How to Tackle Pregnancy High Blood Pressure

Pregnancy high blood pressure in and of itself doesn’t necessarily mean harm for you or your baby. However, it can put you at higher risk for developing a dangerous condition known as eclampsia. For a healthy pregnancy, it’s best to avoid high blood pressure altogether.

Eclampsia is a pregnancy condition that can cause your brain, eyes and liver to begin shutting down as an indirect result of the pregnancy and as a direct result of pregnancy high blood pressure. In advanced stages of the condition, the mother can enter a coma. In addition, the condition can also cause the placenta to separate from the uterine wall, requiring premature delivery of the baby and leading to anemia in the mother due to heavy bleeding. Generally, this condition occurs later in pregnancy, usually during the third trimester.

Pregnancy high blood pressure is one symptom that can indicate pre-eclampsia. Other symptoms may include swelling in the hands and face. If swelling isn’t present, protein in the urine can also indicate pre-eclampsia.

Women who have high blood pressure before they get pregnant have a higher risk of pregnancy high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. Women who have diabetes or kidney problems may also be at a higher risk for the condition. Age can also impact these risk factors, and women over forty are at the highest risk for pregnancy high blood pressure.

The threat of eclampsia is one of the reasons that prenatal care is so important. Pregnancy high blood pressure can be detected and treated early on before pre-eclampsia sets in. However, you must be consistent in your trips to your doctor and report any problems with the dizziness and weakness that can be associated with high blood pressure.

The only way that you can stop eclampsia from occurring is to deliver the baby. If you don’t have pregnancy high blood pressure until the third trimester, you’ll probably be able to deliver your baby without complications. However, the further into your third trimester you are before you deliver, the better chances your baby has for being born healthy. Remember that if you’re faced with the decision, your own life isn’t worth keeping your baby within the womb any longer than necessary with eclampsia threatening.

Of course, the best way to avoid eclampsia is to avoid pregnancy high blood pressure altogether. If you’re at a high risk for eclampsia, do your best to keep your sodium levels down before and during pregnancy. This will help lower blood pressure. You should also get regular exercise and take in plenty of fiber and whole grains in your diet.

Besides diet and exercise, a large part of what controls blood pressure is lifestyle. If you can quit smoking before your pregnancy, you’ll severely lower your risk for pregnancy high blood pressure. Also, keep alcohol consumption to a minimum before pregnancy and cut it out entirely during pregnancy. You should also do your best to maintain a lifestyle that’s as free from emotional and physical stress as is possible during pregnancy.

Beating Pregnancy Heartburn

There are many old wives tales about pregnancy heartburn. Some people say that when you have really bad pregnancy heartburn, it means your baby will be born with a full head of hair. Or, in some tales, heartburn means that the baby is a boy or will wind up being a trouble-maker.

However, you’ll probably be surprised by the number of things that can cause pregnancy heartburn. Essentially, this condition is caused by hormone changes and the flow of acid from the stomach to the esophagus. It becomes worse as you get further along in your pregnancy and the baby starts putting weight on the stomach that doesn’t allow it to digest food properly. While some foods might make this worse, such as with non-pregnancy related heartburn, you’ll likely still experience it, even when you’ve had nothing to eat for hours.

Pregnancy Heartburn Prevention

Eating many small meals throughout the day can help to prevent pregnancy heartburn because you’ll keep the stomach acids busy digesting food. This strategy will work even better if you eat a lot of complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, rice and potatoes. These foods will also give you some much needed energy during those months of pregnancy fatigue.

You should also avoid foods that cause a rise in stomach acid, including spicy foods, citrus fruits, and chocolate. Caffeine is also a friend of pregnancy heartburn and isn’t good for you or your baby anyways – cut it out whenever possible. Also, if something that normally wouldn’t cause heartburn gives you pregnancy heartburn every time you eat it, stay away from it. Even cravings aren’t good for you sometimes.

Finally, try not to eat right before you go to bed, as this is one of the leading causes of heartburn. All that food and stomach acid just sits in your stomach and sleeping on your side doesn’t allow it to digest naturally. You should also avoid drinking large amounts of fluid when you eat meals.

Pregnancy Heartburn Treatment

Fortunately, although you can’t avoid it altogether, there are several ways you can make yourself more comfortable when you get pregnancy heartburn. Lying down on your right side helps empty the stomach, as does propping yourself up on pillows while sleeping. You might try sleeping in a recliner on your right side. Alternatively, you could place some concrete blocks under the legs at the top of your bed to prop you up naturally while you sleep. Wearing clothes that are loose around the waist can also help the stomach empty naturally by gravity.

One way to beat pregnancy heartburn is by taking a calcium antacid tablet. This is completely harmless for the baby and provides much needed calcium to your body. However, this works best for mild pregnancy heartburn. If problems persist, don’t up your dosage beyond what it says on the bottle – after a certain number, additional tablets don’t do anything for you at all. Call your doctor if you think you need better medication. Never take anything other than a calcium-based antacid while pregnant without speaking to your doctor first.

Dealing with a Pregnancy Miscarriage

If you’re pregnant and reading this article for basic information, there’s no reason to become alarmed – only about ten percent of women actually suffer a pregnancy miscarriage. However, dealing with a pregnancy miscarriage can be taxing both emotionally and physically, and may require the assistance of a qualified therapist.

Many women and nearly all men have no idea what a woman’s body goes through during a pregnancy miscarriage. Even in early pregnancy, it’s just as traumatic for your body as giving birth. You’ll likely be weak and suffer a loss in appetite. You may also experience a lot of cramping for one to two weeks, as well as extremely heavy bleeding.

If the bleeding persists, you may also need to deal with anemia as a result of your pregnancy miscarriage. This is a condition that occurs when there’s too little iron in the body, which typically occurs as a result of severe blood loss. Anemia may or may not go away as your body recovers from the pregnancy miscarriage. It is, however, very easily treatable with an iron supplement.

One other complication that may arise from a pregnancy miscarriage is the necessity of a DNC. This is the same procedure used in abortion, but is sometimes required in the case of pregnancy miscarriages. If you’re in your fourth month or later, your baby has already developed to a point where you body likely won’t be able to purge the unviable fetus. If this occurs and dead tissues remain in the body, you’ll be at risk for severe infection. A DNC is an operation that forces the removal of these tissues to ensure your physical wellbeing.

Of course, most people think more about the emotional trauma of a pregnancy miscarriage. This isn’t limited to the mother only, but can affect the father and grandparents, siblings and other family members of the lost child. Although it won’t be easy, there are several things you can do to help ease your suffering.

Some people claim that the best way to deal with pregnancy miscarriage is by having another baby right away to replace the one that is lost. This is actually not recommended by most doctors, as there’s a significant risk for increased depression if the subsequent pregnancy attempt fails. Additionally, the mother may begin to convince herself that she never lost a baby at all, repressing the emotions that she needs to address.

The best way to cope with a pregnancy miscarriage is to simply take some time out for yourself. Listen to your body and your whims. If you need to stay in your room alone for a few days, do so. Spend as much time with your spouse and family as possible and let them support you. Remember, you aren’t alone in your grief and they need you as much as you need them.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to seek out a therapist or a support group for women who have experienced a pregnancy miscarriage. This will help you cope with the miscarriage and prepare for your next pregnancy, if possible. If future pregnancy isn’t possible, talk to your doctor about alternatives when you’re ready. There are many available, including adoption.

Above all, remember that you aren’t alone and that your health is just as important. You need to remember the lost child, yes. But you also need to get on with your life, take care of yourself physically and emotionally and take care of your family. In time, you may be able to have another child that you’ll be able to raise and adore.

Terminating a Pregnancy – What You Need to Know

Approximately forty-six million women receive an abortion procedure every year, world-wide. Of course, this is an estimated figure, as there are still many countries that don’t allow legal abortion and many women who are too afraid to come forward with their stories. However, the fact is that you won’t be alone in making the decision to terminate a pregnancy. There are, however, certain things you need to know before making your final decision.

When to Terminate a Pregnancy

You need to consider that it’s best to terminate a pregnancy within the first fifteen to sixteen weeks. After this point, the fetus is far enough developed that it will be much more difficult for you, both physically and emotionally. Additionally, many clinics will refuse abortion treatments after sixteen weeks, stating that this is the time for viability of the fetus. In non-scientific terms, this means that this is the time many people consider the fetus an actual child – which makes abortion murder. If you want the best chances for a successful and least-traumatizing abortion, you need to take action as early as possible.

How to Terminate a Pregnancy

There are several ways to terminate a pregnancy – which method you use is really up to you, your doctor and how far along you are in your pregnancy. It’s extremely important, however, that even home abortion methods are performed under the care and knowledge of a physician. Never try to abort your baby on your own without seeking medical advice.

