Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding your child. Long ago doctors believed it actually took nutrients away from the baby inside you, however that is not the case. Even today we have people that believe this and they will argue with you the entire time. Only you can decide if you should stop breastfeeding your toddler or not. Don’t let someone else make that decision for you.
Reasons to Stop
A few reasons you might want to stop breastfeeding may be if you are feeling constantly drained of energy. Or maybe your child has started to bite. Sometimes your milk will just dry up, this is your body’s way of telling you that it has had enough and to take a break. Mastitis could play a big role in making you stop immediately as well. Mastitis is an infection in the breast when it isn’t expressed enough and gets engorged.
Stopping or Weaning
If you do plan on stopping because you are pregnant, make sure it is for the right reasons. If your child has reached a certain age, it might be best. But never just yank it away from them. Your child could wonder why it is being taken away. Wonder if they had done something or become discouraged about the new baby coming. Some children decide to wean themselves, which is a big help to you and you won’t feel so guilty about it. You can choose to do it cold turkey, or slowly wean him/her off. Cold turkey can have some bad results. Try limiting his/her feeding times to certain hours and gradually as time passes take away more. Your child will quickly stop on his/her own and it won’t be a traumatic event.
Continuing to Feed
If you do plan on continuing to breastfeed while you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about it. Not all the time will the doctor agree with your decision. Sometimes he/she may see something in your health that you don’t. Listen carefully and find out if it is a health reason or simply his/her own belief. If it is the doctors belief, you can always seek out one that agrees with you. Being pregnant is hard enough at times, knowing you have someone in your corner will only relieve the stress. Don’t be surprised if your family and friends want to say something about it and they will probably give you all kind of advice on how to stop and what they’ve read. Nicely explain to them it is your decision and you’ll do what you think is best for your children. Try finding a support group in your area so you have someone to vent to or talk about these issues. Check out if there is a La Leche League near you or online that you can join.
Remember that as long as you take proper care of yourself and your body, you’ll be able to safely breastfeed while pregnant.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
All Hands on Baby
Everyone wants to touch the baby, especially during the pregnancy but no one every asks. If you haven't noticed yet, the minute you start to show a tummy everyone else will gladly show you. The tummy becomes this magnet for hands and everyone wants to handle it. It doesn’t matter if you are walking around in a store, sitting down in a restaurant or walking on your own street, someone is bound to start rubbing all over it.
You aren’t the only one that is being driven nuts by this either, take a look at your husband. Sure he seems like a trooper but deep inside he’s probably ready to put someone’s lights out. Talk with your husband and see how he feels. Even if you don’t mind, he might not like other men’s hands on you. He may not care if it is a female touching your body but he can mind about a man. Think about how you would feel if you saw some woman rubbing her hands all over your husband’s chest. Maybe the two of you can come to an agreement, after all do you have to let everyone touch the baby?
Your belly, clothed or not is a personal space, sure there is someone intruding inside you but that person in welcome. But to actually touch someone else’s belly one should ask before they do it and respect your answer. If you don’t want them to touch it, tell them. While some women don’t mind all the attention, there are other women that don’t want their belly’s touched, let alone them to be showing for the whole world to see. Maybe they’ve gained 10 pounds and feel conscious enough about it, or they could be a very private person.
Children may also want to touch the belly, normally it is because they know someone that has had a baby and they were able to do it. If you don’t like it, let them know. If you don’t mind, you may want to place their hand on your belly. Children tend to get excited and actually smack the belly when they are trying to reach for it.
Forget about the rubbing the belly for a moment, be careful that you don’t get the person that likes to poke at it. That hurts more than anything and half the time they don’t get it. Try explaining to them as nicely as you can that it hurts. They may only be doing it because they want to see the baby move and when you jump they just think it is part of the pregnancy reaction. They may think twice before doing it again to you or anyone else.
If nothing else seems to work and you’ve been polite in letting people know that your belly is off limits, feel free to sick your husband on them or start swatting. You’ve already given fair warning. Don’t feel bad if you smack a person that lifts up your shirt in broad daylight either. This is a normal reaction and people should really think twice before doing it. They wouldn’t do it if you weren’t pregnant.
You aren’t the only one that is being driven nuts by this either, take a look at your husband. Sure he seems like a trooper but deep inside he’s probably ready to put someone’s lights out. Talk with your husband and see how he feels. Even if you don’t mind, he might not like other men’s hands on you. He may not care if it is a female touching your body but he can mind about a man. Think about how you would feel if you saw some woman rubbing her hands all over your husband’s chest. Maybe the two of you can come to an agreement, after all do you have to let everyone touch the baby?
Your belly, clothed or not is a personal space, sure there is someone intruding inside you but that person in welcome. But to actually touch someone else’s belly one should ask before they do it and respect your answer. If you don’t want them to touch it, tell them. While some women don’t mind all the attention, there are other women that don’t want their belly’s touched, let alone them to be showing for the whole world to see. Maybe they’ve gained 10 pounds and feel conscious enough about it, or they could be a very private person.
Children may also want to touch the belly, normally it is because they know someone that has had a baby and they were able to do it. If you don’t like it, let them know. If you don’t mind, you may want to place their hand on your belly. Children tend to get excited and actually smack the belly when they are trying to reach for it.
Forget about the rubbing the belly for a moment, be careful that you don’t get the person that likes to poke at it. That hurts more than anything and half the time they don’t get it. Try explaining to them as nicely as you can that it hurts. They may only be doing it because they want to see the baby move and when you jump they just think it is part of the pregnancy reaction. They may think twice before doing it again to you or anyone else.
