PRE-NATAL DEVELOPMENT

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

1.1 Height and Weight

According to O.R. Vaughan, ... T. Jansson, in Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational
Science, 2017, the fetus requires amino acids for the processes of protein synthesis, carbon
accretion, oxidative metabolism, and biosynthesis, which ultimately determine growth rate in utero.
The fetal supply of amino acids is critically dependent on the transport capacity of the placenta.
System A amino acid transporters in the syncytiotrophoblast microvillous plasma membrane,
directed toward maternal blood, actively accumulate amino acids, while system L exchangers
mediate uptake of essential amino acids from the maternal circulation. The functional capacity and
protein abundance of these transporters in the placenta are related to fetal growth in both humans
and experimental animals. Maternal nutritional and endocrine signals including insulin, insulin-like
growth factors, adipokines, and steroid hormones regulate placental amino acid transport, against
the background of growth signals originating from the fetus. Anabolic signals of abundant maternal
resource availability stimulate placental amino acid transport to optimize offspring fitness, whereas
catabolic signals reduce placental amino acid transport in an attempt to ensure survival and long-
term reproductive capacity of the mother when resources are scarce. These signals regulate placental
amino acid transport by controlling transcription, translation, plasma membrane trafficking, and
degradation of transporters. Adaptations in placental amino acid transport capacity may underlie
either under- or overgrowth of the fetus when maternal nutrient and hormone levels are altered as
a result of altered maternal nutrition or metabolic disease. Strategies to modulate placental amino
acid transport may prove effective to normalize fetal growth in intrauterine growth restriction and
fetal overgrowth.

Apart from this, the “Average fetal length and weight chart” (2019) expound that during pregnancy,
pregnant woman can observe that her bump get bigger as her baby develops inside her womb
(uterus). By 40 weeks, the average baby weighs 3.5kg (7.6lb), and is about 51.2cm (20.2in) long from
head to heel.

Bear in mind that boys tend to be longer and heavier than girls and that every baby is
different, so don’t worry if the measurements in maternity notes are different from those listed
below. The baby’s growth will be checked during pregnancy at the appointments below.

During the dating scan at around 12 weeks, mothers’ sonographer will measure her baby
from head to bottom. This is called the crown-rump length (CRL), and it will be used to work out
her due date. At anomaly scan, which usually have at around 20 weeks, the baby will be more active,
meaning CRL isn’t as accurate. Instead, mothers’ sonographer will check the baby’s head
circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and thigh bone (femur) length (FL).
 To keep things simple, our chart uses crown-rump length measurements from eight weeks
to 19 weeks, then crown-to-heel measurements until 42 weeks.

Pregnancy week Length (inches) Weight (ounces) Length (cm) Mass (g/kg)
8 weeks 0.6in 0.04oz 1.6cm 1g
9 weeks 0.9in 0.07oz 2.3cm 2g
10 weeks 1.2in 0.1oz 3.1cm 4g
11 weeks 1.6in 0.2oz 4.1cm 7g
12 weeks 2.1in 0.5oz 5.4cm 14g
13 weeks 2.9in 0.8oz 7.4cm 23g
14 weeks 3.4in 1.5oz 8.7cm 43g
15 weeks 4in 2.5oz 10.1cm 70g
16 weeks 4.6in 3.5oz 11.6cm 100g
17 weeks 5.1in 4.9oz 13cm 140g
18 weeks 5.6in 6.7oz 14.2cm 190g
19 weeks 6in 8.5oz 15.3cm 240g

The lengths below are from crown to heel:

Pregnancy week Length (inches) Weight (ounces) Length (cm) Mass (g/kg)
20 weeks 10in 10.6oz 25.6cm 300g
21 weeks 10.5in 12.7oz 26.7cm 360g
22 weeks 10.9in 15.2oz 27.8cm 430g
23 weeks 11.4in 1.1lb 28.9cm 500g
24 weeks 11.8in 1.3lb 30cm 600g
25 weeks 13.6in 1.5lb 34.6cm 660g
26 weeks 14in 1.7lb 35.6cm 760g
27 weeks 14.4in 1.9lb 36.6cm 875g
28 weeks 14.8in 2.2lb 37.6cm 1kg
29 weeks 15.2in 2.5lb 38.6cm 1.2kg
30 weeks 15.7in 2.9lb 39.9cm 1.3kg
31 weeks 16.2in 3.3lb 41.1cm 1.5kg
32 weeks 16.7in 3.7lb 42.4cm 1.7kg
33 weeks 17.2in 4.2lb 43.7cm 1.9kg
34 weeks 17.7in 4.7lb 45cm 2.1kg
35 weeks 18.2in 5.3lb 46.2cm 2.4kg
36 weeks 18.7in 5.7lb 47.4cm 2.6kg
37 weeks 19.1in 6.3lb 48.6cm 2.9kg
38 weeks 19.6in 6.8lb 49.8cm 3.1kg
39 weeks 20in 7.2lb 50.7cm 3.3kg
 Pregnancy week Length (inches) Weight (ounces) Length (cm) Mass (g/kg)
40 weeks 20.2in 7.6lb 51.2cm 3.5kg
41 weeks 20.3in 7.9lb 51.5cm 3.6kg
42 weeks 20.3in 8.1lb 51.7cm 3.7kg

