2. Contextual Model of Prenatal
Development and Birth
• INFANT
Is conceived with a specific set of genetic
characteristics that may influence the health of
the fetus
3. Contextual Model of Prenatal
Development and Birth
• FAMILY SETTING
– Parental age and health effect factors as ease of
conception and financial resources available for
parenting, as well as decisions regarding the need
for prenatal screening.
– Mother’s physical health and exposure to
teratogens influence the health of the fetus.
– Social support available to mother during
pregnancy affects health.
4. Contextual Model of Prenatal
Development and Birth
• SES STATUS AND WORK SETTING
– Parental education, as well as economic and
community resources influence the quality of
prenatal care that a mother receives.
– Good health benefits offered by employers lead to
better care as well as parental leaves options
following birth.
– A more satisfying, less stressful work environment
influences the health of the mother and fetus.
5. Contextual Model of Prenatal
Development and Birth
• LARGER SOCIETAL AND CULTURAL
INFLUENCES
– Childbirth settings, including use of hospital,
doulas, birth centers, and professional midwives,
as well as likelihood of cesarean sections and
other medical interventions, are influences by
cultural models.
6. ASSESSING THE NEWBORN’S HEALTH
• Apgar Exam
– This test has become the standard for baby’s first
assessment, and it is typically administered at one
minute and five minute following birth.
– Focuses on five of the newborn’s vital physiological
functions:
• Heart rate
• Muscle tone
• Response to a mildly painful stimulus
• Skin colour
• Respitory
7. APGAR EXAM
• Apgar Exam score
– The highest score possible on the exam is 10
– An Apgar of 7 and above indicates that the newborn is
healthy.
– Scores between 4 and 6 need special help to establish
their breathing and stabilize their vital signs.
– Score of 3 or below are in medical danger and require
immediate intervention.
– Many factors can lower an infant’s Apgar score
including maternal smoking, drinking and labour
medication.
8. APGAR SCALE
SIGN 0 1
HEART RATE No heartbeat Under
100beats/min
100-140 beats/min
RESPITORY EFFOT None for 60 sec Irregular, slow
breathing
Strong breathing
and crying
REFLEX IRRITABILITY No response Weak reflexive
response
Strong reflexive
response
MUSCLE TONE Completely limp Weak movements
of limps
Strong movements
of limps
COLOUR blue Body pink with blue
limps
Body, arms, legs,
pink
9. DISCUSSION
1. What common procedures are used to assess
the newborn’s health?
2. What is C-section, and what contributes to
the high C-section rates today?
3. What are the reasons for low birth weight in
infants?
