Pregnancy, Birth & Infancy Essay- SWK516

.docx

School

Grand Canyon University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

SWK-516-O5

Subject

Sociology

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by BrookeSmith1990

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

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Recommended textbooks for you

Social Psychology (10th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134641287

Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Publisher:Pearson College Div

Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780393639407

Author:Deborah Carr, Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum

Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company

The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis...

Sociology

ISBN:9781305503076

Author:Earl R. Babbie

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien...

Sociology

ISBN:9780134477596

Author:Saferstein, Richard

Publisher:PEARSON

Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134205571

Author:James M. Henslin

Publisher:PEARSON

Society: The Basics (14th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134206325

Author:John J. Macionis

Publisher:PEARSON

SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended textbooks for you

Social Psychology (10th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134641287
Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Publisher:Pearson College Div
Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780393639407
Author:Deborah Carr, Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis...
Sociology
ISBN:9781305503076
Author:Earl R. Babbie
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien...
Sociology
ISBN:9780134477596
Author:Saferstein, Richard
Publisher:PEARSON
Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134205571
Author:James M. Henslin
Publisher:PEARSON
Society: The Basics (14th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134206325
Author:John J. Macionis
Publisher:PEARSON