Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts

Friday, July 19, 2013

What To Expect From A Home Pregnancy Test

8:29 PM 0 Comments
     A home pregnancy test is a quick and efficient way of finding out if you’re pregnant. They have a high accuracy rate (about 97%) and are available from most drugstores. If you are unsure how a pregnancy test works, read on!

How does a home test work?

     When a woman is pregnant, she starts developing a hormone called HCG. Basically, these tests measure the amount of this hormone in your urine. Home pregnancy tests vary in sensitivity so depending on the one you have purchased, some may detect pregnancy earlier on than others. If you are unsure to this, read the instruction or back of packs and they should be able to tell you how sensitive that particular home test is.

When to take a pregnancy test

     There is no one answer as to when to take a pregnancy test. Again, this is dependent on the particular brand of pregnancy test you purchase. Some tests state they are able to detect pregnancy as early as six days after ovulation but the most accurate tests are those that detect pregnancy about 14 days after ovulation. For most women, this falls mid-way through their ovulation cycle. Even if your menstrual cycle is very regular, it is safest to wait at least a week after your period was last due before taking a pregnancy test. This ensures the most accuracy.

How accurate are home pregnancy tests?

     Research suggests that pregnancy tests are about 97% accurate. Although false positives can occur, this is very rare. As long as you follow the given instructions, these tests should give you a reliable result. Taking a test before your period is due is not recommended. As aforementioned, for the most reliable results, it is best to take a test after your last period is due. Negative tests which later on turn out to be positive are generally not due to the product being faulty or unreliable, but rather, the test was probably taken too early. Of course the most accurate way to find out whether you’re pregnant is to see a doctor.

Should I take a home pregnancy test?

     If your period is late or if you are suffering from possible morning sickness and sore breasts, more than likely you are pregnant. Before taking the next big step in seeing a doctor, taking a home test is a great alternative. If your period is late, this means that you are already post-ovulation and this is the best time to take a test.

     Remember that whilst the pregnancy test is very reliable, it is customary to go see a doctor to confirm the results and to wait the 3 month safety period before announcing the news.

Summary:
     A home pregnancy test is a quick and efficient way of finding out if you’re pregnant. They have a high accuracy rate (about 97%) and are available from most drugstores. If you are unsure how a pregnancy test works, read on!

Understanding Ectopic Pregnancy

8:24 PM 0 Comments
     Did you know that...  symptoms of ectopic pregnancy typically include lower back, abdominal, or pelvic pain. The pain usually gets worse before it gets better and more often than not vaginal bleeding will occur.

     I am expecting my first child in March. I have to admit that I was very nervous about ectopic pregnancy and I didnot know much about the topic.  After doing some research I felt compelled to share what I learned about ectopic pregnancy with all expecting moms.

     The first thing we want to do is understand the differences between a normal pregnancy and an ectopic pregnancy. Understanding these differences will not only educate us on the topic, but it will help put that nervous nelly mind to
rest!

     During a normal pregnancy the fertilized egg enters the uterus. The uterine lining gives the fertilized egg plenty of room to divide and grow (and make your belly big).

     During a typical ectopic pregnancy, the egg does not actually reach the uterus, but gets hung up in the Fallopian tubes.  As the egg starts to grow this causes the tubes to stretch and get irritated.  Typically you will feel extreme
pain (you know your body and you will know the difference between this pain and expected pain).

     Ectopic pregnancy should not go untreated. If it’s left untreated you’re at risk of rupturing the Fallopian tube which would cause internal bleeding.

     So what causes ectopic pregnancy you ask?  Is it me or something I did or did not do?  Is it my lack of exercise?  Is it my poor diet or my extremely healthy diet? No, no and more no!

     There are a few causes for ectopic pregnancy and I will list them here: 
  1.  PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) have a HIGH occurrence of ectopic pregnancy. 
  2.  Your Fallopian tubes have cilia (almost like hair)located on the surface that help carry the fertilized egg to the final resting area the uterus.  Some women have damage to this cilia or even blockage of the tubes and this can cause ectopic pregnancy. 
  3.  Tubal ligation can cause cilia damage. The problem is that treatment for ectopic pregnancy is to use tubal surgery which increases your risk for future occurrences. 
  4.  High levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can slow the egg down as it travels to the uterus. Infertility treatments can cause higher risk of ectopic pregnancies.
     Can ectopic pregnancy be treated?  What are my options if I am diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy? 

