Pregnancy and
Childbirth
Stress during Pregnancy:
Exercises
Breathing exercises
Abdominal breathing
Deep breathing
Yoga
Stretches
Meditation
Stress Balls
They can help for fidgeting
Also good to have if bored
They can help if you are stressing out
You can squeeze them
You can throw them on the wall
Calming Art Activities
Drawing
Reading
Painting
Water-colouring
Writing
Sketching
Colouring
Labour and Delivery:
Stage 1 Labour:
Every woman's labour is unique, even from one pregnancy to the next.
In some cases, labour is over in a matter of hours — or less. In other cases, labor tests a mother's physical and emotional stamina.
You won't know how your labor will unfold until it happens.
Early Labour and Active Labour:
The first stage of labour (early labour) occurs when the cervix opens (dilates) and thins out (effaces) to allow the baby to move into the birth canal.
This is the longest of the three stages of labour. It's actually divided into two phases of its own — early labor and active labour.
Cervical Effacement and Dialation:
Early labour is unpredictable. It can last for hours or even days, especially for first-time moms. It's often much shorter for subsequent deliveries.
Active Labour: During active labor, your cervix will dilate to 10 centimeters.
Your contractions will get stronger, last longer and come closer together.
Near the end of active labor, it might feel as though the contractions never completely disappear.
You might feel increasing pressure in your back as well. If you haven't headed to your labor and delivery facility yet, now's the time.
Active labour often lasts up to eight hours. For some women, active labour lasts hours longer. For others — especially those who've had a previous vaginal delivery — active labor is much shorter.
The last part of active labour (often referred to as transition) can be particularly intense. If you feel the urge to push but you're not fully dilated, your health care provider might ask you to hold back.
Pushing too soon could cause your cervix to tear or swell, which might delay delivery or cause troublesome bleeding.
Stage 2: The Birth Of Your Baby!
How long it lasts: It can take from a few minutes up to several hours or more to push your baby into the world. It often takes longer for first-time moms and women who've had an epidural.
This is when you must begin to push!
You can push while squatting, sitting, kneeling — even on your hands and knees.
At some point, you might be asked to push more gently — or not at all. Slowing down gives your vaginal tissues time to stretch rather than tear.
After your baby's head is delivered, his or her airway will be cleared and your health care provider will make sure the umbilical cord is free. The rest of your baby's body will follow shortly.
Stage 3: Delivery Of The Placenta:
How long it lasts: The placenta is typically delivered in about five to 10 minutes. In some cases, it may take up to 30 minutes.
You'll continue to have mild contractions.
Your health care provider might massage your lower abdomen to encourage your uterus to contract and expel the placenta.
You might be asked to push one more time to deliver the placenta, which usually comes out with a small gush of blood.
Genetic Dieseases:
Cerebral Palsy
What is Cerebral Palsy Disease?
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone or posture.
It is caused by damage that occurs to the developing brain, which is most often before birth, but it can occur during early infancy as well.
What are the Types of Cerebral Palsy Disease?
SPASTICITY:
Stiff muscles that are associated with damage to or developmental differences in the cerebral cortex.
DYSKENESIA:
Uncontrollable movements associated with damage to the basal ganglia.
ATAXIA:
Poor balance and coordination associated with damage to the cerebellum.
MIXED:
A combination of two or more types of Cerebral Palsy which are associated with multiple areas of the brain.
How does the Child inherit CP?
Genetic Factors:
Cerebral Palsy is sometimes inherited by the genes of the parents if they have Cerebral Palsy.
Premature birth and the age of the parents can affect the baby having CP.
Environmental Factors:
Being exposed to toxins or contaminants can put the baby at risk for CP even before conception.
Infections can play a part in CP as well as your health and well being.
What are the symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?
Movement & Coordination:
Stiffness of muscles
Favoring one side of the body
such as only reaching with one hand or dragging a leg while crawling.
slow movements.
lack of balance and muscle coordination.
Development:
Delays in reaching motor skills milestones
such as sitting up or crawling.
has learning difficulties and intellectual disabilities.
There is also delayed growth.
Which results in a smaller size than what would be expected.
Speech & Eating:
Delays in speech development
Difficulty speaking
Difficulty with sucking, chewing or eating.
Excessive drooling or problems with swallowing.
Is there a cure for CP?
There is no cure to CP but at least it isn’t a progressive disease.
There are many types of treatments to help prevent CP getting worse.
