PRAGNANCY AND CHILD CARE

Acupuncture and moxibustion to correct breech births

2008-12-14T09:54:00.001-08:00

Moxibustion is a treatment commonly used by acupuncturists to stimulate the acu-points. The Moxa (which is the herb ‘Mugwort’) is heated and then either placed on acupuncture needles inserted on acu-points or alternatively it is held above the skin to produce a focused radiant heat. Laser acupuncture by contrast uses laser beams focussed on acu-points.
Researchers at the Hebammenlehranstalt Luisen hospital in Germany monitored 55 pregnant women with breech presentation who were given moxibustion to the Zhiyin acupuncture point during pregnancy to promote conversion to a cephalic presentation. Results at different gestational weeks were recorded and then compared with a similar observation series of 615 other pregnant women with breech presentation which converted spontaneously and with a Chinese laser-acupuncture study.
The results revealed that although Chinese laser-acupuncture studies have shown a significant increase in breech corrections, moxibustion produced a significant lower rate of conversion. Sonographic results revealed no significant differences between the converted and the non-converted groups treated with moxibustion and two patients developed early uterine contractions. The researchers therefore concluded that moxibustion should be indicated only under medical care

Prayer and rehabilitation

2008-12-14T09:53:00.001-08:00

Another study conducted at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, USA found that religious and spiritual needs of the patients were considered by the patients to be very important in their recovery.
The study undertook to ascertain the patient's pastoral needs and the extent of pastoral services which were provided. After discharge from the inpatient rehabilitation hospital, patients were asked about their perceived religious and spiritual needs, as well as to the extent of religious, spiritual, and pastoral services provided during their inpatient stay.
The majority of the patients (74%) reported their religious and spiritual beliefs were important. Forty-five percent indicated that not enough attention was paid to their religious or spiritual needs, whereas only 1% felt that too much attention was paid. A majority of patients (54%) desired pastoral visitation. Other needs were elicited, including expanded pastoral services, increased staff empathy for the patient's spiritual and religious needs, and improved availability of church or synagogue services or sacraments.
Many Jewish patients reported concerns of being punished by God, whereas Christian patients were concerned that God was unaware of their personal needs. Some responders, regardless of personal faith, were also troubled with fears of death, God's failure to heal, and loss of purpose in life.
The researchers found that religious beliefs were important factors in helping the patients cope with their health problems, and that there was a clear need to establish a mechanism to identify the religious and spiritual needs of each individual patient. These needs must be considered with both sensitivity and compassion by all members of the rehabilitation staff.

Reflexology & Childbirth

2008-12-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

Whenever stress and nervous tension are present, reflexology, like massage and aromatherapy can be very effective in inducing relaxation. It will also help to 'balance' organs and tissues throughout the body and, acting through the nervous system, actually help strengthen and normalise the circulatory system. In this way, it can help activate the body's own healing force to aid recovery.
Reflexology may also be employed to help stimulate the reproductive organs through the autonomic nervous system and so help strengthen and correct under functioning organs and balance hormonal function. Although there are no controlled studies on the subject of reflexology and infertility, there have been research studies relating to the effects of reflexology and childbirth.
A study at the Gentofte Hospital in Copenhagen revealed that reflexology is beneficial to women during the labour of childbirth. 58 out of 60 women giving birth experienced "outstanding pain relief using reflexology treatment", and 11 out of 14 women were able to avoid surgery under general anaesthesia. Dr Carsten Lenstrup was so impressed by the results that he said: "Taken as a whole, the results are so good that am not in any doubt that reflexology can give many women a better, easier and less painful delivery than they would have had otherwise." (2)
The findings of the Gentofte study were supported by a further study carried out by Dr Gowri Motva at the Jeyrani Birth Centre on the effects of reflexology on pregnant women. 37 pregnant women completed a course of 10 reflexology treatments with remarkable effect. The average length of the first stage of labour was 5 hours whereas the text book average is 16 - 24 hours; the second stage of labour lasted an average of 16 minutes compared to the text book expectancy of 1 - 2 hours, and only 5.4% of the women who had reflexology treatment required emergency caesarian section compared to an average of 13% in Newham district which was the district where the study was conducted.(2)

Predicting which preterm infants benefit most from massage therapy

2008-12-14T09:51:00.002-08:00

Researchers at the Department of Paediatrics, University of Miami School of Medicine studied ninety-three preterm infants; the mean gestational age of the infants was 30 weeks; the mean birth weight, 1204 g, and mean duration in the intensive care was 15 days. All of the babies were randomly assigned to either a massage therapy group or a control group as soon as they were considered medically stable.
The fifty babies in the treatment group received three daily 15-minute massages for 10 days. The massage therapy infants gained significantly more weight per day than the infants in the control group (32grams compared to 29 grams). All of the babies in the treatment and control groups were divided into high and low weight gainers based on the average weight gain for the control group. Seventy per cent of the massage therapy infants were classified as high weight gainers whereas only forty per cent of the control infants were classified as high weight gainers.
A closer inspection of the records revealed that the babies who needed the most help (ie. those infants who had experienced more complications before the study began) actually benefited more from the massage therapy. Using those parametres, the researchers accurately predicted that seventy eight per cent of the infants would benefit significantly from the massage therapy. Thus, they concluded from the results, that it was possible to to identify those infants who would benefit most from future massage therapy programs.

Massage used in post-delivery care on neonatal body temperature

2008-12-14T09:51:00.001-08:00

Doctors at the at Kathmandu Maternity Hospital recently demonstrated that massage may play a valuable role in helping maintain babies body temperatures immediately after birth. The researchers first carried out a prospective observational study of post-delivery care and neonatal body temperature and then followed it with a randomised controlled intervention study using three simple methods used to help maintain the babies’ body temperatures.
Five hundred infants were monitored in the initial observation study and three hundred in the intervention study. In the observation study, 85% of infants had temperatures less than 36 degrees C at 2 hours following the birth and nearly 50% still had temperatures less than 36 degrees C at 24 hours after the birth.
Most of the infants who were cold after 24 hours had initially become cold at the time of delivery (incredibly, only seven infants had been both well dried and wrapped). In the intervention study, all infants were dried and wrapped before random assignment to one of the three methods: the "kangaroo" method, the traditional "oil massage" or a "plastic swaddler". All three methods were found to be equally effective. Overall, 38% of the infants had temperatures less than 36 degrees C at 2 hours and less than 18% ( at 24 hours.

Massage and premature babies

2008-12-14T09:50:00.002-08:00

The explosion of narcotic and alcohol abuse in the USA has been accompanied by a surge of premature cocaine-exposed babies who often suffer post-natal complications and exhibit poor co-ordination and motor skills along with increased stress behaviours during infancy. Researchers at the department of Pediatrics at the University Miami School of Medicine studied the effect of massage on thirty cocaine-exposed premature babies who were randomly assigned to receive massage therapy or placed in a control group as soon as they were considered medically stable.
The fifteen babies in the treatment group received three 15-minute massages over a period of three consecutive hours each day for ten days. All of the babies were monitored as to weight gain, post-natal complications and motor skills and compared with the babies in the control group.
The researchers found that the massage group showed significant improvements over the control group. At the end of the 10-day study period the babies who received massage averaged 28% greater weight gain per day (33g as opposed to 26g in the control group) even though both the dietary volume and calorific intakes were the same in both groups. The babies in the massage group also showed significantly fewer post-natal complications and stress behaviours than the control group, and they also demonstrated more mature motor skills.
This study gives a fascinating insight into the physiological benefits of massage therapy for premature cocaine-exposed babies. It seems that as little as three fifteen minute sessions of massage over a 10 day period can make a dramatic difference to a baby's development and effectively reduce the main problems associated with cocaine exposure. The study indicates that massage therapy may have an increasingly significant role to play in paediatric medicine.

Nausea & vomiting

2008-12-14T09:50:00.001-08:00

Acupressure for the prevention of nausea and vomiting after epidural morphine for post-Cesarean section pain reliefThere have been numerous studies demonstrating the efficacy of acupressure on the P-6 (Neiguan) acupoint in preventing and alleviating nausea (1). However, researchers at the Department of Anesthesiology, Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan have recently demonstrated that this treatment has applications in childbirth.
Nausea arid vomiting are common side effects following administration of epidural morphine for post-Cesarean section pain relief. The researchers therefore sought to evaluate the antiemetic effect of P-6 acupressure in women who were given epidural morphine for post-Cesarean section pain relief.
In a randomised, double-blind and controlled trial, sixty women receiving epidural morphine for post-Cesarean section pain relief were allocated to receive either the acupressure bands on the P-6 acupoint on both arms, or placebo bands, before the administration ofspinal anaesthesia and the women were monitored over the following 48 hours.
The data revealed that the incidence of nausea and vomiting was significantly decreased from 43% and 27% in the control group, and from to 3% and 0% in the acupressure group. These results demonstrate that prophylactic use of acupressure bands bilaterally on the P-6 acupoint can significantly reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting after epidural morphine for post-Cesarean section pain relief.

Hydrotherapy in Childbirth

2008-12-14T09:49:00.001-08:00

Researchers at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. University of Liverpool, United Kingdom have confirmed earlier research findings that hydrotherapy is extremely beneficial for pregnant mother-to-be during labour.
The use of birthing pools (luring labour is increasing in the United Kingdom, and researchers felt the need to establish whether this was justified by investigating the value and safety of hydrotherapy as a birthing aid.
The study was performed in a District General Hospital in Liverpool where a group of 100 women of low obstetric risk used the birthing pool at some stage (luring their labour’s and a control group of 100 women were matched in terms of age, parity and obstetric history hut laboured and delivered without the use of a birthing pool.
The main outcome measures were operative delivery rates, duration of labour, analgesic requirements. perineal trauma and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes.
The results showed that those women who used the birthing pool had significantly reduced operative delivery rates, a shorter second stage of labour, reduced analgesic requirements and a lower incidence of perineal trauma. The women who used the birthing pool also required significantly less analgesic aid.
The report concluded that hydrotherapy during labour significantly aids the labour process, minimises the use of analgesic medications md should he considered as a safe and effective birthing aid.

Acupuncture used as anaesthesia in childbirth

2008-12-14T09:48:00.000-08:00

Acupuncture used as anaesthesia in childbirthA recent survey has found that acupuncture may be an extremely safe and effective form of anaesthesia to be used in childbirth. A survey between 1981 and 1987, analysed 16649 cases of acupuncture treatment used as anaesthesia in caesarian sections conducted throughout 5 provinces in China. The researchers not only found an extremely high success rate, but there was also no evidence of any of the complications associated with conventional forms of anaesthesia.
The success rate of the acupuncture anaesthesia was found to be a remarkable 98.9%. Blood pressure, pulse rate and respiration were all stable during operations, and blood loss was found to be less than in caesarian operations using epidural or local anesthesia. Furthermore, no complications or anaesthetic accidents occurred during any of the operations under acupuncture anesthesia.
The report concluded that the use of acupuncture anesthesia for cesarean section was very safe not only for the mother but also for her fetus with none of the side effects associated with conventional anaesthetics

The Stages of Pregnancy

2008-12-04T05:22:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy Stages

After the joy of discovering that you are pregnant, sure enough, you want to know exactly what you can expect to feel during the pregnancy stages. You are anxious about how you will handle each stage of pregnancy. You have heard a lot about the pregnancy trimesters - so what exactly happens during these stages of pregnancy development? Read on to find out!

It will be a great idea to keep a pregnancy journal - to track pregnancy weekly developments - later you'll love to read about how you coped with the different stages of pregnancy - it will also be a valuable record to keep. How about including a picture of stage of pregnancy against each entry? Now, you'll be able to keep track of your body and what you feel. What about your baby? Refer to the pregnancy calendar to help you know in detail what that precious life inside you is up to! This weekly pregnancy calendar tells you about the developments that your baby is experiencing during each pregnancy week.

