While pregnancy could be a joyous stage for women, it is also inevitable that it would come with some cases of discomfort. Some find it hard to sleep, while some find it too hard to move. Below are some practical tips that pregnant women could enjoy for them to handle the whole period in a more effective way. One practical tip is to learn to love your own belly. This is a simple manifestation that you love being pregnant. And if you do so, you would do everything to protect yourself and your baby. Get constantly connected with your doctor. Do not worry about your expenses too much as getting advices and check ups from your doctor is a sure way to have a healthy pregnancy. Do not neglect your situation since a lot of things may happen during the pregnancy period. Be beautiful even when you're pregnant. Many pregnant women tend to have a lower self-esteem since they think they look ugly because of their pregnancy. Take care of your appearance as you take care of your baby. Fixing yourself while pregnant would make you feel more confident. You can still be sexy even if you already have a big tummy. You just have to discover the options and ways that you have. This gives you a positive outlook that is crucial during pregnancy. If you have time, try enrolling in a pre-natal exercise class. Being physically fit during pregnancy is important. This also helps you to boost your confidence. Similarly, doing so would help you have your previous weight once you gave birth. It also helps a lot to bond with other pregnant women. Having enough physical activities would also help you give birth in an easier manner. Learn from the tips and experiences of others. Since one pregnancy is different from another, it would help if you would learn to ask other people on their cases when they were pregnant. Once you identified a similar case that is happening to you, that particular person could help you in handling your situation better. These are some of the practical tips that you can employ during your pregnancy period. Want To find out more about week by week symptoms visitPregnancy Symptoms Learn all about Pregnancy at out WebsiteEarly Pregnancy Symptoms. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jose_Perez
Is low back or leg pain and sciatica causing problems with your pregnancy? Should this be the case, Chiropractic is a great natural, drugless approach to help with your pain. Many people often wonder if Chiropractic care can help a mother and their baby achieve a healthier pregnancy and delivery. Not only is chiropractic gentle and safe, but it is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many mothers who waiver from taking prescription and over the counter drugs during pregnancy. In fact, many clinical studies have shown chiropractic to be the choice for pregnant mothers experiencing pain. One particular study by a member of the American Medical Association, Dr. Irvin Hendryson showed that women who were in their third trimester of pregnancy who received chiropractic adjustments were able to carry and deliver children with more comfort. A fellow orthopedist by the name of Per Freitag, M.D., showed in a hospital study that used chiropractic adjustments on pregnant patients and found that mothers need for pain killers during delivery decreased in half. Along one's spine are 24 vertebrae (bones in the spine), with a sacrum and coccyx bone directly beneath them, and they work in tandem and surround the central nervous system. The brain produces neurological signals that travel down your spinal cord throughout the nerves to all of a person's limbs, organs, and muscles in the body. These signals direct all of the body's functions, and contribute to growth, repairing cells and tissues, and the natural healing mechanism of the body. When your spine is subluxated, or misaligned, nerves become tensed, and these pathways of signals become altered, causing the body to function inefficiently. Such imbalances in posture can occur with pregnancy such as a high hip, rotated pelvis, spinal curvature, sway back, dropped shoulder or any of many variations in structure, which can contribute a more difficult pregnancy. According the the American Jounal of Pain Management, the authors state: "posture affects and moderates every physiologic function from breathing to hormonal production. Spinal pain, headache, mood, blood pressure, pulse and lung capacity are among the functions most easily influenced by posture." Chiropractors focus on the cause of many symptoms and specialize in the detection and correction of these spinal subluxations to improve body function. Much like orthodontics, this process can take from several weeks to months depending on the spinal structure and misalignment severity of the patient. As subluxations decrease and the central nervous system can work better, healing takes place more efficiently. During pregnancy; women go thourgh a series of physiological and hormonal changes to create the most optimal environment for their developing baby. Every system of the pregnant woman's body. As a pregnant woman's boy changes during baby development, their center of gravity is skewed, altering their posture, placing more pressure on their lower back and pelvis, which may result in pain. A study by MJ Mantle showed that fifty percent of all pregnant women complained of low back pain. When random people were polled in our community, Sherry Grieco