Treatments include:
Medications
Therapy
Surgery
and special equipment if needed can help as well.
Special Equipment can include walkers or crutches.
Are there any Medications for CP?
Medications can be taken by mouth
injected into the affected muscles
or infused into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord through a pump implanted near the spinal cord.
Medications include:
Diazepam
Antacids
Sleep aids
Laxatives
Anticholinergics
Anticonvulsants
Baclofen or any other muscle relaxants.
Is there any therapies that can work for CP?
Physical Therapy is the most common therapy there is for Cerebral Palsy but there are many others.
Physical therapy:
It involves exercises and activities that can maintain or improve muscle strength, balance, and movement.
A physical therapist helps the child learn skills such as sitting, walking, or using a wheelchair.
Other Therapies Include:
1) Occupational therapy:
This type of therapy helps a child learn to do everyday activities such as dressing and going to school.
2) Recreational therapy:
Participating in art programs, cultural activities, and sports can help improve a child’s physical and intellectual skills.
3) Speech and language therapy:
A speech therapist can help a child learn to speak more clearly, help with swallowing problems, and teach new ways to communicate.
Such as by using sign language or a special communication device.
Not all therapies are appropriate for everyone with cerebral palsy.
It is important for parents, patients, and health care providers to work together to come up with the best treatment plan for the patient.
Fetal Development:
1st Month
the embryo is about 1/10 of an inch long.
The heart has begun beating and it is no larger than a poppy seed.
2nd Month
The embryo is about 1 inch long.
Has distinct, slightly webbed fingers.
Veins are clearly visible.
The heart has divided into right and left chambers.
3rd Month
the fetus is 2 1/2 to 3 inches long and is fully formed.
Has begun swallowing and kicking.
All organs and muscles have formed and are beginning to function.
4th Month
The baby is covered with a layer of thick, downy hair called lanugo.
The heartbeat can be heard clearly.
This is when you may feel your baby's first kick.
5th Month
There is a protective coating called vernix caseosa that begins to form on baby's skin.
The baby will be nearly 8 inches long and weigh almost a pound by the end of this month.
6th Month
Your baby's lungs are filled with amniotic fluid.
The baby has started breathing motions.
If you talk or sing, the baby can hear you.
Eyebrows and eyelids are visible.
7th Month
The baby weighs about 3 1/2 pounds and is about 12 inches long by the end of seventh month.
The baby's body is well-formed.
Fingernails cover his fingertips
now.
8th Month
The baby is gaining about half a pound per week, and layers of fat are piling on as well.
The baby has probably turned head-down in order to prepare for birth.
The baby weighs between 4 and 6 pounds.
9th Month
The baby is a heavy 6 to 9 pounds and it measures between 19 and 22 inches long.
As the baby becomes more crowded, you may feel it move around less.
Nutrition during Pregnancy:
Why is nutrition so important?
Meet increased nutrient demands
Provide needed energy
Prevent or minimize common pregnancy-related problems
Reduce risk of birth defects
Supply the needed nutrients for the baby's proper nourishment
Ensures a healthy birth weight
Maintains a healthy weight
Recommended weight gain
Underweight:
15-25 pounds
Normal:
25-35 pounds
Overweight:
28-40 pounds
Obese:
At least 15 pounds
Twins:
35-45 pounds
The recommended weight gain from conception to 20 weeks is only about 2-5 pounds total weight gain.
From 20 weeks to delivery the average weight gain is 1 pound per week.
Normal Pregnancy Weight Gain
Breast:
1-1.5 pounds
Blood:
3-4.5 pounds
Extra Water:
4-6 pounds
Uterus:
2.5-3.0 pounds
Placenta:/Amniotic Fluid:
3.5-5.5 pounds
Baby:
7-8 pounds
Stored Fat:
4-6.5 pounds
Total:
25-35 pounds
Eating for Two!!
300 calories a day during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters
300 calories can include:
1/2 of a sandwich with a cup of milk or yogurt.
300 calories can also include:
1 cup of cereal with a cup of milk and a banana as well.
300 calories can also include:
Peanut butter on two slices of toast and a cup of milk with it.
Proper nutrition:
Carbohydrates:
Sugars and Starches
It is the body's primary source of energy
You should have at least 4 servings a day that has carbs in it.
Carbohydrates include fruits, bread, some vegetables, milk and grains.
It should make up for about 60-70% of your total daily intake of calories.
