Download Instructor Training Manual - The Empathy Belly Pregnancy Simulator

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Crowding of small intestines and stomach, combined with hormonal changes, causing:
- fullness and discomfort after eating small amounts of food
- heartburn
- constipation
- gas
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Displacement of heart and upward pressure of the fetus on the diaphragm and lungs,
causing:
- difficult and shallow breathing
- smothered feeling
- reduced oxygen intake with resulting fatigue, slowed pace, restriction of
physical activities
- increase in body temperature
- increase in pulse and blood pressure
- lifestyle changes
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Change in center of gravity, along with changes in spinal alignment, resulting in an
increase in lordosis (normal curvature of lower spine) and pelvic tilt, causing:
- frequent backaches
- overall posture change
- "waddling" gait
- need for caution during any kind of movement
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Pressure points of fetal knees, elbows and feet, causing:
- aches and pains in ribs and abdominal organs
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Fetal movement, causing:
- strange sensations of stroking and kicking against abdominal wall and outer belly
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Breast enlargement and protruding profile, causing:
- change in self image
- change in sexuality
- awkwardness in movement and normal activities