If you’re very early in your pregnancy, you can use an abortion pill – often referred to as the morning after pill. This is most often used in cases of rape or incest, as it can immediately terminate a pregnancy within the first seven to nine weeks. The end result is cramping more painful than your period and bleeding slightly heavier than your normal period. In general, though, this is the least traumatizing for your body.

Another option is herbal supplement abortion methods. These are mixtures that have been used for centuries to terminate a pregnancy. However, they don’t always work. They are most effective when used between the fourth and eighth week of pregnancy and have a 40-45% chance of being effective. If you aren’t successful in terminating the pregnancy with herbs, you’ll need to follow up with a clinical abortion to avoid health risks to yourself and the baby.

Finally, most people consider clinical abortion when talking about terminating a pregnancy. There are many methods for a clinical or surgical abortion and the method used will depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Before pursuing these options, you should be sure that these abortions are allowed in your state – your doctor or local family planning clinic can help you determine what’s available for you.

Consequences of Terminating a Pregnancy

No matter what you tell yourself, you’ll likely suffer depression after terminating a pregnancy. You may feel guilt, shame or a feeling of being lost – especially if you’re a religious person. Seek the help of a therapist, support group or priest to help get you through these feelings. Even the strictest religions generally allow for forgiveness of an abortion if you are truly repentant and need the help of the church to recover physically, emotionally and spiritually. If you aren’t prepared to deal with the emotional and religious ramifications, you should not terminate a pregnancy.

Understanding Pregnancy and Depression

Pregnancy and child birth are a joyous time, yet one out of five women will experience severe depression during pregnancy and three out of five women will suffer from post-partum depression. Luckily, this well known fact has led to the effective understanding and treatment of pregnancy depression.

Depression during pregnancy may be brought on by a number of issues. First, a pregnant woman’s hormones are significantly heightened during pregnancy, which can cause many moods, including depression. Those prone to depression as a matter of routine or those with a history of mental health issues will be at higher risk for pregnancy depression.

Depression during pregnancy can often be brought on by a feeling of fear or loss of control. You lose a lot of control over your body during pregnancy and because of hormones; you may lose control over your emotions as well. You may also experience “pregnancy brain” which is the term often used for the short term memory loss that tends to come with pregnancy. All of this can add up to making you feel like you aren’t yourself anymore and that there’s nothing you can do about it.

When these moments persist, it’s important to have the support of your spouse and family. Only this close-knit personal support group can truly help you to overcome this type of pregnancy depression. Of course, if you don’t have this familial support, you can always find support groups and therapists willing to help you through this difficult time.

In addition, post-partum depression is the most common form of pregnancy depression – in fact, almost half of all pregnant women suffer from this type of depression. Post-partum depression occurs as a result of the woman’s hormone levels changing dramatically as her body returns to normal. It’s also the result of a feeling of loss. When the baby is no longer in the womb, a feeling of loss can ensue, no matter how wonderful it feels to finally hold your baby in your arms. 

The best way to overcome post-partum depression is to spend as much time with your baby as possible. Keeping your baby close to you as much as possible will help you and your baby with the transition from pregnancy to newborn life. There are wonderful cloth carriers available that keep your baby right next to your heart at all times as you move around, keeping your hands free for other activities.

Another way to get over post-partum depression is to spend additional time with your spouse and family. You may begin to feel as if you have no life now that you’re the mother of a newborn, which can also contribute to depression after pregnancy. However, when you take your baby with you as much as possible and work toward regaining as much normalcy as possible, you’ll be able to overcome depression much more quickly.

Finally, if you work full-time and feel that being away from your job is affecting your mental health, you may also want to consider arranging to do some part-time work from home via computer until you’re ready to go back to work.

Causes and Treatments of Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are the enemy of every young woman’s figure and they often appear during pregnancy. In fact, small women will find it nearly impossible to avoid stretch marks completely. However, there are many things you can do to keep them at a minimum, both during and after pregnancy.

What Causes Pregnancy Stretch Marks?

Pregnancy stretch marks are caused by the rapid growth of your body. Your skin simply can’t keep up and its elasticity starts to break down. Instead of stretching over your newfound girth, the skin begins to break, causing stretch marks – similar to the way panty hose develops runs. During pregnancy, stretch marks will most likely occur on your abdomen, your hips, your thighs and your buttocks.

Prevention of Pregnancy Stretch Marks

As with so many other things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Using a highly moisturizing lotion with cocoa butter can greatly increase the elasticity of your skin and help you to avoid pregnancy stretch marks. However, you must use this lotion not only daily, but also when you get out of your bath or shower and throughout the day on your problem areas.

In addition, you should take a hot shower in the morning and a hot bath in the evening, as the hot water helps to open up the pores of the skin, allowing it to stretch more easily. Just remember – when you get out of the bath, it’s time for more cocoa butter lotion!

You can also work toward preventing pregnancy stretch marks in certain areas by limiting your diet. Many women are tempted to follow their cravings and “eat for two” when really isn’t necessary. Instead, you should try to maintain a healthy diet while you’re pregnant. If you do so, you’ll likely prevent rapid weight gain in your buttocks, hips and thighs, preventing stretch marks.

Treatment of Pregnancy Stretch Marks

If preventative measures aren’t enough, there are also many treatments available today for pregnancy stretch marks. Cocoa butter helps with stretch marks, as a treatment as well as a preventative measure. This is good because in some cases, you may not even realize you have stretch marks on your belly until after you give birth and your abdomen starts to shrink. However, remember that cocoa butter usually works best when stretch marks are new – after a few years, it won’t work at all.

There are also clinical treatments available for the treatment of stretch marks. Laser plastic therapy can eliminate stretch marks entirely. Or, for those of us who can’t afford expensive plastic surgery, there are many clinical topical treatments that can be applied to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. These can be purchased from plastic surgeons, internet websites, health and wellness stores, and health- or beauty-related network marketing ventures.

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever get your stretch marks to disappear completely. However, you should be able to easily disguise them so that they’re noticeable only to someone looking for them or someone looking at you close up. Since the only people likely to do this are your spouse and your doctor, this may just be good enough for you!

How to Reduce the Appearance of Pregnancy Stretch Marks

While we all love our children deeply, no mother wants to see those stretch marks that are a constant, life-long reminder of the discomfort of nine months of pregnancy and the pain of childbirth. While there are things you can do to try to prevent pregnancy stretch marks, these are no guarantee. Additionally, most women don’t realize that they have stretch marks on their abdomen until after they’ve given birth.

Unfortunately, the complete removal of pregnancy stretch marks is almost unheard of. There are a few plastic surgery options that can completely eliminate the stretch marks, the most common of which are laser surgery and micro-dermabrasion. However, not only are these treatments more expensive than the average person can afford, but they’ll also leave small scars themselves. They’ll also require additional healing time as your skin recovers from the additional damage done for the sake of beauty. The truth is that once you have stretch marks, you probably won’t have flawless skin in that area ever again.

Luckily, you can cheer up because there are many ways that you can reduce the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks – even if you can’t get rid of them completely. The best place to start is with lotions that contain cocoa butter, olive oil, Vitamin E, wheat germ or shea butter. These products will help moisturize and tighten your skin, reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

However, the best method for reducing the appearance of stretch marks is to combine a number of natural treatments. For example, take a very hot shower to loosen the skin and open the pores. Take this time to use a loofah or body brush to exfoliate the skin and slough off dead skin cells. Finally, while the skin is still warm and the pores are open, massage the lotion or oil into your stretch marks. You may want to follow these treatments by splashing cold water on your skin to close the pores and tighten the skin, trapping the nutrients placed there to reduce the appearance of your pregnancy stretch marks. These treatments are most effective in the early stages, as soon as possible after you have discovered the stretch marks.

If you aren’t happy with the results of these simple methods or if it’s simply been too long since your stretch marks appeared, you may need to take further, more expensive action. There are many creams and other treatments that purport to reduce the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks. However, the truth is that not all of them work as well as they are advertised.

The best way to choose a cream for reducing the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks is to choose one that’s been developed by a company you trust. There are several on the market, from AVON to Clinique and from Neutrogena to Mary Kay. You may also check well known weight loss companies for stretch mark remedies, as stretch marks are common in weight loss patients as well. Finally, consult your doctor or a dermatologist for advice on the most effective –and the safest – treatments for your pregnancy stretch marks.

Stretch Mark Removal Through Laser Treatment

Pregnancy causes stretch marks on the bodies of many women, necessitating stretch mark removal. You can get stretch mark removal done using laser therapy. Many women use home remedies to treat stretch marks during pregnancy. This is advisable since strong medications can harm you and the baby.

