The Basics of Cool Baby Shower Themes

This article will discuss several affordable and cool baby shower themes. You can give a baby shower anytime during the pregnancy or even after the baby is born, though it is customarily given during the last couple of months of the pregnancy.

One of the most affordable and cool baby shower themes is a garden tea party. This cool baby shower theme can be decorated according to the baby's gender; in pink, blues or yellows and greens. To pull of this simple and elegant theme, all you need is some fresh flower centerpieces, pretty or fancy teapots, plates and cups (these can be borrowed from a relative or friend). Cover the tables with fancy tablecloths and use formal dinnerware. Start the shower with offering the guests an assortment of different teas and scones. You can also serve fresh fruit, different salads, croissants and cold cuts, quiches and other light fare.

Another cool baby shower theme is the book party baby shower, where guests are asked to give their favorite childhood books instead of gifts and cards to the baby-to-be. A sweet idea is to have each guest write about why their favorite book has special meaning in the front cover. You can also decorate according to different story themes or the mother-to-be's favorite story. This cool baby shower them can also be co-ed.

A cool baby shower theme for a second or third time mother-to-be, who already has the essentials, is a diaper party. Have the guests bring packages of diapers or wipes in lieu of gifts and make sure that they buy several different sizes, you really don't want to have 10 packages of newborn size diapers that the baby will outgrown before wearing them all.

New Mom Fashion: How to Look Great Post Pregnancy

There is nothing more exciting than being a new mom. Having a baby can dramatically change your life in a positive way. Unfortunately, becoming a new mom can sometimes leave you feeling less attractive than you did before your pregnancy. Don't think that having a baby means a world of bulky sweaters and roomy pants. You can still look great post pregnancy with these great tips.

• Wear Your Maternity Clothes: I understand. For nine months you've been finding clothes to fit your growing belly; now that you're holding your little one in your arms the only thing that can make life any better is being able to slide back into your old jeans with little effort. Unfortunately, it took you nine months to make your baby and grow your belly; logic says it will take some time before your back to your pre-pregnancy size. While your pregnancy clothes may be the last thing you want to wear, they are actually a great option. Most retailers are offering very trendy pregnancy clothing that can be adjusted and worn during and after your pregnancy. Often times, the clothes you wore around 5 or 6 months may not scream maternity wear and will give you the extra room that your body deserves.



• Leave Your Workout Wear at Home: Everyone loves wearing sweat pant. Nothing feels better than wearing pair of forgiving cotton pants that make you forget all the weight you may have put on. The forgiving nature of stretch pants and sweat pants covers up your body, makes you look and feel less than sexy, and often keeps you from returning to your pre-pregnancy weight. How can those comfy pants stop you from losing weight? When you wear nothing but roomy sweat pants you lose sight of what you once had and would like to regain. Sweats are great for when your home on the weekend or to slip into after a hard day of work, but when you leave the house, try putting regular clothing on. Wearing regular clothing will help you maintain your weight loss focus.



• Endorse Your new Curves: Congratulations, you're a new mommy. You have a new baby and you have some great new curves. After giving birth, many women are put off by their brand new shape; however, this is absolutely unnecessary. Many people, including men, often think that the new curves you've obtained over nine months are sexy and portray characteristics of a mature woman. Don't cover your new body up with baggy clothing. Instead find the areas of your new body that you really love. For many women the cleavage formed from a larger chest is a favorite asset. Find some great V-neck shirts to show off what your hard work gave you.



• Choose Dark Colors: In case you didn't know, dark colors are a great way to disguise parts of your body that you don't particularly like. They work well to create an overall slimming appearance. If you gained a lot of weight on your backside, wearing a dark pair of pants or jeans is a great way to mask that. Likewise, a dark colored shirt can help divert attention away from a tummy that just carried a baby for nine months. Even though it does work to create a trimmer appearance don't overdo it by wearing only dark colors. Mix it up a bit. My suggestion is to utilize this trick more often for your legs than for your top. While you can often get away with a light colored top, light colored pants and jeans are usually less forgiving.



• Choose Clothing Strategically: Choose clothing that down plays body parts you're not happy with. If you recently had a baby, you're in luck. Shirts that mask your stomach area are big right now. This includes baby doll shirts, and empire waist shirts. Both these garments accentuate your chest and draw attention away from your middle section. Not only do they help take attention away from your tummy, but they often leave you with a bit more confidence since it is not snug around your belly but still looks attractive and stylish.



• Wear the Right Undergarments: Pregnancy does strange things to your body and this includes your breasts. After your pregnancy you definitely will want to think about purchasing nursing bras. These bras are specifically made for easy nursing access. Not only do they make feeding easier, but the padding on the bras will help support your chest and prevent embarrassing leakage. Wearing the right undergarments is also a great way to help your clothes look better on your body. Bras and underwear that are too small or don't give enough support will take away from what you put on top of them.

Pregnancy Problems in Teen Girls

Though, the age of women is enduring to decrease, as younger women look for to conclude pregnancies. Statistics are instructive that the average age of those receiving abortions is dropping from 19 to 17. Teen abortion facts also expose that though the teen pregnancy rate has declined in the United States over the last ten years, the percentages have really greater than before. recent information are reporting that over 50% performed annually are on women under the age of twenty-five with the ages of eighteen and nineteen accounting for the highest number performed.

A disorder called Post Traumatic Stress is disease millions of teenagers who are not psychologically steady enough to survive with the trauma associated with an unplanned pregnancy, life-altering decisions, and the devastation of life. After the surgical procedure, guiltiness, shame, inconsistent behaviors, and substance abuse, even suicide, can be end result.

Pregnancy, birth, and abortion rates among teenagers in the United States have turn down over the past decade but at a standstill remain a widespread public health issue.

Reasons for the decline include increased motivation of adolescence to achieve higher levels of education, the availability of widespread sexuality education in schools, leading to immature people's knowledge about contraception, more effective contraceptive use, and improved ability to discuss contraceptive practice; and greater community sustain for services related to both pregnancy and disease prevention among teenagers.

PREGNANCY

Although pregnancy rates among teenagers have steadily turned down in the past decade, the United States continues to have the highest teenager pregnancy rates among industrialized nations.

Each year in United States, 800,100 to 900,100 adolescents 19 years of age or younger become pregnant .The pregnancy rate for adolescents 13 to 19 years of age fell 19 percent from 116 per 1,000 in 1991 to 95.3 in 1997, reversing a 12 percent rise from 1986 to 1994.From 1995 to 1997, the pregnancy rate for 13- to 19-year-olds decreased in 41 of the 43 reported geographic areas for which age-specific data were available.

During 1995 to 1997, the pregnancy rate declined by 11.5 percent among females less than 15 years of age, by 10.8 percent among females 15 to 17 years of age, and by 5.9 percent among females 16 to 19 years of age .

For each year from 1995 to 1997, the pregnancy rate for females 15 to 19 years of age was approximately 2.6 times that of females 15 to 17 years of age, and the rate for females less than 15 years of age was approximately one ninth that of females 14 to 17 years of age. From 1995 to 1997, the national number of pregnancies among females 14 to 19 years of age declined by 3.3 percent. In 1996, the pregnancy rate for females 15 to 19 years of age in the United States was 83.8 per 1,000 compared to


PREGNANCY RISKS AND OUTCOMES

95 percent of adolescence believes that if they were occupied in a pregnancy they would stay in school; in reality, 72 percent eventually complete high school 74
50 percent of adolescence thinks that if they were occupied in a pregnancy they would marry the mother/father; in actuality, 82 percent of teenage births are to unmarried teens75.
26 percent of adolescence thinks that they would need benefit to support a child; in reality 57 percent receive public support to cover the cost of delivery and 26 percent of teen mothers receive public support by their early twenties77. 32 percent of adolescence says they would believe an abortion; in reality, 52 percent of pregnancies to unmarried teens end in abortion.

The Perfect Baby Shower Gifts

Sometimes it's hard to choose that perfect baby gift. If you find yourself in this situation and want a gift that will always be remembered consider a new baby gift in the form of a blanket. A new baby blanket that has been crocheted is a wonderful gift as well as being a keepsake. This is the kind of gift that can be kept for the child as he or she grows up.

It seems that when people hear about a pregnancy one of their first instincts is to purchase something for the baby. There are so many items that are available for infants. It is amazing the amount of money people will spend to purchase things that will be used for a matter on months. There are also people that want to make something for a baby. Many times these are people that do not make any other homemade items.

When my daughter was born we got a lot of be blankets as gifts. Though most of these were store bought, we did get a few crocheted baby blankets from friends and family. Many of these blankets were useful, but some of them had to be given away as there only so many babies by get you can use it once. Though I really liked the crocheted blankets, I found that many of them were not suitable for a newborn. I ended up giving a few of them away, and putting the rest away until she was older.

The crocheted baby blankets looked as if they might be the warmest blankets, but there was a problem that we kept having with them. My daughter's tiny toes and tiny fingers would often slip the holes causing her discomfort many times. She would cry when she got her fingers or toes caught, and this would wake her up in the middle of a nap. Because of the nature of crocheted baby blankets, they often aren't the best things for newborns. Unless you have one with very tight stitches, it might cause your baby some discomfort.

There is however, something very comforting about crocheted baby blankets. These are often given as gifts from friends and family, and that makes them extra special. Many times they are made in the colors of your nursery, or can be pink or blue, depending on the sex of your baby. Quite often crocheted baby blankets are something that you will wish to save long after your child has outgrown them. I know that most of the baby blankets I have saved from when my daughter was an infant are indeed ones that were crocheted for me by family members.