     There are basically two types of treatment for ectopic pregnancy. Nonsurgical treatment and surgical treatment. Nonsurgical treatment: Since 1993 the drug methotrexate has proven to help ectopic pregnancy if taken early on in the pregnancy. Methotrexate can interfere with the growth of the developing egg causing the cessation of pregnancy.Surgical treatment: If bleeding has already occurred, surgical intervention is necessary to stop blood loss and reduce the risk of your body going into shock.  Most surgeons use laparoscopy or laparotomy for access to the pelvis and can remedy the
affected Fallopian tube.

     Should you worry about ectopic pregnancy?  Of course, what mother would not. Make sure you do not let every ache and pain make you think you’re having one.  Just remember the things I listed.  If you conceived from fertility drugs that does not mean you will have an ectopic pregnancy, but you should monitor and pay close attention to the symptoms. This information is here to educate you and not scare you. Remember to enjoy your pregnancy and good luck with everything.

Summary:
Article explains ectopic pregnancy.

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

8:12 PM 0 Comments
     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.

Summary:
     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. ...

Tips To Help Pregnant Women Reduce Morning Sickness.

8:06 PM 0 Comments
The dreaded 'morning sickness', extreme nausea and vomiting, will affect around 90% of pregnant women. Just why women have to go through this is not known, but there are some things you can do to minimise this unpleasant part of pregnancy.
  1. Ask your medical advisor whether you can take vitamin B6. A dose of approximately 100 mg per day has been shown to reduce the feeling of nausea.
  2. Eat foods rich in the B vitamins: examples are nuts, chicken, fish, liver and advocados.
  3. Take frequent sips of liquids such as water, soup, tea, and lemonade. This can help in two ways: when you vomit you loose a lot of fluids and it is important to keep your body hyderated at all times; and it also makes vomiting less unpleasant if you have something to bring up. Vomiting when the stomach is empty is even more unpleasant than when you have something to bring up.
  4. Avoid foods with strong smells such as spicy or fried foods as such dishes can make you feel queasy and induce vomiting.
  5. Snack little and often. When you go to bed place biscuits or muffins at your bedside and nibble these if you wake in the night.
  6. Foods high in carbohydrates are more likely to stay down and will ward off hunger. Recommended foods are breads, rice and pasta.
  7. If you don't feel like eating, don't. If eating will make you feel queasy and cause you to vomit, there is no point. You will not benefit nutritionly if the food comes straight back up.
     Morning sickness is the least enjoyable part of being pregnant. How long it lasts varies from women to women. Just keep reminding yourself that it will end.

Summary:
     Around 90% of pregnant women will be affected by 'morning sickness' - extreme nausea and vomiting. Here are some tips on how to reduce this unpleasant experience.

Things You Should Know About A Molar Pregnancy

7:54 PM 0 Comments
     Pregnancy is an exciting time for any woman, but with the many pregnancy complications out there, it can also be scary for first time mothers. It has been reported that one in every thousand pregnancies in the U.S. is a molar pregnancy, which makes it one of the most common pregnancy complications for women today.

What is a molar pregnancy?
     This occurs when a sperm fertilizes an empty egg. Even though it’s empty, it continues to develop and a placenta is formed despite there being no fetus. The hormone HCG is also produced which fools the body into thinking that there is a pregnancy when there is only placenta.

     A partial molar pregnancy occurs when two sperms fertilize an egg. However, instead of forming twins, in this type of pregnancy, something goes wrong and an abnormal fetus and placenta is developed instead. As there is double the sperm, the fetus receives too many chromosomes and instead may die in the womb.

Molar pregnancy symptoms
     One of the first molar pregnancy signs you may notice is spotting which could lead to heavier bleeding. Depending on the severity of the case, the bleeding may start as early as 6 weeks into the pregnancy or as late as 12. Another common sign of this type of pregnancy is nausea, abdominal cramping and swelling. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and feel as though your pregnancy may be molar, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.

Molar pregnancy treatments
     A D&C (dilatation and curettage) will be used for treatment. This is a safe procedure in which a small vacuum is inserted into the uterus to remove the placental parts. However, great care must still be taken as not to provoke any excessive bleeding or blood clots. This type of pregnancy can recur as some women may just be prone to them. If this is the case and after your first such pregnancy, you have another, consult your doctor about special treatments to prevent this from happening again.

     Molar pregnancies are a tragic way to lose a child, but having one does not mean you are never going to have another baby again. Make sure you are aware of molar pregnancy symptoms and regularly go to the doctor for consultations.

