1. Having a Healthy Pregnancy

2. Personal Care & Activities
Hygiene (keeping the body clean & fresh)
Because the skin helps maintain correct body temperature and eliminate waste, it should be kept clean
Bathing before bedtime encourages relaxation and sleep
Avoid very cold or very hot baths
Replace tub baths with showers or sponge baths during the last 4-6 weeks
Have a dental check-up

3. Clothing
About the 4th or 5th month maternity clothing is needed (clothing especially designed for pregnancy in one’s regular size)
Any clothing should be loose to allow for freedom of movement and circulation.
COMFORT IS KEY!
Choose clothing so it can be worn for a period of time.
Shoes should be low heeled and offer good support.

4. Rest & Exercise Get plenty of rest each night; 8-9 hours/night.
Plan rest periods during the day; 1 nap for minutes daily.
Moderate low-impact exercise can make the pregnancy more comfortable, 30 minutes daily.
Exercises can help to strengthen and prepare the pelvic floor for delivery; improve ability to stop and start flow of urine. Example: Kegel
Walking or swimming are great!
Pregnancy is not a time to start any strenuous activities for the first time.
Avoid contact sports.

5. Complications
The outcome of a baby’s heath depends on the mother’s health and nutritional state.
If nutrients are lacking in the mother’s body, the baby suffers.
A mother brings to the pregnancy all of her previous life experiences (diet, food habits, attitudes about health, etc.)
Prepare body 2 years ahead.
Birth defects (environmental) occur before the 10th week of pregnancy

6. Doctor Visits See doctor regularly 1 visit during 1st trimester
Monthly visits 2nd trimester
7th & 8th months, visits every two weeks
9th month, weekly visits
Weight checked, blood pressure and pulse checked, urine sample
Measure belly for growth
Check baby’s heartbeat
Answer any questions

7. Prenatal Testing Ultrasound
Gel spread over mother’s abdomen and ultrasound want is rubbed across it. A video image is produced by sound waves bouncing off her internal structure
Most common prenatal test
Done in Dr.’s office
Can be done anytime during the pregnancy
Considered safe; non-invasive
Receive a two-dimensional picture of the fetus

8. Prenatal Testing Ultrasound, cont. Can possibly determine:
Defects in the fetal organs
Size of the fetus
Position before delivery
Gender
Due date
Not 100% accurate!

9. Prenatal Testing Amniocentesis
Drawing fluid from the amniotic sac by inserting a fine needle into the mother’s abdomen
Done before the 15th – 18th week of pregnancy
Tests for hundreds of genetic and chromosomal disorders
Mothers over 35 are most likely to be tested due to the increased risk of having babies born with Down Syndrome
Carries a very slight risk of infection that could lead to miscarriage; 1 of 200 test results in miscarriage
Women with a family history of certain genetic diseases are often advised to consider this test

10. Prenatal Testing

11. Prenatal Testing Chronic Villi Sampling
Small tube inserted through the vagina that allows a small hair-like tissue to be snipped or suctioned off of placenta to check for certain birth defects
More dangerous than amniocentesis
Tests for same disorders as amnio and can be done earlier in the pregnancy than an amnio

12. Prenatal Testing
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) – blood test that measures level of alpha-fetoprotein in mother’s blood during pregnancy as an indicator of possible birth defects in fetus

13. Options for Delivery
Obstetrician – specializes in care of mothers and babies before, during and immediately after birth
Family doctors – provide prenatal care and deliver babies; complications can be above their skills
Licensed midwives – assist women in childbirth; complications can be above their skill; cannot deliver
c-section

14. Options for Delivery
Standard hospital delivery – most common; insurance companies cover at least 2 days after delivery; expensive
Alternative birth center delivery – more home-like; have to go home within 24 hours of delivery; more family can be present
Home delivery – only for healthy pregnancies and moms; no way to treat complications; not all doctors will deliver at home

15. Options for Delivery Childbirth options
Natural childbirth – giving birth with little to no medication
Lamaze method – mom & coach attend prenatal training/classes to physically and psychologically prepare for delivery using controlled breathing to facilitate process of natural childbirth
Leboyer method – delivery occurs in a quiet, dimly lit room and infant’s head is not pulled, minimizing the trauma for the newborn and allowing for immediate bonding between mother and child

16. Options for Delivery
Cesarean method – surgical procedure to remove baby from mother’s uterus in case of complications prohibiting a vaginal delivery
Breech birth – baby delivered feet or buttocks first