Posts Tagged: pregnancy


27
May 11

Aches and Pains a Pregnant Woman Complains About

One of the most irritating problems of pregnancy is morning sickness and nausea. About 80% of the pregnant ladies complain of these symptoms at least at the beginning of the pregnancy or at least from time to time, it is the most common tribulation of pregnancy. Best tips for struggling against morning sickness is keeping your blood sugar level constant; you can do this by eating regular meals and not drink and eat at the same time during the day. Try to keep away from strong smells, eat stomach- friendly meals and wear only comfortable clothing. Some wristbands for pregnancy nausea might also be helpful.

Another bothersome problem is tiredness all the time. You need to get used sleeping more often, slowing down at least until the second semester when a part of your strength will come back to you.

Especially at the beginning of the pregnancy period you might feel breast pains, it may seem to you aching and swollen. Lucky this symptom goes away quickly; but by that time your partner should know he must stay away from this area for a while.

The increasing level of progesterone slows down your intestinal activity. That is why constipation appears during pregnancy. To avoid this problems try exercising more, drink more water and eat fiber-rich food.

A pressure exercised by the baby抯 head on your anal region makes the hemorrhoid veins distend. You can fight these symptoms by using prescribed balms, keep the area clean and use ice-packs. Also try not to sit and not to stand very long.

During pregnancy abdominal muscles overstretch, hormones lead to relaxation of your back ligaments and your new posture makes the curvature of the spine stronger. Make sure you have the best position of the body, avoid sitting or standing a large period of time, don抰 run to much and be careful when you bend. Also sleep with a pillow between your knees.

The hormonal changes in your body can also cause heartaches. Eat regular and more meals, don抰 consume spicy and fried foods. Drink a glass of milk before your meals and try skipping dinner; if the burns in your chest continue, ask your doctor for a medication you can use during pregnancy.

As your pregnancy progresses climbing a few stairs will make you feel more and more tired. You can experience breathlessness that gets worse every day and the symptom culminates when you get into labor. Pray that your delivery date comes sooner, there抯 not much you can do.

The fear of soon giving birth and the physical discomfort can both lead to insomnia during pregnancy. Try to exercise more, drink a glass of worm milk in the evening and sleep with more pillows.

During the last half of pregnancy your body starts to prepare for labor and irregular contractions called Braxton-Hicks appear. Although contractions can often be painful and create uncomforting try to prepare for labor and remind yourself pregnancy won抰 last forever.


27
May 11

Abdominal Cramping During Pregnancy

If you’ve just found out that you’re pregnant, congratulations! This time is very exciting, yet a little overwhelming at the same time. We’re feeling our body change for the first time, are trying to inform ourselves on pregnancy as much as possible, and we have a lot of questions in the beginning.

A common question that is asked by a pregnant woman, is whether or not abdominal cramping is common? The answer to that question is yes. What happens during pregnancy is that your uterus begins to grow larger in size, which feels like your lower abdomen is cramping. It starts to expand and slowing makes room for the baby.

So, if you’re feeling abdominal cramping in your lower abdomen you have nothing to worry about. The only time you should suspect that something is wrong is if the pain is excruciating. From there, I would follow up with your OB/GYN at your next doctor’s visit.

If you’re curious to know what other symptoms of pregnancy are normal, continue reading below.

Missed period – You should have missed your first period if you’re pregnant.

Tiredness – You may also notice that you’re more tired than usual. Take a nap when this starts to affect you.

Nausea – Nausea or morning sickness is also common. If you start throwing up, or become nauseous feeling, that is common unfortunately.

Foods – You may have noticed that you are trying to avoid certain foods due to smell, or you are craving different foods you wouldn’t normally be craving.

Heartburn – Heartburn is another common symptom during pregnancy, as well as indigestion.

Cramping – Abdominal cramping (as stated above), is another symptom.

Frequent urination – You may also be peeing more often than usual. This is due to the uterus pushing on the bladder.

Breasts – Your breasts may also be tender and swollen at this time.

As you can see, there are quite a few different symptoms you may be experiencing. Although, they are all common, and so is the abdominal cramping. For more information, follow up with a doctor to discuss what you’re feeling in particular.


26
May 11

Finding the Right Pediatrician for You and Your Baby

Congratulations, you抮e pregnant. As the count-down to the birth of your new child approaches, you should consider finding a pediatrician who will work the best with your soon to be expanding family. Having a pediatrician on-hand though the formative weeks and years of your child抯 life is in the best interests of both you and your child. Waiting until your child gets sick or needs a check-up is absolutely not the time to be going through the selection process, which can be stressful even when everything is going according to plan.
Beginning Your Search

There are several sources you can tap into to locate qualified pediatricians in your community.

