Pregnancy / Parenting / Pregnancy & Parenting

Tips To Dealing With Troubled Teens

2008-04-16T23:07:00.000-07:00

Parenting : Tips To Dealing With Troubled Teens
by: Kelly Hunter

Adolescence is a chaotic time at best. It’s like you go to sleep a child and wake up something else, not quite an adult. Not only are hormonal fluctuations causing your body to change dramatically pretty much overnight, but your place in society is kind of in limbo as well. It’s enough to make even the most well adjusted person question his place in the world. Even though it is a phase in life that every living thing must go through, it’s not at all a smooth transition. Some graduate into adulthood relatively unscathed, but for some it’s the start of a long, tough road that spirals down to a life-long path of despair and destruction.

Of course there’s a certain amount of teenage angst that, though sure to being some upheaval to your home, is perfectly healthy. It’s important to know what to expect so you, as a parent, can detect anything that might be a sign of trouble. Adolescence is when kids start to pull away from their parents emotionally so they can prepare to separate from the family unit and form their identity as an individual. So don’t be overly concerned when your teen starts spending more and more time in her room or out with friends. At times it might even seem like she’s trying to drive you away. Try not to take it too personally. This process may be painful for all involved, but it’s absolutely necessary for your child to grow into a happy, stable adult.

Drama is just a standard part of the teenage years. Surging hormones are making their emotions go crazy. That’s why everything is such a big deal. Be considerate of your kid’s feelings, and know that she is not just being a drama queen. Try not to add to the problem by making her feel like you’re not taking her problem seriously. Yes, she will most likely look back one day and realize how silly she is being, but telling her that right now is only going to make her thing you don’t care about what’s going on with her.

Teenagers tend to gravitate away from the family unit and cling to their group of friends. This is their way of testing how they will interact with society at large. You will probably have concerns about these creatures your child is trying to spend her ever waking hour with. Keep in mind that all these other kids are in the middle of the same turmoil yours is going through. You can visit http://www.troubled-teens-help.com for more information on dealing with troubled teens.

Be patient, and try not to judge her friends by their appearance. Under all those chains, piercings and bright blue Mohawks might be some completely decent kids. They’re just trying to find themselves. What you need to pay close attention to is how these kids behave. Keep an eye out for signs of drug use. Younger kids are probably not going to have the experience or contacts to access a variety of drugs, so you’re probably not going to see needle tracks. Look for more subtle signs like erratic behavior, bloodshot eyes, missing money or other valuables when they leave, paranoia or excessive nervousness. Also be on the lookout for any wounds that might be self-inflicted. Trust your gut. This is when you have to jump in and take action. There are a variety of treatment options, from talk therapy to inpatient hospitals. Keep in touch with what your children are up to so you can catch the warning signs.

About The Author :
Kelly Hunter operates http://www.troubled-teens-help.com and writes about Troubled Teens.

Your Child and Home Drug Tests

2008-04-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

Parenting : Your Child and Home Drug Tests
By: Christopher Evans

Home drug tests can be a lifeline to parents who feel their child or teenager may be taking drugs but who are frightened initially to seek help. The internet now provides parents with a means of obtaining information and advice about drug use anonymously, and this anonymity can be preserved a stage further by using home drug testing to ascertain whether or not their child requires professional help.

In the NHS report ‘Statistics of Drug Misuse and Young People: England 2006’, 19 percent (one in five) of secondary school children claimed to have taken drugs within the last year in 2005. 4 percent of 11 year old children had sniffed a volatile substance and 1 percent had tried cannabis. In children aged 15, 27 percent had taken cannabis.

A disturbing 4 percent of secondary school children in 2005 admitted to having used a Class A drug in the last year (cocaine, crack, ecstasy, amphetamines when injected, heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms and methadone). 12 percent claimed to have used cannabis, currently a Class C drug.

With these statistics in mind, it is only natural for parents to be concerned about their son or daughter taking drugs, and the negative impact of this on their lives, from poor school performance, social / behavioural problems and severe health risks to the simple and frightening fact that they are breaking the law.

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 states that it is an offence to unlawfully possess or supply a controlled drug, even if the drug is supplied free of charge rather than the traditional ‘dealing’ whereby drugs are exchanged for money.

The penalties for dealing in a Class A drug can incur a sentence in prison of up to life. Possessing a Class A drug such as cocaine, ecstasy or heroin is up to seven years imprisonment or an unlimited fine, or both. Dealing in a Class C drug such as cannabis currently carries a penalty of up to 14 years or an unlimited fine, or both. Possessing Cannabis can result in a prison sentence of up to two years or an unlimited fine, or both.

Results from an ICM Research poll which previously appeared in the News of the World on Sunday demonstrated that 82% of parents and 66% of children support drug testing in schools and of the 1,000 parents surveyed, 96% said they would want to know if their son or daughter was taking drugs. Unfortunately, few schools are yet signed up to testing pupils and many young people remain vulnerable to exposure to drugs with no formal programme to identify problems.

Home drug testing can offer parents the opportunity to test their child in the privacy of their own home as an initial step to determining if their child is at risk. The simple knowledge that a testing programme is in place at home can be an effective deterrent for recreational drugs use, plain old curiosity or peer pressure to share drugs handed out amongst friends.

A negative home drugs test result will bring peace of mind to anxious parents and if a home drugs test is positive, parents are forewarned and forearmed with the information to seek confidential, professional help from a doctor or a drug treatment centre.

About the Author :

Christopher Evans is the Technical Director of Drug-Aware Ltd. He is an expert in the field of drug and alcohol testing in the workplace, healthcare and of course home drug tests. For more information, visit Drug-Aware's home drug testing FAQ page.

Top 10 Very Early Pregnancy Signs

2008-04-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy : Top 10 Very Early Pregnancy Signs
by Sally Moran

Some women don't have any symptoms at all. Some women have a few of these presented below. Some women may have others that are not listed. These pregnancy symptoms tend to be
the most prevalent, however.

1. Fatigue. Due to the increase in hormone levels, most women begin to feel extreme fatigue in early pregnancy.

2. Sore breasts and/or nipples. Many women feel that their breasts are fuller and more tender with their nipples being more sensitive during early pregnancy.

3. Cramping and/or bloating. This early pregnancy symptom tends to feel very much like your period is coming.

4. Light bleeding. This light spotting is caused by the fertilized egg embedding into the lining of the uterus. Many women feel that their period is beginning, but it is actually one of their first signs of pregnancy.

5. Nausea and/or vomiting. Normally, morning sickness won't occur until about a month after conception, and some escape this pregnancy symptom altogether.

6. Increased urination. This symptom of early pregnancy occurs due to the increase in blood and other body fluids, which is processed by the kidneys and ends up in the bladder. This increase in urination will most likely only worsen as your pregnancy progresses.

7. Missed period. This pregnancy symptom is the first sign to some women that they are pregnant, especially with menstrual periods that are pretty regular.

8. Increased sensitivity to odors. This early pregnancy symptom may be due to increased estrogen levels, but no one knows for sure.

9. Basal body temperature stays high. If you're charting your basal body temperature, one of the very early pregnancy signs is a higher-than-normal temperature for that time of the month due to increasing progesterone levels in early pregnancy.

10. Positive pregnancy test . Most pregnancy tests will not detect early pregnancy until your menstrual period is missed. Some tests are more highly sensitive, however, and can detect pregnancy as early as a few days after conception

About the Author :
Sally Moran helps women to increase their fertility and get pregnant more quickly at Getting Pregnant Fast - http://www.getting-pregnant-fast.com/

How To Enjoy Your Holiday Vacation With Your Teenager

2008-04-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

Parenting : How To Enjoy Your Holiday Vacation With Your Teenager
by: Terre Grable

Here we go! It's that time of year again - the family holiday vacation. Some families historically travel this time of year, while others will choose to stay home. Perhaps you are having extended family coming in for the holidays. Or maybe your family has decided to fly solo and stay home. Regardless of the plans, many parents can find themselves feeling apprehensive about spending a vacation with their teenagers. "Is this holiday season going to be a disaster?" "What if he/she embarrasses me in front of everyone?" "We haven't been getting along lately, and what if this entire vacation is filled with conflict?" Here are 7 things you can do to help make it a great vacation:

1. Include your teenager in the planning

If there is one thing most teenagers enjoy, it is giving other their opinion. This is especially true if someone is asking for their opinion. Ask your teenager some ideas of what they think would be enjoyable to do on the family vacation. Even if you set the ground rules of where your family is going, ask them what they would like to do some of the time. It is after all there vacation also.

2. Carve out some alone time for yourself

Ironic as it may sound, vacations can be exhausting, especially for parents. Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, fatigue can set in from trying to accomplish too much in such a short amount of time. Make sure you take some time to relax yourself. A relaxed parent makes for a more relaxed family vacation.

3. Carve our some alone time for you and your teenager

Even if you are vacationing with a lot of extended family members, make it a point to take some time to spend with your teenager one-on-one. It does not necessarily need to be a huge ordeal with a lot of fan fare. Perhaps grabbing something to eat unexpectedly, or going for a walk in the morning. Even a conversation in the car while running errands can be meaningful. Find those rare teachable moments, and seize them!

4. Allow your teenager to have some reasonable amount of time alone

As your teenager gets older, there is a normal part of you that desire to spend a lot of time with him/her. You want to cherish the time with your daughter, and make sure your son knows the importance of your relationship. Yet, today's teenagers' lives can be as busy as adults'. Like you, they may need some down time to just sit and loaf around.

5. Avoid placing any expectations or ideals on your vacation

Many parents visualize in their mind, and heart what they want their family vacations to be like. Their ideals are filled with holiday cheer, perfect children, and Norman Rockwell memories. Thereby, they unintentionally place expectations on their teenagers and family members. While dreams are not a bad thing, disappointment and resentment can arise when these expectations are not met. Take your vacation a day at a time, without any expectations.

6. Agree to put all major family conflict aside for the duration of your vacation

If there is a major conflict between you and your teenager, then agree to put the matter aside until after your vacation. Anyone can "agree to disagree" for a temporary period of time. No one wants a vacation filled with tension and conflict. Perhaps when your vacation is over, both of you will be in a better emotional state to discuss your conflict in a better manner.

7. When conflict arises between you and your teenager, talk it out

No doubt there will moments of frustration between you and your teenager. It is unrealistic to expect otherwise. As the parent, make it a point to pick your battles. Then talk it out in a manner that will resolve conflict, rather than placing blame. Avoid harboring grudges and resentments

Oh and here is 8) Take lots of pictures! They will mean more later!

About The Author :
Terre Grable
Are you looking for more common sense advice, practical solutions and even humor for parenting your teen? I invite you to check out http://www.parentingyourteenager.com where you will find tips for parenting teens, school, curfew, and more! Terre Grable is a licensed professional counselor. She enjoys helping parents and teens become better friends when they feel like enemies.

The Terrible Twos - How to Stay Sane When Your Child Is Not

2008-04-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

Parenting : The Terrible Twos - How to Stay Sane When Your Child Is Not
by: Megan Hazel

If you have a little one who is anywhere between the ages of two and four, some days can seem like they last forty eight hours instead of twenty four. If you are the proud mother of a little girl this age, the only word in her vocabulary may be "No." If you try and counter her "no's" with "yes's", she may emit sounds so shrill your ears will bleed. If you are the proud mom of a little boy, his new habits may include coloring the dog with your lipstick or banging your favorite, and delicate, table with his toy trucks until they crack. How do you deal with this? One way of course is to leave the country and never return. There are, however, more reasonable ways in which to deal with your children's testing periods.

While you may not be able to move to China, you can remove yourself from the situation and help calm your frayed nerves. If your child is being rebellious or misbehaving, sometimes just stepping out of the room for a few moments, counting to ten, and taking some deep, calming breaths can make all the difference when you re-enter the room to deal with your misbehaving child. He or she may then start to associate your leaving the room with "Uh oh, Mommy is mad" rather than associate your screaming and yelling with being angry, which can only be detrimental. This may help calm the child enough that upon your return, he or she will be more receptive to your teaching him what behavior you didn't like. Since you will be calmer as well, the discipline will likely be more effective.

For a more long-term approach, taking some time for yourself and "getting away from it all" is a good bet to restore your sanity. Take a good block of time on a Saturday or Sunday, 2 hours, maybe, and mark this time in your calendar in pen, not pencil, as a recurring activity. Keep a standing appointment with yourself, and honor it as you would any other. Think you are too busy on a weekend to do this, between your toddler's play dates, errands, and your other family obligations? You will feel much more productive the rest of the weekend allowing yourself this little ‘refresher', rather than trying to cram some time in on a random Tuesday or other weeknight. Moreover, you will feel much more able to cope with your child's behavior. For this special "adult time-out" time, you can book a massage or a facial at your favorite spa. Take a couple of hours to go window shopping or visit a museum, by yourself or with a friend. Take in a movie with a couple of girlfriends. If your husband is willing to fly solo on a Saturday night, you can even steal away to your favorite local pub with the girls once in a while and let off some steam. If you don't have extra funds for these activities once a week, you can sneak yourself off to the tub with a good book, a bubble bath and a nice glass of wine and come out feeling ready to face the world and your terrible-two-year-old.

Getting involved with groups that highlight child behavior may also help you cope with issues that seem to rear their ugly heads again and again. Your child may be going through a developmental phase that has you frustrated to say the least. It can be comforting to have a support network or group of friends with similarly-aged children. Many of these groups are "Mommy and Me"-type groups that can be found in your community directory. If no such local groups exist in your area, you can always consult some educational reading material on child behavior and speak with your doctor if it is getting more and more difficult to control. Sometimes, just a different approach can give great results. For example, if you are used to taking away a privilege or a toy when your child acts up, perhaps you need another tactic. Calmly tell him or her why Mommy is upset with the actual behavior, and explain and speak as if he were older than his actual age. Your own child may surprise you!

On the flip side, sometimes just not reacting at all can be the best approach. Just like you are getting to know what makes your child tick, he is getting to know what makes you tick as well and will quickly learn how to push your buttons and command your attention. Rather than play into this, ignore his pushy requests and the negative behavior may just quietly go away.

The Terrible Twos are challenging, to say the least, but using some of these approaches can help you keep the loving bond between you and your child without you losing your mind in the process.

About The Author :
Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about childcare and parenting topics, similar to what consumers read in http://www.magazines.com/ncom/mag?mid=3026 Oprah Magazine

Pregnancy Due Date Brings On Bills With Due Dates, Be Ready

2008-04-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy Due Date Brings On Bills With Due Dates, Be Ready
by: John Reed

There is nothing quite like the joy of motherhood or 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 baby is born at home and you are somehow fortunate enough to have a special nanny with money , extra expenditures are in your future. Many women are single mothers. Some are unemployed and some are just not making enough money to afford the expense of motherhood. So many expenditures accompany the birth of a child that many mothers are required 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 unemployment being two of the significant 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 utilized to lessen the effects of single parenthood, and lower income parenthood is to get a second or third job. This method is a tiresome one and deprives the parent of treasured bonding and teaching time with the child. Not to mention the parents 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. Nine out ten mothers polled would choose 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 the 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 amount of work required. Other detractors from some 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 the dot com of the same name. The internet is riddle with errors, and the Baby Names It Toolbar allows mothers and fathers 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 around $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 put off 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 but never report them. This has led to an internet with substantially lower standards than the average document.

Now reporting an error like the seam instead of seem error above, can be money in a young mothers pocket

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 errors on websites are worth money to the person that reports them. Help clean up the internet.

About The Author :
John Reed a father with 15 years business experience, has had the opportunity to use and review multiple online businesses. You can read more about moms and dad's making ends meet in the internet age by visiting http://www.babynamesittoolbar.com

Is The Anime Naruto Suitable For Kids?

