A Healthy Pregnancy Unit 2 Chapter 5 Section 1

Objectives List the early signs of pregnancy Explain the importance of early and regular medical care during pregnancy Explain the importance of nutrition during pregnancy Give recommendations for a pregnant woman’s diet, activities, and personal care

Intro Pregnancy: a time of ____________________ Mother-to-be undergoes many __________ changes Most important responsibility: stay in _____ ______________

Early Signs of Pregnancy How does a woman know she’s pregnant? – _____________________ Within several weeks of conception: – Woman may notice: ______________– 1 st indication, reliable for reg. cycles Mild aches, feelings of fullness in ___________ Sense of __________, drowsy, feel faint ____________more frequently than usual _________ tenderness __________, especially early in the day

Signs Not always an indication of pregnancy Can check several ways: – __________________ – Consulting a doctor

Medical Care _______________: a doctor who specializes n pregnancy and birth Need to have a ______________________ – Regular checkups over the 9 months – Openly discuss problems/questions – Assists in the birth of baby

Once Pregnancy is Confirmed… Doctor will perform exam: – Blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and weight – __________ measurements – Urine checks: monitor _____________ – Blood test: checks for— ___________: lack of iron ___________ – History of past illnesses and past _______________

Regular Checkups Monitor the development of the baby Make sure woman remains healthy Usually ___________, until _______________, then 2x/month

Due Date? Doctor will make a calculation: – Date that last period began + 9 months and one week – So: if a woman begins her last period on November 6 th, when will the baby be born?

Discomforts of Pregnancy Many women go through without an issues Some women feel __________________ Some experience mild: – Nausea – ______________ – Heartburn – Shortness of breath – __________________ – Muscle cramping – ____________________ Always discuss with doctor!

Nausea “_________________” although not always Relief: – ____________ – Smaller meals Rarely lasts longer than the _____________ Severe or prolonged nausea should contact doctor

Sleepiness Fairly common symptom Results from _______________ changes Pregnancy affects every ____________– causing fatigue May decrease during _______________and come back during _________________

Heartburn & Shortness of breath A _______________disturbance not associated with the heart Consult doctor about safest relief Late months- short of breath due to pressure on __________from growing ___________

Varicose Veins ____________veins with walls that have thinned and stretched Due to: – Pressure on ______________ – Increase in __________________ – Hormone ___________________ Relief: avoid prolonged standing, elevate legs

Cramps & Back pain Leg cramps are common – Relieved by stretching and _____________in diet During the last months many women experience back pain – _____________ – Certain exercises

Possible Complications Few women experience more serious complications A pregnant woman should see a doctor immediately for: – ___________________ – Unusual weight gain – __________________ – Reduced or painful urination – ____________________ – Persistent headaches – ____________________ – Fever – ____________________ – Blurred vision/ dizziness – ____________________ – Increased vaginal mucus

Healthy Baby, Healthy Pregnancy: Prenatal Care