  • A good place to start is the 揂merican Board of Pediatrics (ABP)? A pediatrician who is certified by them will have will have graduated from four years of medical school, received three years of resident training, and passed their written examination. They provide pediatrician search service on-line.
  • Another source is the 揂merican Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)? They also provide a referral database of participating members.
  • Certain health plans require you to choose a pediatrician from their approved network.
  • You can also ask is your obstetrician. Obstetricians and pediatricians often interact to oversee the care of both mother and baby.
  • Ask other moms in your neighborhood including friends, family or co-workers. They may be able to relate their personal experiences about specific individuals.

Vetting the Field

You抣l want to find a doctor who fits with your goals and expectations. It抯 usually best to first meet the candidates to assess their qualifications, personality, approach and experience before arriving at a decision. The kinds of questions you might consider asking your prospective pediatrician and other considerations include:

  • What type of pediatric qualifications do they have? Are they certified by the ABP and/or a member of the AAP?
  • If you are aware of certain health concerns in your family or with your pregnancy, you may want to ask about qualifications in pediatric subspecialty areas?
  • How can they be contacted after hours or during an emergency? Are they available by phone? Who covers for them when they are not available?
  • If you have minor questions what is the best time and method to reach them?
  • Does the pediatrician talk with and care about the children, and not just the parents?
  • Does the pediatrician seem to know about current issues and advances in pediatric medicine?
  • Does the pediatrician have 揷hemistry?with the children as well as the parents?
  • Does the pediatrician appear knowledgeable about current issues and advances in pediatric medicine?

In addition, you抣l probably want to know about availability and cost of services. Areas of investigation include:

  • Office and Location ?What are the office hours? What hospital is he/she affiliated with? Is the location conveniently close to your residence or work place?
  • Costs and insurance coverage ?What are the costs of services? Do they work with your insurance plan? What services are covered and which ones are not? What are the co-pays and other billing practices?
  • What are the routine child-care check-ups? The AAP recommends checkups at one, two, four, six, nine, twelve, fifteen, and twenty-four months.

Finding the right pediatrician for your family can be a daunting challenge. However, there are several good sources that can help you in your quest. In most cases you抣l have a choice about your child抯 doctor so try to find a doctor who is just right for you. Evaluate you抣l health care provider based on the criteria that are most important to you and your family.


25
May 11

Top Five Vitamins to Consider During Pregnancy

The most important nutrients and vitamins to consider during pregnancy

The risk of infertility in women and men is increased by inadequate levels of intake of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium, vitamin D, and zinc. The risk of infertility may also be increased by low levels of intakes of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

?Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium.

Sperm are rich in polyunsaturated fats, the type found in oils. These fats break down when exposed to oxygen and other reactive chemicals normally present in the body. Antioxidants protect polyunsaturated fats from breaking down and help maintain normal sperm production,

structure, and functions. Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium protect the polyunsaturated fats in sperm from breakdown due to their action as antioxidants. Several studies have identif ied improvements in sperm concentration, structure, and motility in men who have corrected def iciencies of these nutrients.

?Zinc.

Zinc def iciency has long been known to cause infertility in males. A lack of zinc decreases testosterone production and sperm number and motility. Bringing zinc levels up to normal helps restore fertility.

?Vitamin D.

It appears that a surprisingly high number of women and men in the United States are receiving too little vitamin D from foods and the sun. Poor vitamin D status has many health effects, and the list now includes an effect on fertility. Infertile men with low sperm count are more likely to have low blood levels of vitamin D than men with normal sperm counts.

?EPA and DHA.

These omega-3 fatty acids participate in eggdevelopment and hormone production in women and in spermdevelopment in men. Most U.S. adults who dislike f ish or seafood or who eat it infrequently have low intakes. Initial research results suggest that adequate intake of EPA and DHA may help prevent infertility related to hormone production and sperm development.

?Excess exposure to heavy metals for men.

Men exposed to high levels of lead and mercury may experience infertility due topoor functioning sperm. High blood levels of lead can result from working in smelting and battery factories and from ingesting excess mercury from contaminated fish

Summary : Life is too short and our window of opportunity is shrinking, so it’s best to throw every we have into the ring. When we do this miracles happen, anyone can greatly increase their chances of having a healthy baby at any age by taking the right vitamins and food nutrients.

