Pregnancy Information Digest

Pregnancy Termination

Editor — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 02:45:08 +0000

It is a usually with mixed emotions that a woman will choose pregnancy termination. And pregnancy termination is pursued for many, many reasons. Sometimes, unfortunately, pregnancy termination is a path a woman takes because her pregnancy is not planned and not welcome. Sometimes pregnancy termination is chosen out of desperation because a woman feels powerless and sees no options when she suddenly finds herself pregnant and unprepared and unsupported. In these cases, if the woman were able to access more support through the system, she might not opt for a pregnancy termination. But for some women, there is no hesitation. Pregnancy termination is the choice for her and she has no problem with it.

There are, on the other hand, many women and families that, after great deliberation and heartache, decide that a pregnancy termination is necessary due to some medical diagnosis for the mother or the unborn child. In these cases, women and people in their support system have obtained as much information as possible concerning the ramifications of carrying a baby to term and/or caring for a child who has been diagnosed with some profound birth defect that is either untreatable or so dramatic that the prognosis is too terrible to live with. These are subjective issues and very personal. And women in these circumstances often need the assistance of counseling or close support from their church community to resolve the grief that can come with pregnancy termination.

There is a delicate time frame during which a woman has to get the facts and consider her decision and act on it if she chooses pregnancy termination. There are different laws regulating the window of opportunity for a woman to obtain a pregnancy termination. Sometimes, due to the ambivalence that a woman has around this issue, she finds herself right up to the wire when it is still legal to terminate a pregnancy. Beyond that point, or within just a matter of a couple of weeks, the fetus becomes and viable person and in some cases, could survive if born at that point. And the further into the pregnancy, the likelihood of trauma if the woman seeks pregnancy termination.

There is no simple path for many women who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy or a pregnancy that only holds a devastating prognosis for herself or her unborn child. Pregnancy termination is one option for these women in many places, but in many areas of the world, pregnancy termination is still illegal and a woman is in an even worse crisis. If pregnancy termination were available to her, she might very well choose it. She may desire it whole heartedly, but it is not a legal option for her. Sometimes, these women opt for an illegal pregnancy termination which can be very dangerous and not only terminates the pregnancy, but can cause the woman to die or to require surgical interventions like hysterectomy. So women living in these areas where pregnancy termination is not legally available, are in essence living under dangerous conditions and their health and well being can be compromised greatly.

Weight Gain During Pregnancy Is Quite An Essential Part Of Pregnancy

Editor — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:00:08 +0000

It is not in the best interests of pregnant women to put any severe restrictions on the amount of food that they consume during the period of their pregnancy, in spite of the amount of weight gain during pregnancy. You would be hard pressed to find an obstetrician that would not recommend that pregnant women put on a minimum of twenty pounds while they are pregnant, irrespective of the fact that their body weight is as high as three hundred pounds.

Size Of The Baby Depends On The Amount Of Food Available

According to studies that have been conducted regarding weight gain during pregnancy, it has been found that the size of a baby depends to a large extent on the amount of food it is able to get from the uterus, and that if such food is deprived from the baby, it can result in death during infancy, or even result in a heart attack during their later years in life.

Being worried about weight gain during pregnancy is not reason enough to starve the uterus, which would only cause the blood to be shunted to the brain of the baby and not to other organs that could result in a baby being born with a small liver, pancreas or kidneys and other organs. Eating normal quantities of food is essential because most adults have high levels of hormones, which would cause the small livers to remove insulin following the eating of a meal, and thus raise insulin levels, which could result in a possible heart attack.

It is thus essential for the pregnant woman not to intentionally restrict the amount of calories during pregnancy. In addition, it is also necessary to select proper foods, which should be given higher priority than how much weight gain occurs during pregnancy. Your diet must also include whole grains, nuts as well as other seeds, beans and many different fruits and vegetables. Scientific studies confirm that weight gain during pregnancy is both essential as well as normal, and the pregnant woman need not worry unduly about how much weight she gains while she is pregnant.

Weight gain during pregnancy is something that depends on the weight of the developing embryo, which is in the womb inside the pregnant woman, and plays an essential part for the healthy of the mother. Also, it would be wrong for the pregnant woman to mistake weight gain during pregnancy for obesity, because gaining twenty-five to thirty-five pounds while in a pregnant state is absolutely normal. In fact, weight gain during pregnancy is vital for the pregnant mother so that she can support the growth of her baby as well as its development.

Gaining Weight Too Fast During Pregnancy

Editor — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:30:06 +0000

Any obgyn will tell you that the recommended weight gain for pregnancy is 25-30 pounds. Some women will gain more, some will gain less. But how can you tell if you are gaining too fast during your pregnancy. Too much weight gain can increase your chances of a c section and put you at risk for being overweight after.

Some doctors say that if you put on more than 3 1/2 pounds in your first trimester and are of a normal weight you are putting weight on too fast. If you are overweight and put on more than 2 pounds, you are gaining too fast. Keep in mind though that even if you gain a lot in your first trimester, it doesn't necassararily mean you will gain a lot your whole pregnancy.

Some women gain a lot in the first trimester because morning sickness has them only able to eat carbs and nothing else and still end their pregnancy gaining no more than 25 pounds. If however you find that your weight gain is still not slowing down once you enter your second trimester, there are some tips you can try to help slow it down.

First, cut out the useless calories. It is never a good idea to diet while you are pregnant but if you are gaining too much you do need to slow down the rate at which you are gaining. Apply some basic calorie cutting strategies such as using skim milk instead of whole milk, taking skin off your chicken and grilling or broil instead of frying or sauting. You will also want to cut out most of your sweets. These are empty calories that are providing no nutritional value to you or your baby.

Next, cut down on the fat you are taking in. Look at what you are eating and how it may have hidden fat in it. Some salad dressings can be loaded with fat, so you might want to try putting your dressing on the side. Watch how much oil you use when you are cooking or when you are going out to eat and stick to good oils such as extra virgin olive oil.

Get active! You could be gaining weight faster because you are not active. As long as your doctor gives you the go ahead, start a walking program. Walking is one of the best things you can do for your body and your baby. Not only does it help with your weight gain, but some women and doctors swear that walking through out most of your pregnancy could help ease the pains of childbirth. If you can not walk due to weather conditions you might want to look into joining a prenatal exercise class.

Lastly pay attention to what you are eating. So many people don't pay attention to what they eat and find that they are overeating without even realizing it. How many times have you sat on the couch watching a movie and decided to have some potato chips only to realize that you have eaten the whole bag? Try to keep all your meals at the table and take your time while eating.

Even though you are eating for two, gaining just enough weight will not only make delivery and recovery easier for you, it will also make getting the weight off after pregnancy come off that much faster.

Long term birth control

Editor — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:15:10 +0000

The life of women can be downright hectic. Managing a career, family and relationships is often a very difficult balancing act. The last thing women want to think about everyday is their birth control. The major priority is now a day given to their career. Birth control is the measure now many people opt for. Long term birth control can be done form both sides. There are a number of different ways to describe birth control. Terms include contraception, pregnancy prevention, fertility control, and family planning. But no matter what the process is called, sexually active people can choose from a plethora of methods to reduce the possibility of their becoming pregnant. Nevertheless, no method of birth control available today offers 100 percent protection against sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs), except abstinence.

Permanent birth control:

Birth control methods can be reversible or permanent. Reversible birth control means that the method can be stopped at essentially any time without long-term effects on fertility (the ability to become pregnant). Permanent birth control usually means that the method cannot be undone or reversed, most likely because it involves surgery. Examples of permanent methods include vasectomy for the man or tubal Ligation for the woman. The permanent birth control methods offer no protection against sexually transmitted diseases like AIDs and HIV. Abstinence is 100% effective and costs nothing, but may not always be a popular choice. "Natural" methods cost essentially nothing because one does not use any kinds of test kits or electronic monitors but they only require considerable discipline and control over themselves to be effective. The male and female birth control surgeries are also available for every one. It is not a very cheap affair although getting the surgery done but it is very highly effective. For permanent birth control, surgery is the best method.