And also my sister is one of these people who want something for her baby. When she was still in high school our oldest sister became pregnant with twins. My school aged sister decided that she was going to make crocheted baby blankets for the twins. She was just learning to crochet, so this was a big project for her. This was back in the day when the sex of the baby was not known prior to the birth. My sister decided that she would make the crocheted baby blankets in soft pastel colors. She would make each one different so that people would be able to tell the twins apart. She started on the crocheted baby blankets when our sister was five months pregnant.

It took her several tries to get the baby blankets started. She knew how to do the chain stitch and how to single crochet, however the instructions for the crocheted baby blankets included double and triple crocheting to create a pattern. Our mother did not crochet, so she was unable to help my sister. After several trips down the block to visit a neighbor woman that knew how to crochet the blankets started to grow. My sister had the first blanket completed and had started on the second blanket when our pregnant sister had to go on bed rest. She was starting to dilate and she still had six weeks to go before the twins would be developed enough to live. My pregnant sister was very bored laying around waiting for the twins. My mom suggested to my other sister that she should teach her how to crochet. This would give her something constructive to do to pass the time. My two sisters got together and the crocheting began. This was the beginning of a hobby for both of them. To this day they both crochet. My two children still have their crocheted baby blankets that they received from their aunts. I also have Afghans that they have made as well as beautiful dollies. The two of them get together for coffee and crocheting at least twice a month. This has been a rewarding hobby for both of them.

If you have a collection of crocheted baby blankets for your newborn, make sure you watch them properly. Use the gentle cycle on your washer, and make sure used baby detergent when washing them. Do not put crocheted baby blankets in the dryer. When you're done washing them you want to lay them out a flat surface to dry. You can lay them on a towel to get them to dry faster if you want to, but remember a dryer will probably ruin them. If you take good care of them they will be around for a long time to come. They are something you can save to remind you of when your baby was still a baby.

Babies often become so attached to the blanket that they keep it for years. Remember also that you and your baby will spend a lot of time in his or her nursery. So make sure all the blankets, beddings and d�cor make it a place you both love to be. So relax, take your time, and release your imagination and select the baby blankets and bedding to make our child's sleep time perfect.

Crizza
baby blanket

The Pregnancy Test - Getting a Pregnancy Test

Tests. You just can't seem to avoid them. From a very early age, hurdles are placed in front of our progress to see if we're worthy of progressing to the next level. There is of course much historical precedent for this:

The Bible is full of them, and some are pretty damn nasty. School is riddled with them, mainly to fill our young heads with knowledge of things we will never need again once we graduate. Then there's the driving test. First we learn how to pass the test, and once we've done that, we have to learn how to drive all over again in the real world.

But all of these examinations, however tricky, are nothing more than a mild warm-up routine for the greatest one of them all. The Pregnancy Test. The funny thing about the pregnancy test is that for a lot of people, for the first time in their life, they're actually desperate to fail. And even though they may have done absolutely nothing to prepare for this test, that in no way diminishes the chances of passing. It's also ironic that there seems to be plenty of evidence to show that the result of the test is likely to be the exact opposite of what people want.

The rookie assistant who has three too many cocktails and retires to the boardroom with the new secretary at the office Christmas party. The only one-night-stand you ever had, honest. The guy who got a really good deal on a vasectomy. The woman who ran out of the pill a couple of days ago but thought it would be ok. These are all people who you just know are going to be having a baby. It's a racing certainty. (I'm not including people who use the rhythm method, because they're just asking for it.)

However, the married couple who have been trying for a family for two years, including having sex at exactly 3:38 a.m. on the 17th day of the cycle; the woman who has let her biological clock tick down to the last few minutes; The guy who actually answered that e-mail promising abundant virility. These are the people who are almost doomed to failure.

Another interesting aspect is the test itself. A person is trying to find out if they are going to have a child, which for the latter group above is a momentous event. So this is a big deal, a potentially auspicious day, a ceremony with a true sense of occasion. What a pity then that a bunch of genius scientists (no doubt men) decreed that it should be spent in a bathroom peeing on a stick. How romantic is that? Couldn't we come up with something a bit more civilized?

Taking someone's temperature, which in the old days could mean you wouldn't be able to sit down for a couple of minutes, is now a sanitized `bleep' in your ear. Is there no corresponding dignity for a pregnancy test? And look at how you have to find out the verdict. You wait for some tenuous blue line to appear on a stick. I can buy a card for three bucks that sings me happy birthday, but to discover whether I've procreated the species I have to search for a thin blue line? Here's something else. Let's look at the mechanics of taking the test.

A woman has to sit on the toilet, put a little stick between her legs and try to pee on it. Why don't they make it really exciting and provide a blindfold in the box? If ever there was a test that was tailor-made for a guy, this would have to be it. Let me have a go. Hold the stick up high; further away; make it a moving target. I'll bet you I can hit it first time and still have enough ammo left to write my name in the snow. There should be a pregnancy test for men.

It's nothing more than a sneaky ploy to promote sales. You always see women buying pregnancy tests by the handful, as they know the first two or three are probably going down the toilet � literally. Who knows, maybe the scientists considered that the result could be so emotional, a woman had better be sitting down when she gets it?

Pregnancy Food, Pregnancy Nutrition and Pregnancy Diet

Pregnancy is the most beautiful and memorable phase in a woman's life. However, it is also a time of increased nutritional needs in order to support the developing fetus and to allow for the changes occurring in the mother's body. The growing baby gets all its nourishment from its mother through the umbilical cord, so what you eat throughout pregnancy really does matter. Not only are you what you eat, but now - so is your baby.

It is often said that a pregnant woman should eat for two people, but this is not exactly true. You see, eating for two does not mean eating double. While it is unhealthy to eat too little during pregnancy, it is also unhealthy to overeat. Poor diet can leave lifelong consequences on the physical and mental health of the baby.

It is crucial that the body has the necessary strength and stamina to make it through pregnancy with good health. You need to make sure that your diet is providing you with enough energy and nutrients for the baby and for the body to deal with all the changes.

The ideal is a balanced diet with enough proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. A well-balanced diet should contain something from all food groups: fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain products like breads or cereals, meat, fish or other protein alternatives, milk and diary products. A good diet will help the mother and the baby to stay fit, healthy and in good condition for the birth.

While most foods are safe to eat, there are certain foods that should be avoided during pregnancy, because they might harm the baby. These include:

* Raw seafood, such as oysters or sushi
* Raw or undercooked beef or poultry
* Deli meats (including hot dogs)
* Fish high in mercury such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish
* Liver and liver products
* Unpasteurized milk
* Raw eggs, or foods containing raw eggs, such as Caesar dressing, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custard
* Some types of cheese, especially soft cheese such as blue cheese, feta, Brie, Camembert
* Artificial sweeteners, such as can be found in diet soda
* Alcohol - when pregnant, it's best to cut down or stop drinking alcohol altogether
* Cutting back or skipping caffeinated beverages is also advisable

It is important to remember that everything you put in your mouth over the nine months of pregnancy will play an important role in the development of the baby. Therefore it is vital to do everything to ensure that you and your baby get adequate nutrition.

Remember - Eat well, be well!

Tummy Tucks and Pregnancies

Getting your body back to normal after a pregnancy can be a tricky business. When it comes to stretch marks and loose skin, there is no real effective method of treatment other than the surgical option of an abdominoplasty, a.k.a. a tummy tuck. Your skin is capable of expanding to accommodate a gradual weight gain, but when you are pregnant, it must expand relatively quickly to accommodate the growth of the baby. Consequently, the deeper layers of skin may tear forming thin white lines across your stomach. You may become frustrated (to say the least), and many women experience a big blow to their self esteem. However, a tummy tuck can remove most stretch marks and tighten any loose skin. In fact, deciding to go for a tummy-tuck seems a reasonable course of action considering that 130, 000 tummy tucks were performed in the United States in 2005.

Before jumping onto the tummy tuck train, some important issues should be considered. A tummy tuck requires invasive surgery; therefore information on the matter should be gathered in order to determine whether or not it will truly benefit your life.

Tummy tucks can leave permanent scars

The surgery will leave a scar that runs from hip to hip, unless you have decided on a mini-tuck, in which case the scar will be about 6 inches long. A scar can take up to 9 months to fade, and until then, it will actually appear to worsen. However, the incision is made along natural creases in your skin, and is easily covered by underwear and bikinis.

Tummy tucks can cause problems with future pregnancies

Most surgeons will advise their patients to wait until after their last pregnancy before undergoing abdominal plastic surgery. The body's expansion during a pregnancy can cause the stomach muscles to separate again; so if you are planning more than one child, it is best to put the tummy tuck on hold.

Tummy tucks are not magical

If you are unhappy with the look of your body, a tummy tuck can be a step in helping you to achieve your ideal figure. However, because of its highly invasive nature, you must be prepared to take good care of your brand new tummy. The recovery time can take up to 3 weeks. You must protect your stomach from the sun before going under the knife. Smokers will need to put away their lighters for 2 weeks before and after the surgery. Exercise can help speed up the healing process (although not immediately after the surgery). A healthy diet is important as well, but nothing too severe as your body needs the appropriate nutrition in order to properly heal.