2008-04-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

Parenting : Is The Anime Naruto Suitable For Kids?
by: Henry Hsieh

Growing up from the US, most kids have grown up with cartoons such as Bugs Bunny and Popeye which portrays the good overcoming evil as well as satires that pokes fun of political figures in a none threatening way. For kids, majority of the time these cartoons have provided a positive impact rather then negativity or problems.

With the recent months in the rising popularity of Japanese animation especially the series of Naruto, many parents are now worried that it may pose as a negative influence for children. Not only does it portray a lot of problems shown within society, it also contains a lot of adult humor as well. Is this something that we should allow our children to be influenced with? Will this type of influence give children bad ideas about the society or their engagements with one another?

Before we further examine this topic, we have to first understand the background of the anime Naruto. The story revolves around Uzumaki Naruto, a kid that has an inner demon of a nine-tailed fox who has once destroyed many villages until a powerful kage or a leader of a village who sealed his inner demon away through a powerful jitsu or a mystical technique of a ninja. The demon is then locked away and the story of Naruto begins with the life and adventure that Naruto has to face. All the while knowing that the demon inside of Naruto may come out someday both from his friends and foes.

From the outer appearance and storyline, Naruto doesn't seem harmful for children nor is the general storyline provides any hint of negativity in anyway. However, with different Naruto Episode there has subtle hints of sexuality. For one, Naruto suddenly changes into a woman wearing a bikini from a man in ways through this Episode Naruto seduced his teacher. In another Naruto Episode, various characters posses characteristic of a woman although by nature they are being presented as man.

For parents, these are major signs of red flags that tells parents that they are not suitable for children due to inappropriate content. I however on the other hand dare to say that it's actually okay for children to be exposed for these type of influences. Children nowadays are exposed with sex, violence, and crime whether it is from television or in the public area although some may minimize such influences. Whether you believe it or not, children pick things up rather quickly from adults. Instead of prohibiting negative influences, I believe parents should really educate kids at an early age the right and wrong and lead by example which is something that is lacking at large in causing a lot of division amongst the family and the society as a whole.

Even if we have successfully screened out the popular anime Naruto from our children in an effort to protect our children, is this eliminating the heart of the problem? I dare to say no and that we really need to examine ourselves in our communications with our kids in an educational way in light to talk about such events and things. Animations such as Naruto will only increase in this age of globalization and we need to learn how to cope with it rather then excusing ourselves from facing the true reality of this world. With proper education and support, I believe we can still enjoy anime the same way that we had enjoyed various cartoons in a positive manner with our children.

About The Author :
Henry Hsieh has multiple interests and he enjoys talking about them. As a fan of anime, he likes watching Naruto Episodes at http://www.tailedfox.com

Baby Languange

2008-04-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

Parenting : Baby Language
by: Mary Rose

Most parents wish that their baby would grow up without crying. But remember that without crying your baby will not be able to communicate anything with you.Accept the fact that crying is a way of developing the baby language. Especially, in the first six months, babies cry to communicate their needs. As a parent, you cannot always tell, but many mothers in due course will be able to recognize their baby's needs from the type of cry.

The most common reason for babies to cry is hunger. But there are many more common reasons for them to cry too. If your baby cries after a feed, do not jump to the conclusion that the feed was inadequate; instead look for probable reasons other than hunger. Babies cry to express their needs as they cannot communicate otherwise. Given below are the various reasons for which a child/baby cries. As a parent it is important to comprehend the baby language i.e. the reason of cry.

Some common reasons are:

Hunger: In the early part of their lives, babies may need to be fed at short intervals, sometimes in even less than two hours. Frequent feeding will help and over time your baby will space out his/her feeds.

Thirst: Usually not seen in breast-fed babies, but can happen to bottle fed babies, more so in summer.

Diaper-change: If the diapers are left on too long, it can cause painful and uncomfortable rashes. Frequent changing of diapers can prevent these troubles.

Too hot, too cold: Since babies are unable to change their clothes or uncover themselves on their own, they will cry to let you know that they are uncomfortable. The proper way is to feel your baby's body. If it feels cool, add a blanket. If he/she is sweaty or hot, remove a layer of clothing.

Uncomfortable clothes or positioning: Check to see if there is anything poking your baby like a price tag or a piece of Velcro. Change his/her clothes or give him/her some time being naked or swaddled in a warm blanket. Also, change his/her position of sleep. If he/she is lying on the back put him/her on his/her back.

Bowel movements: Some babies will cry, scream and get pink in the face just before passing urine or bowel movement. Once they are done they will be okay.

Anxiety and fear: Sudden movements and loud noises can trigger crying. Be gentle with your baby.

Boredom: Babies who are bored cry to get your attention. Picking up your baby and interacting with him/her can put a quick end to the crying spell.

Tiredness: Babies always don't know that they need to sleep when they're tired. It's your job to calm them down for naptime, not stimulate them.

Sometimes you and your baby can get into a crying cycle. When babies cry, you get anxious and start panicking. Your baby senses this, feels uncomfortable and cries even more. If you find yourself getting into these cycles, talk to your doctor.A sick baby will cry, but will also have other symptoms of illness like runny nose, fever, tugging the ear or diarrhea. Generally a healthy baby will have a strong, loud cry. If your baby's cry becomes weak, contact your doctor right away.

Crying is almost synonymous to baby language. A child primarily expresses it's emotions by crying, making sounds, laughing etc. In the initial stages, it is no cakewalk for a parent to comprehend their child's needs. But with passage of time, the message is communicated effectively and it is an important step in bonding between a parent and child.

About The Author :

Mary Rose has authored several books including books related to Children and Child Care. For more information log on to http://www.casanads.com/bm/children.htm

Childproof Your Home

2008-03-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

Parenting : Childproof Your Home
by: Marilyn Bohn

About 2-1/2 million children are injured or killed by hazards in the home each year. The good news is that many of these incidents can be prevented by using simple child safety devices on the market today.

Any safety device you buy should be sturdy enough to prevent injury to your child, yet easy for you to use. It's important to follow installation instructions carefully. In addition, if you have older children in the house, be sure they re-secure safety devices. Remember, too, that no device is completely childproof; determined youngsters have been known to disable them.

You can childproof your home for a fraction of what it would cost to have a professional do it. And safety devices are easy to find. You can buy them at hardware stores, baby equipment shops, supermarkets, drug stores, home and linen stores, and through mail order catalogues.

Here are some child safety devices that can help prevent many injuries to young children.

1 Use Safety Latches and Locks for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas to help prevent poisonings and other injuries. Safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers can help prevent children from gaining access to medicines and household cleaners, as well as knives and other sharp objects.

Look for safety latches and locks that adults can easily install and use, but are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. Safety latches are not a guarantee of protection, but they can make it more difficult for children to reach dangerous substances. Even products with child-resistant packaging should be locked away, out of reach; this packaging is not childproof.

Typical cost of a safety latch or lock: less than $2.

2 Use Safety Gates to help prevent falls down stairs and to keep children away from dangerous areas. Safety gates can help keep children away from stairs or rooms that have hazards in them. Look for safety gates that children cannot dislodge easily, but that adults can open and close without difficulty. For the top of stairs, gates that screw to the wall are more secure than "pressure gates."

New safety gates that meet safety standards display a certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). If you have an older safety gate, be sure it doesn't have "V" shapes that are large enough for a child's head and neck to fit into.

3 Use Door Knob Covers and Door Locks to help prevent children from entering rooms and other areas with possible dangers. Door knob covers and door locks can help keep children away from places with hazards, including swimming pools.

Be sure the door knob cover is sturdy enough not to break, but allows a door to be opened quickly by an adult in case of emergency. By restricting access to potentially hazardous rooms in the home, door knob covers could help prevent many kinds of injuries. To prevent access to swimming pools, door locks should be placed high out of reach of young children. Locks should be used in addition to fences and door alarms. Sliding glass doors, with typical cost of a safety gate: $13 to $40.

Locks that must be re-secured after each use, are often not an effective barrier to pools.

Typical cost of a door knob cover: $1 and door lock: $5 and up.

4 Use Anti-Scald Devices for faucets and shower heads and set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water. Anti-scald devices for regulating water temperature can help prevent burns.

Consider using anti-scald devices for faucets and showerheads. A plumber may need to install these. In addition, if you live in your own home, set water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water.

Typical cost of an anti-scald device: $6 to $30.

5 Use Smoke Detectors on every level of your home and near bedrooms to alert you to fires. Smoke detectors are essential safety devices for protection against fire deaths and injuries. Check smoke detectors once a month to make sure they're working If detectors are battery-operated, change batteries at least once a year or consider using 10-year batteries.

Typical cost of a smoke detector: less than $10.

6 Use Window Guards and Safety Netting to help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks, and landings. Window guards and safety netting for balconies and decks can help prevent serious falls.

Check these safety devices frequently to make sure they are secure and properly installed and maintained. There should be no more than four inches between the bars of the window guard. If you have window guards, be sure at least one window in each room can be easily used for escape in a fire. Window screens are not effective for preventing children from falling out of windows.Typical cost of a window guard or safety netting: $8 to $16.

7 Use Corner and Edge Bumpers to help prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces. Corner and edge bumpers can be used with furniture and fireplace hearths to help prevent injuries from falls or to soften falls against sharp or rough edges. Be sure to look for bumpers that stay securely on furniture or hearth edges.

Typical cost of a corner and edge bumper: $1 and up.

8 Use Outlet Covers and Outlet Plates to help prevent electrocution. Outlet covers and outlet plates can help protect children from electrical shock and possible electrocution.

Be sure the outlet protectors cannot be easily removed by children and are large enough so that children cannot choke on them.

Typical cost of an outlet cover: less than $2.

9 Use a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector outside bedrooms to help prevent CO poisoning. A carbon monoxide (CO) detector can help prevent CO poisoning. Consumers should install CO detectors near sleeping areas in their homes. Households that should use CO detectors include those with gas or oil heat or with attached garages.

Typical cost of a carbon monoxide (CO) detector: $30 to $70.

10 Cut Window Blind Cords; use Safety Tassels and Inner Cord Stops to help prevent children from strangling in blind cord loops. Window blind cord safety tassels on miniblinds and tension devices on vertical blinds and drapery cords can help prevent deaths and injuries from strangulation in the loops of cords. Inner cord stops can help prevent strangulation in the inner cords of window blinds.

For older miniblinds, cut the cord loop, remove the buckle, and put safety tassels on each cord. Be sure that older vertical blinds and drapery cords have tension or tie-down devices to hold the cords tight. When buying new miniblinds, verticals, and draperies, ask for safety features to prevent child strangulation.

You can get window blind cord safety information and free tassels by calling 1-800-506-4636 or visiting www.windowcoverings.org

11 Use Door Stops and Door Holders to help prevent injuries to fingers and hands. Door stops and door holders on doors and door hinges can help prevent small fingers and hands from being pinched or crushed in doors and door hinges.

Be sure any safety device for doors is easy to use and is not likely to break into small parts, which could be a choking hazard for young children.

Typical cost of a door stop and door holder: less than $4.

12 Use a Cordless Phone to make it easier to continuously watch young children, especially when they're in bathtubs, swimming pools, or other potentially dangerous areas.

Cordless phones help you watch your child continuously, without leaving the vicinity to answer a phone call. Cordless phones are especially helpful when children are in or near water, whether it's the bathtub, the swimming pool, or the beach.

Consumers can obtain this publication and additional publication information from the Publications section of CPSC's web site or by sending your publication request to info@cpsc.gov.

Using safety devices will help protect our children and give us peace of mind.

About The Author :

Marilyn is a creative organizer who has been organizing for over 20 years. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.She holds a bachelors degree in Social Work. She has reared five daughters and currently lives in Utah.

Go to her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find free organizing tips and interesting blogs and helpful articles on organizing

Keeping Your Kids Active

2008-03-30T16:52:00.000-07:00

Parenting : Keeping Your Kids Active
by: Dave Roth

Keeping kids active today is becoming increasingly difficult. Most parents blame video and computer games for this, as well as the Internet in general. While those things have certainly contributed to a more sedentary lifestyle, it is really up to the parents to keep children active as much as possible. One of the best ways to do this is to stay active with them. Young children often play outside with others in the neighborhood, but there are some children that do not fit in with their peers, and there are also children that grow up in neighborhoods where there are no other children or where it is not safe to play outside without adults.

For these children, and for others that are not getting enough exercise, parents must work to keep them active. Taking them to the park is helpful, but after a while this ceases to be interesting, so parents must find other ways of ensuring that their children stay active. One way to do this is to have them take a class such as martial arts or ballet where they will get consistent exercise. If a parent can take the class with them, that is even better, but some classes are designed only for children. Naturally, a kid should not be forced to enroll in something that he or she will not enjoy, regardless of whether exercise is needed.

For children that do not want to enroll in this kind of structured activity, though, there are other options. Playing Frisbee or horseshoes or badminton with parents or other relatives can help a kid stay active, as can outdoor play with friends. This does not mean that a child should be forbidden to play video games or watch television. However, the time spent doing those things should be limited. This is especially true if the kid is not in a physical education class at school or if he or she makes no effort at all to get any kind of exercise. Children that stay active are less likely to be obese, and they often have fewer health problems as they get older, making staying active very important for them both now and in the future.

About The Author :
Dave Roth runs a leading outdoor game and sports product site that sells horsehoes, volleyball, and cornhole gear, go to http://www.corntossmania.com right away

Should you Limit Your Kids Time Playing Video Games?

2008-03-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

Parenting : Should you Limit Your Kids Time Playing Video Games?
by: Dave Roth

Whether to limit the time that a child plays video games is a question that almost every parent has battled over at least once and often many times. However, just because one parent has a specific opinion about it does not mean that another parent holds the same opinion. In other words, whether a parent should limit his or her childs time playing video games is a largely subjective, opinion question. There are, though, some signs that a parent should look for when trying to make a determination as to whether the time that his or her kid is spending on video games is too much.

If a kid who is playing video games is paying so much attention to them that his or her schoolwork is suffering, a parent might want to limit the video game time that child has. In addition, if relationships are suffering because of video games, this might also be another reason to limit the amount of time spent playing them. Video games are supposed to be for fun and enjoyment only. Unfortunately, they can actually become addictive. When someone is addicted to video games, the rest of that persons life suffers. He or she will generally not do well at all with school or work, and the relationships that have been built with others will be ignored, at least to some extent.

The person may also lose sleep, not eat well, and exhibit other behaviors consistent with focusing too much on video games and not enough on reality. This is, of course, very detrimental, especially for a child who is just developing habits. Because this is such a serious issue and can lead to many problems in the future, any parent who is concerned about how much time his or her kid is spending playing video games or any parent who sees a change in his or her child because of video game playing should limit the time each day that the child is allowed to play the video game

About The Author :
Dave Roth runs a leading outdoor game product site that sells bocce ball, volleyball, and cornhole gear, go to http://www.cornholegamecenter.com right away.

Where To Take Your Kids When They Say "Mom I'm Bored!"

2008-03-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

Parenting : Where To Take Your Kids When They Say "Mom I'm Bored!"
by: Megan Hazel

"Mom, I'm bored!"

How many times have you heard your ten year old exclaim this on a Saturday afternoon, only to follow you around while you tried to do laundry or iron or cook dinner? Children may expect you to be their entertainment committee, but there are things you can do to keep them entertained for hours without eating up your entire Saturday or Sunday afternoon in the process.

The roller rink is a perfect place to take your kids on a Saturday. Almost every town has a local rink, and it is good for many ages. For about $10.00 a child, skate rental money if they don't own their own, and perhaps some extra money for snacks or lunch, you can usually bet on a good three or four hours of entertainment. Many of the skating rinks have video games and a café as well, so if your child is done with skating he or she can still be entertained. If your child is young, a chaperone will obviously be needed, and perhaps you and a neighbor can take turns and alternate weekends. If he or she is of the age where "dropping off" is appropriate, there is usually an open skate complete with the music of the moment that your kids will surely enjoy. Of course, he or she is getting exercise along with having fun so you can rest easy that this is a positive activity all around.

