Pregnancy, Birth & Infancy Essay- SWK516

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Pregnancy, Birth, Newborn, and Infancy Essay Brooke Smith Grand Canyon University SKW-516: Human Behavior in the Social Environment I Dr. Shannon Hargrove-Scott March 27, 2024 Pregnancy, Birth, Newborn, and Infancy Essay

Risk factors are elements that have the potential to negatively impact an individual's healthy development. These influences can differ among various cultures, societies, and families, as well as during key periods like pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood. In the initial three years of life, a child's growth is rapidly changing and encompasses the development of interconnected abilities like cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional skills (Likhar et al., 2022). It is essential to comprehend and address these risk factors to prevent specific disorders and life- changing conditions. Social workers need to acknowledge the variations in risk factors at cultural and familial levels so that interventions can be customized to suit the diverse needs of populations (Fichtenberg et al., 2020). This is vital for reducing the transmission of risk factors to future generations and fostering healthy development during critical stages such as prenatal and infancy. How Risk Factors Change Across Cultures Cultures have different experiences during the period of expecting a baby, birthing, and when the baby is young. These differences can impact the health outcomes of both mothers and babies. Risk factors for pregnancy, birth, and infants can vary significantly across different cultures due to differences in social norms, healthcare access, and environmental conditions (Hutchison, 2019). For example, in some cultures where early marriage is common, adolescent pregnancies may be more prevalent, increasing the risk of complications during childbirth. In some cultures, women may have limited access to prenatal care or may rely on traditional healers instead of medical professionals. This lack of access to proper healthcare can lead to higher rates of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Cultural practices related to diet and nutrition can also impact the risk factors for pregnancy and infant health. Certain cultural diets may be lacking in key nutrients essential for fetal development, leading to increased risks of birth defects

or low birth weight. How Risk Factors Vary in Diverse Family Systems Risk factors within pregnancy, birth, and infancy may vary in diverse family systems such as LGBT families and adoption situations due to unique challenges and circumstances these families may face. It is important for healthcare providers and social workers working with diverse family systems to be aware of potential risk factors and provide culturally competent care and support to ensure the health and well-being of both parents and infants in these unique family dynamics. In LGBT+ families, the risk factors during pregnancy can include discrimination and lack of access to healthcare services tailored to their specific needs. LGBT+ individuals often face stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings, which can lead to delays in seeking prenatal care and receiving appropriate support during pregnancy. Due to this, research has shown that pregnant lesbian and bisexual individuals have an increased likelihood of experiencing depression during pregnancy, as well as a higher prevalence of pre-existing chronic medical conditions (Croll et al., 2022). In terms of infancy, LGBT families may experience additional risks related to social stigma and discrimination towards their children. Studies associated with the Netherlands have found that children raised by same-sex parents are more likely to experience bullying and harassment at school compared to children from heterosexual families (Mazrekaj et al., 2022). In adoption scenarios, the risk factors during pregnancy, birth, and infancy can differ based on the circumstances of the adoption process. Birth mothers deciding on adoption for their child may endure emotional strain during pregnancy and delivery, potentially affecting the infant's development if not managed effectively. Adoptive parents also encounter special

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challenges like forming a bond with a new child and dealing with intricate legal procedures related to adoption. Application of the Chart In the field of social work, professionals frequently collaborate with expecting parents and families to help before, during, and after the birth of a child. A resource which outlines key milestones and potential risks associated with childbirth for both parent and child, can be a valuable tool for social workers (see Appendix A). Such a chart aids in conducting assessments, devising interventions, and serving educational purposes. It enables social workers to evaluate the physical, emotional, and social needs of expecting parents, as well as to pinpoint any factors that could jeopardize the well-being of the parent and child. By keeping tabs on important events such as prenatal appointments, stages of fetal development, and common childbirth complications, social workers can gain a deeper understanding of the specific situations of the families they support (Hutchison, 2019). Conclusion The quality of care offered to expecting and new parents is of paramount importance. Understanding the risk factors that might affect the quality of care during pregnancy, birth, and in infancy is an important step in helping understand potential adverse outcomes facing a particular group of new parents. Although most of the risk factors revolve around pregnancy, some might extend to a period beyond birth, affecting the well-being of the child and the family. Children, born underweight, and those from families under substance use and violence, are at elevated risks of early death. Understanding and subsequently dealing with these risk factors is not a simple task. Social workers, due to their unique position in the society, and their involvement with both the experienced caregivers, family members, and the society, can help advocate to

families and other professionals the unique risks and potential outcomes of new parents and help design effective and culturally sensitive models of intervention. References

Croll, J., Sanapo, L., & Bourjeily, G. (2022). LGBTQ + individuals and pregnancy outcomes: A commentary. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology , 129 (10). https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17131 Fichtenberg, C., Delva, J., Minyard, K., & Gottlieb, L. M. (2020). Health and human services integration: Generating sustained health and equity improvements. Health Affairs , 39 (4), 567–573. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2019.01594 Hutchison, E. D. (2019). Human behavior in the social environment I: Conception through middle childhood (eBook Edition). SAGE Publications. https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/9781544380377/pdf2htmlex/ index.html Likhar, A., Baghel, P., & Patil, M. (2022). Early childhood development and social determinants. Cureus , 14 (9). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.29500 Mazrekaj, D., Fischer, M. M., & Bos, H. M. W. (2022). Behavioral outcomes of children with same-sex parents in the netherlands. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 19 (10), 5922. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19105922 Appendix A

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Pregnancy, Birth, Newborn, and Infancy Chart Stage Milestones Potential Risk Factors (child) Potential Risk Factors (Caregivers) Pregnancy/ Birth & Newborn According to Mayo Clinic (2020) fetus’ develop milestones throughout pregnancy including:  13 weeks: Urine forms  14 weeks: Sex of baby is identified  16 weeks: eyes begin to move  5 weeks: baby can respond to voices According to Mayo Clinic (2023), a child will meet several milestones by 2 months including:  Recognize your voice  Can focus on objects 8 to 14 inches away  Movement is jerky but baby will snuggle Hutchison (2019) states several risk facts of a child starting at conception up into childhood. These factors include:  Genetic abnormality  Smoking during pregnancy leading to low birth weight and premature birth.  Drug usage restricting growth and breathing issues. Pregnancy and birth/newborn risk factors include low sperm count, drug/alcohol abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, prolonged labor, and obesity (Hutchison, 2019). Infancy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023) states that throughout infancy different develops arise throughout different months. This includes:  2 months: Smiles when spoken too and holds head up when laying on stomach  4 months: makes cooing noises, turns head towards voice, holds a toy, and holds head steady without support.  6 months: giggles, sticks tongue out, and explores placing objects in mouth  9 months-12 months: reacts when parent leaves, makes consecutive word noises like dada, sitting Risk factors in infants include malnutrition, inappropriate housing, inadequate food supply or water source, and co-sleeping (Hutchison, 2019). Infancy risk factors related to caregivers include socioeconomic status, mental health issues, inadequate caregiving, poor attachment between parent and child (Hutchison, 2019).

up by self, waves bye- bye, and starts pulling up on objects or walking.

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