Drawbacks of permanent birth control:

After going through the permanent birth control surgery one cannot get pregnant as it is 97 percent effective. The surgery is reversible but after two years of the surgery it cannot be reversed. The surgery cannot be done after a certain age. If one plans to change his mind and have a new born child it might not be possible.

Breast Compression

Editor — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:30:09 +0000

The sole purpose of breast compression is to continue the flow of milk to the baby once the baby no longer drinks on his own. Compression will also stimulate a let down reflex and often causes a natural let down reflex to occur. This technique may also be useful for the following:

1. Poor weight gain in the baby.
2. Colic in the breast fed baby.
3. Frequent feedings or long feedings.
4. Sore nipples for the mother.
5. Recurrent blocked ducts
6. Feeding the baby who falls asleep quick.

If everything is going well, breast compression may not be necessary. When all is well, the mother should allow the baby to finish feeding on the first side, then if the baby wants more - offer the other side.

How to use breast compression

1. Hold the baby with one arm.
2. Hold the breast with the other arm, thumb on one side of your breast, your finger on the other far back from the nipple
3. Keep an eye out for the baby's drinking, although there is no need to be obsessive about catching every suck. The baby will get more milk when drinking with an open pause type of suck.
4. When the baby is nibbling or no longer drinking, compress the breast, not so hard that it hurts though. With the breast compression, the baby should begin drinking again.
5. Keep up the pressure until the baby no longer drinks with the compression, then release the pressure. If the baby doesn't stop sucking with the release of compression, wait a bit before compressing again.
6. The reason for releasing pressure is to allow your hand to rest, and allow the milk to begin flowing to the baby again. If the baby stops sucking when you release the pressure, he'll start again once he tastes milk.
7. When the baby starts to suck again, he may drink. If not, simply compress again.
8. Continue feeding on the first side until the baby no longer drinks with compression. You should allow him time to stay on that side until he starts drinking again, on his own.
9. If the baby is no longer drinking, allow to come off the breast or take him off.
10. If the baby still wants more, offer the other side and repeat the process as above.
11. Unless you have sore nipples, you may want to switch sides like this several times.
12. Always work to improve the baby's latch.

Breast Feeding Adopted Babies

Editor — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:15:06 +0000

Not only is breast feeding an adopted baby easy, the chances are that you will produce a large amount of milk. It isn't complicated to do, although it is different than breast feeding a baby you have been pregnant with for 9 months.

Breast feeding and milk There are two objectives that are involved in breast feeding an adopted baby. The first is getting your baby to breast feed, and the other is producing enough breast milk.

There is more to breast feeding than just milk, which is why many mothers are happy to feed without expecting to produce milk in the way the baby needs. It's the closeness and the bond breast feeding provides that many mothers look for.

Taking the breast Even though many feel the early introduction of bottles may interfere with breast feeding, the early introduction of artificial nipples can interfere a great deal. The sooner you can get the baby to the breast after birth, the better things will be.

Babies will however, require the flow from the breast in order to stay attached and continue to suck, especially if they are used to getting flow from a bottle or other method of feeding.

Producing breast milk As soon as you have an adopted baby in sight, contact a lactation clinic and start getting your milk supply ready. Keep in mind, you may never produce a full milk supply for your baby, although it may happen. You should never feel discouraged by what you may be pumping before the baby, as a pump is never quite as good at extracting milk as a baby who is well latched and sucking.

Eating Well For You During Your Pregnancy

Editor — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:00:13 +0000

Eating healthy throughout your pregnancy is the greatest gift you could give your unborn baby, but there are also a lot of rewards in it for you to. It's common for many moms to be to forget that they also benefit in eating healthy through out their pregnancy. What you eat has a direct effect as to how well your body copes and recovers from all the physical changes it goes through. It also helps with the physical and emotional challenge of carrying and delivering a baby.

The truth is, most pregnant women rarely walk around all nine months with that rosy glow everyone talks about. The first three months some of us walk around a nasty shade of green and in a hazy fog thanks to the tiredness we feel those first three months. The second three months are a little better, and we are no longer green but we deal with other issues such as varicose veins and leg cramps.

The third trimester, we are back to the hazy fog again and have other issues such as swelling and heartburn just to name a few. Some of these can be avoided with a good diet. Eating foods that have some complex carbs can help reduce your tiredness and staying away from fatty foods will help with the heartburn.

Research has shown that pregnant women who eat healthy throughout their pregnancy usually have a safe and uncomplicated pregnancy. Studies have shown that some pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or high blood pressure can be directly related to deficiencies in a pregnant woman's diet. High amounts of sugar and polyunsaturated fats increase this risk as well as having a low intake of vitamin c, e and magnesium.

Perhaps for some women one of the biggest benefits of eating healthy during their pregnancy is that it could help you during labor and delivery. A well balanced pregnancy diet has been said to help prevent preterm labor, which is labor before 37 weeks. A good diet can also help you cope with labor and delivery better. Any woman who has given birth knows how much energy it takes to endure hours of contractions and sometimes hours of pushing. Eating healthy will ensure that you have the energy and the stamina to get through your little one's delivery.

Once you have delivered your little one, it is still important to continue your good habit of healthy eating especially in the postpartum period. Your body needs a lot of resources to recover from all the stretching, blood loss and not mention sleep deprivation and still take care of a newborn. It is just as important in the months following your delivery to continue to eat well. As my doctor put it, it is essential to eat as though you were pregnant for at least three months after delivery.

A final added bonus to eating healthy throughout your pregnancy is that you may never stop eating healthy. This is setting up the groundwork for a lifetime of eating healthy for not only you but for your children. If you continue to eat healthy you are setting a prime example for your children.

The Home Pregnancy Test: A Convenient Option

Editor — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:15:10 +0000

When a woman suspects that she is pregnant, the first place she will often go to confirm her suspicions is the home pregnancy test. It is much more private and convenient to obtain these results at home before making an appointment with the doctor. These tests come in a variety of packages and price ranges, but nearly all home pregnancy tests work on the same principle.

The key to the home pregnancy test is the detection of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin - more commonly known as HCG. HCG will make an appearance in a woman's body at the time that an embryo implants into the uterine wall. This process generally occurs anywhere from six to twelve days after ovulation takes place. During the first few days and weeks of pregnancy, HCG levels will multiply in a woman's body at a rapid rate. The higher the levels of HCG in a woman's system, the easier it is for the home pregnancy test to detect the hormone in a woman's urine.

Because of the time frame involved before HCG becomes easy to read, it is usually recommended that a woman waits to take a home pregnancy test until the time that her menstrual period would normally be due. This will ensure the most accurate reading of the test.

Some home pregnancy tests are developed to be even more sensitive to detecting HCG, and can be performed earlier. Some even advertise a detection of HCG as early as seven days after ovulation. Keep in mind that accuracy of results does go down the earlier in the pregnancy that the test is performed.

How to Use a Home Pregnancy Test

In order to ensure the most effective testing process, manufacturers will recommend following the package instructions very carefully. Some will advise a woman to hold the test stick under the urine stream, and others will work better if the stick is held in a cup of urine for a few minutes.

Most will advise a woman to perform the test first thing in the morning, since HCG levels may be higher at this time. A woman using a home pregnancy test can usually have results as quickly as two minutes after the test is done. A test window on most sticks will show the user that the test has been completed properly.

