[Adult Roles and Responsibilities] [Grades 11-12]

Pregnancy and Potential Problems

Overview:
Students will go through a variety of activities that will show the fetal development and growth through pregnancy. They will also investigate and research how the mother can reach optimum health before, during and after pregnancy through a balanced diet. They will also investigate potential problems that could happen during pregnancy.

[90 minutes]

Teaching Materials
Pregnancy power point, Playdoh, worksheets for students, articles for pregnancy problems, hat with topics on sheets on strips of paper,

Standards/Objectives: (Identify domain & level)

Standard 7 Students will identify the various skills and responsibilities of parenting. Objective 2 Explain the human reproductive process, infertility, pregnance, and steps that lead to a healthy lifestyle. c. Describe the growth and changes that take place during the three trimesters of pregnancy . d. Identify problems that are associated with pregnancy; toxemia, ectopic pregnancy , stillborn, spontaneous abortion, etc. (Cognitive, 1&2, knowledge and comprehension) The students will analyze, synthesize and investigate the three trimesters of pregnancy and potential problems that could occur

Other Resources/Technology
Computer to play you tube video at the beginning and Power point.

Introduction/Set Induction (5 minutes):

you tube video representing conception to week 9 from babycenter.com http://www.babycenter.com/2_inside-pregnancy-weeks-1-to-9_10302602.bc

Transition (3 minutes): The students will pair up and be

given some Playdoh to create the fetal growth as we go through the power point.

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Lesson Body (78 minutes) (Problems associated with

pregnancy/Group Investigation)

ACTIVITY#1 (20 minutes): The class will start out with a power
point of the fetal development from month to month. With each month that we go through the class will stop and create the little fetus in its actual size. (see chart below for numbers) This will enable students to visualize how big the fetus is during each month and see how fast it grows.

TRANSITION (2 minutes): There will be two pairs of people who

will have the same color play doh. The pairs with the same color play doh will combine to make groups of four.

ACTIVITY #2 (20 minutes): As a class we will turn our attention to

the health of the mother. We will go through the my plate recommendations for a pregnant mother as a class. The two articles, Dos and Donts as well as Can I really eat twice as much now that I am pregnant? will be handed out to the groups of four. After reading the two articles the students will create a 2 day meal plan with breakfast lunch, dinner and snacks for the expecting mom. After everyone is finished each group will explain why they chose what they did.

Group Investigation (36 minutes) PHASE 1: Students identify topic (1 minute): One person from each group will come to the front of the class and pull a pregnancy problem out of a hat. This will be their topic to research. PHASE 2: Each team decides what resources they will need to carry out their investigation (5 minutes): There will be some resources given by the teacher but there will be more in the class. Students are welcome to look up information on the computers or in the text books as well. PHASE 3: Groups gather information from a variety of sources (10 minutes): PHASE 4: Groups prepare final report (10 minutes): Writing/Presentation Prompt: You are the head coordinators of a firm that educates pregnant women on a variety of topics. The topic of today is on your subject. You are the expert so prepare to explain to this group of women and spouses the causes, definition, risk factors and prevention of your topic if applicable. Keep in mind that the class you are presenting to have been affected by your topic and this will be a shortened version so you will have 4 minutes to explain. [Title] 2

PHASE 5: The class meets all together and presents their findings to one another (20 minutes): Students will fill out the graphic organizer on their worksheet so they get the information they need.

Transition (1 minute):
Everyone goes back to their seats and the teacher pulls out the stuffed animal fish.

Summary/Closure (3 minutes):
The teacher takes the fish and throws it to one person and they say something they learned. They throw it to another person in the class and they say something they liked. The throwing and explanations keep going until the bell rings.

Assessment/Evaluation:
The students will be assessed by their participation, by filling out the worksheets and by participating in the short group presentation.