of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania said that "Chiropractic has helped me and my family tremendously. During my last trimester of pregnancy, Chiropractic care made me feel more comfortable. It helped me with my hip and sciatic pain." Traci LaGanke of Wilmington, Delaware has also gotten much relief with her pain during her two pregnancies. "I suggest to anyone with lower back pain to see a Chiropractor. Carrying 30-40lbs. of excess weight and lugging car seats have only added to my pain, and chiropractic care has kept me pain free throughout my pregnancy. Helene Neidig of Hockessin, Delaware is eight months pregnant, and works in an office setting. "Regular Chiropractic adjustments make me feel looser and rid me of acute back pain. I used to have chronic back pain before pregnancy, that would become more aggravated at my desk working ten hours a day. I highly recommend seeing a chiropractor before, during, and after pregnancy. I thought that my chronic back pain would come back and it has not!" The best time to seek chiropractic adjustments is throughout the entire pregnancy and immediately concluding labor and delivery, a great option if a mother is or wants to help eliminate back and leg pain. Owner and educator Dr. Chad Laurence is in private family practice at CORRECTIVE CHIROPRACTIC in Hockessin, Delaware. After earning his doctorate from Life University of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia, Dr. Laurence began practicing chiropractic in 2000. Before his chiropractic studies, Dr. Laurence received a BS degree in Microbiology from Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Laurence is one of only two doctors in Delaware who is certified in Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP), also called Clinical Biomechanics of Posture, and is a Distinguished Fellow of the CBP technique. Research results published in peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals support Clinical Biomechanics of Posture more than any other chiropractic technique. With a focus on structural spinal correction, nutrition, education, and specific training, Dr. Laurence is able to relieve symptoms for individuals suffering with physical problems, including neck and low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, arthritis, and intestinal difficulties. His approach is also particularly successful at helping children with chronic ear infections, asthma, allergies, ADD/ADHD, bed-wetting issues, and childhood immune system disorders. Dr. Laurence is an experienced presenter who has been invited to speak in a variety of venues. He has published articles in regional health publications. For more information about Dr. Laurence or Chiropractic Biophysics/Clinical Biomechanics of Posture (CBP), call CORRECTIVE CHIROPRACTIC: 302.234.1115. Additional details are also available on the practice website: http://www.correctivechiro.net Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Chad_Laurence
As any doctor or expectant mother will tell you, it's critically important to ensure that you have quality prenatal care during pregnancy. Unfortunately, few women seem to understand the incredible benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy, both for themselves and baby. During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes immense change; her musculoskeletal system is continually adapting to the changes wrought by the growth of the child inside her. As a consequence, many women experience pain in their lower back and hips. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help a woman's body to remain aligned, in addition to maintaining optimal nervous system function. As a woman's belly continues to expand and grow, her center of gravity changes. In many cases, these changes happen too fast for her back and pelvis to accommodate, thus resulting in considerable discomfort and spinal subluxation. This is compounded further, if a woman's back and pelvis were out of alignment before the pregnancy. A subluxated pelvis can negatively affect the position of your growing child. Spinal / Pelvic subluxation can also interfere with the proper functioning of the uterus. A woman's uterus is connected to the pelvis by ligaments, which help to support the uterus and keep it in it's proper place. Additionally, these ligaments provide support for the uterus as the child inside continues to grow. A pelvic subluxation can cause these ligaments to become strained, directly affecting the position of the uterus. As a consequence, the child is left in a less-than-optimal position and is at an increased risk of becoming breech. Chiropractic treatment can correct the misaligned pelvis and relieve the strain placed on the pelvic ligaments. But don't take our word for it! Ask your local chiropractor about the benefits of chiropractic treatment during pregnancy. You might also inquire about the "Webster Technique", which is a technique specifically designed to relive intrauterine constraint. A chiropractor can help ensure a faster, safer, easier birth, in addition to helping relive the pain and discomfort associated with childbirth. Best of luck! Kristen Fitzgerald aspires to study Chiropractic so she can open a practice back in her hometown. She would very much like to be Scarborough Chiropractorwhen she finishes school. Kristen will be commencing her formal studies at the Memorial Chiropractic College located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2010. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristen_Fitzgerald
