Happily Pregnant : Articles Videos Tips and Books on Pregnancy

Abdominal Cramps During Early Pregnancy

2009-03-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

Abdominal Cramps During Early Pregnancy
by: Kitty Barker

It is not uncommon to have abdominal cramps during early pregnancy. Many women become frightened and fear that they may be having a miscarriage. This is normally not the reason for abdominal cramps during early pregnancy. The embryo is embedding itself in the lining of the uterus. This is what makes you feel cramps similar to those felt when you’re having your period. The cramps may last for several days and you may suffer the way you did when having a period on a normal basis. Please do not be afraid of those cramps as they are a normal part of the pregnancy.

Abdominal cramps during early pregnancy are a normal happening that all women experience. A more serious problem is when you are suffering lower abdominal pain. Then it is best that you consult your physician. It is not uncommon for many women to suffer the lower cramps which are referred to as sporadic abdominal discomfort. These sporadic abdominal cramps are similar to those pain felt during a normal period. It is a sign that your uterus is preparing to carry your baby through the next nine months. If you are suffering the pains with other symptoms then you will need to immediately contact your physician.

Women, who suffer from chills, fever, spotting along with abdominal cramps during early pregnancy maybe suffering from other more harmful conditions, when a fertilized egg attaches outside of a woman’s uterus then this condition is referred to as Ectopic Pregnancy. The egg usually will attach itself to the fallopian tube. Normally this condition is caught in the first few weeks and treated right away. If for some reason it does not get noticed and treated it could be very dangerous as the fallopian tube may result in rupture. The signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include spotting, abdominal pain and tenderness. These signs are accompanied with lower back pain, shoulder pain, dizziness or faintness. If you suspect an ectopic pregnancy please contact your physician right away.

Abdominal cramps during early pregnancy unfortunately can occasionally mean that you are about to have a miscarriage. Typically, the symptoms for a miscarriage are bleeding that might be light or heavy, menstrual cramps that gradually increase in intensity. Some women suffer from back pain.

If any of these symptoms arise please contact your physician immediately.

Remain calm because it does not necessarily mean that you are in the process of having a miscarriage as other things maybe going on that are lesser by nature. Some ladies suffer from lower back pain due to kidney stones, gallbladder disease or even pancreatitis. When you suffer from one of these diseases it is debilitating and in some cases warrants surgery. An abdominal cramp during early pregnancy usually happens to just about all women who are pregnant therefore please do not panic. It is always for the best to contact your physicians.

There is good news, however, women who have abdominal cramps during early pregnancy find it occurs from uterus stretching, from gas or even constipation. It is true that you might be suffering from round ligament pain which may result in short stabbing and sharp aches in one or both sides of the abdomen. This pain can be relieved very quickly simply by changing your position or simply just relaxing.

When you do feel abdominal cramps during your early pregnancy the best thing for you to do is set down, put your feet up, and relax. Normal abdominal pain may be caused by the simplest of things.

* Gas pains and bloating caused by hormones that slow your digestion process down.

* The pressure of your growing uterus.

* Constipation *note contact a doctor before taking any type of laxative.

* Heartburn caused by something that you ate that did not agree with you or the baby.

A lot of women do have abdominal cramps during early pregnancy which is normal as the embryo is embedding itself in the lining of the uterus. Cramping in the last weeks of the pregnancy is a sign that labor is almost ready to start. At the start of your labor you will have very strong cramps that are severe in nature and about five to ten minutes apart. This is time to contact your physician and go immediately to the hospital for the delivery. The early part of your pregnancy these cramps can be mild to severe so it is up to you to check with your physician and make sure that it is just the natural part of your pregnancy and not anything to worry about.

About The Author

Kitty Barker who often writes for and with Pregnancy Information where there is far more information, news and resources. She also writes for Pregnancy Weight Gain http://pregnancy-and-baby-tips.com/.

Avoid a Cesarean – How to Induce Labor Naturally

2009-03-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Avoid a Cesarean – How to Induce Labor Naturally

Author: Lena Leino

According to statistics provided by childbirth.org, cesarean rates in the United States have nearly quintupled from where they were 20 years ago. The increase of cesarean rates can be attributed to the increase in chemically stimulated inductions. Women are simply not allowed to induce labor in a natural way. They are frequently given the message that it’s quite easy to “schedule” a birth. This is not what nature intended, nor is it feasible in the long term.

Often the reason indicated for a cesarean is that the woman is having a “non-progressive labor”. Studies have shown that if a woman is relaxed, nourished and feels strong labor can progress quite naturally and safely. If a woman is put under conditions where there is pressure to “perform”, to have the cervix dilate, to strengthen contractions, the labor will halt and the result is a cesarean.

Women need to feel empowered. Women need to know that they are capable of having a baby. If the power to induce labor or to allow labor to begin naturally is taken away from the mother, the mother loses confidence and is more susceptible to a cesarean.

There are natural and holistic ways to induce labor and allow labor to progress in a healthy and efficient way. Pregnant women should eat healthy foods. If their bodies are nourished, they will feel strong. If they will feel strong, they will be confident. If they are confident, they will feel capable of handling labor on their own.

Pregnant women can exercise. There are modifications, of course, depending on where the woman is in her pregnancy. Studies have shown that women, who exercise before and during their pregnancy, have much shorter labors and recovery times.

Pregnant women can also find natural ways to induce labor and cope with pain during labor. One excellent method is called maternity acupressure. Most people are familiar with acupuncture. Acupressure is based on the same philosophy. It is an ancient method of treating many ailments. Instead of needles, trigger points are pressed firmly with fingers or thumbs to promote circulation of blood and energy. It is highly effective in relieving pain during labor. Pregnant women can learn the techniques to manage the discomforts during pregnancy and can then teach the techniques to a husband or partner which whom she will share the labor experience.

Acupressure is simple to learn. It can be used to treat insomnia during the last stages of pregnancy. It can relieve pain before and during labor. It is a tool to help you partner feel engage and involved during the labor process. It will bond the woman and partner together as they work in tandem to bring this new life into the world.

About the Author:

Lena Leino is a mother and an active acupressure user. She has recently devoted time to the efforts of Maternity Acupressure in their goal to provide valuable tips and resources on how to start labor naturally and get effective labor pain relief safely without drugs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/avoid-a-cesarean-how-to-induce-labor-naturally-542668.html

All About Labor and Delivery

2009-03-01T07:40:00.001-08:00

by: Morgan Hamilton

Every labor and delivery is a magically unique experience. Giving birth is a phenomenon that the majority of women experience at least once in their life, and labor and delivery is the culmination of the pregnancy and the introduction of a beautiful new soul.

Even if a woman should happen to give birth to many children, each and every labor and delivery experience has its own unique concerns. For instance, the expectant mom plans on giving birth at the local hospital, and she has chosen an epidural catheter for pain control during labor and delivery. Her water breaks a few weeks early while at their remote cabin, but suddenly the baby arrives before you can get to the hospital.

This happens more than you might think, fortunately everything usually turns out to be just fine. People have been giving birth long before there have been hospitals. Just imagine how many babies have been born and fields and huts with nothing more than the aid and comfort of a family member or close friend.

OK, getting back to modern times, there are a great deal of decisions that need to be made before labor and delivery ever begin. You should feel comfortable with your doctor and his staff, and have a solid support system in place, be it family or friends, or better yet, both.
If you want have as much control as possible over the birth of your baby, you should consider having a birth plan in place. You will have a great deal of control over your labor and delivery with regards to the issues such as if you want an IV, pain medication, or an epidural.

You may just choose to go the natural route and forgo any pain killers and as few medical interventions as possible. These at the types of things that are laid out in a birth plan. You can even specify who you would like to be with you as you are going into labor, and what type of comforts you would prefer. You should also discuss with your doctor what would be done under certain emergency scenarios. We don't like to talk about it, but problems can and do happen.
The actual labor and delivery itself can be scary because of all the unknowns. Anything you can be scary, especially childbirth. Your health care provider is there to educate you and your partner, and support you throughout the pregnancy and labor and delivery. This can be extremely helpful in reducing anxiety and alleviating some fears.