Do some research

It is important to choose a surgeon who is properly qualified. Not only must he/she be board certified, but also certified by a reputable board. Start by looking into the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Also verify that your surgeon is qualified to perform several kinds of abdominal plastic surgery and not just tummy tucks.

If a full traditional tummy tuck seems too daunting, and/or too expensive, you could opt for a mini-tummy tuck. The surgery is less invasive, recovery time is shorter, and the scar is smaller. It is worth a consideration if you are unhappy with the post-pregnant state of your body.

Pregnancy Clothes and Maternity Wear

Finding appropriate maternity wear does not have to be a chore. It can actually be just as fun as shopping for any other types of clothing. But there are a few things that you should do to make the process of shopping for maternity wear a whole lot more enjoyable and save yourself some money.

Before you even begin shopping, set aside sixty minutes to help you find maternity wear for less. The time that you spend on this will save you aggravation and money in the long run. So take your time. Just be honest with yourself. And above all, be realistic.

Determine exactly what you need. You will learn that when shopping for maternity wear what you need and want will be different, just like your needs and wants will be different when shopping for your regular clothes. Keep in mind that the impulsive want purchase of maternity apparel is much more costly than the impulsive buy of regular clothes because you will only wear maternity clothes for a short period of time.

Take an inventory of your wardrobe to see what clothes you already have. Is there anything that you can use until mid-pregnancy? Regular pants or even your stretch pants with elastic waists can often be worn well into your pregnancy. Look through your closet to see if any of the clothes you have inventoried can be worn through your entire pregnancy. Things like oversized t-shirts work well throughout your whole pregnancy, even if you just wear them while lounging around at home. Raid your spouse's closet for bigger shirts and pants.

Ask friends and relatives if you can borrow any of their maternity wear. Once you have completed steps one through five, you will have a small selection of maternity wear you can put on throughout your pregnancy. Now you need to reevaluate what you still need. Based on what you still want, determine how much money you have to spend. Be realistic and practical. And remember that maternity clothes usually cost more than regular clothes.

Save some money on the maternity wear you still need by visiting garage sales, flea markets, consignment stores, and even online classified ads for gently used maternity clothing. Again, reevaluate what you still really need. You will probably still have a few requirements for your closet. Do not waste money on items such as maternity underwear since you can usually get away with a larger size of your regular style. Take the time to comparison shop. Comparison shopping is the only way that you will get the best deals on your maternity clothes. Check local stores, catalogues, and the internet.

Pregnancy Can be an Acid Reflux Cause

If you are pregnant and experiencing signs and symptoms of heartburn, you should know that pregnancy can be an acid reflux cause. Even if you have never had acid reflux nor the signs or symptoms of this condition, being pregnant alone can be an acid reflux cause.

Those who are pregnant and are experiencing a burning sensation in their throats or the middle of the chest and having a taste that is sour and acidic in your mouth may be a condition that they are becoming all to familiar with experiencing. Why does this happen and why is pregnancy an acid reflux cause?

There are quite a few reasons that pregnancy is an acid reflux cause. For one thing, women who are pregnant are having increased hormonal levels while the simple act of being pregnant can cause a softening of the ligaments that are used to keep your lower esophageal sphincter or the LES, closed tightly. When this happens at an inappropriate time, the stomach acids and the food you have consumed can come back up into the throat and esophagus.

As the baby grows, there will be increased pressure on your stomach and the organs inside you as your body changes to fit the growing baby�s needs. Simply because of this pressure, it can force food through your LES and be an acid reflux cause.

Most women who experience acid reflux cause when pregnant can take steps to minimize the effects of the signs and symptoms of heartburn. One of the steps you can take is to eliminate foods that are acid reflux cause. By now you must realize what many of the foods are that trigger acid reflux symptoms. By avoiding those foods you can do a lot to manage your condition.

Stay away from foods that are tomato based and don�t drink acidic juice such as lemonade, cranberry or orange juice. Though these foods are healthy for your baby; they may be an acid reflux cause which in turn makes the expecting mother miserable.

Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any problems related to acid reflux. He or she can put you on a path that will help to minimize the effects of acid reflux while you are pregnant. Before you know it, you will be holding your new baby in your arms, back to eating all your favorite foods that were an acid reflux cause.

Why You Should Exercising While Pregnant

Many people don't realize that exercise during pregnancy is just as crucial as exercising any other time. A woman can greatly benefit from continuing an exercise program throughout their term. Of course, these exercises will need to be monitored and changed frequently to adapt to your body as you are going through the changes of being pregnant. As you near the end of your term there will be fewer exercises that you can perform and it is advised that you exercise under the care of your physician. Below are a few good reasons why you should exercise during pregnancy.

Other ways that exercising when pregnant is good for you include helping your body to stay strong and healthier. This will allow you to be more active while you are pregnant and after the delivery of your baby. Being stronger and having good muscle control aids in your labor and delivery as well. The breathing techniques that you learn when exercising will also help out during this time. Exercise reduces swelling in your feet, legs and ankles because it increases the blood flow through your body. This will also give your skin a fresh healthy glow. If you are worried about getting back in shape after your baby is born exercising during pregnancy can also help this to happen much easier and faster.

If you exercise when you are pregnant it can help to improve your posture and reduce back pain. It is a way to help relieve stress and anxiety that most women feel when they are pregnant which is very crucial at this time in your life. There are some exercises that need to be avoided when you are pregnant. They include anything that requires twisting at the waist, bouncing or leaping as these could all prove to be dangerous. If at anytime when exercising, you start to feel sick to your stomach, dizzy or fatigue you need to stop immediately. Call your doctor right away if you have any pain or discomfort in your back or pelvis area.

If you have already been exercising before you were pregnant your doctor can help you change your routine to fit your needs now. If you were not exercising before he may be able to give you some advice on how to get started with a light exercise routine. Your overall health and fitness will determine what you can and cannot do while you are pregnant with your baby. This is why it is so crucial that you consult your doctor before exercising and that you keep him completely informed of how you feel during this time. The health and safety of you and your baby is the number one concern.

Pregnancy Tips - Ten Pregnancy Tips

On the eve of my baby's due date, I am unable to sleep. With baby moving in my belly, Braxton Hicks contractions spontaneously occurring (that often render me helpless, like a beetle on it's back waving its legs), and the enormous pressure in my pelvis that whisks me off to the toilet only to expel an unimpressive thimble full of pee every 15 minutes�I reflect upon the following 10 best parenting advice and pregnancy resources I received.

Pregnancy Tip 1:

Learn to love your belly: Strangers on the street exclaimed, "Wow! Are you big! Must be any day now," when I was a mere four months pregnant. After months of experiencing a pang of panic each time I caught a glimpse of my reflection, I finally came to love my belly in a pregnancy photo shoot my girlfriend gave to me. The photographer was so supportive that I finally began to see myself how others did�a beautiful pregnant woman.

Pregnancy Tip 2:

Beg and borrow maternity clothes: No matter how ugly and how huge some of the maternity pieces seem, accept them all. You truly don't know how big you may get and how comfortable those hideous panels might be later on. Put away your pre-pregnancy clothes once you grow out of them so you aren't constantly grieving the loss of your old wardrobe.

Pregnancy Tip 3:

Let go of your due date: Did you know only 4% of babies are born on their actual due date? Who knew! Once I found out that it is perfectly normal for a baby to arrive anytime between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, I let go of my due date altogether and followed the scout motto of "be prepared" (at any time during that five week window).

Pregnancy Tip 4:

Learn to enjoy your admiring public: Yes, strangers will sometimes see your belly as public property and dish out a host of comments and advice. My husband helped me to start having fun with this new celebrity status. For instance after being annoyed by comments such as, "Looks like your due any time now!" my husband suggested I say things like, "Yup, any minute now!" or even joke, "Can you believe I'm not due for another 8 months?!" The fact of the matter is most people actually mean well�this milestone in your life brings up fond memories for them.

Pregnancy Tip 5:

Find a health care practitioner you love: The ups and downs of your pregnancy require special support and pregnancy resources. Find someone who welcomes your questions, puts your fears to rest and supports you in having the best pregnancy and delivery you can. For me I found this support in my midwives who gave me one hour session and even made house calls. Plus, once I found out my midwives' statistics on c-sections, forceps use and episiotomies I was hooked! Other friends hired a doula (birth coach), or had a doctor they loved, and were thrilled with the care they received.

Pregnancy Tip 6:

Listen and learn to trust your body: Surrendering to my cravings (turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and chocolate ice cream), the need of extra sleep (sometimes I would simply sit down to rest and suddenly wake up two hours later!) and being gentle with myself was what got me through.

Also, reading parenting books like The Girlfriends Guide� (for the humor and practicality), to fabulous hardcore midwifery books like Ina May's Guide To Pregnancy (my favorite) helped me to learn to trust my body more than ever before. These books (another good one was Birthing From Within) helped to dissolve many of my fears, as I learned things like no matter how big your baby is, babies heads are mostly around the same size, and are designed by nature to make the journey through the birth canal.