Only a healthy mother can deliver a healthy baby. So, parental care and preparation are necessary at the beginning itself. Having nutritious food and health exercise alone will not help a mother to deliver a healthy child. It needs overall care in each minute element that a mother comes across her regular life. Once you know that you are going to have a baby, it is essential that you give your baby a healthy start. Pregnancy is an extremely amazing time for you as well as your partner and future child. As an expectant mother, you must know what is happening to you and the baby growing within you. Time of changes Even though in the initial stages you might not notice any major transitions taking place in yourself, you would be able to see the budding evidences of the changes going on inside your body slowly. Most Believe it or not, it would be totally miraculous yet strange for you to wake up every morning to discover that you see a body that is different from what you had yesterday. It is quite normal to experience some common discomforts while you are pregnant. Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, bloated body, fatigue, tiredness, body aches, frequent urination and many other problems are common during this time. All these should be given due care during the effective parental care. Give care on emotional changes You would also undergo emotional and physical changes during pregnancy. Maintaining a cool and calm mindset is necessary to keep your baby healthy. The time demands more relaxation techniques to free your body from unnecessary commotions. Try to practice any of your favourite pastimes during pregnancy period. If you come across extra mental pressure and shock, try to get rid of it at the earliest with the help of your better half. Reading is a good habit that any woman can leisurely enjoy during her pregnancy days. Watching comedy movies also can gift you more relaxation. Consult your doctor in time You can keep a track of your kid's development by going through various tests. The best way is to visit your gynecologist regularly. These parental care visits are extremely essential for the health of your would be baby and you. A health care provider would also guide you about the things that you must avoid during your nine months of conception. Activities like drinking and smoking would hurt your child. Same is the case with certain medicines. A good doctor would advise you to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. Prenatal vitamins also play an essential role in the health of your unborn child. Dr. Tina Wilson is a renowned Gynecologist and had been working with Red Cross Hospital, Vietnam. She guides and advises pregnant women online with a person to person approach in her website; Check in for the latest feeds now; Husband Pregnancy Care. For more information on your Pregnancy Queries, please do log on to; Pregnancy Guide here. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Tina_Wilson
How can one identify a high risk pregnancy? The presence of certain conditions can affect the health of a woman during pregnancy and even before she becomes pregnant. So, let's discuss some of these issues. When you hear or read the phrase "High risk" you may think that it relates simply to the developmental issues of your unborn child. However, it is also used when the mother may be in danger through pregnancy and delivery. Therefore, doctors are more vigilant for signs of complications and correct care is on-hand during labor. Some of the things that could categorize a woman as high risk, include: - High blood pressure If you suffer from any of these conditions, it is crucial to inform your doctor. Additionally, it might be a good idea to talk to an obstetrician before becoming pregnant. However, if you are already pregnant, your first appointment is the time to raise these issues and voice any concerns you may have. Lifestyle choices can also cause high risk pregnancies. For instance, women who are over 35 years old, have smoking habituation, use alcohol or illicit drugs, experience previous health hazards during pregnancy, are particularly prone to high risk factors. When women get pregnant, there have certain conditions that can occur only in the state of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is an instance of these conditions. About 20 weeks into the pregnancy, it can appear. In most cases, the condition ceases to exist after the birth. High blood pressure is one of the indications that may lead to a high risk pregnancy. If a woman has a history of high blood pressure before pregnancy, this can increase the risk of medical issues during pregnancy. Do you maintain healthy pregnancy diet? What you need most is to follow the instructions of your doctor during pregnancy, but if you are in the category of high risk it can be doubly important that you comply with his, or her, dietary and lifestyle advice. Precautions When you experience any worrying symptoms, discuss them and any relevant lifestyle or diet information with your doctor. To do so is not only a precaution, but also it shows your prudence. Try to visit your doctor frequently and be sure to make appointments that your doctor deems essential, because, of course, the health and development of the baby can