In general, the mortality rate of mothers and babies is very low, and labor and delivery ends successfully in most cases with the birth of a healthy infant. It should also come as related in the all the planning and fussing has finally ended. Now the time has come. The labor and delivery experience should be celebrated. It's a beautiful thing.

About The Author
Morgan Hamilton offers his findings and insights regarding the world women. You can get interesting and informative information here at http://www.thewomenshealthjournal.com/womens-health/womens-health/labor-and-delivery.html

What Do Labor Contraction And Labor Pains Feel Like?

2009-03-01T07:37:00.001-08:00

by: Lena Leino

Labor pains are part of giving birth to a baby. Mostly these are bearable and there are a lot that can be done to prevent suffering. By understanding where the pains in labor come from and what can be done about it, you are most likely to have a satisfying childbirth experience and wonderful birth memories.

Labor and birth of the baby is the effect of dilatation of the cervix, and contractions of the uterus and abdominal muscles. Dilation is the first stage of labor. In the second stage, strong expulsive efforts cause the advance and birth of the baby.

During your pregnancy, changes happen in your body to prepare for these events. The ligaments of your pelvis loosen to permit your pelvis to relax and allow your baby to come out. Other changes occur to adapt your body to accommodate childbirth. Despite these changes and modern medicine, it is unrealistic to aim for a childbirth without any discomforts.

Labor is said to begin when your uterus starts to contract regularly. In the days before the onset of labor, you may experience minor contractions that feel like tightening, and cause discomfort rather than pain. These contractions are important in aligning and positioning the baby for birth.

The first labor pains are grinding, scattered and irregular. Many women describe it as bad menstrual pains. The first labor pains are usually felt in the front site of the pelvis and groin. Pain is mainly caused by pressure on the abdominal and pelvic area due to powerful uterine contractions and stretching of the cervix, vagina and perineum. During labor, contractions increase in frequency and intensity and can become painful.

As labor proceeds, the pains start to appear in the abdomen. The cervix has to stretch to allow your baby to eventually pass through your birth canal. When the opening to the cervix is fully dilated, the second stage of labor – during which your baby is born – starts. As the baby’s head advances further, pains are commonly felt at the back, hip and groin area. When the baby’s birth is near, stretching of the perineum causes burning sensations. At this stage many women feel like they are going to burst. Majority of them, however, suffer only minor tears, if any, especially if good laboring positions and movement have been used to help the baby to rotate and find the easiest way out.

The baby passes through your birth canal and is born by a combination of the continuing contractions of your uterus, and your conscious effort to push your baby out by using the abdominal muscles. The physical and mental relief after vigorous laboring, and the ecstasy of getting your baby in your arms, are such a victory and pleasure that the last stage of labor - which is the birth of the placenta - is often unnoticed by the mother. As the placenta is much smaller than the baby is, and the birth canal is open, the uterine contractions push the placenta out easily.

We are so conditioned to expect pains in labor that its significance as part of the birth process is discounted. There is no need to automatically opt for epidural or -- on the other hand -- to give birth in severe pains without any labor pain relief. Unmanageable pain during labor and delivery is not normal or needed. Labor pains, when they are correctly managed, have an important part in assisting and guiding your body to give birth to a baby.

About The Author
Lena Leino, author of Easier, Shorter and Safer Birth, created an At-Home Labor Contraction Follow-up Chart so that you could easily document and see the progress of your labor. Now you can get this useful tool at http://www.MaternityAcupressure.com/labor-contraction-chart.html

Emergency Childbirth: Why You Need To Know What To Do

2009-03-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

by: Anne Childs

When it comes to childbirth, a large number of women are able to make it to the emergency room or their prearranged birthing centers; however, not all are. While there is a good chance that you will make it to your intended destination, before your baby arrives, what would you do if you couldn’t make it? Unfortunately, a large number of expectant parents have no idea. That is why it is important that you take the time to familiarize yourself with emergency childbirths, just in case.

Perhaps, the best way to familiarize yourself with emergency births is by speaking to your pregnancy care physician, whether that professional be your primary care physician, an OBGYN, or a certified nurse midwife. There is a good chance that your pregnancy care provider will briefly touch on the subject of an unexpected birth, but it is important that you know as much as you can about the situation, including what you can and cannot do. For that reason, you may want to make a list of questions that you should ask him or her.

One of the most important questions that you need to ask your pregnancy care provider is where you should or shouldn’t have your baby. Depending on the situation, you may not have a choice, but you might just have one. For instance, if you are going into labor at your home, you may want to know where the best delivery location would be. From a medical standpoint, you will want an area of your home that is safe and clean, but also one that will be comfortable. Your OBGYN, primary care physician, or certified nurse midwife should be able to give you the most accurate answer.

During emergency childbirths, it is recommended that the births occur on clean surfaces, at least a surface that is clean as it could possibly be. Although you might not have enough time to make it to the hospital, there may be enough time to sanitize the area in which you plan on giving birth. The only problem with sanitizing your birthing area is that not all cleaning products are safe for you and your child. That is why it is advised that you seek professional assistance. If cleaning supplies need to be used, it is important that you know which ones are safe and which ones are not.

Cleaning supplies are not the only items or supplies that you need to be concerned about. As beautiful as childbirth is, it can also be messy. That is why it is often recommended that you wear protective clothing, such as gloves, and have a number of towels or blankets on hand. You should ask your pregnancy care provider what items, as well as how many, you should have on hand. In fact, your healthcare provider should be able to provide you with an emergency birthing checklist or you could easily make your own, as soon as you arrive home.

Although it is best to get your information directly from your own pregnancy care provider, you can also familiarize yourself with emergency childbirths by using the internet or by buying a pregnancy book from one of your local retail stores. These books and online resources may not provide you with as detailed or as personalized information, but they can do. However, if at any point you find that you have unanswered questions or need further assistance, you are advised to seek assistance from a professional healthcare provider.

Whether you learn about emergency childbirths through your physician, the internet, or a printed resource guide, you are advised to follow all of the information and directions given to you. It may also be a good idea to take additional precautions. For instance, it will likely be recommended that you have the above mentioned supplies on hand; however, you may want to take it a step further. It may be a good idea to keep the materials needed for an emergency childbirth in number of different locations, such as your car or your workplace.

Despite the fact that your labor and delivery may go exactly as planned, there are no guarantees. By asking the above mentioned questions, you should be prepared for anything that happens, whether it be expected or not. The information you will learn may come in handy; however, it is important that you share it with those that you will be around. Since you will be occupied, you will need to rely on assistance from those around you, whether they are medical professionals or not.

About The Author
Anne Childs is a contributor to http://www.healthline.com, who has also conducted many seminars focusing on http://www.healthline.com/channel/childbirth.html, and other issues related to women's health.

Your Pregnancy 33-36 weeks (9th month)

2009-02-25T07:29:00.002-08:00

Your Pregnancy 29-32 weeks (8th month)

2009-02-25T07:29:00.001-08:00

Your Pregnancy 25-28 weeks (7th month)

2009-02-25T07:28:00.001-08:00

Your Pregnancy 21-24 weeks (6th month)

2009-02-25T07:25:00.000-08:00

Your Pregnancy 17-20 weeks (5th month)

2009-02-25T07:24:00.000-08:00

Your Pregnancy 13-16 weeks (4th month)

2009-02-25T07:23:00.000-08:00

Your Pregnancy 9-12 weeks (3rd month)

2009-02-25T07:22:00.000-08:00

Stretch Marks in Pregnancy (Striae Gravidarum)

2009-02-25T07:15:00.000-08:00

by: Martha Fitzharris

Striae gravidarum or Stretch marks are purplish red streaky scars, which appear when the skin is overstretched. They appear during pregnancy over the abdomen where the skin is supple, usually in the third trimester or the later months when the skin is highly stretched to accommodate the growing fetus. They may also appear over the breast, more so during the period of breast-feeding when the breasts swell up and increase much in size. Apart from these areas, striae are also seen on the hips, buttock and inner and outer thigh.

About 70-90% of pregnant women develop stretch marks over the abdomen. Up to 90% of women develop stretch marks over some part of their body due to the excess weight gain of pregnancy. Most light skinned women have pinkish colored striae and the dark skinned have striae that are lighter than the surrounding area. Most women start to worry about striae or stretch marks after they have their baby.

