|
Congratulations! You're pregnant! You're excited and a bit nervous. That's natural. You have lots of questions and concerns. Relax and enjoy the many benefits of delivering at Verdugo Hills Hospital's BEGINNINGS Family Birth Center. As a BEGINNINGS family member, you'll receive a bundle of personalized services, including cost savings on childbirth education classes. |
What's Happening to Me?As you become informed about the changes taking place during pregnancy, you will become more aware of your body and its needs. Remember, no two pregnancies develop at the same rate. The changes, symptoms, or feelings pregnancy brings will come to you in your personal time frame. If you have any concerns regarding any symptoms or feelings you're experiencing, jot them down to discuss with your physician on your next visit. Psychologically, your main task during pregnancy is to incorporate your new baby into your long-term planning, your future, your feelings, and your lifestyle. The best thing you can do is be open about your feelings. Prospective moms and dads should openly express their feelings to one another honestly. If you begin your pregnancy with open, honest dialogue, you will have a foundation for communication throughout the pregnancy. |
NEWSLETTER Table of Contents Baby's Development Prenatal Care Common Discomforts During Pregnancy Drinking and Smoking During Pregnancy You're In Training Mommy's Notes Family Education Classes |
|
There will be many ups and downs during your pregnancy. Be patient with yourself and your
partner. Be realistic about small grievances. You are beginning to see each other in a new
way. Don't be too hard in your evaluation.
Your body size and shape may make you self-conscious. You may even worry about becoming fat and unattractive. Look for the beauty in pregnancy. Self-confidence that comes with feeling proud of your shape will make you more positive about your condition. Mood changes are largely a reflection of the tremendous changes in your internal hormonal secretions. Don't feel guilty or ashamed if you behave differently toward people. Nearly all pregnant women are given to mood swings, bouts of crying, or feeling unsure or panicky. It is normal to feel low every now and then in pregnancy. Try not to be too analytical. All prospective parents wonder if they will be capable parents, whether they will be able to cope with the day-to-day care of baby. All women are beset by fears of how they will behave in labor. Will they scream or act foolishly? Will they shout and do things they wish they hadn't? Such fears are normal, and chances are you'll be surprised at how calmly you behave. It really isn't important. The doctors and nurses have seen it all before, so don't be embarrassed. |
|
Baby's Development |
||
|
Many miraculous changes have already taken place within your first trimester. From the moment
of conception, the "blueprints" for your baby have been decided, including eye color, hair
color, and other unique characteristics.
Early in the pregnancy, the umbilical cord is formed and acts as the link between baby and the placenta. It is the placenta that sends nourishment to the fetus and removes waste products. Your baby is protected by the amniotic fluid and sac, which provide a constant temperature and act as a protective buffer against shocks and bumps. After eight weeks, all baby's internal organs are in place. The major joints-shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees-are obvious. The spine can move. At week nine, the mouth begins to develop and the nose has formed. The most rapidly growing parts are the hands and feet. The hearing mechanism in the ear has developed. |
At week ten, the external parts of the ears are beginning to grow, and the eyes are
well-formed. The head is still large compared to the rest of the body. Fingers and toes are
distinguishable, but joined by webs of skin.
By week eleven, the heart pumps blood to all parts of the body. All the internal organs are fully formed and functioning. Closed eyelids are distinguishable, as the face becomes properly formed in week twelve. Muscles are starting to grow, which makes limb movements more pronounced. Brain and muscles coordinate; joints contract; toes will curl; and the baby can suck. The baby can swallow and takes in the amniotic fluid. By the end of the first trimester, your baby's internal systems are already well developed, with many organs more or less complete. Nerves and muscles are working, and reflexes are becoming established. Baby is moving, is about three inches long, and weighs less than an ounce. |
Prenatal Care |
||
|
When you are pregnant, everything you do can affect your baby, so it is important to see your doctor regularly. Throughout your pregnancy, your doctor will perform a number of tests and procedures to make sure both you and your baby are doing fine. You'll also be given advice on how to take care of yourself so your baby will be born in the best possible health.
Eating a well-balanced diet during pregnancy is especially important. When you're pregnant, what you eat also provides food for the baby. Protein; carbohydrates; and vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, folic acid, and vitamin C, are all important and can be obtained by eating the right foods. Meat, eggs, fish, and seafood are all good sources of proteins. Dairy products provide calcium, important for baby's developing bones, teeth, muscles, heart, and nerves. Many meats, vegetables, and whole grain breads contain iron needed for the baby's blood supply and help many pregnant women avoid anemia. |
Pregnant women are advised to increase their daily intake of calories by 300 to 500 calories a day.
