Of all the things you go through in having a baby, one of the toughest ones can sometimes be baby names.
Finding the perfect name for your new baby can sometimes even be frustrating. This may sound like no-brainer and something low on the list of priorities, when faced with the seemingly daunting world of parenthood. Even so, choosing baby names can be very time-consuming, frustrating and even a source of consternation for new parents.
There are so many things to consider when selecting the perfect name for your child. Many parents don't have a clue about where to begin and feel completely overwhelmed. The best place to start is with a list.
Both parents should take a few minutes and jot down the first ten baby names that come to mind that they would deem suitable for the new baby. It's not as difficult as it sounds - it's actually surprising, how many unique and quality names have been stored in your memory, just as you go through your every day life. Make sure that you list names for both boys and girls, unless you already know the sex of your baby.
Once the lists are complete, both parents should sit down and eliminate any names that either parent objects to. Even if only a couple of names remain between the two lists, this is a good start.
The next step, after this brainstorming session, is to define some agreed upon parameters for your baby names. Think about and discuss your preferences for cultural backgrounds, family names and number of syllables. You can also narrow it down to include only names starting with specific letters. Make sure that you keep plenty of paper handy and be aware when you are out and about. Listen for potential names when you're in the grocery store, listening to the radio and walking through a park. You'll be surprised at how tuned in you become.
Make sure to use the Internet when hunting for baby names. So much of the work is already done for you. Using any search engine, type in the phrase 'baby names' and a huge amount of websites will appear, handling all facets of the subject. You can narrow down your search any way you wish. There are even forums where you can browse other people's name ideas and post your own to get unbiased feedback as you work through your choices.
As you start to narrow down your list, pay special attention to the potential for teasing. Think of any negative words that may rhyme with or sound like the names you are considering. Also, look out for undesirable letter combinations formed by the initials of any baby names that have made it on your list.
Try writing out the names that you come up with and make sure to say them out loud, to ensure that they roll of the tongue with ease. Again, be aware of any similarities to negative words or phrases that may be formed by certain name combinations.
It is also a good idea, to ask friends and family for their thoughts and ideas. But beware! Your parents are from another generation and they may be stuck in a rut when it comes to good baby name choices. Too, siblings can be very opinionated and may try to take over the naming process. Just remember, that getting opinions on your baby names can be helpful, but at the end of the day, what you name your baby is up to you and your partner. You have the final say!
If certain people have an aversion to a name that is high on your list, stick to your guns! Once people get to know your baby and form an affectionate bond, you will find that they quickly forget any negative connotation they may have had with the name, and come to love the baby, name and all!!
So remember, choosing a name for your baby is a big job, but it can be a lot of fun and it's a good way to get your mind off the aches and pains that come with pregnancy. Going over baby names is something you can do with your partner, and it allows them to play an active role in the baby's life even before the actual birth.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started now on coming up with the perfect baby names!
10/06/2007
Baby Shower - Surviving Pregnancy
Are you in charge of planning a baby shower for the new mother-to-be? What an exciting time to say the least. You want everything to come out just right and give her a special memory she will treasure forever. So, are you ready? You're not sure about what to do? Let's take a quick look at organizing and planning a baby shower.
Planning A Baby Shower
As you may already be finding out, planning a baby shower is not as easy as you thought. There are so many different details to think about when putting together an event like this that it becomes easy to get lost in the confusion.
Two very important points to follow is to create lists and delegate responsibility when planning a baby shower.One of the biggest mistakes the organizer commonly makes is trying to do too much on there own. Why go crazy running from store to store when you know that Aunt Sue works right next to a great discount store? She can easily run in and pick up the items you're needing. Include Aunt Sue when you are planning a baby shower. You will be surprised by how delighted she will be to help. If she doesn't want to help, then there is really no loss. You just have to work around it.
Baby Shower Footprint Invitations
What about invitations? You may want to consider giving out baby shower footprint invitations. This seems to be the newest trend. Baby shower footprint invitations look great and they really create a buzz.
Creating a good list is the number one starting point when planning any baby shower. Don't try to keep ideas and names in your head when there is pen and paper handy at your fingertips. You may be saying that you have an excellent memory, but writing it down is always better. Planning a baby shower includes too much to try to keep your lists in your head. Write it down. It is very important. You'll be thankful that you did.
Who Is Invited?
Another important point to keep in mind when planning the invitation list is, do you know who all is invited? You may be faced with an unusual dilemma that is becoming all to common nowadays. More and more adult children are from divorced families. As hard as it may seem to believe, many of these divorced families are still in turmoil even though many years have passed by. When you are planning a baby shower make sure that you are perfectly clear on who to invite.
You also may want to let both of the divorced parents know that the other party is invited. I ran into a very ugly situation at my baby shower. Two dear friends teamed together in planning a baby shower for me. One friend invited my mother while the other friend invited my mother’s arch enemy; my stepmother.
I get along with both very well, but when they faced each other in the same room, there was an ugly scene that will not be forgotten by anyone anytime soon. Unfortunately, you have to consider such rifts in families when planning a baby shower in this day and age. It's better to plan ahead and be prepared than it is to have a scene like that take place at your own baby shower.
You may want to leave the surprises in the gift wrapped boxes rather than in the guest list. It's a good idea to go over the guest list with the mother-to-be while planning a baby shower for her. This works out well. The guest list will be one less thing you have to remember.
Breastfeeding - Surviving Pregnancy
You've most likely heard every doctor and health care professional say that breastfeeding new babies is the best nutrition there is. Not only is it the natural way to feed your baby, but the health benefits are enormous. Here are 10 great reasons why you should breastfeed your newborn baby.
1. Fat is vital to your newborn. Why? Because most all of the essential vitamins and nutrients that your baby needs, comes from fat. It gives vitamin A - D and E, and at the same time provides the necessary calories your baby requires. Breastfeeding gives your baby these vital nutrients to keep them healthy.
2. Milk from a cow can often times create an allergic reaction in a newborn infant. Breastfeeding reactions are extremely rare.
3. Milk from breastfeeding has many hormones and growth factors in it that assist your baby in growing and keeping healthy.
4. It's a fact that breastfeeding babies are healthier. They have lower risks of getting infections, illnesses and meningitis. Another important aspect is that a breast fed baby is 5-6 times less likely of getting childhood lymphoma. They are also much less likely to get ear infections than their bottle fed counterparts.
5. Another important reason for breastfeeding your baby has to do with staying fit. Research has been done and shows that breast fed babies are more fit and have a lower risk of becoming obese when they grow up. Why? It has been determined that bottle fed infants have much more insulin in their system which causes the fat cells to increase. We all know that obese children are more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases as they grow older.
6. Breast fed babies have also shown to be healthier than formula fed babies. They have reduced rates of sickness, ear infections, allergies, and even hospital visits.
7. Breastfeeding also creates a sense of security and bonding with their mother. No bottle fed baby gets this added sense of security. A baby gets a sense of comfort, safety and joy by being nursed from their mother.
8. A breastfeeding mother gets an added plus by being able to lose the extra pre-birth weight and regain their pre-pregnancy size. It's also great for fighting off the postpartum depression that can easily strike a new mom.
9. Breast milk is free. You can save your money by not having to buy formula. And it is readily available.
10. When breastfeeding your newborn, colostrum is what your baby will first feed on. It's gives your baby all the nutrients and vitamins an infant needs. In addition, colostrum has the necessary amounts of immunoglobulins which keeps your baby from getting bacterial and viral infections.
Only you can determine is breastfeeding is right for you. I encourage you to take the time to seriously consider it. Learn all that you can and make a well informed decision that is in the best interests of you and your baby.
1. Fat is vital to your newborn. Why? Because most all of the essential vitamins and nutrients that your baby needs, comes from fat. It gives vitamin A - D and E, and at the same time provides the necessary calories your baby requires. Breastfeeding gives your baby these vital nutrients to keep them healthy.
2. Milk from a cow can often times create an allergic reaction in a newborn infant. Breastfeeding reactions are extremely rare.
3. Milk from breastfeeding has many hormones and growth factors in it that assist your baby in growing and keeping healthy.
4. It's a fact that breastfeeding babies are healthier. They have lower risks of getting infections, illnesses and meningitis. Another important aspect is that a breast fed baby is 5-6 times less likely of getting childhood lymphoma. They are also much less likely to get ear infections than their bottle fed counterparts.
5. Another important reason for breastfeeding your baby has to do with staying fit. Research has been done and shows that breast fed babies are more fit and have a lower risk of becoming obese when they grow up. Why? It has been determined that bottle fed infants have much more insulin in their system which causes the fat cells to increase. We all know that obese children are more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases as they grow older.
6. Breast fed babies have also shown to be healthier than formula fed babies. They have reduced rates of sickness, ear infections, allergies, and even hospital visits.
7. Breastfeeding also creates a sense of security and bonding with their mother. No bottle fed baby gets this added sense of security. A baby gets a sense of comfort, safety and joy by being nursed from their mother.