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Name_______________________________________________________________Date_________________________

Pregnancy
Developing Fetus Month By Month: Please list facts for each month as we go through them Month 1 Month 2

Month 3

Month 4

Month 5

Month 6

Month 7

Month 8

Month 9

Mothers two day Meal Plan: Day 1 Breakfast Snack Lunch Snack Dinner Snack [Title] Day 2 Breakfast Snack Lunch Snack Dinner Snack 4

Pregnancy Problems

Pregnancy Problem

Causes/Risk Factors

Definition

Treatment

Prevention

Toxemia

Eptopic Pregnancy

Stillborn

Spontaneous Abortion

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Babycenter.com To be used for playdoh fetus making

Gestational age Length (US) Weight (US) Length (cm) Mass (g) (crown to rump) 1.6 cm 2.3 cm 3.1 cm 4.1 cm 5.4 cm 7.4 cm 8.7 cm 10.1 cm 11.6 cm 13 cm 14.2 cm 15.3 cm 1 gram 2 grams 4 grams 7 grams 14 grams 23 grams 43 grams 70 grams 100 grams 140 grams 190 grams 240 grams 300 grams

(crown to rump) 8 weeks 9 weeks 10 weeks 11 weeks 12 weeks 13 weeks 14 weeks 15 weeks 16 weeks 17 weeks 18 weeks 19 weeks 20 weeks 0.63 inch 0.90 inch 1.22 inch 1.61 inch 2.13 inches 2.91 inches 3.42 inches 3.98 inches 4.57 inches 5.12 inches 5.59 inches 6.02 inches 6.46 inches 0.04 ounce 0.07 ounce 0.14 ounce 0.25 ounce 0.49 ounce 0.81 ounce 1.52 ounce 2.47 ounces 3.53 ounces 4.94 ounces 6.70 ounces 8.47 ounces

10.58 ounces 16.4 cm

(crown to heel) 20 weeks 21 weeks 22 weeks 23 weeks 24 weeks 25 weeks 26 weeks 27 weeks 28 weeks 29 weeks 30 weeks 31 weeks 32 weeks 33 weeks 34 weeks 10.08 inches 10.51 inches 10.94 inches 11.38 inches 11.81 inches 13.62 inches 14.02 inches 14.41 inches 14.80 inches 15.2 inches 15.71 inches 16.18 inches 16.69 inches 17.20 inches 17.72 inches

(crown to heel) 300 grams 360 grams 430 grams 501 grams 600 grams 660 grams 760 grams 875 grams 1005 grams 1153 grams 1319 grams 1502 grams 1702 grams 1918 grams 2146 grams

10.58 ounces 25.6 cm 12.70 ounces 26.7 cm 15.17 ounces 27.8 cm 1.10 pound 1.32 pound 1.46 pound 1.68 pound 1.93 pound 2.22 pounds 2.54 pounds 2.91 pounds 3.31 pounds 3.75 pounds 4.23 pounds 4.73 pounds 28.9 cm 30 cm 34.6 cm 35.6 cm 36.6 cm 37.6 cm 38.6 cm 39.9 cm 41.1 cm 42.4 cm 43.7 cm 45 cm

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35 weeks 36 weeks 37 weeks 38 weeks 39 weeks 40 weeks 41 weeks 42 weeks

18.19 inches 18.66 inches 19.13 inches 19.61 inches 19.96 inches 20.16 inches 20.35 inches 20.28 inches

5.25 pounds 5.78 pounds 6.30 pounds 6.80 pounds 7.25 pounds 7.63 pounds 7.93 pounds 8.12 pounds

46.2 cm 47.4 cm 48.6 cm 49.8 cm 50.7 cm 51.2 cm 51.7 cm 51.5 cm

2383 grams 2622 grams 2859 grams 3083 grams 3288 grams 3462 grams 3597 grams 3685 grams

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Can I really eat twice as much now that I'm pregnant?

No. You may sometimes be tempted to eat twice as much, but that's not what the doctor ordered.

Is It Safe During Pregnancy?

Our experts answer your most pressing questions about what is and isn't safe during pregnancy.

Your body becomes more efficient during pregnancy and is able to absorb more of the nutrients you eat. So consuming twice as much doesn't double your chances of having a healthy baby instead, it's likely to mean excessive weight gain for you, which can put you at risk for pregnancy complications.

If you're at a healthy weight, you need no additional calories in the first trimester, about 350 extra calories a day in the second trimester, and about 450 extra calories a day in the third trimester. If you're overweight or underweight, you'll need more or less than this depending on your weight gain goal. It takes only a couple of glasses of low-fat milk and a handful of sunflower seeds or a tuna sandwich to add enough calories for that last trimester.

