HOSA Maternal Care

Prenatal

before birth

Frequent urination

caused by the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the bladder

Engagement

When the uterus drops into the pelvic cavity

Morning Sickness

Nausea & vomiting and often lasts during the first trimester

Heartburn

Diminished gastric motion during pregnancy may cause stomach contents to back up into the lower esophagus

Flatulence

Action of the gas-forming bacteria in the intestines

Hemorrhoids

Enlarged varicose veins around the anus

Varicose veins

Swollen veins that can develop during pregnancy and veins on the pelvis

Treatment for varicose veins

Elevation of the legs and wear support hose

how to treat backache

wearing firmly balanced shoes and watching weight gain

How to treat leg cramps

Massage or knead muscles

Edema

Swelling

Vaginal discharge

Pale yellow, thin vaginal discharge

High-risk pregnancies

Can cause low birth weight, premature and maternal complications

Down syndrome

Form of retardation

Ultrasound and amniocentesis

Determine the development of the fetus

FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)

Drinking while pregnant and lead to infants with multiple deformities

Miscarriages

Bleeding, cramping and severe abdominal pain

Toxemia

Elevated BP, edema of hands and feet and protein in the urine

24 to 48 hours

Vaginal delivery

3 to 4 days after

C-sections

Postpartum

period after childbirth lasting 6 weeks

Lochia

Bloody, mucus-like vaginal discharge that is secreted by new mothers

Colors that lochia should turn

Light pink, brown then yellow by 2 weeks

Incisions

Episiotomy or C-sections could be painful

Breast engorgement

sSports bra or tight wrap and ice packs should minimize the pain

Cramping will be felt

during nursing

Postpartum blues

experienced by new mothers during the first few weeks after delivery

If breastfeeding

warm showers help with breast engorgement