8. A breastfeeding mother gets an added plus by being able to lose the extra pre-birth weight and regain their pre-pregnancy size. It's also great for fighting off the postpartum depression that can easily strike a new mom.
9. Breast milk is free. You can save your money by not having to buy formula. And it is readily available.
10. When breastfeeding your newborn, colostrum is what your baby will first feed on. It's gives your baby all the nutrients and vitamins an infant needs. In addition, colostrum has the necessary amounts of immunoglobulins which keeps your baby from getting bacterial and viral infections.
Only you can determine is breastfeeding is right for you. I encourage you to take the time to seriously consider it. Learn all that you can and make a well informed decision that is in the best interests of you and your baby.
Pregnancy Ultrasound - What You Should Know - Surviving Pregnancy
A pregnancy ultrasound is a safe and effective way of looking inside the womb of a pregnant woman. An ultrasound will use sound waves to transfer pictures of a fetus to a monitor at the bedside. A transducer is used on the abdomen and a full bladder is usually required to raise the uterus up closer to the surface of the abdomen for a better view. This is a non-invasive way to check on the condition of the fetus and in a lot of cases, to find out if you are having a boy or girl!
There are several reasons why your doctor may order an ultrasound for you. One reason is to detect and confirm pregnancy in the early stages. By measuring the fetus, the doctor will have a more accurate idea of your due date and he will also be able to determine that the fetus is in the cavity of the uterus.
Another reason for a pregnancy ultrasound may be due to vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy. If you experience cramping and bleeding early in pregnancy, your doctor may order an ultrasound to check for a visible heartbeat. This can be detected as early as six weeks into the pregnancy. If no heartbeat is detected and the gestational sac is malformed, it probably indicates a miscarriage.
When the doctor uses an ultrasound to determine gestational age, he uses several different measurements. The first measurement he will look at will be the crown to rump length. This gives a very accurate estimation of the gestational age.
The next measurement will be the diameter between both sides of the head. This measurement is taken at around 13 weeks.
The doctor will then look at the femur length of the fetus. This is the longest bone in the body and helps to give an accurate estimate of gestational age and growth.
Another important aspect of using a pregnancy ultrasound is to diagnose fetal abnormalities. The ultrasound can pick up abnormalities such as, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, dwarfism and other congenital defects. This will prepare the doctor and the parents in the event an abnormality is found. Sometimes, depending on the condition, special equipment will be needed in the delivery room. Knowing what to expect ahead of time helps everyone to be prepared.
A new and exciting development in the ultrasound is the 3-D and 4-D ultrasound. This type of ultrasound can transfer images to the monitor and they can be processed into 3-D images. You are able to see your baby’s features and movements. These ultrasounds are also able to pick up smaller defects, such as cleft palates.
If this is your first pregnancy, do not be alarmed when your doctor orders an ultrasound for you. This is normal practice and it will give you the unforgettable experience of seeing your baby for the very first time. Bring your partner along and cherish the moment when you first lay eyes on your baby through your pregnancy ultrasound.
There are several reasons why your doctor may order an ultrasound for you. One reason is to detect and confirm pregnancy in the early stages. By measuring the fetus, the doctor will have a more accurate idea of your due date and he will also be able to determine that the fetus is in the cavity of the uterus.
Another reason for a pregnancy ultrasound may be due to vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy. If you experience cramping and bleeding early in pregnancy, your doctor may order an ultrasound to check for a visible heartbeat. This can be detected as early as six weeks into the pregnancy. If no heartbeat is detected and the gestational sac is malformed, it probably indicates a miscarriage.
When the doctor uses an ultrasound to determine gestational age, he uses several different measurements. The first measurement he will look at will be the crown to rump length. This gives a very accurate estimation of the gestational age.
The next measurement will be the diameter between both sides of the head. This measurement is taken at around 13 weeks.
The doctor will then look at the femur length of the fetus. This is the longest bone in the body and helps to give an accurate estimate of gestational age and growth.
Another important aspect of using a pregnancy ultrasound is to diagnose fetal abnormalities. The ultrasound can pick up abnormalities such as, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, dwarfism and other congenital defects. This will prepare the doctor and the parents in the event an abnormality is found. Sometimes, depending on the condition, special equipment will be needed in the delivery room. Knowing what to expect ahead of time helps everyone to be prepared.
A new and exciting development in the ultrasound is the 3-D and 4-D ultrasound. This type of ultrasound can transfer images to the monitor and they can be processed into 3-D images. You are able to see your baby’s features and movements. These ultrasounds are also able to pick up smaller defects, such as cleft palates.
If this is your first pregnancy, do not be alarmed when your doctor orders an ultrasound for you. This is normal practice and it will give you the unforgettable experience of seeing your baby for the very first time. Bring your partner along and cherish the moment when you first lay eyes on your baby through your pregnancy ultrasound.
Cesarean Section - Surviving Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and have never had a C-section, or Cesarean section as it's also known as, then you may not know a lot about the procedure. And even if you don't think you will have the need to have the procedure done, it's always good to at least be aware of what a C-section is.
A C-section is a surgical incision made in the abdomen and then into the uterus to deliver the baby or babies. Circumstances vary greatly and can be quite different with each pregnancy, and vary from woman to woman.
Each woman’s individual medical and reproductive history is taken into consideration during the prenatal period, and is continuously evaluated throughout the pregnancy by the obstetrician. If warranted, a C-section will be scheduled to take place before actual labor begins, though this doesn’t necessarily mean that a woman won’t go into labor spontaneously before her scheduled delivery date.
A history of certain medical conditions may require a C-section When the baby, mother, or both are in distress, a C-section is the fastest way to deliver the baby without further complications. Developmental abnormalities or fetal anomalies require delivery by C-section, as do breech or transverse fetal positions.
Other indicators for a C-section delivery are irregular or decreased fetal heart tones, prolonged labor or labor that has failed to progress, a very large baby, baby unable to pass through mother’s hips, prolapsed umbilical cord, separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus (placenta abruption), blockage of the birth canal by the placenta (placenta previa), or maternal illness, such as chronic medical conditions, pregnancy-related conditions (pre-eclampsia), HIV infection, or active genital herpes.
A C-section is usually performed under regional anesthesia, allowing the mother to be awake and witness the birth of the baby. However, some types of emergency situations may require general anesthesia putting the mother completely asleep.
Despite the fact that a C-section is major surgery, it is relatively safe and has a low rate of complications. There is still a certain level of risk involved, as with any surgical procedure; bleeding and infection, injury to the bladder or urinary tract, or even injury to the baby could occur. Prenatal classes are offered to expectant mothers and their significant others, and cover everything from vaginal delivery versus C-section, to how to select a car seat and bathe the baby.
Even if a C-section delivery is not anticipated, physicians should discuss it with their patients prior to labor and delivery, to lessen their anxiety and promote a positive birth experience in the event a surgical birth is required. The expectant mother needs to feel comfortable with her prenatal care provider and trust in the level of care that is provided, and in the recommendations made to ensure that the pregnancy results in a happy healthy baby.
Having a C-section is fairly common today and understanding the full details can give you much needed peace of mind.
Prenatal Vitamins - Surviving Pregnancy
Taking prenatal vitamins is so important for expectant mothers, and their babies as well. When you first learn that you are indeed pregnant, your doctor will prescribe a good prenatal vitamin for you to take. Sometimes your doctor will give you several different samples of various brands for you to take in order to find the one that is right for you.
You will often hear at times of people who assert that the vitamins are beneficial for women who are planning to conceive. Using the supplements before getting pregnant helps prevent certain birth defects. Some mothers choose to continue taking prenatal vitamins throughout their pregnancies and while they are breastfeeding.
It is important to remember that the prenatal vitamins are supplements. They do not replace a balanced diet. It is not good practice to rely on vitamins for all of your nutritional needs. It is more important to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet than it is to take pills, no matter how beneficial they are. The vitamins also work better when they are taken with a healthy diet. Some of the nutrients in the foods help to absorb the vitamins.
Calcium is an extremely important element in a pregnant woman’s diet. Prenatal vitamins do not have the recommended daily allowance of calcium for an expecting mother. Prenatal vitamins have about 250 milligrams of calcium but an expectant mother requires between 1,200 and 1,500 milligrams of calcium each day to assure that the baby will develop properly. This is a significant difference.
Not every prenatal vitamin is the same; in fact some may not benefit the expectant mother as much as they claim. Recent studies show that a pregnant woman’s body does not necessarily absorb all of the nutrients provided by the vitamins, especially folate. Folate is extremely important in the baby’s prenatal development. The vitamin helps prevent birth defects like spina-bifida. Only three out of nine vitamins on average actually provide the amount of folate labeled on the bottle. This is not to suggest that the supplements do not have the vitamin, it just is not absorbed by the woman’s body.