If nothing else seems to work and you’ve been polite in letting people know that your belly is off limits, feel free to sick your husband on them or start swatting. You’ve already given fair warning. Don’t feel bad if you smack a person that lifts up your shirt in broad daylight either. This is a normal reaction and people should really think twice before doing it. They wouldn’t do it if you weren’t pregnant.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Planning a Baby Shower
Baby showers are a lot of fun, especially for pregnant mom-to-be. Not only is this something for the baby, but now she doesn‘t have to go out and buy. Before you throw a baby shower for someone there are a few things you should do to prepare. The first thing is figure out if this will be a surprise shower or not. There are benefits to both, the first one being if she knows she can help you with a list of people that she would like to be there. However, if it is a surprise she’ll be touched that you cared enough to throw her a baby shower, but be careful you don’t want to give her too much of surprise and put her in labor.
Making the Guest List
When it comes to making the guest list things can get a little tricky. Find out if there is anyone that would be upset if they weren't invited. Never leave out close family or friends, at least give them the option of showing up.
Games
Planning games for a shower can be a bit difficult when you have so many fun games and have a few gifts to pass out as prizes. Baby shower games are a lot of fun, here is a quick list.
Mommy’s belly- The mom-to-be stand in the center of the room and each guests get to decide how big her belly is using a string or a toilet paper sheets. Find out who guessed the closest.
Guess the nursery rhyme- Give each guest a sheet of nursery rhymes and have them guess the nursery rhyme or finish it. This will help everyone remember them and see who reads those bedtime stories.
Did you say Baby Game?- Each guest is giving small clothespins to wear around their neck on a necklace or on their shirt. Every time someone says “Baby” if someone catches them they get to take one pin. At the end of the party the guest with the most pins wins a prize.
Memory- Using a plastic tin of some sort place a bunch of baby items in it such as, bib, thermometer, baby spoon, diaper rash crème, etc. Anything you’d use on a baby. Let each guest get a chance to look in the bin for a few seconds and take it away. Once everyone is finished have them write down everything that was in the box. The person with the most correct answers wins.
Baby Food Tasting - Have a variety of baby food in jars, take off the outside wrapper and place a number at the bottom of the jar, on a separate piece of paper write the name of each jar. Each guest is dished out a spoonful of baby food to try. Have them write down what they think each one is. The one with the most correct answers wins a prize.
Have a great baby shower and don’t forget to bring a gift.
Making the Guest List
When it comes to making the guest list things can get a little tricky. Find out if there is anyone that would be upset if they weren't invited. Never leave out close family or friends, at least give them the option of showing up.
Games
Planning games for a shower can be a bit difficult when you have so many fun games and have a few gifts to pass out as prizes. Baby shower games are a lot of fun, here is a quick list.
Mommy’s belly- The mom-to-be stand in the center of the room and each guests get to decide how big her belly is using a string or a toilet paper sheets. Find out who guessed the closest.
Guess the nursery rhyme- Give each guest a sheet of nursery rhymes and have them guess the nursery rhyme or finish it. This will help everyone remember them and see who reads those bedtime stories.
Did you say Baby Game?- Each guest is giving small clothespins to wear around their neck on a necklace or on their shirt. Every time someone says “Baby” if someone catches them they get to take one pin. At the end of the party the guest with the most pins wins a prize.
Memory- Using a plastic tin of some sort place a bunch of baby items in it such as, bib, thermometer, baby spoon, diaper rash crème, etc. Anything you’d use on a baby. Let each guest get a chance to look in the bin for a few seconds and take it away. Once everyone is finished have them write down everything that was in the box. The person with the most correct answers wins.
Baby Food Tasting - Have a variety of baby food in jars, take off the outside wrapper and place a number at the bottom of the jar, on a separate piece of paper write the name of each jar. Each guest is dished out a spoonful of baby food to try. Have them write down what they think each one is. The one with the most correct answers wins a prize.
Have a great baby shower and don’t forget to bring a gift.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Weight Gain During Pregnancy - The Intimacy Killer
When the wedding bells rang throughout the town, and you and your new husband ran arm and arm from the church into the waiting limousine, you surely had no idea that you would be pregnant soon after.
At first, the sex was great, earth shattering even, but then the pregnancy “blahs” set in and now you would rather curl up with a good romance novel than have to go through the matter of having sex. Having to take all your clothes off, actually do the deed, and then clean up afterwards sounds like too much work in your condition.
Understanding Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Your body is a temple; a pure place where your child is growing, and expanding. Although this is a great and beautiful thing, your temple is only so big. When the child gets to be a certain size, in utero, your temple will need to have an addition put on.
Your body grows as your baby does, and so this might be a depressing thought, but you should remember that the weight will eventually come off and that the most important thing is that your baby will be born healthy.
You Feel Like a Penguin in Mating Season
So you are six months pregnant, and so far you have gained a total of 15 pounds. You always knew that weight gain during pregnancy was normal, but you sure don’t feel normal. With all this additional weight your body is carrying you feel like you could collapse at any moment just from the burden. You feel that penguins have more grace than you.
Weight gain during pregnancy has been more of a problem to most people than most possibly would have thought; not only do you feel fat and awkward, but you also most likely feel totally unattractive.
