The document discusses the importance of prenatal care for pregnant females. It explains that prenatal care involves deciding on a healthcare provider, the place of birth, and regular checkups. During checkups, the pregnant female receives physical exams, blood tests, and learns how to ensure the health of the baby. The document also outlines proper nutrition during pregnancy and discusses avoiding harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs which can negatively impact fetal development. Some potential pregnancy complications mentioned include miscarriage and stillbirth. Overall, the document emphasizes that prenatal care is important for reducing health risks for both mother and baby.

1. LessonLesson 22
DANNY F. MARIBAO
HIGH SCHOOL – FACULTY
BLWC

2. LessonLesson 22
What decisions does a pregnant female need to take to
provide for her own health and the health of her baby?
Performing
regular
physical
activity
Choosing
nutritious
foods
Prenatal Care

3. LessonLesson 22
In this lesson, you will learn to:
• Examine prenatal care and proper nutrition for the baby
and the mother
• Discuss the harmful effects of certain substances on the
fetus, such as tobacco, alcohol, other drugs, and
environmental hazards
• List complications during pregnancy such as miscarriage
and stillbirth
Lesson Objectives

4. LessonLesson 22
Deciding the Prenatal Health Care Provider
• One of the first decisions a pregnant female must make is
who will provide her prenatal care.
• An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of a
female and her developing child.
• A certified nurse-midwife is an advanced practical nurse who
specializes in prenatal care and delivering babies.
Importance of Prenatal Care

5. LessonLesson 22
Deciding the Place of Birth
• In the United States, most births take place at a hospital,
but some women choose to have the delivery at home or in
a birthing center.
• Regardless of where the birth takes place, a doctor or
certified nurse-midwife should be present.
Importance of Prenatal Care

6. LessonLesson 22
Prenatal Visits
• During prenatal visits, the female will have a complete
physical that includes blood tests and a pelvic exam.
• The obstetrician or nurse-midwife will monitor the mother’s
weight and blood pressure.
• These visits also give the parents-to-be the opportunity to
ask questions and to learn about important behaviors that
can help ensure the health of the baby.
Importance of Prenatal Care

7. LessonLesson 22
Nutrients Essential for Optimal Fetal Health
• Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth and healthy
nerves and muscles. It is also important in developing heart
rhythm.
• Protein helps form muscle and most other tissue.
• Iron makes red blood cells and supplies oxygen to cells.
• Vitamin A aids in cell and bone growth and eye
development.
• Vitamin B complex aids in forming the nervous system.
• Folic acid is a critical part of spinal fluid and helps close the
tube that contains the central nervous system.
Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy

8. LessonLesson 22
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
• Although a pregnant female’s nutritional requirements may
increase, she must be careful not to gain too much weight.
• Excess weight can be a health risk for both mother and baby.
• Weight-reduction diets during pregnancy can harm the
developing fetus.
• Physical activity can be beneficial to the pregnant female and
her developing child.
Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy

9. LessonLesson 22
Avoiding Harmful Substances During Pregnancy
• A pregnant female must be very careful about the
substances she takes into her body.
• Tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs can enter the body of the
developing fetus and have harmful effects.
The Health of the Fetus

10. LessonLesson 22
Tobacco and Pregnancy
• Studies suggest that a pregnant female’s smoking may also
affect the growth, mental development, and behavior of her
child until he or she is 11 years old.
• The only sure way to protect the developing fetus and child
from the negative effects of tobacco is not to smoke.
• According to the American Lung Association, pregnant
females exposed repeatedly to secondhand smoke also have
an increased risk of having a low birth weight baby.
The Health of the Fetus

11. LessonLesson 22
Alcohol and Pregnancy
• Any alcohol consumed during pregnancy quickly passes
through the umbilical cord to the fetus.
• An elevated alcohol level can result in permanent damage to
the fetus and a condition known as fetal alcohol syndrome
(FAS).
• The safe decision for pregnant females and females
considering pregnancy is not to drink any alcoholic
beverages.
The Health of the Fetus

