Pregnancy Health Education

Importance of Prenatal Care: https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/planning-baby/prenatal-care-checkups

Develop a Good Relationship and Open Communication with Your OB: https://www.mainlinehealth.org/blog/relationship-with-obgyn

Midwife vs. OB-GYN: Who's Right for You? https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/midwife-vs-obgyn

Labor Support: http://www.childbirthconnection.org/giving-birth/labor-support/

The Lamaze Method: Everything You Need to Know: https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/the-lamaze-method-everything-you-need-to-know/

Importance of Childbirth Education: https://www.mybirthly.com/blog/the-importance-of-childbirth-education

Childbirth Education: https://get.pampers.com/en-us/childbirth-education-series

Postpartum Check-ups: https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum/your-postpartum-checkups

Signs and Symptoms of Preterm (Early) Labor:https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/signs-and-symptoms-of-preterm-labor.aspx

Kick Counts: https://www.pampers.com/en-us/pregnancy/prenatal-health-and-wellness/article/how-to-do-kick-counts

Pregnancy Complications: https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/maternal-warning-signs/index.html

Birth Plan: https://www.mamanatural.com/birth-plan-template/

Birth Plan: https://thebestseasonofmylife.wordpress.com/2015/08/20/a-downloadable-visual-birth-plan/

Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby: http://assets.ctfassets.net/50gzycvace50/4mvEHhIapyqzi8b3bbOLc7/f8328f176ce7fc3af858891843615597/Babylist-What-to-Pack-In-Your-Hospital-Bag-Checklist-printable.pdf

Post Partum Support Plan: http://www.elevatedbirth.com/postpartumguide.html

Postpartum Action Plan: https://www.lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/GBWC-Post/got-your-birth-plan-time-to-write-your-postpartum-plan-13 

Pregnancy Complications https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pregnancy-complications.html

Vaccines During Pregnancy: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy

Pregnancy and Asthma: https://aafa.org/asthma/living-with-asthma/asthma-during-pregnancy/

Pregnancy and Hypertension: https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/pregnancy.htm

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy:

https://www.michigan.gov/mihp/-/media/Project/Websites/mihp/forms/MIHP-HBP-in-Pregnancy-Infographic-2022-FINAL-v3.pdf?rev=6ef6fbcab28c4780a3a989f77c034cb8&hash=B4731E33C62DD2D891BF3E76D5304CE2

Pregnancy and Diabetes: https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/diabetes.html

Pain Relief During Labor and Delivery:

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/medications-for-pain-relief-during-labor-and-delivery#:~:text=These%20methods%20include%20the%20epidural,placed%20in%20the%20lower%20back.

                                                       PRENATAL CARE

What is prenatal care?

• Prenatal care is the health care you receive during pregnancy.

At prenatal visits, your healthcare provider will:

• Check to see that you are healthy.

• Find out how your baby is developing.

• Let you know what to expect during pregnancy and birth.

• Explain how to take good care of yourself and your baby.

• Discuss feeding options and the benefits of breastfeeding. Planning how you will feed your baby is important and allows you to get support ahead of time.

Why should I get prenatal care?

• To help you have a healthy pregnancy and a full-term baby (born between 39 weeks 0 days and 40 weeks 6 days).

• To get answers to your questions. Do not be afraid to ask! It is important to be sure your concerns are addressed.

• If a problem comes up, it can be addressed right away.

Be sure to:

• Go to all prenatal appointments, even if you feel fine.

• Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

How often are prenatal care visits?

• Weeks 4 – 28: Every month

• Weeks 29 – 35: Every two weeks

• Week 36 – delivery: Every week

What are signs that something could be wrong?

• Dizziness or fainting

• Double or blurred vision; Or seeing spots

• Fever and/or chills

• Frequent and/or burning urination

• Persistent or severe headache

• Severe or constant vomiting

• Steady abdominal pain not relieved by a bowel movement

• Sudden gush or steady trickle of water from the vagina

• Sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet

• Sudden weight gain

• Vaginal bleeding

What should I do if I have any of these signs?

• Call your healthcare provider.

• If necessary, call 911.

Where can I get more support during the prenatal period?

• Breastfeeding classes

• Childbirth education classes

• Doula support

• Parenting or community groups

• Pregnancy support groups

• Go to all prenatal appointments, even if you feel fine.

• Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

                                                   LABOR AND DELIVERY

Every person’s labor is different, and it may be different each time you have a baby. Learning about labor, birth and speaking to your healthcare provider can help you feel supported.

How will I know when I am having my baby?

• Most babies are born near their due date. It is best to stay pregnant for at least 39 weeks to give your baby the time needed to grow and develop. This time helps your baby’s brain, lungs, eyes, and ears, as well as their ability to suck and swallow.

• Learning signs of labor helps provide clues when baby is coming.

Signs that labor is starting:

• Muscles in your belly get tight and then relax. This is called a contraction.

• A rush of clear liquid from the vagina or “water breaking”

• Pain in your belly and lower back

• Contractions get close together and stronger. It can help to count the time between contractions from the start of one to the start of the next.

Who should be with me during labor?

• This is an important decision for you and your family.

