Archive for the ‘During Pregnancy’ Category
Pregnancy weight gain
Posted on: April 7, 2010
Pregnancy weight gain
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women gain somewhere between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy. Of course, this poundage depends on the woman’s starting weight. If she is overweight, then she should gain less and if she is underweight, then she should gain more.
Easy enough. Now, let’s assume that your gal starts her pregnancy at a healthy and sexy weight. What the heck will she look like with thirty more pounds? Don’t worry! It gets evenly distributed throughout her body and doesn’t all go to her ass. Here’s a general breakdown of where the weight goes……
* Baby : 7.5 pounds
* Placenta : 1.5 pounds
* Amniotic fluid : 2 pounds
* Increase in uterus : 2 pounds
* Larger boob size : 2 pounds
* More blood : 4 pounds
* Fluid retention : 4 pounds
* Maternal fat stores : 7 pounds
So, Total Average Gain is : 30 pounds
To help keep the weight gain on track, your partner should aim to gain 3-5 pounds during her first trimester, which averages out to 1-1.5 pounds per month. During her second trimester, she should gain about 0.5 pounds per week, and she should gain an average of 1 pound per week throughout her third trimester. Again, this is just a guideline, so don’t freak out (and don’t let her freak out) if she gains 2 pounds one week and nothing another. For the most part, her body is doing its own thing. Just relax and enjoy the ride.
Pregnancy sex positions
Posted on: April 5, 2010
Sex and pregnancy
Like many other 1st time fathers (and 1st time mothers, for that matter) you are probably wondering how pregnancy will affect your sex life. The good news is that sex is safe during ALL stages of pregnancy. The bad news is that, as the pregnancy progresses, the big bulge your partner is carrying in her tummy, her hemorrhoids (!) and her swelling may put a damper on what used to be a sex life. Simply put, you will have to be more creative in the bedroom, both in terms of sexual positions and seduction. Don’t worry, you aren’t poking junior in the head. At most, your partner’s vaginal contractions will be a calming massage for the bun in her oven.
Side-by-Side and Spooning
Until your partner’s belly gets too large, you can play around with side-by-side positions. Try penetrating your partner while lying face-to-face on either your left or right side. From here, your gal can wrap one leg around your back or between your legs. You can modify this position by spooning your partner and entering her from behind.
Doggie-Style
This position will likely be the most enjoyable for your girl since it allows you to go deep, but not so deep that it hurts. Just make sure that she has something soft, like a pillow, to lean on with her arms. Her weight has increased, so she will need the-extra support under her arms. While you thrust, you can caress her breasts or stimulate her clitoris. She will love it.
Woman-on-Top
The best thing about this position is its versatility. There is the basic position where your gal straddles you by placing her knees on either side of you. From here she can simply begin thrusting and you can fondle her genitalia and/or breasts.
To vary this position slightly, bend your knees so that your partner can lean back for support while she thrusts. This leaning position increases penetration and is quite relaxing for your partner.
Another woman-on-top position is the back-to-front position (aka “ride a cock horse”). Here, your partner will sit deep down onto your penis with her back facing you. Bending her knees, she will lean back and support her weight with her arms, which will be placed just above your shoulders. Again, your hands will be free to pleasure her while she continues thrusting with her hips.
Mutual Masturbation
If you are nearing the end of the pregnancy or if your physician has recommended that you and your partner abstain from intercourse, then you can always resort to mutual masturbation. This can be very erotic and quite intimate, despite the fact that it doesn’t involve penetration by your penis. Experiment with your hands and with toys, such as a vibrator. Oral sex is also fine, provided that you do not blow air into her vagina.
Don’t worry, there are many other positions and gyrations you can play with throughout pregnancy. Consider this a time to be a teenager again and have fun experimenting with new sexual positions. After all, you don’t have to worry about getting your partner pregnant since we know that you have already done that quite successfully.