Sexless Goddess
What with most of the weight gathering around your waist, hips, and butt, this can tend to make you feel rather disgusting. Despite feeling nasty, you should remember that your husband is still going to desire physical intimacy with you. After all, he isn’t going through the same physical changes as you and so he doesn’t understand that sex might not be what you need.
In your eyes, you see a fat, awkward, harpy whose weight gain during pregnancy has only added distress and depression to your life. But in your husband’s eyes you are a glowing goddess of life!
To him, you couldn’t be more beautiful. You are not only the love of his life; you are also the vessel carrying his child. You are beautiful, sensual, and your breasts are bursting out of your top. To him, you have never been sexier. This is the main reason that men are still very into sex during their wife’s pregnancy.
All this to say that weight gain during pregnancy is normal. At times your love life may be effected, but the up side to all the difficulties is; you're baby will be healthy!
At first, the sex was great, earth shattering even, but then the pregnancy “blahs” set in and now you would rather curl up with a good romance novel than have to go through the matter of having sex. Having to take all your clothes off, actually do the deed, and then clean up afterwards sounds like too much work in your condition.
Understanding Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Your body is a temple; a pure place where your child is growing, and expanding. Although this is a great and beautiful thing, your temple is only so big. When the child gets to be a certain size, in utero, your temple will need to have an addition put on.
Your body grows as your baby does, and so this might be a depressing thought, but you should remember that the weight will eventually come off and that the most important thing is that your baby will be born healthy.
You Feel Like a Penguin in Mating Season
So you are six months pregnant, and so far you have gained a total of 15 pounds. You always knew that weight gain during pregnancy was normal, but you sure don’t feel normal. With all this additional weight your body is carrying you feel like you could collapse at any moment just from the burden. You feel that penguins have more grace than you.
Weight gain during pregnancy has been more of a problem to most people than most possibly would have thought; not only do you feel fat and awkward, but you also most likely feel totally unattractive.
Sexless Goddess
What with most of the weight gathering around your waist, hips, and butt, this can tend to make you feel rather disgusting. Despite feeling nasty, you should remember that your husband is still going to desire physical intimacy with you. After all, he isn’t going through the same physical changes as you and so he doesn’t understand that sex might not be what you need.
In your eyes, you see a fat, awkward, harpy whose weight gain during pregnancy has only added distress and depression to your life. But in your husband’s eyes you are a glowing goddess of life!
To him, you couldn’t be more beautiful. You are not only the love of his life; you are also the vessel carrying his child. You are beautiful, sensual, and your breasts are bursting out of your top. To him, you have never been sexier. This is the main reason that men are still very into sex during their wife’s pregnancy.
All this to say that weight gain during pregnancy is normal. At times your love life may be effected, but the up side to all the difficulties is; you're baby will be healthy!
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Unplanned Pregnancy Raises Questions
With all the knowledge we have today regarding pregnancy and birth control, it is hard to understand why half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. Should you find yourself with a pregnancy that was unplanned, here are some considerations to help you make a decision about the pregnancy.
What Are Your Options?
You may continue with the pregnancy, choosing to raise the child, you may continue the pregnancy, but place the child up for adoption, or you may choose to terminate the pregnancy. What to do about your unplanned pregnancy is your decision. What factors might contribute to your decision? First of all, consider your personal beliefs, and values, your present status and needs, and your plans for the future. A pregnancy, whether planned, or unplanned, has a great deal of influence on the rest of your life, as well as the life of your unborn child.
Your decision will be greatly affected by what your current situation dictates. What do you want at this point in your life? What are your current capabilities? While it's true that you might decide differently had the pregnancy happened at a different time in your life, it is important for you to do what you feel is right for you right now.
Whom Can You Talk To?
If you are involved in a committed relationship, you should discuss the pregnancy with your partner. In this type of relationship, the news of a pregnancy, even an unplanned one, can be cause for great joy. However, while the choice of what to do is ultimately yours, it is necessary to find out how your partner feels about the pregnancy. Just as you assessed your own situation, you must consider your partner's feelings, desires, and goals when making your choice. The decision will greatly impact both of your lives, as the responsibilities of having, and raising a child are shared responsibilities.
If you were not involved in a committed relationship when the pregnancy occurred, and you are trying to decide what to do about the pregnancy, it would be very advisable to consult with a health care provider. Health care providers are trained to be supportive, and non-judgmental. They will have all the necessary information you need about pregnancy, and if you request it, abortion. Additional support and information regarding an unplanned pregnancy can also be found in a number of community, and online resources for women. Your doctor, or other health care provider should be able to refer you to your community resources. Online support and information resources are available with a simple Internet search. The results will provide you with a large number of websites you can visit.
It may also be a good idea to speak with a trained counselor. An unplanned pregnancy can produce many different feelings in a woman, including guilt and fear. If you have these feelings, you need to talk with someone knowledgeable, and non-judgmental, whether or not you decide to go through with the pregnancy.
If you choose to raise the child, you will need to deal with your feelings regarding your pregnancy, and begin to prepare for motherhood. Should you decide to have the child, and then place the child up for adoption, you need to discuss the feelings of loss that may arise. If it is your intention to terminate the pregnancy, you will need to talk about this decision and how you really feel about it. Many people consider abortion to be unacceptable, but if it is what you really want, you may find it difficult to feel that you have done the right thing. Counseling is critical.
If you have strong religious beliefs, you will want to consider the teachings of your religion regarding pregnancy. Many religions oppose abortion, but not all women feel compelled to follow the teachings of their religion on what to do about an unplanned pregnancy.