Summary:
     Pregnancy is an exciting time for any woman, but with the many pregnancy complications out there, it can also be scary for first time mothers. It has been reported that one in every thousand pregnancies in the U.S. is a molar pregnancy, which makes it one of the most common pregnancy complications for women today.

What is a molar pregnancy?
     This occurs when a sperm fertilizes an empty egg. Even though it’s empty, it continues to develop and a placenta is formed despite th...

The Benefits Of Pregnancy Massage

7:40 PM 0 Comments
     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.

Summary:
     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 performi...

Take An Online Pregnancy Test For Free

7:37 PM 0 Comments
     To take an online pregnancy test, you'll need to answer some questions. These questions are related to signs that indicate pregnancy. To take an online pregnancy test, answer the questions below. Please note - it will take about a week for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus after conception. Once implantation happens, you can begin to experience one or more of the signs that indicate you are pregnant. Are you experiencing any of these signs:
  1. Light Spotting? Spotting can happen when implantation occurs before your next period begins. Light bleeding from implantation tends to be pinkish or brownish.
  2. Urinating More Often? Frequent urination is one of the early signs of pregnancy. Many women experience more frequent urination about 7-12 days after the temperature rise at ovulation.
  3. Elevated Body Temperature? A slight increase in body temperature at ovulation is normal. Your basal body temperature staying elevated after ovulation is completed and remaining elevated for the next two weeks can be one of the early signs of pregnancy.
  4. Missing a Menstrual Period? A missed period is one of the obvious pregnancy signs when you take an online pregnancy test. However, you can miss periods for other reasons such as illness, stress and reactions to foods or medications.
  5. Tiredness? A lack of energy as a pregnancy sign 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 new hormone levels during pregnancy.
  6. Feelings of Nausea? Feeling nauseated can happen any time, day or night, although 'morning sickness' is the name given to feeling nauseated when pregnant. Only about half of pregnant women will experience nausea.
  7. Tender Nipples and Breasts? When you take an online pregnancy test, answering yes to this question can indicate pregnancy. These feelings of tenderness go away as the body becomes accustomed to new hormone levels.
  8. Darker Areolas? If the area around the nipples becomes darker, this can be a pregnancy indicator. It can happen as early as one week after conception. The bumps on the areolas may also look more prominent.
     If you are answering 'Yes' to one or more of the questions above as you take an online pregnancy test, you should 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. 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.

     Becoming pregnant and enjoying a successful pregnancy is a complex but wonderful experience. 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

Summary:
     To take an online pregnancy test, you'll need to answer some questions. These questions are related to signs that indicate pregnancy. To take an online pregnancy test, answer the questions below. Please note - it will take about a week for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus after conception. Once implantation happens, you can begin to experience one or more of the signs that indicate you are pregnant. Are you experiencing any of these signs:

1. Light Spotting? Spo...

Smoking During Pregnancy. Let your child have the choice.

7:34 PM 0 Comments
     The word 'Mother' is synonymous with care, love and all good things on the earth. However, smoking mothers can be inadvertently killing and maiming their children – born and unborn. Shocked? It's true. Smoking mothers are potentially gifting their children with lung cancer and many other similarly devastating diseases through second hand smoke. Pregnant women harm their unborn babies directly in the womb.

     Besides the above horrifying facts, here are more unsettling reasons to bear in mind when smoking. It will not only interfere with your health, it will also interfere with the health of your unborn child:
  1.  First of all, smoking makes it hard to conceive. Reports show that fertility in both men and women are heavily affected by smoking. In women, smoking interferes with the egg movement toward the fallopian tubes as well as the hormones that are produced during pregnancy; while in men, it lowers the semen count, and the motility of the sperm. In many cases smoking also affects the shape of the sperm making it incapable of penetrating the egg.
  2.  Children born of smoking parents potentially inherit a low fertility syndrome and suffer from a great number of infertility problems.
  3.  Smoking in many cases is the main cause for impotency in men as it interferes with the blood supply to the penis.
  4.  The baby in the womb of a pregnant smoking woman gets its nicotine addiction right from pre-birth as its blood imbibes the nicotine that the mother’s blood shares with it; hence it is more likely that when born they would become a smoker – and also contract all smoking related diseases.
  5.  In rare cases the placenta is directly affected by smoking causing a miscarriage of the foetus, or death in the womb.
  6.  Babies of smoking mothers will be most likely to be born premature and under weight.
  7.  Babies are also likely to have less developed vital organs than their counterparts (babies of non-smoking mothers) – there is a great likelihood that these babies have an undeveloped liver which will affect them throughout their lives.
  8.  The babies of pregnant smoking women have poor lung functions right from birth.
  9.  These babies are twice as prone to die from sudden-infant-death (SID) syndrome than the babies of non-smoking women.
  10.  The babies of those women who smoked 15-20 cigarettes a day are more likely to be sickly.
     Any one of the above causes should be sufficient enough to make you quit smoking – if not for yourself, for your little miracle that is being formed in your womb. Read the above lines again, and then once more – is that what you want to give to your most precious creation? Would you really be comfortable thinking that you are voluntarily and consistently harming your child even before their born? These are some questions that you should to ponder seriously.

