Looking for ideas on things to know about pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period but don’t really know where to start? Here is a thorough research checklist to give you a starting point for the things you should start researching!
Pregnancy
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Teratogens
Going the full 40 weeks
Pregnancy Nutrition/Diet
Supplements in/for Pregnancy
Fetoscope/Doppler/Ultrasound
Childbirth Education Classes
Safe Exercise in Pregnancy
Pelvic floor awareness and strengthening
Alternative Medicine/Care Options (Chiropractic, Massage, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Naturopathic, Midwifery, Doulas, etc.)
Optimal Fetal Positioning - Spinning Babies
Rhogam Shot (if you have a Negative (-) blood type)
Gestational Diabetes and Screening Options
Group B Strep
Fetal kick counts
Membrane Sweeps/Stripping
What Happens if You Go Past your 'Due Date'- It's really not an expiration date!
For Labor/Birth
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Signs of labor, stages of labor
Induction methods (Pitocin, Cytotec, foley catheter, other medications, etc.)
Epidurals
Natural Labor Pain Relief/Comfort Measures
Vaginal Exams/Cervical Checks
Labor Positions
Fetal Monitoring methods
What to Eat and Drink
Waterbirth
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
Preventing Perineal Tears
Pushing Positions
Medications and Alternatives to prevent and stop postpartum hemorrhage
Third Stage Management (Birthing the placenta)
Neonatal Resuscitation
Delayed Cord Clamping
Immediate Skin-to-Skin and intitial bonding and attachment
For Postpartum
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Newborn Vitamin K Shot
Newborn Erythromycin Eye Ointment
Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccine
Placenta Services Options
Cloth Diapers/Disposable Diapers
Sleeping Options (rooming in, co-sleeping in bed, co-sleeper, sidecar, crib, etc)
Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding
Local Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding Nutrition/Diet
Postpartum Depression
Circumcision
Newborn Screening Tests (Metabolic Screening, Hearing Test, CCHD Screening)
Baby Wearing
Car Seat Safety
And HEY, let me know if you think I should add anything else to the list!