Pregnancy labor is the most critical, challenging, and stressful time in the entire pregnancy. That being said, women are finding they have more birthing options available than ever before. Three of these include the water birthing method, the Bradley Method, and the Lamaze Method. Read below for the benefits to each of these methods.
Water Birthing
Water birth occurs when the mother chooses to give birth in a warm pool of water, either in a tub or a birthing pool. There are several benefits to choosing the water birthing method. For the mother, water birthing provides a more calming, relieving and peaceful place for the mother.
In addition, there is reason to believe that the water helps decrease high blood pressure that can be created by anxiety and worry. Buoyancy also aids in pregnancy labor. It is easier for the mother to move in the buoyant water and can help with circulation, lesson the pain, and help the mother with contractions that are more productive.
The Bradley Method
The Bradley Method is also known as the "Husband-Coached Method." The purpose of the Bradley Method is to involve a coach, typically the father or a significant other, in the child birthing process. The Bradley Method typically does not involve medication. Classes focus on good nutrition, the stages of pregnancy labor, how to prepare for the new baby, nutrition, and breastfeeding issues. In addition to focusing on mother and child, the Bradley Method also focuses on fully training the labor coach.
The Lamaze Method
The Lamaze Method is perhaps the most widely known method of childbirth and childbirth classes in the United States. The goal of Lamaze is to keep the mother relaxed and focused on breathing. Like the Bradley Method, the Lamaze Method often involves a partner, who is taught how to coach and massage the mother into relaxation. The Lamaze Method integrates medication when the mother chooses it. However, this method does provide the mother with the pros and cons of using medication in pregnancy labor.
Fortunately, we live in a day and age where information is available to us literally at our fingertips. Medical information, practical advice, and non-medical information is available to us through resources such as our doctors, the internet, and support groups.
Conclusion
The water birthing method, the Bradley Method, and the Lamaze Method are only three of the popular methods of pregnancy labor childbirth. The right choice for you is going to depend on the pregnancy you experienced, your current state of health, and what you are comfortable with. Discuss with a doctor each of these options before making a decision.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Pregnancy Labor: Which Method is Right for You?
Pregnancy Ultrasound: A Safe Diagnostic Tool
For most women who have had babies, the pregnancy ultrasound will be a familiar procedure. Also known as a sonogram, the ultrasound is used commonly during pregnancy.
If your doctor decides to perform a pregnancy ultrasound, you will probably be asked to drink two to three glasses of water one hour before your appointment. This will ensure that your bladder will be full for the test. Since the ultrasound machine works by sending out high frequency waves that bounce off body structures to form a picture, fluid in the bladder helps the waves transmit more effectively.
Once you arrive at your appointment, you will be asked to lie down on the exam table. The technician will apply a conducting gel to your abdomen, and a probe will be used to create the pictures of your baby. The pregnancy ultrasound is virtually a painless procedure, with the exception of mild discomfort you may feel from having a full bladder. It is also a very safe instrument that can be used throughout the many stages of pregnancy to detect and diagnose many potential problems.
When to Use Pregnancy Ultrasound
Because pregnancy ultrasound is such a safe method of evaluating a pregnancy, it can be used at any time during the forty-week term. During the first trimester the procedure can be helpful in assessing the baby's age and finding the fetal heartbeat. It can rule out problems with the baby, as well as abnormalities with the placenta or uterus. It can also be recommended to determine if a woman is carrying multiple pregnancies.
During the second and third trimesters, pregnancy ultrasound can also be an easy method to assess not only gestational age, but how the baby is growing and what the position of the baby is. The ultrasound can identify potential developmental problems, and evaluate the condition of the placenta and amniotic fluid.
Since pregnancy ultrasound is fairly simple and virtually painless, it is a test expectant mothers can look forward to without much fear or trepidation. Most moms-to-be enjoy seeing a sneak peek of the little bundles inside, and many appreciate the opportunity to find out the gender of the child before birth.
Ultrasound can be used for this purpose as well, but most professionals will warn that the assessment is not always 100% accurate! Modern baby scrapbooks usually contain at least one or two sonogram pictures, and proud parents can show off images of the new addition long before labor begins.
If your doctor decides to perform a pregnancy ultrasound, you will probably be asked to drink two to three glasses of water one hour before your appointment. This will ensure that your bladder will be full for the test. Since the ultrasound machine works by sending out high frequency waves that bounce off body structures to form a picture, fluid in the bladder helps the waves transmit more effectively.
Once you arrive at your appointment, you will be asked to lie down on the exam table. The technician will apply a conducting gel to your abdomen, and a probe will be used to create the pictures of your baby. The pregnancy ultrasound is virtually a painless procedure, with the exception of mild discomfort you may feel from having a full bladder. It is also a very safe instrument that can be used throughout the many stages of pregnancy to detect and diagnose many potential problems.
When to Use Pregnancy Ultrasound
Because pregnancy ultrasound is such a safe method of evaluating a pregnancy, it can be used at any time during the forty-week term. During the first trimester the procedure can be helpful in assessing the baby's age and finding the fetal heartbeat. It can rule out problems with the baby, as well as abnormalities with the placenta or uterus. It can also be recommended to determine if a woman is carrying multiple pregnancies.
During the second and third trimesters, pregnancy ultrasound can also be an easy method to assess not only gestational age, but how the baby is growing and what the position of the baby is. The ultrasound can identify potential developmental problems, and evaluate the condition of the placenta and amniotic fluid.
