1st Trimester Videos

Advice for New Fathers

The video discusses the importance of acknowledging and respecting the emotional experiences of both men and women during pregnancy. It emphasizes that pregnancy is an adjustment for the entire family, not just the woman. The speaker highlights that fathers often feel left out until the baby is born, while mothers begin to feel like parents much earlier. Understanding this difference can help reduce conflicts between partners. The speaker also underscores the value of involving fathers in prenatal care and mentions the clinic's integrated behavioral health approach, which includes counseling for both parents. Resources and books specifically for fathers are also recommended.

Exercise In Pregnancy

The speaker emphasizes the critical importance of exercise during pregnancy, equating it to the necessity of eating. They stress that a healthy pregnancy is an active one, recommending daily walking due to its multiple benefits, such as reducing anxiety and stress. The speaker also shifts the traditional view of exercise from primarily calorie management to acknowledging its broader health benefits. They advise pregnant women to find their personal motivation ("why") for exercising and to choose enjoyable activities ("what") to make exercise a positive experience.

Weight Gain In Pregnancy

The video discusses the importance of managing weight gain during pregnancy, highlighting different recommended weight gain ranges based on a person's pre-pregnancy weight. For those starting at a normal weight, the suggested gain is 25 to 30 lbs; for those overweight, it's 10 to 15 lbs, sometimes up to 20 lbs; and for those underweight, it's 25 to 35 lbs or even 40 lbs. The transcript addresses the challenges some women face in gaining the appropriate weight and the concerns of gaining too much. It reassures that if the right amount of weight is gained, it should be lost within six weeks to six months postpartum, with support available for this process.

Why Is Prenatal Care Important?

Routine Prenatal Testing

The video discusses the standard medical tests conducted during pregnancy. These include a CBC to check for anemia, tests for various infections like HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, and ensuring immunity to rubella. Genetic testing is also becoming a standard part of prenatal care. These tests are crucial for monitoring the health of both the mother and the developing baby.

Travel In Pregnancy

The Relationship Between a Provider and a Pregnant Patient

The video discusses the importance of shared decision-making and trust in the relationship between a woman and her obstetrician during pregnancy. The speaker emphasizes that the ideal medical care involves a collaborative approach where the woman's feelings and opinions are valued as much as the medical advice given. This relationship-centric approach is crucial for achieving the best outcomes in pregnancy, as it allows women to freely communicate their concerns without fear of judgment. The speaker notes that the traditional paternalistic medical model often fails to foster this kind of relationship. Instead, a more empathetic and trust-based interaction is advocated for, where a woman feels comfortable discussing any topic, and the physician respects and considers her feelings and intuition in the decision-making process.

Tracking the Anticipated Course of Prenatal Care

The video discusses a tool included in a prenatal care pack, which is a magnetic, refrigerator-friendly schedule outlining the prenatal care process on a weekly basis. This schedule includes recommended medical checks and milestones, such as the timing for Rhogam shots, lab tests, and anatomy ultrasounds. It also provides weight gain goals and important contact numbers for issues during pregnancy, proving to be a practical and informative resource for expecting mothers.

Prenatal History Risk Factors

In the video, it is explained that during the initial stages of pregnancy, women fill out charts that identify various risk factors. This information is then used to discuss these risk factors, including examples like bleeding in the first trimester while the pregnancy continues.

Childbirth Education Classes

Indications for Ultrasound

The video discusses the importance of different ultrasounds during pregnancy. It highlights that a dating ultrasound around the 9 to 10 week mark is recommended for accurate due date estimation. The mid-pregnancy ultrasound at the 20-week mark, known as the anatomy scan, is emphasized as critical for assessing the baby's development and detecting any potential issues. Furthermore, a follow-up ultrasound at 32 weeks may be conducted to monitor specific concerns like fetal growth. The speaker, a nurse midwife, stresses the necessity of the 20-week anatomy scan for continuing care, citing licensing requirements and the risks of opting out of this crucial scan.