Stretch marks look ugly and cause heartache to many women. Many pregnant women remember the poignant heartbreak of realizing that their pre pregnancy bodies may never be back. Cheer up- help is at hand. Pregnancy stretch marks may not be curable, but you can minimize them largely. Stretch marks can be removed through lotion for pregnancy stretch marks as well.

Many simple remedies for stretch marks can deal effectively with the problem. Among them are weight loss, diet, moisturizers and massage.

Before we go into methods for stretch mark removal, we need to understand the cause of stretch marks.

Causes of Stretch Marks

The skin has a layer of collagen beneath it. Collagen is a tight jelly like substance that gives the skin its smooth, glowing appearance. When the collagen layer breaks, it gives the appearance of stretch marks.

Weight gain or loss that occurs rapidly is one of the major reasons for stretch marks. Growth spurt in teens, rapid weight loss due to dieting or sudden weight gain causes the collagen layer to stretch and break. Repeated weight gain and loss causes many stretch marks all over the body.

In pregnant women, the belly expands to accommodate the fetus. This causes the collagen layer to break. Weight gain or loss during pregnancy can also cause stretch marks in areas like arms, breasts, back and thighs.

Treating Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can be treated through various methods. Use a lotion for pregnancy stretch marks. Pregnancy stretch marks can be combated through healthy diet and exercise. If your pregnancy is normal, then do mild exercise to keep your weight under control. By ensuring that you do not gain too much weight, you can prevent stretch marks.

If you notice stretch marks in the early stages, invest in a good lotion for pregnancy stretch marks. This will ease some of the symptoms, though lotions may not remove stretch marks completely. Ensure that lotion has ingredients like lanolin and Vitamin E. Cocoa butter is a natural stretch mark removal agent.

Drink plenty of water, as this will keep your skin hydrated and make the collagen supple and soft. This will help minimize the appearance of stretch marks. Regular massage during pregnancy also helps in minimizing these marks.

Laser treatment for stretch marks gives variable results. This treatment is comparatively expensive, though painless. In the hands of a qualified practitioner, laser treatment is safe and has no side effects. The effectiveness of treatment varies from person to person. You should find more information on treatment for stretch marks before choosing any one.

Do not despair if stretch mark removal seems difficult - while they may not disappear completely, stretch marks can be reduced largely. 

Pregnancy Remedy for Pregnancy Complications - Treating Pregnancy Problems the Natural Way

For those looking for home remedy for pregnancy complications help is at hand. Through our website, you can find resources on home remedy for pregnancy complications that are 100% natural and safe. Pregnancy is a time of great changes for you and your family. You may not always feel energetic and happy. Mood swings, nausea, bloating, cramps and other pregnancy problems can make you uncomfortable. Nausea during pregnancy is common problem for 80 per cent of pregnant women. A simple home remedy for pregnancy complications can take care of your problems.

Pregnancy remedy for pregnancy complications is especially advisable for those at pregnancy risk due to anticipated difficult labor or pregnancy. In that case, severe medications can harm you and the baby. Pregnancy complications like stretch marks look ugly and lead to low self-esteem issues for women. However, there is Home remedy for pregnancy complications that can help you. You can even read more from our online resources to know about various pregnancy complications and what you can do about them.

Stretch Marks- Home remedy for pregnancy complications

Stretch marks are a common problem for many pregnant women. Apart from aesthetic problems, stretch marks also lead to psychological problems for some women, including low self-esteem. Many women feel depressed at the prominent stretch marks on their body. Before you try any home remedy for stretch marks, you should know there is no magic cure for them. Even modern medicine has not been able to find a method of making stretch marks vanish completely. Stretch marks take their time to go away. Rarely do they vanish completely, but they can be reduced considerably. 

Treating Stretch Marks

Most home remedy for pregnancy complications work best when tried during the initial stages. The same is true for stretch marks. Stretch marks should be cared for the moment they make an appearance.

•     Moisturizers- Use a good quality moisturizer and apply it regularly on the affected area. Use cocoa butter, coconut oil fortified products and other moisturizers.
•     Exercise- Stretch marks are caused by excessive weight gain or loss in the affected area. Use exercises that work on particular parts of the body. Consult your physician before starting on any exercise program.
•     Diet: Diet is a major part of your pregnancy health. Eat healthy food, but do not overindulge. There is no reason for you to gain too much weight. If you can keep your weight under control, it will be easier to prevent stretch marks.
•     Drink water: dehydration causes the skin to lose its elasticity, causing ugly stretch marks. Drink plenty of water and fruit juices to keep your skin hydrated and radiant.
•     Massage: Another home remedy for pregnancy complications like stretch marks is a massage. This is an excellent treatment for stretch marks, apart from pain and cramps. Consult your doctor before engaging a masseuse.

You should eat right, exercise and drink plenty of fluids to deal with this pregnancy problem. While stretch marks may not be cured, it can be treated largely through home remedy for pregnancy complications. 

Laser Treatment For Stretch Marks - Dealing With Pregnancy Problems

Laser treatment for stretch marks is a revolutionary new treatment for the much-dreaded stretch marks. Pregnancy is a time when your body changes and it is no longer the same as before. Pregnancy problems like stretch marks are common in many women. Since time immemorial, women have been preoccupied with finding stretch mark removal methods. Home remedies can combat pregnancy stretch marks, but may not be able to make them vanish completely.

Why Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment for stretch marks has become very popular with pregnant women over the past few years, the reason being its efficacy in completely and permanently removing stretch marks.

•     Laser treatment for stretch marks is also cost effective, considering other medical alternatives.
•     It is usually done in a single or few sittings.
•     Laser treatment for stretch marks is a permanent cure for ugly stretch marks.
•     Laser treatment for stretch marks is free of side effects

How Laser treatment for stretch marks Works

Laser surgery for stretch marks repairs the collagen layer below the skin. Stretch marks are the result of the breakdown in the collagen in the skin due to repeated stretching caused by weight loss in the particular area. Stretch marks do not cause any physical harm to the mother or her baby. However, they do cause psychological problems like low self-esteem and even depression in women who want their bodies to get back to their pre pregnancy state.

Since the break in collagen layer gives the skin its "stretched" look, it can be cured through laser surgery. Laser surgery is a non-invasive procedure. It does not involve incisions in the skin, thus making it safe, quick and painless.

Cost of Treatment

Laser treatment for stretch marks is not cheap, but is not expensive as it used to be a few years back. The expense depends on the kind of stretch marks and area to be treated. Since you need to go in for more than one sitting, you may need to take into account the time you need to take off work or from looking after your new baby.

Side Effects

In the hands of a qualified professional, Laser treatment for stretch marks is 100 per cent safe. Do not get the treatment done at an unregistered clinic or with those not qualified to provide this treatment, since it can lead to permanent scarring, nausea and swelling if not done properly.

Does It Work?

There has been controversy recently over the effectiveness of Laser treatment for stretch marks. You can treat skin through laser, but some medical experts claim it cannot do much for stretch marks. However, this does not mean you should not try it. Laser treatment for stretch marks have shown to be effective in dealing with stretch marks removal

Do not suffer in silence over the condition of your body after childbirth. Enjoy the glow of motherhood after getting Laser treatment for stretch marks.

Lotions For Stretch Marks - Getting Back Your Pre Pregnancy Body

Many women use lotions for stretch marks as their first defense against ungainly marks on the skin. Pregnancy stretch marks are caused by the breakdown in the collagen layer beneath the skin. Collagen keeps the skin looking young and wrinkle free. Healthy collagen is responsible for the smooth, glowing appearance of skin.

Advantages of lotions for stretch marks

Many new ways to treat stretch marks have been discovered. Stretch marks may look ungainly, but they are not harmful in any way. Therefore, it is advisable to try simple methods like lotions for stretch marks before you try any other treatment.

• Lotions for stretch marks have no side effects - this is especially important since your body is still recuperating after pregnancy.
• Lotions are convenient to use
• Compared to laser treatment for stretch marks, lotions for stretch marks cost less
• You can use lotions for stretch marks at home without having to go to a clinic

Do They Work

No treatment in the world is 100 per cent effective in eliminating stretch marks. Even the latest laser therapies cannot guarantee 100 per cent removal of stretch marks. However, this does not mean stretch marks cannot be minimized largely.

Using a lotion for pregnancy stretch marks ensures that you can start on a treatment program as soon as the stretch marks are visible. However, you should know that no treatment guarantees complete disappearance of stretch marks.

Depending on the extent of stretch marks, lotions for stretch marks can either make them disappear completely or partially. Creams that moisturize the affected area repair the damage to collagen to some extent, thus making stretch marks less noticeable. Kinds of Lotions

You can choose from various types of lotions for stretch marks available in the market. Lotions that have alpha hydroxyls are very potent treatment for stretch marks. They stimulate collagen production in the damaged area.