     Get in touch with your doctor today and enlist his/her help to quitting smoking. You owe it to your child to be healthy and give them a healthy beginning to the start of their life. As a mother, you are the nurturing contact of the child – do not become the poison in your own child’s life.

Summary:
     The word 'Mother' is synonymous with care, love and all good things on the earth. However, smoking mothers can be inadvertently killing and maiming their children – born and unborn. Shocked? It's true. Smoking mothers are potentially gifting their children with lung cancer and many other similarly d

Morning Sickness Survival Tips

2:24 PM 0 Comments
     "Just eat a few saltines and you'll be ok".

     I don't know about you, but as someone who suffered with prolonged, severe morning sickness (which I affectionately call morning noon and night sickness), when I hear someone say this, I just want to slug them!

     If you're suffering with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, you're not alone. Most women experience it to some degree during their first trimester. If you're one of the unfortunate few whose symptoms last longer than the typical 6-12 weeks, I empathize. I've had the same experience with all 4 of my pregnancies. I have learned a few things that helped however, and I hope you can get some relief with these tips.

1) Getting your blood sugar regulated is priority #1.

     One theory about why morning sickness is worse in the morning (and for some women only occurs then) is because when you wake up from sleep, you have low blood sugar. For some pregnant woman, going 8 hours without food is just a bad idea.

     You might find it helpful to eat a high protein snack before bed, and even to eat a bite each time you get up in the night to go to the bathroom. (Which in the beginning may be quite frequent!)

     Personally, I found that what I did first thing in the morning was of paramount importance. I had to eat a few bites of food *while still lying down*. So I either put some food on a plate beside my bed or asked my husband bring me a snack first thing in the morning.

     Don't jump out of bed. Eat your snack slowly and lie still for a few minutes afterwards. Then slowly get up and immediately go to the kitchen and eat another bite. Again, emphasize protein.

2) Avoid foods that cause rapid blood sugar shifts.

     Fruit juice, sugary snacks, processed cereal (the kind that comes in a box), anything made with white flour, etc...these types of foods cause your blood sugar to rapidly rise then come crashing down, triggering nausea and vomiting. Eat protein foods and whole foods.

     Meat, cheese, yogurt (be careful here- try plain yogurt with frozen berries mixed in. Most yogurt has way too much sugar in it.), eggs, nuts, nut butters, veggies, and whole grains should be your staples.

     Even if eating doesn't appeal to you, coaxing yourself to eat a little bit of a protein food every 2 hours will help prevent vomiting. Don't leave the house without carrying a snack with you.

3) If drinking water makes you sicker, try these alternatives.

     It's very important that you stay hydrated. You're going to need extra fluids to support the pregnancy, but many women find that drinking water makes them more nauseated. Some things to try:

     Smoothies made with fruit, ice and plain yogurt or kefir. The tangy flavor of these two dairy products really hit the spot for me. They also sneak in some extra protein.

     Water served VERY cold with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
     Carbonated water with a small amount of fruit juice for flavor.

     Weakly brewed iced or hot tea with lemon. The small bit of caffeine won't harm your baby. Something about the bitter tannins in tea may help ease nausea.

     Citrus fruits and melons.

4) Avoid nausea triggers as much as possible.

     Your nose is on hyperdrive during early pregnancy!

     Stinky smells like poopy diapers, kitchen trash, even morning breath may be impossible to totally avoid, but try your best to avoid smelly situations.

     Have someone else take out the trash. Have hubby change your toddler when he's home. It's the least he can do!

     And don't be shy about telling someone who has bad breath, noxious perfume or cigarette smells on them that you're in a delicate condition and need some fresh air. During my pregnancies, my husband had to switch to unscented deodorant and soap, otherwise I couldn't hug him!

     If cooking smells make you ill, take a break from your usual garlic and onion specialties. Don't be a martyr. Hubby will understand that you can't make his favorite sausage and peppers for a while.