A little attention to the rate of weight gain and skin stretch during the pregnancy period can definitely go a long way in reducing them. The more weight gained during pregnancy, the more likely are you to develop them. In some women, changes in weight are drastic and happen very rapidly causing a sudden stretch of the skin and the dermal protein tissues tears. This initially appears pinkish and later fades to a white silvery scar, which remains as a stretch mark. Women who have big babies or women with a twin or multiple pregnancy have more chances of having striae as their skin is stretched more due to the bulk of space needed to accommodate more than one fetus.

The likelihood of having striae increases if you had them during the pubertal period or in a previous pregnancy, if you gain weight more than what is recommended, or if your body is in a general malnourishment status. Women who have a lot of striae should report this to their doctor as they might be prone to having more vaginal lacerations and tears during a normal vaginal delivery. This is due to dermal matrix with a weak protein framework as is suggested by the large number of striae or deeper indented striae on the abdomen.

Skin over the abdomen is supple and has an underneath fat deposition. Sudden loss of weight after the baby is born makes the skin loose and striae appear prominent at that time, which is when most women start worrying about them. Normally after pregnancy, these stretch marks fade away slowly as the body comes back to normalcy and is repairing all the tissues. Usually after12 months post partum these marks do fade away and are much lighter than before.

Steps to take for Prevention

• To avoid stretch marks over the breasts, try wearing a supportive maternity bra specially made to give extra support for the heavier breasts during pregnancy and in the lactation period.

• Topical creams containing retinol or retinoic acid/ Retin-A should be avoided during pregnancy and after pregnancy as their safety during the lactation period is not well studied.

• Eat a good nutritious diet and avoid fattening foods, stretch marks can also result from nutritional deficiency. Eat food rich in proteins, as this would strengthen the protein framework of elastin and collagen in the skin.

Be sure to consume food that promote skin health:

-Zinc-rich foods such as nuts or fish

-Foods high in vitamins A, C, D, such as carrots, citrus fruits and milk.

-Protein-rich foods (such as eggs).

• You can always prevent stretch marks with exercise and water; make sure you are maintaining healthy skin! Mama always told you to drink plenty of water. Maybe she knew this: it helps prevent stretch marks, too! Proper water intake keeps your skin soft and less likely to develop stretch marks. Caffeine can increase your risk of stretch marks. If you're stuck on your caffeinated coffee or tea, make sure you balance the fluids. Drink just as much - or more - water as you drink coffee, tea or soda.

Many women use moisturizers and lotions, during their pregnancy to prevent stretch marks and worry about them constantly. Most creams in the market only provide temporary moisture that lasts for a few hours, and thus not enough to prevent stretch marks.

Search the market for the best topical creams, those containing biological activators of skin renewal, for they also get rid of damaged proteins within your skin and promote the production of glycosaminoglycans, the true moisture holding molecules within your skin.

Glycosaminoglycans play a critical role as shock absorbents, to provide binding, hydrating and swelling pressure to tissues, enabling them to withstand compressional forces and thus prevent tearing and scarring of the deep layers of the skin during pregnancy outgrowth, growth spurts during adolescence, overstretching by body building (in association with steroids) or over stretching by more than average weight gain. They also play a vital role in cell proliferation, migration and adhesion.

Enjoy your pregnancy rather than worrying about it. Instead, concentrate on gaining the recommended amount of weight, between 25 - 34 pounds, in a graded manner. Remember that pregnancy is a wonderful and joyful period in a woman’s life, meant for enjoyment.

Treatment Options for Stretch Marks

There are several treatment options for stretch marks. If you are serious about getting ride of those unwanted stretch marks, it's best to be in the care of a surgeon or dermatologist who can recommend your best options. Some medications can cause stretch marks like hormones and steroids, so it’s always best to be honest with your doctor so he can take a detailed medical history, including the medications you are actually taking so he can provide you the best treatment for these ugly marks.

However, there are two main methods for getting ride of stretch marks; surgical Methods and natural methods which involve lotions and creams.

SurgicalMethods

Dermabrasion or chemical peel can be used to address unwanted stretch marks. Micro-dermabrasion can also help. It is a skin-freshening technique that helps repair skin conditions. The micro-dermabrasion technique abrades the skin with a high-pressure flow of crystals, which stimulates the formation of new collagen and elastin. This causes the attenuated epidermis to heal more effectively, making stretch marks heal and become much less noticeable.

There are new advances in laser surgeries, they are much expensive but also very effective if used during the early stages. Dermatologists use a pulsed dye laser to fade red marks.

The latest laser method used by the specialist can fade away mature light-colored marks. This type of therapy requires multiple treatments. Also, some pain may be involved, although it's minimal. A few patients with darker skin tones have been reported to have some post-procedure pigmentary alteration, which is usually temporary.

The degree of success with any of these treatment will be impacted by your age, your skin tone and even your diet. It's important to note that insurance coverage probably will not cover stretch mark removal because it is a cosmetic procedure (even if the stretch marks are particularly severe).

Lotions and Creams

There are plenty over-the-counter treatments for stretch marks. In early stages, when stretch marks are still pinkish, apply several moisturizing creams and oils to make them less intense while they are maturing. Massage the area daily with body oil. Olive oil is said to be the best. Vaseline also works, any cream rich in vitamin E, different types of butter, cocoa butter, coconut butter and shea butter being the best.

If you are a woman who is pregnant and you are concerned with stretch marks, let your physician know before you want to begin preventative treatment before your stomach starts growing. Often, your physician can recommend creams.

These stretch marks treatments may, or may not be effective, according to your skin’s complexion and the extent of the damage. If you are planning to take drastic measures consult a dermatologist and be informed of the cost, effectiveness of the preferred method and side effects, if any. Some of the products designed to remove stretch marks contain very potent ingredients. These ingredients are not superfluous, but are necessary to cause dramatic results. The only problem with these ingredients is that they can cause negative reactions in some people. If you are sensitive to chemicals, you may want to opt for a natural stretch mark removal product.

Fortunately, there’s a new product that uses only natural ingredients to prevent and restore damaged skin and it can be used like a daily skin regenerating activator. Bio Skin Care is made with a natural substance gathered from a little creature that nature has endowed with the ability to repair his skin quickly when damaged.

Bio Skin Care utilizes biological activators of your own body's skin growth factors to prevent and eliminate stretch marks (stria atrophica, striae distensae). It dissolves damaged collagen skin cells, triggers the renewal of collagen and elastin and the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans from within the deep layers of the skin.

And the best of all is that it doesn’t have side effects, it is safe for children and pregnant women, can be used under the eyes and continued as a daily skin care routine indefinitely. Also yields a soft skin after shaving. Helps to heal razor burns and prevent ingrown hairs.

With the use of BIO SKIN CARE™ Cream damaged cells and toxins are dissolved, hair follicles are cleaned of debris, germs are destroyed, new collagen, elasting and water holding cells are formed. The Final Result: YOUR SKIN CLEAR OF STRETCH MARKS.

About The Author

Martha Fitzharris is a free lance journalist for http://www.naturalbioskincare.com a website offering a new biological natural skin care product that activates skin renewal for Strech marks.

Pregnancy Weight: A Badge Of Honor

2009-02-25T07:10:00.000-08:00

y: Sophia Ton

You are six months pregnant and you have gained 15 pounds. You're baby is thriving inside of you, and you have had an uneventful pregnancy so far. So you probably know that you have had it good so far, but you are concerned about whether or not you’ve gained to little or too much pregnancy weight.

How Much Weight is Too Much?

If you began your pregnancy underweight you should gain 28 to 40 pounds, and if you started your pregnancy overweight you should gain 15 to 25 pounds. However, if you are carrying twins you should expect to gain about 35 to 45 pounds.

Shortly after finding out that you have conceived you should see a doctor, as your doctor can explain to you about healthy pregnancy weight gain. If you are of average weight you should gain up to 5 pounds the first trimester of your pregnancy and around 1 pound a week for the duration of your pregnancy.

What is all This Pregnancy Weight Doing?

Besides making you uncomfortable in your pre-pregnancy clothes, pregnancy weight can make you feel awkward, clumsy, and totally unsexy. But you should not let the burgeoning billows of your new found hips and thighs keep you from living an active and healthy life.