Some argue that it is better to take a prenatal vitamin prescribed by a doctor. However, this is not necessarily the case. While prescribed vitamins are ideal, many of the very same vitamins are available in stores and without a prescription. The most important thing to consider is the ingredients in the vitamins. Another important factor to consider is whether the prenatal vitamins are easily absorbed or not.
There is an easy test you can use to determine if the vitamins will be absorbed into your system. Put one of the prenatal vitamins into a cup of water. Wait ten minutes. If the vitamin is dissolved, or is very soft, it will be absorbed into your system. If the vitamin remains hard, it will probably pass through your system without depositing many of the nutrients it carries.
It is a good idea to talk to your doctor when deciding which prenatal vitamin is best for you. I found that the vitamin my doctor prescribed made me very nauseous. I told my doctor about the trouble I was having and she recommended a supplement that I could buy over the counter. This vitamin was not a potent as the one she originally prescribed, but I was getting more nutrients because I was able to tolerate them much better.
Finding the right prenatal vitamin may take a little trial and error, but the benefits are great. Just continue to keep in mind that you still need to maintain a healthy diet. The benefits of prenatal vitamins are enormous and highly recommended, but good nutrition is still better than any supplement.
Eating Whilst Pregnant - A Guide Through the Minefield
When you are pregnant there is lots of advice on what you should and shouldn't be eating. This guide is designed to help you sift out the facts from the old wives tales.
It is important to eat a balanced diet whilst pregnant to make sure your baby gets all the nutrients it needs. It should also give you the energy you require to care for your growing baby.
You should try to eat:
* Plenty of fruit and vegetables (aim for 5 portions a day) these can be fresh, tinned, dried, frozen or in juice.
* Plenty of starchy foods such as bread, pasta, rice and potatoes - try to choose wholegrain options
* Foods rich in protein such as lean meat and chicken, fish (aim for at least two servings of fish a week, including one of oily fish), eggs and pulses (such as beans and lentils). These foods are also good sources of iron.
* Plenty of fibre. This helps prevent constipation and is found in wholegrain bread, pasta, rice, pulses and fruit and vegetables
* Dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt, which contain calcium to help growing bones
Vitamins and Minerals:
* Folic Acid - Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Ideally you should take a daily 400 microgram (mcg) Folic Acid Supplement from the time you start trying to conceive until the end of your first trimester (12 weeks). However if you haven’t been taking it start when you find out you are pregnant. You should also eat foods containing folate - the natural form of folic acid - such as green vegetables and brown rice, fortified bread and breakfast cereals.
* Iron - Pregnant women can become deficient in Iron so make sure you eat lots of iron rich foods such as red meat, pulses, green vegetables, bread and fortified breakfast cereals. Try to have some Vitamin C (found in fruit juices, and fruit and vegetables) at the same time to help your body absorb the Iron. If your blood iron levels become low your midwife will recommend some iron supplements. (Note: Although liver contains Iron it is best avoided during pregnancy - see below - What to Avoid)
* Vitamin D - Vitamin D is found is a small number of foods but we get most of out Vitamin D from the summer sunlight. If you are not spending much time out in the sun it is worth taking a 10mcg supplement daily. (Note: If you are out in the sun take care not to burn)
* Vitamin A - Avoid supplements containing Vitamin A as too much is harmful to your unborn baby. (See below – What to Avoid.)
What to Avoid:
There are some foods is best to avoid during pregnancy because they may make you ill or could harm your baby.
* Some Cheeses - You should avoid soft, ripened cheeses such as Brie, Camembert and blue veined cheese such as Stilton. You should also avoid cheeses marked as ‘unpasteurised’. These cheese may contain a bacteria called Listeria which may harm your unborn baby.
* Pate - Pate could also contain Listeria so should be avoided
* Eggs - Avoid raw egg and food containing raw or partially cooked eggs. This is because of the risk of salmonella which can cause food poisoning. It is OK to eat eggs which are cooked through so both the white and yolk of the egg is solid.
* Meat - Avoid raw or undercooked meat. Make sure all meat you eat is cooked right through so it is piping hot and no pink meat is left. This is especially important with poultry and food containing minced meat like burgers and sausages. This is because raw and undercooked meat might contain bacteria which could cause food poisoning. Also make sure you wash your hands after dealing with raw meat and all raw meat is kept away from food ready to eat.
* Liver and Vitamin A supplements - You need some vitamin A, but having too much means that levels could build up and may harm your unborn baby. Ask your GP or midwife if you want more information.
* Some types of Fish - Fish is good for you and your baby and shouldn't be avoided all together however it is not recommend you eat Shark, Marlin and Swordfish because the high levels of mercury they contain could damage the baby’s nervous system. For this reason also you should limit your Tuna intake to a maximum of 2 tuna steaks of 2 medium sized cans per week. Also have no more than two portions of oily fish a week. Oily fish includes fresh tuna (not canned tuna, which does not count as oily fish), mackerel, sardines and trout.
* Raw Shellfish - Avoid raw and undercooked shellfish as it may contain bacteria which may cause food poisoning.
Peanuts:
Serious allergies to nuts and nut products and some seeds affect about 1 to 2% of people in the UK. Your baby may be at higher risk of developing a nut allergy if you, the baby's father, brothers or sisters have certain allergic conditions such as hay-fever, asthma and/or eczema.
If your baby is in this higher-risk group, you may wish to avoid eating peanuts and peanut products when you're pregnant and breastfeeding.
Alcohol and Caffeine:
Opinions vary on how much, if any, alcohol is safe to drink whilst pregnant. The Food Standards Agency recommend you limit your alcohol intake to 1-2 units once of twice a week.
Caffeine should also be limited although it isn’t necessary to cut it out completely. It is important not to drink more that 300mg a day as high levels of Caffeine can cause babies with low birth rates and even miscarriage.
Each of these contains roughly 300mg of caffeine:
- 3 mugs of instant coffee (100mg each)
- 4 cups of instant coffee (75mg each)
- 3 cups of brewed coffee (100mg each)
- 6 cups of tea (50mg each)
- 8 cans of cola (up to 40mg each)
- 4 cans of 'energy' drink (up to 80mg each)
- 8 (50g) bars of plain chocolate (up to 50mg each). Caffeine in milk chocolate is about half that of plain chocolate
Remember Caffeine is also found is some cold and flu remedies so always check with your GP or pharmacist before taking anything.
Foods you DON’T have to avoid (dispelling the myths):
It is OK to eat the following:
* Shellfish, including prawns - as long as they are part of a hot meal and have been properly cooked
* Live or bio yogurt
* Pro-biotic drinks
* Fromage frais
* Crème fraîche
* Soured cream
* Spicy food
* Mayonnaise, ice cream, salad dressing - as long as they haven’t been made using raw egg. Generally, mayonnaise, ice cream and salad dressing you buy in shops will have been made with pasteurised egg, which means it’s safe to eat. But it’s better to avoid home-made versions if they contain raw egg. You should also avoid soft ice-cream (more commonly known as Mr Whippy) from machines as it's possible that the pipes in the machine can harbour bacteria if not cleaned correctly. If you're not sure about any of these foods when you're eating out, ask staff for more information
* Honey - it’s fine for pregnant women but honey isn’t suitable for babies under a year old
* Many types of cheese including:
- Hard cheese, such as Cheddar and Parmesan
- Feta
- Ricotta
- Mascarpone
- Cream cheese
- Mozzarella
- Cottage cheese
- Processed cheese, such as cheese spreads
Know Your Pregnancy Week By Week To Cope With It
Knowing all you can about pregnancy week by week helps you to understand the minute details of movements taking place inside your womb. Doing so is an interesting idea. This write-up seeks to help every pregnant woman become a better-informed mom and to cope with the pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy complications.
Pregnancy Week By Week
Pregnancy Week 1-Week 4
The 1st week of pregnancy commences with the day of the woman’s last period. By the end of 4th week of pregnancy, there is fertilization of the egg and the beginning of a new life. This is the time when the early pregnancy symptoms start showing in.
Pregnancy Week 5-8
This period is the right time for taking the pregnancy test. It is commonplace for the tests to be accurate around this period. By the 6th week, the would-be baby's heart starts beating! The future mom might start experiencing morning sickness during the 7th week. Moreover, by the 8th week, her fetus has small arms and legs!
Pregnancy Week 9-12
It is between the 9th and 12th week that the pregnant woman’s stomach gets enlarged to make room for her fast developing fetus. She notices a variety of changes in her body. The fetus begins moving inside the mum, though she may not necessarily realize it yet. And by the 12th week, the intensity of morning sickness starts lessening.
Pregnancy Week 13-16
Between the 13th and 16th week, it is possible to know the gender of the baby with a low level of certainty. At the end of the 14th week, the mother can listen to her future baby's heartbeat during the visit to a clinic. She also notices movements of her baby, as her bones begin to become hard.
Pregnancy Week 17-20
The period from 17th to 20th week marks fast development of internal organs of the baby. The fetus is covered by fine hair called 'lanugo.' During this phase of pregnancy, it is feasible to know the gender of the fetus accurately by taking an ultrasound test.