Since pregnancy ultrasound is fairly simple and virtually painless, it is a test expectant mothers can look forward to without much fear or trepidation. Most moms-to-be enjoy seeing a sneak peek of the little bundles inside, and many appreciate the opportunity to find out the gender of the child before birth.
Ultrasound can be used for this purpose as well, but most professionals will warn that the assessment is not always 100% accurate! Modern baby scrapbooks usually contain at least one or two sonogram pictures, and proud parents can show off images of the new addition long before labor begins.
Second Pregnancy - What To Expect
Congratulations on your second pregnancy. So you are going to be a mother again! Motherhood is a wonderful feeling indeed. You must be wondering, in what ways your experience is going to differ from your first one. Also, since your body is older than the first time around, you might also be anxious about possible complications. Here are a few things to expect during your second pregnancy period, and some cautions that you need to take, to ensure that everything is smooth sailing.
Changes In Your Body Different From Your First Pregnancy:
-Your morning sickness may be less severe, although this is not a rule. Varicose veins, haemarrhoids and leaky bladder are likely to occur again though.
-You may get easily fatigued this time. You might not get as much rest as you did the first time, what with having to care for your first kid. Your pelvic joints may hurt more. You need to be much more careful about your posture, and lie on your side while sleeping.
-Your belly may enlarge and a bump starts to show much earlier than the first time. Your uterine wall has already undergone expansion before, so your muscles are more flexible now. Sometimes, second pregnancy becomes apparent even before the second trimester, as early as the 8th - 10th week.
-The first time, labor can last as long as 12 to 14 ours, or even 20 hours in some cases. But the second time, the labor period is often much reduced. The cervical muscles dilate faster, about 1.5 cm per hour, as compared to 1.2 cm per hour in the first pregnancy. However, if the first time you had a C-section, then the second time the labor phase will not be reduced.
-The uterine contractions that mothers experience for the first few days after birth may be more severe this time. These uterine contractions are actually signs that your uterus is returning to its prepregnancy state. But the pains associated with it may be so severe that you may feel the need of medications.
Emotional Adjustments For Yourself And Your Family:
-The second time pregnant mothers often do not stay as much preoccupied with their pregnancy as they did the first time. They have to look after their first-born, who might very well be an active toddler or a pre-schooler. Also, being more experienced, they tend to be less anxious. But sometimes they may think that they are not taking as much care of the unborn baby as they should and feel guilty. Rest assured, in the second pregnancy, requisite frequency of natal checkups is less than the first one. Also, you will have ample opportunity to care for the new baby after its birth.
-Guilt pangs may also arise from inability to spend as much time with your first kid and husband as you used to before the second pregnancy. You may fell that you are neglecting our older child. Relax; consider this as an opportunity for them to learn to take care of them.
-You might worry about the right time to tell your first child about your second pregnancy. It is advisable to tell them as soon as possible, to give them sufficient time to adjust to the idea. Try and spend quality time with them, involve them in your planning for the newborn. Assure them that they are not becoming any less important to you because the second baby is on its way. Make them feel that you are relying upon them to take care of their baby sibling. If they are to be shifted to another room or to another bed, do not wait till your delivery time, they might feel replaced. Also, consider making them a part of the delivery by keeping them in the waiting room at childbirth.
Complications That Might Arise
-Weight gain between pregnancies increases the risks of complications for both the mother and the second baby. Studies show that the gain of even 3 to 6 kilos can lead to high blood pressure and pregnancy-diabetes. The gain of 9 kilos can cause toxemia, pre-eclampsia, or even still-birth.
-Pre-eclampsia is more likely if the first baby was premature or smaller than normal, or the mother has diabetes or chronic high blood pressure. The symptoms of pre-eclampsia are pregnancy induced hypertension, protein in urine and excessive fluid retention. This can restrict blood flow to placenta in severe cases. The longer the gap between pregnancies, the higher the risk of these problems.
-Rh-disease erythroblastosis fetalis is also another high-risk factor during the second pregnancy. This occurs when the mother is Rh negative while the fetus is Rh positive in the first pregnancy. Some red blood cells from the fetus may enter the mothers bloodstream at the time of delivery. These activate Rh-specific antibodies, which persist within the mothers blood. In a subsequent pregnancy, these anti Rh antibodies can cross the placenta and damage the blood cells of the fetus, with fatal consequences. This can be prevented by injection of Rhogam into the mothers body after the birth of the first child. These destroy any fetal red blood cells that enter the bloodstream of the mother, and prevent formation of anti-Rh antibodies.
So all you second-time moms, hope your first experience makes you less anxious than before. You are now better aware of the diets you need to follow, the exercises you need to do in order to ensure that you experience a risk-free second pregnancy. Consult your OB, try and stay updated about any new tests or medications that may have been introduced. Consider joining a Lamaze class again, now that you may have forgotten much of the exercise routine. Discussing your experiences with other second-time mothers in your friend circle will further ease your tensions. So sit back, relax, enjoy your motherhood, and welcome the new baby in this earth cheerfully.
Changes In Your Body Different From Your First Pregnancy:
-Your morning sickness may be less severe, although this is not a rule. Varicose veins, haemarrhoids and leaky bladder are likely to occur again though.
