Pregnancy And Women's Health

The Mother’s Attitude Can Make Pregnancy A Walk In The Park

2011-02-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

During pregnancy there is a very good chance that we are able to influence the spiritual growth and the intelligence of our babies.

It is also good to know that we can help them form an opinion about their lives.

The beauty of the world they live in during the 9 months of pregnancy is that part when we choose to treat them like the best thing that ever happened to us and by this integrate them in our daily routine.

I have read in so many magazines for mothers about the wonderful step a mother can make starting the education of her baby from the very moment he or she is conceived.

I used to think that this is something out of a science fiction book and even though I am a strong follower of the concept that the bond between the mother and her baby is unbreakable and goes on long years after the birth, this idea of starting an education this early seemed a bit too much.

What has convinced me was my god daughter. Her mother use to take yoga classes before she got pregnant. This and the fact that she was very much into “get in touch with nature” life style made her keep on doing yoga during pregnancy. [pregnancy yoga]

She liked environmental music a lot and I remember she was all the time with her iPhone headphones in her ears listening to it.

I used to say to her she will make the baby’s brains go mush after so much environmental noise but she made fun of me and went one with it.

Funny is that her pregnancy went smoothly without any problems, the little one kicking on schedule and behaving very nicely with her mom.

I remember that during my own pregnancy time both of my kids were pretty restless and there were nights when I couldn’t sleep because of their” football game”.

B9 Vitamins To Make Babies Smarter

2011-02-25T19:44:00.000-08:00

When a future mom finds out for the first time about her pregnancy, the first thing that comes to her mind is the health of her baby.

Nothing really prepares us for becoming mothers and nothing gives us the exact vision what the pregnancy will be like.

Knowing that our baby is unique has to determine us to attend to his or her unique needs from the very first weeks of their life.

I remember that when I was pregnant in 6 weeks with my eldest I first read about the importance of the folic acid a.k.a. B9 vitamin in a mother’s alimentation during the first weeks of pregnancy.

The book in question stated that the folic acid is very important for the formation of our baby’s nervous system and in the mean time is an active factor in cell and tissue formation.

As hard as it may seem to believe the absence of this little vitamin can be responsible for so many neurological problems that may appear in the life of a newborn.

I remember how fast I have checked all the possible information and how much I was in need of guidelines concerning this matter.

Who Said You Can’t Be The Most Fashionable Future Mom

2011-02-25T19:39:00.002-08:00

Some women feel uncomfortable during their pregnancy, because of the weight gain and the swollen feet.

In the past, I have met many women who felt that they were not attractive or fashionable, and it is no wonder when the maternity outfits that were out there were so hideous.[maternity fashion]

The clothes were mostly large, shapeless dresses, with floral prints that accentuated how big you were or tried to cover up every inch of your body. The dresses covered you from head to foot making you look like a large blob as you walked around.

There was nothing pleasing or trendy about them at all. Why shouldn’t a woman feel attractive and beautiful during her pregnancy? This is one of the happiest phases in a woman’s life and feeling beautiful should come naturally.

Fortunately the trend has begun to change and society has started to become fashion conscious when it comes to a pregnant woman’s appearance.

Thanks in part to celebrities who have proudly shown their pregnant bodies. By posing naked in magazines, being portrayed in shows and movies, and happily talking about being pregnant, celebrities have helped women to see how beautiful they could be while pregnant.

Clothes followed the direction towards clothes[maternity clothes] that showed off the “baby bump”. Now you see plenty of women in fashionable frocks while being pregnant.

The modern woman has embraced the idea of being pregnant and pretty. The pregnant woman is a big business nowadays, where you will find everything from business attire to swimwear.

Although most articles of clothing have been revamped, many designers have failed to take notice of a side effect of pregnancy, and that’s aching feet that have just ballooned to a larger size. The latest trend should be comfortable yet fashionable shoes for swollen feet.

Just look into a few women’s closets and you will find that their favorite item to buy is shoes. Why shouldn’t this translate into pregnancy?

