1. Keeping healthy before and during pregnancy 1. Avoid alcohol and drugs(including tobacco and caffeine) 2. Maintain nutritious diet ~Need up to 450 extra calories 3. Prenatal vitamins ~Folic acid is important because it reduces chances of birth defects 4. Get moderate to regular exercise ~Improves circulation ~Prevents excessive weight gain ~Prepares mother for labor 5. Have all medical conditions evaluated by a doctor Prenatal Care: healthcare provided during pregnancy 1st exam- physical exam, blood tests, discuss childbirth options.

2. Stages of Childbirth ~Begins with onset of labor ~Signs of onset are contractions or tightening of uterine muscles ~Contractions are also known as “labor pains” Dilation: 1 st stage of labor ~Uterus contracts ~Cervix dilates or opens up ~Membranes surrounding baby open ~”Water breaks”- amniotic fluid is released out of vagina ~Head begins to push through the birth canal ~1 st stage ends when the cervix is dilated 10cm

3. Expulsion: 2 nd stage ~Head emerges fully ~Shoulders rotate ~Episiotomies may be done (surgical incision of the outer end of the vagina allowing for more room) Placental: 3 rd stage ~Begins after the baby is delivered ~Ends when the uterus expels the placenta and umbilical cord out of the body After the 3 stages are complete: ~Mucus is sucked from baby’s mouth ~Umbilical cord is tied and cut ~Mother and baby are checked for signs (problems) ~Mothers breast feeds the baby

4. Types of Childbirth 1.Natural Childbirth (Through the vagina) 2.Cesarean section (C-section)- baby and placenta are lifted out of the mothers body by surgery ~An incision is made in the mother’s lower abdomen and then into the uterus ~C-section are most common if:  Baby too large  Baby is in wrong position

5. Child Development ~2 months: Baby lifts head ~4 months: baby rolls from front to back Feeding schedule is more regular ~6 months: Baby sits up Excellent head control ~9 months: Baby crawls ~1 year: Baby walks and talks ~2 years: Terrible twos Encourage healthy diet ~5-6 years: Ready for school Toilet training Well developed speech