Posts Tagged: pregnant


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


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.


18
Apr 11

Good Nutrition During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a very wonderful moment for a woman. A pregnant woman needs more nutritious food, because not only for her own needs, she also has to give enough nutrition for her fetus.

There is a physiological change during pregnancy. An example that we can easily see is weight gaining. During pregnancy it is normal if your weight rise 7 to 14 kilograms. This change comes from the growth of the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid, the enlargement of uterus and breast, and also fat deposition in the maternal body. Metabolism also rises during pregnancy. Compares to others, a pregnant woman is easier to sweat and to feel hungry.

Mother’s needs of nutrition during pregnancy

A pregnant woman needs more energy to fulfill the increase of metabolism. The energy is also needed to build new tissues of her body and the growth of the baby. The need of energy is about 2500 Cal per day. Energy resources can be derived from fat, carbohydrates, and protein which can be found in rice, oat, potato, maze, oil, wheat, bean, meat, etc. Protein is also important to form new tissues and organs of the fetus. Lack of protein may cause small newborn baby. Foods contain high protein for examples are meat, chicken, fish, milk, cheese, tofu, and bean.

Besides those macronutrients mentioned above, a pregnant woman also needs micronutrients. Some important minerals include calcium, phosphor, iron, and zinc. Calcium and phosphor are important to form bones and teeth. Lack of calcium intake during pregnancy may cause decrease of calcium deposit in mother’s body that may cause decrease of the mother’s health. High calcium foods for examples are milk, milk products, green vegetable, and many kinds of beans. Phosphor can be found in oat, grains, and beans. Zinc also contributes to help the growth of fetus’ bone. This mineral can be found in egg, mushroom, red meat, shrimp, fish, and soy bean.

There is an increase of blood volume in a pregnant mother. Thus, there is also an increase of iron demand. In pregnancy hemoglobin normal level is above 10 mg/dL. It is usually difficult to fulfill iron sufficiency from food during pregnancy, so it is suggested that a mother should take supplement.

Vitamins are also important factors in healthy pregnancy. Vitamin C works as antioxidant and helps enzyme to work properly. It also helps in forming collagen tissue and healing wound, improves immunity, and helps body absorbing iron.


12
Apr 11

Maximize Your Fertility – Even While You Eat A Vegetarian Diet

There is no reason why even strict vegetarians cannot have fertility levels equal to meat-eating women, and there is no reason why their pregnancy and the health of their future baby should not be normal. But vegetarians must be aware of their special needs to ensure they are not compromising their chances to conceive. One of the most important things a vegetarian can do is to identify any nutritional deficiencies they may have.

If these deficiencies are identified and dealt with fertility levels should return to normal.

Vegetarians can be divided into three groups – those who eat eggs, dairy products, and plants; those who eat dairy products and plants; and those who eat only plants. This final group, vegans, obviously has the highest risk factor for having nutritional deficiencies, due to their lack of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products from their diet.

One of the main problems encountered by all vegetarians is a lack of protein in their diet. Proteins are made up of 21 different amino acids, and of those 21, 9 cannot be made in the body. They must come from your diet, or a protein deficiency will result. These 9 amino acids – known collectively as “essential amino acids” – are found in many plants. However, only a few of these essential amino acids can be found in each type of plant, so vegetarians must effectively combine foods in their diet to ensure all essential amino acids are covered. Examples of foods eaten together that compliment each other and contain good quality amino acids: beans and rice, macaroni and cheese, and corn and black-eyed peas.

The more strict a vegetarian is, the more difficult it will be to meet the recommended daily amount of amino acids. But if care is taken to consume the right combinations of foods, it can be accomplished.

Another concern for vegetarians is the level of zinc in their diets. Most people obtain the zinc in their diets in animals products. Vegetarians who wish to obtain the required zinc from vegetable sources should try to eat macaroni, potatoes and their skin, black-eyed peas, and green peas – all are good vegetarian sources of zinc. This effort should be supplemented with a daily multivitamin, since consuming the recommended daily amount of zinc through these foods alone would be almost impossible.