Having beautiful shoes that cradle a woman’s swollen feet would be wonderful for those of us who have found that we no longer can walk in heels and most of our shoes have suddenly shrunk in size.

Who said future moms can’t be fashionable? As long as designers pay attention to women’s needs during pregnancy they will always have a consumer. I know that I want to be comfortable yet stylish. I want clothes to fit me well, and to make me look beautiful.

I should not have to wear shapeless dresses that make it look as if I were hiding something. Another thing designers should pay attention to is footwear.

I still want cute shoes on my feet, but I would like them to accommodate my new larger foot and be comfortable enough to wear throughout the day.

Morning Sickness Is The First Pregnancy Challenge

2011-02-25T19:39:00.001-08:00

When I got pregnant with my first child, I and my husband were living in Japan. Of course, newly weds, crazy in love and completely light headed, we were thinking of nothing but how to bring a little angel into the world.

When my monthly companion was late I admit I barely noticed so my breast not fitting my bra and getting extremely sensitive pretty much sounded an alarm in my head. I remember I had a metallic taste in my mouth and I could not seem to get enough sleep, me feeling so tired that I could hardly keep my eyes open. Oh yeah…and there was a distinctive repulsion at the scent of fish.

Honestly I have to admit I was throwing up at the mere smell of…everything.

You can imagine how desperate I was since I have heard of morning sickness but my morning sickness was turning in an all day long one with me lying by the toilet.

You cannot imagine how strange I felt considering that there were something wrong with me because all of my friends who were pregnant had normal morning nausea.

So between the sessions of throwing up everything I ate I started making calls and making doctors’ appointments.

You can imagine the result. The doctors lifted their shoulder saying that my condition was normal and that morning sickness like period is worse at some women than others.

The First Month Of Pregnancy Demystified

2011-02-25T19:36:00.000-08:00

All future moms enter the pregnancy talk sooner or later and if most of the forums discuss personal experience some online articles or info may walk a first time pregnant woman from joy to dread.

So here is the first step in the world of pregnancy explained so the future mothers would understand in plain words what is going on in their body.

Once the pregnancy test has shown the reality and the visit to your gynecologist has stated that you are expecting a little one,

The “How Will My Baby Look” Dilemma

2011-02-25T19:33:00.000-08:00

Many future moms are getting at one point or the other of their pregnancy to the moment when presumptions about their baby appearance tend to become something very frequent. The future parents are most of the time leaning towards the theory that girls take after their father and boys take after their mother. This is the result of the common belief that somehow the baby’s sex is responsible for switching genes and resembling more one parent or the other.

We as parents have the ultimate saying about how our baby will look and this matter is not something that is solved during pregnancy.

What we should know for a fact is that the human body has 46 chromosomes and between 60 thousands and 100 thousand of genes.

Your baby will take 23 chromosomes from the mother and 23 from the father, so with a 50/50 % report, the odds of the child looking more like one parents than the other is pretty much a game of chance.

Considering that our genes are keen to do mathematical permutations, the multitude of gene combinations would allow an average human couple to produce over 6 trillion babies all carrying unique features and some completely different from the others.

Can you picture now, why is it so difficult to imagine how will your baby look like?

Taking for example the color of your baby eyes, you should be aware that there are hundreds of genes able to decide on that matter. It may come as a surprise for two people having blue eyes to bring into the world a baby with brown or black eyes.

Feel Like a Whale? Crave Popcorn? This is Normal

2011-02-25T19:26:00.000-08:00

While it is true that pregnancy is beautiful and a round belly testifying to a mother nurturing new life even more so; it is also true that women can feel big, and ungainly and awkward during pregnancy, particularly in the later part of it.

trange cravings are also very much part for the course as celebrity mom-to-be, Natalie Portman freely confessed of late.

Portman was recently in the news for saying that she doesn’t want to go about in public looking like a whale.

So apparently it isn’t just us the lesser mortals; the beautiful people can also feel huge and ungainly as the baby belly gets bigger, balance becomes an issue and you basically stop being able to see your toes!