Another good place, depending on the season and your locale, is your local commercial dairy farm. True, it is a bit different, but it can be packed full of things to do for children of all ages. For the little ones, a simple tour of the farm can be full of wonder and amazement. Usually all you need to do is ask and those in charge will be more than happy to show your little one around. He or she can see the cows up close and even pet them in their stalls. They may get a tour of the production facility if they are a bit older and it can hold their interest, which can take a good amount of time. Often there will be other animals on the farm, and both younger and older kids will enjoy visiting with the barnyard animals. If your child's boredom occurs during the warm spring or summer months, it may be strawberry season and you may be lucky enough to have a farm that honors the age-old tradition of strawberry picking! If it's October and pumpkin season, perhaps you will be able to find your next perfect jack-o-lantern with your kids or even take a haunted hayride if it's close enough to Halloween. A hayride might just be possible no matter the season, so it can't hurt to ask! Of course, before you leave the farm don't forget to get a taste of their sure-to-be-homemade ice cream. The tour guide will probably give a cone to your little ones for free. Again, this Saturday or Sunday treat will be an educational source of entertainment for your children and cost you almost nothing.

Almost every parent falls back on the movies or the mall, if their child is old enough, but what about getting them outside for some fresh air instead? Surely you can open your back door and let the kids play in the yard any day of the week, but if you physically take them to a playground it will be something different. Bring the dog, if you have one, and get the most ‘bang for your buck' - your dog will be worn out by the end of your visit, and the kids can help with the wearing-out process! Both your children and your pet will have the benefit of a new play yard, and there will likely be other children to join in the fun, or even other dogs. There is bound to be a swing set, sliding board and jungle gym. Even if you own these and have them in your own backyard, they will likely be different than your own and hence more entertaining for your youngsters. Bring a ball or your dog's favorite toy to play fetch, bring some snacks for the kids, and get out there and play with them yourself! If you are fortunate to share the park with a pond or lake, you may need to bring some bread and you can feed the ducks there as well. Just getting outdoors to the park really can be a good hour's worth of fun at the least.

Any of the above recommendations will force your child to stop the "I'm bored!" exclamation. By the time you get home from any one of the three, your little boy or girl will most likely be ready for a nap and you may too - so look forward to your relaxation.

About The Author :
Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about childcare and parenting topics, similar to what consumers read in http://www.magazines.com/ncom/mag?mid=4780 Women's Day

Tips for Improving Communication with Your Kids

2008-03-26T00:57:00.000-07:00

Parenting : Eight Tips for Improving Communication with Your Kids
by: Len Stauffenger

Are you content in the thought that your communication with your kids is spot on, or do you worry that you might be missing the mark? If your interface is overwrought with emotion, you might need these tips to gain a more peaceful relationship with your children. I experienced wonderful things with my daughters when I used these eight tips.

Be Your Word.

Everything you say to your children is a promise or an agreement. Do what you say you're going to do and you build trust. Trust carries you through when they're sixteen years old, driving around with their friends and you don't know what they're doing.

There was a recent article about the Florida football team which was about to go into the National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Florida had a new coach named Urban Meyer. Everyone agreed he had turned the program around. Their season had dramatically improved, even though they essentially had the same talent and schedule. So what was the difference?

To a man, they all emphasize the fact that the new coach had built a greater sense of trust among the players and coaches. They discussed some of his techniques. There were things like practices at midnight and certain competitions he had dreamed up. The important point was he had created a high level of trust.

Your children will be tempted, and since you won't be there looking over their shoulder, you have to instill character in them. The first step in instilling character is that they see character in you. You are their role model.

Be 100% Responsible

Having integrity means being 100% responsible for everything in your life. It means giving up your reasons and your excuses. Every truly successful person I know lives their life as though they are 100% responsible for everything in their life.

At first blush, many people think this is ridiculous or unrealistic. Other people get the concept but they don't really live it. This may at first sound like a burden; in reality it's a freedom.

When you really get that you are 100% responsible for everything in your life, it's a tremendously freeing experience. It allows you to create your life. This idea isn't just some quotation you can read and pooh pooh. It's real. Think about it: if you're not responsible, if you don't have control over your own life, then you're just a victim and whatever makes you unhappy will always make you unhappy because you can't change it, get rid of it. I know you can see this truth.

Be Genuine

This means being straightforward in your communications and take what you get. This means don't use force or manipulation as a way of trying to get what you want. We know that we can't control other people. When you really understand that and accept it, you'll stop trying to manipulate or force others into achieving the results that you want. Force and manipulation will, at best, only get you a temporary result. Human beings always resist force and manipulation. Force and manipulation are really a product of fear.

When my children were young and they told their mom they wanted to live with Dad all the time, her response was to tell them that if they did that she would disown them. Obviously, I knew she wouldn't disown them and I told them that. But she got what she wanted temporarily. They went back to live with her for a month. But in short order, they realized Mom wasn't really going to leave them and then they moved into my house permanently.

Be Free

Learn to give up being right. How many times have we used that as justification for our actions?

When I say give up being right, I'm not saying forget about the concept of right and wrong. It's incredibly important to teach your children the difference between right and wrong. Giving up being right really relates to the whole idea of control. More specifically, it deals with the fact that you don't control anyone else. If you're having an argument with your ex or you're mad at them because you're right and they're wrong, this has nothing to do with making them right and you wrong. It has nothing to do with forgetting about right and wrong. It doesn't meant that you have to give in to the. I just means you aren't going to convince them that you're right. It just means, let it go. Again, think long term. Think what will be effective and what your kids are seeing as you interface with your ex.

Be Courageous

Always deal with issues with your children head-on. My daughters told me throughout high school that their friends were always amazed at all the things they could talk to me about. My daughters would tell me "My girlfriends are amazed about the things I tell you." Of course, I was forced into this because there was no mom around. The result is that my kids can talk to me about anything - sex, drugs, rock-n-roll. However, our goal here is to raise these children so they become productive and healthy young adults.

When you communicate clearly and openly with your children and develop trust they will come to you with the important issues in their life. Be their guide. You are their anchor. You want them talking to you, not their friends.

Be Peaceful

This comes back to being accepting about what you're really trying to achieve. Don't take the easy way out. Develop an early warning system. What are the things in your relationship with your children that irritate, aggravate or anger you? Think about what it is that really angers you.

Whatever you think it is, it really isn't that. Now you think I'm talking nonsense. Let me give you an example. When my daughters were in high school I used to get really aggravated when they would leave the bathroom a mess. Typically, they would spend hours in the bathroom, doing what girls do, so that they could leave and be beautiful and get to that party. They would make a half-hearted attempt to clean up the bathroom and boom, they were out the door. I'd go upstairs, take one look at the bathroom and become angry because the sink was a mess and the towels were just lying on the floor.

On its face, I was angry because they left the bathroom a mess. When I really analyzed it, I knew I was mad at myself because I was failing as a parent to modify their behavior. That's what I mean when I say, look at whatever it is that upsets you and whatever you think it is, it's not really that.

Be Powerful

Don't be cynical; be inspiring. Act in a way that they are touched and that you make a difference in their lives. A last work about complete ownership: I've repeatedly talked about being responsible in your life. Successful parents are responsible. Responsibility in this context is not a burden. It's not something you have to do, like pay the bills. It's not about fault or blame. It's not about guilt of shame. It's not about getting credit. It isn't all about your ability to understand things or to say if a thing is moral or ethical. It's not about what's good or bad.

Being responsible means being wiling to deal with a situation in your life from the view that you are the creator of your life and of what you do. No one makes you responsible and you don't make anyone else responsible. It's a gift you give yourself.

Pass this lesson on to your children. Teach them to be responsible for themselves. Again, not a burden - acknowledge that they determine the consequences of their lives.

Take Nothing Personally

In all of your relationships, in all of your communications, take nothing personally. Observe the world around you. Notice how often people get offended. Look for it. As an experiment, see how many times you can notice someone being offended in a single day. The more you observe it as an outsider, the more comical it becomes. People act like little kids.

Don't be like everyone else. Step back and be an observer. Watch how people interact with each other. You'll find it humorous. The more you observe it in other people, the more humorous it is, the funnier it becomes, and the more quickly you'll realize when you're doing it, you'll be able to stop.

If you want your children to turn out great, your success in parenting and your communication with your kids will both benefit from using these tips.

About The Author :
Len Stauffenger's parents taught him life's simple wisdom. As a divorced dad, he wanted to share that simple wisdom with his girls. "Getting Over It: Wisdom for Divorced Parents," his book, is the solution. Len is an author, a Success Coach and an Attorney. http://www.wisdomfordivorcedparents.com

10 Steps to Healthy Pregnancy : Tips Things to do in the year Prior to Conception

2008-03-24T04:36:00.000-07:00

10 Steps to Healthy Pregnancy : Tips Things to do in the year Prior to Conception
by Ann Douglas

1. What's up, doc?
A generation ago, your doctor would have thought you were crazy if you called to set up an appointment to talk about your conception plans. Today, it's fast becoming the norm for couples to book a preconception health checkup.

You may have to do a little arm-twisting to get your partner to accompany you to your appointment -- a lot of guys feel that their role in Operation Conception is limited to heading up the elite Sperm Squadron forces! -- but, whether he's prepared to admit it or not, your partner also needs to do a little preconception health planning of his own.

2. Testing one, two, three
I know, I know... lying spread-eagled on an examination table isn't my idea of a good time either, but the experts are pretty much unanimous on this point: the ideal time to schedule a pap test is before you start trying to conceive. That way, should anything abnormal show up, you and your doctor will be able to deal with the problem prior to rather than during your pregnancy.

3. All systems go
You wouldn't even dream of heading off on a cross-country expedition without checking to ensure that your car's equipment was in good working order. Well, you're about to embark on the ultimate of journeys -- the journey to motherhood -- so it's even more important to make sure that your body is firing on all cylinders.

Your doctor will generally give you the green flag if you are in reasonably good health (e.g. any chronic health conditions, such as heart problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure are under control, and you haven't tested positive for any sexually-transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea). Your doctor may also want to talk to you about any hazards that you may face in the workplace -- strenuous working conditions or exposure to hazardous agents, for example-- since they may impact on your pregnancy as well.

4. The human pincushion
Don't relish the thought of being turned into a human pincushion? Chances are you won't have to. While it's always a good idea to have your immunity to both rubella (German measles) and chickenpox checked before you start trying to conceive, most adult women are immune to these two diseases. If it turns out that you're not, it's time to roll up your sleeve: both diseases can be devastating to the developing baby.

What's more, if contracted during pregnancy, chickenpox can pose significant health risks to the pregnant woman as well.

5. Shaking your family tree
Something else you might want to do before you and your partner move into the "action phase" of babymaking is to find out what types of skeletons are swinging from your family tree.

Certain types of birth defects and serious -- even fatal -- diseases are genetic in origin, and it's possible that you and your partner may be carriers for certain types of these inherited diseases. A geneticist can help you to determine your odds of giving birth to a healthy baby.

6. Lifestyle makeover
If your idea of vigorous exercise involves wrestling with your partner for the TV remote, there's no time like the present to start being more physically active. Not only will you strengthen your heart and lungs -- two organs that get a considerable workout during pregnancy -- you'll also be better psychologically equipped to weather the emotional highs and lows of pregnancy.

And if you're carrying around a few extra pounds, this is the perfect time to deal with that problem, too, and reduce your risks of experiencing certain types of fertility problems and pregnancy complications. (Studies have shown that women who are significantly over- or underweight face an increased risk of infertility, and overweight women face an increased risk of requiring a cesarean delivery or experiencing other pregnancy-related complications). Of course, crash dieting is a definite no-no. That can send your body into starvation mode, which will hamper -- not help -- your chances of conceiving anytime soon.

7. Nutrient check
Your baby needs a whole cocktail of nutrients in order to grow and develop -- nutrients that you may have a hard time serving up if you end up battling morning sickness during your first trimester. That's why it's important to try to "stockpile" as many as these nutrients as possible prior to pregnancy.

At the top of your nutrient wish list should be folic acid -- a "miracle nutrient" that has been shown to dramatically reduce the incidence of such neural tube defects as anencephaly and spina bifida if taken in the months leading up to and during the first trimester of pregnancy. How much folic acid you need will depend on your individual and family health history: if you've previously given birth to a baby with a neural tube defect or if you have epilepsy, anemia, insulin-dependent diabetes, or certain other health conditions, your healthcare provider may recommend that you consume a higher than average amount.

8. Kick any remaining bad habits
You don't have to be a saint to be a candidate for motherhood, but it doesn't hurt to have a few saintly habits.

Since no safe level of alcohol consumption has been established for pregnancy, most doctors suggest that you abstain entirely rather than flirting with the possibility of giving birth to a baby with serious developmental and behavioural problems, and other anomalies. Ditto for street drugs: they're just plain bad news for babies and mothers-to-be.

And as for smoking: well it shouldn't be news to you that smoking's a no-no, too. Not only has smoking been linked to premature birth and low-birthweight babies: it can also increase your newborn baby's susceptibility to SIDS and other health problems.

9. Slam the medicine cabinet shut
Don't pop any medication in your mouth -- prescription or over-the-counter -- without checking with your doctor to ensure that it's safe to use once you start trying to conceive. (He may want to fiddle with your prescription meds a little -- perhaps changing you to a less harmful drug or taking you off medications altogether for the foreseeable future.)

Bear in mind that even "natural" herbal products can pose a significant risk to a developing baby, particularly since many of these products have not been tested on pregnant women.

10. Lose the birth control
The final step in your countdown to conception is to lose the birth control. If you've been using the birth control pill or some other form of hormonal birth control (e.g. implants or injections), you'll need to wait for at least one normal period before you start trying to conceive -- something that makes it easier for your caregiver to pinpoint your due date.

If the intra-uterine device (IUD) has been your birth control method of choice, you'll still need to put on the brakes momentarily: most doctors recommend that you wait for at least one normal period before you start trying to conceive.

While there are no guarantees in the reproductive world, it only makes sense to do what you can to tilt the roulette wheel in your favor. With any luck, you'll walk away with the ultimate prize: a healthy baby.

Daddies in waiting
Preconception planning isn't just a girl thing. It's also important for fathers-to-be. Here are some important health issues you and your partner should be thinking about if there's a baby in your future:

• Workplace exposure to lead, mercury, anesthetic gases, biological hazards, pesticides, herbicides, radiation or other health hazards on the job: These can affect a man's fertility and/or the health of his offspring.
• Medication use: Some medications are fertility impairing while others are linked to fetal abnormalities.The jury's still out on most herbal products.
• X-rays to the groin area: One US study indicated that such paternal X-ray in the year prior to conception can affect a baby's growth rate.
• Weight: The excess quantities of the female sex hormone estrogen that can be found in overweight men can interfere with communication between the testes and the pituitary gland, hampering a man's fertility.
• Groin injuries: Athletic injuries can temporarily or permanently hamper fertility and sexual function. What's more, some research links long-distance cycling with groin numbness and impotence.
• Avoid overheating the genitals: Wearing tight clothing, soaking in hot tubs and otherwise overheating the testicles can interfere with sperm production and leave a man less fertile.
• Skip the vices: Cigarettes, street drugs and excessive alcohol use have all been linked to reduced fertility and other negative health effects.

