Pregnancy Advice and Support

Acceleration and induction of labor

2010-10-18T22:14:00.002+03:00

Obstetric practice today apply several methods to speed up and when required for induce labor. All are safe for mother and baby.

How specifically can cause birth?

Birth can be caused by complex procedure, in the case of using all or some of them. The elements are:

· Mechanical enlargement of cervical
· Detachment of the lower pole of the membranes;
· Use of oxytocin on uterine contractions
· Artificial pop of membranes
· Application of drugs that reduce pain (analgesic) and antispasmodics
· Funds that help the expansion of the uterine cervix. The latest use prostaglandins.

What are prostaglandins?

Prostaglandins affect the maturity of the cervix, causing uterine contractions and reduce the time of birth. Form of vaginal tablets or gel is applied cervical or to the vaginal vault in the back once or at regular intervals. The manner of their application depends on the status of women, primarily from the so-called pelvic score. This is a set of indicators determining the maturity of the cervix. It is very important for the doctor to properly assess the impact of prostaglandins on the onset of labor and a further move, because they have side effects - may create hypertonic of the uterus, often after contractions which lead to suffering of the fetus. The indications for the use of prostaglandins should be reasonably extended, as the favorable impact has been demonstrated.

Are there cases where it is required to proceed with the induction of labor?

There are medical indications for labor induction, for example, if there is evidence that the fetus suffers; the status of women does not allow her to carry her pregnancy (worsening of heart function, diabetes, hypertension). In all these and other conditions, birth generally should be done before the scheduled term.

The term could be precisely defined by an experienced specialist using modern ultrasound and it could pass and the baby is still in the womb. If the delay is 2-3 days, do not worry. It is required to visit your doctor for examination.

Why there is a danger?

The placenta is the first children's kitchen. That is how the fetus derived from the mother's body everything needed for normal development. In case of delay in delivery, the placenta changes and that can seriously disrupt the baby and make him/her suffer. It is true that knowing nature has provided mechanisms through which for a short period the baby is able to adapt to the adverse conditions in the womb. These mechanisms, however, could work only for a specified time.

How to avoid the risk?

The most favorable is the labor to begin and proceed in the 40 th weeks of gestation. If this does not happen spontaneously, the process can be caused by so-called, induction. To induce birth, the mother must be received in the maternity hospital. Approximately 17% of women end up by inducing labor. Before proceeding to the induction process, the OB makes vaginal examination to assess the readiness of the cervix birth, fetal ultrasound monitor and track children's heart tones. There are some absolute contraindications for induction: total placental, mismatch between the size of the pelvis of the mother and size of the fetus and lateral placement of the fetus.

Why induction?

Induction aims baby to be born in time to avoid the risks associated with particular adverse conditions in the womb. The method can be applied not only during transmission but also in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, diabetes in pregnant, Rh-incompatibility, prematurely fractured membranes, changes in amniotic waters, early partial detachment of the placenta and others.

How to induce labor?

Induction takes place after making the necessary research and choosing the most appropriate drug or drug combination. In this method, membranes are opened, which is absolutely painless manipulation. To prepare the cervix and uterus for delivery is using medicated gel, vaginal suppositories or tablets. The condition of the fetus and uterine activity is continuously monitored. The induction of labor can be combined simultaneously or sequentially with several methods. Induction is successful, when leading to maternal activity and birth. Although very rare, sometimes despite the efforts of the team attempts, induction process does not lead to success. In this case if there is no risk for the baby, mother could be left to rest and again apply induction. Where it is found that the condition of the fetus deteriorated sharply, caesarean section is performed.

If you are not agree with having an induction.

If you do not want to have induction, physicians will comply with your desire. However, when having problem with the pregnancy or the fetus is suffering and cannot wait for the process to begin spontaneously, experts will insist on your consent and assistance. It is important to have confidence of professionals in the delivery room. Believe that everything they do is for the sake of your health and your baby.

When you enter in the third quarter of pregnancy, your desire to birth the baby can become extremely intense. Sometimes even in the 40th week of pregnancy is still no sign of the beginning of labor. If you want to avoid medical induced birth, there are several methods you could try at home. Although there are many natural ways to induce labor, none has proven fully effective. However, if you are at the end of your pregnancy, maybe you're ready to try anything to start the labor. Inducing labor is practiced by women for many years. Most of the proposed methods are effective simply because the body is ready for it.

Movement

Walks are an easy way to stir the amniotic fluid with a little more luck and induce labor. Although movement may not cause birth, it stimulates the baby to take the correct starting position. Walking and movement as a whole, help some women cope with their contractions during the actual birth.

Sex

Has been shown that sexual intercourse in the third trimester of pregnancy to some extent can act to induce childbirth. Stimulation of birth using this natural method is not always convenient, but worth trying. Prostaglandins in semen may stimulate contractions. The same is obtained in achieving orgasm.

Stimulating the nipples

When woman stimulate their nipples is released oxytocin. When birth is caused by medical means, the pregnant woman is given artificial oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone that stimulates contractions of the uterus. One potentially negative side effects of this method to naturally induce labor can lead to excessive, even hyper-stimulation of the uterus, so it requires immediate continuous monitoring by a specialist in order to ensure the safety of the baby.

Herbal medicines

Some midwives say blue or black kohosh (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes)

are one of the effective natural remedies to induce labor. The truth is that kohosh can help you only if you are already in the early stages of the actual birth.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is a powerful laxative, which can stimulate contractions of the uterus. To cause birth you could take up to 115 grams castor oil.

Spicy food

Finally a good excuse to eat spicy food. This natural method to induce labor is more myth and mostly causes heartburn and no contractions.