• Make sure the people with you make you feel safe and listened to during childbirth.

• Ask your healthcare provider how many people can be in the room with you.

What is labor?

Labor is the process that allows your baby to be

born. There are three stages to labor:

1. First Stage: Contractions get more intense and closer together. Your body is changing to prepare for delivery.

2. Second Stage: The “pushing phase” occurs so the baby is delivered.

3. Third Stage: The placenta is delivered.

Will it hurt?

Labor feels different for everyone, and your body may feel things it has never felt before. Some ways for dealing with labor can include:

• Having someone with you that you trust.

• Slow, steady breathing.

• Moving your body: Walking or changing positions.

• Medication: Your provider can discuss options.

What else should I know?

• Ask questions and speak openly with your healthcare provider. This helps you feel confident throughout the birthing process.

What should I bring with me?

It is important to have your health insurance card. You may also want to bring items for comfort. A few items to bring could include:

• Change of clothes and toiletries for you and those who will be with you

(toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)

• Infant car seat

• Infant clothing

What will happen when I arrive at the hospital/birth center?

• A healthcare provider will speak with you about how you are feeling and how far apart your contractions have been.

• A healthcare provider may check how your body is changing and how the baby is doing, which may involve a physical exam.

What is a C-section?

A C-section or Cesarean birth is a surgery in which your baby is born through a cut made through your belly and uterus. For some people with medical conditions, this may be the safest option.

• A C-section may be planned (“scheduled”), which means you and your healthcare provider decide when it will happen. Ask about waiting until at least 39 weeks of pregnancy for a scheduled C-section.

• A C-section may be required in an emergency if there is a danger to you or your baby during labor.

                                                                       ASTHMA

How can my asthma affect my pregnancy?

• During pregnancy, asthma can cut back on the oxygen your baby gets from you.

• The more control over your asthma, the less risk there is to you and your baby.

What happens if my asthma is not controlled?

If your asthma is not controlled, risks include:

• High blood pressure and preeclampsia.

• Preterm birth (before week 37).

• Low birth weight.

• Higher risk of c-section.

How do I make sure my asthma is controlled?

• Have an asthma action plan to prevent and control asthma attacks.

• Talk with your healthcare provider about your action plan.

• It may include:

     o Drugs to control your asthma.

     o Drugs to control your allergies.

     o Identifying things that trigger your asthma attacks and ways to        decrease exposure to them.

     o Monitoring fetal movements so you will notice if there is less activity during asthma attacks.

     o Having an emergency plan

• Keep all appointments and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

Learn more: MDHHS Asthma www.Michigan.gov/asthma

                                                           HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure or “hypertension” means the pressure in your blood vessels is higher than it should be. You may have had high blood pressure before pregnancy or may develop it during pregnancy. 

If diagnosed before pregnancy or during the first half of pregnancy, it is called chronic hypertension and does not go away after delivery. If

you develop high blood pressure in the second half of pregnancy (after 20 weeks), it usually goes away after delivery. It is not less serious, though. High blood pressure can cause serious problems, but they may be prevented with proper prenatal care.

How will I know if I have high blood pressure?

• The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked at your healthcare provider’s office.

• Have your blood your blood pressure checked regularly while pregnant.

Can high blood pressure affect my baby or me?

Yes - Some risks are:

• You could have a heart attack or stroke.

• Your baby could be born early.

• Your baby could be low birth weight.

• You may have to have a C-section.

• Your placenta could separate from your uterus, which can be life-threatening.

• You could develop preeclampsia.

What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a serious condition related to high blood pressure. It happens when your blood pressure is high, and you have other signs that your organs are not working normally. It can happen to any pregnant person, usually in the second half of pregnancy. It can also occur after delivery. If not controlled, you can have seizures, which is called eclampsia. Seizures can cause serious harm, including coma and death.

What are the warning signs of preeclampsia?

• Headache that will not go away

• Nausea in the second half of pregnancy

• Vision changes

• Quick weight gain

• Swelling of the hands or face

• Pain in the upper belly or shoulder

• Difficulty breathing

What can I do to help control my blood pressure and prevent preeclampsia?

• Attend all your prenatal appointments.

• Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to manage your blood pressure.

• Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

• Avoid gaining too much weight while you are pregnant.

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have any warning signs of preeclampsia or your blood pressure is too high.

                                                                         DIABETES

Diabetes occurs when your body does not make enough insulin or cannot use insulin well. This leads to blood sugar (glucose) getting too high. 

You may have had diabetes before pregnancy or develop it

during pregnancy. If found during pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. Regardless of when it is diagnosed, it is important that blood glucose is at a safe level.

Risks to your health include:

• Hypertension (High blood pressure)

• Having a large baby and needing a C-section at delivery

• Higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Risks to your baby’s health include:

• Being born very large and with extra fat. This can make delivery difficult and more dangerous for your baby. It also increases the chances your baby will have weight problems later in life.

• Low glucose levels right after birth.

• Breathing problems.

• Increased chance of having type 2 diabetes later in life.

Learn more: MDHHS Diabetes www.Michigan.gov/Diabetes.