Ann Douglas is the author of The Mother of All Pregnancy Books, The Mother of All Baby Books, and numerous other books about pregnancy and parenting. You can contact Ann via her website at http://www.having-a-baby.com/

Smoking During Pregnancy Can Put Mothers And Babies At Risk

2008-03-23T01:56:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy : Smoking During Pregnancy Can Put Mothers And Babies At Risk
ScienceDaily (Feb. 23, 2008)

Pregnant women who suffer from the high risk condition pre-eclampsia — which leads to the death of hundreds of babies every year — are putting the lives of their unborn children at significantly increased risk if they continue to smoke during pregnancy.But experts at The University of Nottingham have also shown that if women give up smoking before or even during pregnancy they can significantly reduce these risks.

The study linking smoking and pre-eclampsia was carried out by the Genetics of Pre-Eclampsia Consortium (GOPEC) and was funded by the British Heart Foundation. The results have just been published in the journal Hypertension.

Fiona Broughton Pipkin, Professor of Perinatal Physiology at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the School of Human Development, said: “Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are the second most frequent cause of death in pregnancy in this country and cause an estimated 70,000 deaths worldwide among pregnant women each year. In 2005 742 babies died as a direct result of pregnancy hypertension in England and Wales. Ten times this number are delivered prematurely for the same reason. They risk short-term breathing problems, potential brain damage and long-term cardiovascular disease. The deaths are the tip of an iceberg for hospital admissions and worry for mothers, babies and families.”

Professor Broughton Pipkin led a multicentre cohort study of 1001 white Western European women with moderate to severe pre-eclampsia and their babies. It found that smokers in this group are even more likely to deliver prematurely (before 34 weeks), produce much lower birth weight babies, or have babies with adverse outcomes than women who don't smoke. Smokers were also five times more likely to develop eclampsia.

Of the 1001 women in the study:

*34.8 per cent who smoked delivered before 34 weeks — compared with 26.8 per cent of former smokers and 21.3 per cent of non-smokers.

*46.1 per cent who smoked had low birth weight babies — compared with 37.5 per cent of former smokers and 27.9 per cent or non-smokers
*65.6 per cent who smoked had babies who experienced adverse outcomes — compared with 60 per cent of former smokers and 50.4 per cent of non–smokers.

Ellen Mason, a cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said: "Research like this study from The University of Nottingham is vital to help us understand the full effects of lifestyle choices on our heart and circulatory health and that of our children. Smoking is clearly potentially very harmful to mother and baby, and we need to support women in quitting at every stage of pregnancy.”

Professor Broughton Pipkin said: “Although a recent article suggested that smoking in pregnancy is less damaging to the unborn baby than commonly supposed, GOPEC argues that smoking CAN make a bad situation worse for both mother and baby in pre-eclampsia. However, stopping smoking limits the damage.

“I feel very strongly that pregnant women should be encouraged as actively as possible to stop smoking, and this paper provides yet more reasons why.”

Smoking during pregnancy is recognised as a major public health problem. Around 30 per cent of pregnant women smoke and researchers say it can cause significant health problems in the unborn child. It accounts for around 4000 fetal deaths (including miscarriages) every year and it can lead to premature births, low birth weight, cot death and asthma. It is also associated with attention deficit and learning problems in childhood.

In a separate study researchers at the University are currently recruiting 1050 pregnant women for the most extensive trial of its kind to establish the effect of using nicotine patches during pregnancy. The £1.3m clinical trial — Smoking, Nicotine and Pregnancy (SNAP) trial — will investigate whether nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is safe, effective and cost-effective for mums-to-be who want to give up smoking. It will also study the effect on the behaviour and development of the child.

Adapted from materials provided by University of Nottingham

Leukemia Therapy During Pregnancy May Cause Infant Abnormalities, Study Suggests

2008-03-22T01:48:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy : Leukemia Therapy During Pregnancy May Cause Infant Abnormalities, Study Suggests

While doctors already face many challenges in treating patients with cancer, treating pregnant women with the disease, in particular, can be quite difficult as studies suggest that certain therapies can harm developing fetuses. According to the results of a study prepublished today online in Blood, the official journal of the American Society of Hematology, expectant women treated with imatinib, a commonly used therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), may be at moderate risk of developing fetal abnormalities.

Imatinib was introduced for the treatment of CML in 1998 and has become a primary therapy for most patients, turning the previously fatal disease into a mostly chronic condition in the last decade. The drug's label warns that women of child-bearing age should avoid pregnancy while taking the drug based on earlier studies that suggested it may penetrate the placenta and cause damage to developing cells.

The retrospective study reviewed records of 180 cases of CML treatment during pregnancy reported to Novartis, the Hammersmith Hospital in London, or The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to determine the real risks of imatinib therapy. Specific outcomes data were available for 125 of the cases, as 55 cases had incomplete pregnancy-related data.

Half of the pregnancies resulted in the birth of normal live infants (n=63). Thirty-five women underwent elective terminations, three following the identification of fetal abnormalities. At least 18 pregnancies resulted in miscarriage. The remainder of the births resulted in infants with congenital abnormalities (n=9, one still birth). In total, 12 pregnancies resulted in infants with fetal abnormalities (9.6 percent) and of those, there were eight live births, one still birth and three terminations (mentioned above). Some of the abnormalities in the infants were similar, including exomphalos (umbilical hernia), renal agenesis (undeveloped kidney), and hemivertebrae (underdeveloped spine). The stillborn child suffered from meningocoele (cerebral hernia).

The study showed that a significant proportion of pregnancies exposed to imatinib result in a normal outcome and a healthy infant. The miscarriage rate in the study was 14.4 percent, which is within the expected range for the general population. However, the fact that some of the abnormalities seen in the 12 infants were similar to results found in early animal studies with imatinib suggests the possibility of an imatinib-induced effect.

"Our study suggests that a concern about conceiving a child while taking imatinib is justified and that patients should be advised to avoid conception while on treatment," said Dr. Seonaid Pye, of the Department of Hematology, Imperial College of London and lead author of the study. "In those patients who do become pregnant, balancing the risk of the fetus from taking therapy to the risk of the mother from interrupting therapy will be an individual decision."

The majority of women in the study were being treated for CML at the time of conception; just four cases were exposed after the first trimester. The dose and the exact duration of imatinib therapy are unknown for most cases, with insufficient information to assess a dose-related relationship. There were no reports of maternal exposure to alcohol, drugs, or tobacco addiction during pregnancy, and none of the mothers had received other high-dose chemotherapy prior to their pregnancies.

"The risks and benefits to an expectant woman fighting cancer and her fetus are challenging and must be evaluated on an individual basis with careful counseling," said Dr. Pye. "Ultimately, the treatment of CML during pregnancy clearly remains a considerable clinical challenge."

Adapted from materials provided by American Society of Hematology 2008, March 7.

Depression and Pregnancy-What Is the Connection?

2008-03-20T23:50:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy : Depression and Pregnancy-What Is the Connection?

At one time, doctors believed that the hormones associated with pregnancy were a good protection against depression. In more recent years, however, there has been a growing body of evidence that depression during pregnancy is a serious problem, affecting 10-20% of all women - the same proportion that women as whole suffer without adding pregnancy into the equation. With figures like that and with the added concern that depression can factor into the health of the baby, it is important to know something about how depression and pregnancy are connected.

First, it's important to recognize what depression is and what the symptoms are.

Depression is a mood disorder that may have both biological and behavioral roots. Although healthy women frequently experience some of the following symptoms during a pregnancy, depression is usually diagnosed when the patient experiences three or more of the following symptoms in the space of two weeks:

* A sense that nothing feels enjoyable or fun anymore
* Feeling blue, sad, or "empty" for most of the day, every day
* Difficulty concentrating
* Extreme irritability, agitation, or excessive crying
* Trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time
* Extreme or never-ending fatigue
* A desire to eat all the time or not wanting to eat at all

If a woman experiences three or more of these, she may be suffering from clinical depression and should report the symptoms to her doctor.

Depression is a serious disorder, and is more than just having "the blues." Untreated depression can interfere with a woman's ability to care for her self during pregnancy, and can push a woman to neglect vital personal care, thus hurting her unborn child. In extreme cases, the condition can also put her at risk for suicide, and for abuse of substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Depression may also interfere with the ability to bond with the child, and can also increase the risk for having an episode of depression after delivery (postpartum depression). In addition, recent studies have shown the possibility of links between depression in the mother and such serious conditions as premature delivery, low birth weight, spontaneous miscarriage, and gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia.

Doctors feel that there are several major causes which can contribute to a depression during pregnancy. Having an existing history of clinical depression or PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, a severe type of premenstrual syndrome or PMS) is paramount among these, as a predisposition to the disorder can increase the chance that pregnancy and its attendant stresses will bring on an episode. Age at time of pregnancy is also a factor -- the younger the woman is, the higher the risk of depression.

There are also environmental factors to consider. If the woman is living alone, without the support of a partner, and has limited social support; if there are already multiple children in the family, or there is a history of marital conflict and ambivalence about the pregnancy, there is a greatly increased risk of a significant clinical depression.

If a pregnant woman believes that she is experiencing depression, she should seek medical advice immediately. This is not a condition that will simply go away; treatment to avoid the serious consequences listed above is vital.

Fortunately, there are many ways to treat depression during pregnancy. One of the most important is for the woman to take a step back and realize that she may not have to do everything she did before the pregnancy. If a social network and supportive partner are available, much of the self-imposed stress of trying to maintain a normal, pre-pregnancy routine can be alleviated by doing less while others take up the slack. If these resources are not available, psychotherapy is an effective way to help the patient get at root causes of feelings of helplessness and low self-worth, thus allowing her to cope better.

Self care is critical - developing good sleeping habits, regular diet and exercise routines and the like are also effective treatments. Medications are also available, but as with any drugs taken during pregnancy, there are risks that must be considered. Some antidepressants have been associated with serious side effects for the baby; any use of these drugs should be discussed carefully with a trained doctor so that risks are balanced against the benefits. Keeping in mind that depression is a serious illness; there are times when the benefits of treating a depressive episode with drugs outweigh the possible downside.

As with any medical condition that occurs during a pregnancy, depression requires a skilled diagnosis and treatment by a trusted specialist. Women who are at risk for depression or who are experiencing the symptoms owe it to themselves to address the problem as soon as possible.

About The Author
Craig Smith is a freelance writer who writes about mental health topics including http://www.carelink-svs.org/ .Community Support Services * Depression Anxiety Treatment

Are Maternity Clothes Necessary in Order to Look Good During Pregnancy?

2008-03-18T22:40:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy : Are Maternity Clothes Necessary in Order to Look Good During Pregnancy?

I remember my mother telling me about the times when she was pregnant. She was wearing nothing more than my father’s jeans and his working shirts throughout her pregnancy. No maternity clothes for her because she was too poor to buy them at that time. Remember, in her time, which was about 30 years back, maternity clothes used to cost a bomb.

And yet, if you walk along any shopping center these days, you’ll notice at least three or four maternity clothes fashion houses catering to the specifically ‘large’ needs of a pregnant mother. And since the web and the Internet is such a magnanimous thing these days, what about online maternity stores? I’d safely say there are just about half a million legitimate maternity stores right now flailing around the Internet wires for business.

And the amazing thing is that…YES, they make money! And why, I was wondering.

Because of one simple thing….even though my mother (like your mother) and my grandmother (and your grandmother) didn’t need maternity clothes when they were pregnant, the modern generation of pregnant women really, truly DO need maternity clothes. We’re living in an era that is completely different from their time and we cannot compare our pregnancy needs with their needs. The same rules no longer apply.

If you’re pregnant right now and am sitting around here wondering if you should get yourself a whole new wardrobe of maternity clothes, you’re in luck. I have some tips about buying maternity clothes for you.

Buy good-looking maternity clothes that can last at least 3 pregnancies

Like I said, maternity clothes are not cheap these days and maternity clothes are only wearable for the nine months that you’re pregnant and maybe another month or two after that. And when you get back in shape, you’re going to have to shelve those expensive maternity clothes or put the maternity clothes in sad boxes with the edges stuck together with cellophane tape.

So, buy only maternity clothes that are classy and of exceptional quality. You wear maternity clothes only when you plan to go out. For casual outings and at home, stick to your extra large clothes or perhaps, you can buy some large sweaters, t-shirts, overalls, or raglan to wear when you’re not required to look all-that-presentable. It works!

You won’t need CASUAL maternity clothes. In my books, that’s an oxymoron.

Maternity clothes that can double up as breastfeeding clothes later on would be good too

If you intend to breastfeed your baby after the whole pregnancy is over, you would have to think about buying MORE clothes…breastfeeding/nursing clothes. Now, as with maternity clothes, nursing clothes don’t come cheap either. And do we NEED nursing clothes as much as we need maternity clothes? Yes, sometimes we do. I have quite a few fashionable looking nursing clothes that I wear whenever I go out shopping or meeting up with friends. Other times, I wear my t-shirts with holes cut out for easy access to the breast! Yeah, it’s funny, but at home, who’s going to care?

And if you can get your hands on some good maternity clothes that can double up as nursing clothes later on, GO FOR IT! You will get your money’s worth that way.

Style of maternity clothes

Many maternity clothes designers are asleep when they’re designing maternity clothes – the selection is bad. Most of them are nothing but flower after flower, spiral after spiral, safety pins or perhaps some form of teddy bear or another. Forget about them! If you were to buy maternity clothes, invest one that makes you look good. If the maternity clothes are plain, that’s fine, it’s better than making you look like Bozo – most of them do, by the way.

The point is that you want to look CLASSY and DIGNIFIED even though you’re sort of….BIG. and wearing maternity clothes with large orange and yellow flower prints is NOT going to help you do that!

That’s just my opinion, of course, and you’re entitled to have your own opinion about maternity clothes that looks good.

Good luck!

About the Autohor : Marsha Maung is a freelance writer and designer. She designs apparel, household and premium items for http://www.allmomstuff.com/. Marsha Maung’s personal website is http://www.marshamaung.com/

Do You Have A Pregnancy Calender?

2008-03-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy : Do You Have A Pregnancy Calender?

Current info about pregnancy is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest pregnancy info available.

The more authentic information about pregnancy you know, the more likely people are to consider you a pregnancy expert. Read on for even more pregnancy facts that you can share.

Have you ever heard of a pregnancy calendar? A pregnancy calendar is simply a record of all the changes a woman and her baby will go through during the 40 weeks of pregnancy. Many expectant parents spend countless hours going over the pregnancy calendar so they can monitor what is going on inside the mother's body at any given moment. While the changes the mother is going through are very evident by the changes in her body outwardly, the changes the baby is going inside the mother's womb are not evident. That is why having a pregnancy calendar is so useful. Expectant parents can look at a pregnancy calendar to know what stage of development their unborn baby is in at any given week. Here is a general rundown on what you find on a pregnancy calendar.

Week 1-4: Conception occurs and the egg is fertilized.

Week 5-8: Your baby's heart has begun to beat by the 6th week. You baby has arms and legs have started to develop by week 8.

Week 9-12: By the 10th week your baby will be moving around inside of your womb. You probably do not feel it, but he or she is moving.

Week 13-16: During the 13-14th week a doctor may be able to determine the sex of your baby through an ultrasound. Your baby's heartbeat can also be heard during this time. Your baby's bones begin to harden during this time and you may begin to notice it when he or she moves around in your womb. Babies at this age can suck his or her thumb.

Week 17-20: Your baby's organs are developing and the sex of your baby can positively be identified. Your baby's body starts to be covered with fine hair.

Week 21-24: Your baby will start to deposit fat on his or her body so that he or she can deal with changes in temperature during and after birth.

Week 24-28: Your baby is able to hear sounds and can sense darkness and lightness. This is the time when the baby's movements start to lesson because the uterus is becoming crowded.

Week 29-32: Your baby's eyes begin to move. The size of your baby's head is starting to catch up with the size of his or her body. Your baby's brain is growing very fast. All major organs are developed by the 32nd week, except the lungs.