Pregnancy Tip 7:

Find other pregnant women and hang out with them: My pre-natal exercise class is a real pregnancy resource blessing. Not only am I getting fit but I found a sense of belonging, where I could really let my belly hang out with the best of them. Whenever I began to pity myself (like on an especially nauseous day) I would find another pregnant woman who was going through a tougher situation (like kidney stones or painful hemorrhoids!), or a real trouper in class would say something that lifted my spirits. Plus, by finding other pregnant women I saved my non-pregnant friends the hassle of listening to me share every play-by-play experience of my pregnancy�which likely saved a few of my friendships. ;-)

Pregnancy Tip 8:

Spend money only on the baby things that will make a real difference to you and borrow or buy the rest second-hand: Babies don't care about paint chips and d�cor, only about being close to the milk source�you! The fact they will rapidly grow out of any and all clothes helped put my priorities in order. So we splurged on the things that mattered to me: the stroller (as I am a huge walker), a safe car seat (for obvious reasons) and a rocker/glider (once I realized that I could be feeding up to twelve hours a day for the first six weeks).

The rest we either borrowed or bought second�hand, and we saved a mint! By getting so many great deals from places like eBay, and going to local �mothers of multiples' sales I saved enough to put away for extra cleaning hours, and a special service to bring meals in during the first three months of our child's life.
Pregnancy Tip 9:

�Morning sickness' can happen at anytime!: Morning sickness can happen at any hour of the day, all day or not at all. Fortunately not often, it can even creep into the second or third trimester like it did with me.

Pregnancy Tip 10:

Everyone's experience of pregnancy is different, so take what is useful and ignore the rest: So many experiences and so many people dishing out advice. What I have observed is that pregnancy for the most part is the great equalizer�if you don't get something on one end you'll likely get something on the other. Fortunately, whatever our pregnancy experience may be, the majority of us end up with a little bundle of joy that makes the journey worth all the effort. I am off to bed now to join my sleeping husband and my five pillows that prop up my bountiful belly, my buxom boobs and weary head. As I go off to sleep, I go with gratitude in my heart, knowing that soon we will be welcoming a beautiful new addition into our little family. This truly is the greatest parenting miracle of all.

Pregnancy Tips - Exercises During Pregnancy

As with any health decisions you make during this time of your life, you will want to consult your doctor before you start any exercising during your pregnancy. If, however you and your doctor decide that an exercise program would be right for you, then from my personal experience I would highly recommend you proceed with one. Not only is it a good idea for you, but, if done correctly, it's beneficial to your baby as well. Studies have shown that women who stick to an exercise program during their pregnancy experience numerous benefits over those who don't. Statistically, women who exercise during pregnancy feel better and stay more active, gain less weight, are less likely to suffer backaches and constipation, sleep better, have easier deliveries and get back into shape faster.

What exercises are best for pregnant women? Low impact ones. Never do any exercises that excessively jar or bounce your body. No weight training exercises. And keep an eye on your heart rate. Get yourself an inexpensive pulse monitor and keep your heart rate below 140. Also, make sure you don't get over-heated while exercising. You are able to sweat, but your baby can not. One of my favorite exercises I did while pregnant was walking. When you walk you control how long you want to do it, how fast you go, and if you want to incorporate a hill or two along the way. Often times my husband would join me. This helped in a couple of ways. First, it was nice to have the company and second, if I felt out of breath or was having trouble talking while walking, I knew I was pushing too hard and would knock it down a notch. On hot days I would take my walks indoors at the mall. Remember, never get over-heated. And always listen to your body. If you feel tired and you want to stop. Then stop. Don't push yourself. If, you're not feeling well on certain days, then take those days off. Again, listen to your body.

What really worked for me was joining an inexpensive program that I found on-line, designed for pregnant women. Being part of a group helped so much. I followed a plan of nutrition and exercise, and I participated in a forum with other women who were pregnant at the same time I was. The results were a healthy, relaxed and surprisingly active pregnancy, and I was literally back in shape within two months of delivery.

And if your thinking I was in my early twenties and a professional athlete---you're wrong. I delivered twins just a few months shy of my 40th birthday and I was never one to exercise.

Pregnancy - Birth Control Methods After Pregnancy

For you and your child's wellbeing, you have to take an informed decision regarding birth control after pregnancy. There are many types of birth control methods available in the market today; however, only some of these methods will suit your body. It thus becomes imperative that you weigh the pros and cons of various birth control methods before you choose one.

After the pregnancy period is over your hormones will undergo dramatic changes. Some women will not show any interest in sex, while others will witness an increase in their sex drive. Physically most women are fit to have sex two weeks after giving birth, as the vagina typically takes two weeks to heal and the cervix also closes by this time.

If you are interested in sex after pregnancy, you should understand that there is a huge chance that you could get pregnant again even two weeks after giving birth. Therefore, you have to choose your contraception carefully. Ask your doctor if it is absolutely okay for you to have sex.

Lactational Amenorrhea Method

There are basically four types of birth control after pregnancy methods that women can choose from. Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), also called the breastfeeding method, can be used by women who are nursing and have not had their menstrual cycle after pregnancy. For this method to be effective you need to breastfeed your baby from both breasts every four hours and in the night every six hours. This method of birth control while breastfeeding works for six months after the baby is born and then you would have to shift to contraception.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods for birth control after pregnancy include condoms, female condoms, sponges, diaphragms, cervical caps, and shields. They would not cause any harm to your nursing infant.

Hormonal Methods

The hormonal methods for birth control after pregnancy should be taken after careful considerations. If you are nursing, you should not take combination hormone treatment that has estrogen or ethinyl estradiol in it. You can pass on the estrogen to your baby via the breast milk. Progestin-only methods of birth control, like mini-pills, Depo-Provera, etc. are often said to be safe for both you and your baby; however, some doctors claim that progestin can also be passed on to your baby.

IUD

Intra Uterine Devices, like Copper IUD, are safe and effective birth control devices. An IUD will not have any affect on your breast milk, so you can use it even while nursing.

Besides the above mentioned methods you can do what many other women do - keep track of your fertility cycle. Your doctor can help you learn about your fertility cycle. Then all you need to do is abstain from sex on your unsafe days.

Birth control will ensure that you do not get pregnant again soon after giving birth. This will give you time to properly look after yourself and your baby. Most importantly this will also give you time to get back into shape so that you look good after pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about birth control after pregnancy and decide accordingly.

Wonderful Baby Shower Etiquette Tips

Baby showers are extremely popular and are one custom that most mothers-to-be practice in many countries. A baby shower is a social event and not just for giving gifts. This is why some etiquette rules will need to be followed. There are varying degrees of etiquette that are followed from country to country but here are some more familiar ones.

1. A baby shower should be held someday before the birth. A common practice is to have it a month to two months before the birth. Some people have been changing this around and having the baby shower after the birth. The beneficial thing about having the party before the birth is that the mother can purchase items that are needed but not given at the baby shower.

2. Normally, someone who is a close friend will host the party for the mom-to-be. Family members and people that she works with are also known to host the baby shower.

3. A baby shower should be given for every baby and not just for the ones born first to mothers. A pregnancy is a cause to rejoice, so there is nothing wrong with throwing a baby shower for subsequent babies.

4. Giving gifts related to babies is the right thing to do. If you are not sure if it is a boy or girl then you can pick neutral colors to give as gifts. Choose gifts that are practical for the needs of the baby like wet wipes, diapers, clothes, and blankets.

5. The host might want to setup games to make it a more interactive event but it is not a necessity. The main thing that should be looked at is drinks, food, and something to keep the conversation interesting. One neat idea is to have a little book setup so guest can write a personalized note to the new mom.

6. The number of people that you can invite will vary according to the accommodations at the location that is chosen. Sometimes, a smaller party can be held before and then plan a larger one after the birth of the baby.

7. The weekend is a common time to have a baby shower since this is the easiest time for people to attend an event that last 2 to 3 hours usually. If everything is going great at the baby shower then the times might be extended.

8. The host will usually have the burden of the planning and cost of the shower but might want to collaborate with close friends.

9. The home of the host is a common place to have the party and makes things more relaxed. It is probably wise to inform the mom-to-be so as to not give her too much surprise and emotional distress.

10. An individually printed invitation is not a requirement. There are many stores taht sell greeting cards and stationery with baby themes. Sending the cards at least three weeks prior to the party is recommended. This will allow guests the time they need to RSVP. It is very important to have directions enclosed.

11. A theme should be considered to add a nice touch and keep it from being boring. Having some fun decorations or even costumes can bring an exciting element to the party.

12. Try to greet each guest personally and when they leave give them a big thanks. The host should never leave during the event and needs to be taking care of the needs of the guests.

How to overcome hurdles while naming the baby

In the hectic frenzy that goes into preparing or caring for a newborn, selecting a name may seem to be the least of the challenges. While for some the process of selecting a name may be quite uneventful, for others there may be some hurdles.

� Difference of opinion: Couples may sometimes have a problem agreeing upon a name for their baby. To avoid this, it helps if both parents jointly list potential names, for boys and girls, early on during the pregnancy. Each can then select names that appeal to them individually. There are bound to be at least some common choices and the final selection may be made from among these.

� Criticism from others: The name you finally choose could provoke criticism from others. If this happens to be from people whose opinions matter to you, it may be a difficult choice to make. It is ultimately up to you to decide whether you want to stick to your resolve or change your plan to please others.

� Family traditions: Sometimes family tradition may dictate the choice of names. If you don't like them, it is up to you to decide whether you should honor the tradition at the cost of your own wishes. One option would be to go along with the tradition, but shorten or modify the name to make it sound more modern.

� Unsolicited suggestions: Prospective parents are often subjected to endless advice on various matters, and that includes options for naming the baby. This can be exasperating, but the best way to deal with it would be to at least consider the options offered. You may even like some of them. If you don't, you can of course reject them.

Unexpected naming issues

You may have expended thought and consideration in selecting an appropriate name for your child. However, some things you could overlook may result in your child's name ending up with an unintentional blooper attached to it.

