Lesson video

Hello, my name's Miss Willow, and I'm going to be your teacher for today's lesson.

Today's lesson is called "Healthy Pregnancies," and it fits into the unit "Healthy Intimate Relationships: What Are My Choices in Pregnancy?" During this lesson, we are going to be talking about some sensitive and sexual content, so we require you to have an adult with you for the duration of this lesson.

If at any point you do feel worried or uncomfortable, it's really important that you stop the video and that you speak to a trusted adult.

Okay, let's make a start.

By the end of today's lesson, you'll be able to describe the key elements of maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Before we get started with today's lesson, we need to go over some ground rules.

These help to make sure that everyone feels safe and comfortable during today's lesson.

Laura says that we need to listen to others.

It's okay to disagree with each other, but we should always listen properly before we make any assumptions or before we decide how to respond.

When we disagree with someone else, it's important to challenge the statement and not the person themselves.

Next, Andeep says that we need to respect each other's privacy.

We can discuss any examples, but we shouldn't use any names or descriptions that could identify anyone, including ourselves.

This means that if you want to share a story or an experience, we can refer to someone as "my friend." This means that we're not going to give away any identifying information.

Next, Jacob says that we need to not have any judgment.

We can explore any beliefs and misunderstandings that we have about a topic without fear of being judged by others.

And finally, Izzy reminds us that we can choose our level of participation.

Everyone has the right to choose not to answer a question or to join in with discussion, but we should never put anyone on the spot.

We're now going to take a look at the keywords for today's lesson.

Our keyword for today's lesson is "prenatal care." This is medical and healthcare provided to a pregnant individual to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Today's lesson is split into three learning cycles.

Our first learning cycle is called: Why is balanced nutrition important in pregnancy? Our second learning cycle is called: What are safe exercises when pregnant? And finally, our last learning cycle is called: What are key prenatal care practices for health? Let's make a start on our first learning cycle: Why is balanced nutrition important in pregnancy? Dr.

Elsie says that during pregnancy, eating a balanced diet is really important.

It helps the fetus develop properly and keeps the mother healthy, too.

The body has increased nutritional needs during pregnancy as it's supporting the growth of the fetus while still maintaining the mother's own health and energy levels, too.

Balanced nutrition supports fetal development, so balanced nutrition contributes to the formation of the fetus' nervous system, heart, and other vital organs, particularly during the first trimester when these structures are developing rapidly.

And maternal health.

So nutrition provides the energy needed for the physical demands of pregnancy, supports the immune system, and also reduces the risk of any complications during both pregnancy and birth.

A balanced diet during pregnancy means eating a variety of different foods.

So, fruits and vegetables to provide vitamins and minerals; proteins such as meat, fish, beans, eggs, and tofu; starchy foods like bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes; and dairy or alternatives.

This provides calcium for bones and teeth.

Healthy snacks like nuts, yogurts, or fruit can help to maintain energy levels throughout the day as well.

Some foods, however, carry risks during pregnancy, such as raw or undercooked eggs and high-mercury fish, like swordfish.

Medical professionals recommend that caffeine, which can be found in coffee and tea, should be limited to 200 milligrams per day.

This is about two cups.

This is because caffeine can increase the risk of dehydration and affect the fetus' development.

Caffeine can also be found in some energy drinks and some foods, too.

Some unpasteurized soft cheeses, such as brie and blue cheeses, can carry potentially harmful bacteria.

So pregnant women are advised to read food labels carefully and choose pasteurized versions instead, or opt for hard cheeses, which pose less of a risk.

Let's do a check for understanding to see how you're doing so far with this learning cycle.

Can you name two foods which should be avoided during pregnancy? Pause the video, talk to the people around you, or have a think to yourself.

Okay, well done if you said any of the following: raw or undercooked eggs, high-mercury fish such as swordfish, unpasteurized soft cheeses, and caffeine.

Well done if you have any of these two foods, which should be avoided during pregnancy.

Some nutrients are extra important during pregnancy because they help the fetus to develop, and they also keep the mother healthy too.

So these include iron.

This enables oxygen to travel through the bloodstream to both mother and fetus and also helps to prevent fatigue and anemia for the mother.

Anemia is something that people can get if they don't have enough iron.

Calcium supports the development of strong bones and teeth in the growing fetus.

Folic acid reduces the risk of the fetus developing spinal defects, so this is problems with their spine and supports healthy nervous system development, too.

And protein.

This provides building blocks essential for cellular growth and tissue formation, too.

Eating a balanced diet in pregnancy means that babies are more likely to be born healthy and that mothers recover better, too.

Good nutrition supports both the immediate needs of pregnancy and also helps to create the best possible start for the baby's long-term health.

So as they grow up, too.

Let's do a check for understanding to see how you're doing.

Which of these is the best reason for having a balanced diet in pregnancy? A, to avoid getting hungry.

B, to support fetal development.

Or C, to support maternal health.

Pause the video, talk to the people around you, or have a think to yourself: which of these is the best reason for having a balanced diet in pregnancy? Well done if you said that B and C are correct.