If at all possible, confide in your family, or friends. It may also be advisable to talk to a priest, or pastor; especially if you are struggling with the decision to raise the child, or place the child up for adoption.
Whatever you decide, it is imperative that you get the required medical attention for your pregnancy. Be sure to take advantage of all support services offered in your community, or online. Don't be afraid to share your feelings about the unplanned pregnancy, and about making your decisions, with someone you trust. It is important to make an informed, and intelligent decision regarding what you feel is best for you, not what you think may be expected of you.
Having made your decisions, accept them, and plan for the rest of your life.
What Are Your Options?
You may continue with the pregnancy, choosing to raise the child, you may continue the pregnancy, but place the child up for adoption, or you may choose to terminate the pregnancy. What to do about your unplanned pregnancy is your decision. What factors might contribute to your decision? First of all, consider your personal beliefs, and values, your present status and needs, and your plans for the future. A pregnancy, whether planned, or unplanned, has a great deal of influence on the rest of your life, as well as the life of your unborn child.
Your decision will be greatly affected by what your current situation dictates. What do you want at this point in your life? What are your current capabilities? While it's true that you might decide differently had the pregnancy happened at a different time in your life, it is important for you to do what you feel is right for you right now.
Whom Can You Talk To?
If you are involved in a committed relationship, you should discuss the pregnancy with your partner. In this type of relationship, the news of a pregnancy, even an unplanned one, can be cause for great joy. However, while the choice of what to do is ultimately yours, it is necessary to find out how your partner feels about the pregnancy. Just as you assessed your own situation, you must consider your partner's feelings, desires, and goals when making your choice. The decision will greatly impact both of your lives, as the responsibilities of having, and raising a child are shared responsibilities.
If you were not involved in a committed relationship when the pregnancy occurred, and you are trying to decide what to do about the pregnancy, it would be very advisable to consult with a health care provider. Health care providers are trained to be supportive, and non-judgmental. They will have all the necessary information you need about pregnancy, and if you request it, abortion. Additional support and information regarding an unplanned pregnancy can also be found in a number of community, and online resources for women. Your doctor, or other health care provider should be able to refer you to your community resources. Online support and information resources are available with a simple Internet search. The results will provide you with a large number of websites you can visit.
It may also be a good idea to speak with a trained counselor. An unplanned pregnancy can produce many different feelings in a woman, including guilt and fear. If you have these feelings, you need to talk with someone knowledgeable, and non-judgmental, whether or not you decide to go through with the pregnancy.
If you choose to raise the child, you will need to deal with your feelings regarding your pregnancy, and begin to prepare for motherhood. Should you decide to have the child, and then place the child up for adoption, you need to discuss the feelings of loss that may arise. If it is your intention to terminate the pregnancy, you will need to talk about this decision and how you really feel about it. Many people consider abortion to be unacceptable, but if it is what you really want, you may find it difficult to feel that you have done the right thing. Counseling is critical.
If you have strong religious beliefs, you will want to consider the teachings of your religion regarding pregnancy. Many religions oppose abortion, but not all women feel compelled to follow the teachings of their religion on what to do about an unplanned pregnancy.
If at all possible, confide in your family, or friends. It may also be advisable to talk to a priest, or pastor; especially if you are struggling with the decision to raise the child, or place the child up for adoption.
Whatever you decide, it is imperative that you get the required medical attention for your pregnancy. Be sure to take advantage of all support services offered in your community, or online. Don't be afraid to share your feelings about the unplanned pregnancy, and about making your decisions, with someone you trust. It is important to make an informed, and intelligent decision regarding what you feel is best for you, not what you think may be expected of you.
Having made your decisions, accept them, and plan for the rest of your life.
Friday, 25 November 2011
How To Calculate Your Pregnancy Due Date
Finding out that you’re pregnant is a very happy time. There are so many things to do like buying a crib, diapers, stroller, and much, much more!
Nine months seems like an eternity when you first find out you’re pregnant, but it really is not. There are so many milestones that happen and so much to do it will go by in a flash.
So you’re pregnant, what is a due date and when is it?
Your due date is the date that is given to you of when you can expect to go into labor. The dates are not usually very accurate. More often women go into labor with 2 weeks of the expected due date.
The most accurate way to determine a due date is when the woman knows the day of conception. This rarely happens so normally due dates are determined by using the 1st day of the woman’s last period. Normally the total gestation time is added to the 1st day of the last period minus 2 weeks.
Example:
The total gestation time is 40 weeks (9 months). If the woman’s last period was on October 1st, 2005, you would add for weeks to that date and the date you would have then would be July 1st, 2006. You take away 2 weeks from this date and you have June 15th, 2006. So your due date would be June 15th.
This method is called the LMP Method (last menstrual period).
Two weeks are taken away from the 40 weeks because it is said that women can ovulate within 2 weeks of their last period.
Another interesting way to calculate your due date is called Naegle’s Rule. As with LMP, Naegle’s Rule also uses the first day of your last period.
Calculate the 1st day of your last period.
Count back 3 months from that day
Add 7 days
This is another easy way to calculate your due date.
Ultrasounds can also give an expecting mother her due date. Ultrasound technicians use the ultrasounds to determine the baby’s age by looking at different body parts and organs.
There are also many online websites for expectant mothers that offer pregnancy due date calculators. These calculators often use the LMP method by asking you to put in the first day of your last period and calculating your due date from there. The calculators not only give the mothers a due date to anticipate, but can also be used to mark the different milestones of pregnancy.
