The document provides information about preparing for childbirth, including early signs of pregnancy, medical care during pregnancy, discomforts that may occur, nutrition needs, deciding where and how to give birth, and estimating expenses. It discusses checking with a doctor as soon as pregnancy is suspected, regular checkups to monitor the health of the mother and baby, common discomforts like nausea and back pain, important nutrients for a healthy pregnancy, options for the birth location and delivery method, and planning financially for the costs of having a baby.

1. Preparing for Birth CD Chapter 6

2. Early signs of pregnancy Missed period Mild ache or feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen Sense of fatigue, drowsy, faint Urinate more frequently Discomfort or tenderness in breasts Periods of nausea Pregnancy test 2-6 weeks after conception These are getting more reliable and can be used sooner in pregnancy as tech progresses Senses levels of HCG

3. Medical care during pregnancy As soon a woman suspects she is pregnant she should consult a doctor Many prefer obstetrician Dr. who specializes in pregnancy and birth She will make regular visits – develop relationship and trust

4. cont Exam once pregnant BP, pulse, respiration, initial weight Pelvic measurements to see if it is wide enough to have a normal sized baby to be born without difficulty Urine test to see the health of the kidneys b/c they will be under more stress Blood test Anemia – lack of iron which results in poor appetite, tired, weak Also used to determine woman’s blood type in case a transfusion is necessary Health history to reveal any conditions Also good to test for any genetic defects that could be passed on to baby

5. cont Monitor development of baby Make sure mother remains healthy Once a month until the last 3 months – twice a month until last month – once a week Due date?? – based on the woman’s last menstrual period began, the Dr adds 9 months and one week to find the approx. date

6. Discomforts during pregnancy Some women go through pregnancy feeling healthy Some experience discomfort, which is normal, but should be mentioned to Dr. Nausea Most common morning sickness – although many feel it in evening and throughout the day Soda crackers, eating small meals Usually doesn’t last beyond 4 months Many times will give sleeping pills to help with symptoms

7. cont Sleepiness Due to hormonal changes Pregnancy affects every system and organ in body – many big changes Some wear off during middle months and then recur later in pregnancy Heartburn Acid reflux with certain foods

8. cont Short of breath Late months Uterus puts pressure on lungs so they can’t expand as much Varicose veins Pressure on vessels in leg veins Rest with legs and feel elevated Stockings and exercises also help

9. cont Muscle cramps in legs Stretch and diet rich in Calcium Lower back pain Bend knees when lifting Low heeled shoes Exercises Rest legs often

10. Possible Complications Vaginal bleeding Unusual weight gain Excessive thirst Reduced or painful urination Severe abdominal pain Persistent headaches Severe vomiting Fever Swelling of face, hands, or ankles Blurred vision or dizziness Prolonged backache Increases vaginal mucus

11. Nutrition during pregnancy Single most important factor in prenatal care Good diet helps baby and mother develop and maintain good health Mom needs to provide all the nutrients the baby needs and those for herself Try to establish healthy eating habits before pregnancy

12. The role of nutrients Protein Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, cheese, beans Vital for growth of baby Helps keep mother’s body in good repair Vitamins Protect against infections and disease, regulate body processes Lack vitamins – increases risk of birth defects Proper development of baby’s eyes Vit B – release energy in foods, build nervous system, keep digestive system working well, promote healthy skin Vit C – build teeth and gums, builds material that holds body’s cells together Vit D – strong bones and teeth Fresh fruits, breads, veggies

13. cont Minerals Sturdy bones, teeth, healthy blood Iron – prevent anemia in mother Helps fetus build own blood supply Extra stored in baby’s liver can be used for months after birth when baby lacks iron Meat, beans, peas, spinach, raisins Ca, Ph help build bones and teeth

14. cont Carbs and fats Heat and energy

15. Food Guide Pyramid

16. Food Pyramid – pg 164 Dairy – 4-5 servings Meat/poultry – 3 servings Vegetable – 3-5 servings Fruit – 2-4 servings Breads/Grain – 6-11 servings

17. Teenage Diets In order to have a healthy baby, the woman herself must be healthy Diet throughout life plays an important role Crash diets before or during pregnancy cannot make up for poor diet before and may even harm pregnancy Eat healthy as a teen

18. Weight gain during pregnancy Typical – 24-30 pounds Baby – 7lbs Placenta – 1-2 lbs Amniotic fluid- 1.5-2 lbs Increase size of uterus and muscles – 2 lbs Breast increase – 1 lb Increase blood volume – 1.5-3 lbs Increase fat stores – 5 lbs Increase body fluids – 5-7 lbs

19. cont Gaining at least 20 lbs is essential to having a healthy baby Less than 20 – increased risk of fetal death or premature birth

20. Personal care and activities Avoid alcohol, tobacco, all drugs and meds Rest Get plenty of sleep and naps as needed Exercise Moderate, walking, swimming, biking Not a time to begin strenuous exercise Hygiene Daily showers and bath Skin helps maintain correct body temp and eliminate wastes Life style should not change radically

