1. Prenatal care

2. Prenatal Care
Obstetrician – doctor who specializes in the care of a female and the developing child
Certified nurse-midwife = advanced practice nurse who specializes in delivering babies

3. In U.S. most births occur in hospitals Can have them at home
Places to Have Birth
In U.S. most births occur in hospitals
Can have them at home
At a Birthing Center – a facility that women with low-risk pregnancies can deliver babies in a homelike setting

4. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
A group of alcohol-related birth defects that includes both physical and mental problems
Ex. Mental retardation, learning disabilities, slowed growth, physical deformities

5. Smoking During Pregnancy
Accounts for 30% of low birth rates
14% of premature births
10% of all infant deaths
Affects the growth, mental development, and behavior of a child

6. Pregnancy and Drugs
Harms fetal development
Serious birth defects, premature labor, and miscarriages
Baby born an addict and tremble, cry, and jerk a lot

7. Environmental Hazards
Lead – leads to miscarriage, mental disabilities, behavior problems = found in paint older than 1978
Smog – air pollution leading to defects especially during the 2nd trimester

8. Hazards Cont.
Radiation – ionizing radiation is the type found in x-rays, affect fetal growth and cause mental retardation
Cat Litter – cat feces may contain a parasite that can cause a disease called toxoplasmosis

9. Cat Litter Cont.
Can result in miscarriage, premature labor, and health problems in newborn
Cautions if Pregnant – wash hands after petting cat, have others clean litter box, wear gloves in garden where cats may have been present

10. Complications During Pregnancy
Miscarriage – the spontaneous expulsion of a fetus that occurs before the 20th week.
Stillborn – a dead fetus expelled from the body after the 20th week

11. Complications Cont…
Ectopic Pregnancy-when the zygote implants in the fallopian tube, abdomen, ovary or cervix
Preeclampsia –high blood pressure, can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood
Treatment- bed rest or birth

12. Caesarean Section (C – Section)
A surgical procedure used to deliver the baby through an incision in the abdomen
Some are planned
Stalled labor is most common reason (babies head is too big or cervix won’t open)