Once a positive result is read on a home pregnancy test, a woman should confirm the results with her doctor. This ensures accuracy as well as allowing the woman to begin prenatal care as soon as possible.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles while on Birth Control

Editor — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:30:06 +0000

The human physiology is one of the most complex systems and has innumerable facets to it. Of the several parts involved in this system, the human sexual process is difficult to understand and may even change according to the health of the individuals. Birth control is an extremely significant part of human sexual process and is practiced by almost all the couples. The physiology of women undergoes greater changes and these changes have different effects on birth control. It has been observed that irregular menstrual cycles can affect birth control in different ways.

Irregular Periods and Birth Control

According to the medical experts, irregular periods are primarily a result of hormonal changes that take place within the body. Missing periods or frequent periods, very heavy bleeding, clotting or spotting are all forms of irregular periods. Usually, irregular periods imply either missing more that two periods or getting them twice a month very frequently. This is a result of a disturbance in the natural chain of hormonal events that causes menstruation. Irregular periods may be caused due to reasons like lack of nutrition, excessive smoking, drug abuse, caffeine, heavy medications, recent childbirth or abortions. Irregular periods are also associated with birth control and women practicing birth control often experience variations in their menstrual cycles.

The birth control pills often cause a reduction in the menstrual cycle of women and even lead to the complete suppression of their periods. Several oral contraceptives are responsible for eliminating the menstrual cycles completely. The birth control pills are responsible for causing regular monthly bleeding but do not cause ovulation. He bleeding caused due to the birth control pills is just mimicry of actual menstrual cycle. While practicing birth control, women are usually advised to consume hormone pills for 21 days followed by 7 days of non-functional placebo pills in order to resume the normal menstrual cycle. Women also suffer from irregular periods due to hormonal birth control measures like vaginal Nuvaring, the transdermal patch as well as the injections. The transdermal patch leads to a break in bleeding for one week while the injection leads to halting the bleeding for a period of three months.

Thus, there is a strong link between birth control measures and irregular menstrual cycles among women.

Pregnancy with Multiples

Editor — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 02:15:07 +0000

When a woman becomes pregnant, it is most unlikely that she will expect to be having a pregnancy with multiples. In some cases where pregnancy is a result of IVF, a pregnancy with multiples is not uncommon, but it is still a big adjustment when you get the news that you are carrying two, three or more babies in one pregnancy.
Pregnancy with multiples is an event that happens for a number of reasons, not all of which are fully understood. Naturally, a pregnancy with multiples takes a bigger toll on a woman as she has two or more developing fetuses growing inside her. This means that her body is nourishing more than one baby and her own body will be taxed with the added weight and the added drain that results.

It is not to say that a woman experiencing a pregnancy with multiples cannot enjoy her pregnancy. It just means that she will be growing larger, sooner than if she were pregnant with just one baby. And if there are more than two babies, she will have to slow down earlier in the pregnancy and perhaps even be restricted to bed rest at some point to encourage her babies to remain in the womb for as long as possible. Because one of the risks with a pregnancy with multiples is pre-term labor. And with a pregnancy with multiples, it is very likely that the babies will be smaller than they would if they were just one baby being nourished by its mother. the miscarriage rate in pregnancy with multiples is three times greater than a pregnancy with one fetus.

Pregnancy with multiples involves a lot of planning for the care of two or more babies after delivery. There is added expense involved because there are double, triple or even four and five times the number of car seats, beds, diapers, clothing, medical costs and other related expenses that having more than one baby at a time would demand. A family that is expecting to grow in number by one, certainly has some adjusting to do when they hear that mom is having a pregnancy with multiples.

There is a fascination around a pregnancy with multiples because it is not a regular occurrence. In fact, naturally occurring pregnancy with multiples happens in about three percent of all pregnancies. And most of these are pregnancies with twins. So it is normal to be curious and about these pregnancies and about the resulting children. There are theories now that up to twenty one percent of pregnancies actually start out with twins, but due to vanishing twin syndrome, only one baby develops. Very early on in the pregnancy, even before twins can be detected, on is absorbed by the mother's body and therefore these pregnancies are not counted as a pregnancy with multiples.

Often pregnancy with multiples result in surgical births. It is possible for a woman to have a natural vaginal birth at the end of her pregnancy with multiples, but it has become more and more common for the babies of a pregnancy with multiples to be delivered by C-Section. Often if the woman is in the care of a midwife, a natural birth is attempted and only if there are complications will a surgical birth result. Midwives tend to be willing to allow more time for labor and delivery and not refer to an OB for C-Section if it can be avoided. Of course, a midwife would not risk mother or babies to make a natural birth attempt.

Fitness during Pregnancy Can Make for a Quick and Easy Delivery

Editor — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:00:19 +0000

There's a lot that can be said about being fit, whatever the age. But to accomplish fitness while pregnant has superior health benefits for the new baby and mother alike. However, what are the elements of a fit pregnancy?

Diet and Nutrition

Regarding diet and nutrition, what constitutes a fit pregnancy is relative and ultimately up to the mother-to-be to decide. Pregnancy works on comfort zones and this includes comfort food too. Even though spouses, friends and in-laws will have their influence, pregnancy is a fit time to make positive dietary adjustments.

Everything should come under initial scrutiny - from monitoring weight and body fat to intake of fruits and vegetables - even what the cravings are. Sometimes there are indications of nutrient requirements; some even say that certain cravings have to do with the young soul in the womb.

Such concerns and much more are usually discussed with the OB/GYN early on in the pregnancy. A fit pregnancy looks at dietary intake vs. activity level. Recommended daily requirements vary with each pregnancy. For example, an active woman might need to increase iron rich foods while another less active woman might need lots of fiber rich veggies and easy to digest food.

Don't be surprised if cravings evolve from specific foods to whole food group preferences during pregnancy. A simple rule of thumb is to try to add something good to your diet every week.

Happy, Healthy and Wholesome

Of course there are numerous factors in achieving a happy fitness balance during pregnancy. A pregnancy fitness program includes movement with reasonable levels of strenuous exercise, lots of warm up and again a reasonable cool down time.

Yoga means union, so naturally a well-balance yoga regimen designed for pregnancy fitness could be really great. Do your research and ask the yoga instructor for references of actual moms who went through the program.

Oxygen

Blood oxygen levels are important to athletes, race horses - and babies. Keeping cardio fit during pregnancy is a great way to accomplish this. As the body works more efficiently, the baby gets both good amounts of oxygen and steady nutrient flow in the bloodstream which is a real bonus.

Fitness during pregnancy shows on the delivery day, the recovery days following and the good habits established will aid in the quick restoration of body tone and normal weight.

Pregnancy Pillow - Bedding Or Beauty Item?

Editor — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:45:50 +0000

Unless you've been through it, the efficacy of a pregnancy pillow might elude you. Of course, we all like to put our feet up and relax after a hard day at the office. In this case, the proverbial office means enduring another long day with a tire attached to your belly.

Comfort

Let's talk about comfort. What can a pillow, specifically a pregnancy pillow, do for anyone anyway? During pregnancy there is a tendency for the spine to be an unnatural curve causing soreness and potential chronic trauma. It can show itself in slipped discs or pregnancy related sciatica. Put in plain English - it causes back pain.

In bed it is hard to get comfortable and sleeping on the back is not recommended as it can cut off oxygen supply, especially after five months of pregnancy. The pregnancy pillow is an aid - maybe a god send. The basic idea of the pregnancy pillow is to correct the posture in bed and take pressure off the spine. Women say it's great and hence the appreciation for any relief.

Health

Health considerations beyond what we mentioned above include maintaining a positive attitude, with which the entire nine month term of child bearing might be borne smilingly. Real health, to both mother and child is where the pregnancy pillow earns its wings so to speak. The pregnancy pillow might get punched once or twice, but it's more likely that it will transform from just any pillow to a trusted friend. It's not entirely unusual to see the mother-to-be carrying her pregnancy pillow around the house with her and even to the hospital. It provides balance, security and even a subliminal early opportunity to practice carrying baby!

Sleeping

The value of a few good hours of sleep while pregnant can't be stressed enough. It is also to metaphorically stock up on some sleep before 3AM feedings and 5AM diaper changes begin! The heck with my security blanket; where's my pillow?

Shape

Pregnancy pillows are available commercially and are typically long body pillows that can go between the legs or can be held while attempting to rest on the left side of the body. Actually, any pillow that serves the purpose is useful and makes a great pregnancy pillow.

Chiropractors offer pillows for the neck and spine. After pregnancy it can be burned in the back yard, donated to charity - or stored in the closet for next round!

How Soon Can I get Pregnant after stopping Birth Control?

Editor — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:45:05 +0000

Although almost everyone practices birth control, its effects and its methods differ for everyone. The effects of birth control measures differ according to the physiology of the individuals, their medical history and their sexual health. Likewise, sometimes couples who wish to expand their family stop using birth control measures to enhance their chances of conceiving. Women may stop using birth control pills and other contraceptives in order to get pregnant. However, after stopping birth control, the time required to get pregnant may differ for every woman.

Getting Pregnant

Getting pregnant after stopping birth control depends upon the health of the woman and the method of birth control that she was using. The time required for a woman to attain her peak fertility varies according to her age and health. According to medical experts, the ability of a woman to get pregnant starts declining after the age of 25. Also some women may require a longer time to get pregnant due to unhealthy practices and irregular periods. Older women may also find it difficult or longer to gain their fertility levels and take more time to get pregnant. Age can act as a barrier in the process of gaining fertility and becoming pregnant again.

The main function of the birth control pill is to prevent ovulation. Thus, when women stop birth control measures then it results in the emission of hormones from the body immediately. Once these hormones have been removed, the body regains its original health and fertility. The removal of the hormones would lead to the production of follicles, which in turn lead to ovulation. This period required for ovulation differs for every woman. In normal circumstances, the woman takes about two weeks to ovulate while some might even take months to ovulate. Once the process of ovulation begins, it implies that the body has regained its normal health.

According to the experts, almost 85% of the couples take about one year to conceive after stopping birth control measures. After stopping the birth control pills, it requires about four to five months for a woman to get pregnant. This time period is independent and does not depend upon the number of years the woman has been practicing birth control measures.

Thus, once the couples decide to stop birth control, they just need to wait for a year to conceive and expand their family.

Low Supply Of Breast Milk

Editor — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:00:17 +0000

Almost all mothers who breast feed go through a period of questioning whether or not their supply of milk is adequate. Some mothers simply aren't able to produce enough milk to meet the needs of her baby. According to many experts, true insufficiencies of milk are very rare.

A lot of women think their milk supply is low when it actually isn't. Thinking this can happen if you lose the feeling of fullness in your breasts or if the milk stops leaking from your nipples. Babies that go through growth spurts may want more milk than usual, and these more frequent feedings may leave your breasts less than full.

Causes of it A mother's milk supply may diminish for a brief period of time if she isn't feeding her baby often enough due to nipple pain, or a poor latch on technique. Illnesses or estrogen containing birth control pills may also affect the production of milk.

What you should do The best way to handle a low supply of breast milk is through a doctor's care. You should make sure that your baby gets frequent feedings and that nothing is wrong with your nipples or your milk ducts. Doctors are the best ones to ask, as they can run tests to see if everything is fine within your body.

A low supply of breast milk can affect your baby, although it's more of a mental condition than anything else. If your baby isn't gaining any weight or if he is losing weight, you should call a doctor immediately. Improved techniques for breast feeding will normally help, although in some cases weight gain or weight loss will indicate a serious concern.

In most cases, you can still nurse with a temporary decrease in milk supply, although frequent breast feeding is the key to boosting your production of milk.

How to Eat for A Healthy Pregnancy

Editor — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:45:07 +0000

You found out you are pregnant. Never has it been more crucial to eat well. Not eating well during your pregnancy can increase your risk of complications. Eating well has never been easier during pregnancy than it is now.

First, remember that once you hit the second trimester, you should be eating about 300 more calories a day. Calories provide you with the extra energy that your body needs to grow your baby. Now these extra calories should not give you the right to chow down on every food in your line of site. After all, it is only 300 calories that your are getting. A glass of milk or one banana equals 100 calories and a slice of whole wheat bread, and ounce of cheese and a half of cup of grapes equal 200 calories. See how much more you are eating than if you decide to eat a donut instead.

Remember that you need at least three servings of protein each day. Protein contains amino acid which is one of the most important building block for your baby's tissue. Protein is very easy to come by and your options are endless. You can drink 3 glasses of milk, and you can have 2 cups of yogurt along with 3 ounces of cheese.

Next, you need at least four servings of calcium every day. Calcium is going to help grow your baby's bones and help protect yours. Milk is the best way to get your fill of calcium, but you can also get your fill of calcium from cheeses, yogurt and even ice cream.

Aim for at least three servings of vitamin C. Your body does not store vitamin C so you need a fresh supply of it every day. You can eat fruit or almost any vegetable to get your vitamin C in. You also want to make sure you get three to four servings of green leafy and yellow vegetables and fruits. Most of these veggies and fruits will also count toward your vitamin C intake, so that is double the benefit.

You should get in one to two servings of all other fruit and vegetables that are not known for their vitamin A and C value, but are still good for you all the same. Apples, banana, and onions are just a few that are in this category. Eat six or more servings of whole grains and legumes. These are filled with vitamins E and B and they help you battle constipation. Try eating brown rice, whole wheat breads and even air popped corn to get your servings of whole grains and legumes in.

Perhaps one of the most important nutrients you and your body need is iron. Your body's demand for iron will never be greater than it is while you are pregnant. You want to make sure you are able to keep up with it. Not enough iron could lead to anemia so you want to make sure you are getting enough iron. If you feel that you are not, talk to your doctor and he might be able to prescribe you a iron supplement.

It is always a good idea to eat well every day. However when you are pregnant it is essential that you eat well every day.

Pregnancy Magazines

Editor — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:00:13 +0000

Pregnancy magazines are plentiful, interesting, informative and fun. When you are pregnant, pregnancy magazines can afford you many hours of enjoyable reading. Pregnancy magazines can give you valuable information and ideas about what to expect during pregnancy. But pregnancy magazines should not be your only source for information as pregnancy is important and making sure that you and your unborn child stays as healthy as possible during and after pregnancy is of vital consideration. But that doesn't mean that pregnancy magazines can't be a part of your pregnancy library.

Pregnancy magazines will not only have articles written by professionals in the field of pregnancy, birth, childhood and parenting, but they will also contain oodles of ads promoting many types of products that are handy, fun and helpful. Pregnancy magazines will also provide valuable information about product comparisons. Things like car seats and other baby apparatus that you might be considering purchasing. So pregnancy magazines will serve you well in this area.

Pregnancy magazines will also contain personal stories that are written and submitted by other women who either are currently pregnant or who have been pregnant. These types of articles found in pregnancy magazines can be very reassuring and comforting when you are pregnant so that things you are experiencing won't seem so unusual as other women have experienced the same or similar things. The photographs in pregnancy magazines can also be very useful as you will see images of other women who are pregnant and this may help you if you are having any negative body issue feelings about yourself. Sometimes being able to look at other pregnant women objectively helps change your perceptions of yourself and resolve some of those negative feelings.