12. LessonLesson 22
Medicines, Other Drugs, and Pregnancy
• During pregnancy, even prescription and over-the-counter
medicines should be taken only with the approval of a doctor
or other qualified health care provider.
• The use of certain illegal drugs during pregnancy can cause
serious birth defects, premature labor, or miscarriage.
• In addition, a baby can be born addicted to the drugs the
mother uses during pregnancy.
The Health of the Fetus

13. LessonLesson 22
Environmental Hazards
• Lead: Lead exposure has been linked to miscarriages, low
birth weight, mental disabilities, and behavior problems in
children.
• Smog: Recent studies have linked air pollution with birth
defects, low birth weight, premature birth, stillbirth, and
infant death.
• Radiation: Ionizing radiation—the type found in X rays—can
affect fetal growth and cause mental retardation.
The Health of the Fetus

14. LessonLesson 22
More Environmental Hazards
• Cat litter: Cat feces may contain a parasite that can cause
a disease called toxoplasmosis.
• Household chemicals: Pregnant females should read the
cautions on cleaning products, wear gloves, and work in
well-ventilated areas.
The Health of the Fetus

15. LessonLesson 22
Problems During Pregnancy
• Most pregnancies proceed with few problems. However,
complications can arise, some of them serious.
• Complications include miscarriage or stillbirth.
• Receiving the proper prenatal care during pregnancy can
reduce the risk or severity of any problems that do arise.
Complications During Pregnancy

16. LessonLesson 22
Ectopic Pregnancy
• Ectopic pregnancies result when the zygote implants in the
fallopian tube, the abdomen, the ovary, or the cervix.
• This can occur when the fertilized egg can’t pass to the
uterus.
• The fetus can’t get the nourishment it needs to grow
normally.
• The situation is a threat to the pregnant female’s life.
• The treatment of ectopic pregnancy is removal of the fetus
from the female’s body.
Complications During Pregnancy

17. LessonLesson 22
Preeclampsia
• Preeclampsia, also called toxemia, can prevent the placenta
from getting enough blood.
• The condition may result in low fetal birth weight and
problems for the mother.
• Symptoms of preeclampsia in a pregnant female include high
blood pressure, swelling, and large amounts of protein in the
urine.
• Treatment includes reducing blood pressure through bed rest
or medicines. In some cases, hospitalization is necessary.
Complications During Pregnancy

18. LessonLesson 22
Q. A dead fetus expelled from the
body after the twentieth week is
called a _________.
1. FAS
2. preeclampsia
3. stillbirth
4. miscarriage
Choose the appropriate option.
Quick Review

19. LessonLesson 22
A. 3. stillbirth
A dead fetus expelled from the body after the twentieth
week is called a stillbirth.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Quick Review - Answer

20. LessonLesson 22
Quick Review
Q.In what ways does prenatal care helps pregnant
females?
1. identify personal problems so they can be corrected or
treated early.
2. decide on a health care provider and the place where
the birth will take place.
3. be informed about how their babies will be prettier than
others.
4. be trained to work and take care of their babies at the
same time.

21. LessonLesson 22
A. 2. decide on a health care provider and the place
where the birth will take place.
Prenatal care helps pregnant females decide on a health
care provider and the place where the birth will take
place.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Quick Review - Answer

22. LessonLesson 22
Quick Review
Q. Harmful substances in alcohol,
drugs, and tobacco can be
passed to the fetus through the
umbilical cord, causing problems
with fetal development.
True
False
Choose the appropriate option.