For example:
the time when a baby develops organs
2nd trimester
3rd trimester
and your due date
In ancient times women used the different phases of the moon. When a woman suspected that she could be pregnant she would look at the moon and what phase it was in. Over time she would count how many times the moon was in that phase. At the 10th time the moon entered into that phase and the 10th period she missed, the woman would know she was due soon.
Dr. Naegle (with Naegle’s Rule) determined that the ancient way was also an accurate way to determine a due date since a woman’s cycle seems to follow by the moon’s cycle.
Although the ancient way is no longer used it normally came pretty close. Whether you want to calculate the moon’s phases or use LMP to calculate it, there are many, many ways to find out a round about date as to when your new baby will be born!
Nine months seems like an eternity when you first find out you’re pregnant, but it really is not. There are so many milestones that happen and so much to do it will go by in a flash.
So you’re pregnant, what is a due date and when is it?
Your due date is the date that is given to you of when you can expect to go into labor. The dates are not usually very accurate. More often women go into labor with 2 weeks of the expected due date.
The most accurate way to determine a due date is when the woman knows the day of conception. This rarely happens so normally due dates are determined by using the 1st day of the woman’s last period. Normally the total gestation time is added to the 1st day of the last period minus 2 weeks.
Example:
The total gestation time is 40 weeks (9 months). If the woman’s last period was on October 1st, 2005, you would add for weeks to that date and the date you would have then would be July 1st, 2006. You take away 2 weeks from this date and you have June 15th, 2006. So your due date would be June 15th.
This method is called the LMP Method (last menstrual period).
Two weeks are taken away from the 40 weeks because it is said that women can ovulate within 2 weeks of their last period.
Another interesting way to calculate your due date is called Naegle’s Rule. As with LMP, Naegle’s Rule also uses the first day of your last period.
Calculate the 1st day of your last period.
Count back 3 months from that day
Add 7 days
This is another easy way to calculate your due date.
Ultrasounds can also give an expecting mother her due date. Ultrasound technicians use the ultrasounds to determine the baby’s age by looking at different body parts and organs.
There are also many online websites for expectant mothers that offer pregnancy due date calculators. These calculators often use the LMP method by asking you to put in the first day of your last period and calculating your due date from there. The calculators not only give the mothers a due date to anticipate, but can also be used to mark the different milestones of pregnancy.
For example:
the time when a baby develops organs
2nd trimester
3rd trimester
and your due date
In ancient times women used the different phases of the moon. When a woman suspected that she could be pregnant she would look at the moon and what phase it was in. Over time she would count how many times the moon was in that phase. At the 10th time the moon entered into that phase and the 10th period she missed, the woman would know she was due soon.
Dr. Naegle (with Naegle’s Rule) determined that the ancient way was also an accurate way to determine a due date since a woman’s cycle seems to follow by the moon’s cycle.
Although the ancient way is no longer used it normally came pretty close. Whether you want to calculate the moon’s phases or use LMP to calculate it, there are many, many ways to find out a round about date as to when your new baby will be born!
Thursday, 24 November 2011
How Far Along Am I In My Pregnancy
You are a young mother and expecting your first baby which is a very anxious time for you. How far along am I in my pregnancy? That is the question that most expectant mothers raise. There are two ways that one can calculate how far along in the pregnancy you might be. The American System is used by most doctors but the Ovulation System works just as well.
How far along am I in my pregnancy? In the American System if you are 7 weeks pregnant, you conceived about 5 weeks ago. The differences in the method of calculating how far along you are average out to be almost the same.
Pregnancy is dated from the first day of the menstrual period. This is a hold over from the past when little was known about cycles. Confusion is not uncommon in dating a pregnancy. Now the question still remains how far along am I in my pregnancy? There are two ways to calculate how far along you might be in your pregnancy. The first way is the American System. In the American system the first trimester ends after week twelve. The second trimester ends after the twenty-sixth week. The due date then is the fortieth week. This is a common method in this country to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy.
The other manner of figuring our where you are in your pregnancy and your due date is called the Ovulation System.
The above chart makes a comparison for you so that you are better able to understand how to calculate. The question again presents itself, how far along am I in my pregnancy? The numerous tests you can take and different ways to calculate may still have you confused.
The Ovulation System which is used in many other countries and often in the United States seems to be the most accurate way of getting an exact measure of how far along you are in your pregnancy. In the Ovulation System conception is considered week 0. The positive pregnancy test can be measured by week 2. The end of the first trimester is weeks 10-11. The end of the second trimester is week twenty-four. The due date is normally figured at week thirty-eight. In comparison to the American System there is a two week difference.
How far along am I in my pregnancy? The question still remains the answer depends on what system the doctor uses in his calculations. Some ladies like to count backward to figure out when they conceived, if the American System is used and you are seven weeks pregnant, you conceived five weeks ago. There are other things to consider as well that might help you to determine when you think your pregnancy began. You can of course take the home pregnancy test that helps you to know for sure you are pregnant. When you’re trying as a couple to get pregnant it is not uncommon for a woman to take the home pregnancy test every month. This then gives you a better idea of when you might have conceived.
A missed period is another method of knowing that you are pregnant. The calendar tracking can help you just as well. It is a good thing to track on your calendar the last day of your period and know when you are ovulating. You and your doctor can work out a plan together that will help you and your husband plan a pregnancy. One last time you may ask, How far along am I in my pregnancy?
