Children the Early Years
by Celia Anita Decker
Chapter 5: Prenatal Care
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Objectives
Some of the things the students will learn from this chapter is
 (a) the early signs of pregnancy;
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(b) the role of the environment on prenatal development; (c) the
relationship between the health of the mother and the heal of
the baby; and
(c) how diseases, drugs, radiation, environmental pollutants, and
congenital problems can harm the fetus.
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This is a review for the chapter.
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http://quizlet.com/
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Vocabulary
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Obstetricians: doctors who specialize in pregnancy and
birth.
Premature: term that describes babies who are born too
soon.
Low birth weight: babies who weigh less than 5 ½ pounds
at birth.
Diabetes: disorder caused by the body’s inability to use
sugar properly.
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Sexually Transmitted Infections:
infectious illnesses that are passed
primarily through sexual
intercourse.
Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome (AIDS): disease caused
by the HIV virus, attack the
immune system.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS):
condition in infants that occurs
when mothers drink heavily during
pregnancy.
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Amniocentesis: prenatal test in
which a needle is inserted through
the woman’s stomach into the
amniotic sac and a sample of the
fluid is removed for cell study.
Labor: process that moves the
baby out of mothers’ body.
Certified Nurse Midwife: nurse
who have special training in
delivering babies during normal
pregnancies.
Ultrasound: prenatal test in which
sound waves bounce off the fetus
to produce an image of the fetus
inside the womb.
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Environmental factors: those
factors caused by a person’s
surroundings.
Rh factor: a protein substance found
in the red blood cells of about 85%
of the population.
Pregnancy-Induced
Hypertension (PIH): the name of
high blood pressure caused by
pregnancy.
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Pre-term birth: the delivery that
occurs before 37 weeks of
pregnancy.
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Chorionic villus sampling (CVS):
the procedure for finding
abnormalities in the unborn.
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SIGNS OF PREGNANCY
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Possible Signs of Pregnancy
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Pregnancy is a normal process.
Menstruation stops
Nausea
Tiredness
Frequent urination
Swelling & tender breast
Skin discoloration
Backache, groin pain, dizziness, etc.
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Positive Signs of Pregnancy
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HCG…hormone found in blood & urine of pregnant
woman. First 2 weeks of pregnancy.
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Fetal heartbeat...use a special device about 12-16wks.
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Fetal movement...begins at 11wks.
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Fetal image…seen with ultrasound.
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Uterine contractions…painless contractions.
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I Didn’t Know I was Pregnant
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24_A2_uhBiQ
Medical Care The First Appointment
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The first appointment sets a foundation for medical care throughout
pregnancy, both parents should go to the first visit.
Doctor visits:
once a month for the 1st six months.
twice a month during the 7th & 8th months
once a week during the 9th month
The doctor will:
a. Gather information (age & parent health history)
b. Menstrual Cycle information
c. Physical exam for the mom
(weigh, blood pressure, pulse & respiration rates). Check her breast & perform a pelvic exam. Measure her pelvis to see if it’s large
enough for the baby’s head to come through. Urine & blood test completed. Check for anemia, blood sugar, etc.
D. Discuss health habits.
E. Give the expected due date.
F. Set date for next appointment.
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Discussion
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Why is quality prenatal care started early in
pregnancy important?
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Ultrasound
www.babycenter.com
Ultrasound Exam BabyCenter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xELNRFE63MY
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Ultrasound of Multiples
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKRfjTYwGjw
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The Unborn Baby’s Environment
Immediately after conception, the
environment begins to exert and
influence on the unborn baby.
The prenatal environment is mom’s
body. The mom’s age, weight, health
habits, and hazards she encounter
are environmental factors that affect
the baby.
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Factors that Affect the Baby’s
Health
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Mothers Age
a. Best age for women is 21-28
b. Teens & women over 36 are high risk mom’s to be
c. Teens are still developing; there bodies
can’t always meet the needs.
d. Very young teen tend to have low-birth or premature
babies, have disabilities or born dead.
e. Women over 36 tend to have babies with health
problems.
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Do you agree or disagree about the ages given
as the ideal ages for a mother to give birth?
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Explain your reason.
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Mother’s Physical Health
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mom’s
to be may
Women who are healthy b/4 pregnancy tendOverweight
to have healthy
babies.
experience: fatigue, high blood
pressure, heart strain, and blood
Those with poor health tend to have unhealthy
babies.
sugar
problems.
with good eating habits &
Tests can be done to determine the health ofWomen
the babies.
engage in physical activity are
more likely to have healthy
pregnancy.
You can have problems if you are over or under
weight.
Less active mom’s may face more
problems.
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Mom’s Emotional Health
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Positive thoughts & feelings are important for pregnant
women.
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Negative feelings can stimulate the nervous system &
the flow of adrenaline.
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When a mom is happy & relaxed, her adrenaline level is
low, her heartbeat & breathing are slow and relaxed
muscles.
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Health Habits
During Pregnancy
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When a woman is pregnant, health habits have an
even greater effect on her health and her baby’s
health.