Pregnancy Week 21-24
Around the 21st week, the fetus begins to learn breathing. The woman may experience few contractions during this phase, as her uterus begins preparation for the task of giving birth. When one approaches the 24th week, the process of fat depositing starts in the baby, which helps maintain the body temperature after its birth. By keeping an account of pregnancy week by week, one becomes mentally and physically prepared to negotiate with the changes occurring in one’s body.
Pregnancy Week 25-28
By this time, the woman’s uterus is congested and there is less movement of her baby. There is an important thing to note for the mom: her baby can distinguish between darkness and light and can also hear sounds from the external world.
Pregnancy Week 29-32
Around the 29th week, the baby's head grows rapidly in proportion to the rest of the body. Its eyes and brain are developed to a large extent. When one approaches the 32nd week, only lungs remain to be fully developed.
Pregnancy Week 33-36
When the 33rd week begins, the fetus can open and close its eyes. Its finger nails get developed during this time. During the 36th week, the embryo has a weight of approximately 4 pounds and is 16 inches long.
Pregnancy Week 37-40
This is the climax of the entire pregnancy. By this time all the organs of the baby, except the lungs, are developed. Lungs, however, continue to develop. There can be childbirth anytime between the 38th and 40th week because the baby is ready to land on this planet!
Dear would-be-mom, thank you very much for taking some precious time this pregnancy week by week article. And now, of course, get ready to welcome your baby. Good luck!
Provided by ArticleGOLD: Articles Directory
Pregnancy Week By Week
Pregnancy Week 1-Week 4
The 1st week of pregnancy commences with the day of the woman’s last period. By the end of 4th week of pregnancy, there is fertilization of the egg and the beginning of a new life. This is the time when the early pregnancy symptoms start showing in.
Pregnancy Week 5-8
This period is the right time for taking the pregnancy test. It is commonplace for the tests to be accurate around this period. By the 6th week, the would-be baby's heart starts beating! The future mom might start experiencing morning sickness during the 7th week. Moreover, by the 8th week, her fetus has small arms and legs!
Pregnancy Week 9-12
It is between the 9th and 12th week that the pregnant woman’s stomach gets enlarged to make room for her fast developing fetus. She notices a variety of changes in her body. The fetus begins moving inside the mum, though she may not necessarily realize it yet. And by the 12th week, the intensity of morning sickness starts lessening.
Pregnancy Week 13-16
Between the 13th and 16th week, it is possible to know the gender of the baby with a low level of certainty. At the end of the 14th week, the mother can listen to her future baby's heartbeat during the visit to a clinic. She also notices movements of her baby, as her bones begin to become hard.
Pregnancy Week 17-20
The period from 17th to 20th week marks fast development of internal organs of the baby. The fetus is covered by fine hair called 'lanugo.' During this phase of pregnancy, it is feasible to know the gender of the fetus accurately by taking an ultrasound test.
Pregnancy Week 21-24
Around the 21st week, the fetus begins to learn breathing. The woman may experience few contractions during this phase, as her uterus begins preparation for the task of giving birth. When one approaches the 24th week, the process of fat depositing starts in the baby, which helps maintain the body temperature after its birth. By keeping an account of pregnancy week by week, one becomes mentally and physically prepared to negotiate with the changes occurring in one’s body.
Pregnancy Week 25-28
By this time, the woman’s uterus is congested and there is less movement of her baby. There is an important thing to note for the mom: her baby can distinguish between darkness and light and can also hear sounds from the external world.
Pregnancy Week 29-32
Around the 29th week, the baby's head grows rapidly in proportion to the rest of the body. Its eyes and brain are developed to a large extent. When one approaches the 32nd week, only lungs remain to be fully developed.
Pregnancy Week 33-36
When the 33rd week begins, the fetus can open and close its eyes. Its finger nails get developed during this time. During the 36th week, the embryo has a weight of approximately 4 pounds and is 16 inches long.
Pregnancy Week 37-40
This is the climax of the entire pregnancy. By this time all the organs of the baby, except the lungs, are developed. Lungs, however, continue to develop. There can be childbirth anytime between the 38th and 40th week because the baby is ready to land on this planet!
Dear would-be-mom, thank you very much for taking some precious time this pregnancy week by week article. And now, of course, get ready to welcome your baby. Good luck!
Provided by ArticleGOLD: Articles Directory
10/05/2007
Sleep During Pregnancy
For most pregnant women, being comfortable and getting enough rest can be two of the biggest challenges. Typically, these problems affect more than 75 percent of pregnant women.
During the second and third trimesters (20 weeks and beyond), lower back pain and stomach discomfort often increase.Women who normally sleep on their back or stomach often find getting enough restful sleep especially challenging. Sleeping on the back is discouraged because of compression of the uterus on the large blood vessels (inferior vena cava) and on the intestines, causing decreased blood flow and oxygen to the baby.
Some Tips on Improving Your Sleep.
Set the proper mood to prepare for sleep through soft lighting, a good book, a warm bath (try adding a small amount of lavender oil) and/or a warm non-caffeinated beverage. Experiment to see what helps you unwind.
Massage by your partner is also a good way to relax.
Try daily exercise - walking or pregnancy aerobics often help.
Use comfort aids, such as the Gentle Air Maternity Bed or a special body pillow to support your abdomen and hips.
Nap during the day to help gain some rest and relaxation.
Ask your doctor can give you additional advice. There are several over-the-counter and prescription medications that are safe to use and effective if other methods are not successful.
Visit http://gentleair.com/studyresults.cfm for more study results and to find out about health benefits of pregnancy back supports on the market.
About The Author
Dr. Harry Watters is an obstetrician/gynecologist at Women's Health Care Associates in Chandler, AZ. The inflatable Maternity Bed is available for purchase at www.gentleair.com.
Top Tips To Ensure Pregnancy Health Both For The Mom And The Baby
Finally the pregnancy test kit showed that you are positively pregnant! You double-check by going to an ob-gyne and after undergoing a battery of tests the doctor confirmed that you really are pregnant.
Pregnancy can bring so much joy to a family. However, it can also pose innumerable health risks to the woman and to the baby, as well. Pregnancy is oftentimes one of the most awaited events in a woman's life, especially if the woman has had a hard time trying to conceive. This means that when a woman is pregnant taking some precautions for health maintenance is downright required.
Here are some ways that a pregnant woman can employ to ensure the health of her baby and her self, too.
Eat well, conceive well.
It's not true that you have to eat for two when pregnant. Eating more than the amount of food that is enough for one person will only cause the unwanted bloat. According to research, a pregnant woman will only need an extra 200 to 300 calories per day. And who knows, you might be already eating those extra calories. Eating healthy food will do the mother and the young life inside the mother just right. Of course, those extra calories should not come from junk food.
Supplement your wellness.
A pregnant mom should take a vitamin supplement that contains folic acid, better even before conception and during early pregnancy. Why folic acid? Because this micro-mineral, which is found mostly on green leafy vegies, when taken 400 mcg daily before and during early pregnancy, can reduce the risk of having babies born with neural tube defects.
Away with your vices.
It could have been awefully hard for you to quit on your smoking and frequent alcohol intake. Now is high time for you to rethink your actions. The nicotine from cigarettes and alcohol from the alcoholic beverages you consume can harm your growing baby. Usually, babies from mothers that have been smoking are born with low average birth weight, are prone to being born prematurely and may die from sudden infant death syndrome compared to babies of non-smoking moms. Caffeine is one substance that should be avoided, too. So, say ta-ta to your espressos and brewed fraps for your baby's sake.
Precautions schmasions.
Even before pregnancy, it won't hurt to get prenatal care. Making sure that you are immune to certain diseases that might affect your pregnancy counts a lot. An example of these diseases that a pregnant woman should be cautious of is rubella or German measles. Knowing your blood type will also help you prepare for any medical condition that you might encounter during pregnancy.
Exercise properly for you and your baby.
Exercising is one good way to help keep a pregnant woman fit, as well as her baby. However, there are certain conditions that ob-gyne's need to approve before a pregnant woman can do any exercise. One of the important forms of exercise that can be done during pregnancy include those that help improve the muscles' endurance. Stretching can help a lot, too. But all of these activities should be done with ample amount of precaution, of course.
It all boils down to the fact that if a woman would like to have a healthy pregnancy, she has to simply have a healthy lifestyle.
About The Author
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides pregnancy resources on http://www.your-pregnancy-resource.info.
How To Use A Pregnancy Test
The question of whether or not you are pregnant is often one of the most exciting, anxious, and stressful queries that affect not only your health, but your life. There are different types of pregnancy tests on the market or available through your primary health care provider. Typically, the actual steps for using a pregnancy test are quite easy and can be performed in the comfort of your own home. However, the results of a home pregnancy test should always be confirmed with a blood test performed by your primary health care provider.
