Pregnancy Flashcards

1
Q

What are the different perspectives on birth

A

Biomedical

  • birth is a medical event
  • focus = illness, pathology, potential problems

Psychological

  • birth is an experience
  • focus = satisfaction and fulfilment

Social

  • type of childbirth is socially determined
  • e.g., increased intervention

Cultural

  • birth/motherhood is fulfilling
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2
Q

how has giving birth changed in UK since 1927

A

in 1927, 85% of births occurred at home; now < 2%

~40% are “normal births” - i.e., no medical procedures

increasing medicalisation - e.g. caesarean-section rates

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3
Q

Psychosocial factors in pregnancy

A
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4
Q

Factors associated with foetal / neonatal mortality, difficult labour, low birth weight, infant morbidity

A

physical, sexual or emotional abuse

illicit drug use*

(heavy) alcohol use

nutrient deficiencies

excessive or low maternal weight gain

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5
Q

How could you change prenatal behaviours?

A

provision of information can change health behaviour

= basis for antenatal classes

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6
Q

What does a socioeconomic disadvantage increase a risk of?

A

maternal morbidity – physical and psychological

maternal mortality

infant mortality

low birth weight = most important factor in infant morbidity & mortality

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7
Q

What may cause maternal stress?

A
  • may be a response to adversity
  • related to coping responses (including harmful behaviour)
  • concern about changing roles
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8
Q

What response could stress invoke?.. explain

A

Stress can cause physical effects on the mother and hence the fetus via hormones, immunity, BP, blood supply and nutrients.

it can also cause psychological response leading to a change in behaviour

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9
Q

Stress and associated foetal outcomes

A

premature labour + delivery

lower birth weight

moderated by psychosocial resources – e.g., SES

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10
Q

how does maternal stress affect the infant?

A

= increased sensitivity to stress

= more anxiety and fearfulness

= more emotional and behavioural difficulties

= more cognitive and attentional difficulties

+ higher rates of ADHD, schizo, depression, etc. later in life

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11
Q

Why is support during pregnancy important

A
  • greater perceived control
  • less stress
  • greater satisfaction with birth
  • lower likelihood of traumatic birth
  • lower likelihood of postnatal depression
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12
Q

Why is support during labour important?

A

* shorter labour

* less c-section / ventouse / forceps

* less analgesia

* better Apgar scores

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13
Q
A
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