Pregnancy weight can make any woman feel like a blimp, but keeping active can help her feel a little less frumpy.

Feeling negatively about pregnancy weight, isn’t a problem all women feel. Some women are so excited about their swelling bosom that they feel super sexy and ravishing. It also helps that their husbands are excited about their thickening frames as well. So there is an upside to gaining weight during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Weight is Healthy - Don’t Freak Out!

If you have had problems controlling your weight in the past, try not to freak out if the numbers on your digital scale are going up. When you're pregnant its okay to gain weight, as a matter of fact, gaining weight during pregnancy is absolutely necessary for a healthy pregnancy.

Remember that once the baby is born you will lose some of that weight, so don’t try strenuous exercises or crash diets while you're pregnant it may cause serious problems with your baby’s health.

Eating well during pregnancy is one way to stay healthy and to help keep off any unnecessary poundage. Cutting back on your junk intake and drinking plenty of water can really help you feel better about your weight gain.

About The Author

Sophia Ton is a freelance writer who writes about pregnancy & family topics. She loves to shop for baby shower gifts at http://www.beforebaby.com & she reads about pregnancy weight at http://www.beforebaby.com/category/pregnancy-weight/.

Common Pregnancy Complications

2009-02-25T07:07:00.000-08:00

by: Sarah Mitchell

Complication during pregnancy is more common than most people think. Even for those who are healthy and have had children before, early pregnancy complications could arise, at no fault to anyone. This article explains some of these complications and what to watch out for.

Early pregnancy complications

When you find you are pregnant, the first thing you must do is go see your obstetrician/gynecologist. They will perform an ultrasound to make sure that your pregnancy is advancing as it should. Regular visits to your OBGYN will prevent early pregnancy complications or at the very least, help identify them at an early stage. The two most common pregnancy complications are:

Ectopic pregnancies

Ectopic pregnancies are one of the most common early complications. Ectopic pregnancies refer to pregnancies in which the egg is fertilized outside the womb so the fetus begins to develop in the ovary or in the fallopian tube. This can be very dangerous not only for the fetus but also for the mother. If surgery is not performed, the tubes could burst and result in internal bleeding and in some cases, even death.

Miscarriages

Complication during pregnancy can lead to miscarriages, another common early pregnancy complication. Sometimes the cervix can open causing heavy bleeding with intense cramping pains. Other times, the baby can die in early pregnancy. When this happens, the mother can either wait for a miscarriage to occur or have a D&C. There are many different complications during pregnancy that can cause this to happen: blood clotting, infection, structural problems, or lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol or high caffeine intake.

High risk pregnancy

A pregnancy that is categorized as high risk is one which has a higher chance of complications arising. You may be considered high risk if you are carrying multiple babies, have a long term illness such as diabetes, or are over the age of 35. If you are high risk, you may be asked to visit your obstetrician more regularly as the pregnancy will need to be more closely monitored than usual.

Pregnancy over 35

It is not uncommon for a woman’s fertility to be affected over the age of 30 and once you are pregnant, you must be aware that it is more common for complications to arise. The chances of your child bearing birth defects are significantly higher than those women who are under 30 and miscarriages also become more common in the first trimester of older pregnant women. For those over 35, there will also be an increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. Don’t worry, as with today’s technology, almost all these complications can be treated as long as they are spotted early on.

Multiple pregnancies

A multiple pregnancy is one in which there are two or more fetuses. It’s considered to be high risk because with more than one fetus, it has a higher chance of developing complications. Almost half of twins that are born are premature with extremely low birth weights and underdeveloped organs. This makes them very vulnerable and it is not uncommon for only one twin to survive. Twins who share a placenta could result in high amounts of amniotic fluids.

It is important to keep this information regarding early pregnancy complications in mind during pregnancy and to regularly consult your doctor.

About The Author

Article written by Sarah Mitchell of NamesToBe.com (www.namestobe.com). Here's another article readers may be interested in: http://www.namestobe.com/molar-pregnancy.html. View all articles at: http://www.namestobe.com/baby-articles.html. Article free for reprint as long as this author bio is present and all hyperlinks remain active.

Ten Questions About Pregnancy You Might Not Want To Ask Your Doctor

2009-02-25T07:03:00.000-08:00

by: Alan Cutler

Q1. Can I get pregnant following oral sex or heavy petting?

No. You can only get pregnant from full sexual intercourse.

Q2. How will I know if I am pregnant?

If you have had sexual intercourse since your last period and you are late for your current period, you may be pregnant. Following implantation of the fertilised egg menstruation should not occur, hence for women who have been sexually active and who have previously menstruated regularly, the absence of a period should be put down to pregnancy.

The most common way to confirm a pregnancy is to purchase and undertake a home test. These are relatively cheap and can be done in the privacy of your home. The manufacturers claim they are over 95% accurate.

If the home test has a positive result, you should make an appointment to see your doctor.

Q3. Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

For most couples it is normal for them to enjoy an active sex life throughout the pregnancy. Sexual intercourse will not harm the development of your baby as it is cushioned by a bag of fluid in your uterus.

Sex during your pregnancy may also help you both unwind and should help you maintain a strong bond with your partner, ready for the months ahead.

Q4. Does vaginal discharge increases during this time?

Yes, unfortunately it does. Vaginal discharge may well increase during all stages of your pregnancy and should be similar to the discharge you have previously had before a period. It is only if the discharge becomes very thick, smelly or blood stained that you need to seek medical assistance. If the cause is an infection, it can be easily treated with creams or tablets.

Q5. Will I get piles/haemorrhoids?

You may. Although people laugh and joke about piles, they are no laughing matter.

During pregnancy the walls and veins in your anus swell and blood flow becomes sluggish, causing the affected veins to throb and become painful.

There are precautions you can take to help reduce the chances of developing piles, such as:

 Eat a high fibre diet and drink lots of fluid to avoid constipation.

 Try to relax on the toilet and not strain.

 Undertake regular exercise and pelvic floor exercises to help blood flow around your anus.

If you do get piles, your doctor, midwife or pharmacist will be able to suggest a suitable cream to ease the pain.

Q6. What is the best contraception to use after birth?

This will depend on how soon you wish to have another baby. If you want another baby soon (within one year), then short-term measures such as the cap or condom, ideally with the use of a spermicide, are probably the best contraception.

Long term, methods such as contraceptive injection, hormone implant and ‘the pill’ may be your best options.

Q7. How soon can I have sex after birth?

It is advisable to wait a few weeks after a normal delivery, and up to three months after a caesarean, as healing may take this length of time. It is important however that both you and your partner agree: neither should feel pressured into it.

Be aware that you may feel dry; though by using water-based lubricants there is no reason why sex should not be as enjoyable as before.

Q8. How will the midwife measure cervical dilation?

The midwife will measure how dilated (or open) the cervix is by gently inserting two fingers into the vagina. She assesses how open the cervix is by opening her fingers and feeling around its perimeter. She will also be feeling the position of the cervix and how soft it is.

She will always try to be gentle but sometimes the process can be slightly uncomfortable. Try to stay as relaxed as possible: the tenser you are, the more uncomfortable the procedure will be. Hold your partner’s hand while the midwife examines you and ask him to try and distract you.

Q9. How will the hospital staff break my waters if they need to?

The midwife will discuss with you why you might need your waters breaking. Remember though, if you are not comfortable with this you can decline. If you fully understand the need to have your waters broken, and are happy to go ahead, the midwife or doctor will perform a normal vaginal examination then insert a long thin plastic hook that is a little bit like a crochet hook. The hook will be brushed over the bag of waters, which will usually be enough pressure to break it. The cervix does, however, have to be sufficiently open for this to be carried out.

Q10. If I have an episiotomy or perineal tear, how will it be repaired?

It is not always the case that your perineum (the area between the vaginal entrance and the rectum) will tear or need to be cut. Moreover, if it is, there is no way of knowing if you will require stitches. Some studies have shown that perineal massage can help prevent trauma. Your midwife will be able to advise you on this. Sometimes if a small tear has been sustained, it will be left to heal naturally.

If the area does require stitches, the midwife who has been looking after you will usually do it. You will be given local anaesthetic to numb the area before the midwife starts and she will check that you are unable to feel any pain before commencing. These days, stitches are almost always dissolvable and will not need to be removed.