The use of the above methods, well planned relationship, and testing methods are all ways that can help you understand approximately how far along in your pregnancy you are. The Ultimate end when the baby comes is normally up to the baby when it decides to come.
How far along am I in my pregnancy? In the American System if you are 7 weeks pregnant, you conceived about 5 weeks ago. The differences in the method of calculating how far along you are average out to be almost the same.
Pregnancy is dated from the first day of the menstrual period. This is a hold over from the past when little was known about cycles. Confusion is not uncommon in dating a pregnancy. Now the question still remains how far along am I in my pregnancy? There are two ways to calculate how far along you might be in your pregnancy. The first way is the American System. In the American system the first trimester ends after week twelve. The second trimester ends after the twenty-sixth week. The due date then is the fortieth week. This is a common method in this country to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy.
The other manner of figuring our where you are in your pregnancy and your due date is called the Ovulation System.
The above chart makes a comparison for you so that you are better able to understand how to calculate. The question again presents itself, how far along am I in my pregnancy? The numerous tests you can take and different ways to calculate may still have you confused.
The Ovulation System which is used in many other countries and often in the United States seems to be the most accurate way of getting an exact measure of how far along you are in your pregnancy. In the Ovulation System conception is considered week 0. The positive pregnancy test can be measured by week 2. The end of the first trimester is weeks 10-11. The end of the second trimester is week twenty-four. The due date is normally figured at week thirty-eight. In comparison to the American System there is a two week difference.
How far along am I in my pregnancy? The question still remains the answer depends on what system the doctor uses in his calculations. Some ladies like to count backward to figure out when they conceived, if the American System is used and you are seven weeks pregnant, you conceived five weeks ago. There are other things to consider as well that might help you to determine when you think your pregnancy began. You can of course take the home pregnancy test that helps you to know for sure you are pregnant. When you’re trying as a couple to get pregnant it is not uncommon for a woman to take the home pregnancy test every month. This then gives you a better idea of when you might have conceived.
A missed period is another method of knowing that you are pregnant. The calendar tracking can help you just as well. It is a good thing to track on your calendar the last day of your period and know when you are ovulating. You and your doctor can work out a plan together that will help you and your husband plan a pregnancy. One last time you may ask, How far along am I in my pregnancy?
The use of the above methods, well planned relationship, and testing methods are all ways that can help you understand approximately how far along in your pregnancy you are. The Ultimate end when the baby comes is normally up to the baby when it decides to come.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Morning Sickness During Pregnancy
Morning sickness can be one of your first signs that you are pregnant. This doesn’t always mean that you’ll get sick only in the morning. This can happen, morning, noon or night. It will normally occur in the first trimester or your pregnancy and end by the second, this isn’t the case in all pregnancies though. Some women will continue with it until the very end of term.
Nausea can happen immediately or you may get lucky and have no morning sickness at all. No one is for certain what causes morning sickness, it is a change in the body that happens during pregnancy. Many women seem to get sick after taking the prenatal pill, try taking it later in the day. Your doctor may even advise you to take some other form of vitamin instead of the pill. Always find out first with your doctor before taking anything new or taking yourself off medication, even prenatal pills.
There are a few ways to minimize the sickness, but they don’t work for everyone. Try keeping crackers on hand, I prefer saltines for some reason. Try drinking some ginger ale, it calms the stomach down. Dry cereal is another good thing to eat, your stomach may just be a little bit hungry and trying to tell you. Remember to take small portions, this way you know if it is all going to come up or not. Sleeping is another good way to avoid it, however it will wake you up. Keep yourself hydrated, not only can this make your sickness come but you can become dehydrated and need to go to the emergency room if you aren’t careful.
Smells is another thing that seems to cause morning sickness. Imagine walking into a restaurant and the first thing you smell is grease. Yes, this can easily set it off. Bad smells and even certain tastes, get the feel for your body during the pregnancy and figure out just what sets it off. Knowing how to avoid it, can make a world of difference.
A few reasons you should go to your doctor would be if you begin losing weight because you are constantly sick. If you become dehydrated, faint, look pale, confused or throw up more than four times in a day. Your doctor may be able to prescribe something that will stop it.
Try slowing down a bit, sometimes your body is just exhausted from all the errands you are running and it tries to give you a break. Listen to your body, take a nap, relax and watch a television show…take some time off. If you are looking for remedies for your morning sickness, you may try buying some pregnancy pops. Or if you’d prefer to stay away from the sweets you can wear a bracelet designed to stop morning sickness, they are just like the motion sickness bracelets. They don’t work for everyone but they could work for you.
Nausea can happen immediately or you may get lucky and have no morning sickness at all. No one is for certain what causes morning sickness, it is a change in the body that happens during pregnancy. Many women seem to get sick after taking the prenatal pill, try taking it later in the day. Your doctor may even advise you to take some other form of vitamin instead of the pill. Always find out first with your doctor before taking anything new or taking yourself off medication, even prenatal pills.
There are a few ways to minimize the sickness, but they don’t work for everyone. Try keeping crackers on hand, I prefer saltines for some reason. Try drinking some ginger ale, it calms the stomach down. Dry cereal is another good thing to eat, your stomach may just be a little bit hungry and trying to tell you. Remember to take small portions, this way you know if it is all going to come up or not. Sleeping is another good way to avoid it, however it will wake you up. Keep yourself hydrated, not only can this make your sickness come but you can become dehydrated and need to go to the emergency room if you aren’t careful.