Proteins:
The main purpose of protein is for building and repairing the body:
muscles
red blood cells
hair
hormones
It will be used for energy if the diet is insufficient in carbohydrates.
Proteins are found normally in:
Fish
Poultry
Meat
Tofu
Nuts
Beans
Eggs
Milk
Cheese
You need approximately 10 more grams consumed during pregnancy.
Consists of 10-20% of total calories
Fats:
It is the source of stored energy that gets burned during activities such as:
swimming
running
sprinting
cycling
jogging
and many sports as well
Fats are necessary for good health
It makes you feel full and no longer hungry.
It helps the body absorb the fat soluble nutrients
You should choose healthy fats such as:
Nuts:
Almonds
Hazelnuts
Pecans
Includes nut butters like:
Peanut butter
Sunflower butter
Almond butter
Seeds:
Pumpkin seeds
Chia seeds
Flax seeds
(Ground flax seeds are best to choose when consuming flax seeds).
Sesame seeds
Fish
Avacados
Vegetable oils:
Olive oil
Canola oil
Sunflower oil
Soy oil
Corn oil
Avocado oil
It consists of 20-25% of your total calories
It contains most calories per grams.
Fiber:
High-Fiber foods include:
foods like whole-grain breads
When choosing a whole-grain bread, make sure the first ingredient on the label is whole wheat, whole-grain, rye, etc.
cereals
and a variety of fruits and vegetables
Fruit vs. Juice
Juices do NOT contain fiber
Although they DO contain vitamins and minerals found in the whole fruit.
Choose whole fruit over juice whenever possible.
Consuming fiber stabilizes your blood sugar
You should consume 25-35 grams of fiber every day
Fiber protects you from:
Diabetes
Constipation
Diverticulosis
And lowers you LDL Cholesterol
Vitamins & Minerals:
Vitamins and minerals are needed for the body to work properly.
Many vitamins are found in fruits and vegetables. Processing (like cooking and canning) takes some of the vitamins out of fruits and vegetables.
Fresh food is best
Frozen food is good
Canned food is ok in a pinch
Good sources of vitamins and minerals are deep coloured fruits and vegetables.
Multivitamins include:
Antioxidants
Phytonutrients
B Vitamins are needed
B Vitamins include:
B-1 (Thiamin)
B-2 (Riboflavin)
B-3 (Niacin)
B-5 (Pantothenic Acid)
B-6 (Pyridoxine)
B-7 (Biotin)
B-9 (Folate or Folic Acid)
B-12 (Cobalamin)
Marginal vitamin and mineral intake are common in many women whether pregnant or not
Water:
Water is the most important nutrient of all. You cannot live without it.
It consists of 60-70% of body weight
It stabilizes the body temperature
Water carries the nutrients to the cells
Water also carries the waste from the cells away.
It is highly needed for all cell functions
You need around 8-12 cups a day of water in order to be hydrated
Special Interest Nutrients:
Vitamin B-12
Generally adequate amounts are obtained through animal products like:
Fish
Eggs
Milk
Meats and more
Vitamin B-12 works with Folic Acid in cell growth and is essential to the normal development of the baby.
Vegans or Vegetarians that do not have animal products in their diet needs supplementation.
Folic Acid
A supplement that is taken 1-3 months prior to contraception and during the first 6 weeks the gestation reduces the risk of neural tube defects.
Folic Acid is needed for:
for rapidly dividing cells
protein metabolism
and the formation of red blood cells
The Public Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age who are capable of becoming pregnant take 0.4 milligrams (400 micrograms) of folic acid daily.
Non-Pregnant women should induce 400 micrograms of folic acid per day.
Pregnant Women should induce 600 micrograms of folic acid per day.
Pregnant women who are smokers should induce up to 3-4 times more is required in order to reach the same blood levels as pregnant women who don't smoke.
Food Sources for Folic Acid:
It is hard to get enough folic acid everyday from food alone.
Fortified breakfast cereals
Dried beans
Liver/meats
Citrus Fruits
Spinach and green leafy vegetables
Peanuts
Sunflower Seeds
Iron
Pregnant women who make wise food choices can meet most of their nutrient needs, except for iron.
Iron is needed for the formation of red blood cells
A normal diet of iron is 10-11 milligrams a day.
15 milligrams a day is recommended for pregnant women.