     Prepare meals that won't stink up the kitchen. Green main dish salads with cold, cut up chicken, steak or hard boiled eggs. Sandwiches are good too.

5) Try Aromatherapy

     Put a couple of drops of lavender, mint or lemon essential oil (these oils are generally regarded as safe to use during pregnancy) on cotton balls and keep these in various locations... the kitchen, bathroom, your purse and in the car. Take a whiff when you feel sick. Put a few drops on your pillow.

6) Take it easy- but don't forget exercise

     I know, I know... exercise is the last thing you want to do when you can hardly get your face out of the toilet! But if you force yourself to take even a ten minute walk outside every day, it WILL help.

     But do try to take it easy, avoid stress as much as possible, and rest as much as you can. You're doing the very important job of growing a baby. Explain to your other children why you're feeling poorly and that it won't last forever. Call in favors and ask friends to come over to play with your 2 year old for an hour so you can sleep, or ask them to cook extra when they make dinner tonight and bring you a dish.

     When you feel a bout of nausea coming on, try to lay down for a few minutes in a dark room with your eyes closed. Sometimes if you do this the episode will pass.

7) Focus on the positive

     Sometimes when you're so miserable it's easy to forget what's making you so sick! Remember that statistically, women who experience nausea and vomiting of pregnancy are more likely to carry the pregnancy to term.

     One of my midwives told me that she always worries when a Mom comes in for her first prenatal feeling wonderful...the chances of her miscarrying are higher.

     So rejoice in your strong hormones! Read pregnancy magazines, birth stories on the Internet, look through maternity clothing catalogs, do whatever you need to do to cheer yourself up and get yourself in the mood for a new baby.

8) More Misc. Tips

     Try eating candied ginger or sipping ginger tea. I found ginger in capsules to be too harsh and they hurt terribly if they did come back up.

     Brewer's yeast capsules work for some Moms.
     Try sucking on lemon slices when you're feeling a wave of nausea.
     Sip mint tea or chew mint gum to help dry up excessive salivating that may trigger nausea.

     If you have trouble brushing your teeth due to an overactive gag reflex, switch to using baking soda for awhile. The foaming of regular toothpaste may be too much. And brush your teeth in shifts if you need to... first the top teeth, then a few minutes later the bottom teeth, then your tongue, etc.

     Avoid getting overheated or chilled. Extremes in temperature can trigger vomiting.

     Try Sea-Bands, available at large drug stores. They're designed for motion sickness but helps some pregnant women.

     Go with your cravings, within reason. For some reason, pizza and Taco Bell always hit the spot during my pregnancies.

     Clean the toilet daily, even if it's the only household chore you can do right now. Better yet, have someone else do it. And wear your hair up for awhile. If you're going to be throwing up, at least you will have your hair out of the way and a clean bowl to hug!

Summary:
     "Just eat a few saltines and you'll be ok".

     I don't know about you, but as someone who suffered with prolonged, severe morning sickness (which I affectionately call morning noon and night sickness), when I hear someone say this, I just want to slug them!

     If you're suffering with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, you're not alone. Most women experience it to some degree during their first trimester. If you're one of the unfortunate few whose symptoms last longer than the...

Is Your Pregnancy Exercise SAFE for baby?

2:18 PM 0 Comments
     ere is no doubt thatpregnancy exerciseis both excellent and necessary for you to do now that your looking out for two (unless your doctor has told you otherwise!).
Exercise will help you reduce your pregnancy related symptoms, manage your weight gain and speed up your post-partum recovery time. However, you MUST make sure that whatever you choose to do is SAFE for both you and your baby.

     I exercised during my pregnancy, but I only chose to do exercises that I enjoyed doing - like walking and swimming. I particularly liked swimming because it was non-weight bearing and it cooled me off (which was a huge help for my pregnancy-related overheating!).

     For those of you who are looking for more than just swimming or walking, I've picked 5 questions from my subscribers that look at various pregnancy exercises and ask the question, "Is this exercise SAFE?".

     (Please note: all of the following opinions assume that the subscriber has been given the OK to exercise by her family practitioner.)

Subscriber Question #1:
     "As a fitness instructor, how long I can continue doing high impact movements?"
My Opinion:
     I'm assuming that because you're a fitness instructor you're in good shape, which would make it okay to continue exercising during your pregnancy at a moderate intensity level - around 70-75% of your maximum heart rate (if you're not in good shape, aim for around 60-65%!).

     However, I'm not a big fan of high impact movements (i.e. jumping, step class etc.) because they can be jarring on your joints (which are already carrying a big enough load). Also, your center of gravity changes, which means you're going to be much more likely to fall or injure yourself.