-You may get easily fatigued this time. You might not get as much rest as you did the first time, what with having to care for your first kid. Your pelvic joints may hurt more. You need to be much more careful about your posture, and lie on your side while sleeping.
-Your belly may enlarge and a bump starts to show much earlier than the first time. Your uterine wall has already undergone expansion before, so your muscles are more flexible now. Sometimes, second pregnancy becomes apparent even before the second trimester, as early as the 8th - 10th week.
-The first time, labor can last as long as 12 to 14 ours, or even 20 hours in some cases. But the second time, the labor period is often much reduced. The cervical muscles dilate faster, about 1.5 cm per hour, as compared to 1.2 cm per hour in the first pregnancy. However, if the first time you had a C-section, then the second time the labor phase will not be reduced.
-The uterine contractions that mothers experience for the first few days after birth may be more severe this time. These uterine contractions are actually signs that your uterus is returning to its prepregnancy state. But the pains associated with it may be so severe that you may feel the need of medications.
Emotional Adjustments For Yourself And Your Family:
-The second time pregnant mothers often do not stay as much preoccupied with their pregnancy as they did the first time. They have to look after their first-born, who might very well be an active toddler or a pre-schooler. Also, being more experienced, they tend to be less anxious. But sometimes they may think that they are not taking as much care of the unborn baby as they should and feel guilty. Rest assured, in the second pregnancy, requisite frequency of natal checkups is less than the first one. Also, you will have ample opportunity to care for the new baby after its birth.
-Guilt pangs may also arise from inability to spend as much time with your first kid and husband as you used to before the second pregnancy. You may fell that you are neglecting our older child. Relax; consider this as an opportunity for them to learn to take care of them.
-You might worry about the right time to tell your first child about your second pregnancy. It is advisable to tell them as soon as possible, to give them sufficient time to adjust to the idea. Try and spend quality time with them, involve them in your planning for the newborn. Assure them that they are not becoming any less important to you because the second baby is on its way. Make them feel that you are relying upon them to take care of their baby sibling. If they are to be shifted to another room or to another bed, do not wait till your delivery time, they might feel replaced. Also, consider making them a part of the delivery by keeping them in the waiting room at childbirth.
Complications That Might Arise
-Weight gain between pregnancies increases the risks of complications for both the mother and the second baby. Studies show that the gain of even 3 to 6 kilos can lead to high blood pressure and pregnancy-diabetes. The gain of 9 kilos can cause toxemia, pre-eclampsia, or even still-birth.
-Pre-eclampsia is more likely if the first baby was premature or smaller than normal, or the mother has diabetes or chronic high blood pressure. The symptoms of pre-eclampsia are pregnancy induced hypertension, protein in urine and excessive fluid retention. This can restrict blood flow to placenta in severe cases. The longer the gap between pregnancies, the higher the risk of these problems.
-Rh-disease erythroblastosis fetalis is also another high-risk factor during the second pregnancy. This occurs when the mother is Rh negative while the fetus is Rh positive in the first pregnancy. Some red blood cells from the fetus may enter the mothers bloodstream at the time of delivery. These activate Rh-specific antibodies, which persist within the mothers blood. In a subsequent pregnancy, these anti Rh antibodies can cross the placenta and damage the blood cells of the fetus, with fatal consequences. This can be prevented by injection of Rhogam into the mothers body after the birth of the first child. These destroy any fetal red blood cells that enter the bloodstream of the mother, and prevent formation of anti-Rh antibodies.
So all you second-time moms, hope your first experience makes you less anxious than before. You are now better aware of the diets you need to follow, the exercises you need to do in order to ensure that you experience a risk-free second pregnancy. Consult your OB, try and stay updated about any new tests or medications that may have been introduced. Consider joining a Lamaze class again, now that you may have forgotten much of the exercise routine. Discussing your experiences with other second-time mothers in your friend circle will further ease your tensions. So sit back, relax, enjoy your motherhood, and welcome the new baby in this earth cheerfully.
Should You Eat For Two During Pregnancy?
"Don't be shy; You're eating for two now!" Since you've announced your pregnancy, how often have you heard that phrase? People seem to still believe that expecting mothers should indulge and stuff themselves with whatever is handy and that high-sugar, high-salt foods are perfectly fine to eat in industrial quantities. There's nothing farther from the truth, and many people misinterpret the true meaning of 'eating for two.' Eating for two means is not that you should eat twice as much, but that you're eating for you and your baby.
The root of the expression really means is that you now have to be conscious that everything you eat is what your baby is forced to eat as well. Being pregnant means you're responsible for your baby's health by choosing foods and drinks that are right for him, not you. While you can still enjoy some chips or a soda, overindulgence will provide your body with a big boost of sodium or caffeine, something that isn't considered healthy for either you or your growing child. You have the option of setting aside the chips and soda to choose a peach and a glass of milk instead, but your baby doesn't.
You do need to gain weight during your pregnancy, and your doctor will want to weigh you often to make sure you're gaining in a gradual, steady ascent. Eating the wrong foods and overindulging will leave you packing on pounds that baby doesn't need and that you'll have a hard time getting rid of once your baby arrives.
The optimal weight gain is between 25 and 35 pounds, but most of that isn't fat - it's mostly your placenta and your baby. What your baby does need is that you take in foods that provide plenty of vitamins and minerals to help him or her develop properly.
Eating for two in moderation doesn't mean that diets during pregnancy are recommended. Dieting can deprive your growing child of the nutrients it needs to take from the foods you eat, and doctors definitely don't want to see you losing weight during your pregnancy.
Some women are chronic dieters and this is one time in your life that you need to hold back and make sure you're getting the caloric intake your body needs. New trends of low carbohydrate diets are especially dangerous to pregnant women and their babies, as the child you carry needs to receive the glucose produced from carbohydrate for a steady, normal growth.
Contact your health practitioner or ask your doctor about nutritious foods for you and your baby. Parenting magazines and the internet can both provide information and tasty, wholesome recipes. Following the recommendations of the Food Guide is another good way to know if you're making proper, nutritious choices.
While you do need to eat more to compensate for your growing baby, there's no reason to stuff yourself or go overboard on anything at all. Eat well and properly, enjoying small, healthy snacks spread out during the day, and have complete meals for breakfast, lunch or supper that include plenty of vegetables and whole grains.
The root of the expression really means is that you now have to be conscious that everything you eat is what your baby is forced to eat as well. Being pregnant means you're responsible for your baby's health by choosing foods and drinks that are right for him, not you. While you can still enjoy some chips or a soda, overindulgence will provide your body with a big boost of sodium or caffeine, something that isn't considered healthy for either you or your growing child. You have the option of setting aside the chips and soda to choose a peach and a glass of milk instead, but your baby doesn't.
You do need to gain weight during your pregnancy, and your doctor will want to weigh you often to make sure you're gaining in a gradual, steady ascent. Eating the wrong foods and overindulging will leave you packing on pounds that baby doesn't need and that you'll have a hard time getting rid of once your baby arrives.
The optimal weight gain is between 25 and 35 pounds, but most of that isn't fat - it's mostly your placenta and your baby. What your baby does need is that you take in foods that provide plenty of vitamins and minerals to help him or her develop properly.
Eating for two in moderation doesn't mean that diets during pregnancy are recommended. Dieting can deprive your growing child of the nutrients it needs to take from the foods you eat, and doctors definitely don't want to see you losing weight during your pregnancy.
Some women are chronic dieters and this is one time in your life that you need to hold back and make sure you're getting the caloric intake your body needs. New trends of low carbohydrate diets are especially dangerous to pregnant women and their babies, as the child you carry needs to receive the glucose produced from carbohydrate for a steady, normal growth.
Contact your health practitioner or ask your doctor about nutritious foods for you and your baby. Parenting magazines and the internet can both provide information and tasty, wholesome recipes. Following the recommendations of the Food Guide is another good way to know if you're making proper, nutritious choices.
While you do need to eat more to compensate for your growing baby, there's no reason to stuff yourself or go overboard on anything at all. Eat well and properly, enjoying small, healthy snacks spread out during the day, and have complete meals for breakfast, lunch or supper that include plenty of vegetables and whole grains.
Top Ways To Banish Morning Sickness When Pregnant
You're pregnant and along with all of the emotions and forward planning racing through your mind not only are you being sick but certain smells and other triggers are making you feel nauseous.
You may even feel that you couldn't eat a thing or worry that your baby may suffer as a result. Don't panic! You're not alone and trying a few of the things below could help banish your sickness - or at least make it a little more tolerable.
The information contained here is a summary of advice from health experts, sickness sufferers and alternative therapists. It is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace individual medical advice. As always what works for some may not work for others - I sincerely hope that they work for you.
A cause of morning sickness is thought to be produced by a developing placenta causing high levels of the hormone HGC. Low blood sugar levels are also thought to contribute. To combat this it would be worth trying to keep your blood sugar levels stable and unfortunately this means eating some breakfast even if you can't manage a huge amount.
What you need to try and do is eat some protein like nuts or natural yoghurt and some cereal. By eating little and often you can help this situation a lot and good snacks are Ryvita or Saltine crackers, nuts, oatcakes and fruit. Try and avoid junk food, tea, coffee and sugary or refined foods.
Deficiency of certain vitamins can be another cause so try taking a pregnancy multivitamin to ensure that your body is getting the recommended amounts of all vitamins.
Some women have found that eating drinking or smelling lemons can assist in abating the feeling of nausea but you may find that peppermint works better.
If you are really struggling to eat anything at all then you could try drinking ginger tea or ginger ale. Ginger is renowned for helping with morning sickness and it may just work for you.
Some doctors have recommended that pressing firmly against your belly button for around 1-2 minutes can help the feeling of nausea pass and is worth a try.
The good news is that however bad you feel you can rest assured that it's only for a short time relatively and you have a magical time ahead of you. I hope that these methods work for you and help make your pregnancy easier.
You may even feel that you couldn't eat a thing or worry that your baby may suffer as a result. Don't panic! You're not alone and trying a few of the things below could help banish your sickness - or at least make it a little more tolerable.
The information contained here is a summary of advice from health experts, sickness sufferers and alternative therapists. It is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace individual medical advice. As always what works for some may not work for others - I sincerely hope that they work for you.
A cause of morning sickness is thought to be produced by a developing placenta causing high levels of the hormone HGC. Low blood sugar levels are also thought to contribute. To combat this it would be worth trying to keep your blood sugar levels stable and unfortunately this means eating some breakfast even if you can't manage a huge amount.