Removal of membranes

Technically this is one of the most natural methods to induce birth, since it does not require taking any medication. The procedure is performed by the doctor or midwife. It consists of manually removing the membranes at the base of the uterus. The procedure is as unpleasant as her name sounds ready to experience a feeling similar to that in a painful examination of reproductive organs in the pelvis. Although the method is mildly attractive, it is proven that he has little positive effect on the induction of labor. Of course anyway baby will not remain forever in the womb. If none of these natural ways to induce birth does not work, your doctor will induce labor before the end of 42 weeks of pregnancy.

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What to expect during pregnancy

2010-09-24T02:10:00.001+03:00

What to expect during pregnancy: "What woman should expect during pregnancy? They are some difficulties on the way but when baby come I guarantee that you won't remember them. Symptoms like constipation, nausea, vomiting, pregnancy acids, swelling, acne, breast engorgement and stretch marks appearance will become a faint distant memory as soon as you see the face of your little angel." read full article

Effective traditional recipe against infertility

2010-09-22T23:21:00.001+03:00

This recipe is an alternative medicine, and it is particularly effective for infertility: Thoroughly mix 1 liter of olive oil, 1 kg sugar, 250 milliliters of mastic, 20 g ground black pepper, 20 g cinnamon powder, glass of red wine. Everything is poured into a jar and kept cool. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times daily , 20 minutes before food.

Get Pregnant Naturally Without Drugs or Typical Infertility Treatments.

2010-09-01T17:19:00.005+03:00

Healthy Pregnancy

What Causes Female Infertility?

1. Ovulation problems
If ovulation does not occur, no eggs may be fertilized.

2. Age
Infertility increases with age. Women in their 30's who have been trying to get pregnant for six months should consult with their doctor. For a woman over the age of 35, conceiving may become a problem.

3. Weight
Maintaining a healthy body weight is vital for fertility.

4. Stress
High stress levels may interfere with ovulation and the body’s ability to conceive.

5. Smoking
Smoking may affect your ability to fall pregnant.

6. Poor diet
Avoid large quantities of sugary foods and caffeine as they have been associated with infertility.

7. Alcohol
Drinking large amounts of alcohol regularly may cause menstrual cycles to be irregular, increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects in the baby.

8. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
If you are planning on becoming pregnant, get tested for sexually transmitted diseases to prevent further fertility problems or spread of the disease.

9. Health problems that cause hormonal changes
Women who suffer from irregular periods or no menstrual periods, painful periods, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids or more than one miscarriage should consult their gynecologist or obstetrician.

For many years natural and holistic treatments have been used to enhance fertility in women. Treatments such as herbal and homeopathic remedies have a positive effect on the hormonal system, reproductive organs, and sex drive.

Why spend hours and hours tracking down information that may or may not be reliable, when you can learn everything you need to know about getting pregnant naturally.17 Success Stories about getting Pregnant Naturally Without Drugs

Many couples are going natural when it comes to fertility treatment. Natural methods can help in improving your fertility and can be an inexpensive option that can in certain cases alleviate female infertility and male fertility problems. Some couples even choose the gender of their child.Plan your baby boy or baby girl

Healthy, easy and enjoyable pregnancy

2010-08-27T00:52:00.044+03:00

Being mom myself, I have realized that I can make my pregnancy easy and comfortable. During these 9 months you need all energy you can get!

1. Pregnancy pillow - at the beginning I used different size pillows but when the pregnancy advance I felt heap pain. It is good to sleep turn to the left because the blood flow is better and more oxygen reaches the baby. When I start putting on weight I got the pregnancy pillow (which I still use). I was angry with myself because I didn’t have that pillow earlier and I let myself suffer with heap pain for a while. I could not get proper sleep and that wasn’t good for both of us.

Todays Mom Cozy Comfort Pregnancy Pillow

Lamaze Cotton Spandex Sleep Bra for Nursing and Maternity
2. Maternity bra – very, very important. I am proud of myself getting those on time. They are soft, comfortable and offered great support. Breast during pregnancy changes rapidly and gets with few numbers bigger. The maternity bra should be used even during trough the night. If you want to keep you shape before pregnancy it is necessary to use them. After delivery you can get nursing bra if you are planning on nursing.

Burt's Bees Mama Bee Body Oil>

3. Massage & Bath Oils – If you want to keep your skin without any stretch marks and blemishes use natural oils. Try to spend some time in the bath. It will help you to relax and it will relieve stress, tension and pain!

Yoga for Pregnancy: Ninety-Two Safe, Gentle Stretches Appropriate for Pregnant Women & New Mothers
4. Prenatal Exercises – sign for prenatal yoga classes or palates, aerobics. The truth is that being around another pregnant woman you can get full moral support and understanding. Plus you self-esteem will be tickled with the exercise and happy.

Your Pregnancy Week By Week

5. Pregnancy book – I got one for the 9 months before the baby comes (week by week guide) , and one for the first year of the baby. Those two books save me from getting panicked in the middle of the night and rushing to the Doctors office for no reason. Having read the books over and over again I fell much more secure and in control of the situation. It is true that now a days there is a lot of information online but those books are written by Doctors and it was almost as I had the doctors in home with me.

Your Baby's First Year Week by Week

Those two are great overview books. They give enough information to understand the baby's development over the first year, yet is not overwhelming with detail. Great for new parents. Here you will see the latest techniques for raising a baby. It is easy to read and understand, but should not be construed as a detailed medical guide to caring for a baby.