be ensured by extra ultrasounds. Ensure that you make changes to your lifestyle when necessary. In other words, keep away from alcohol and cigarettes. If you want to avoid fetal alcohol syndrome or low birth weight, stop these habits. Pregnancy skin care is needed for good health condition. You need to improve your immune system and the health of your unborn child by taking prenatal vitamin. Moreover, added vitamin supplements may be recommended, as needed, by your doctor. It is perfectly possible to manage a high risk status and give birth to healthy babies. However, it is essential to take care of yourself. You may love to eat lots of junk food with the excuse of being pregnant, but eating during pregnancy should be appropriate and, most importantly, healthy. The notion that works behind this thinking is that you have to eat for two. However, you need to bear in mind that overindulgence can damage your chances of a safe delivery and healthy baby, especially if you are experiencing a difficult pregnancy. To learn much more about the healthcare of pregnancy, please visithttp://pregnancy-about.info where you'll find this and much more. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheng_Kai
- Cancer
- Metabolic issues
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A lot of controversy surrounds women that are consuming green tea while pregnant. Drinking the tea in large amounts during the time of conception or during pregnancy could result in the body not being able to use folates in the correct way. However, there has also been studies that say it is okay during pregnancy if it is consumed in moderate amounts. Taking green tea during pregnancy isn't a bad thing if you don't overdo it. The biggest drawback of drinking green leaf tea while pregnant is due to the caffeine content. Doctors always advise their pregnant patients to limit their intake of caffeine. While you don't need to cut it out completely, it is for the better if you do. How does this affect those women who enjoy the health benefits and taste of green leaf tea? Talking to your doctor about the supplements that you should take while pregnant is important. Ask your doctor if there is a certain limit to what kind of multivitamin you should take and ask if it is okay to take a supplement with herbal extracts included in the ingredients. This would include an herbal green tea extract as well. Many people drink coffee every day. Many of those people are just finding out they are pregnant and have to choose a decaffeinated brand of coffee. This is the same with green tea or any other kind of tea. The best way to get this herbal ingredient without the caffeine, however, is in an herbal extract. A green leaf tea extract has a lot less caffeine than its counterpart of tea. The antioxidants in green tea may also help in the proper absorption of calcium and iron which is a positive addition during pregnancy. Take care too watch your intake of any kind of caffeine while pregnant and consult your doctor about the multivitamin you would like to take. Specifically ask how much green tea during pregnancy is okay. SECRET BONUS TIP! If you want to find the best multivitamin brand with green tea: you need to do your research! Find the supplements that deliver on their promises and you will discover, like I did, that staying healthy, happy and vibrant is not as difficult as some would have you believe! Visit http://www.natural-supplements-advice.com/ to discover the exact secrets and lies I uncovered that brand name supplement manufacturers do not want you to know! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henri_K._Junttila
A healthy pregnancy is very essential for a healthy child birth. That does not necessarily mean hiring a midwife to take care of you, for the most part, the health of the fetus depends on the mother's health and lifestyle. So a mother has to give up a lot more than just her figure, all those fancy figure hugging outfits should be replaced with comfortable maternity clothing. Thankfully to the thoughtful labels dedicated to this cause, these clothing do not have to be ugly and outdated now. These stylish maternity clothing can make you look like a hot mama even during the pregnancy. The key to healthy baby is a healthy fetus and the key to healthy fetus is a healthy pregnancy, and the key to all of that is being happy. Most women, during their pregnancy are more prone to emotional and mental stress and especially in the case of first child, a mother to be can get extra nervous about anything at all. First thing you need to know is that it is a completely natural process and almost every woman is able to do it without much trouble. Avoid listening to the horrible stories about other's pregnancy and try to think of it as a harmless process that your body will automatically learn itself. As they say, motherhood is all about sacrifice, and this sacrifice starts the day you become aware of your pregnancy. But a good mother knows that the baby is worth all these sacrifices. The moment you hold your newborn for the first time, you will forget about all the months' long hardships of pregnancy. So avoid giving yourself all the stress about looking huge or not being able to do much of the usual stuff. Try to be happy about every new change you experience during pregnancy and stay in touch with your doctor. For your baby's sake, avoid any kind of unhealthy habits and