What you need to try and do is eat some protein like nuts or natural yoghurt and some cereal. By eating little and often you can help this situation a lot and good snacks are Ryvita or Saltine crackers, nuts, oatcakes and fruit. Try and avoid junk food, tea, coffee and sugary or refined foods.
Deficiency of certain vitamins can be another cause so try taking a pregnancy multivitamin to ensure that your body is getting the recommended amounts of all vitamins.
Some women have found that eating drinking or smelling lemons can assist in abating the feeling of nausea but you may find that peppermint works better.
If you are really struggling to eat anything at all then you could try drinking ginger tea or ginger ale. Ginger is renowned for helping with morning sickness and it may just work for you.
Some doctors have recommended that pressing firmly against your belly button for around 1-2 minutes can help the feeling of nausea pass and is worth a try.
The good news is that however bad you feel you can rest assured that it's only for a short time relatively and you have a magical time ahead of you. I hope that these methods work for you and help make your pregnancy easier.
Prenatal Massage: Should My Baby And I Try It?
Ah-- the joys of having a baby!
What's frustrating though is that along with your "little bundle" come uninvited side effects like aching lower backs, hips, legs, migraines, swollen feet & lets not forget about the throwing up.
What if I told you there was a massage therapy exactly for women who are pregnant that is intended to eliminate some of the discomfort related with pregnancy and even facilitate their labor and delivery?
Expecting moms don't comprehend that their system is now not only holding them up...but it's also carrying their unborn child too. This extra weight can have serious consequences on your body.
A professional prenatal massage therapist can direct those muscles that have been stressed to relieve some of the tension and strain associated with carrying a child.
This stress reducing technique can go along way when you are coping with the flood of emotions and hormones that come with your pregnancy.
What Do Physicians Have To Say Regarding This?
You might find it intriguing that Studies at the University of Miami, School of Medicine, show that just 20 minutes of pre-natal massage twice a week for five weeks:
a) Diminishes stress hormones in your body,
b) Regulates mood swings
c) Assists to promote better sleep
d) Reduce your anxiety and back pain.
But that's only a few of the benefits...these studies report expecting moms who received regular massages during their pregnancy:
· Experienced lower rates of premature birth,
· Fewer obstetrical complications,
· Babies had fewer of postnatal complications.
What Are The Benefits Of Prenatal Massage Therapy To A Pregnant Mom And Unborn Child?
The latest research show that they prenatal massage may:
a) Alleviate the worried anxiousness and despair that go hand in hand with the hormonal changes brought about by pregnancy.
b) Relieve stress on lower back, pelvis, and ankles, which are not in the habit to carrying a baby
c) Get rid of back, shoulder neck pain caused by your muscles being out of balance.
d) Lessen back, shoulder neck pain caused by your muscles being out of balance.
e) Improve your blood and lymph circulation, which in turn helps to lessen swelling and improves the baby's oxygen supply.
f) Unwind muscle knots that cause cramping, tightening, and stiffness.
g) Lessen your aches and pain and at the same time encourage relaxation, which can actually speed up your labor
h) Improve muscle and skin tone
i) Help you sleep more soundly so you don't have to toss and turn all night
Do Experts Advocate It For All Women That Are Expecting?
Most specialists think it's best if you wait until your second trimester so that your body can get adjusted to the pregnancy.
Prenatal massage is perfectly safe during your second and third trimester. The funny thing is the further along you are...the more you'll appreciate the benefits!
Now please do not forget when you are pregnant, you should always talk with your doctor before experimenting with any new treatment or procedure.
If they think its OK to begin, contact a local pre-natal massage therapist and enjoy your massage. You deserve it!
What's frustrating though is that along with your "little bundle" come uninvited side effects like aching lower backs, hips, legs, migraines, swollen feet & lets not forget about the throwing up.
What if I told you there was a massage therapy exactly for women who are pregnant that is intended to eliminate some of the discomfort related with pregnancy and even facilitate their labor and delivery?
Expecting moms don't comprehend that their system is now not only holding them up...but it's also carrying their unborn child too. This extra weight can have serious consequences on your body.
A professional prenatal massage therapist can direct those muscles that have been stressed to relieve some of the tension and strain associated with carrying a child.
This stress reducing technique can go along way when you are coping with the flood of emotions and hormones that come with your pregnancy.
What Do Physicians Have To Say Regarding This?
You might find it intriguing that Studies at the University of Miami, School of Medicine, show that just 20 minutes of pre-natal massage twice a week for five weeks:
a) Diminishes stress hormones in your body,
b) Regulates mood swings
c) Assists to promote better sleep
d) Reduce your anxiety and back pain.
But that's only a few of the benefits...these studies report expecting moms who received regular massages during their pregnancy:
· Experienced lower rates of premature birth,
· Fewer obstetrical complications,
· Babies had fewer of postnatal complications.
What Are The Benefits Of Prenatal Massage Therapy To A Pregnant Mom And Unborn Child?
The latest research show that they prenatal massage may:
a) Alleviate the worried anxiousness and despair that go hand in hand with the hormonal changes brought about by pregnancy.
b) Relieve stress on lower back, pelvis, and ankles, which are not in the habit to carrying a baby
c) Get rid of back, shoulder neck pain caused by your muscles being out of balance.
d) Lessen back, shoulder neck pain caused by your muscles being out of balance.
e) Improve your blood and lymph circulation, which in turn helps to lessen swelling and improves the baby's oxygen supply.
f) Unwind muscle knots that cause cramping, tightening, and stiffness.
g) Lessen your aches and pain and at the same time encourage relaxation, which can actually speed up your labor
h) Improve muscle and skin tone
i) Help you sleep more soundly so you don't have to toss and turn all night
Do Experts Advocate It For All Women That Are Expecting?