Want to know more?

If you do want to know more about pregnancy, from conception to labour, you should take a look at ‘Pregnancy for Beginners’ – a comprehensive guide for the new mother-to-Be. Written by a State Registered Midwife, it is a simple, easy-to-understand, yet comprehensive, book you can download to your computer in minutes. See www.pregnancyfacts.org for full details of this invaluable guide for the newly pregnant woman.

About The Author

Alan Cutler

Written by a practising State Registered Midwife, this article gives a taster of her comprehensive, yet easy-to-read ebook, 'Pregnancy For Beginners'. See www.pregnancyfacts.org

The Benefits Of Pregnancy Massage

2009-02-25T07:01:00.001-08:00

by: Sarah Mitchell

Whilst pregnancy is a time for a mother to really bond with the child she is carrying, it can also cause all sorts of physical aches and pains. As your pregnancy progresses and your stomach enlarges, the backaches and joint sores will only get worse. Having a massage can greatly alleviate these pains and is something all pregnant mothers should consider.

What is a pregnancy massage?

Having a massage during pregnancy differs from a normal massage as the masseuse performing the massage will need to have special knowledge of the body. Pregnant mothers are very sensitive and masseurs will need to be careful when giving massages as to not harm the baby in any way. The positioning of the mother and the intensity of the massage is very important.

Relieve stress

Pregnancy can be a time of stress. You are constantly worrying about the act of giving birth, your body, your child’s health, being a parent, etc. The last thing you need to deal with is a sore back. Going for a massage during pregnancy will help you get your mind off things and de-stress. If you are still early on in your pregnancy, you may want to go visit a spa with your girlfriends. For those who are over four or five months pregnant, you will have to enlist the aid of a professional pregnancy and postpartum masseuse. These professionals are well trained and should be qualified to perform massages for expectant mothers.

Muscle relief

During some point in your pregnancy, you will experience a large amount of muscular cramping, tightening, stiffness, tension and knots. A massage will alleviate these discomforts and will help with backaches, headaches or swollen feet or legs by increasing the blood circulation. This is beneficial not only to the mother but to the fetus, as well as leaving you refreshed and more energized. Massage will also help with muscle flexibility, which is crucial when giving birth and will also prove to be beneficial during the last trimester.

Pregnancy masseurs recommend that pregnant mothers have a pregnancy massage at least once a month. This is to keep them revitalized and ready for the actual birth. No matter how far along you are, a massage during pregnancy is sure to keep you and your baby healthy and happy.

About The Author

Article written by Sarah Mitchell of NamesToBe.com (www.namestobe.com). Here's another article readers may be interested in: http://www.namestobe.com/healthy-pregnancy-tip.html. View all articles at: http://www.namestobe.com/baby-articles.html.

Exercise During Pregnancy - The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

2009-02-25T06:59:00.001-08:00

by: Colleen Langenfeld

Are you pregnant? Has your doctor told you to get moving in some way, to do some sort of exercise? (By the way, ALWAYS check with a doctor before beginning an exercise program.)

Exercise can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. Here is some food for thought if you are struggling with starting an exercise program during your pregnancy.

==> The Good.

You need to exercise during pregnancy. You need to gently stretch and stay as flexible as possible. This can make a huge difference in the quality of your delivery and recovery.

I know. I've had four full time pregnancies and I've experienced firsthand the difference staying flexible can make. Exercise also keeps your body working at a higher efficiency rate which will help you sleep better and improve your digestion, two things not to be taken lightly during pregnancy.

The difference exercise during pregnancy can make for your post-partum recovery is amazing. Again, I can tell you from firsthand experience, that a comfortable and reasonable fitness routine (simple walking is terrific) can help your body 'snap back' like nothing else.

Physical exercise has been shown to improve moods. Girlfriend, we know how to have moods when we're pregnant, don't we? Enough said.

And don't forget this vital point. A healthier mom means a healthier baby. How can you argue with that?

==> The Bad.

Exercise performed during pregnancy is different than exercise at other times. You've got to be extra-sensitive to your body needs. You've got to go slower and be willing to stop sooner. You must be willing to be flexible in your choice of exercise, too. If you like to run, you probably won't be able to keep that up your entire pregnancy. Of course, that choice will be between you and your doctor.

Still, all those points have a silver lining. A great exercise for pregnancy is swimming. And hey, no one cares what you look like in a bathing suit! In fact, being pregnant is a wonderful time to celebrate the beauty of your body. Take advantage, buy a cute suit, and head for the water.

An additional safety point to consider when you exercise is not to overheat. I've experienced this, as well, and it is not fun. I was only fourteen weeks pregnant, but the weather was hot and humid. I was playing horseshoes (hardly an aerobic sport), but after a short time I was feeling terrible. The people around me were commenting on how flushed I looked. When I went inside it took a very long time for me to cool down, much longer than normal.

So be careful. Exercise during pregnancy is meant to benefit you and your baby, but that means it needs to be moderate and regulated. Save the Olympics for later.

==> The Ugly.

You're pregnant. You feel sick. You're tired. Exercise?? Are you crazy?

It's true. Even the most die-hard fitness gal often finds motivation for exercise during her pregnancy much more difficult. So if you are not a regular exerciser, you're wondering how you can possibly pull this off. Even if you know it's very important to your health and your baby's well-being, it can be hard to simply get started.

The number one recommendation I can give you is to not to do this on your own. It's just too big of a leap during this season in your life. The great news is you have some excellent options that can make your exercise time downright fun.

Look for an exercise system or group specifically designed for pregnant women. (For a detailed review of such a system, see the author's resource box following this article.) Look for one that gives abundant support. This is crucial! You need to be in regular contact with other exercising pregnant women. This will give you the motivation you need to keep up your exercise program even when you don't feel like it.

Let's face it. You'll need someplace to vent and share openly about your pregnancy experiences. An exercise group of other moms-to-be could be a very, very helpful thing to you. I highly recommend it.

So do something wonderful for yourself and your baby today and get moving!

About The Author

Colleen Langenfeld has been parenting for over 25 years and helps other moms enjoy mothering more at http://www.paintedgold.com. Learn more about an exercise system for pregnant moms at http://www.paintedgold.com/Health/exercise-during-pregnancy.html .

Pregnancy: Eat Right For Your Baby's Sake!

2009-02-25T06:57:00.000-08:00

by: Yvonne Lapp Cryns

There is reason to believe that the fetus competes with her mother for available nutrients. If they are not available in sufficient quantity, the baby may have long-term consequences. Pregnant women who have deficient diets may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, brain damage, psychological problems or weak immune systems in their babies. Good nutrition can diminish these problems. Laboratory animals who were fed a diet lacking in magnesium, B6, choline and protein developed a toxemia-like condition. In toxemia, the mother experiences excessive swelling, headaches, high blood pressure and proteinuria and they baby may be of low birth weight or even die.

For some women, miscarriage may be prevented through good diet. Miscarriage can result from deficiencies or eating too little or too few protein foods. For those at risk, supplementing with Vitamin C with bioflavioids may help maintain the pregnancy (beginning with 500 mg. and increasing to 4 grams then increasing to 15 grams daily as the pregnancy goes to term). Additionally, up to 200 IU of Vitamin E and folic acid may prevent miscarriage.

Birth defects have been linked with a deficiency of folic acid. Good sources of folic acid are eggs, liver, milk and raw, green leafy vegetables.

Hemorrhage may be prevented by ensuring sufficient Vitamin C and flavinoids are in the diet as well as Vitamin K.

To prevent anemia, miscarriage and birth defects, the pregnant woman should eat iron-rich foods such as liver, oysters, heart, lean meat, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, dried fruits, beans and molasses.

Some pregnant women seem to ride an emotional roller-coaster and this can be somewhat alleviated by eating adequate protein, B complex vitamins and calcium.

Morning sickness or nausea afflicts many women during pregnancy. Some women may find relief from eating 25 mg Viamin B6 with each meal.

Labor pain may be reduced by getting enough Vitamin D and taking additional supplementation during labor. One recipe suggest taking 2000 mg at the beginning of labor and at the start of active labor for less pain. Vitamin E may relieve some pain also and make birth occur easier and quicker.