behaviors such as smoking, alcohol, drugs and too much caffeine. These things might seem quite harmless to a mother who is used to it, but the fetus is too young to be introduced to such habits. The affects of these can be quite severe and life long on your child. Include juices, fruits and vegetables in your pregnancy diet list but avoid meat, seafood and unpasteurized dairy products. Maintaining a healthy weight is also essential pregnancy care practice but avoid strenuous heavy workout routines if you have any. Normal fitness routines can be carried out as usual but avoid getting too hot or sweaty. Maintaining a moderate body temperature is very essential during this time. While swimming is a good exercise option, saunas and hot bath are highly prohibited. You can consult your doctor or a certified fitness instructor for healthy pregnancy exercises. Take care of many other things as well such as safety precaution while handling chores around the house; avoid too much stress about work, home or the pregnancy itself. Visit your doctor regularly and inform him about any changes or feeling that you experience. With good prenatal care you will ensure a healthy welcome for your child. Connor R. Sullivan and his wife purchased maternity clothing online for their daughter to use during her pregnancy. His wife loved the stylish maternity clothing she ordered online for her daughter. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connor_R_Sullivan
Are you one of the lucky women whose skin glows with pending motherhood? Or are you one of the unlucky ones who has constant pregnancy skin care problems? Whichever one you are the birth of the new baby will overshadow any hormonal changes that take place in your body. But of course those women who do suffer with skin problems such as acne, pigmentation, you want to know that help is just round the corner - right? If you find yourself with acne - this being the number one skin problem in pregnancy according to Ellen Marmur, MD, chief of dermatologic and cosmetic surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City - there are things that you can do. One thing you must remember is that you have to be very careful and choose your pregnancy skin care and beauty products wisely because your hormones are definitely in overdrive during this 9 months of your life hence the reason you most probably are suffering with acne, or dark blotches of skin spattered here and there; or other unsightly spots and bumps. Marmur states that the most common areas that acne appears is round the chin and mouth area. Some ladies skin because of the extra hormone activity has excessive amounts of oil and it is partly because of this that you start to get the unforgiving zits on your face which you thought were a thing of the past. It is as Marmur says important to get it treated as early as you can otherwise you could end up with those dreadful spots after the baby is born. An assistant clinical professor of dermatology and microbiology at NYU Medical Center in New York City, Sumayah Jamal, MD, PhD quite categorically says that any skin product that contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or any of the retinoids should be given a wide birth. At this point you might think that you have been left alone and are worried about how you are going to get rid of your acne. Don't fear! Jamal has some remedies that you can try which are not dangerous to your unborn baby and that is sulphur-based topical products with ingredients like glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acids or any at-home microdermabrasion treatment. Not all women however, will respond to those treatments but you can also try says Jamal the prescription cream erythromycin cream and azelaic acid which will not harm your baby. During your pregnancy you may not be able to use the same beauty or skin care products that you did before you became pregnant because hundreds of skin or beauty items are loaded with artificial chemicals. So for your baby's sake be very careful what you apply to your skin. Whether it is to clear up acne or just to moisturize or cleanse as the porous nature of our skin means that whatever we apply topically to it, it is soaked through the pores and starts on its journey to the blood stream. Always, always check the label and if you are unsure about a product then ask your mid wife or doctor. It is better to be safe than sorry. It isn't only the baby that could suffer from these products - some of the ingredients used in skin care are very toxic and have been related to cancer causing. So even after the birth think about your own health and choose your skin creams and lotions just as wisely. Karen's profession is in health and natural healing techniques and endorses any product that will benefit health and continued wellbeing. Whether you are buying pregnancy skin care items or skin care items in general I cannot repeat how important it is to look for safe and good quality products. To read more about such products you can visit my websitehttp://www.freshclearskin.com and you will then be in a better position to make your choice. You may use this article or any parts of it as long as you include my name and website address. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_A_Graham
You can't just use any treatment to fight your acne, as you have to remember that certain products are harmful to the foetus.