Before you go crazy in the bedroom, you should know that any position that requires your partner to lie on her back after her fourth month is potentially dangerous because the weight of the uterus and baby can put pressure on the major blood vessels in her body. And if your partner’s pregnancy is considered “high risk,” then her medical practitioner will likely advise that you kids avoid intercourse for all or part of the pregnancy.
However, other than these considerations, sex gets the green light in pregnancy. Have fun and enjoy it while you can since it may become a distant memory for several weeks after the baby is born.
You should also know a few more things
First, your partner may not be as clean between the legs as she used to be. Thanks to hormones and other pregnancy delights, your partner’s bodily secretions have increased tremendously.
Second, your partner’s desire for sex will fluctuate as much as her moods throughout the next 9 1/2 months. While some women experience intense sexual desires due to their raging hormones and increasingly voluptuous body, others experience a decreased interest in sex for the exact same reasons.
And third, you may even find that your own desire for sex may fluctuate. Concerned about hurting your baby? Feel awkward about “doing it” while your baby hangs out in your partner’s womb? Or are you generally anxious about impending parenthood? All these feelings are normal. Talk them out with your partner, she’ll appreciate your openness and may even find it sexy. But if none of these issues bother you and your sex drive is strong, then go for it!
Heartburn in pregnancy
Posted on: April 4, 2010
Heartburn in pregnancy is actually quite common. Follow these simple tips to help alleviate your symptoms…
During pregnancy, common everyday ailments tend to feel worse, especially during the first and third trimesters. Heartburn is no different. Heartburn is a common ailment, and during pregnancy it tends to surface even more. Most women experience heartburn in pregnancy at some point during their nine-month journey. However, some can be affected worse than others. Fret not — there are things you can do to limit the severity of heartburn during your pregnancy. During the third trimester the baby grows big enough to put pressure on your stomach. This causes the acid in the stomach to reflux. This can be easily avoided, however by avoiding binging and by eating small meals. This will keep acid reflux at bay. Instead of eating three large meals, try to eat five to six smaller meals spread throughout the day.
Your sleeping position can also cause acid to reflux. Sleep with your head and torso elevated to keep the food down in your stomach. Keep yourself comfortable by putting a pillow under your head and your back. Also, try to avoid going to bed within two hours of eating. Wait at least two hours before lying down to give your body some time to digest the food. As a general rule, go to bed two to three hours after you eat to mitigate heartburn in pregnancy. Watching your posture can help prevent heartburn from occurring. Putting pressure on your stomach can cause heartburn in pregnancy. When you sit, do so in an upright position to keep the pressure off your stomach. When you stand or walk, keep your posture erect for the same reason.
A less common way to alleviate heartburn is to wear loose clothing. (Though you probably do this already.) This will also ease the pressure in your stomach. Wearing tight clothing puts unnecessary strain on your stomach and can encourage acid to come up into your esophagus, causing heartburn in pregnancy.
Perhaps the best way to avoid heartburn all together is to stay away from foods that are known to cause heartburn. For obvious reasons, alcohol should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy. Also on the restricted list are chocolate, citrus fruits, tomato-based foods, soft drinks, coffee and acidic juices.
Sipping water throughout your daily activities as opposed to chugging it occasionally can also help. Avoid fried food, food richen fat and vinegar as well. Large quantities of water can actually increase heartburn in pregnancy. By eliminating these foods from your daily diet, you can alleviate the symptoms of heartburn in pregnancy.
Pregnancy Trimester
Posted on: April 4, 2010
Pregnancy First Trimester
The first Trimester of pregnancy is an exciting and yet scary time and is marked by an invisible, yet amazing transformation. Always remember that the symptoms you experience are generally normal, and most will go away as your pregnancy progresses. Some symptoms you may experience include nausea and vomiting, fatigue (the most pronounced symptoms), frequent urination, food aversion and breast swelling and tenderness.
Although, most pregnancy symptoms that you experience in the first Trimester are harmless and merely annoying, watch out for a few symptoms like bloody/watery vaginal discharge, swelling of hands/feet/face, recurring headaches, excessive vomiting, blurriness and decreased and burning with urination, which require medical attention.