Something else that vegetarians need to be aware of are deficiencies in iron and vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is a problem, in particular, since it is not found in any plant food. Good sources of vitamin B12 include milk, eggs, and fortified breakfast cereal.

A good, daily multivitamin (preferably the prenatal variety) is essential for vegetarians. Consuming the required vitamins and minerals through food alone is unrealistic for vegetarians. Having said that, a diet that is balanced and varied, that contains as many of the fertility enhancing vitamins and minerals as possible, will still be of great benefit to non-meat eaters.


11
Apr 11

The Importance Of Iron During Pregnancy

Hemoglobin becomes very important during pregnancy. Since your baby is also the beneficiary, you will need extra iron to see you and your baby through. Typically, the average woman needs 15mg, but now that she is pregnant, the iron requirement increases to 30-50mg, especially from about the 20th week on.

Iron Facts

Many women have an inadequate level of iron in their system to begin with, and the lack becomes more pronounced during pregnancy

Iron is very vital for the fetus; it is the only nutrient which the fetus depends totally on the mother for the supply.

Iron is needed for the formation of red blood cells; sufficient stores of iron from the start of the pregnancy to the end is vital.

The average woman cannot depend on diet alone. The demand doubles during pregnancy and so iron supplements are added to compensate for the insufficiency.

There are two types of iron, heme and nonheme iron, categorized this way because the former is derived from meat and the other from non-meat sources. Heme iron is more readily absorbed than nonheme iron.

Vegetarians have to be careful in planning their menu to make sure they get a sufficient dose of this mineral.

Iron Deficit

?Insufficient store of this mineral is the likely cause of incessant fatigue; it also

increases the incidence of illnesses and fainting spells

?Lack of iron will put a strain on the maternal heart

?Lack of iron will also endanger the mother should she face excessive bleeding

during delivery

?On the other hand an iron overdose can be disadvantageous as well.

Supplement fundamentals

?Iron supplements are useful; they help to manufacture hemoglobin, which will in turn help you to maintain the energy required during pregnancy.

?Iron tablets come in several forms and under various trade names: ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate

?Absorption of iron is enhanced by vitamin C. Ideally supplements should be taken with fruit juices

?Certain foods and medications including high calcium foods, caffeinated drinks and antacids inhibit iron absorption. Avoid taking your supplements with these items at the same sitting.

?In the later months of pregnancy, when the blood volume has expanded, women may have to take additional supplements apart from their prenatal vitamins as the iron dose won’t suffice then.

?Do not exceed the recommended dose of this mineral unless advised by your doctor – iron can suppress zinc levels.

On the Flipside

?Iron in excess can cause dry stools leading to constipation. The reverse happens with some women; they get diarrhea

?Diarrhea or constipation, it makes sense to change the form: you can switch from tablet to liquid as liquid is known to be easier on the tummy

?You may also try switching to either one of the three compounds (e.g. ferrous fumarate to ferrous gluconate) and see if it works for you

?The strength of the dose counts. Sometimes the strength may need reducing. If that is decided then make sure you compensate by increasing your intake of iron-rich foods everyday. Small amounts of iron are found in most fruits, vegetables, grains and meat that you consume daily. Work on increasing this mineral by eating iron-rich foods along with your supplement.


6
Apr 11

Foods and Things to Stay Away From When You Are Pregnant

Being pregnant requires a woman to be more selective in the kinds of food that she eats. Additionally, there also other things which she should avoid doing. You should not forget that the baby’s defense system is not yet fully developed and will be quite vulnerable to infection which you could pass on while still in your womb. The woman’s immune system is not also at its best when pregnant so all the more that extra care should be taken to keep herself physically and emotionally healthy.

Pets

If you own a pet, you should see to it that you wash your hands every time you touch them because pets could pass on harmful bacteria from their feces. You can get infected with this as you touch you mouth and other body parts which you could consequently pass on to the fetus.

Cats particularly could easily become the culprit because of the oxoplasmosis present in their feces. If the cat has a litter tray, cleaning it should be done by somebody else because you can get easily infected by the bacteria. If nobody can do it for you, then you should always use rubber gloves and face mask to prevent getting the bacteria inhaled through the nose and mouth. Same thing if you are doing the garden where there could be feces on the soil. Wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after each job.