6. Nutrition - You will give up your own essential nutrients to provide health and growth for her developing baby. Here are top 10 vitamins and minerals for ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

Spring Valley-50 mg,200 Ct

• Zinc
Zink deficiency - the most common and problematic deficiency during pregnancy. Help for proper growth and developing a healthy immune system for the baby. Be sure to get at least 15 milligrams per day of zinc in your diet, which can be found in high protein foods such as meat and beans.

Nature Made Folic Acid with DHA - 100 Softgels

• Folic Acid
Getting enough folic acid is critical both before and during pregnancy to help assure proper growth and to prevent birth defects. My Doctor recommended three months before pregnancy occur to start with the folic acid. It is easy to predict the time of pregnancy if it is an IVF. Folic acid have in deep green, leafy vegetables. Women should get at least 400 to 800 micrograms per day. Five minutes before taking Folic Acid drink a glass of OJ. Vitamin C helps for faster absorption.

Nature Made Magnesium Supplement, 250 mg, 200-Count Tablets (Pack of 3)

• Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency increases the possibility of high blood pressure and seizures during pregnancy, a condition known as eclampsia. To prevent this, take 200 milligrams of magnesium daily. Whole grains, green leafy and other vegetables and nuts are good sources of magnesium.

Nature Made Super Vitamin B-Complex with Vitamin C - 300 Tablets

• B Vitamins
Take approximately 25 to 50 milligrams a day of B vitamins and plenty of vitamin B12 for normal nerve function.

Nature Made Fish Oil 1200 MG Mega Size 300 Count Bottle

• Fish Oils
The human brain is made predominantly of DHA, an essential fatty acid found in fish oils. DHA may also decrease the risk of postpartum depression. If you don’t like fish an excellent alternative is to take pills.

Rainbow Light Just Once Food-Based Calcium Tablets, 180-Count Bottles (Pack of 2)

• Calcium
Ideally, pregnant women should ingest 1,500 milligrams of calcium per day plus 400-600 units of vitamin D. It is best to take calcium at night, it helps with sleep. Each cup of milk or yogurt contains 400 milligrams of calcium.

Spring Valley - Iron 65 mg, 200 Tablets - Equivalent to 325 mg Ferrous Sulfate, Twin Pack

• Iron
Approximately 18 to 36 milligrams of iron per day can be helpful. And pregnant women who don't get enough iron are at risk for anemia, fatigue, poor memory and decreased immune function.

• Water
Be sure to drink plenty of water.

• Thyroid
Take a TSH blood test to check your thyroid. TSH has to be less than 3 or you need treatment. Undiagnosed hypothyroidism, may lead to miscarriage, and is associated with learning disabilities when the child is born.

IVF Implantation Failure Implantation failure

2010-02-10T11:08:00.011+02:00

IVF Implantation Failure Implantation failure is the failure of an embryo to implant during an IVF cycle.

Some doctors will call failure of a single in vitro fertilization cycle implantation failure. Others maintain that it is not implantation failure until a couple has failed to achieve pregnancy despite several in vitro fertilization failures. Still others look at the total number of embryos transferred as opposed to the number of treatment attempts.

Implantation failure can be divided into three areas:

Problems with the embryos,
Problems with the “host uterus” ,
Problems in the interaction between the embryo and uterus.

What is the best time to transfer embryos in an IVF cycle?

Many IVF programs still perform embryo transfers three days after the egg retrieval. This is known as a cleavage stage or day three embryo transfer. After only three days in laboratory culture, the embryos have typically divided into six or eight cells. It is difficult, at this point in embryo development, to accurately predict which embryos have the best developmental potential.

Some embryos which look great on day three stop developing or develop poorly over the next two days. Alternatively, embryos which didn’t appear to be the best on day three will improve and become very high quality embryos by day five.

Several studies in the past few years have determined that blastocyst transfer is a viable method for improving the chance for IVF implantation. The chance for IVF implantation is higher with a day five transfer than a day three transfer.

Assisted Hatching
Before an embryo can implant in the lining of the uterine cavity, it must first break out or “hatch” from the shell that surrounds it. This allows the embryo to come into direct contact with the cells of the uterine lining. This shell around the embryo is called the zona pellucida. It has been thought by some researchers that IVF implantation may fail in some cases because of the inability of the embryo to hatch out of the zona pellucida. Furthermore, some studies seemed to show that if the hatching process was assisted by creating an artificial opening or thinning of the zona pellucida, the chances for IVF implantation could be increased.

Uterine infection
The inside of the uterine cavity is normally considered to be a sterile environment. It has been strongly suspected that infection of the uterine cavity with bacteria may cause an inhospitable environment that would lead to failure of embryos to implant.

Immune factors as a cause for IVF implantation failure
The immune system is designed to protect individuals from infection with microorganisms and to fight off abnormal processes in the body like cancer. On occasion, the immune system can malfunction and cause harm to an individual through a variety of different mechanisms.

A review of some of the areas that have been looked at follows:

Anti-phospholipid antibodies (APA)
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
Antibodies to alpha-2 glycoprotein 1
Anti-Thyroid Antibodies
Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells, CD56 Cells)
Thrombophilias
Empiric use of anticoagulants for implantation failure

You can get more information using this Forum
PregnancyGroup.org

Ten useful home treatment for cellulite

2010-01-15T23:25:00.008+02:00

1. Coffee grinds! Do this every morning and rinse after about 5 minutes of exfoliating with the grinds. After the shower, MASSAGE on a Palmers Cocoa Butter Massage Stretch Mark Cream+ vitamin E + collagen lotion
or oil.

2. Drinking 3 glasses a day of freshly squeezed lemons in 1 cup water and a pinch of cayennewill also melt away the cellulite.

