelling of the face, hands or ankles Blurred vision or dizziness Prolonged backache

Nutrition During Pregnancy Vitamins – A women needs higher levels of vitamins during pregnancy. A pregnant woman needs twice as much folic acid. A doctor will usually recommend a prenatal vitamin. Vitamin A – ensures that baby’s eye develop properly Vitamin B – assists in overall development of fetus. Vitamin C – helps build healthy teeth and gums and help make the material that holds body cells together Vitamin D – aids in making bones and teeth

Nutrition during Pregnancy Focus on fruits Vary your veggies Get your calcium rich food (at least 3 cups of milk daily) Make half your grains whole grain Go lean with protein An average pregnancy requires the mother to consume on average 300 extra calories per day.

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Personal Care and Activities Get plenty of rest – taking frequent breaks throughout the day may help with energy Exercise – Generally it is believed that you can continue with the same exercise routine. However, it is not a time to begin a new routine. Practice good hygiene – baths before bed will help you relax and using cream on the body will help with stretch marks. Wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing

Section 6:2 Getting Ready for Baby Terms to Know Budget Fixed Expenses Flexible Expenses Formula Maternity Leave Pediatrician

Roles and Responsibilities How will you meet responsibilities of child care? Factors to Consider: Goals Skills Schedule Personal Characteristic Financial Situation

Maternity Leave Many mothers who work take maternity leave – this is a paid or unpaid leave from your job. Maternity leave is protected time off work because you are pregnant, have given birth, or are taking care of a newborn. Your employer is required to hold your job for you while you away on maternity leave. Birth moms, including surrogate birth moms, are entitled to maternity leave. The Canada labour code protects your right to this time with your baby.  The code entitles you to up to 17 weeks of maternity leave. Your leave can start as early as eight weeks before your baby is due. Maternity leave can run as long as 17 weeks after your baby's born.  http://www.babycenter.ca/a1050634/maternity-leave-essential-information- for-planning-your-leave#ixzz3YWiY5ifm

What Happens When Maternity Leave is Over? Eventually maternity leave is over and you will return to work. The Canada Labour Code offers you the following protection:  You must be given your former position or a comparable position. The position must be in the same location. You must be offered the same amount of pay and the same benefits unless your company has gone through a re-organization while you were away. If that has happened you can be offered less pay. On the flip side if your office had raises and increases in benefits while you were away, you must be given those same increases. http://www.babycenter.ca/a1050634/maternity-leave-essential- information-for-planning-your-leave#ixzz3YWj7Y8Vr

Preparing for Parenthood A funny way to look at it -Preparing for Baby What do you think you need to do to prepare for baby’s arrival?

Preparing Other Children in the Family for Baby Children Under School Age – Avoid saying anything for a while. Nine months is a long time to wait for a small child. Children Four and Older –Be sure to tell them before you tell people outside the family. Include Them in Plans – Including the child in making plans. This allows them to feel involved. Changing Living Space – If anyone is moving rooms, it’s important to do so before the baby comes. This will allow the child to become comfortable in the new room.

Preparing Other Children in the Family for Baby Changes in Child’s Life – If toilet training, try to complete before the new baby comes. Know your challenges – don’t overwhelm yourself. Do Not Create Unrealistic Expectations –Don’t tell the child they will “have someone to play with” that won’t happen for many months. Patience for Negative Behaviors – be patient, the child may revert back to young behaviors Give Reassurance and Love – Lots of hugs and kisses

Comparing Brest-Feeding & Bottle-Feeding Read the article from Modern Mommy and complete the chart in your note-taker. Modern Mommy Article

Breast Feeding and Bottle Feeding Prevents father from participating Baby has to be fed more often May be painful for mothers Can be expensive Does not give the baby any natural immunities to disease Involves a greater chance of developing allergies Best source of nutrition for baby Gives the baby some immunity against diseases Creates a bond through physical closeness May boost brain development Reduces baby risk of allergies Causes fewer digestive upsets Free Speeds the return of the mother’s uterus to normal size Allows father to participate Allows mother to have more flexible schedule Eliminates the concern about mother’s diet or medications Babies need feeding less often

Budgeting for Baby Exercise Making a Budget A budget is simply a spending plan to help set financial goals. The first step is to identify your income Next look where money goes: Fixed expenses – costs of items that cannot be changed Flexible Expenses – cost of items that you have some control over. Budgeting for Baby Exercise

Alternative Birth Center Section 6-3 Key Terms Alternative Birth Center Delivery Labor Lay Midwife Nurse-Midwife Postpartum Prepared Childbirth

Childbirth Options Prepared Childbirth Labor Delivery Involves reducing pain and fear during the birth process through education and breathing exercises Labor Process by which the baby gradually moves out of the uterus and into the vagina Delivery The process of the baby actually being expelled from the vagina

Who Will Deliver the Baby? Obstetrician Family doctors Licensed midwives Where will the baby be born Alternative birthing centers: no pain medication Home Hospital

In Conclusion The common length of pregnancy is about 40 weeks or 280 days Some babies are born either a few weeks early or a few weeks late Changes for the Mother 1 month: missed menstrual period 2 month: breasts begin to swell, pressure on bladder 3 month: breasts may ache and become firm, nausea, and fatigue 4 month: Stomach continues to grow, morning sickness is usually gone, appetite increases

In Conclusion 5 month: slight fetal movements felt 6 month: fetal movements are stronger, weight gain usually 10- 12 pounds 7 month: increased size may affect posture 8 month: Backaches, leg cramps, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Baby may begin kicking through the night 9 month: Baby drops (lightening); false labor pains may occur; total weight gain of 25-35 (average, but can be more or less) pounds. I gained over 60!