Portman also wants to stay in bed eating popcorn and watching TV for the rest of her pregnancy.

Granted that women can feel whale-like when big with child, but staying in bed with popcorn would have to be a no-no.

For one calorie laden, salty snacks that are devoid of any nutrition (not just popcorn but most processed foods) are not a good idea in pregnancy. Also inactivity is a bad idea, it is a good idea to be as active as possible during pregnancy.

Tender Breasts issue

2011-02-24T12:00:00.001-08:00

Swollen, tender breasts during pregnancy can be uncomfortable especially in the first trimester. They are caused by the increased amounts of female hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) being produced in your body. The breast changes are in a way preparing you for breastfeeding later on.

There is only one solution to bring comfort to your aching breasts:
A GOOD SUPPORT BRA from the time your pregnancy is confirmed. This will also prevent your breasts from sagging after pregnancy. At times, it may be necessary to wear a bra at night. A sound piece of advice - wear a good support bra even if your breasts are not painful. It is very essential to provide the right support to your breasts for their long term cosmetic feel and look as well!
Prenatally, use Lansinoh Brand Lanolin twice daily to ease dryness and promote healthy supple skin.

in pregnecy Energy and nutritional requirements

2011-02-24T11:55:00.000-08:00

he pregnant mother's body is subject to greater demands to ensure fetal development as well as the growth, health and functioning of the uterus, placenta and amniotic fluid. A daily increase of 150 calories in food consumption is recommended at the start of pregnancy, which will eventually reach an extra 250 calories a day by the end of pregnancy. This entails a "double-shot" in the form of a daily glass of milk during the first trimester and an additional piece of fruit or slice of bread during the final six months. While weight gain is normal, the mother-to-be should not let herself starting "eating for two" (or more). The average weight gained is between 9 and 12 kg (20 to 26 lbs), although there is a natural variation between individuals. With overweight women, it may be less, while thinner women may gain more.

Food recommendations for pregnant women

2011-02-23T17:38:00.000-08:00

Many factors affect our eating behavior: individual needs and wants, health status, social environment, selection of available foods, advertising, etc. The following recommendations ( a sort of Nutrition Guide for Pregnant Women) ensure (in the form of a balanced diet) an adequate supply of energy, and nutritional and protective elements, and therefore represent healthy nutrition. The listed amounts and portions are averages; it is no possible to follow them exactly day by day.

Words in italics are especially important for the mother-to-be.

Oils and Fats during Pregnancy:
Daily consumption: 2 teaspoons (10 g) nutritious vegetable oil such as sunflower oil, thistle oil, corn oil, unprocessed olive or canola oil, e.g., for salad dressings.
Daily consumption: at most 2 teaspoons (10 g) grease or cooking oil, such as peanut oil, or olive oil for hot meal preparation.
Daily consumption: at most 2 teaspoons (10 g) spread, i.e., butter or margarine.
Daily maximum: one meal heavy in fat such as deep fried or breaded foods, cheese dishes, fried potato cakes, bratwurst or hot dogs, cold cuts, dishes with sauces, shortcake or pastry dough, cake, pies, chocolate, etc.

Pastries/Snacks:
Use them in moderation - most sweets contain hidden fat. At most eat 1 small portion of sweet snacks daily (e.g. 1 chocolate bar, 1 piece of cake or a pastry, an ice cream).

Meat, Fish, Eggs, Legumes:
2 - 4 times per week: 1 portion meat (1 portion = 80-120 g, or 3-4 oz). More is unnecessary, less is permitted. At most, one meal of cured meats such as ham, sausage or bacon in place of meat.
At most, one meal per month of offal, such as kidney, tripe, or brains (1 portion = 80-120 g, or 3-4 oz).

Avoid liver:
1-2 portions fish per week (1 portion = 100-120 g, or 3½ -4 oz).
2-3 eggs per week, including those used in baked goods, soufflés, or cream sauces.

