Chapter Objectives

After reading the chapter, you should be able to:

1.

describe the signs and symptoms of pregnancy, discuss the use of pregnancy tests, and calculate the birth date.

2.

discuss the emotional reactions to prospective parenthood and pregnancy and the developmental tasks of pregnancy.

3.

understand basic facts about prenatal medical and health care, some of the minor side effects and major complications of pregnancy, and the issues of sexual relations and mental health during pregnancy.

4.

identify the stages of prenatal development and ways to avoid birth defects.

5.

discuss prepared childbirth, its advantages and criticisms, and the Lamaze method of natural childbirth.

6.

understand basic information about labor, options for delivery, the father's role in childbirth, induced or accelerated labor, the use of anesthesia, and cesarean sections.

7.

discuss the following topics in relation to postpartum care, decisions, and adjustments:

care of the newborn
bonding
rooming in
breast- versus bottle-feeding
postpartum adjustments
returning to work

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