Childbirth, Nutrition and Exercises

Nutrition and Exercises Quiz

Natural Childbirth Classes and Doula Services
Triangle Area, NC.


	HOME	How to Use these Quizzes Enjoy trying these quizzes. If you have questions after reading the answers you can ask your health care providers for more information. These topics are also covered in more detail in many of the books shown on the website. You can attend a childbirth class where many of these topics will also be discussed at length. Exercises Stage One Relaxation Transition Then/Now

Birthing / Exercise Ball

Optimal fetal positioning can keep you comfortable late in pregnancy and during your labor. Sitting on a birthing ball keep the uterus forward and off your back. This keeps the baby's back to the front of the uterus. In this position, the baby will enter the birth canal ...read more

Nutrition Almanac, 5th Ed.
by Lavon J. Dunne

This book is a great reference tool with nutritional content listing for many kinds of food (processed and fast food too). If you'd like to increase iron in your diet...or check how much protein you are eating this book can pick up where ...read more

Wrap Around Pillow

Finding a comfortable sleeping position gets challenging in pregnancy. If you normally slept on your back or stomach you need to adopt a new position during the later months of pregnancy. This wrap around body pillow will help keep you in a side lying position. ...read more

Questions	What do you think?	Answer / Comments
1). Which exercise opens the inlet to the pelvis?	Jumping Jacks Swimming Walking	Walking during early first stage labor can shorten it by up to 30 %. This could cut up to five hours off labor. Walking opens the inlet to the pelvis, helping the baby's head engage. This is why it is good in early labor.
2. Which exercise opens the outlet to the pelvis and is more helpful later in labor ?	Dancing Jogging Squatting	Squatting opens the outlet of your pelvis 10-15 %. This gives baby's head more room to make it through your pelvis. This is why it's the most efficient position for pushing.
3). What complications may be prevented by good nutrition during pregnancy?	Grouchiness Pre-eclampsia(Toxemia) Morning sickness	Pre-eclampsia (Toxemia). This is a controversial area, but there is research showing a connection between inadequate protein intake and the onset of life-threatening toxemia late in pregnancy.
4). What position of the uterus is optimal in pregnancy and labor for comfort (to mom) and keeping the baby in a good position for birth ?	lying down flat on your back positions where the uterus is forward and off your back side lying position	Positions where the uterus is forward and off your back makes Mother more comfortable by taking the weight of her uterus and baby off her back. Forward positions (squatting, sitting on birth ball, pelvic rocking, etc) are best for optimal fetal positioning that keeps the baby in the anterior (easiest for birth) position.
5. How long does a typical pregnancy last ?	40 weeks 44 weeks 41 weeks + 1 day	41 weeks + 1 day. The traditional length of pregnancy was set at 40 weeks by Dr. Naegele in the 1800's. This figure seems reasonable but was not based on any scientific research. Actual studies have shown that pregnancy lasts longer and averages 41 weeks and 1 day for first time Mothers. For subsequent children the average is 40 weeks and 4 days.
6). Why do you need to relax your kegel muscle during the pushing stage?	Prevent migraine headaches Prevent posterior baby Prevents you from holding the baby IN during your pushing	Relaxing your kegel muscle during pushing will prevent you from holding the baby IN. The goal of pushing is to get the baby OUT into your waiting arms. It is very helpful for Mothers to do exercises that strengthen their kegel muscles during pregnancy. Mothers who learn the difference between a relaxed kegel and a tightened kegel can improve their pushing.
7). Why is abdominal breathing better than chest breathing during labor?	Easier on your body, delivers more oxygen, and aids relaxation. Prevents stuffy nose Quieter, less disturbing to others in your birthing room.	Deep abdominal breathing is easier on your body, delivers more oxygen to you and your baby, and aids in your relaxation. Chest breathing is for people who are not relaxed and may be panicky (think fight or flight response). Slow breathing and relaxation will help to release endorphins vs. a release of adrenaline with panicky quick breathing.
8). Why should pregnant woman avoid lying on their back after the fourth month of pregnancy ?	To keep the baby in a good position in the uterus. Prevent wear on your mattress set The growing uterus could put excessive weight on major blood vessels.	The growing uterus could put excessive weight on major blood vessels. After the 4th month of pregnancy Mothers should adopt a side-lying position. Supporting your body with pillows will help you sleep better. (Dad will just have to get used to having less space in the bed for a few months!)
9). How can tensing your muscles, and then relaxing them help you learn to relax fully and more easily ?	Develops a good appetite Differentiates between the normal and relaxed state of our muscles Keeps your mind occupied during labor	Working through a tense/relax relaxation script can help a Mother and her coach to differentiate between the normal tense state of our muscles and a warm, heavy relaxed feeling. Even a Mother that has learned how to relax may still need to use this technique during labor to fully release tension in one area of her body.
10). True or False - Your uterus will be the largest muscle in your body when your pregnancy is at term.	True False	True. Labor is an athletic event. Your muscles need fuel...that's why you are hungry and thirsty in early labor.


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