About The Author

Yvonne Lapp Cryns is the owner of Midwives.net - http://www.midwives.net Yvonne is the co-founder of Nursing Programs Online at http://www.nursingprogramsonline.com and a contributor to The Compleat Mother Magazine at http://www.compleatmother.com. Yvonne is also a law school graduate, a registered nurse and a Certified Professional Midwife.

Pregnancy Tip: Put Some Salt In Your Diet!

2009-02-25T06:56:00.000-08:00

by: Yvonne Lapp Cryns

Salt is a nutrient that is needed daily by all humans. It is most important for proper cell maintenance andd creation and therefore is a critical nutrient in the diet of a pregnant woman. As a pregnancy progresses, a woman’s body will make additional blood (about 40 – 50% more) in order to ensure adequate oxygenation and nutrition of the unborn baby. To do this, the body must retain additional fluid and one of the properties of salt is fluid retention. If salt is restricted during pregnancy, this additional blood volume may not be made and the nutritional needs of the unborn baby will not be met. This may occur because the placenta’s growth is retarded or stopped or it may even peel off of the uterine wall.

The unborn baby is not the only one to suffer from too little salt. The pregnant woman will be more prone to hypertension, toxemia and other nutritionally derived diseases. Women who are put on low salt diets in the mistaken belief that this will keep them from retaining fluid and swelling, or keep their blood pressure down frequently become more edemic, rapidly gain weight from the water retention and find their blood pressures soaring. These are normal body responses to a salt deficiency and a coping mechanism to restore the necessary balance in the system.

When a woman meets her daily salt need by “salting to taste”, her body retains the correct amount of fluid to meet its needs and the excess salt is removed from the body via the kidneys. Edema in well-nourished women is not pathologic and may, in fact, have some benefits for the mother and baby. The pregnant woman will be more prone to hypertension, toxemia and other nutritionally derived diseases. Women who are put on low salt diets in the mistaken belief that this will keep them from retaining fluid and swelling, or keep their blood pressure down frequently become more edemic, rapidly gain weight from the water retention and find their blood pressures soaring. These are normal body responses to a salt deficiency and a coping mechanism to restore the necessary balance in the system.

About The Author

Early Pregnancy Back Pain

2009-02-25T06:55:00.001-08:00

by: Saurabh Jain

Normal and Short-term Phenomenon

Early pregnancy back pain is a normal phenomenon in early pregnancy and it generally subsides after about 20 weeks. Back pain or spasm, which is reflected by stretching of muscles or burning pain in the left or the right side of the quadrant, is normally the result of the softening of the supporting ligaments and disks due to an increase in the progesterone hormone. In some cases, urinary infection can also result in back pain amongst pregnant women. The extra weight of a pregnant women's body and the change in her centre of gravity also result in backaches and back pain.

The most important remedy for curing early pregnancy back pain is exercising. Walking, pelvic rocking, bridging (done by laying on the floor, bending your knees and lifting your buttocks into air), mini-crunches (done by laying on the floor), bending your knees and lifting your head on exhalation, are good exercises for pregnant women and can go a long way in relieving a back pain.

The right body posture and good body mechanics also play an important role in keeping one free of early pregnancy back pain. The right posture means standing straight and tall and is as essential in early pregnancy as before that. However, in late pregnancy, as the uterus becomes big, one tends to pull back her shoulders to offset the additional weight, which results in a back strain. One can reduce back pain in such a position by frequently changing her sitting position and avoiding standing for long periods.

Adequate rest and sleep are also essential for avoiding or eliminating early pregnancy back pain. Although one can do normal yoga exercises to eliminate minor back pain, one should seek proper medical help in case of a major pain in the back of a pregnant woman. Doctors often advice physiotherapy in such a case.

About The Author

Saurabh Jain is the Executive Editor of Online Back pain resource, www.backpain-resources-online.com. He has developed this site to provide valuable information to people suffering from back pain. This site enumerates different causes and factors related to back pain, guides through the different back pain treatments and suggests exercises for treatments of different types of back pain. The site is a free online resource for back pain and its remedies. The visitors can also find valuable information and reviews about the different equipments and therapies for back pain relief. Visit www.backpain-resources-online.com for more information.

What's A Low Carb Diet For Pregnancy

2009-02-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

by: Kitty Barker

Often when pregnancy is with us there are many friends and relations who offer advice and input as to what the best diet may be. One of them may be the low carb diet for pregnancy. This article attempts to inform you of things to consider before going down that particular road.

The Low Carb Diet For Pregnancy is a matter of controversy. While most nutrition specialists recommend a healthy and varied diet (carbohydrates are also included) for pregnant women, there is medical research that tries to prove that the Low Carb Diet For Pregnancy is actually beneficial for the offspring. You’re pregnant. In the past, you’ve had serious problems with your weight, but you’ve managed to solve them by adopting the low-carb style of eating. You notice that any diet recommended for pregnancy also contains foods that are high in carbohydrates, but you are afraid that if you go on such a diet your weight problems will be out-of control after birth. Besides this, you know that gaining too much weight during pregnancy might also be harmful for the baby’s health and lead to serious difficulties regarding the delivery and you are extremely worried about this. Would it be safe to follow a Low Carb Diet For Pregnancy?

Even nutritionists who highly recommend low carb diets for weight loss are against Low Carb Diets for Pregnancy. Carbohydrates combine with fat fragments in order to release the energy needed for all your daily activities. If you don’t consume sufficient carbohydrates, your body won’t be able to use the fat in a normal way and this leads to an incomplete breakdown of fat. This may lead to ketosis. This means that your liver has been depleted of the stored glycogen and switches to a chronic fasting mode. However, it has been proved that this condition can cause brain damage and mental retardation in the offspring.

Therefore, even if you follow a Low Crab Diet for Pregnancy, you must stay away from ketosis! You can do this and also avoid unnecessary weight gain by getting the minimum of carbs each day. Generally, 65 to 75 carbs per day helps you avoid ketosis. But considering the risks that ketosis involves for the infant, I would suggest you take regular urine tests that detect whether ketosis is taking place. You can use special urine test strips such as Ketostix.

Of course, if you choose this “light” form of Low Carb Diet For Pregnancy, that involves consuming at least 65-75 carbs per day, you must do this wisely. It’s irresponsible to eat fat and proteins all day and then splurge on some pastry or chocolate that contains all the minimum of carbs. Instead, you should eat many times throughout the day and spread the quantity of carbohydrates evenly through your meals. Try to get your carbs mainly from vegetables (about 60%), then from whole grains (25%) and from fruits that don’t contain much sugar (15%). For safer dieting, make sure you follow the other entire do’s list for pregnancy. This includes an adequate intake of water each day, taking supplements (calcium, magnesium, vitamins, etc.), staying active, etc.

There are new studies that point out some positive benefits for the adult offspring in case the mother followed a Low Carb Diet For Pregnancy. It appears that this improves triglycerides, fat metabolism in offspring. Maintenance of a low triglyceride levels and a good fat metabolism can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. This theory has only been tested on animals. But even if it’s the same for human beings, what would you prefer? Would you choose giving birth to a child with brain damage and mental retardation but with a lower risk of developing coronary artery disease?

Giving birth to a human being is a great responsibility. If you’re looking for answer or advises, you must know that you won’t find a clear answer about the safety of the Low Carb Diet For Pregnancy. This is because there is no generally accepted rule or any finite research study on this issue, and no one would take the responsibility of giving such a controversial medical advice. You must think of all the advantages and risks that are involved by using a Low Carb Diet for Pregnancy, or any other type of weight loss diets, and decide it by yourself. I’m sure you’ll make the right choice, as for any pregnant woman the first priority is her baby’s normal development and health.

About The Author

Pregnancy and Smoking and First Trimester Dangers

2009-02-25T06:50:00.000-08:00

by: Shalene Chamings

Did you know that if women quit smoking when they were pregnant that infant deaths could be reduced by up to 10 percent? Pregnancy and smoking and first trimester are not words that go together. The good news is that no can report that a woman who has smoked prior to her pregnancy is putting her baby at risk. However, smoking during pregnancy is very hazardous to an unborn baby.