Most specialists think it's best if you wait until your second trimester so that your body can get adjusted to the pregnancy.
Prenatal massage is perfectly safe during your second and third trimester. The funny thing is the further along you are...the more you'll appreciate the benefits!
Now please do not forget when you are pregnant, you should always talk with your doctor before experimenting with any new treatment or procedure.
If they think its OK to begin, contact a local pre-natal massage therapist and enjoy your massage. You deserve it!
So You're Pregnant - What Now?
You have just found out you are pregnant with your first child. You are thrilled, if somewhat in shock! No matter how wanted a baby is, the reality of actually becoming responsible for a helpless little person can take a while (the whole nine months for some) to sink in. In the early days after your positive test, what do you do now? Do you start buying baby bits? Telling everyone you know? Do you see a doctor?
Firstly, there is absolutely no rush. When are you going to start telling people you are pregnant? This really depends on your situation, whether you are working and whether you and your partner wish to have a bit of time to yourselves to get used to the whole idea. Once a pregnancy reaches twelve weeks gestation it is considered more secure and the risk of miscarriage diminishes. Would you want to have to ‘untell’ people your news should the worst happen, or would you prefer them to know so that they could support you in such circumstances; only you can decide.
Pregnancy – especially the first trimester – feels as though it lasts forever! If you know roughly the date of the first day of your last period you can work out how many weeks pregnant you are (give or take a few days). A forty week pregnancy is always counted from the first day of your last period. When you are 8-10 weeks pregnant make an appointment with your local surgery to see the midwife for a booking appointment. At this appointment your new best friend will probably give you a pack of information, get you to fill in some personal details and make another appointment for the next few weeks. At this second appointment (if it was not done at the first one) bloods will be taken and you will need to provide a urine sample at every subsequent antenatal check. An appointment for a dating scan will probably be made for you too, at around 12-14 weeks. This will give a more accurate due date to look forward to. Any problems or concerns are dealt with in the first instance by your midwife; she is there to help and put your mind at ease.
The first time you have a baby everything is unknown and can be scary so don’t be afraid to voice your fears. Most of all, try to enjoy the time (and the peace and quiet) for the next few months until you meet your new baby because life changes forever when he or she actually arrives!
Firstly, there is absolutely no rush. When are you going to start telling people you are pregnant? This really depends on your situation, whether you are working and whether you and your partner wish to have a bit of time to yourselves to get used to the whole idea. Once a pregnancy reaches twelve weeks gestation it is considered more secure and the risk of miscarriage diminishes. Would you want to have to ‘untell’ people your news should the worst happen, or would you prefer them to know so that they could support you in such circumstances; only you can decide.
Pregnancy – especially the first trimester – feels as though it lasts forever! If you know roughly the date of the first day of your last period you can work out how many weeks pregnant you are (give or take a few days). A forty week pregnancy is always counted from the first day of your last period. When you are 8-10 weeks pregnant make an appointment with your local surgery to see the midwife for a booking appointment. At this appointment your new best friend will probably give you a pack of information, get you to fill in some personal details and make another appointment for the next few weeks. At this second appointment (if it was not done at the first one) bloods will be taken and you will need to provide a urine sample at every subsequent antenatal check. An appointment for a dating scan will probably be made for you too, at around 12-14 weeks. This will give a more accurate due date to look forward to. Any problems or concerns are dealt with in the first instance by your midwife; she is there to help and put your mind at ease.
The first time you have a baby everything is unknown and can be scary so don’t be afraid to voice your fears. Most of all, try to enjoy the time (and the peace and quiet) for the next few months until you meet your new baby because life changes forever when he or she actually arrives!
The Early Signs of Pregnancy
One of the early signs of pregnancy is morning sickness. Sometimes nausea is made worse by fatigue, temperature fluxuations, certain smells and even the sight of food. Morning sickness may even be accompanied by vomiting. The truth is while nausea is one of the early signs of pregnancy and labeled "morning sickness" it may not strike a pregnant woman just in the mornings. Morning sickness and all its discomfort can occur at any time . . . even in the middle of the night. While morning sickness is one of the early signs of pregnancy that generally goes away after the first trimester, there are women who experience morning sickness during their entire pregnancies. Smells, certain foods and other things may cause nausea in a pregnant woman at any time during her pregnancy.
Morning sickness is said to be brought on by changes in a pregnant woman's hormones. The human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is relatively high during the first few months of pregnancy. HCG, changes in estrogen levels and even changes in blood glucose levels can bring about morning sickness. One way to combat a drop in blood glucose is for pregnant women to always keep food in their stomachs. While eating may be the last thing on a woman's mind if morning sickness is one of her early signs of pregnancy, an empty stomach can make nausea worse.
Eating small snacks throughout the day can go far in helping a woman to combat nausea. Pregnant women who suffer from nausea can usually tolerate eating small snacks. This is usually easier for a woman that trying to consume two or three large meals each day. Pregnant women are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids. This can help to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can occur if a woman is having a lot of vomiting with her morning sickness.