If you want to read more about getting pregnant have a look at Getting Pregnant Help


23
May 11

Fit Pregnancy – A Healthier You and a Healthier Baby

Pregnant women undergo many changes within a short period of time. When pregnant, your body is doing an amazing and wonderful thing. It is nurturing another life! In order for your body to do its job you will have to do yours. It is so important during this time to make sure you are optimizing your body’s process. This means that you must eat healthy and exercise.

Here are a few ideas to help you have a fit pregnancy:

Eating

What you eat is so important during this special time of life. Besides making sure to take your prenatal vitamins you should also make sure you are eating a lot of protein, vegetables, and fruits. While you may have been cutting back prior to being pregnant now is the time to eat a variety of healthy foods including potatoes, breads, and other carbohydrates. It is also important for you to eat every two to three hours. Being pregnant is not a license to eat whatever you want. So be careful not to over indulge in candies, cakes, and other junk foods.

Exercise

Exercise is not just for those who want to lose weight. Our bodies are made to move. When we exercise on a regular basis we exercise our heart muscle and it pumps blood through our body delivering nutrients along the way. These nutrients are pumped from mother to baby in the process. Exercise can also help with aches and pains as well as bloating or water retention.

Stretching

There are many benefits you can get from stretching. Stretching can help you get rid of stiffness, soreness, and sometimes pain in your body. It helps you become more limber and prepares your body for labor and delivery as well. The most important part of stretching is breathing properly. Deep and short breathes help bring oxygen to all parts of your body.

All these things will work together to help you have a fit pregnancy and a safe labor and delivery. And after the baby is born you will be more likely to return to your pre-pregnancy weight.


20
May 11

Insufficient Vitamin D Levels in Pregnant Women

Irrelevant of where you stand on the Big Bang Theory, Adam & Eve or Darwin’s evolution, the concept of women getting pregnant has been around for a very long time. And it’s something we’re very good at. Women have successfully given birth in the most difficult conditions, and to this day still do. In famine, war zones, severe poverty and with serious illnesses, women have produced healthy children “against the odds”.

But that is where the problem lies: “against the odds”. And as we learn more about pregnancy and foetal development and learn more about how lifestyle and nutrition can affect a baby’s development in the womb, we also discover that there are things we can do to lower the risk of our babies having health problems. This is why pregnant women don’t drink alcohol and avoid pate, soft cheeses, raw egg and such like. It is only relatively recently that pregnant women have been advised to significantly limit their tuna intake due to the effects mercury can have on their unborn child.

We are constantly learning about pregnancy and making lifestyle decisions based on those learnings. Recently attentions have turned to Vitamin D and the suggestion that mothers-to-be, even including those supplementing, might not be getting enough of this important vitamin – crucial for the development of the baby’s bones and the health of the mother’s.

A recent study in Northern Ireland tested the vitamin D levels in 99 pregnant women, plus a control group of 38, all living at latitudes of 54 to 55 degrees. In each gestation length group there were significant numbers deficient in Vitamin D and very high numbers with insufficient amounts. At 20 weeks, 44% of the group were Vitamin D deficient and a huge 96% were insufficient. And while those that supplemented did generally show higher levels, insufficiency was still evident.

This was an observational study, and therefore cannot be used to make recommendations on the exact levels of Vitamin D pregnant women should supplement with. However, it does give some suggestion that pregnant women should take a Vitamin D supplement, especially in the winter. Why? Our bodies produce Vitamin D when they get exposure to the sun, but in climates such as the UK our bodies may not produce any Vitamin D during the winter months so we are entirely reliant on getting this from our diet. Some foods are fortified with the vitamin but this study certainly suggests these levels aren’t high enough for pregnant women.

Understandably there are very strict guidelines about what vitamins and minerals it is safe for pregnant women to supplement with which is why existing pregnancy supplements such as BioCare’s Ante-Natal Forte include 5mcg of Vitamin D. These guidelines errs very much on the side of caution – as they should – but with the participation and moral difficulties of running experiments, this caution can actually mean pregnant women aren’t getting the best nutritional support available.

This will always be the case, and the safety of every unborn child far outweighs the potential benefit more knowledge could bring. But it is also important to keep finding new, and safe, ways of increasing and improving our knowledge about pregnancy, and how supplementing could optimise the “odds” of a healthy child, and mother.


13
May 11

Review of Slim Mom Secrets – A Method That Will Make You Slim And In Shape

With the Slim Mom Secrets step by step guide by Jennifer Palimino, you will no longer have to worry about losing that incredible body that you once had before you got pregnant. This e-book will teach you how to keep you and your baby healthy with a good nutritional diet. How you should plan and follow your safe exercises while you are pregnant.

