Pregnancy Facts and Fiction

Fact or Fiction? Standing on your head after sex can increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

The Truth Although some experts say that lying down after sex for 20 to 30 minutes can boost your chances of conception because it keeps the sperm inside you, standing on your head has not been proven to aid in conception (and you might hurt your neck while trying to do it!)

Fact or Fiction? The shape and height of your belly can indicate your baby’s gender.

The Truth The popular belief that women carrying boys carry low and that women carrying girls carry high is not true. The shape and height of your belly is determined by your muscle tone, uterine tone and the position the baby is in.

Fact or Fiction? Fetal heart rate can indicate your baby’s sex.

The Truth A normal fetal heart rate is between 120 and 160 beats per minute, although some people think if it’s faster it’s a girl and if it’s slower it’s a boy. No studies have conclusively shown that heart rate is a predictor for a baby’s gender. Your baby’s heart rate will probably differ from prenatal visit to prenatal visit, depending on the age of the fetus and activity level at the time.

Fact or Fiction? Standing on your head after sex can increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

The Truth Although some experts say that lying down after sex for 20 to 30 minutes can boost your chances of conception because it keeps the sperm inside you, standing on your head has not been proven to aid in conception (and you might hurt your neck while trying to do it!)

More myths from Discovery Health The You Can’t be too Careful Yarn If a pregnant woman raises her hands about her head, she will choke her baby. The Steamy Sex Superstition Making mad, passionate love will induce labor. The Ugly Stick Trick If a pregnant woman sees something ugly or horrible, her baby will be ugly.

Adapted from Brisbane’s The Developing Child: Understanding Children and Parenting, Chapter 6 Preparing for Parenthood

Choose a Health Care Provider Obstetrician A medical doctor who specializes in the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth and recuperation from delivery(8/10 women choose this) Family Practice Doctor Medical doctor with training in all aspects of health care for every member of the family Certified Nurse – Midwife Registered nurse with thorough training and experience in taking care of pregnant women and delivering babies. They are licensed to provide care before/during/after delivery Doula Serve as an advocate, labor coach, and information source for the mother and father.

Location, location, location Home delivery Done in privacy and comfort of your own home Nothing is done without consent Labor progresses normally Encouraged to eat, drink, walk, change position, shower, etc. Continuous one-on-one care give by midwife Many doctors will not perform home deliveries Some states have made it illegal Infant death rate is higher for home births

Location, location, location Birthing center Used only for births and pregnancy events Provides alternatives for those not comfortable at home but do not want a hospital Have many of the same freedoms as home birth Lower in cost than hospitals Rate of Cesarean and forceps deliveries is less Discharged 4 – 24 hours Not available to all mother Still has to travel Not usually any pediatricians on staff

Location, location, location Hospital delivery Special help is readily available Women may feel safest here Only option available for Cesarean deliveries Round the clock help for mother and baby Not as much freedom May seem impersonal and intimidating Father may feel like an outsider Some routine separation of mother and baby occurs Mother has significantly higher risk of unnecessary Cesarean Birthing Room: many hospitals are now offering birthing rooms that are furnished more like a bedroom. It is used for labor, delivery and recovery. Family support can occur and hospital safety is there.

Maternity and Paternity Leave

Health Insurance

Dealing with Siblings

Do this well in advance of expected birth They may be too young to understand, but they do need to know that a change is coming Younger children may have questions about Mommy’s growing belly – there are many wonderful books that explain this! Encourage siblings to help make plans for baby Emphasize the baby will be a member of the family Visit families with babies Decide where sibling will stay while Mommy is at the hospital Let the sibling visit or call them

Choosing a Name Pick a name that will go well with a child AND an adult. Make sure nothing rhymes with the name that could get them made fun of (Remember Grossy Josie from Never Been Kissed?). Make sure their initials don’t spell something embarrassing (like Ashley Simone Smith). Make sure the first name fits the last name (I wouldn’t name my child Mason Dickson … you know, like the line)

Needs before delivery Buying for Baby

Brainstorm: What will you need to buy?

Layette Clothes for the newborn Onesies Sleepers Socks Hats

Feeding Breast feeding Watch the “I Can Do It!” DVD and complete worksheet Advantages Antibodies Nutrients Free Convenient Disadvantages Comfort Timing Frequency Mother’s diet Bottle feeding Advantages Convenience Flexibility Diet Disadvantages Expense Lack of antibodies Gives babies more gas and constipation

Car Seats

Bathing Warm, not hot, water Sponge baths Not needed every day Never leave unattended

Bedding Crib Bassinet Will you co – sleep?

Toys RoSPA’s top 10 toy safety tips 1. Buy toys only from recognized outlets 2. Make sure age range is appropriate 3. Be careful particularly about toys for children under 3 4. Don’t let younger children play with toys for older children 5. Check for loose hair, small parts, sharp edges and points 6. Ensure that garden swings and slides are not a strangulation hazard 7. Check toys regularly for wear. Dispose or repair when necessary 8. Keep play area tidy 9. Follow instructions and warnings provided with toys 10. Supervise young children at play \ Need?

Lotions, Shampoo and Oils Unscented Is oil needed?

Diapers Cloth vs. Disposable