1. Preparing for Birth

2. First Signs of Pregnancy
Missed menstrual period
Full feeling – ache in lower abdomen
Feeling faint or tired
Urge to urinate
Swollen or tender breasts
Nausea

3. Medical Care/Prenatal Care
Initial Exam
Blood Pressure
Medical History
Measurement of pelvis
Analysis of urine
Infection
Diabetes
Blood tests
Anemia
Rh factor
Check on immunity to rubella
Due Date
Nine months and one week after the first day of final period

4. Subsequent Doctor Visits
Monthly until sixth or seventh month
Twice a month and weekly during final month of pregnancy
Blood pressure
Urine analysis
Weight is monitored
Growth of baby

5. Specific Concerns Gestational Diabetes
24-28th week – Glucose tolerance test
Baby may be unusually large
Usually controlled by special diet or medication
Most often goes away after birth of baby

6. Preeclampsia High blood pressure Protein present in urine
Moms kidneys working extra hard
Can prevent baby from getting enough blood which provides oxygen and food
Mom is monitored closely most often bed rest and/or medication

7. Discomforts…These are normal!
Nausea/vomiting
Sleepiness
Heartburn
Shortness of breath
Varicose veins
Muscle cramps in legs
Lower back pain

8. May be serious Vaginal Bleeding Unusual weight gain or loss
Excessive thirst
Pain while urinating or diminished need
Severe abdominal pain
Persistent headaches
Severe vomiting
Fever
Increased vaginal mucous
Swelling/feet, ankles, face, hands
Blurred vision/dizziness
Prolonged backache

9. Nutrition Needs Protein Sources Build and repair tissue
Provide for growth
Increased amount needed during pregnancy
Sources
Meat
Poultry
Beans
Nuts
Eggs
Cheese

10. Vitamins Folic Acid Vitamin A One of the B Vitamins
Research shows it helps prevent Spina Bifida
Enriched Grains
Vitamin A
Proper eye development
Fruits and Vegetables
Fortified low fat milk

11. Vitamins Vitamin D Vitamin C Proper development of bones and teeth
Fortified dairy foods
Sunshine
Vitamin C
Healthy teeth and gums
Connective tissue of skin bones and organs
Moms immune system
Fruits and vegetables

12. Minerals Iron Helps prevent anemia
Aids in developing baby’s own blood supply
Stored in baby’s liver for use during first
Dried beans
Raisins
Meats
Leafy greens

13. Minerals Calcium and Phosphorous
Work together to keep moms bones and teeth strong
Build baby’s bones and teeth
Sources
Dairy products

14. Carbohydrates Provide energy
Protect protein so it can be used in growth and development
Sources
Whole grain products
Fruits
Starchy vegetables
Sugars should be eaten sparingly

15. Fats Provide energy Cushion mom’s vital organs
Transport certain vitamins so they can be used properly
Sources
Nuts
Unsaturated fats
Olive oil
Should be eaten sparingly
Most healthy diets provide plenty of fat

16. Pregnant? Eat Smart! Sensible and balanced diet
Adequate nutrition to fetus aids in brain development
300 more calories daily
See chart on page 154 Guidelines for Healthy Eating

17. Nutrition and Pregnant Teens
Teens’ bodies have special nutritional needs
Pregnancy places strain on any body
Pay extra close attention to all nutritional needs
Teen needs all the nutrients as she grows
Baby needs nutrients for proper development

18. Weight Closely monitored by doctor 24-30 pounds recommended average
1 pound per month for first three months
4 – 6 month about half pound per week
Too little or too much weight can be harmful to fetus

19. Preparing for Baby’s Arrival
Hopes
Fears
Worries
Joys
Anxiety
Parenting tasks
Communication
Time Management
Other children in the family
Making room for baby
Baby supplies
Baby’s room
Diapers!

20. Bottle or Breast Breast Best nutrition Bond between mom and baby
May boost brain development
Reduce allergy risk
Fewer digestive upsets
Mom’s uterus returns to normal size quicker
Reduce mom’s risk of ovarian or breast cancer
Reduce risk of post partum depression
Convenient
Free
Dad can’t help with feeding
Mom always on call
Baby eats more often
May conflict with work schedule
Sometimes painful

21. Bottle or Breast Bottle Allows dad to participate in feeding
Mom can have a more flexible schedule
Mom doesn’t need to be concerned about diet or medications
Baby eats less often
Expensive
Baby doesn’t gain natural immunities
Risk of developing allergies
May not offer close physical contact for baby

22. Budgeting Fixed Expenses Flexible Expenses Make a Plan
Reducing Expenses

23. Crib Safety Slats Paint Structure Sides 2 3/8 inch apart No lead paint
Corner posts all the same height
Sides
Lowered – 9 inches above mattress
Raised – 26 inches above mattress

24. Crib Safety Latch Mattress End Panels Age
Never broken always latch securely
Mattress
Firm fit – no gaps
End Panels
Avoid baby’s head, arms and legs from becoming caught
Age
If pre-owned…check all safety features

25. Balancing Work And Family
Maternity Leave
Paternity Leave
Family Medical Leave Act
Federal Law
Employers with more than 50 workers must offer 12 weeks of unpaid leave to new moms and dads

26. Childbirth Options Prepared Childbirth Labor Delivery Education
Conditioning exercises
Breathing techniques
Labor
Process of baby moving out of uterus through vagina to be born
Delivery
The birth itself

27. Childbirth Education Classes
How baby develops throughout pregnancy
Warning signs for potential serious problems
What to expect during labor

28. Childbirth Education Classes
Role of the coach
Breathing and conditioning techniques to help with pain management
How to make a Birth Plan
Plan for labor and delivery
Pain medication plan
What to expect after the baby is born

29. Who Will Deliver the Baby
Obstetrician
Family Doctor
Licensed Midwife

30. Where Will the Baby Be Born?
Hospital
Alternative Birth Center
Home?