Use creams with Vitamin E, since this can enhance your skin tone as well as get rid of stretch marks. Cocoa butter is a perfectly natural moisturizer for the body. It helps replenish lost moisture from the skin, keeping it healthy and glowing. If you have never tried cocoa butter before, make sure you carry out a patch test before using it.

Choosing the Right Lotion

With so many choices, it is tough to choose a particular lotion for stretch marks. Go for products from well-established companies. Look for customer testimonials and guarantees with the product.

If none of the lotions for stretch marks seems to be curing the marks, go for concealers that can hide the blemishes. Always consult your doctor before trying any lotions for stretch marks that contain ingredients other than simple lanolin.

Read up more on lotions for stretch marks to know what your options are and how you can deal with this particular pregnancy problem. 

Treating Stretch Marks Breasts

Stretch marks breasts cause heartache to many women during and after pregnancy. Many women feel depressed on realizing that they may not be able to get their pre pregnancy body back. This is not true - with proper stretch mark treatment, Stretch marks on breasts can be removed.

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are the red or white lines on the skin you might have noticed after sudden weight gain. The skin in this area seems slightly detached from the underlying layer, called collagen. Typically, stretch marks appear on areas where there is more fat, such as thighs, upper arms, belly and breasts.

Causes of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks breasts are caused by sudden enlargement of breasts during pregnancy. Your body gets ready to nourish the baby after arrival. The breasts swell and start secreting colostrum. This rapid increase in size causes the skin to stretch without getting the time to develop properly. The underlying collagen layer breaks and this results in Stretch marks breasts. You may notice them as red, white or pink lines on the breasts that look like scars. Read more about the cause of stretch marks before you go in for a particular remedy.

Treating Stretch marks breasts

Stretch marks breasts can be treated through home remedies and modern medicine. Pregnancy stretch marks can lower your self-esteem. If you find yourself unable to enjoy the activities you used to or feel your relationship with your partner has been affected due to Stretch marks breasts, it is time to get help.

Stretch mark removal treatments have different results for different people. While one woman might find complete cure of Stretch marks breasts through lotions, another might have to resort to laser treatment for stretch marks to remove them.

Lotions

The first line of defense against Stretch marks breasts is lotions that treat stretch marks. Choose a lotion with vitamin E and other ingredients to treat stretch marks. Cocoa butter is a natural moisturizer for the skin and can heal Stretch marks breasts partially; if not make them disappear completely. Check your sensitivity to cocoa butter before you use it.

Massage

Massage is another effective way to treat Stretch marks breasts. Regular massage can repair the damage to skin to some extent and stimulate growth of new collagen tissue.

Laser Therapy

Laser treatment for stretch marks has become popular owing to its effectiveness. Laser therapy has no side effects. Improper treatment can cause scarring, so be sure you go only to a certified clinic for treatment. Laser therapy might cost a little more, but it is also more effective in some cases of Stretch marks breasts.

If you are expecting a baby and notice those telltale Stretch marks breasts, do not worry - treatment for stretch marks have become more effective.

What to Do if You Experience Pregnancy Spotting

Before you can understand what to do in the case of pregnancy spotting, you need to know what spotting is. Spotting is a small amount of blood that discharges through the vagina. You may not even realize that you’re spotting as it is usually quite light, and most women notice it on toilet paper after they use the restroom rather than in their underwear. The color may be brown, pink, or a dark red.

Anything heavier than light spotting should be reported to an emergency care physician immediately. Any spotting or bleeding that is bright red in nature is also a sign to seek emergency medical treatment. However, for the most part, regular spotting in early or late pregnancy is normal.

In general, there are a couple of situations during pregnancy in which spotting isn’t a cause for concern. The first is during implantation. During the first seven to ten days of your pregnancy, you may experience some spotting as the fetus attaches itself to the uterine wall. However, most women don’t even know that they’re pregnant during this stage and may dismiss any spotting as a normal part of menstruation.

You may also experience some spotting if you overextend yourself during the first month or two of pregnancy. This happens to approximately twenty percent of women, but can be a cause for some concern. You should report any occurrence of pregnancy spotting to your doctor immediately. He or she may place you on bed rest or simply tell you to take it easy until the spotting stops. Only ten percent of women who experience spotting miscarry, so there’s no cause for alarm until your doctor tells you to worry.

The last reason you’ll experience normal pregnancy spotting is when you lose your mucus plug, which happens within the last few weeks before you give birth. When this plug loosens, you’ll more than likely see some pregnancy spotting. Don’t let this worry you because it’s perfectly normal – almost every pregnant woman experiences it. If, however, you experience bleeding that’s bright red or a lose lot of fluid, you’ll need to see your doctor immediately, as you may be losing amniotic fluid and your baby will need to be born very soon.

If you experience pregnancy spotting at any time, you should contact your doctor to report the incident. If your doctor feels the spotting may be normal, he will probably tell you to rest and let him know if the spotting gets worse or symptoms change. In cases of concern, your doctor may ask you to take it easy or stay off your feet altogether.

On the other hand, if you experience heavy bleeding or cramps with your spotting, you need to seek immediate medical attention. Such symptoms during early pregnancy tend to point to a miscarriage. While there’s very little that can be done to stop a miscarriage in the first four months, you need to seek emergency medical attention for your own health and safety. In later pregnancy, these symptoms can point to problems with the baby that may require early delivery.

What You Need to Know About False Pregnancy Test Results

There are many reasons that you may get false pregnancy test results. Most false results are those stating that the mother isn’t pregnant when she is. However, there are some instances in which a positive test could be wrong as well.

In order to fully understand how false pregnancy tests occur, you must first understand how various pregnancy tests work. Basically, the pregnancy test will measure a certain hormone – called human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone is secreted during pregnancy and assists with the growth of the fetus.

Home pregnancy tests can detect this hormone once its levels have increased a significant percent, confirming 97% accurately that the woman is pregnant. Believe it or not, this is the same type of test your doctor will likely perform. Unfortunately, many women have a small amount of this hormone continuously and if the level gets high enough just before a period, you could get a false pregnancy test result.

The best time to use a urine test for pregnancy is three to five days after your missed period. This is late enough that you should get an accurate reading, but early enough to start prenatal care almost immediately. Many women think that they just know intuitively that they’re pregnant and try to take a test before they’ve even missed a period. However, these tests are rarely accurate. Don’t let a negative test reading get you down unless you have three negative tests and you’ve taken them within a reasonable time after your missed period.

Blood pregnancy tests are rare, but are much more accurate. The hormone is more easily detected through a blood test – therefore, pregnancy can be detected earlier. If you got a positive urine test and then had a light period, a blood test can be used to check the levels of the hormone present. If the level is low, you may not be pregnant after all. Or, if the levels are slightly elevated, a sonogram may be ordered to determine if you’re truly pregnant. If you are pregnant but these levels are low, you’re in for a rough pregnancy. However, you’ll have eliminated much of the risk simply through early detection.

Some women also have a rare pregnancy complication in which the hormone is barely present at all, even though they’re very much pregnant. For these women, a urine test will almost never show the pregnancy. A blood test is the only way to confirm or negate a pregnancy in these circumstances.

You can also get false pregnancy test results that say you’re pregnant when you aren’t. These are more common in the case of a miscarriage. You may not even have known you were pregnant, but had some exceptionally heavy bleeding with cramping. When you visit your doctor after such an episode, they may take a urine sample, and in so doing get a positive pregnancy test result. However, a blood test, sonogram or simply time will show that the pregnancy isn’t to be at this time.

Fertility drugs can also cause false pregnancy test results, because the hormone levels of the woman are altered so drastically. In these cases a blood pregnancy test, as well as a sonogram, is generally used to confirm or deny pregnancy, as urine tests will rarely be accurate in these situations.

Simple Home Remedies For Morning Sickness Relief

Serious cases of morning sickness, such as those that cross over into hyperemesis – a condition where the mother-to-be loses a significant amount of weight due to nausea and vomiting – are usually treated with medication. Less serious cases of morning sickness, on the other hand, can be treated with a variety of home remedies.

If you have morning sickness, consider some of the following things that you can try at home. One of the oldest and best home remedies is ginger tea. Ginger is a traditional remedy for nausea, so if you don’t like ginger tea, you can try ginger ale, ginger candies, ginger cookies or even pickled ginger. Try small amounts, as some studies have indicated that consuming too much ginger can induce a miscarriage.

Also, try to have frequent small meals, instead of large meals three times a day. Many women snack throughout the day, and keep something nonperishable by their bedside to snack on as soon as they wake up and before they get out of bed – even before they sit up.