Smells is another thing that seems to cause morning sickness. Imagine walking into a restaurant and the first thing you smell is grease. Yes, this can easily set it off. Bad smells and even certain tastes, get the feel for your body during the pregnancy and figure out just what sets it off. Knowing how to avoid it, can make a world of difference.
A few reasons you should go to your doctor would be if you begin losing weight because you are constantly sick. If you become dehydrated, faint, look pale, confused or throw up more than four times in a day. Your doctor may be able to prescribe something that will stop it.
Try slowing down a bit, sometimes your body is just exhausted from all the errands you are running and it tries to give you a break. Listen to your body, take a nap, relax and watch a television show…take some time off. If you are looking for remedies for your morning sickness, you may try buying some pregnancy pops. Or if you’d prefer to stay away from the sweets you can wear a bracelet designed to stop morning sickness, they are just like the motion sickness bracelets. They don’t work for everyone but they could work for you.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Staying Fit During Your Pregnancy
Keeping fit during your pregnancy is great for you, not only will it help you keep your body toned but it also can help when it comes time to push that baby out. Every pregnant woman wants to be able to go back to her pre-pregnancy weight after the baby is born, but the only way to do that is to make sure you can. By excising or working out every day you are making sure you don’t add fat to your body. During labor it’ll be much easier to push the baby if you’ve been strengthening your leg and stomach muscles. Who knows, it may even make labor a little bit shorter. Isn’t that what we all want?
Plus when you are tired and just feeling a little blue, just by exercising you actually increase your energy.
Here are a few quick things you can do to stay fit during pregnancy, without really having to break out a sweat. I’m sure by now you’ve heard of yoga, this is a very good thing for you to practice, especially if you haven’t always been in the best of shape. Not to worry, there are beginning levels here, you don’t have to jump into the human pretzel right away. Try purchasing a set of small weights that you can use throughout the house, like hand weights or wrist weights that can use while walking. Instead of just laying on the couch while you rest you can be lifting small weights.
Get a chair and try doing a couple crunches, 5 to 10 in the beginning to make sure you don’t pull anything. Don’t worry you can always add to it as the weeks go on.
Try running, walking or jogging outside. Not only will this boost up your energy but it’ll also help get your spirits up, especially if you’ve been inside all day. Remember, if you are going for a walk to always bring a drink with you. You don’t want to dehydrate out there. Always make sure that you are wearing comfortable shoes, before you leave the house. If you didn’t always run, ask your doctor if you can. Sometimes a doctor may suggest you walk around the block at first and increase it from there, if you didn’t always do it before you were pregnant.
If you can you may want to try going for a swim or try bicycling. However, if you find that you are accident prone you may want to stay away from the bike. A bike accident is something that can easily happen, even when you’ve always road a bike. Swimming can help you relax and stay cool. Take a dip in the pool near you, they may even have a swim class for pregnant women in your area. This would be a great way to meet other moms.
Whenever you are doing exercises, make sure you aren’t overdoing it.
Plus when you are tired and just feeling a little blue, just by exercising you actually increase your energy.
Here are a few quick things you can do to stay fit during pregnancy, without really having to break out a sweat. I’m sure by now you’ve heard of yoga, this is a very good thing for you to practice, especially if you haven’t always been in the best of shape. Not to worry, there are beginning levels here, you don’t have to jump into the human pretzel right away. Try purchasing a set of small weights that you can use throughout the house, like hand weights or wrist weights that can use while walking. Instead of just laying on the couch while you rest you can be lifting small weights.
Get a chair and try doing a couple crunches, 5 to 10 in the beginning to make sure you don’t pull anything. Don’t worry you can always add to it as the weeks go on.
Try running, walking or jogging outside. Not only will this boost up your energy but it’ll also help get your spirits up, especially if you’ve been inside all day. Remember, if you are going for a walk to always bring a drink with you. You don’t want to dehydrate out there. Always make sure that you are wearing comfortable shoes, before you leave the house. If you didn’t always run, ask your doctor if you can. Sometimes a doctor may suggest you walk around the block at first and increase it from there, if you didn’t always do it before you were pregnant.
If you can you may want to try going for a swim or try bicycling. However, if you find that you are accident prone you may want to stay away from the bike. A bike accident is something that can easily happen, even when you’ve always road a bike. Swimming can help you relax and stay cool. Take a dip in the pool near you, they may even have a swim class for pregnant women in your area. This would be a great way to meet other moms.
Whenever you are doing exercises, make sure you aren’t overdoing it.
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Signs of Infertility
What exactly is infertility?
The problems with either conceiving a child, or with carrying out the pregnancy to its eventual fruitful end, fall under the definition of infertility. Infertility is the incapability of an individual to become pregnant, in case of females, or the incapability to induce pregnancy, in case of the males. The inability of an individual to carry out a pregnancy to its full term is also dubbed infertility. How does one recognize infertility? What are the signs of infertility?
Signs of infertility are not always evident. Most people go through life without knowing there is a problem with their reproductive systems, attributing failed pregnancies to providence. In fact, miscarriages are the most common indicator of infertility. Signs of infertility in women:
In women, the signs of infertility are more readily recognized as compared to men. Endometriosis causes the lining of the uterus to grow outside the uterus.
Bacterial infections may begin around the uterus and spread to other reproductive organs, resulting in infertility. Fibroids in the uterus are indicative of infertility. Tumors in the cervix often cause stenosis, or narrowing of the cervix, which is a common indicator of infertility.
