Chapter 5.1 A Healthy Pregnancy

Health During Pregnancy

• Early Signs of Pregnancy• A missed menstrual period (often first indicator)• A full feeling or mild ache in the lower abdomen• Tiredness or faintness• A frequent, urgent need to urinate• Swollen breasts, causing discomfort or tenderness• Nausea or vomiting, particularly in the morning

• Though these symptoms are common, does not mean that a woman is pregnant. • Should take a pregnancy test• Visit a Doctor • Early detection is important!

Medical Care

• Obstetrician: is a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and childbirth. • Regular check-ups during pregnancy• Should like, feel comfortable with and trust.

• The First Exam (pg. 130)• Blood pressure• Medical history• Pelvic measurement• Urine analysis• Blood Test- Anemia• Anemia is a condition that results from not having enough red

blood cells.

• Immunity to rubella

Periodic Checkups

• Check-ups• Once a month until the 6th or 7th month• After that- Twice a month• Monitor baby’s development • Check mother’s health

• 24th and 28th week woman take a glucose test• Check for gestational diabetes• Form of diabetes that occur only during pregnancy• If left untreated; can cause baby to be heavier than normal at

birth• Controlled by a special diet; usually disappear after birth

• Preeclampsia• Is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and the

presence of protein in the mothers urine. • Can prevent baby from getting enough blood • Which provide oxygen and food

Discomforts of Pregnancy

• Nausea or Vomiting• Commonly called morning sickness, it can occur at anytime during

the day. Rarely lasts past the 4th fourth month• Sleepiness• Hormonal changes during the beginning; begin to feel more

energetic later on • Heartburn• Burning feeling in the upper chest

• Shortness of Breath• Pressure on the lungs from the baby

• Varicose Veins• Swollen veins, or blood vessels, that are close to the skin’s surface.

• Muscle Cramps in the Legs• Stretching, rest and diet rich in calcium may help alleviate.

• Lower Back Pain• Wearing low-heeled shoes and learning to lift properly

Possible Serious Complications

• A few woman experience more serious problems during pregnancy, and should consult a doctor• Vaginal Bleeding• Unusual weight gain, or loss• Excessive thirst• Pain during urination• Severe abdominal pain• Fever• Increases vaginal mucus• Swelling of the face, hands, or ankles• Blurred vision or dizziness• Prolonged backache

Physical Changes

• Common length of pregnancy is about 40 weeks, or 9 months

• Page 134 in text list of physical changes by month

Weight Gain

• Women typically gain between 24 and 30 pounds during a healthy pregnancy.

Emotional Health

• Important to communicate with your partner about feelings and emotions. • Depression• Feel overwhelmed

• Stress• Moody, annoyed, scared• Find ways to reduce stress or to relieve stress• Avoid sugar foods and caffeine• Exercise• Relaxation techniques• Talk about concerns• Parenting classes

Nutrition During Pregnancy

• Expectant mothers need a variety of nutrients to keep themselves and their developing babies healthy. • Grains• Carbohydrates- Energy

• Vegetables• Heart healthy • Rich in potassium and dietary fiber, folic acid, and vitamins A, C,

and E. • Fruits• Help control body weight, healthy heart, and blood vessels

• Milk • Calcium, Potassium, Vitamin D, and Protein • Healthy bones and teeth

• Meat and Beans• Protein

• Oils

Vitamins

• Variety of vitamins and minerals are vital to both the fetus and the mother. • Vitamins• Help maintain a healthy

pregnancy. • Vitamin A ensures proper eye

development• Vitamin B general fetal

development• Vitamin C –healthy teeth and

gums, skin, bones, and organs• Vitamin D creation of hones

and teeth • Folic Acid spinal cord

development

Minerals

• Pregnant women need iron• A mineral that prevents anemia and assists in

developing the baby’s own blood supply• Extra iron is stored in the baby’s liver and is

used in the months right after birth• Calcium and Phosphorus• Work together to produce strong bones and

teeth

Food Quantities

• All pregnant women should eat a wide-variety of healthy foods. • Exact quantities on the mother’s • Age, weight, and activity level as well as the stage

of pregnancy• MyPyramid for Mom’s • Provides a specific plan based on these factors

Nutrition and Pregnant Teens

• Teen’s bodies have special nutritional needs because they too are still developing. • Need to be careful to eat nutritious meals and

snacks • Essential for teens to get enough calcium and

iron. • Bones, and blood supply

• Should discuss their nutritional needs with their doctor

Special Diets

• Sensitivities to Milk• Rich source of calcium, protein, and other key

nutrients.

• Need to eat larger amounts of other calcium-rich foods• Broccoli, tofu, and dark green leafy vegetables

• Lactose Intolerant• Fortified soy milk can provide nutrients

• Lactase: an enzyme that helps digest lactose• Eating foods with lactase (yogurt) helps some people

digest milk.

Vegetarians

• Vegetarians do not eat meat; which is high in protein.

• Vegans: do not eat any animal products including eggs or milk

• Should discuss their eating patterns with a doctor to plan a diet rich in vitamins and minerals during pregnancy.