Preconception Health : Uncomplicated Pregnancy
A. Teach about
1. Lifestyle for optimal health
2. Balanced diet including folic acid
3. Fertility awareness
4. Stress management
5. Avoidance of harmful or teratogenic substances
6. Safe sex
7. Risk awareness
8. Parenting responsibilities
B. Conception
9. Factors influencing conception
a. hormone cycles
b. cervical mucus
c. sperm motility
d. ovulation
10. Occurs when ovum is penetrated by sperm resulting in fertilization
11. Male gamete determines sex of child at fertilization
12. Fertilization typically occurs in outer third of the fallopian tube
13. Single or multiple fertilizations are possible
Methods of Contraception
A. Fertility awareness methods:
1. Calendar - estimate date of ovulation based on length of cycle (rhythm method)
2. Basal body temperature - identifies ovulation by drop and rise in temperature
3. Cervical mucus method- identifies ovulation by increase in mucus amount and stretchability.
B. Chemical agents, that destroy or immobilize sperm- creams, foams, jellies, or suppositories
C. Mechanical barrier methods
1. Diaphragm- covers the external os
• Disadvantage: must be fitted, provides no protection against STD’s and risk of TSS (toxic shock syndrome)
• Most effective when used with a chemical agent
2. Condom:
• Disadvantage: decreases penile sensation and spontaneity
• Advantage: inexpensive, accessible, and reduces spread of STD’s