Food Sources for Iron:
Meat
Fish
Poultry
Legumes
Whole-grain and enriched breads
Enriched cereals
Dark greens
Dry apricots
Calcium
Recommended amounts of calcium for
Pregnant women is 1200-1500 mg per day
Calcium is used in the formation of fetal bones
Calcium absorption increases with Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced by exposure of the skin to sunlight.
Vitamin D is fortified in milk and some soy milks.
Food Sources of Calcium:
Low-fat milk
Skim milk
Shrimp
Calcium-fortified apple and orange juice
Calcium is added to some foods that are not naturally high in this nutrient, such as calcium-fortified apple and orange juice.
Including these foods in your diet is a good way to help meet higher calcium needs during pregnancy.
Turnip greens
Sesame seeds
Collard greens
Broccoli
Oyesters
Low-fat yogurt
Calcium is added to some foods that are not naturally high in this nutrient, such as calcium-fortified apple and orange juice. Including these foods in your diet is a good way to help meet higher calcium needs during pregnancy.
The body absorbs calcium best from dairy products like milk and yogurt compared with the calcium found in other food sources.
Will be absorbed from the maternal bones if not enough calcium in your diet.
A supplement is often required.
Food Sources for Calcium:
Foods to Avoid:
Raw fish
Sushi
Pate
Deli meats
Raw or uncooked meat and poultry
Raw meat and poultry may be a source of salmonella bacteria.
Unpasteurized cheeses
Soft or blue-veined cheeses
Pregnant women are advised to avoid foods in which high levels of the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes have occasionally been found (the above foods).
Listeriosis is a rare flu-like illness that may cause miscarriage, stillbirth or severe illness in infants.
Fish that contains high levels of mercury like:
Sharks
Tile-fishes
King Mackerels
Swordfishes
Eating fish that contains high levels of mercury can cause nerve damage.
Raw shellfish
Raw eggs or dishes containing raw or partially cooked eggs
Eating foods containing raw or undercooked eggs increases the risk of salmonella poisoning.
Things to Avoid during Pregnancy:
Alcohol & Cigarettes
Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can cause irreversible physical and mental retardation of the fetus – fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
FAS is totally preventable by merely avoiding alcohol.
The Surgeon General has issued a statement that pregnant women should drink absolutely no alcohol.
Pregnancy dramatically increases the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes.
Smoking restricts the blood supply to the growing fetus. This limits oxygen and nutrient delivery and waste removal. Women who smoke usually eat less nutritious foods during pregnancy than nonsmokers.
A mother who smokes is more likely to have a complicated birth and a low-birth weight infant.
There is a positive relationship between Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and cigarette smoking during pregnancy.
Over-the-counter medications or Herbal Supplementations
Consult your health care provider first about over-the-counter medications and supplementations.
Caffeine
Consult your health care provider first about your caffeine intake if your pregnant
Research has not shown that caffeine causes birth defects in human infants.
Moderate-to-heavy intake of caffeine may lower infant birth weight. Heavy caffeine use is the equivalent of 2-3 cups of coffee per day.
Recreational drugs
The Food Guide:
Energy and nutrient needs are high during pregnancy.
A balanced diet that includes an extra serving from the five food groups of the Food Guide Pyramid can usually meet these needs (with the exception of iron).
Since pregnant teenagers are still growing, even more calories and nutrients are needed compared to pregnant women.
For example, teens need an extra serving (four servings total) of foods from the milk, yogurt, and cheese group.
The typical American plate includes a large serving of meat with smaller servings of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
At least ½ of the plate should include vegetables and fruits. The remaining half should include whole grain foods and meat, fish or poultry.
Eating the proper foods throughout your pregnancy can help ensure that you deliver a healthy well-nourished baby.
Your baby is depending on you to provide what is needed for a healthy start in life.
Common Pregnancy Problems:
Nausea & Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may be due to food-borne illness.
Be sure to wash hands often, store food properly and cook food thoroughly.
Eat before getting out of bed
Eat easy-to-digest foods
Avoid an empty stomach
Avoid Strong Odors:
Pregnant women have a better sense of smell.
Avoid spicy foods.
Stay out of the kitchen if necessary and let someone else prepare meals.