1.2 Motor abilities

Babies float around in the womb for the first week of life. It takes the first tiny ball of dividing
cells a few days to move down the Fallopian tubes and reach the uterus, and another few days for the
embryo to implant itself. From there it embeds into the cushy wall of a woman's uterus, soaks up
nutrients, and triggers a cascade of further development. But up until that point, babies are womb
drifters.
Also a developing baby's heart starts pumping blood at 6 weeks. By week eight, a baby's heart
beats regularly about 160 times a minute. The pumping is also audible with the help of an ultrasound
device.
Another thing, babies can hear inside (and outside) the womb, and the uterus is very noisy.
Most of the ear structures required to pick up sound are formed by week 16. From then on, a mom's
heartbeat, eating, breathing, walking, talking, exercising, burping, and digestive gurgling can easily
be heard by a developing baby. This may help explain why babies find noise so comforting. There's
also some evidence to suggest babies learn to recognize and react to mom's voice while inside the
womb.
Moreover, loud noises can damage a fetus' hearing. The sounds a mum exposes herself to are
what a baby is exposed to as well, but babies can't put in ear plugs. The CDC says moms should avoid
very loud noises exceeding 115 dBA — chainsaws, gunfire, jet engines, blaring music, loud concerts,
and so forth. Consistent loud noise (like heavy machinery) can also damage a baby's hearing in the
womb.
Additionally, babies open their eyes inside the womb and can see light from the outside
.Although a baby's eyes can “see” light starting around week 16, their peepers aren't fully formed
until about week 20. The eyes first open between weeks 26 and 28. Their vision is rather blurry, but
they can see — and respond with a flutter of activity to — bright sources of light like the sun or a
flashlight pointed at a woman's belly. Getting outside often might even help a baby's eyes develop
and reduce the risk of a few eye disorders. This is according to Mosher (2016)

1.3 Diet/ Nutrition; Hygiene

According to Stickler (2014), a woman’s health is essential to the good health of her baby.
Women who eat well and exercise regularly along with regular prenatal care are less likely to have
complications during pregnancy. They’re also more likely to successfully give birth to a healthy baby.

Eating a nutritious diet during pregnancy is linked to good fetal brain development, a healthy
birth weight, and it reduces the risk of many birth defects. A balanced diet will also reduce the risks
of anemia, as well as other unpleasant pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue and morning sickness.
Good nutrition is thought to help balance mood swings and it may improve labor and delivery as well.

Prenatal vitamins

Most nutrients needed during pregnancy should come from food, but prenatal vitamin
supplements play an important role. Pregnant women are often too busy to plan three nutrient-filled
meals every day, and a vitamin supplement can provide the extra nutrition that the developing fetus
needs. Folic acid (folate) is a B vitamin that is very important for pregnant women. Folic acid
supplements taken several weeks prior to pregnancy and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy have
been found to lower the risk of having a child with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. Most
prenatal vitamins contain 1 milligram of folic acid. Talk to your doctor before you start taking
prenatal vitamins. They can help you decide which type is best for you.

Exercise

Moderate exercise is not only considered safe for pregnant women, it’s encouraged and
thought to benefit both mom and growing baby. Exercising 30 minutes a day is proven to help
circulation, strengthen muscles, and decrease stress. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor
before starting any exercise regime, particularly if you are in a high-risk category. If you were not
physically active before getting pregnant, talk with your doctor about what exercise you can do
during your pregnancy.