Week 33-36: Your baby starts to open and close his or her eyes during this stage. Your baby's fingernails start to grow long.

Week 37-40: Your baby's lungs start to get ready for birth. You can go into labor at anytime during this stage.

These are just the highlights of what you would see on a pregnancy calendar. If you are pregnant, you are encouraged to get a pregnancy calendar of your own to chart your baby's development. These calendars can be as simple or as detailed as you would like them to be. You can even locate pregnancy calendars that have room for you to write important details down for each week. This is a great way for you to monitor yourself and your baby. Pregnancy calendars are a great thing to have for a keepsake that you can give to your child when he or she is grown along with their baby book.

Those who only know one or two facts about pregnancy can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.

Successful Weight Loss After Pregnancy

2008-03-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy : Successful Weight Loss After Pregnancy

When most people think of Pregnancy , what comes to mind is usually basic information that's not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there's a lot more to Pregnancy & Parenting than just the basics.

Most of this information comes straight from the Pregnancy pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you'll know what they know.

How fast you lose weight will depend on a number of factors, including the amount of weight you gained during your pregnancy.

Most women will lose anywhere from 10-14 pounds within the first 2 weeks of delivery. This weight may be attributed primarily to the loss of excess fluid in the body, the baby's weight, the placenta and amniotic fluid. Some women might lose a little bit less, and others might lose a little bit more.

As the uterus shrinks back down to its normal size and your hormone levels continue to fall, you will lose weight. Most women gain at least 7 pounds of fat during pregnancy. This fat is meant to help women store energy while breastfeeding. How fast this weight comes off will depend on a number of factors including: genetics, your overall health, diet and exercise.

You should expect that it will take a little bit of time to lose the weight you gained during pregnancy. It did after all take you nine months to put that weight on! Many women have successfully lost weight however, in just a few short months after a delivery.

Some women will hang on to the last few pounds they have to lose until they stop breastfeeding. Your body may want to cling to a few extra pounds to ensure you have enough energy to provide adequate milk for the baby. Every woman's experience is unique with respect to this.

The good news is that with a solid nutritional program and with moderate exercise, you can expect to lose the weight you gained during pregnancy within a reasonable time frame.

Most women will be back to their pre pregnancy weight within nine months of delivering IF they follow a regular exercise program and eat healthily after delivery. That said some women will lose their pregnancy weight in as little as six to twelve weeks!

That's the latest from the Pregnancy & Parenting authorities. Once you're familiar with these ideas, you'll be ready to move to the next level.

Article by Beverley Brooke, author of "Ensure a healthy safe pregnancy for you and your baby", visit http://www.pregnancy-weight-loss.com for more on weight loss after pregnancy

6 Reasons To Exercise During Pregnancy

2008-03-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy : 6 Reasons To Exercise During Pregnancy

Have you ever wondered if what you know about Pregnancy is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on Pregnancy.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Pregnancy experts is time. If you'll invest a little more time in reading, you'll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Pregnancy.

Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising during pregnancy can have additional benefits. Generally, exercise should be light, especially during the first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes. Heavy exercise can divert blood flow from crucial areas and most women that exercise regularly should tone down their workouts during pregnancy.

Walking, swimming, and yoga are two popular exercise activities suitable for pregnant women. Other forms of exercise like weight lifting are okay too as long as it is not too strenuous. Most experts recommend exercising 3-4 times a week, unless a medical condition prevents it. If in doubt, always consult a physician first. Listed below are some of the top reasons for exercising during pregnancy.

1. Exercise can reduce the length of labor and reduce recovery times. The right exercise routines will increase stamina needed for delivery.

2. Improve emotional health - exercise lowers stress and improves emotional health and can make it easier for the new mother to get through the experience of pregnancy.

3. Exercise can help with weight management after the child is born. A common concern with most mothers is losing weight after pregnancy. Exercising during pregnancy can make postpartum weight loss easier.

4. Exercise is good for your unborn baby. By keeping your body healthy, you are also helping out your baby.

5. Reduced pregnancy side effects - Symptoms like headaches, fatigue, swelling, and constipation are common in pregnant women. Exercising has been shown to reduce the occurence of these symptoms.

6. Decrease risk of premature birth - exercise has been shown in studies to decrease the risk of premature birth by about 50%.

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids before exercising, have a nutritious diet, and avoid over exertion. Also, listen to your body - if you start feeling sick or nauseous, then you should stop and rest.

Knowing enough about Pregnancy to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you've just learned about Pregnancy, you should have nothing to worry about.

About the Author : Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For more articles by this author, visit My Baby Shower Favors (http://www.mybaby.showerfavors.com) and Babies and Showers (http://www.babiesandshowers.com)

Dealing With Common Pregnancy Complaints

2008-03-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy : Dealing With Common Pregnancy Complaints

This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding pregnancy. A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about pregnancy.

It's really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of pregnancy. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.

Pregnancy is not without its side effects. During pregnancy your body will undergo many hormonal changes. These hormone fluctuations can result in a variety of unpleasant symptoms including: nausea, fatigue, bloating and fluid retention and mood swings.

What’s a pregnant woman to do? Believe it or not, there are many changes you can make to your diet that will help minimize many of the common pregnancy complaints you are having.

Nausea/Morning Sickness – This is one of the more common complaints pregnant women have, particularly during their first trimester. Many women find that sipping on some

fizzy soda water with fresh squeezed lemon often helps reduce nausea. Ginger tea is also another well known remedy for nausea and morning sickness. If you are still not feeling better, an extra 10 to 25 milligrams of vitamin B6 is often just enough to help ease nausea. You can take a supplement or try foods rich in B6 such as lean meats, fish and avocados.

Edema – Most women swell a little during pregnancy. The best thing you can do to ease swelling is drink more water. You may think you are already drinking too much, but in all reality you probably aren’t. Some women find that wearing compression hosiery can also help reduce fluid retention. Some women also find that a little extra calcium/magnesium can help combat fluid retention and bloating.

Fatigue – Exercise is often the best way to get rid of pregnancy induced fatigue. Even if you think you are too tired to work out, you’ll find you feel much better after exercising. Eating six small meals per day will also help energize you. Be sure you also consume foods rich in iron to prevent anemia, a common cause of fatigue in pregnant women.

Mood Swings – Mood changes are almost inevitable during pregnancy due to rampant hormonal fluctuations. Be sure you get plenty of rest to help combat fatigue that can contribute to mood swings. You might also consider supplementing with essential fatty acids, which may be beneficial for reducing anxiety and depression.

Don’t forget above all else that most of the symptoms of pregnancy are just temporary, and before you know it you will be back to your jubilant, pre pregnancy self!

Those who only know one or two facts about pregnancy can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.

Article by Beverley Brooke, author of "Ensure a healthy safe pregnancy for you and your baby", visit http://www.pregnancy-weight-loss.comfor/

Vacation Is One Way To Run Away From Stress During Pregnancy

2008-03-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy : Vacation Is One Way To Run Away From Stress During Pregnancy

by : Sara Jameson

When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.

Think about what you've read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about Pregnancy? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

What should you do to have a happy pregnancy? Many things you could do, but what most pregnant women rarely do is having a vacation. Get a life and try to relax a little bit. Or take an extended weekend just to refresh and recharge your batteries.

Downtime is very important, and in a world where nearly all of us are tied to cell phones and lap tops, even away from the office, it is good to get away from it all from time to time. Having time to walk along the beach or play golf or even to stay inside and read a great book without interruptions can help us recharge our batteries.

When the baby comes, your number one job is to be Mom. So, you will not have much time for yourself, at least not in the beginning when the baby depends on you for everything. Capitalize on those spare moments of highly valued free time now.

When you are refreshed, you are more effective and productive anyway. You will also be easier to get along with, and it will be easier for you to deal with others (even the difficult ones!).

You are not a slacker for needing time off. Enjoy spending time with your spouse, too, in these nine months, since the second the baby arrives, it will become the number one priority for both of you. Even so, do not let your relationship with your spouse become a low priority. Otherwise, you may look up five or ten years from now and realize you no longer know the man who fathered your baby.

Keep romance alive. Go on regular, standing dates, even it they are on Tuesday nights. Leave the baby with a sitter and enjoy some adult time away from Blue’s Clues and Dora the Explorer. It is important to realize that as much as you are a mother, you are also a wife. And you need to build a life for yourself so that when baby grows up, you still have meaningful things and people around you.

Now you can understand why there's a growing interest in Pregnancy. When people start looking for more information about Pregnancy, you'll be in a position to meet their needs.

Smoking During Pregnancy

2008-03-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy : Smoking During Pregnancy

by : Beverley Brooke

The following article presents the very latest information on pregnancy. If you have a particular interest in pregnancy, then this informative article is required reading.

See how much you can learn about pregnancy when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don't miss out on the rest of this great information.

If you have been drinking up until the point when you become pregnant or smoking it is also vital that you stop doing so immediately. Many women worry that they consumed a few alcoholic drinks prior to learning they were pregnant. If you are concerned you should talk with your healthcare provider. Chances are that everything will be just fine as long as you stop immediately. At this time there are no recommended safe limits of alcohol to consume during pregnancy, thus it is best that you avoid alcohol all together.

Smoking is equally as harmful for a mother during pregnancy. Smoking can also affect your unborn fetus, potentially contributing to birth defects or respiratory problems later in life. Did you know that when you smoke your baby is receiving less oxygen than they normally would? This can cause your baby to grow less rapidly than they might normally, and may also contribute to preterm labor, which can be potentially life threatening for your infant.

If you are a smoker when you find out you are pregnant, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider immediately about your condition. Your healthcare provider can work with you to develop a plan for quitting that is manageable and something you can learn to live with during your pregnancy. There are also numerous support groups available for mothers who are trying to quit during and even after pregnancy. Remember that the sooner you quit smoking, the sooner you start providing your unborn child with the best possible outcome for a healthy and safe delivery and later life.

That's how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.

Getting Pregnant

2008-03-09T05:31:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy : Getting Pregnant

by : Heather Barnard

When you think about pregnancy, what do you think of first? Which aspects of pregnancy are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? You be the judge.

Now that we've covered those aspects of pregnancy, let's turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

As the weeks turn into months you may begin to realize the cold truth that getting pregnant isn't as easy as you had imagined. If it's your first time you may even have spent most of your life trying to 'avoid' getting pregnant and even fearing it.. well now the time has come you may be starting to realise that it isn't as straight forward as you thought. There are several factors which may be impeding your getting pregnant.

Why is it so difficult?

Well, logistically, the timing is very important. A healthy woman ovulates only once every cycle normally releasing an egg which needs to be fertilised within a period of 6 to 12 hours in order to become pregnant. This is the main factor which stops the majority of healthy couples from becoming pregnant.

The male sperm can survive inside the woman for between 2 and 3 days and the ideal situation for fertilisation is to have the sperm recently deposited inside the woman and waiting for the egg to appear - most fertilisation actually takes place at the mouth of the fallopian tubes.

The quality of the male sperm can vary greatly. Heat around the testicles, the wearing of tight underwear and excessive ejaculation are all factors which can greatly decrease the amount of active fertile sperm reducing the possibility of fertilisation.

So if a couple had intercourse twice a day every day for the whole month it would not necessarily be as effective as to have intercourse only once at the right time... just hours before ovulation occurs.

An effective method used by many couples (which will be addressed in a future article) is the charting method or BBT (Basal Body Temperature) method. This basically involves charting the daily vaginal temperature. Just at the point of ovulation there is a significant rise in temperature. This, combined with other symptoms such as density of vaginal mucus and possible abdominal sensations will show the when ovulation is occurring. After a few months of using this highly accurate method, the couple can predict with high certainty exactly when ovulation will occur and can have intercourse just hours before this is due to occur to ensure fertilisation.

Major health matters that impede fertilization include smoking and drinking in both the woman and the man. Un-healthy eating.. the woman should make sure that she has a good supply of vitamin B12 (found in meat, fish, eggs and milk) also the taking of folic acid can greatly help matters. Drug taking (including some prescription drugs) is also very harmful for the conception process (and for the unborn baby if continued into pregnancy). The smoking of cannabis / marijuana reduces the amount of active sperm produced by the man by well over 50% and the effects of this last for over 6 months.

All these points show how difficult it can be to get pregnant and you might begin to see that the creation of another human life really is a miracle when you see how improbable the chances of fertilisation really are.

Is there really any information about pregnancy that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another

10 Risk Factors that Every Pregnant Woman Should be Aware of

2008-03-08T04:26:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy : 10 Risk Factors that Every Pregnant Woman Should be Aware of

by : Criss White

Many factors affect the development of a fetus into a healthy child, some which are beyond your control and others that are within your control. Here are ten of the most common pregnancy risk factors that can be controlled or influenced:

1. Smoking - Smoking is not only bad for you, but bad for your baby as well. Smoking during pregnancy reduces the amount of oxygen that the baby receives and increases the risk of miscarriage, bleeding, and morning sickness. Chemicals inhaled while smoking may lead to other health problems with the baby. Reduced birth weight, premature birth, increased risk of SIDS, and stillbirth are other possible consequences. Pregnant women should also avoid second hand smoke.

2. Alcohol - Drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, including symptoms like low birth weight, medical problems, and behavior abnormalities. As soon as you know you are pregnant, stop drinking. For more detailed information on problems that can be caused by alcohol.

3. Caffeine - There are many conflicting studies about caffeine and pregnancy and some believe that caffeine is not as harmful as it was once thought to be. Nevertheless, the FDA warns against caffeine consumption during pregnancy and suggests quitting or reducing consumption at the very least. Caffeine has been shown to affect fetal heart rates and awake time (fetuses grow when sleeping). Decaffeinated coffee can also be harmful since producers often add additional chemicals to remove the caffeine. Caffeine can also increase risk of stretch marks. Suddenly quitting coffee intake can cause headaches; so most experts recommend gradually reducing the amount consumed.

4. Drugs and Herbal Remedies - Always be careful about drugs or herbal remedies that are not prescribed by a doctor. These substances may affect the development of your unborn child.

5. Nutrition - Good nutrition is crucial to a developing child, particularly getting enough folic acid. Lack of folic acid can cause birth defects. At least 400-1000 micrograms of this B vitamin is suggested (about ten times more if you've already had a child with neural tube birth defects) starting one month before pregnant and throughout the entire pregnancy. Leafy vegetables, orange juice, and beans are some natural sources of folic acid. Many stores sell vitamins with folic acid.

6. Exercise - Moderate exercise is helpful as it improves the mother's mental state and can increase oxygen flow to the fetus. However, over-exertion can be dangerous. Most experts recommend reducing your exercise intensity during pregnancy. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are popular for pregnant women.

7. Prenatal Care - Regular doctor visits are important to your baby's development. The body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Some side effects may be completely normal, whereas other may not. Regular monitoring by a professional will help ensure that your baby will be born healthy.

8. Multiple sex partners - Multiple sex partners can increase risk of STD's, which in turn may lead to birth and pregnancy complications, like low birth weight or premature birth.

9. Exposure to chemicals - During pregnancy, reduce exposure to unnatural chemicals, particularly pesticides in food. Many people now eat organic produce, which is grown without chemicals. The simplest precaution to take before consuming vegetables or fruits is to wash them thoroughly. Also, removing the outer surface of vegetables can be helpful since most pesticides will rest on the outside of the vegetable or fruit.

10. Other factors - Many other factors can affect fetal development, including heart disease, the mother's age (before 15 years and after 35 years is riskier), asthma, excessive stress or depression, diseases, and bleeding. Consult your physician if you are affected by any of these conditions.

Dietary Precautions During Pregnancy

2008-03-06T19:07:00.000-08:00

by : Beverley Brooke

When you are pregnant, you should be sure to wash all raw vegetables prior to consumption. Raw vegetables have the potential to carry toxoplasmosis, which is a parasite that is typically carried in the feces of cats. It can sometimes get into the soil and contaminate fruits or vegetables.

