Download Preparing for birth pp

PREPARING FOR BIRTH
 EARLY
SIGNS OF PREGNANCY

1) One of the first indications is a missed period.

2) A feeling of fullness or ache in the abdomen.
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3) Unusual tiredness, fatigue, or fainting may occur.
 MORE
SIGNS OF PREGNANCY

4) May need to urinate more frequently

5) Breasts may become tender or experience discomfort

6) Morning sickness may occur
 MEDICAL
CARE DURING PREGNANCY

1) When you first think you are pregnant you should schedule an
appointment with your doctor or obstetrician.

2) At this appointment the obstetrician will take blood, urine,
measurements, weight, past history of medical problems or
surgeries, and a family history relating to medical illnesses.

3) After the initial exam the obstetrician will probably schedule an
appointment each month until the 7th month. Then visits will
become more frequent until the birth of the baby.
 DISCOMFORTS
OF PREGANCY

1) Nausea is a common complaint among pregnant women.
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2) Sleepiness is also a fairly common condition during the early
stages of pregnancy.

3) Heartburn is sometimes caused by increased pressure to the
stomach from the enlarging of the uterus.
 MORE
DISCOMFORTS

4) Shortness of breath due to the enlarged uterus pressing up
against the lungs.

5) Varicose veins may develop due to pressure on the blood
vessels in the legs.

6) Muscle cramps in the legs may increase but can be helped
with rest and gentle stretching.

7) Lower back pain due to change in posture the last few months
of pregnancy.
 POSSIBLE
COMPLICATIONS

1) Vaginal bleeding

2) Unusual weight gain
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3) Excessive thirst
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4) Painful urination
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5) Severe abdominal pain
 MORE
COMPLICATIONS

6) Persistent headaches

7) Severe vomiting

8) Fever
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9) Swelling of face and hands

10) Blurred vision or dizziness

NUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY

Good nutrition is the single most important factor to prenatal
care. It is extremely important that the expectant mother eat a
properly balanced diet so as to give her baby all the proper
nutrients it needs to develop.

The baby’s vital organs develop early in the pregnancy so that is
why it is crucial that if you even think you might be pregnant eat
a nutrient rich diet and don’t do anything that could damage
the growing baby.
THE

ROLE OF NUTRIENTS
Protein – this is a must during pregnancy and should be increased
due to the development of the growing fetus. It will also help the
mother’s body stay in good repair. This nutrient can be obtained
by eating meat, fish, eggs, poultry, milk, cheese and beans.
 ROLES

OF NUTRIENTS
Vitamins – these help protect against infection and help regulate the body
processes. A diet lacking in vitamins could cause the baby to have birth
defects so make sure that you start your prenatal vitamins immediately.
A)An increase in Vitamin A is needed for the proper development of the
baby’s eyes.
B) Extra B is needed for the development of the baby – nervous system and
digestive systems especially
C) An increase in Vitamin C helps build healthy gums and teeth
D) An increase in Vitamin D helps with the development of bones
 ROLES
OF NUTRIENTS

MINERALS ARE NEEDED FOR THE BODY TO HAVE STRONG BONES AND
TEETH, HEALTHY BLOOD AND FOR THE REGULATION OF THE ELIMINATION
SYSTEM.

Pregnant women need enough iron to prevent anemia. The baby
needs the iron to build a good blood supply and thus may cause the
mother to become anemic. Meat is a good source of iron along with
beans, spinach, raisins and dates.

Calcium and phosphorus are other important minerals needed for
healthy bones and teeth.
 ROLES
OF NUTRIENTS

FATS AND CARBOHYDRATES are necessary for heat and energy.
Good sources of these are fruits, vegetables, whole-grains and
cereals. However too much fat and sugar is not a healthy diet
for pregnancy.

WATER is highly recommended during pregnancy. 6-8 glasses of
water should be consumed daily.

Limit fried foods because they are usually not high in nutrients
and hard to digest.
 TEENAGE

DIETS
The kind of food a teenage girl eats can affect the children she
has later in life. Proper nutrition is important starting at an early
age. Since most women do not realize they are pregnant until
after the first month or two and the major organs are formed
early in pregnancy, it is vital to have a good diet regiment early
in life.
 WEIGHT
GAIN DURING PREGNANCY

The average woman usually gains about 24-30 lbs.

Gaining less than 15-20 lbs. can lead to premature birth.

Gaining more weight is not a good idea but you should never
limit your intake of good nutrient rich foods.

Pregnancy is not the time to diet or start a major workout
program.
 PERSONAL
CARE AND ACTIVITIES

Moderate exercise is a good idea but nothing too strenuous.
Walking, swimming, or biking are recommended.

Besides good nutrition an expectant mothers needs to have
plenty of rest. A nap is possible or relaxing for 15 minutes.
 PERSONAL
CARE AND ACTIVITIES

Proper Hygiene is important during pregnancy. Daily baths or
showers often done at night can help relax the body and help
get a good nights sleep.

Other activities such as work should remain the same. Household
chores can still be done just be careful of bending or lifting in
order to not strain your back.
 EMOTIONAL
HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY

An expectant mother will go through many emotional feelings
during pregnancy due to hormone changes in her body. She
may feel extreme happiness or depression and may be upset at
times for no reason.

Too much stress or emotional upsets are not healthy for the
mother or the baby so an expectant mom should limit her stress
as much as possible.
SOME DO’S AND DON’TS OF A HEALTHY
PREGNANCY
DO’S

Do see a doctor at first sign of pregnancy
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Do have regular checkups
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Do eat nutrient rich foods and have a healthy diet
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Do get plenty of rest
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Do exercise in moderation
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Do wear comfortable clothing and low-heeled shoes
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Do take time from a busy schedule to relax
DON’TS

Don’t take any drug, medication or supplement without your
doctor’s approval
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Don’t smoke
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Don’t drink alcohol

Don’t ignore unusual symptoms that should be reported to your
doctor.

Don’t diet or start an extensive exercise program.