Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Exercise to do After Six Week Pregnancy


As long as certain precautions are taken, participating in exercise during your pregnancy is safe and recommended by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Week six of your pregnancy may include symptoms of "morning sickness" and regular exercise may provide some relief. Both aerobic exercise and resistance training can be included in your exercise routine during the first trimester and throughout your pregnancy.
Considerations
Always follow your doctor's instructions as you continue or begin a new exercise program during your pregnancy. Your doctor will determine if you have any conditions that may make exercise unsafe for you and your baby. Avoid exercises that include jarring motions, jumping and quick changes in direction. Stop exercising and contact your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding, dizziness or chest pain. During the early stages of your pregnancy, both you and your baby experience rapid changes. Listen to your body and exercise as symptoms of morning sickness and fatigue allow.
Aerobic Exercise
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on three or more days each week for pregnant women. Walking, cycling, swimming and other low-impact exercises can be safe for you to continue -- or even begin -- during the first few weeks of your pregnancy. If you were a runner before you became pregnant, you can often continue to run during your pregnancy, as long as you are cleared to do so by your doctor. Week six and the first trimester of your pregnancy are an excellent time to participate in aerobic exercise, as you still have coordination and balance that may diminish with a growing baby and expanding belly in the later stages of pregnancy.
Resistance Training
Resistance training exercises can also usually be continued during week six of your pregnancy. According to fitness expert Tracey Mallet, use lighter weights and increase your repetitions to avoid overloading your joints. Your goal for resistance training while pregnant should be to maintain your fitness instead of making big improvements. A basic strength training routine done at least two times each week that includes exercises for your major muscle groups is usually enough to keep your muscles fit. During the first trimester you can still participate in exercises that require you to lie on your back, but these should be discontinued during the second and third trimesters.
Benefits
Participating in exercise in week six and throughout your pregnancy can provide both you and your baby many benefits. The American Council on Exercise reports that exercise may help relieve fatigue, constipation, swelling of your hands and feet and leg cramps associated with pregnancy. Also, regular exercise during pregnancy prepares your body for labor and delivery and may also allow you to regain your pre-pregnancy body more quickly.

Hot Yoga for Newly Pregnanyc Mommy


Most yoga studios offer prenatal yoga classes for the simple reason that women who have been practicing yoga for years and who have been given the go-ahead from their doctor can still enjoy the benefits of a yoga workout. Even pregnant women who are beginners to the practice are guided safely through specially modified Hatha yoga poses by qualified prenatal yoga instructors. Bikram, or hot, yoga has gained popularity in recent years, bringing with it debate on whether a pregnant woman should engage in hot yoga.
Origins of Hot Yoga
Hot yoga is more correctly called Bikram yoga after its founder, Bikram Choudhury. Hailing from India and winner of the All-India National Yoga Championship four years in a row, Choudhury drew upon the tradition of Hatha yoga to devise a new style of yoga. Comprised of 26 postures which benefit every muscle and organ of the body and performed in a room heated to 105 degrees F, Bikram yoga is aimed at achieving "optimum health," according to Choudhury's website.
Prenatal Hot Yoga
Choudhury's wife, Rajashree, is a Hatha-trained yoga therapist who developed a prenatal hot yoga program. She focuses on safety first, urging women who are pregnant for the first time to avoid any new form of exercise, including hot yoga; and for women who are already practitioners of hot yoga not to practice until after the first trimester. She also advises every woman to consult with her doctor before practicing hot yoga, because some women may be at risk from the extreme temperature.
Practicing Hot Yoga While Pregnant
Most of the 26 poses Choudhury adapted from Hatha yoga are strenuous, with the exception of two "resting" poses. Typical classes are 90 minutes long, performed in a studio heated to 105 degrees F. The poses in a pregnancy hot yoga class are modified to avoid compression of certain areas of your body like the diaphragm and heart. Straight-legged or legs-together poses are performed with your knees bent and your legs spread, respectively. All hot yoga poses that require you to lie on your stomach have been stricken from the prenatal program.
Warnings
The American Pregnancy Association cautions against exposing yourself to excessive heat. Raising your core temperature above 101 degrees F could affect the development of your baby. Always ask your instructor for permission to open the window should you need to cool down. Carry a thermometer to class and if your temperature rises above what would be considered a safe level, rest while it returns to normal. Above all, stay hydrated. Before beginning a hot yoga practice, particularly if you have not been active prior to your pregnancy, consult your doctor to discuss the risks.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Exercises for Safer Pregnancy