For the majority of normal pregnancies, exercise can:

 increase energy levels

 improve sleep

 strengthen muscles and endurance

 reduce backaches

 relieve constipation

Aerobic exercises, such as walking, jogging, and swimming, stimulate the heart and lungs as well
as muscle and joint activity, which help to process and utilize oxygen. Aerobic activity also improves
circulation and increases muscle tone and strength. There are many exercise classes designed
specifically for pregnant women that help to build strength, improve posture and alignment, and
promote better circulation and respiration.

Squatting and Kegel exercises should be added to the exercise routine. Kegel exercises focus on
the vaginal and perineal muscles. The exercise is done in the same way a woman stops and starts the
flow of urine. The perineal muscle is tightened for a count of three and then the muscle is slowly
relaxed. The period of time the muscle is contracted can be increased over time as muscle control
becomes easier. Relaxing the perineal muscles can help during the birth of the baby. Kegel exercises
are thought to help women maintain good muscle tone and control in the perineal area, which can
aid in delivery and recovery after birth.

Cutting out bad habits

Making good lifestyle choices will directly impact the health of a growing fetus. It’s important
to cut out smoking, drug use, and alcohol consumption. These have been linked to serious
complications and risks for both mother and baby.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is linked with a wide range of problems in the developing
baby. Any alcohol that is consumed by the mother enters the fetal bloodstream in approximately the
same concentrations as in the mother’s bloodstream. Drinking throughout pregnancy can result in
fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that FAS can cause your
baby to be underweight and have abnormalities in their central nervous system.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can also lead to complications, such as:

 miscarriage

 premature labor and delivery

 stillbirth

There’s no evidence that cigarette smoking before a pregnancy has started will harm a developing
baby. However, there is plenty of proof Trusted Source that smoking during pregnancy is hazardous.
Smoking affects blood flow and oxygen delivery to a baby, and therefore their growth. Cigarette
smoking is the single most common cause of low birth-weight babies, which in turn is the most
common cause of death and illness in the first few weeks of life. Smoking is also linked to a wide
variety of pregnancy complications, including:

 vaginal bleeding

 ectopic pregnancy

 premature placental detachment

 premature labor and delivery

Prenatal Care

Attending all prenatal care checkups will help your doctor carefully monitor you and your
growing baby throughout your pregnancy. It will also give you a scheduled time to ask your doctor
about any concerns you’re having about your pregnancy.

1.4 Changes

Pregnancy usually longed in about 266 days, or 280 days after the last menstrual period of
the mother. Pregnancy undergoes three stages named; the germinal, the embryonic, and the fetal
period. The germinal period is where the zygote and the support system continuously developing.
The second stage is what we called embryonic period that happens before the 2 nd week and the 8th
week of pregnancy ends. This is the stage where it develops the cephalocaudal development and
proximodistal development. In other words, the embryonic period is the stage where the body parts
are developing. For instance, some woman is not aware on her pregnancy, and earlier development
of embryo is sensitive to mother’s negligence in taking medicines. The last stage which fetal period
starts at the 2nd months and a week of pregnancy, ends after the mother gave birth to the child. In this
stage, the baby is already active inside the womb. Unhealthy environment is not good for the
pregnant woman, this might affect the health of the baby or worse leads to miscarriage. The woman
should practice pre-natal care and healthy lifestyle, this will serve as the preparation of successful
delivery (Crandell T., Crandell C., & Vander Zanden, 2009).

While Shiel (2018) describes prenatal development as the process of growth and
development within the womb, in which a single-cell zygote (the cell formed by the combination of a
sperm and an egg) becomes an embryo, a fetus, and then a baby. The first two weeks of development
are concerned with simple cell multiplication. This tiny mass of cells then adheres to the inside wall
of the uterus. The next three weeks see intense cell differentiation, as the cell mass divides into
separate primitive systems. At the end of eight weeks, the embryo has taken on a roughly human
shape, and is called a fetus. For the next twenty weeks the fetus' primitive circulatory, nervous,
pulmonary, and other systems become more mature, and it begins to move its limbs. At 28 weeks, fat
begins to accumulate under the skin, toenails and fingernails appear, and downy hair sprouts on the
body and scalp. The fetus may open its eyes periodically. For the remaining weeks of development,
the fetus continues to gain weight, and its internal systems reach full development.