Many women are interested in trying natural alternatives to medications during pregnancy. Some turn to herbal remedies. It is important that you consult with your healthcare provider during pregnancy to ensure that an herb is safe before you take it. Some herbs can be harmful to you or your unborn fetus, and result in premature labor, miscarriage or even birth defects. Some of the more commonly known herbs to avoid during pregnancy include:

- Goldenseal
- Mugwort
- Penny Royal
- Aloe Vera
- Black Cohosh
- Blue Cohosh
- Buchers Broom
- False Unicorn
- Feverfew
- Juniper
- Lady’s Mantle
- Wormwood

Most of these herbs are known for their ability to stimulate the uterus, which might lead to premature contractions or miscarriage. That said, midwives have used some herbs in the last trimester to help restart a stalled labor or initiate an overdue labor. It is essential that you not try to use any of these herbs however without first consulting a qualified healthcare provider. The consequences could be devastating.

Pregnancy Exercise And Diet Tips - Sensible Advice For Expectant Mothers

2008-03-05T06:10:00.000-08:00

by : Tina Titas

Mothers-to-be have many questions about pregnancy nutrition and exercise. The tips and advice below will help you get started on a healthy pregnancy.

A diet containing the essential nutrients and vitamins are vital to the development of both mother and child. Vitamins are imperative to the health of a developing baby and the well being of the mother. Choosing foods that are rich in vitamins and other nutrients are a critical part of a healthy pregnancy nutrition plan and supplemental vitamins are necessary as well.

Follow a well-planned pregnancy diet to help avoid complications such as morning sickness, fatigue, anemia, and constipation. Your healthy diet must continue after pregnancy if you plan to breastfeed your baby.

Pregnancy food recommendations

* Your pregnancy diet should include plenty of complex and unrefined carbohydrates as they contain important B vitamins, trace minerals, and fiber that are essential to a fit, healthy pregnancy.

* Appropriate quantities of yellow and green leafy vegetables are vital for the growth of the baby and the health of the mother.

* Dairy products contain calcium that will assist in the developing baby's teeth and bones. If your diet is lacking calcium your body will draw calcium from your bones to meet it's increased need.

* Avoid excessive amounts of fat must be avoided during pregnancy, as it will only serve to add excess pounds, which will be hard to lose after the birth of your baby.

* Vitamin C in generous amounts is crucial to a healthy pregnancy, bone growth, and various metabolic processes. Including berries, citrus fruits, raw broccoli and cabbage can help provide you with the Vitamin C that you need.

Ideally, your pregnancy diet should include 3-4 servings of protein and meat, 2-4 servings of fruit, 6-11 servings of grains, 4-6 servings of dairy products, and 6-8 glasses of water, milk, and juice. A pregnant mother must follow a healthy diet that will benefit the developing baby but that will also maintain her general health as well.

Exercise recommendations during pregnancy

Exercise during pregnancy will promote strength, muscle tone, and endurance. Regular activity during your pregnancy will help alleviate swelling, fatigue, and backache. If you expect to remain fit during your pregnancy you will need to work your heart and major muscle groups. The type of exercise you do during your pregnancy will depend on your fitness level prior to pregnancy. Walking, pregnancy yoga videos, and swimming are excellent pregnancy exercises combined with stretching and other low-impact activities.

Exercises that involve a risk of falling or injury should be avoided such as bicycling, racket sports, horseback riding, and skiing. You will need to alter your exercise routine from trimester to trimester to accommodate your growing body. Avoiding over-exertion is necessary to avoid complications such as faintness, dizziness, vaginal bleeding, and premature contractions. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercising to reduce the risk of dehydration, which can raise your body temperature and cause harm to yourself and/or your baby.

A regular exercise program is beneficial to both mother and child, but check with your health care provider to make sure you have no conditions or risks that will prevent you from participating in a regular exercise routine or could cause potential harm to yourself or your child.

Pregnancy Massage Therapy

2008-03-04T05:42:00.000-08:00

by : Caroline Colby

The modern mum-to-be is a stressed out individual, having to cater to increasing pressures of a fast paced society and work place. Yet at the same time, she knows that her wellness is crucial especially during her pregnancy if she wants a smooth delivery process and the birth of a healthy happy baby.

This increased awareness has led to the search for alternative approaches in addition to traditional health services. Pregnancy massage therapy is one such alternative approach. It has much therapeutic value as it enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves blood circulation and relieves mental and physical fatigue.

Pregnancy Massage can be prenatal, postnatal or during the labour process, although many refer pregnancy massage to just prenatal and post-natal massage to mean massage that takes place a few days after delivery.

In a prenatal massage, the massage is focused on reducing pregnancy discomforts and aims to enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and foetus. A relaxed mother also helps in the development of a brainy and healthy foetus. Also, the massage helps to strengthen and prepares the muscles that are useful for a natural delivery process.

Many women fear a long delivery process. Yet, many desire one that is as natural as possible and without the use of epidural or any other drugs. During labour, massage techniques exist to help shorten the delivery process while easing pain and anxiety.

Post-natal massage focuses on toning the new mother’s body, reduce fluid retention and and helps the body be brought back to balance and shape. It also helps to rejuvenate and re-energize the new mother and thus enhance her ability to bond with her baby.

The pregnant female should always first consult her doctors if she is suitable for massage or for any other alternative therapies that they wish to try. Her overall objective is to achieve a good mental state and physical health and to have a wonderful birthing experience.

Five Powerful Tips To Ease Morning Sickness In Pregnancy

2008-03-03T04:13:00.000-08:00

by : Rebecca Smith

Some pregnant women suffer not only morning sickness, it's often more morning, noon, and night sickness. They feel sick all the time, and want to crawl back into bed. Pregnant women will learn in this article five powerful tips that will ease morning sickness.

1. Control your blood sugar level
Allevate morning sickness pregnancy by keeping your blood sugar level stable. Obviously, sleeping is a major problem when you are trying to regulate your blood sugar. Try to eat without getting out of bed. Your partner will be happy to bring food to you every morning. Take only small bites. Try to eat a little bit, then wait to stand up. Give your body time to get the food into your system.

2. Watch out what you eat!
Morning sickness pregnancy is also triggered by certain foods. Avoid foods that will spike your blood sugar level. Foods such as processed sugars and white flour can cause morning sickness pregnancy. Whole grain foods and protein are a good alternative as they are less likely to cause nausea.

3. Be careful with drinking too much water
Although Doctors will tell you repeatedly to drink plenty of water, it can make morning sickness pregnancy worse. They are trying to ensure that dehydration doesn’t become a problem. Try some alternatives to water. Try drinking smoothies with a little plain yogurt with fruit mixed in. Mix the water with a little lime or lemon. You can even try tea – cold or hot tea very watered down. Fruits such as melons can help with morning sickness pregnancy. Regardless of your preference, it is extremely important to stay hydrated. If water is exacerbating morning sickness pregnancy, you do need alternatives.

4. Smells can trigger morning sickness pregnancy
Another issue that can cause morning sickness pregnancy is odors. There are steps you can take to alleviate morning sickness pregnancy due to smells. One hint is to let your husband change diapers if you have other children. Cook odor-neutral foods – no garlic, onions, or oily fish. Stay away from people that have odor problems. They can make your morning sickness pregnancy worse.

5. Positive Thinking
You can ease morning sickness pregnancy by focusing on positive things. Remember, while your face is in the toilet, you are growing another person inside you. This is one of the most wonderful times in your life, and the morning sickness pregnancy will not last forever. In a few months, a beautiful baby will come out and your life will be more fulfilled than you could ever imagine. Read baby name books, look at pregnancy clothes, and try to get yourself excited that you are about to have one of life’s greatest little gifts.

Concerns About Sex During Pregnancy

2008-03-02T02:38:00.000-08:00

by : Susan Tanner

Sex is among the top most enjoyable activities practiced by couples. Why should this be any different during the nine months of pregnancy?

Many expecting parents have concerns about having sex during pregnancy. Anyone considering it will undoubtedly have many questions. Hopefully these answers can help to put you and your partner at ease.

Is it safe for the baby? In a normal, low-risk pregnancy, sex during pregnancy will not harm the baby. The fetus is protected by the amniotic sac (a thin-walled bag that holds the fetus and surrounding fluid) and by the strong muscles around the uterus. There is also a thick mucus plug that seals the cervix and helps guard against infection.

When is it not safe? It is unsafe in high-risk pregnancies. Some cases where you should not have sex during pregnancy are:

* If you have a history or threat of miscarriage
* If you have a history or signs indicating the risk of pre-term labor
* More than one fetus (twins, triplets, etc.)
* Unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping
* Placenta previa (a condition where the placenta is situated so low that it covers the cervix)
* Leakage of amniotic fluid
* ncompetent cervix (a condition in which the cervix is weakened and dilates prematurely raising the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery)

If any of these cases apply to you, or if you are at all unsure, consult your physician before engaging in sex during pregnancy.

Can the baby feel it? Some parents may have concerns about disturbing the unborn baby by having sex during pregnancy. Rest assured, the cervix is protected by a thick mucus plug; the penis will not come into contact with the fetus. The baby may thrash around a bit after orgasm, but this is simply because of the mother's pounding heart, and not because the baby is feeling discomfort or even knows what's happening.

Can sex during pregnancy or orgasm cause miscarriage or premature birth? It should not lead to miscarriage or premature birth in normal low-risk pregnancies. The contractions felt during orgasm are completely different from the contractions associated with labor. Some doctors recommend, though, that all mothers discontinue sex during the final weeks of pregnancy. There is a chemical in semen that is believed to stimulate contractions.

Is it normal for my desire for sex during pregnancy to fluctuate? It is perfectly normal for sex drive to increase and decrease during pregnancy. Symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, and the increased need to urinate can make sex during pregnancy bothersome, especially during the first trimester. Some of these symptoms subside during the second trimester, which may result in a heightened sex drive. Increased blood flow to the pelvic area can cause engorgement of the genitals and heighten sensation. This same engorgement, though, can leave some mothers with an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after sex. The amount of vaginal discharge or moistness may increase, which can either make sex during pregnancy more pleasurable, or cause irritation. In the case of a sudden change in the amount of discharge, or a foul or unusual odor, consult your physician.

Many couples find that intercourse is more fulfilling with the added freedom from worries about contraception and a unique new feeling of closeness.

Which positions are most favorable? You will discover that as the mother's belly swells, finding comfortable positions for sex during pregnancy will require more interesting maneuvers. Mom may find that lying on her back will become less and less comfortable as the pregnancy progresses, and the weight of the baby can restrict circulation.

* Lie sideways. Having the man on top will become more and more difficult as the baby grows.
* Use the edge of the bed. The mother can lay on her back with her feet and rear on the edge of the bed, and the man kneeling or standing in front.
* Lie side-by-side in the spoon position. This will allow for only shallow penetration. Deep thrust can become uncomfortable as the months pass.
* Have the woman on top. This allows her to control the depth of penetration and will put no added weight on her abdomen.

Oral sex during pregnancy can be an excellent alternative in situations where intercourse is not recommended. It is safe, as long as you are in a monogamous relationship, where both partners have been tested and are HIV-negative.

The most important thing is that you communicate with your partner. Experiment with different methods, enjoy yourselves and try to keep a sense of humor.

Sex during pregnancy can still be one of your favorite activities.

How To Eat A Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

2008-03-01T04:07:00.000-08:00

by : Beverley Brooke

Perhaps the number one complaint of women trying to watch their weight during pregnancy is that they are hungry all the time. True, pregnancy does result in an increased metabolic demand on the body, which can cause you to be hungry. Many women also experience a number of cravings during pregnancy, which can make healthy eating challenging.

The first thing to remember is that the idea that you should eat for two is wrong. You only need an additional 300 calories per day, and generally you don’t need these calories until you are well on your way to the second and third trimesters.

So what can you do to help manage your weight and stick to a healthy diet?

Remember that during pregnancy it is vital that you do not cut back on your caloric intake. This has the potential to rob your baby of essential nutrients that are necessary for his/her growth and development. Here are some tips to help you stick to a healthy diet throughout your pregnancy:

Avoid skipping meals. If you have a habit of skipping breakfast, you’ll find that you are not only more fatigued but ravenous during your pregnancy, which will result in overeating. Be sure that you eat each meal every day.

Try eating several mini meals throughout the ay. This will not only help you feel fuller longer, it will help minimize the nausea often experienced during the first trimester.

Satisfy your cravings with nutritious snacks. Have a variety of healthy things to snack on readily available so you avoid overindulging in foods that are too decadent. If you are craving something sweet, consider having some mini chocolates near by or opt for a cup of hot chocolate. Both are far better for you than an entire candy bar or piece of cake.

Exercise during your pregnancy. The act of exercising in and of itself will be plenty to motivate you to stick to a healthy diet. You’ll feel better about yourself and find that you have more energy throughout the day.

Avoid high calorie beverages. Soda pop (which isn’t good for you anyway, particularly during pregnancy), juices and other flavored drinks often contain a good 100-300 calories per serving. Stick to water or flavored water during your pregnancy.

Drink lots of water. You may think you are hungry when in fact you are actually thirsty at many points during your pregnancy. In fact, the brains hunger and thirst centers often get mixed up, so people often feel hungry when they are in fact dehydrated. The better hydrated you are, the les likely you are to overeat.

Exercise After Pregnancy

2008-02-29T13:36:00.000-08:00

by : Beverley Brooke

Generally most women can begin a formal exercise program within 6 weeks of giving birth, though this time frame might be slightly longer for some women, including those recovering from a C-section. Most women recovering from a C-section will be able to exercise after there incision has healed and their doctor has cleared them for exercise.

Just how soon you begin an exercise program will depend in part on how you feel. If you had an easy delivery with no tearing and few interventions and regularly exercised prior to birth, you may feel up to some light exercise within 2 weeks of giving birth.

If this is the case, your doctor will probably allow you to engage in some light activities, including walking. Strenuous activity should generally be avoided however until several weeks after birth.

For some women however, even light exercise in the weeks following delivery is not possible. If you had an episiotomy or tore severely while delivering for example, your body may not physically be ready for a formal exercise program for at least 4-6 weeks after birth (note… this is also how long most physicians recommend that women abstain from intercourse!).

How soon you begin exercising thus depends on your body and your unique situation. Be sure you consult with your physician before embarking on a new exercise program regardless of your activity level before and during pregnancy.

Let’s say that one more time because it is important… YOU MUST CONSULT WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOU WANT TO EMBARK ON AN EXERCISE PROGRAM. Your body goes through a lot of physical trauma when you deliver a baby. Starting an exercise program too soon will delay your recovery and could potentially injure your body permanently. It may also take you longer than six weeks to heal fully if you start exercising too soon.

Now, if you feel better and capable of working out before you hit the six week mark, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. Most will encourage light exercise including walking, and some may encourage other types of activity particularly if you were active before you got pregnant.

Each and every individual is unique and different, thus their ability to return to a regular exercise routine will vary after delivery. It is important that you listen to your body.

Exercise During Pregnancy

2008-02-28T05:30:00.000-08:00

by : Beverley Brooke

One of the best things you can do for yourself and your unborn child during pregnancy is exercise. There are numerous studies that show that women who exercise during pregnancy are more likely to have easy labor and deliveries and faster recoveries.

Before you start any exercise program during pregnancy it is essential that you consult with your healthcare provider. For some women it may be more dangerous than beneficial to exercise during pregnancy.

Once you get the go ahead from your doctor, you can embark on an exercise program that is suitable to your stage in pregnancy.

Here are just a few of the benefits associated with exercise during pregnancy:
- Exercise helps combat fatigue.
- Exercise helps minimize back pain because it helps strengthen back muscles.
- Exercise can help promote a smaller amount of fat gain during pregnancy.
- Exercise provides an exceptional form of stress relief.
- Women who exercising during pregnancy are less likely to experience difficult labors.
- Women who exercise during pregnancy are more likely to return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster and recover more quickly after delivery.

There are some forms of activity that are better than others during pregnancy. Certain exercises can help promote physical fitness and are less likely to result in injury. Among the best exercises for pregnant moms include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Stretching
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Dancing
- Stationary Cycling
- Low Impact Prenatal Aerobics

Common Pregnancy Problems

2008-02-27T05:36:00.000-08:00

by : Susan Tanner

All pregnant women will agree that the first few months of pregnancy are unpleasant, to say the least. You may experience morning sickness, swelling in the legs and ankles, abdominal pains and cramps, heartburn, constipation, fatigue, bladder problems, and a myriad of problems in between. The goal of this article is to help you deal with these issues and feel better.

Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is probably the most common of the pregnancy symptoms. Don't be fooled; morning sickness nausea will come at any time of the day, not just in the morning. To help prevent nausea in the morning, wake up slowly. Try eating some plain crackers or dry cereal before getting out of bed. Avoid warm places; heat can increase nauseas feelings. Keep fresh air flowing by opening windows, or turning on exhaust fans. Cooking things in the microwave will emit fewer odors than cooking in the oven or stovetop. Eat something salty before meals, avoid greasy or spicy foods, and try not to drink fluids with your meals. Spread your meals out throughout the day, into about 6 smaller meals. Try taking your prenatals later in the day, and ask your doctor about vitamin B6 and ginger supplements. Sipping on fizzy water with lemon in it, or non-caffeinated teas like peppermint and ginger can help calm nausea.

Abdominal Pain or Cramps
There are many changes going on in your body. A lot of stress is being put on your abdominal muscles, which can cause sharp pains and cramps. To relieve these pains, try using a warm heating pad. To prevent these pains, try strengthening your abdominal muscles. Talk to your doctor to find out which kinds of exercises are best for you.

Swelling
Throughout your pregnancy, you may experience some swelling. Wearing support hose can help to control your weight gain in your legs and ankles. Avoid standing for long periods of time. Wear well-fitting shoes, or buy inserts designed especially for pregnant women. Avoid diuretics, as these will lead to increased swelling. Stay off your feet as much as possible, and elevate your legs when sitting. Lying down is even better than sitting.

Constipation
To combat constipation, you should exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, and eat lots of fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables, and whole grain cereals and breads.

Fatigue
Fatigue can come from sleepless nights due to aches and pains or vivid dreams, or simply from too much stress. The most effective method for dealing with fatigue is to get plenty of rest. Take several naps during the day. Eat a well balanced diet, including about an extra 300 calories per day. Iron deficiency is a leading cause of fatigue, so be sure to get enough. Although it may seem counter-productive, fatigue can often be relieved by exercising. Exercise will be refreshing and will leave you feeling energized.

Heartburn
Many of the remedies associated with nausea will also help you deal with heartburn. In addition, chew fennel or papaya enzymes, and avoid wearing tight clothing.

Bladder Problems
Bladder problems can be among the most bothersome of pregnancy related issues. First and foremost, drink plenty of water. Avoid junk food, refined starches, coffee, sugar, tea, and foods high in acidic content. Avoid using soap on your genitals. Be sure to empty your bladder and wash with water after intercourse. Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. Try to include cabbage, leeks, and garlic in your diet, drink 3 glasses of cranberry juice every day, and take a vitamin C supplement.

Some women get more problems than others, but they generally get a little easier during the second trimester. In general, just make sure to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, get some exercise regularly, eat a well balanced diet, and try to keep an optimistic mindset.

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5 Heart Healthy Exercises You Can Do During Pregnancy

2008-02-26T05:05:00.000-08:00

by : Tia Rodriguez

Pregnancy is a time of celebration, love, and unwanted but necessary weight gain. However, being pregnant doesn’t mean that your health and figure has to suffer permanent damage. You can gain weight in a healthy fashion while doing some very easy and safe heart healthy pregnancy exercise routines.

One of the simplest and most effective pregnancy exercises you can do is walking. Not only is walking one of the best cardiovascular exercises, it is also one of the safest pregnancy exercises you can engage in. Walking is one of the few pregnancy exercises that you can do for the complete duration of your pregnancy.

Another extremely beneficial heart healthy pregnancy exercise is swimming. Countless doctors and pregnant women have attested to the wonderful benefits of swimming during pregnancy. A weekly pregnancy exercise routine of swimming gives both the arms and legs a great workout while promoting cardiovascular health. Because of the nature of being subdued in water, swimming will also remind expectant mothers what it felt like before the pounds were added on. This is definitely a welcome change every now and then.

The third pregnancy exercise routine you can start doing to keep your body healthy is enrolling in an aerobics class. Many fitness centers and community centers offer low impact aerobics classes for pregnant women. One of the nicer benefits of this pregnancy exercise is that it is done in the company of other pregnant women under the watchful eye of a professional aerobics instructor. This means you are going to get a safe workout catered to the special needs of pregnancy.

Weight training is also a very beneficial pregnancy routine to keep your body healthy. Although you must only use very light weights when engaging in this pregnancy exercise, weight training is an excellent way of toning your body and increasing muscular strength.

The last heart healthy pregnancy exercise you can do to stay fit is Pilates/yoga. Both of these body conditioning exercises promote stretching and flexibility within the muscles. Yoga is also a nice accompaniment to walking. By doing a combination of these pregnancy exercises, you can have a healthy balanced cardiovascular routine.

Being pregnant doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice exercise and health. By walking, swimming, doing aerobics, weight training, and engaging in a Pilates/yoga routine, you can have a healthy and fit pregnancy.

About the author : Tia Rodriguez is a health and wellness coordinator for an upscale sports management agency.

Alcohol & Pregnancy

2008-02-25T05:24:00.000-08:00

by : Beverley Brooke

If you have been drinking up until the point when you become pregnant or smoking it is also vital that you stop doing so immediately. Many women worry that they consumed a few alcoholic drinks prior to learning they were pregnant. If you are concerned you should talk with your healthcare provider. Chances are that everything will be just fine as long as you stop immediately. At this time there are no recommended safe limits of alcohol to consume during pregnancy, thus it is best that you avoid alcohol all together.
Smoking is equally as harmful for a mother during pregnancy. Smoking can also affect your unborn fetus, potentially contributing to birth defects or respiratory problems later in life. Did you know that when you smoke your baby is receiving less oxygen than they normally would? This can cause your baby to grow less rapidly than they might normally, and may also contribute to preterm labor, which can be potentially life threatening for your infant.
If you are a smoker when you find out you are pregnant, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider immediately about your condition. Your healthcare provider can work with you to develop a plan for quitting that is manageable and something you can learn to live with during your pregnancy. There are also numerous support groups available for mothers who are trying to quit during and even after pregnancy. Remember that the sooner you quit smoking, the sooner you start providing your unborn child with the best possible outcome for a healthy and safe delivery and later life.

7 Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

2008-02-24T01:35:00.000-08:00

by. Jane Thurnell - Read

It is always important to take whatever steps you can to be healthy, but while you are pregnant it is even more important: not only do you need to take good care of yourself, you are also profoundly affecting the life of another person – your baby. Here's 7 tips to help you along the way.

1.If you smoke, one of the most important things you can do is to stop smoking: babies born to mothers who smoke have a lower average birth weight, are more likely to be born prematurely, and are at greater risk of death from sudden infant death syndrome than babies of non-smokers. Sometimes mothers feel having a low birth weight baby could be an advantage as it will make the baby easy to deliver. This is not necessarily the case, as it may lead to an emergency delivery, which can result in all sorts of complications. Even if you are already pregnant, stopping smoking will benefit the baby for the rest of your pregnancy. It is not only the baby who benefits. You are likely to suffer from less morning sickness, experience fewer complications and have a more contented baby after the birth.

2. It is also important to pay attention to your diet. Many women feel they should ‘eat for two’, but research has shown that women only need an extra 200-300 calories a day while pregnant, and you may be eating those extra calories anyway. What is important is to ensure that you get the protein, vitamins and minerals necessary to build another human being. Those extra 200-300 calories should not be squandered on chocolate or crisps, but should be eaten as fruit, vegetables, etc. It is also important to increase your water intake, which will help avoid constipation.

3. It is generally a good idea to take a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement too. There are now ones specially formulated for pregnant women. Ideally these should be started before you become pregnant, so that you are in the best shape possible for the pregnancy, and then continued throughout your pregnancy. An adequate supply of vitamins and minerals is important right from conception. For example, a deficiency of one of the B vitamins, folic acid, in the first month of pregnancy may lead to the baby being born with a cleft lip, congenital heart disease or spina bifida. Omega-3 fatty acids (obtained by eating oily fish, flaxseed oil, walnuts, spinach and spirulina, or taken as a supplement) are important for the development of the baby’s eyes and brain. Omega-3 also reduces the risk of premature birth and post-natal depression.

4. Nobody knows how much alcohol it is safe to consume during pregnancy, so many health experts feel it is better to avoid alcohol entirely for the sake of the baby. This can seem hard on the pregnant woman when everyone else is drinking, but it is important to remember that alcohol is a poison for the growing baby, and no caring mother willingly gives her baby poison.

5. Pregnancy is not a time to sit still. Although adequate rest is vitally important, most experts believe that healthy pregnant women should be taking 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.

6. It is also important to minimise exposure to toxic chemicals while pregnant, so spending a lot of time painting the house and laying new carpets is not a good idea, especially in the early stages of pregnancy when the baby is particularly vulnerable.

7. Many women find pregnancy stressful, and this can be a particularly good time to turn to safe, non-invasive options such as Bach flower remedies, homeopathy, kinesiology and other therapies.
Making a new life is something miraculous. Doing the best you can for that new life starts long before you have the baby in your arms for the first time.

About the author : Jane Thurnell-Read is an author and researcher on health, allergies and stress. She has written two books for the general public: "Allergy A to Z" and "Health Kinesiology".

Why Do Teens Start to Smoke?

2008-02-23T03:36:00.000-08:00

From : Denise Witmer

Considering what a bad smelling and awful looking habit smoking is you have to wonder why teens would want to start. But they do. According to the World Health Organization "between 80,000 and 100,000 children worlwide start smoking everyday'. Here are some of the reasons why teens start smoking :

One or both parents smoke.
People they admire smoke.
Teens find acceptance by peers if they smoke too.
Mass media campaign for smoking works on teenagers and adults.
Teens feel invincible or that they can stop at anytime. So why not try it?
It helps the teen lose weight, reduce stress, etc
Smoking's biggest draw is that it is an adult activity that is forbidden.

About Teen Smooking

2008-02-22T06:32:00.000-08:00

Five Truths About Teen Smooking

From : Denise Witmer

Prevent Teen Smooking Series

Parents often feel powerless against the tough issues teens face because they cannot control their teen's choices. While it is true need to make their own choices, parents do have more influence than they think. Read through these five truths on teen smoking to become empowered about a tough choice your teen is facing everyday.

Truth 1 : Anyone's teen can start smoking. Every day in the United States, more than 3,000 young people become regular smoker's-that's more than one million new smokers a year. The pull to smoke is not just affecting someone else's kid. Your teen sees the glamorous advertising, has peers who smoke and is as vulnerable to becoming a smoker as much as anybody else's teen. And yes, teens who play sports and are considered 'good kids' smoke too.

Truth 2 : Nearly all first time smoking happens before high school graduation, according to the CDC. If your teen hasn't started smoking before he/she graduates, chances are he/she never will. That is good news. It means that you have the time to influence your teen and their choices.

Truth 3 : Actively working on your teen's self-esteem, self-confidence and resilience can prevent your teen from smoking. Often, teens cite 'being accepted' as a reason for starting to smoke, along with modeling someone they admire, to loose weight or to overcome stress. Help your teen develop friendships, shape a healthy body image and deal with stress without having to turn to tobacco use.

Truth 4 : Your teen needs to hear that smoking is bad for him/her from you. While your teen's friends may seem to be more important to your teen, you are his/her number one choice to learn about values. This is the time to make it count. Send a clear message to your teen that you consider smoking to be unhealthy. Be sure to do this facts and try not to use scare tactics that will only backfire.

Truth 5 : If your teen smokes, he/she can't quit just because you've ask. According to American Cancer Society 'the best school health classes won't have much effect on the students who already smoke, unless those teens are also offered professional help to quit'. Teens do not realize they are addicted until it is too late. Among adolescents aged 10-18, about three-fourths of daily cigarette smokers report that they continue to use tobacco it is really hard for them to quit. Your teen needs to team up with you and a doctor in order to kick this nasty habit. It is worth your time and money to help your teen get through this problem.

Pregnancy : month-by-month Guide

2008-02-12T07:40:00.001-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS, you're pregnant! Follow your pregnancy month by month by Little Company of Mary Hospital

ONE MONTH PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT ONE MONTH PREGNANT

Your body will begin to undergo an amazing series of changes over the next nine months. During the first month your pregnant, your period will cease, or you will experience light spotting as the embryo implants itself in your uterus. Morning sickness, which can happen any time throughout the day, can begin (usually between two to six weeks of gestation). Your breasts become slightly fuller and tender, and you urinate more frequently because your growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder. You may also experience fatigue.
Don’t be surprised if your emotions start to swing. You may feel joy or elation, or become weepy, fearful and irritable. These feelings are normal.

YOUR BABY AT ONE MONTH PREGNANT

For the first eight weeks your pregnant, your baby is an embryo, which resembles a tadpole. By the end of the first month, the embryo is about half-an-inch long and weighs less than one ounce. During the first month your pregnant, all major organs and systems begin to form. The neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, begins to form. The digestive system and the heart and circulatory systems also begin to form. Tiny limb buds appear, which will develop into arms and legs. The ears and eyes are also beginning to develop. By the end of the first month your pregnant, the heart begins to beat

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR ONE MONTH PREGNANT

Prenatal care involves a series of regular examinations and tests by your physician. In an uncomplicated pregnancy, most women will see their physician monthly, until the 32nd week of pregnancy. Then, you will be seen every two weeks. In the final month of pregnancy, you will be seen every week.
Your first prenatal visit will be the most thorough. A complete medical history is taken, including previous surgeries, as well as any current medications (prescription and over-the-counter). Other topics covered include maternal and paternal family medical history, personal gynecological and obstetrical history, a review of diet and lifestyle, and a complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam.
Routine blood tests will be ordered to identify your blood type, Rh factor, whether you’re deficient in iron, immune to German measles (rubella) or have a sexually transmitted disease such as syphilis or herpes. A urinalysis is performed to check for the presence of bacteria, protein and sugar.
Another important part of your first prenatal visit is to determine your estimated due date, which is determined by the date of your last period, your menstrual history and your vaginal examination. You will also receive education regarding important topics such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, and the avoidance of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.

THINGS TO DO AT ONE MONTH PREGNANT

During the first month your pregnant, it’s important to make your first doctor appointment. You should also make sure you start taking 0.4 milligrams or 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Folic acid has been shown to dramatically reduce the chances of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Now’s the time to also clarify your childbirth coverage with your health insurance company, to make sure you understand the restrictions and pre-authorization requirements.

TWO MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT TWO MONTHS PREGNANT

Your morning sickness continues into the second month your pregnant, and changes in your body’s hormones can cause light-headedness or dizziness. Remember, not all women pregnant will have these symptoms, which is normal as well. Breast soreness and tenderness continues and the nipple area darkens. Hormonal changes can also cause your face to break out. The total amount of blood in your body will increase.

