Leading Up to Delivery

Things to remember.

Regular exercise eases your labor experience and helps you to return to pre-pregnancy weight

Alcohol shouldn’t be used during pregnancy

Pregnancy is meant to last 40 weeks, not a technical 9 months (36 weeks)

Things to remember…

Good to prepare the nursery, clothes Organize the house/life if possible before

delivery Set up support network for after delivery Attend your prenatal visits

complete ordered testing complete with preadmit tour Meet with the lactation consultant

Possible Pregnancy Developments

Pre-eclampsia (increased blood pressure) Group B strep Preterm Labor (>3 weeks before due date)

Babies born < 37wks have much higher risk of infection, breathing problems, difficulty eating, temperature problems, and learning difficulties

Causes: Infection, dehydration, unknown Signs:

Regular contractions, don’t go away with rest/fluids Treatment: go to the hospital, rest, medications, bedrest

Possible Pregnancy Developments Preterm Delivery (at times we have no choice

but to deliver early) Birth before 37wks

Brain grows an additional 1/3 from wks 35-40 Lungs complete their development after 37wks May need to be delivered in Denver, greatly increased risk of

being transferred to Denver (you are the best incubator, not something man made, if there is risk, may be best to deliver in Denver)

Other Warning Signs to Watch for

Vaginal Bleeding Abdominal Pain Decreased fetal movement Fever Headache, visual changes Urinary discomfort

Treatment of Warning Signs

If you have any of these symptoms, call your provider/hospital

These are not normal expectations for later pregancy and could indicate a problemUpon arrival to the clinic or hospital, the cause

of the symptom will be found and treated

Additional Testing

Non-Stress Testing Evaluates the baby’s heartbeat at rest and with contractions (if

present) Helps determine fetal wellbeing

Bio-Physical Profile Evaluates if baby is getting enough oxygen in utero Ultrasound evaluates breathing, movement, muscle tone, and

amniotic fluid levels Determines fetal wellbeing Test failure usually means baby should be delivered (healthier

outside than inside)

Additional Testing

Kick CountsStudies have shown that a decrease in fetal

movement could indicate a problemCan use the kick count chart after 28wks10 kicks in 2hrsReport significant decreases to the provider

Conclusion

Telling you all of this, not to worry you, but to help you identify problems and to know what is normal vs. abnormal

If you know the warning signs, it helps us work as a team to have a healthy mom and baby!