Chapter 6PREPARING FOR BIRTH

Healthy Pregnancy•E

arly 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•B

lood pressure, weight, respiration, pulse•G

athers medical history•P

elvis is measured•U

rine analysis•B

lood 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•N

ausea- 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…Breast Feeding + Perfect nutrition+ Immunity from diseases+ Fewer allergies & stomach

problems+ Mother loses weight faster+ Reduces mother’s chance

of breast & ovarian cancer

Bottle Feeding

+ Allows father/family to participate

+ Gives mother flexibility

+ Need fewer feedings

+ Mother’s diet is not restricted

Challenges of…B

reast Feeding-F

ather/family can’t participate-P

ainful for mother-H

ard 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•B

udget- helps to organize & handle expenses•H

ealth care costs•M

aternity clothes•E

quipment, supplies, furnishings•F

ormula- approx $1200-$1500 p/ yr.•C

hild Care- over $100 per week

Reducing Expenses•C

omparison Shop•B

orrow and buy used•N

ever 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•L

abor- 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? •O

bstetrician- 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? •H

ospital Room•B

irthing 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