A MOTHER CAN DO A LOT TO IMPROVE THE CHANCES OF HAVING A HEALTHY BABY PRENATAL CARE SHOULD BEGIN AFTER CONFIRMING PREGNANCY PRENATAL CARE: STEPS A PREGNANT FEMALE CAN TAKE TO PROVIDE FOR HER OWN HEALTH AND THE HEALTH OF HER BABY Chapter 19 Lesson 2-Prenatal Care

Who will provide prenatal care besides the general practitioner? Obstetrician: Doctor who specializes in care of a female & her developing baby Certified nurse-midwife: An advanced practical nurse who specializes in prenatal care & delivering babies Can do gynological check-ups Planned pregnancy information  Both educate the mother to important health behaviors

Nutrition Increase micronutrients: A pregnant female needs more than any other time in her life Calcium: Bones, teeth, healthy nerves and muscles Protein: muscle formation Iron: Red blood cells -The fetus will draw iron from the mother, leaving her exhausted and anemic Folic acid : Reduces birth defects -Spinal bifida: neural tube that contains the central nervous system -Folic acid helps close the tube

Spina Bifida

Weight Gain Addition calories needed Health care professionals suggest a healthy weight gain between 25 and 35 pounds Weight reduction can harm the fetus Caffeine: A high intake has been linked to an increase risk of birth defects & low birth weight Its highly recommended to add a exercise program during pregnancy

Health of the Fetus Medicines, Drugs, & Pregnancy Take meds/supplements only with a health professionals approval Can pose a serious threat to the fetus -Birth defects, premature labor, miscarriage, mental retardation -Born addicted to drugs -Withdrawal symptoms -baby may be hypersensitive & irritable (cry for hours) -The baby may tremble or jerk -The baby may fail to bond with its parents

Alcohol & Pregnancy Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) A group of alcohol related birth defects that include both physical and mental problems Permanent Damage Mental retardation Slow growth Learning disabilities Physical deformities: (small skull, abnormal facial features, heart defects, cleft palate, hip dislocation)

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome features

Tobacco and Pregnancy Born Premature with low birth weight Accounts for 30% low birth rates 14% premature births 10% of all infant deaths Leading cause of death in baby’s 1 st year (SIDS) Increased risk of bronchitis & pneumonia

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome