pregnancy weeks 21

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 21

How Big is the Baby at 21 Weeks Pregnant?
By pregnancy week 21 your baby now weighs over 10 ounces and is a little larger than 7 inches long or about the length of a full banana by now! Your baby will continue to grow at a remarkable pace as you continue your pregnancy week by week.

Your Baby’s Growth and Development

By pregnancy 21 weeks your baby’s growth has now slowed somewhat though your baby is still growing and developing at a remarkable pace. At pregnancy week 21 your baby’s organs and central nervous system are still developing and maturing. Your baby’s skin continues to develop and mature as well.

Though not fully matured or developed, your baby’s digestive system is also working minimally at pregnancy 21 weeks. The intestines are slowly starting to contract and relax during pregnancy at 21 weeks, and your baby is able to swallow and absorb fluids through the amniotic fluid at 21 Weeks Pregnant.

Though it seems unusual that your baby may swallow amniotic fluid, this actually helps mature the digestive system.

At some point in your pregnancy, you might actually start noticing that your baby has started hiccupping. Believe it or not, hiccupping in utero is actually quite common, and typically not a sign that your baby is in distress. Fetal hiccups typically begin sometime during the second trimester. You may notice hiccups as a small, repetitive and rhythmic movement that occurs for a few minutes at a time in your belly. Many women actually enjoy the sensation of their baby’s hiccups because it reminds them that all is well with their newborn baby.

Some babies will hiccup more than others. Whereas one mom might only notice her baby hiccup on occasion, another might notice their baby hiccup more than 5 times a day.

Your Growth and Development

While you are growing during pregnancy week 21, your abdomen is still a size that is quite manageable and allows a great deal of movement and freedom. Many women enjoy the second trimester and consider it the honeymoon of pregnancy.

Changes in You
You may be noticing aches and pains in your leg during or after 21 Weeks Pregnant. Just as with varicose veins, discussed in previous weeks, support stockings can help alleviate leg heaviness and aches during pregnancy. Try putting your maternity support hose on first thing in the morning before you get out of bed. This will help alleviate unnecessary swelling and discomfort in your legs.

Also consider propping your feet up when sitting if you don’t already do so. Another way to alleviate aches and pains is regular exercise and stretching. Consider a 15-minute stretch and walk during your lunch break or once in the morning and once during the afternoon. This will go a long way toward alleviating aches and pains.

Pregnancy Pillows
Pregnancy Pillows Are A Good Choice During the Second Trimester

If you haven’t already you should consider using a pregnancy pillow during your second trimester of pregnancy. During the second trimester your body starts to grow and expand. The increasing size and weight of your uterus places more pressure on your back and results in postural changes that can lead to discomfort and back pain, even while you sleep.

Use of a pregnancy pillow like Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows during the second trimester and on can help reduce back pain and discomfort at night and help promote a sound night’s sleep.

Maternity Clothes
Casual Bottoms Preferred By Expectant Moms the World Over

Want to know what most expectant moms say their favorite maternity clothes are? Casual bottoms of course! As your waistline expands you may find yourself a little more hesitant to wear complicated outfits requiring numerous accessories. The number one thing moms look for when shopping for maternity items is comfort… something Casual Bottoms at Motherhood Maternity have to offer in spades!

There is good news for moms-to-be in today’s fashion conscious society… even casual bottoms can look fantastic during pregnancy! There are simply hundreds of different styles and fits to choose from. Whether you are a sporty mom to be or someone that is simply looking for something a little more functional than your career attire, be sure to check out the wide selection of casual bottoms offered by the leading retailers! Your body and your baby will thank you for the comfort and support these garments offer!

Pregnancy Health Tips
After delivery it is quite normal to go through a period of elation followed by a short period referred to as the baby blues. Having a baby can bring on many different emotions. Joy is often intermingled with challenges and exhaustion. Most newborn babies do not sleep through the night until many weeks after birth. This can result in moodiness and sometimes depression.

The baby blues otherwise known as postpartum blues are quite common, affecting up to 80 percent of women who give birth, usually in the first few weeks after delivery. A normal case of the blues can be characterized by feelings of anxiety, fear, fatigue, irritability and even nauseousness. You may find your appetite changes and you feel down for several days. Fortunately these feelings are usually pretty normal during the first couple of weeks after birth. The blues should only last a few days. The rapid drop in hormones that occurs immediately following delivery may also influence your mental state.

Sometimes however the depression and anxiety experienced after birth become much more serious. Baby blues are not the same as a condition called postpartum depression or PPD. While they share many of the same symptoms, PPD is much more serious than a case of the baby blues, and may result in suicidal thoughts or a woman’s inability to care for her newborn baby.

You might suspect PPD if you exhibit any of the following symptoms after the birth of your baby:

Inability to shake the blues after two weeks.

Constant insomnia despite exhaustion.

Weepiness or crying that persists all day for days at a time.

Lack of interest in your baby or daily life.

Changes in appetite that persist.

Anxiety that does not diminish with rest and support.

Moodiness and irritability that seems excessive.

Feelings of guilt about your ability to care for your baby.

Panic attacks.

Suicidal thoughts.

Feelings like you might harm your baby.

If you suspect that you might have PPD it is best that you contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. One of the most common signs of PPD is that you are not able to sleep when your baby does, even though you are exhausted. PPD sometimes results in feelings like you won’t be able to care for your baby.

In very rare circumstances postpartum depression can result in psychosis, which is characterized by delusional thinking and violent or suicidal impulses. It is absolutely critical that you see your healthcare provider should you experience any symptoms like this.

Remember that PPD can strike at any time, and can strike any woman regardless of her background or abilities. Some women with a history of depression in their family may be more susceptible than others, so it is important that you discuss your family history with your healthcare provider, so they can take adequate preventive measures to ensure that you are ok after delivery.

At this time researchers aren’t exactly certain why some women develop PPD and some do not. There are some women however who are considered more at risk than others including the following:

Women who are dealing with an unexpected pregnancy.

Single mothers.

Parents who are financially burdened.

Individuals recently experiencing severe stress or a loss.

Women who suffer from PMS.

Women who have a family history of depression.

The good news is your healthcare provider can treat PPD and help you recover completely. It is important that you share any feelings you are experiencing during the postpartum period. Reach out to those around you, and you’ll find that you are less likely to experience the symptoms of depression. It is also important that you get sleep whenever you can during the early weeks after delivery. Sleep deprivation in and of itself may be enough to contribute to severe depression in many women. If you aren’t in a situation where someone can relieve you occasionally, consider hiring a babysitter once or twice a week so you can get some much needed rest.

Article you might be interested in reading: Unplanned Pregnancy, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 26

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 26

How Big is the Baby at 26 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby has put on quite a bit of weight by pregnancy week 26 and is now a whopping 2 pounds (almost). Your baby’s crown-to-rump length is about 9-10 inches long, and her total length is about 12 inches during pregnancy 26 weeks! Your baby is now starting to add a little fat to her bones, though she won’t start accumulating too much fat until the last few weeks of pregnancy.

Your Baby’s Growth and Development

Your baby’s heart continues to grow and develop during pregnancy at 26 weeks. You may even be able to hear your baby’s heart beat through a traditional stethoscope placed on your stomach by 26 Weeks Pregnant. Don’t get too excited though, some women can go their entire pregnancy without being able to locate their baby’s heartbeat using a stethoscope. The Doppler is a much more effective and efficient way of measuring your baby’s heartbeat throughout pregnancy.

In addition to organ maturation throughout the body, your baby’s nerve pathways in her ears continue to develop during pregnancy 26 weeks which will allow your baby to respond to sounds more consistently. You might notice your baby jumping more often now to loud noises when you are 26 Weeks Pregnant. This is a good time to start playing some relaxing music to your little one when you have the chance. Some parents even enjoy reading to their babies during this time. If you haven’t considered it, have your partner read to your belly. This will help your baby become more acclimated to the sound of your partner’s voice. Believe it or not, one of the first things babies recognize outside the womb besides smell is the sound of your voice, and your partner’s voice.

Your baby will continue breathing in amniotic fluid after twenty six weeks pregnant and beyond. Boy babies usually experience a bit of growth during this week, as their testicles begin to descend into the scrotum. This process typically takes between two and three days to complete.

Your Growth and Development

Your uterus should now be about 2 and a half inches above your belly button. Your uterus will continue growing at a rate of about 1 centimeter each week as you continue your pregnancy week by week. You have probably put on some weight at this point in time, up to 23 pounds for some women. Your weight may fluctuate from day to day due to water retention so try not to weight yourself every day if you can avoid it, as this could prove discouraging during your pregnancy.

Changes in You
You are probably starting to experience more discomfort including pressure and back pain as your belly continues to grow larger. Leg cramps may be common. Be sure to stretch out your legs as much as possible and eat a nutritious diet to ensure your body is receiving the nutrients it needs to keep up with your baby’s development. Stretching is particularly important if you plan on doing any type of exercise. Remember that your added girth and changes in hormones in your body will change the way your body responds to exercise. You want to take great care to make sure you do not injure yourself. One way to prevent this is through routine stretching.

Headaches may start to come on more frequently at this time in pregnancy as your hormones continue to change as you approach the end of your second trimester. Usually you can take some Tylenol to help relieve the pain of headaches you are experiencing. If your headaches are severe or you are experiencing frequent migraines, talk with your healthcare provider about any possible treatment options.

Some women might start complaining of pain or discomfort around their ribs or in their lower abdomen. Your little one is getting stronger, and her strength combined with the growing size of your uterus pressing against your organs may cause you to have some discomfort. It isn’t uncommon to feel a sharp or stabbing pain or pressure under your ribs as the baby moves. It may help to switch positions or lie down when you feel this pain or discomfort. This might help your little one settle in for a bit or change positions.

You may start having a slight increase in blood pressure at this point in pregnancy. Blood pressure is typically lower between weeks 22 and weeks 24 and then rises slightly at this point in pregnancy.

You should be alert to any signs that your blood pressure might be rising too rapidly, including excessive swelling in the hands and face, blurry or spotty vision, severe headaches, upper abdominal pain or sudden weight gain that occurs over a 2 day period. While most women aren’t at risk for pre-elcampsia until the last trimester, it is never too early to be on the lookout for warning signs. Your healthcare provider will continue to monitor your weight and blood pressure during every visit. Be sure to alert them to any unusual symptoms you may be having.

Nursing Pillows
Nursing Pillows Fun For Everyone

One of the biggest benefits of using a nursing pillow is the peace of mind you will have knowing your are providing a warm, safe and comfortable environment for your baby to nurse in. Breastfeeding is truly one of the more rewarding times a mother and new baby enjoy.

Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows are an ideal gift for mothers during pregnancy. Not only will they support a mother during pregnancy, but also they double as a nursing support pillow in the months following pregnancy. Nursing and pregnancy pillows are a must have for any expectant mother that plans on breastfeeding their body.

Maternity Clothes
Maternity Dresses for the Fashion Conscious Mother

Most expectant mothers prefer maternity dresses over all other types of maternity wear. Why? Maternity dresses are the ultimate in comfortable maternity clothing. They expand, breathe, flow and gently caress the body rather than cling, pinch and squeeze. Who doesn’t want to feel comfortable when pregnant?

Whether you are looking for something formal for a special event or something more casual to wear day-to-day, you can count on a variety of elegant and feminine styles from today’s leading retailers. Most women fall in love with their Stylish Maternity Dresses so much they have a hard time not wearing them even after pregnancy!

Pregnancy Health Tips
Some women might experience thyroid problems either before or after pregnancy. A thyroid problem prior to pregnancy can potentially damage your unborn baby, thus it is important that you discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider if you have a family history of thyroid disease or any autoimmune disorders that may affect the thyroid.

The thyroid gland is a gland located below your larynx in the front of your neck. It’s primary function includes secreting hormones that help control your metabolism. There are two types of diseases associated with the thyroid: overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism and under active thyroid or hypothyroidism. If you have hyperthyroidism your thyroid gland will produce too much hormone; hypothyroidism results in too little thyroid hormone.

Hypothyroidism affects about 2 percent of the population. Women who have this condition during pregnancy are more at risk for pre-elcampsia, a stillborn infant, low birth weight babies or placental abruption when the condition isn’t treated adequately. Typically this condition is treated with a synthetic hormone called levothyroxine. This is usually considered safe for the developing fetus. You may need to increase the dose of levothyroxine you are on during pregnancy. In fact, for many women the level might need to be increased dramatically, to 30-47 percent according to the latest studies.

Hyperthyroidism isn’t as common though it still presents its own unique challenges. It can be caused by several other conditions including Graves’ disease, thyroiditis or other syndromes. Treatment may vary according to the person but may include surgery or treatment with medications.

Yet another complication of pregnancy is referred to as postpartum thyroiditis. This is a condition that results in a dysfunctional or inflamed thyroid during the postpartum period. Typically this is due to antibodies that circulate in the body, which can result in too much or too little thyroid being released.

Usually postpartum thyroiditis follows a distinct pattern. Most women will at first experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism; they will feel breathless, nervous, mentally confused, anxious or may have unexpected weight loss and suffer from insomnia. This may occur for between one and four months after delivery.

Generally between three and eight months postpartum the body then starts releasing too little hormone, causing hypothyroidism. Symptoms may include an excessive amount of fatigue, depression, weight gain or an enlarged thyroid gland. Many women will realize a complete relief of their symptoms after several months to a year after delivery. However, it is possible that you may remain hypothyroid if your glands are damaged by extreme imbalances after delivery. Pregnancy may also activate an autoimmune form of thyroid disease.

Your healthcare provider can work with you to monitor your thyroid hormone levels by conducting TSH tests. If you have an overactive or under active thyroid problem in the postpartum period, the levels of thyroid hormone can be measured using sensitive tests including the TSH test. The thyroid gland typically produces T4 and T3. This production is possible through stimulation of the pituitary gland. A combination of measurements of T4, T3 and TSH is sometimes necessary to diagnose a thyroid condition in women. Women who experience one episode of postpartum thyroid problems are more likely to develop additional thyroid problems as a result of increased stress, subsequent pregnancies or even during menopause.

Postpartum hypothyroid can be mistaken for postpartum depression, which also result in depression and excessive fatigue. It is important that you talk with your healthcare provider so the best possible treatment can be selected for your condition.

Article you might be interested in reading: Unplanned Pregnancy, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 38

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 38

How Big is the Baby at 38 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby is rapidly approaching 7 pounds during pregnancy at 38 weeks. The length will remain about 21 inches from now until birth even though you continue to develop during your pregnancy week by week.

Your Baby’s Growth and Development

Your baby is still focusing on putting on weight during pregnancy 38 weeks. Did you know that after delivery your healthcare team will conduct an Apgar test on your baby? Many parents become obsessed with the Apgar score their child receives after birth, so it is worth a mention or two.

The Apgar score is simply a way that your doctor can evaluate the overall condition your newborn is in just a few minutes after birth. This score may sometimes be helpful for evaluations that occur later.

An Apgar evaluation is given one minute after birth and then again after five minutes of birth. Your doctor or nurse will make note of the following things:

Your baby’s color after birth (bluish or pink).

Your baby’s respiration.

Your newborn baby’s heart rate.

Your newborn baby’s muscle tone.

Your baby’s reflexes.

The one minute score reflects how easily your baby handled the birthing process. A high score generally indicates that your baby will do well in the postpartum period. A low score might indicate that your baby requires observation or further tests to make sure that everything is ok.

The second test is given to measure how well your baby is handling his new environment outside the womb.

Your baby is given a score based on the following parameters:

Color – 2 points for pink body, 1 point for close to pink with blue arms or legs, 0 for blue or pale coloring all over.

Respiratory – 2 points for a strong cry, 1 point for a slow or weak cry, 0 points for no crying.

Heart Rate – 2 points for heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute, 1 point for a heartbeat under 100 beats per minute, 0 points for no heart beat.

Muscle Tone– 2 points for vigorous movement, 1 point for small flexing of the limbs, 0 points if the baby is still.

Reflexes – 2 points if your baby cries during the test, 1 if your baby makes a little bit of a fuss, 0 if your baby doesn’t make any noise during this exam.

Generally a high score, or a score between 8 and 10, means that your baby is in very good condition. A lower score might necessitate some further testing.

Your Growth and Development
Your belly size will remain pretty constant from 38 Weeks Pregnant and beyond, though you may notice your belly appears lower than before, particularly if the baby has dropped a bit further into your pelvis.

Changes in You
At 38 Weeks Pregnant you may start to worry about the labor and delivery process. If you haven’t already, you should visit the birthing facility you plan to deliver your baby at so you have time to find out where everything is.

Have you packed your hospital bag by pregnancy week 38? If you haven’t you better sit down and do it today. You could go into spontaneous labor at any point in time as you continue your pregnancy week by week.

Not sure what to pack around pregnancy week 38? There are many schools of thought regarding the hospital bag, but here are some of the more common items that moms to be pack:

Robe or other cover up if you plan on walking during labor.

Slippers or warm socks.

Lotion or massage oil.

Lip balm (your lips will get very chapped during the pushing phase).

Snacks or drinks (in case you deliver at 3 am and find yourself ravenous).

Watch with a second hand (to time your contractions).

Camera and video recorder so you can stop time for a few moments while delivering.

Magazine or book to read.

Personal toiletries such as a brush and toothbrush.

Nursing bras.

Breast pads.

Change of clothes to go home in.

You might also consider packing a change of clothes for your partner sometime during pregnancy weeks 38 and beyond. When packing the clothes you plan to go home in, be sure you pack something that is the right size. You will need to bring clothes that fit you when you were about five months pregnant, as you will not magically lose all the weight you gained simply by giving birth. Your belly will still be a bit round for a while after delivery.

Nursing Pillows
How To Master Early Breastfeeding

If you are looking for the perfect gift for a mom to be, consider a nursing pillow. A high quality nursing pillow, like Snoozer Pregnancy Pillow and Nursing Pillow , allow new mothers to master early breastfeeding comfortably and anxiety free.

One of the most challenging aspects of breastfeeding a new baby includes mastering the latch. For your baby to latch properly, you have to hold them in a position that is comfortable for the both of you. A good support pillow helps facilitate this process, ensuring mother and baby can rest comfortably and enjoy the time they spend together. An ordinary pillow simply doesn’t provide the support and comfort necessary to encourage a healthy breastfeeding relationship… take it from an experienced mother of three!

Maternity Clothes
Casual Bottoms Preferred By Expectant Moms the World Over

Want to know what most expectant moms say their favorite maternity clothes are? Casual bottoms of course! As your waistline expands you may find yourself a little more hesitant to wear complicated outfits requiring numerous accessories. The number one thing moms look for when shopping for maternity items is comfort… something Casual Bottoms at Motherhood Maternity have to offer in spades!

There is good news for moms-to-be in today’s fashion conscious society… even casual bottoms can look fantastic during pregnancy! There are simply hundreds of different styles and fits to choose from. Whether you are a sporty mom to be or someone that is simply looking for something a little more functional than your career attire, be sure to check out the wide selection of casual bottoms offered by the leading retailers! Your body and your baby will thank you for the comfort and support these garments offer!

Pregnancy Health Tips
One of the most important things you will need to take to the hospital with you is an infant car seat. In fact, the hospital will not let you leave without one. All infants must be transported in a rear facing infant carrier until they are about 20 pounds heavy. The best thing you can do to alleviate some of your pre labor jitters is have your car seat professionally installed. Check in with your local fire department. Most agencies have certified car seat technicians on staff that can check out your carrier and ensure that it is installed properly in your car. Your car seat must be used correctly in order to provide your baby with adequate protection in the event of an accident.

Never re-use a car seat that has been in an accident. It may have been damaged in some way or another, and this could compromise the safety and well being of your unborn child.

You should also consider packing some nice things for your baby, including an outfit for the trip home and a warm baby blanket. If it is cold outside, consider bringing some booties, gloves and a hat for your little one.

Many hospitals will offer pictures of your baby during your stay. If you want to have your baby’s first photo taken while in the hospital, also bring an outfit to show her off in. Sometimes getting your baby’s first photo taken in the hospital is more convenient than trying to drag your newborn baby to the photo shop during the first few weeks of life. You can usually also order custom birth announcements when you get your babies photo taken.

Article you might be interested in reading: Unplanned Pregnancy, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 29

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 29

How Big is the Baby at 29 Weeks Pregnant?
By pregnancy week 29 your baby weighs about 2.7 pounds and is more than 16 and a half inches long!

Your Baby’s Growth and Development

By 29 Weeks Pregnant baby has now entered the third trimester, week 29! From pregnancy 29 weeks and beyond you will experience among other things rapid weight gain. Your baby’s muscles and lungs will continue to develop and mature during your pregnancy at 29 weeks and the weeks ahead. At 29 Weeks Pregnancy your baby’s brain is also developing and maturing, with billions of neurons forming daily. Your baby requires more nutrition than ever from 29 Weeks Pregnant and beyond, so it is important that you do everything possible to eat well and get plenty of sleep during this important developmental period!

Your Growth and Development
By 29 Weeks Pregnancy your uterus is now about 3 and a half to four inches above your belly button. Your weight gain may be as high as 25 to 26 pounds by pregnancy week 29. You definitely look and feel pregnant for the remainder of your pregnancy week by week!

Changes in You
Welcome to the third trimester! By pregnancy at 29 weeks you may begin thinking about all of the neat aspects of having a newborn baby, such as labor and delivery!

By pregnancy week 29 you are probably plagued by heartburn once again, as your belly grows more and more substantial each day. You should be paying attention to your baby’s movements each and every day from pregnancy week 29. In general you will notice patterns of rest and wakefulness in your baby. If you notice any abnormal movement patterns or a substantial reduction in movement be sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Now more than ever it is important that you eat several small meals per day. Your baby needs the nutrients, and your digestive processes have slowed tremendously due to rising levels of progesterone and the decreasing space in your belly.

It is also important that you drink plenty of water during the third trimester to help ward off constipation, which can result in hemorrhoids.

Now is the time to start enjoying the last few weeks of your pregnancy. Many women find this time liberating. This is the last time you will have to pamper yourself for quite some time to come. If you are in the mood you should take some time to grab a facial or pedicure while you still can. Nothing makes a laboring mother look better than a set of well manicured toes!

You should also enjoy these last few quiet weeks with your partner. If you have the opportunity, go out on a romantic date or two before your newborn baby makes his appearance into the world. Once that happens it may be a long time before you get to spend some quality one on one time with your partner again. If you have other children at home, consider hiring a babysitter for a night or two during the next couple of months.

Many women find that edema or swelling, particularly in the legs and feet becomes uncomfortable during the last trimester. Be sure to drink plenty of water, engage in light exercise such as walking, and keep your legs and feet elevated whenever possible.

Pregnancy Pillows
The Very Best Way To Rest

A good pregnancy pillow is more than a must have during pregnancy. It simply IS the very best way to rest during pregnancy. Pregnant women are uncomfortable for good reason. Their expanding uterus and the accompanying pressure this places on their lower back and internal organs makes sleeping very difficult.

Fortunately a simple solution exists. Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows provide expectant moms the support they need to rest easy during pregnancy. A pregnancy pillow will hug all of your curves and help you feel your best, whether taking a much needed nap or settling in for the evening. Why not try one today?

Maternity Clothes
Swimwear That Splashes

You can be pregnant AND look great during the summer, even when wearing swimwear! In times of old swimwear designed for expectant mothers was often bulky and almost tent like. Don’t want to look like a tent during your pregnancy? Fear not!