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A pregnant woman may have to eat more of some
foods. (take vitamins, physical activities, sports).
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Nutrition
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During the first week, the baby is fed entirely on the contents of
the ovum’s yolk sac.
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After embedding, the fertilized egg feeds on mucous tissues that
line the womb. By the twelfth week, the baby completely
depends on the mother for food.
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Scientists now feel a woman needs essential nutrients throughout
her life to prepare for pregnancy.
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Good nutrition before pregnancy builds nutrient stores in her
body that will help meet these needs. Pregnant teens under 17
years of age have more nutritional problems because they are still
growing.
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Their bodies have not had time to build these stores.
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A nutritious diet is essential.
Cells need proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins to help them
grow.
Diets for pregnant and nursing mothers provide more calcium, iron, folic
acid, and protein than diets for non pregnant women.
Folic acid is a B-vitamin that can be found in most enriched breads, pastas,
rice, and cereals, as well as multivitamins.
Pregnant women need 600micrograms of folic acid daily.
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Class Discussion
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Food Replicas, plan a meal
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Healthy Pregnancy
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I Am Your Child Series
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Weight Gain
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Experts suggest women gain
25-35 lbs and more for
multiples (40-45 lbs). The
exact amount depend on the
weight & height of the
mom.
Need 300 extra calories per
day.
Dr’s watch how much
weight is gained and
unusual swelling.
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Hygiene Practices
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Continue normal grooming and body care.
Have dental checkups.
Avoid very cold or hot baths & hot tubs.
Wear comfortable clothes with low-heeled
shoes.
Last 4-6wks take showers.
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Rest & Sleep
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8-9 hours of sleep a night.
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15-30 minutes rest during the day, not
necessarily sleep.
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NEVER take drugs unless prescribed by the
doctor.
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Physical Activity & Exercise
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Unless advised by the doctor to limit physical
activity, a pregnant woman can and should be active.
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Activity keep weight w/i normal limits, strengthens
muscles women use in delivery, increases energy, and
relieves tension.
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Dr’s may advise women to avoid:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Avoid contact sports.
Activities that jolt the pelvic region.
Activities that could result in falls.
Walking is good
Dr’s may advise women to do:
1.
2.
Walking
Conditioning exercise to relieve back
and leg strain of later pregnancy.
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Students will work in groups of 3 to find at
least 3 physical activities that pregnant women
can do.
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Explain the benefits of each.
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Demonstrate to the class.
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Health Hazards
to Avoid
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Many health problems in the unborn can be
prevented if the mother protects herself before
and during pregnancy.
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Most disabilities are caused by environmental
factors.
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Diseases or Illnesses in the Mother
DIABETES
A disorder caused by the
body’s inability to use
sugar properly. In
diabetes, the body
inadequately produces or
uses the hormone
insulin.
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Diabetes During Pregnancy: What is
Gestational Diabetes?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-8de9LuVJQ
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Diabetes Basics: Create Your Plate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6LZijdsGu0
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PREGNANCY-INDUCED
HYPERTENSION (PIH)
The name of high blood pressure caused by
pregnancy. Also known as preeclampsia or
toxemia.
Includes a sudden increase in blood pressure,
protein in the urine, and swelling.
Cause unknown, affects 8% of all pregnancies.
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SEXUALLY
TRANSMITTED
INFECTIONS (STI’s)
Infections passed primarily
through sexual intercourse.
Also known as sexually
transmitted diseases.
Sometime you are affected but
don’t have the signs.
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Drugs
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This refers to medications, alcohol, nicotine
(from cigarettes), and illegal drugs.
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MEDICATIONS
A pregnant worm should not take any medication
without consulting her doctor. This includes
prescriptions, over the counter, dietary
supplements and herbal products.
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Alcohol
Dr’s advise women NEVER to drink alcohol during
pregnancy. That includes beer, wine, or hard liquor,
they can harm an unborn child.
Almost 40,000 babies are born with damage from
alcohol.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): condition in infants
that occurs when mothers drink heavily during
pregnancy.
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Nicotine
Babies of smokers are usually smaller than average or
premature. While the mom is smoking the baby’s oxygen
is greatly reduced. Studies show that cleft lip/palate risks
are increased with mom smoke.
Smoking can cause a baby’s brain to develop abnormally.
This can lead to learning problems, hyperactivity, and poor
attention spans. Ear infections and breathing problems are
also more common.
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Smoking During Pregnancy
Smoking in Pregnancy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFi19fZD2bg
The Truth About Smoking During Pregnancy -- The Bump
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8tETuwuGPg
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ILLEGAL DRUGS
If a woman is addicted to drugs, chances are
her baby is too.
Low-birth weight and premature babies are
often born to women who use drugs.
Babies go through withdrawals.
These babies have a slim chance of living a
healthy life.