The first stage of pregnancy brings with it several changes. During the first trimester pregnancy symptoms include a difference in your breasts, exhaustion, nausea and you might need to rush to the bathroom often. And you know what? Your baby stage during pregnancy, that is, the first trimester will actually show a heartbeat and moving tiny limbs! During the second month, that is, pregnancy 7 weeks, your baby will have a face and start developing various vital organs. To ensure that everything goes well, make sure that you maintain a healthy pregnancy diet and exercise.

Stages of Pregnancy
While every woman has heard about the three trimesters of pregnancy, not everyone knows exactly what occurs during those trimesters.
First TrimesterDuring the first trimester, you can expect a host of pregnancy symptoms including breast changes, tiredness, nausea and vomiting, frequent urination and many more. At the end of the first trimester, your uterus will have grown into the size of a grapefruit, while the baby inside is the size of a cherry. The baby will grow from being a mass of cells to having a heartbeat, reflexes and the ability to move it’s tiny limbs! Now is the time to start prenatal care and a nutritious, healthy diet. Regular exercise will keep you and your baby safe and ready for a healthier birth.
Second TrimesterThroughout the second trimester, you’ll grow more scatterbrained and your belly will start to show the baby growing inside you. You’ll experience pregnancy discomforts such as sleeping problems and notice Braxton Hicks contractions. During the second trimester, your baby will grow hair all over its body and the senses will begin to develop. At the end of the second trimester, your baby will measure about 10 inches (25 cm) and will frequently practice their kicking movements.
Third TrimesterThe third trimester brings many changes to your body; you will need to urinate frequently and your belly looks like it’s ready to explode. Now is the time to start taking childbirth and breastfeedig classes. The finishing touches are being placed on your baby, and the two of you are looking forward to delivery day! Don’t forget to include your partner and prepare him for the hefty responsibility of fatherhood!
To figure out your baby’s birthday, visit our pregnancy due date calculator! To take a more in-depth look at the stages of pregnancy, visit First Trimester, Second Trimester and Third Trimester.

Which foods should I avoid during pregnancy?

2008-12-04T05:12:00.000-08:00

During pregnancy, it's important to eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet, in order to provide your baby with the nutrients it needs to grow. Your diet should also give you energy for the changes taking place in your body.
However, there are certain foods you shouldn't eat whilst pregnant to avoid exposing yourself to the risk of food poisoning, or because they can be potentially dangerous to your unborn baby.
Listeria
Listeriosis is a rare, flu-like illness, which can be contracted from food that contains listeria bacteria. Although rare in the UK, listeriosis can cause stillbirth, miscarriage, or severe illness in newborn babies.
You should avoid foods where high levels of listeria are occasionally found. These foods may include:
soft and blue-veined cheese, such as Camembert, Brie and Stilton. (There is no risk of listeria associated with hard cheese such as cheddar, cottage cheese or processed cheese),
pâté (any type, including vegetable),
certain prepared salads such as potato salad and coleslaw, and
ready-prepared meals or re-heated food, unless they are piping hot all the way through.
Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacteria that causes a type of food poisoning. Salmonella is found in unpasteurised milk, raw eggs and raw egg products, raw poultry and raw meat. Although salmonella food poisoning is unlikely to harm your baby, it is advisable to take precautions to avoid foods that may contain salmonella.
The steps outlined below will reduce your risk of getting salmonella.
Avoid food containing raw or partially cooked eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise, and some mousses and sauces. You should only eat eggs if they are cooked until both the white and the yolk are solid.
Avoid unpasteurised dairy products.
Cook all meat and poultry thoroughly, and take particular care with products made from minced meat, such as sausages and burgers. Make sure these are cooked until they are piping hot all the way through and no pink meat is left.
Take particular care with meat at barbeques, parties and buffets. Bacteria breed quickly on food that is left uncovered in a warm environment.
Make sure that raw meat does not come into contact with other food (for example in the fridge), particularly food that is already cooked or that will be eaten raw.
Always wash your hands after handling raw meat.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite found in cat faeces. It can also be present in raw or undercooked meat, and in soil left on unwashed fruit and vegetables. Although rare, the infection can occasionally be passed to the unborn baby, which can cause serious problems.
To reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis, you should avoid the following foods:
unwashed raw fruit and vegetables,
raw or undercooked meat, and
unpasteurised goats' milk or goats' cheese.
To avoid contact with soil or faeces that might contain the toxoplasmosis parasite, it's important to wear gloves if you are gardening or changing a cat litter tray. If possible, ask someone else to do it for you.
Vitamin A
If you're pregnant you should make sure you don't have too much vitamin A. Although you need some vitamin A in your diet, having too much could mean that levels build up in your body and harm your unborn baby.
Eating a normal, well-balanced diet should give you all the vitamin A your body needs. Avoid liver or liver products such as pâté, as liver contains high levels of vitamin A. You should also check with your doctor before taking any high-dose multivitamins or cod liver oil supplements, as these may also contain vitamin A.
Fish
Oily fish is good for your health, but you need to limit the amount that you eat because it contains pollutants, such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
If you're pregnant, you should eat no more than two portions of oily fish a week. Oily fish includes fresh tuna (not canned tuna, which doesn't count as oily fish), mackerel, sardines and trout.
There are a few types of fish that you should avoid eating while pregnant, and some others that you should limit the amount you eat.
Limit the amount of tuna you eat because it contains a high level of mercury which can have a damaging effect on your baby's developing nervous system. You shouldn't eat more than two tuna steaks, or four medium-sized tins (about 140g per can) of tuna a week. This works out at about six rounds of tuna sandwiches or three tuna salads.
Avoid eating shark, swordfish and marlin as these fish also contain a high level of mercury. You should also avoid eating raw shellfish when you're pregnant. This will reduce your chances of getting food poisoning which can be particularly unpleasant when you're pregnant.
Alcohol
The Department of Health advises that pregnant women, and women who are trying to conceive, should avoid drinking alcohol and should not get drunk. Heavy drinking, during pregnancy, is associated with low birth weight, and other, more serious birth defects.
However, if you do decide to drink alcohol while you are pregnant, you should limit the amount that you drink. The Department of Health and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists advise that pregnant women should not drink more than 1-2 units of alcohol once or twice a week. Binge drinking (drinking several units of alcohol in one session) should be avoided.
Caffeine
You should limit the amount of caffeine you have each day. Caffeine affects the way your body absorbs iron, which is very important for your baby's development. High levels of caffeine can result in a baby having a low birth weight, or even miscarriage.
Caffeine occurs naturally in a range of foods, such as coffee, tea and chocolate, and it's also added to some soft drinks and 'energy' drinks. It's important not to have more than 200mg of caffeine a day. 200mg is roughly equivalent to either:
two mugs of instant coffee,
one mug of filter coffee,
two mugs of tea,
five cans of regular cola, or
four (50g) bars of plain chocolate (milk chocolate has less caffeine in it than in dark chocolate).
Some cold and flu remedies also contain caffeine, so always check with your pharmacist before taking any.

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

2008-12-04T05:10:00.000-08:00

Raw Meat: Uncooked seafood and rare or undercooked beef or poultry should be avoided because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.
Deli Meat: Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which may be life-threatening. If you are pregnant and you are considering eating deli meats, make certain that you reheat the meat until it is steaming.
Fish with Mercury: Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided. Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. A sample of these types of fish include: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Canned, chunk light tuna generally has a lower amount of mercury than other tuna, but still should only be eaten in moderation. Certain types of fish used in sushi should also be avoided due to high levels of mercury. Please see Mercury in Fish for specific types of fish and further information on how to calculate mercury levels.
Smoked Seafood -Refrigerated, smoked seafood often labeled as lox, nova style, kippered, or jerky should be avoided because it could be contaminated with Listeria. (These are safe to eat when they are in an ingredient in a meal that has been cooked, like a casserole.) This type of fish is often found in the deli section of your grocery store. Canned or shelf-safe smoked seafood is usually OK to eat.
Fish Exposed to Industrial Pollutants: Avoid fish from contaminated lakes and rivers that may be exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls. This is primarily for those who fish in local lakes and streams. These fish include: bluefish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye. Contact the local health department or Environmental Protection Agency to determine which fish are safe to eat in your area. Remember, this is regarding fish caught in local waters and not fish from your local grocery store.

Your purchase supports the APA
Raw Shellfish: The majority of seafood-borne illness is caused by undercooked shellfish, which include oysters, clams, and mussels. Cooking helps prevent some types of infection, but it does not prevent the algae-related infections that are associated with red tides. Raw shellfish pose a concern for everybody, and they should be avoided altogether during pregnancy.
Raw Eggs: Raw eggs or any foods that contain raw eggs should be avoided because of the potential exposure to salmonella. Some homemade Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custards, and Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs.
If the recipe is cooked at some point, this will reduce the exposure to salmonella. Commercially manufactured ice cream, dressings, and eggnog are made with pasteurized eggs and do not increase the risk of salmonella. Restaurants should be using pasteurized eggs in any recipe that is made with raw eggs, such as Hollandaise sauce or dressings.
Soft Cheeses: Imported soft cheeses may contain bacteria called Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening. You would need to avoid soft cheeses such as: Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses that include queso blanco and queso fresco, unless they clearly state that they are made from pasteurized milk. All soft non-imported cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat.
Unpasteurized Milk: Unpasteurized milk may contain bacteria called listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening. Make sure that any milk you drink is pasteurized.
Pate: Refrigerated pate or meat spreads should be avoided because they may contain the bacteria listeria. Canned pate, or shelf-safe meat spreads can be eaten.
Caffeine: Although most studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is OK, there are others that show that caffeine intake may be related to miscarriages. Avoid caffeine during the first trimester to reduce the likelihood of a miscarriage. As a general rule, caffeine should be limited to fewer than 300 mg per day during pregnancy. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it helps eliminate fluids from the body. This can result in water and calcium loss. It is important that you are drinking plenty of water, juice, and milk rather than caffeinated beverages. Some research shows that large amounts of caffeine are associated with miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms in infants. The safest thing is to refrain from consuming caffeine.
Alcohol: There is NO amount of alcohol that is known to be safe during pregnancy, and therefore alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy. Prenatal exposure to alcohol can interfere with the healthy development of the baby. Depending on the amount, timing, and pattern of use, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other developmental disorders. If you consumed alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, stop drinking now. You should continue to avoid alcohol during breastfeeding. Exposure of alcohol to an infant poses harmful risks, and alcohol does reach the baby during breastfeeding.
Unwashed Vegetables: Yes, vegetables are safe to eat, so you still need to eat them. However, it is essential to make sure they are washed to avoid potential exposure to toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis may contaminate the soil where the vegetables were grown.

Pregnancy- you should know

2008-12-04T05:05:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy is a major event in a woman's life. With modern medical knowledge it is now possible to take wise decisions about your and your partner's health and lifestyle before planning a pregnancy, which will eventually affect the outcome of your pregnancy. Sitting down with your doctor to discuss your health, diet and environment helps to make changes, if required, to these factors.
A few of the factors which affect the mother and the baby are:

Age

A woman's reproductive age, theoretically, is between 15-45 years. But getting pregnant at the extremes of this range can cause problems for the mother and child. Very young women are not fully prepared for a baby, physically as well as emotionally. Teenage pregnancies for this reason can cause great harm, especially for the mother.
On the other hand, pregnancies in women older than 35 years are associated with an increased incidence of congenital abnormalities, like Down's syndrome, in babies.

Medical Problems

A woman's health during her pregnancy is a major factor which will decide the outcome of her pregnancy. A healthy woman will have a healthy baby. With modern medicine most diseases can be cured or controlled easily. Getting a check-up done before planning a pregnancy might help you identify any disease you may have. Bringing these problems under control before planning a pregnancy will help you have an uneventful pregnancy.
A few problems which can adversely affect you and your baby are:
Anaemia
Diabetes
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Most medications you take during pregnancy can cross over to the baby and cause harm to your baby. Thus, you should always consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.