The best reasons for having a balanced diet in pregnancy are to support fetal development and to support maternal health as well.

Well done if you got this right.

Dr.

Elsie says that you may have heard the phrase "pregnant women should eat for two." However, this is a myth.

It's a misconception.

Expectant mothers, so mothers who are pregnant, need a balanced diet, not double portions.

Extra calories are only needed in the latest stages of pregnancy.

So, for example, during the third trimester.

Let's do a check for understanding to see how you're doing.

I'd like you to decide if this statement is true or false.

Pregnant women need to double the amount of food that they eat.

Pause the video, talk to the people around you, or have a think to yourself: do you think this statement is true or false? Well done if you said that this is false, but why? You might have said that the fetus needs good-quality food, not double portions.

The mother only needs extra calories later in pregnancy.

Well done if you said something like this.

We're now moving on to our first practice task, and well done for your hard work so far.

Question one is, why is a balanced diet important for both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy? Question two is, name two key nutrients that are especially important in pregnancy, and explain why they're important.

And question three: some people say pregnant women should eat for two.

Why is this a misconception? So why is this incorrect? Pause the video, and we'll go through some model answers in a few minutes.

Okay, let's see what you might have said.

For question number one, why is a balanced diet important for both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy? You might have said something like: A balanced diet is important because it helps the fetus to develop properly, including the brain, bones, and organs, and keeps the mother healthy, with enough strength and energy throughout the pregnancy.

Good nutrition also reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy and birth.

Additionally, it helps the mother's body to cope with the physical changes and demands that pregnancy brings.

For question number two, name two key nutrients that are especially important in pregnancy and explain why, you might have said iron.

This helps the blood to carry oxygen to both mother and fetus and prevents the mother from becoming tired or anemic.

Calcium helps the fetus' bones and teeth to grow strong.

Folic acid prevents problems with the fetus' spine, and protein helps the growth of cells and tissues.

Well done if your answers were anything like this.

And finally, for question three, some people say pregnant women should eat for two.

Why is this a misconception? You might have said that this is a misconception because if someone is pregnant, they don't need double portions.

They only need extra calories later in pregnancy, and the quality of food is more important than the amount.

Well done if your answers for anything like this.

It's now time to move on to our second learning cycle, and well done for your hard work so far.

Our second learning cycle is called: What are safe exercises when pregnant? Exercise is really important during pregnancy for a number of reasons.

So these include helping to maintain fitness and strength, improving mood and sleep, helping to prepare the mother's body for labor.

Importantly, pregnant women should listen to their bodies.

Some days they might feel more energetic and ready to exercise than others, and that's normal.

There are many safe exercises to do during pregnancy, and these include things like walking and swimming.

These are gentle, low-impact activities that are suitable throughout pregnancy.

There's also prenatal yoga or Pilates, and these build flexibility and strength while helping to prepare the body for labor.

And light strength training.

This supports good posture and strengthens muscles to cope with the physical changes of pregnancy, too.

Midwife Moira says that safe exercise helps keep both the mother and baby healthy.

It's about staying active, not pushing for personal bests.

Pregnant women should stop exercising immediately if they feel dizzy, short of breath, have chest pain, or experience any bleeding.

Furthermore, as the pregnancy progresses throughout the trimesters, balance may change, so activities might need to be adapted accordingly.

Let's do a check for understanding to see how you're doing.

Is the statement true or false? Swimming is a safe form of exercise when pregnant.

What do you think? Pause the video, talk to the people around you, or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you said that this is true, but why? You might have said something like: Swimming is a gentle, low-impact activity that is suitable throughout pregnancy.

Well done if you got this right.

Dr.

Elsie says that while many pregnant people remain active safely, some activities are best avoided depending on personal circumstances and preferences, too.

So, for example, NHS guidance suggests steering clear of contact sports, so this is sports like rugby or martial arts, and activities that involve a high risk of falling, such as skiing or horse riding, as these could cause injury to the pregnant mother or the fetus.

If someone is unsure about exercise or diet during pregnancy, they should consult a medical professional.

Let's do another check for understanding.

Which of the following statements are true for someone who is pregnant? A, there are no benefits to exercising when pregnant.

B, prenatal yoga helps to prepare the body for labor.

Or C, NHS guidance recommends avoiding contact sports.

Which of those statements are true for someone who's pregnant? Pause the video, talk to the people around you, or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you said that B and C are correct.

It is true that prenatal yoga helps to prepare the body for labor, and it's also true that NHS guidance recommends avoiding contact sports like martial arts and rugby.

Well done if you got this right.

We're now moving on to our second practice task.

I'd like you to read the scenario and answer the questions.

Joanna loves power walking and playing rugby.

She's just found out that she's pregnant.

For the first task, I'd like you to suggest one safe exercise that Joanna might choose to continue during her pregnancy and why.

For task two, I'd like you to suggest one activity that she might decide to avoid and explain why.

And for task three, I'd like you to explain why it's important that she talks to her doctor or midwife if she's ever unsure.

Pause the video, and we'll go through some model answers in a few minutes.