Pregnancy Second Trimester
The second trimester, the middle part of pregnancy, is the most comfortable period and is a good time to prepare yourself for the arrival of your little one. As your pregnancy progresses, the nausea and fatigue begin to fade and you start developing the outward symptoms of pregnancy, namely, weight gain and growing belly. Do not be alarmed if you experience shortness of breath or dull aches and pains in your abdomen, groin, back and thighs as these are signs of your body adjusting to accommodate your growing baby.
Though the risk of Miscarriage decreases as your pregnancy progresses, the possibility of preterm labor begins. Recognizing the signs of preterm labor like contractions or cramping, sharp pains, increased vaginal discharge or bleeding, continuous diarrhea, etc., can help you and your doctor can save your pregnancy.
Pregnancy Third Trimester
The final stage of pregnancy, third trimester, ends with labor and the birth of your baby and is a period of excitement. Large size of your growing baby may bring in physical discomforts and you may experience heartburn, increased fatigue, hemorrhoids, swelling on the ankles and fingers and Braxton Hicks contractions (mild contractions) that last for about 30aE”60 s.
Do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you observe sudden swelling on your ankles and if you experience a rapid and sudden weight gain. Do continue to keep looking for signs of pre term labor like contractions accompanied by vaginal discharge, sever back pain and if you experience more than 8 contractions/h, occurring at regular intervals.
Trying for a baby? Being healthy before, during and after pregnancy involves so many different aspects of your life. So, hear is another compiled a quick list to help you stay on the healthy side.
1. See your practitioner before becoming pregnant.
2. Start changing your food habits to include a healthy variety of foods.
3. Exercise! Starting now will help you stay in shape during pregnancy, can lower your risk of miscarriage, and has been proven to help reduce labor complications and length.
4. Educate yourself about pregnancy!
5. Eat a new vegetable you’ve never tried.
6. Figure out what to do about chemical birth control, like the birth control pill.
7. Stop smoking. There are many programs to help you.
8. Take a prenatal vitamin. They can be prescribed by your practitioner or you can buy them over the counter. Ensure it contains0.4 mg of folic acid.
9. Ask your partner to join you on your new healthy habit changes.
10. Track your cycles. Learning what you can about your cycles will help determine when you ovulate and when you conceived. These make for more accurate due dates.
11. If you need anew practitioner, interview before you become pregnant.
Ask your friends about pregnancy and parenthood.
12. Avoid chemicals that could possibly harm your baby. You can find these at work, in your home, and just about anywhere, be environmentally sensitive.
13. See your dentist before you get pregnant and brush your teeth daily.
14. Tell any medical professional that you may be pregnant if you are trying to get pregnant. This can prevent exposure to harmful tests and chemicals if you are pregnant and don’t know it yet.
15. Stop changing cat litter.
16. Remember, it can take up to a year to become pregnant. If you have been actively trying for a year or more than six months if you are over 35, see your practitioner.
17. Act pregnant. This includes not drinking alcohol, even while trying to conceive. There is no known safe level during pregnancy and alcohol can cause birth defects.
18. Announce your pregnancy when you are ready.
19. Talk to your parents, what do you want to take from their experiences? How do you want to be different?
20. Rest when you can. Nap!
21. Drink 6 to 8 ounce glasses of water a day.
22. Join a prenatal yoga or exercise class.
23. Keep your prenatal appointments with your midwife or doctor. This will help ensure that if you have any problems that they are caught early and kept to a minimum.
24. Take an early pregnancy class.
25. Remember to add 300 – 500 calories a day while pregnant.
26. Tour your selection of birth facilities before making a choice if you are not having a home birth.
27. Review the signs of premature labor and warnings signs for when to call your practitioner.
28. Keep a food diary to ensure that you are keeping up with your daily requirements.
29. If you are decorating your house or a nursery remember to avoid fumes often associated with paint and wall paper. Perhaps have friends do the heavy work while you help make snacks for them. Keep the windows open!