Exercising when you are pregnant provides many benefits. In addition to improving or maintaining your aerobic endurance and muscular strength, regular physical activity can help relieve or reduce some of the common discomforts of pregnancy -- constipation, backache and swelling -- and help with your posture. Working out also can help lift your mood, increase your energy and assist you with sleep. A program that follows the guidelines of your prenatal health practitioner and is specific to your pregnancy can be safe and very effective.
Exercise Selection
The safety of some exercises during pregnancy is questionable. Your health care provider may err on the side of caution and recommend you avoid exercises performed on your back after the second trimester. This position places extra weight on the main blood vessel that returns blood to your heart, which could limit the amount of oxygen your baby receives. Avoid exercises that put you at an increased risk for falling or getting injured such as roller skating and horseback riding. Pregnancy is not a good time to participate in contact sports.
Intensity
Your intensity level during exercise should be moderate. To assess your level of exertion, use the talk test. At a moderate level, you should be able to carry on a conversation and may feel a little winded. If you have to take deep breaths every word or two, you are working too hard. If you are accustomed to a more strenuous exercise level, you may be able to maintain that intensity during pregnancy, but discuss it with your physician first. While most women can safely begin an exercise program during pregnancy even if they were not previously active, you should take a conservative approach. Start with lower intensities and shorter durations.
Precautions
If you are pregnant, avoid exercising in excessive heat or high humidity. It is important to stay hydrated; you may need to drink more fluid during exercise than you did before you were pregnant. If you find that your blood sugar drops easily, you may want to try a sports drink that provides carbohydrates and electrolytes. Pregnancy is not a time for weight loss. You will need to consume extra calories in your diet to match the calories lost through exercise.
Other Considerations
If you have signs or symptoms of preterm labor, vaginal bleeding, premature rupture of your membranes or certain other health conditions, your doctor may advise you not to exercise. Stop exercising and consult your physician if you experience contractions, leg swelling, dizziness, unusual shortness of breath, chest pain, decreased fetal movement after exercise, vaginal fluid leakage, headache, unusual muscle weakness or any other health concern.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Mike Huckabee slams Natalie Portman and her Pregnancy


Mike Huckabee slams Natalie Portman for glamorizing her pregnancy and deems it against family values.
The former governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee is respectful enough that he has slammed Natalie Portman’s out of wedlock pregnancy saying it troubling for her.
Mike Huckabee remarked, “Most single moms are very poor, uneducated, can’t get a job, and if it weren’t for government assistance, their kids would be starving to death and never have health care. And that’s the story that we’re not seeing, and it’s unfortunate that we glorify and glamorize the idea of out of children wedlock.”

Easy Yoga Styles for Pregnant Mommy

Yoga is a form of exercise that focuses on both the mind and body, increasing fitness and mental awareness. Many pregnant women wonder if they can practice yoga during their pregnancy using a normal yoga video. While moderate exercise during a low-risk pregnancy is considered safe by the American Pregnancy Association, there are some precautions pregnant women must take when practicing yoga. The breathing and stretching portions, for example, require some modifications. Regular yoga videos and classes can be used provided the pregnant women skips poses not fit for pregnant women. Speak with your physician about what portions of your yoga tape you should skip.
Breathing
Controlled breathing is an important feature of yoga, and signifies vitality and energy. Yoga breathing exercises can help you achieve calm and peace of mind. The PregnancyWeekly website suggests that such exercises can help you breathe more deeply, triggering feelings of relaxation. Many women find these exercises helpful during labor.
Poses
Asanas, or poses, are the foundation of yoga exercise, but there are several you should avoid during pregnancy. The BabyCenter website recommends skipping all poses that require you to lie on your back; ABC-of-Yoga.com also recommends that pregnant women also skip any inverted poses. PregnancyWeekly seconds these recommendations and adds any poses that require you to lie on your belly to the forbidden list. Skip any pose that makes you feel uncomfortable and be aware that your center of gravity changes as your pregnancy progresses.
Stress Relief
MayoClinic.com recommends yoga as an alternative treatment for stress reduction, because it can draw your attention away from outside distractions and forces you to focus on poses that require concentration and balance. The American Pregnancy Association recommends that pregnant women include relaxation and stretching exercises before and after exercising. Therefore, when used in combination with precautions and modifications, yoga can greatly benefit pregnant women.
Precautions
Using a normal yoga video while pregnant requires you to be vigilant about taking precautions. MayoClinic.com instructs all pregnant women to speak to their physician before beginning yoga or any exercise routines. The American Pregnancy Association advises that pregnant women avoid all poses that are deemed unsuitable for pregnant women and make sure to listen to their bodies to avoid exhaustion. Take frequent breaks, eat healthily and drink plenty of fluids. "Hot," or Bikram, yoga, is not appropriate for pregnant women.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Healthy Exercises for Healthy Pregnancy


