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What makes healthy babies? Let's brainstorm for a few minutes some things you think help a baby before the mother becomes pregnant? during the pregnancy? at the birth of the baby? (below are a few examples) Use an overhead to list these. Positive Factors preconceptual care folic acid nutrition early & regular prenatal care genes vitamins prenatal classes avoid harmful substances Harmful Factors substance abuse (male or female) HIV, STD's X-rays smoking alcohol over or underweight 1 caffeine during/day weight gain > 35 pounds When Do Birth Defects Occur? Most are between 2 - 8 weeks after conception when organs and body parts are first developing. Many women do not know they are pregnant at this time. The things we talked about can have already harmed the baby. And if the behaviors (smoking, drugs, poor nutrition) continue during pregnancy, they can make the situation worse. It is important a woman thinking about pregnancy, or who is pregnant, be aware of the risks and seek assistance on health-related behaviors. Now we will look at you other homework assignment: Part 2 of the Health History. This relates to your past health and begins with you as a fetus. Your mothers pregnancy, labor and delivery, and birth. Then you'll look at Developmental Milestones, right up to puberty. Include any illnesses, injuries, and hospitalizations. Next we'll look at your Current Health Status. Check any health concerns you have about your health. Since you have had your height and weight done we will calculate your BMI or Body Mass Index. You have a handout on this and can calculate this based on the Formula BMI = HF X Wt (lb.). Then compare your BMI to the percentile chart for your sex and age. This is not something to be real concerned about since you are all different! These are averages. An athlete may be in a high percentile due to the muscle mass. Now let's look at you Vision Test results. The nurses will help you fill these in when they meet with you over the next two weeks. Did anyone need a vision referral? Does any one have corrective lenses? Are these for near (myopia) or far (hyperopia) problems?
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