Infections and Vaccinations
During pregnancy the mother is more vulnerable to infections. These infections can harm not only the baby, but also the mother. Some infections during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects or illnesses in the baby.
STDs (sexually transmitted diseases, like Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Genital herpes, Syphilis, HIV) are especially dangerous. They not only can affect your ability to become pregnant but can also infect and harm your baby.
Talk to your doctor if you need any vaccinations before you plan your pregnancy, especially rubella (German measles). Your doctor might also advise you to get a vaccination for tetanus

Past Pregnancies

Your previous obstetric history might affect your present pregnancy. If you have had a miscarriage or previous baby with a birth defect, your doctor may suggest studies to find out the cause before planning the next pregnancy.

Family Health History

Hereditary diseases, though rare, are a major cause of preventable disability and death. These diseases run in families and if one of your family members has some such disease, genetic counselling and testing can help prevent this disease in your child. A child can get such a disease from either her father or mother. Before you plan your pregnancy your doctor may advise you and your partner to undergo some tests to determine if either of you have such a disease.
Some of these diseases are:
Haemophilia
Cystic Fibrosis
Sickle Cell Disease
Tay-Sachs Disease
Thallasaemia
So if you, your partner or someone in your family has a history of such a disease be sure to tell your doctor.

Nutrition & Lifestyle

You might need to make certain changes to your lifestyle before planning a pregnancy. The things you might need to consider are:

Stress
Diet
Smoking, alcohol and drugs
Stress can affect you and your baby's health.

Your nutritional requirements increase as your pregnancy advances. Talk to your doctor about a well-balanced diet, which will provide adequate energy, proteins, vitamins and minerals for you and your growing baby.

Tobacco, alcohol and drugs harm the growing baby in many ways. You should abstain from these before and throughout your pregnancy, and preferably forever.
Pregnancy, on the whole, is an enjoyable experience. A little care of yourself will go a long way in making yours and your baby's life healthy and fun. We wish you all the best!

Why is a healthy diet important before and during pregnancy?

2008-12-04T01:46:00.000-08:00

Why is a healthy diet important before and during pregnancy?

What you eat every day, even before you are pregnant, is important for your health as well as for the health of your baby. Your diet before pregnancy and while you are pregnant should contain the vitamins and nutrients that your body will need to help your baby develop and grow the way he or she should. Practice healthy eating and take a multivitamin each and every day. Start this good habit before you become pregnant and continue eating healthy and taking a prenatal multivitamin throughout your pregnancy. If you need help choosing healthy foods or have questions about how to improve your diet for your future baby, ask a health professional at your doctor’s office or at a local clinic.

How should my diet change now that I am pregnant?
If you are eating a healthy diet before you become pregnant, you may only need to make a few changes to meet the nutritional needs of pregnancy. According to the American Dietetic Association, pregnant women should increase their usual servings of a variety of foods from the four basic food groups (up to a total of 2,500 to 2,700 calories daily) to include the following:
Fruits and Vegetables –
Seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables combined (three servings of fruit and four of vegetables) daily for vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables with vitamin C help you and your baby to have healthy gums and other tissues, and help your body to heal wounds and to absorb iron. Examples of fruits and vegetables with vitamin C include strawberries, melons, oranges, papaya, tomatoes, peppers, greens, cabbage, and broccoli. Fruits and vegetables also add fiber and other minerals to your diet and give you energy. Plus, dark green vegetables have vitamin A, iron, and folate, which are important nutrients during pregnancy.

One Serving Size Fruit = 1 medium apple, 1 medium banana, 1/2 cup of chopped fruit, 3/4 cup of fruit juice

One Serving Size Vegetable = 1 cup raw leafy vegetables, 1/2 cup of other vegetables (raw or cooked), 3/4 cup vegetable juice

Whole-grains or Enriched Breads/Cereals –
Aim for nine or more servings. Whole grain products and enriched products like bread, rice, pasta, and breakfast cereals contain iron, B vitamins, some protein, minerals, and fiber that your body needs. Some breakfast cereals have been enriched with 100% of the folic acid your body needs each day. Folic acid has been shown to help prevent some serious birth defects. Choosing a breakfast cereal or other enriched grain products that contain folic acid is important before and during pregnancy.
One Serving Size = 1 slice bread, 1/2 cup of cooked cereal, rice, or pasta, 1 cup ready-to-eat cereal

Dairy Products –

Aim for four or more servings of low-fat or non-fat milk, yogurt, or other dairy products like cheese for calcium. You and your baby need calcium for strong bones and teeth. Dairy products also have vitamin A and D, protein, and B vitamins. Vitamin A helps growth, resistance to infection, and vision. Pregnant women need 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day. If you are 18 or younger, you need 1,300 mg of calcium each day. Try to have low-fat or non-fat milk and milk products to lower your fat intake. Other sources of calcium include dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas, nuts and seeds, and tofu. If you are lactose intolerant or can’t digest dairy products, you can still get this extra calcium. There are several low-lactose or reduced-lactose products available. In some cases, your doctor might advise you to take a calcium supplement.
One Serving Size = 1 cup of milk or yogurt, 1 1/2 oz. natural cheese, 2 oz. processed cheese

Proteins –
Pregnant women need about 60 grams of protein per day. This is about the same as two or more 2-3 oz. servings of cooked lean meat, poultry without the skin or fish, or two or more 1 oz. servings of cooked meat. Don’t eat uncooked or undercooked meats or fish. These can make you sick. Pregnant women should avoid deli luncheon meats, also. Eggs, nuts, dried beans, and peas also are good forms of protein. Most women in this country have no problem getting at least this amount of protein each day. Protein builds muscle, tissue, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies for you and your baby. These foods also have B vitamins and iron, which is important for your red blood cells. Your need for protein in the first trimester is small, but grows in your second and third trimesters when your baby is growing the fastest, and your body is working to meet the needs of your growing baby.
One Serving Size = 2-3oz. of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish, 1 oz. meat also = 1/2 cup cooked dried beans, 1 egg, 1/2 cup tofu, 1/3 cup nuts, 2 T. peanut butter

Should I limit how much fish I eat when I’m pregnant?
Some fish have mercury, which, in high doses, can hurt your baby’s growing brain and nervous system. There are some fish you should NOT eat if you are pregnant. Here are some guidelines:
Do not eat any shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish (also called golden or white snapper) because these fish have high levels of mercury.
Do not eat more than six ounces of “white” or “albacore” tuna or tuna steak each week.
Limit your fish to no more than 2 servings (12 ounces total) per week. When you eat fish, choose shrimp, salmon, pollock, catfish, or “light” tuna as they are usually low in mercury. For more information on the mercury levels of different kinds of fish, go to:

What other nutrients do I need for a healthy pregnancy?

Folic acid: Folic acid is an important vitamin for any woman who could possibly become pregnant. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps prevent serious birth defects of a baby’s brain or spine (called neural tube defects) and other birth defects like cleft lip and congenital heart disease. Folic acid is needed very early in pregnancy, usually before a woman knows she is pregnant. That is why it’s so important that every woman who could possibly become pregnant gets enough folic acid every single day, starting at least one month before pregnancy. One easy way to ensure getting enough folic acid every day is to take a daily multivitamin. Most multivitamins sold in the U.S. contain enough folic acid for the day. Check the label! Your vitamin should contain 400 micrograms (400 mcg) or 100% of the Daily Value (DV) for folic acid. Another way to get enough folic acid is to eat a serving of breakfast cereal that contains 100% (DV) for folic acid, every day. Just check the nutrition label to be sure—look for “100%” next to folic acid. So, eat a healthy diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, and don’t forget to get your folic acid. Every day!
Iron: You need iron to keep your blood healthy for you and your baby. Bones and teeth also need iron to develop properly. Too little iron can cause a condition called anemia. If you have anemia, you might look pale and feel very tired. Your doctor can check for signs of anemia through the routine blood tests that are taken in different stages of your pregnancy. All pregnant women should take a low-dose iron supplement, beginning at the first prenatal visit, or even before, when you are planning to get pregnant. Prenatal vitamins that your doctor prescribes or that you find over the counter usually have the amount of iron you need. Check the label to make sure they contain iron. If your doctor finds that you have anemia, he or she will give you a higher dose of iron supplements to take once or twice a day. You can help prevent anemia by eating more iron-rich foods like lean red meat, fish, poultry, dried fruits, whole-grain breads, and iron-fortified cereals.
Water: Water plays a key role in your diet during pregnancy. It carries the nutrients from the foods you eat to your baby and helps prevent you from getting constipation, hemorrhoids, excessive swelling, and urinary tract or bladder infections. Drinking enough water, especially in your last trimester, prevents you from becoming dehydrated. Not getting enough water can then lead you to have contractions and premature or early labor. Pregnant women should drink at least six eight-ounce glasses of water per day and another glass for each hour of activity. You can drink juices for fluid, but they also have a lot of calories and can cause you to gain extra weight. Coffee, soft drinks, and teas that have caffeine actually reduce the amount of fluid in your body, so they cannot count towards the total amount of fluid you need.
Should I take a multivitamin during my pregnancy?
Even women who plan carefully to eat healthy every day can be missing out on some important nutrients like folic acid, which helps prevent serious birth defects of your baby’s brain and spine. Those birth defects happen before most women know they are pregnant. To be certain that you are getting enough folic acid and other vitamins, it is helpful to take a daily multivitamin or prenatal vitamin, starting before you get pregnant. But, don’t overdo it—taking more than one multivitamin daily can be harmful.
How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?
You should gain weight gradually during your pregnancy, with most of the weight gained in the last trimester. Good rates of weight gain are about two to four pounds during the first three months of pregnancy and three to four pounds per month for the rest of the pregnancy. The average total weight gain should be about 25 to 30 pounds. But, the amount you gain might be slightly less or more, depending on your weight before you became pregnant and your height.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):
If you were underweight before becoming pregnant, you should gain between 28 and 40 pounds.
If you were overweight before becoming pregnant, you should gain between 15 and 25 pounds.
Check with your doctor to find out how much weight gain during pregnancy is healthy for you.
Recent research shows that women who gain more than the recommended amount during pregnancy and who fail to lose this weight within six months after giving birth are at much higher risk of being obese nearly 10 years later.
Total weight gained during pregnancy includes six to eight pounds for the weight of the baby. The remaining weight consists of a higher fluid volume, larger breasts, larger uterus, amniotic fluid, and the placenta. Make sure to visit your doctor throughout your pregnancy so he or she can check on your weight gain.
Is it hard to lose weight after pregnancy?
It can be hard to lose weight after you have your baby if you gained too much weight during pregnancy. During pregnancy, fat deposits can increase by more than one-third of the total amount you had before becoming pregnant. If weight gain during pregnancy is normal, most women lose this extra weight in the birth process and in the weeks and months after birth. Breastfeeding also can help to deplete the fat gained during pregnancy by helping the body to expend at least 500 more calories each day.
Should I avoid drinking alcohol while I am pregnant?
There is no safe time during pregnancy for you to drink alcohol. There is also no known safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. When you are pregnant and you drink beer, wine, hard liquor, or other alcoholic beverages, alcohol gets into your blood. The alcohol in your blood goes to your baby through the umbilical cord. When the alcohol enters the baby's body, it can slow down the baby’s growth, affect the baby’s brain, and cause birth defects. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Some people with FASD may have abnormal facial features and growth and central nervous system problems. People with FASD may have problems with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, and/or hearing. These problems often lead to problems in school and problems getting along with others. The effects of FASD last a lifetime. If you are pregnant and have been drinking alcohol, stop drinking now to protect your baby. If you need help to stop drinking, talk with your doctor or nurse.
Should I avoid caffeine while I am pregnant?

Caffeine is a stimulant found in colas, coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, and some over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Consumed in large quantities, caffeine can cause irritability, nervousness and insomnia as well as low birth-weight babies. Caffeine is also a diuretic and can dehydrate your body of valuable water. Some studies show that caffeine intake during pregnancy can harm the fetus. Until more is known, you should avoid caffeine. Caffeine is an ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Talk with your doctor before taking any drugs or medicines while pregnant.

Why do pregnant women crave certain foods?