Consider the following points while selecting your child's name:

� Avoid names that lead to cruel nicknames: Accepted, kids will always be kids, and almost any name can be twisted to conjure up an appropriately cruel nickname. However, try to avoid names that obviously lend themselves to a negative nickname.

� Consider your child's initials: While choosing a name, always keep in mind the initials that the name will form along with the middle name and the surname. Write these initials down and check that they do not connote something negative or undesirable. For instance, if your child's full name is Peter Oliver Taylor, the initials will spell out as �POT,' which may not exactly be flattering.

� Consider how the name will be shortened: Almost all names having two or more syllables invariably get shortened to an informal abbreviation. Consider what the most obvious shortened version of your child's name will be. For instance, its fine when Timothy becomes Tim and Daniel is shortened to Dan, but remember, Madison will be Mad, and Fatima, Fat!

A list of most popular baby names of girls and boys. Find information, tips, and articles related to baby names. Give your baby an ethnic name.

10 Things for Dads to consider when choosing a baby stroller

1. How many children does it need to fit? This is an easy one if you're having twins. But also if this is baby #2, you may need to let a slightly older sibling ride along, or ride on the fenders.

2. Will you be taking trips with the baby? Does the stroller need to fit into your car with room to spare, or just down an elevator and out to an urban park? If lifting a stroller everyday will be part of your program, take this factor heavily into consideration. Do you need to take your baby jogging and exercising with you?

3. Seatbelt and Restraint system - Look for buckles that are easy for you to latch and unlatch, yet comfortable for your baby or child. The belt should fit snugly around your baby's waist and have crotch straps that loop into the waist belt to prevent him or her from slipping out. For jogging strollers a five-point harness is more desirable to keep your baby more secure on rough terrain.

4. Adjustable seat and canopy - Almost all strollers allow babies to recline at least slightly, but strollers are like business class airline seats; the bigger, heavier, and more expensive ones recline all the way. Do babies need all that? At a very young age, they do need neck support, but I've also seen them sleep in almost any position. An adjustable canopy is a plus to protect your baby from the sun, rain, wind or cold. These are often included or an inexpensive add-on.

5. How light can you go? Strollers can be made of plastic, aluminum, steel, or a combination of materials. Strollers made of steel or aluminum will usually last longer but there is the added weight. Lightweight strollers with more plastic are easy to move around, but keep in mind they may not last long (and that might be fine).

6. Washable fabric - This is a mom thing, but babies throw up and otherwise dirty fabrics beyond your current ability to comprehend, so be sure the stroller has removable fabric that can be easily cleaned.

7. Storage space - Like most guys, you're going to want to stow water bottles, granola bars, and emergency provisions so don't forget to look for easy pockets. A word to the wise though, cup holders in a stroller are an invitation to spilling coffee on the baby's head. They're really only good for closed bottles, but still come in handy.

8. Brakes and easy-turn wheels - I always find the brakes to be an annoyance, especially because my wife always has them locked, but they are useful if you live in hilly terrain.

9. Adjustable handle height - With most strollers being designed for the average height person, if you are tall you will want an adjustable handle.

10. Easy open-and-close mechanism - Get a stroller that folds with one hand or foot, so you can hold onto the baby in the other arm. A carrying strap can also be a lifesaver, when you have the baby, groceries, and a stroller to carry.

Find features advice from experienced dads on parenting, dad care, pregnancy care, adoption, newborn baby, and on raising kids and teens.

Nicole Richie Finds Having a Boy via Home Pregnancy Test

Nicole Richie Finds Having a Boy via Home Pregnancy Test
Notwithstanding her legal troubles like DUI arrests, unsettled family life, Nicole Richie has at last found something to smile upon. According to an insider, during her trip to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, she underwent a very heartening ultrasound. She and her boyfriend, Joel Madden, found out that the gender of their baby is a boy! Although many of her friends told that Richie was expecting a girl, yet Nicole was very happy to get the news of 16 weeks into her pregnancy. Now she has to get down to the not-so-simple task of picking out the perfect baby name. One general comment from the public read,
"I was wondering how pleasing, homely and in the family way it would have been for all of us to hear the news of a boy coming to Nicole Richie from her legitimate husband instead of from a boyfriend Joel Madden".
However another important aspect relating to the issue is the degree of accuracy �home pregnancy test' carries. The home pregnancy tests are common these days to find the gender of the baby still in the making within mothers' womb. Since the celebrity, Nicole Richie, has found out about her pregnancy via home pregnancy test that she is having a boy, it is very important to know and discuss the home pregnancy test for the interest and knowledge of all pregnant women.
Home Pregnancy Test
In order to ascertain whether you are pregnant or not, you may want to test yourself at your home through the �Home Pregnancy Teat'. Even without a prescription, you can buy the Test Kits, which are easily available at the drug stores. The urine tested through these test kits help measure Chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone in your urine. But the result from this test, which is qualitative in nature, can either be positive or negative for pregnancy.
It should be noted that the hormone hCG usually gets detected in urine nearly 2 weeks after the conception takes place i.e. after the egg begins to be fertilized by sperm. The simple procedure involving this home test kit is that you place a drop of your urine on a prepared chemical strip. It usually takes 1 or 2 minutes for the strip to indicate the result.
Accuracy and Reliability of Home Pregnancy Test
Most women initially prefer quick results from home test kits for reasons of privacy and convenience. However home pregnancy tests are not as accurate and reliable as your blood tests done by the health care provider. Also the home pregnancy tests cannot determine the stage of your pregnancy i.e. whether it is developing as is expected normally.
But it should be noted that the most accurate and reliable test of pregnancy is best performed by a laboratory using a sample of your blood. These tests, conducted by your health care provider, not only detect hCG but also can indicate the quantitative amount of this hormone, which doubles every 2-3 days during the first several weeks of pregnancy. These more sensitive tests can tell how long you have been pregnant and even detect the possible problems with the pregnancy.

Pregnancy Not Limiting Income For Women

Nothing is quite like parenthood. The birthing of a new life into the world is a wonderfully joyous occasion. That being said, lets get to the heart of the matter. With a new infant come new bills and new expenses. Medical bills, formula, baby clothes, diapers, cribs, blankets, strollers, car seats, day care, school supplies, toys etc. and that is just the beginning. Unless your infant is born at home and you are somehow fortunate enough to have a extraordinary nanny with money , extra expenditures are in your future. So many women are single mothers, some are unemployed and some are just not making enough money to bear the expense of motherhood. Many expenditures accompany the birth of a child that many mothers are driven to leave their children in day care for long periods of time just so they can go to a second or third job. This lack of necessary funding is widespread to say the least. With teen pregnancy and joblessness being two of the substantial contributors to this trend, children having to do without and parents having to struggle is common. I am a single mother says Janice Augusta, It is difficult to pay for the necessary items that my daughter needs on my current salary. This toolbar really helps to have a way to fill the gap between paychecks. I am sold. The most common strategy used to offset the effects of single parenthood, and lower income parenthood is to get a second or third job. This method is an exhausting one and deprives the parent of precious bonding and teaching time with the child. Not to mention potentially not experiencing the irreplaceable firsts of the childs life such as first steps, first words etc. Many times, job related issues take far too much away from parent child relationships. 9 out of 10 mothers polled would to spend more time with their children rather than work. 5out of 10 admitted taking more time off from work for their child than they had available as vacation days. In an effort to overcome this discrepancy between what they want to do and what they need to do, many mothers have turned to the internet to earn additional money . There are multiple online means to earn money. However, many dont provide much income for the work required. Other detractors from the other services is that they cost money to join and use. One method that mothers are using in increasing numbers is the free Baby Names It Toolbar" at BabyNamesIttoolbar dot com. The internet is riddle with errors, and the Baby Names It Toolbar allows parents to earn money to pay for their childrens needs by finding and reporting the errors they notice online. With an average price being paid for locating and reporting errors hovering as high as $2.00 per valid reported error, it is extremely easy to see why it is an attractive method of making ends meet. Most web surfers are irritated by errors on websites and web documents anyway. They just seam to interrupt the natural flow of a document. Did you see that? I wrote seam instead of seem in the sentence just before this one. Most people see errors like that one but never report them. Now reporting an error like that one can be money in your pocket. Errors just continue to be read over and over again by different visitors. There are trillions of errors on the internet. Errors such as misspelled words, incorrect punctuation, poor grammar, missing graphics, broken links and many more types of errors are just waiting for someone to report them and at an average price of $2.00 per find, it is relatively easy for moms and dads to make a difference in their financial situations. Now, with the help of the Baby Names It Toolbar via TypoBounty dot com, errors on websites are worth money to those that are the first to report them. Help clean up the internet and

The Many Benefits Of Breast Feeding For A Mother And Her Baby

Midwives, health-visitors and doctors all highly recommend breast feeding for numerous reasons. Breast milk contains the perfect balance of nutrients for your baby, and also antibodies that will boost your baby's immune system providing a strong defence against infection. Breast stimulation by your baby immediately after delivery encourages your uterus to contract and hence reduces bleeding. Breast feeding enhances bonding with your baby. There are very few medical reasons why a mother shouldn't breast-feed.

Cow's milk and soya contain different sets of proteins to human milk. Most formula milks are derived from cow's milk which may be perfect for calves, but babies can have difficulty digesting it. Bottle fed infants tend to be fatter than breast-fed infants, but not necessarily healthier. The volume of milk you produce for your baby is independent of the size of your breasts, as both small and large breasts contain virtually the same amount of mammary glands. Only the fatty tissue varies.

