Missed Menstrual Period - Essay Example

Activity 2 Pregnancy Missed Menstrual Period A missed cycle can be a symbol of pregnancy. It is frequently the first pointer that beginning has occurred, although some women assert to know they are pregnant before they miss a period. Morning Sickness Nausea can be a symbol that a woman is pregnant. Many women state that they've had nausea up to two weeks before an predictable monthly cycle and before any other symptom. Eating crackers before getting out of the bed in the morning can facilitate and eating quite a lot of smaller meals instead of larger ones can aid with nausea. During the first fourteen weeks, morning sickness is basis by eminent levels of certain hormones. These hormones influence the complete digestive system, causing influence of nausea, vomiting, constipation and gas. Estrogen, in particular, may cause special compassion to odors and mildly distasteful smells grow more influential, even sickening. Nausea and vomiting may also be aggravated be emotional stress and fatigue.( Lesley Barclay) Tender Breasts Tender distended breasts are an additional early symptom. While tender breasts are a symptom of an imminent cycle, enlarged breasts are not. Sore and distended breasts with a itchy sensation can be an early indicator of pregnancy. (Sharon T. Phelan) Fatigue Tremendous fatigue can be another indicator of pregnancy, particularly if other symptoms are present. A nap a day can help a expectant woman maintain normal daily activities.( Josephine M. Green) Frequent Urination An augmented urge to urinate can be a pointer and frequently occurs between 6 to 8 weeks out. Activity1.5 breastfeeding "If you ask a pregnant woman what is on her mind the most toward the end of her last trimester, and undoubtedly breastfeeding will come up. Today, over 85% of women all over the world are breastfeeding. While breastfeeding is mentioned as the best way to feed your baby, there are many misconceptions about this special relationship between infant and mother. Breastfeeding is a learned skill that both the mother and the baby need to practice many times before both fully know and understand the process. While breastfeeding is natural, it is not naturally known. Both the baby and mother need to acquire this skill. The key to a successful breastfeeding relationship is support". (Jacqui Gibson) Here are some tips to help one get started. Immediately after birth: Enjoy this moment! Your baby has just been born. Place the baby skin to skin as soon as he or she is born. Your baby will instantly recognize your voice, your scent, your heartbeat. Put a warm blanket over you and your baby, your body heat will keep your baby as warm as he needs to be. Give your baby time to adjust to the new environment. Keeping your baby close will comfort him and give him a chance to feel safe enough to find his way to your breast. If you want to help him along, go for it. But do not be put off if your baby simply wants to "hang out" by the breast for a while before latching on. Breastfeeding within the first hour of birth is recommended, but each baby is different and some may need more or less time, especially if birth was a difficult journey for him. While you still have colostrum, all your baby needs is a teaspoon from each side at each feeding. Do not be persuaded to use formula, water, or any other substitute unless deemed medically necessary. Also, your baby should not have restrictions on how long or how frequent each feeding is. Your baby is determining his needs by nursing on demand, restricting him in any way may affect your supply later on. Throw that watch away and just enjoy your time together. Once your milk has come in allow your baby once again to take the lead on how much he needs. Make sure to feed your baby frequently until he is gaining weight well, but do not worry if he only takes one side per feed or if he takes both sides over the course of two hours. Activity 1.6 Baby formula While maybe not in the same class of decision as deciding whether or not to breastfeed, choosing a baby formula can be difficult, too. Baby formula companies aren't making it any easier as they continue to come out with new baby formulas, each of which claims to be better than all of the rest. Baby Formula Types There are several basic formula types, including: cow's milk-based formula - the type of formula that the average baby should be on if not being breastfed (examples: Enfamil Lipil, Nestle Good Start Gentle Plus, Similac Advance) "gentle" formula with less lactose than regular milk based formula - for babies with some gas or fussiness on milk-based formula (examples: Enfamil Gentlease Lipil and Nestle Good Start Gentle Plus) lactose-free formula - for babies with lactose intolerance : examples: Enfamil LactoFree Lipil and Similac Sensitive (Deborah Dysart) added rice starch formula - for babies with acid reflux (examples: Enfamil A.R. Lipil and Similac Sensitive R.S.) soy formula - for babies with galactosemia, lactose intolerance, and milk protein allergies , some examples: Enfamil Prosobee Lipil, Nestle Good Start Soy Plus, and Similac Isomil Advance (Anne B.) formula for premature babies - have more calories and other nutrients for premature and low-birth weight babies (examples: Enfamil EnfaCare Lipil and Similac Neosure) next-step or toddler formula - for older infants and toddlers between the ages of 9 and 24 months of age (examples: Enfamil Next Step Lipil, Nestle Good Start Gentle Plus 2, and Similac Go & Grow) If your baby is having a real problem with her formula, then choosing another type of baby formula can be important. Simply changing brands, unless you also change formula types, doesn't usually help, though (Pillitteri, A) Although parents often move from one type of formula to another when their babies continue to not tolerate their formula, it is almost always better to talk to your pediatrician before changing formula. Signs of a formula intolerance might include unexplained fussiness, excessive gas, diarrhea (which may be bloody), spitting up, vomiting, and poor weight gain. Choosing a Baby Formula Although breast milk is a clear first place favorite between formula feeding and breastfeeding, few experts will tell you which brand of formula comes in second. Very few experts will tell you that you can't save money by choosing a less expensive store brand formula over the latest name brand formula. Keep in the mind that you should never try to save money by diluting baby formula. Whichever baby formula you buy, always carefully follow the mixing instructions (Mei Chung) References Anne B. Chang Bronchiectasis in indigenous children in remote Australian communities /... [et al.]. - pp.200-204. Source: Medical journal of Australia ; WEB address: http://www.mja.com.au . - v.177, no.4, Deborah Dysart-Gale ,Clinicians and medical interpreters /. - pp.237-246. Source: Family & community health. - v.30, no.3, 2007. Jacqui Gibson., How to ... perform an abdominal examination / - p.22. Source: Midwives magazine. - v.11, no.5, October/November 2008 Josephine M. Green, Helen A. Baston, Have women become more willing to accept obstetric interventions and does this relate to mode of birth : data from a prospective study / - pp.6-13. Source: Birth : issues in perinatal care. - v.34, no.1, March 2007. Lesley Barclay. A Feminist history of Australian midwifery from colonisation until the 1980s / - pp.3-8. Source: Women and birth. - v.21, no.1, March 2008. Mei Chung - pp.565-582. Interventions in primary care to promote breastfeeding : an evidence review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force / Source: Annals of internal medicine. - v.149, no.8, 2008. Pillitteri, A (2007), Maternal & Child Health Nursing: Care of the Childbearing & Childrearing Family, 5th Edition, Lipponcott Williams & Wilkins, Sydney. Sharon T. Phelan.Components and timing of prenatal care / - pp.339-353. Source : Obstetrics and gynecology clinics of North America. - v.35, no.3, 2008. Read More