Pregnancy magazines are found in many places. You will definitely find pregnancy magazines in the waiting rooms of doctors' offices, and clinics where pregnant women are served. You will find pregnancy magazines in bookstores and at news stands. You will find pregnancy magazines in grocery stores and pharmacies. There will be pregnancy magazines that are provided free of charge in some places. There are pregnancy magazines that you can access online. Usually, you can subscribe to pregnancy magazines either for the actual printed pregnancy magazines or for the e-zines that are published online. It is entirely up to you. You can also spend some time in the library looking through the pregnancy magazines they have available or in the larger chain bookstores where they don't mind you relaxing and browsing through the magazines they sell and then not buying them when you are finished. So check out some of the pregnancy magazines out there. You might enjoy some of them and learn some helpful things in the process.

Pregnancy Calculators To Know Baby Developments

Editor — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:45:05 +0000

For every woman, pregnancy is a miraculous experience and is life-changing. Whether it is the first time you are pregnant or the sixth time, it is always a milestone and a great joy for couples to have a child as a product of their love for each other. Though there are other hassles in becoming pregnant, bearing a child is the most fulfilling experience a woman could ever have. It is a confirmation to yourself and to the world that you now have a contribution to the human race and your child can be someone who could change the world for the better.

It would be a relief for many women who are pregnant to know that in today's world a pregnancy calculator is readily available for them to guide and inform them about the day-to-day changes as they occurring during pregnancy.

What A Pregnancy Calculator Does

It is more convenient for women today to understand the changes that are happening through their bodies because there are pregnancy calculators on the internet that they can easily download instead of going to their doctors. With the help of this technology, a pregnant woman could easily track the baby's development and growth from the beginning of the date of conception through to birth.

The pregnancy calculator is usually determined on the last menstrual period, conception date, known week's gestation or weeks of gestation based on an ultrasound examination. And right now, the pregnancy calculators that are readily available online are based on the doctors' findings of what is actually happening on the stages.

Though there are other tools available, like books and publications, about the woman's body's development during pregnancy, it is hard and somewhat confusing to gather all the information needed to track the baby's development and using the pregnancy calculator can be a great help especially in lessening the stress of a pregnant woman.

Week By Week

Every development in the body of a pregnant woman usually changes week by week, but the great and noticeable difference happens after every three months of pregnancy. These three months are referred to as the "trimesters". During the "first trimester" or the 1st week to the 12th week of pregnancy is accompanied by nausea as one of the immediate earliest signs of being pregnant. There may be sudden emotional changes due to hormonal change and also swelling of the breast and nonstop exhaustion.

In the second trimester, that is the 13th to 27th week of pregnancy, the belly of a pregnant woman may already swell and the pregnancy may be obvious. A pregnant woman could expect subtle movements or "kicks" by the baby since the fetus has already developed and most of the features are already visible.

The last trimester, the third one or the 28th week to 40th week of pregnancy, the belly has fully grown and most of the time. Especially when in the last final weeks before delivery, pelvic pain and constipation are likely to occur.

All of these stages may be calculated by the pregnancy calculator and give you more information about what to expect week by week until you give birth.

Prenatal and Pregnancy

Editor — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 08:15:06 +0000

Prenatal vitamins are one of the most important vitamins that you take through out your pregnancy. Ideally, you should start taking prenatal vitamins when you are trying to conceive a baby. By taking prenatal while you are trying to conceive, you are preparing your body for the challenging task that lies ahead. Some experts believe that taking prenatal before you are pregnant might actually reduce your risk of a miscarriage after you become pregnant.

Taking prenatal before pregnancy is not always possible for some people, but taking them during pregnancy is essential. Prenatal vitamins contain one of the most important nutrients that a new mother needs and that are folic acid or folate. By taking in extra folic acid, you lower your chances of your baby being born with an incomplete spinal column which is known as spina bifida. In order for your baby to be protected, it is imperative that folic acid is taken in the first four weeks of fetal development.

This can be a problem for women who do not take prenatals before they are pregnant. Most of the time, most women do not know they are pregnant until after they missed their period which is about two weeks after conception. This is why if you are of child bearing age, you should make it a habit of taking folic acid even if you are not planning to become pregnant and we all know that not all pregnancies are planned.

You can still get your folic acid in food. Folic acid is added to many breads and pastas and is found in dark green and orange fruits as well as vegetables. Keep in mind though that taking a daily supplement of folic acid offers more protection from spina bifida then eating the same amount of folic acid in food.

While you are pregnant you should aim to take at least 600mcg of folic acid a day. If you have had a baby with a neural tube defect, you will have to take 4000 mcg or 4 milligrams of folic acid every day, starting at least a month before you get pregnant.

Some women report that they can not take their prenatals especially in their first trimester. Women who suffer from morning sickness and food aversions find that they can not eat much food. Taking a prenatal on an empty stomach can leave you feeling sick and queasy which is why so many women in the first trimester do not take them. Another reason some women report upset stomachs is due to the high iron level that some prenatals have. Not only could this cause an upset stomach, this can also lead to constipation which can already be a problem for some pregnant women.

If you find that you can not take your prenatal, talk to your doctor to see if he can give you a prenatal with less iron or give you a folic acid supplement also. The worst thing you could do is not take anything, especially during those first few weeks.

Abdominal exercises during pregnancy

Editor — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:15:06 +0000

Abdominal Exercises During Pregnancy Mean You Don't Have to Say Goodbye to a Flat Tummy Forever!

It is probably fine to continue your regular abdominal exercises during pregnancy until you begin to show, but once your baby bump begins to show, it is probably best to avoid the commonly known abdominal exercises during pregnancy, like sit-ups, crunches, and leg lifts, since the baby's weight while you are lying on your back can block the vena cava (the blood vessel that provides blood and oxygen to the uterus) and restrict the blood and oxygen flow to your uterus and the baby. You probably will not even want to continue these abdominal exercises during pregnancy, because scrunching up the abdomen could be uncomfortable.

Abdominal muscle separation occasionally occurs during pregnancy and delivery. Postpartum moms should check their abdominal muscles for separation before starting any abdominal exercises during or pregnancy, or after giving birth, because the damage can be made worse by exercising, if there is separation. Test this by pressing your fingers into the area by your belly button as you attempt to do an abdominal crunch. If you can put more than one or two fingers in between the muscles, they have separated and you will need to modify your crunches. Place your feet the same way, but cross your arms across the abdomen and squeezing the muscles together as you exhale and contract the abdominal muscles, lifting only your head (not the shoulders). You may also use a length of material (such as old sheeting) wrapped around the abdomen and pulled across to achieve the same effect.

Strong abdominal muscles are beneficial to support the baby, ease the strain on back muscles, and are considered to help ease the labor and delivery, when you are giving birth. Adapting abdominal exercises during pregnancy also makes it less likely you will have abdominal muscular separation.

A popular midwife's suggestion is to learn belly dancing as an abdominal exercise during pregnancy. The exercise you get belly dancing helps keep your abdominal muscles in shape, and helps keep the muscles you use during labor and delivery in shape while making it easier to get your flat tummy back after the baby arrives!
Examples of safe abdominal exercises during pregnancy are:
Get on your forearms & knees, and exhale as you tighten the abdominal muscles, pulling the belly button in, toward the backbone, and inhale as you release them. You can work you oblique abdominal muscles by starting in a side-lying position with knees bent. At a 45-degree angle, exhale as you lift the rib cage toward the hip bone, squeezing in the waist line, inhale as you lower your rib cage back down. You should also combine these abdominal exercises with pelvic floor muscle, or Kegel exercises, in order to get the maximum benefit from them.

Be Fashionable With Trendy Maternity Clothes

Editor — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:00:11 +0000

Some pregnant women want to walk around unnoticed, while some others want to be noticed from a mile away. When it comes to trendy maternity clothes, it's all about making people turn and look at you while you walk, showing off your sexy belly. Designer clothing is one of the most famous types of trendy maternity clothes, but it's not just limited to that.

Trendy maternity clothes nowadays are very much biological, meaning that the clothing is designed to take along your body figure as their shape and expose you sexily. Basically you won't feel heavy wearing them, but instead very comfortable.