Today’s Maternity Swimwear is stretchy, elegant, sexy, fun and even sporty. Whether you want a one piece to cover your belly or a daring two-piece that shows off your baby to be, you are bound to find what you are looking for and more when shopping for swimwear during your pregnancy! Most swimwear is designed with ample room in the hips, bottom and chest, so moms-to-be don’t have to be self conscious about their expanding and bountiful bodies! If you are expecting, why not show off your new curves in a snazzy and well fitting piece of swimwear from one of several tremendous collections?

Pregnancy Health Tips

As you begin your third trimester, you might start thinking about whether or not you want to breastfeed your newborn baby. Breastfeeding offers your baby many advantages. It is perhaps one of the most important things you can do for your baby to offer them the best start at the very beginning of their life. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, human milk is the best food for all newborn infants, particularly premature or sick newborn babies. The Academy recommends if at all possible that you breastfeed your baby for the first 12 months of life. In many countries it isn’t uncommon to breastfeed children for the first 1-3 years of life!

Why is breast milk so good for your baby? For one it is constantly changing and adapting to your baby’s needs as he grows. It is also easily digested by your baby, so it may reduce colic and spitting up in your baby. Here are some other benefits of breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding may reduce the number of food allergies your baby is susceptible to.

Breastfeeding provides your newborn baby with natural antibodies that help combat colds and other illnesses.

Eczema is typically much less common in breastfeeding infants.

Breastfeeding is free!

Breastfeeding also has many benefits for moms. Breastfeeding for example encourages uterine contractions that help contract the uterus after delivery, reducing a woman’s risk of postpartum hemorrhage. In addition breastfeeding may help provide natural contraception for women in the weeks following delivery. Breastfeeding may also help facilitate postpartum weight loss.

Breastfeeding may also help protect women from developing osteoporosis, cervical cancer and even breast cancer. Many women enjoy breastfeeding because it helps establish a nurturing bond right at the time of birth. Most new mothers can start breastfeeding within minutes of giving birth!

In some situations it may not be possible to breastfeed. If this is the case or if you choose not to breastfeed, there are many varieties of formula available that will provide your baby with the nutrients he needs to thrive while a newborn infant. If you have questions about breastfeeding there are numerous resources available to help you. Most hospitals provide new mothers with a consultation with a lactation consultant after delivery. A lactation consultant can talk with you about breast care, proper latch on and feeding positions. A lactation consultant may also be invaluable if you find yourself having trouble during the first week or two of delivery.

Most of the soreness and pain associated with breastfeeding is due to improper positioning or latch, which is the way the baby grabs the breast. If you are having trouble you should try to schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant so you and your baby have the opportunity to establish a healthy and successful breastfeeding relationship.

Some women prefer to breastfeed exclusively initially and then supplement with either pumped milk or formula as their baby gets older. If you plan on introducing a bottle to your newborn baby, experts recommend that you do so within 2 to 3 weeks after birth, though not before. If you wait too long your newborn baby may decide that they never want to take a bottle. If you try too soon however, your baby may experience what is referred to as ‘nipple confusion’. Your baby may have a hard time latching on or switching back between bottle and breast.

Remember that you are learning as much as your newborn baby is in the first few weeks. If your baby doesn’t seem interested in a bottle at first, try again in a few days. Eventually most babies make the transition smoothly. Introducing one bottle per day may be a nice way to include your partner in the bonding process and allow them to feed the baby once per day. You should enjoy a light nap during these times, as you will be hard pressed to get any sleep in the early weeks after your newborn baby arrives!

Here are some valuable resources if you are interested in learning more about breastfeeding:

La Leche League International

http://www.breastfeeding.com

Breastfeeding.com

http://www.breastfeeding.com

CDC Breastfeeding Support

http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/

Breastfeeding Basics

http://www.breastfeedingbasics.org/

Article you might be interested in reading: Pregnancy Development, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 31

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 31

How Big is the Baby at 31 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby keeps gaining weight rapidly by pregnancy week 31. By 31 Weeks Pregnant your baby will weigh almost 3 and a half pounds and will be about 18 inches long!

Your Baby’s Growth and Development

Your baby is busy accumulating layers of fat under his skin as you continue your pregnancy week by week. The arms, legs and body start to fill out and look less wrinkly as each week progresses. Your baby may be finding the space in your womb tighter and tighter by 31 Weeks Pregnant. You may also feel more and more uncomfortable by pregnancy at 31 weeks as your baby continues to grow and the space in your womb decreases each week.

Though your baby’s movements should continue to be strong, they will likely be less dramatic and sporadic at this point in your pregnancy. You may see an arm slowly moving across your belly. You will probably start realizing just how strong your unborn baby is from here on out. Kicks and sudden movement changes may cause you to gasp unexpectedly, much to the delight and amazement of onlookers.

Your Growth and Development
By the time you reach pregnancy at 31 weeks your uterus will measure about 4 and a half inches from your bellybutton. You may find that you have some trouble catching a good breath now and again. Remember to take things easy as you continue your pregnancy week by week and as you grow and develop during the last few weeks of pregnancy. If you have been working out regularly up until this point in time, you may find your health improved if you actually engage in lighter workouts. If you haven’t already, consider some prenatal yoga or stretching exercises in these last few weeks prior to delivery. Yoga is well known for preparing the body for labor and helping to strengthen and relax the muscles and ligaments in the body.

Changes in You
You may be more and more aware of your breasts as your pregnancy progresses during the third trimester. Some women may start to leak colostrum at this point in their pregnancy. Colostrum is simply the pre milk that your breasts form to nourish your newborn baby during the first few days of life. Colostrum can be clear or slightly tinged with yellow or even orange depending on a number of factors. While some women will not notice colostrum until they approach delivery, others will start leaking even this early in pregnancy.

Colostrum can be particularly beneficial for pre-term infants. It is rich in antibodies and nutrients that can help protect your baby from dangerous infections and other complications during the first few weeks of life.

Some women are concerned at the amount of leaking they experience during this time. If you do start leaking take heart, it is perfectly normal. The best thing you can do is invest in some nursing pads so you don’t leak through your clothes. Take any leaking as a great sign that your breasts will be armed and ready to feed your newborn baby when he makes his appearance into the world.

Pregnancy Pillows
Fun For Everyone

My pregnancy pillows (yes I had two) were my best friends during pregnancy. It may sound weird, but sleep is hard to come buy sometimes when pregnant. They say after the baby you won’t sleep, but the truth of the matter is most pregnant women start getting sleep deprived during the last trimester of pregnancy. It just is too hard to get comfortable sometimes at night.

While there is nothing you can do about your little one kicking in the middle of the night, you can rest easier using a high quality pregnancy pillow like Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows. I can’t imagine not having a good pregnancy pillow during pregnancy. And now that I have two, my husband has confiscated one for his personal use. I guess pregnancy pillows are fun for everyone!

Maternity Clothes
Maternity Shorts:
The Best Option For “Hot” Moms

Want to know one thing all moms have in common? They are hot… no, we aren’t referring to the fact that moms look good (even though all pregnant women are masterpieces!). We are referring to the fact that most moms feel very hot while pregnant because their body temperature is higher than normal. If this feels like you then check out the amazing selection of maternity shorts vendors have to offer this year. If you are expecting, there is no reason you can’t wear Maternity Shorts from Motherhood Maternity all year round, particularly if that is what it takes to keep you cool and comfortable. So what are you waiting for?

Pregnancy Health Tips
As you approach labor and delivery you are probably starting to think about the method of delivery you will endure. While some women prefer to have a natural delivery, others prefer an induction or even a planned cesarean section.

Patient choice cesarean delivery at term, also referred to as a cesarean delivery on maternal request, is a new and controversial women’s health care topic. Some women however feel that the risks of a vaginal birth may outweigh the risks of a cesarean delivery, thus they would rather opt for a cesarean. Can a woman choose to have a cesarean delivery? The answer is… YES.

As an informed mother, you have the right to assume the risks associated with cesarean delivery for the well being of your unborn child.

Women’s health care rights are evolving and the definitions are changing. It is important that pregnant women actively participate in the decision making process during their pregnancy. This includes deciding the best route of delivery for their unborn baby. More and more physicians are accepting a woman’s right to be involved in her healthcare and delivery decisions. In times of old physicians bore the burden of making the majority of decisions related to patients health. However more and more physicians are working intimately with patients to provide them with the information and resources they need to make sensible and safe decisions for themselves and their families.

If you do consider an elective cesarean delivery make sure you discuss this option with your health care provider. There are many risks associated with a cesarean delivery. In some cases it may be in your best interests to deliver vaginally. In others, you may benefit from delivering via cesarean section. Your healthcare provider can work with you to make this determination.

Some women consider the risks of cesarean more troublesome than the risks of a vaginal birth. All in all it is important that the facts are explained to you, including the risks and benefits of a cesarean versus a natural delivery. You should know that the concept of maternal requests for a cesarean delivery is still a highly controversial and emotionally charged issue. In many instances your healthcare provider may decline your request. If you feel strongly however regarding your decision your healthcare provider can always refer you to another provider that is comfortable with the decision you have made.

Article you might be interested in reading: Pregnancy Development, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 37

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 37

How Big is the Baby at 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby may weigh close to 6 and a half pounds by pregnancy 37 weeks, and may be as much as 21 inches long during pregnancy at 37 weeks.

Your Baby’s Growth and Development

Congratulations! You have now entered the final stages of your pregnancy week by week. Between pregnancy weeks 37 and pregnancy week 41 most women are considered full term.

Your baby is still busy putting on weight during pregnancy week 37. The longer your baby stays in utero, the more he will weigh when born! These added layers of fat will help strengthen your baby’s overall well being and increase their chances for a healthy and safe entry into the world.

Your Growth and Development
Many women start noticing that their uterus seems to stop growing at 37 Weeks Pregnant. May women’s uteri will remain the same size from now until birth. You should measure about 6 and a half inches from the navel.

Changes in You
By 37 Weeks Pregnant you may have gained 35 pounds. Many women will notice a reversal of weight gain during pregnancy at 37 weeks and in the last couple of weeks of their pregnancy. Some women might even lose a pound or two.

You are now more eager than ever to meet your newborn baby. Be sure you take some time to discuss your labor and delivery preferences with your healthcare provider at this point in time. If you haven’t pre-registered you should consider doing so now.

Talk with your healthcare provider about your ‘plan of action’ by pregnancy at 37 weeks so you have a plan when you do start having contractions. Find out when your healthcare provider would like you to phone, and when they prefer you visit the hospital.

Your healthcare provider might take a Group B strep test during pregnancy week 37. Group B is a type of bacteria that can live in the vagina or area surrounding the rectum. Typically group B strep is present in up to 35 percent of healthy adults. Normally Group B does not pose any health risk.

However, when you are colonized with this bacteria during pregnancy, your baby might get infected with the bacteria during labor and delivery. Infected newborns will require close observation and treatment in the hospital. Your baby will need antibiotics if they are infected. Group B infections in newborns can cause serious infections such as sepsis, which is an infection of the bloodstream. It can also cause meningitis, a condition that affects the lining of the fluid surrounding the brain. Group B can also lead to pneumonia. Typically most newborns exposed will start showing symptoms during the first week of life, though late onset Group B disease may also develop a week or more after birth.

Fortunately, your doctor can perform a culture prior to delivery to see if you have Group B present in your body. If you do, your healthcare provider will likely set you up on a course of antibiotics before and during labor. This will help prevent the spread of infection to your baby.

Some women are more at risk than others for this infection, including women who have already had a baby with a Group B infection, women who develop a fever during labor, women who have a urinary tract infection caused by Group B or women who rupture their membranes before 37 weeks.

Researchers are currently working on developing a vaccine to treat Group B strep.

Nursing Pillow
A Must Have For Breastfeeding Mothers

The best food for your baby in the weeks following delivery is breast milk. Breast milk will provide your baby with valuable vitamins, minerals and nutrients that simply can’t be found elsewhere. Breast milk also provides your baby with valuable antibodies that help guard against infection, allergies and illness.

Without proper support, you may find breastfeeding uncomfortable. Many mothers develop shoulder pain when they breastfeed without proper support for their neck and shoulders. Fortunately Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows can help! A pregnancy pillow is the perfect companion to a breastfeeding mother. With just the right firmness, a pregnancy pillow will provide your neck and shoulders the support they need so you can enjoy a long term breastfeeding relationship with your baby!

Maternity Clothes
Modern Mom’s Go For Maternity Denim

Think you’ll miss your favorite pair of jeans once you get pregnant? Think again! Modern moms know that there is an exceptional selection of Maternity Jeans available for expectant mothers at Motherhood Maternity! No longer do pregnant women have to suffer wearing paneled pants with no style or class. Today’s maternity denim is made often made of breathable, stretchy fabric and comes in a variety of styles, including non-paneled versions for the fashion conscious mom-to-be!

At Motherhood Maternity you can typically find great looking casual wear, skirts, pants, shorts and even tops all made of denim when looking for maternity items to complete your maternity wardrobe. Most maternity denim is made of stretchy fabric that is designed for functionality as well as comfort!

Pregnancy Health Tips
At this point in time many women consider creating a birth plan. A birth plan is simply a way that you can convey your ideas and desires regarding the birthing process to your healthcare team before, during and after labor.

Birth plans are used by many women to list their expectations regarding the birth process. A birth plan can help your healthcare team better understand your needs and desires, and help prepare you properly to welcome your baby into the world in a manner you deem fit.

You don’t have to use anything fancy to create a birth plan, you can simply write down your ideas on paper. There are some common things however you probably want your birth plan to address. Among the more common areas covered by a birth plan include the following:

Whether or not you wish to receive pain relief during labor.

What kind of pain relief you prefer.

Whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle feed.

Whether or not you want a circumcision performed if you are having a boy.

If you want to listen to music or other forms of entertainment while giving birth.

Whether or not you want to use a tub or shower if available to relax in during labor.

Describe what positions you prefer to be in during birth.

Whether or not you agree to an episiotomy, or if there are certain steps you would like your healthcare provider to take in order to avoid one.

Whether or not you have any special requests related to the birth process.

Who if anybody is allowed in the room when you give birth.

Not sure where to begin? Simply start by writing down a list of your hopes and expectations about the birth process. Then number and list them to make sure the most important of your needs gets addressed.

You should also consider having your partner contribute to the birth plan. Your partner may come up with a request or two you hadn’t considered. You should be comfortable sharing your plan with your healthcare provider, nurses and anyone else that might be interacting with you during the labor and delivery process.

Remember that even with a birth plan surprises do happen during labor and delivery. You many state that you do not want a cesarean section for example, however in some cases a cesarean may be necessary to protect the well being of you and your baby. Keep an open mind about your birth plan, but also remember that you have a right to inform your team of your preferences and desires during your stay at the birthing center of your choice.

Article you might be interested in reading: Pregnancy Development, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 14

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 14

How Big is the Baby at Fourteen Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby may be anywhere from 3.2 to a little over 4 inches long by pregnancy week 14, and likely weighs close to one ounce! Every day of your pregnancy week by week your baby is growing more and more proportional.

Your Baby’s Growth and Development
By pregnancy 14 weeks your baby’s body is growing quite rapidly. During pregnancy week 14 his length is catching up with his slightly larger head. The ears have started their move to the sides of the head, and the eyes continue to get closer and closer together.
During pregnancy week 14 your baby’s neck will elongate, and the chin will start to rise up off the chest. Your baby’s reflexes will also continue to develop this week. By pregnancy 14 weeks your baby should be receiving their nutrition directly from the placenta. Remember that everything you put into your body can cross the placental wall and impact your fetus. This includes not only things you eat such as food preservatives, but also things that may come into contact your skin, such as house sprays or other cleaning agents. Remember that lotions penetrate the skin, so why wouldn’t household cleaners? At this time more than any other time in your life it is important that you make safe and healthy choices with regard to your health and well being.

Anything you eat or inhale could directly or indirectly affect the health and well being of your baby. Eating a healthy diet is vital to the well being of your child. Avoiding alcohol during pregnancy as well as avoiding certain foods is important to ensure a happy, healthy environment for your unborn baby. If you are smoking during your pregnancy please stop now.

One thing that you should never do when pregnant is change a cat’s litter box. Doing so could put you at risk for contracting a disease called Toxoplasmosis. This is an infection that can occur via contact with the stool of an infected cat. The risk to your baby is substantial. Cats are often infected from outside sources including rodents. Most pet owners that have had cats for a long time have likely already been exposed to the disease at some time or another in their life, and this will not necessarily result in an increased risk for your baby. However during pregnancy, you do have an excuse to have someone else change the litter pan for the time being. You should also avoid gardening to some extent, as outdoor cats sometimes prefer to leave their stools in the soil of a garden.

If you absolutely must garden or change a cat box, be sure you wear gloves and a mask, and carefully wash your hands after performing any of these higher risk activities.

Your Growth and Development

At 14 Weeks Pregnant your tummy should start pouching a little bit now. Some women find this a welcome change. You may also notice that you start having additional symptoms such as constipation during pregnancy at 14 weeks. Constipation is fairly common during pregnancy, and among other things may be related to the increased amount of iron you are consuming to stave off anemia during pregnancy.

Fortunately there are many things you can do to alleviate constipation naturally. You’ll want to do this, because chronic constipation can lead to or worsen hemorrhoids during pregnancy. First and foremost you’ll want to be sure that you are drinking lots and lots of water. If you are thirsty then you are probably already dehydrated. Eating high fiber foods can also help reduce constipation… but be careful. Incorporating too many high fiber foods all at once can lead to excess gas, which is extremely uncomfortable during pregnancy. Start incorporation high fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables into your diet slowly, so your body can adapt to them and break them down more easily. This will lead to less discomfort and less constipation.

Changes in You
In addition to your expanding belly, at 14 weeks pregnant you might find yourself more eager than ever to exercise during your second trimester. Most women will have much more energy during the second trimester to embark on a fitness program. You may want to join a Pregnancy Exercise program at BabyFit.com

If you have never engaged in a physical fitness program before, be sure to get your doctors clearance before doing so during pregnancy. It is important that you start out slow. Do to the increasing levels of hormones in your body you are more prone to injury during pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester when your body starts releasing a substance called relaxin. Relaxin helps soften and lengthen the cervix and the area of the body called the pubic symphysis, or the place where your pubic bones come together. This will help ease your transition into labor. It also improves the likelihood for injury due to falls or sudden movements. Be sure that you take things slowly.

Your healthcare provider will likely recommend that you keep your heart rate below 140 during pregnancy. This will help ensure that you don’t get over fatigued and allow your baby to get an adequate supply of oxygen during physical activity.

While it is safe to lift weights during pregnancy, you’ll want to be sure that you aren’t lifting heavy weights. If the weight you are lifting causes you to hold your breath and push hard, then it is too heavy. Lifting weights that are too heavy can cut off the oxygen supply momentarily to your uterus, something you want to avoid during pregnancy.

You’ll also want to avoid any exercises that cause you to lie flat on your back during the second trimester. When you are in a supine position the weight of the uterus presses on a large vein called the vena cava. This large vessel carries blood from the legs to the heart. When you lie on your back you might decrease the blood flow to your heart, and your heart may start to race. This can result in shortness of breath. You can and will pass out if you do not change your position.

Pregnancy Pillows
For Moms and Families

I bought my first pregnancy pillow many years before I was pregnant. A pillow hound I simply thought it was a neat idea. I soon found it dramatically improved my ability to sleep at night.

It wasn’t until I became pregnant that I realized just how beneficial body pillows are for pregnant ladies. They help support not only your back but also your expanding stomach during pregnancy. Your best bet? Invest in a high quality pillow like Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows. And don’t be surprised if other family members take an active interest in your pillow. They work great for everyone… pregnant and non pregnant alike!

Maternity Clothes
Maternity Shirts:
The Best and Worst Selections During Each Stage of Pregnancy

Nothing feels worse that wearing ill-fitting clothing during your pregnancy. This is the case whether you are wearing tops or bottoms. One thing you must invest in during your pregnancy is one or more elegantly designed maternity shirts. Maternity Shirts from Motherhood Maternity, are crafted with pregnant mothers in mind. They offer the much needed extra space to allow your newborn baby to grow without looking overly bulky or out of style.

In fact, today’s Stylish Maternity shirts and blouses form A Pea in the Pod (Mother works, Inc.) are much classier and stylish than some versions offered in the past. Not sure what to look for? Keep in mind your skin might be overly sensitive during your pregnancy. You may want to look for clothes that are made of a cotton/lycra blend so they are comfortable, breathe AND stretch a little as your growing belly expand

Pregnancy Health Tips
Along with your increasing girth comes extra weight during the second trimester. Some women are tempted to diet during pregnancy to reduce the amount of weight they gain. It is important that you never diet during pregnancy. You can however develop a healthy Pregnancy Diet at Baby Fit.com without losing weight. Your baby will rely on you for vital nutrients during pregnancy. If you try to lose weight during pregnancy, you put the health of your baby at risk. Dieting during pregnancy can result in a malnourished, low birth weight baby and more complicated delivery.

You should also avoid any medications for dieting such as diuretics, which can result in dehydration and can impact your baby.

You CAN however make the decision to eat more healthy during pregnancy. Consider cutting out refined sugars and avoiding foods that are overly processed. These foods usually have more calories and provide less bang for the buck when it comes to nutrition. During your second trimester, you will start needing 300 to 500 more calories than you normally would need in order to facilitate a healthy weight gain during pregnancy. Most women will consume on average between 2000 and 2400 calories a day during pregnancy, depending on their physical activity level. While pregnancy isn’t a license to eat cake and ice cream all day, it does afford many women the opportunity to relax a little bit about their diets and splurge a little more on items they may not have considered prior to getting pregnant. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having an extra bowl of ice cream here and there, provided you aren’t having ice cream and cake every day for breakfast. Pregnancy Nutrition at BabyFit.com can help you eat healthy during your pregnancy.

Most days you should aspire to choose foods that are low in saturated fat and nutrient dense. You should aspire to eat a diet that is well balanced and incorporates foods from each of the four food groups. Calcium is particularly important during pregnancy, so be sure to fill up on foods rich in calcium including yogurt, cheese, milk and dark leafy green vegetables.

Most women will gain about 1 pound per week during the second trimester. Your weight gain during pregnancy may vary from week to week. One month you may find that you gained 5 pounds whereas another month you gained only 2. Don’t focus on the scale too much, unless you truly find that you are gaining an excessive amount of weight. Remember that swelling and water retention are quite common in pregnancy, and can result in weight fluctuations that are frustrating at best. Try not to weigh yourself every day.

One thing you can do to promote your overall health and well being and ensure that you are able to drop your weight once you deliver your baby is continue exercising throughout your pregnancy. Exercise will not only help expedite the labor and delivery process, but will help you feel better about your body before, during and after pregnancy. Some great choices during pregnancy include: walking, swimming, stationary biking and prenatal yoga. Pregnancy Exercise at Babyfit.com is designed with you and your baby’s overall health in mind. They will ensure you avoid any activities that have the potential to cause injury to yourself or the pregnancy.

Remember that your growing body is a beautiful reflection of the life you are carrying within. As you grow and expand, the baby inside of you is thanking you for nurturing and keeping them safe.

Article you might be interested in reading: Pregnancy Development, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 10

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 10

How Big is the Baby at Ten Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby is getting big… in fact, by pregnancy week 10 your baby is big enough to start being weighed! By pregnancy week 10 your baby will measure between 31 and 42 mm or a little more than an inch and a half! Your baby is about the size of a lime, maybe slightly larger by now.

Your Baby’s Growth and Development
By the end of pregnancy 10 weeks your baby will have moved past the embryonic period, and will begin the ‘fetal’ period. The fetal period is the time when your fetus will grow rapidly. By week ten your baby is less at risk for congenital malformations, which usually occur during the first nine weeks of pregnancy. You should breathe a big sigh of relief by the end of pregnancy week 10 now that this important developmental stage is past!
It is important however that you know that any exposure to toxins even during this time or throughout your pregnancy week by week can be damaging or harmful for your fetus. Your baby’s health and well being depend in large part upon your ability to take care to protect them during the duration of your pregnancy.

One of the more common exposures that women may not consider during pregnancy is second hand smoke. Second hand smoke can be harmful particularly during pregnancy. If you find yourself in an environment where people are smoking, remove yourself as quickly as possible. Don’t hesitate to address your needs or assert yourself during this all important time. Most people will certainly understand your concerns and will be more than happy to accommodate any requests to avoid exposing your baby to unnecessary toxins.

By the end of pregnancy week 10 your baby’s organ systems are growing quickly. Now internal organs are starting to form and the vital organs including the liver, kidney, intestines and brain will start functioning. In the next three weeks alone your baby’s length will grow exponentially. Tiny details will start appearing on your baby’s body, including items such as toenails. If you were to look really closely you might even notice some peach fuzz growing on your baby’s skin! By now your baby will be consumed with swallowing and kicking. That’s right, your baby will swallow amniotic fluid during your pregnancy. Consider it a practice run for breathing once she is born!

Spinal nerves are also visible at this point in pregnancy, and your baby’s liver is busy making blood cells.

Pregnancy Medical Facts!

Pregnancy Weight Gain and the Health of Your Newborn Baby
Either excessive pregnancy weight gain or inadequate weight gain is associated with adverse infant outcomes. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has set guidelines for weight gain in pregnancy. Pregnancy weight gain above the recommended IOM guidelines is more common that pregnancy weight gain below the guidelines. Unfortunately, women who gain weight in pregnancy in excess of the recommended guidelines give birth to babies with more problems than babies born to women who gained weight within the recommended guidelines. It is also know that inadequate weight gain during pregnancy clearly places your baby at an increased risk for problems at birth. Weight gain in pregnancy both over and under the recommended Institute of Medicine guidelines will increase the changes of your baby having problems at delivery and after. The better controlled your pregnancy weight gain is the healthier your baby will be at birth.

Breastfeeding
The evidence continues to mount regarding the value of breastfeeding for both mom and baby. Human milk provides developmental, nutritional, and immunologic benefits to the infant that cannot be duplicated by formula feeding. With the development of iron-fortified formula in the late 1950s, breastfeeding rates began to decrease as formula feeding gained popularity. Since that time breastfeeding have been increasing but they have not yet reached the goal set by the U.S. Public health Service for 75% of mothers to initiate breastfeeding after delivery.

Your Growth and Development
You may think you are starting to show by pregnancy 10 weeks, but most people still probably can’t tell that you are pregnant yet. That is ok! After pregnancy week 10 and in the next few weeks you will start seeing some changes in your profile, your partner may have already commented on your ever so slightly more rounded belly!

Changes in You
Hang in there, now that you are 10 Weeks Pregnant just a couple more weeks and you should start realizing some significant relief from morning sickness!

By 10 Weeks Pregnant you are probably starting to feel more and more positive about your pregnancy. You have probably had the opportunity by now to hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time at your doctor’s office. The sound of your baby’s heartbeat for the first time will probably send you and your partner to the moon and back.

If you haven’t invited your partner to accompany you to your prenatal visits by pregnancy at 10 weeks, you might consider doing so now. Though many are ‘run of the mill’ checks, your partner will feel more a part of your pregnancy week by week and more helpful and supportive if they are invited to your prenatal visits. During your visits your partner and you will also have the opportunity to discuss any questions and concerns you may be having about your pregnancy. Your partner may even think of a few questions you may never have even considered!

Pregnancy Pillow
You Can Sleep Comfortably during Pregnancy
Most women find they have trouble sleeping at night during pregnancy. This is due to rapidly changing hormones, not to mention your expanding uterus. As you continue to grow during pregnancy, you’ll likely find you have more difficulty sleeping at night. Many women find it is extremely difficult to get into a comfortable position so they can sleep comfortable and soundly.

If you are one of many mothers having difficulty sleeping during pregnancy, snoozer pregnancy pillows can help! Simply tuck one in along side your tummy and you’ll find you sleep a lot more comfortably. A good pregnancy or maternity pillow will provide your tummy much needed support. You may even find it so comfortable you continue using it in the months following delivery of your newborn baby!

Maternity Clothes
Maternity Shorts:
The Best Option For “Hot” Moms
Want to know one thing all moms have in common? They are hot… no, we aren’t referring to the fact that moms look good (even though all pregnant women are masterpieces!). We are referring to the fact that most moms feel very hot while pregnant because their body temperature is higher than normal. If this feels like you then check out the amazing selection of maternity shorts vendors have to offer this year. If you are expecting, there is no reason you can’t wear Maternity Shorts from Motherhood Maternity all year round, particularly if that is what it takes to keep you cool and comfortable. So what are you waiting for?

Pregnancy Health Tips
Many women are concerned with genetic testing during pregnancy. There are some tests that are common to most women during pregnancy and others that are done under special circumstances. Women who are of advanced maternal age, over 35 years of age, may opt to undergo a test referred to as chorionic villus sampling or CVS, which can help detect genetic abnormalities that might lead to Down syndrome and other disorders.

This test is typically conducted between the 9th and 11th weeks of pregnancy. There is a small risk of miscarriage associated with the procedure, thus you should discuss the risks with your healthcare practitioner prior to deciding to undergo this test. The CVS is considered one of the more invasive tests that can be performed during pregnancy, and is usually only indicated in pregnancies that are associated with a family of genetic hereditary disease or women older than 35 years of age.

The triple screen test is a common and safe test performed during pregnancy. It is a non-invasive blood test taken between the beginning of the 15th week and the 17th week. This test measures levels of three proteins in the blood, AFP, HCG and UE3. The levels of these proteins are compared with the mother’s age and ethnicity of the parents and can determine the probability of a potential genetic problem in the baby. Some of the more common problems the test can help identify include:

Downs syndrome

Neural tube defects (defect of the lower spine)

Babies at risk for low birth weight and premature delivery

Ventral wall abnormalities (defects of the umbilical cord and bowel)

It is important that you remember that no genetic test is 100% accurate. The triple test is a screening instrument and not a diagnosis. That means that while the test may indicate your fetus is at risk for Downs Syndrome, it doesn’t mean that your baby will be born with this or any other disorder. Many women in fact have false positive tests. A false positive test is usually a result from your calculated due date being incorrect.

If your test results from a triple screen come back positive your physician may recommend an amniocentesis, which is another invasive procedure that examines fluid from the amniotic sac. Amniocentesis requires that a needle be inserted through your abdomen and into the uterus. Your healthcare provider will then extract amniotic fluid for testing. The healthcare provider will use ultrasound to ensure that they do not harm the fetus with the needle. There is a risk of damage or infection in the fetus when this procedure is chosen, thus it is typically only recommended during high-risk pregnancies that have a positive triple screening test or advanced maternal age.

The CVS test is actually considered more risky than an amniocentesis. Whether or not you decide to opt for genetic testing is your decision entirely. You may be pre-disposed to certain conditions. Many parents want to know of the possibility of a potential problem ahead of time so they can prepare themselves mentally for what is to come in the weeks to follow. It is important that you go into any testing situation fully informed and aware of the potential benefits and risks.

Remember that testing is not without its associated errors and false positive results. Many babies that have positive test results are born perfectly healthy. Be sure you discuss your situation with your doctor in detail before deciding on any procedures that may be indicated for you. Some women will opt to forgo any genetic screenings even if a triple marker test indicates the potential for a birth defect or genetic abnormality. Have confidence that you can make the decision that is best for you and your baby, and be sure to lean on your family and friends for support when necessary.

Article you might be interested in reading: Smoking During Pregnancy,,, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 15

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 15

How Big is the Baby at 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby is a about the size of an orange by pregnancy week 15, between 4 and 4 and ½ inches long and weighing more than 1 ½ ounces!

Your Baby’s Growth and Development
Your baby is growing rapidly as always as you continue your pregnancy week by week journey. You would still be able to see your baby’s blood vessels through his paper-thin skin if you were to peek inside your uterus during pregnancy week 15. In fact the vessels forming in your baby’s body make him look rather like a map! This week your baby will start producing lanugo, which is fine hair that will cover your baby’s body up until a few weeks before birth. Lanugo covers every part of your baby in utero, except for the palms, soles of the feet, lips, penis, nails and inner fingers and toes. Typically babies will shed this hair by the 8th month of pregnancy, but it can persist in some after birth for a short period of time. Pre-term babies are more likely to be born with lanugo than full term babies. Your baby might start sucking his thumb this week.

The bones in your baby’s body are also starting to get harder during pregnancy at 15 weeks and will continue to do so throughout your pregnancy. Your baby is spending most of his time practicing breathing, by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. Believe it or not, the very act of doing so will help your baby’s air sacs develop during pregnancy. Your baby continues to form taste buds at this point in time.

Your Growth and Development
You should start noticing a more bloated abdomen by pregnancy 15 weeks time. Most women have gained anywhere from five to ten pounds by now. Your uterus has now risen or is starting to rise past your hipbones by pregnancy week 15. Your healthcare provider will be able to actually feel it about three inches or so below your belly button.

Later in your pregnancy your healthcare provider will start taking measurements of your uterus, which they will refer to as the “fundal height”. This measurement can help confirm your due date, as it usually correlates with the number of weeks you are pregnant. The fundal height is formally defined as the distance between the top of your uterus and the pubic bone.

Changes in You
At 15 Weeks Pregnant you are starting to feel more pregnant. Some women start experiencing some unexpected side effects well into their pregnancy. For example, excessive salivation is not uncommon during pregnancy. This is nothing to be alarmed about, though it can be a bit inconvenient at times.

Other women start experiencing more stuffy noses during pregnancy at 15 weeks. This is due to swelling in the mucous membranes of the nose, largely the result of increased hormonal production. You may also find however that you have a cold at 15 Weeks Pregnant. Pregnant women are more susceptible to common illnesses, in part because their immune systems are compromised during pregnancy. Be sure that you take great care to wash your hands religiously when out in public.

Many women find themselves the victim of an unwanted urinary tract infection during pregnancy. Unfortunately for some this is another unpleasant side effect of pregnancy. Believe it or not urinary tract infections are more common during pregnancy, particularly because the muscles of their ureters are relaxed due to increasing levels of progesterone. The uterus can also compress the ureters causing urine to flow more slowly to the bladder, which can allow bacteria to accumulate. Some women also have more concentrated urine during pregnancy that can contribute to UTI’s.

Your healthcare practitioner will actually test your urine for bacteria that is associated with a UTI during your first prenatal visit. Generally most women whose test is negative at this point will not contract a UTI during pregnancy. However, it is possible that you still might. If you have bacteria present during the first prenatal visit, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe antibiotics to help clear it from your system. IT is important that your infection is cleared out. If it is left untreated, there is an increased risk that you will develop a kidney infection during your pregnancy, which can be very serious in some situations.

There are some telltale signs of a UTI in most women. These include: pain when urinating or burning, lower abdominal pain, a frequent urge to urinate though little comes out, blood in the urine or cloudy urine. The symptoms may be different during pregnancy however, and may include nausea or fever. The symptoms of a kidney infection are more severe, and typically include high fever, pain in the lower back or abdomen and nausea or vomiting.

Fortunately there are many things you can do to help prevent a UTI during pregnancy. These include: drinking at least 10 8-ounce glasses of water ever day, peeing as soon as you feel the urge and wiping yourself from front to back. You can also drink cranberry juice to help discourage bacteria from forming in the urinary tract.

Pregnancy Pillows
When To Buy Pregnancy Pillows During Pregnancy

There is no right time to buy pregnancy pillows during pregnancy. My personal opinion however, when it comes to a good pregnancy pillow is the sooner the better. Pregnancy pillows like with Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows are really helpful for anyone that has difficulty sleeping, whether pregnant or not. They are however, especially useful during the second and third trimester, when the weight of your growing abdomen starts causing problems related to sleep.

A pregnancy pillow can also help support your legs and back. Many women find pregnancy pillows help reduce leg cramping and the ordinary aches and pains typically associated with pregnancy, regardless of what trimester they are in!

Maternity Clothes
Maternity Clothes That Help Breastfeeding Moms Succeed

Breastfeeding is difficult enough to master without having to worry about finding clothes that easily lend themselves to the process. Fortunately there are a variety of maternity outfits that help make breastfeeding much easier. The newest styles for the upcoming season at Motherhood Nursing Wear are readily available to help make feeding your baby easier in the first few weeks of life and beyond. Many women start looking for breastfeeding maternity wear while still pregnant, particularly nursing bras. This is an exceptional idea, particularly if you find your breasts growing and in need of more support during your pregnancy. Your breastfeeding experience should be easy, feminine and above all else comfortable.

Think cotton is the best choice for your nursing bra? Think again. Over time cotton can stretch out or lose its shape. When looking for nursing bras to complement breastfeeding, consider a bra with a cotton/Lycra or spandex and nylon blend. When it comes to breastfeeding, you have a wealth of options available to you.

Pregnancy Health Tips
In general taking any form of medication during pregnancy is not recommended if not absolutely necessary. Some women however will need to take a course of antibiotics during pregnancy. There are times when the benefits of taking a medication outweigh the risks associated with taking a medication during pregnancy.

Generally medications are assigned to certain categories that describe how safe or unsafe they are to use during pregnancy.

Category A medications are generally considered safe, and thus far have not proven harmful to the developing fetus during pregnancy. Only a few medications fall into this category, among them Mycostatin, a cream used for yeast infections.

Category B medications are medications that have no known association with birth defects or pregnancy related complications. They are considered probably safe. These include many antibiotics that can be used to treat infection in pregnancy, such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, zovirax, zithromax and clotrimazole-vaginal to name a few.

Category C medications are those that may or may not be safe. There simply isn’t enough information about them to form definitive conclusions, however there are also no confirmed reports of links to birth defects in humans. Included among these are: cipro, monistat, terazol, isonizid and certain vaccines.

Category D medications are contraindicated in pregnancy and associated with very distinct problems including birth defects. Among these drugs include the following: tetracycline, minocin and sulfa drugs.

Be sure that you discuss any condition you have with your doctor fully, and understand the benefits and risks of taking any medication that might be indicated during your pregnancy. Remember that in some cases your baby will only have a chance if you remain healthy, and this sometimes requires that you take medications that may have some risk associated with them. Together with your physician however you should be able to make an informed decision about any medication you might need to take during pregnancy.

Article you might be interested in reading: Smoking During Pregnancy,,, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 28

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 28

How Big is the Baby at 28 Weeks Pregnant?
By 28 Weeks Pregnant your baby is 15.75 inches or more! She weighs in at about 2 and a half pounds during pregnancy at 28 weeks!

Your Baby’s Growth and Development
Up until now if you were to look at your baby’s brain during your pregnancy week by week it would appear smooth. By about 28 Weeks Pregnant however this changes, as the brain starts to mature and form grooves that we commonly associate with a human brain. Your baby may also be growing longer hair on her head by pregnancy at 28 weeks, though many babies will come out bald at birth. Others will be born with lovely locks of hair that will fall out and even change color some time after delivery.

Your baby should also be sprouting eyelashes by pregnancy 28 weeks, which will blink repeatedly if you were to shine a bright light on your belly.

Your Growth and Development
By pregnancy 28 weeks your uterus measures at least 3 inches above your bellybutton, or is approximately 28 cm tall. You should be steadily gaining weight from pregnancy week 28 and beyond.

Changes in You
After tracking your pregnancy week by week for so long, you are probably anxious to begin the third trimester, which is just a week away. Women who have tested Rh-negative will receive an injection of a substance called RhoGAM during week 28 of their pregnancy. This substance will protect you from becoming sensitized should your baby’s blood mix with yours during pregnancy. This one injection will actually provide protection through the end of your pregnancy up until delivery.

Though your baby only has 2 to 3 percent body fat by 28 Weeks Pregnant and weighs only slightly more than 2 pounds, by now you may have gained as much as 24 pounds. Remember that all this weight helps cushion and nourish your newborn baby until the time of delivery.

It might help to massage your legs often from 28 Pregnancy Weeks on out during your pregnancy. Many women experience leg cramps, itching and swelling at this point in their pregnancy. After this week your health care provider will likely change your appointment schedule from once per month to once every two weeks. This will typically continue through week 36, when you will start having weekly appointments until the time of delivery.

If no one has suggested a baby shower yet, someone likely will in the next few weeks. A baby shower is a wonderful way to welcome your pending arrival and spoil yourself a little bit in the last few weeks of your pregnancy. Some women find themselves with not one but several offers for a baby shower. If that is the case suggest several of your girlfriends or family members work together to throw you a one of a kind baby shower. There is nothing wrong with having co-hosts or several helpers involved in a shower.

You might also think about stocking up for some supplies for the nursery at this point in time. You never know when your little one might decide to make their appearance into the world, and should they come early you don’t want to find yourself completely empty handed. This is a great time to set up the nursery because you are still small enough to get around relatively easily (but remember no heavy lifting!). Some women prefer not to have a shower or set up the nursery until the baby actually arrives. This works very well too, particularly if you invite some people over to help set up the nursery for you while you are recuperating from delivery.

Many women decide to set up a nursery with a specific theme or color scheme. One of the best parts of having a baby in fact is deciding just how to decorate the nursery. There are literally dozens of colors and ideas to choose from.

Pregnancy Pillows
The Best Way To Say “I Love You”

Mother’s day may have come and gone but don’t let that get you down. There are still plenty of ways you can tell the mom or mom to be in your life you love them. One of the best gifts to give during pregnancy is a pregnancy pillow. All expectant moms need support for their lower back, abdomen and neck, especially during the second and third trimesters.

If the love of your life, or a friend or family member is pregnant and you are looking for a gift they will cherish for months even after giving birth, consider a pregnancy pillow like Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows. Your loved one will thank you over and over again for your generosity and thoughtfulness.

Maternity Clothes
Sleepwear That Says ZZZZZZZZZZ

Expectant mothers deserve to look beautiful AND feel comfortable while sleeping. That is why all moms-to-be should invest in at least a little sleepwear that makes them feel elegant and pampered while pregnant.

iMaternity Sleepwear comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can find silky pieces, flannel wear and even cotton varieties to meet your personal preferences and needs. Keep in mind when searching for sleepwear that you should look for something with fabric that not only supports but moves with you. Many women prefer silky sleepwear that helps them glide across the sheets when attempting to shift positions in the latter stages of pregnancy. Remember, if you want to catch your zzz’s you simply can’t live without a good set of maternity sleepwear!

Pregnancy Health Tips

There are literally thousands of women who are diagnosed with asthma every year. Asthma during pregnancy can be life threatening if for no other reason than it compromises the health and safety of the mother carrying the baby. If you can’t breathe then neither can your baby!

Many women are afraid of taking medications during pregnancy that are needed to control their asthma. However the risks of not taking any medication for asthma during pregnancy far outweigh any potential risks to the fetus.

It is important that you keep your breathing under control during pregnancy. Oxygen deficiencies in the mother can affect the fetus in several ways. Typically when asthma is controlled however during pregnancy a woman will go on to have a normal and uncomplicated pregnancy. When asthma isn’t controlled in pregnancy however it may lead to: premature birth, low birth weight babies, and blood pressure changes.

Some women will find that their asthma actually improves during pregnancy. In fact, roughly 1/3 of women will realize an improvement in symptoms, while an equal number may notice a decline. Most medications used to control asthma however are perfectly safe during pregnancy.

There are several things that pregnant women can do to control their asthma aside from taking their medications. Among these include:

Avoiding common allergy triggers.

Avoiding any other triggers.

Getting an appropriate amount of sleep.

Seeking out regular prenatal care.

Exercise lightly under the supervision of a qualified physician.

Avoiding smoke or being around people that smoke.

There is some evidence that suggests that an influenza vaccine is safe after the first trimester in pregnancy. An influenza vaccine is actually recommended for patients whose asthma is triggered by viral infections.

If you have asthma your healthcare provider will work with you consistently during your pregnancy to ensure that you receive the best care possible given your situation. Pregnant women will be monitored using several different methods including office spirometry and assessment of peak expiratory flow rate. The goal of your prenatal care will include maintaining a normal or close to normal pulmonary function rate.

Your fetus will also be closely monitored throughout your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will use ultrasound and electronic fetal heart rate monitoring as the key instruments for assessing your baby’s health and well being.

If a woman does experience an asthma attack during pregnancy, early intervention is vital to her health and well being and that of her baby. Pregnant women must seek medical treatment immediately if their medication isn’t resulting in improvement or if the episode is severe. In some instances an attack may result in a decreased amount of fetal movement that should be checked out immediately.

With proper care however most women will go on to deliver without any complications. During labor and delivery you and the baby will be carefully monitored. Pregnant women with asthma will have peak flow rate measurements taken when they are admitted to labor and delivery and every 12 hours thereafter. Use of pain medications is recommended during delivery to help limit the chances of an asthma attack during delivery.

Article you might be interested in reading: Smoking During Pregnancy,,, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

pregnancy weeks 16

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 16

How Big is the Baby at 16 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby is even larger by pregnancy week 16, between 4.3 and a little over 4 ½ inches long, and probably weighs close to 3 ounces.

Your Baby’s Growth and Development
Your baby is planning on doing some major growing in the next few weeks. By pregnancy 16 weeks she’ll be able to hold her head slightly straighter, and her eyes are finally moving into their final position in the front of the head. The ears are doing the same, and now your baby is focusing her attention on complicated circulatory matters. Your baby’s heart is pumping 25 quarts of blood every day, not bad for someone smaller than a grapefruit!

Your baby is also starting to grow hair and will continue to do so as you

continue your pregnancy week by week. You won’t be able to tell what color hair your baby has until after birth, and even then your baby’s hair may fall out and change colors completely at least once during the first few months of life! The same is true of our baby’s eye color. Some baby’s are born with blue eyes that gradually turn darker during the first couple of months of life!

By pregnancy week 16 the umbilical cord is now firmly attached to your baby’s belly as well, providing numerous nutrients to your little one. At this point in time your baby’s legs are starting to grow longer than the arms!

Your Growth and Development
You should no longer have a discernable waist by pregnancy 16 weeks. Don’t fret; it will come back some day. Most women revel in their blossoming roundness. While you are not huge by any stretch of the imagination, you are starting to look more and more pregnant each and every day. By now you might consider shopping for some maternity clothes, though you may not be able to fill them out for a few more weeks. Some stores offer maternity clothes in varying sizes that can accommodate second vs. third trimester babies.

Your maternity size will generally correspond with the size you were before you got pregnant, provided you have not gained an unusual amount of weight.

Changes in You
Perhaps the most exciting part of pregnancy is feeling your baby move. You might be able to discern tiny movements by pregnancy week 16. Many women have described this feeling as akin to butterflies fluttering away in the stomach at 16 Weeks Pregnant though some will feel this sooner. At first you might dismiss this feeling as gas, but watch out, your baby is actually swimming up a storm!

Even at 16 Weeks Pregnant not all women will feel their baby’s movement, so don’t panic if you don’t recognize your baby’s movements during pregnancy at 16 weeks. It may take a few more weeks before you feel the first fluttering of your baby. If this is not your first baby, you are more likely to feel movement early on in the pregnancy.

Some time between weeks 16 and 18 you will undergo an alpha-fetoprotein test (AFP). This is a protein that comes from fetal urine and resides in the amniotic fluid. Your physician can measure the amount of AFP in the amniotic fluid with a simple blood test.

High levels of AFP can indicate a problem with the fetus, including an elevated risk for spinal cord problems the two most common of which include a condition called Spina Bifida, which involves the central nervous system or Down Syndrome, which involves an abnormal number of chromosomes. An abnormal test does not mean that there is something wrong with the fetus; it simply indicates to your healthcare provider that something might be awry. If your AFP test comes back positive your physician might order an amniocentesis or ultrasound to confirm a diagnosis.

An amniocentesis is one of the more common genetic tests performed to test for chromosomal abnormalities and genetic birth defects. Your healthcare provider will use an ultrasound to guide a thin needle through the abdomen and withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid. There is a small risk of miscarriage, spotting or leaking of amniotic fluid associated with the procedure. An amniocentesis can among other things confirm the sex of your baby. It is far more accurate than an ultrasound because it measures the genetic components that determine whether your baby is a boy or a girl. It is not routinely used however simply to determine sex, because the procedure is considered somewhat risky.

Pregnancy Pillow
The Perfect Gift for Expectant Mothers

Looking for the perfect gift for mom to be? Gift giving customs are common around the time a woman is about to deliver her baby. Many family and friends decide to throw a mom to be a baby shower to welcome her upcoming arrival. One of the best pregnancy gifts you can offer an expectant mother is a pregnancy or nursing pillow.

Examples of high quality selections include snoozer pregnancy pillows . These pillows can make all the difference in the world between a good night’s sleep and a bad one. Consider buying a pregnancy pillow however, long before the baby shower. Most women find them most beneficial during the second and third trimester of their pregnancy!

Maternity Clothes
Intimate Apparel:
A Must Have For Expectant Women

What woman doesn’t want to look and feel attractive throughout her pregnancy? Finding stylish apparel to wear during your pregnancy doesn’t have to be a chore. Yes your body is changing each and every day. Fortunately there are many quality and elegant options available for mothers looking for New Arrivals at Stylish Motherhood Maternity! Shop Now! One of the more important things to look for is supportive and flowing garments that move with you as you grow and expand.

Whether you are looking for something special to wear for a special occasion or simply in the mood for something sexy or romantic, rest assured stylish apparel from Mother Works, Inc. (Motherhood Maternity) comes in all shapes, sizes, fabrics and styles for women during pregnancy and after.

Pregnancy Health Tips
Genetic testing is more likely in women over age 35. In fact your healthcare provider might recommend an amniocentesis if you are pregnant over 35. More and more women are deciding to delay getting pregnant until they are at a stage in life where they are more settled in their personal and career lives. Many women feel that after the age of 35 they have reached a place where they have achieved some personal success and are now looking to work on starting a family.

The good news is that most women will have healthy babies after 35. However if you are 35 or older you may be prone to more risks. Age affects fertility in a number of ways. Typically it will take a woman in her mid-30s or older longer to conceive than a woman in her 20s or early 30s.

Women who conceive after the age of 35 are more than twice as likely than younger women to develop high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and even pre-eclampsia. These women are also more likely to have twins. In addition, the risk of chromosomal disorders generally increases as a woman ages. Down syndrome for example, is much more likely in women over 35. At the age of 30 a woman generally has a 1 in 1,000 chance of giving birth to a baby with Down syndrome. By age 35 the odds go up to 1 in 400, and by age 40 the odds go up again to 1 in 100.

Thus most physicians in conjunction with recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists will recommend genetic testing to diagnose or rule out any of these conditions.

Placental problems are also more likely in older women. The most common placental problem seen in women over the age of 35 is a condition called placenta previa, where the placenta covers part or the entire opening of the cervix. This condition can complicate delivery, resulting in severe bleeding, which can endanger mom or baby. Typically however this complication is prevented by delivery through cesarean section.

If you are over the age of 35, your healthcare provider will work closely with you to ensure the safety of you and your baby during your pregnancy. Some studies suggest that women who conceive their first child over the age of 35 are more likely to have preterm labor or deliver a baby that is low birth weight, which is defined as less than 5 ½ pounds.

Some women over the age of 35 might need fertility assistance to get pregnant, which can also increase the risk of multiple births. If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than 6 months and are over the age of 35, most providers will recommend a full work up to rule out any fertility problems.

Though the outcome seems grim, in all reality most women over the age of 35 will go on to have happy, safe and healthy pregnancies. There are several things you can do to improve your odds of delivering safely if you fall into the mid 30s to 40s age group. Consider the following tips for improving your pregnancy outcome:

Make sure you receive early prenatal counseling and rule out any medical conditions that might cause complications during your pregnancy.

Be sure to start taking a prenatal supplement with a minimum of 400 micrograms of folic acid before, during and after your pregnancy.

Maintain a healthy weight throughout your pregnancy.

Avoid tobacco and alcohol during pregnancy, which can increase the risks for certain birth defects.

Avoid any over the counter medications unless your physician recommends them.

The health tips offered to women over the age of 35 are the same as the tips proffered to younger parents, but it is triply important as an older mom that you maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to give your baby the best possible chance for a happy, safe and healthy outcome.

Article you might be interested in reading: Smoking During Pregnancy,,, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 20

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 20

How Big is the Baby at 20 Weeks Pregnant?

By pregnancy week 20 your baby is now almost 9 ounces and is between 5 1/2 and 6 1/2 inches long! The pregnancy week by week changes occurring at this stage are truly remarkable.

Your Baby’s Growth and Development

By pregnancy 20 weeks your baby is now practicing breathing and swallowing on a regular basis. Your baby continues to grow and fill out, with the head becoming slightly more proportional to the rest of the body.

Your baby’s skin is becoming more complex at the end of pregnancy week 20, forming different layers. The epidermis, or surface of your baby’s skin now has four layers that contain ridges for fingertips. The layers that form in your baby’s palms and feet will provide him with his own unique fingerprint later in life.

Your Growth and Development
By pregnancy 20 weeks time you are at the midpoint of your pregnancy, and onlookers are definitely starting to notice your bump! After pregnancy week 20 your uterus has likely reached your bellybutton. Growth typically starts to become more regular from this point in time on, so you should be noticing regular changes in your belly.

Remember that you are halfway through your pregnancy by 20 Weeks Pregnant, only 20 more weeks to go! Some ladies will deliver slightly sooner than 40 weeks, while others will delivery shortly after. A typical pregnancy usually lasts anywhere from 37-42 weeks. Where you fall in this spectrum will depend on a number of factors, including the accuracy of your due date, the health of your baby and even your genetics!

Changes in You

By pregnancy at 20 weeks you may be feeling slightly less dainty and slightly more bulky as your belly continues to grow. By now your physician or healthcare provider will start taking regular measurements of your belly to help confirm your baby’s growth and development.

There are several ways your healthcare provider may keep track of your baby’s growth and development after 20 Weeks Pregnant. Many healthcare providers will use a measuring tape to measure your fundal height. Fundal height is determined by measuring from your pubic symphysis to the top of your uterus (called the fundus). This technique typically correlates well with the gestational age of your baby when you are between 14 and 32 weeks pregnant. After 32 weeks the use of the fundal height measurement is ambiguous. In the later weeks of pregnancy it is best to assess the overall size and health of the neonate with serial ultrasound examinations rather than fundal height measurements. The size and weight of the infant can be assessed with an accuracy of plus or minus 20% when serial ultrasound is used. Serial ultrasound exams can show the growth curve for your baby. These measurements may enable you to determine the exact percentile of growth or the growth rate for your baby.

If you are measuring much larger than expected, your healthcare provider might suspect that you are carrying twins, that the baby is growing larger than normal for your gestational age or that your baby may be due sooner than expected. Ultrasound exams will help to clarify any size or date discrepancies. Some women will measure slightly smaller than expected for their expected due date and this is perfectly normal. This could be due to miscalculation of your due date, the fact that the baby is growing smaller than expected for your gestational age or can sometimes be the result of intrauterine-growth restriction. The ultrasound exam is of greatest benefit when there is a size discrepancy because it can clarify between a small size due to miscalculated due dates or intrauterine-growth restriction.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction or IUGR is a condition that results in significantly smaller weight babies at the time of birth. There are many factors that can affect your baby’s growth in the womb. Risk factors for fetal growth restriction are:

A history of previous fetal growth restriction infant.

Chronic hypertension.

Diabetes Mellitus.

Elevated alpha fetoprotein (AFP).

Antiphospholipid syndrome

Chronic medical illnesses.

Low maternal pre-pregnancy weight.

Poor weight gain during pregnancy.

Twin Gestation.

Substance abuse (tobacco, alcohol, drugs).

Abnormalities of the afterbirth or placenta.

Anemia.

Typically growth that occurs in the womb is very rapid. A typical baby will be born somewhere around 7 pounds. Premature babies are smaller but typically their growth is proportionate to the number of weeks they were growing in the womb. When growth is not proportionate to your baby’s gestation, IUGR may be suspected.

If IUGR is suspected your healthcare provider will want to conduct several tests to help determine what the cause may be. Typically newborn babies diagnosed with IUGR experience more medical problems and difficulties than normal weight babies. The good news is that proper health and prenatal care during pregnancy goes a long way toward preventing IUGR, and early detection will allow appropriate treatment and the best possible outcome for your baby.

Abdominal itching is often common during this point in pregnancy. Typically itching occurs as a result of your skin stretching. Consistent application of moisturizers can help reduce irritation. A very small number of women develop itchy red bumps during pregnancy, and hive like rashes on their belly, usually in the last couple of months of pregnancy. This type of irritation is often referred to as Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy or PUPP. Usually these bumps are harmless, and serve more as a nuisance than anything else during pregnancy.

Fortunately your healthcare provider can prescribe a topical ointment that will help reduce the amount of itching you are experiencing. Very rarely a woman will develop severe itchiness that is a sign of something more severe, such as a condition called intrahepatic cholestasis. This condition is the result of a liver problem that occurs in pregnancy. When affected by intrahepatic cholestasis, bile in the body doesn’t flow normally throughout the small ducts of the liver, resulting in accumulation of bile salts in the skin. This can result in excessive itching and red irritated skin. If you have itching that seems to spread over your entire belly and are not able to relieve it with warm soaks and moisturizing, contact your healthcare provider. They will have to conduct some blood tests to confirm whether or not your liver has been affected by this condition. Fortunately this condition usually affects less than 2 percent of pregnant women, so it is unlikely that you will develop this condition during your pregnancy.

Pregnancy Pillows
Finding A Quality Pillow During Pregnancy

Some women think they can get buy with a “make shift” pregnancy pillow during pregnancy. I’m here to tell you however, that no combination of pillows will work the same as a high quality pregnancy pillow like Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows. If you try to mimic the effects of a pregnancy pillow using many pillows, you’ll only end up frustrated.

I know… I have about 15 pillows at home. No matter how hard I tried, no combination of pillows worked better than my pregnancy pillow to support my back, neck and legs during pregnancy. A good quality pillow is just the right firmness and runs the entire length of your body, an important concept during pregnancy!

Maternity Clothes
Modern Mom’s Go For Maternity Denim

Think you’ll miss your favorite pair of jeans once you get pregnant? Think again! Modern moms know that there is an exceptional selection of Maternity Jeans available for expectant mothers at Motherhood Maternity! No longer do pregnant women have to suffer wearing paneled pants with no style or class. Today’s maternity denim is often made of breathable, stretchy fabric and comes in a variety of styles, including non-paneled versions for the fashion conscious mom-to-be!

You can typically find great looking casual wear, skirts, pants, shorts and even tops all made of denim when looking for maternity items to complete your maternity wardrobe. Most maternity denim is made of stretchy fabric that is designed for functionality as well as comfort!

Pregnancy Health Tips
Many women decide to sign up for childbirth education classes during their pregnancy, particularly first time moms. These classes can be particularly beneficial for the labor and delivery process. Childbirth classes are a means to focus on your impending roll as a parent, and a means to express your concerns and worries prior to delivery. Most childbirth classes will teach you the ins and outs of labor and delivery, help you understand what you can expect during the first few weeks of parenthood, and offer vital tips and tricks for coping with fatigue, stress and other concerns in the postpartum period.

Most classes will instruct you regarding the signs of labor or pre labor, and help you learn relaxation and breathing techniques for labor and delivery. Others will also cover important aspects of labor and delivery such as pain medication options and hospital procedures. Your instructor may also cover natural birthing options, recovery from a vaginal delivery and information on c-sections. While most women predict that their labor will go off without a hitch, you simply never know when a c-section might be necessary. Because of this it is important that you are prepared in the event that you may need one.

For the most part you will want to dress comfortably for class and bring a pillow and partner. Your partner will help coach you through the relaxation and breathing exercises you need to adopt for labor and delivery. The two most popular childbirth classes are the Lamaze classes and Bradley Method Classes.

Lamaze classes typically emphasize managing your pain through relaxation, meditation and breathing techniques. Lamaze is a natural approach to birth, but can be used in conjunction with pain relieve. The Bradley Method is often considered a comprehensive approach to pregnancy and delivery. Typically this method emphasizes diet and exercise and teaches deep breathing techniques for labor and delivery.

Some other classes you may find useful include newborn baby or infant CPR and breastfeeding. A breastfeeding class can be invaluable if you plan on breastfeeding your baby exclusively. Your instructor will cover a variety of topics including pumping and storing your breast milk, different latch positions, and methods for coping with problems while breastfeeding during the first couple of weeks. A breastfeeding class may also provide you with contact information for local lactation consultants that can help you with the breastfeeding process after delivery.

Article you might be interested in reading: Pregnancy Advice,, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 18

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 18

How Big is the Baby at 18 Weeks Pregnant?
By 18 Weeks Pregnant your baby is now anywhere from 5 to approximately 6 inches long at 18 weeks and weighs a little over 5 ounces! In case you are wondering that is about the size of a small can of soup!

Your Baby’s Growth and Development
By pregnancy week 18 your baby’s heart is developed enough to show some signs of defects. Ultrasound may be used to help detect any structural abnormalities that might exist. Most babies will be born without any congenital abnormalities. If an early ultrasound does detect something abnormal, you can plan ahead for any interventions or surgeries that may be necessary to support your newborn baby after birth.

At pregnancy week 18 your baby is now starting to produce a protective covering along the nerves, called Myelin. This substance will be produced through the ninth month. By now your baby’s genitals should be distinguishable, though you may not yet have the opportunity to view them at your health care practitioner’s office.

Your Growth and Development
You should be able to feel your uterus now just below your bellybutton. You should definitely be showing a bit by now. Most women will have gained anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds at this point in time, though some will have gained less and some more. Your uterus is the size of a small melon by this point in time.

Changes in You
Sleeping might start to get a bit more uncomfortable as your belly continues to expand during pregnancy 18 weeks and beyond. One of the best things you can do during your pregnancy is lie on your left side, particularly during the third trimester. This will help prevent your uterus from compressing a vein in your body called the inferior vena cava. This vein helps return blood back to your heart. If you haven’t invested in a whole body pillow at this point, you might consider one soon.

Most women will undergo an ultrasound sometime between 18 Weeks Pregnant and 20 weeks pregnant. An ultrasound is typically ordered to help detect birth defects and ensure that the baby is growing properly. Your healthcare provider will examine your baby’s placenta and umbilical cord and also determine whether or not the due date you have estimated is likely to be correct.

Many women have their husband join them during their ultrasound visit so they can enjoy the experience of seeing their miniature newborn baby together.

Determining Your Baby’s Sex
Should you find out what the sex of your baby is ahead of time? You might be able to if you are in pregnancy at 18 weeks or higher. Most parents are split on this issue. Some can’t wait to find out what the sex of their baby is, and others prefer to be surprised at birth. The decision you make should be yours entirely.

Keep in mind that while typically very accurate, ultrasound can sometimes be misleading. There is a small chance that your technician might believe your boy is a girl, when in reality your baby is a boy! More than one parent has been surprised in the past by a slightly inaccurate ultrasound. However, by and large by this point in time most ultrasounds are more than 99 percent accurate. Just be sure you don’t decorate the nursery entirely if your technician isn’t 100 percent sure of the sex of your baby. An amniocentesis is the only foolproof way to determine the sex of your baby, other than delivery!

There are some fun old wives tales techniques for determining the sex of your baby. Some people for example believe that you can predict the sex of the baby based on the way you are carrying. Others believe that you can predict the sex of the baby based on their heart rate. By and large though most of these methods are fun, they are not any more accurate than simply guessing.

Pregnancy Pillows
The Ultimate Baby Shower Gift

If you are planning a baby shower for an expectant mother, at the top of your gift list should be a pregnancy pillow. All pregnant mothers will enjoy the luxurious comfort and feel of a quality pregnancy pillow like with Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows . They provide much needed relief from the discomforts of pregnancy including back aches and leg cramps associated with pregnancy.

A pregnancy pillow is the gift that keeps on giving… most mothers enjoy them for several months following delivery. They truly are a luxury item all pregnant mothers deserve to enjoy at some point during pregnancy.

Maternity Clothes
Maternity Shirts:
The Best and Worst Selections During Each Stage of Pregnancy

Nothing feels worse that wearing ill-fitting clothing during your pregnancy. This is the case whether you are wearing tops or bottoms. One thing you must invest in during your pregnancy is one or more elegantly designed maternity shirts. Maternity Shirts from Motherhood Maternity, are crafted with pregnant mothers in mind. They offer the much needed extra space to allow your newborn baby to grow without looking overly bulky or out of style.

In fact, today’s maternity shirts and blouses are much classier and stylish than some versions offered in the past. Not sure what to look for? Keep in mind your skin might be overly sensitive during your pregnancy. You may want to look for clothes that are made of a cotton/lycra blend so they are comfortable, breathe AND stretch a little as your growing belly expands!

Pregnancy Tips
How much does it cost to have a baby? A lot! Most parents worry at some point or another about financing their baby. Realistically speaking, a lot of parents actually underestimate the cost of raising little ones. Don’t fret however, there are many things you can do to raise your newborn baby frugally but still ensure they enjoy the best things in life.

So what are the primary expenses you should be considering? During the first year most of your expenses will come from diapers, diaper accessories, bedding and clothing. Don’t forget along with diapers come baby wipes. Did you know that the average newborn baby requires anywhere from 8 to 10 diaper changes per day? If you are looking to save money, you can always decide to go with cloth diapers. Cloth diapers save a lot of money in the long run. Nowadays there are also many convenient diaper services that are available to haul your dirty diapers away and replace them with clean ones, so you don’t have to worry about the trouble of washing all those dirty diapers!

Baby wipes can also get expensive. Most thrifty and experienced moms however realize that they can make their own! You don’t have to use a washcloth either, which can get tedious and dirty. There are actually several different recipes available for making baby wipes. The most common include the following:

Single roll of thick paper towels cut in half.

Two cups hot water.

2-4 tablespoons of baby bath.

Reseal able container big enough to hold wipes.

All you have to do is mix the water and baby bath in your container and add the paper towels. Seal the container and you have home made wipes at less than half the cost of what they sell for in the store!

If you plan on breastfeeding your newborn baby you will also save plenty during the first year. If you choose or need to use formula, powdered formula is much less expensive than premixed formulas or concentrate.

You can even find bargains on baby clothes. By a few new pieces that you choose to make your newborn baby look cute and adorable. Aside from that consider online auctions or other discount resources where you can get baby clothes inexpensively. You’ll need about 8-10 pair of onesies at minimum so you aren’t washing clothes constantly during the first few weeks. You should also invest in some warm baby socks and sleepers to keep your baby warm at night.

Most of the expenses for the first year come from buying baby accessories and toys, Keep in mind that your newborn baby won’t even pay attention to most toys until they are between 3 and 6 months old. Most newborn babies are more interested in looking at your face than they are interested in looking at toys.

Just remember to take everything in stride. You will be able to figure out how to make it work, parents have been doing it since the dawn of time. You can start by setting aside a change jar that you throw all of your loose change into every week. Use that money as your play money to go out to eat on occasion or splurge on other ‘luxuries’ and in the meantime start putting away ten to twenty dollars per week in a savings account to help manage baby expenses. If you don’t access that money over time interest will accrue and you’ll find yourself with a nice little sum of money you can use to splurge on your new family!

Article you might be interested in reading: Pregnancy Advice,, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 19

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 19

How Big is the Baby at 19 Weeks Pregnant?
By pregnancy week 19 your baby may be as big as 6 inches long and may weigh up to 7 ounces! Between 19 Weeks Pregnant and the time you deliver your baby will increase in size by more than 15 times! The growth that occurs during pregnancy week by week from here on out is truly remarkable.

Your Baby’s Growth and Development
By pregnancy week 19 your baby is starting to produce meconium, the baby’s first bowel movement. When your baby is born she will start passing meconium the first few days of life. Meconium is very normal but can sometimes turn dangerous. Typically when babies are developing they ingest and then excrete amniotic fluid every day. Meconium is a combination of this build-up of material including amniotic fluid that occurs during pregnancy. Typically it is greenish-black in color and tarry upon excretion. Usually your baby will pass this after delivery. There is however a risk if your baby passes meconium while you are still pregnant. Usually this is a sign of fetal distress. Meconium passed in utero can mix with amniotic fluid and sometimes get into the baby’s lungs, which can cause complications after delivery including pneumonia.

Typically the only way to tell if the baby has passed meconium is after the birth. When your water breaks if the water is clear your baby should be fine. If your baby has passed meconium the amniotic fluid may be yellowish or greenish. Your healthcare provider will use a DeLee suction to remove the meconium from your baby’s airway prior to their first breath, to prevent aspiration of the meconium in the respiratory system.

There is no way to influence whether or not your baby will pass meconium in utero. The good news is that most babies do not, so you shouldn’t worry about it. Your healthcare provider will be well equipped to handle the situation should it arise at delivery.

Your baby is also producing vernix during 19 weeks pregnant, which is a white sticky substance that covers your baby’s skin to protect it from it’s environment. Remember your baby is packed in fluid for nine months. The vernix will keep your baby’s skin looking soft and supple.

By pregnancy 19 weeks your baby’s brain is also forming pockets to specialize in smell, taste, hearing, vision and even touch. By pregnancy week 19 if you are having a girl she already has produced six million eggs in her ovaries, though this number will decrease by 4 million by the time your newborn baby is born.

Your Growth and Development

By 19 Weeks Pregnant your uterus should now be just below your belly button. You may notice that your lower abdomen is somewhat achy due to its increased size and pulling on the round ligaments. Round ligament pain is a very common discomfort at 19 weeks of pregnancy.

Changes in You
It is not uncommon to find your balance shifting during pregnancy at 19 weeks. Remember your center of gravity is off. You may notice it is more difficult to walk down or up hill with your changing center of gravity. You may also start feeling dizzy or lightheaded, which is a fairly common side effect of pregnancy. Typically you’ll notice these symptoms when you change posture, a condition referred to as postural hypotension. This is low blood pressure that results from a change in position, such as a sudden leap from sitting to standing.

Sometimes the uterus also places pressure on the aorta and vena cava, two large vessels that supply blood to the body. The aorta transfers blood from the heart to the body and the vena cava brings the blood from the body back to the heart. When these vessels are compressed, you get hypotension due to the slowing of blood circulating through your body. This is called supine hypotension, which may result in a feeling of being faint or dizzy when you lie down. Typically you can relieve the symptoms of dizziness or faintness resulting by supine hypotension by lying on your side instead of your back. Either side you lay on will relieve the pressure on the large vessels and increase your blood flow back to your heart. In a few minutes, you will feel like yourself again.

Other causes of dizziness or light-headedness may include too low or too high blood sugar. Be sure that you are eating several mini meals per day and not skipping any meals. This should help alleviate the problem.

Pregnancy Pillows
Structural Benefits Of Using A Pregnancy Pillow

From a structural perspective there are many benefits of using a pregnancy pillow during pregnancy. Pregnancy pillows like Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows provide much needed support for your legs, lower back, abdomen and even upper body during pregnancy. Most women’s posture changes dramatically as they grow and expand during pregnancy. This can result in cramping and lower back pain.

When sleeping, it is important a woman work to align her spine and neck properly. This will help reduce back and neck pain and help promote a sound night’s sleep. Tucking a pregnancy pillow between the knees and under the belly can help support the body in all the right places during pregnancy!

Maternity Clothes
Maternity Sweaters:
A Must Have For Cold Winter Months

When the weather starts to cool down you’ll probably find yourself reaching for a sweater. Maternity sweaters are a must have item particularly if you plan on spending 5-9 months in a cold climate or season. Remember, the warmer you keep your belly the less likely junior is to kick you for keeping things a bit chilly!

Fortunately Maternity Sweaters come in many different styles and colors. You can usually find something that works in a casual setting or something a bit more sophisticated to wear in the office. When shopping for maternity sweaters during pregnancy, you might want to avoid certain fabrics such as wool that might irritate already itchy skin!

Pregnancy Health Tips
Many women wonder if it is safe to travel during pregnancy. By and large traveling during pregnancy is perfectly safe. Many women experience more of the common pregnancy discomforts when they are traveling. Largely this is due to less then ideal eating and sleeping habits.

When you are traveling bloating, heartburn and indigestion may be at an all time high. Part of the reason for this may be your reliance on fast food instead of healthy, home-prepared meals.

Fortunately you can travel and remain healthy. First and foremost remember to wear clothing that is comfortable for your trip. Pack you own snacks ahead of time. This will allow you to stick to your schedule of eating several mini meals per day, which will ultimately minimize heartburn.

Remember to keep a bottle of water handy at all times during your pregnancy. Try to stay away from high fat selections when eating out, and avoid carbonated beverages, particularly those that contain caffeine.

Sitting for long periods of time, whether in a car or on a plane, can result in achy legs and an achy back. Be sure you take several breaks to get up and stretch your legs. This will also minimize your chances of forming a blood clot in the leg. When you sit for long periods of time, blood pools in the legs. The viscosity of your blood is much thicker during pregnancy, which can result in a clot.

One easy stretch you can do to help prevent clots and eliminate cramps is simply flex your toes up and down ten times, and then squeeze your calf muscles ten times. Rotate sets of two every 1/2 hour to hour. This will help promote better circulation in your legs.

You are also at greater risk for contracting a UTI when traveling. Be sure you make a point to take several bathroom breaks along the way. Never hold your bladder for too long because this will allow bacteria to collect, which could lead to a UTI.

Constipation is another problem for travelers. You may not be drinking enough fluids if you find that you are ‘bound’ during your travel. Be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Mild exercise can also help alleviate the problem. If you get the chance, take a walk around the block once or twice per day. High fiber foods can also help prevent constipation. Your best bets include bran cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Flying is usually perfectly safe during pregnancy, except during the latter half of the third trimester. Most airlines will not let you fly if you are more than about 34 Weeks Pregnant. Others will require you to carry a note from your physician indicating it is safe for you to fly. Be sure you check in with your airline prior to departure to avoid any unexpected delays. Toward the end of pregnancy, the air pressure changes that occur when flying may or may not induce some cramping. Most airlines would prefer if you not deliver your baby on board, hence the flying restrictions after about 34 weeks.

When you do travel, make every effort to get a good night’s sleep, or take naps if you need to catch up on some zzz’s. If you are traveling to a different time zone, try to go to bed as close to your normal bedtime as possible. This will help eliminate some of the jet lag you might experience. Remember when traveling to also keep your activities to a minimum to ward off exhaustion.

Should you travel to a developing country while pregnant? Probably not… Particularly if you are close to your due date or if your pregnancy is considered high risk. The reason being that some developing countries simply will not have the medical resources necessary to care for you should something unexpected happen. If you aren’t far along in your pregnancy and are relatively healthy, you should see which immunizations might be necessary before traveling in order to prevent illness from a contagious disease. There are some vaccines that are safe for travel and some that are not during pregnancy. There are also some medications that may be recommended for travel to certain exotic locations that you are not able to take during pregnancy (such as anti-malarial drugs). By and large it is very important that you weight the risks versus benefits if you plan on traveling to a developing country during your pregnancy.

Remember that the biggest risk would be a lack of access to a medical care facility that could handle an early delivery. While a delivery at 32 weeks is manageable here in the states, it is not in many other parts of the world.

Article you might be interested in reading: Pregnancy Advice, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

pregnancy weeks 24

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 24

How Big is the Baby at 24 Weeks Pregnant?
During pregnancy week 24 your baby is now more than one pound and is about 8 ½ inches long! As you track your pregnancy week by week from this point out your baby will resemble a tiny albeit complete little human being!

Your Baby’s Growth and Development

Your baby continues to grow more proportional each and every day. During pregnancy week 24 her organ systems continue to mature as do the central nervous system, digestive system and even reproductive and circulatory systems. During a pregnancy at 24 weeks your baby’s lungs are also starting to form little branches and will eventually start producing a substance called surfactant which happens closer to the time your baby’s lungs start maturing.

The amniotic fluid surrounding your baby begins to increase in volume after about pregnancy 24 weeks.. This continues until delivery when your uterus will hold up to 2 pints of amniotic fluid.

Your Growth and Development
Your uterus continues to grow at pregnancy 24 weeks, now between 1 ½ and 2 inches above your belly button. Many women are surprised that people want to start rubbing their bellies as they start to show during pregnancy at 24 weeks and beyond. While some women don’t mind, others feel uncomfortable. It isn’t uncommon for perfect strangers to come up to you and rub your belly.

If it really bothers you, you can always tell them you are ticklish. Or head them off by patting your own belly that way your hand is in the way and may prevent them from reaching out to touch your belly without an invitation. Remember that babies tend to fill the world with joy, that’s why so many people are fond of rubbing a pregnant woman’s belly. Others believe there is luck to be had by rubbing a pregnant woman’s belly… while this has yet to be ‘proven’ it certainly can’t hurt!

Changes in You

Your baby has less and less room to move in your womb after you are about 24 Weeks Pregnant. You should be feeling strong kicks by 24 Weeks Pregnant, but gradually your baby’s movements will start to seem slower and more rhythmic rather than all over the place. This is perfectly normal.

Though your babies first kicks and movements will seem random, gradually your baby will be kicking regularly. You should notice patterns of wakefulness and sleeping throughout the day. Enjoy each and every moment you have to enjoy your baby’s gymnastics. It may seem hard to believe but you will miss the feeling of your baby moving around inside of you once you give birth.

Pregnancy Pillows
Pregnancy Pillows May Help Improve Anxiety Symptoms During Pregnancy

Many women have a difficult time dealing with stress and anxiety during pregnancy. This may result for many reasons, including pending anxiety and stress related to adding a new member to your family. For other women, anxiety and stress result from increasing discomforts associated with side effects during pregnancy.

While meditation and yoga may help address anxiety and stress in some ways, a great way to relieve the anxiety associated with poor sleep is by using a pregnancy pillow during pregnancy. Pregnancy pillows like Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows can help improve your comfort dramatically during pregnancy.

Maternity Clothes
Career/Collections:
Working Moms Can Find Classy, Sophisticated Wear

You need to look great at work but don’t want to spend a fortune on maternity wear, right? Don’t worry! Fortunately for today’s mom-to-be there is a huge selection of career collections that range in price to suit every working mom-to-be’s budget, size and even style preferences!

If you plan on working throughout your pregnancy you will benefit from buying career collections that contain several mix and match pieces. Consider collections at Motherhood Maternity for Career Pants and a few different blouses or blazers. Also consider the new collections of Career dresses at Motherhood Maternity. Believe it or not, you can survive your entire pregnancy with just a few carefully chosen outfits if you invest in one of the many career collections available today! Whether you are the CEO of a major corporation or work for a small office of less than 20 employees, rest assured you can find just what you are looking for when it comes to career maternity wear!

Pregnancy Health Tips
Many women consider this time of pregnancy their special time. Some women deeply enjoy the second and third trimester. During this time, you basically get your little cherub all to yourself. Once you deliver your baby, you may be surprised at the number of relatives, friends and well-meaning peers that want to pop by and visit.

Some women lament the loss of this private time they have to share with their baby. Though your husband may occasionally enjoy feeling your baby move, by and large this is the one time you can truly enjoy your little one all to yourself.

There are many people that believe that reading to their baby or playing music to their baby while in utero is beneficial. While there are several studies that both support and refute these notions, the fact of the matter is anything that helps you feel more bonded and loving to your child is worthwhile. If you feel like playing calming music to your baby then do so. Remember that babies can hear in the womb, and you never know your little one might be tapping their hand to the beat of the music just like you.

Did you know that your baby will actually recognize you before all other people immediately after birth? Your baby can actually detect your unique smell after birth. This provides your baby with comfort and warmth. Your baby also learns to recognize your voice very shortly after birth. One way you can encourage your partner to bond with your baby before birth is by having them read or talk to your baby while you are pregnant. This will encourage your partner at the very earliest age to participate in baby’s life and help him feel like an important partner in the pregnancy and birthing process.

Many parents also find the second trimester a fun time to start weeding through the hundreds and thousands of baby names out there. For all of you who think selecting a name is easy, think again. One partner will come up with one name and the other will come up with two dozen other. A name that seems good at one point may not seem so good at another. Keep in mind that for most people a name is a very identifying and personable aspect of their identity. If at all possible consider a name or names that might have some kind of special significance or meaning. When you do so you will have a lovely story to tell your child one day about their name.

Don’t be surprised however if you change your mind in the delivery room. Many parents have picked out a name ahead of time only to find that they change their minds once their baby is born and they get a good look at them. John may suddenly seem like a Joe, or surprise of all surprises, a Joe may actually be a Jane! You simply never know. Selecting a baby name however is another one of life’s little pleasures that you can enjoy for the rest of your pregnancy. If you do decide on a name ahead of time you may find comfort calling your precious cherub that name instead of Baby X for the duration of your pregnancy. Have fun with it. Take poll at work. Check out some of the more common baby names… then check out some that are more unusual. Just remember to have fun in the process!

Article you might be interested in reading: Pregnancy Advice,, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 30

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 30

How Big is the Baby at 30 Weeks Pregnant?
By 30 Weeks Pregnant your baby weighs almost 3 pounds and is just about 17 inches long!

Your Baby’s Growth and Development

Your baby is continuing to grow and develop during pregnancy at 30 weeks, filling out your uterus more and more every day. You have probably noticed an arm or leg moving across your belly at one time or another. Many parents have a lot of fun playing “guess the body part” as their unborn baby moves underneath mom’s belly during pregnancy 30 weeks. This game is even more interesting as your pregnancy week by week continues. A hard round lump is likely either the head or your baby’s bottom, whereas a longer flat surface may be your baby’s back. Your healthcare provider may be able to help you identify your baby’s bumps and lumps at your next prenatal visit.

The volume of amniotic fluid in your belly will slowly start to decrease as your baby starts to take up more and more space in your belly.

Your Growth and Development
Your uterus is now about 4 inches above your belly button at pregnancy week 30. You are now in the home stretch of pregnancy by pregnancy at 30 weeks, and quickly running out of room to expand!

Changes in You
You are probably starting to feel more tired by 30 Weeks Pregnant. This is due in part to the increasing levels of progesterone in your body during pregnancy 30 weeks and in part because you are probably having trouble getting comfortable enough to sleep at night. If you haven’t already invested in a body pillow or two by now, you should.

If you find you are having a difficult time shifting positions at night during pregnancy week 30 and beyond, consider investing in a set of silk sheets. Then why not splurge on a pair of silk pajamas? You’ll find moving in bed and shifting positions is a lot simpler when you can easily slide across your sheets. Some women find it most comfortable to sleep in a semi-upright position. If you have a recliner available you might try resting there for a nap or two. This may make it easier to switch from side to side, or at the very least get up after snoozing for an hour or two.

Your balance is probably quite a bit skewed by 30 Weeks Pregnant. In addition pregnancy hormones have allowed your joints to loosen. Many women find that their feet go up an entire size during pregnancy. This is due to these loosening joints. Most of the time if your foot grows during pregnancy, it will not go back to normal after (sorry ladies!).

Many women find that they are experiencing more emotional swings once again when they enter the third trimester.

Nursing Pillows
Good Support Is A Must During Breastfeeding

Wouldn’t it be great if you could turn your pregnancy pillow into a nursing support pillow after pregnancy? Guess what, you can! Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows easily convert into a nursing pillow to help support your neck, shoulders and upper back during breastfeeding sessions. This is a terrific bonus for mothers who commit to breastfeeding their babies in the months following delivery.

Just as your back and legs require a little extra support during pregnancy, so too will your neck and shoulders while breastfeeding. Having a nursing pillow handy is definitely a must have for all moms to be!

Maternity Clothes
Crops and Capris:
Summer Can’t Live Without Items

You can’t endure an entire summer without maternity crops and capris… not if you are interested in comfort, style and fun during the warmer months of the year! Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look good. Let’s face it; crops and capris are some of the more popular clothing items for pregnant and non-pregnant women alike!

Most Motherhood Maternity Crops and Capris are made of stretchy fabric, so they not only feel great but also move with you your entire pregnancy. Go ahead, show off that belly! You earned every bit of it. If you are a hip and funky mom-to-be, why not check out the latest selections and get the hottest trends in shorts – denim, novelty, short shorts & bermuda shorts at A Pea in the Pod! for moms-to-be?

Pregnancy Health Tips

There are many pain relief options for the laboring mother. It is important that you know your options prior to delivery so you may make an informed decision before you deliver. Here is a brief summary of some of the more common forms of pain relief available for laboring mothers:

Natural Birth - Just as it sounds, natural birth means no pain relief. Most ‘natural’ mothers prefer to use meditation and breathing and relaxation techniques to reduce their pain during delivery. Some mothers even choose to use alternative methods of pain control including hypnosis during pregnancy. Fortunately modern technology has afforded women a lot of safe and reliable pain control options during pregnancy. Many women decide to opt for a natural birth during pregnancy, only to find that they need some form of pain control later. The pain associated with labor and delivery is quite intense. Women have been birthing babies however since the dawn of time, so there isn’t a true reason why you can’t deliver without any pain medications.

Analgesics and Narcotics – These medications include butorphanol, fentanyl, meperidine and nalbuphine. They are injected right into a muscle or the buttocks, or can be delivered intravenously during labor and delivery. The effects of these medications typically range one to six hours. They can’t be administered however in the final stages of labor when pain is most severe, because they may pass on to the baby causing drowsiness or depressed respiration after delivery.

Pudendal Block – This is a medication that can be injected into the vaginal wall just before delivery, and helps block pain between the vagina and perineum. This can help relieve pain associated with an episiotomy or tear. It is short lasting, generally lasting anywhere from several minutes to an hour. A pudendal block offers only local pain relief.

Epidural – This is the most common form of pain control used during labor and delivery. Usually a mixture of an anesthetic agent and a narcotic are administered for labor or during a cesarean birth. The medication is injected into the lower back into a space called the dura that surrounds the spinal cord. An epidural takes about 10 minutes to take effects. Use of an epidural does not necessarily slow labor and may take effect for several hours. Some women may find pushing more difficult if they choose an epidural block. Some women may experience a drop in blood pressure or shivering, which is actually a common reaction after administration.

“My husband once told me “you are no hero in my book if you choose not to use pain medications (he’s a medic). I remember when I was delivering my second child a woman down the hall was screaming so loudly I thought the walls would collapse. She was delivering twins vaginally, and without pain medication. I know it can be done, but I certainly wouldn’t want to go through that. I personally do not have a high pain tolerance, and wanted to be sure I had time to focus on the labor and delivery process, and for me that meant some form of pain relief. I didn’t want to remember my delivery as a painful experience. But all women are different, some deliver naturally with little or no pain. You should choose the option that is best for you… A. Arthur, mother of two epidural ”

Remember that regardless of the type of pain medication you decide to use, if you decide to use any, it is your choice and your decision. The most important thing you consider is your individual risk factors and preference during labor and delivery. Doulas and midwives have been coaching women through natural birthing processes since the dawn of time.

Article you might be interested in reading: Pregnancy Books, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 35

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 35

How Big is the Baby at 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Wow! By pregnancy week 35 your baby is probably now more than 5 and a half pounds. During pregnancy at 35 weeks your baby is also probably more than 20 inches long!

Your Growth and Development
Your baby is still working diligently by pregnancy week 35 on putting on more fat to keep her safe and warm in the early weeks after delivery. Your baby’s suckle reflexes should be well developed by pregnancy 35 weeks. If born prematurely at pregnancy week 35, most babies will still be able to breastfeed with little trouble at this point in time.

Your Growth and Development

Your uterus by 35 Weeks Pregnant is a whopping 6 inches above your bellybutton. You may have gained close to 30 pounds around 35 Weeks Pregnant.

Changes in You
You may start having more mood swings from pregnancy at 35 weeks and beyond. You may start to worry incessantly about things during pregnancy 35 weeks that are generally nothing to be concerned about. If this is your first pregnancy you might be worried about the labor and delivery process. You AND your partner might start to worry about whether or not you are prepared to raise a child as you continue your pregnancy week by week.

Rest assured, parents have been birthing babies since the dawn of time. Despite your worries, you will likely do a fine job raising your baby from the very second she is born. Most parents have a natural instinct that kicks in sometime around labor and delivery.

Now might be the time to start considering who you want to have present during the delivery. Some people prefer to have many family members present, whereas others prefer the birth to be an intimate experience between two partners. This decision should be made entirely by you. Your healthcare provider and nurses will ensure that your wishes are met during your stay at the birthing center.

If you find yourself swinging wildly from one thought to the next, it is time you start relaxing. One of the best ways to relax is by communicating. Be sure you keep the lines of communication open so that you and your partner have ample opportunities to share your concerns about the changes that are about to occur in our life.

If you feel that you are having serious mood swings, talk with your doctor, who can help you feel more at ease during this critical time of pregnancy.

One of the best things an expectant mom can do for herself in the last few weeks of pregnancy is indulge in a full body massage. Massage can be extremely helpful in relieving pain, swelling, discomfort and fatigue associated with the latter stages of pregnancy. There are numerous spas that offer prenatal massages for expectant mothers. There are even more chiropractic clinics and other wellness centers that offer prenatal massage at a reasonable rate.

At this point in your pregnancy, it is definitely worth a little extra if you can afford it to indulge in a weekly or bi-weekly massage. Be sure you call ahead to ensure the therapist that will work with you is trained in prenatal massage. There are even some studies that suggest that stimulation of certain points may help initiate labor. In three to five weeks you can start enjoying the benefits of any massage that may or may not trigger labor.

Nursing Pillows
Nursing Pillows Serve Many Purposes Aside From Nursing

Wouldn’t it be great if you could buy a pregnancy pillow that doubled as a nursing pillow? Turns out you can! Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows are a line of products that act as pregnancy pillows but also as nursing pillows. They are the perfect texture and consistency to support your neck and back while sleeping, but also to provide your shoulders and arms with much needed support while nursing.

Pregnancy pillows aren’t just for mom either! You’ll find they are the perfect accessory for anyone suffering from neck, back or shoulder discomfort in the family. Why not try one today?

Maternity Clothes
Maternity Shirts:
The Best and Worst Selections During Each Stage of Pregnancy

Nothing feels worse that wearing ill-fitting clothing during your pregnancy. This is the case whether you are wearing tops or bottoms. One thing you must invest in during your pregnancy is one or more elegantly designed maternity shirts. Maternity Shirts from Motherhood Maternity, are crafted with pregnant mothers in mind. They offer the much needed extra space to allow your newborn baby to grow without looking overly bulky or out of style.

In fact, today’s maternity shirts and blouses are much classier and stylish than some versions offered in the past. Not sure what to look for? Keep in mind your skin might be overly sensitive during your pregnancy. You may want to look for clothes that are made of a cotton/lycra blend so they are comfortable, breathe AND stretch a little as your growing belly expands!

Pregnancy Health Tips
By this point in time your healthcare practitioner might start paying close attention to the position your baby is in. There are several positions your baby may present in, the most common of which are head down, breech and transverse.

Most babies will settle into a head down position near term, or from about 35-36 weeks on. Head down is the safest position for delivery.

Breech birth occurs when your baby is presenting with the buttocks rather than the head first. Three to four percent of babies will actually start labor in this position. A breech position can be more dangerous than a head down position. Usually sometime between weeks 32 to 36 the fetus settles into a position that is hard to get out of, as movement becomes more and more restricted as pregnancy progresses. Typically by about 36 to 37 weeks whatever position the baby settles into is likely to be the position they present at during labor. Most babies will settle into a head down position, with the head upside down in the uterus.

The most common breech position is the frank breech. In a frank breech, the buttocks are positioned to come out first and the legs are folded in front of the body. A breech position may increase the likelihood for a cesarean delivery.

In some cases your healthcare provider may decide to perform a procedure referred to as an external version. This procedure is only performed in a hospital. Your healthcare provider will use an ultrasound machine to help visualize the turning of the fetus into a head down position. If your physical must perform a version, they will monitor your baby both before and after the procedure. A version can sometimes be a painful procedure. Typically your healthcare provider will perform a version after 36 weeks gestation, but usually before 37 weeks. This allows enough time to move the baby before actual labor begins.

Breech is the most common alternative position that babies present in prior to labor. A footling breech, when one leg is lowered over the cervix is less common than a frank breech position. Some women are more at risk for breech delivery than others including:

Women who go into labor prematurely.

Women who have had two babies close together, which lends itself to excess laxity of the uterus.

Women who have excessive amniotic fluid.

Women carrying multiples, where one or more of the babies is in a breech position.

Women with placenta previa.

When a baby is in the transverse position they present sideways. Typically a baby in this position lies with her shoulder or her back over the cervix. This position is much less common, typically occurring in 1 out of every 2,500 births. A transverse position close to the time of delivery may necessitate a cesarean delivery.

The risks for having a baby in a transverse lie increase when women go into labor prematurely, if you have given birth to four or more children or if you have placenta previa.

You should keep in mind that some babies defy all odds. Some babies will turn at the last minute and still present in a head down position for a natural delivery. If your baby is in an ‘abnormal’ position keep in mind your healthcare provider will be paying close attention to the situation. Your doctor can discuss with you the safety of a vaginal birth if your baby stays in a breech position, and will also discuss with you a cesarean delivery if your circumstances warrant one.

Article you might be interested in reading: Pregnancy Books, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 33

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 33

How Big is the Baby at 33 Weeks Pregnant?
By pregnancy week 33 your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and may be a little over 19 inches long!

Your Baby’s Growth and Development

Your baby is busy concentrating on weight gain during pregnancy week 33 and during the remainder of your pregnancy week by week. Your amniotic fluid may be at the highest level it will reach during your pregnancy at 33 weeks. Your baby’s brain has been busy growing rapidly during pregnancy at 33 weeks, increasing the size of your baby’s head by as much as 3/8 of an inch. Your baby’s skin will start changing from red to pink as fat begins to accumulate beneath its surface.

Your Growth and Development
By 33 Weeks Pregnant your uterus is a little over 5 inches above your navel. You may have gained up to 28 pounds by 33 Weeks Pregnant, though some women will have gained more. During this point in pregnancy many women find that they gain weight faster than at any other time. This is partly due to the rapid growth your baby is experiencing. Most babies will put on 5-9 ounces every week from this point out!

Changes in You
You are probably giddy with excitement by pregnancy 33 weeks at the thought of delivering your baby. Hold on however, you still have a few more weeks to go! You might consider pre-registering at the hospital sometime after pregnancy 33 weeks. Pre-registration will help speed up the admitting process once you are well on your way to delivery. If you are like most women you probably don’t want to think about paperwork when you are in the throws of labor.

You are probably experiencing edema or swelling as you continue your pregnancy week by week. This can be particularly noticeable if you live in a hot climate or are in the throws of the third trimester in the middle of summer. Remember to rest on your left side as much as possible to help minimize swelling.

Some women experience pain, numbness and tingling in the fingers and wrists at about this point in pregnancy. It isn’t uncommon for the tissues supporting your hands and wrists to swell, which can cause a condition resembling Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The Carpal Tunnel is actually a bony structure in the wrist. When the tissues surrounding it swell, the nerves running through the carpal tunnel can get pinched.

If you work in a job that requires frequent typing, your healthcare provider might suggest you wear a brace to help relieve some of the aching. You should also take frequent breaks to help reduce the discomfort in your hands and wrists.

Maternity Pillows
A Great Idea For Traveling

If you plan to be on the road a lot during pregnancy, chances are you will find the pillows offered by the hotel or B&B you are staying at much less comfortable than those at home. It is important however you get enough rest especially when traveling during pregnancy. The simplest way to make sure this happens is by packing your pregnancy pillow with you when traveling.

Fortunately Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows are easily transported from one location to another. Have to fly? Don’t worry. Just check your pillow. You can wrap it in a plastic garment bag if you want to. After all, you want to enjoy yourself on the road, especially if vacationing.

Maternity Clothes
Intimate Apparel:
A Must Have For Expectant Women

What woman doesn’t want to look and feel attractive throughout her pregnancy? Finding intimate apparel to wear during your pregnancy doesn’t have to be a chore. Yes your body is changing each and every day. Fortunately there are many quality and elegant options available for mothers looking for Maternity Intimate Apparel from A Pea in the Pod during their pregnancy. One of the more important things to look for is supportive and flowing garments that move with you as you grow and expand.

Whether you are looking for something special to wear for a Special Occasion or simply in the mood for something sexy or romantic, rest assured intimate apparel from A Pea in the Pod comes in all shapes, sizes, fabrics and styles for women during pregnancy and after.

Pregnancy Health Tips
By thirty three weeks pregnancy most women have probably started wondering a little bit about labor and delivery. Labor occurs in very distinct stages. Some healthcare providers divide labor into three stages and include an ‘early phase’ whereas others divide labor into four stages, which considers the early stage as the first stage of labor. Below we have broken labor down into four distinct stages for your consideration.

Stage One

During the early stage of labor (stage one), sometimes referred to as the ‘latent’ stage, your cervix will slowly start dilating and effacing. Many women don’t even recognize the regular contractions that help facilitate this process because they often resemble Braxton Hicks contractions. The latent phase begins however when contractions are coming at regular intervals. Many women will start out having contractions that come every 10 to 15 minutes and last approximately 30 seconds.

During the early stages of labor you may notice what is called a bloody show. This is a mucous discharge that is tinged with blood and is a perfectly common occurrence during early labor. Other women will lose their mucous plug during this time. The mucous plug actually seals off the cervix during pregnancy to prevent infection and invasion of foreign substances into the cervix. Some women consider loss of the mucous plug a sure sign that labor has begun, but a woman can actually start losing her mucous plug weeks before delivery. The bloody show is a much better predictor of imminent labor than loss of the mucous plug.

The early stage of labor is often the longest. For first time moms it can last 14 hours or more. Generally during this time the cervix will dilate between 1 and 4 centimeters.

Stage Two
During stage two you enter what is referred to as the active phase of labor. This is where all the fun begins. During this time your body will be preparing aggressively to deliver your baby. Typically you will start experiencing contractions that become frequent, longer and stronger. This will cause your cervix to dilate much faster. Most women’s cervix will dilate 5-7 centimeters during this stage of labor. Generally if you start having regular and painful contractions that last at least a minute, and occur every five minutes or so for about an hour, you are considered in the active stages of labor. By this point in time you should call your healthcare provider to find out if they want you to wait at home or come to the hospital. Most women who live far away from the hospital should consider leaving at this point in time. Second time moms may also be encouraged to get to their healthcare facility sooner, because this stage of labor can go quite swiftly the second time around!

Most first time moms will be in active labor for 6-8 hours, though this can vary. The length of time second time moms are in the active phase is typically much shorter as mentioned above.

During the active phase of labor you will want to concentrate on your breathing and relaxation techniques. You may find your contractions get strong enough that you are unable to talk through them. If you have taken any prenatal classes, you will find the techniques offered come in handy at this point in time.

Many healthcare providers encourage walking to help speed things along during active labor. One thing you may try to help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with this phase of labor is take a warm shower or bath. This often helps induce greater relaxation, which can also speed along the process. Other women find leaning against their partner comforting and helpful during this phase of labor.

Many women opt for pain medication during this phase of labor. By this point in time medication is not likely to slow things down, though you may be confined to your bed if you have an epidural.

Transition
After you have been in active labor for some time your body will enter the transition period. During this time contractions become strong and typically come on every two to three minutes (though some women will find their contractions remain five minutes apart during the entire delivery, every woman is unique!). Most women will find their contractions last a minute or more. During this phase the cervix will dilate from 8 to 10 centimeters. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few minutes long. Typically this is the most painful part of labor. If you don’t have any pain relief, you may feel nauseous and dizzy during this part of labor.

Stage Three
Once your cervix if fully dilated your baby will descend fully into the pelvis and you will be ready to push out your baby. Stage three is the period of time pushing begins. Most first time moms will push for an hour or more, though it isn’t uncommon for women to push for just 20 minutes. You may feel an urge to push involuntarily. One thing you can to do prepare yourself for this stage of labor is practice your kegels. This will help tone the pelvic floor muscles and enable you to push harder and more efficiently during labor.

Many women find this stage of labor a combination of exhaustion and excitement. Every contraction that is coming at this point in time helps push your baby through the birth canal. For some women the baby will descend rapidly, whereas others may take their time.

Your baby’s head will advance down the canal until it reaches the widest part and becomes visible, This is referred to as crowning. Usually this is the time when people start laughing and sharing tears of joy, as your baby is about to make his presence known to the world. Your doctor may note that your baby has a full head of hair, or may comment that your little one is bald as can be. Right after your baby’s head is delivered, your healthcare provider will suction the baby’s mouth and nose. Typically with the next contraction your baby’s shoulders will be delivered followed by the body!

Stage Four
Believe it or not, you are still technically in labor after your baby is born. After your baby is born your uterus will continue to contract to help separate the placenta from the wall of the uterus. Once this happens you may have to gently push to help deliver the placenta. Typically these mild contractions occur a few minutes after delivery. For most women the entire process takes less than 15 minutes. Most women don’t even pay attention to this stage of delivery because they are consumed with the site of their beautiful newborn baby.

There you have it, all the steps of labor easily outlined. Now you can start thinking about your big day just a few short weeks away!

Article you might be interested in reading: Pregnancy Books, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 34

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 34

How Big is the Baby at 34 Weeks Pregnant?
By 34 Weeks Pregnant your baby is now almost five pounds and just shy of 20 inches long!! More so than ever before your baby resembles a miniature being from pregnancy 34 weeks on.

Your Baby’s Growth and Development

Your baby is continuing to grow and fill out during pregnancy week by week. In fact, that is his primary job during pregnancy at 34 weeks and beyond. Not much changes from 34 Weeks Pregnant and on except your baby is adding valuable meat to his bones. Keep in mind that the weights presented each week in our week to week guide are only estimates. Some babies will weigh in a bit larger and others a bit smaller. Some babies will also be longer or shorter. Every baby is unique.

There are many factors that make estimating the weight of your baby challenging as you continue pregnancy week by week. Many women like to get an estimate about how big their baby is during their prenatal visits. However, most estimates can be as much as 1 to 2 pounds off in either direction.

There are many reasons for this. It is difficult to guess how much the baby will weigh combined with the placenta and amniotic fluid. Even with ultrasound your healthcare providers best estimate may be off. Ultrasound however can be a valuable too to help predict the weight of the baby.

During an ultrasound your healthcare provider will take many measurements to help estimate the baby’s weight and size. Among the more common measurements include the diameter of your baby’s head, the circumference of the head and abdomen and the length of your baby’s femur.

Estimates are more likely to be within ½ to 1 pound when an ultrasound is used.

Your Growth and Development

Your uterus at pregnancy 34 weeks is now just about 5.6 inches from the top of your navel. You may notice that you look similar to or different from other pregnant women who are as far along as you are. Every woman carries her baby differently. Some tend to carry more wide, while others carry lower or higher. It really depends on a number of factors. You may even carry differently from one pregnancy to the next!

There are many women that believe the way you carry represents the gender of your baby, but by and large this is an old wives tale! It is fun to guess however, particularly if you are waiting until delivery to determine the sex of your baby!

Changes in You
You probably are getting a little bit uncomfortable by pregnancy week 34. You are also likely to start feeling anxious to meet your newborn baby during pregnancy week 34 or thereafter.

Some women start to worry about whether or not their baby will fit through the birth canal at about this point in time. Generally your healthcare provider will not be able to predict whether or not your baby is too big to fit through your pelvis. This diagnosis is typically made during labor, when your physician can determine how the baby is fitting into your pelvis.

Just because you are petite doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to delivery a large baby. There are many women who are petite that go on to deliver babies 8 pounds or more.

Some women also start wondering when their baby will ‘drop’ sometime after week 34 pregnancy. Dropping is the term that refers to the process whereby your baby’s head enters the birth canal. It generally occurs in first time mothers a few weeks before delivery. In moms who have already given birth, it may not happen until a day or two before labor begins.

When you do drop you should notice a change in your abdomen. You might notice your baby is resting lower. You might also notice that it suddenly becomes easier to breathe, in part because you have ‘lightened’ your load and now have more room available in your upper abdomen.

It is also common to start feeling some pressure in the vagina after the baby drops. Some women worry that their baby might fall out. Talk to your doctor if you feel the pressure is severe. Your healthcare provider can check to see exactly how low the baby’s head is. Usually everything will be fine, you simply need to adjust to your baby sitting a little lower than you are used to.

Nursing Pillows
For Breast and Bottle Fed Babies

You may think if you bottle feed your baby you won’t suffer any of the side effects nursing mothers often do (like neck and shoulder pain). The fact of the matter is however, whether you bottle or breast feed your baby, feeding takes its toll. Most babies feed while laying in their side, supported by their mother or fathers arm.

The support you lend your baby while feeding can eventually lead to neck and shoulder problems. Fortunately these problems are easily resolved with the use of a proper support pillow like Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows. Remember you’ll need to take good care of your neck and shoulders so you can carry and lift your baby without pain as they continue to grow and flourish!

Maternity Clothes
The Inside Scoop On Maternity Tees

Want to know what many women find most comfortable to wear during their pregnancy? Why, maternity tees of course! Maternity Tees and Shirts from Motherhood Maternity, provide all the comfort of ordinary tees with just a little extra room for expansion… something you will need during the next 9 months! Many maternity tees are specially designed with expectant mothers in mind. They may have cute logos that tell onlookers whether you are having a boy or girl (and even twins in some cases!) or other classy pictures. The majority of maternity tees come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. You can mix and match plain ones with more dramatic, colorful concoctions.

If you are considering wardrobe essentials during your pregnancy, don’t forget to add Maternity Tees from Motherhood Maternity to your list of must haves! Once you have one you’ll find you can’t live without it!

Pregnancy Health Tips
Many women start wondering about whether or not they will need an episiotomy at this point in pregnancy. Recent studies have suggested that episiotomies while often common, are an unnecessary medical procedure that many new mothers endure at the time of delivery.

An episiotomy is an incision your healthcare provider will make from the vagina to the rectum in an effort to avoid tearing during delivery. Many women experience tearing when the baby’s head passes through the birth canal. An episiotomy may be cut horizontally or vertically.

Supporters of the procedure claim that it may help prevent unnecessary tearing and lacerations. However there are many women who endure increased lacerations, complications, unnecessary pain and even those that require reconstructive surgery after having an episiotomy. Many times an episiotomy will result in a longer recovery period after delivery.

There are certain risks associated with having an episiotomy including:

• Increased risk of blood loss during delivery.
• Increased risk of infection.
• Weaker pelvic floor muscles after birth.
• Increased healing times.
• Loss of sexual sensation post delivery.
• Incontinence.
• Increased risk of a severe tear during birth.

In some instances however an episiotomy may be a life saving procedure. It can be medically necessary, particularly during times when the baby is in distress and needs to be delivered quickly.

Baby size doesn’t really have anything to do with the amount of tearing you might experience. How big your baby’s head is will actually determine whether or not you experience any tearing during delivery.

Is there anything you can do to avoid an episiotomy? Some women and healthcare providers encourage gentle stretching of the birth canal during labor and delivery. This is often referred to as a perineal massage. You can actually perform this massage in the weeks leading up to your birth.

Perineal massage is a form of exercise that can help prepare your body for labor. Many women begin massage in the five to six weeks leading up to delivery. Use of perineal massage may help reduce your risks for excessive tearing.

Many women choose to perform a perineal massage themselves, however there is no reason your partner can’t help you. To perform a perineal massage you will need to do the following:

• Sit in a position that allows you to remain comfortable with your legs apart.
• Place some water soluble lubricant on your fingers and thumbs as well as the area between your vagina and anus.
• Next you will place your thumbs into the vagina about half way. Spread your legs and press down firmly on the perineal area. Try pressing down and to the sides at the same time so that you are stretching the area.
• Hold for a few minutes. You should feel some tingling.
• Massage the lower vaginal canal back and forth.

It is best that you ask your healthcare provider exactly how to perform a perineal massage if you are interested. It is often hard to visualize such activities without someone actually showing you how to perform them.

Ultimately the best way to avoid tearing is through a slow decent and controlled delivery of the head. If you work with a qualified health practitioner, you have the best chance of delivering your baby with minimal damage to your vagina and surrounding areas. If you have concerns about tearing talk with your healthcare provider. Typically your healthcare provider will be able to alleviate some of your concerns and inform you of all your options prior to delivery.

Article you might be interested in reading: Clear Blue Pregnancy Test, Pregnancy Support Belt, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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pregnancy weeks 32

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 32

How Big is the Baby at 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby continues to put on weight during pregnancy at 32 weeks, and is now almost 4 pounds. By 32 Weeks Pregnant your baby is also just under 19 inches long.

Your Baby’s Growth and Development

By 32 Weeks Pregnant your baby now has toenails and fingernails to complement her frame, though it will probably be a while before your baby requires an official pedicure or manicure.

Your baby continues to grow strong and put on weight during pregnancy at 32 weeks and in the upcoming weeks.

Your Growth and Development
By pregnancy 32 weeks the total volume of blood circulating in your body is about 40 to 50 percent higher than it was before you became pregnant. This added blood volume helps accommodate your fetus. You are probably still gaining about one pound per week during pregnancy 32 weeks. Some women find they are experiencing more shortness of breath at this time during their pregnancy. Be sure you avoid overexertion and take time to rest during the day.

You might start experiencing pain in your buttocks and lower back among other places by pregnancy week 32 as your center of gravity shifts. Take care when walking to avoid unnecessary falls or slips!

Changes in You
If you are having twins, during pregnancy week 32 your uterus would probably be the same size it would be at 40 weeks in a singleton pregnancy! In a single pregnancy the uterus typically measures about 5 inches above the belly button now. The increasing size of your uterus can contribute to heartburn and indigestion as well as a sense of breathlessness during pregnancy.

At this point you should make an effort to drink lots of water as you continue your pregnancy week by week and consume foods high in fiber to help combat constipation, which is typically during late pregnancy. As you continue to grow your hips will start to expand and your ligaments will stretch to help prepare your body for labor.

Maternity Pillows
The Key To ZZZs During the Third Trimester

For many pregnant women the third trimester is often the hardest. During the third trimester you are at your largest. Your abdomen is practically bursting out of your body. You are probably suffering more leg cramps and lower back pain than ever before. And, you are probably having more trouble than ever sleeping comfortably.

Fortunately a good body pillow may be all you need to catch some quality zzz’s. A pregnancy pillow like Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows will help support you in all the right places, helping relieve much of the pressure you experience during pregnancy. You’ll find even your doctor is in support of a pregnancy pillow during pregnancy. If you haven’t tried one yet, you ought to!

Maternity Clothes
Maternity Clothes That Help Breastfeeding Moms Succeed

Breastfeeding is difficult enough to master without having to worry about finding clothes that easily lend themselves to the process. Fortunately there are a variety of maternity outfits that help make breastfeeding much easier. New Arrivals at Motherhood Nursing Wear that are readily available to help make feeding your baby easier in the first few weeks of life and beyond. Many women start looking for breastfeeding maternity wear while still pregnant, particularly nursing bras. This is an exceptional idea, particularly if you find your breasts growing and in need of more support during your pregnancy. Your breastfeeding experience should be easy, feminine and above all else comfortable.

Think cotton is the best choice for your nursing bra? Think again. Over time cotton can stretch out or lose its shape. When looking for Nursing bras from Motherhood Nursing to complement breastfeeding, consider a bra with a cotton/Lycra or spandex and nylon blend. When it comes to breastfeeding, you have a wealth of options available to you.

Pregnancy Health Tips
Each and every woman that is expecting should prepare themselves for the possibility of a cesarean birth. By doing so if the need arises, hopefully you will feel more informed, educated and relaxed about the procedure. This birthing process can sometimes induce fear and anxiety in women who are uninformed.

So what exactly does a cesarean entail? Cesarean delivery (C-Section) is the birth of the baby through an incision made on the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It is a surgical procedure that is performed in the operating room. Sometimes cesarean sections are planned, while at other times they are performed as the result of an emergency that develops during labor or before a mother goes into labor. Typically 1 in 4 babies are born by cesarean every year. Whether or not you are planning a C-section it is a good idea to educate yourself about the procedure. Knowing what to expect will help relieve any fear or anxiety you might experience should the need arise to perform a C-section.

Why Would I Need To Have A Cesarean Delivery?
Many women know long before the actual birth of their baby that they will be delivering by C-section. You are probably wondering what would cause someone to plan to have a Cesarean birth. Here are a few reasons:

• Previous cesarean birth.
• Mechanical obstruction to the birth canal that prevents vaginal birth, such as a displaced pelvic fracture.
• An active herpes infection.
• Multiple babies such as twins or triplets.
• The placenta is covering the cervix.
• Patient Choice cesarean birth.

Some women plan on a vaginal delivery but find themselves in an emergency situation during delivery, thus a C-section must be performed to ensure the health and well being of both mother and baby. Some of the more common reasons for cesarean delivery during labor include:

• Labor is not progressing. This is called failure to progress. It is typically caused by weak contractions, a large baby, or a small pelvis. One third of all cesarean births are caused by failure to progress.
• The baby is not tolerating labor well. The baby’s heart rate keeps slowing down during contractions. This may be due to a weak placenta or the umbilical cord is being compressed.
• The baby is breech. This means that the baby has its feet or buttocks in the birth canal instead of the head.
• Bleeding from the vagina. This is caused by the placenta separating from the uterine wall or the placenta being too close to the cervical opening.
• Prolapse of the umbilical cord. This is when the umbilical cord drops in to the vagina. This can pinch the umbilical cord and decrease the blood supply to the baby.

You are probably concerned about the risks associated with a Cesarean section, particularly the risks to your newborn. The good news is that the risks to a newborn baby are relatively minimal. The major risk to the baby is having difficultly breathing for a short period of time immediately following delivery. This is called transient tachypnea of the newborn. This sometimes occurs because lung fluid may not be expressed as well when a baby is born via C-section compared with a vaginal delivery. This does not happen often but can be scary for a new parent. Rest assured however that this condition typically resolves relatively quickly.

What Should I Expect At The Time Of My Cesarean Delivery?
Whether you are planning on a C-section or not, it is a good idea to know what exactly the procedure entails. Remember, not all C-sections are planned, so knowing what to expect will definitely help you feel more comfortable should the need arise.

If you require a C-section you will be asked to sign a consent form. This states that you are allowing the doctor to perform the procedure. You will then undergo some routine blood testing. Finally, a nurse will start an intravenous (IV) in your arm. The IV will be used to keep you hydrated during your surgery and will also be used to give you medication.

Once all the preparations are completed, you and your support partner will be brought to the operating room. Just as with a vaginal delivery, your support partner will be allowed to attend the birth.

After arriving in the operating room, you will receive either a general or regional anesthetic (epidural or spinal). The most common anesthetic used is a regional anesthetic. There are two types of regional anesthetic the epidural and spinal. With both of theses analgesics you are awake during the cesarean delivery.

With either procedure, the anesthetist will numb the skin over the spine with a local anesthetic, then the spinal or epidural needle is inserted, and the anesthetic medication is placed close to the spine. The spinal anesthetic causes complete numbness of the abdomen and legs. The epidural anesthetic causes less numbness and works quite well. The choice of anesthetic depends on your operating team’s preference.

Very rarely a general anesthetic is used. With a general anesthetic, you will be put to sleep during the delivery of your baby. The general anesthetic is used mainly in emergency situations that do not allow the time needed to place either an epidural or spinal anesthetic. General anesthetic carries a greater risk of complications than the regional anesthetic and is usually avoided unless the situation warrants its use.

After your anesthetic is given the nurse will place a Foley catheter in your bladder. A Foley catheter is a thin tube used to help you eliminate urine. Keep in mind that you are now numb and, therefore, will not feel this procedure.

Finally, the lower abdomen will be shaved and prepped with an antiseptic solution. Now you are ready to go!

The physician will now check to see if your anesthetic is working well before the surgery begins. He will usually make a small horizontal or “bikini” cut above the pubic bone. Sometimes, however, the doctor will make an incision in a vertical direction in order to make it easier to deliver your baby. You can expect to hear your baby cry about 5 minutes after the doctor begins. The entire surgery will only take 30 to 40 minutes.

What Happens After The Cesarean Delivery?
After the cesarean delivery you will be brought back to the recovery area. There the nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you do not have any pain. This usually requires about 45 minutes. Some hospitals will bring your baby to you at this time and others will wait until you return to your room. You may breast feed your baby anytime after delivery. When you return to your own room, you will be able to visit with family and really get to know your newborn baby.

Even though you will be in your room, the nurse will be checking on you often during the first few hours – much more so than if you had a vaginal delivery. She will be monitoring your vital signs, making sure your uterus is not bleeding excessively, and making sure you do not have any pain. You will also stay in the hospital a bit longer than if you had a vaginal birth – from 2 to 3 days.

During the time at the hospital, you will probably experience some or all of the following:

• Mild uterine cramping.
• Light vaginal bleeding.
• Some incision discomfort.

This is all very normal. Remember, you just had surgery and a baby!

As you leave the hospital, you will be told to watch for fever, increased pain, or heavy vaginal bleeding. If you experience any of these, do not hesitate to call your doctor.