The "pickles and ice cream" choices and other appetite cravings of pregnant women might be reflections of the changes in nutritional needs. The fetus needs nourishment, and the mother’s body begins to absorb and metabolize nutrients differently. These changes help ensure normal development of the baby and fill the demands of lactation, or breastfeeding, after the baby is born.

Do I really need to "eat for two?"
While you are pregnant, you will need additional nutrients to keep you and your baby healthy. But, that does not mean you need to eat twice as much. You should increase your caloric intake with only 300 calories per day. A baked potato has 120 calories, so getting those extra 300 calories should not be that hard.
Make sure not to restrict your diet during pregnancy. If you do, you might not get the right amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary to properly nourish your unborn baby. Low-calorie intake can cause a pregnant mother’s stored fat to break down, leading to the production of substances called ketones. Ketones, which can be found in the mother's blood and urine, are a sign of starvation or a starvation-like state. Constant production of ketones can result in a mentally retarded child.

What about diabetes and nutrition during pregnancy?

If you already have diabetes and would like to get pregnant, your chances of having a healthy baby are good. But, it’s important to plan your pregnancy and follow these steps:
Bring your diabetes under control before you get pregnant. Try to get your blood sugar under control three to six months before you get pregnant.
Keep your blood sugar under control during your pregnancy. Keep food, exercise, and insulin in balance. Talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian to help you follow a special meal plan. Remember, as your baby grows, your body changes, and these changes will affect your sugar levels. If your blood sugar rises too high, the increased sugar crossing into the placenta can result in a large, over-developed fetus with birth defects or an infant with blood sugar level problems.
Be sure to get enough of the B vitamin folic acid, every day. Women with diabetes might be at increased risk for having a baby with a serious birth defect. Getting enough folic acid each day can help reduce this risk.

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that begins during pregnancy and usually goes away after the birth of the baby. If you have gestational diabetes, this means that you have a high amount of sugar in your blood during pregnancy. This form of diabetes can be controlled through diet, medication, and exercise, but if left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause health problems for both you and your baby. If you develop gestational diabetes, your doctor will refer you to a registered dietitian who can help you with special meal plans to control your blood sugar.

Why do I get morning sickness and nausea, and what can I do about it?
Morning sickness and nausea are common problems for pregnant women. Most nausea occurs during the early part of pregnancy and, in most cases, will subside once you enter the second trimester. For some women, morning sickness and nausea might last longer than the early stages of pregnancy or even throughout the entire nine months.
The changes in your body might cause you to be nauseated or to vomit when you smell or eat certain things, when you are tired or stressed, or for no apparent reason at all. Nausea in early pregnancy is a condition that often can be managed by changing when and what you eat. Try these tips:

Eat smaller meals each day, such as six to eight small meals instead of three larger ones.
Avoid being without food for long periods of time.
Drink fluids between, but not with, meals.
Avoid foods that are greasy, fried, or highly spiced.
Avoid foul and unpleasant odors.
Rest when you are tired.

Severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is rare, but if it occurs, it can cause you to become dehydrated. If you feel that your nausea or vomiting is keeping you from eating right or gaining enough weight, talk with your doctor.

Health Tip: What to Eat During Morning Sickness

2008-12-02T05:02:00.000-08:00

Foods that can be eaten cold, including cold sandwiches, raw vegetables and fruits such as lemon or ginger, or cold salad. Don't use dressings, seasonings or condiments.
Foods that aren't too spicy or flavorful, such as plain soups and broths, or a plain baked potato.
Crackers or pretzels.
Jell-O or popsicles.
Peppermint tea.

Early pregnancy: Morning sickness, fatigue and other common symptoms

2008-12-02T04:57:00.000-08:00

Early pregnancy: Morning sickness, fatigue and other common symptoms

Early pregnancy has its share of discomforts. Some, such as mild nausea and fatigue, are almost universal. Others, including nosebleeds and bladder infections, are less common.

Soon after you conceive, your body begins a series of major changes that enable it to sustain your baby through 37 weeks of growth and development.

The glands of your endocrine system and placenta step up hormone production. Your blood volume increases and your uterus expands.
By the fourth month of pregnancy, you'll begin to feel much more like your old self, presumably because your body has adjusted somewhat to these dramatic changes. Until then, you can rest assured that first-trimester symptoms are almost always associated with normal pregnancies that have good outcomes. Morning sickness and the other ailments that occur around this time are almost always mild enough to manage on your own. Here's a rundown of the most common first-trimester symptoms.

Morning sickness

How common is it?Up to 70 percent of expectant mothers have nausea, sometimes with vomiting, early in pregnancy. Queasiness may be most noticeable in the morning, but it can occur at any time. Even if you aren't nauseated, you may develop aversions to certain foods, such as coffee and meat, partly because of their odors. As long as you continue to eat a healthy diet and get all the nutrients you need, food aversions aren't a cause for concern.

What causes it?The exact cause is unclear, but pregnancy hormones that relax the stomach may play a role.

How long does it last?It generally improves by the 13th or 14th week of pregnancy, but some women continue to feel queasy from time to time well into the second trimester.
How can you manage it?

Munch a few crackers before getting up in the morning.

Eat several small meals a day so that your stomach is never empty.
Avoid anything that causes nausea.

Drink plenty of liquids, especially if you've been vomiting. Try crushed ice, fruit juice or frozen ice pops if water upsets your stomach.

Try wearing a motion sickness band, which may relieve nausea by pressing on an acupressure point inside the wrist.

Suck on hard candy.

Try ginger, which has proved effective in combating morning sickness. Some ways to consume the spice include ginger soda or tea, gingersnaps or ginger in capsule form.

Constipation

How common is it?Constipation affects at least half of all pregnant women.

What causes it?An increase in the hormone progesterone, which slows the digestive process, is partly to blame. In addition, your colon absorbs more water, which tends to make stools harder and bowel movements more difficult.

How long does it last?Infrequent, difficult-to-pass stool can be a problem any time during pregnancy, but it may be worst in the first 13 to 14 weeks.

How can you manage it?

Try to eat on a regular schedule.

Drink plenty of liquids — at least eight to 10 glasses a day.

Get some exercise every day.

Eat high-fiber fruits, vegetables and grains such as whole wheat and oatmeal.
Try fiber supplements, such as psyllium powder, Metamucil, Konsyl, Fiberall or Citrucel. A mild laxative such as milk of magnesia is safe, but don't take any other laxative without discussing it with your doctor.

Dizziness or fainting

How common are they?Although exact numbers aren't available, perhaps as many as one in 20 women experiences some degree of lightheadedness during pregnancy. Contrary to what's often depicted in movies, pregnant women rarely faint.

What causes them?Pregnancy results in a dramatic dilation of the blood vessels of your body. In the first half of pregnancy, however, your blood volume may not have expanded enough to fill all of this space. The result is lower blood pressure. Two conditions that are common during pregnancy — low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and a low red blood cell count (anemia) — also can cause lightheadedness. The latter two causes may need medical attention.

How long do they last?Dizziness or fainting can occur at any time during pregnancy, but may be especially noticeable early in the second trimester, when your blood vessels have dilated in response to pregnancy hormones but your blood volume hasn't yet expanded to fill them.
How can you manage them?

Arise slowly as you get up from lying or sitting down.
Walk at a slower pace and take frequent rest breaks.

Avoid prolonged standing.

Instead of lying flat on your back, lie on your side. A pillow tucked under your abdomen may make this position more comfortable.

Guard against overheating. Saunas and hot tubs may increase the chance of fainting. Take cooler baths and showers, use air conditioning when needed, and avoid warm, crowded areas.
Stay physically active to improve blood circulation. Good activities include walking, water aerobics and prenatal yoga.

Drink plenty of fluids, particularly early in the day.

Eat iron-rich foods such as beans, red meat, green leafy vegetables and dried fruits to help your body get the iron needed to build red blood cells.
Fatigue
How common is it?Almost all women report increased fatigue and need for sleep in the first trimester.

What causes it?To carry oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, your body produces extra blood and your heart works harder and faster. These early pregnancy changes make enormous demands on your circulatory system. During this time, you're also producing higher levels of progesterone, which tends to make you sleepy. These may be factors producing the fatigue of early pregnancy.
How long does it last?Fatigue usually subsides by the second trimester, but may return in the third trimester when carrying the extra weight of the baby may be tiring.
How can you manage it?

Rest.

Take naps during the day or after work. If you need to go to bed at 7 p.m. to feel rested, do so. This is a symptom that has no solution other than sleep.
Avoid taking on extra responsibilities. Cut down on volunteer commitments and social events if they're wearing you out.

Ask for the support you need. Get your partner or children to help out as much as possible.
Exercise regularly. Moderate exercise, such as walking for 30 minutes a day, can help you feel more alert and energetic.

Eat foods rich in iron and protein.

Skimping on these nutrients can aggravate your fatigue. Foods rich in both iron and protein include red meat, seafood, poultry and eggs. Other good sources of iron include whole-grain or iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas.
Avoid stimulants. Avoid caffeine, which may be harmful in high doses. Any product marketed for relieving fatigue and enhancing wakefulness is unsafe in pregnancy.

Heartburn

How common is it?More than half of all pregnant women get heartburn, an uncomfortable sensation caused by the backward flow of stomach acids into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.

What causes it?Constipation, gas and heartburn are all effects of sluggish digestion, induced by pregnancy hormones. As pregnancy progresses, a second factor — the expansion of the uterus, which can push your stomach out of its normal position — also may contribute to heartburn.
How long does it last?Heartburn can be a problem at any time during pregnancy, but may be most noticeable during the third trimester.

How can you manage it?

Eat several small meals instead of two or three large ones. No matter how small the meal, eat slowly.

Avoid common heartburn triggers, such as fried foods, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, garlic and onion.
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Avoid coffee. Both regular and decaffeinated coffee may worsen heartburn.
Stay up for two to three hours after your evening meal. If your heartburn comes on when you recline, raise the head of your bed four to six inches.
Talk to your physician about using antacids or other medications that relieve heartburn. These products can be used safely in pregnancy, but your physician should know which ones you take and how often you take them.

Mood swings

How common are they?Although the incidence of mood swings is unknown, some women in the first trimester and again in the weeks before delivery may experience emotional fluctuations ranging from exhilaration and joy to irritation and depression.

What causes them?Nagging discomforts, hormonal changes and understandable anxiety about the future may all contribute to sudden shifts in your mood. You may feel better if you remind yourself that powerful emotions are normal and healthy. Simply recognizing that you're unusually moody can help you and those around you weather the storms.

How long do they last?Mood swings may occur at any time during pregnancy. If you've typically experienced premenstrual syndrome, you may have more extreme mood swings when you're pregnant.

How can you manage them?

Eat regular meals and snacks that include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

Get plenty of sleep.

Rely on your network of family and friends for support, but if you feel overwhelmed, contact your physician.

Try relaxation techniques such as meditation, guided mental imagery and progressive muscle relaxation.
Nasal problems: Snoring, congestion and nosebleeds
How common are they?Up to a quarter of pregnant women snore, compared with about 4 percent of women the same age who aren't pregnant. Nasal congestion and nosebleeds also are relatively common.
What causes them?As more blood flows to your body's mucous membranes, the lining of your nose and airway swells, which can restrict airflow and cause snoring, congestion and nosebleeds. Although snoring is usually just a nuisance, it can be associated with serious conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or a sleep disorder in which you stop breathing for short periods (sleep apnea). Women who snore during pregnancy are at higher risk of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure (preeclampsia).

How long do they last?Nasal problems can develop at any time during pregnancy.
How can you prevent snoring?

Sleep on your side rather than your back. Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft palate to rest against the back of your throat and block your airway.
Wear a nasal strip to open your nasal passages.