By far, the most commonly used method of pregnancy test is those that use urine to detect the hormone associated with pregnancy. This hormone is triggered when an embryo implants in the uterine wall, but it can also be produced if an embryo mistakenly implants in the Fallopian tubes, which is known as an ectopic tubal pregnancy. There are two different types of pregnancy tests. The first type can produce more accurate results, but may prove to be too messy. A cup is provided to catch urine, after which the urine is collected and a special stick or other device is inserted in the urine. Sometimes, the stick or device is dipped directly into the urine filled cup for a certain amount of time. Other times, a small eye dropper is provided to perform a more accurate version of the same test.
Although this method of urine testing may be more accurate, the devices meant to collect urine in mid stream are the most popular. These sticks are usually found over the counter in your local drug store or grocery store and can be completed within seconds. Instead of a more scientific project, this type of urine based pregnancy test is preferred by women because of the lack of steps. Simply hold the stick in a stream of urine for a specific amount of time—usually a few seconds—and then wait for the results. As opposed to sticks that are more difficult to read, there are a couple companies that now have models on the market that have a digital read out system. Also, there are models available that allow you to determine whether or not you are pregnant much sooner than traditional home based tests.
For a more accurate test that can detect whether or not you are pregnant before a urine based test. This test must be performed in your physician’s office and will require a few vials of blood drawn. After the blood is drawn, tests are performed to detect the presence and the amount of the hormone associated with pregnancy. Keep in mind that you should always have a blood test performed after you have received a positive reading for a home pregnancy urine based test.
About The Author
Donna Somerkin specializes in pregnancy tests http://www.u-pregnancy-test.com or http://www.pregnancy-test-u.com.
10/04/2007
A Simple Guide To Pregnancy - For Guys
So – you're an expecting couple, aye? There are many books and guides out there on pregnancy, but most of them are targeted at the woman. This article is a very basic guide to pregnancy, targeted at men, so you can support your wife / girlfriend through the process and be involved in the pregnancy.
The pregnancy is divided up into three periods of about three months each. They are called the first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester. Here is what you can expect in each trimester.
The first trimester is the first 14 weeks. During the first trimester, your baby will grow from a microscopic size to the size of a small melon. By then end of the first trimester, the baby will have defined facial features and you will be able to determine the sex of the baby with an ultrasound.
During the first trimester, the mother may begin experiencing morning sickness, and or unstable emotions. Be loving, supportive, and communicate as well as you can with your wife / girlfriend.
The second trimester is the 14th to 28th weeks of the pregnancy. During the second trimester, the mother will generally have much less morning sickness and nausea. The baby will be growing rapidly – weighing in at about two pounds by the 28th week.
The third trimester is from week 28 to birth. During the third trimester, the baby is nearly completely formed, and can live with specialized care, should it be born early. The mother will likely have various physical discomforts due to the growing baby, such as backaches, trouble sleeping, heartburn, etc. As throughout the rest of the pregnancy, communication, support, and love are very important.
As the baby's due date nears, you'll have many decisions to make with your wife / girlfriend, with help from your doctor. Of course, you'll want to pick out name(s) too!
About The Author
Baby-Parenting
Check out our resources on Baby Parenting & pregnancy, Baby Names, Due Date Calculator on http://www.baby-parenting.com
Pregnancy: Eat Right For Your Baby's Sake!
There is reason to believe that the fetus competes with her mother for available nutrients. If they are not available in sufficient quantity, the baby may have long-term consequences. Pregnant women who have deficient diets may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, brain damage, psychological problems or weak immune systems in their babies. Good nutrition can diminish these problems. Laboratory animals who were fed a diet lacking in magnesium, B6, choline and protein developed a toxemia-like condition. In toxemia, the mother experiences excessive swelling, headaches, high blood pressure and proteinuria and they baby may be of low birth weight or even die.
For some women, miscarriage may be prevented through good diet. Miscarriage can result from deficiencies or eating too little or too few protein foods. For those at risk, supplementing with Vitamin C with bioflavioids may help maintain the pregnancy (beginning with 500 mg. and increasing to 4 grams then increasing to 15 grams daily as the pregnancy goes to term). Additionally, up to 200 IU of Vitamin E and folic acid may prevent miscarriage.
Birth defects have been linked with a deficiency of folic acid. Good sources of folic acid are eggs, liver, milk and raw, green leafy vegetables.
Hemorrhage may be prevented by ensuring sufficient Vitamin C and flavinoids are in the diet as well as Vitamin K.
To prevent anemia, miscarriage and birth defects, the pregnant woman should eat iron-rich foods such as liver, oysters, heart, lean meat, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, dried fruits, beans and molasses.
Some pregnant women seem to ride an emotional roller-coaster and this can be somewhat alleviated by eating adequate protein, B complex vitamins and calcium.
Morning sickness or nausea afflicts many women during pregnancy. Some women may find relief from eating 25 mg Viamin B6 with each meal.
Labor pain may be reduced by getting enough Vitamin D and taking additional supplementation during labor. One recipe suggest taking 2000 mg at the beginning of labor and at the start of active labor for less pain. Vitamin E may relieve some pain also and make birth occur easier and quicker.
About The Author
Yvonne Lapp Cryns is the owner of Midwives.net - http://www.midwives.net Yvonne is the co-founder of Nursing Programs Online at http://www.nursingprogramsonline.com and a contributor to The Compleat Mother Magazine at http://www.compleatmother.com. Yvonne is also a law school graduate, a registered nurse and a Certified Professional Midwife.
Teen Pregnancy
Besides the stress of knowing that she is pregnant, there is also the fact that now she has another life to think of and care for. Girls that engage in unprotected sex often end up confused, lonely and in great need of guidance in coping with teenage pregnancy. This seems to hold true for almost 34% of all teenage girls in America who get pregnant before the age of 20.
Even more shocking is the situation in England where one out of every 5 births recorded is to a teenage girl. Since these statistics alone prove that these teenagers are lacking in knowledge and are participating in unprotected sex, there needs to be action taken, more of a community approach to providing proper knowledge to teenage girls about pregnancy prevention.
Even in this modern age, people are still embarrassed to talk to their children about sex and its consequences. While this is natural and difficult initially, in the long run it would be very help the teenager avoid making a serious mistake. Having an open-minded, educational talk will not only prevent your teenage child from getting pregnant, but might also eliminate the possibility of sex at too early an age. It will also educate your child about the various sexually transmitted diseases [HIV, aids, etc.] and make them more cautious about engaging in sexual activities. Your child will be a lot more aware of the consequences and will be prepared to take appropriate action.
There are various ways for women to avoid pregnancy, using contraceptives being one.
Contraceptive birth control pills, This is the form of birth control method where “pills” are taken by girls to stop production of certain hormones that cause ovulation. While this is a useful technique, requiring the person to take a pill everyday to prevent ovulation, it does not eliminate the chances of getting infected or infecting someone else with a sexually transmitted disease.
While it may be portrayed socially and by the media that contraception completely eliminates the chances of pregnancy, it is not true. There is still a 3-5% chance of getting pregnant. So the best possible way to prevent teenage pregnancy is to practice abstinence.
Abstinence means not having sex at all. By abstaining from sexual intercourse, many unwanted births will be prevented. This is the best way to avoid being infected by sexually transmitted diseases and possible infections in the vagina and uterus. While there is a good chance that their friends might pressure them into having sex, having the right knowledge and the courage to say no is all that matters.
Overall, the young people today are being bombarded by the television and advertisements everywhere on sexual issues, the natural feelings and the teenage drive many to make costly mistakes, what is needed is better understanding of the consequences of early pregnancy and the information about trying practicing safe sex. Since it is sometimes difficult to approach teenagers, the young people should make their own decisions out of the knowledge they have gained.
Even more shocking is the situation in England where one out of every 5 births recorded is to a teenage girl. Since these statistics alone prove that these teenagers are lacking in knowledge and are participating in unprotected sex, there needs to be action taken, more of a community approach to providing proper knowledge to teenage girls about pregnancy prevention.
Even in this modern age, people are still embarrassed to talk to their children about sex and its consequences. While this is natural and difficult initially, in the long run it would be very help the teenager avoid making a serious mistake. Having an open-minded, educational talk will not only prevent your teenage child from getting pregnant, but might also eliminate the possibility of sex at too early an age. It will also educate your child about the various sexually transmitted diseases [HIV, aids, etc.] and make them more cautious about engaging in sexual activities. Your child will be a lot more aware of the consequences and will be prepared to take appropriate action.
There are various ways for women to avoid pregnancy, using contraceptives being one.
Contraceptive birth control pills, This is the form of birth control method where “pills” are taken by girls to stop production of certain hormones that cause ovulation. While this is a useful technique, requiring the person to take a pill everyday to prevent ovulation, it does not eliminate the chances of getting infected or infecting someone else with a sexually transmitted disease.