3. Prepare a mixture of rosemaryand fennelessential oil to three teaspoons of carrier oil, such as sweet almond
oil. Rub this mixture on cellulite affected region daily.

4. Eat a low fat, high fiber diet containing plenty of green vegetables and fresh fruits to reduce cellulite problem. Check The Fiber35 Diet: Nature's Weight Loss Secret

5. Eliminate your intake of alcohol, coffee, soda and cigarette smoke to further aid your quest to end cellulite.

6. Massage with Coconut Oil
proves to be very useful in treating cellulite.

7. Prepare a mixture of dried thyme with small amount of grapefruit juice and corn oil and apply to your cellulite affected region.

8. You can also massaging with the oil containing almond oil and rosemary oil. Each oil in equal ratio (1:1) and apply on the cellulite area like hips, buttocks, thighs.

9. Oral Remedy
• Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into an 8 ounce glass of water.
• Optionally add a small amount of honey as a sweetener.
• Drink this once each morning.

10. Topical Remedy
• Mix 3 parts apple cider vinegar with one part of your favorite massage oil.
• Gently knead this solution onto affected skin areas twice daily.
• This massage treatment will help to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Selected Books and Products for fighting with cellulite

Selected Baby Albums and Diary

2010-01-01T12:04:00.013+02:00

Baby Diary

With Baby Diary, you can record your baby milestones in an easy way. Using nice tools and menus you can store text, audio and video information about your baby's prenatal development, delivery, first steps or any other categories. You also have the option of adding your own categories. Baby Diary features the ability of audio recording and keeping age counters for each note. You can use this feature in order to interview with your baby and store its first words and sentences.
In addition, you can control the baby growth process by creating charts of its weight, length, and head circumference from birth to 36 months of age. Finally, Baby Diary provides you with easy-to-use interface, which makes it easy to create your own charts of the baby development and web books including photos, notes, age calculations and charts.
Now your baby's childhood memories will always be there for you. You can keep adding new features to it with the free upgrades.

Features:

Easy to use drag & drop user interface.
Can keep diaries for several babies.
Allows creating your own hierarchy of notes categories.
For each category has sortable list of notes with drag & drop support.
Automatically calculates age in days, months and years for each note.
Age counters have special prenatal period handling.
Date range filter for notes.
Supports different versions of Windows Media Player.
Can be configured to use an external video player.
Ability of audio recording.
Chart dialog with ability to dynamically resize and rescale charts.
Ability of printing only needed area of growth chart.
Weight, Length, Head circumference charts from 0 to 36 months.
Ability of creating your own parameters for creating custom growth charts.
Can print the whole diary with all photos,notes,age calculations and growth charts.
Backup and restore database functions.
Auto backup of database.
Mutli-language interface, including English, Malay, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Bulgarian.

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Ectopic Pregnancy

2009-12-02T22:55:00.004+02:00

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself in a place other than inside the uterus. Most of them occur in a fallopian tube. Sometimes are called tubal pregnancies. The fertilized egg in a tubal pregnancy cannot develop normally and must be treated. An ectopic pregnancy happens in 1 out of 60 pregnancies.

Women who are more at risk for having an ectopic pregnancy include the following:

• Are 35-44 years of age
• Have had a previous ectopic pregnancy
• Have had pelvic or abdominal surgery
• Have Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Have had several induced abortions

Ectopic pregnancies are caused by one or more of the following:

• An infection or inflammation of the fallopian tube
• Scar tissue left behind from a previous infection.
• Previous surgery in the pelvic area or on the tubes can cause adhesion.
• An abnormality in the tube's shape can be caused by abnormal growths or a birth defect.

The following symptoms may be used to help recognize an ectopic pregnancy:

• Sharp pain in the pelvis, abdomen or even the shoulder and neck that may come and go and vary in intensity.
• Vaginal bleeding, heavier or lighter than your normal period
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Weakness, dizziness, or fainting

How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed?

Ectopic pregnancies are diagnosed by your physician, who will probably first perform a pelvic exam to locate pain, tenderness or a mass in the abdomen. Your physician will also use an ultrasound to determine whether the uterus contains a developing fetus.
An hCG level and progesterone that is lower than what would be expected is one reason to suspect an ectopic pregnancy.
Your physician may do a culdocentesis, which is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the space at the very top of the vagina, behind the uterus and in front of the rectum.

An ectopic pregnancy may be treated in any of the following ways:

• Methotrexate may be given, which allows the body to absorb the pregnancy tissue and may save the fallopian tube.
• If the tube has become stretched or it has ruptured and started bleeding, all or part of the fallopian tube may have to be removed
• Laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia may be performed. This procedure involves a surgeon using a laparoscope to remove the ectopic pregnancy and repair or remove the affected fallopian tube
The chances of having a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy may be lower than normal but if the fallopian tubes have been left in place, you have approximately a 60% chance of having a successful pregnancy in the future.

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Personal Path To Pregnancy Powerhouse Strategies And Tips To Increase Your Odds Of Getting Pregnant.

Food to avoid during pregnancy

2009-08-21T09:14:00.006+03:00

There are certain foods that you should avoid when you're pregnant, because they might make you ill or harm your baby:

Dairy products
Dairy products such as skim milk, mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese can be a healthy part of your diet. But anything containing unpasteurized milk is a no-no. These products may lead to food-borne illness.
Unless these soft cheeses are clearly labeled as being made with pasteurized milk, don't eat:
• Brie
• Feta
• Camembert
• Blue cheese
• Mexican-style cheeses, such as queso blanco, queso fresco, queso de hoja, queso de crema and queso asadero

Pâté
Avoid all types of pâté, including vegetable. This is because pate can contain listeria.

