Pregnancy Help & Info

You may not feel like you need to compete in the Olympics, but you can greatly benefit by including some sort of exercise program while you are waiting for the baby to arrive. Even if you haven’t been exercising on a regular basis, it would do you good to look into some gentle exercises that will benefit both you and baby.

Exercise during pregnancy has a lot of hidden benefits that go beyond becoming fit. When you exercise during pregnancy, you will feel much better. Exercise gives you a sense of control over your otherwise uncontrollable body and can give your energy a much needed boost. You will have your blood pumping and this will give your skin a beautiful glow.

A woman who follows a consistent exercise program during pregnancy will have an easier time when she is ready to go into labor. When you are healthy and strong, it helps take the edge off some of the pain. It also helps you to get back to your former self quicker and can give you the endurance you will need for a safe delivery.

Talk to Your Doctor

There may be medical concerns you need to address, so it’s best to discuss any risk factors you may have before you begin. If you experience vaginal bleeding or contractions during or after exercise, be sure you notify your health care provider immediately.

What Type of Exercise?

A gentle way to get flexibility, increase endurance and strength is to join a yoga class with other pregnant women. You will be more comfortable exercising with women in your condition and as a bonus, you can share signs, symptoms and cravings with others who are going through the same experience as you are.

The Mayo Clinic site has some great resources for the mom-to-be who wants to get moving.

Even if you only walk, getting your body up and moving at this time in your life is important. Exercise releases happy endomorphins and a happy mommy will have a happy baby.

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It’s 3:00 AM; and you’re rummaging for your pickles and ice cream.

Chances are if you are pregnant, you have experienced cravings for certain foods and sometimes these can be downright odd. Why do pregnant women have cravings and what do they mean?

It is thought that at least 85% of pregnant women will have a craving for at least one type of food at some point in their pregnancy. Some of these cravings can seem disgusting to those around them. Some researchers claim these cravings come from the hormone flux that pregnant women are prone to, but no one really knows for sure.

It may be that the extreme changes a woman’s hormones go through during pregnancy are a factor in the strange diet women seem to yearn for when they are carrying a baby. Other changes women notice is their sense of taste as well as smell. Food smells and tastes different during this time and this may explain the odd eating habits of pregnant women.  Many times as soon as women deliver their precious bundles of joy, the very foods they thought they could not live without now become repellent to them.

As for what the cravings mean, you will get as many answers as the number of well wishers you ask. If you ask a nutritionist, they may tell you that a craving signals a lack of some mineral or nutrient that your body needs in order to function at peak performance. There is a condition called pica that has been tied to deficiencies in iron which has the patient craving for bizarre things like cigarette butts, ice and laundry starch.

So, if you find yourself craving a food or a combination of foods, indulge yourself a little. As long as there are no toxins or chemicals involved in your cravings, they can’t hurt the baby and they may certainly bring the expectant mother a little pleasure which at this time in her life she so richly deserves.

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If you are like many women, you probably don’t keep track of your menstrual periods as regularly as you should. Some women have irregular cycles and don’t always get their period when it is expected. Many women who are pregnant often don’t realize it until well after their period is due. There are some signs and symptoms in the early stages of pregnancy you should be aware of if you think you might be pregnant.

One of the first signs that you may be pregnant is having swollen breasts that are tender to the touch. This is usually caused by a spike in your hormones. It often feels the way your breasts feel when you are about to get your period, but they are much more sensitive. Discomfort in the breasts usually abates as your body begins to adjust to all the changes in hormones.

You may be used to feeling tired, but if you suspect you are pregnant you may feel downright exhausted. It is not understood exactly why pregnancy in the early stages makes a woman tired all the time. It may be that the rising levels of progesterone are happening so quickly that it leads to fatigue.

There may also be a bit of bleeding that you may mistake for your period. It is thought that this bleeding is caused by the egg that has been fertilized tunneling its way into the lining that is rich in blood of the uterus. Bleeding is often light and lasts just one or two days. If you notice any further bleeding, you should contact your health care provider immediately.

Another common sign of pregnancy is feeling nauseous or vomiting. This does not necessarily happen only in the morning, but can come on at any time. This symptom of pregnancy starts about 1 month after you have conceived and usually lasts until the second trimester.

If you think you might be pregnant, check out for more signs and symptoms of pregnancy at Baby Center  You should be able to find all the information you need.

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Most women have experienced the pain and discomfort of a urinary tract infection at least once in their lives. During pregnancy, the chances of contracting a UTI infection are greater. As if the discomfort of pregnancy weren’t enough, there is also the discomfiting bladder infection to deal with.

What is a UTI?

A UTI is also called a bladder infection. It is commonly caused by the E coli bacterium that travels up the urethra into the urinary tract. The most common cause is wiping yourself incorrectly. Typical symptoms of a UTI can be frequent urination, a flow of urine that is not steady and is painful or a burning sensation. You may feel pressure in your pelvis. Some women who have a bladder infection suffer from none of the above symptoms, some may suffer from all.