During your first three months, you might gain only two to four pounds. During the next six months, you can expect to gain an average of slightly less than one pound per week. On average, doctors suggest that women gain between 25 to 30 pounds during a normal pregnancy. Pregnancy is not the time to lose weight. Remember, within a week after your baby is born, you'll lose approximately 12 to 14 pounds. Many women continue to exercise during pregnancy. Before doing so, however, consult your doctor to decide on an exercise program that is right for you. Moderate physical activity during pregnancy is considered not only thoroughly safe, but extremely beneficial for most expectant mothers and their babies. (See "You're in Training") |
Common Discomforts During Pregnancy |
||
|
There is no denying that pregnancy can be an uncomfortable time. Many problems are irritating rather than giving any real cause for concern. Some discomforts will be more pronounced during one or two trimesters; others may occur during your entire pregnancy. Noted next to each is the number corresponding to the trimester in which you are mostly likely to experience the symptom. | |
|
Frequent Urination (1,3)
Early in your pregnancy, the blood supply to the pelvis is increased, causing the bladder to become irritable and to empty itself more frequently. While this may subside during your second trimester, it will likely recur later in your pregnancy as the weight of the uterus on the bladder reduces its capacity. The practice of pelvic floor exercises will assist you in managing this discomfort later in your pregnancy. The next article reviews this exercise and others you can use to make your pregnancy more comfortable. Fatigue (1,3) During your first trimester, you may have an overwhelming desire to sleep more than you did before. This is normal. Get adequate rest, including naps during the day, if necessary. A balanced diet high in essential nutrients will lessen fatigue. Breast Tenderness (1,2,3) Early in your pregnancy, your breasts will grow larger and may become tender. Invest in a good support bra. You may wish to wear your support bra even when you sleep to ease discomfort. As your pregnancy progresses, your nipples and the areola (area around the nipples) will enlarge and darken, and small bumps-skin glands-will form. Constipation (1,2,3) Progesterone causes relaxation of the muscles of the intestine and thus slows down bowel movements. Bowel contents tend to stagnate and dry out so that the stools become hard and painful to pass. To keep regular, eat plenty of fiber, including bran cereals, fresh fruit, and vegetables, and drink at least seven to eight glasses of liquid (not counting coffee or tea) every day. Avoid highly processed foods, mineral oil, and laxatives. Exercise regularly. Bloating/Gassiness (1,3) Swallowing air and eating certain foods, combined with sluggish intestines (see constipation, above), promote bloating or gassiness. When you eat, try to relax. Don't gulp food. Eat six small meals throughout the day rather than three large ones. Avoid gas-producing food such as beans, cabbage, and onions.
|
||
|
Bleeding Gums (1,2,3)
Gums thicken and soften due to the influence of pregnancy hormones and an increased blood supply to all parts of the body. Food tends to collect in the hollows around the base of the teeth, allowing bacteria to grow and multiply and cause tooth decay and possibly gum infection. Bleeding from the gums may occur after brushing or eating of hard foods. See your dentist if you are experiencing this. Edema (3) During pregnancy, your body retains an increased amount of fluid which can stagnate in the lower parts of your body and your fingers. Your hands and ankles may swell. Shoes may feel tight. Fingers may feel stiff in the morning. Rest with your legs up at least once during the day. Consult your physician. Insomnia (1,2,3) Due to increased metabolism and the fact that baby doesn't distinguish between night and day, baby may kick at night. Frequent urination and sweating may wake you. Wear light clothing to bed. Have a hot drink before going to bed to relax. Take advantage of your BEGINNINGS Baby Club at Reader's Edge and pick up a good book to curl up with before you nod off to sleep. Heartburn (3) The valve at the entrance of your stomach relaxes during pregnancy, allowing small amounts of acid to get into the esophagus, creating a burning sensation behind the breast bone, sometimes accompanied by the regurgitation of sour fluid. Avoid foods that are fried, high in fat, or highly processed, including hot dogs, salami, sausage, and bacon. Avoid heavy creams, carbonated drinks, and coffee. Relax. Wear clothes that give you room at the waist. Sleep propped up. Backache (1,2,3) Progesterone causes softening and stretching of the ligaments in the pelvic joints and spine, putting an extra strain on the muscles and joints of the lower spine, pelvis, and hips. To alleviate backache, maintain good posture. Correct posture during pregnancy will help you look and feel better. It will also help you to properly carry the weight you will eventually gain while reducing that stress on your back. Point your toes forward and distribute your weight evenly on your feet. Knees should be straight, not locked. Tuck in tummy and buttocks. Roll your shoulders up, back, and down, then let your arms fall easily at your sides. When standing in one place, bend knees slightly; shift your