How can I get all the nutrients I need without eating a lot more calories?
Here are some tips for maximizing nutrition during pregnancy:

Plan meals and snacks based on the requirements outlined in the USDA Choose My Plate site for pregnant woman or another reliable source, like the Harvard Healthy Eating Pyramid. Learn more about meal planning for pregnancy. To meet your daily needs for protein, calories, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and key vitamins and minerals during pregnancy, eat a variety of foods. Even within a category of foods (like vegetables), look for different colors, types, and textures, for example. Try to minimize "extra" foods that have calories but few nutrients sugary beverages, fried foods, foods with extra fat and sugar. Instead, choose meals and snacks that pack the most nutrition per calorie. Adding a few nutrition-packed snacks like yogurt, nuts, a hard-boiled egg, some fresh fruits or vegetables to your daily intake is a great way to get the healthy calories your baby needs Choose foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Pick whole-grain bread or brown rice over refined white bread or white rice, and fresh fruits or frozen unsweetened fruit over canned fruits in sugar syrup, for example. Eat fats, oils, and sweets sparingly. And be sure to choose healthy fats. Can't overcome your cravings for junk food? Discover some healthy and delicious alternatives.

How is the food I eat divided between my needs and my baby's? Doctors don't understand exactly how you and your growing baby divvy up nutrients. Sustenance for your child comes from your diet and from the nutrients already stored in your bones and tissues.
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In the past, a developing fetus was thought of as a "perfect parasite," taking all the necessary nourishment from the mother, regardless of her diet. This myth maintained that if your diet was deficient in, say, calcium, it didn't matter as far as the baby was concerned, because he could simply siphon the mineral from the reserves in your bones and teeth. Experts now believe that it's the growing baby who suffers if the mother's diet is lacking. Inadequate nutrition during pregnancy is thought to have lifelong effects on a baby's health. In a nutshell: Your baby's health and growth are directly related to what you eat before and during your pregnancy. What you eat is important. And when you're tempted to overdo it, remember that you're eating for a baby, not another full-size adult. Choose quality over quantity!
Babycenter.com

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Spontaneous Abortion (Miscarriage)

Introduction and Definitions A spontaneous abortion means that a pregnancy is lost naturally before the baby reaches a point of development where the fetus (baby) can survive. This typically means any pregnancy lost before 23 weeks. Spontaneous abortion and miscarriage mean the same thing. Spontaneous abortion has nothing to do with the usual topic of abortion (also called a medical abortion, therapeutic abortion, or voluntary interruption of pregnancy) that is often discussed in our society. Doctors classify spontaneous abortions (miscarriages) into different categories. This helps doctors communicate about the circumstances of a patients situation. A complete spontaneous abortion means that all pregnancy tissue, the fetus (baby), placenta (after-birth), and membranes (sac), has passed out of the uterus. An incomplete spontaneous abortion means that some of the pregnancy tissue has passed out of the uterus, but some of the tissue has remained inside of the uterus. An inevitable spontaneous abortion means that a miscarriage is happening or is going to happen, but the pregnancy tissue is still inside of the uterus. A threatened spontaneous abortion simply means a patient has signs and / or symptoms of a possible miscarriage. It does not mean that a miscarriage will definitely happen. A blighted ovum and empty sac generally mean the same thing. The placenta and a pregnancy sac can be seen on ultrasound, but a fetus cannot be seen. This occurs because a fetus never formed. Recurrent spontaneous abortion means that a woman miscarries three or more times. Incidence Most spontaneous abortions (miscarriages) occur in the first 14 weeks of the pregnancy. In fact, 15% - 20% of all first trimester pregnancies will miscarry. The earlier a patient is in the pregnancy, the greater the chance of a miscarriage. Studies have shown that only 50% of pregnancies will be successful. This means it is very possible to have a positive pregnancy test before it is time to have your period and yet your period occurs like it should (or it is only a few days late). The chance of a spontaneous abortion is less if the fetus has a heart beat after the tenth week of the pregnancy. The chance of a miscarriage is much less between 14 and 23 weeks of a pregnancy. Common Causes Chromosome Problems: The most common reason pregnancies miscarry is because the fetus has abnormal chromosomes. Chromosome problems typically do not allow the fetus to develop (form) normally. Abnormal development means the fetus cannot survive. A miscarriage occurs because the body recognizes that a pregnancy is not successful. It is nature's way of assuring we develop normally. Abnormal Physical Development: Even if the chromosomes are normal, a fetus may not develop normally. Many things have to occur for normal development to occur. A message has to be created. The message has to be sent and received. Finally, the message has to be acted on. A mistake at any point can lead to abnormal development. We usually do not know if the fetus developed abnormally, because the fetus is too tiny. We do know that this stage of development is beyond our control in the vast majority of cases. There is rarely anything a person does that causes abnormal development and there is nothing a person can do to prevent abnormal development. Abnormal Placental Development: Sometimes the problem occurs with the placenta. The placenta may not attach to the uterine lining like it should. At other times, the cells of the placenta do not form like they should. Eventually, the fetus is not able to receive the oxygen and nutrients (food) it needs. This means the fetus cannot survive. Once again, there is rarely anything a person does that causes a placenta to develop abnormally. Rare Causes Medications and Other Substances: There are very few medications that will affect the development of a fetus, the chromosomes, or the placenta. This is also true of most things a person eats or drinks. If a woman becomes pregnant while she is using birth control pills, she is not at risk of a miscarriage. There are a few medicines and [Title] 10