A parasite can cause toxoplasmosis. A healthy adult will not manifest any symptom and so will the baby. If you already had this infection before, you will develop immunity to it and will never become sick of it for life.

Cheese

Although not all kinds of cheeses might have the bacteria, they are some types which could be harboring the bacteria and will certainly be bad for the mother,

Both pasteurized and unpasteurized soft cheeses should not be eaten which generally has a surface mould or rinds like Brie, Camembert and Danish Blue. Cheeses that are manufactured with wax like Gouda, Post Salut, blue cheeses like Stilton, Gorgonzola and Roquefort should also be avoided. In the safer category, we have the hard cheeses such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Red Leicester. Soft cheeses that are made of pasteurized milk such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, ricotta, processed cheese and cheese spreads are also safe. However, if you are not so sure, just forget about cheese for the meantime.

Eggs

A kind of bacteria, the salmonella generally thrive in eggs. To avoid getting these bacteria, avoid eating raw or partly raw eggs such as mayonnaise mad from home, sweet delicacies like meringues, cheesecakes, sorbets or mousses. Mayonnaise that you buy from the store can be much safer provided that you are sure that pasteurized eggs have been used in its production. Checking the label could save you from a lot of trouble.

Milk

For milk, products that have not passed pasteurization should never be used. Check the label for pasteurized products to be sure that this is the product for you.

Meat

Animal or fowl meat should never be eaten raw or slightly cooked. Processed foods are not very healthy as they are preserved with nitrite. So forget about those cold cuts as well and just stick to freshly cooked food. Meats should be cooked until the juice running put of the meat when pricked is clear and no longer red or pink which means there is still raw blood inside. After touching raw meat, wash your hands very well prior to handling other types of food such as vegetables and fruits. Liver has Vitamin A which comes in the form of retinol. This can be harmful when ingested by pregnant women as it could increase her retinol level more than the required daily requirement which can be very harmful to the baby. Thus, all products containing liver should be avoided like liver p鈚?and liver sausage.


5
Apr 11

Foods to Eat When Pregnant – What Are the Correct Pregnancy Foods?

Every pregnant woman wants the very best for their child. This maternal desire begins the moment that a woman first realises that she is pregnant, with her immediate concern being that her unborn child will develop normally over the nine months of pregnancy, and is born happy and healthy. What is comforting for the mother-to-be is that with a little research and application on the correct foods to eat when pregnant, she is taking a significant step in the right direction in ensuring the health of her unborn child.

The unborn child sources all of his required nutrients from the mother through the umbilical cord. The essential nutrients are ideally sourced from the foods that the mother consumes on a daily basis, and in some cases can be sourced from the mother’s reserves if she doesn’t consume enough in her diet. Proper nutrition ensures normal fetal growth and development, as well as healthy uterine functions and a healthy placenta and amniotic fluid. Conversely, mortality and an increased risk of developmental disorders are the main risks of poor pregnancy nutrition. The fetus is more susceptible to degenerative diseases and neural and cognitive disorders.

So what do the essential nutrients consist of? Well the essential nutrients are made up of all the vital proteins, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and fatty acids that play a part in the development of the fetus. Ideally all these elements should be sourced from wholesome natural foods and this is why it is so important to be aware of the foods to eat when pregnant. Your doctor will most likely also prescribe pre-natal vitamins to supplement your pregnancy diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids are sourced from fish. Omega-3 plays a vital role in the development of your baby’s brain, nerve and eye tissue. However avoid certain predatory fish like king mackerel, marlin, shark and swordfish as theses fish can contain high levels of mercury which is detrimental to both mother and baby. The FDA recommend up to 12 ounces of the following fish on a weekly basis: wild salmon, well cooked shellfish, cod, pollack, sardines and canned light tuna.

Folic acid is an essential element that all pregnant women need to be aware of, even before they are pregnant. Folic acid is essential for the development of the spinal cord and a lack of folic acid can lead to spina-bifida in your baby. However, what’s very important to realise is that within 28 days of conceiving, your baby’s spinal cord will be fully developed and this is why so many women begin taking folic acid supplements up to 3 months prior to becoming pregnant. Excellent food sources of folate include chickpeas, sunflower seeds, asparagus, lentils, broccoli, romaine lettuce and spinach. It is vital for the health of your unborn child that some of these foods are on your list of foods to eat when pregnant.