Preventing Morning Sickness

In addition, a high protein snack before bed can help to keep your blood sugar levels stable, and stave off morning nausea. Good high protein snacks include beef jerky, tuna salad, cheese, and yogurt.

Another traditional remedy is a mixture of one tablespoon each of honey and apple cider vinegar mixed in a cup of cold water, and taken just before bedtime. You can also try a teaspoon of citrus juice (lemon or lime) mixed with mint and a tablespoon of sugar taken three times a day. Some women find that tart foods and beverages are helpful, so you might want to try lemon drops, lemonade, limeade, virgin margaritas, lemon or lime sorbet, or even the smell of lemons. For some women, the tartness of fresh tomatoes also soothes morning sickness symptoms.

And don’t feel bad about giving in to your food cravings. If you want it, eat it – unless, of course, it’s a nonfood item like chalk or charcoal. See your doctor if you’re having nonfood cravings. Some women, for example, throw up bland foods like dry toast and oatmeal, while spicy Chinese food, burritos with extra hot sauce, and fresh tomato sandwiches with lots of black pepper stay down. There’s just no anticipating how your system will react to a food until you give it a try.

Fruit smoothies are another popular choice for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness. Choose fruits that are tart or sweet, depending on what sounds best to you. You can add yogurt or ice cream for a little additional flavor and nutrition. Peaches, papayas, strawberries, and pineapples are also good choices to consider.

Next, many women find that sparkling beverages are easier to consume than still beverages. You may want to try sparkling water – add a bit of citrus or fruit for additional flavor – or even a cola beverage. Experiment with different beverage temperatures and textures until you find one that works for you.

However, there are several important things you should remember about using home remedies to treat morning sickness. First, you may need to try several different things until you find one that works for you. Second, if you’re losing weight because of morning sickness, talk to your health care provider as soon as possible – you may need more help than home remedies can provide. And last – but certainly not least – be patient. For most women, morning sickness ends around the beginning of the second trimester.

Sign and Symptoms of Pregnancy

Sign and symptoms of pregnancy are the important indicators because pregnancy is a most unique period in a woman's life. While bringing great joy, it can also be a very confusing time for most women as they try to figure out whether they are really pregnant. Of course, it is very much possible to confuse the early signs of pregnancy with symptoms of some other illness. At the same time, there are some symptoms of pregnancy that will confirm the onset of pregnancy.

Sign and Symptoms of Pregnancy

The symptoms of pregnancy occur due to hormonal changes that happen during the pregnancy, and can be further confirmed with a blood test. 

The most common sign and symptoms of pregnancy are:

Missed Periods

One of the commonest sign and symptom of pregnancy is a missed period. The confusion sets in because a missed period can also be due to stress, illness, and fluctuations in weight. Cessation of oral contraceptives and a polycystic ovary syndrome can also lead to a missed period.

Changes In The Size And Feel Of The Breast

This is also a symptom of pregnancy. The breasts begin to enlarge and most women experience greater tenderness of the breast. The color of the areola or the nipples starts darkening within a week of conception.

Nausea And Vomiting

This is the most unwelcome sign and symptoms of pregnancy. It can occur as early as two weeks after conception and tends to taper off by the end of the third month of the pregnancy. This is more popularly known as morning sickness.

Fatigue And Tiredness

While many women experience tiredness, this can be due to other reasons as well and cannot by itself be considered as most indicative sign of pregnancy.

Frequent Urination And Constipation

This signs of pregnancy occur as early as two weeks after conception is also indicative of pregnancy. This occurs due to higher levels of progesterone and the uterus rising up to the abdomen, which in turn exerts pressure on the bladder. The bladder then feels full, even though there may not be a need to urinate. Some women are also affected by constipation, which can also be quite annoying.

Heightened Sense Of Taste And Smell

Another symptom of pregnancy is women feeling queasy about certain foods while experiencing an almost uncontrollable craving for other foods.

First-time mothers can easily confuse sign and symptoms of pregnancy with symptoms of other illness. However, awareness of early signs of pregnancy will help you in identifying these symptoms in the initial stages. A visit to the doctor will confirm the pregnancy with blood and urine tests.

How to Handle Nausea During Your Pregnancy

One of the most dreaded pregnancy symptoms is morning sickness (or in some cases, day and night sickness as well). On the plus side, nausea is usually a sign that the mother's body is producing an adequate amount of hormones, leading to less of a chance of a having a miscarriage. On the negative side, there’s the seemingly never-ending, inconvenient and sometimes dangerous nausea and vomiting that can make it difficult to keep anything down.

Nausea during pregnancy is most prevalent during the first trimester when hormone levels are rising.  Usually beginning around 14 weeks, and easing off somewhere around the 21st week, many women begin to feel their best during their second trimester after the nausea and vomiting lessen. The drop in nausea is directly related to a slowing production of certain he  pregnancy hormones.  When hormone levels stop climbing, the nausea stops for most women. Other women, however, experience nausea and vomiting throughout their entire pregnancy.

Medical science still hasn't quite figured out why some women are more susceptible to morning sickness than others, or why some women have more severe nausea and vomiting in one pregnancy and may have in others. 

Nausea during pregnancy is inconvenient.  Depending on the severity of an individual case, nausea and vomiting may be disruptive to daily activities and in some cases it may limit where expectant moms go and what they do.  It is most important during this time, the frequent small meals and try to avoid any foods that may trigger an attack.  It has been reported that for some women eating potato chips and drinking lemonade, has helped to ease nausea symptoms.  Taking an additional folic acid supplement may also help.   Just make sure to talk with your doctor before taking any additional medications. 

Besides being inconvenient, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can sometimes be dangerous. Serious nausea and vomiting during pregnancy  can result in a condition known as hyperemesis, which is typically diagnosed when a woman has lost at least 10% of her body weight because of nausea and vomiting. If you experience significant nausea and vomiting, you can become dehydrated and your electrolytes balance may become imbalanced – which can be dangerous for everyone. The usual treatment for this is a combination of anti-nausea medications and intravenous fluids to replace the fluids you have lost. You may need to be placed in the hospital temporarily for treatment or some women who have long-term hyperemesis may receive home health and complete IV therapies at home.

In addition, there are a number of ways to handle nausea during pregnancy. No one method works for every mother to be – some methods work better than others and some methods work for a while then stop. Keep trying to find something that works for you, and talk to your doctor if nausea and vomiting are becoming particularly problematic. There are several prescription medications that have been successfully used to treat nausea during pregnancy, Phenergan being one of the most common, along with a medication that has been used to treat chemotherapy nausea. 

The old standard advice of saltine crackers and ginger ale is still valid, as the saltiness of the crackers helps to settle the stomach for some women. On the other hand, some women find that potato chips work better, so feel free to indulge! In addition, although ginger ale contains only minimal amounts of ginger, ginger has long been utilized to help ease a troublesome tummy. Some studies suggest that ingesting large amounts of ginger during pregnancy can cause problems, so you may want to be cautious. For some women, just the scent of ginger can be calming, as can the scent of fresh lemons.

Some women find that bland foods are soothing, while other women find they have less problems with spicy foods. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find a woman who will report throwing up dry toast and plain oatmeal, but being able to easily eat spicy Chinese food without any problems. See what kinds of foods sound appealing to you and give them a try. In addition, most women find that if they eat frequent, small meals throughout the day, they feel better and have less nausea.

If you aren’t able to get control of your morning sickness with food choices alone, know that some women find that wearing acupressure anti-nausea wrist bands helps. Lying on your right side when you lay down also helps your stomach empty more quickly and may help reduce your nausea symptoms.

Reducing Pregnancy Complications With Vitamin C

When you’re pregnant, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep your baby safe and healthy. Most mothers-to-be are very careful with their diet, avoiding foods that could be dangerous, and refraining from smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking unnecessary medications. They also usually make a point of getting some exercise and taking prenatal vitamins and mineral supplements. However, one vitamin that deserves special focus for its ability to help reduce certain risks associated with pregnancy is vitamin C.

Vitamin C – or ascorbic acid – is commonly found in citrus fruits. It’s also found in high amounts in rose hips, other fruits including kiwi and strawberries, some green vegetables including broccoli and Brussels sprouts, and even some organ meats. Clearly, it’s easy to get, no matter what your dietary preferences.

But how can vitamin C help you during pregnancy? First, you need vitamin C for your own health. Pregnancy places great demands on your body and you need to keep yourself healthy to keep your baby healthy. Second, vitamin C is said to be able to help prevent certain complications of pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia – also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension – preterm labor, anemia, death of full term infants, and babies who are small for their gestational age.