Avoid gaining more than the amount of weight your doctor recommends.
Vaginal discharge and vaginal infections

How common are they?An increase in vaginal discharge is essentially universal in pregnancy as a result of marked increase in the turnover of vaginal lining cells.
What causes them?The hormonally induced thickening of the vaginal wall can cause a thin, white and odorless discharge called leukorrhea. It's harmless and needs no treatment. Other types of discharge can be caused by bacterial or yeast infections. Bacterial vaginosis, for example, causes a foul-smelling, gray to greenish discharge. Signs and symptoms of a yeast infection include a thick, white and curd-like vaginal discharge, itching, burning and redness around the vagina and vulva, and painful urination. Neither a bacterial nor a yeast infection presents a direct hazard to your baby, and both can be treated during pregnancy. Yeast infections are more common due to the effect of pregnancy hormones on the vaginal environment. Bacterial vaginosis is no more frequent in pregnant women than in other sexually active women.
How long do they last?A whitish vaginal discharge will likely be present throughout pregnancy. If you have symptoms of itching, odor, burning or other vaginal discomfort, it may be an infection and should be evaluated and treated by your doctor.
Douching will not help the normal increase in vaginal discharge and could cause an infection in your uterus that could actually provoke the premature delivery of your baby. Never douche during pregnancy.

Other problems

Headaches are quite frequent in early pregnancy but are rarely serious. If you get an occasional headache, ask your physician about taking acetaminophen when the pain begins. Back pain is usually a problem of later pregnancy but may arise in the first trimester, especially if you have been pregnant before.
Urinary tract infections are somewhat more common in pregnancy and must be treated when they happen. Frequency of urination is very common in pregnancy as the expanding uterus exerts pressure on your bladder. Pain with urination may be a symptom of a urinary infection and should be promptly evaluated by your care provider.
Also call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
Moderate to heavy vaginal bleeding
Any amount of vaginal bleeding accompanied by pain, cramping fever or chills
Passing of tissue

A severe or persistent headache, especially with dizziness, faintness, nausea or vomiting, or visual disturbance
Moderate or severe pelvic pain

Any degree of pelvic pain that doesn't subside within four hours
Pain with fever or bleeding
Vomiting with pain or fever

Chills or fever (102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
Your morning sickness, day and evening sleepiness, heartburn and other early symptoms are strong reminders that your body is supporting your baby's growth and development. If you get enough rest and do what you can to stay comfortable, you and your baby will thrive throughout your pregnancy.

Pregnancy Sleep Tips

2008-12-02T04:54:00.000-08:00

During my first pregnancy, as morning sickness and the reality of of the exhaustion set in, I couldn't stay awake. I would literally get up at 9 a.m., work for 2 hours, and come home and go back to sleep until early evening. Eat dinner and hit the hay for the night.
The second trimester brought some relief to both the exhaustion and the morning sickness, but presented new problems, namely aches and pains. However, at this stage it wasn't anything that a few pillows couldn't cure.
At the end of my pregnancy our bed looked like a pillow factory; my husband could rarely fit in our bed with me and the pillows, and I would lie awake at night for long periods of time.
These scenarios aren't very different for pregnant women any where, though there are different types of problems with sleep in pregnancy.
First Trimester
At this point your mind and your body can play a tug of war with your sleep. Your body may be forcing you into naps that you aren't used to or don't want. On the other hand your mind may be whirring at top speed and keeping you awake, or even more likely refusing to let you fall asleep after one of your nightly trips to the bathroom.
Second Trimester
This trimester might be your best chance for sleep! Your body isn't aching too badly yet and your mind has settled down as the pregnancy is accepted.
Three Trimester
Many people will tell you that the lack of sleep in the third trimester is merely a way to prepare for some of the endless nights that lie ahead. Dealing with the aches and pains, your bladder constantly calling and the thoughts that begin to invade your mind about parenting and labor and birth can wreck your sleeping pattern. Sometimes women will also begin snoring during the last trimester. This is normal and will usually go away after the birth.
Finding a comfortable position is probably a big challenge right now. Back and belly sleepers are having a particularly hard time dealing with life at night. While there are commercial products available to aid you in sleeping on your belly, I've not talked to anyone who has used one. There are wedges that are sold as special pillows. Although the best thing I bought was a body length pillow, which you can find at nearly any department or discount department store.
Tips:
Regular exercise, but not close to bed time, will help you sleep and help with energy levels.
Avoid meals close to bed, particularly if heartburn is a problem for you.
Pillows! Use them where ever you need them: between your knees for aching hips, under your belly for support, behind your back, and under your head.
Nap when you can, though this can be difficult with other children around. I learned to nap on the couch while my daughter played with her blocks quietly. Enlist the help of family if needed.
Sleep in or head to bed early.
Try relaxation before bed. A warm bath or a warm glass of milk.
If you wake up in the middle of the night or have trouble falling asleep don't just lie there. Get up for a bit and read or do something not too stimulating.
If leg cramps wake you up at night try stretching prior to going to bed to avoid them.
Doing pelvic tilts before laying down will allow you a few extra minutes between bathroom breaks at night.

Why Can Sleeping Be Difficult During Pregnancy?

2008-12-02T04:48:00.000-08:00

Why Can Sleeping Be Difficult During Pregnancy?

The first and most pressing reason behind sleep problems during pregnancy is the increasing size of the fetus, which can make it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position. If you've always been a back or stomach sleeper, you might have trouble getting used to sleeping on your side (as doctors recommend). Also, shifting around in bed becomes more difficult as the pregnancy progresses and your size increases.
Other common physical symptoms may interfere with sleep as well:
the frequent urge to urinate: Your kidneys are working harder to filter the increased volume of blood (30% to 50% more than you had before pregnancy) moving through your body, and this filtering process results in more urine. Also, as your baby grows and the uterus gets bigger, the pressure on your bladder increases. This means more trips to the bathroom, day and night. The number of nighttime trips may be greater if your baby is particularly active at night.
increased heart rate: Your heart rate increases during pregnancy to pump more blood, and as more of your blood supply goes to the uterus, your heart will be working harder to send sufficient blood to the rest of your body.
shortness of breath: At first, your breathing may be affected by the increase in pregnancy hormones, which will cause you to breathe in more deeply. This might make you feel as if you're working harder to get air. Later on, breathing may feel more difficult as your enlarging uterus takes up more space, resulting in pressure against your diaphragm (the muscle just below your lungs).
leg cramps and backaches: Pains in your legs or back are caused in part by the extra weight you're carrying. During pregnancy, the body also produces a hormone called relaxin, which helps prepare the body for childbirth. One of the effects of relaxin is the loosening of ligaments throughout the body, making pregnant women less stable and more prone to injury, especially in their backs.
heartburn and constipation: Many women experience heartburn, which occurs when the stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus. During pregnancy, the entire digestive system slows down and food tends to remain in the stomach and intestines longer, which may cause heartburn or constipation. Heartburn and constipation can both get worse later on in the pregnancy when the growing uterus presses on the stomach or the large intestine.
Your sleep problems may have other causes as well. Many pregnant women report that their dreams become more vivid than usual, and some even experience nightmares. Stress can interfere with sleep, too. Maybe you're worried about your baby's health, anxious about your abilities as a parent, or feeling nervous about the delivery itself. All of these feelings are normal, but they might keep you (and your partner) up at night.
Finding a Good Sleeping Position
Early in your pregnancy, try to get into the habit of sleeping on your side. Lying on your side with your knees bent is likely to be the most comfortable position as your pregnancy progresses. It also makes your heart's job easier because it keeps the baby's weight from applying pressure to the large vein (called the inferior vena cava) that carries blood back to the heart from your feet and legs.
Some doctors specifically recommend that pregnant women sleep on the left side. Because your liver is on the right side of your abdomen, lying on your left side helps keep the uterus off that large organ. Sleeping on the left side also improves circulation to the heart and allows for the best blood flow to the fetus, uterus, and kidneys. Ask what your doctor recommends — in most cases, lying on either side should do the trick and help take some pressure off your back.
But don't drive yourself crazy worrying that you might roll over onto your back during the night. Shifting positions is a natural part of sleeping that you can't control. Most likely, during the third trimester of your pregnancy, your body won't shift into the back-sleeping position anyway because it will be too uncomfortable.
If you do shift onto your back and the baby's weight presses on your inferior vena cava, the discomfort will probably wake you up. See what your doctor recommends about this; he or she may suggest that you use a pillow to keep yourself propped up on one side.
Try experimenting with pillows to discover a comfortable sleeping position. Some women find that it helps to place a pillow under their abdomen or between their legs. Also, using a bunched-up pillow or rolled-up blanket at the small of your back may help to relieve some pressure. In fact, you'll find that there are many "pregnancy pillows" on the market. If you're thinking about purchasing one, talk with your doctor first about which one might work for you.
Tips for Sleeping Success
Although they might seem appealing when you're feeling desperate to get some ZZZs, remember that over-the-counter sleep aids, including herbal remedies, are not recommended for pregnant women. Instead, the following pointers may safely improve your chances of getting a good night's sleep:
Cut out caffeinated drinks like soda, coffee, and tea from your diet as much as possible. Restrict any intake of them to the morning or early afternoon.
Avoid drinking a lot of fluids or eating a full meal within a few hours of going to bed at night. (But make sure that you also get plenty of nutrients and liquids throughout the day.) Some women find it helpful to eat more at breakfast and lunch and then have a smaller dinner. If nausea is keeping you up, you may want to eat a few crackers before you go to bed.
Get into a routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
Avoid rigorous exercise right before you go to bed. Instead, do something relaxing, like soaking in a warm bath for 15 minutes or having a warm, caffeine-free drink, such as milk with honey or a cup of herbal tea.
If a leg cramp awakens you, it may help to press your feet hard against the wall or to stand on the leg. Also, make sure that you're getting enough calcium in your diet, which can help reduce leg cramps.
Take a class in yoga or learn other relaxation techniques to help you unwind after a busy day. (Be sure to discuss any new activity or fitness regimen with your doctor first.)
If fear and anxiety are keeping you awake, consider enrolling in a childbirth or parenting class. More knowledge and the company of other pregnant women may help to ease the fears that are keeping you awake at night.

What to Do When You Can't Sleep

Of course, there are bound to be times when you just can't sleep. Instead of tossing and turning, worrying that you're not asleep, and counting the hours until your alarm clock will go off, get up and do something: read a book, listen to music, watch TV, catch up on letters or email, or pursue some other activity you enjoy. Eventually, you'll probably feel tired enough to get back to sleep.
And if possible, take short naps (30 to 60 minutes) during the day to make up for lost sleep. It won't be long before your baby will be setting the sleep rules in your house, so you might as well get used to sleeping in spurts!

What position is safest to sleep in while pregnant?

2008-12-02T04:45:00.000-08:00

What position is safest to sleep in while pregnant?

Sleeping on your back while pregnant can create pressure on a major vein called the inferior vena cava. This vein returns blood from the lower body to your heart. This may lead to lightheadedness and/or numbness. In addition this may cause pressure on your back and intestines, leading to discomfort.
Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended because it can cause pressure on the fetus.
Most physicians recommend that a woman sleep on her left side while pregnant. this allows for the maximum blood flow to the baby, and it will also improve kidney function for the mother. The improved kidney flow will help to reduce swelling. Because your liver is on the right side of your body, sleeping on your left will keep the pressure off your liver.
Early in pregnancy, you should attempt to get into the habit of side sleeping. Typically the most comfortable position is with your knees bent. You may wish to place a pillow between your knees to sleep more comfortably.
The best sleeping position for a pregnant woman is on her side, especially the left side, because it allows for maximum blood flow to the fetus and improves kidney function in the mother. Improved kidney flow helps to reduce any swelling. Placing a pillow between the knees can help a pregnant woman sleep more comfortably on her side. Also, using a bunched-up pillow or rolled-up blanket at the small of your back may help to relieve some pressure.
It is not uncommon to roll onto your back during the night. Shifting positions is a perfectly natural part of sleep. If you do shift it is possible that the baby's weight may press on the inferior vena cava, causing discomfort and waking you up.

