HEALTHY PREGNANCY

EARLY SIGNS OF PREGNANCY

Signs occur within a few weeks of conception. Missed menstrual period (often the first

indicator) Full feeling or mild ache in lower abdomen Tiredness or faintness A frequent, urgent need to urinate Swollen breast, causing discomfort or tenderness Nausea or vomiting (usually in the morning)

If a women believes she is pregnant, she should take a test as soon as possible.

MEDICAL CARE

Once pregnancy is determined, go to a health care provider.

Obstetrician- a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and childbirth.

1st Exam: Check your health and medical history Analyze urine for signs of infection or diabetes Blood test for Anemia

A condition that results from not having enough red blood cells.

Symptoms: fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and feeling cold and weak.

THE FIRST EXAM

Rh Factor- certain protein Determined genetically (done by a blood test) If the mother’s blood does not have the protein

and the fetus’s blood does, the mother will build antibodies which will attach the protein. Does not affect first pregnancy, but can endanger

future pregnancies. Prevention- receive injection that will prevent the

antibodies from forming.

Check woman’s immunity to rubella

CALCULATING DUE DATE

Approximate Date Nine months + one week after the first day

of her final period before pregnancy = baby’s due date.

Two week grace period The baby can be born 2 weeks before or after

expected date.

MEDICAL CARE

Periodic checkups (prenatal visits) 1st to 6th month- once a month 7th to 8th month- twice a month Final month- every week

24th to 28th week of pregnancy, most women take a glucose tolerance test to determine: Gestational Diabetes- a form of diabetes that

only occurs during pregnancy. If left untreated, the baby will be heavier than

normal. Goes away after the baby is born Can be controlled through a special diet and

medication.

PREECLAMPSIA

Another serious condition that occurs during the second half of pregnancy.

A condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the mother’s urine.

Prevents the baby from getting enough blood which provides oxygen and food.

Treatment- depends on how far along the pregnancy is. Bed rest and medication

DISCOMFORTS OF PREGNANCY

Nausea or Vomiting Sleepiness Heartburn Shortness of breath Varicose Veins- pressure on the blood vessels

in the legs. Muscle Cramps in the Legs Lower Back Pain

SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS Vaginal bleeding Unusual weight gain Excessive thirst Diminished need to urinate or pain during

urination Severe abdominal pain Persistent headaches Severe vomiting Fever Increased vaginal mucus Swelling of the face, hands, or ankles Blurred vision or dizziness Prolonged backache

HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY

Mothers-to-Be Daily Routines: Eat a well-balanced diet Exercise moderately Get plenty of sleep Practice good hygiene Manage Stress

Manage Emotional Adjustments Avoid depression

NUTRIENTS IN PREGNANCY

Protein- vital to baby’s growth and development of bones and teeth. Also, keeps mom healthy. EX: meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, nuts, eggs, tofu

Folic Acid- normal spinal development in fetus. Mothers need twice the normal amount. Dark leafy greens (spinach, romaine lettuce), broccoli

Vit. A- ensures proper eye development and healthy skin. Orange vegetables- carrots, summer squash

Vit. B- general fetal development. grains

NUTRIENTS IN PREGNANCY

Vit. C- build healthy teeth and gums; helps form connective tissue of skin, bone, and organs. Citrus fruits- oranges

Vit. D- aids in the creation of bones and teeth. Milk and other milk products

Iron- prevent anemia and assists in developing the baby’s own blood supply. Dried beans, raisins, dates, meat, leafy greens

Calcium & Phosphorus- work together to produce strong bones and teeth. Also to ensure regular elimination of waste from the body. Milk and other dairy products

NUTRITION AND PREGNANT TEENS

Teens’ bodies have special nutritional needs because the are still developing.

Essential for a teen’s own body and her growing baby to get all the nutrients for proper growth and development.

Nutrients important for pregnant teens: Calcium- essential for growing bones. Iron- helps carry blood to all parts of the body.

SPECIAL DIETS- LACTOSE INTOLERANT

Lactose- type of sugar found in milk. Lactose Intolerant- not able to digest

lactose. Symptoms: if milk products cause symptoms

such as abdominal pain and gas. Lactase- an enzyme that helps digest

lactose. Eating foods with lactase, such as yogurt, helps

some people digest milk.

WEIGHT GAIN DURING PREGNANCY

Healthy Pregnancy- 24 to 30 lbs. Recommended weight gain:

Months 1st – 3rd: one pound per month Months 4th – 9th: three to four pounds per month

Gaining too little weight = increase risk of fetal death or premature birth.

Gaining too much weight = added stress on the mother’s body and increase risk of complications.

HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY

Steps to Manage Stress1. Avoid sugary foods and caffeine

2. Exercise

3. Take a time-out

4. Practice relation techniques

5. Talk about concerns

6. Take a class for expectant parents