CONTENTS:

 Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

 Health Care during Pregnancy

 Normal Discomforts and Dangerous Signs of Pregnancy
 Importance of Pre and Postnatal Care
 Preparations to be Made Before and After Child Delivery
 Difference between Hospital and Home Delivery
Pregnancy is the term used to describe the period in which
a fetus develops inside a woman's womb or uterus.
Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks, or just over 9
months, as measured from the last menstrual period to
delivery.
The most common early signs and symptoms of pregnancy might
include:

Missed period - If you're in your childbearing years and a

week or more has passed without the start of an expected
menstrual cycle, you might be pregnant. However, this
symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual
cycle.

Tender or swollen breasts - Early in pregnancy hormonal

changes might make your breasts sensitive and sore. The
discomfort will likely decrease after a few weeks as your body
adjusts to hormonal changes.
Nausea with or without vomiting - morning sickness,
which can occur at any time of the day or night, often begins
one to two months after you become pregnant. However,
some women feel nausea earlier and some never experience it.

Increased urination - You might find yourself urinating

more often than usual. The amount of blood in your body
increases during pregnancy, causing your kidneys to process
extra fluid that ends up in your bladder.

Fatigue - Fatigue also ranks high among early symptoms of

pregnancy. No one knows for certain what causes sleepiness
during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, a rapid rise
in the levels of the hormone progesterone during early
pregnancy might contribute to fatigue.
Other less obvious signs and symptoms of pregnancy that you
might experience during the first trimester include:

Moodiness - The flood of hormones in your body in early pregnancy can make you unusually
emotional and weepy. Mood swings also are common.

Bloating - Hormonal changes during early pregnancy can cause you to feel bloated, similar to
how you might feel at the start of a menstrual period.

Light spotting - Light spotting might be one of the first signs of pregnancy. Known as
implantation bleeding, it happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus —
about 10 to 14 days after conception. Implantation bleeding occurs around the time you would
expect to have a menstrual period. However, not all women have it.
Cramping - Some women experience mild uterine cramping early in pregnancy.

Constipation - Hormonal changes cause your digestive system to slow down, which can lead to
constipation.

Food aversions - When you're pregnant, you might become more sensitive to certain odors and
your sense of taste might change. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these food
preferences can be chalked up to hormonal changes
HEALTH CARE DURING PREGNANCY
Diet
Diet during pregnancy helps to support your own wellbeing and
supplies the nutrition your baby needs to develop and grow. As
a general guide, pregnant mothers need to eat a healthy diet,
high in nutrients and low in sugar, salt and saturated fats.

Exercise
Maintaining a regular exercise routine throughout your
pregnancy can help you stay healthy and feel your best.
Regular exercise during pregnancy can improve your posture
and decrease some common discomforts such as backaches and
fatigue.
Rest and relaxation
Relaxation refers to a state of body and mind which is free from stress,
tension, and anxiety. This is importance during pregnancy. The practice
of relaxation helps to reduce stress symptoms and could ensure good
health and well being.

Clothes
Pregnancy is a huge milestone – as a pregnant woman, you will be
bringing a new life into this world. Pregnant women do everything in
their power to make sure that their little ones are comfortable and
taken care of. But, more often than not, mothers forget that they too,
need to be taken care of and feel comfortable. If you’re pregnant,
comfort should be on the top of the list because your body, as well as
your mind, needs it for a safe and healthy pregnancy. Wearing the right
clothes during pregnancy is not a luxury, but a necessity as it will keep
you comfy while you grow.
NORMAL DISCOMFORT OF PREGNANCY

Morning Sickness - Morning sickness is a feeling of nausea or the experience of vomiting during
pregnancy, most commonly during the first trimester. Despite its name, morning sickness can
happen at any time of the day or night. While most pregnant women experience morning
sickness at some point, for many women, it will pass by the second trimester.

Backache - This can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis, which can cause
backache. The weight of your growing baby also puts extra strain on the arch in your lower
back.

Headaches - Headaches in women can often be triggered by a change in hormones during

pregnancy. Expectant mothers may experience an increase or decrease in the number of
headaches.
• Migraine- is a particular type of headache that mostly occurs on one side of the head, it can be
either moderate or very painful.
Skin and Hair Changes - Hormonal changes taking place in pregnancy will make your
nipples and the area around them go darker. Your skin color may also darken a little, either in
patches or all over.
• Chloasma - dark patches on the face
- Hair growth can also increase in pregnancy, and your hair may be greasier. After the baby is
born, it may seem as if you are losing a lot of hair but you are simply losing the extra hair.