weight from one foot to the other. Consult your doctor regarding exercises to relieve backache. Leg Cramps (3) If you are experiencing leg cramps, elevate legs and use a heating pad. A very firm massage for several minutes may help. It also helps to flex the foot and push into the heel. Consult your physician. Food Cravings (1,2,3) Be creative when satisfying food cravings with nutritious low-calorie snacks. Avoid high-fat or greasy foods. Some low-calorie, nutritious snack foods include: nuts, raisins, dried apricots, green apples, carrots, celery, herbal teas, and water with lemon or lime. Pelvic Discomfort (3) Pain may be experienced in the groin and down the inside of the thighs, particularly after walking or exercising. You may feel the tingling of "pins and needles" spreading down the back of your legs to your feet due to the baby's head pressing upon nerves. This may occur toward the end of pregnancy. To decrease discomfort, rest, avoid turbulent exercise, and make sure you tell your doctor. Do not engage in an exercise program without consulting your physician. Pigmentation (2,3) The increased production of melanocyte stimulating hormone may cause the darkening of the skin around the nipple and areola, down the center of the abdomen. Freckles or birth marks may deepen. Use sun block. Never bleach the skin. The pigmentation will fade within a few months of the delivery. Hemorrhoids (2,3) The pressure of the baby's head in the pelvis late in your pregnancy may obstruct blood vessels in the rectum, impairing the return of blood from the pelvic organs and causing ballooning of the veins around the rectum. Anything that increases pressure in the abdomen, such as constipation, chronic coughing, or lifting, will worsen hemorrhoids. Eat a diet high in roughage, drink plenty of fluids, and exercise to avoid constipation. Try not to strain when you move your bowels. |
|||
|
Rib Pain (3)
Pain may result from the compression of the ribs as the uterus rises, the high position of baby's head, and excessive kicking by baby. When baby's head drops into the pelvic cavity prior to birth, pain will disappear. Try not to compress the ribs; prop yourself up or lie down. Shortness of Breath (3) Pressure on the diaphragm inhibits inhalations and exhalations, especially with physical exertion. Be less active, rest more, and save your breath. If accompanied by chest pain or swelling, consult your physician. Stretch Marks (2,3) These may appear on the skin of the thighs, abdomen, and breasts as you gain weight. Eventually the marks will become smaller and narrower, but they rarely disappear altogether. Sweating (2,3) An increased blood supply causes blood vessels beneath the skin to dilate and produce intense perspiration with little exertion. Night-waking with excessive perspiration may also occur. Wear light cotton clothing and cotton underwear. Drink to replace lost fluids. Taste (1,2,3) You may experience a metallic taste, or your appreciation of certain foods may alter. A craving for sweets may occur. This is thought to be related to the pregnancy hormones. Varicose Veins (1,2,3) A family history of varicose veins may mean that you develop them, too. Near term, the baby's head can press down on the pelvic veins, causing blood to pool in the veins of the legs and result in ballooning of these veins. Avoid standing for prolonged periods of time. Before you get up in the morning, put on support hose while legs are elevated. Do exercises to improve circulation in your legs and feet. |
|
||
Drinking and Smoking During Pregnancy |
||
|
It is wise to discontinue any alcohol use until after your baby's birth and, if applicable, after you have finished breast feeding. Any alcohol you consume passes to the fetus.
Repetitive exposure of an unborn child to alcohol or binge drinking during pregnancy may result in fetal alcohol syndrome or fetal alcohol effects. Problems associated with these conditions include mental retardation and learning disorders, smaller-than-normal birth size, heart defects, and other internal problems, physical deformities, and central nervous system problems. Fetal exposure to alcohol is one of the three most common causes of mental retardation in this country and is the only one which is preventable. Because there is no established safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, the best advice is don't drink at all. If you're pregnant and having trouble controlling your drinking, get help from your physician now. |
If you smoke during your pregnancy, you are forcing your baby to smoke along with you.
The carbon monoxide, nicotine, and other chemicals that pass into your body also pass into your baby's body. Mothers who smoke during pregnancy tend to have babies smaller in weight by nearly half a pound, and babies are subjected to increased physical and mental risk.
If you smoke, now is the time to think about quitting. Now that you have special reason to do so, you may find quitting easier. 
|
You're In Training |
|
|
Exercise can increase blood circulation, may help reduce swelling and weight gain, prevent
constipation, tone your body to assist you during labor, help your body recover after your
pregnancy, and help you feel better physically and mentally. However, improperly executed or
overly strenuous exercise can potentially harm the fetus, so it is imperative that you
consult with your physician prior to beginning a workout regimen during pregnancy.