Why It's Important to Eat Well When You're Pregnant

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To eat well during pregnancy you must do more than simply increase how much you eat. You must also consider what you eat. Although you need about 300 extra calories a day — especially later in your pregnancy, when your baby grows quickly — those calories should come from nutritious foods so they can contribute to your baby's growth and development.
Why It's Important to Eat Well When You're Pregnant
Do you wonder how it's reasonable to gain 25 to 35 pounds (on average) during your pregnancy when a newborn baby weighs only a fraction of that? Although it varies from woman to woman, this is how those pounds may add up:

7.5 pounds: average baby's weight
7 pounds: extra stored protein, fat, and other nutrients
4 pounds: extra blood
4 pounds: other extra body fluids
2 pounds: breast enlargement
2 pounds: enlargement of your uterus
2 pounds: amniotic fluid surrounding your baby
1.5 pounds: the placenta

Of course, patterns of weight gain during pregnancy vary. It's normal to gain less if you start out heavier and more if you're having twins or triplets — or if you were underweight before becoming pregnant. More important than how much weight you gain is what makes up those extra pounds.
When you're pregnant, what you eat and drink is the main source of nourishment for your baby. In fact, the link between what you consume and the health of your baby is much stronger than once thought. That's why doctors now say, for example, that no amount of alcohol consumption should be considered safe during pregnancy.
The extra food you eat shouldn't just be empty calories — it should provide the nutrients your growing baby needs. For example, calcium helps make and keep bones and teeth strong. While you're pregnant, you still need calcium for your body, plus extra calcium for your developing baby. Similarly, you require more of all the essential nutrients than you did before you became pregnant.
A Nutrition Primer for Expectant Mothers
Whether or not you're pregnant, a healthy diet includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and plenty of water. The U.S. government publishes dietary guidelines that can help you determine how many servings of each kind of food to eat every day. Eating a variety of foods in the proportions indicated is a good step toward staying healthy.
Food labels can tell you what kinds of nutrients are in the foods you eat. The letters RDA, which you find on food labeling, stand for recommended daily allowance, or the amount of a nutrient recommended for your daily diet. When you're pregnant, the RDAs for most nutrients are higher.
Here are some of the most common nutrients you need and the foods that contain them:
Nutrient
Needed for
Best sources
Protein
cell growth and blood production
lean meat, fish, poultry, egg whites, beans, peanut butter, tofu
Carbohydrates
daily energy production
breads, cereals, rice, potatoes, pasta, fruits, vegetables
Calcium
strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, nerve function
milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines or salmon with bones, spinach

Iron
red blood cell production (needed to prevent anemia)
lean red meat, spinach, iron-fortified whole-grain breads and cereals

Vitamin A
healthy skin, good eyesight, growing bones
carrots, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes

Vitamin C
healthy gums, teeth, and bones; assistance with iron absorption
citrus fruit, broccoli, tomatoes, fortified fruit juices
Vitamin B6
red blood cell formation; effective use of protein, fat, and carbohydrates
pork, ham, whole-grain cereals, bananas
Vitamin B12
formation of red blood cells, maintaining nervous system health
meat, fish, poultry, milk(Note: vegetarians who don't eat dairy products need supplemental B12)

Vitamin D

healthy bones and teeth; aids absorption of calcium
fortified milk, dairy products, cereals, and breads
Folic acid
blood and protein production, effective enzyme function
green leafy vegetables, dark yellow fruits and vegetables, beans, peas, nuts
Fat
body energy stores

meat, whole-milk dairy products, nuts, peanut butter, margarine, vegetable oils(Note: limit fat intake to 30% or less of your total daily calorie intake)
Scientists know that your diet can affect your baby's health — even before you become pregnant. For example, recent research shows that folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects (including spina bifida) from occurring during the earliest stages of fetal development — so it's important for you to consume plenty of it before you become pregnant and during the early weeks of your pregnancy.
Even though lots of foods, particularly breakfast cereals, are fortified with folic acid, doctors now encourage women to take folic acid supplements before and throughout pregnancy (especially for the first 28 days). Be sure to ask your doctor about folic acid if you're considering becoming pregnant.
Calcium is another important nutrient for pregnant women. Because your growing baby's calcium demands are high, you should increase your calcium consumption to prevent a loss of calcium from your own bones. Your doctor will also likely prescribe prenatal vitamins for you, which contain some extra calcium.
Your best food sources of calcium are milk and other dairy products. However, if you have lactose intolerance or dislike milk and milk products, ask your doctor about a calcium supplement. (Signs of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, bloating, or gas after eating milk or milk products. Taking a lactase capsule or pill, or using lactose-free milk products may help.) Other calcium-rich foods include sardines or salmon with bones, tofu, broccoli, spinach, and calcium-fortified juices and foods.

Doctors don't usually recommend starting a strict vegan diet when you become pregnant. However, if you already follow a vegetarian diet, you can continue to do so during your pregnancy — but do it carefully. Be sure your doctor knows about your diet. It's challenging to get the nutrition you need if you don't eat fish and chicken, or milk, cheese, or eggs. You'll likely need supplemental protein and may also need to take vitamin B12 and D supplements. To ensure that you and your baby receive adequate nutrition, consult a registered dietitian for help with planning meals.

Food Cravings During Pregnancy

You've probably known women who craved specific foods during pregnancy, or perhaps you've had such cravings yourself. Researchers have tried to determine whether a hunger for a particular type of food indicates that a woman's body lacks the nutrients that food contains. Although this isn't the case, it's still unclear why these urges occur.

Some pregnant women crave chocolate, spicy foods, fruits, and comfort foods, such as mashed potatoes, cereals, and toasted white bread. Other women crave non-food items, such as clay and cornstarch. The craving and eating of non-food items is known as pica. Consuming things that aren't food can be dangerous to both you and your baby. If you have urges to eat non-food items, notify your doctor.
But following your cravings is fine, as long as you crave foods and these foods contribute to a healthy diet. Frequently, these cravings diminish about 3 months into the pregnancy.

Food and Drinks to Avoid During Pregnancy

As mentioned earlier, avoid alcohol. No level of alcohol consumption is considered safe during pregnancy. Also, check with your doctor before you take any vitamins or herbal products. Some of these can be harmful to the developing fetus.
And although many doctors feel that one or two 6- to 8-ounce cups per day of coffee, tea, or soda with caffeine won't harm your baby, it's probably wise to avoid caffeine altogether if you can. High caffeine consumption has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, so limit your intake or switch to decaffeinated products.
When you're pregnant, it's also important to avoid food-borne illnesses, such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis which can be life-threatening to an unborn baby and may cause birth defects or miscarriage. Foods you'll want to steer clear of include:

soft, unpasteurized cheeses (often advertised as "fresh") such as feta, goat, Brie, Camembert, and blue cheese
unpasteurized milk, juices, and apple cider
raw eggs or foods containing raw eggs, including mousse and tiramisu
raw or undercooked meats, fish, or shellfish
processed meats such as hot dogs and deli meats (these should be well-cooked)
fish that are high in mercury, including shark, swordfish, king mackeral, or tilefish
If you've eaten these foods at some point during your pregnancy, try not to worry too much about it now; just avoid them for the remainder of the pregnancy. If you're really concerned, talk to your doctor.

About Fish. Fish and shellfish can be an extremely healthy part of your pregnancy diet — they contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, and are high in protein and low in saturated fat. But limit the types of fish you eat while pregnant because some contain high levels of mercury, which can cause damage to the developing nervous system of a fetus. Mercury, which occurs naturally in the environment, is also released into the air through industrial pollution and can accumulate in streams and oceans, where it turns into methylmercury. The methylmercury builds up in fish, especially those that eat other fish.

Because canned albacore (or white) tuna and tuna steaks are generally considered to be higher in mercury than canned light tuna, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you eat no more than 6 ounces a week. A 2006 review by Consumer Reports, though, showed that some canned light tuna can contain levels of mercury even higher than that of white tuna. But the FDA maintains that the levels are safe if consumption of the fish is limited, and that the current recommendations should stand.

It can be confusing when recommendations from trusted sources differ. But since this analysis indicates that amounts of mercury in tuna may be higher than previously reported, some women may want to eliminate tuna from their diet while pregnant or when trying to become pregnant. Almost all fish and shellfish contain small amounts of mercury, but you can safely eat those with consistently low mercury levels (like salmon, shrimp, clams, and tilapia). Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about how much — and which fish — you can eat.

Managing Some Common Problems

Because the iron in prenatal vitamins and other factors may cause constipation during pregnancy, try to consume more fiber than you did before you became pregnant. Try to eat about 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day. Your best sources are fresh fruits and vegetables and whole-grain breads, cereals, or muffins.
Some people also use fiber tablets or drinks or other high-fiber products available at pharmacies and grocery stores, but check with your doctor before trying them. (Don't use laxatives while you're pregnant unless your doctor advises you to do so. And avoid the old wives' remedy — castor oil — because it can actually interfere with your body's ability to absorb nutrients.)

If constipation is a problem for you, your doctor may prescribe a stool softener. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, when increasing fiber intake, or you can make your constipation worse. One of the best ways to avoid constipation is to get more exercise. You should also drink plenty of water between meals each day to help soften your stools and move food through your digestive system. Sometimes hot tea, soups, or broth can help. Also, keep dried fruits handy for snacking.
Some pregnant women find that broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and fried foods give them heartburn or gas. You can plan a balanced diet to avoid these foods. Carbonated drinks also cause gas or heartburn for some women, although others find they calm the digestive system.
If you're frequently nauseated, eat small amounts of bland foods, like toast or crackers, throughout the day. If nothing else sounds good, try cereal with milk or a sweet piece of fruit. To help combat nausea, you can also:
Take your prenatal vitamin before going to bed after you've eaten a snack — not on an empty stomach.

Eat a small snack when you get up to go to the bathroom early in the morning.
Suck on hard candy.

How to Know If You're Eating Well During Pregnancy
The key is to eat foods from the different food groups in approximately the recommended proportions. If nausea or lack of appetite cause you to eat less at times, don't worry — it's unlikely to cause fetal harm because your baby gets first crack at the nutrients you consume. And although it's generally recommended that a woman of normal weight gain approximately 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy (most gain 4 to 6 pounds during the first trimester and 1 pound a week during the second and third trimesters), don't fixate on the scale. Instead, focus on eating a good variety and balance of nutritious foods to keep both you and your baby healthy

When to have a baby?

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A pregnancy should be planned whenever a married couple wants to begin a family. Sometimes with today?s hectic life style and high ambitions, the planning of a pregnancy may be delayed significantly. A pregnancy or child may not go well with education, a career option or an opportunity to travel or migrate abroad. Many a times because of these uncertainties a pregnancy is delayed for many years after marriage. Medically speaking the best age for women to have children is between 20 ? 25years.Most of the times no problems are expected up to 30 years of age. Fertility starts declining after the age of 30 years and quite rapidly after the age of 35years. Hardly any pregnancies are reported after 40years of age without assisted conception.

Is medical check up before pregnancy a must?

A young woman in general good health may not need a medical check up. However it would be good to have certain blood tests done before pregnancy and correct any problem if detected. Anemia, lack of oxygen carrying capacity of blood is a very common problem in young women and all pregnancies should begin with a normal maternal (hemoglobin) Hb. Other tests include a complete urine examination, a random blood sugar test, blood group and screening for sexually transmitted diseases.

All women should be vaccinated against tetanus, hepatitis and rubella in childhood itself. Rubella vaccine should be taken at least 3 months before pregnancy if already not taken as part of MMR in childhood. Rubella infection (a mild flue like disease) if occurs during pregnancy can lead to malformation in the baby. This can be prevented by taking rubella vaccine before pregnancy. Vaccination against hepatitis and tetanus prevent transmission of these diseases during child birth.