Dealing with Fatigue - Many women experience indigestion and heartburn while they are
pregnant, which can be painful or uncomfortable. There are ways to help avoid or treat
indigestion and heartburn, especially if it is mild. Sometimes the feeling of heartburn can be
confused with a more serious condition called pre-eclampsia.

Leg Cramps - They usually occur in your calf muscles, but can also occur in your thighs or feet.
A cramp is a sign that your muscles are contracting very tightly when they shouldn’t be. This
happens when acid builds up in your muscles.

Swelling - is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of
fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a rapid increase in weight over a short period of
time (days to weeks).
Breast Tenderness - Very early in your pregnancy, your breasts will already be preparing to
make milk for your baby. Hormone changes similar to those just before a period can cause sore,
tender breasts. Breast changes are usually noticeable by the sixth to eighth week of pregnancy.

Frequent Urination - When you're pregnant, there's more fluid circulating in your body, and
your kidneys work more efficiently. Add that to a growing uterus pressing on your bladder, and
you end up spending more time in the bathroom than usual. Frequent urination tends to be
more of an issue in the first and last trimester with a little break during mid-pregnancy.
DANGEROUS SIGN OF PREGNANCY

Vaginal bleeding - vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is any discharge of blood from the
vagina. It can happen any time from conception (when the egg is fertilized) to the end of
pregnancy.
Severe nausea and vomiting - Some pregnant women experience very bad nausea and
vomiting. They might be sick many times a day and be unable to keep food or drink down,
which can impact on their daily life. This excessive nausea and vomiting is known as hyperemesis
gravidarum (HG), and often needs hospital treatment.

Persistent severe headache - Headaches can be common in early pregnancy. They usually
improve as your pregnancy goes on. They do not harm your baby, but they can be
uncomfortable for you. A headache can sometimes be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, which can
lead to serious complications if it’s not monitored and treated.

Abdominal pain - Stomach (abdominal) pains or cramps are common in pregnancy. They’re
usually nothing to worry about, but they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious that
needs to be checked.
Visual disturbances - Many pregnant women retain fluids. This common side effect can
change the thickness and shape of your cornea. That can lead to distorted vision.

Pain or burning sensation while urinating - It’s normal to urinate more often while you’re
pregnant. But if you have pain or a burning sensation during urination, feel the need to go
again right after urinating, or notice blood in your urine, you may have a urinary tract infection
(UTI).

Decreased level of baby activity or movement - Women are often taught by their health
care provider to monitor or be aware of the movements of the fetus. Decreased fetal movement
can be a warning sign of potential fetal impairment or risk, and may warrant further
evaluation.
Fever - A low-grade fever lasting more than 24 hours or a fever of 38.5°C or higher can be
harmful to the pregnancy, as it may indicate an infection. Infections are a common cause of
preterm birth. According to several studies, fever during pregnancy, particularly in the first
trimester, is linked to a risk of birth defects.

Unusual vaginal discharge - Most causes of abnormal vaginal discharge — such as yeast
infection, bacterial vaginosis or menopause symptoms — are relatively harmless, but they can be
uncomfortable. Abnormal vaginal discharge can also be a symptom of certain sexually
transmitted infections (STIs).

The most important factor in preventing complications during pregnancy and after the baby
arrives is receiving quality prenatal and postnatal care. The steps entailed in maintaining the
health of mother and baby before and after delivery include care services and support tailored
to each woman’s individual needs.
PRENATAL CARE
Prenatal care refers to the healthcare that ladies
receive during the time of pregnancy.

Importance of Prenatal care

• To confirm pregnancy and assess the period of gestation
• To prevent maternal and neo natal tetanus
• To facilitate health education regarding diet, rest,
avoidance, of unnecessary travel and preparation of
delivery.
• To monitor baby’s movement
• Helps to reduce risk in miscarriages.
• Helps to reduce rate of premature birth.
• Helps in monitoring high risk pregnancies.
POSTNATAL CARE

Postnatal care is also called postpartum care, refers to a care

of new born and mother after delivery. It helps new mothers
adjust to the physical, social, and psychological changes that
result from giving birth.

Instruction on breastfeeding - It can take two to three

weeks for a woman to learn how to nurse her baby, including
how to care for her breasts, position the baby for breastfeeding,
pump and store breast milk, and overcome breastfeeding
problems.
Vaginal care - is an important part of postnatal care. Women may have vaginal soreness,
especially if tearing occurred during delivery. They may also experience contractions in the days
immediately after delivering, as well as painful or frequent urination and some discharge.