Cognitive Development

2.1 Development/ Changes

According to Joseph (2000), the human brainstem is fashioned around the 6th–7th week of gestation
and matures in a caudal to rostral arc, thereby forming the medulla, pons, and midbrain. The medulla
mediates arousal, breathing, heart rate, and gross movements of the body and head, and medullary
functions appear prior to those of the pons, which precede those of the midbrain. Hence, by the 7th–
9th gestational week the fetus displays spontaneous movements, 1 week later takes its first “breath,”
and by the 25th week demonstrates stimulus-induced heart rate accelerations. As the pons, which is
later to mature, mediates arousal, body movements, and vestibular and vibroacoustic perception,
from around the 20th to 27th weeks the fetus responds with arousal and body movements to
vibroacoustic and loud sounds delivered to the maternal abdomen. The midbrain inferior-auditory
colliculus followed by the superior-visual colliculus is the last to mature and in conjunction with the
lower brainstem makes fine auditory discriminations and reacts to sound with fetal heart rate (FHR)
accelerations, head turning, and eye movements—around the 36th week. When aroused the fetus
also reacts with reflexive movements, head turning, FHR accelerations, and may fall asleep and
display rapid eye movements. Thus fetal cognitive motor activity, including auditory discrimination,
orienting, the wake–sleep cycle, FHRs, and defensive reactions, appear to be under the reflexive
control of the brainstem, which also appears capable of learning-related activity.

Socioemotional Development

3.1 Personalities of pregnant woman

The following are different personalities of pregnant womans explained by Cruz (2012):

Nauseated Nancy: Back the truck up, she wakes up feeling like she’s been asleep at sea. She
brushes her teeth and almost vomits. Commence watery eyes and gagging. Breakfast? No, thank you.
Starving. Must eat. Irritable bowel ensues. No appetite. Repeat.
Starving Sally: She eats but her hunger is insatiable and nothing quenches it except for carbs.
Ding Dongs and Pizza are bad, right? Don’t try to come between Sally and her carbs or you may just
pull back a nub.
Horny Helga/Dirty Diana: She just can't get enough sex and naughty dreams about Ryan
Reynolds are not helping the situation. Husband wants to watch porn? She’ll do it! Unexpected sexts?
Coming his way. Pity that he opened the video she sent of her doing a striptease while his coworkers
were so close. Bonus: He’s got something to look forward to the rest of the day.
Piss a lot Penelope: Two days before she even took the pregnancy test and she was already
pissing every 10 minutes. Don’t get in her way, she will surely push you out of her way; no matter
that you're a toddler.
Exhausted Emma & Narcoleptic Nora: She’s so freaking tired that she can pass out in the
middle of any conversation, sex, or family activity. This mama to be needs a nap, STAT!
Weepy Wilhelmina: What? You think her lasagna needs more garlic? She popped? Are you
calling her fat? You hate her don't you? A gnat just landed on her straw!
Bi-Polar Bertha: Bertha is elated and then deflated in 20 seconds flat. She loves you. She
loves you not. You're the best. Life is beautiful. Head spins! She hates you. She hates you not. Pizza
sounds fabulous for dinner! What are you trying to do make her fat? She loves you. She loves you not.
 Freaking Out Fiona: The baby is coming! I know it's not for 8 more months but he's coming
all the same. What if I can't take care of him? What if I'm a bad mom? What if I mess him up? I don't
know how to take care of a circumcision. We need more money, a bigger house ... more money!

Next are “The Multiple Personalities of Pregnancy ” according to Lyons (2012):