They should be cooked to avoid food poisoning:
Per week: 1-2 portions legumes and derivates e.g., lentils, chickpeas, beans (1 portion = 40-60 g, or 1½ -2 oz, dry weight), tofu (1 portion = 100-120 g, or 3½ -4 oz)

Milk and Milk products:
Per day: 3-4 portions of milk products (1 portion = 0.2 liter or ½ pint of milk, or 1 cup of yogurt, or 30 g= 1 oz hard cheese or 60 g = 2 oz soft cheese).

Grain Products and Potatoes:
Daily consumption: eat 3-4 portions of starchy foods such as bread, potatoes, rice, cereals or pastas, preferably whole-grain products. The portion size depends on the frequency and amount of physical activity practiced.

Fruits for Pregnant Women:
Per day: 2-3 portions of fruit, raw if at all possible (1 portion = 1 apple, 1 banana, 3 plums or a bowl of berries).

Vegetables for Pregnant Women:
Per day: 2-3 portions of vegetables, one of which should be raw, e.g., as a dip vegetable or a mixed salad (1 portion = 100 g = 3½ oz raw vegetables, or 150-200 g = 5-7 oz cooked vegetables, 50 g = 1¾ oz green salad or 100 g = 3½ oz mixed salad).

Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Drinks:
Drink at least 1.5 liters (3¼ pints) of liquid per day, preferably unsweetened nonalcoholic drinks.
Replace fluids in the case of vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy perspiration.
Alcohol: for her own benefit and that of her unborn child, the pregnant mother should avoid alcohol consumption, as it is assimilated by the fetus.

By following these recommendations for correct nutrition for pregnant women, you'll ensure the health and proper development of your baby.

What sort of food a pregnant women should eat? Minerals and vitamins are essential during pregnancy

2011-02-23T17:34:00.000-08:00

The increased demand for minerals and vitamins during pregnancy can be satisfied by an adequate, varied, and balanced diet. Attention should be paid to folic acid, calcium, and iron in particular, since these are often deficient.

More Calcium
A substantial transfer of calcium occurs between the mother and the fetus throughout pregnancy, allowing the baby's bone and teeth formation. In the first six months, the mother stores up calcium in her own bones. When its skeletal growth reaches its peak in the last three months, the fetus draws on the mother's store. This is when the consumption of high calcium-containing foods such as milk and milk products must be increased, since a calcium deficiency will damage the mother's teeth and make her bones brittle.

More Iron
The demand for iron, essential for blood formation, is also increased during pregnancy because the mother's blood volume increases, and the fetal red blood cells have to be developed. Iron is available in meat, fish, egg yolk, whole-grain products, and vegetables. Iron of plant origin is not as well assimilated as iron of animal origin. However, if you ingest vitamin C from raw food during the same meal, iron is more easily absorbed.

More folic acid
This vitamin promotes the development of the fetal central nervous system and prevents developmental defects of the neural tube ( spina bifida ). Folic acid is contained in vegetables, wheat germ, tropical fruits, and in eggs. However, routine nutrition does not always supply enough folic acid (vitamin B9) to meet the requirements of a pregnant woman. Additional folic acid intake is necessary in the months before pregnancy and during the first trimester.

Energy and nutritional requirements for Pregnent Mothers

2011-02-23T17:19:00.000-08:00

The pregnant mother's body is subject to greater demands to ensure fetal development as well as the growth, health and functioning of the uterus, placenta and amniotic fluid. A daily increase of 150 calories in food consumption is recommended at the start of pregnancy, which will eventually reach an extra 250 calories a day by the end of pregnancy. This entails a "double-shot" in the form of a daily glass of milk during the first trimester and an additional piece of fruit or slice of bread during the final six months. While weight gain is normal, the mother-to-be should not let herself starting "eating for two" (or more). The average weight gained is between 9 and 12 kg (20 to 26 lbs), although there is a natural variation between individuals. With overweight women, it may be less, while thinner women may gain more.