Some specific exercises you might consider: |
|
Neck Rolls
While sitting, slowly lower your head to the left and return it to an upright position. Slowly lower your head to the right and return it to an upright position. Then lower it down toward your chest and back up. Shoulder Rolls Bend your elbows and gently place your fingers on your shoulders. Rotate your elbows in a circular motion backwards; pause, then rotate forward. Back Stretch Sit on the floor with your back against the wall. Cross your legs in a sitting position. Stretch your arms straight above your head. Make sure your arms and back are against the wall. Keeping contact with the wall, lower your arms, from your shoulders up, inward toward your ears. Arm Rotations Keeping your arms straight out from your sides, rotate in circles in one direction, and then reverse in the other direction. Arm Stretch Sitting on the floor, stretch arms up high, reaching fingertips toward the ceiling. Next, swing arms up backwards, pressing shoulder blades together. Next, bring arms forward, interlock fingers and stretch. Butterfly This exercise improves circulation in the chest area and arms. Expansion of the rib cage can relieve shortness of breath, indigestion, and uneasy feeling beneath the breastbone. Sit on the floor. Place arms, with hands crossed, on floor in front of you. As you inhale slowly, raise your arms straight up over your head. As you exhale slowly, lower both arms back behind you so that fingertips touch the floor. As you inhale again slowly, move hands behind you, toward each other three times. Be careful to keep hands near the floor so that the stretch is in the chest muscles and not the shoulders. As you exhale slowly, bring hands directly back to the starting position. Pelvic Rock Lying on Back - With knees bent, flatten the small of your back against the floor. Hold for a slow count of three. Relax. Repeat. On Hands and Knees - Arch back like a cat, tightening abdomen and buttocks. Hold for a slow count of three. Return to flattened position. Relax. Repeat. Standing - Push out your buttocks, allowing back to sway. Then tuck buttocks under, keeping rest of body still. Hold for a slow count of three. Relax. Repeat. Tailor Press (Knee Press) Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together. Bring your feet as near to your body as is comfortable. Place hands on knees. Push knees gently toward the floor. Hold for a few seconds and then relax. Kegel Contract the muscles surrounding the urethra, vagina, and rectum. (The feeling is as if you are stopping the flow of urine.) Relax, tighten, relax. Repeat in groups of ten, and gradually increase total number per day to 50. Foot Circles This exercise improves circulation and assists in prevention of cramping or varicose veins. Sit on the floor with both legs straight out in front of you; use arms to support yourself. Place one hand on top of the other. With the top foot, make circular movements with the toes so that the rotation is all within the ankle. Start circles outward first, then reverse the direction. Switch legs and repeat with the opposite foot. 
Leg RaiseLie on your back, one leg bent. Breathe in slowly for a count of five while raising straight leg. Bend foot toward nose and slowly lower leg while exhaling for a count of five. Switch legs. Lying Down and Getting Up Even at the beginning of pregnancy, getting up too quickly may cause you to feel light-headed. Lie on one side and draw your knees up. Slowly move your knees and feet to the edge of the bed. Sit up slowly, pushing yourself up with your arms. Swing your legs down over the edge of the bed, and touch your feet to the floor. Walking This is probably the simplest and best exercise you can do. It is best to walk in an area where the ground is stable, reducing the chances of slipping or falling. Take your time, and work up to one mile of brisk walking. As you walk, let your body and your mind relax. Avoid steep climbs. And, as with all exercise, if you feel fatigued or any discomfort, stop immediately. Jogging If you regularly jogged before your pregnancy, limit your jogging to less than two miles a day. If you did not jog before your pregnancy, now is not the time to begin. Consult your doctor. Swimming Swimming can be an excellent source of exercise during your pregnancy. It's best to swim in uncrowded areas, but never swim alone! Cycling One of the reasons exercise may be difficult or unsafe during pregnancy is that the shift in your weight may cause you to lose your balance. Stationary bicycles are recommended over regular street bicycles because minimal balance is required. Just be sure your stationary bicycle is solidly supported on the floor. Other sports Sports requiring an extremely fast pace or body contact (scuba diving, football, soccer) should be discontinued during pregnancy. |
|
|
Family Education Center |
||||||||||
|
The Verdugo Hills Hospital BEGINNINGS Family Birth Center offers a variety of family education classes for every stage of your pregnancy. For a personal consultation about any of our classes listed below, please call (818) 952 - 2272. | Register early for best selection and availability. Call for upcoming dates and times. Classes are held monthly, unless otherwise indicated. | ||||||||
| ||||||||||