Hungry Hannah
Prides herself on keeping the cupboards -- and her growing tummy -- full. Fritos,
frozen pizza, and root beer floats -- nothing is off-limits. She approaches the last months of
pregnancy like the last days of disco. The world is her oyster, and she's not afraid to eat it.
What she craves most are the forbidden fruits of pregnancy: sushi and soft cheese. She makes
do with safe comfort foods: buttered bagels and pasta, served with a side of ice cream for
good measure. And good girth!
Mood Swing Molly
Has mixed emotions about pregnancy, the changes to her body, and the impending
shifts in her life. One minute she feels blobby and the next just fabulous. Today she wants to
paint the nursery yellow; tomorrow it must be green. She's on top of the world, then down in
the dumps. Husbands, beware: She can go from "I love you" to "I hate you" while getting
dressed for work. She would like you to take her out to dinner, but wait -- now she wants to
eat Chinese food on the couch. In her fat pants.
Wendy the Worrywart
Spends her days (and sleepless nights) wondering what if...I was already pregnant tha t
night I downed three margaritas? There was Listeria on the turkey sandwich I polished off
for lunch? I can't get comfy snoozing on my left side? My water breaks at work? I don't make
it to the hospital in time? There's something wrong with the baby? Ther e's something wrong
with me? I can't breastfeed? I can't change a diaper? We can't afford college? I turn out to be
just like my mother?
Psycho Sara
Typically shows up to organize the linen closet or the Tupperware drawer at 3 a.m.
Takes nesting to a new extreme. Can fold bodysuits into handkerchief squares. Has been
known to caulk the tub at midnight because "it had to be done!" Stockpiles gifts, just in case.
Stockpiles groceries, just in case. Has amassed enough provisions that the dog has birthday
presents for the next five years, and her canned goods could sustain a village through a
nuclear attack. Caveat: She is prone to hormonal surges, known to be violent, and should be
approached with caution.
Felicia the Forgetful
Can't remember where she parked the car. Occasionally leaves the house with the door
open. Not unlocked. Wide open. Struggles on occasion to recall her address and phone
number. Wrestles daily with remembering the names of neighbors, friends, and coworkers.
Is suddenly challenged by second-grade math. Frequently finds herself in the basement
wondering why she went down there in the first place. At the supermarket (for Hannah, of
course) with an overflowing cart, she once realized that her wallet was at home. On the
upside, the door was wide open, which simplified one step in retrieving it.
Clumsy Clara
Poor Clara. She finds getting around in her growing body more challenging than
driving an oversize rental car. She has no sense of her own circumference and is perpetually
bumping into things: kitchen counters, random furniture, even the occasional unsuspecting
bystander. When that Buddha belly rounds the corner, anything can happen, and often does.
Clara is prone to stumbling off curbs and down steps. She is a menace, especially when behind
the wheel. This accident-prone mama should navigate the world slowly and carefully (both
in and out of moving vehicles), preferably in a helmet and kneepads.
Sentimental Suzie
Some might call her a sap, but Suzie just loves a good cry. Her tear ducts well up
several times a day at the most mundane provocation. A Hallmark commercial. Children
playing at the park. A colleague's compliment. An elderly couple holding hands. Sunrise.
Sunset. A perfect peach. She should avoid chick flicks at all costs.
Info-Seeking Ingrid
You know those weekly Parents.com updates? Ingrid would like one daily. In fact,
make it hourly. "What's going on in there?" is her eternal question in her unquenchable thirst
for knowledge. She memorized What to Expect When Expecting and has loaded every baby
app there is on her smartphone. Was that the flutter of a little foot she felt, or just gas? Ingrid
will get to the bottom of it, most likely in one of the 20 new-mom chat rooms she's already
joined.
Blissful Britney
This soulful mom-to-be has spent her life yearning for this very moment. She's bowled
over by her body's achievements and is happy to share the wonder of it all with you,
including: how alive and beautiful she feels with another being growing inside her. What a
miracle it is to create a new life. How, when, and where she believes this new life was
conceived. Brit just loves to broadcast what's on her mind and feels damn good about her
body. She has no clue that her formerly sexy strut has turned into an uncomfortably awkward
waddle. She was born to make babies and thinks pregnancy and skinny jeans go together very
nicely, thank you very much.
Levelheaded Leslie
Tends to keep the rest of the ladies in check. She takes the ups and downs of pregnancy
in stride. She's nervous about motherhood but confident in her marriage and herself. She
doesn't exactly revel in her cankles, sore back, and sleepless nights, but finds comfort in
knowing that it's temporary and at the end, she'll have a bundle of joy to call her own and a
bond to last a lifetime.
Furthermore, strong moods and emotions are very common in pregnancy, but when do they
become more than just normal pregnancy changes? We look at what you should look for and when
to seek medical advice according Kelly (2017) that also explained further below.
Totes emosh
During pregnancy, and in the postnatal period, there are significant changes in a woman's
hormone levels. This can have an effect on how they may feel or behave. Women are often more
emotionally up and down during pregnancy and less able to cope with normal stresses than usual. In
some respects, this is hardly surprising - there's a huge amount of change going on in a very short
period.
When pregnant, you may find you become upset and anxious more easily. This is probably
due to both the hormonal and emotional changes that you are experiencing. Being pregnant can affect
your lifestyle (for example, you may have stopped drinking alcohol) and the activities or hobbies you
do. This in turn can affect your emotions and behaviours. You may also find you feel anxious about
all the upheaval that comes with childbirth and coping with a newborn baby.

Pregnancy is often divided into three sections, or trimesters.

First trimester

The first trimester (up to 12 weeks) can be very overwhelming for some. Women will have
just found out that they are pregnant and may be feeling tired, sick, and constipated and have tender
breasts. They may well be feeling anxious, excited, exhausted, and delighted all at the same time!