Okay, let's see what you might have said.

For task one, suggest one safe exercise that she might choose to continue and why, you might have said that Joanna could continue with power walking, but adapt it to a slower pace so that it's more gentle, as walking is a low-impact exercise suitable throughout pregnancy.

For task two, suggest one activity that she might decide to avoid and explain why, you might have said that Joanna should avoid playing rugby because this is a contact sport and it could cause injury to her or the fetus.

For task three, explain why it's important that Joanna talks to her doctor or midwife if she's ever unsure, you might have said that it's important because doctors and midwives are medical professionals.

They can give expert advice to make sure that both Joanna and her baby stay healthy and safe.

Well done if your answers were anything like this.

It's now time to move on to our final learning cycle, and well done for your hard work so far.

This learning cycle is called: What are key prenatal care practices for health? Prenatal care means the health steps taken during pregnancy to protect both the mother and the fetus.

Nurse Daniel says that regular prenatal care helps to spot risks early and supports a healthy pregnancy.

This care typically begins as soon as pregnancy is confirmed and continues throughout all stages of pregnancy.

It involves a team of healthcare professionals, including midwives, doctors, and specialists, all working together.

There are many ways to have a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy, and these include eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein; taking supplements like folic acid; avoiding alcohol, smoking, vaping, and drugs; and staying active with safe exercise like swimming and walking.

It's important to access medical support during pregnancy.

This includes attending regular check-ups with midwives or doctors, scans and tests to check the fetus' growth and development, vaccinations and medical advice to keep mother and fetus safe.

Prenatal classes can also help to prepare for labor, birth, and caring for a newborn as well.

This person wants to share their story.

They say, "I take folic acid every day, as it helps my baby's brain and spine develop healthily.

We also attend weekly prenatal classes together.

Learning about what to expect during pregnancy has helped to reduce my anxiety and makes us feel more confident." Midwife Moira says that "Attending regular check-ups, scans, prenatal classes, and vaccinations is a great way for expectant mothers to look after themselves and their babies too.

Healthcare professionals like me are there to provide support every step of the way." Let's do another check for understanding.

Which of these is part of good prenatal care? A, smoking to reduce stress.

B, taking folic acid.

C, avoiding doctors' visits.

Or D, drinking alcohol in small amounts.

Which of these is part of good prenatal care? Pause the video, talk to the people around you, or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you said that B is correct.

Taking folic acid is part of good prenatal care.

As part of good prenatal care, it's important to avoid smoking, attend doctor's visits, and avoid alcohol, too.

Well done if you said the same thing.

Another important part of prenatal care practice is to look after our well-being, and this includes getting enough rest, so sleep and managing stress, seeking support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals, and talking openly about any worries or symptoms. Midwife Moira says that rest and emotional well-being matter in pregnancy because they reduce stress, support the body's changes, and help the fetus' healthy development.

Studies show that high stress and poor sleep can affect fetal brain development, birth weight, and may increase the risk of premature birth.

This means that birth happens before the baby has reached full term.

Additionally, adequate sleep helps to regulate important pregnancy hormones and supports the mother's immune system, too, which can prevent them from getting unwell.

Let's do another check for understanding.

Is the statement true or false? Prenatal care is only about attending medical check-ups.

What do you think? Is this true or false? Talk to the people around you or have a think to yourself.

Well done, if you say that this is false, but why? You might have said that prenatal care also includes healthy lifestyle choices, good nutrition, adequate rest, and emotional well-being, not just attending medical check-ups, although these are important too.

Well done if your answer was anything like this.

It's now time to move on to your final practice task.

Tori has just found out that she's pregnant.

She wants to know what she should do to look after herself and her baby.

I'd like you to give Tori three pieces of advice about good prenatal care.

I'd like you to include one piece of lifestyle advice, one piece of medical advice, and one piece of well-being advice.

Pause the video, and we'll go through a model answer in a few minutes.

Okay, let's see what you might have said.

For lifestyle, you might have said that Tori should eat a balanced diet and avoid smoking, alcohol, vaping, and drugs.

Some medical advice would be that Tori should attend regular check-ups with her midwife or doctor and attend prenatal classes too.

And for well-being, Tori should get in enough rest, manage her stress, and talk to people that she trusts, like her family, friends, and medical professionals, especially if she feels worried.

Well done if your answers for anything like this.

We're now going to summarize the key learning from today's lesson.

In today's lesson, we've learned the good nutrition provides essential building blocks for healthy fetal development while still supporting the mother's physical and emotional well-being.

Safe regular exercise offers multiple benefits, including better mood, increased energy levels, and improved sleep quality for expectant mothers.

And we've learned that prenatal care involves not only regular medical check-ups to monitor both the mother and the fetus, but it also involves healthy lifestyle choices, emotional support, and preparation for parenthood.

In today's lesson, you might have found that you've got some worries or questions, and if you do, it's really important that you share these with a trusted adult.

There's also some resources on the screen that are there to help you too.

Well done for your hard work today.

I hope to see you in another lesson soon.