Pregnancy and Urinary Tract Infections

When a woman is pregnant it puts her at a higher risk for a urinary tract infection. Being pregnant raises the levels of progesterone hormones in your body. This is the hormone that is responsible for relaxing the muscles of the ureters causing them to stretch. The uterus may constrict the ureters as it grows, making it more difficult to urinate. The end result of all these changes to your body and especially to the bladder is bacteria-rich urine in the bladder where it continues to flourish and cause an infection before you are able to flush them out. Your health care practitioner will check the levels of bacteria in your urine, at the beginning of your pregnancy. To avoid UTIs during pregnancy, drink plenty of water and empty your bladder frequently. To find out how you can avoid a UTI and what steps you can take to ease your symptoms if you do develop an infection, check out Urinary tract infections during pregnancy - BabyCenter.

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The last few weeks of your pregnancy are physically the most uncomfortable.  The fetus is nearing maturity in development, and is gaining weight which definitely places an added strain on you. 

 False labor – vague abdominal aches that feel like labor but are not – is a common occurrence especially as D-Day gets nearer.  You might feel exceedingly heavy and may experience difficulty breathing as the baby continues to grow.  Sleeplessness is a common complaint. Some women experience hot flushes – increase in the temperature of the skin. This happens because of the fetus’ body heat.  Increased pressure on the bladder means frequent urination and the tendency to retain fluids continues in the last months causing swelling of the feet and ankles.  Stretch marks can be seen on the abdomen, thighs and breasts as the skin stretches and loses its elasticity.  These marks will most often be bluish or purple in color, and although they won’t disappear completely after the delivery, they may lighten in intensity.  Apply a moisturizer to affected areas to hasten the lightening process.

 The last months are when the signs of the impending birth become all too obvious.  Nipples become longer and pointier in preparation for breast feeding and begin to secret colostrum, a thick white substance rich in nutrients.

 Emotionally, the third trimester is the most challenging period.  Fear of labor and anxiety about the impending birth can cause worry.  Taking child birth classes can be a great way to prepare your self for delivery.  You’ll be in touch with other pregnant women and can share your thoughts and anxieties with them. 

 Remember to continue your checks ups with your health provider. If you’re found to be anemic you may need a course of iron supplements to boost levels before the birth.

 If you intend to use pain relief drugs during the delivery, make sure you inform your care provider.  The Mayo Clinic website has more in depth information on what you can expect during your third trimester and preparing for delivery.

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The period from week 13 to week 28 is the second trimester. This is the period that’s most physically comfortable for the expecting mom. The nausea in most cases subsides by this time and the pregnancy has begun to be visible. The risk of miscarriage drops during this phase and the fatigue and tiredness of the first trimester decreases. Heartburn and constipation are common second trimester problems. Make sure your diet includes plenty of fiber to counter these. The heart expands in order to be able to pump the increased amount of blood your pregnancy requires, as much as 20 per cent higher than before. You might also notice swelling of the feet and some amount of breathlessness, a result of the growing of the uterus and the pushing of the baby upwards that squeezes your lungs.

The second trimester is also the time you’ll begin to feel the baby kick. Little fluttery movements can be observed although this isn’t a hard and fast rule. Some women might not notice movements till much later in the pregnancy.

The second trimester is also the earliest time to have an amniocentesis test, which detects fetal abnormalities. A host of other tests will need to be conducted during this period.

A Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) monitors for the presence of gestational diabetes and is conducted between the 24 and 28h week of pregnancy.

In some states all pregnant women are eligible for the Maternal Serum Triple or Quadruple Screen, while some states allow the test for higher risk women only. This test checks for the presence of Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) that’s produced by the fetal liver.

Electronic fetal heart monitoring and a fetal ultrasound will also help your care provider determine the expected date of delivery and identify fetal problems if any.

For a more detailed list of the tests that you can expect to take during your second trimester, visit Web MD.

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Becoming a mother can be an exhilarating experience and one that you probably expect during your pregnancy to be one of peace and happiness.  For many new moms who have been fed an idea of early motherhood being a blissful period, sudden and unexplainable mood changes can be worrying.  These however are common and are known as “baby blues.” 

Clinically referred to as post partum depression, feelings of sadness, loneliness, depression and anxiety are very common among new moms with as many as 80 per cent of mothers reporting such feelings in the days after the baby arrives.  There is a simple explanation for these mood swings.  Your body’s hormone levels are going back to normal after the state of pregnancy and these hormonal fluctuations can wreak havoc on your nerves and emotions.  Add to this the stresses of looking after a new born baby and you have the perfect recipe for a mom who’s ready to explode! 

Post partum depression is especially common in women who already have a history of depression prior to having a baby. If you’ve been prone to severe PMS, you might have a higher chance of experiencing negative feelings soon after delivery.

Coping with Baby Blues

It’s not surprising that feelings of depression are heightened by sleep deprivation, exhaustion and a poor diet. The days after a baby is born can be exhausting for a new mom.  Ask family members to help you out with the care of the baby – don’t be stubborn about asking for help.  If you can afford to, hire help for at least a couple of hours in a day.  Get as much rest as possible, and make sure you don’t ignore your diet.  Take a walk daily and read uplifting literature that will help boost spirits. 

