Pregnancy/ Birth

• Birth


  The process by which a baby is born from the mother's uterus
• Stages of Birth

  1. Early labour

  2. Active labour

  3. Transition

  4. Delivery of the baby

  5. Delivery of the placenta
• Early labour

  1. After nine months, the mother experiences light contractions

  2. As the contractions increase, closer to the time of birth, the uterine walls contract on the amniotic sac until it bursts

  3. The amniotic fluid is released and this is known as the breaking of the water

  4. The cervix begins to dilate and active labour begins
• Active labour


  1. The contractions become stronger & more frequent

  2. The cervix dilates further
• Transition


  1. This stage is characterized by intense contractions and the complete dilation of the cervix

  2. The pelvic bones begin to widen allowing for more room for the baby to pass through

  3. The head of the baby can be seen protruding from the cervix
• Delivery of the baby

  1. The mother pushes on each contraction which creates more force and pressure to push the baby out of the birth canal

  2. The head is seen first, followed by the rest of the body

  3. The umbilical cord is clipped then cut to sever the connection

  4. Over time, the remaining umbilical cord dries up & falls off and the remaining scar is called the navel

  5. If the baby is delivered and is not crying or breathing, the baby is gently slapped or mouth to mouth resuscitation is done
• Delivery of the placenta

  1. The placenta or after birth is delivered through contractions and the mother's pushing

  2. The doctor may use their hand to guide the placenta out
• The two types of birth are?

  • Vaginal birth
  • Caesarean section
• What is the purpose of protein during pregnancy?

  It builds the baby's cells and provides reserves for labour and delivery
• Food sources of protein include?


  lean meat, beans, eggs, poultry, cheese, milk
• What is the purpose of carbohydrates in pregnancy?

  provides energy for mother and baby
• Sources of carbohydrates includeE?

  vegetables, ground provisions, fruits
• What is the purpose of fat in pregnancy?

  needed for baby's brain development and provides long term energy for growth
• Sources of fat are?


  butter, margarine, peanuts, ackee
• The purpose of vitamin A in pregnancy is?

  healthy skin, eyesight and bone development
• Sources of Vitamin A include?

  carrots, pumpkin, papaya
• What is the purpose of Vitamin B in pregnancy?

  helps to develop nerves
• Sources of Vitamin B include?

  peas, nuts, liver
• What is the purpose of Vitamin C in pregnancy?

  for healthy teeth, gums and bone formation
• Sources of Vitamin C include?

  Citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes
• The purpose of folic acid in pregnancy is?

  Preventing birth defects
• What is the purpose of calcium during pregnancy?

  helps to form strong teeth and bones
• What is the purpose of iron druing pregnancy?

  Oxygen transport, prevents fatigue
• Sources of iron include?

  dark green leafy vegetables, liver
• Some effects of smoking during pregnancy are?

  • Birth defects like cleft lip
  • reduction of fetal growth
  • low birth weight
• Some effects of alcohol during pregnancy are?

  • developing FASDs
  • interferes with brain and nervous system development
  • learning disabilities
• Some effects of drugs during pregnancy?

  • learning disabilities
  • behavioural problems
  • risk of premature birth
  • baby experiences withdrawal syndrome