However, recent scientific studies may contradict some of these commonly held beliefs. According to medical research, there is enough evidence to suggest that vitamins C does indeed help prevent pre-eclampsia, having a baby who is small for their gestational age, and pregnancy-related anemia. However, in some studies, it didn’t seem to help with preterm labor – in fact, excessive amounts of vitamin C seemed to exacerbate that condition.

In addition, when a mother ingests excessive amounts of vitamin C during pregnancy, she may also give birth to a baby with ascorbic acid dependency, which is a condition that produces symptoms similar to scurvy. Research studies are ongoing and should yield additional important information for maternal and fetal health in the upcoming years.

For the optimal health of yourself and your baby, you need to consume adequate – not excessive – amounts of vitamin C. But how much do you need on a daily basis? A study found no adverse affects when up to 2,000 mgs. of vitamin C were consumed each day.

The best way to get vitamin C when you’re pregnant is to eat foods that are rich in vitamin C as part of a healthy diet. Aim for having two servings of a food rich in vitamin C every day. In addition, you should have two servings of dark green vegetables every day, and include a yellow or orange fruit or vegetable at least four times per week.

However, it’s important to note that one food can only fulfill one requirement – for example, broccoli can count as a green vegetable or a food rich in vitamin C, but not both on the same day. A serving of orange juice may count as either your vitamin C rich food or your yellow/orange fruit or vegetable, but not both. When in doubt, an extra serving of a whole food is probably better than having too few servings.

Pregnancy Risk Factors To Guard Against

There are many pregnancy risk factors that could affect the health of you or your baby. These factors will vary from pregnancy to pregnancy and from mother to mother. Your personal pregnancy risk factors will be determined by your pre-pregnancy health, your habits and routines, your family health history and the father’s family health history. This is why it’s important to be upfront with your doctor when you first begin prenatal care.

Proper nutrition is especially important during pregnancy to avoid possible pregnancy risk factors. Many neonatal risks can be eliminated or greatly reduced when the mother gets a high level of folic acid in her diet. Other links, such as those with Vitamin B, have also been discovered between nutrition and healthy pregnancy.

In addition, if you have a drinking or drug problem or if you’re a smoker, your baby could be at additional risk. Even caffeine has been shown to affect a baby’s heart rate and health adversely. Even if you quit when you find out you’re pregnant, your pregnancy began before that point. You should be honest with your doctor about these habits so that any risks associated with them can be addressed and monitored carefully.

High blood pressure is another common pregnancy risk factor that can cause major problems in pregnancy. High blood pressure during pregnancy puts the fetus under undue stress, which can cause problems with the baby’s heart rate and blood pressure. High blood pressure during pregnancy can also cause premature birth, either naturally or forced by the need to get the baby out before further damage can be done.

With this in mind, you should talk to your doctor if you have a history of high blood pressure. If you do have that history or if your doctor discovers that your blood pressure is high, you should take action immediately by starting a low sodium diet and avoid stressful situations. If the problem persists, risk can be reduced by placing the mother on bed rest.

A mother’s age can also have an effect on the pregnancy risk factors involved. Older women are more likely to experience high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, also known as high blood sugar. These risks are common, but as age increases, the risks become more concerning.

Especially young mothers, such as teens under the age of sixteen, carry an entirely different set of pregnancy risk factors. If the teen has indeed been having completely unprotected sex, she should be tested for all types of disease early in the pregnancy. Many sexually transmitted diseases can cause pregnancy complications and disease in the infant. Therefore, it’s important that these are caught and treated early on.

Additionally, significantly young or old expecting mothers will find that pregnancy takes much more out of them physically than it would if they were in the prime of their twenties. The fact is that younger mothers will be giving over important nutrients that they need for their own growth to their unborn baby, putting their own health at risk. Older expecting mothers won’t have as many nutrients in their body naturally, leading to problems as the baby begins to steal nutrients from the mother. In either case, additional vitamins or a strict diet should be put into place early in the pregnancy to guard against health risks for both mother and child.

Pregnancy Journal - A Treasure House Of Precious Moments

What is a pregnancy journal? Once you deliver your baby, you are going to forget how it felt to be pregnant within a couple of years! Yes, it's true! That's the reason why many moms-to-be write a pregnancy journal. It's the best way you can treasure your valuable memories of pregnancy. So, buy yourself an attractive journal and sit with an aura of a great writer beginning to produce a masterpiece of memories.
Let Your Pen Glide Smoothly

Do not hesitate to jot down your feelings. Write whatever you feel. Do not try to manipulate either. Later in life, when you read your pregnancy journal, you will be grateful you wrote it.

There are so many wonderful moments during pregnancy. Think of the night when you quietly slid from the bed towards the refrigerator to satisfy those pangs of hunger! How about your experience when you saw your enlarged tummy for the first time in mirror? Also, don't forget those moments of shopping for the pregnancy outfits.

There are umpteen precious moments to cherish. You won't experience them in your normal life. Write all these moments in your pregnancy journal. Write about your first visit to your doctor, how you felt when she gave you the good news, and the reaction of your partner on hearing the news!

Thinks of those beautiful moments you spend with your partner during pregnancy. Then there are anxious moments to write about too, when you took your regular tests. Pour out your fears and doubts. Visualize your baby inside. Create a picture of how she or he will look like once she comes out to face the world. Let the words flow. Do not try to hide your feelings. Feel free to express them.
A Unique Gift For Your Child

Imagine the enjoyment your child will feel while reading your pregnancy journal. Watch her gasp with wonder when she learns how she grew from a tiny cell inside you for nine months before she arrived in this world!

Besides this, writing a journal is a great exercise. It helps to de-stress you and stretch your muscles. It activates your gray cells too. At the end, you feel light at heart. When you will sit to read your journal years after giving birth to your baby, you won't actually be reading a journal, but a vivid story of your pregnancy written straight from the heart!

A pregnancy journal is a great way to bring out the writer in you. Besides this, it serves as a guide for your next pregnancy! So, start writing.

Choosing the Right Pregnancy Doctor

There’s one thing you should understand from the very beginning of your pregnancy – pregnant women aren’t sick. Pregnancy isn’t a disease. So why is pregnancy treated like a clinical condition? You, as a pregnant woman, can have the pregnancy you want – let no one tell you otherwise. Your choice of a pregnancy doctor will have a direct impact on the pregnancy experience you have.

Make no mistake – this is an experience, and you can control much of that experience. So, the first order of business is deciding what kind of experience you want to have. A good place to start is with is deciding how much involvement you want. How much direct influence do you want in the decision making process? Are you prepared to undertake a rigid program of diet and exercise to profoundly influence the outcome of the pregnancy? Or do you want a more passive approach, where the pregnancy seems to “happen” to you and your baby? There’s no right answer for every woman, so you should decide that before you talk to any doctor. 

Typically, disease states happen to you. You don’t plan for a heart attack. You aren’t, for the most part, in control of the situation. You want it over as soon as possible and you want others to take the lead in dealing with the issues and problems that arise. Pregnancy isn’t this way, unless you choose it to be. Unfortunately, there are still doctors who feel this way and will be glad to “do” a pregnancy for you and your child. This is the old way of thinking – also called “knock ’em out and drag ’em out.” The hallmark of this methodology is ease for the doctor and the staff.

Taking this path will place a great deal of responsibility on the doctor and the hospital, so if you go this way, do yourself a favor and check out the specific outcomes and history for the doctor you’re considering. If he has 75 percent rate of Caesarean sections, then your likelihood of having a Caesarean section is 75 percent – without taking any other factors into consideration. Do a majority of the babies he delivers go to the NICU, even if just for a little while? If so, expect yours to go there too. 

Conversely, do you want more control of the birthing process? Are you ready to put the necessary time into researching the effectiveness and outcomes of different delivery procedures? Are you ready to be involved at each step of the pregnancy, eating the best diet and doing the right exercises for the nine months leading up to your delivery? Do you look at your pregnancy as an event that you can positively influence, like an athlete who influences outcomes with proper training? If so, you should find doctors and practices that will support you, and not hinder you. Trust us – they are out there.

The great thing about preparing for your delivery is that you can ask these questions of all the doctor’s you’re considering to find out what kind of a practice you’re getting into. Rates of Caesarean section are a good indicator – more C-sections adds up to a more interventionist practice. Another indicator is how they respond to your questions. If they meet inquires with a sense of superiority and veiled hostility, know that is what you’ll get in the delivery room.

Barring any unexpected medical problems, you’ll get the birth you plan for and prepare for – and the doctor you choose will give you exactly what he plans to as well. Know exactly what you’re getting into – it’s up to you to make that good, bad or indifferent. 

Unexpected Side Effects of Your Pregnancy

You can read all the pregnancy books on the market today and chances are you may still find yourself with a side effect you didn’t expect. Most women do, because pregnancy affects every woman's body differently. There’s no way to anticipate which side effects of pregnancy one particular woman will experience.