     So, I recommend sticking to low-impact exercises, like swimming. You'll find it better on your body - especially when your tummy starts getting bigger!

Subscriber Question # 2:
     "Now that I'm pregnant, can I run up and down my stairs for exercise?"

My Opinion:
     Good question! Although most of us have stairs in our house or office, I wouldn't recommend it for a workout. Running up and down stairs umpteen times may seem like an easy pregnancy exercise to do, but it's really quite strenuous. You have to be in very good shape - believe me, I used to get my elite athletes to do this!

     Choosing stairs instead of an elevator, however, is not a bad idea if you're just looking for a little activity here and there (just be close to the railing in case you lose your balance!).
For a more suitable workout, put on your running shoes and go for a brisk walk.

Subscriber Question #3:
     "Can I do abdominal work to keep control over my love handles (fat on the sides of my tummy)?"

My Opinion:
     I know you're not going to like my answer, but now's NOT the time to worry about your love handles. Although certain experts say that abdominal work is safe during pregnancy, I wouldn't recommend it. Rather concentrate on core strengthening exercises (including training your transverse abdominal muscles - the deep ones!) and wait until after your baby is born to work on toning your tummy!

     Now that doesn't mean that you should let go of yourself, sit on the couch and eat the house - no way! It means take care of yourself, keep active, eat healthy foods - and you'll have LESS of a job taking it off after you deliver.

Subscriber Question #4:
     "I'm very worried about putting on excess weight, can I still do my 1-hour a day workout consisting of Body Combat, Body Attack, dancing and running?"

My Opinion:
     The general rule regarding exercise during pregnancy is that you CAN continue to do what you were doing pre-pregnancy as long as you lower your intensity to a moderate level.
I'm not quite sure what Body Combat and Body Attack classes are, but if they're high impact (jumping) and aggressive (hitting), I'd recommend you trying something else. Exercises like the elliptical trainer, low impact aerobics, or deep water running (a very tough exercise when you've got the right form!) are better choices.

     Pregnancy is not the time to try and improve your fitness level - rather it's the time to maintain your existing level as best you can (remember, you're now working for two!).

Subscriber Question #5:
     "Is it possible to tone my lower body while I'm pregnant?"

My Opinion:
     YES! Some great exercises that you can do now to tone your lower body are lunges, inner thigh squeezes, leg extensions, and bum raises off the ball.
Now you're not going to be doing intense legwork, so you probably won't see drastic results. But every little bit helps and it WILL make you feel a whole lot better about the way you look (trust me!).

     I would however be cautious about other pregnancy exercises - for example, avoid anything that puts pressure on your back, like the leg press machine!
For LOTS more TIPS on which exercises are safe to do during pregnancy and which one's can be harmful, as well as which foods are safe to eat and which foods you need to avoid, read my kit at...
http://www.pregnancywithoutpounds.com

Summary:
     There is no doubt that pregnancy exercise is both excellent and necessary for you to do now that your looking out for two (unless your doctor has told you otherwise!).
Exercise will help you reduce your pregnancy related symptoms, manage your weight gain and speed up your post-partum recovery time

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Common Pregnancy Complications

10:12 PM 1 Comments
     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.

Summary:
     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.

Choosing Maternity Bras For Maximum Comfort And Support

9:15 PM 0 Comments
     If you are new to pregnancy and breastfeeding, you may be a little overwhelmed with the commitments of motherhood. Although this may feel like unknown territory, it is not as difficult as it may seem. For example, in choosing maternity bras, many of the same factors apply as regular bras. However, there are a few new considerations to keep in mind.

     The key to choosing maternity bras is finding something that is comfortable and supportive. Because your breasts grow considerably during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you need something that can hold up to the challenge. If you have relatively small breasts, this will not be as difficult. However, the larger your breasts are, the harder it is to find something that will work effectively.

     Typically, maternity bras that have wide straps are more supportive; this applies to shoulder straps as well as the torso band. While most women prefer something that is pretty, it really is more important to get something that works. Luckily, many of the maternity bras on the market today are attractive as well as effective. You just may have to look a little harder to find them. If possible, you should try on a few maternity bras before purchasing. Take into consideration that your body and breasts will continue to grow through pregnancy, that a lot of that weight will drop at birth, and that your breasts will continue to grow when breastfeeding.

     Most maternity bras open to allow for breastfeeding. When you try on the bras, you should play with this feature and see how easily you can remove the breast. This may seem unnecessary, but when you are holding a baby with one hand and trying to open the bra with the other, you will understand why this is important! Complicated latches or awkward positioning will be a major hindrance when trying to breastfeed.