Stylish and Sexy

Particularly when it comes to designer maternity clothing, things are mostly made of timeless styling and versatility with the very best of European, American and even Asian elegance and design. In United States, there are hundreds of known fashion houses which sell branded trendy maternity clothes, which are normally a bit more expensive than common ones, but come with extensive styling that you would not mind paying for.

Generally there are several types of trendy maternity clothes. The primary one will be the basic type; such as evening gown, office wear, casual wear, and so on. Others would include sleepwear, lingerie and maternity undergarments, loungewear and casual relaxation wear, swimwear, outdoor and outing wear, and so on.

Long Lasting

Being trendy is just not enough as we know. The clothing needs to last, at least for the whole pregnancy period. You wouldn't want to spend hundreds of dollars over a very beautiful maternity dress, which comes off bit by bit within the second month itself. Most of the designer clothing is made not just to be sexy, feminine and flattering, but also to last. Experts suggest that if you want to buy designer-made trendy maternity clothes, it is better to go to those boutiques opened and ran by the designer themselves, rather than a departmental store which sells all kinds of branded and trendy maternity clothes.

Online Orders

As times change, the way businesses are dealt also change along. Nowadays most of the trendy maternity clothes sold by retailers are open for mail orders and online orders. This means that anyone from any place can order through the internet and receive them through mail. Brands like Boden, Figleaves, Charles Tyrwhitt, and Isabella Oliver are now available for both means of ordering, to cater the rising number of wearers of branded and trendy maternity clothes.

History of birth control pills

Editor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:08 +0000

Birth control pills

The birth control pill stands to be the most famous and effective way of reversible birth control. These pills are scientifically called oral contraceptives. The latest pills in the market do not ape the past and hence instead of those numerous side effects provide the user with lot of benefits. The birth control pills prevent pregnancy but do not protect the body from any kind of sexually transmitted diseases. Today science has found out newer efficiencies and the birth control pills contain fewer doses of hormones and that is why the side effects of these pills have decreased considerably. These pills are of three types namely Progestin-only pills, combination pills and emergency contraceptive pills.

History of birth control pills

The history of birth control dates back to 3000 B.C. when in Egypt the concept of condoms arose. Though the cause is not very clear, there are proofs of men wearing it. Then was the pessary in 1850 B.C. that acted as a female contraceptive device. Around 600 B.C., the Greeks found out about Silphion that is the most premier oral contraceptive. During the period of 1844-1873, the U.S. birth control business boosted and many other intrauterine devices, cervical caps, vaginal sponges and diaphragms came into picture. Margaret Sanger and Mrs. Cyrus Mc Cormick in coalition plan to fund and aid the birth control and this concern grew out of their own personal experiences. The money went into Gregory Pincus's study and research towards inventing an oral contraceptive. The then famous drug companies Syntex and Searle emerged successful in creating artificial synthetic progesterone. The first pill released in 1960. Searle Company convinced FDA to grant Envoid, the first pill rights to be marketed. The dosage was anyway too high and hence the tablet was accompanied by major side-effects. The mass usage of pills started only after the year 1980. It was recently in 1992 that FDA allowed the first hormone shot Depo Provera to be used as a birth control method that is effective for several months.

Conclusion

The birth control pills are sold only on the doctor's prescription. Anyhow the pharmaceutical houses do grant emergency contraceptive pills if required. Today the birth control pills are famous with majority of the public and hence have gained a lot of impetus.

Is breastfeeding in public alright?

Editor — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:00:11 +0000

Breastfeeding in public has been a controversial issue for many years, and yet the issue has come a long way. There was a time when women were not allowed to leave their bedroom when they were pregnant or nursing. It was called being confined.

Breastfeeding in public makes some people very uncomfortable and yet it is one of the most natural and beautiful things that a woman can do to ensure the health and vitality of her baby.

Not only does breastfeeding allow a woman to pass on essential antibodies to the baby so that he or she can fend off dangerous infections and other illnesses, it provides a baby with all the vitamins and nutrients he or she needs to grow healthy and strong. Every time a woman is breastfeeding in public, she is providing an essential service to her baby.

Every baby has a right to eat and breastfeeding in public exercises this right.

Most often, those who are against breastfeeding in public are opposed to it because it makes them feel uncomfortable. And yet, society is filled with images of naked women. In fact, society is full of images of far worse things, including extreme violence, something that should be limited.

Breastfeeding in public, on the other hand, is perfectly natural. It does no harm to the general public and it is not an offensive vision for children either. It is something that is practised by millions of women all over the world every day, and yet it is something that many women are made to feel ashamed about.

If you are concerned about the effect breastfeeding in public could have on people around you, you can try throwing a blanket over your shoulder or removing yourself to a less crowded room or area. On the other hand, some women prefer to breastfeed in public as a way to stand up for women's rights and babies' rights, as well.

If a woman is breastfeeding in public and she is approached by someone, who asks her to leave, then she should know that she has rights that protect her and her child from discrimination.

In this situation, a woman asked to leave because she is breastfeeding in public can exert her right to feed her child. If she wishes to take the matter further or is forced out of the public space anyway, then she has several other courses of action.

She can make a formal complaint to her regional human rights commission, write letters to the editor at the local newspaper, join breastfeeding lobby groups in her area, or write to her government.

Planning a Baby Shower

Editor — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:45:07 +0000

Baby showers are a lot of fun, especially for pregnant mom-to-be. Not only is this something for the baby, but now she doesn't have to go out and buy. Before you throw a baby shower for someone there are a few things you should do to prepare. The first thing is figure out if this will be a surprise shower or not. There are benefits to both, the first one being if she knows she can help you with a list of people that she would like to be there. However, if it is a surprise she'll be touched that you cared enough to throw her a baby shower, but be careful you don't want to give her too much of surprise and put her in labor.

Making the Guest List

When it comes to making the guest list things can get a little tricky. Find out if there is anyone that would be upset if they weren't invited. Never leave out close family or friends, at least give them the option of showing up.

Games

Planning games for a shower can be a bit difficult when you have so many fun games and have a few gifts to pass out as prizes. Baby shower games are a lot of fun, here is a quick list.

Mommy's belly- The mom-to-be stand in the center of the room and each guests get to decide how big her belly is using a string or a toilet paper sheets. Find out who guessed the closest.

Guess the nursery rhyme- Give each guest a sheet of nursery rhymes and have them guess the nursery rhyme or finish it. This will help everyone remember them and see who reads those bedtime stories.

Did you say Baby Game?- Each guest is giving small clothespins to wear around their neck on a necklace or on their shirt. Every time someone says "Baby" if someone catches them they get to take one pin. At the end of the party the guest with the most pins wins a prize.

Memory- Using a plastic tin of some sort place a bunch of baby items in it such as, bib, thermometer, baby spoon, diaper rash crme, etc. Anything you'd use on a baby. Let each guest get a chance to look in the bin for a few seconds and take it away. Once everyone is finished have them write down everything that was in the box. The person with the most correct answers wins.

Baby Food Tasting - Have a variety of baby food in jars, take off the outside wrapper and place a number at the bottom of the jar, on a separate piece of paper write the name of each jar. Each guest is dished out a spoonful of baby food to try. Have them write down what they think each one is. The one with the most correct answers wins a prize.

Have a great baby shower and don't forget to bring a gift.

Thyme Maternity Fashions

Editor — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:45:07 +0000

Thyme Maternity Company is a Canadian based company with retail locations all over Canada. The company specializes in one of a kind maternity wear with very wearable styles. Their clothing is perfect for exercise, casual dress, and the work place. They use many neutral colors and bright complementing colors to create a very fashion forward appearance throughout an entire pregnancy.