If there is one element that most women of child-bearing age lack, it is iron. This element is essential for haemoglobin production as the mother’s body strives to produce more blood for the developing fetus. Lack of iron can lead to both mother and child becoming anaemic during the final months of pregnancy. Excellent sources of iron are red meat such as beef and lamb, as well as dark poultry and fish.

Learning about the proper foods to eat when pregnant doesn’t have to be a chore, especially in this day and age when we are spoiled for food choices on our supermarket shelves. What’s good to know is that with a little knowledge and application, you are giving your child an excellent chance of arriving into this world healthy and happy. After all, isn’t this what every mother wants?


22
Feb 11

The New Baby, And The Firstborn

Yes, the new baby IS going to stay forever.

No, we will NOT trade the new baby for a puppy.

No matter how excited your first child seems to be about the new baby, there will come a time when he or she decides that maybe a baby brother or sister was not such a good idea. It’s natural and normal, and it will pass, (though will occasionally come back again throughout the lives of all siblings).

All the preparations you made to help the first child adjust to the idea of a new brother or sister, are going to forgotten by the child the first time that the new baby interrupts attention that used to be reserved just for him, or her.

They will not remember how fun it was to pick out the name, or the toys, or the cute little clothes. They won’t recall how exciting it was to feel the baby move inside Mommy’s tummy, or to hold the new baby.

They will remember when they didn’t have to share their toys, or their room. They will recall when they got to sit on Daddy’s lap during a story, and when they didn’t have to be quiet all the time because there was no baby who might wake up.

Jealousy is natural for small children and for older kids too. There are ways to help the children cope with their feelings, and to feel better about sharing you, and their lives.

Make time just for the first child, when the new baby will not interrupt. Mom takes the older child for a walk, while Dad stays home with the baby, and take turns. This also gives the new baby undivided attention from each parent as well.

Share the acts of caring for the baby with the older child, let them pick out an outfit, or hold a bottle for the baby.

Talk to them about all the ways the baby makes the family stronger, and better. Such as that, every person in the family means that there is more love in the family.

Be patient, and understanding. Eventually the older child will not only accept their new sibling, but love the new baby too. The wanting a puppy, that never goes away.


5
Feb 11

Pregnancy and Fertility Myth – 5 Reasons NOT to Tell People You are Pregnant Before 3 Months

Pregnancy in the first three months, is often visited by the question ‘Should I tell people’?

At some level, we have been trained not to share the news of new pregnancy until 3 months have passed….as if we are tempting fate by speaking of the baby too early.

And while this myth has prevented parents from celebrating their baby from the very beginning, there are indeed good reasons NOT to tell others you are pregnant too early.

5 Reasons Not to Tell People You Are Pregnant

  • You want to enjoy it in private first. It can be just marvellous to give yourself and your partner time to take pleasure in this magical beginning for your baby. In many ways, words cannot really express the wonder of what is really going on now. And, this time will never be returned to you. Some parents want to relish fully the new pregnancy on their own before sharing it with the world.
  • You are not sure how you feel about being pregnant. In this situation too, you may feel like sitting with the news of your new pregnancy rather than begin to discuss it. On an intellectual level you may have misgivings about being pregnant, but when you allow yourself time to connect with your body and your wisdom you can come to a new clarity and even joy around the pregnancy.
  • You want to get used to the idea. Even if you have been trying to become pregnant, it can still come as a shock. It is great just to give yourself time to process this so that you can relax about the pregnancy and become more comfortable about what it means for you.
  • Others around you are fearful for you or anxious about discussing the pregnancy too early. In this case, it is very wise not to share the news with these people as their response can be so disappointing to excited new parents and can add unnecessary anxiety into the pot.
  • You are following your intuition. In this case, it doesn’t feel right for you to share the news of your pregnancy and you are very comfortable with this decision.

Pregnancy brings with it many questions and many decisions to be made. It really helps to become clear about what you want first.