     There are many places to purchase maternity bras. Many of the stores you are accustomed to shopping at, however, may not carry them. Shop around and visit several retail shops and maternity stores to widen your options. Shopping online is also a convenient option. You may want to check local stores, though to try on some of the brands available.

     Although you will want super-supportive maternity bras for day wear, you may also want to consider a more comfortable version for night wear. Most breastfeeding women can not go without a bra, as the weight of the breast may cause them to leak. On the other hand, few women want to wear a restrictive bra all day. Find a looser, more natural bra to sleep in that still allows for easy feeding.
Summary:
     If you are new to pregnancy and breastfeeding, you may be a little overwhelmed with the commitments of motherhood. Although this may feel like unknown territory, it is not as difficult as it may seem. For example, in choosing maternity bras, many of the same factors apply as regular bras. However, there are a few new considerations to keep in mind.

     The key to choosing maternity bras is finding something that is comfortable and supportive. Because your breasts grow consider...

Burn Baby Burn: Getting Rid Of Your Baby Fat (After Pregnancy)

8:56 PM 0 Comments
     One of the joys of conceiving becomes quite obvious as the months go by, and that’s showing off your bulging baby bump, a trend being made ever so popular by Hollywood’s hottest expecting leading ladies.

     But, unless you're one of the Hollywood hotties, you may not be able to shed that baby bump so quickly after delivery. In fact, if you’re over 25 and certainly over 30, losing the baby weight may seem like a losing battle.

     Not only has our body packed on the pounds during pregnancy, but along with age, comes a natural tendency to favor fat and gain weight. Once a certain fat level is reached and maintained for an undetermined but specific amount of time, the body accepts this (level) as normal and works at conserving it.

     So, as you start to purge those extra pounds, other physiological systems kick and foster
Re-gain. Hormones and neurotransmitters that control your activity level, your hunger level and how you metabolize food are also affected in ways that encourage fat to make its way back.

     But, experts assert that there is hope, it just may take more time and conscious effort. And, they add, that it should be viewed and treated as a lifestyle change, and not a “temporary” diet plan geared at simply shedding some extra pounds.

     Among the key factors to dropping the weight and keeping it off is the amount of exercise you do over the long haul. Experts suggest a few times a week if possible, but even that may not be enough. In fact, the ideal amount would amount to about 30 minutes per day, even if it’s done at intervals, which is also a great way to help you not only maintain a healthy weight, but stay healthy as well.

     Furthermore, studies show that losing weight and keeping it off may mean up to 60 to 90 minutes of moderate exercise daily (for most), and they again suggest breaking it into intervals. You can also incorporate exercise into daily activities such as walking instead of driving, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, etc. And, they caution those who are or may be out of shape to start off slow and take it easy and build up gradually.

     Overall they suggest sticking within your (daily) calorie and exercise range and finding a program that’s practical and easy for you to commit and stick to. And they suggest making small, achievable goals that will enable you to see results, which will in turn be a motivation for you to continue on your successful path.

Summary:
     One of the joys of conceiving becomes quite obvious as the months go by, and that’s showing off your bulging baby bump, a trend being made ever so popular by Hollywood’s hottest expecting leading ladies.

     But, unless you're one of the Hollywood hotties, you may not be able to shed that baby bump so quickly after delivery. In fact, if you’re over 25 and certainly over 30, losing the baby weight may seem like a losing battle.

     Not only has our body packed on the pounds dur...

Advice On Buying Maternity Wear

8:48 PM 0 Comments
     Just because you are 8 months pregnant with a stomach out to there, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still care about your appearance. In fact, when you’re feeling hormonal and down in the dumps, a good shopping trip for stylish maternity wear may be exactly what you need.

General advice

     The first instinct pregnant mothers have when shopping is to go directly for something that is large and baggy. Please avoid this as maternity clothing that is layered or has bold prints or horizontal stripes will only make you seem bigger. Everyone knows that black is slimming so if you want to appear smaller, go for maternity clothing in one solid color. Don’t compromise your style. If you find maternity clothing too plain, try going to plus size stores or shop at your usual haunts but buy a bigger size. This will allow you to go for styles that you would normally have preferred pre-pregnancy.

Maternity wear budget

     Be careful with your budget though, as you have to remember you won’t be that big for that long! If you want to save money, borrow other people’s maternity clothing. Most mothers’ keep their maternity clothing in case of future pregnancies or as a keepsake and they’ll probably be happy to let their used maternity clothing be used by you. Or, you could try yard sales or consignment shops for a good bargain.