Raw or partially cooked eggs
Avoid eating raw eggs and food containing raw or partially-cooked eggs. This is to avoid the risk of salmonella, which causes a type of food poisoning.

Raw or undercooked meat
Make sure you only eat meat that has been well cooked. This is especially important with poultry and products made from minced meat, such as sausages and burgers. Make sure these are cooked until they are piping hot all the way through and no pink meat is left.

Always wash your hands after handling raw meat, and keep it separate from foods that are ready to eat. This is because raw meat contains bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Liver products and supplements containing vitamin A
Make sure you don't have too much vitamin A. This means you should avoid eating liver and liver products such as pâté and avoid taking supplements containing vitamin A or fish liver oils (which contain high levels of vitamin A). You need some vitamin A, but having too much means that levels could build up and may harm your unborn baby.

Some types of fish
You can eat most types of fish when you're pregnant. But there are a few types you should avoid and some others where you should limit the amount you eat.

Avoid eating any shark, swordfish and marlin. Limit the amount of tuna you eat to no more than two tuna steaks a week (weighing about 140g cooked or 170g raw) or four medium-size cans of tuna a week (with a drained weight of about 140g per can). This is because of the levels of mercury in these fish. At high levels, mercury can harm a baby's developing nervous system.

Have no more than two portions of oily fish a week. Oily fish includes fresh tuna (not canned tuna, which does not count as oily fish), mackerel, sardines and trout.

But remember that eating fish is good for your health and the development of your baby, so you should still aim to eat at least two portions of fish a week, including one portion of oily fish.

Undercooked ready meals
Avoid eating ready meals that are undercooked. Make sure you heat them until they are piping hot all the way through.
Herbal tea
Although herbal tea may be soothing, avoid it unless your health care provider says it's OK — even the types of herbal tea marketed specifically to pregnant women. There's little data on the effects of specific herbs on developing babies. And large amounts of some herbal teas, such as red raspberry leaf, may cause contractions.

Alcohol and caffeine

When you’re pregnant, it’s best to stop drinking alcohol altogether.

You should limit the amount of caffeine you have each day, but you don't need to cut it out completely. Caffeine occurs naturally in a range of foods, such as coffee, tea and chocolate, and it's also added to some soft drinks and 'energy' drinks.

It's important not to have more than 300mg a day. This is because high levels of caffeine can result in babies having a low birth weight, or even miscarriage.

Each of these contains roughly 300mg of caffeine:
• 3 mugs of instant coffee (100mg each)
• 4 cups of instant coffee (75mg each)
• 3 cups of brewed coffee (100mg each)
• 6 cups of tea (50mg each)
• 8 cans of cola (up to 40mg each)
• 4 cans of 'energy' drink (up to 80mg each)
• 8 (50g) bars of plain chocolate (up to 50mg each). Caffeine in milk chocolate is about half that of plain chocolate
So if you eat a bar of plain chocolate and drink 3 cups of tea, a can of cola and a cup of instant coffee in a day, you'll have reached your 300mg limit.

Remember that caffeine is also found in certain cold and flu remedies.

Should I avoid peanuts?

Your baby may be at higher risk of developing a nut allergy if you, the baby's father, brothers or sisters have certain allergic conditions such as hay fever, asthma and/or eczema.

If your baby is in this higher-risk group, you may wish to avoid eating peanuts and peanut products when you're pregnant and breastfeeding.

Gardening and changing cat litter
Always wear gloves when you're gardening or changing cat litter, and wash your hands afterwards. This is to avoid toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a parasite found in meat, cat faeces and soil. The infection can be harmful to unborn babies.

Toddler Café: Fast, Healthy, and Fun Ways to Feed Even the Pickiest Eater

Aspirin and Pregnancy

2009-07-29T13:30:00.004+03:00

Almost any medication used during pregnancy can have some effect on your baby. Small doses of aspirin could be acceptable during pregnancy but put in mind that aspirin use can increase bleeding. Do not take any amount without discussing it with your doctor. Research has shown there may be situation in which aspirin use is beneficial. Very low dose of aspirin in the evening may be good insurance against some pregnancy complications, such us premature labor and high blood pressure. Baby aspirin contains 81 ½ mg. of aspirin may be prescribed. Usually it is taken early in the pregnancy before reaching the 16th week.

Review
At last! A grounded and highly readable scientific guide to pregnancy that combines the best of both worlds—conventional and alternative
-- Christiane Northrup, MD, author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom and The Wisdom of Menopause
The Whole Pregnancy Handbook

What to eat when you're pregnant

2009-07-13T20:10:00.007+03:00

During pregnancy you need to make sure that your diet is providing you with enough energy and nutrients for the baby to grow and develop, and for your body to deal with the changes taking place.
What to eat:
It's important to try to eat a variety of foods including:
• plenty of fruit and vegetables (fresh, frozen, tinned, dried or a glass of juice). Aim for at least five portions of a variety each day
• plenty of starchy foods such as bread, pasta, rice and potatoes - try to choose wholegrain options
• foods rich in protein such as lean meat and chicken, fish (aim for at least two servings of fish a week, including one of oily fish), eggs and pulses (such as beans and lentils). These foods are also good sources of iron (see 'Do I need extra iron?' below)
• plenty of fiber. This helps prevent constipation and is found in wholegrain bread, pasta, rice, pulses and fruit and vegetables
• dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt, which contain calcium
It's also a good idea to cut down on foods such as cakes and biscuits, because these are high in fat and sugar. This can also help you to avoid putting on too much weight during pregnancy.