An additional intake of 10 g (1/3 ounce) of protein a day during the entire pregnancy is recommended to build up, maintain, and regenerate body tissue in both the fetus and mother. This daily ration of 70 g (2½ oz) of protein is guaranteed with our current nutritional recommendations. Glucose, the basic stuff of carbohydrates, is the main source of energy drawn on by the fetus. A daily intake of carbohydrates in the form of bread, pasta, or fruit is needed for a problem-free pregnancy. Fats with essential fatty acids are critical for the development and functioning of the baby's nervous system.

Her Voice Is Back 11 Years After It Was Lost

2011-02-23T17:17:00.000-08:00

In an experimental operation, 52-year-old Brenda Charette Jensen's voice is back after 11 years of complete silence, and an inability to breath on her own.

The Modesto, CA woman received a voice box transplant, only the second one performed ever, in October according to an article in the Los Angeles Times.

It took doctors two years to plan the October surgery which replaced Jensen's voice box, thyroid gland, and trachea. The operation took place over two days. In a press release from the hospital, Jensen said, "The operation has restored my life."

And, in case your wondering, when she started talking it was not the donor's voice, but Jensen's own voice that she was happy to hear.

I can't imagine losing my voice for such an extended length of time. Have you ever lost your voice? Tell us what happened and how you finally got your voice back, and offer any tips you have for anyone dealing with a lost voice.

Diet Soda Linked To Increased Risk Of Stroke, Heart Attack

2011-02-23T17:12:00.000-08:00

Do you drink diet sodas? Before my Lap-Band surgery, I was a 12-pack-a-day Diet Coke drinker. Little did I know I was increasing my risk of having a stroke, heart attack, or other vascular event by a whopping 61 percent, according to the results of a study released at the American Stroke Association International Stroke Convention 2011. More than 2500 people of various cultures participated in the study.

What does this mean? While more study is needed, this study suggests that substituting diet soda for the regular sugar sodas may not be a good idea for those looking to cut calories. In any case, for me this is one more reason I'm glad I had to give up my daily Diet Cokes when I had my Lap-Band weight loss surgery -- it's been nearly 6 years since I quit drinking soda and I can't say that I miss it one bit.

Will this new study change your diet soda drinking habit?

Food and Nutrition for Pregnant Women

2011-02-23T17:08:00.000-08:00

Food & Nutrition During Pregnancy: Why It's Important to Eat Well When You're Pregnant

Nutrition during pregnancy is important. Pregnant women's food has an affect on the pregnancy, on the fetal development and also on the health of the mother and child.
The foods a pregnant woman eat are the main source of the nutrients for the baby. But what foods should pregnant women eat? What foods a pregnant woman should avoid?
It is important for pregnant women to understand what kind of food is best for them and their baby.

Here are the Swiss Association for Nutrition's recommendations for correct nutrition for pregnant women. If followed, they will fully protect the health of the mother and provide optimal growth and development of her unborn baby.

A pregnant woman's nutrition directly influences the course of the pregnancy and normal fetal development, and also the long-term health of the mother and child. In the first half of pregnancy, nutrition requirements mainly concern quality, while in the second half, quantity is also an issue, to ensure fetal growth. Proper nutritional habits should already be established at the start of this second life - if possible even before conception.

FDA Approves Lap Band For More

2011-02-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

This week the FDA approved the Lap Band surgery for weight loss for more people. Previously the Lap Band was approved for those with a BMI of 40 or higher, as well as for those whose BMI was at least 35 and had a co-morbid condition such as heart disease and diabetes. The new Lap Band approval lowers the required BMI to 30 for those who have at least one co-morbid condition. This is great news for many who have tried to lose weight unsuccessfully.

On the face of it, weight loss surgery, or WLS, sounds like a simple, quick fix for those with long term obesity. Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Weight loss surgery is definitely not for those who want a quick fix or who simply don't want to diet. Patients who undergo WLS often must adhere to strict dietary guidelines following surgery or they will be sadly disappointed in their weight loss results.