Shoes

     If you are well into your pregnancy, you don’t want to buy high heels. Flat shoes or flip flops are the best way to go. If you must have heels in your shoe, try kitten heels as they are not that high and will be comfortable to wear.

Maternity formal wear

     The best kind of formal wear won’t hide your shape. Be proud of your new pregnant shape and show it off. Formal wear for expectant mothers can be found in suits or dresses. The most common colors are black or midnight blue as it is one solid color that is slimming to all shapes. The best maternity dresses are empire cut, which means it is cut right under the bust, to provide maximum room for movement of your growing belly. Maternity suits are also alternative and very flattering to those who are four to five months pregnant.

Maternity swim wear

     If you are only four to six months pregnant, you can probably get away with going to plus sized stores and purchasing larger swimsuits as maternity swim wear. In this way, you will get a greater range of swim wear to choose from without having to change your style. Maternity swim wear is not readily available all year round so make sure to head straight to your favorite maternity clothing store when the sun comes out if you’re planning a tropical holiday during the winter.

     Whatever your shape or size, you are bound to find maternity wear for any occasion! Don’t just stick to the boring styles you often see in maternity stores; be inventive when mixing and matching to create your own maternity wear style!

Summary:
     Just because you are 8 months pregnant with a stomach out to there, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still care about your appearance. In fact, when you’re feeling hormonal and down in the dumps, a good shopping trip for stylish maternity wear may be exactly what you need.

A Quick Guide On How To Get Pregnant

8:43 PM 0 Comments
     Congratulations! So you’ve decided to take the big step into becoming a parent. While it is one of the most important things a person can do in their life, it is also the most challenging and the first challenge is conceiving. Many people assume that once they stop taking contraception they will immediately conceive. Our bodies are slightly more complicated than that and this guide on how to get pregnant will give you tips on the best methods and the timing to get pregnant.

First things first
     The first thing you must do when you make the decision to have a baby is to visit your gynecologist. This is a vital step as you will need a German measles vaccination if you haven’t had one already, and to make sure you are receiving enough folic acid to prevent birth defects. The gynecologist will also answer any of your questions and will provide you with further tips on how to get pregnant.

When to do it
     The best time is dependent on your ovulation cycle. Your ovulation period lasts six days – the first five days before and leading up to the sixth day in which you ovulate – and it’s during this time at which you are most fertile. Your ovulation period is usually midway between your menstrual cycles which for most women is about 14 days before their next period is due. This is usually the best time to get pregnant but if it doesn’t work for you, another tip is to wait until days 10 and 18 of your cycle (day 1 as the first day of your period) and have intercourse every other day during this time. This way, intercourse and ovulation are bound to coincide.

At-home ovulation kits
     If you want to be more precise and exact, you can purchase an at-home ovulation prediction kit which uses your body temperature to determine whether you are ovulating. It is said that when you are ovulating, your body temperature increases by 0.8 degrees. These kits can give you warning from one to one and a half days in advance as to the best time to get pregnant.

How often?
     A frequent concern for those whom want to know how to get pregnant is how often to try. It is a fact that the more frequently a man ejaculates, the lower his sperm count, becomes. So, those who are trying for a baby often have sex every few days to build this sperm count. However, this isn’t necessary. Even though the sperm count may be lower, it is still high enough for pregnancy to occur. The best tip is to make love when you want to. Remember that having a baby should be fun too, so try not to focus too much on how often and when. Of course those who are only having intercourse once a week will significantly lessen their chances.

Not working?
     If after a month or two you are still not pregnant, don’t panic! If you were previously on the pill, it can take some time before your cycle is regularized which can delay the conception. It may also be harder for smokers to get pregnant so if you are a smoker, another tip on how to get pregnant is to decrease or stop smoking. If you are very seriously concerned about your inability to get pregnant and these tips on how to get pregnant have not helped, then you may want to consult a gynecologist.

     Remember though that you should take your time and have fun! Don’t focus too much on the goal of how to get pregnant and you’ll be unexpectedly surprised.

Summary:
     Congratulations! So you’ve decided to take the big step into becoming a parent. While it is one of the most important things a person can do in their life, it is also the most challenging and the first challenge is conceiving. Many people assume that once they stop taking contraception they will immediately conceive. Our bodies are slightly more complicated than that and this guide on how to get pregnant will give you tips on the best methods and the timing to get pregnant.
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