Another vital aspect of postpartum care is getting enough rest. Women need to recoup their
strength after giving birth while expending energy to care for their newborn. To avoid tiredness,
women can try to sleep when the baby sleeps, keep the baby’s crib near their bed for easy night
feedings, and let someone else bottle-feed the baby while they sleep.
PREPARATIONS TO BE MADE BEFORE CHILD
DELIVERY
10 Things to Do Before You Give Birth
1. Prepare All the Baby Gear - before the baby arrives, you should have certain things
purchased, assembled, and tested to make sure they work and you know how to use them.
We’re firm believers in the less is more philosophy when it comes to baby gear.

2. Make and Freeze Meals - in the weeks leading up to your due date, consider pre-making
and freezing meals so you are not scrambling for things to eat or relying on less healthy
packaged and take-out options.

3. Stock Up on Household Essentials - the last thing you need when caring for your new
baby on little sleep is to run out of toilet paper.
4. Make Provisions for Your Furry Family Members - another thing that may not be
essential for everyone, but absolutely essential for many is making sure things are in order for
your pet to be properly cared for after the baby comes.

5. Fill Prescriptions - if you or someone in the family takes certain medications regularly, or
know you will need them in the future, make sure to get prescriptions filled shortly before
the baby comes so you’ll have them on hand.

6. Make Sure You are Up to Date - on Preventative Care Leading up to the birth of your
baby, it may seem like all of your healthcare has been pregnancy oriented.

7. Get a Jump Start on Baby Proofing - this won’t be needed until the baby is older and
mobile, but getting ideas and making lists of things you need to do can’t hurt.
8. Take Some Time for Yourself - the time before you have your baby is valuable for more
than checking logistical things off a list. Taking time out for yourself, both alone and with
your partner, is important.

9. Get Ready for the Hospital or Birthing Center - as the due date approaches, you
should prepare for your stay in the hospital.

10. Plan Birth Announcements - newborn photographers can book well in advance so if
there is a particular one you’d like to work with, contact them now.
PREPARATIONS TO BE MADE AFTER CHILD
DELIVERY
Preparing for baby:
Things to do after give birth

• First hours after birth

• First days after birth
• Newborn bonding and skin contact
• Bleeding
• Cramps
• Swelling
• Sore breast
Postpartum - the first week after child birth also are a time to time bond with your baby and
set of a routine for caring for your baby.
The postpartum period you likely we fill score a few days and every tired for several weeks.

What should you know about new born care?

- You feel overwhelmed at times. It's normal to wonder if you know what you are doing
especially if this is your first child.

Tests checks and vaccination for newborn?

- Your midwife or doctor will talk to you about the following tests screens or vaccination for your
baby these are done before you leave hospital or in the first week.

Home and community support

- You midwife will be able to tell you about health care suppose service that you can access
when you get home.
DIFFERENCE OF HOSPITAL AND HOME
DELIVERY
HOSPITAL DELIVERY
Many mothers choose to deliver their babies in a
hospital for the following reasons:

• the doctors is available when needed

• modern equipment and facilities in a hospital
are available
• the mothers feels safe and well-cared for in a
hospital
Here’s following things should be prepared:
For the mother
• Duster
• Loss dress
• Slippers
• Sanitary Napkins
• Toiletries such as Soap, talcum powder, toothpaste, toothbrush and comb towel and face
towel,
• Tissue paper
Here’s following things should be prepared:
For the baby
• at least 3 medium size diapers
• two cotton shirts (one sleeveless, and one with sleeves)
• diaper pins
• stockings, mittens and bonnet and baby blanket
HOME DELIVERY
Some couples choose to have their babies at
home with the help of midwife. Preparations are
also made to ensure safe and successful delivery.
These are:

• A room with a bed for delivery

• An attendant or a midwife to attend to the
mothers
• A person to assist the midwife and to the
mother’s need.
• A clean water
• A lamp or a flashlight, in case of power
interruption
• A clean table to hold the supplies needed at
the time of delivery
The following are also needed:

For the mother

• Duster
• Bed sheets
• Blanket for bath and bed
• Thermometer and hot water bag
• Basin and pitcher
• Bedpan
• Basic toiletries such as talcum powder, soap, cotton balls and alcohol
The following are also needed:

For the baby

• Clothes basket
• Rubber sheeting
• Safety pins
• Sheets and pillows
• Soft towels
• Cotton applicators in a clean and sterile bottle
• Baby soap, baby oil and baby powder