Revolutionary Pants

Thyme Maternity has two revolutionary styles of pants to compliment their other more traditional styles of waist bands. They offer a three in one waist band and the before and after pants. These waist bands are available for both denim and cotton or twill style pants.

The three in one waistband give full belly coverage in stage one, middle of the belly coverage in stage two, and low rise below the belly waist in stage three. Stage one is often most comfortable late in pregnancy when it is uncomfortable to have anything directly on the belly.

Stage two is often the most comfortable in the second trimester when the woman is just starting to show her pregnancy. The third stage can be comfortable any time during pregnancy and make the Thyme Maternity pants easy to wear after the baby is born.

Before and after pants have a discrete elastic waist that looks as if it buttons like any other pants. These pants will be comfortable during pregnancy and after when most mothers carry a little extra weight.

The pants are so stylish that women won't mind wearing them for those few months after pregnancy before their non-maternity clothes fit again. Thyme Maternity pants look and fit like no other maternity pants.

Tops

Thyme Maternity tops are cute and functional. They offer a variety of plain T-Shirts, trendy short sleeved shirts, tanks, sweaters, and hooded sweatshirts. These tops have a snug fit through the chest and arms and a flowing fit over the ever expanding belly. They extenuate a woman's full pregnant figure while not allowing the shirts to look too small.

The Thyme Maternity trendy shirts stay with the latest fashion trends and color schemes. All of the many styles of tops to choose from have full belly coverage and are long enough to permit any peeking from below the shirt even in the last month of pregnancy.

Thyme Maternity Skin Care System

Thyme Maternity is about more than beautiful clothes, they also want every mother to have beautiful skin; Thyme Maternity Skin Care system works in three ways. One cream helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and over all condition the sensitive skin of the belly.

Another cream works to firm the breasts which can also suffer from stretch marks and sagging. The skin on the breasts is also commonly dry, having a moisturizing lotion can help the delicate area to feel more comfortable.

The third ointment works to relieve the tired feeling pregnant women's legs can get all through pregnancy but especially towards the end when she is carrying so much extra weight. The Thyme Maternity Tired Legs Gel helps legs to feel reenergized.

How to Avoid Constipation During Pregnancy

Editor — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:15:08 +0000

It is Murphy's law that just when you are able to get food into your body without having it come back up, that you suddenly find you can not get the food out of your body. Nearly half of all the women who are pregnant suffer from constipation during pregnancy.

As with all symptoms of pregnancy there is a reason for constipation. When you are pregnant your body creates progesterone which in turns relaxes the muscles of the bowels and causes your digestive tracks to work much slower. Your digestive track works slower to make sure your body absorbs the nutrients from your food for your baby. This can create constipation, which if it not kept under control, can lead to hemorrhoids.

There are some ways you can help avoid constipation throughout your pregnancy. Make sure you included plenty of fiber in your diet. Fiber absorbs water and can help to soften your stools and speed their passage. Eat plenty of high fiber foods like whole grain cereal and oatmeal. Instead of eating white bread with your sandwiches, eat whole grain breads. Add some oat bran to your cereals or yogurt.

Fresh fruits are also an excellent way to get your fiber in. Melons and plums have a high amount of fiber in them as wells as dried fruits like figs, raisins, apricots and of course the well known favorite prunes. Prunes and prune juice have a like laxative effect and will help keep things moving properly in your body. Aim to eat at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day. You can tell you are getting enough fiber if your stools are large and soft and you aren't straining to pass them. Keep in mind though that too much fiber can lead to diarrhea which can lead to dehydration so do not over do the fiber in your diet.

Also, drinking plenty of fluid will help you combat constipation. Fluids help keep digestive products moving through your system so it is very important for you to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day. Keeping up with your fluids is important especially if you are increasing your intake of fiber. Your body needs to water to soak up the fiber otherwise it can cause more constipation.

Also, make sure you are eating your yogurt if you can. Yogurt has a bacteria called acidophilus that helps stimulate the intestinal bacteria to break down food better. Look at your prenatal. Some of the prenatal that women take contain a lot of iron and iron can play a big part in constipation. Talk to your doctor to see if you can switch for a while to a different prenatal that contains less iron or at least stay off of the prenatal for a while until your constipation is under control.

Avoid foods that can lead to constipation. White bread and some cereals such as corn flakes can lead to constipation as well as white rice and bananas. If all this fails, give your doctor a call to see if there is something you can take to help keep you regulated. Most doctors will allow you to take Metamucil to help keep things moving.

Constipation is never pleasant but during pregnancy it can be even extra uncomfortable. Make sure you take the steps to avoid constipation. It will help make your pregnancy that much more enjoyable.

The Types of Pregnancy Test

Editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:45:05 +0000

All the signs are there, the bloated feeling, a touch of nausea, and sore or tender breasts. Most telling is the absence of your normal monthly cycle. Of course pregnancy is the first thing that comes to mind. There are several methods for determining if a little one is going to make an appearance in nine months. You can take a home pregnancy test, one online, or make an appointment with the doctor. Regardless of the results of an online or home test, if it is positive an appointment with your doctor will confirm the results and get you started on a healthy pregnancy.

Any woman who has had children or suspected they may be pregnant is probably familiar with using a home pregnancy test. Many jokes have been made about peeing on sticks at many baby showers. Home tests are typically wand like devices made to be placed in the urine stream or in a container holding urine. After about 1 minute, the results can be clearly seen by a line in the test window. The appearance of a line means a positive pregnancy result, no line means the likelihood of pregnancy is low. These tests work by detecting the presence or lack of hCG, the most common hormone found in pregnancy.

There are a number of different websites giving pregnancy curious women a way to test the probability of pregnancy. Obviously without physical evidence to go on, no online pregnancy test is going to be fool proof. An online test will ask a series of questions relating to last period date, appearance of any symptoms, and any other physical changes. The program then calculates the probability of pregnancy. These tests were designed to instruct the user if there is enough cause to take a home pregnancy test or contact their doctor. A quick web search will yield a large number of online tests to choose from.

The most accurate of all is the pregnancy test performed by a doctor. They may use a urine test similar to a home test in addition to performing a pelvic exam. Certain internal signals like changes in the cervix, tip off medical professionals as to the probability of an existing pregnancy. This is also a good time to receive medical advice pertaining to care and nutrition for a strong, healthy pregnancy. Most of the time, a new mom to be has already taken a home pregnancy test and the doctor's visit is just for confirmation.

Whichever pregnancy test you choose to use, proper medical care and knowledge about your pregnant condition are key in bringing your little bundle home safe and sound.

Unique Early Signs of Pregnancy

Editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:15:14 +0000

Many women of childbearing age have had moments in time when they began to wonder if a little bundle of joy was on the way. In some cases, the thought occurs before a missed period and becomes a nagging thought in the back of her mind. Other times, it may be a fervent wish to be pregnant or an equally strong hope that she is not pregnant. Even before a late menstruation cycle, early signs of pregnancy can be detected if you know what to look for.

Missing a period is one of the classic early signs of pregnancy. However, interestingly enough, in some cases, a new mom to be may have a light period shortly after conception. It isn't an indication that anything is wrong necessarily, it just throws the progression of normal symptoms off and mom may not realize she is pregnant from this event alone. If the possibility of exists, an unusual period may be reason enough to explore some other pregnancy signs and take a home test just to be sure.

One of the lesser known early signs of pregnancy is a sudden sensitivity to scents. Maybe while getting ready for work one morning, you apply your favorite perfume and immediately are hit by a wave of nausea. Maybe you normally hate the smell of gasoline, but when you fill your car's tank, for some reason the scent isn't as unpleasant as before. Experts attribute this sign of pregnancy as a result of high levels of estrogen in a newly pregnant woman's body. This symptom can show up even before a missed period.