Slim Mom Secrets tells you how to eat, when to eat and what to eat. It is important to eat healthy foods. The e-book describes which food that is best for you and your baby. When you eat right you will not gain any unwanted pounds, and you and your baby will feel great. Slim Mom Secrets could make your pregnancy feel great.

With a different attitude and outlook, it is amazing how unlike your life can become when you are pregnant and going through several hormonal changes. Being pregnant does not have to mean that you will never be able to fit into your skinny jeans its is a question about being prepared. With Slim Mom Secrets, you will fit into your skinny jeans in just 37 days. That is just a couple of weeks.

You may even look better than you did before you got pregnant. This e-book also provides the importance of calorie intake because your body and your baby need as much nutrients as possible. Your baby needs to grow and develop in the healthiest way possible. With this system and plan, you will no longer gain the unwanted pregnancy pounds. These tips will also help you have an easier labor and delivery! A great start of your motherhood.

In a matter of weeks you will feel great and learn to stay fit forever, no more stretch marks, saggy breasts or cellulite.


10
May 11

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

Many women have questions about the types of food that are safe to eat during pregnancy. It is actually easier to discuss the types of foods you should avoid during pregnancy than it is do discuss the foods that are safe to eat.

There’s a lot of food to avoid during pregnancy because they may be harmful to you or your developing baby.

Food To Avoid During Pregnancy

Deli and Processed Sandwich Meats – these meats might be contaminated with Listeria, a potentially deadly bacteria that can result in miscarriage or even a stillbirth. While listeria is relatively harmless to most ordinary people, it can be life threatening for your unborn baby. Pregnant women are more susceptible to listeria because of their lowered immune system. If you want to eat deli meats, be sure that you cook them until they are steaming hot, which will help kill any bacteria that might be present.

Raw meats – much lie deli meats, raw meats should be avoided because they can carry bacteria that are harmful for both mother and baby.

Certain types of fish – while most fish is healthy, there are certain kinds of fish that contain high levels of mercury, which is harmful for your unborn baby’s brain. Consuming too much mercury during pregnancy can result in developmental problems and even brain damage. The types of fish that contain the highest levels of mercury include: swordfish, shark, king mackerel, tuna, sea bass and tilefish.

Raw eggs – like raw meat, raw eggs have the potential to carry bacteria, particularly salmonella. Believe it or not raw eggs are in a number of various products including some forms of Caesar dressing, mayonnaise and even ice cream. If you are uncertain about whether or not something you are eating contains raw eggs, avoid it unless you can find out for certain whether or not it is harmful.

Unpasteurized soft cheeses – some chesses that are imported also have the potential to carry life threatening Listeria if they are not pasteurized. The most common types of cheese that carry this risk include certain forms of Brie, Camembert, feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican cheeses like queso. If these cheeses are pasteurized however they should be safe to consume.

Unpasteurized milk or juices – remember that any type of milk product or juice that has not been pasteurized has the potential to carry Listeria and other bacteria that may be harmful for you and your baby during pregnancy.

You should also avoid alcohol during your pregnancy. There is no known safe amount of alcohol that can be recommended during pregnancy. There are numerous fetal abnormalities and birth defects as well as developmental problems that have been associated with alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol should also be minimized or avoided during breastfeeding, because it can pass through the breast milk.


7
May 11

Pregnancy Naturally

A rush of emotions. A little stick. Will it be pink! Or blue? Who should you tell first? What do you do now?

Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience that is full of excitement and love and anxiety and tension. There are a lot of decisions to be made and you must face the realization (whether it抯 your first or your 12th) that life will never be the same.

Once you have the details of the actual delivery, the who (midwife or doctor), what (your baby), where (home birth, birthing clinic or hospital) and when (determining your due date) down, you can get on with making sure that baby has the best possible beginning even before you give birth.

Nutrition will be one of the keys to help you to keep your growing baby healthy and safe while still in your womb. And an extra bonus will be helping you to keep up your energy and minimizing the unpleasant effects of carrying your little one inside of you.

If you have a craving, indulge it. If you can抰 eat something, don抰 worry about it. The body has different needs during this time and those needs show themselves in various ways. It抯 a temporary situation and nothing to be concerned about.

Prenatal Vitamins ?While many multiple vitamins have the necessary quantities of vitamins and minerals for an average adult, prenatal vitamins have the increased quantities of those vitamins most important during this precious time. In addition, some prenatal vitamins have added the herb Ginger to help with morning sickness.

