Post on 22-Dec-2015
Am I Pregnant?Common Symptoms ….
Missed menstrual period
Breast tendernessMorning sicknessMore frequent urination
Diagnosing Pregnancy
Presumptive Signs: breast changes, amenorrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, frequent urination
Probable Signs: Positive pregnancy test, physical changes in the uterus
Positive Signs: Ultrasound or X-ray of fetus, fetal heartbeat, fetal movement
Pregnancy Tests
Physician testsHome pregnancy tests test based on detection of hCgHuman chorionic gonadotropin -
a hormone secreted by the placenta; it is the substance detected in pregnancy tests
Prenatal DevelopmentNine months of pregnancy are divided
into three equal periods of three months – called trimesters
– First trimester - months 1 to 3(embryo- first 2 months)(fetus- next 7 months)– Second trimester - months 4 to 6– Third trimester - months 7 to 9
The Embryo and Its SupportSystems
Placenta - an organ formed on the wall of the uterus through which the fetus receives oxygen and nutrients and gets rid of waste products
Umbilical cord - the tube that connects the fetus to the placenta
Amniotic fluid - the watery fluid surrounding a developing fetus in the uterus
Fetal Development During theFirst Trimester
Develops into a fetus with most of the major organ systems present
• 4th to 8th week - external body parts develop
7th week - liver, lungs, pancreas, kidneys, and intestines have formed and begun limited functioning
End of 12th week - 10 centimeters long;weighs 19 grams
Mom’s Physical Changes: First Trimester
Large increase in levels of hormones Breasts swell and tingle;
development of mammary glands Need to urinate Morning sickness Vaginal discharges may increase Feelings of fatigue and sleepiness Depression is common Emotional roller coaster
Quickening occurs - woman becomes aware of fetal movements
– around the end of the 14th weekFetal heart beat can be detectedFetus opens its eyes
Fetal Development During theSecond Trimester
Mom’s Physical Changes: Second Trimester
Morning sickness disappears Constipation and nosebleeds
sometimes occur Edema - water retention and swelling Colostrum may come out of the
nipple Emotional well-being improves
Fetal Development During theThird Trimester
Fetus’s skin is wrinkled and covered with downlike hair- lanugo and a waxy protective layer- vernix
Fetus turns in uterus to assume a head-down position
Fetus experiences rapid growth
Sex During Pregnancy
Intercourse can continue safely throughout pregnancy, unless otherwise stated by doctor
Some anecdotal evidence of hormones in semen inducing labor
Nutrition During Pregnancy
Diet during is extremely importantWoman must get enough protein,
folic acid, calcium, magnesium and vitamin A
The fetus comes first – it draws the nutrients it needs first, and whatever is left is for mom
Nutrition Deficiencies
Calcium – future risk of bone and tooth loss
Folic acid – (folate) much higher risk of neural tube defects. (decreases risk by 50%)
Zinc – malformations of the central nervous system
Effects of Drugs Taken During Pregnancy
Teratogens - a substance that produces defects in a fetus
Examples of teratogens: Antibiotics Alcohol - fetal alcohol syndrome Tobacco Other psychoactive drugs (cocaine, heroin) Thalidomide- drug that can cause limb defects Other drugs - check with physician and “when in
doubt, don’t”
Birth: The Beginning of Labor
Bloody show- discharge of mucous plug, along with some blood, that sealed the cervix
Amniotic sac ruptures- “water breaking”
Contractions may startLabor divided into 3 stages
The First Stage of Labor:Dilation and Contractions
Regular contraction of uterus muscles Effacement of cervix (thinning) Dilation of cervix (enlargement)o Divided into 3 stages:– Early first-stage labor (0-5 cm dilation)– Late first-stage labor (5-8 cm dilation)– Transition phase (8-10cm dilation)
Pain Management Epidural or Spinal Medication
regional blocks prevent the nerves from sending signals to the brain; numbs or reduces pain in part of the body (from the abdomen down).
Mental Relaxation Techniques Some techniques aim to focus your thoughts, others to distract you. Music, breathing, visualization are common.
Narcotic Analgesicsreduces your entire body’s ability to sense pain or discomfort. Administered through a shot or IV and will wear off within a few hours. Not recommended if you are within two hours of your baby’s birth.
Physical Comfort Measures Hot and cold packs, massage, sipping cool water are common.
Position Changes Some positions improve your baby's ability to navigate through the pelvis, other positions hinder his efforts. Some positions can help to reduce the pressure associated with a back labor, other positions make it easier to relax your body and rest.
Water Tubs and showers help to handle contractions with less discomfort.
The Second Stage of Labor: Delivery of the baby Begins when cervix is fully dilated Urge to push or bear down Crowning – top of the head is visible Fontanel- soft spots between the skull bones of
the baby Episiotomy may be performed – incision that is sometimes made at the vaginal
entrance during birth Baby is born
The Third Stage of Labor:Delivery of the afterbirth
Placenta detaches from walls of the uterus
Afterbirth is expelledSeveral contractions may
accompany placental expulsionEpisiotomy and tears are sewn
up
Cesarean Section
A method of delivering a baby surgically, by an incision in the abdomen
Reasons to have a C Section:– Baby is too large, mother’s pelvis is too small- Baby not in head down position– Cervix is not dilating– Umbilical cord prolapses– Excessive bleeding– Placenta previa
Newborn testing
APGAR- the rating (0-2) of baby’s physical characteristics 1 and 5 minutes after birth
If there are problems with the baby an additional score is given at 10 minutes.
A score of 7-10 is considered normal, while 4-7 might require some resuscitative measures, and a baby with apgars of 3 and below requires immediate resuscitation.
A activity
P pulse
G grimace
A appearance
R respiration