LO1: reproduction and the roles and responsibilities of parenthood. Flashcards
Five factors that affect the decision to have children
Relationship between parents, finance, parental age, peer pressure/social expectations, genetic counselling for hereditary disease.
Relationship between partners:
Should have trust with each other to make major life changes.
Parents should feel confident enough to be a parent.
Couples should support each other in tough times.
Finance:
Should have a well paying job so you are able to pay for any expenses (e.g. bills, food, clothing,)
Parental age (in a women) :
Has a decrease in fertility after 35 years old.
After menopause she will not be able to produce.
Pros of being a younger parent:
Will have more energy to do a lot more things in life.
Can recover form pregnancy a lot quicker.
Less likely to have a child with Down’s syndrome.
May have parents who are younger who have experience to help out.
Cons of being a younger parent:
Less likely to be financially stable and have a secure home.
May not be in a stable relationship.
May feel like they will have to give up their social life.
Pros of being an older parent:
More likely to be financially secure.
More confident about going into parenthood.
More likely to have an established career.
Cons of being an older parent:
May recover form birth and pregnancy more slowly .
More likely to have a child with Down’s syndrome.
More likely to have less energy.
Peer pressure/social expectations:
They could feel excluded form their friend groups if they have babies.
Social expectation from friends and family for a couple to start a family.
Genetic counselling/hereditary diseases:
Common hereditary disorders (down’s syndrome, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, muscular dystrophy and haemophilia )
Parents will be offered counselling if there is a family history of birth defects, genetic disorders or some forms of cancer. Or if parents already have a child who has a genetic disorder.
Pre-conception health:
Diet. Exercise. Healthy weight. Dangers of smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs. Up-to-date immunisations.
Diet:
At least five portions of fruit and veg a day.
Foods that provide protein and iron.
Starchy food including; potatoes, rice, bread and pasta.
Dairy foods.
Exercise:
Being fit and healthy before conception helps the body to cope with pregnancy and birth.
Regular exercise is needed to maintain ongoing fitness during pregnancy.
Most forms of fitness can carry on normally during pregnancy.
Healthy weight (being overweight) :
Can affect ovulation and reduce fertility.
Can affect the babies growth rate and development.
Can lead to health issues during pregnancy such as HBP, pre-eclampsia and diabetes.
Can increase the need for a caesarean.
Healthy weight (being underweight) :
This can reduce fertility, affects periods and ovulation.
Smoking dangers:
The chemicals can be passed down form the mothers bloodstream then to the baby via placenta.
Risk of miscarriage, premature birth, still birth and foetal abnormalities.
Affects the nutrients received via placenta.
Babies may develop learning difficulties and poor growth.
Alcohol dangers:
Can seriously affect the development of the baby’s liver.
Risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
Drinking heavily can cause foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)- effects include poor growth, facial abnormalities and behavioural problems.
Recreational drugs dangers:
The amount of oxygen reaching the baby can be reduced.
May be problems with placenta causing it to bleed which then leads to be life threatening for mother and baby.
If drugs get taken regularly then baby could suffer with withdrawal after birth, which is very painful and distressing and requires hospitalisation.
Up-to-date immunisations:
Vaccinations contribute to a women’s health before and during pregnancy which also benefits the baby.
Five primary needs:
Food. Clothing. Shelter. Warmth. Rest/sleep.
Additional primary needs:
Love and nurture.
Socialism, customs and values.
Providing love and nurture to a child who does not receive it:
May fail to thrive.
May be unhappy and experience social and emotional difficulties.
A lack of love and nature in early years can continue to impact on children as they grow up.
Socialisation, customs and values:
As children grow up they need to understand what behaviour is socially acceptable. They need to be supported in learning how to manage their feelings.
An important part of being a parent is to be an appropriate role model.
The customs and values of a family are very personal and they tend to influence a sense of identity.
Male condoms:
Helps to protect against STI.
If used incorrectly, it can come of and split making it ineffective.
Widely available.
98% effective