Healthy snacks to have instead include malt loaf; currant buns without icing; sandwiches or pitta bread filled with cottage cheese, chicken or lean ham; low-fat yogurts; vegetable and bean soups; and fruit including fresh, tinned in juice or dried fruit such as raisins or apricots.
Check this book you may find it useful.
Baby Facts: The Truth about Your Child's Health from Newborn through Preschool

Figuring your due date

2009-07-09T10:47:00.003+03:00

1. Gestational age – menstrual age
2. Ovulatory age – fertilization age
3. Trimester
4. Lunar months

The beginning of your last periods the point from which the pregnancy is dated. The due date is important because helps your doctor determine when some test should be made. Also estimate baby growth and development. Pregnancy lasts about 280 days or 40 weeks, from the beginning of the last period. Have many ways of counting the due date and it depend what work fro you. For example you can count 280 from the first day of your period or count back three months from the first day of your period and add seven days this will give you an approximate date of delivery. Calculating pregnancy these ways gives you the menstrual cycle or more common gestational age. Most of the doctors keep track of the pregnancy by this method (gestational age).There is ovulatory age called also fertilization age, which is two weeks shorter and dated from the actual date of conceiving.

I believe it would be easy if we don’t get stuck with dates but we have a due week – a seven day period in which the delivery may occur. Very few women deliver on their due day (only 5 %) so the rest of us may feel more quiet if we have a whole week margin for the delivery.
For me was easier way to count was by weeks. Some woman count pregnancy by trimesters. This divides pregnancy into three periods, each about 13 weeks.
You may even hear about lunar months. A pregnancy lasts an average of 10 lunar months ( 28 days each).

Don’t forget that babies have their own plans. Think of your due date as a goal – a time to look forward to and to prepare. You are experience one of the great miracles in life so enjoy it.

Dealing with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

2009-06-28T19:52:00.007+03:00

Dealing with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Not every woman suffers from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Morning sickness is cause from HCG (human chorionic gonodotropin) hormone. The same hormone that makes your home pregnancy test change colors. The level of this hormone goes down at the end of the first trimesters so you will begin to feel much better if you experience those symptoms. Here are some tips to help you pass this period easily.

Eat small meals. Keep your stomach from being overfull.

Drink lot of fluid

Find out what food makes you nauseated

Avoid coffee because it stimulates stomach acid

A high- protein or high- carbohydrate snack before bad may help stabilize blood sugar

Dry toast, crackers or dry cereal in the morning before you gets up, eat it in the bed, absorb stomach acid

Keep your bedroom cool at night, and air it out often

Get out of bed slowly

If you take iron take it one hour before food or two hours after a meal

Pour boil water over raw ginger and drink it as tea

Salty food helps some woman with nausea just don’t overdo it

Lemonade and watermelon may make you feel better

Revealed: How to End Your Morning Sickness, PERMANENTLY in Less Than 24 hours, Using a Safe, Natural Technique more info

How Would You Like To Relieve Morning Sickness Quickly? more info

Buy Smart - safe and enjoy the same time

2009-06-13T13:28:00.004+03:00

You do not need to buy everything right away. Items such as highchairs and full-size cots can be left until later. Babies need clothes and nappies, place to sleep and some sort of a transport and of course food. If you cover these basic requirements you are ok. I know that a new mum is eager to buy stuff but wait till the baby come because some babies don’t like to use the stuff you buy. Try to buy the necessity for the rest you will have plenty of time ones you know your baby.

Clothing – 4-5 full outfits should be enough to start with.

Diapers - you have a choice between disposable and reusable. If you choose the latter, you'll need at least 12 and perhaps even 24. Babies get through six to eight nappies a day in the early weeks.

Pram or pushchair.

Car safety seat - many of these double as carriers. I got from Bimbo market over the internet: pram, pushchair and car seat 3 in 1. Price was great 320 Euro and the quality perfect very easy system for me and for the baby.

Somewhere to sleep - a crib, cot or pram top, plus bedding (but not pillows, as they're not safe until your baby's one year old).

Feeding equipment - if you're bottle-feeding you'll need bottles, formula and sterilizing equipment. If you're breastfeeding and plan to express milk, you'll need bottles and teats, and a breast pump if you're not doing it by hand.

These are mainly most of the necessary things you need to have for your baby.
You may wish to get some extras that will probably make your life easier.

Baby carrier or sling - this allows you to carry your baby and keep your hands free.

Baby bath - washing-up bowl at the very beginning.

Toys - although not really necessary at first, they're nice for you and your baby to enjoy together.

Changing gear - you might want a changing mat or baby dresser with a changing top.

Saving your baby’s stem cells

2009-06-05T22:41:00.006+03:00

Stem cells, which are present in the blood, have proved very successful in treating many diseases. Cord blood is blood left in the umbilical cord and placenta after the baby is born. In the past we used to throw them away after delivery. Now stem cells are used to treat cancer, genetic diseases, leukemia, some immune and blood diseases.
Cord blood contains the same valuable cells that are found in bone marrow. They build the blood and the immune systems. Inside the cord blood these cells are still undeveloped and because of that they don’t need to match as closely for a transplant as bone-marrow blood does.

Before your baby’s birth, you may request that the baby’s cord blood be collected and banked for future use. Latter the blood could be used by your child, siblings or parents. Immediately after delivery the blood is collected from the umbilical cord. The procedure is absolutely painless for mother and child. The blood is collected after the umbilical cord is detached from you and the baby.

After collected the blood is transported to a banking facility where it is frozen and cryogenically stored. Usually storing cost is around 1500$ -initial fee and then every year fee of 100 $ - for storage, but prices may vary depend on the facility. Blood storage is not covered by insurance. I believe in the near future this will change because the most precious gift that you can give your baby is his chances of surviving diseases that until now has no cure for.