You also need to be aware that you are recuperating! All patients after cesarean delivery should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, douching, tampons, and sexual intercourse until your doctor clears you for such activities at a follow-up visit. You will see your physician for follow up visits at 2 and 6-week intervals. You can expect to feel back to normal by your six-week checkup.

That is all there is to it. A cesarean birth whether planned or not, has become a rather routine procedure. Now that you know what to expect, you can relax, enjoy your pregnancy, and look forward to holding your brand new bundle of joy.

Article you might be interested in reading: Clear Blue Pregnancy Test, Pregnancy Timeline, Pregnancy Due Date and Pregnancy Health Insurance

Article source: http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

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By Ricky Hussey

early pregnancy symptoms

A look at the common and not so common signs of pregnancy. It’s not all a missed period and morning sickness

The moment you notice the first sign of pregnancy like nausea, breast tenderness or the like, you rush to get a medical test done. And when pregnancy is confirmed, you feel unmatched joy. However, in truth, joy is not the only feeling you experience. You are most likely to feel a wide range of emotions – elation, apprehension, anxiety and so on. As a matter of fact, some women may find coping with early signs of pregnancy or the early bodily changes difficult.

The following are the most common pregnancy symptoms in the first trimester:

1. A missed menstrual period is most often the first sign of pregnancy, although a woman may still experience some bleeding or spotting around the time of the expected period. However, if a woman does not have regular menstrual cycles, she may notice some of the other symptoms of Early Pregnancy before it is apparent that the menstrual period has been missed.

2. Feelings of breast swelling, tenderness, or pain are also commonly associated with Early Pregnancy. These symptoms are sometimes similar to the sensations in the breasts in the days before an expected menstrual period

3. Mood Swings and raging hormones – the sudden changes in hormone activity as your body adjusts to its new pregnant state can cause emotionality and mood swings. Again this can be pre-menstrual, but if it continues and your period just doesn’t come, then it could be a sign.

4. Spotting – A woman may spot (lightly bleed) 9-10 days after fertilisation. It is not a normal period and it is perfectly normal. However, once it is done and you are confident you are pregnant, you should not spot anymore. If you do bleed at all during pregnancy see your doctor. Here are a few tips on keeping yourself in good temper and mood. Share Your Joys And Anxieties Don’t confine yourself after noticing the signs of pregnancy. Rather, even if you are an introvert, try to discuss them with your partner, family members, and friends.

Even when your pregnancy is confirmed, share your joy with all the people who are close to you. Speak about the coming days to them and discuss the likely changes and precautions to be taken. This will definitely ease your mind. Try Meditation, meditation is a wonderful stress buster. You are likely to need something like meditation because of the raging hormones inside you. Apart from other bodily changes, they also bring on mood swings and irritability.

Therefore, try meditation during the very early days, when you first notice the early signs of pregnancy. If you are able to do it even for a limited time, go ahead and make it a routine throughout your pregnancy. It will most likely make those nine months extremely smooth for you. Get a good book on meditation for guidance or browse the net for more information. Get Mild Exercise, go for a walk every day. It would help you get some fresh air and cope with indigestion, heartburn, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Also, consult your obstetrician for a diet schedule. However, avoid walking too fast or taking heavy exercise. You can also give yoga a try during pregnancy. It can help you stay fit during your entire pregnancy as well as have an easy labor.

Make sure you don’t do it yourself. Get a good instructor for you instead. Pregnancy Calendar It’s a pretty good idea to get a pregnancy calendar. It will keep you updated about the status of baby’s growth and various pregnancy symptoms. Don’t Hesitate To Visit A Psychologist In case you are unable to cope with the pregnancy related issues, it’s best to visit a psychologist. It’s no use to keep on struggling with what is proving to be too much for you to handle. Leave it to the experts.

They will counsel and guide you to deal with it all. Remember preparing yourself mentally for the pregnancy period should commence as early as possible. The moment you notice the first sign of pregnancy, you must put in all your efforts to have a hassle free pregnancy period.

Article you might be interested in reading: Clear Blue Pregnancy Test, Pregnancy Exercise, Nutrition For Pregnant Women and Pregnancy Health Insurance

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By Michelle Bery

due date of pregnancy

Pregnancy brings with it a multitude of guessing games; guessing the gender of your baby; guessing what your baby will look like; guessing the nature of your delivery and when the big day will actually arrive. Your Pregnancy Due Date – calculated with a multitude of formulas – is certainly not set in stone. But nevertheless, calculating your Pregnancy Due Date is still necessary – and exciting.

Surprising to some is the fact that there are actually quite a number of different ways to calculate your Pregnancy Due Date. The fact is that what is an accepted formula in one culture doesn’t hold up in another. You’ll find a dizzying array of cultural and ethnic specific practices that vary from country to country.

For some, simply adding nine months – or forty weeks – to the first day of the pregnant woman’s last period – and then subtracting two weeks – will give you your Pregnancy Due Date. Another way to calculate your Pregnancy Due Date is to take the first day of your last period and subtract three months. Add seven days to that number and you have your Pregnancy Due Date.

There are a variety of fun ways to try to calculate your Pregnancy Due Date that are available online. While this in no way is a substitute for the information gleaned from your obstetrician, it can be an entertaining thing to do during your long nine months of waiting.

Today’s state-of-the art technology allows us to use ultrasound to determine the development of the fetus, thus giving us the most accurate Pregnancy Due Date currently available in modern medicine.

Regardless of whether the big day comes a week before your Pregnancy Due Date or a week after, ultimately it won’t much matter. Because what you get at the end of this journey is a beautiful new baby and the start of a whole new life.

Do You Really Need To Worry About Your Pregnancy Due Date?

By Apurva Shree

Every mom-to-be is anxious about her Pregnancy Due Date. To reduce your anxiety, here are some signs that indicate your baby is in a hurry to come out and see the world!

Signs of Pregnancy Due Date

Your body gives you signs when your Pregnancy Due Date is near. Here they are:

• Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor – when you get contractions, breathe deeply or do some movement. If they disappear, they are Braxton Hicks contractions and not true labor. These contractions are common and nothing to worry about. They get more frequent about 15 days before delivery.
• Expulsion of mucous plug – This happens about 3 days before delivery. However, you need not rush to the hospital when the plug, which blocks the opening of your cervix throughout the pregnancy, expels.
• Nesting – This is a strange, but common phenomenon taking place hours before delivery. You feel quite active and start arranging furniture, cleaning your wardrobe, or doing other such “preparatory” activities” to welcome the baby. Call this natural instinct!
• Water break – This is the most dependable sign of pregnancy due date. Water break indicates that delivery will take place within 24 hours.
• Other signs of pregnancy due date – back pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea are some other signs of approaching delivery.

Now that you are aware of the signs of your pregnancy due date, , it’s time to take care of certain things in the last few months before you go into labor. These things will help you in smooth delivery.

Things To Do In The Last Couple Of Months Before Pregnancy Due Date

• Enroll for childbirth and breastfeeding classes. They train you on how to handle your delivery process. This gives you confidence and prepares you mentally for the big day. You interact with other moms-to-be and get those positive vibes that are vital to endure the pain that goes with giving birth.
• Chart out a childbirth plan. It includes the choice of birth center, type of birth, pain relievers, and kind of treatment you want, choice of people whom you wish to be present during childbirth, pregnancy bag items, and others.
• Relax and enjoy your pregnancy week by week!

Most of the deliveries take place either a week earlier or later to the pregnancy due date. Only a few women deliver exactly on the due date. Therefore, it’s futile to worry so much about due date. There are other important things that need your attention. A couple of them are your health and regular checkups. Also, don’t forget to remain happy and positive. Your attitude plays an important role in relaxing your mind, which, in turn, affects your endurance to bear pain during labor.

So, let pregnancy due date take a backseat for now. Focus on the pregnancy instead. You will enjoy more!

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Executive Summary about Signs Of Pregnancy by Jenny Walsh

early signs of pregnancy

At the first Signs Of Pregnancy, most women make a beeline to the pharmacy and purchase a home pregnancy test kit. Many women are nervous or shy about buying a pregnancy test kit, it really should not be anything to worry about. If you live in a small town or one prone to gossip, try purchasing a pregnancy test kit online. Most importantly, do not put off taking the pregnancy test kit, especially if you are showing different Signs Of Pregnancy.

Using a pregnancy test kit is reasonably straight forward. Upon the first Signs Of Pregnancy, they are used to determine pregnancy by testing for a hormone called “Human Chorionic Gonadotropin” which is found in women’s urine. Most tests work on a simple basis, one signal for pregnant and another signal for not pregnant.

If one of the Signs Of Pregnancy you are experiencing is a missed period, the optimum time to use a home pregnancy test kit is as soon as you’re aware that the period has been missed. You may experience other Signs Of Pregnancy such as morning sickness, swollen breasts or tiredness, however in our opinion taking the test following a missed period is good timing.

If it is your first baby, they will discuss the different Signs Of Pregnancy, hereditary illnesses and whether you are on any medication that may harm the baby. After the first Signs Of Pregnancy and the confirmation, you maybe feeling a little strange emotionally. Remember, the Signs Of Pregnancy are just that.

Article you might be interested in reading: High Risk Pregnancy, Signs And Symptoms Of Pregnancy, Clear Blue Pregnancy Test and Pregnancy Health Insurance

By Vicky Woollaston

by week of your pregnancy

Want to know what’s happening to you and your bump while it’s growing inside you?

Check its progress with this week-by-week pregnancy guide…

Weeks 1-4

You: Blissfully unaware of what’s about to happen, you get your period. Midway through your cycle, you release an egg and it starts its journey down the fallopian tube.
Your bump: Egg meets sperm, egg gets fertilised, and boom! The sex of your baby is already determined. The fertilised egg carries on towards the womb, its cells dividing all the time. Once it implants itself in the wall of your uterus, you’ve done it – you’re pregnant!
Top tip: If you’re not doing so already, start taking a daily pregnancy vitamin and mineral supplement with folic acid – there’s a selection of brands at all good chemists.

Weeks 5-8

You: Around now you’ll probably pee on a stick and get the shock of your life! Whether you’ve been trying for ages or your pregnancy is a complete surprise, suddenly it’s real and that can be a lot to take in. You might be feeling pretty sick right now, too, as all those hormones are going crazy, so try to take it easy.
Your bump: By week 8, your baby will be the size of a grape, with buds appearing that show the beginnings of arms, fingers, legs and toes.
Top tip: Contact your community midwife (ask at your GP’s surgery) and book in your first antenatal appointment.

Weeks 9-12

You: You might be trying to keep your pregnancy under wraps until you hit the 12-week mark. It can be really difficult to keep such big news a secret, but if that’s your decision enjoy the excitement and this special time along with your partner.
Your bump: Your baby’s bones are forming, her facial features will appear and she’s growing really fast. By 12 weeks, all her major organs and structures will be fully formed, and she’s around the size of a large strawberry already!
Top tip: Feeling tired? Switch from white, refined foods to whole wheat bread and pasta, and brown rice, as these help to balance blood-sugar levels, which should help to relieve your fatigue.

Weeks 13-16

You: It’s time to bask in the excitement of others when you tell them you’re expecting (and the fact the sickness should start to ease off). Your heart is working harder to pump extra blood round your body, and you may feel breathless. But most women find the second trimester is the best bit.
Your bump: Your baby will be practising inhaling and exhaling and using her facial muscles. She’s covered in a fine hair called lanugo.
Top tip: Studies suggest your baby can react to what she hears by around week 16. Try playing her your favourite songs.

Weeks 17-21

You: Your foetal anomaly scan will check your baby’s development and you may find out what sex it is if you choose to. Your skin may change at this time, so if it’s usually dry it becomes oily, and vice versa.
Your bump: Her legs are getting longer and you may well feel those tiny fluttering kicks for the first time – a magical moment that’s often mistaken for wind! She can suck, swallow and blink, and as her heart gets stronger her growth starts to slow. She’s the size of a large banana.
Top tip: Your appetite might be increasing but remember, you don’t need extra calories until the third trimester.

Weeks 22-26

You: Your breasts might start to leak colostrum – your baby’s first food. It’s quite normal, so don’t worry. You might find that your hair is especially thick and glossy – bonus time!
Your bump: By the end of this month, your baby will be roughly 23cm long and perfectly formed (if a little scrawny). The lanugo thickens and darkens, her lungs are developing and her nostrils start to open.
Top tip: Snack on bananas to up potassium intake – leg cramps are common now and may be caused by a lack of potassium.

Weeks 27-30

You: You might notice that your bump tightens around now – these are Braxton Hicks contractions, which tone your uterus for labour. As your ever-expanding uterus presses against your stomach, you may experience heartburn, so eating little but often, and sleeping propped up with pillows, will help.
Your bump: Her eyes are open and she can suck her thumb. She has eyebrows, eyelashes and is sensitive to light, sound and smell.
Top tip: Finding it hard to sleep with your growing bump? Invest in a pregnancy wedge pillow.

Weeks 31-34

You: Your uterus is around 500 times bigger than its pre-pregnancy size! Braxton Hicks contractions intensify and can take your breath away. If you suddenly develop a severe headache or feel very sick, call your midwife. You’re at risk of pre-eclampsia now, so be sure to attend all antenatal appointments.
Your bump: Fat deposits under her skin conceal the blood vessels that were visible until now. Loose skin on her face fills out, so no more wrinkles! Her fingernails are at the end of her fingers and growing, so may need cutting soon after birth.
Top tip: As your baby’s bones continue to harden, make sure you get plenty of calcium.

Weeks 35-38

You: Have you written your birth plan? If not, do it now! But remember, things often don’t go to plan, so although it’s great to convey the kind of birth you want, don’t be too disappointed if it doesn’t happen the way you want it to.
Your bump: Your baby will start to move into your pelvis around now, and is almost ready to go. She’s getting a good supply of antibodies from you via the placenta, and most of the lanugo has disappeared. But hair on her head might be up to 5cm long.
Top tip: Pack your hospital bag. Include toiletries, nappies, clothes for you and the baby, maternity and breast pads and a nursing bra. Even if you plan to give birth at home, it’s a good idea to have this stuff prepared in case you have to transfer.

Weeks 39-42

You: On your marks… get set… give birth! Many babies are overdue by up to two weeks. Still, you’ll go into labour any day now. Signs to look out for are a ‘show’ (a bloody, gel-like substance in your knickers), waters breaking or contractions that increase in strength and frequency.
Your bump: The position your baby is lying in now is important, because she’ll probably stay like this right through to birth, as space is too tight for somersaulting! If she’s breech, you may be advised to consider a Caesarean.
Top tip: Try to relax and rest as much as possible in the days leading up to the birth – you’re going to need your strength!

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By Apurva Shree

baby development in pregnancy

The nine months that mark the development of the baby from a single cell into a miniature human being is one of the most awesome events of human life. These nine months are divided into three trimesters, known as the pregnancy trimesters that mark the various stages of development of the fetus into a baby. The first trimester of pregnancy is the first 14 week period- the beginning from the first day of the LMP (last menstrual period). The second trimester is 14th to 28th week of pregnancy and third is from 28th to birth, generally up to the 40th week.

Development Of Baby In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy

The first trimester is an exciting time for the would-be mother. She is getting used to the joy of bringing a new life into this world. In this trimester, many visible physical changes do not take place. But most of the women experience certain physical discomforts like morning sickness, nausea, exhaustion etc. They also experience terrible mood swings and the craving for certain kinds of food. There is a general feeling of physical discomfort throughout the first trimester. This is because of the various hormonal changes taking place in the body. The body is getting ready to nurture the fetus into a fully formed human being. This stage is also crucial because most of the miscarriages happen in this stage.

At the end of the first trimester, even though the baby is not completely formed, the heart starts beating. The eyes, ears, nose and digestive system are beginning to form in this trimester. The fetus now weighs around 1.5 ounces and is about 3 to 4 inches in length.

Second Trimester Of Pregnancy

The second trimester is the most enjoyable phase of pregnancy. The physical discomforts of the first trimester lessen in this stage. This stage is marked by the maximum development of the baby. Most of the major organs are completely formed and start to function in the second trimester of pregnancy. Eyebrows, fingernails etc. are formed in this trimester. The skin also gets covered with fine hair. By the mid of the second trimester, the mother can feel the baby moving inside her womb. In this stage, the mother’s body is continuously expanding to accommodate the developing baby. By the end of the second trimester, the baby is 11 – 14 inches lengthwise and weighs around 2.5 pounds.

Development Of Baby In The Third Trimester Of Pregnancy

The third trimester of pregnancy is the most exciting and the busiest for the parents-to-be. This is the time to shop for the baby, decorate the nursery, attend child birth classes, pack for the hospital etc. Baby showers are thrown in this trimester. The physical changes in this trimester make the mother very uncomfortable. She experiences back pain, trouble in breathing, frequent urination, swelling in the limbs etc. The stomach becomes quite large and heavy, making it difficult for her to lie down or sleep.

By this time the baby would have fully descended into the pelvis from the abdominal region. By around the 37th week, the baby attains its full development and is a miniature human being. Delivery any time after this week is considered safe.

Pregnancy and delivering a healthy baby is the most miraculous incident of human life. Good nutrition, adequate exercise and sufficient pregnancy week by week care in the three trimesters are essential for the healthy development of the baby.

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Executive Summary about Precautions During Pregnancy by Beverley Brooke

precautions during early pregnancy

Raw vegetables have the potential to carry toxoplasmosis, which is a parasite that is typically carried in the feces of cats. Many women are interested in trying natural alternatives to medications during pregnancy. Some turn to herbal remedies. 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

That said, midwives have used some herbs in the last trimester to help restart a stalled labor or initiate an overdue labor. Eating natural foods during pregnancy is great, I always recommend considering an organic diet.

Get These Precautions During Pregnancy – Useful Tips To Follow During Pregnancy Period

Executive Summary about Precautions During Pregnancy by Deepak Kulkarni

With the Internet, every information whether about pregnancy precautions or any other such as best time to conceive, due date or even the baby shower ideas can be found with ease on the Internet, with great articles like this.

Planning pregnancy is less risky if you are within the recommended weight range for your height. Anxiety and pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk of miscarriage, pre-term delivery, and giving birth to a baby with low birth weight.

Soft cheeses are not advisable for eating by women during their pregnancy. Usually, babies from mothers that have been smoking are born with low average birth weight, are prone to being born prematurely and may die from sudden infant death syndrome in comparison to babies of non-smoking moms.

With a developing baby pushing your abdomen out and forward, greater stresses are placed on your spine. Try avoiding lifting heavy weights during pregnancy, and also making sure you have good support from your mattress. RECESS — As is obvious from the half of this article, even if your direct quest is pregnancy precautions, reading to the end will prove helpful, as this article has also helped those looking for information about the baby due date, how to get pregnant, getting pregnant quickly, maternity calendars, pregnant woman or even 38 weeks pregnant.

Your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy. Good sun protection is crucial at this time. Sunlight can darken pigment changes in your skin and increase your chances of getting “mask of pregnancy.” Some have concluded that women who exercise vigorously during pregnancy give birth to smaller but otherwise healthy babies, and one study showed that vigorous exercise during pregnancy can help to prevent pre-term birth.

Women who have not exercised before pregnancy should discuss an exercise program with their physician. Unlike many people out there, don’t forget that even if this article related to pregnancy precautions doesn’t cover all the basics you wanted, you can always take a look at any of the search engines like Google.com or Search.Yahoo.com for more pregnancy precautions related information.

A lot of well-meaning people searching for pregnancy precautions also searched online for gestation calendars, largest breasts, and even 32 weeks pregnant.

Importance and Precautions For Exercise During Pregnancy

Executive Summary about Precautions During Pregnancy by Daniel Boon

All experts, for the well being of the mother and unborn child always recommend exercise during pregnancy. It is important to have a proper exercise routine and follow doctor’s orders while taking required precautions.

A Few Precautions To Be Taken While Exercising Are:

1. A light routine should be followed, as heavy exercises can divert the blood flow from crucial areas, leading to complications.

2. Exercises that are strenuous should be done under expert supervision, such as Jogging, weights, cardio etc.

3. Intake of fluids, especially before exercising is necessary.

4. Over exertion to be avoided and any pain, especially back pain with additional symptoms must be reported immediately.

5. Follow a nutritious diet, rich in Iron and protein.

6. Always maintain a proper posture and avoid slouching.

A proper exercise during pregnancy regime is maintained, women not only find it easier to deliver, but also take care of issues like back pain, joint aches, lethargy etc. Most specialists recommend exercising 3 – 4 times, unless a medical condition exists.

Some of the Very Many Benefits Of Exercising During Pregnancy Are:

1. Exercising keeps your body healthy and indirectly takes care of your unborn child.

2. Studies have shown that various side effects of pregnancy like, constipation, headache, and fatigue are reduced by the regular exercises.

3. Better mental health and lower stress are some of the main benefits.

4. The labor and recovery time is reduced, as stamina is increased.

5. It has been proven that exercises reduce the risk of premature births by almost 50%.

6. It helps in weight management, especially after delivery. A major concern area of postpartum weight loss is addressed.

7. Exercising is the most useful remedy for curing pregnancy led back pains.

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Executive Summary about Pregnancy growth by Apurva Shree

baby growth during pregnancy

It is every mother’s desire to have a healthy baby. Although pregnant women get all the necessary nutrients for herself and her child from the pregnancy diet, there are times when the diet may not be very rich in nutrients.

To overcome such cases, mothers have to supplement their diet with a rich content of mineral and vitamin as a safety measure.

Not all supplements act as a means of fulfilling the pregnancy nutrition deficiency, some turn out to be harmful, that too if taken during pregnancy.

Following are the lists of supplements which act as growth boosters:

Prenatal Vitamin Supplements

These vitamin supplements have slightly higher levels of vitamin and minerals which takes care of the extra needs of pregnant woman. Otherwise they are as good as any other vitamin, with the difference being that they have higher levels of folic acid and iron in them. During this stage, ensure that you take prenatal vitamin supplements that are recommended for pregnant women, if in doubt consult your physician before using them and of course never exceed the limit of your dosage.

Purchase your vitamin supplements from reputed and branded manufacturers so that you are assured of their quality.

Pregnancy And Folic Acid

Folic acid, necessary for the formation of red blood cells, belongs to the category of vitamin B complex. Folic Acid prevents your child from serious disorders of the brain and spine. Lack of it leads to inadequate growth of the fetus, incomplete closure of spinal cord, pre-term delivery, underdeveloped brain and low birth weight.

Pregnancy And Omega Three

Omega3fatty acids play a crucial role in building the brain and developing a healthy body for your unborn child. Omega 3 fatty acids can be also derived from vegetarian sources like Tofu, flaxseeds, canola, wax seeds and walnuts. It is also preferable to have extra dosage of omega3fatty acid during this period, but of course under the strict prescription of your doctor.

It is recommended to use vegetable sources of omega3-fatty acids than fish oil as fish oil affects blood clot.

Herbal Supplements

People sometimes prefer to settle for herbal supplements in case of pregnancy, as they believe it is natural. Avoid taking herbal supplements as pills. In fact consult your doctor before opting for any such supplements.

Just take a well balanced and nourished food as recommended by your doctor and take the supplements as per instruction. This will bridge the gap of any nutrition deficiency.

Pregnancy and Hair Growth – Do Prenatal Vitamins Make Hair Grow Faster?

Executive Summary about Pregnancy growth by Tami Lawrence

Have you ever noticed that many women’s hair will grow much longer than normal when they are pregnant. Although many people attribute this growth to prenatal vitamins, it is actually hormonal. High levels of estrogen that are present during pregnancy lock the hair follicles into the growth phase for nine months. Shortly after giving birth, however, these hormone levels return to normal and many hairs immediately go into the catagen then telogen phase, making it seem like they are losing their hair.