For some women, the first trimester may be accompanied by severe anxiety, especially if they
have had problems conceiving or problems in earlier pregnancies. Remember above all, it is natural
to feel worried or anxious - the idea of a new baby may require a lot of adjusting to. If, however, your
mood changes become severe or unrelenting, please see your doctor for advice.

Second trimester

When you reach the second trimester (from 13 weeks), you may feel more energetic again
and feel a little more able to prepare for your baby. You still may have mood swings or feel tearful at
times, but often you may feel more positive than in the first trimester and feel more able to undertake
gentle physical activity.

Third trimester

The third trimester (from 28 weeks) can be pretty uncomfortable and tiring. As your baby
grows, you may struggle to get a good night’s sleep due to discomfort or needing the toilet. It's also
common to have increasing fears about childbirth, what will happen and whether you will cope.
Childbirth classes can be useful in this scenario as they help prepare you and help you meet others in
a similar situation.

The third trimester is often a time when 'nesting' occurs. Women may start tidying and
planning, sometimes to excessive proportions. Again, the exact cause of this is not known, but it is
likely to be hormonal. Be reassured if it is relatively short-lived and not too dramatic - it is part of a
normal pregnancy-related behaviour.
Reactions to body changes

Some women feel uncomfortable with the changes to their body and appearance that occur
in pregnancy. This can be very common. For some, however, resentment or anger can form a
significant emotion in their pregnancy. Often this is due to the physical symptoms and changes that
may be taking place - for example, extreme nausea.

If, however, you or people around you are concerned that these feelings are extreme or
worsening, please see your GP, midwife or other health professional.

When pregnancy is not plain sailing

Pregnancy is thought by so many people to be a time of happiness and excitement but the
reality for most women is that pregnancy is a mixture of ups, downs and other extreme emotions.

Some women appear to breeze through pregnancy with no problems at all. They love being
pregnant and don’t appear to have problems adjusting at all. For others, it is a more turbulent
journey. Pregnancy and childbirth are a time of significant change, and it is completely normal to feel
anxious or worried or more vulnerable than normal.

When a woman’s mood in pregnancy becomes down or low for a prolonged period of time, it
may be an indication that there may be more than just normal pregnancy worries.
The risk of this is increased in women who have experienced troublesome symptoms during
pregnancy - for example, extreme back pain. Also women who have a past history of depression or
bipolar disorder are at increased risk of depression and other mental health problems during
pregnancy.

If feeling down or anxious is affecting your everyday life, please mention it to your midwife.
You don't have to have a particular mental health problem to be offered help dealing with worrying
thoughts or feelings. However, if you have developed depression, it is important to get the help you
need.

Feeling on cloud nine

Occasionally during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth, a woman’s mood can become
elated or confused (psychotic) rather than low or depressed. This is rare, but if it occurs, it can
develop rapidly into postpartum psychosis. Symptoms may include confusion, unpredictable
behaviour and hallucinations. If someone you know develops these signs, please seek medical help
immediately.
Domestic abuse is something rarely talked about or linked with pregnancy. However, the
strong ranges of emotions experienced in pregnancy mean that domestic abuse is more likely to
happen than at other times. If your relationship is problematic or violent please ask for help.
Pregnancy is an exciting but emotional time for most women, often with changing pregnancy
behaviors. It is important to talk your feelings through with someone if you are anxious or low, to
ensure you get the support you need.
3.2 Likes and Dislikes
You’ve heard about the off-the-wall cravings some women get during pregnancy. The legendary
midnight runs for pickles and ice cream. The sudden, overpowering longing for watermelon or chips. You
might even have had them yourself.

But cravings have a flip side that fewer people know about. Once you’re pregnant, you may not crave that
morning latte that’s had been getting you going every day. You may not be able to walk past your
local coffee joint because you can’t stand the smell of it now.

About half of all expectant mothers end up with one or more food aversions. All of a sudden, they cannot
stomach certain foods, even ones they used to love as stated by Gardner (2016).
 LEYTE NORMAL UNIVERSITY
Tacloban City

CASE STUDY
(PRE-NATAL STAGE)

SUBMIITTED BY:

COSTINIANO, JAMICA ANNE R.

GARCIA, ANNIE MAE VIA M.

NARBONITA, KAREN JOYCE

SF1-1 TF 9:00-10:30

SUBMITTED TO:

MR. LEENARD MATEO