Environmental and Work Hazards in Pregnancy

Nutrition in Pregnancy

Domestic Violence In Pregnancy

What Is A Trimester

The video explains that pregnancy is divided into three trimesters: the first lasting until around 14 weeks, the second from 15 to 28 weeks, and the third from 28 weeks until the end of the pregnancy. Each trimester involves different activities and considerations, and various risk factors are addressed as the pregnancy progresses through these stages.

Toxoplasmosis

The video discusses various infections that can be a concern during pregnancy and how to prevent them. It emphasizes the risks associated with toxoplasmosis, which can be contracted from cat feces or raw meat, and advises pregnant women to avoid changing cat litter and sandboxes. It also warns against consuming raw fish and unpasteurized dairy products during pregnancy to prevent infections. The advice includes consulting healthcare providers for personalized guidance.

Sexual Activity in Pregnancy

The video explains that sexual activity is generally considered safe during pregnancy unless certain conditions are present such as preterm labor, any bleeding, or uncomfortable symptoms resulting from sexual activity. It emphasizes the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider if any of these issues arise. Additionally, if a healthcare provider recommends bed rest, it is important to adhere to their advice and discuss any concerns with them.

Tobacco Use In Pregnancy

The video discusses the importance of reducing or eliminating tobacco use, including smoking and vaping, in pregnant women. It highlights the significant health risks associated with tobacco use during pregnancy, such as preterm labor, preterm birth, and low birth weight in babies. The speaker acknowledges the difficulty in quitting but emphasizes that there are resources available to help, including a toll-free quitline, 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Alcohol Use In Pregnancy

The video discusses the risks and cultural perspectives of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It highlights that while some cultures, like the French and Italians, may consume locally grown wine with lower alcohol content during early pregnancy, in the United States, any alcohol consumption from the start of pregnancy is strongly discouraged. The speaker emphasizes that alcohol can significantly harm the fetus, particularly because it crosses the blood-brain barrier and cannot be filtered out. They also stress the importance of avoiding alcohol during breastfeeding, as it can be extremely harmful to newborns. The speaker encourages honesty with healthcare providers about alcohol use and seeking help if needed.

Drug Use in Pregnancy

The video discusses the risks of various substances on pregnancy and fetal development. It highlights that any substance crossing the blood-brain barrier will also affect the placenta and the baby, including the baby's brain. Specifically, the use of marijuana is compared to alcohol, noting that while each has its unique risks, smoking marijuana can also adversely affect lung health. More serious effects are associated with substances like cocaine and tobacco due to their vasoconstrictive properties, leading to smaller babies. The transcript strongly advises against cannabis use during pregnancy, despite its legalization and misconceptions about mixed research findings. It also addresses the dangers of opioid use, given the ongoing opioid crisis. The takeaway message is to avoid alcohol, vaping, cannabis, and opioids during pregnancy to protect the health of both the mother and the baby.

Medications and Supplements in Pregnancy

The video discusses the cautious use of medications during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the risks and benefits. While some medications like Tylenol may be acceptable in moderation, medicines like ibuprofen and aspirin are generally not recommended unless advised by a healthcare provider in specific situations. The use of prenatal vitamins is highly recommended to meet the increased nutritional needs of both the mother and the developing baby. Key components of prenatal vitamins include folic acid to prevent neural tube defects and iron to prevent anemia. The speaker also advises consulting healthcare providers or pharmacists regarding the safe use of medications and supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Safety Concerns In Pregnancy

The video discusses important safety considerations for pregnant women, focusing on the proper use of seat belts and the risks associated with electrical hazards. Pregnant women should ensure the shoulder belt is above the top of the uterus and the lap belt is beneath it to protect the baby in case of an accident. In the event of an accident, it's crucial to visit the ER for an ultrasound to check the baby's condition. Additionally, the video highlights the severe risks of electrical shocks from frayed cords, emphasizing the need to avoid and address any electrical hazards, as they can be fatal to the fetus.