substances that can affect the pregnancy. It has been shown that spontaneous abortion is more likely in women who smoke. The use of alcohol and illegal drugs also increase the chance of miscarriage. Infections: On rare occasions, an infection with certain viruses or bacteria can cause the fetus to develop abnormally and /or the pregnancy to miscarry. Diseases of the Mother: Some conditions that a person develops can increase the chance of a miscarriage. Such diseases include diabetes, thyroid disease, systemic lupus, and other autoimmune diseases. Uterine Problems: Some women are born with a uterus that did not develop normally. There can be tissue inside the uterus that divides the cavity of the uterus. At other times, a benign tumor called a fibroid or leiomyoma can form in the uterus. These can occasionally interfere with implantation of the egg or development of the pregnancy and it makes a miscarriage more likely. Abnormal Chromosomes in the Parents: It is possible for a person to have abnormal chromosomes (genes), yet they develop normally. All of the person's chromosome material is present, but it has been rearranged. The rearranged chromosome material means that a person's eggs or sperm will not have normal amounts of chromosome material. This leads to abnormal development of the fetus. Abnormal Hormone Levels in the Mother: Hormones in the mother help support an early pregnancy until the pregnancy can support itself. On rare occasions, a mother does not produce enough of the hormones that are needed. Autoimmune Disorders: Antibodies are proteins we make that help fight off infection. It is possible for a person to develop antibodies that fight (attack) their own tissue. This can sometimes occur in pregnancy. A mother's antibodies can interfere with blood flow in the uterus or they can attack the cells of the placenta. Eventually, the fetus cannot get enough oxygen to survive. Signs and Symptoms The most common sign of a miscarriage is vaginal bleeding. This will often start as spotting. The bleeding will continue and it will get heavier. Most women who have spotting or light bleeding in pregnancy will have normal pregnancies and normal babies. The most common symptom is cramping. The cramping of a miscarriage can start off mild, but it will become worse over time. As with bleeding, most mild cramping in pregnancy is normal. Mild cramping can be due to the uterus growing or it can be due to the bladder or the bowel. Some women will notice they no longer have morning sickness or that their breasts are no longer tender. However, it is totally normal for morning sickness and breast tenderness to go away. A pregnancy usually does not miscarry if any sign or symptom is mild and / or if it does not continue. For example, spotting that occurs once and then goes away is usually not a sign of miscarriage. Spotting that becomes bleeding and cramps that are getting worse indicate that a miscarriage may happen. You should notify your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding and cramping. If you should pass tissue at home, place the tissue in a container (if possible). Your doctor may want to examine the tissue. Diagnosis and Treatment The diagnosis of a miscarriage is usually made by a combination of your physical exam, ultrasound findings, and by measuring your human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG, pregnancy hormone) level. On examination, there will be blood coming from the cervix and the cervix may be opening up. Your uterus may be smaller than it should be. This is because the pregnancy stopped growing weeks before your signs and symptoms occurred. The ultrasound will show that there is no fetus or that the fetus no longer has a heart beat. The ultrasound may also show bleeding between the placenta and the wall of the uterus. The pregnancy hormone level will not increase as it should, it will not increase at all, or it will be falling. If the pregnancy appears to be fine, you may be asked to stay off your feet for a day or two and to avoid sex. This will not prevent a miscarriage, but it may help decrease spotting and / or cramping. If the pregnancy is not [Title] 11