23. LessonLesson 22
A. True. Harmful substances in alcohol, drugs, and tobacco
can be passed to the fetus through the umbilical cord,
causing problems with fetal development.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Quick Review - Answer

24. LessonLesson 22
Q. Pregnancy is a natural process,
so prenatal care is not
important.
True
False
Choose the appropriate option.
Quick Review

25. LessonLesson 22
A. False. Pregnancy is a natural process, and prenatal
care is very important for the health and vitality of the
pregnant mother and her baby.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Quick Review - Answer

26. LessonLesson 22
End of Lesson 2
Click Home to view the Main menu.

27. LessonLesson 22
A. Correct! A dead fetus expelled from the body after the
twentieth week is called a stillbirth.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Quick Review - Answer

28. LessonLesson 22
You have answered the question incorrectly. Go back to try
again, or click Next to view the correct answer.
Quick Review - Answer

29. LessonLesson 22
• One of the first decisions a pregnant female must make is
who will provide her prenatal care.
• An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of a
female and her developing child.
• A certified nurse-midwife is an advanced practical nurse who
specializes in prenatal care and delivering babies.
Deciding the Prenatal Health Care Provider
Prenatal care
refers to steps that a
pregnant female can
take to provide for her
own health and the
health of her baby.
Prenatal care
refers to steps that a
pregnant female can
take to provide for her
own health and the
health of her baby.
Importance of Prenatal Care

30. LessonLesson 22
Deciding the Place of Birth
• In the United States, most births take place at a hospital,
but some women choose to have the delivery at home or in
a birthing center.
• Regardless of where the birth takes place, a doctor or
certified nurse-midwife should be present.A birthing center
is a facility in which
women with low-risk
pregnancies can deliver
their babies in a
homelike setting.
A birthing center
is a facility in which
women with low-risk
pregnancies can deliver
their babies in a
homelike setting.
Importance of Prenatal Care

31. LessonLesson 22
• Any alcohol consumed during pregnancy quickly passes
through the umbilical cord to the fetus.
• An elevated alcohol level can result in permanent damage to
the fetus and a condition known as fetal alcohol syndrome
(FAS).
• The safe decision for pregnant females and females
considering pregnancy is not to drink any alcoholic
beverages.
Alcohol and Pregnancy
Fetal alcohol
syndrome (FAS) is a
group of alcohol-related
birth defects that
include both physical
and mental problems.
Fetal alcohol
syndrome (FAS) is a
group of alcohol-related
birth defects that
include both physical
and mental problems.
The Health of the Fetus

32. LessonLesson 22
• Most pregnancies proceed with few problems. However,
complications can arise, some of them serious.
• Complications include miscarriage or stillbirth.
• Receiving the proper prenatal care during pregnancy can
reduce the risk or severity of any problems that do arise.
Problems During Pregnancy
Miscarriage is
the spontaneous
expulsion of a fetus
that occurs before
the twentieth week
of a pregnancy.
Miscarriage is
the spontaneous
expulsion of a fetus
that occurs before
the twentieth week
of a pregnancy.
Complications During Pregnancy

33. LessonLesson 22
• Most pregnancies proceed with few problems. However,
complications can arise, some of them serious.
• Complications include miscarriage or stillbirth.
• Receiving the proper prenatal care during pregnancy can
reduce the risk or severity of any problems that do arise.
Problems During Pregnancy
Stillbirth is a
dead fetus
expelled from
the body after the
twentieth week.
Stillbirth is a
dead fetus
expelled from
the body after the
twentieth week.
Complications During Pregnancy

34. LessonLesson 22
A. Correct! Prenatal care helps pregnant females: decide
on a health care provider and the place where the
birth will take place.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Quick Review - Answer

35. LessonLesson 22
You have answered the question incorrectly. Go back to try
again, or click Next to view the correct answer.
Quick Review - Answer

36. LessonLesson 22
A. Correct! Harmful substances in alcohol, drugs, and
tobacco can be passed to the fetus through the umbilical
cord, causing problems with fetal development.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Quick Review - Answer

37. LessonLesson 22
You have answered the question incorrectly. Go back to try
again, or click Next to view the correct answer.
Quick Review - Answer

38. LessonLesson 22
A. Correct! Pregnancy is a natural process, and prenatal
care is very important for the health and vitality of the
pregnant mother and her baby.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Quick Review - Answer

39. LessonLesson 22
You have answered the question incorrectly. Go back to try
again, or click Next to view the correct answer.
Quick Review - Answer