1. Review the Brief Chapter Summary.
2. Answer and submit the Learning Objectives. Write the question and then the answer.
3. Complete and submit the Learning Activity. Write the question and then the answer.
BRIEF CHAPTER SUMMARY
Childbirth takes place in three stages: (1) dilation and effacement of the cervix, (2) delivery of the baby, and (3) birth
of the placenta. Production of stress hormones helps the infant withstand the trauma of childbirth. The Apgar Scale
permits assessment of the baby's physical condition immediately after birth.
Natural, or prepared, childbirth and delivery in a birth center are increasingly popular alternatives to traditional hospital delivery in Western industrial societies; some women choose home birth as a noninstitutional option. Social support during labor and delivery can promote a successful childbirth experience. However, various medical interventions are commonly a part of childbirth in the United States. These procedures help save the lives of many babies but can introduce new problems when used routinely.
Although most births proceed normally, serious complications sometimes occur. The most common complications result from oxygen deprivation and prematurity. Fortunately, many babies who experience severe birth trauma recover with the help of favorable child-rearing environments, which can be supported by high-quality intervention. Infant mortality rates are higher in the United States than in many other industrialized nations.
Affordable, available prenatal care is a key factor in reducing infant mortality. Infants begin life with a remarkable set of skills for relating to the surrounding world. Newborns display a wide variety of reflexes - automatic responses to specific forms of stimulation. In the early weeks, babies move in and out of different states of arousal (degrees of sleep and wakefulness) frequently but spend the most time in either rapideye- movement REM sleep, during which the brain stimulates itself, and non-REM (NREM) sleep.
Crying is the first way that babies communicate their needs. With experience, parents become better at
interpreting the meaning of the infantÕs cries. NewbornsÕ senses of touch, taste, smell, and sound are well developed.
Vision is the least mature sensory capacity. Tests such as the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) have
been developed to assess the newbornÕs reflexes, state changes, responsiveness to stimuli, and other reactions.
The babyÕs arrival brings profound changes for the family system, which do not significantly strain a happy
marriage but may cause distress in a troubled marriage. Special interventions exist to ease the transitioan to
parenthood. Couples who support each other in their new roles typically adjust well.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After reading this chapter, you should be able to:
4.1 Describe the events leading up to childbirth and the three stages of labor. (pp. 130-131)
4.2 Discuss the baby's adaptation to labor and delivery, and describe the newborn baby;s appearance. (pp. 131-132)
4.3 Explain the purpose and main features of the Apgar Scale. (pp. 132-133)
4.4 Discuss the concept of natural childbirth, noting the typical features of a natural childbirth program, the benefits of the natural childbirth experience, and the importance of social support. (pp. 133-135)
4.5 Discuss the benefits and concerns associated with home delivery. (p. 135)
4.6 List common medical interventions used during childbirth, circumstances that justify their use, and any dangers associated with each. (pp. 136-138)
4.7 Discuss the risks associated with oxygen deprivation, preterm, small-for-date, and low-birth-weight births, and review the developmental outlook for infants born under such circumstances. (pp. 138-141)
4.8 Describe several interventions for preterm infants, including infant stimulation and parent training. (pp. 141-143, 144)
LEARNING ACTIVITY 4.6: Speaking to Parents About Newborn Sleep and Crying (pp. 149-153)
Pretend you have been asked by a local social service agency to speak to new parents about newborn sleep and crying. For example, how much sleep does a typical newborn need? Why do newborns sleep so much? Why do babies cry, and what can parents do to comfort them? When is crying cause for alarm?
Prepare an easy-to-understand Power Point presentation that is supported by research in the text.