30. Baby sits a friend’s baby and learns a bit about caring for a newborn.
31. Swimming is great in late pregnancy. It can help relieve a lot of aches and pains and makes you feel weightless.
32. Take abreast feeding class to help prepare you for the realities of breastfeeding.
33. Stretch before bed to help prevent leg cramps.
34. Continue to exercise, even if you have to slow down. This will help you recover more quickly.
35. Write a birth plan. Something to help you clarify what you want or need for your birth experience. Share this with your practitioners and those you have invited to your birth.
36. Have film and cameras ready!
37. Practice relaxation whenever you can. Try for at least once a day.
38. Do pelvic tilts to help with late pregnancy back pain. It will help relieve your pain and even encourage the baby to assume a good birth position.
39. Pack your bags if you are going to a birth center or hospital. Don’t forget your insurance cards, pregnant registration forms, camera, birth plan, etc.
40. Review the signs of labor and warning signs.
41. Take a picture of yourself before the baby comes!
42. Kiss the baby!
A word of warning: This is not going to be a happy-go-lucky type of article. Unfortunately, there is no way to package the reality of pregnancy complications without being a little grim. That said, don’t panic and don’t turn into a hypochondriac. This is just a list of possible, not probable, complications that can happen during the course of a pregnancy. From a medical perspective, most pregnancies proceed fairly uneventfully.
You will likely find that your partner’s OB-GYN is rather ho-hum and relaxed about your pregnancy. That said, you and/or your partner may think otherwise… stretch marks, mood swings and morning sickness can seem pretty eventful to the individuals experiencing them. However, major medical conditions are not the norm. Although you may be inclined to skip this article, the Funky Stork suggests that you at least skim it so that you have some idea of what constitutes a pregnancy complication. Take a deep breath and begin.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes (or high blood sugar during pregnancy) usually develops in the last few months of pregnancy and usually goes away after your baby is born. This is actually a common pregnancy complication, which is why all pregnant women (who are receiving prenatal care) are tested for it around the 28th week of pregnancy. Many women develop it because their bodies cannot produce enough insulin, thereby preventing their bodies from using food properly. Untreated gestational diabetes often results in a very large baby and very difficult birth.
Signs and Symptoms:
– Excessive hunger and/or thirst
– Recurrent vaginal infections
– Increase in blood pressure
– Sugar in the urine (when tested in your practitioner’s office)
By adhering to a good diet, controlling weight gain and getting regular exercise, your partner will be able to reduce the risk of getting gestational diabetes.
Low birth weight
Most low-birth weight cases are preventable. A baby is considered to have a low-birth weight if it weighs less than 5 pounds 8 ounces when it is born. Most cases are caused by poor nutrition, excessive anxiety, inadequate prenatal care and substance use (cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs). It can also be cause by an untreated STD or other contagious disease.
Babies who are born with a low birth weight are more likely to develop respiratory infections, blindness, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy and heart infections.
EARLY MISCARRIAGE
The unfortunate truth is that early miscarriages are very common. It is estimated that 40-65% of pregnancies end in miscarriage in the first trimester, with more than half of these occurring before the woman even knows she is pregnant. Fortunately, most women who have a miscarriage will go on to have a normal pregnancy in the future.
Signs and Symptoms:
– Bleeding
– Cramps or pain in the center of the lower abdomen or back
– Clots or grayish matter may be passed
Most miscarriages are a result of a defect in the embryo or fetus and cannot be prevented. However, medical experts have found that women can reduce their risk of early miscarriage if they avoid alcohol, cigarettes and drugs, and also take a good prenatal vitamin that includes folic acid and other B vitamins.
LATE MISCARRIAGE
Late miscarriages refer to any spontaneous expulsion of the fetus between the 13th and 20th week of pregnancy. After the 20th week, the fetus can live outside the uterus (albeit with intensive medical care) and thus, is called a preterm birth.
