Leading Up to Delivery

Things to remember. Regular exercise eases your labor experience and helps you to return to pre-pregnancy weight Alcohol shouldnt be used during pregnancy Pregnancy is meant to last 40 weeks, not a technical 9 months (36 weeks)

Things to remember… Good to prepare the nursery, clothes Organize the house/life if possible before delivery Set up support network for after delivery Attend your prenatal visits complete ordered testing complete with preadmit tour Meet with the lactation consultant

Possible Pregnancy Developments Pre-eclampsia (increased blood pressure) Group B strep Preterm Labor (>3 weeks before due date) Babies born < 37wks have much higher risk of infection, breathing problems, difficulty eating, temperature problems, and learning difficulties Causes: Infection, dehydration, unknown Signs: Regular contractions, dont go away with rest/fluids Treatment: go to the hospital, rest, medications, bedrest

Possible Pregnancy Developments Preterm Delivery (at times we have no choice but to deliver early) Birth before 37wks Brain grows an additional 1/3 from wks Lungs complete their development after 37wks May need to be delivered in Denver, greatly increased risk of being transferred to Denver (you are the best incubator, not something man made, if there is risk, may be best to deliver in Denver)

Other Warning Signs to Watch for Vaginal Bleeding Abdominal Pain Decreased fetal movement Fever Headache, visual changes Urinary discomfort

Treatment of Warning Signs If you have any of these symptoms, call your provider/hospital These are not normal expectations for later pregancy and could indicate a problem Upon arrival to the clinic or hospital, the cause of the symptom will be found and treated

Additional Testing Non-Stress Testing Evaluates the babys heartbeat at rest and with contractions (if present) Helps determine fetal wellbeing Bio-Physical Profile Evaluates if baby is getting enough oxygen in utero Ultrasound evaluates breathing, movement, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid levels Determines fetal wellbeing Test failure usually means baby should be delivered (healthier outside than inside)

Additional Testing Kick Counts Studies have shown that a decrease in fetal movement could indicate a problem Can use the kick count chart after 28wks 10 kicks in 2hrs Report significant decreases to the provider

Conclusion Telling you all of this, not to worry you, but to help you identify problems and to know what is normal vs. abnormal If you know the warning signs, it helps us work as a team to have a healthy mom and baby!