Pregnancy and smoking and first trimester have been linked to 100,000+ miscarriages and 5,500+ infant deaths per year. Smoking also puts an expectant mother at risk for complications such as vaginal bleeding, premature rupture of the membranes, early delivery and more. Evidence is showing that a pregnant mother who smokes may have a baby who has a low birth weight. Low birth weight and being born too small is a major cause of infant illness and perinatal death.

If you are pregnant and a smoker you should know that the best time to quit is during the first trimester. Pregnancy and smoking and first trimester are not words that go together. Here are some tips that will help you get started on breaking the smoking habit.

Find out what motivates you to smoke. Is it the stimulation? Maybe you do it to relax? Do you use smoking as a way to relieve tension and stress? Maybe you smoke simply out of habit? Are you even aware of when you light up a cigarette or do you find yourself smoking out of habit? If you are able to find out what motivates you to smoke you can find a substitute to replace the smoking.

Find something that will motivate you to quit smoking. This is very easy for a pregnant woman. Your motivation is to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Find a method that will help you to quit smoking. Talk with your OB/GYN and find a way that you can quit together. Many expectant mothers chose to quit smoking cold turkey. Others wean themselves off of cigarettes during the first trimester simply because smoking makes them feel ill.

If you like smoking because it keeps your hands busy, try to do something else with your hands. You can suck on a lollipop, play with a pencil, knit, play a musical instrument, paint your fingernails and more.

If you smoke for the oral gratification, find something to replace it. This can include chewing on gum, veggies, popcorn, or simply placing a toothpick in your mouth.

If you smoke because it stimulates you, why not walk instead? Walking can give you an energy boost and help clear your head when you are feeling tired.

If you simply smoke because it is a habit, try to develop a new habit to take its place. Every time you feel like smoking you can go brush your teeth or go to a certain area in your home to relax and listen to music. If you smoke in certain situations or when you eat or drink certain foods, avoid those situations, foods and drinks for a while.

Pregnancy and smoking and first trimester are simply words that do not fit together. Not only do they sound strange on paper, but they are dangerous words to put together in life. Remember, if you can get past the first few days of withdrawal they will be worth it. Not only will your baby be healthier, but you will be healthier.

About The Author

Shalene Chamings
I am a mother of four beautiful girls who greatly enjoys motherhood.
http://www.anewbornbaby.com/blog/

Top Tips To Ensure Pregnancy Health Both For The Mom And The Baby

2009-02-25T06:47:00.000-08:00

by: Robert Thatcher

Finally the pregnancy test kit showed that you are positively pregnant! You double-check by going to an ob-gyne and after undergoing a battery of tests the doctor confirmed that you really are pregnant.

Pregnancy can bring so much joy to a family. However, it can also pose innumerable health risks to the woman and to the baby, as well. Pregnancy is oftentimes one of the most awaited events in a woman's life, especially if the woman has had a hard time trying to conceive. This means that when a woman is pregnant taking some precautions for health maintenance is downright required.

Here are some ways that a pregnant woman can employ to ensure the health of her baby and her self, too.

Eat well, conceive well.
It's not true that you have to eat for two when pregnant. Eating more than the amount of food that is enough for one person will only cause the unwanted bloat. According to research, a pregnant woman will only need an extra 200 to 300 calories per day. And who knows, you might be already eating those extra calories. Eating healthy food will do the mother and the young life inside the mother just right. Of course, those extra calories should not come from junk food.

Supplement your wellness.
A pregnant mom should take a vitamin supplement that contains folic acid, better even before conception and during early pregnancy. Why folic acid? Because this micro-mineral, which is found mostly on green leafy vegies, when taken 400 mcg daily before and during early pregnancy, can reduce the risk of having babies born with neural tube defects.

Away with your vices.
It could have been awefully hard for you to quit on your smoking and frequent alcohol intake. Now is high time for you to rethink your actions. The nicotine from cigarettes and alcohol from the alcoholic beverages you consume can harm your growing baby. Usually, babies from mothers that have been smoking are born with low average birth weight, are prone to being born prematurely and may die from sudden infant death syndrome compared to babies of non-smoking moms. Caffeine is one substance that should be avoided, too. So, say ta-ta to your espressos and brewed fraps for your baby's sake.

Precautions schmasions.
Even before pregnancy, it won't hurt to get prenatal care. Making sure that you are immune to certain diseases that might affect your pregnancy counts a lot. An example of these diseases that a pregnant woman should be cautious of is rubella or German measles. Knowing your blood type will also help you prepare for any medical condition that you might encounter during pregnancy.

Exercise properly for you and your baby.
Exercising is one good way to help keep a pregnant woman fit, as well as her baby. However, there are certain conditions that ob-gyne's need to approve before a pregnant woman can do any exercise. One of the important forms of exercise that can be done during pregnancy include those that help improve the muscles' endurance. Stretching can help a lot, too. But all of these activities should be done with ample amount of precaution, of course.

It all boils down to the fact that if a woman would like to have a healthy pregnancy, she has to simply have a healthy lifestyle.

About The Author

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides pregnancy resources on http://www.your-pregnancy-resource.info

Pregnant? Give Your Unborn Child Omega 3 DHA Safely

2009-02-25T06:45:00.000-08:00

by: Lois Smithers

Study Has Interesting Results

A recent study reported in England’s, The Lancet, of 11,875 pregnant women studied, the children of those who consumed more fish had higher levels of cognitive ability, pro-social behavior, better motor and verbal skills. While we debate on the safety of fish in coastal waters, and the restrictions suggested by the US Government that pregnant women should restrict their intake, too many studies show the benefits to developing fetuses and children for us not to look closely. It is time to turn to alternatives.

Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, one of the world’s leading authorities on Omega-3 fatty acids, in interviews and articles, states the critical importance of DHA for pregnant women and their unborn child. As the child’s brain develops, DHA is essential for developing neural pathways and neurons so that the brain grows more synapses. As Dr. Hibbeln further states, this timing is essential for children. In other words, you only have one time to get this right.

The question arises, how much DHA is enough for pregnant women? According to The Lancet study, moms-to-be should eat a minimum of 340g of fish a week or two to three meals of fish weekly.

Today’s research is pointing clearly to the vast benefit of DHA from fish oil rather than a vegetable/seed oil source. Perhaps if we were not swimming in seed oil from our foods, DHA from either source would be beneficial but what is lacking in our diets today is fish, not more seed or vegetable oil.

Finding a good Omega 3 EPA DHA supplement will take some digging. With many food grade fish oils on the shelves today, it is very important the oil be of a pharmaceutical grade. A simple prick test of a capsule will let you know the quality. Find a pure liquid form, bottled in glass, which is essential for the oxidation process, and make sure they are the manufacturer, not the supplier. Capsules hide a host of things which is why many suffer indigestion.

About The Author

Lois Smithers spent years researching Omega 3's and sea-based health solutions, and credits Omega 3 with ending years of painful chronic inflammation. She and Deb Morgan own Sea-Based Health, LLC, focusing on the latest Omega 3 news. Get health tips, recommended products- http://seabasedhealth.com.

Good Exercises To Do When Pregnant

2009-02-25T06:37:00.000-08:00

by: Adwina Jackson

Most women can and should exercise when pregnant. Unless your pregnancy is high risk or your doctor has ordered you to stay in bed, there is no reason in fact you can’t exercise while pregnant.

Studies show that there are numerous benefits to exercising while pregnant. You can improve your energy levels, get your blood pumping to your legs and improve your circulation, and improve your chances for a speedy recovery.

Another reason to exercise? Moms who worked out while pregnant generally had shorter and easier labors.

So what kinds of exercises are good to do when pregnant?

Well let’s start with those you should avoid. You should avoid embarking on any stringent exercise program you are unfamiliar with. Avoid running and other jarring activities unless you are a very experienced runner. Even then you should consult with your physician.

Here are some generally good and safe exercises that are recommended during pregnancy:

Walking – This is the best overall exercise for pregnant mothers anywhere. It is low impact but still gets your heart rate up and your blood pumping. Walking is usually safe throughout the entire pregnancy.

Jogging – Jogging can be done safely if you are an experienced jogger. You should reduce your jogging regimen however the further along you are in your pregnancy. If you are not able to have a conversation when jogging, then you are working out too hard.

