For
the first post, each group will learn some information about each person’s
family of origin. This should aid each group in beginning to imagine their
respective adoptee. While some of the information may at first appear to be
unrelated to our subject of study, life-span issues for individuals with
disabilities, fear not. It will all make sense as we move through the semester.
Tyrone Simons – Week One
Odetta Simons always wanted a child. She stayed awake at
night dreaming of the day when she would have a little baby to call her own.
She would love the baby with all of her heart. She felt certain that she was
meant to have children, for that’s what her prayers and faith told her. But if
that was what she felt so strongly, why had it taken her so long? And why wasn’t
she now pregnant? She had gotten every book, read every website, gone to every
class – foregoing her southern Baptist Christianity, she even went to an astrologer.
Still, she and her husband continued to try. She worried that her health
problems — high blood pressure and diabetes — were preventing her from having a
child. They were both growing weary of the disappointment and were almost ready
to give up. Then it happened – she was pregnant! She and Julius were overjoyed.
God had finally blessed them! They would start right away – getting ready,
picking out furniture, finally moving all of the stuff out of the old upstairs
office to make room for a nursery. She told all of the other doctors at her
office, and Julius shared the news with his staff.
What are the conditions that are most likely to
lead to healthy development of the human being?
What is the effect of the mother’s psychological
state on the health of the child in utero?
Is there an effect?
How does the mother’s physical health affect pregnancy? What are the effects of medications for high blood pressure and diabetes on the developing child? Is Odetta still allowed to take her blood pressure medications? What are the risks?
Q. What are the conditions that are most likely to lead to healthy development of the human being?
ReplyDeleteA. To help the development of the fetus, it is extremely important that the mother keep her blood pressure and blood sugar levels monitored closely by a physician. The mother should let her doctor know so that he/she can adjust the medicines being prescribed to her. She should immediately begin taking pre natal vitamins if she hasn’t begun to do so already. Now that she is pregnant, she should begin to purchase books on living healthy for her baby and be in constant communication with her physician to ensure that despite her diseases, she is capable of having a healthy baby.
Q. What is the effect of the mother’s psychological state on the health of the child in utero? Is there an effect?
A. There is a very good chance that the mother’s psychological state may affect the child in utero. Odetta seems extremely excited, joyous and optimistic about her new found pregnancy. However, these emotions could quickly take a turn for the worse if there is any hitch in the pregnancy. Stress and anxiety can lead to emotional and/or behavioral disorders in the child if she does not develop a good outlet. In the web log, it was mentioned that Odetta had turned away from her religion because she was frustrated with her failed attempts at pregnancy. So finding a new outlet should be a priority.
Q. How does the mother’s physical health affect pregnancy? What are the effects of medications for high blood pressure and diabetes on the developing child? Is Odetta still allowed to take her blood pressure medications? What are the risks?
A. The mother’s physical health strongly affects the pregnancy. The effects of high blood pressure can be either really severe or mild. High blood pressure can affect the mother's kidneys and other organs, which can cause low birth weight and early delivery for the baby. In the most serious cases, the mother develops preeclampsia which is life threatening for both the mother and the fetus. The type of medication that Odetta takes for her blood pressure and diabetes is also really important. Some medications that she should definitely should not take are ACE’s (Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors), ARBs (Angiotensin receptor blockers), and Renin inhibitors. If she goes to her physician, they will prescriber her a medication that is safe for her and her fetus. Some other ways for Odetta to prevent these problems is to obtain regular prenatal medical care, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and talk to her physician about any other over the counter medications she is taking.