As many of you already know, I underwent Lap Band surgery in May of 2005. Although I've had many ups and downs in the last six years, for me, having the Lap Band surgery was one of the best decisions I've ever made. If you or someone you know is considering weight loss surgery, it's important to learn all you can about weight loss surgery before you make your decision.

Are you considering the Lap Band or another type of weight loss surgery? Or have you already had weight loss surgery? Share your story, tips, and advice with our readers!

Pregnancy fashion style trends 2011

2011-02-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

What will the fashionable pregnant moms be wearing this year? Taking cues from celebrity style and fashion trends, we predict the hottest looks for pregnancy.

Leggings: Why are we happy this trend is back? Maternity leggings are as comfortable as they are stylish and versatile. Dress them down with flats or boots paired with a bump-hugging sweater or tunic top. Dress them up with heels or booties and a long flowing top, paired with a belt. Have fun by wearing print leggins are trying out a new fabric, such as leather or velvet.
Maternity skinny jeans: Don’t panic! Skinny jeans don’t mean you have to be skinny to wear them, it just refers to the tapered leg cut of the jeans. Make sure your skinny maternity jeans contain a bit of stretch for maximum comfort. In fact, today’s jeans often feel as comfortable as leggings! Wear them much in the same way you would wear leggings — paired with bump-hugging sweaters, print tunic tops and funky belts.

Top 10 signs of pregnancy

2009-10-05T01:58:00.000-07:00

If you're extremely tuned in to your body's rhythms, you may begin to suspect you're pregnant soon after conception. But most women won't experience any early pregnancy symptoms until the fertilised egg attaches itself to the uterine wall, several days after conception. Others may notice no signs of pregnancy for weeks and begin to wonder "Am I pregnant?" only when they miss a period. Below is a list of some of the first signs of impending motherhood. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms of pregnancy:

1. Food cravings. Yes, it's a cliché, but Food cravings sometimes can be a sign of pregnancy. Don't rely on them as a sure symptom (it may be all in your head, or even a sign that your body is low on a particular nutrient), but if cravings are accompanied by some of the other symptoms on this list, start counting the days from your last period.

2. Darkening of your areolas. If the skin around your nipples gets darker, you may have successfully conceived, though this may also signal a hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.

3. Implantation bleeding or cramping. 3. About eight days after ovulation, you may experience implantation a slight staining of a pink or brown colour, as well as some cramping. This is caused by the egg burrowing into the endometrial lining. You might also see some spotting around the time you expect your period.

4. Frequent urination. Once the embryo implants and begins producing the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), you may find yourself going to the bathroom more often.

5. Fatigue. Feeling tired? No, make that exhausted. High levels of the hormone progesterone can make you feel as if you've run a marathon when all you've done is put in a day at the office. Fatigue is a hallmark of early pregnancy, though probably not a surefire symptom on its own.

6. Tender, swollen breasts. If you're pregnant, your breasts will probably become increasingly tender to the touch, similar to the way they feel before your period, only more so. Once your body grows accustomed to the hormone surge, the pain will subside.

7. Altered sense of taste. You may notice that your sense of taste changes. Some women say they have a metallic taste in their mouth, others that they cannot stand the taste of coffee, tea, or a food they usually like.

8. Morning sickness. If you're lucky, morning sickness won't hit you until a few weeks after conception. (A lucky few escape it altogether.) But as early as a couple of days following conception, you may begin feeling nauseated and queasy. And not just in the morning, either -- pregnancy-related nausea can be a problem morning, noon, or night.

9. A missed period. If you're usually pretty regular and your period is late, it's worth trying a pregnancy test. A missed period is the surest sign of pregnancy in a woman of childbearing age who usually has regular periods.

And finally...

10. A positive home pregnancy test. If you've waited to test until at least the first day of a missed period and a blue line appears in the test window, you're most likely to be in the family way. Make an appointment with your doctor to confirm the good news, and head on over to our pregnancy area. Congratulations!

Can't cope with the sickness? Then visit our community and see what other mums have to say.