Signs and symptoms:
– Pink discharge indicates a threatened miscarriage
– Bleeding and cramping may mean a miscarriage is inevitable
Preterm labor
Labor is considered preterm if it occurs between the 20th and 37th week of pregnancy. There are a number of conditions that may increase the risk of preterm labor, including a weak or incompetent cervix, previous second-trimester abortions or miscarriages and severe kidney or bladder infections.
Signs and Symptoms:
– Low, dull backache
– Menstrual-like and intestinal cramping
– Pressure in the lower abdomen, back or thighs
– Change in vaginal discharge
If your partner is at risk of having preterm labor, her doctor will ask to see her more often and her cervix will be checked at each visit.
Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilized egg implants in an area other than the womb, such as the ovary, abdomen or cervix. However, ectopic pregnancies are more likely to occur in the fallopian tube. And in very rare situations, pregnancy can even occur in both
Signs and Symptoms:
– Sharp pain in abdomen or pelvis
– Vaginal bleeding (occurs in 75% of ectopic pregnancies)
– Dizziness or fainting
Preeclampsia(aka pregnancy-induced hypertension)
This is a fatal condition (for both the mother and baby) that occurs in some women during pregnancy. There is no known cause, but it is suspected that poor nutrition plays an important role. This problem usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy.
Signs and Symptoms:
– Severe headache
– Stomach pain
– Excessive swelling of the feet and hands
– High blood pressure
– Blurry vision or seeing spots the womb and the tube at the same time (referred to as a heterotopic pregnancy).
Don’t worry, most women with preeclampsia deliver healthy babies. The concern is that, if untreated, the preeclampsia will develop intoeclampsia. Eclampsia results in seizures and is very dangerous for both the mother and baby. However, preeclampsia is often detected early enough to prevent any major problems. Yet another reason to ensure that your partner is getting regular prenatal care.
If your partner is concerned with sudden swelling and the possibility of preeclampsia, she should definitely speak with her prenatal care practitioner.
PlacentaPREVIA
You should know this is not a common pregnancy problem, with only 1 in 250 pregnancies having placenta previa. Without getting too technical, placenta previa occurs when the placenta, which is the organ that nourishes the baby during pregnancy, moves and covers the opening to the uterus (aka cervix). This is problematic because it makes vaginal delivery impossible and a caesarean delivery inevitable.
Signs and Symptoms:
– Painless bleeding during the second and third trimester
– Prematurecontractions
– Uterus measuring larger than it should
The risk of placenta previa increases with the mother’s age and the number of pregnancies she has had in the past.
CHORIOAMNIONITIS
This is an infection of the amniotic fluid and fetal membranes, and is diagnosed in 1-2% of pregnancies. The infection is believed to be a major cause of preterm labor.
Signs and Symptoms:
– Fever
– Increased heart rate in mother and fetus
– Tender or painful uterus
– A foul odor of the amniotic fluid
Since the symptoms of chorioamnionitis may resemble other conditions or medical problems, it is always important to consult a physician for a diagnosis.
Travel During Pregnancy
Posted on: March 30, 2010
Travel During Pregnancy
Now that you are pregnant, you will find yourself facing quite a few restrictions to protect you and your baby. One of the queries that will come to your mind will be, “Can I travel?”
As long as there are no known complications or concerns with your pregnancy, it is generally safe to travel most of the time during the early phase of your pregnancy. There is no reason why you should cancel your travel arrangements, unless your doctor advises you not to travel. Never the less for your own safety, doctors recommend that it is better to avoid travel beyond 30 weeks except under the unavoidable situation when you may have to go to another place for delivery. Air travel, after 30 weeks is okay, only if it cannot be avoided. Keep your doctor informed about your travel plans.
Your doctor will suggest the safest time and best mode of travel for you. However, there are certain precautions that you will need to take before you embark on your journey. The information below is provided to help make your trip safe and comfortable.
When is the best time for me to travel?