21. Maternity clothes Comfortable NOT TIGHT – need good circulation Stretchy Low-heeled shoes

22. Emotional health Emotional for both mom and dad Talk about emotions/concerns Hormonal changes = mood swings

23. Section 2 – Getting ready for the New Arrival Roles responsibilities and decisions Consider partner’s goals, skills, schedule, personal characteristics, and financial needs Many home have both parents working outside of home Need to agree on care for baby Maternity leave Time off from a job allowing a woman to give birth, recuperate, and care for her new baby May be a few weeks or months

24. Paternity leave Time off for father to care for baby Allows parents to spend time together with the new baby If finances allow, one parent may stay home with child

25. Preparing for parenting Talk about concerns Talk about how you will raise/discipline them What ?’s would you discuss with your spouse?

26. Other children in the family Child will have to adjust Prepare the child for the new baby Talk about them often Have them help with the baby’s new room Be prepared to deal with jealousy, confusion Openly communicate with them and be empathetic toward them

27. Decision about breast feeding Formula – mixture of milk or milk substitute, water and nutrients Depends on mothers anatomy, schedule, and lifestyle Can do a combo of both

28. Breastfeeding Pros Creates a bond with mother Natural immunity Speeds return of uterus to normal size Few digestive upsets Available at all times Reduces risk of allergies FREE!! Cons Prevents father from participating Limits meds the mother can take Painful Difficult with work schedule Anxiety or illness may interfere with production

29. Bottle feeding Pros Allows father to participate Mother can have more flexible schedule Baby can be fed by anyone, anywhere Cons Expensive Greater chance of allergies

30. Clothing and equipment needs Diapering Disposable diapers – 5/day Wipes Diaper rash ointment Diaper disposal Clothing 6-8 undershirts 4-6 sleepers 4 blankets 1 warm blanket 1 sweater/cap set

31. Feeding equipment 6-8 bottles Breast pump and pads Bottles for storing milk Nipples Bottle caps Bibs High chair

32. Bedding/bedroom 4 crib sheets Waterproof mattress cover 2-4 absorbent pads 2 blankets/spreads Bumper pad Dresser Diaper changing station wastebasket

33. Bathing and other supplies Baby bathtub Mild soap Baby shampoo Soft washclothes Soft towels Cotton balls Baby oil and lotion Nail clippers Baby comb thermometer

34. Travel equipment Car seat Diaper bag Stroller/infant carrier

35. Secondhand equipment is a great way to go

36. Estimating expenses Plan early for expenses They don’t end until the child is independent Most Drs charge a lump sum that includes prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal period – time after baby’s birth Hospitalization fee – extra charges for lab tests, medicines, epidurals, c-sections, any extra care needed for mother or baby

37. Maternity clothes Clothing, equipment, supplies Formula and baby foods Medical care for baby Furnishings for the baby’s room Safety equipment Child care services

38. Reducing expenses Health insurance coverage Covers most hospital/delivery costs Careful shopping Sales, cloth diapers, breast feed Make a budget – spending plan Fixed expenses – items that can’t be changed Rent, mortgage, taxes, insurance, loans Flexible expenses – control over and can cut back Recreation, clothing, food, Savings plan – Christian Ed, Car

39. Section 3 – Childbirth Choices What is Prepared Childbirth Prepared Birth – a method of giving birth in which pain is reduced through the elimination of fear and the use of special conditioning exercises Child birth classes Bradley/Lamaze Learn what happens during labor – process by which the baby gradually moves out of the uterus into the vagina to be born

40. Learn about delivery – the birth itself Take a tour of the hospital Relaxation techniques and breathing Father learns to coach

41. Who will deliver the baby? Obstetricians Drs who specialize in prenatal and postnatal care Qualified to handle any emergencies or special situations High-risk pregnancy

42. Family doctors Deliver and provide prenatal and postnatal care Made need to call OB if emergency arises Licensed midwives Nurse-midwife Registered nurse with advanced training in the care of normal, uncomplicated pregnancy and birth Pass special licensing exam Lay-midwife Person who has special training in the care of pregnant women and uncomplicated deliveries but does not have a nursing degree Pass special licensing exam

43. Where will baby be born? Several programs the hospital offers Childbirth/parenting classes Big brother/sister programs Classes for fathers Birthing rooms Homelike atmosphere for labor and birth Medical equipment is out of sight, but ready for use No need to change rooms

44. Mothers choose position of labor Lye flat, walk, rock in a chair, birthing ball, bath tub Lights in delivery room Mother and baby stay together 2-3 day stay

45. Alternative birth center Homelike facitility, sererate from any hospital, for giving birth Licensed midwives Mother or baby can be transferred if needed Stay 24 hrs

46. Home delivery Very low-risk pregnancy Always be ready for a transfer