I know that is it extra expense coming in time where you have many but this is a very important expense. Give you baby a safe start.

But if you decided not to safe the baby’s cord blood, think about donating it. A nonprofit bank can match it with someone who needs it.
For more information check this book:
Stem Cells For Dummies^®"

Packing for the Hospital

2009-05-30T20:55:00.005+03:00

Getting ready for the hospital could be difficult sometime. Don’t packed too early but don’t wait till the last moment. Good idea is to pack about 2-3 weeks before your due date.
The list below should cover nearly all of what you might need;
For You

• Cotton nightgown or T-shirt for labor
• Lollipops to use during labor
• Books and magazines to read
• One or two nightgowns for after labor(a nursing gown if you are planning to breastfeed)
• Slippers with rubber soles
• Two bras (a nursing bra and pads if you are planning to breastfeed)
• One long robe for walking around the hospital
• Few pair of panties
• Brush, Toothpaste, Toothbrush,Soap,Shampoo/Conditioner
• Hair band (if you have a long hair)
• Glasses if you where contacts (you cannot ware contact during labor)
• Paint roller or a tennis ball for lower back massage
• MP3 player, CD
• Camera and batteries
• List of important phone numbers
• Charge for the phone
• Wipes for your breast(if you are breastfeeding)
• A small amount of money

For the baby
• Undershirt
• Sleepers
• Outer clothes
• Blankets
• Diapers
• Infant car seat
• Baby mittens, socks or booties
• Pacifier, if not planning to breastfeed

These are the most common things that you might need.

Ways to have a great Pregnancy

2009-05-28T14:40:00.004+03:00

There are few steps in order to achieve a happy, healthy pregnancy.
• Involve family and friends in your pregnancy.
• Create memories. These nine months looks like they will go on forever but in reality they pass extremely fast. Take steps to document the many changes that are occurring during your pregnancy. Include your family; make them write down their thoughts and feelings. Take many photos of them, too!
• Relax when you can. For you now is very important to leave stress free. Try to enjoy this precious time of your life.
• Focus on the positive things in your life. You may hear sad and scary stories but don’t pay any attention to them. Most pregnancy work out great.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Friends and families will be pleased if you ask them for help. Your pregnancy is important for them as well.
• Prioritize your life. Check what is important for you and the baby the rest could wait. Don’t push yourself you will have plenty of time after the pregnancy.
• Get informed. There are many ways to get the right information now a day. As much as you know as much you will feel comfortable and in control of every stage in your pregnancy.
• Be happy. Enjoy the miracle of life, now you are part of it.

Great book to read and get ready:
365 Things to Do With Your Kids Before They're Too Old to Enjoy Them

Down Syndrome

2009-05-24T15:00:00.004+03:00

What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is caused by a gene problem that happened before birth. The kids born with this syndrome have some degree of mental retardation which varies from person to person. It is a lifelong condition but with the right care they can grow and have normal, healthy live.

What causes Down syndrome?
Problem with baby’s chromosomes caused Down syndrome. Chromosomes contain your DNA. Normally we have 46 but a person with Down syndrome have with one more. This is what changes the brain and the body development. We know now that older woman is at higher risk of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome. Many tests are offered to determine whether a baby will have Down syndrome. Look at the following statistics.

• At age 25 the risk is 1 in 1300 births
• At 30 it is 1 in 965 births
• At 35 it is 1 in 365 births
• At 40 it is 1 in 109 births
• At 45 it is 1 in 32 births
• At 49 it is 1 in 12 births

It doesn’t look good by this why but there is another way to look up these stats. If you are 49 you have 92% of delivering a child WITHOUT Down syndrome.
The father’s age is always very important. Men after 55 have twice the normal risk of fathering a child with Down syndrome.
Test for Down syndrome are:

• Chrorionic Villus Sampling – between 9th and 11th week of pregnancy
• Alfa-fetoprotein Testing – between 16th and 18th week of pregnancy
• Pap Smears
• Triple-Screen Test
• Amniocentesis - between 16th and 18th week of pregnancy
• Quad-screen Test
For more information I found this book very useful
Diagnose Down- Syndrom."

Tests before conceiving

2009-05-23T16:16:00.008+03:00

• Dental check up
• A physical exam
• A pap smear test
• Breast exam (35+ mammogram)
• Rubella titers
• Blood type and Rh – factor
• HIV
• Hepatitis
• Cystic fibrosis screening
• X-rays -done only if you sure that you are not pregnant because of the radiation exposures
• CT scans- done only if you sure that you are not pregnant because of the radiation exposures
• MRIs - done only if you sure that you are not pregnant because of the radiation exposures
• PGD – preimplantation genetic diagnosis (this is often done if you have IVF )
In this test few cells are removed for generic testing before the embryo is implanted to identify genes that may be responsible for some severe hereditary diseases. That is how the doctors select healthy embryos for implantation to avoid serous generic diseases.
It is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor prior IVF process or natural pregnancy.

Great book to read
The Whole Pregnancy Handbook: An Obstetrician's Guide to Integrating Conventional and Alternative Medicine Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Closed Fallopian Tubes

2009-05-19T16:57:00.005+03:00

Fallopian tubes can be blocked due to several reasons: mucus, infection, adhesion from surgery, inflammation etc. There can be many other causes.