Just like scent sensitivity, food cravings and aversions can be early signs of pregnancy. Strange food combinations eaten at weird times aren't uncommon in the beginning stages of pregnancy. Some women report suddenly developing extreme aversions for foods or specific types of food that they used to love. While this pregnancy sign can be humorous due to its unpredictable nature, it can be an early indicator of future joy.

Many times when a woman claims that she just feels pregnant, people discount the validity of the statement. Often though, she is ultimately proven to be correct. A variety of small, seemingly insignificant feelings can add up to early signs of pregnancy. No one knows how a body feels better than the person who resides in it. A little nausea, a bloated feeling, and tender breasts may not sound like much at first, but the woman who is experiencing it may be on the right track to confirming a pregnancy.

Birth Control Pills And Weight Gain, Setting The Scales Correct

Editor — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:44:25 +0000

I cannot say that with this article, the discussion about birth control pills and weight gain will stop. This discussion is pretty much like the epic battle between light and darkness, good and evil, ordinary milk and non-fat milk, it goes on and on and on and on.

Scientifically speaking, there have been no indications in studies and experiments on any direct relationship between birth control pills and weight gain. Given that situation, it is really hard to fathom why most people still think the opposite.

Well we can think of some reasons why this urban legend continues to proliferate. Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones which go straight to the pituitary glands. Once there, the synthetic hormones block the production of LH and FSH hormones. This prevents the body the natural growth of the egg and ovulation.

According to some doctors and medical practitioners, birth control pills can also cause an increase of appetite, at least to some women. But studies have shown that this situation is more of an exception rather than the rule. It has also been found out the said increase in appetite is more coincidental and is no different from what happens in the general populace.

This also brings us to the next point. Some doctors and medical practitioners continue issuing statements that weight gain has been observed or that weight gain is a possible side effect to their patients, adding to the confusion. Oftentimes these statements from doctors are accepted as statements of facts. Instead of clarifying already false information to begin with, they contribute to the continued spread of this myth.

Another perception of feeling bloated or fat when one is taking the pill is that the body is said to hold more water when it is on pill compared to when it is not. This is another fallacy in a string of rumors, gossips, and misinformation.

Women are very conscious of their weight. Ask any man who made the wrong move of commenting on a women's weight. I'm sure it got messy. This consciousness or even subconscious wariness of gaining pounds might contribute to false admittance or observations that birth control pills cause weight gain. Women often fear the added pounds. Because of this fear women don't take or totally avoid taking birth control pills.

This is detrimental to any birth control program. That's why it is important to squash the myth of weight gain once and for all. The pill is quite an effective method of birth control after all, when used correctly of course.

Because of the weight gain issue, women will tend to go for other means of contraception. Although some other methods are quite effective, the pill is still a batter option with 99.7% chance of preventing pregnancies. Women should stop worrying about something that isn't real or they will really begin to worry about weight gain when they get pregnant and after giving birth. These two situations pack more weight related issues than what they have now with birth control pills.

Weight gain and weight control is all about balance. A balance diet combined with a balanced body work-out. That's the ideal way of living. You prevent any significant weight gain by eating healthy and exercising.

If you gain pounds while you're in the pill, don't lash it all out on the little guy for it is all you. Birth control pills and weight gain are not correlated, and that's that.

Male Birth Control, Simple Enough

Editor — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:33:25 +0000

Yes, male birth control methods are simple enough and yet men still don't get it. There are only three male contraception methods, although there's news of creating a hormonal contraceptive pill for male but the development of the drug is still underway. So we are down to three male birth control methods for now.

Condoms, vasectomy, and withdrawal. These are the only three contraceptives that men have to worry about. But that number we can still narrow down. Vasectomy is often not an option taken by males since they often believe that the procedure is irreversible. For your information, the procedure is reversible. But still this method needs the man to be lying on his back on the operating table and going under the knife, and such an idea is usually not that appealing. Not that I blame the man, though, nobody wants to be lying in an operating table for whatever purpose.

The second method is withdrawal. You have a higher chance of getting your partner pregnant with this method. This can be effective when combined with the calendar method of birth control. The calendar method if in case you don't know means tracking the menstrual cycle of your partner and having intercourse only during the first eight days of the cycle. This is quite effective when you have only one partner but can be highly risky if you engage in social sex.

With everything said about the other two methods, our last method seems to be the most suited in all occasions and situations. The use of condoms as a birth control method has a high enough success rate. It is not 100% effective since no birth control method really is perfect. And yet, men oftentimes fail in birth control even if there are only three methods that they have to choose from, or rather have a single method at their disposal if you follow our argument.

However, there are studies being done which gives men other options aside from those three. I really don't know if these new contraceptive methods will help especially if men are in general not paying much that attention to contraceptives anyways.

But still, this development in male birth control is a welcome one. Research have been looking at developing medications, much like the female birth control pills, targeting the hormones inside the male body. This hormonal contraception can be administered as injections or as implants, although, like I said research is still being conducted and experiments are being performed to show if such contraceptives are possible.

This hormonal contraception for males will function as a limiting catalyst to the production of the male sperm. The tricky aspect of the research is finding a way of bringing back the sperm count level to the amount that men will be considered as fertile.

Other method that they are looking for includes implanting tiny plugs called IVD (Intra Vas Device) to block the sperm; applying heat to the testes to induce infertility; and even the use of ultrasound waves as a means to control the production of the sperm. The ultrasound waves will heat the testes which will result to reducing the production of sperms. Again, the issue of whether the sperm count will normalize after a few months or even years.

Well, regardless of the methods under study the present male birth control is quite simple enough so men should learn how to use them or else it's off to the operating with you.

Halloween Pregnancy Ideas

Editor — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:30:06 +0000

The minute you begin your pregnancy everything is changing, your body, your clothes sizes, even your looks. But that doesn't mean you have to skip out on your favorite holidays, like Halloween. Being pregnant doesn't mean you can't dress up. Whether you are buying your costume or making them yourself, you can have fun. There are many costumes you can buy for couples or just for yourself. The Pregnancy couple may want to go as a baker and an oven, or an egg and bacon bit. Both outfits are really cute and creative, you can even make them at home if you chose too.

If you want to get really creative you can make your own costumes, here are a few costumes that you can make just using your belly and normal clothes are:

The eyeball- This is something my husband created, all you need is a little facial paint and black clothes. This is something even a person that can't draw can have a little bit of fun with. Wear all black clothes on Halloween and paint your belly white, make the center of the eye whatever color you desire and don't forget the red veins. Make it scary or cute, whatever fits your desire. Have a bit of fun and show off that tummy by keeping the shirt up or wear a shirt that shows your tummy. My husband got a kick out of this one and was so excited that he got to do the artwork.

If you want to dress up completely but not stand out, try going as a human pumpkin. Wear a tiny green cap or make one out of felt and all orange, if you can cut a slit in your shirt for your belly to stick out. Now, paint it orange and decorate your pumpkin.

A pea is another simple costume you can make and stay warm. Go find some green jeans or sweats and a green sweatshirt. Keep the shirt up or cut a hole in it to make your little pod stick out and paint it all green.

If you aren't feeling up to having a full body costume, you could always just paint the belly and proudly show it off. After all, how often will you be pregnant? Think of anything that is round: basketball, volleyball, soccer ball, a bowling ball, etc

Don't forget witches were mothers too, so if you've always dressed as a witch for Halloween you don't have to stop the tradition. This year go as a pregnant witch or maybe a witch holding a pumpkin. Use that belly!

A Bun in the oven- Get a medium or small box, cut it out so that you can wear it over your shoulders. Make room for your head to slide through. Decorate it with paints like an oven. Cut open the front of the box so that it will open and close. On the outside of the box write, "Bun in the Oven." Paint your belly a light beige for all to see the little baby bun.