Exercise

There is no problem in carrying out regular exercise, gym, yoga or sports while trying to conceive. These activities do not interfere with chances of conception or lead to early abortions. Light activity can even be continued during early pregnancy also but vigorous exercise should be avoided after missing the menses.
Supplements

Daily Folic acid (5 mg) supplements taken 3 month before pregnancy reduces the chances of neural tube defects in the baby. During pregnancy iron and calcium will also be required.
Best period to conceive

The normal menstrual cycle is of 28 ? 30 days. Ovulation or release of egg in women occurs between days 12 ? 14. Thus the best period to conceive is in the middle of cycle. In irregular cycles it is not possible to predict the day of ovulation. In one cycle the chances of conception are 20% - 30%. A normal fertile couple may take one year to conceive. So do not start worrying too early.

A pregnancy is the most wonderful experience of life and you should enjoy it to the fullest.

Planning a pregnancy? Things to do before you conceive

2008-11-13T02:53:00.000-08:00

Planning a pregnancy? Things to do before you conceive

Most women know they need to care for their health during pregnancy - but did
you know you can protect the health of your baby before you conceive? Eating the
right food before - as well as during - pregnancy, for instance, can help prevent
some birth defects. So can making sure you’re immune to rubella (German measles),
a common disease which can cause serious problems to unborn babies. If
you use tobacco, alcohol or other non-prescription drugs, give them up when
you’re planning to conceive rather than wait until you’re certain you’re pregnant.
By that time the baby may be six weeks old or more - time enough to have been
exposed to these drugs.

What you should know about rubella (German measles)

Rubella is an infectious disease which can cause serious birth defects in unborn
babies if the mother becomes infected. Around 90 per cent of babies whose mothers
contract rubella during the first eight to ten weeks of pregnancy will be seriously
affected. The baby’s hearing, sight and brain can be harmed, and the risk of
miscarriage and stillbirth is increased.

Making sure you’re immune to rubella before you become pregnant is really important.
A simple blood test can tell if you have immunity. If you don’t, you can be immunised
against the disease - but this must be done before pregnancy. If you’re a
woman of childbearing age and you haven’t been immunised yet, please ask your
doctor for the vaccine well before you consider becoming pregnant. When you
have your baby, it is recommended that you arrange for the baby to be immunised
for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) at 12 months. This is followed by a second
injection of MMR at the age of four.

What you should know about whooping cough

Whooping cough is a highly infectious disease spread by coughing or sneezing.
Epidemics occur every three to four years and babies can become infected and
die before they are old enough to be vaccinated (at 8 weeks of age). It is important
that you and your husband are vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping
cough well before you consider becoming pregnant. Please ask your doctor for
an adult whooping cough vaccine (Boostrix).

Good food for a healthy pregnancy

Are you eating plenty of leafy green vegetables, oranges, orange juice (especially
freshly squeezed juice), wholegrain breads, rice, pasta or other cereals, and
cooked dried peas, beans or lentils? Bananas and nuts are also good. These all
contain an important B vitamin for women called folate. Doctors now know that
lack of this vitamin contributes to serious birth defects called neural tube defects
which, each year, affect thousands of babies worldwide. Lack of folate is thought
to affect the baby’s development, causing serious (sometimes fatal) brain and
spine problems. Any woman planning a pregnancy should eat folate-rich foods
and take a 0.5mg folic acid tablet daily for at least one month before pregnancy,

Time to conceive a baby

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Are we ready for a baby yet? When is the best time to make a baby? Is my diet okay for my baby-to-be? Am I exercising enough…? mothersbliss™ has answers to all your concerns!
The pregnancy planning part of our site is organised into four sections: Contraception; Conception; Failure to conceive; and Health issues. Each section has a vast amount of information enabling you to make informed decisions when planning your family.
An important part of planning a baby is knowing what to do and when to do it. We can help you with your goal to get pregnant with our pre-pregnancy checklist.

Contraception

When is the right time to come off contraception and how will it affect me and my baby? What happens if I become pregnant whilst taking contraception and have an unplanned pregnancy? How does the pill affect male fertility and our ability to conceive in later generations?
Conception

The miracle of birth starts at conception, nature has created a series of events that are fully explained in these pages. Starting with the release of your egg: ovulation, then fertilisation, and completing the cycle with the embedding of the egg in your womb. Discover how you can influence the sex of your baby, and the importance of folic acid in the reduction of risk

Failure to conceive

There may be a number of reasons causing difficulty or failure to conceive, including: low sperm count; age issues; stress and others.
There is even hope for women who have cervical cancer being able to conceive.
Your health
Your health is an important factor not only during pregnancy but prior to conception as well. This section provides advice and tips on: your diet; Smoking and Drinking; exercise; stress

What to Eat While Pregnant

2008-11-13T02:40:00.000-08:00

What you eat right before and during your pregnancy can affect the health of your growing baby. Even before you start trying to get pregnant, you should take special care of your health. Eat healthy meals and snacks and take a multivitamin every day. If you're unsure about eating healthy during pregnancy, talk to your doctor.

Do I really need to "eat for two?"

While you are pregnant, you will need additional nutrients to keep you and your baby healthy. But, that does not mean you need to eat twice as much. You should only eat an extra 300 calories per day. A baked potato has 120 calories. So getting these extra 300 calories doesn't take a lot of food.

Make sure not to restrict your diet during pregnancy either. If you do, your unborn baby might not get the right amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Low-calorie diets can break down a pregnant woman's stored fat. This can lead to the production of substances called ketones. Ketones can be found in the mother's blood and urine and are a sign of starvation. Constant production of ketones can result in a mentally retarded child.

How should my diet change now that I'm pregnant?

If you are eating a healthy diet before you become pregnant, you may only need to make a few changes to meet the special nutritional needs of pregnancy. According to the American Dietetic Association (ADA), a pregnant woman needs only 300 calories a day more than she did pre-pregnancy. The ADA recommends that pregnant women eat a total of 2,500 to 2,700 calories every day. These calories should come from a variety of healthy foods.

But what pregnant women eat is more important than how much. A pregnant woman needs more of many important vitamins, minerals and nutrients than she did pre-pregnancy. To get enough nutrients, pregnant women should take a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin and eat healthy foods from the four basic food groups everyday including:

Fruits and Vegetables — Pregnant women should try to eat 7 or more servings of fruits and vegetables combined (for example: 3 servings of fruit and 4 of vegetables) daily.

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables with vitamin C help you and your baby to have healthy gums and other tissues. Vitamin C also helps your body to heal wounds and to absorb iron. Examples of fruits and vegetables with vitamin C include strawberries, melons, oranges, papaya, tomatoes, peppers, greens, cabbage, and broccoli. Fruits and vegetables also add fiber and minerals to your diet and give you energy. Plus, dark green vegetables have vitamin A, iron, and folate, which are important nutrients during pregnancy.

One Serving Fruit = 1 medium apple, 1 medium banana, 1/2 cup of chopped fruit, 3/4 cup of fruit juice One Serving Vegetable = 1 cup raw leafy vegetables, 1/2 cup of other vegetables (raw or cooked), 3/4 cup vegetable juice

Whole-grains or Enriched Breads/Cereals — Pregnant women should eat 6 to 9 servings of whole-grain or enriched breads and/or cereals every day.

Whole-grain products and enriched products like bread, rice, pasta, and breakfast cereals contain iron, B vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Some breakfast cereals are enriched with 100% of the folic acid your body needs every day. Folic acid has been shown to help prevent some serious birth defects. Eating breakfast cereals and other enriched grain products that contain folic acid is important before and during pregnancy.

One Serving Cereal/Bread = 1 slice bread, 1/2 cup of cooked cereal, rice, or pasta, 1 cup ready-to-eat cereal
Dairy Products — Pregnant women should try to eat 4 or more servings of low-fat or non-fat milk, yogurt, cheese or other dairy products every day.
Dairy products provide the calcium you and your baby need for strong bones and teeth. Dairy products are also great sources of vitamin A and D, protein, and B vitamins. Vitamin A helps growth, fight infection, and vision. Pregnant women need 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day. If you are 18 or younger, you need 1,300 mg of calcium each day.
Try to eat low-fat or non-fat milk and milk products to lower your fat intake. Other sources of calcium include dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas, nuts and seeds, and tofu. If you are lactose intolerant or can't digest dairy products, you can still get enough calcium. There are several low-lactose or reduced-lactose products available. In some cases, your doctor might recommend a calcium supplement.

One Serving Dairy = 1 cup of milk or yogurt, 1 1/2 oz. natural cheese, 2 oz. processed cheese
Proteins — Pregnant women and their growing babies need 10 grams of protein more than non-pregnant women. Pregnant women should eat 60 grams of protein every day.
Two or more 2-3 ounce servings of cooked lean meat, fish, or poultry without skin, or two or more 1 ounce servings of cooked meat contain about 60 grams of protein. Eggs, nuts, dried beans, and peas also are good sources of protein. But don't rush out and buy high protein drinks! Women in the United States regularly eat more protein than they need. So you probably won't have to make an effort to eat the needed 60 grams of protein a day.
These can make you sick and may harm your baby. Pregnant women should also avoid deli luncheon meats.
Protein builds muscle, tissue, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies for you and your baby. Protein-rich foods also have B vitamins and iron important for your blood.
One Serving Protein = 2-3oz. of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish, 1 oz. meat also = 1/2 cup cooked dried beans, 1 egg, 1/2 cup tofu, 1/3 cup nuts, 2 T. peanut butter
What other nutrients do I need for a healthy pregnancy?
Folic acid: Pregnant women need 400 micrograms (400 mcg) of folic acid every day to help prevent birth defects.
Folic acid is important for any woman who could possibly become pregnant. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps prevent serious birth defects of a baby's brain or spine called neural tube defects. Getting enough folic acid can also help prevent birth defects like cleft lip and congenital heart disease.

folic acid is most important very early in pregnancy, usually before a woman knows she is pregnant. So, at least one month before you try to become pregnant you should make sure you're getting enough folic acid. Women who are already pregnant need to get enough folic acid every single day.

An easy way to get enough folic acid is to take a multivitamin every day. Most multivitamins sold in the U.S. contain enough folic acid for the day. But be sure to check the label! Choose a multivitamin that contains 400 mcg or 100% of the Daily Value (DV) for folic acid.
Another way to get enough folic acid is to eat a serving of breakfast cereal that contains 100% DV for folic acid, every day. Check the nutrition label on the box of cereal to be sure. It should say "100%" next to folic acid. Orange juice, spinach and legumes are also good sources of folic acid.
Iron: Pregnant women need twice as much iron — 30 mg per day — than other women.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women start taking a low-dose iron supplement (30 mg/day) or a multivitamin with iron beginning at the time of their first prenatal visit. Ask your doctor what she recommends. Prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor or those you can buy over-the-counter usually have the amount of iron you need. But be sure to check the label to make sure. Pregnant women should also eat lots of iron-rich foods. Some good sources of iron include lean red meat, fish, poultry, dried fruits, whole-grain breads, and iron-fortified cereals.
Pregnant women need extra iron for the increased amount of blood in their bodies. Iron helps keep your blood healthy. Plus, your baby will store iron in his body to last through the first few months of life.
Too little iron can cause a condition called anemia. If you have anemia, you might look pale and feel very tired. Your doctor checks for signs of anemia with the routine blood tests taken at different stages of your pregnancy. If your doctor finds that you have anemia, she will give you a special iron supplements to take once or twice a day.
Calcium: Pregnant women aged 19 to 50 years should get 1,000 mg/day of calcium. Younger pregnant women need even more — 1300 mg/day.
Most women in the U.S. don't eat enough calcium. So many pregnant women will have to change their diets to get their fill of this important mineral. Low-fat or non-fat milk, yogurt, cheese or other dairy products are great sources of calcium. Eating green leafy vegetables and calcium-fortified foods like orange juice and breakfast cereal can also provide calcium. If your diet is not providing 1,000 mg/day of calcium, talk to your doctor about taking a calcium supplement.
Water: Pregnant women should drink at least six eight-ounce glasses of water per day. Plus, pregnant women should drink another glass of water for each hour of activity.
Water plays a key role in your diet during pregnancy. It carries the nutrients from the food you eat to your baby. It also helps prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, excessive swelling, and urinary tract or bladder infections. Drinking enough water, especially in your last trimester, prevents you from becoming dehydrated. Not getting enough water can lead to premature or early labor.
Juices also contain water. But juice also has a lot of calories that can cause you to gain extra weight. Coffee, soft drinks, and teas with caffeine actually reduce the amount of fluid in your body. So caffeinated drinks do not count towards the total amount of water you need every day.
Should I take a multivitamin during my pregnancy?
Yes. Most doctors recommend that pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant take a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin every day. This ensures that you and your baby get enough important nutrients like folic acid. Folic acid helps prevent serious birth defects of your baby's brain and spine. These birth defects often happen before most women know they are pregnant.
Even women who plan carefully to eat healthy every day sometimes fail to get important nutrients. Taking a daily multivitamin or prenatal vitamin will guarantee you daily dose of needed nutrients. But don't overdo it. Taking more than one multivitamin daily can be harmful.
Should I eat fish when I'm pregnant?
Fish and shellfish can be part of a healthy diet. They are a great source of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. But almost all fish and shellfish contain a harmful substance called mercury.
Mercury mainly gets into our bodies by the fish we eat. Only high levels of this metal seem to be harmful to developing babies. So the risk of mercury in fish and shellfish depends on the amount and type you eat.
By following some tips you can get the healthy protein and omega-3 fatty acids in fish and avoid mercury. Use these guidelines:
Do NOT eat any shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish (also called golden or white snapper) because these fish have high levels of mercury.
Do not eat more than six ounces of "white" or "albacore" tuna or tuna steak each week.
Do not eat more than 2 servings or 12 ounces total of fish per week.
Choose shrimp, salmon, pollock, catfish, or "light" tuna as they contain less mercury.
And visit the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition for more INFORMATION