While it may be portrayed socially and by the media that contraception completely eliminates the chances of pregnancy, it is not true. There is still a 3-5% chance of getting pregnant. So the best possible way to prevent teenage pregnancy is to practice abstinence.
Abstinence means not having sex at all. By abstaining from sexual intercourse, many unwanted births will be prevented. This is the best way to avoid being infected by sexually transmitted diseases and possible infections in the vagina and uterus. While there is a good chance that their friends might pressure them into having sex, having the right knowledge and the courage to say no is all that matters.
Overall, the young people today are being bombarded by the television and advertisements everywhere on sexual issues, the natural feelings and the teenage drive many to make costly mistakes, what is needed is better understanding of the consequences of early pregnancy and the information about trying practicing safe sex. Since it is sometimes difficult to approach teenagers, the young people should make their own decisions out of the knowledge they have gained.
About The Author
Celia Nemart writes about family and medical issues on the internet, Celia is a dedicated mother that is aware of the dangers of the lack of information about Teen Pregnancy http://pregnancy.healthandcosmetics.comDiet for Pregnancy
Being hungry all the time is the number complaint of women during pregnancy. The main cause why pregnant women always feel hungry is because of the increased metabolic demand on the body. Many pregnant women also experience several numbers of cravings within the nine months period, which make eating healthy for the whole period of pregnancy a challenging task.
Here are some Diet tips for pregnant women:
1. Remove the wrong connotation that you need to eat for two. You do not have to eat for two; you only need an additional 300 calories everyday. These calories are not needed until you are on your 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
2. What you need to remember during pregnancy is not to cut your calorie intake. If you cut it back, there is a possibility that your body will not be able to provide the necessary nutrients that your baby needs for his growth and development.
3. Never skip meals. Pregnant women who skip breakfast are more prone to fatigability. This is also the reason behind overeating during pregnancy. So make sure that everyday you eat each meal.
4. It is best to eat frequent and small amounts of meals throughout the day instead of eating heavy meals three times a day. This will minimize dizziness and nausea during the first trimester.
5. If you have cravings, satisfy yourself with nutritious snacks. It is better to pack small amounts of healthy foods. It will help to avoid overeating. It is better to drink a cup of hot chocolate or have some mini chocolates with you if you are craving for something sweet. These are much better instead of eating the whole candy bar.
6. Do not forget to exercise even if you are pregnant. Make sure to consult your doctor on what types of exercises you can do. This will make you feel better with more energy throughout the day. It will also give you a reminder to eat healthy everyday.
7. Do not drink Soda. It is much better if you will avoid drinks that have high calorie content. It is best to stick in drinking water instead of artificial juices and other flavored drinks.
During pregnancy, you may feel hungry but in fact, you are just thirsty. Therefore, it is better to drink lots of water. The brains thirst and hunger centers usually are mixed up during pregnancy. If you are properly hydrated, there will be lesser chance that you will overeat.
Being hungry all the time is the number complaint of women during pregnancy. The main cause why pregnant women always feel hungry is because of the increased metabolic demand on the body. Many pregnant women also experience several numbers of cravings within the nine months period, which make eating healthy for the whole period of pregnancy a challenging task.
Here are some Diet tips for pregnant women:
1. Remove the wrong connotation that you need to eat for two. You do not have to eat for two; you only need an additional 300 calories everyday. These calories are not needed until you are on your 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
2. What you need to remember during pregnancy is not to cut your calorie intake. If you cut it back, there is a possibility that your body will not be able to provide the necessary nutrients that your baby needs for his growth and development.
3. Never skip meals. Pregnant women who skip breakfast are more prone to fatigability. This is also the reason behind overeating during pregnancy. So make sure that everyday you eat each meal.
4. It is best to eat frequent and small amounts of meals throughout the day instead of eating heavy meals three times a day. This will minimize dizziness and nausea during the first trimester.
5. If you have cravings, satisfy yourself with nutritious snacks. It is better to pack small amounts of healthy foods. It will help to avoid overeating. It is better to drink a cup of hot chocolate or have some mini chocolates with you if you are craving for something sweet. These are much better instead of eating the whole candy bar.
6. Do not forget to exercise even if you are pregnant. Make sure to consult your doctor on what types of exercises you can do. This will make you feel better with more energy throughout the day. It will also give you a reminder to eat healthy everyday.
7. Do not drink Soda. It is much better if you will avoid drinks that have high calorie content. It is best to stick in drinking water instead of artificial juices and other flavored drinks.
During pregnancy, you may feel hungry but in fact, you are just thirsty. Therefore, it is better to drink lots of water. The brains thirst and hunger centers usually are mixed up during pregnancy. If you are properly hydrated, there will be lesser chance that you will overeat.
About The Author
Bette Daoust is the writer of - http://women.ultimate-cosmetics.com , She writes articles for - http://www.babycarehelp.com and http://www.baby-care-items.comPregnancy Calendars
A pregnancy calendar is a fun and informative way to keep track of your pregnancy and ensure a healthy outcome for you and your baby. For most women, pregnancy and birth is one of the key points in life and a pregnancy calendar will help you live the experience to the fullest. Detailed week-by-week information about the bodily changes happening to yourself and your baby, as well as handy advice regarding everything from nutrition to exercise, are just some of the things pregnancy calendars have to offer.
Standard features of most pregnancy calendars include: how to take care of yourself throughout each stage of pregnancy; tips on how to meet increasing nutritional needs while staying physically fit; and how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. Some may also include a detailed outline of your baby's weekly development and instructions from the experts on how to ensure that you both progress the way that you should. Many pregnancy calendars can be customized to fit your own unique personality and include spaces for a diary and a record to keep track of doctor's appointments and other important dates.
Pregnancy calendars are fun to use and, best of all, they are often free or cost a minimal amount. Many internet sources offer free downloads of pregnancy calendars and a simple online search will reveal dozens of choices. Most can be personalized and some websites will even send you e-mail alerts as important milestones draw near. Some pregnancy-related or Women's and Children's Health magazines offer a free pregnancy calendar to paid subscribers.
Huggies offers an excellent pregnancy calendar while American Adoptions has an online version accompanied by weekly updates. American Baby and Pregnancy Weekly both have calendars that are available online and can be personalized. Baby Fit features a week-by-week, development-specific pregnancy calendar while Baby Center has create-your-own pregnancy calendar options and tools. The choices are endless and the results amazing. Many people treasure their pregnancy calendars as keepsakes or use them to compare with future pregnancies.
Most pregnancy calendars are very simple and user-friendly. Anyone can understand them and the facts are presented in a clear-cut, down-to-earth manner. The hardest part for most people is calculating the due date, but this is usually provided by your physician. Even if it is not, most pregnancy calendars include instructions on how to calculate the due date that are easy to understand for even the most math illiterate person.
Pregnancy is no longer just a 9-month waiting period for the big day. With the help of a pregnancy calendar, expectant mothers can become actively involved in all the exciting changes of pregnancy, while at the same time benefiting their health. A handy source for expert advice, it can also do much to alleviate anxiety, as the due date looms closer. The truth is, a pregnancy calendar is just one excellent way to make the most of your pregnancy.
Standard features of most pregnancy calendars include: how to take care of yourself throughout each stage of pregnancy; tips on how to meet increasing nutritional needs while staying physically fit; and how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. Some may also include a detailed outline of your baby's weekly development and instructions from the experts on how to ensure that you both progress the way that you should. Many pregnancy calendars can be customized to fit your own unique personality and include spaces for a diary and a record to keep track of doctor's appointments and other important dates.
Pregnancy calendars are fun to use and, best of all, they are often free or cost a minimal amount. Many internet sources offer free downloads of pregnancy calendars and a simple online search will reveal dozens of choices. Most can be personalized and some websites will even send you e-mail alerts as important milestones draw near. Some pregnancy-related or Women's and Children's Health magazines offer a free pregnancy calendar to paid subscribers.
Huggies offers an excellent pregnancy calendar while American Adoptions has an online version accompanied by weekly updates. American Baby and Pregnancy Weekly both have calendars that are available online and can be personalized. Baby Fit features a week-by-week, development-specific pregnancy calendar while Baby Center has create-your-own pregnancy calendar options and tools. The choices are endless and the results amazing. Many people treasure their pregnancy calendars as keepsakes or use them to compare with future pregnancies.
Most pregnancy calendars are very simple and user-friendly. Anyone can understand them and the facts are presented in a clear-cut, down-to-earth manner. The hardest part for most people is calculating the due date, but this is usually provided by your physician. Even if it is not, most pregnancy calendars include instructions on how to calculate the due date that are easy to understand for even the most math illiterate person.
Pregnancy is no longer just a 9-month waiting period for the big day. With the help of a pregnancy calendar, expectant mothers can become actively involved in all the exciting changes of pregnancy, while at the same time benefiting their health. A handy source for expert advice, it can also do much to alleviate anxiety, as the due date looms closer. The truth is, a pregnancy calendar is just one excellent way to make the most of your pregnancy.
