Preparing for Birth

1
Preparing for Birth

• Chapter 5

2
A Healthy Pregnancy

• Mothers-to-be need to eat a well-balanced diet,
  exercise moderately, get plenty of sleep, and
  manage stress

3
A Healthy Pregnancy

• Early Signs of Pregnancy
• A missed menstrual period
• A full feeling or mild ache in the lower abdomen
• Feeling tired or faint
• A frequent, urgent need to urinate
• Swollen breasts causing discomfort or tenderness
• Nausea and/or vomiting, particularly in morning

4
A Healthy Pregnancy

• Medical Care During Pregnancy
• Obstetrician specializes in pregnancy and
  childbirth
• Schedule regular checkups throughout pregnancy
• Assist during delivery and examine newborn
• Find one you like, feel comfortable with and can
  talk to and trust
• Some work as a team
• Set fee for all exams from first last, so dont
  skip any it doesnt save any

5
A Healthy Pregnancy

• Medical Care During Pregnancy
• First Exam
• Check blood pressure, pulse, respiration and
  weight
• Discuss medical history
• Measure pelvis
• Urine analysis for signs of diabetes
• Blood tests rule out anemia, Rh factor

6
A Healthy Pregnancy

• Check womens immunity to rubella
• Approximate delivery date is calculated
• 9 months 1 week from first day of last period
• Variations of up to 2 weeks are normal

7
A Healthy Pregnancy

• Later Checkups
• Once a month until the 6th or 7th month
• Then becomes twice a month
• During last month
• Becomes once a week
• Gestational Diabetes Test
• Given between 24 to 28 weeks
• Glucose tolerance test
• Can be controlled by diet, usually goes away
  after birth

8
A Healthy Pregnancy

• Later Checkups
• Preeclampsia
• High blood pressure and protein in mothers urine
• Can prevent the baby from getting enough blood
• Typically bed rest is prescribed
• Sometimes medication is needed

9
A Healthy Pregnancy

• Later Checkups
• Once a month until the 6th or 7th month
• Then becomes twice a month
• During last month
• Becomes once a week
• Gestational Diabetes Test
• Given between 24 to 28 weeks
• Glucose tolerance test
• Can be controlled by diet, usually goes away
  after birth

10
A Healthy Pregnancy

• Discomforts of Pregnancy
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Sleepiness
• Heartburn
• Shortness of breath
• Varicose veins
• Muscle cramps in the legs
• Lower back pain

11
A Healthy Pregnancy

• Possible Serious Complications
• Vaginal bleeding
• Unusual weight gain or loss
• Excessive thirst
• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent headaches
• Fever
• Blurred vision
• Swelling
• Prolonged backache
• Diminished urination
• Severe vomiting

12
A Healthy Pregnancy

• Nutrition
• Single most important requirement during
  pregnancy
• Protein
• Vital for babys growth and development of bones
  and teeth
• Also good for mothers body condition
• Vitamins
• Lack of certain vitamins can cause birth defects
• Help to maintain a healthy pregnancy
• Minerals
• Help produce strong bones and teeth and ensure
  elimination of waste
• Carbohydrates
• Provide the body with energy and keep the body
  running smoothly

13
A Healthy Pregnancy

• Make wise food choices
• Your baby is depending on you!
• See chart on page 154
• Pregnant women need an extra 300 calories a day
• Women typically gain between 24 30 lbs during
  pregnancy
• See chart on pg 156
• Gaining to little weight can increase risk of
  fetal death or premature birth

14
A Healthy Pregnancy

• Personal Care and Activities
• Get plenty of rest
• Exercise
• Walking, biking, swimming etc
• Practice good hygiene
• Warm bath/shower before bed to help relax and
  keep skin clean in very important
• Maternity Clothes
• 4th or 5th month the abdomen has expanded enough
  so that the expectant mother needs maternity
  clothes

15
A Healthy Pregnancy

• Reduce Stress During Pregnancy
• Avoiding sugary foods and caffeine
• Exercising
• Taking a time-out (rest)
• Relaxation techniques
• Talking about concerns
• Taking a parenting class

16
Preparing for the Babys Arrival

• Preparing for Parenthood
• Changing responsibilities
• Siblings need help accepting the new baby and
  sharing Mom Dad
• Basic Baby Supplies
• See chart on pg. 163
• Babys room
• Diaper-changing area
• Decisions about feeding
• Breast feeding vs. bottle-feeding
• See chart on pg. 165
• Choosing a Pediatrician

17
Preparing for the Babys Arrival

• Making a Budget
• Fixed expenses
• Car payments, mortgage/rent, health insurance,
  taxes etc.
• Flexible expenses
• Food, household items, clothes, entertainment,
  child care
• Balancing Work and Family
• Maternity leave
• Paternity leave
• Child care options

18
Childbirth Options

• What is prepared childbirth
• Reducing pain and fear through education and
  breathing and conditioning exercises
• Labor
• The process by which the baby gradually moves out
  of the uterus and into the vagina to be born
• Delivery
• The birth itself

19
Childbirth Options

• Childbirth classes
• How the baby develops throughout pregnancy
• Warning signs that indicate serious problems
• What to expect during labor and delivery
• Role of the coach
• Breathing and conditioning exercises
• How to make a birth plan
• What to expect after the baby is born

20
Childbirth Options

• Who will deliver the baby?
• Obstetrician
• Specialize in care of mothers babies
• Qualified to handle emergencies and complications
• Family Doctors
• Some provide prenatal care
• Licensed Midwives
• Trained to assist women in childbirth
• Nurse-midwives registered nurse certified
  Midwive
• Midwives certified
• Both receive advanced training in normal
  pregnancy and birth

21
Childbirth Options

• Where Will the Baby be Born?
• Homebirth
• Always until the last 100 years
• Some still choose this today
• Only for those with low risk of complications
• However, you never know what complications could
  arise so this is not highly recommended!
• Newborns born at home at 2X more likely to die
• Mothers are at a higher risk as well should a
  complication arise

22
Childbirth Options

• Alternative Birth Centers
• Provide more homelike environment
• Emphasize prepared, natural childbirth (no pain
  medication)
• Babies typically delivered by Midwives
• Typical stay is 24 hours
• Hospitals
• Licensed OBs deliver babies
• Prepared to handle complications and emergencies
  for mother or child
• Pain management available or natural childbirth
• Typical stay is 2 7 days depending on birth