You will usually be in the most comfortable phase of your pregnancy between 14th and 28th week of pregnancy. This is generally considered to be the most suitable time for travel since by this time you would have got over most of the discomforts associated with the early phase of pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting, etc.
During the later stages of pregnancy, you may find it difficult to move around or remain seated for a long period of time. Too much of physical activity, stress or travel during this time carries the risk of preterm labor. Most often how your body feels will help you decide whether to travel or not. If you feel discomfort of any kind, avoid travel. Avoid places of high altitude since they can cause shortness of breath and associated discomforts. Avoid long trips and always make sure you are safe and comfortable.
Mode of travel
The next point you will have to consider is how you are going to travel; whether your travel is going to be by land, air or sea.
Land travel
If you are traveling by land, choose a comfortable car. Again, try keeping the trip shorts avoiding long drives. Road travel can be tiring, so restrict your driving to not more than 5–6 h a day. Wear you seat-belt well-strapped to protect you from sudden jerks. Travel in a car which has air bags fitted in it and keep the air bags activated at all times. Sit as far as possible from the dashboard to avoid hitting your stomach on it during incidents of sudden braking.
Between buses and trains, choose to travel by train. In both modes of travel, make sure you hold on to the railings when you are standing or walking about. Be cautious when you are boarding and alighting; watch your steps on the foot board. Another point to keep in mind is that bumpy rides will not cause labor.
Air travel
This is probably the safest means of travel during pregnancy. Planes have oxygen pressurized cabins, so you need not worry about shortness of breath at higher altitudes.
While booking your ticket inform the airline or the travel agent about your pregnancy. Some airlines may require a certificate from your doctor if travel is after 30 weeks of pregnancy. Choosing an aisle seat with enough leg room will help you get up easily when you want to walk about or go to the bathroom. And just in case you are concerned whether the metal detector at the airport security check will harm your baby, do not worry—it won’t.
Sea travel
Try not to choose this mode of travel. It can give you an upset stomach. However, if you must travel, make sure there is a doctor on-board and the ship has sufficient medical facilities to treat your discomforts. Ships usually carry safety manuals for pregnant women; go through them to make your journey more comfortable.
Going abroad
Get your doctor’s approval before you plan a foreign trip. Some countries require visitors to get vaccinations before they arrive in that country. Ask your doctor about the vaccinations you need to take before you travel. Take a copy of your medical history records with you. Avoid long hours of travel by air.
Hygiene
Traveling to foreign lands can put you at a risk of catching various infections. Common among them is traveler’s diarrhea. Dealing with diarrhea during pregnancy can be quite tricky. Not only will it dehydrate you and deplete you of fluid and nutrients, it will do the same to your baby too. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent diarrhea. Always keep medication at hand.
Precautions during foreign travel
* Drink only bottled mineral water or juices that are canned and safe.
* Use disposable paper or plastic cups.
* Eat vegetables that are well cooked.
* Do not eat poorly cooked food.
* Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables unless they have been cooked or can be peeled (such as an orange or a banana).
* Make sure the milk is pasteurized.
Being pregnant is a joyous time. There’s nothing more rewarding than bringing a new life into the world. While you may be taking steps to ensure your baby’s safety, you have to look out for yourself as well. Below are a few tips for maintaining safety and comfort during your pregnancy.
Morning Sickness:
It’s believed that morning sickness is caused by high levels of estrogen in the bloodstream. If you’re one of those women who went through her first trimester without even a hint of nausea, count yourself among the fortunate. Many can’t even think of food without having to run for the bathroom. In most cases, morning sickness only lasts for the first few months, and while there’s no cure, there are several ways you can relieve thesymptoms. Munching on salt free crackers between meals helps ease the feelings of nausea you may feel when hungry. Mint and ginger are greatnaturalremedies, especially when used in tea or cookies. Try not to go for long periods without eating and do your best to eat several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. It might even be a good idea to avoid greasy or spicy foods.