About The Author
Celia Nemart writes about family and medical issues on the internet, Celia is a dedicated mother that is aware of the dangers of the lack of information about Pregnancy http://pregnancy.healthandcosmetics.com
Ten Skin Problems Of Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings with it many changes, emotionally, physically, and mentally. From a mental and emotional standpoint, you’re preparing to adopt a new role of parent, with all its accompanying responsibilities. Physically, of course, you’re dealing with changes in the shape, function, and movement of your body. While we have a society-wide belief that pregnant women are always glowing, that, unfortunately, is not always the case. No where is this more evident than in the skin problems of pregnancy.
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “the eyes are the window to the soul”. If this is true, your skin is the window to your current state of health and the changes taking place on the inside. During pregnancy, aside from all the other issues, you may also have to deal with a variety of skin changes, including rashes, acne, stretch marks, breaking nails, hair growth or loss, and dark blotches on the skin.
Most of these changes are directly linked to the enormous amount of hormonal fluctuations women experience during pregnancy. During pregnancy, there are all kinds of changes which can have impact on your skin, leading to new skin problems or worsening of existing ones. In some cases, pregnancy may actually help improve existing skin conditions. Let’s look at various skin conditions in more detail, defining the main ten skin problems of pregnancy.
1) Rashes. Rashes appear due to irritation of the skin. One common pregnancy rash is called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). This is the most frequently seen condition specific to pregnancy. Women with PUPPP demonstrate a rash which starts on the abdomen and can spread to the breasts, arms, thighs, and buttocks.
2) Acne. Acne is another skin condition that may get better or worse during pregnancy. Acne is, at least in part, driven by hormones, so the hormones of pregnancy can lead to more breakouts for some women, and clearer skin for others.
3) Oily skin. Oily skin is third skin condition which may arise during pregnancy. This is related to increased levels of androgen, the male sex hormone, which causes an increase in sebum production. The more sebum produced, the oilier the skin. Many women report that their skin and hair becomes oilier during pregnancy. Most of the time, these issues can be addressed with over the counter oil controlling cleansers and products.
4) Stretch marks. The fourth skin problem of pregnancy, stretch marks arise when the under layers of the skin is stretched, resulting in visible striations on the surface of the skin. Stretch marks can be treated after the fact, but the best treatment is always prevention. Keeping your skin well moisturized, especially on your tummy, breasts, thighs, can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
5) Spider angiomas. These are another possible skin problem of pregnancy. Spider angiomas are groups of very tiny blood vessels which gather around a central point and radiate out like the legs of a spider. Pregnant women are likely to develop these on their chest, faces, arms, and sometimes on other places on the body. Most of these spider angiomas clear up after pregnancy.
6) Chloasma. Chloasma, also called melasma, or the “mask of pregnancy” is another skin condition which is diagnosed when certain areas of the skin turn darker because of excess pigmentation. Most often, this condition affects places of the skin which are most often exposed to sun, like the upper lip, forehead, cheeks. This condition is likely to clear up after pregnancy. Again, you can lessen your chances of chloasma by using a good (baby safe) doctor recommended sunscreen throughout the course of your pregnancy.
7) Too much hair. Changes in the hair are also common during pregnancy. Some women lose a lot of hair within a few months after delivery, while many are troubled with excess hair growth during pregnancy. Excess hair growth is most often seen on the lip and chin, and is triggered by an increase in androgen and other male hormones during pregnancy.
8) Brittle nails. Many women experience breaking, splitting, or brittleness to their nails during pregnancy. Physicians aren't quite sure why this occurs, but it may be managed with an over the counter nail hardening polish. Check with your doctor.
9) Skin tags. Skin tags are little pieces of skin which over-grow and hang from the neck. These can increase in number during pregnancy. If you have skin tags before pregnancy, it may be that pregnancy will cause these to increase.
10) Atopic dermatitis. Also known as eczema, this skin condition may appear or worsen during pregnancy. Marked by extreme skin itchiness, too much scratching can lead to the skin become red, swollen, or cracked.
If you are pregnant, be sure to watch for these ten skin problems of pregnancy. If you begin to develop any of these conditions, seek appropriate medical advice; you don’t have to suffer through these conditions for the whole nine months. Chances are that your doctor will have recommendations which can address your skin problems so you can have healthy, beautiful skin, even while you’re pregnant.
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “the eyes are the window to the soul”. If this is true, your skin is the window to your current state of health and the changes taking place on the inside. During pregnancy, aside from all the other issues, you may also have to deal with a variety of skin changes, including rashes, acne, stretch marks, breaking nails, hair growth or loss, and dark blotches on the skin.
Most of these changes are directly linked to the enormous amount of hormonal fluctuations women experience during pregnancy. During pregnancy, there are all kinds of changes which can have impact on your skin, leading to new skin problems or worsening of existing ones. In some cases, pregnancy may actually help improve existing skin conditions. Let’s look at various skin conditions in more detail, defining the main ten skin problems of pregnancy.
1) Rashes. Rashes appear due to irritation of the skin. One common pregnancy rash is called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). This is the most frequently seen condition specific to pregnancy. Women with PUPPP demonstrate a rash which starts on the abdomen and can spread to the breasts, arms, thighs, and buttocks.
2) Acne. Acne is another skin condition that may get better or worse during pregnancy. Acne is, at least in part, driven by hormones, so the hormones of pregnancy can lead to more breakouts for some women, and clearer skin for others.
3) Oily skin. Oily skin is third skin condition which may arise during pregnancy. This is related to increased levels of androgen, the male sex hormone, which causes an increase in sebum production. The more sebum produced, the oilier the skin. Many women report that their skin and hair becomes oilier during pregnancy. Most of the time, these issues can be addressed with over the counter oil controlling cleansers and products.
4) Stretch marks. The fourth skin problem of pregnancy, stretch marks arise when the under layers of the skin is stretched, resulting in visible striations on the surface of the skin. Stretch marks can be treated after the fact, but the best treatment is always prevention. Keeping your skin well moisturized, especially on your tummy, breasts, thighs, can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
5) Spider angiomas. These are another possible skin problem of pregnancy. Spider angiomas are groups of very tiny blood vessels which gather around a central point and radiate out like the legs of a spider. Pregnant women are likely to develop these on their chest, faces, arms, and sometimes on other places on the body. Most of these spider angiomas clear up after pregnancy.
6) Chloasma. Chloasma, also called melasma, or the “mask of pregnancy” is another skin condition which is diagnosed when certain areas of the skin turn darker because of excess pigmentation. Most often, this condition affects places of the skin which are most often exposed to sun, like the upper lip, forehead, cheeks. This condition is likely to clear up after pregnancy. Again, you can lessen your chances of chloasma by using a good (baby safe) doctor recommended sunscreen throughout the course of your pregnancy.
7) Too much hair. Changes in the hair are also common during pregnancy. Some women lose a lot of hair within a few months after delivery, while many are troubled with excess hair growth during pregnancy. Excess hair growth is most often seen on the lip and chin, and is triggered by an increase in androgen and other male hormones during pregnancy.
8) Brittle nails. Many women experience breaking, splitting, or brittleness to their nails during pregnancy. Physicians aren't quite sure why this occurs, but it may be managed with an over the counter nail hardening polish. Check with your doctor.
9) Skin tags. Skin tags are little pieces of skin which over-grow and hang from the neck. These can increase in number during pregnancy. If you have skin tags before pregnancy, it may be that pregnancy will cause these to increase.
10) Atopic dermatitis. Also known as eczema, this skin condition may appear or worsen during pregnancy. Marked by extreme skin itchiness, too much scratching can lead to the skin become red, swollen, or cracked.
If you are pregnant, be sure to watch for these ten skin problems of pregnancy. If you begin to develop any of these conditions, seek appropriate medical advice; you don’t have to suffer through these conditions for the whole nine months. Chances are that your doctor will have recommendations which can address your skin problems so you can have healthy, beautiful skin, even while you’re pregnant.
Prenatal / Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy is one of the most special times in a woman’s life. The feeling of carrying another living being in your womb is a very unique experience. It is also a time of physical and emotional transformation for the woman. The hormones released by the pituitary gland, placenta and ovaries lead to a variety of physical and emotional changes. These physical changes include an increase in the basal metabolic rate, breathing rate and blood volume. Also, as the body prepares itself to support a new life, additional strain is placed on the abdominal muscles, internal organs, back, legs and the weight-bearing joints. These hormonal fluctuations also cause emotional mood swings that range from joyous exuberance to intense sadness. Symptoms such as nausea, constipation, urinary frequency, gastric reflux, varicose veins, edema, lower back pain and general fatigue are also common during this period.
To ease this transition, many health professionals recommend massage therapy as a complement to prenatal care. Prenatal pregnancy massage is designed to alleviate many of the common physical discomforts of pregnancy and provide emotional support.