How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends an average weight gain of 25 to 30 pounds during pregnancy. But the amount of weight you should gain depends on your weight before you became pregnant and your height.

According to ACOG:

If you were underweight before becoming pregnant, you should gain between 28 and 40 pounds.
If you were overweight before becoming pregnant, you should gain between 15 and 25 pounds.
Check with your doctor to find out how much weight gain during pregnancy is healthy for you.
You should gain weight gradually during your pregnancy, with most of the weight gained in the last trimester. Doctors suggest women gain weight at the following rate:
2 to 4 pounds during the first trimester

3 to 4 pounds per month for the second and third trimesters

Recent research shows that women who gain more than the recommended amount during pregnancy and who fail to lose this weight within six months after giving birth are at much higher risk of being obese nearly 10 years later.

Total weight gained during pregnancy includes six to eight pounds for the weight of the baby. The remaining weight consists of fluid, larger breasts, larger uterus, amniotic fluid, and the placenta. Make sure to visit your doctor throughout your pregnancy so he or she can check on your weight gain.

Is it hard to lose weight after pregnancy?

If you gain too much weight during pregnancy it can be hard to lose weight after you have your baby. During pregnancy, fat deposits can increase by more than 33 percent. Most women who gain the recommended amount of weight lose the extra weight in the birth process and in the weeks and months after birth. Breastfeeding also can help you lose extra weight by burning extra calories. Breastfeeding burns at least 500 calories each day.

Should I avoid alcohol while I'm pregnant?

There is no safe time during pregnancy for you to drink alcohol. There is also no known safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. When you are pregnant and you drink beer, wine, hard liquor, or other alcoholic beverages, alcohol gets into your blood. The alcohol in your blood gets into your baby's body through the umbilical cord. Alcohol can slow down the baby's growth, affect the baby's brain, and cause birth defects.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a term describing a range of effects that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Some people with FASD have abnormal facial features and growth and central nervous system problems. People with FASD may have problems with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, and/or hearing. These problems often lead to problems in school and social problems. The effects of FASD last a lifetime.
If you are pregnant and have been drinking alcohol, stop now and talk to your doctor. Avoiding alcohol will help keep your baby healthy. If you need help to stop drinking, talk with your doctor or nurse. Find out more about the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
Can I drink caffeine while I'm pregnant?
Caffeine is a stimulant found in colas, coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, and some over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Large quantities of caffeine can cause irritability, nervousness and insomnia as well as low birth-weight babies. Caffeine is also a diuretic and can rob your body of valuable water.
Some studies show that drinking caffeine during pregnancy can harm the fetus. Other research suggests that small amounts of caffeine are safe. Talk to your doctor before drinking caffeine during pregnancy. Caffeine is an ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Talk with your doctor before taking any drugs or medicines while pregnant.
Why do pregnant women crave certain foods?
The desire for "pickles and ice cream" and other cravings might be caused by changes in nutritional needs during pregnancy. The fetus needs nourishment. And a woman's body absorbs and metabolizes nutrients differently while pregnant. These changes help ensure normal development of the baby and fill the demands of breastfeeding once the baby is born.
I have diabetes. How should I eat while pregnant?
If you already have diabetes and would like to get pregnant, your chances of having a healthy baby are good. But, it's important to plan your pregnancy and follow these steps:
Get your diabetes under control before you get pregnant. Try to get your blood sugar under control three to six months before you get pregnant.
Always keep your blood sugar under control during your pregnancy. Keep food, exercise, and insulin in balance. Talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian to help you follow a special meal plan. Remember, as your baby grows, your body changes, and these changes will affect your sugar levels. If your blood sugar rises too high, the increased sugar crossing into the placenta can result in a large, over-developed fetus with birth defects or an infant with blood sugar level problems.
Be sure to get enough of the B vitamin folic acid, every day. Women with diabetes might be at increased risk for having a baby with a serious birth defect. Getting enough folic acid each day can help reduce this risk.
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that begins during pregnancy and usually goes away after the birth of the baby. If you have gestational diabetes, this means that you have a high amount of sugar in your blood during pregnancy. This form of diabetes can be controlled through diet, medication, and exercise, but if left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause health problems for both you and your baby. If you develop gestational diabetes, your doctor will refer you to a registered dietitian who can help you with special meal plans to control your blood sugar.
Why do I get morning sickness and nausea, and what can I do about it?
Morning sickness and nausea are common in pregnant women. Most nausea occurs during the early part of pregnancy. In most cases this discomfort improves when you enter the second trimester. For some women, morning sickness and nausea might last longer, even for the entire nine months.
The changes in your body can cause nausea and vomiting when:
you smell certain things,
you eat some foods,
you are tired,
you are stressed,
or for no apparent reason
You may be able to reduce nausea by changing when and what you eat. Try these tips:
Eat smaller meals, such as six to eight small meals instead of three larger ones each day.
Don't go for long periods of time without eating.
Drink fluids between, but not with, meals.
Avoid foods that are greasy, fried, or highly spiced.
Avoid strong, foul and unpleasant odors.
Rest when you are tired.

Severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is rare. But constant vomiting can cause you to lose needed water and become dehydrated. If you feel that your nausea or vomiting is keeping you from eating right or gaining enough weight, talk with your doctor.
This FAQ was reviewed by Christine Prue, PhD, Joe Mulinare, MD, Katie Kilker, BS, CHES, and Patricia Mersereau, MN, CPNP at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

planning Pregnancy

2008-11-13T02:38:00.000-08:00

Preconception care can make a positive difference to your health and the health of your child. More and more evidence points to the fact that the way we were nourished and grew in our mother’s womb can have an important impact on your health as an adult. It is now popular to seek information and health care prior to trying to conceive a baby. This seeking of information can help prepare you physically and emotionally for pregnancy and parenthood. The information provided here is basic. There are a number of health care practitioners now providing preconception care. These practitioners included midwives, naturopaths and medical practitioners. You can visit one of these practitioners for in-depth information.

The aim of preconception care is to prepare your body for pregnancy, birth and beyond. This preparation ideally should occur for at least four months prior to trying to fall pregnant (Naish and Roberts, 1998). If this is not possible, try for at least one months preparation. Preconception care improves your chances of falling pregnant more easily, having a healthy pregnancy and health baby and aiding recovery after the birth. What steps can you take to improve your health and what things should you avoid? The following frequently asked questions will provide you with some guidelines.

you're thinking about getting pregnant, or are already pregnant, taking care of your health is more important than ever. Follow these tips for a healthy pregnancy:Get 400 micrograms (or 0.4 mg) of folic acid daily. Eat foods fortified with folic acid, take a multivitamin, or take a folic acid pill to get your daily dose. Taking folic acid in a pill is the best way to be sure you're getting enough. Including 0.4 mgof folic acid (or folate) in your diet before you get pregnant and in the first three months of pregnancy can help prevent some birth defects. If you don't get enough folic acid, your baby's spine may not form right. This is called spina bifida (spy-nuh bif-uh-duh). Also, your baby needs folic acid to develop a healthy brain. Many doctors will prescribe a vitamin with folic acid. But you also can buy vitamins or folic acid pills at drug and grocery stores. Some foods rich in folate include: leafy green vegetables, kidney beans, orange juice and other citrus fruits, peanuts, broccoli, asparagus, peas, lentils, and whole-grain products. Folic acid is also added to some foods like enriched breads, pastas, rice and cereals. Get more details on folic acid.

One half of all pregnancies are not planned!And many women don't realize they are pregnant for at least a few weeks. So you should always take care of your health. Your baby is counting on you for the best start at life!

Start watching what you eat. Load up on fruits, vegetables, and whole-grains (such as whole-wheat breads or crackers). Eat plenty of calcium-rich foods such as non-fat or low-fat yogurt, milk, and broccoli. Your baby needs calcium for strong bones and teeth. When fruits and vegetables aren't in season, frozen vegetables are a good option. Avoid eating a lot of fatty foods (such as butter and fatty meats). Choose leaner foods when you can (such as skim milk, chicken and turkey without the skin, and fish). Find out more about what to eat and what to avoid for a healthy pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you smoke or use alcohol or drugs. Quitting is hard, but you can do it. Ask your doctor for help.
Get enough sleep. Try to get seven to nine hours every night.
Take steps to control the stress in your life. When it comes to work and family, figure out what you can and can not do. Set limits with yourself and others. Don't be afraid to say NO to requests for your time and energy.

Move your body. Once you get pregnant, you can't increase your exercise routine by much. So it's best to start before the baby is on the way.
Get any health problems under control. Talk to your doctor about how your health problems might affect you and your baby. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels. If you have high blood pressure, monitor these levels as well. If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about how to reach a healthy weight.

Ask your mother, aunts, grandmother or sisters about their pregnancies. Did they have morning sickness? Problems with labor? How did they cope?
Find out what health problems run in your family. Tell these to your doctor. You can get tested for health problems that run in families before getting pregnant (genetic testing).
Make sure you have had all of your immunizations (shots), especially for Rubella (German measles). If you haven't had chickenpox or rubella, get the shots at least three months before getting pregnant.

Get checked for hepatitis (hep-uh-tie-tus) B and C, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and HIV. These infections can harm you and your baby. Tell your doctor if you or your sex partners have ever had an STD or HIV.

Go over all of the medicines you take (prescription, over-the-counter, and herbals) with your doctor. Make sure they are safe to take while you're trying to get pregnant or are pregnant.
Ask your partner to stay healthy too!Ask your partner to limit how much alcohol he drinks. If he uses illegal drugs or smokes, encourage him to quit. Studies show that men who drink a lot, smoke, or use drugs can have problems with their sperm. These might cause you to have problems getting pregnant.

Planning Conception

While trying to conceive, you can use natural planning methods such as the ovulation method (have intercourse just before or after ovulation) or the symptothermal method (evaluating fertility based on your daily temperature). Remember: women are more likely to become pregnant if intercourse takes place just before or just after ovulation. This is because the unfertilized egg can live for only 12-24 hours in your body. If you'e been trying for a few months with no results, don't get discouraged. Only 20% of women trying to get pregnant are successful on the first attempt. So don't lose hope or assume something is wrong.

Adoption and Foster Care

If you are having fertility problems, you and your partner might want to explore other ways to raise a child. Find out more about adoption and foster care. Adopting or becoming a foster parent could be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Get more information on adoption and foster care.