YOUR BABY AT TWO MONTHS PREGNANT

It’s amazing how much is happening so quickly! The arms and legs are growing and fingers and toes have begun to develop. By the end of the second month, all major body systems continue to develop and function, including the circulatory, nervous, digestive and urinary systems. Ears, ankles and wrists are formed. Spontaneous movement begins, although the mother cannot feel it. The embryo has grown to around one-inch in length but still weighs less than an ounce. It also starts to look more like a person, and less like a tadpole.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR TWO MONTHS PREGNANT

After your initial prenatal visit, your subsequent visits will be shorter. Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus (fundal height) will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. A fetal ultrasound can be performed as early as the fifth week of pregnancy. Fetal ultrasound can be done to predict a woman’s due date and estimate the age of the fetus. If fetal ultrasound is done during the 7th to 14th week of pregnancy, the age of the fetus can usually be determined to within 5 days.

THINGS TO DO AT TWO MONTHS PREGNANT

You should make a list of questions to ask your doctor. Don’t be afraid to ask, no matter how trivial the question might seem. Although you are not yet showing, now is a good time to start browsing for maternity clothes. It’s also the time to start your pregnancy journal.

THREE MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT THREE MONTHS PREGNANT

Your morning sickness and fatigue will still be hanging around for the third month your pregnant. But the end is in sight! Most will only experience this for a few more weeks. Your clothes will start to feel snug as your waistline and breasts enlarge, especially if you’ve had a baby before. Weight gain varies from woman-to-woman during pregnancy. The average weight gain for the mother-to-be is between 25 to 35 pounds. You may have gained three to four pounds by now. The muscular contractions of the intestines, which help move food through the digestive tract, are slowed due to high levels of progesterone. This can cause heartburn, indigestion, constipation and gas. Frequent urination continues.

YOUR BABY AT THREE MONTHS PREGNANT

The baby, now considered a fetus after 8 weeks, and will have soft fingernails and toenails. The legs and arms are now fully formed. The kidneys develop and send urine into the bladder. Genitals have begun to develop, but not enough to determine the baby’s gender. The eyes are largely open by week 10, but the eyelids are beginning to fuse, and will stay that way until the 25th to 27th week. Teeth begin to form, as 20 buds appear in the mouth. Fetal movements increase. The baby will move if touched through the uterine wall, and can also spontaneously move. By the end of 12 weeks, the organs and body systems are fully formed, but will mature over the course of the pregnancy. The fetus now is 4 inches long and weighs a little over an ounce.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR THREE MONTHS PREGNANT

Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. During the 10th to 12th week, the baby’s heartbeat can be heard using a special instrument called a Doppler ultrasound. These fetal heart tones will be recorded at each office visit. If you have a family history of birth defect, or if you are over the age of 35, a chorionic villi sampling (CVS) can be performed between the 8th and 12th week of the pregnancy. This test detects genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. This test involves the sampling of chorionic cells obtained through a catheter placed either through the cervix or the abdominal wall.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT THREE MONTHS PREGNANT

Ask your doctor about forms of exercise, as it is good for both you and the baby. Walking is a good choice. Now is the time to start shopping for maternity clothes!

FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT

Welcome to the second trimester! You will find your nausea and fatigue have diminished. As a result, you’ll have more energy and your appetite will return. For some women, the second trimester is a wonderful time. The hormonal changes in your body are becoming more noticeable. An increase of estrogen may cause moles and freckles to grow darker. Dark blotches can appear on your cheeks, forehead and bridge of the nose, called chloasma, or “mask of pregnancy.” A dark brown line from the middle of your abdomen to your pubic bone may develop. This is known as the “linea nigera.” Your uterus, now the size of a grapefruit, is shifting upward. Your heart is increasing its output to supply the growing baby with oxygen. By this time, your belly will start to show. It’s time to put on those maternity clothes! You may also develop varicose veins or hemorrhoids. By the end of the fourth month your pregnant, you may even feel the baby start to move. This is more likely to happen if you have had a previous child. The sensation has been likened to a butterfly flutter in your abdomen. These first movements are called “quickening.”

YOUR BABY AT FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT

By this point, your baby moves and kicks. Its sucking and swallowing reflexes have developed and it can even suck its thumb! The baby now produces urine and is actually urinating into the amniotic fluid. The placenta is fully developed. Fingers and toes are well developed and finger prints and toe prints have formed. Soft downy hair is growing on the baby’s head. By the middle of this month, the external genitalia become distinct. All 20 teeth are formed and waiting. By the end of the 4th month your pregnant, the baby is approximately 6 inches long and 5 ounces in weight

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT

Office visits during the second trimester focus on tracing the growth of the fetus, determining a more precise due date and monitoring your own health. Doctor visits will probably be every 4 weeks. Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. Fetal heart monitoring will be performed. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. An amniocentesis may be ordered, if there is concern about a possible birth defect. The maternal blood screening for neural tube defects, often called the Alpha-Fetoprotein Test (AFP), may also be offered. This is most accurate during the 15th to 17th weeks of gestation. A fetal ultrasound may also be performed to evaluate fetal development.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT FOUR MONTHS PREGNANT

If you have felt the baby move, make note of the date and let your doctor know. Take your partner along with you for a check-up to hear the baby’s heartbeat. It’s a great way to share in the excitement of the pregnancy. Start sleeping on your left side, because circulation is best in this position. Lying on your stomach or back after the fourth or fifth month can put extra pressure on your uterus and decrease circulation to your baby.

FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT

You are showing more now, with obvious swelling in your lower abdomen. Mid-pregnancy aches and pains are starting—lower abdominal achiness caused by the stretching of ligaments as your abdomen enlarges, leg cramps, mild welling of the feet and ankles and backache. Heartburn, indigestion and constipation continue, as well as hemorrhoids. Your uterus, now about the size of a cantaloupe, can now be felt just below your navel. Speaking of navel, don’t be surprised if it pops out by the end of the month. Temporary red marks, caused by dilated blood vessels, may appear on your face shoulders and arms. Your breathing will become deeper and you may perspire more than usual because of a more active thyroid gland. By the end of the month, you will begin to feel fetal movement, if you haven’t already—from “quickening” to gentle nudges.

YOUR BABY AT FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT

Your baby can hear sounds by the end of this month—your voice and heart, as well as outside sounds. It will cover its ears with its hands if a loud sound is made near you. The skin is developing and transparent, appearing red because of the blood vessels below it. A creamy white protective coating, called vernix, begins to develop. Soft downy hair called “lanugo” begins to cover the body. Hair on the head, eyelashes and eyebrows are filling in. The rapid growth spurt is tapering off, but reflexes are developing. The baby can now stretch, yawn and make facial expressions. The baby is moving often, twisting, turning, wiggling, punching and kicking. The baby is now 8 to 12 inches long and weighs 1/2 to 1 pound.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT

Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. Fetal heart monitoring is performed. You will have a routine mid-pregnancy ultrasound, to assess the baby’s growth and development. If the baby is in the right position, its gender may be determined.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT YOUR FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT

Better start looking into childbirth classes, if you haven’t already done so. Now is also the time to start playing around with baby names. Look through your family history and read books. Remember to look at combinations for both boys and girls.

SIX MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT SIX MONTHS PREGNANT

You can feel the baby’s movement more strongly. Your uterus reaches just above your navel. You’ve probably gained between 10 and 14 pounds by now. Leg and foot cramps, backache, as well as mild swelling of the ankles and feet, persist. Vaginal secretions, (clear to yellowish in color) called “leukorrhea” increase. Heartburn, indigestion, constipation and hemorrhoids, dilated blood vessels in the rectal area caused by increased blood flow, continue. You may actually feel Braxton Hicks contraction. This is just the uterus preparing for birth.

YOUR BABY AT SIX MONTHS PREGNANT

By the end of the sixth month, the baby is almost fully formed and is depositing brown fat on its body to keep warm. Growth rate is slowing down, but organs and systems continue to mature. Buds for permanent teeth are beginning to form. Your baby can still move around in the amniotic fluid. Towards the end of this trimester the baby will begin to settle, usually in the head down position. The muscles gain strength and the eyelids and eyebrows are developed. Lanugo hair of the body sometimes gets darker. The baby is starting to produce white blood cells, which will help combat disease and infection. The baby is now 11 to 14 inches long and weighs 1 to 1 1/2 pounds.

WHAT TO ESPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR SIX MONTHS PREGNANT

Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. Fetal heart monitoring is performed. Glucose testing for detecting gestational diabetes is given between the 24th and 28th week. This test involves drinking a sugary beverage, after which your blood sugar level is measured.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT YOUR SIX MONTHS PREGNANT

Start making a list of things you’ll need for the baby’s arrival. Confirm your childbirth class enrollment.

SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT

You’re now putting on weight at the rate of about 1 pound a week. Fetal movements will be stronger and more frequent. Pressure on your rib cage can cause pain, as well as heartburn and indigestion. Backache, leg cramps, swelling of the ankles and feet, lower abdominal achiness, hemorrhoids, varicose veins and constipation continue. You may also feel Braxton Hicks contractions in preparation for delivery. You may experience shortness of breath, as the baby grows upward. By the end of the month, your uterus will extend well above your navel. As the uterus expands, you may see stretch marks. It’s getting more difficult to sleep. By the 27th week, you’re in the home stretch. It’s the third trimester!

YOUR BABY AT SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT

Baby’s skin is changing from transparent to opaque. Bones are becoming harder. Its hearing is fully developed. The lungs are still growing but not yet mature. The baby can now cry. By the end of the month, eyelashes are developing. If you are carrying a boy, his testes will probably begin descending. Brain waves show rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which means your baby is dreaming, and it has patterns of waking and sleeping. Babies born at the 28th week have a good chance for survival. The baby is now about 15 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds

WHAT TO ESPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT

Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. Fetal heart monitoring is performed. A hemoglobin screening, to check of evidence of anemia in the mother, is performed somewhere around the 26th to the 28th week of pregnancy.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT YOUR SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT

Fix the baby’s room or decide where the baby will sleep. Many parents spend the first few months with the baby in a cradle or bassinet next to their bed. This makes parents feel more secure and allows easy access for night feedings and changings. Others have a nursery and use a monitor to allow the baby to wake them up for nighttime feedings. The choice is yours, and neither is wrong. It’s time to start the childbirth classes

EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT

You may feel contractions more strongly this month and your breasts may leak colostrum, a yellowish fluid that precedes milk production. There may be an increase in constipation. Backaches may be more bothersome as the growing baby puts more stress on your body. Leg cramps, swelling of the ankles and feet, lower abdominal achiness, hemorrhoids and varicose veins continue. You may exhibit signs of clumsiness, since your center of gravity as changed. Your uterus now takes up a large part of your abdomen, and is now around 4 inches above your navel.

YOUR BABY AT EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT

Rapid brain growth continues. At this stage, the baby’s eyes are almost always blue and can distinguish bright sunlight and artificial light through the uterine wall. The baby can hear distinct sounds now, like familiar voices and music. It is practicing opening its eyes. By the end of the month, your baby’s movements will peak. The baby is too big to move around now, but can still kick strongly and roll around. The baby is now around 18 inches long and weighs about 5 pounds.

WHAT TO ESPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT

Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. Fetal heart monitoring is performed. By your 32nd week, you’ll probably visit the doctor every 2 weeks. A Group B streptococcus swab is usually performed between the 32nd and 36th week. This test involves a culture of the cervix to check for the presence of strept B infection. If the infection is present, the mother is treated with antibiotics. An ultrasound may be performed.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT YOUR EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT

Make sure you’ve collected all of the necessary baby items—clothes, car seat, furniture and other things you may need. Talk with your doctor about the delivery. You’ll learn the signs to predict labor and how far apart contractions should be before heading to the hospital.

NINE MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT NINE MONTHS PREGNANT

You’re getting closer! You will feel less kicking and more of a rolling or squirming feeling because there’s not much room for the baby to move around. You will have increased backache, constipation, heartburn and swelling of the ankles and feet. The hands and feet may also swell. Your pelvis has expanded and may ache. You may experience difficulty sleeping at night. As the baby drops, you will find your breathing is easier, but your urination will increase in frequency. You’ll feel even clumsier. Braxton Hicks contractions will be stronger, as your body gets ready. Your uterus has grown bigger and is probably up under your ribs, and is pushing everything else out of the way—between 6 1/2 to 8 inches above you navel! In preparation for birth, your cervix will dilate (open up) and thin out (efface). By the end of the 9th month, you’ll probably feel quite large and uncomfortable.

YOUR BABY AT NINE MONTHS PREGNANT

The baby’s arm and leg muscles are strong. Because the baby has much less room to move around, it curls up with knees bent, chin resting on chest, and arms and legs crossed. Toenails and fingernails have grown to the tips of the fingers. Most babies are head down by now, although 4% of all babies will be breech. At this point, the amniotic fluid is at its highest level in the pregnancy. Rapid brain growth increases the baby’s head size. Fat continues to accumulate, turning the baby’s skin color from red to pink. The baby responds as a newborn, opening its eyes while awake and closing them when sleeping. By the end of the month, the baby weights around 6 pounds and is close to 21 inches long.

WHAT TO ESPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR NINE MONTHS PREGNANT

After 36th week, you’ll be seeing the doctor weekly. Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. Fetal heart monitoring is performed. Late in the pregnancy, your doctor will check to see how far the baby’s head has dropped into your pelvis. Close to delivery, you will be checked to see whether your cervix has begun to stretch and open (cervical effacement and dilation). A fetal non-stress test may be performed to ensure the baby is still doing well.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT YOUR NINE MONTHS PREGNANT

Stock the freezer with foods that can easily be popped in the oven or microwave after the baby is home. Pack your bags for the hospital. Make sure you have completed the pre-admission forms for the hospital and that you have a pediatrician chosen for your newborn.

TEN MONTHS PREGNANT

YOUR BODY AT TEN MONTHS PREGNANT

The big day is just about here! For the last few weeks, your uterus may remain the same size and your weight gain should level off—around 25 to 35 pounds. You may not be getting bigger, but you feel more uncomfortable. Backache, constipation, heartburn and swelling of the ankles and feet may continue, as well as swelling of the hands and feet. You may find yourself having to urinate frequently since your uterus is pushing on your bladder. You may experience difficulty sleeping at night, as it’s hard to find a comfortable position. Vaginal discharge may be heavier now and will have more cervical mucous in it as your body prepares for labor. Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and can be very painful.

YOUR BABY AT TEN MONTHS PREGNANT

The baby is making final preparations for life outside the womb. Reflexes are coordinated so the baby can blink, close its eyes, turn its head, grasp firmly and respond to sound. By the 38th week, most of the baby’s lanugo (downy hair) and the vernix (whitish coating) are disappearing. The baby’s intestines are accumulating a lot of meconium (baby’s first bowel movement). The baby’s head will drop into the mother’s pelvis if he/she is head-down. At 38 to 40 weeks, the baby is full-term. By the end of the month, the baby weighs about 7-1/2 pounds and is over 21 inches long.

WHAT TO ESPECT AT THE DOCTORS FOR YOUR TEN MONTHS PREGNANT

You will be seeing the doctor weekly. Your weight and blood pressure will be recorded. Urine testing is also performed to check for the presence of sugar and protein. The height of the uterus and fetal growth will be measured to evaluate the overall growth of the baby. You can discuss any symptoms or discomforts you may be experiencing. Fetal heart monitoring is performed. Late in the pregnancy, your doctor will check to see how far the baby’s head has dropped into your pelvis. You will be checked to see whether your cervix has begun to stretch and open (cervical effacement and dilation). A fetal non-stress test may be performed to ensure the baby is still doing well.

THINGS TO DO NOW AT YOUR TEN MONTHS PREGNANT

Continue learning all you can about labor, birth, postpartum and newborns! If you are having a son, now’s the time make the decision regarding circumcision. Enjoy these last few moments as a couple or as a family. Make sure you have made arrangements for childcare for any older children, if they aren’t attending the birth.