successful and the pregnancy is less than 14 weeks, you will be told what to expect during a miscarriage. A spontaneous abortion can be treated by allowing the miscarriage to occur naturally or by performing a surgical procedure known as a D&C (dilatation and curettage). A D&C is performed by passing smooth metal rods through the cervix (birth canal) to open it up. A plastic tube is then placed into the uterus and gentle suction is used to remove the pregnancy tissue. This procedure can be performed using medicines to cause sedation, regional nerve blocks, or general anesthesia (going to sleep). Risks of a D&C include infection, putting a hole in the uterus (uterine perforation), and side effects of medications. Risks of a natural miscarriage include excess bleeding and infection. A very early unsuccessful pregnancy (4 - 7 weeks) is often best treated by allowing the miscarriage to occur naturally. Miscarriages that occur at 8 - 14 weeks are often best treated by a D&C. Miscarriages that occur between 14 and 23 weeks are managed in the hospital similar to other delivery situations. Other factors to consider are the amount of bleeding, pain, risks of infection, and risks associated with a D&C. If you are Rh negative, you will receive a shot of Rhogam to prevent you from forming antibodies that attack a baby's red blood cells. Your doctor will help you decide which treatment is best for you. After a Spontaneous Abortion After a first trimester miscarriage, you may want to take it easy for a day or two. You should avoid sex for at least two weeks and you should not have sex until you stop bleeding. You should not use tampons until your next normal period. Your doctor may prescribe medicine for cramping or you may use over the counter ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Your doctor may want to see you in a few weeks or in six to eight weeks depending on your circumstances. You can expect a normal period in four to eight weeks. You will need birth control if you do not intend to get pregnant. If this is not your first miscarriage, your doctor may order lab work to see if one of the rare causes of recurrent spontaneous abortion is present. If you experience a miscarriage at 14 - 23 weeks, it is a good idea to give yourself a week to recover. You may experience leaking from your breasts. You should wait a couple of weeks before exercising heavily. You should also talk to your doctor before trying to get pregnant again. It is important to remember that grieving is common after any pregnancy loss. You may experience mild depression, mood swings, anger, anxiety, etc. This can also be true for your spouse or your partner. If you experience difficulty during your grieving process, you should talk to a professional counselor and / or your doctor. Finally, it is important to remember there is nothing anyone does to cause a miscarriage in the vast majority of cases. Miscarriage does not happen due to lifting, exercise, sex, or stress. In rare cases, spontaneous abortions can happen repeatedly. These cases can be diagnosed and there is treatment available for many of these women. Miscarriage is a natural process of cleaning out the uterus and preparing the woman for a normal pregnancy. http://obgynfdc.com/obstetrics/spontaneous-abortion.php