Swimming – This is the number one exercise and the safest exercise when it comes to pregnancy. Swimming alleviates the heaviness you feel from weight gain associated with pregnancy. It also provides you with optimal cardiovascular benefits and helps you feel light and refreshed.

Yoga – Yoga can help you maintain your muscle tone and stretch out tight ligaments during pregnancy. Be sure you investigate a pre-natal yoga class if at all possible.

Weight Training – Weight training is a great way to maintain and build muscle during your pregnancy. Just keep in mind you should avoid heavy weights and weight bearing exercises that require you to lie on your back.

To be safe you should always consult with your doctor or physician before beginning any exercise program. Most pregnant women are fine to work out particularly if they’ve been active before.

If you are just starting a program be sure to take it easy initially. You should also commit to exercising regularly. Generally 30 minutes of exercise 4-7 days per week is recommended.

One last point… be sure to keep hydrated and avoid over-heating which can be dangerous for you and your baby. Avoid getting your heart rate much over 140 and stop any exercise if you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Also don’t forget the importance of warming up before any and all activity. You’ll reduce the likelihood of injury. Warm up after activities will also help your heart rate return to normal.

Good luck and have fun!

About The Author

Adwina Jackson is a wife and mother of a young boy. She's also the editor of Inspiring Parenting, an online source of valuable parenting information. Please visit http://www.InspiringParenting.com for helpful and free parenting info. Observe your children's health, growth and development by clicking the website.

How Far Along Am I In My Pregnancy?

2009-02-25T01:35:00.000-08:00

by: Kitty Barker

You are a young mother and expecting your first baby which is a very anxious time for you. How far along am I in my pregnancy? That is the question that most expectant mothers raise. There are two ways that one can calculate how far along in the pregnancy you might be. The American System is used by most doctors but the Ovulation System works just as well.

How far along am I in my pregnancy? In the American System if you are 7 weeks pregnant, you conceived about 5 weeks ago. The differences in the method of calculating how far along you are average out to be almost the same.

Pregnancy is dated from the first day of the menstrual period. This is a hold over from the past when little was known about cycles. Confusion is not uncommon in dating a pregnancy. Now the question still remains how far along am I in my pregnancy? There are two ways to calculate how far along you might be in your pregnancy. The first way is the American System. In the American system the first trimester ends after week twelve. The second trimester ends after the twenty-sixth week. The due date then is the fortieth week. This is a common method in this country to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy.

The other manner of figuring our where you are in your pregnancy and your due date is called the Ovulation System.

The above chart makes a comparison for you so that you are better able to understand how to calculate. The question again presents itself, how far along am I in my pregnancy? The numerous tests you can take and different ways to calculate may still have you confused.

The Ovulation System which is used in many other countries and often in the United States seems to be the most accurate way of getting an exact measure of how far along you are in your pregnancy. In the Ovulation System conception is considered week 0. The positive pregnancy test can be measured by week 2. The end of the first trimester is weeks 10-11. The end of the second trimester is week twenty-four. The due date is normally figured at week thirty-eight. In comparison to the American System there is a two week difference.

How far along am I in my pregnancy? The question still remains the answer depends on what system the doctor uses in his calculations. Some ladies like to count backward to figure out when they conceived, if the American System is used and you are seven weeks pregnant, you conceived five weeks ago. There are other things to consider as well that might help you to determine when you think your pregnancy began. You can of course take the home pregnancy test that helps you to know for sure you are pregnant. When you’re trying as a couple to get pregnant it is not uncommon for a woman to take the home pregnancy test every month. This then gives you a better idea of when you might have conceived.

A missed period is another method of knowing that you are pregnant. The calendar tracking can help you just as well. It is a good thing to track on your calendar the last day of your period and know when you are ovulating. You and your doctor can work out a plan together that will help you and your husband plan a pregnancy.

One last time you may ask, How far along am I in my pregnancy? The use of the above methods, well planned relationship, and testing methods are all ways that can help you understand approximately how far along in your pregnancy you are. The Ultimate end when the baby comes is normally up to the baby when it decides to come.

About The Author
Kitty Barker who often writes for and with Pregnancy Information where there is far more information, news and resources. She also writes for Pregnancy Weight Gain http://pregnancy-and-baby-tips.com/.

Your Pregnancy at 5-8 weeks (2nd month)

2009-02-25T01:32:00.000-08:00

A cool video on how your pregnancy looks like in the second month

Your Pregnancy at 1-4 weeks (1st month)

2009-02-25T01:29:00.000-08:00

A cool video on how your pregnancy looks like during the first month

Very Early Signs Of Pregnancy - Do You Know The 10 Pregnancy Signs?

2009-02-25T01:12:00.000-08:00

Very early signs of pregnancy - are there 10 pregnancy signs?

Yes, there are signs that indicate very early that you are pregnant. Some women will experience one or two of them, others will have several of the very early signs of pregnancy.

Once you have conceived, it will take about a week for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus. As implantation happens, it is now possible to experience one or more of the 10 pregnancy signs and begin to know you are pregnant. Around this time, hormone levels begin to change, and the body reacts to these new hormone levels.

Here are 10 pregnancy signs:
1. Light Spotting - if you have conceived, spotting can happen when implantation occurs before your menstrual period should begin. Pregnancy bleeding from implantation is pinkish or brownish and not heavy. A normal menstrual flow should begin light, become heavy, then taper off again before ending.

2. More Frequent Urination - urinating more often is one of the very early signs of pregnancy. Many women experience more frequent urination even before a missed period, usually from about 7-12 days after the temperature rise at ovulation. The changes in hormone levels produced by implantation of the embryo, especially the hormone "human chorionic gonadotropin" (hCG), cause more frequent urination.

3. Elevated Body Temperature - it is normal to have an increase in body temperature at ovulation. Your basal body temperature staying elevated after ovulation is completed and remaining elevated through when your period should begin can be one of the very early signs of pregnancy.

4. Missing a Menstrual Period - a missed period is one of the obvious 10 pregnancy signs. However, you can miss a period for other reasons including illness, stress, hormone imbalance and reactions to foods or medications. If your menstrual cycle normally occurs very regularly, missing a period can be a sign.

5. Fatigue - lack of energy as one of the very early signs of pregnancy may be hard to distinguish from other kinds of exhaustion. Feeling tired is related to the change in hormones in the body, which usually disappears as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels.

6. Cramping - the uterus can contract often and regularly. Moving around, exercise and orgasm all can trigger uterine cramping in early pregnancy.

7. Nausea - morning sickness is the name given to feeling nauseated when pregnant. Of the 10 pregnancy signs, only about half of pregnant women experience nasea, and feeling nauseated can happen any time of the day or night.

8. Tender Nipples and Breasts - one of the very early signs of pregnancy is a feeling of tenderness in the breasts and nipples. The good news is that these feelings of tenderness go away as the body becomes accustomed to the new hormone levels.

9. Darker Areolas - the area around the nipples becomes darker as early as one week after conception. The bumps on the areolas may look more prominent.

10. Constipation - you may notice a change in your bowels in early pregnancy. The intestines may relax and function less due to changing hormones and be one of the 10 pregnancy signs.

Once the very early signs of pregnancy are experienced, confirm pregnancy by using one of the better home pregnancy tests. There are major differences in the reliability of the home tests for pregnancy. A blood pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 8 to 10 days after conception, and a urine pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 10 to 14 days following conception. Pregnancy tests are not 100% accurate. If you feel you are pregnant but your pregnancy test result is negative, do the test again in a week or so and see your physician.

Remember to take good care of yourself and your body even before you become pregnant. Give up smoking and alcohol, eat healthy and begin exercising. Those first few weeks and your health are vitally important to help support healthy development of your new baby. Becoming pregnant and enjoying a successful pregnancy is a complex but wonderful experience. Besides knowing the 10 pregnancy signs, learn as much as you can about fertility, pregnancy and your health so your new baby will have the very best beginning to life that is possible.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

About The Author
Olinda Rola

Read more on the most accurate pregnancy test at http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com/first-response-early-pregnancy-test.html and finding it. Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - visit for more on ovulation, fertility, prenatal vitamins, pregnancy and caring for yourself.
olindarola@yahoo.com