Child Development
Section 5-1 “A Healthy
Pregnancy”
Angie Moore
Room 202
Early Signs of Pregnancy
 A missed
menstrual period
 A full feeling or mild ache in the lower
abdomen
 Feeling tired or faint
 A frequent, urgent need to urinate
 Swollen breasts causing discomfort or
tenderness
 Nausea and/or vomiting, particularly in the
morning
Medical Care During Pregnancy
Obstetrician – doctor who specializes in
pregnancy and childbirth
 It important to get a doctor you feel comfortable
with. He/She will be caring for you and your
newborn. Some offices want you to get to know
all the doctors in the practice in case they have
to see you if your doctor is not on duty.
 Most obstetricians set a fee that includes
everything from the first visit to the follow-up visit
after the baby is born.
 It is important to get medical care from the
beginning to the end of pregnancy.

The First Exam
When a pregnancy is confirmed, the woman
receives an exam that includes:
A check of her blood pressure, pulse,
respiration, and weight
A discussion of her medical history
A measurement of her pelvis to determine
if a normal size baby can pass through
An analysis of her urine to test for signs of
diabetes or infection
The First Exam (cont.)

Blood tests to rule our anemia, a condition
which results from not having enough red blood
cells
 Blood testing for Rh factor. This is a protein that
is determined genetically. If the mother’s blood is
Rh negative (absence of protein) and the fetus’s
blood is Rh postive (has the protein), the
mother’s blood builds up antibodies to attack the
protein just as it would to any invading germ.
This doesn’t affect the first pregnancy, but could
endanger any later pregnancies. But, the mother
can receive an injection that will prevent the
antibodies from forming and protect the fetus.
The First Exam (cont.)
 A check
of the woman’s immunity to
rubella (German measles).
 The due date for a baby is easy to
calculate. Nine months and one week after
the first day of her final period before
pregnancy. A typical pregnancy can vary
from two weeks before to two weeks after
that due date.
Later Checkups

Between the 24th and 28th week, most women
take a glucose tolerance test to check for signs
of gestational diabetes. This is a condition that
only occurs in pregnancy. If left untreated, the
baby could be born heavier than what is
considered a normal birth weight. Most women
who have this normally do not have diabetes.
This condition usually goes away after
pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can be
controlled through a special diet.
Later Checkups (cont.)
 Another
condition that may occur is
preeclampsia. This condition is
characterized by high blood pressure and
the presence of protein in the mother’s
urine. Preeclampsia can prevent the baby
from getting enough blood which provides
oxygen and food. Depending on how far
along the woman is with her pregnancy,
the doctor can recommend medication or
bed rest.
Discomforts of Pregnancy
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Nausea and/or vomiting – rarely lasts beyond
the fourth month.
Sleepiness – most common in the early and late
months.
Heartburn – Burning in the upper abdomen
Shortness of breath – pressure on the lungs
from the baby
Varicose veins – Twisted or enlarged veins that
are close to the skin’s surface. Woman can
relieve the swelling with support hose and
keeping legs elevated.
Discomforts of Pregnancy (cont.)
cramps in legs – Get rest and
stretch legs
 Lower back pain – Wearing low-heeled
shoes and learning to lift properly can
minimize back problems
 Muscle
Possible Serious Complications
Any of the following symptoms should
be reported to the doctor immediately:
 Vaginal bleeding
 Unusual weight gain or loss
 Excessive thirst
 Diminished need to urinate or pain during
urination
 Severe abdominal pain
Possible Serious Complications
(cont.)
 Persistent
headaches
 Severe vomiting
 Fever
 Increased vaginal mucus
 Swelling of face, hands, or ankles
 Blurred vision or dizziness
 Prolonged backache
Nutrition During Pregnancy
Protein – Vital to baby’s growth and
development of bones and teeth—found in
meats, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, dried beans,
milk, and cheese
 Vitamins – Women need twice the normal
amount of folic acid for normal spinal
development. Vitamin A assists in eye
development, Vitamin B in general development,
and Vitamin C in skin, bones, and organs, and
Vitamin D in bones and teeth—found in fruits,
vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals,
fortified milk and other dairy products.

Nutrition During Pregnancy (cont.)
Minerals – Help produce strong bones and
teeth and ensure regular elimination of waste
from the body. Also, pregnant women regularly
need iron to prevent anemia—found in dried
beans, raisins, dates, meat, and leafy green
vegetables.
 Carbohydrates and fats – Provide the body
with energy—found in whole-grain breads and
cereals, fruits, and starchy vegetables such as
potatoes. Sugars are carbs, but should be eaten
in moderation. Foods high in fats (fried foods)
should be avoided.

Nutrition in Teens
 Since
teenagers’ bodies are still
developing, pregnant teens have special
nutritional needs. Teens tend to fill up on
high-calorie, low nutrient foods. It is
important for pregnant teens to get plenty
of the necessary nutrients for proper
growth and development. (See p. 154)
Special Diets

Women who are lactose intolerant have
abdominal pain and gas when eating milk
products. They should get their calcium intake
from other calcium enriched foods such as
broccoli, leafy green vegetables, or tofu. They
can also take lactase, which is an enzyme that
helps digest the lactose.
 Vegetarians don’t eat meat which is high in
protein. Instead, they should eat plenty of dried
beans, nuts, nut butters, and tofu to get their
protein.
Weight Gain During Pregnancy
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Women typically gain about 24-30 pounds
during pregnancy.
In the first 3 months, some don’t gain any weight
or lose weight because of morning sickness.
Recommended weight gain is about a pound a
month the first three months, then ½ pound each
week every month after.
Gaining too little weight could result in
premature birth or fetal death.
See p. 156.
Personal Care and Activities
Plenty of Rest – take frequent naps
 Exercise – walking, biking, or swimming
 Practice Good Hygiene – Keep skin clean
 Get
 Maternity
clothes – see website
Emotional Health
 Pregnancy
causes mood swings due to
emotional changes. It is vital for a woman
to talk about her feelings. See p. 158 for
ways to alleviate stress.
 Depression – Expectant mothers who feel
overwhelmed should seek professional
help or find a good support group.