Preparing for Birth Chapter 6

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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