Ovulating before the tenth day and after the twentieth day of one's monthly cycle, pre-menstrual spotting, menopausal symptoms, etc. are indicative of luteal phase defect, and thus in turn are signs too.
Irregular menstrual cycles are the most common indication in females that they might have some problems with fertility. However, an irregular menstrual cycle is not conclusive in itself, but it is definitely one of the signs of infertility.
Issues regarding body weight are often indicators of being infertile. For a woman, being too thin, or anorexic, will definitely hinder pregnancy, since the body does not have the proper nutritional requirements, or the required strength.
Alternatively, obesity can also be a sign. Obesity is accompanied by hormonal imbalance, which affects the reproductive system and pregnancy. Signs of Infertility in Men:
Like females, in males too, either obesity, or anorexia, is an indication that he is infertile. Apart from these, anatomical defects may also be signs of infertility. Undescended testicles, or damage to scrotum and the gonads, are possible indicators too. Wearing tight undergarments, or exposing the testicles to heat, may render the person unable to produce the required number of sperms, or unable to produce sperms altogether, resulting in infertility.
Determining the signs of infertility:
There are many medical procedures for detecting the signs that help to determine whether an individual is infertile or not. Doctors usually prescribe one or more of the following medical tests:
. Hysterosalpingography. A dye injected into the vagina is monitored to check for blockage in the fallopian tubes or uterus.
. Laparoscopy. If disease and other physical problems are present in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or in the uterus, infertility is suggested. This may be detected through laparoscopy.
Infertility is a problem which can be solved if it is addressed in the holistic way, which is, using a multifaceted method of healing. Getting regular health checkups, taking supplements to combat existing problem, exercising and stress reduction techniques are only part of the holistic solution to infertility. The holistic approach is not only a surefire way to increase your chances of conception it also guarantees a safe and healthy pregnancy.
This article is based on the book, "Pregnancy Miracle" by Lisa Olson. Lisa is an author, researcher, nutritionist and health consultant who dedicated her life to creating the ultimate pregnancy solution guaranteed to permanently reverse the root of infertility, help you get pregnant quickly and naturally and dramatically improve the overall quality of your life, without the use prescription medication and without any surgical procedures. Learn more by visiting her website:
Pregnancy Miracle
The problems with either conceiving a child, or with carrying out the pregnancy to its eventual fruitful end, fall under the definition of infertility. Infertility is the incapability of an individual to become pregnant, in case of females, or the incapability to induce pregnancy, in case of the males. The inability of an individual to carry out a pregnancy to its full term is also dubbed infertility. How does one recognize infertility? What are the signs of infertility?
Signs of infertility are not always evident. Most people go through life without knowing there is a problem with their reproductive systems, attributing failed pregnancies to providence. In fact, miscarriages are the most common indicator of infertility. Signs of infertility in women:
In women, the signs of infertility are more readily recognized as compared to men. Endometriosis causes the lining of the uterus to grow outside the uterus.
Bacterial infections may begin around the uterus and spread to other reproductive organs, resulting in infertility. Fibroids in the uterus are indicative of infertility. Tumors in the cervix often cause stenosis, or narrowing of the cervix, which is a common indicator of infertility.
Ovulating before the tenth day and after the twentieth day of one's monthly cycle, pre-menstrual spotting, menopausal symptoms, etc. are indicative of luteal phase defect, and thus in turn are signs too.
Irregular menstrual cycles are the most common indication in females that they might have some problems with fertility. However, an irregular menstrual cycle is not conclusive in itself, but it is definitely one of the signs of infertility.
Issues regarding body weight are often indicators of being infertile. For a woman, being too thin, or anorexic, will definitely hinder pregnancy, since the body does not have the proper nutritional requirements, or the required strength.
Alternatively, obesity can also be a sign. Obesity is accompanied by hormonal imbalance, which affects the reproductive system and pregnancy. Signs of Infertility in Men:
Like females, in males too, either obesity, or anorexia, is an indication that he is infertile. Apart from these, anatomical defects may also be signs of infertility. Undescended testicles, or damage to scrotum and the gonads, are possible indicators too. Wearing tight undergarments, or exposing the testicles to heat, may render the person unable to produce the required number of sperms, or unable to produce sperms altogether, resulting in infertility.
Determining the signs of infertility:
There are many medical procedures for detecting the signs that help to determine whether an individual is infertile or not. Doctors usually prescribe one or more of the following medical tests:
. Hysterosalpingography. A dye injected into the vagina is monitored to check for blockage in the fallopian tubes or uterus.
. Laparoscopy. If disease and other physical problems are present in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or in the uterus, infertility is suggested. This may be detected through laparoscopy.
Infertility is a problem which can be solved if it is addressed in the holistic way, which is, using a multifaceted method of healing. Getting regular health checkups, taking supplements to combat existing problem, exercising and stress reduction techniques are only part of the holistic solution to infertility. The holistic approach is not only a surefire way to increase your chances of conception it also guarantees a safe and healthy pregnancy.
This article is based on the book, "Pregnancy Miracle" by Lisa Olson. Lisa is an author, researcher, nutritionist and health consultant who dedicated her life to creating the ultimate pregnancy solution guaranteed to permanently reverse the root of infertility, help you get pregnant quickly and naturally and dramatically improve the overall quality of your life, without the use prescription medication and without any surgical procedures. Learn more by visiting her website:
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