Chapter 6 Outline
Pregnancy and Childbirth
I. The History of Childbirth
Over the past 250 years, childbirth changed from a domestic responsibility to a medical procedure. Today, many mothers are choosing to once again take a more active role in making birth-related decisions.
II. Pregnancy
It takes nine months for a fertilized egg to develop into a fetus ready for birth. During that time, both mother and fetus undergo dramatic physical changes.
A. Conception
B. Confirming a pregnancy
C. Hormonal changes during pregnancy
D. Physical and emotional changes
E. Fetal development
III. Prenatal Care
A pregnant woman needs to take extra steps to take care of herself and her unborn child. Good prenatal care includes consuming additional nutrients, exercising properly, avoiding toxic substances and environmental hazards, and receiving proper prenatal care.
A. Nutrition
B. Exercise
C. Avoiding toxic substances
D. Environmental risks
E. Prenatal testing
IV. Complications of Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a complex process, and complications can occur at any point in pregnancy. These complications can lead to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, premature labor, disorders or infections in an unborn child, or problems for the mother.
A. Miscarriage
B. Ectopic pregnancy
C. Premature labor
D. Genetic and congenital disorders
E. Infections
F. Other complications
V. Childbirth
By understanding the stages of labor and delivery and by being prepared, a pregnant woman can make decisions that result in better health outcomes for her child and that make delivery a less frightening, more rewarding experience.
A. Preparing for childbirth
B. Labor and delivery
1. signs of approaching labor
2. the stages of birth
C. Pain relief in childbirth
D. Cesarean delivery
1. basics about cesarean delivery
2. when cesareans are performed
3. vaginal birth after cesarean delivery
VI. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding offers healthful and protective benefits both to a mother and to her child.
A. Physiological breast changes
B. Benefits of breastfeeding
C. Complications of breast feeding
D. Diet, drugs and alcohol
VII. Infertility
Many methods of finding and treating infertility exist. However, no treatment method is easy, and many methods are painful, invasive, and potentially emotionally devastating.
A. Causes of infertility
B. Diagnosis
C. Treatment
D. Emotional effects of infertility
VIII. Epidemiology of Pregnancy and Childbirth
Rates of maternal and infant mortality, low birthweight, and other harmful trends have dropped over the past twenty years, yet significant racial and ethnic disparities remain.
A. Pregnancy
B. Breastfeeding
C. Infertility
IX. Informed Decision Making
Pregnancy, childbirth, and dealing with infertility are complicated and intimidating processes. However, by being informed and adopting healthy behaviors, a woman can considerably reduce her stress and increase her chances for an optimal outcome.
A. Pregnancy
B. Childbirth
C. Breastfeeding
D. Infertility