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STI’s & Their Effects on the
Unborn/Newborn
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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)…are
illnesses or infections that are spread through sexual
contact. Some are gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes,
chlamydia, papilloma and AIDS.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bazh6p5rOFM
Look at video and get info to add to PP
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Syphilis…very
serious that can be
passed to the fetus.
The law requires that
all pregnant women be
tested for syphilis
during their first
prenatal visit.
Can cause deformities
or death of the fetus.
Untreated infections
causes deafness, brain
damage, skin lesions,
bone and facial
deformities and fetal
death.
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Chlamydia…caused by
the bacteria. Can enter
the infant’s eyes during
birth and usually causes
an eye infections known
as conjunctivitis or pinkeye. Usually appear
during the second week
after birth. Can be
treated with an antibiotic
and no damaging, longterm effects will occur.
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Papilloma…is more
commonly known as
venereal warts. Caused
by a virus and are
highly contagious
through sexual contact.
No adverse effects on
the infant.
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Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is found in 15-29yr olds.
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passed to the infant in the birth canal.
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If the infant is infected with gonorrhea during birth, the
infant’s eyes can be damaged.
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All infants are treated immediately after birth with an
antibiotic ointment that is placed under the infant’s
eyelids.
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Treatment includes placing silver nitrate in the infant’s eyes
& treating baby w/ antibodies.
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Blindness if untreated.
VIDEO
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su0raG4UpZY
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WEBSITE RESOURCES
WWW.GONORRHEA.ORG
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Herpes…
newborns develop
skin lesions and brain
damage, 50% die.
No treatment
available. C-section
may prevent contact
 Chlamydia…
with secretions. Miscarriage, low birth
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weight and death of
infants due to lung
disorders.
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Genital herpes…
an incurable disease that is
thought to infect an infant in the
birth canal. Serious damage to the
eyes and canal nervous system.
Death may occur.
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Acquired Immuno-deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS)… disease with no
known cure. You can have it for years
without knowing it. AIDS affects the
immune system and makes it difficult for
the body to fight infections and disease.
These infections or diseases that the
immune system cannot fight usually are
the causes of death for most people with
AIDS.
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Discussion
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Because so much is known about the dangers
of these substances on unborn babies, do you
think drinking alcohol, using nicotine, or
taking illegal drugs during pregnancy should
be considered child abuse.
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Drugs & Diseases
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Students will select an STI (syphilis, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, gonorrhea,
Chlamydia, AIDS, alcohol, diabetes, high blood pressure, illegal drugs, smoking,
prescription med’s, over the counter drugs).
Put this information in a poster format. Include a picture and the name of the
substance?
List the address of 3 web sites you visited to research the information.
What is the best advice your found in your search for helping pregnant women
avoid this substance?
Use the internet or other resources and find the following information:
how is the infection transmitted?
what are the effects on the baby?
how can the illness be prevented?
what treatments are available for babies exposed to this
substance prenatally?
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Complications of
Pregnancy
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Congenital problems: physical or
biochemical problem that is present at
birth & may be caused by genetic or
environmental factors.
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Pre-term birth: as a deliver that occurs
before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
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Miscarriage: expulsion of a baby from
the mother’s body before week 20 of
pregnancy.
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Stillbirth: loss of a fetus after 20 weeks
of pregnancy.
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The Crippled Lamb
By Max Lucado
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How may of you know someone who has had a
problem pregnancy?
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Did she ever think anything like that could
happen to her?
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No one plans on having a problem pregnancy, but
everyone should know something about the
potential problems in order to safeguard their
health and the health of their fetus.
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About 150,000 babies are born each year with
birth defects.
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The parents of one out of every 28 babies
receive the frightening news that their baby
has a birth defect.
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There are over 4,000 known birth defects.
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Birth defects are the leading cause of death in
the first year of life
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An abnormality of structure,
function or body metabolism
(inborn error of body chemistry)
present at birth that results in
physical or mental disability or is
fatal.
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Both genetic and environmental
factors can cause birth defect.
However, the causes of about 60% of
birth defects are currently unknown.
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A single abnormal gene can cause
birth defects. Every human being has
about 100,000 genes that determine
traits like eye color, hair, etc.
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While the causes of most birth defects are not
known, there are a number of steps a woman can
take to reduce her risk of having a baby with a birth
defect.
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Visit a health care provider for a pre-pregnancy
check up. Especially if a woman has health
problems.
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When pregnant take daily multivitamin containing
400 mg of the B-vitamin folic Acid.
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Avoid alcohol, drugs, smoking, prescription or overthe-counter medication with out checking with her
health care provider.
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Overweight
Underweight
Jewish decent
African American
Last birth was less than 12 month ago
Has had a baby that weighed less than d ½ pounds
Has had 3 or more miscarriages
Has had more than 5 pregnancies
Has had a still born baby
Drinks alcohol
Has personal habits that are different from most people
Uses prescription drugs
Has used street drugs
Takes vitamins
Drinks caffeine
Has had exposure to chemicals
Live in a home built before 1955
Constant exposure to cats
Has had x-rays during pregnancy
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Health Habits
Booklet
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See guidelines
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