child development

child development

1. contraception

   • male
     • condom
   • female
     • femidom
       • (female condoms)
     • diaphragm
       • with spermicide (gel or cream)
     • IUD
       • intaurterine device
     • IUS
       • intauterine system
     • contraceptive pill
       • combined pill
         • contains oestrogen and progestogen
       • Mini pill
         • (POP) contains progestogen only

2. labour

   • stage 1
     • muscles in the uterus gradually open up the cervix to about 8-10cm
     • labour contractions are weak and irregular
     • contractions gradually become stronger and closer together
     • when the waters break the amniotic fluid should be clear or pink
       • (sometimes the waters may not break until stage 2 of labour)
   • stage 2
     • very strong contractions push the baby along the birth canal
     • when the widest part of the baby's head is born it is known as the crowning
     • sometimes an episiotomy (a cut in the vagina) is needed to let the head pass through
     • after the head is born the rest of the body slides out
     • the umbilical cord is cut and the baby is a separate person
   • stage 3
     • an injection of oxytocin may be given to stop excessive bleeding
     • the placenta and the remaining cord is delivered (this takes 5-15 minutes)
     • the placenta is examined

3. immunisation

   • ilnesses in babies
     • ECZEMA - scaley rash on the skin. can be related to asthma
     • MEASLES -caused by a virus. red spotty rash after 4-5 days
     • RUBELLA- red spotty rash and swollen glands
     • MENINGITIS - inflammation of brain and nervous system. fever, vomiting and rash
     • CRADLE CAP - kind of turbo charged dandruff, can be gently rubbed off with baby oil
     • MUMPS- salivia glands swell up
     • COLIC- abdominal pain caused by wind in the stomach

4. sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

   • also known as cot death
   • SIDS is the sudden, unexpected death and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby
   • CAUSE
     • the exact cause of cot death is unknown
     • experts believe that SIDS occurs at a particular stage of a baby's development and that it affects babies who are vulnerable to certain environmental stresses
       • environmental stresses could include smoking, getting tangled in bed sheets, a minor illness or a breathing obstruction.
       • this vulnerability may be caused by being born prematurely or having a low birth weight
   • SUPPORT SERVICES
     • if a baby dies suddenly, there will need to be an investigation into how and why they died. a post-mortem examinaion* will usually be necessary, this can be very distressing for the family.
       • *post mortem examination, also known as an autopsy, is the examination of the body after death. the aim of a post mortem examination is to find the cause of death.
     • the lullaby trust provides advice and and support for families who have lost a close friend or family member through death.
       • specially trained advisers are available on their helpline
     • the babyloss and sands websites are resources for those affected by the death of a baby during pregnancy, at birth or shortly afterwards