1. Preparing for Birth
Chapter 6

2. Healthy Pregnancy Early signs of pregnancy
Missed period
Fullness or mild ache in abdomen
Tired, drowsy, faint
Tender breast
Nausea
Obstetrician- doctor who specializes in pregnancy and birth
Early and regular checkups are very important!!!

3. Initial Exam Blood pressure, weight, respiration, pulse
Gathers medical history
Pelvis is measured
Urine analysis
Blood test
Anemia- iron deficiency
Rh Factor- positive or negative
Mother and baby need to match or problems can occur
Estimate of due date

4. Discomforts of Pregnancy
Nausea- most common complaint
‘morning sickness’ can occur at any time of the day
Helps to eat small snacks frequently
Sleepiness- mother and baby are growing rapidly
Heartburn- burning in upper stomach
Eat less acidic, avoid strong spices
Swollen legs- due to blood vessel pressure
Cramping and lower back pain

5. Possible Complications
Notify the doctor if any of the following occur:
Vaginal Bleeding
Unusual/sudden rapid weight gain
Excessive thirst
Painful urination
Severe vomiting
Fever
Swelling
Blurred vision or dizziness

6. Eating for 2
Protein- vital for growth & keeps mother’s body in good repair
Vitamins- provide a wide variety of chemicals needed to form specific parts of the baby
Minerals- help build bones & teeth
Iron- needed to build baby’s blood supply
Carbs and Fats- provide heat & energy
Drink plenty of clean water to keep hydrated

8. Healthy Weight Gain Pounds Weight of Average Baby 7-8 Placenta 1-2
Amniotic Fluid
1 ½ -2
Increase size of uterus & muscles 2
Breast Tissue 1
Increase Blood Volume
1 ½- 3
Fat Stores 5
Increase in Body Fluids
5-7
Total Weight Gain
24-30

9. Personal Care & Activities
Rest- more is needed
Frequent naps are helpful
Exercise-moderate low impact exercise
helps keep the mother in good physical condition
Hygiene- can still take a bath
be careful of slipping, helps to relax muscles
Other Activities
follow same routine unless doctor says differently

10. Getting Ready for Baby
Maternity Leave- typically 6 weeks either paid or unpaid time off to recover & bond
Paternity leave- time off for new fathers
Must prepare other children for the new addition
Choose a pediatrician- children’s doctor
Its wise to interview the doctor

11. Benefits of…
Bottle Feeding + Allows father/family to participate + Gives mother flexibility + Need fewer feedings + Mother’s diet is not restricted
Breast Feeding + Perfect nutrition + Immunity from diseases + Fewer allergies & stomach problems + Mother loses weight faster + Reduces mother’s chance of breast & ovarian cancer

12. Challenges of… Breast Feeding Father/family can’t participate
Painful for mother
Hard to schedule around work/ activities
More feeding times
Bottle Feeding
Expensive
No natural immunities
More chance of allergies
Potential lack of bonding time during feeding

13. Expenses Budget- helps to organize & handle expenses Health care costs
Maternity clothes
Equipment, supplies, furnishings
Formula- approx $1200-$1500 p/ yr.
Child Care- over $100 per week

14. Reducing Expenses Comparison Shop Borrow and buy used
Never buy a used crib, playpen or car seat- there may be safety concerns.
Crib slats should not be wider than 2 3/8 inches

15. Childbirth Choices
Labor- process by which the baby moves out of the uterus
Moves into vagina in preparation for delivery
Delivery- when the baby is actually born
Prepared Childbirth- method of giving birth in which pain is reduced through the elimination of fear & conditioning exercises

16. Who will assist?
Obstetrician- doctor specialized in the care of pregnant woman and the delivery of newborns
Family Doctor- qualified for normal deliveries
Certified nurse midwife- registered nurse with midwife training
Lay midwife- training in the care of pregnant woman & normal delivery
Does NOT have nursing degree

17. Where will delivery occur?
Hospital Room
Birthing rooms- mother labors & delivers in the same room (still at a hospital)
More of a family type atmosphere
Options including under water births, special chairs, different positions
Alternative birth centers- separate from hospital operated by midwives
Typically only for low risk mothers