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What is stillbirth?
The medical definition of stillbirth is the birth of a baby who is born without any signs of life at or after 24 weeks pregnancy. The baby may have died during pregnancy (called intrauterine death), labour or birth. Stillbirth is uncommon. In the UK, just over one in 200 births ends in stillbirth. What happens when a baby dies in the uterus? When a baby dies in the uterus (womb), the sad truth is that the mum still has to go through with the birth. The loss of your baby will have come as a great shock. You may not be thinking about yourself at all, but doctors still have to advise you about what's best for your health. They will be sensitive to your feelings while explaining what happens next. Your labour will usually have to be started artificially (induction). Your doctors will discuss this with you and give you time to absorb what they have said before starting to induce your labour. Some parents want to have the induction as soon as possible. Others prefer to wait for a few days so that they have time to take in what has happened and to see if labour starts by itself. You may feel too numb to make a decision. All the while, your doctors will be concerned about your health. If they think there's a chance you may have an infection, they'll advise you to have an induction straight away. Whether you are induced or go into labour naturally, you will be admitted to the labour ward at hospital. If you are expecting twins or more, and the death of one baby has been discovered, your doctor may advise you not to be induced. A lot will depend on whether or not the babies share a placenta, and at what stage the loss occurred. Your doctor may say it's best to give your other baby or babies a chance to develop and mature a bit longer in your uterus. Your babies can then be born at the same time, when it's best for your remaining, healthy baby or babies. Some parents are upset by the idea of carrying the babies together in this way, although others find it comforting. What happens when a baby dies during birth? It's uncommon that a baby dies unexpectedly during labour or birth. When something goes wrong, it is a traumatic and frightening experience for parents. They may not understand what is going on, as hospital staff may be too busy dealing with the emergency to explain things clearly. Later, it may be discovered that an abnormality or an infection led to the stillbirth. However, in most cases it's because of something that happened during labour or birth. A problem with the placenta or umbilical cord, such as a knot in the cord, may mean the baby did not have enough oxygen. What causes a baby to be stillborn? It's not always possible to find out what has led to the death of a baby. It's the one question that parents want answered, why their baby died. Unfortunately, in just under a third (28 per cent) of cases, doctors cannot tell them. However, we do know of some factors that may lead to stillbirth: A baby simply did not grow enough in the uterus. A genetic or physical defect in the baby. This means the baby's brain, heart or other organ has not developed properly. Heavy bleeding after 24 weeks of pregnancy. This can happen when the placenta begins to separate from the lining of the uterus. It is called a placental abruption.

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Pre-eclampsia, which can reduce blood flow to the baby via the placenta. This condition is associated with placental abruption. An illness suffered by the mum, such as diabetes, the liver condition obstetric cholestasis, or a blood-clotting problem. A problem with the way the baby is born. A baby's shoulders may get stuck as he leaves the birth canal (shoulder dystocia), severely reducing oxygen flow to him. Infections, such as listeriosis, salmonella or toxoplasmosis. Many stillborn babies are premature or smaller than they should be for their stage of pregnancy. What happens after a baby is stillborn? You may be asked if you would like to see, touch or hold your baby. This is a highly individual decision. Some parents may find it a help in the longer term to see their baby, others not. Your instincts may be to see and cuddle your baby, but worries about what he or she might look like could hold you back. To help you to decide what is right for you, the midwife or doctor can describe your baby to you. Maybe one partner could look first, or you and your partner could look at a photograph of your baby. Some people know instinctively that they don't want to see their baby, while others choose not to for religious or cultural reasons. Many parents find comfort in creating memories of their baby. Photographs, hand or foot prints or a lock of hair become cherished keepsakes, giving parents a focus for their grief. Some parents want to wash and dress their baby. These are overwhelming, natural instincts. However, sadly, it's not always practical for this to happen. If a baby is very premature or died some time ago, his skin will be too fragile for this type of handling. Decisions about what to do in this situation are very personal. There is no right or wrong way to respond. One parent may have different wishes to the other, or they may both need time to think about what would be best for them. Some parents or members of their family want to observe religious rituals to mark the loss of the baby. Lighting a candle is unlikely to be possible in hospital, but other religious items may be brought in. Hospitals have their own chaplains, some with multi-faith representatives, who can offer spiritual support. Most maternity wards have a bereavement room or quiet room where parents and their families can be together after their loss. Others may prefer to visit the hospital chapel or a multi-faith room. Whatever you ultimately decide to do in the hours or days after your loss, the hospital staff should support you in your decision and respect your wishes. Some hospitals have a bereavement midwife who is specially trained to give support. You may want to read our article about the practical arrangements that need to be made after the loss of a baby. Is it possible to find out what went wrong? If doctors aren't sure what caused a baby s death it can sometimes be discovered by various investigations. These may include testing the mum's blood, examining the placenta, or carrying out a post mortem examination (autopsy) of the baby. A post mortem examination may: identify a cause or causes of death provide information about your babys development provide information about health problems which will help your doctor to care for you in a future pregnancy confirm the babys sex Not all parents agree to tests and a post mortem. It's up to you whether you give the go-ahead. A post mortem will only be done with your written consent.