While everyone knows about many of the common side effects of pregnancy – including sore and tender breasts, weight gain, morning sickness, constipation, hemorrhoids and swollen feet and ankles, for example – there are some uncommon side effects you may not have heard of before.

When you’re pregnant, your body has an increased amount of blood and you tend to retain water. This can cause a number of side effects, in addition to bloating and swelling of the hands, ankles, and feet. Fluid retention can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and vision changes. If you’re experiencing changes in your vision, you should consult your health care provider, although these conditions generally resolve after your baby is born.

Pregnant women also are at risk of developing Diabetes. It is a little bit different than the kind of diabetes you can develop when you are older and it is called "Gestational Diabetes". It is important that if you find yourself much more thirsty than normal or using the bathroom more frequently, that you ask your doctor to make sure you have not developed it. Or, if you developed gestational diabetes with a previous pregnancy, you are at increased risk of developing it again, so you should make sure you notify your physician.

Other symptoms can be attributed to the increased vascularity you experience during pregnancy – specifically, gums that bleed when you brush your teeth, nose bleeds and nasal stuffiness. Good oral hygiene is essential while you’re pregnant. Keep your dentist appointments – just be sure to tell your hygienist and dentist that you’re pregnant.

Increased hormone levels can cause a number of unexpected side effects as well. These may include night sweats, migraine headaches, unusual hair growth and unusual vaginal odors and discharge. If you’re experiencing vaginal odor or discharge, be sure to talk with your health care provider to rule out any medical conditions such as bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection.

When you’re pregnant, you may also experience popping sounds coming from your hips as you walk. This, along with sciatic nerve pain, can be caused by the hormones that relax the ligaments holding your pelvic bones in place. This helps prepare your body for delivery and also causes your feet to gain about a half to full shoe size. But although it serves a specific purpose, these symptoms can be somewhat disconcerting!

In addition, being constipated while you’re pregnant can lead to hemorrhoids and increased flatulence. Increased flatulence, accompanied by burping and abdominal discomfort can indicate a problem with the gallbladder, something many women experience during pregnancy. Again, if you experience these symptoms, consider a trip to the doctor’s office.

Most women have a few cravings during pregnancy, but some women crave non-food items, like chalk, dirt or egg shells. If you have any unusual cravings of this nature, talk to your health care provider right away. This condition is known as pica and may indicate a vitamin or mineral deficiency that needs to be resolved right away.

Fortunately, few women experience all of these unexpected side effects during pregnancy. Remember that these can all be side effects of a perfectly normal and healthy pregnancy and most – if not all – of the side effects will resolve soon after your baby is born. 

Healthy Pregnancy - Healthy Baby

Pregnancy is the most natural stage of life for most women and so is the desire for a healthy pregnancy. Yet the discovery that a baby is on the way is the most exciting moment in one's life. The surest way to have a healthy baby is to have a healthy pregnancy by following a healthy lifestyle. A healthy way of life adopted by would be parents before conception lessens the risks to the baby during early weeks of development when a woman might be still unaware of her pregnancy.

Preparing For A Healthy Baby

Both partners should be nutrition conscious before planning for a baby. This will lead to you in good health from day one and give the baby a healthier start to life. Even though most women of childbearing age are healthy and most pregnancies are considered low risk, there are also a few precautions mentioned below that you should know about in order to have a healthy pregnancy:

    Take pre-natal vitamins

    Get good medical care before you get pregnant

    Eat well-balanced and nutritive diet

    Avoid alcohol, caffeine, drugs and nicotine

    Avoid medications, x-rays, hot tub baths and saunas

    Ask your doctor to find our your blood group

    Practice safe sex to avoid STDs - these can harm your baby!

    Avoid infections.

Good Medical Care

The best way to have a healthy pregnancy is to have your health in order before conceiving. Remember, it may be a few weeks before you realize you are pregnant, and the first 2 months are the most potentially dangerous time for your baby! A health care provider will guide you towards a healthy diet and healthy habits, as well as check your immunity to diseases that you could potentially pass to your baby. Your doctor should check your immunity to chicken pox, rubella, measles, and mumps. You may even need to get a shot BEFORE you are pregnant (can not get these shots while pregnant). They will also help to control general illnesses before conceiving (ex: diabetes).

Well-Balanced Diet Plan

An average pregnant woman gains 25 to 35 pounds in nine months. A healthy and fit pregnancy requires about 300 extra calories daily to maintain the baby and mother. The balanced diet during this period should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, some amount of fat and extra vitamins and minerals. Supplements of iron and folic acid reduce the risk of birth defects. Have 8-10 glasses of water, avoid caffeine, aerated and sweetened drinks to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Avoid Infections

In order to make sure your baby does not get sick while you are pregnant, you need to make sure that you do not get sick. There are many possible sources of infection that you may not think about, like raw food (avoid all raw food) and kitty litter, as well as more obvious places like your home or workplace. Also, as mentioned, make sure you are up to date on all your vaccines because this can prevent serious harm to your baby.

Medications

Do not take medication of any kind like antibiotics or steroids, without consulting your doctor, as they can be devastating for the unborn baby. Maintain a healthy pregnancy by refraining from even the minor medication, habitual drugs, alcohol and nicotine.

Exercise

Stay in shape by resorting to simple exercise plan under the doctor's supervision to maintain proper pregnancy health, stamina, labor and quicker regaining of pre-pregnancy shape. Wear comfortable bra and clothes, avoid strenuous exercises, pain or discomfort, modify exercise plan to suit your growing size and general health.

Adopting routines of relaxation, breathing, diet will result in healthy pregnancy, and easy labor and birth of a healthy baby.

Six Questions All Women Ask About Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be an apprehensive time for any mother – especially if this is your first baby. There will be legions of people who will give you advice, whether you want it or not. Of course, the best person to answer your questions is your health care provider, but here are the answers to some of the more common questions you’ll undoubtedly ask.

1. Will it hurt to give birth? In a word, yes. How painful it will be varies greatly from one woman to another. However, there are a few decisions that YOU can make, including your delivery method, that can impact this greatly. The good news is: the better prepared you are, the easier it is going to be to deal with the pain. Also, if you want an idea of how your pregnancy and delivery may go, talk to your closest female relatives and ask them about their birthing experience . chances are that you'll have a similar one. And above all, remember this . the pain of childbirth is manageable. You will have several options when it comes to pain management and it is important you discuss them with your physician to find out which is best for you. You can be without any anesthesia at all (tough it out!) or have different levels of anesthesia (for example, from your mid-chest down). Also, if this is not your first pregnancy, each delivery is usually easier than the one before!

2. How will I know my baby is healthy? This is where your choice of a health care provider comes into play. Not only do they have access to all those wonderful diagnostic tools, you'll also have access to the best tool of all . their professional judgment. You can ask them about any of the symptoms you may be experiencing and they can reassure you it is part of normal pregnancy or figure out the cause. You can also ask them about which medications to take. And lastly, do not forget your judgment is your last and best asset. Women have been having babies for thousands of years and both have gotten through pregnancy and delivery just fine!

3. How much weight will I and should I gain? Unfortunately, it is not one-size-fits-all. There is not a magic number that you should expect. There are many variables including your pre-pregnancy weight, your health, the health of your baby, and whether or not you have twins. However, there is a good rule-of-thumb for how much weight you should gain based on your weight:

• Underweight: 28 - 40 Pounds
• Normal Weight: 25 - 35 Pounds
• Overweight: 15 - 25 Pounds
• Obese: 11 - 20 Pounds

Also, it is important that you not try to shed the weight and hit the gym as soon as you get home from the hospital! To have a healthy baby, you need to keep your calorie count up high in order to breast feed. Also, a special weight-loss hint you probably did not know about! Adequate breastfeeding makes your uterus shrink down faster (and lose that extra weight!) and is also nature's form of birth control! A win-win!

4. Do I need to change my diet during pregnancy? The answer is yes. There are certain foods and drinks that you should avoid during your pregnancy. Many women like to wake up and have a cup of coffee with breakfast or a cup of tea in the afternoon - as far as caffeine goes, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid consuming more than 200 milligrams of caffeine (equal to a 12-ounce cup of coffee). As far as which foods to avoid, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid all uncooked seafood (sushi, shellfish), undercooked meats and poultry, and unpasteurized dairy products (brie, feta, blue cheese, and Mexican-style cheeses). As far as which seafood is considered okay...the FDA and EPA say pregnant women can safely eat up 12 ounces a week (or two average-sized portions) of salmon, catfish, cod, and canned light tuna.