Hair grows at an average rate of about 1/2 inch per month in three stages (anagen, catagen, and telogen). If your anagen (growth) phase is short, your hair will probably never reach the lengths you desire.

The anagen phase is the hair’s growth phase. Because the hair grows in three phases: anagen, the catagen (resting phase), and the telogen (shedding phase.)

So other than pregnancy and genetics, what can I do to get longer faster growing hair? Hair Vitamins with MSM can also be used to get faster hair growth. Methylsolfonylmethane, or MSM, is a natural form of organic sulfonyl sulfur. MSM repairs and creates healthy cells thus allowing hair to grow more rapidly and achieve greater lengths. It has been proven to increase hair length. MSM is not present in prenatal vitamins.

If your hair is breaking at the same rate of your growth, it may seem as though your hair is not growing at all. So you will also need to eliminate all sources of breakage to achieve faster hair growth and get the longest hair possible.

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Executive Summary about Becoming pregnant by Irina Webster

become pregnant

To Become Pregnant faster you need to know your ovulation time precisely which you can identify using natural body signs (the most reliable method).

It is also important to deliver the maximum number of healthy sperm during this ovulation time. To increase your chance to fall pregnant your partner should build up their sperm count prior to ovulation time.

If you want to built your sperm count to maximum it is recommended to have abstinence at least 3-4 days just before the ovulation. Any longer than this and you risk sperm ageing prior to ejaculation. Normally women ovulate on 14th day of cycle (assuming cycle length is 28 days) so for the maximum sperm count you should abstain on 11 and 12 day and start frequent intercourse on 13 and 14 day.

But what can you do if your cycles are long (30 days and longer)? If your cycles 30-35 days, you ovulate much later than the day 14. You still can get pregnant with this old egg, but the chances to carry this pregnancy is little. Women with long cycles have miscarriages more often than women with normal or shorter cycles.

If your ovulation occurs later then 15-16 day of your cycle – don’t try to conceive at all.

If you ovulate on day 15-16 or later, the chances fall to 40%.

To make your cycle shorter general health improvement is recommended first of all: improving diet, moderate exercise, relaxation, detoxification of body, taking special vitamins and supplements and feeling good about yourself.

It is also recommended to stop consuming alcohol if you do, stop smoking, reduce caffeine consumption to the minimum and avoid contact with chemicals.

If you have any chronic health condition like diabetes, asthma, allergy you should make sure that stay in remission stage for the time you going to fall pregnant.

Eating lean meat helps to reduce cholesterol level in your body which is also good for increasing fertility.

In many cases general health improvement helps to regulate period and ovulation and make long period shorter and beneficial for conception.

To conclude, identifying the exact ovulation time and delivering maximum amount of sperm at the right time will eliminate struggle to conceive for many people. These methods are natural and will not cause any side effects.

How to Get Pregnant After 40

You can overcome infertility after 40 by applying certain natural fertility methods correctly. Many older women failed to get pregnant just simply because they can’t find the right time when they can fall pregnant.

The ability of women to fall pregnant decreases with age. So what time of the month are you fertile?

If your ovulation does not come every month (like for many women after 35-40), it is very difficult to pinpoint the time when you are fertile. So, checking on your ovulation time gets more important the older you get.

Secondly, a healthy baby doesn’t result just because ‘egg meets sperm’. It is necessary to have a freshly released egg and new sperm to conceive at an older age. To avoid old sperm you should stop having intercourse a couple of days before ovulation, as sperm can last up to 3 days inside the body.

To avoid old eggs you should not have intercourse just after your peak ovulation day. Although the egg is still viable (up to 24 hours after release), the problem is aging and potential defects that can occur to the egg especially in older women. The right time to conceive would be at the peak day of ovulation. It is the time when you should have frequent intercourse and when a fresh released egg can meet fresh released sperm.

Thirdly, it is important to build up the sperm count prior to intercourse. One of the simple strategies to build up sperm account is abstain from sex 3-4 days before the woman’s ovulation time. But no longer, because any longer than this you will risk sperm ageing prior to ejaculation.

To conclude, these simple strategies (pinpointing your ovulation, avoiding old eggs and sperm and building up sperm prior to conception) can be a number one strategy you can use to fall pregnant at an older age. These techniques are natural, non-invasive, harmless and very effective. Applying them correctly may save you from having to have IVF or other surgical procedures to get pregnant.

Become Pregnant at Your Next Ovulation

You would be surprised how many women miss their best time to Become Pregnant: this is the exact time of ovulation. There are many artificial methods that pinpoint your ovulation- like urine test, saliva test and the like. For many women using a natural ovulation method is much more reliable in showing their fertile time then any of the artificial devices.

One of these natural fertility methods is watching for changes in cervical mucus. As ovulation approaches your cervical mucus changes to a more fertile egg white in consistency mucus. After ovulation your cervical mucus changes back to a normal less fertile consistency.

So when your cervical mucus is egg white in consistency – your ovulation time is approaching. The fertile mucus is wet, watery, and stretchy and looks like raw egg white. All other different variations of mucus are non-fertile mucus.

If the mucus is sticky and thin then you are not ovulating yet, creamy and white means ovulation is coming but not yet, if watery but not very stretchy means ovulation is finished. There are some conditions that can change the consistency of your cervical mucus and you should be aware about them if you are observing your cervical mucus in order to Become Pregnant.
These conditions are:

1. When you are sexually aroused the consistency of your cervical mucus can be very similar to consistency of fertile mucus. This can be very confusing when you do the observation.
POCD can give a false impression of fertile mucus. Women with this condition can have fertile looking mucus during the cycle. If you have POCD don’t rely on the cervical mucus method for pinpointing your ovulation.

2. When you take antihistamines your cervical mucus can become dry even in fertile period. Don’t rely on this method if you take antihistamines.

3. Women with a condition called “hostile cervical mucus” never experience fertile mucus or may have it rarely. Be aware of this condition if you never notice wet, egg-white consistency in your mucus.

4. After menstruation some women can experience mucus that looks like fertile but it isn’t a sign of approaching ovulation.

To confirm that ovulation is approaching make sure that you have other signs of ovulation also. These signs are: increased sexual desire, increase in body basal temperature, breast tenderness and changes in cervical position.

Article you might be interested in reading : Weight Gain During Pregnancy or Ovulation And Pregnancy

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Executive Summary about Weight Loss After Pregnancy by Anna P Jones

weight lose after pregnancy

Losing Weight After Delivery is one of the most discussed topics among new mommies. Depending on the size of your family and friends circle – more the advice!

Looking at the new mums on screen is definitely a motivator! They have all got back into shape so well – sometimes making us wonder if they ever went out of shape!

Tummy Tuck!

Suck in your tummy – as if trying to make your navel meet your backbone. Keep your tummy tucked in and get your breathing to normal. This greatly improves your posture as well, making you look slimmer.

Yogic Bliss!

A simple yoga exercise, which can do wonders to your tummy. Practice quick breathing using your abdomen muscles.

Walk with your baby!

Just take your baby out for walks – morning and evening. This is a simple start and would prove to be an enjoyable time for your baby as well! Try and manage inclines to get a better workout.

How to Lose Weight After a Pregnancy, A Few Good Tips

Executive Summary about Weight Loss After Pregnancy by R. Hancock

Pregnancy is an amazing experience for women. But the truth is that many women struggle with Weight Loss After A Pregnancy simply because of the new responsibilities of caring for their new family member. A mother will typically remain very, very busy for many years to come looking after their child, or children. Having a child to look after certainly does place some limitations on your options for exercising.

• Stroller Jogging – Get yourself a nice jogging stroller.
• Exercising With Your Child – You can be creative here. Maybe try doing some gentle exercises while holding your child.

Eating is a real problem after you have a child, if you used to spend lots of time preparing healthy, wholesome meals you may find you have much less time to do that after a pregnancy. You may be tempted to snack on junk food instead of preparing a healthy meal.

Even though you have less free time, here are a few tips for Losing Weight After Pregnancy: Prepare bulk lots of good healthy food when you have a chance then just freeze the rest to be eaten later. Don’t be too tempted to take naps, use your extra time wisely.

You don’t have to stop snacking, just get rid of the ice cream or chocolate and instead keep some fruits, carrot sticks, or granola bars around to snack on.

Article you might be interested in reading : Weight Gain During Pregnancy, Pregnancy Exercise and Pregnancy Pilates

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Executive Summary about Pregnancy Morning Sickness by Anupriya Jain

pregnancy and morning sickness

Early pregnancy symptoms have already started to bother and the most irritating of all, Pregnancy Morning Sickness is in full swing. Knowing about the concept and few suggested cures can however, help soften the blow.

What Is Pregnancy Morning Sickness?

Pregnancy Morning Sickness is a term to define the nausea, expectant mothers feel during the initial stages of pregnancy. Unlike its name, morning sickness symptom, instead of being restricting to the morning hours could prevail all day long. Pregnancy Morning Sickness usually begins around the 4th to 6th week of the week by week pregnancy calendar and could stretch on till the 15th week. The majority of pregnant women do have this pregnancy sign, only 20% – 30% are lucky enough to have pregnancy without Pregnancy Morning Sickness symptom.

Cause of Morning Sickness

Pregnancy directly implies a host of physical changes. Though none can be connected outright to morning sickness symptom, many of them together act as cause of Pregnancy Morning Sickness. Few closely related causes of morning sickness are:

• Increased levels of estrogen and hCG i.e. human chorionic gonadotrophin hormones
• Increased sensitivity to selected odors and tastes
• Low levels of blood sugar
• Increase in progesterone leading to stomach acids

Morning Sickness Relief

Few basic tips to help are:

• Initial few experiences will help differentiate between smells that cause morning sickness and between odors that help deal with it. So once the list is ready, simply use it as a guide to avoid those aromas that could trigger off morning sickness.
• Eat often, especially in the mornings before you leave the bed. Munching some snacks/crackers would help
• Avoid anything that could interfere with easy digestion
• Do not resist dozing off if possible
• Vitamin B6 could act as morning sickness medication
• Intake of liquids throughout could help morning sickness prevention
• Never skip meals, rather eat frequently

Well, the suggested measures do not guarantee definite relief from morning sickness, but they can certainly help ease the initial few weeks of the 40 weeks of week-by-week pregnancy.

You from Nausea And Vomiting In Pregnancy

Executive Summary about Pregnancy Morning Sickness by Claire Batten

Morning sickness is a real curse in early pregnancy. There are many ideas about what to eat if you are suffering from morning sickness. Below you will find some of the most useful dietary tips to help reduce nausea, vomiting, food aversion and food cravings in pregnancy

• Odor plays a major role in morning sickness. Cold food tends to smell less so you might find cold foods easier to tolerate than hot food.
• Morning sickness is definitely affected by your blood sugar levels. Eat plenty of protein at each meal and have a protein based snack before bed and even during the middle of the night if you wake.
• Try to avoid foods that make your blood sugar rise to quickly and subsequently fall.
• Eat small meals frequently with lots of protein.
• Don’t worry if the foods you are choosing do not seem too balanced. Avoid foods that are fatty as they are harder to digest. Best to avoid rich, spicy, acidic and fried foods.
• Foods that are high in fat are more difficult to digest and can make nausea and vomiting worse Other common culprits include, rich, spicy, acidic and fried foods
• Stay hydrated. If you have been vomiting consider sipping an isotonic sports drink as it will help to restore balance to your blood sugars, glucose and electrolytes. Please do not reduce your iron supplementation if you suspect or have been confirmed to be anaemic.
• Ginger can be really helpful to ease morning sickness. Some women find other products such as candied ginger, ginger beer and stem ginger biscuits.
• Although it may seem obvious avoid any food (or non food) that you find triggers your nausea
• Some ladies find Brewer’s yeast capsules help to relieve morning sickness
• Vitamin B6 has been demonstrated to reduce morning sickness and can be found in cereal grains, legumes, eggs, fish, chicken, nuts and avocados
• Suck or sniff a lemon when you hit a wave of nausea
• Mint tea and mint chewing gum can be very calming to the digestive tract. Chewing gum can help if excessive saliva is a problem.

If you are driven to eat a certain food, then eat it. If the thought or smell of a food makes you feel sick then it is best avoided.

Read our other guide on Weight Gain During Pregnancy, Signs And Symptoms Of Pregnancy, Week By Week Pregnancy Calendar and Pregnancy Journal

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Executive Summary about First Pregnancy by Apurva Jain

first pregnancy

Is this your First Pregnancy? Yes! A missed menstrual period is usually the first sign of pregnancy.

Physical Changes: One of the surest signs of First Pregnancy is the change in appearance of your breasts. This happens because your breasts begin to grow as your body releases a larger quantity of estrogen and progesterone. Another first pregnancy symptom is development of tiny spots called tubercles around your nipples.

Lower Energy Levels: If it is your First Pregnancy, you will feel an increased sense of fatigue.

Implantation Bleeding: When the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of uterus, your body sheds a little blood, similar to menstrual blood, only lighter and spottier.

Morning Sickness: Morning sickness is another sign of first pregnancy. Pregnant women also develop a heightened sense of smell, which can also trigger nausea and vomiting.

Other Indicators: Other indicators of First Pregnancy include frequent urination, which is caused by the enlarging uterus pushing on the bladder. Increase in circulation of blood due to pregnancy hormones leads to headaches. Constipation is also a sign of first pregnancy. Increased oral temperature when you wake up is also an indicator of first pregnancy.

There are a lot of misconceptions about the newborn baby that pregnant women must be aware of. The baby may have random strands of hair or a head full of unruly hair. Swollen eyes and little chicken legs with a huge head is also very common in new-born babies.

Depending on how hard your labor was, a baby may have a pointy head or a bruise on the top of the head, or cephalohematoma. Delivering the baby through caesarean section reduces the occurrence of such abnormalities to the baby’s head.

Becoming Aware Of First Pregnancy Symptoms

Executive Summary about First Pregnancy by Saurabh K Jain

First Pregnancy is a wonderful experience, as it heralds the impending arrival of your baby. It is important to be able to recognize the first pregnancy sign symptoms. First pregnancy is a great event that most women look forward to with happy anticipation. However, do you know as to what are the sign symptoms of first pregnancy?

Most women are aware that a missed menstrual period is indicative of pregnancy, but it could also occur due to several other reasons. The first pregnancy sign symptoms exhibit themselves both on the physical level and on the mental level. In order to gain knowledge regarding symptoms and signs of first pregnancy, you should read books and articles and even go on the Internet.

Physical Symptoms of First Pregnancy

Most symptoms of First Pregnancy arise out of the release of pregnancy hormones, estrogen, and progesterone in the woman’s body. These hormones affect the breasts that begin to grow and feel tender. Tiny spots begin to appear around the nipples and the breasts change to get ready for producing milk.

Non-physical Symptoms of First Pregnancy

The first week signs of pregnancy on the non-physical level include the reduction of energy level, resulting in fatigue. The heart also has to work more to take care of the higher flow of blood.

Implantation Bleeding

You can become aware of First Pregnancy, if you find implantation bleeding. This is a first week sign of pregnancy and it occurs due to fertilized egg being attached to the lining of the uterus, due to which blood flows out of the body. This discharge is lighter than menstrual blood and cramping takes place due to the enlargement of the uterus.

The symptoms of first pregnancy get complicated, when implantation bleeding is accompanied with morning sickness or nausea. The increase in the production of estrogen causes these first trimester pregnancy symptoms.

Other Symptoms of First Pregnancy

Apart from morning sickness, the other symptoms of first pregnancy include the following:

• Frequent Urination: this is the result of the uterus getting enlarged and pushing on the bladder.
• Constipation: Digestion becomes slower, because the food passes through the gastrointestinal tract more slowly.
• Headaches: Blood circulation has to increase, due to a higher production of pregnancy hormones and this causes headaches.
• Mood swings: In the first trimester of pregnancy, mood swings take place due to hormone-related changes, which might range from deep gloom to elation.
• Higher basal temperature: the oral temperature is higher in the morning soon after ovulation and it continues like this until the next period.

If you recognize the symptoms of First Pregnancy, you can become fully prepared to face the most wonderful event of your life – the birth of your baby.

Article you might be interested in reading : Pregnancy Clothes, Pregnancy Books, Pregnancy Exercise and Pregnancy Center

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Executive Summary about Unplanned Pregnancy by Pett Corby

unplanned pregnancies

With Unplanned Pregnancy, especially among U.S. teens, ranking the highest in the developed world, the launch of my book How to Avoid Unplanned Pregnancy Every Time You Have Sex – WITHOUT Using Contraceptives has never been more appropriate. As a result, unplanned pregnancies can lead to poverty, lost opportunities, social and cultural stigma.

How to Avoid Unplanned Pregnancy WITHOUT Using Contraceptives… aims to inform women in reproductive age about safe (not safer) safe, holistic none-contraceptive prevention techniques.

How to Avoid Unplanned Pregnancy WITHOUT Using Contraceptives… provides you with step-by-step guidance that will help women take control over their health and reproductive cycle.

Coping With an Unplanned Pregnancy

Executive Summary about Unplanned Pregnancy by Olivia Hanks

Depending on your situation, you may be unhappy to have a child because of age, finance, social, or emotionally reasons. After collecting your thoughts, research your options so you can make an informed decision. You have the options of abortion, keeping the baby, or giving the baby up for adoption. Ultimately, it is your decision.

Pregnancy clinics and adoption centers can offer support and information to help you make an informed decision. You can also receive pre- and post-natal care, legal assistance, housing, and maternity clothes through pregnancy and adoption services.

A closed adoption gives you anonymity so you have no contact with the adoptive parents or your child after the adoptive process has been finalized.

If you decide to keep the child, you will be blessed with the baby’s happy smile, along with the memories that will last forever. If you give your baby up for adoption, you will be able to give the greatest gift to a hopeful couple who can give your baby the love and attention that every child deserves.

Article you might be interested in reading Pregnancy Timeline, Clear Blue Pregnancy Test, Pregnancy Books and Pregnancy Advice

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Executive Summary about Pregnancy Development by Deirdre Morris

development of pregnancy

Pregnancy, Birth and Emotional Development

During pregnancy and after birth, your baby is growing emotionally as well as physically. Your baby learns about trust in the way in which you communicate to him. Sometimes parents don’t tell baby the truth because we don’t believe it to be necessary or so as to avoid upsetting him.

Baby’s Trust in Pregnancy and After Birth

So, for example sometime during pregnancy or after birth, Dad might leave the house and say that he will be back soon when in fact he will be gone for a few days.

In this scenario what baby learns is:

1. Mom and dad don’t think I can cope

2. What they say is not the truth. So your baby begins to learn to mistrust himself and you.

Baby’s Trust Develops with Truth

Your baby in the womb and outside will feel much more trust and confidence if he knows that what you say is true.

In telling him the truth, that Dad is going away for a few days, you are subtly communicating several important messages to your very perceptive baby:

1. that Dad being gone for a few days is ok

2. that Mom is more that capable of coping

3. that baby is still safe and loved and can easily cope

4. that all is well even if it is a little different and

5. that Dad will be back when he says so

Babies learn my imitation…this includes our emotional habits which baby is learning long before birth.

So give yourself permission to tell your baby what is really going on with the intention that baby learns to trust you, his environment and, most importantly, himself.

Read also our other guide on Pregnancy Timeline, Signs And Symptoms Of Pregnancy and Pregnancy Books

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Executive Summary about Week by Week Pregnancy Calendar by Apurva Shree

pregnancy calendar by week

Pregnancy is a gradual process. Before moving on a detailed discussion on pregnancy week by week advancements, it is very important for us to know that there are three stages of pregnancy.

Know The Weekly Progress Of Your Child:

Pregnancy week by week developments should be discussed right from the stage when a woman’s body prepares itself by ovulating. The middle layer outlines the muscles, heart, blood cells, excretory and reproduction system and so on.

The muscle structure varies in each baby and the baby starts to show eccentricity by week 11. This is a very important and interesting stage of growth in a child when you analyze pregnancy week by week developments.

With time, the baby develops its own immune system. Pregnancy health related issues can be understood by consulting your doctor. The journey of pregnancy is no doubt an enjoyable experience, irrespective of the pain one suffer. Remember, just visiting to a doctor does not complete your Pregnancy Week By Week Calendar. It is time to welcome your new born child.

Pregnancy Weekly Calendar – Your Guide For Nine Months

What’s a pregnancy weekly calendar and how does one use it? A pregnancy calendar is a pregnancy week by week record of the changes taking place in your body, plus the pregnancy symptoms.

Calculating Pregnancy Weekly Calendar

The beginning of this calendar is the date of your last period. There is one thing that you should keep in mind while referring your pregnancy weekly calendar. Each pregnancy is unique and each consecutive pregnancy in the same woman is distinctive too!

For example, the calendar mentions a list of pregnancy symptoms that would appear in a particular stage of pregnancy. It’s not necessary that the date predicted in the calendar is 100% accurate.

Using A Pregnancy Calendar

Therefore, you should refer to the pregnancy weekly calendar only as a general source of information. Remember, this calendar is not a substitute for your visits to doctor. The calendar also describes the development stages of your baby.

Article you might be interested in reading : Diabetes In Pregnancy, Pregnancy Timeline, Pregnancy Week Calculator or may be Pregnancy Exercise

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Earliest Possible Signs of Pregnancy – 3 Earliest Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

Executive Summary about Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy by Olinda Rola

early signs and symptoms of pregnancy

Earliest possible signs of pregnancy – are there really signs and symptoms of pregnancy that can occur before missing a period? Actually, there can be symptoms that are the earliest possible signs of pregnancy.

Here are the earliest possible signs of pregnancy that many women experience:

• Basal Body Temperature Stays Elevated – it is normal to have an increase in body temperature at ovulation and your most fertile time.
• Tender and Enlarged Breasts – very early in pregnancy, the body begins making changes in the normal hormone levels that can result in signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
• Fatigue – lack of energy as one of the earliest possible signs of pregnancy is sometimes difficult to distinguish from other kinds of exhaustion.

Some women will experience only one of these signs, and some will have several or all of these signs and symptoms of pregnancy. Once the pregnancy signs are experienced, confirm your pregnancy by using one of the better home pregnancy tests. Becoming pregnant and enjoying a successful pregnancy is a complex but wonderful experience.

Very Early Sign And Symptom Of Pregnancy – Initial Signs Of Pregnancy

Executive Summary about Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy by Saurabh K Jain

Watch out for very early sign and symptom of pregnancy..

Primitive Signs Of Pregnancy

1.       Missed period – Often a missed period is considered a sure very early sign and symptom of pregnancy.

2.       Vaginal spotting – Vaginal spotting marks slight vaginal bleeding after the few days of conceiving.

3.       Changes in breast and areola – This symptom of pregnancy is one of the surest signals sent by your body. Your breasts show significant changes during the earliest stage of pregnancy.

4.       Nausea and queasiness – Pregnant women tend to feel queasy and discomforts of nausea in the morning or even throughout the day.

5.       Increased discharge – If you experience a sizeable amount of increase in discharge, you may presume it as a very early sign and symptom of pregnancy..

6.       Increased fatigue – an enormous degree of tiredness and fatigue may often dominate early stage of pregnancy.

7.       Frequent urination -In the early stages of pregnancy, frequent urination is your body’s response to hormonal changes and in later period, heavier uterus leads your bladder to release urination frequently.

Pay attention to the very early signs and symptoms of pregnancy to detect both progress and complications of pregnancy.

Article you might be interested in reading : Pregnancy Questions

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