Pregnancy is the best moments in life ever for every woman. Just take care of child, which was having growth inside you. These all are happiest moments of the life. Children are one of the important parts of our life. Pregnancy is exciting and worrying time for every woman. Exciting due to pregnancy and worrying for the heath of child and easy delivery. All mothers want her baby healthy. Pregnancy care must be taken of mother and fetus during provenance. Early monitoring or taking care previous of delivery is associated with favourable birth outcomes. In pregnancy it is very important to taking care of health of both, mother and child. During pregnancy period body will go through tremendous changes to help your baby grow inside you. The body's posture changes as the pregnancy progresses. During pregnancy period you suffer some problems like, tiredness, morning sickness, constipation, backache, heartburn, swelling in your ankles, feet and hands etc. For every pregnant woman it is very important to nutritious diet for a healthy pregnancy. An adequate diet must be needed to avoid above problems during pregnancy. In pregnancy for ensuring good nutrition eating a healthy diet, balancing carbohydrates, fat and proteins, and also you can get nutrition from eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Those all are helping to improving healths of mother and child. Some time the verity of vegetables and fruits from which special vitamins are we got is not available in off seasons, so we go are purchased frozen vegetables in it dangerous bacteria or parasite may contaminate foods and fruits which harm or adversely affect health of both. Several nutrients are very important for the health of developing fetus. For all of above problems of pregnancy for providing nutritious Vitabiotic providing pregnacare conception tablets which are specially designed to support the nutritional requirements of every pregnant woman. Worldwide studies showing that certain nutrients can play an important role in pregnancy support good reproductive health. Vitabiotic Pregnacare Conception Tablets providing you a perfect and careful balanced comprehensive formulation of micronutrients for the maintenance of heath of woman. This tablet provides folic acid, vitamin E, L-Arginine, N-acetyl, vitamin B12, Inositol. It is very helpful tablets to safe in taking and for better health of mother and child both. My opinion to prefer this Vitabiotic tablets to every pregnant woman for better heath of him also. You can prefer these tablets from Pharmacy Place. Provide you very large sequence of pregnancy care medicine and other pharmacy products at cheap price. This is one stop online shopping of pharmacy products. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jainendra_Sharma
Pregnancy can be a bittersweet experience for many women. The bitter part is the morning sickness, especially when it goes beyond three months and then there is the bleeding gums, just to mention a couple. The sweet part is of course the precious life that you are carrying. Wow, there will be someone you can love, laugh with and take care of, just to mention a few. With the blessed responsibility of carrying a baby, you need to take care of yourself and there are several things that you can d to accomplish this. Rest One minute you are full of energy and ready to take on the whole world and in the next you are tired and can't even move from the position you are in. This can be a bit challenging for someone who is usually on the move. However, carrying a child does many things to your body and all these things are necessary for the baby's development. Therefore, do not fight it, give in and rest. If you are at home, you do not always have to sleep, just sit for a few minutes or perhaps you can lie on the bed and if you drift off, do not worry about it. On the other hand, if you are at work or perhaps out shopping or something else that takes you away from home, you can still rest. Go to the lunchroom for a few minutes, I am sure that a co-worker will be happy to help you out, by covering for you, for those few minutes. There are benches in shopping malls, stop and sit for a while, do not keep going and do not worry about it, it all part of child bearing. Exercise There are certain types of exercises that physician approves of from trimester to trimester. However, one exercise that can be done through your pregnancy is walking. It is a good idea to spend at least fifteen minutes walking everyday. You do not have to speed walk, in fact, do not speed walk. Simply walk at your normal pace and your baby and you will have the necessary workout. The physical fitness of your body would certainly come in handy on the day of delivery and it will help in speeding up the recovery process. Reduce Your Workload Yes, I know, you are pregnant, not sick, yes, you can still do a lot of things during this time and many other words are put forth when women are told to reduce their workload during this time. While some, if not all these things are true, common sense is there for everyone and we should always use it. Therefore, it is a good idea to divide your housework. If you usually do everything in one day, then stretch it into two days and do not allow yourself to feel guilty about it. Rest, exercise and reduce your workload, it will do wonders for you and your baby during this amazing time. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Linton