Having a healthy pregnancy is about caring for your body and mind in a manner that gives your baby the best start in life. If exercise was part of your stay-healthy regimen before you became pregnant, continuing to exercise offers many benefits to the health of your pregnancy. Following American College of Sports Medicine guidelines on safe exercising can ensure you protect your and your baby's health.
Expert Insight
If they take the proper steps before and after exercising, pregnant women can continue to be physically active or begin an exercise program, according to one American College of Sports Medicine expert. "Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures are essential," said Michelle Mottola, PhD, an anatomist and ACSM researcher. "We also recommend proper nutrition to prevent post-exercise increases in blood glucose levels. Following these procedures, there is no reason for already fit women who become pregnant to reduce their activity."
Benefits
For women going through normal pregnancies, the benefits of exercise far outweigh the risks. Benefits include maintaining fitness levels and preventing excess weight gain. Also, women who exercise during pregnancy have been shown to recover faster postpartum than those who did not. In addition to physiological benefits, exercise has stress-relieving benefits for pregnant women.
First Trimester
The first three months of pregnancy --- known as the first trimester --- represent a time when a pregnant woman's blood volume expands and she gains between 0 and 10 lbs. Even if you have not gained weight, you may notice feeling winded a little sooner than usual when exercising. At this time, hydration is very important, as it helps you to reduce heat and helps to keep your blood volume at a normal level. If you were not exercising before becoming pregnant, remember to begin slowly --- pregnancy is not a time to train for a marathon. Perform low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming if you are a beginner, to experience pregnancy exercise benefits yet avoid strain and injury.
Second and Third Trimesters
During your second and third trimesters, you are expected to gain between 22 and 35 pounds. Because this weight gain rests at your center of gravity, you may experience greater difficulty with balance and coordination. At the later stages of your pregnancy, exercises in the water may help to take some of this pressure away. Avoid exercises that involve lying face down or face up. These can put pressure on arteries supplying blood to your baby.
Warning
In some instances, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends delaying exercise until medical evaluation can be completed. These include abnormal pregnancy progression, vaginal bleeding, membrane rupture, persistent pain and/or chronic fatigue. If you experience regular contractions 30 minutes or more after exercise, this can indicate pre-term labor. Seek medical attention if this occurs. To prevent this occurrence, avoid exercising at an intensity higher than you were accustomed to pre-pregnancy.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