Calcium and Magnesium ?These minerals are important during pregnancy for a number of reasons. If you don抰 have enough calcium to provide to your baby as he begins to form bones and teeth, your body will naturally compensate by pulling these critical minerals from your own teeth and hair. This is why many women get more cavities and have brittle, dull hair during pregnancy. In addition, adequate levels of calcium may prevent preeclampsia during late pregnancy. Of course, there is the added benefit of avoiding excess leg or muscle cramps, common in pregnant women.

Red Raspberry ?This herb is commonly known as the woman抯 herb and can be taken throughout pregnancy. It has been used traditionally to strengthen the uterus and help women carry full-term reducing the chances of premature birth.

5-W ?This is an herbal combination by Nature抯 Sunshine Products. Many mothers and midwife抯 insist they would not deliver without it. 5-W (five weeks) should be taken during the last five weeks before the scheduled due date. This product will help to tone the uterus and shorten the duration of labor.

Common ailments and natural alternatives

Sometimes our best efforts aren抰 enough and we end up getting sick or having other problems that need to be addressed during this delicate time. Because anything that you take will also affect your growing baby, it抯 best to use safe, natural alternatives whenever possible.

For almost all of the following, the best natural prevention is water. Pregnant women need far more of it than the average adult. Be sure you have water with you every where you go and drink it by the gallon.

Allergies and sinus congestion ?Fenugreek may assist by acting as a mild laxative (opening the bowels to flush the irritants and mucus) and by reducing mucus secretions. A side benefit of fenugreek is that it promotes lactation in nursing women.

Back pain ?See a good chiropractor and use rice pillows to ease the pain.

Bladder Infections ?Use cranberry supplements daily as a preventative if you are prone to bladder infections. Should you contract a bladder infection during pregnancy, you could increase your dosage of cranberry and add colloidal silver, a natural antibiotic. Be sure to do this at the very first sign of the infection as bladder infections that reach the kidneys may increase the risk of preterm labor.

Colds ?Echinacea is a safe alternative that can be used during pregnancy. Sip on Echinacea tea or take a few capsules several times a day. Another herb that may be effective is Olive Leaf. Of course, don抰 forget to increase your vitamin C.

Constipation and hemorrhoids ?This sometimes occurs due to the extra iron in prenatal vitamins. While it is generally not safe to take a laxative during pregnancy, there are some things you can do. Increase magnesium. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant and will help to relax the sphincter muscle that allows for proper elimination. Increase fiber. Often, due to cravings or specific food aversions during pregnancy, women don抰 get enough fiber. Supplement if needed. Exercise may also help.

Insomnia ?Valerian root acts as a natural sedative and may be just enough to help induce sleep.

Nausea ?Ginger or peppermint tea can be very helpful here. Also try aloe vera juice.

This is a time of joy but it may take a little extra strength and willpower to stick to your desire to stay natural. Just remember, the less toxins you put into your body, the healthier your baby will be.


1
May 11

How to Look Amazing While Pregnant – I Was Hesitant to Share a Secret That Set Me Apart From Others

If you want to learn how to look amazing while pregnant then read on to know exactly how. Looking great is linked to your mind and how you think of yourself. How to get your mind to think sexy should be your question.

This is what you do to start to think sexy:

  • Do something you know will make you feel better about yourself. When you see yourself wallowing in your own misery snap out of it by doing something that will always make you feel good.

I’ll give you a story, one time me and my friend went out to the mall for a girls night out. I usually think really highly of the way I look, but for some reason I started doubting that the moment I saw all those people in the mall. I felt lost and undesirable, I felt like I could not capture any mans attention not even for a second.

I decided to go to one of those shops I really liked instead of feeling sad. And that is when everything changed. I went inside the dressing room and tried a dress on, and it looked fabulous on me, that shifted my mood and i felt more empowered. The moment I got dressed again and got out of the dressing room I was a changed person, I was more confident and assured and cared less about what anyone thought.

Guess what happened? well my friend kept asking me “what did you do in there?” she said that my face looked nicer and wanted to know what I did. when I told her I just tried on a dress, she didn’t believe me, she kept asking and persisting through the whole night. The only thing that shut her up was when I said I applied makeup in the dressing room, which was a lie.

I also got a lot of attention from the men, every time I passed by they couldn’t help but turn their heads and stare. My friend noticed the stares and attention the males were given me. And that is why she didn’t believe me when I said the truth. This is what happens when I took a few minutes to do something that regained my confidence.

So the lesson is to do something that makes you feel good about yourself and see the difference it will make in your appearance