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You can refuse for whatever reason you like, be it personal, religious or cultural. Sometimes, even with these investigations, a reason for stillbirth cannot be found. It can be very upsetting not to have an answer to all your questions. It's hard to come to terms with how such a devastating event can happen, apparently for no reason. You should be given plenty of information about the post mortem. Doctors will tell you why it may help, what will happen to your baby and how he may look afterwards. Do make it clear if you'd rather not know the details. You may decide you want to say goodbye to your baby before the post mortem. But in many cases, you'll be able to see your baby again afterwards, if you want to. The important thing is to take time over your decision, and be sure about how and when you want to say goodbye to your baby. Whatever you decide about the post mortem, your views and wishes should be respected. If you go ahead, you should be told when the results are likely to be available. You'll be given an appointment to discuss them with your doctor. I can't cope with the loss of my baby. Where I can I find help? People cope with the trauma of losing a baby in very different ways. You may feel that you want to get back to normal as quickly as possible. On the other hand, you may want to withdraw from normal life for a long spell to mark your loss. It may help to read our understanding grief after loss article. You may also find it helpful to contact the charity, Sands, for support or find people who have been through a similar experience in the BabyCentre community. It can be hard to cope physically, too. Your body itself will be constant reminder of your loss. You'll have vaginal bleeding and your breasts will produce milk, which can be particularly distressing. Read more about easing yourself through these physical changes and getting your strength back after loss. What does it mean for my next pregnancy? The decision to try for another baby can be difficult. It may be the last thing on your mind, or it may be all you can think about. For some mums, there is an overwhelming urge to be pregnant again as soon as possible. You will be offered a check-up six weeks after your previous pregnancy ended. It will take place at the hospital with a consultant obstetrician. This is a good chance to ask questions that have occurred to you now you've had time to think. If you're ready to talk about it, it also gives you a chance to discuss trying for another pregnancy. Waiting a while, perhaps six months or so, before trying to conceive again gives your body a chance to recover. Because of this, it may also give your next baby a good start. Some parents wish to plan their next pregnancy so that none of the significant dates coincide with those of the baby they're grieving for. If you've had an unexplained stillbirth, it may be comforting to know that there's no reason why it should happen again. If your baby had a genetic abnormality you may be referred for genetic counselling. This process will enable you to discuss your options for a future pregnancy. If you had health problem last time then you and your doctor may be able to work together to reduce your risk of another stillbirth. This is especially the case if there was a problem with the placenta or your baby's growth. Extra monitoring and tests can reduce the chance of you experiencing another loss. If you do get pregnant again in the future, it's likely to be an anxious time for you. It may bring back lots of unwelcome memories and emotions related to your loss. Some mums are happy to return to the same hospital and the same medical team. Others prefer to ask their GP to refer them to another consultant or another hospital. Ask whether your hospital offers extra support to parents who have had a previous loss. http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a1014800/when-a-baby-is-stillborn#ixzz2l45sz6yJ

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Ectopic Pregnancy
In a normal pregnancy, your ovary releases an egg into your fallopian tube. If the egg meets with a sperm, the fertilized egg moves into your uterus to attach to its lining and continues to grow for the next 9 months. But in up to 1 of every 50 pregnancies, the fertilized egg stays in your fallopian tube. In that case, it's called an ectopic pregnancy or a tubal pregnancy. In rare cases, the fertilized egg attaches to one of your ovaries or another organ in your abdomen. In either case, instead of celebrating your pregnancy, you find your life is in danger. Ectopic pregnancies require emergency treatment. Most often, ectopic pregnancy happens within the first few weeks of pregnancy. You might not even know you're pregnant yet, so it can be a big shock. Doctors usually discover it by the 8th week of pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies can be scary and sad. The baby probably can't survive -- though in extremely rare cases he or she might -- so it's a loss that may take some time to get over. It may comfort you to know that if you have an ectopic pregnancy, you'll likely be able to have a healthy pregnancy in the future.

Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy Light vaginal bleeding Nausea and vomiting Lower abdominal pain Sharp abdominal cramps Pain on one side of your body Dizziness or weakness Pain in your shoulder, neck, or rectum If the fallopian tube ruptures, the pain and bleeding could be severe enough to cause fainting. If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, contact your health care provider immediately and go to the emergency room. Getting to the hospital quickly is important to reduce the risk of hemorrhaging (severe bleeding) and to preserve your fertility. Causes of an Ectopic Pregnancy One cause of an ectopic pregnancy is a damaged fallopian tube that doesn't let a fertilized egg into your uterus, so it implants in the fallopian tube or somewhere else. You might not ever know what caused an ectopic pregnancy. But you are higher risk if you have: Use of an intrauterine device (IUD), a form of birth control, that is inserted at the time of conception

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History of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Sexually-transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea Congenital abnormality (problem present at birth) of the fallopian tube History of pelvic surgery (because scarring may block the fertilized egg from leaving the fallopian tube) History of ectopic pregnancy Unsuccessful tubal ligation (surgical sterilization) or tubal ligation reversal Use of fertility drugs Infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) Diagnosing an Ectopic Pregnancy Once you arrive at the hospital, a pregnancy test, a pelvic exam, and an ultrasound test may be performed to view the uterus condition and fallopian tubes. If an ectopic pregnancy has been confirmed, the health care provider will decide on the best treatment based on your medical condition and your future plans for pregnancy. http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-ectopic-pregnancy

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TOXEMIA/PREECLAMPSIA
Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs only during pregnancy. Diagnoses is made by the combination of high blood pressure and protein in the urine, occurring after week 20 of pregnancy. Preeclampsia may also be called toxemia and is often precluded by gestational hypertension. Preeclampsia affects about 2-6% of healthy, first time moms. Who is at risk for preeclampsia? The following may increase the risk of developing preeclampsia: A first-time mom Previous experience with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia Women whose sisters and mothers had preeclampsia Women carrying multiple babies; women younger than 20 years and older than age 40 Women who had high blood pressure or kidney disease prior to pregnancy Women who are obese or have a BMI of 30 or greater What are the symptoms of preeclampsia? Mild preeclampsia: high blood pressure, water retention, and protein in the urine. Severe preeclampsia: headaches, blurred vision, inability to tolerate bright light, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, urinating small amounts, pain in the upper right abdomen, shortness of breath, and tendency to bruise easily. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, severe headaches, abdominal pain, and/or urinating very infrequently . How do I know if I have preeclampsia? At each prenatal checkup your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure, urine levels, and may order blood tests which may show if you have preeclampsia. Your physician may also perform other tests that include: checking kidney and blood-clotting functions; ultrasound scan to check your babys growth; and Doppler scan to measure the efficiency of blood flow to the placenta. How is preeclampsia treated? Treatment depends on how close you are to your due date. If you are close to your due date, and the baby is developed enough, your health care provider will probably want to deliver your baby as soon as possible. If you have mild preeclampsia and your baby has not reached full development, your doctor will probably recommend you do the following: Rest, lying on your left side to take the weight of the baby off your major blood vessels. Increase prenatal checkups. Consume less salt Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day Change your diet to include more protein If you have severe preeclampsia, your doctor may try to treat you with blood pressure medication until you are far enough along to deliver safely, along with possibly bed rest, dietary changes and supplements. How can preeclampsia affect the mother? If preeclampisa is not treated quickly and properly, it can lead to serious complications for the mother such as liver or renal failure, future cardiovascular issues and two other conditions directly related to preecplamsia that can be life threatening. Eclampsia- Eclampsia is a severe form of preeclampsia that leads toseizures in the mother.

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HELLP Syndrome ( hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) A condition usually occurring late in pregnancy that affects the breakdown of red blood cells, how the blood clots, and liver function for the pregnant woman. How does preeclampsia affect my baby? Preeclampsia can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood. If the placenta doesnt get enough blood, your baby gets less oxygen and food. This can result in low birth weight. Most women still can deliver a healthy baby if preeclampsia is detected early and treated with regular prenatal care. How can I prevent preeclampsia? Currently, there is no sure way to prevent preeclampsia. Some contributing factors to high blood pressure can be controlled and some cant. Follow your doctors instruction about diet and exercise. Use little or no added salt in your meals. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. Dont eat a lot of fried foods and junk food. Get enough rest Exercise regularly Elevate your feet several times during the day. Avoid drinking alcohol. Avoid beverages containing caffeine. Your doctor may suggest you take prescribed medicine and additional supplements. http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/preeclampsia.html

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