While nausea and morning sickness is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy, it can be very frightening. If a pregnant woman has many episodes of vomiting and it is causing her to lose weight she should notify her OB/GYN. There are occasions when a pregnant mother may have to be put on intravenous fluids or given medication. It is important to note that a doctor will be able to determine if a pregnant woman is experiencing normal morning sickness or if she has an underlying medical condition that is causing her to vomit and lose weight. Other causes of nausea and vomiting could include peptic ulcer disease, gall bladder disease, appendicitis, hepatitis, infections, kidney insufficiency and more. If you are pregnant and you think you are experiencing more than just a dose of morning sickness that accompanies the early signs of pregnancy, you should consult your doctor immediately.
In addition to nausea, other early signs of pregnancy can include changes in breast sensitivity. Many women report that their breasts become very tender and feel full and heavy. Spotting very early in the first few weeks of pregnancy is also fairly common. However, this spotting should be reported to your doctor. Normal spotting will generally be accompanied with a yellow colored mucous. Lack of energy and fatigue is also one of the common early signs of pregnancy as well as frequent urination. Energy levels generally return during the second trimester only to fall again during the third trimester. Many women report they feel the need to frequently urinate throughout their entire pregnancies, while others report this as just a problem during the first and third trimesters.
Morning sickness is said to be brought on by changes in a pregnant woman's hormones. The human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is relatively high during the first few months of pregnancy. HCG, changes in estrogen levels and even changes in blood glucose levels can bring about morning sickness. One way to combat a drop in blood glucose is for pregnant women to always keep food in their stomachs. While eating may be the last thing on a woman's mind if morning sickness is one of her early signs of pregnancy, an empty stomach can make nausea worse.
Eating small snacks throughout the day can go far in helping a woman to combat nausea. Pregnant women who suffer from nausea can usually tolerate eating small snacks. This is usually easier for a woman that trying to consume two or three large meals each day. Pregnant women are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids. This can help to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can occur if a woman is having a lot of vomiting with her morning sickness.
While nausea and morning sickness is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy, it can be very frightening. If a pregnant woman has many episodes of vomiting and it is causing her to lose weight she should notify her OB/GYN. There are occasions when a pregnant mother may have to be put on intravenous fluids or given medication. It is important to note that a doctor will be able to determine if a pregnant woman is experiencing normal morning sickness or if she has an underlying medical condition that is causing her to vomit and lose weight. Other causes of nausea and vomiting could include peptic ulcer disease, gall bladder disease, appendicitis, hepatitis, infections, kidney insufficiency and more. If you are pregnant and you think you are experiencing more than just a dose of morning sickness that accompanies the early signs of pregnancy, you should consult your doctor immediately.
In addition to nausea, other early signs of pregnancy can include changes in breast sensitivity. Many women report that their breasts become very tender and feel full and heavy. Spotting very early in the first few weeks of pregnancy is also fairly common. However, this spotting should be reported to your doctor. Normal spotting will generally be accompanied with a yellow colored mucous. Lack of energy and fatigue is also one of the common early signs of pregnancy as well as frequent urination. Energy levels generally return during the second trimester only to fall again during the third trimester. Many women report they feel the need to frequently urinate throughout their entire pregnancies, while others report this as just a problem during the first and third trimesters.
Pregnancy: A Memorable Experience
The experience of becoming parents is a truly special one. It is an experience that is worth cherishing for ever and ever. Of course, all the excitement begins way before the child is actually born. It begins with the decision to raise a family, and the attempts at trying to conceive. Some attempts turn out to be successful while many others don't. Unsuccessful attempts at conceiving often lead to a great deal of depression. However, do not let it worry you too much. Conception problems and infertility are far more common than you might imagine.
If you are presently unable to conceive, do not lose hope of having a baby of your own. There are several medical procedures to help you conceive that child. Just consult your doctor and ask for his/her advice on solving the infertility problem to get pregnant. Apart from medical procedures also, there are a large number of conception tips that you can avail of to resolve your "getting pregnant" problems. All that you have to do is watch out for your conception symptoms and try to conceive accordingly. That is the reason why it becomes essential to maintain a menstrual calendar.
Once you have succeeded in conceiving, be prepared for the host of troubles that are just waiting to harass you. From morning sickness and craving for certain foods to finding clothes that fit and labor pains, the journey from conception to delivery is a long one. Those nine months are an occasion for you and your partner to bond. Attend classes on pregnancy and baby care so that you are not at sea in future moments of crisis. Learn not to panic when the delivery is imminent. Also learn the best ways of burping your baby after a feed. You will have to admit that these are not issues that are limited to women only.
Of course, not everything is serious learning. You also have to take time out to decide the name for your baby. That is a task that everybody enjoys. If you are having twins, that means double the trouble of finding the perfect name. If you are having multiple births, prepare yourself for the many hours that will go into the search for the perfect name. However, believing that all will be well would be living in a fool's paradise. Debates and many arguments will follow over the choice of the name. Once the baby comes though, you will find the right answer. Pregnancy is a wonderful time for a couple. It is not something that you should miss out on.
If you are presently unable to conceive, do not lose hope of having a baby of your own. There are several medical procedures to help you conceive that child. Just consult your doctor and ask for his/her advice on solving the infertility problem to get pregnant. Apart from medical procedures also, there are a large number of conception tips that you can avail of to resolve your "getting pregnant" problems. All that you have to do is watch out for your conception symptoms and try to conceive accordingly. That is the reason why it becomes essential to maintain a menstrual calendar.