Sleep :
Getting adequate sleep is important during pregnancy, but as you grow bigger, it’s not too easy to find a comfortable sleeping position. Try using a long body pillow or sleeping with a pillow between your legs. Sleeping on your left side helps to reduce the swelling around hands, feet and ankles. When you sleep on your left side, you not only assist the flow of blood to theplacenta, you also reduce the chances of low blood pressure and hemorrhoids. Try to avoid sleeping on your back, which puts thefull weight of the uterus on your back and intestines. When you can, take naps during the day to avoid feeling fatigued.
Indigestion and heartburn :
Many women suffer through indigestion and heartburn throughout their pregnancies. Although it’s a perfectly normal occurrence, it is one most women can do without. There are a few things you can do to ease these symptoms, however. Try eating several smaller meals each day rather than three larger ones. This way the stomach doesn’t have to work as hard. It’s also best to avoid caffeine. Wait an hour or two after eating before taking a nap or retiring for the evening. Also, most women can take an over-the-counter antacid, such as Tums, forrelief. Make sure to check with your doctor first and always follow recommended dosage.
Shoes :
Since wearing heels can make you lean forward, it’s best to wear low or no heeled shoes. High heels can also lead to back aches. Since your feet will probably swell, you’ll want to find comfortable shoes that are roomy. Slip-on shoes are a good betsince the last thing you’ll want to do as you get bigger is bend over and tie or buckle shoes.
Painting the baby’s room :
No one really knows for sure if inhaling paint fumes causes birth defects, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, right? If your nursery needs painting, enlist someone to do the work. If you’re home while the painting is going on, open the windows and wear a mask or ventilator. Make sure you stay out of the freshly painted room for a few days until the fumes are gone.
Hot tubs and saunas :
It’s not a good idea to use any method of relaxation that can cause you to become overheated during your pregnancy. During the first trimester, soaking in the hot tub or sauna is frowned upon as it might harm the fetus. Overheating later on in your pregnancy can cause you to become lightheaded and faint. Try not to raise your body temperature during pregnancy. If you’d like a bath, a warm tub bath should work just fine.
Leg Cramps :
Leg cramps are very common during pregnancy, especially in the second or third trimesters. To preventlegcramps, try increasing your magnesium and calcium intake (with your doctor’s blessing, of course). Also, avoid excess protein in your diet. (A word of caution, don’t change anything in your diet without first consulting with a doctor.) If you do get leg cramps, don’t massage or apply heat. Instead, straighten your leg and flex your ankle and toes towards your face.
Constipation :
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect bowel movements. Because of this, many women experience constipation. Be sure to eat foods rich in fiber such as fruits and vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals, and stay hydrated by drinkingplenty of water. Exercise such as walking thirty minutes each day also helps. Avoid taking over the counter constipationmedicationor laxatives without your doctor’s approval.
Clothing :
One of the best things about being pregnant is that you get to wear comfy maternity clothes. When else can you get away with wearing loose and baggy clothes? Dressing for comfort is essential, especially during the later months. Loose clothing around the legs and waist also help to prevent varicose veins and is better for blood circulation. Today’s styles call for tight clothing, even during pregnancy. Sometimes, however, it’s best to go for comfort over style.
Things to avoid :
It goes without saying you should avoid smoking while pregnant, but even if you don’t indulge, you should stayaway from those who do. Second-hand smoke can be just as harmful to your fetus. Avoidalcoholas well since it can cause birth defects and failure to thrive. Limit caffeine intake to one to two cups per day, especially since it can kill your appetite. In addition to coffee, there is caffeine in tea, soda, chocolate and even some medications.
Your pregnancy is a memorable time. Wouldn’t it be best to remember it for all the right reasons? Taking care of yourself means ensuring your comfort and safety. You, and your baby, deserve it.
One Month
Your baby is an embryo-consisting of two layers of cells from which all her organs and body parts will develop.
Two Months
Your baby is now about the size of a kidney bean and is constantly moving. He has distinct, slightly webbed fingers.
My Baby My World 