Colostrum is the first food available to breastfeeding newborns, and is tailor-made to meet the nutritional requirements. Breast feeding babies do not require the large volumes of fluid required by bottle fed babies during the first few days of life.

Breast milk may reduce the onset of late onset B streptococcal disease, a potentially lethal condition that rarely afflicts newborn babies. It has been suggested that the antibodies in breast milk would be neutralized by the acids in your baby's stomach. However, it has been shown that protective factors are present in higher concentrations in the stools of breast-fed infants than in stools from formula-fed infants. A breast-fed baby's digestive tract contains large amounts of Lactobacilli, which are beneficial bacteria that prevent the growth of harmful organisms.

Human milk straight from the breast is always sterile and never contaminated by polluted water or dirty bottles which can lead to diarrhoea in the infant. Breast-fed infants have a lower incidence of diarrhoea, respiratory disease, and otitis media (middle ear infection). Diarrhoea claims a toll of 5 million children each year in the developing countries. The risk of dying from diarrhoea would be reduced 14-24 fold by universal breast feeding.

Predominantly breast feeding for at least six months and partial breast feeding for up to one year may reduce the prevalence and subsequent morbidity of respiratory illness and infection in infancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breast-fed for six to 12 months. In the USA, almost two thirds of children had ever been breastfed and only 27.0% and 12.3%, at 6 and 12 months respectively, were receiving some breast milk. In a study in Greece reported in 2007, breastfeeding initiation was reported by 96.1% of the participants but exclusive breastfeeding was initiated only in 19.1% and predominant breastfeeding in 7.2% of the cases. On-going breast feeding continues to require encouragement.

Full breastfeeding lowers the potential chance for hospital admission as a result of infections among infants who are younger than 1 year within an industrialized country.

Breast milk reduces childhood asthma and skin problems such as eczema, childhood and adolescent obesity and it seems to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, lipid profile and possible insulin resistance/type-2 diabetes.

Breast feeding may protect against infection later on in childhood. There seems to be an association between a high breastfeeding rate in the population and a reduced incidence of HI meningitis 5 to 10 years later.

Breast feeding reduces the prevalence of several chronic diseases. It has been estimated that in the population of the 596,122 babies born in England and Wales in 2002, the number of cases of asthma, obesity and coeliac disease that could have been prevented over 7-9 years if babies that had "no breast feeding" as a risk factor would have received breast milk were 33, 00 for asthma, 13,639 for obesity and 2,655 for coeliac disease. The incidence of childhood leukaemia is reduced in children who have been breast fed.

Human milk is flavoured by the taste of the food that the mother has eaten and provides her baby with its first insight into the rich variety of culinary delights to come. The infant's response to a particular flavour in milk may depend upon the recency and duration of previous exposures. Breast-feeding has been significantly and positively associated with educational attainment achieved in childhood and even as far as age fifty. There is, however, conflicting evidence on the benefits of breast feeding and intelligence with some showing a positive relationship and others finding that enhancement of the child's intelligence is unrelated to initial feeding method.

Natural feeding allows you and your baby to get closer - physically and emotionally. So while your child is feeding, the bond between you can grow ever stronger. Mothers who breast feed are less affected by stress. Despite popular belief, there is no compelling evidence that breastfeeding is effective in combating postpartum depression.

Breast milk is free so that you can save a lot of money not having to buy formula and it is readily available. Women who breast feed return to their pre-pregnancy figure faster as they give calories to their babies. Breast feeding suppresses ovulation (egg release), reduces menstruation and the chance of pregnancy, but there are no guarantees. Mothers who do not plan to conceive should use contraception even while nursing. The mini-pill is acceptable but the combined pill can suppress milk production.

Rheumatoid arthritis and hip fractures due to osteoporosis after the menopause are less common in those who have breast fed their babies. Breast feeding reduces a mother's risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Breast cancer risk decreases according to the total months of breast-feeding. Average duration of breast-feeding of 11-12 months reduces the risk of breast cancer by 54% compared with the duration of 1-4 months.

Some medications contraindicate breast feeding. Always check with your health care provider. Most common illnesses, such as colds, flu, skin infections, or diarrhoea, cannot be passed through breast milk. Just a few viruses can pass through breast milk. Unfortunately, HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is one of them. Women who are HIV positive should, therefore, not breast-feed.

Breast feeding can have some disadvantages. In the early weeks, it can be painful. A woman's nipples may become sore or cracked. She may experience engorgement more than a bottle feeding mother, when the breasts become so full of milk that they become hard and painful. Some nursing women also develop clogged milk ducts, which can lead to mastitis, a painful infection of the breast. While most nursing problems can be resolved with home remedies, mastitis requires prompt medical care.

A nursing mother is tied to her baby more than a bottle-feeding mother. The baby needs her for nourishment and she needs to nurse regularly to avoid uncomfortably full breasts.

Some women simply do not feel comfortable with the idea of nursing. They find the thought of handling their breasts to be unattractive, or they want to think of them purely as sexual, and not functional. They may be concerned about modesty and the possibility of having to nurse in public. They may want a break from child care and let someone else feed the baby, especially in the small hours of the morning.

If a woman is unsure whether she wishes to nurse, she can try it for a few weeks. It's very difficult to switch to breast-feeding after bottle-feeding is begun. The decision to breast-feed is a personal one. Provide yourself with all the information you require and then come to a decision. Obstetricians, paediatricians, childbirth instructors, nurses, health visitors and midwives can all offer information about nursing. But perhaps the best ongoing support for a breast feeding mother is someone who has successfully nursed a baby, particularly her mother. Only you can decide if breastfeeding is appropriate for you.

Pregnancy and Yeast Infections

For the many women who suffer from yeast infections pregnancy can sometimes be the cause of it. In other words, even though you might not have a yeast infection before you were pregnant, after you become pregnant you have a good chance of getting a yeast infection.

This is due entirely to the fact that when a woman is pregnant her hormonal balance is thrown completely off balance. This in turn can lead the yeast producing Candida Albicans bacteria to thrive, as you can see with yeast infections pregnancy states of hormonal imbalance, plays a crucial role.

To put it very simply, yeast producing Candida Albicans bacteria thrives and survives in dark places which are moist and humid. Since this just about sums up the state of being for your vagina, it means that yeast infections will normally occur in your vagina although they have been known to occur in the mouth, in the armpits, and between the toes.

Under normal circumstances the bacteria live in your vagina in small manageable numbers, but when your hormones get thrown off balance, these small numbers can overthrow the good bacteria and grow almost exponentially in number. This means that for yeast infections pregnancy is a good state of being for the bacteria to thrive in.

It should perhaps also be noted that since a woman's immune system is weakened during pregnancy to allow the fetus to grow unharmed within the womb, yeast infections pregnancy symptoms can occur more readily and sometimes more than once.

If this happens, that is if you have yeast infections pregnancy recurring symptoms you might want to have it checked out thoroughly just to rule out any other underlying cause.

Most times if you suffer from yeast infections pregnancy makes you more susceptible therefore if your partner also has a yeast infection you can get it again in spite of your having cured the first time around.

It's also true that with yeast infections pregnancy treatments should be carefully looked at before being used to ascertain that they truly are safe to use and that they won't cause harm to the developing fetus, or that they won't cause you to go into premature labor.

This holds true for natural and herbal remedies, as well as for prescription, and over the counter medications as well.

Also, if you believe that you may be suffering from yeast infections pregnancy is something that should be taken into account as well as if you're near to term and want to breast feed.

Breast feeding also takes its toll on your hormonal system and you might find that your yeast infections pregnancy symptoms have carried over post-pregnancy. What you need to do in this case is to monitor the progress of your infection and live a healthy a lifestyle as possible.

Things you should not worry about in pregnancy

When you are pregnant it is only natural to worry about all kind of things. Every mother wants her child to be normal and healthy and this is the main reason why all pregnant women worry so much. However, there are some things that you should not worry during pregnancy. Here are the main things that you should not worry about during pregnancy:
- do not worry that morning sickness during pregnancy can affect your fetus in any way; this is impossible; a woman' s body is created in such a manner that he is equipped to deal with a lot of problems during pregnancy and still protect the fetus; however, if the problems that you are experiencing are more serious, like diabetes, then you should visit a doctor more often;
- your baby will not be hurt while you are having sex during pregnancy; as long as you have a pregnancy free of risk you should not worry that your child is going to be hurt when you are having sex because this is not possible; however, if you experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy or have a preterm delivery history, the sexual encounters must be limited;
- do not worry that you will harm your child if you take some acetaminophen; it is true that during pregnancy some drugs are off limits, but you do not have to torture yourself all the time, because there are drugs that can be taken during pregnancy without the risk of harming the fetus in any way;
- you can fly during pregnancy so you do not have to worry about this aspect; however, make sure that you visit your doctor before flying and take a note from him/ her stating that you are able to fly; furthermore, when flying try to move your legs a lot to prevent any blood clots from forming; besides these two aspects, you can fly anywhere you like during pregnancy with no risk at all or harming the fetus;
- computers are essential today; do not worry that if using a computer during pregnancy your child might be affected; this is not true; studies have shown that there is no link whatsoever between the development of your baby and the use of a personal computer;
- do not worry if your baby has irregular movements during pregnancy; this is quite normal; all you have to do is stay still for a while if you feel your baby moving more in a shorter period of time;

Pregnancy Tip: 3 Invaluable Tips For Achieving A Healthy Pregnancy.

