Posts Tagged ‘pregnancy tips’
Tips on Pre Pregnancy Diet
Posted on: April 7, 2010
Pre Pregnancy Diet Tips
A pre pregnancy diet should comprise of food that has all the essential nutrients. So it is necessary to plan such nutrition and avoid food that will have an adverse effect on your health.
It is imperative to plan your pregnancy, if you need to avoid premature birth and wish to have a safe delivery. Likewise, it is vital to have supplements of essential nutrients that are needed to be healthy. For this, you have to plan your pre pregnancy diet the minute you decide to have a baby.
EFA is Essential Fatty Acids. One of the best EFA is Omega 3. This should definitely form a part of the pre pregnancy diet. Omega 3 has lot of advantages. It reduces the chances of asthma in the infant. Omega 3 also helps to control pregnancy diabetes.
There are a lot of things that you need to consider when you are planning to have EFA as a part of your pre pregnancy diet. Here is a glimpse of that.
Many people rely on fish for the Omega 3, in which case you have to be cautious. Otherwise, you might be welcoming problems. Consuming fish in large quantities increases the risk of metal infection from mercury.
Irrespective of the kind of fish you eat, it will have a huge quantity of metal in it. This way you might end up having a lot of complications during delivery. As a worst complication, the metal poisoning can lead to autism.
Another risk is, that you will be having a lot of trans- fatty acids when you consume large amount of fish. This generally happens when the EFA is exposed to light or air for prolonged periods while packing. A So ultimately it will turn out to be unhealthy.
It is imperative to know all this before you chart out your pre pregnancy diet. And it is good to plan your diet 6 months in advance before pregnancy.
Always keep in mind that a pre pregnancy diet should comprise of healthy food. Be sure that you are eating a variety of foods and staying away from alcohol, caffeine, smoking and other recreational drugs.
Tips For Getting Pregnant
Posted on: April 6, 2010
Tips on Getting Pregnant
Ditch the pill
The first thing is to forget about contraception. You may notice certain irregularities in your cycle and may take a few months for your cycle to return to normal. But many women are fertile the first month after they stop taking the Pill. The same holds true for the contraceptive patch and ring.
Fuel up on folic acid
Folic acid is a synthetic form of foliate, a B vitamin that can help reduce the risk of serious birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord. For this reason, the FDA recommends that all women attempting pregnancy take folic acid supplements for decreasing chances of birth defects.
Quit smoking, drinking and drugs now
Smoking or taking drugs greatly diminishes your chances of getting pregnant and can lead to miscarriages, premature birth, and low-birth weight babies. Plus, research suggests that smoking can affect your fertility and lower your partner’s sperm count. In fact, studies have shown that even secondhand smoke may affect your chances of getting pregnant. It is also recommend that women avoid alcohol when trying for pregnancy.
Cut down on Caffeine
Research shows that too much caffeine can reduce your ability to absorb iron and increase your risk for stillbirth. Avoid coffee, tea, and colas or switch to decaf to increase your chances of getting pregnant. If you are a complete caffeine junkie, then the safe limit would be a cup a day. Try switching to a milkshakes which will boost your calcium as well and assist in conception.
Get your weight in check
Healthy weight women have an easier time getting pregnant than overweight or underweight women. Studies show that women whose body mass index (BMI) is below 20 or above 30 have a harder time getting pregnant, so it’s a good idea to try to get yourself into the 20 to 30 range before you start trying.
Timing is Everything
You will have little chance of getting pregnant if you had sex on the wrong days and missed the most fertile ones. Figure out your ovulation days.
Mind Control
Women who suffer from depression are twice as likely to have problems with fertility as women who don’t. Get a mental health check if you notice signs of depression. Also, try stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, which research suggests can also help in getting pregnant.
Buy something sexy
Some experts say that if a woman is highly aroused while she’s having sex, the sperm has a better chance of fertilizing her egg. Others say it makes absolutely no difference. It definitely wont hurt and may even help in boosting your libido and killing that awkward feeling of having sex for pregnancy.
Positioning yourself
Many experts suspect that the missionary position (man on top) provides the best opportunity for getting pregnant, though no definitive studies have been done on this question. This position allows for the deepest penetration which deposits sperm closer to the cervix. For additional effectiveness, the woman can try elevating her hips with a pillow so her cervix is exposed to the maximum amount of semen. Other positions could be Rear entry and lying side-by-side. Avoid woman on top, standing, or leaning positions, which discourage the flow of semen to the uterus.
Increase the Odds
Make your vaginal environment as sperm-friendly as possible. Avoid vaginal sprays and scented tampons, artificial lubricants, and douching. Not only can they cause infections, they may wash away cervical mucus or create a hostile environment for the sperm.
If you find that your cervical mucus is not as conducive of getting pregnant as it should be, you may want to try a specific type of lubricant. Pre-Seed lubricant is the sperm friendly choice of many people trying to get pregnant. After intercourse, elevate your hips on a pillow for about fifteen minutes.
For your man
Ask your partner to chuck all briefs and opt for boxers instead for a healthy sperm count. Also, having sex in the morning would help since the semen has the highest number of sperm then.
Finally Getting pregnant isn’t always easy. Very few couples conceive on the first try. In fact, even if everything is absolutely in perfect working order, you only have a 20-25% chance of conception each month. If you are under 30, and haven’t conceived in 12 months, you should make an appointment to see your doctor as there could be some issues at play with are preventing you from getting pregnant. If you are over 35, and haven’t succeeded in getting pregnant in six months, make an appointment to see your doctor, as infertility issues become more prevalent the older you get. If you are over 40, then do not delay in getting medical help.
I hope above tips will make you pregnant successfully. Thank you for visiting this blog.
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.
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!
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.
My Baby My World 