Try these drinks to settle the stomach:
lemon tea
ginger ale
Sprite
7-up
lemonade
ginger tea
Snack before going to bed
Peanut butter crackers
Glass of milk
Small bowl of cereal
Eat slowly
Constipation
Eat high fiber foods:
High Fiber foods include:
Whole-grain foods
Bran
Vegetables
Fruits
legumes (dried beans and peas)
Hormonal changes slow down the intestines
Be as physically active as much as possible
Regular exercise also helps alleviate constipation. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Try dried plums, prune juice, or figs
Drink 8-12 glasses of water everyday
Do not use laxatives unless prescribed by your health care provider
Heartburn
Many pregnant women experience heartburn during some point in their pregnancy.
Eat small meals frequently
Cut down on caffeinated and carbonated beverages
Eat slowly in a relaxed environment
Do not lie down after eating
Prop head of the bed up
Wear loose-fitting comfortable clothes
Avoid gaining too much weight
Talk to a doctor before taking any antacids
Swelling
If your hands and/or face begin to swell, or if the swelling persist for more than 24 hours at one time, notify your doctor.
This may be a sign of eclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension) if also accompanied by a rise in blood pressure, protein in the urine and a rapid weight gain.
Avoid using diuretics unless it is prescribed by your health care provider.
Avoid salt and salty foods.
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
Water actually helps to decrease swelling.
As blood supply increases, your legs, feet, and arms may swell
Mild edema (swelling) during pregnancy is related to the normal and necessary increase in body fluids.
Elevate your feet whenever possible
Wear loose-fitting shoes and clothes
Non-food Cravings (Pica)
Food cravings and aversions are common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
They are usually harmless unless you avoid an entire food group.
However, consuming nonfood items during pregnancy can be dangerous to both the mother and the baby and should be avoided.
Pica is especially common in African American pregnant women.
Pica may also lead to iron-deficiency anemia, malnutrition, and lead exposure (brain damage).
Some pregnant women develop cravings for non-food substances like:
Clay
Dirt
Mud
Chalk
Ice
Laundry Starch
This does not reflect a physiological need for a particular nutrient.
Advantages of Breastfeeding:
Advantages for Mother
Physical
Decreased vaginal bleeding and risk of hemorrhage after birth.
Weight loss due to increased caloric needs.
Reduction of uterine, ovarian cancer and breast cancer risk, especially to women who breastfeed for more than two years.
Improved bone density and reduction of hip fractures.
No mixing, measuring, or clean-up of feeding supplies.
Social
Breast feeding is always available.
Babies and breasts are both portable!
Breastfeeding can be done discreetly.
Travel is easier
Emotional
Promotes bonding and a close relationship between the mother and infant.
Provides opportunity for rest during the day.
Economic
Savings of more than $1000 during the first year.
The infants with fewer illnesses results in lower health care costs.
Healthier babies results in fewer sick day-offs for the parents.
Advantages for Infant
Physical
Breast milk is nutritionally perfect for the infants.
Readily available with no preparation or sterilization.
Decreased risk of:
Asthma
Colic
Food allergies
Eczema
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SID Syndrome)
Some cancers
Diabetes
Chronic bowel disease
Few urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and ear infections.
Promotes nervous system development and increases intelligence.
Easily digested resulting in less gas, colic, and spitting up.
Presence of antibodies and other protective factors.
Emotional
Promotes a healthy bond with the mother.
Proper Latch for Breastfeeding
A proper latch is important to prevent sore nipples and overfull breasts known as engorgement. It helps milk flow properly, stimulate a good milk supply, and satisfy the baby's appetite.
When Formula's Necessary
Most common illnesses, such as colds, flu, skin infections, or diarrhea, cannot be passed through breast milk.
In fact, if a mother has an illness, her breast milk will contain antibodies to it that will help protect her baby from those same illnesses.
A few viruses can pass through breast milk, however.
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is one of them.
Women who are HIV positive should not breast-feed.
Burping:
Baby will swallow some air during feedings.
Gently burp once during, and again after each feeding.
Burp by rubbing or patting softly on baby's back with baby on your shoulder or lap.
Spitting Up:
Spitting up is normal, especially when the baby burps.
But If baby vomits large amounts often, the you should call your baby's doctor.
Tips for Breastfeeding Success
Get an early start.
Nurse on demand.
No supplements:
Nursing babies don't need sugar water or formula supplements.
Proper positioning:
The baby's mouth should be wide open, with the nipple as far back into his or her mouth as possible.
This minimizes soreness for the mother.
A nurse, midwife, or other knowledgeable person can help her find a comfortable nursing position.