Regular exercise during pregnancy can have special benefits. It can lessen the discomfort and fatigue. For morning sickness, nibble on a few plain crackers when you wake up. Rest in bed for 20 to 30 minutes before getting up. Taking a warm shower during labour may help you to relax or just feel better. Avoid hot water, it can raise your body temperature. Eat several small meals each day. Avoid rich, spicy, acidic and fried foods. Keep healthy snacks available. To prevent dehydration during labour, on the hour have something to drink and on the half hour go to the bathroom. During labour a gentle backrub will feel good and help you to relax making contractions more effective. When in labour relax as much as possible during contractions. Labour with your body, not against it. The more you can relax, the more effective the contractions will be. Never change a cat's litter box when pregnant. It can contain toxoplasmosis that can cause birth defects. Low lighting and soft music may help you relax during labour. Walk around between contractions to help your labour move along. Take your prenatal vitamin with dinner, or the biggest meal of your day, to minimize nausea. Towards the end of your pregnancy you may need to buy a pair of shoes in a larger size. Fat and cholesterol are important for absorbing the fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E, and K), for stretchable skin, and is also necessary for the developing baby brain. Two tablespoons of fat a day is recommended for pregnant women. Keep track of situations that trigger nausea so that you can avoid those things. Odors, sudden motion, etc. Listen to your body. Your body will let you know when it is time to relax and rest. A healthy diet and exercise program during pregnancy can help a woman maintain her self-esteem. Women, who stayed active throughout their pregnancy, have an easier time regaining muscle tone and losing weight after childbirth. To help avoid high blood pressure during pregnancy you should lay on your left side, drink lots of water and avoid salt. Are your feet and legs swelling? Walk often and sit with your feet up. Also sleep on your left side. Take naps during the day or after work to help fight fatigue. Childbirth classes are a great way to learn more about what is happening to your body and the birth process. Keep a diary of what you are eating to ensure that you are keeping up with your daily requirements. If you exercise when pregnant (within limits of course), you could have a shorter labour and recover faster. In late pregnancy, swimming is a great way to exercise. It makes you feel weightless and it can help relieve a lot of aches and pains. To reduce cramping while you are sleeping, place pillows under your knees and feet. Be sure to drink 8 - 10 glasses of water each day. Be especially careful on hot summer days, you may need to increase your water intake. When traveling by car, be sure to wear your seat belt. The bottom strap should go across your hips, not over your abdomen. When having nausea and vomiting, if it lasts longer than 24 hours and you have the inability to keep any food or fluids down, call your doctor. Also call your doctor about severe pain in any part of your body. Increase your calorie intake while pregnant, normally 300 calories per day. While exercising - increase even more.
Armed with the correct knowledge, breastfeeding should be a pleasure for both mother and baby and will certainly give the infant a head start in life. No matter how attractively infant formula is packaged and marketed, nothing manufactured by man is going to come anywhere close to the immune building, brain developing properties found naturally in breast milk. While some mothers struggle a little at first to get the baby to latch properly or worry because it seems like he or she is not getting enough milk, seeking help if necessary and persevering will generally see both mother and child settling into a happy routine. Breastfeeding is the best gift a mother can give to her newborn.
Breast is Best
Many mothers are concerned that they will not be able to produce enough milk for the new baby. Three to four days following the birth, a woman's body stimulates a surge in milk production. Prior to that, the breasts were producing a more watery, yellow looking milk called colostrum. Colostrum is packed full of antibodies and immunoglobulins, offering protection to the newborn from bacteria and viruses. Start breastfeeding immediately so that the baby can get the full benefit of this natural "immunization".
In the half hour following birth, the baby's suckling reflex is strongest, making this the ideal time to start breastfeeding. Breastfeeding every two to three hours will help to maintain milk production. Take the time to sit calmly in a peaceful, relaxed and stress free environment.
Correct Nutrition During Pregnancy
Breastfeeding means that a woman's body is taking on the feeding demands of another human being. A small human being, that is. As in pregnancy, extra food can be consumed while lactating but do not make the mistake of over-eating, especially the wrong foods.
Now is the time to be especially careful to eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh organic fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and fish. Junk and sugary foods should be eliminated. Alcohol should be taken in moderation, if at all. Be very careful taking medication during this time, since it will make its way into breast milk.
Some new mothers are horrified that they have gained weight during pregnancy and are determined to lose it as soon as possible after the birth. A new mother, who goes on a strict weight-reduction diet or rigorous exercise routine in an attempt to rapidly lose weight after the birth of the child, will more than likely not be able to produce sufficient milk for her baby's needs.
Studies have shown that breastfeeding women tend to lose weight more rapidly than their formula feeding counterparts. In one study breastfeeding mothers were back to their pre-pregnancy weight by six months, whereas the formula feeding women were not. The process of breastfeeding causes the uterus to shrink more quickly to its pre-pregnancy size.