If your symptoms do not subside in a couple of weeks, consult a doctor to asses whether you have clinical post partum depression.  Pay special attention to feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts that may arise during dark moments.  Clinical post partum depression can be treated with timely medical help. For more information on recognizing and dealing with this condition check out the National Institutes of Health and National Library of Medicines website.

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The first trimester – the period from the date of conception to 12 weeks – is a unique stage in your pregnancy, because you will not be aware in the first few weeks that you have conceived, and even after you will not appear pregnant.  Because of this, there are precautions to be exercised to ensure that you a have smooth first trimester.  

The first few weeks after finding out you’re pregnant can be an emotional roller coaster.  You might be happy that you’re pregnant but also more than a little concerned about the new changes looming on the horizon.  Rest assured it’s completely normal to feel this way. 

Not all women experience morning sickness or nausea in the first trimester.  For those who aren’t as lucky, morning sickness can be something of a misnomer as nausea can continue throughout the day.  In most cases it subsides by the fourth month.  In some rare instances however morning sickness lasts for the entire course of pregnancy. Try to eat small meals and avoid oily or fatty foods.  During the first trimester your sense of smell is heightened which is why you develop a sudden aversion to smells that you were familiar with earlier.  Avoid cooking smells that don’t agree with you.  Food like ginger biscuits, crackers or a plain boiled potato can help combat feelings of nausea. 

If your morning sickness is severe and you find yourself vomiting several times in a day, it could cause dehydration. Consult your doctor if you feel run down.  

Fatigue is another common complaint in the first weeks of pregnancy.  This can be explained by the fact that all organs of your body are busy preparing to create a nurturing environment for the fetus.  With so much energy being used to form the placenta and other processes, it’s but natural that you will have lower reserves of energy for yourself.  

The first trimester is also a time of major hormonal changes. These can cause mood swings which get better as the pregnancy progresses.  Family Education has more advice for moms to be in their first trimester. 

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One of the less discussed symptoms of pregnancy is the experiencing of vivid dreams.  These can be more detailed and more lucid than regular dreams and may leave you feeling elated, worried or frightened.  They can be filled with vibrant colors and strange concepts.  Some women report dreaming they are walking naked in public.  Other dreams may involve feelings of being trapped and helpless.  Whatever the nature of your dreams, these are a perfectly normal part of pregnancy. 

There are a number of reasons why your dreams may be  more frequent and detailed during pregnancy.  Pregnancy is a time of great emotional changes for a woman, a rite of passage so to speak.  These changes lead to all sorts of new anxieties and stresses which are absorbed by your mind to find an outlet through dreams.  Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy include increased production of estrogen which is believed to elongate the REM period of sleep.  This is the phase in the dream cycle where the most easily remembered dreams occur.  So the reason for your increased dreams may simply be that you have an enhanced ability to recall them during pregnancy.  As a pregnant woman you are also more likely to have trouble sleeping.  Cramps and back aches make for poor sleeping patterns, and consequently dreams that you have are more easily remembered than dreams that occur during a good night’s sleep.  For more information on how your dreams may change during the stages of your pregnancy, visit http://www.pregnancy-info.net/vivid_dreams.html . 

If you find your dreams are beginning to frighten or distress you, discuss them with your partner. Talking about your dreams aloud might make them seem less frightening.   Try to relax before you go to sleep and make sure the room is dark. Remove anything that might increase worry or anxiety.  Don’t drink a lot of fluids before you to bed. The more disturbed your sleep, the greater your chances of having disturbing dreams.   

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There might be many who find that question uncomfortable to answer. After all, having a baby is one of life’s greatest miracles and talking about expenses and budgets diminishes the beauty of the experience, right? Wrong. Like it or not, babies come with huge expenses. In fact for many couples who put off having a baby, financial reasons play the biggest role in the decision to delay parenthood.

If you want to have a child and aren’t sure if you’re financially ready for it, ask yourself these few basic questions.

How much will having a baby affect your monthly budget and expenses?

How much maternity leave can you expect at your workplace? If it’s too little, can you afford to take more?

Are you covered for pregnancy and child care under your insurance policy?

Do you have life insurance or disability coverage?

Do you have a husband or partner who will share expenses with you?

If you decide to go ahead and conceive, you’ll need to begin budgeting in your new expenses and there’s no better time to start than now!

Make a list of all your expenses and your monthly income and check how much you have left over each month after rent, food, groceries etc.

Begin making small but significant cuts in your monthly expenses list. You’ll need to have a significant amount in savings when the baby arrives, especially if you plan on taking a break from your job post delivery.

The Internet is a god send for shoppers on a budget. Scout online stores and e-Bay for baby clothing on discount prices. Hunt stores with sales and freebies. Everything doesn’t have to be top of the line and pricey. A baby couldn’t care less if it slept in an ordinary crib or a grossly expensive one.

Buy life insurance and disability insurance. Nobody likes to think about these things when they are planning on adding to their family, but budgeting for a child also includes making emergency provisions for their well being in case something happens to you. For more information on how you can “budget a baby” check out http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/173_1022.asp .

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