Eat right and get rest:
To produce plenty of good milk, the nursing mother needs a balanced diet that includes 500 extra calories a day and six to eight glasses of fluid.
She should also rest as much as possible to prevent breast infections, which is provoked by fatigue.
If a woman is unsure whether she wants to nurse, she can try it for a few weeks and switch if she doesn't like it.
It's very difficult to switch to breast-feeding after bottle-feeding is begun.
If she plans to breastfeed, a new mother should learn as much as possible about it before the baby is born.
Obstetricians, pediatricians, childbirth instructors, nurses, and midwives can all offer information about nursing.
But perhaps the best ongoing support for a nursing mother is someone who has successfully nursed a baby like her grandmothers, mother, or aunts.
Possible Promblems
In the early weeks, it can be painful. A woman's nipples may become sore or cracked.
She may experience engorgement more than a bottle-feeding mother, when the breasts become so full of milk they're hard and painful.
Another possible disadvantage of nursing is that it affects a woman's entire lifestyle.
Staying Healthy During Pregnancy
1) What is Prenatal Care?
Prenatal Care is keeping the baby healthy as well as keeping yourself healthy.
2) What is OB/GYN stand for?
OB/GYN stands for obstetricians/gynecologists.
3) What do OB/GYN doctors specialize in?
Obstetricians/gynecologists are doctors that specialize in pregnancy, childbirth and a women’s health care.
4) What is a midwife?
A Midwife are advanced practice nurses that specialize in women’s health care needs, which includes prenatal care, labour and delivery, and postpartum care for uncomplicated pregnancies.
5) Give an example of a healthy dinner for a pregnant woman.
An example of a healthy dinner for a pregnant woman could include:
Lean meats
fruits
vegetables
whole-grain breads
and low-fat dairy products such as:
low-fat milk
low-fat yogurt
and cheese).
6) If a pregnant woman is taking prenatal vitamins, does she need to eat well?
A pregnant woman still needs to eat well even if she is taking prenatal vitamins. They are meant to supplement their diets and aren’t meant to be the only source of much-needed nutrients.
7) How many mg’s of Calcium is recommended for a pregnant woman?
It is recommended that a pregnant woman take 1000mg of Calcium daily.
8) Name 3 good sources of calcium for a pregnant woman.
1) Almonds.
2) Low-fat dairy products like: milk, pasteurized cheese and yogurt.
3) Calcium-fortified products including:
9) Why is Iron important for a pregnant woman to consume?
Iron is important because it is needed to make hemoglobin which makes red blood cells and red blood cells delivers oxygen to all the cells.
Without iron the pregnant woman wouldn’t get enough nutrients and neither would the baby and the bay will be quite weak and might have a low-birth weight.
10) How many mg's of Iron does a pregnant woman need to consume per day?
Pregnant woman need to consume 30mg of iron per day.
11) Identify 3 iron-rich foods.
1) Dried fruits
2) Tofu
3) Dark leafy green vegetables
12) Why is a Folic Acid supplement so important for a pregnant woman to take?
It is important to take folic acid supplements 1 month prior to and throughout the first 3 months of pregnancy
decreases the risk of neural tube defects.
13) Why is lying on one's side during sleep beneficial for a pregnant woman?
Lying on your side during sleep is beneficial for a pregnant woman because it is the most comfortable position when pregnant as well as it helps the heart do its job easier.
It keeps the baby’s weight from putting any pressure on the large blood vessels that carry blood to and from your heart to everywhere there needs to be blood at. Lying on your side can also reduce or prevent swelling which is a common problem in pregnancy.
14) Is it OK for a woman to do High-Impact sports while pregnant? Yes or No?
Pregnant woman may be able to do high-impact sports but they should try to limit it because it may pose a risk to falling and/or abdominal injuries which you would want to avoid.
High-impact sports include:
Contact sports
Horseback riding
Scuba diving
Downhill skiing
15) Identify 4 things a pregnant woman should avoid consuming.
1) Alcohol
2) Nicotine
3) Caffeine
4) Recreational Drugs
16) What is Toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is a food-borne illness that can be life-threatening to an unborn baby and it may cause some birth defects or miscarriage even.
17) Is it OK for a pregnant woman to take over the counter medications without discussing it with their doctor?
It is not ok for a pregnant woman to take over the counter medications without discussing it with their doctor.
The baby or mother may have an allergic reaction to it if they have any medications they are allergic to, there could be harm done to their health or the baby’s health.