At the end of this article, you would have discovered 3 very important tips that will help you maintain - from start to finish - a healthy pregnancy!

Okay, let us begin.

The goal of every pregnant woman is this: To carry their baby from conception to delivery in good health! This is a great goal and desire BUT it's one thing to "desire" and an ENTIRELY different one to "work at" or "achieve"!

Why do I say this you might ask? Well, because "desiring" alone won't help you attain your goal - you must create a plan that will lead towards that target and then go out there to "work" your plan. But you are very busy right? RIGHT! You have to plan extensively for the arrival of your expected baby! Your body is changing and there are a lot of adjustments to be made! Etcetera, etcetera! Now that's where this article comes in - Read it to the end and find 3 invaluable pregnancy tips that you can begin to apply today to help you towards your dream of having a healthy pregnancy!


TIP #1 - Stay Away From Harmful Substances!

Both the health of you and your baby can, and most likely will, be jeopardized if you don't desist from ingesting substances that are harmful to the baby you are carrying. Coffee, alcohol, cigarettes, certain kinds of medicines, drugs, un-prescribed pills etc., etc. ALL of these can be extremely harmful to you and your baby while pregnant - You must consult your physician to advice you on the kinds of substances that are right for your health at this delicate stage of you and your baby's health. There should be no assumptions! Other harmful substances include sugar in large quantities and caffeine


TIP #2 - Exercise As Much As You Can!

This tip cannot be over-emphasized...The right amount of exercising not only regulates and rejuvenates your body organs and function, it also enables you keep your body fit, normalizes tension levels in your body and keeps your blood pressure down and normal. Your baby needs your body in this condition to be healthy. And so do you! Walking and swimming are some of the exercises that you should indulge in.


TIP #3 - Get The Appropriate Nutrition!

Our final tip is a good nutritional diet. This one is a challenge to keep - The major obstacle to this is that at the time of pregnancy, your body craves a lot of unusual stuff - food, drinks, smells, scents, passions etc., etc - and for this reason, staying away from certain kinds of foods WILL pose a challenge and stretch your will power - BUT remain focused! Remember that your baby's health is at stake here...Most physicians will tell you that the majority of cravings is okay because your body is only demanding what is requires BUT in your "cravings", just remember to eat a whole lot of grains and vegetables - especially the kind, which contains a lot of calcium, folic acid, iron and protein; all of which your baby needs to stay healthy!


Well, there you have it! 3 highly recommended tips that are guaranteed to keep you and your baby healthy - If you adhere to them that is.

I wish you and your baby(ies) great HEALTH!

Exercising during pregnancy

Exercising during pregnancy

Exercising during pregnancy, pregnancy exercises,dad
Pregnancy can be a challenging phase for your spouse. Maintaining a healthy posture will help her keep back problems away. An exercise routine will especially help her to keep fit. Your spouse can begin an exercise routine even if she has never really exercised before. Walking, swimming, pre-natal yoga, and simple aerobics are ideal forms of exercise during pregnancy.

These are some of the things your spouse may need to remember if she is starting an exercise routine:
�All exercise programs should be begun gradually. Starting with about 15 minutes, three to four days a week is sufficient.
�She should resist the temptation to overdo it.
�She should avoid jogging, unless she used to jog regularly before her pregnancy.
�She should avoid doing sit-ups and other exercises, which involve lying on the back as they may decrease blood flow to the uterus.
�Exercises that involve standing in the same place for long periods can also decrease blood flow to the baby. It is better to keep moving or changing positions frequently.
�She should avoid strenuous forms of exercise, such as riding a bike.
�She should wear loose comfortable clothing and avoid overheating.
�She must drink adequate amounts of water to avoid dehydration.
�She should eat healthy foods to make up for calories lost during exercise.
�If, after exercise, she notices symptoms such as fatigue, pain, nausea, vaginal bleeding or discharge, or pelvic contractions, she should contact her doctor immediately.

Disclaimer: The above information is commonsense reflection drawn from general experience. If you are looking for expert medical advice, please consult your doctor.

Baby Fat Loss Will Take Time

One of the first things you need to remember when you think about baby fat loss is that it took about nine months to put it on. Plus, depending on the type of delivery you experienced, it may be at least six weeks before you can think about beginning an exercise program to start taking it back off.

Breast-feeding may also complicate starting a baby fat loss program and it can be dangerous for you and baby to do so if using nutritional supplements or pills. This is by no means saying any woman should stop breast feeding, just that figure that into the time it may take for you to show the baby fat loss. Some experts advise that getting down close to your pre-pregnancy weight will be hard and getting to the pre-pregnancy weight will be extremely hard.

Experts agree that women who were in shape before pregnancy have the easiest time reclaiming their shape following pregnancy as well as with baby fat loss, but also caution against beginning a rigorous training regimen too soon after delivery. To get back in shape and stay that way, they recommend 30 to 50 minutes of exercise and training five days a week.

Ease Into Exercise For Safety

May experts also advise that women who were not in shape before pregnancy, should be careful with starting an exercise routine too quickly. The baby fat loss will take time and if they were not involved in a rigorous cardio routine before the pregnancy, they should not jump right into one. Starting with a walking routine will be the best way to start a baby fat loss program.

During the first two weeks after delivery baby fat loss is the quickest and noticeable, typically it can range from 15 to 25 pounds. Retaining water and the last few pounds of pregnancy-related can be the hardest. Although weight-loss programs while breast-feeding is not usually recommended, breast-feeding can help with the baby fat loss as the body relies on the fat stored in it to help process milk.

There is a slight difference in weight loss between mothers who breast-feed and those who bottle feed, but after three to six-months, that difference seems to disappear. Additionally, without diet pills or other supplements, there are studies that show any ill effects between dieting and exercise and the quality or quantity of milk available.

Using a Free Baby Shower Word Scramble Game

Finding baby shower games is often pretty easy if one has access to the internet. A fun and free baby shower game is a word scramble printed off the internet. There are many places to find a free template for the word scramble.

A free baby shower word scramble game can be found on baby sites, pregnancy sites and party sites. A search engine search for free baby shower word scramble game will turn up plenty of results. Some place offer a template which is downloaded and then filled in before printing. Other sites offer a already made up version that can just be printed off the website. The choice between the two really depends on the person. If they have the extra time and creativity to make their own word scramble then they can use the blank template. An added bonus is that the word scramble can be made personalized with information like the hospital name, mother and fathers names and the baby's name, if known. Using a pre-made word scramble is good for someone who does not have the extra time or who is not comfortable with making their own word scramble. These word scrambles typical have words associated with babies and pregnancy. Either type works great as a game that can be played as guests mingle, eat or when they first get to the party before everyone has arrived.

A free baby shower word scramble game is a nice addition to the baby shower. Regardless of if it is a customized or pre-made word scramble it works great as a filler for times when the party may be quite.

Pregnancy - Trying to Get Pregnant - Are You Trying Too Hard?

If your period is late, your spirits rise, only to be dashed. You go to the loo every five minutes, looking for blood. You go through these cycles of emotion month after month. You begin to ask yourself what's wrong with you. You feel you have no control over your body or your life. Conception can become an obsession, and you start to feel isolated.

It often comes as a shock when you discover that you can't conceive when you are ready. Most of us take our fertility for granted. A diagnosis of infertility often creates feelings of loss of control and isolation. The emotional responses to infertility are many and varied, and can change over time. It is important to recognise that dealing with infertility is stressful. It may help to see a counselor and discuss coping skills and strategies so that infertility does not "take over" your life.

One way of taking back control is understanding the causes of infertility and what can be done about them. You will then be in a position to find out the options available to you.

If you have not conceived within a year of trying, it is time to see a doctor to discuss and start an infertility investigation. It is important to get the ball rolling promptly because age is one of the factors that can have a negative impact on your fertility. Your chance of becoming pregnant decreases as you age. Basic fertility investigations can be done by a GP, but referral to an infertility specialist should be done sooner rather than later.

Sometimes the problem is simple - making sure that you have intercourse at the time of the month when you are most fertile, or taking a course of tablets to aid ovulation may be all that is needed to conceive. For some couples, however, the attention of a fertility specialist and more invasive treatments, such as In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) may be necessary.

Whatever treatment is recommended, it is important that you have a good understanding of how it will impact on you physically, emotionally and financially. You also need to have a clear understanding of your chances of success with each treatment, and your alternatives if the proposed treatment does not work.

Having a good relationship with your doctor is essential, and you should expect to be partners in the treatment process. You should be involved in planning your treatment, and you should expect to get support in making informed decisions.

In summary, the keys to surviving infertility are:

1. Taking charge by being well-informed;

2. Being actively involved in decisions about your treatment; and

3. Seeking help when you need it for the stress that comes with infertility.

Again, because getting pregnant is less likely as you get older, if you think you are prepared to pursue infertility treatment, it is best to act sooner rather than later.

But first, make sure you understand how pregnancy happens when there are no infertility problems.

What Are The Emotional Changes During Pregnancy?

When you are pregnant, you will go through many emotional changes during the nine months that you are with child. These changes may range from happiness to fear because you will be bringing a new child into this world and you are taking responsibility to raise it. This may cause some restless nights.

But fear of the unknown is not the only cause for emotional changes to take place. You should also learn about physical and chemical changes that are also taking place. This will help you through every stage of your pregnancy.