Once you have succeeded in conceiving, be prepared for the host of troubles that are just waiting to harass you. From morning sickness and craving for certain foods to finding clothes that fit and labor pains, the journey from conception to delivery is a long one. Those nine months are an occasion for you and your partner to bond. Attend classes on pregnancy and baby care so that you are not at sea in future moments of crisis. Learn not to panic when the delivery is imminent. Also learn the best ways of burping your baby after a feed. You will have to admit that these are not issues that are limited to women only.
Of course, not everything is serious learning. You also have to take time out to decide the name for your baby. That is a task that everybody enjoys. If you are having twins, that means double the trouble of finding the perfect name. If you are having multiple births, prepare yourself for the many hours that will go into the search for the perfect name. However, believing that all will be well would be living in a fool's paradise. Debates and many arguments will follow over the choice of the name. Once the baby comes though, you will find the right answer. Pregnancy is a wonderful time for a couple. It is not something that you should miss out on.
Are You Ready For A Baby
With the advent of modern-day birth control, people are better able to control when they start a family. Not only is bringing a child into the world a heavy responsibility, thepregnancy itself can be quite cumbersome. Here are some things to think about:
1. Are you financially ready to have a baby? Raising a child can be very expensive. While finances shouldn't deter your from starting a family if you really want one, be prepared for a higher strain on your finances. You'll be spending less time in the mall for yourself and more time in the baby aisles of the supermarket.
2. Are you emotionally ready to have a baby? It is much easier to raise a child with a loving partner. Having a baby often puts a strain on the marriage, since the raising of a child can be quite stressful.
3. Is your biological clock ticking? While the above two questions might make you want to put off having a baby, remember that you only have so much time to have a child. It is much easier for a woman to have a healthy baby in her 20' and 30's than if she attempts to do so in her 40's. While modern medicine can cure a lot of diseases, it still cannot turn back the biological clock.
Tips On Getting Pregnant
Tips On Getting Pregnant
There are several things you can do to help you to conceive.. It,s best to give yourself at least three months before you try to get pregnant, to start eating more healthily, and maybe losing a bit of weight if you need to.
You should start taking folic acid as soon as you start planning a baby. It,s a b vitamin that reduces the risk of some serious birth defects that can affect the spinal cord and brain.
If you smoke ,now is the time to stop as it increases the chance of miscarriage,and can lead to premature birth as well as low birthweight babies.
If you are on the pill or any other birth control ,now is the time to stop as it can take your periods a while to return to normal.
Timing is important as there are only a few days each month that you can fall pregnant, so working out when these days are will greatly increase your chances. You can buy ovulation kits which will pinpoint exactly when you ovulate by detecting hormones in your urine that can tell you when you are most likely to get pregnant.
You should avoid using scented tampons and douching as they can wash away cervical mucus and create a hostile enviroment for sperm.
It can take a while to get pregnant so you may need to be patient. You have about a 25% chance of getting pregnant each month, so it could take a few months .If you have been trying for a year and still have,nt conceived then you should see your doctor ,just to make sure there are no problems.
There are also things your partner can do to help ,like avoiding tight underwear as this can cause low sperm count, as can really hot baths and showers.
It can be really stressful trying to conceive and can become quite clinical for some couples, when it seems that all that is important is getting pregnant , so you need to try not to stress yourself out over this ,as it is more likely to happen if you are both relaxed about it.
If you find yourself getting to stressed try to get some exercise as it releases stress relieving hormones.
If you find that you are having trouble getting pregnant, then visit your doctor ,but you need to give it at least a year, unless you are over 40 then you should visit your doctor sooner if you are having problems conceiving.
There are several things you can do to help you to conceive.. It,s best to give yourself at least three months before you try to get pregnant, to start eating more healthily, and maybe losing a bit of weight if you need to.
You should start taking folic acid as soon as you start planning a baby. It,s a b vitamin that reduces the risk of some serious birth defects that can affect the spinal cord and brain.
If you smoke ,now is the time to stop as it increases the chance of miscarriage,and can lead to premature birth as well as low birthweight babies.
If you are on the pill or any other birth control ,now is the time to stop as it can take your periods a while to return to normal.
Timing is important as there are only a few days each month that you can fall pregnant, so working out when these days are will greatly increase your chances. You can buy ovulation kits which will pinpoint exactly when you ovulate by detecting hormones in your urine that can tell you when you are most likely to get pregnant.
You should avoid using scented tampons and douching as they can wash away cervical mucus and create a hostile enviroment for sperm.
It can take a while to get pregnant so you may need to be patient. You have about a 25% chance of getting pregnant each month, so it could take a few months .If you have been trying for a year and still have,nt conceived then you should see your doctor ,just to make sure there are no problems.
There are also things your partner can do to help ,like avoiding tight underwear as this can cause low sperm count, as can really hot baths and showers.
It can be really stressful trying to conceive and can become quite clinical for some couples, when it seems that all that is important is getting pregnant , so you need to try not to stress yourself out over this ,as it is more likely to happen if you are both relaxed about it.
If you find yourself getting to stressed try to get some exercise as it releases stress relieving hormones.
If you find that you are having trouble getting pregnant, then visit your doctor ,but you need to give it at least a year, unless you are over 40 then you should visit your doctor sooner if you are having problems conceiving.
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