If the Fallopian tubes are damaged, then your only treatment option would be IVF (in vitro fertilization, test tube baby). Do not waste your time, money and energy pursuing incorrect treatment. This will just lead to frustration. Financial limitations are a major problem today for treatment of infertile couples. The fallopian tube is a very complex structure, and the fact that it has got blocked means it is damaged. They could be open with a surgery but the rates of pregnancy after that are very poor. Many times doctors could not tell the reasons why they are blocked. It is possible to unblock them and they stay unblocked long enough for a pregnancy but most of the time they will slowly re grow themselves and possibly become blocked again. Sometime mucus can be the cause of a blockage, and when they inject the dye into your tubes during an HSG, that can clear up that type of blockage. Sometimes it’s only the blocked tubes that is stopping you from having a baby and some time not. The "little fingers" calle cilia move the eggs down into the tube and their absence can affect fertility as well.

Do not to let the tubes get in the way of you having a baby. Don’t be afraid of all the medication and procedures because the outcome is worth it. I tried three times and the third was successful. Don’t quit everything is possible have faith.
Tests that are good to take before becoming pregnant.

What is HSG?

2009-05-19T16:52:00.006+03:00

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a very common fertility test that most women struggling with infertility will undergo.
Hysterosalpingogram (Uterotubogram) or HSG is a specialized X-ray of the uterus and tubes. Doctors refer to it as a HSG. Most infertile women who have done a HSG prefer not to refer to it at all, because it is quite a painful procedure. Most women will experience a considerable amount of pain. You should be prepared for this - and taking a pain-killer prior to the procedure will help to reduce the pain.
This test of the uterus and tubes allows the doctor to confirm that the uterine cavity is normal; and that the fallopian tubes are open.
An HSG is done after the menstrual flow has just stopped - usually on Day 6 or 7 of the period, at which time the lining of the uterus is thin. It is done in an X-ray Clinic. The patient is advised to take an antibiotic and a pain-killer before the procedure by many doctors. After being positioned on the X-ray table, the doctor places a special instrument into the cervix, called a cervical cannula, which is made of metal. Many doctors now prefer to use a balloon catheter , as this makes the procedure less painful. A radio-opaque dye (a liquid which is opaque to X-rays) is then injected into the uterine cavity. This is done slowly under pressure, and pictures are taken - preferably under an image intensifier. The passage of the dye into the uterine cavity and then into the tubes and from there into the abdomen can be seen; and X-ray pictures taken. These provide a permanent record.

Interesting video it may help I haven't try it but sound logical.
Tests that are good to take before becoming pregnant.

Dedication

2009-05-19T16:22:00.002+03:00

This Blog is dedicated to my parents who I am very thankful for bringing me up in this world and teaching me all necessary things to survive. To my husband being there every step of the way, supporting me and giving me his own piece of mind with which I manage to stay sane and drive him crazy. And most of all to YOU who is going to go true the same scary but hopefully successful IVF process which will bring light in your life and change it forever as it did mine.

Worries before IVF

2009-05-16T03:44:00.009+03:00

I will put few pages of my dairy before I start the first IVF program (I had three after that in a period of one year) just to assure you that your feelings could be a roller coaster even before you start the process and there is nothing wrong with that.

Saturday, December 1st -2007

I know that I will go thru IVF in January. It is a little scary but on the other hand I am happy and looking forward.
Why scare and happy?
Well, if you are married for several years and one day you and your partner decided that is time your marriage to get to another level by having kids but your period keeps coming you will be scared too. We’ve been married for many years and all this time I thought that when comes the right time for as to have babies I will stop the contraceptive pills and the babies will knock on the door. For some woman that happened but for some don’t.

So I wait and wait and the period keeps coming and it looks as it is never been more regular as now. Then one day I decided to go and check what is wrong why the stork doesn’t bring the babies. It took my entire strength to go and find out what was wrong with me.

That is how the journey began.

I made all the regular tests with OB/GYN and I was sent to make one more test HSG.Check what is HSGWhat is HSG? In my opinion this test should be band with law. Now a days the health care is so advance and the way this test is done it is just like we are still in medieval age. But this is what we have for now so I had to do it. The picture showed that my fallopian tubes were closed. Reasons many; could be cold, infection, tissue etc ….in fact closed. Reasons why they may be closed.
The test was very painful some women taking the test with me told me that it is just like a delivering a baby (just shorter time). Well I will not mind if that will be the result of the suffering but in my position was even more painful because I got the bad news that I cannot have baby naturally. The sperm should travel thru the fallopian tubes in order to reach the ovaries where the eggs are.

After the test I was a mess, worried constantly. Then I turn to Internet trying to find a solution. I start reading everything about conventional and not conventional way to get pregnant. I found tons and tons of information, many advertisements about products doing miracles, acupuncture, yoga massage, herbs especially brew to open the fallopian tubes.

As much I was reading as much as I was getting worried and confuse. I came to realize that my only solution is IVF.
Many questions run thru my head: is it ok to have IVF?
I am broth up in a Christian family and I wasn’t sure if we didn’t interfere with some of the things that usually God do? But then you can still do the IVF and not get pregnant so it’s still the will of God, right?
Are the kids (usually multiple pregnancies) going to be normal just like other kids or protecting then in the lab from all those batteries and diseases will alter them somehow and make them different?
Could we afford the IVF? I’ve heard that most probably will not happen from the first time. Some of those questions become clear to me few days ago and now as of today I am still worried but full of hope. I know that have way, that my chances are 60% and adding to that my prays and good will maybe even 100%.

For many of you who read this article don’t gave up when you understand what is the problem take this as a new begging and keep the faith. My personal experience shows me that everything is possible no matter how bad it looks.
Tests that are good to take before becoming pregnant.

The Complete Guide to IVF: An Inside View of Fertility Clinics and Treatment"