The First Trimester

While you will be excited upon hearing the news, the chemical changes taking place in your body may cause you to feel anxious or depressed. You will also feel joy and happiness at knowing that you will soon be a parent.

The Second Trimester

It is during this trimester that you will begin to feel more energetic and secure with having a baby. The chemical reactions taking place may cause you to be tired, but overall, you will feel good about being pregnant.

The Third Trimester

This is the last trimester of your pregnancy. Since you will be going to your care provider more often, you will be getting your baby's room ready, and you will be gaining weight, you will feel exhausted more often and you may have back pain and other ailments.

This can cause you to become melancholy, but you will still be happy about your new baby's arrival. Your body may give you intensive emotional swings, that can be handled by some deep breathing and relaxing a few moments.

Being pregnant can be a stressful and emotional experience, but with a little help and knowledge, you will be able to anticipate and control your emotional health in order to have a safe pregnancy.

The Main Causes Of Headache During Pregnancy

For some people pregnancy is a pleasure, while for others it is really a painful period of time. Often the onset of pregnancy brings along with it a number of problems, such as morning sickness, headaches, and lack of appetite to name a few.

There's Good News for Pregnant Women Suffering from Headaches
Often those women who suffer from horrible attacks of migraines feel relieved after the onset of the pregnancy; other hand, there are women who experience horrible headaches during pregnancy � mostly during the first and the last semesters.
It is still unclear why pregnant women suffering from migraines before pregnancy won't suffer headaches during pregnancy, and vice-versa. Some medical research studies say that the reason could be safely attributed to the increase of hormones in the blood, especially estrogen and progesterone.
Serotonin, a substance that is known as a �brain-chemical' (which is responsible for regulation of pain), which is found in the blood is greatly influenced by the existence of the above-mentioned hormones in the blood of pregnant women. It seems that when the levels of estrogen falls, the levels of Serotonin tend to increase and vice-versa.
The major causes for headache during pregnancy remain the same as before, i.e. stress, bad posture, hormonal changes in the blood, blood pressure, muscle tension etc. getting to the root cause would definitely help eliminating it. However, identifying the real cause is quite difficult and cumbersome.
Self medication is not advisable against headache during pregnancy without any consultation with the doctor. In some cases, the doctor will prescribe medication, which is safe for the would-be-mother and the baby and reduce both intensity and frequency of headaches during pregnancy. Often, the doctor will prescribe a change in diet to include zinc and multivitamins rather than prescribe hard-core medication to pregnant lady suffering from headaches.
Some doctors have tried to experiment with regulation of estrogen levels with excellent results. It seems that estrogen does influence the levels of Serotonin and careful regulation might provide the long-sought answers for relief from headaches during pregnancy.
Until then women who suffer from this misery have very few alternatives like putting up with the terrible headache, sleep as much as you can so your body and mind is rested well, and eat a balanced and preferably vegetarian diet. Avoid coffee and tea for the period when you are pregnant.

Do You Have Any Doubts About Accuracy Of Pregnancy Tests?

Read this and all doubts about pregnancy and pregnancy tests will be cleared.

The fertilized egg plants itself on the wall of the uterus and placenta forms. This then starts secreting a unique hormone called the HCG or Human Chronic Gonadotropin.
This hormone is secreted 4-6 days after the first missed period. The number of days taken may vary. Each pregnancy test detects this hormone.

First of all let me tell you about these tests. There are two types of pregnancy tests

1) Urine Pregnancy Test.
2) Pregnancy Blood Test

What is Home/Urine Pregnancy Test?
The home/urine pregnancy test kits are available in any retail store or a medical outlet. You can say this is the easiest way to find out whether you are pregnant. This home pregnancy test also guarantees you privacy just in case you do not want to let anyone know about your pregnancy. This test is also clean and hygienic.

What are Pregnancy Test Kits?
The pregnancy test kit has strips on which there is a chemical which detects the hormone HCG. Some kits have two lines some have a positive or negative sign on them.
However, before buying a home pregnancy test kit make sure that it is within its validity date. Ditto, with the ones which have been lying in your home for a long time. Checking validity date of pregnancy test kit is important. A pregnancy test kit past its validity date will not give you the correct results. Buying bulk urine pregnancy test kits works out to be lot cheaper than the retail kits.

How does a Urine Pregnancy Test Work?

Each manufacturer gives different instructions about how to use the kit. Following instructions is the important part of this test. Any deviation from instructions can yield incorrect results. Some might ask you to pee directly on the test strip whereas others will ask you to first take some urine in a clean cup or bowl and use a dropper to put a few drops or urine on the strip.

If you are pregnant, both lines on the strip will change color, after urine has been put on it. Incase of strips with positive or negative signs, if the positive sign shows, that means you are pregnant and if the negative sign shows that means you are not pregnant.

Which Urine sample is the best for test?

Urine at any time cannot be used as a sample for the urine pregnancy test. It is very important to know which urine should be taken as sample. First morning urine should be used ideally as the sample urine for the test.
HCG takes time to accumulate in urine. Therefore, this test required concentrated urine sample. If the test requires to be done in day time, see to it that you do not urinate for 4-5 hours before using this urine as sample.

Pregnancy - up and down's(part one)

Getting pregnant for most women is the best thing that could ever happen to them. It is a chance to create a life, a chance to make something completely wonderful.And this does not apply for the woman, but for the man as well.

Being parents, seeing their child grow from a tiny, little embrion to a full grown human being is amazing. There are also other interesting experiences, while pregnant.The picking of names, buying of clothes, decorating the room and many more. But unfortunately, things are not always only peachy, especially for the woman.

During the nine months of pregnancy, a woman may come upon a series of discomforts. Morning sickness, back pain are only two of many. So if the joy is very big, sometimes so is the pain.One good thing though is that by knowing what to expect, a woman can prepare herself and make the best of what she can. Not all women suffer from these discomforts, but be sure that all womenexperience even one little discomfort during her pregnancy.

All problems that women have during the nine(seven in some cases) that they are pregnant are put under one category, that being pregnancy discomforts. Whatever makes a woman uncomfortable, sick are listed under this category.The range of this problems is very wide and differs from a person to another. Problems during pregnancy can vary from fatigue to complicated pregnancy symptoms.

To fully understand pregnancy, one must definitely understand why these discomforts appear and what is to do about them. This is what I am going to explain.

Swelling is one of the problems and is generally found in all women. The body parts that tend to swallow are the ankle and the feet. Going from place to another becomes more and more difficult and tiresome. There is also the "minor"detail that tour favorite shoes won't feet you and your feet look like they belong more to an elephant. There is nothing to worry about! This is completely normal during pregnancy and the swallowing will end once you give birth.This ugly event can happen during the third trimester. Hands may swallow as well, but only a little bit.

The hormonal shifts that happen during pregnancy cause the swallowing. Also because of hormones, the body is able to retain more water than usual, which easily turns into soft tissue. The thing to do in these cases is to rest your feet as much as you can, during plenty of water, in order to maintain the circulation and wear stockings that support your feet. If the swallowing is sever, one must consult a doctor.

If you are curious to see what other discomforts exist during pregnancy, be sure to read part two of this article.

Is bleeding normal during pregnancy?

As joyful as the news that your are pregnant may be, this is not a very easy time at all. During the nine, or seven months when the woman is expecting, many things may go wrong. This period of a woman' s life is not easy. A main concern in a pregnant woman' s life should be is there is bleeding involved. Although many women say that they still have their period while pregnant, spotting oreven bleeding is seen at the soon to be mother, there is reason for concern.

First of all I would like to say that, even though a small range of women bleed at the begining of their pregnancy, this is not the same as with getting your period. When pregnant, the brain sends signals to the uterus not to menstruate.It sometimes happens that a woman may loose small amounts of blood at the begining of the pregnancy. This is not a risk to the baby, but if the flow increses, a doctor must be consulted at once.

At least one in five women have bleedings in the first trimester of pregnancy. This does not mean you still have your period. This bleeding is caused by other factors. What happens is that when the egg is trying to implantate itself in the woman's uterusblood may flow. This situation only happens for a few days and the blood stream is very low.

One should not worry if bleeding starts at the begining of the pregnancy. If it is low and only lasts a few days, there should be no concern. This actually happens because the cervix is going through different changes to accommodate the baby. The increased blood flowprovided by the brain to your cervix may be one cause, especially if the cervix is inflamated. Be careful though, if bleeding is high and lasts longer, see a doctor.

As i have said before, bleeding in the first trimester is normal at some level. But it may also indicate problems with the fetus, ending in miscarriages. This unfortunate event could take place in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy.Mischarges are often acompanied by ghills, cramps and fever, besides bleeding. A doctor should be seen right away if this symptoms happen. If powerful bleeding ocurs, you may have another serious problem that could endanger you as well as your baby. This is the case ofectopic pregnancies that have a happening rate of one in 60 and are extremely dangerous.

Bleeding can also happen in the late stages of pregnancy, and again this is not your period. The cause for this bleeding are may be a mischarge of even a stillborn. Even as a women advances in her pregnancy, the risk of loosing her baby or giving birth to a dead child still exist.The bleeding may also be acompanied by cramps or contractions. It is imperative that you see a doctor, especially if you are bleeding heavily.

Things are not always that bad, though. You might have an inflated cervix as well. That can be treated. So if bleeding happens in the second or third trimester, better see a doctor and try to remain as calm as possible.