How does Prenatal Pregnancy Massage work
Prenatal pregnancy massage aims to alleviate the discomforts experienced during pregnancy through skilled touch and communication. This soft and gentle massage therapy soothes tired, achy muscles and joints. The massage is combined with a series of passive manipulations to increase the range of motion and lubricate the joints internally. The therapist also teaches the patient methods of correcting the postural imbalances that occur as a result of the pregnancy. Prenatal pregnancy massage also helps the patient to identify, isolate and strengthen the muscles that she will use during labor.
Prenatal pregnancy massage is usually started during the second trimester of the pregnancy. Before commencing the massage therapy sessions, the therapist will teach you some gentle exercises to improve your posture and strengthen your muscles. He or she will also teach you techniques of diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation. The actual massage is carried out in a series of gliding strokes with the application of a light, soothing oil.
Benefits of Prenatal Pregnancy Massage
Prenatal pregnancy massage reduces the discomforts associated with pregnancy and enhances the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus. It alleviates many of the conditions associated with pregnancy such as sciatica, back and neck pain, and stomach disorders. Prenatal pregnancy massage also promotes better functioning of muscles and joints, improves circulation and overall body tone. It also decreases mental and physical fatigue. Studies have shown that pregnant women who receive regular prenatal massages are more at ease than those who don’t.
Precautions for Prenatal Pregnancy Massage
Prenatal pregnancy massage therapy is not meant to be a substitute for thorough prenatal care. Before starting a course of prenatal pregnancy massage therapy, do consult your obstetrician. You must also ensure that your massage therapist is properly certified to carry out prenatal pregnancy massage. The massage should be stopped if you experience symptoms such as an increase in abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, heavy discharge of blood or water or high blood pressure.
About The Author
Sharon Hopkins, Webmaster for http://www.massagehealththerapy.com, your online guide to Massages introduces you to Prenatal Pregnancy Massage for pregnant mothers. She also writes on Yoga, Hair-n-Skin Care, Aromatherapy and other health topics.Do Tanning Beds and Pregnancy Mix?
Women of child-bearing age are concerned about tanning beds and pregnancy, and who can blame them? Bringing a new life into the world is serious business, and every mother wants her baby to be born healthy.
While there is no definitive evidence that tanning beds and pregnancy don't mix, there are some common sense concerns that you need to be aware of:
1 - One real concern for pregnant women is that of becoming overheated or dehydrated while using a tanning bed. Overheating is associated with spinal malformations in unborn babies, and dehydration can lead to premature labor.
2 - Especially during the later months of pregnancy, lying on a flat tanning bed can create significant pressure on the lower back and reduce the blood flow to your heart and to the baby.
3 - The UV rays that give you a great tan can also lead to a folic acid deficiency. This type of deficiency can lead to neural tube defects, especially during the first trimester.
4 - During pregnancy, your skin may be more sensitive to the UV rays, leading to hives, a rash, or chloasma, which are dark splotches on your skin.
5 - Not all pregnant women get stretch marks, but those who do will tell you that tanning can make the stretch marks appear more prominent.
A better answer for expectant mothers may be to take advantage of spray on tanning booths or self-tanning products. These products that are applied to the skin have not been found to have adverse affects on a growing fetus and do not elevate a woman's body temperature.
For many, a terrific tan equates to looking healthy, but when it comes to pregnancy, it is better to sacrifice the convenience of tanning beds than to take a chance on harming your baby. Look for alternative means of tanning or treat yourself to a massage or pedicure to compensate for the stress-relief you may normally feel when using a tanning bed.
While there is no definitive evidence that tanning beds and pregnancy don't mix, there are some common sense concerns that you need to be aware of:
1 - One real concern for pregnant women is that of becoming overheated or dehydrated while using a tanning bed. Overheating is associated with spinal malformations in unborn babies, and dehydration can lead to premature labor.
2 - Especially during the later months of pregnancy, lying on a flat tanning bed can create significant pressure on the lower back and reduce the blood flow to your heart and to the baby.
3 - The UV rays that give you a great tan can also lead to a folic acid deficiency. This type of deficiency can lead to neural tube defects, especially during the first trimester.
4 - During pregnancy, your skin may be more sensitive to the UV rays, leading to hives, a rash, or chloasma, which are dark splotches on your skin.
5 - Not all pregnant women get stretch marks, but those who do will tell you that tanning can make the stretch marks appear more prominent.
A better answer for expectant mothers may be to take advantage of spray on tanning booths or self-tanning products. These products that are applied to the skin have not been found to have adverse affects on a growing fetus and do not elevate a woman's body temperature.
For many, a terrific tan equates to looking healthy, but when it comes to pregnancy, it is better to sacrifice the convenience of tanning beds than to take a chance on harming your baby. Look for alternative means of tanning or treat yourself to a massage or pedicure to compensate for the stress-relief you may normally feel when using a tanning bed.
About The Author
Larry Scott is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Tanning-Beds-Here.com. He provides more tanning bed tips and free spray tanning booth information at http://www.tanning-beds-here.com where you can research at any time, day or night, on his website.Alleviating Pregnancy Back Pain
Pregnancy back pain is so common that most women just assume that it is a normal part of pregnancy and don’t seek ways to alleviate their pain. While it is true that pregnancy back pain is common, in fact it affects around 50 percent of pregnant women, it is not true that nothing can be done to prevent or relieve the pain.
Obviously if you are pregnant and suffering with back pain, you do not want to take drugs or supplements to treat your pain since they could have an effect on your baby. Instead, it is best to find natural methods of reducing pregnancy back pain. These techniques might also come in handy as time goes on and your back is under the strain of lifting a baby or carrying a squirming 20 pound toddler.
First let’s take a look at what might be causing your pregnancy back pain:
-Carrying extra weight. Putting on extra weight and it being concentrated in the abdominal area can put a strain on your back.
-Shift in weight. Your spine bears the weight of your body and evenly distributes it to hold you upright. With the additional weight over your abdomen, it can throw off the spinal alignment causing back aches.
-Hormonal changes. Your skeleton undergoes changes during pregnancy too. In fact your pelvic bones and joints loosen up and soften in preparation for the birth of your baby. Your pelvic region becomes more pliant and therefore might create discomfort upon walking.
Tips to Alleviate Pregnancy Back Pain
Maintaining proper posture throughout your pregnancy will go a long way towards preventing pregnancy back pain. Under normal conditions, in order to protect your back and promote back health, you would maintain a straight back with shoulders parallel to the ground and level. When you are pregnant however, your center of gravity shifts and pulls your spine out of alignment.
Therefore, for as long as you are able, maintain good posture during the early months of pregnancy to strengthen your back muscles and provide proper support for your spine.
When your belly starts to grow, be careful not to adopt a posture that throws your shoulders too far back in an effort to counterbalance the weight around your abdomen.
In addition to maintaining good posture, you should also avoid standing for extended periods of time. Don’t cross your legs. Change your position often. When sitting, keep your feet slightly elevated.
When sleeping, it is best to sleep on your side. Sleep with a body pillow if you have one. Otherwise sleep with one pillow under your abdomen, and another pillow between your bended knees.
Obviously if you are pregnant and suffering with back pain, you do not want to take drugs or supplements to treat your pain since they could have an effect on your baby. Instead, it is best to find natural methods of reducing pregnancy back pain. These techniques might also come in handy as time goes on and your back is under the strain of lifting a baby or carrying a squirming 20 pound toddler.
First let’s take a look at what might be causing your pregnancy back pain:
-Carrying extra weight. Putting on extra weight and it being concentrated in the abdominal area can put a strain on your back.
-Shift in weight. Your spine bears the weight of your body and evenly distributes it to hold you upright. With the additional weight over your abdomen, it can throw off the spinal alignment causing back aches.
-Hormonal changes. Your skeleton undergoes changes during pregnancy too. In fact your pelvic bones and joints loosen up and soften in preparation for the birth of your baby. Your pelvic region becomes more pliant and therefore might create discomfort upon walking.
Tips to Alleviate Pregnancy Back Pain
Maintaining proper posture throughout your pregnancy will go a long way towards preventing pregnancy back pain. Under normal conditions, in order to protect your back and promote back health, you would maintain a straight back with shoulders parallel to the ground and level. When you are pregnant however, your center of gravity shifts and pulls your spine out of alignment.
Therefore, for as long as you are able, maintain good posture during the early months of pregnancy to strengthen your back muscles and provide proper support for your spine.
When your belly starts to grow, be careful not to adopt a posture that throws your shoulders too far back in an effort to counterbalance the weight around your abdomen.
In addition to maintaining good posture, you should also avoid standing for extended periods of time. Don’t cross your legs. Change your position often. When sitting, keep your feet slightly elevated.
When sleeping, it is best to sleep on your side. Sleep with a body pillow if you have one. Otherwise sleep with one pillow under your abdomen, and another pillow between your bended knees.
About The Author
Sarah Thomas is an established freelance writer. You can find more of her writing at http://www.rehabilitationtoday.com and http://www.baby-today.com.
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