5. Will using a seat belt hurt me or the baby? If worn properly, a seat belt will not only not hurt, but will be one of the best protections the two of you can have in the case of an automobile accident. When you’re pregnant, it’s especially essential to wear your seat belt low across your hip bones and under your baby bump. As your tummy gets larger, you may need a seat belt extender to be comfortable. And always see your health care provider after any automobile accident, even just a minor fender bender.

6. Is it safe to have sex while I am pregnant? This is a question that a lot of pregnant women want answered but may feel uncomfortable asking their physician or friends/family. That is why we are here to answer the question for you...and the answer may surprise you. YES you can. Sex will not harm your baby. Early miscarriages are due to problems with the baby's DNA (and NOTHING you did!). Also, your baby has very special protection called the amniotic sac that is inside your uterus - sexual activity will not affect it. There is a caveat, however. During your first trimester, your hormones will be fluctuating and it may actually decrease your desire. You may also have less desire during the third trimester as you may be experiencing back pain or other symptoms associated with your weight gain.

A Week By Week Guide To Pregnancy

In general, your pregnancy will last an average of 40 weeks.  First time mothers usually deliver around 41 weeks, while mothers who are carrying multiples generally deliver before 40 weeks. Here’s what you can expect during each:

• Weeks 1-2:  When using the gestational age method, week one begins when your period begins.  Around day 14, you will ovulate.
• Weeks 3-4:  Conception takes place as the egg is fertilized – usually in the fallopian tubes – and travels to the uterus, where it implants into the uterine lining.  You may experience some implantation bleeding or some mild cramping during this time, although your early pregnancy symptoms will be hard to distinguish from premenstrual symptoms, such as fatigue, mood swings and breast tenderness.
• Week 5:  The fertilized egg is now an embryo and the major systems are starting to develop.  The first systems to develop are the heart and circulatory system.
• Week 6:  Your baby's heart begins to beat, while most other organs are starting to be formed.  Arm and leg buds form, and the umbilical cord develops.  You can also see where the baby's eyes and ears will be.  If you haven't had morning sickness before, this is usually when it hits.
• Week 7:  The arms and legs are continuing to develop, as are the brain, eyes, intestines and other organs.  The intestines will initially bulge into the umbilical cord during this week.
• Week 8:  Tooth buds begin to form in the baby's gums, and you can see the beginnings of fingers and toes.  On an ultrasound, you can see the baby's heart beating.  You may have started to noticed a difference around your waistline at this time, as your uterus is now about the size of an orange.
• Week 9:  There’s now room for the growing intestines to move out of the umbilical cord and into the baby's abdomen.  The baby's bones and cartilage also begin to form.  You may experience some heartburn and indigestion at this stage and it may be time for new bras with larger cups.
• Week 10:  The baby begins to move around, although these movements can’t yet be felt.  Fingers and toes are developed, and joints at the shoulder elbow, wrist, knee and ankle are formed.
• Week 11:  This week, your embryo officially becomes a fetus.  You may not even look pregnant yet, but the most critical stages of development are already complete.  During this week, your baby will double in length, from one inch to two inches.  During weeks 11 and 12, the placenta will begin to function and blood will begin to circulate through the umbilical cord.  In most women this coincides with a decrease or end to morning sickness.  From the size of a pear, your uterus has grown to the size of a grapefruit and you may begin to experience round ligament pain.
• Week 12:  Nearly all organs are finished forming.  Nails and hair begin to grow and genitals differentiate.  The kidneys begin to function and amniotic fluid begins to accumulate.  As your uterus grows, it will shift forward off your bladder, so urinary frequency will lessen.
• Week 13:  Here, the first trimester ends and the baby begins to look more like a miniature person.  You may still feel tired, but most early pregnancy symptoms will begin to disappear now.
• Week 14:  The baby is about 3 and one-half inches long and weighs about 2 ounces.  Your baby is being fully nourished by the placenta now.  Usually, the baby's heartbeat can be detected via Doppler at this stage, and the baby begins to “breathe” in amniotic fluid.  The baby's hands can move and you may be noticing some constipation and more prominent veins in your breasts.
• Week 15:  The baby is now covered in soft, downy hair called lanugo, which will protect her skin until later in pregnancy.  At this point, your uterus has grown enough that you can probably feel it just below your navel, and you may have begun to show.
• Week 16:  You may begin to feel the baby move at this point.  Some women tend to experience nasal congestion or nose bleeds, and round ligament pain may continue.
• Week 17:  Your baby is growing rapidly and can now swallow, blink and suck her fingers.  By this time, you’ve probably gained between 5 and 10 pounds of pregnancy weight.
• Week 18:  The baby weighs about 8 ounces now, and you may be able to see your tummy move from the outside when baby moves or has hiccups.  Gender can sometimes be determined via ultrasound at this stage.
• Week 19:  Vernix, which protects the baby's skin, forms.  You may also notice skin changes of your own, including dryness or pigment changes.
• Week 20:  You're at the halfway point.  The baby's sleep and waking schedule is much like that of a newborn.  Your uterus may press on your belly button, causing it to become an “outtie,” and you may develop a linea nigra.
• Week 21:  The baby continues to grow, though not as rapidly.  You’re probably beginning to show if you haven't been already, and you may be experiencing some swelling in your feet and ankles.  You’ve probably now gained about 10 to 15 pounds.
• Week 22:  Your baby's brain continues to grow rapidly at this stage, and the baby now weighs about one pound.  You may begin to experience some back pain around this time.
• Week 23:  Bones develop in baby's middle ear.  This is a good time to learn about childbirth classes and enroll in the ones that interest you.
• Week 24:  The baby begins to fill out.  Your doctor may schedule you for an ultrasound or glucose tolerance test at this point.
• Week 25:  The baby's spine and pulmonary circulatory system begin to form.  Your uterus is now about the size of a soccer ball – and you can definitely tell!
• Week 26:  Your baby now weighs about 2 pounds.  Air sacs in the lungs are forming and brain wave activity begins.  You may also begin to experience Braxton Hicks contractions around now.
• Week 27:  The baby's brain continues growing rapidly and the retinas begin to form.  You may begin to experience difficulty breathing, as your uterus is now pressing against your diaphragm.
• Week 28:  The third trimester begins.  The baby now weighs about 2 pounds and can recognize your voice.  At this point, you’ve probably gained between 17 and 24 pounds.  During the final trimester, you may experience leg cramps, itchy skin, hemorrhoids and increased swelling in your feet and legs.  You’ll probably also begin seeing your health care provider every other week, instead of monthly.
• Week 29:  The primitive breathing functions are now controlled by baby's brain.  The baby is becoming sensitive to sound and light, and can taste the amniotic fluid.  This is a good time to start working on your birth plan.
• Week 30:  Your baby now weighs about 3 pounds.  The lanugo begins to disappear and you may be having trouble finding comfortable positions for sleeping.
• Week 31:  Your baby's brain is continuing to develop.  All of the major organs – except the lungs – are fully developed.
• Week 32:  Your baby now weighs 4 pounds.  You may be experiencing increasing heartburn and constipation, along with other pregnancy discomforts at this point.
• Week 33:  The amount of amniotic fluid you have now will remain fairly constant until delivery.  Brain growth means baby's head is about an inch larger, and you’ll gain about a pound a week for the rest of your pregnancy.
• Week 34:  The baby's eyes are now open when awake and closed when sleeping.  Your baby begins to develop some immunity, and Braxton Hicks contractions become more frequent.
• Week 35:  Your baby weighs about 5 and one-half pounds and takes up most of the space in your uterus.  Your cervix may begin to efface or dilate in preparation for the upcoming delivery.
• Week 36:  The baby may move into birthing position and drop into the birth canal.  You’ll begin seeing your health care provider weekly at this point and should be aware of signs of premature labor.
• Week 37:  Your baby weighs about 6 and one-half pounds now and will continue to gain about one-half pound per week.  You may notice increased vaginal discharge and you may begin to breathe easier as baby drops into the birth canal.  Bu this point, you should be preregistered at the hospital and have your delivery bags packed and waiting for you.
• Week 38:  The baby continues to gain weight and Braxton Hicks contractions occur more frequently.
• Week 39:  The baby probably weighs over 7 pounds by this point.  Surfactant is preparing the lungs for breathing after birth and you’re probably urinating frequently as your uterus presses on your bladder.
• Week 40:  Congratulations, you’re at term!  Your baby could come at any time now – some health care providers schedule even inductions at this point.

    Week 41:  Most first time mothers deliver this week.  If you haven’t yet delivered, your health care provider may schedule tests to make sure everything is alright with your baby.

    Week 42-45:  If your pregnancy goes this long, your health care provider will likely schedule tests to make sure your baby is fine, and may schedule an induction or Caesarean section delivery.