Prenatal and Postpartum Scenario

Prenatal and Postpartum Scenario
Amber Blumenfeld
PSY/280
01-12-2015
Karen Hunter
Prenatal and Postpartum Scenario
During pregnancy it is very important to take good care of yourself and the unborn child. Getting regular prenatal care is extremely important for both the mother and the child. There are several things pregnant woman can do to be healthy and promote the health of the child.

Nutrition and supplements: When you’re eating for two you need to intake more calories. Healthy eating is important in pregnancy. Calories should come from nutritious foods. This will help contribute to the child’s growth and development. Eating healthy will also help improve the mother’s energy level, as pregnancy is very hard on one’s body. Eating a healthy diet you’re more likely to get all the essential nutrients you need during pregnancy. In addition to eating healthy a pregnant woman should also take a prenatal vitamin. These vitamins contain more Folic acid and Iron than other adult vitamins. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects. Iron supports the babies’ growth and development. A pregnant woman should increase the amount of fluids she consumes in order to help with the increased volume of blood. This will also help with common problems such as dehydration and constipation.

Sleep: It is important to get enough sleep during your pregnancy. Your body uses more energy while pregnant. Often pregnant woman feel more tired than usual. As the pregnancy gets further alone it is more difficult to find comfortable sleeping positions. Lack of sleep can contribute to mental health issues; including depression and anxiety.

Exercise: If you’re not already very active it is recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services you engage in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate physical activities every week. Exercise during pregnancy has been very beneficial. It may help prevent excess weight gain, improve sleep, increase energy, improve mood, help prepare for labor and delivery, and lessen recovery time.

I chose these three specific categories to touch base on specifically

Assume the role of a developmental psychologist that has been asked to provide advice to two different women: (1) a 6-month pregnant woman and (2) a postpartum woman. Prepare 1 memo for each woman (2 memos total), each 350- to 700-words in length. In your member, be sure to address the following items:
Provide a daily activity list consisting of three to five activities that you believe will positively affect her infant’s future development. If necessary, provide a time frame within the lists.
Provide an explanation of why you selected each activity and how it can contribute to the prenatal, postpartum, and future development of each woman’s child. Be sure that your explanation is based on developmental theory.