3 Fitness Exercises for Pregnant Women

Exercising during your pregnancy is safe and recommended by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. There are many types of safe exercises you can do while pregnant, including aerobic, strength training and stretching exercises. The exercises you choose to do while pregnant should include those you enjoy to increase your chances of sticking with your workout plan.
Considerations
Always follow your doctor's instructions and counsel before exercising during your pregnancy. During your workout, if you feel cramping, excessive nausea, lightheadedness, extreme headaches or experience vaginal bleeding, stop exercising and contact your health care provider immediately. Avoid exercising in heat, and drink plenty of water to avoid overheating and dehydration. Types of sports and exercise that should be avoided during your pregnancy include skiing, horseback riding and contact sports, such as ice hockey, soccer and basketball.
Aerobic Exercise
During your pregnancy, MayoClinic.com recommends aerobic exercise for 30 minutes on four or more days each week. Always start your aerobic exercise workout with a 5- to 10-minute warmup. After your warmup, participate in the type of aerobic exercise you choose. Popular types of aerobic exercise during a pregnancy include walking, swimming and stationery cycling. These types of exercise have a lower impact on your joints than others. You can also run or jog while pregnant as part of your aerobic workout -- again, only if cleared to do so by your health care provider.
Strength Training
Strength training exercises should also be included in your pregnancy workout plan. Do not exercise with dumbbells or other free weights to prevent the risk of having a weight slip from your grip and hit your abdomen. Use resistance bands instead. Your strength training workout should include exercises for your chest, back, legs and shoulders and should be done at least two times each week. Focus on doing more repetitions with lighter weight to avoid overloading your joints. After your first trimester, avoid exercises that require you to lie flat on your back.
Stretching
In addition to aerobic exercise and strength training, add stretching exercises to your pregnancy workout routine. Stretching can be done during your warmup or cool-down period. It prevents muscle tightness, promotes flexibility and can help your body feel less tight. As with strength training, include stretches that work your major muscle groups. Breathe deeply and regularly as you stretch to promote feelings of relaxation.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

The Expecting Dad

Much information is available to educate a pregnant woman about how to care for herself as her body mysteriously goes to work at creating a new human being. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for the expectant father.  Expectant dads are often at a loss for what they can or should be doing during their partner’s pregnancy. They instinctively know they should be doing something – but what exactly that something is can remain fuzzy.
And although a dad doesn’t share the same physical transformation as his partner does – unless you consider counting sympathy weight – he has an important role in the pregnancy process that can significantly affect the experience of his partner.  Pregnancy brings completely different experiences to women as some women love all the changes their bodies go through while other less fortunate souls are left to suffer through this seemingly never ending 9 month journey. Either way the expectant dad or partner can contribute in a significant way to the improvement of whatever experience the mother is having by being there for her.
The main role a partner plays during pregnancy is that of support person. So essentially this means that they take their cue from the woman who is going through pregnancy. This is because different women need different levels of support and the only way to figure out what your partner needs is through open communication.
Listen to Her Complaints Without Judgement
Sometimes a woman just needs someone she can complain to. She may be thrilled to be pregnant and over the moon about the idea of bringing a child into the world, however pregnancy can also be hard physical work for some women and it needs to be acknowledged. So when she needs an ear to listen to how much her back hurts or how tired she is, listen to her and don’t dare insinuate that she shouldn’t complain.
When it comes to her worries, respect her need to voice her fears. Pregnancy often makes women more emotional and it is easy to be confronted by valid fears related to losing the baby or having a baby born with problems.
Offer to Do More Around the House
Some pregnant women have endless amounts of energy – although truthfully they fall into the minority. Most women are tired during pregnancy, especially during the 1st and 3rd trimesters.
If you see your partner struggling to get through the day at work and then barely making it through dinner at home, offer to take on some of the household chores that she is normally responsible for. As unpleasant as it may be for some expectant dads to have to do more, just think about how tough it is for your partner to have to function while experiencing nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue and a sudden weight gain of 30 pounds.
Ensure She Has Healthy Food To Eat
If your partner is so sick or tired that she can’t take care of herself it is your job to ensure that she and therefore baby, get nutrients by a steady supply of healthy foods. If you can’t cook yourself ensure you find locations where you can purchase healthy to-go foods or enlist family members and friends for help. You can offer to pay for groceries if they donate the cooking time.
Reassure Her Without Being Asked
One of the unexpected aspects of pregnancy is that it can make many women feel vulnerable. Firstly a woman’s body is changing in seemingly impossible ways, and this can make many a woman feel insecure. Some worry if their partners will still find them desirable, others wonder whether or not they will ever get their pre-pregnancy bodies back. Either way reassure your partner about her continued attractiveness. Let her know you love her and care for her no matter what happens during these 9 months. Tell white lies if you have to – most pregnant women welcome the self-esteem boost. 
Secondly, pregnancy magnifies the fact that a woman is and will continue to be completely responsible for another human being. And even though this is normally a good responsibility, at times it can be daunting.  Comfort your partner by telling her that you are in this together and that you are there to help her every step of the way physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Many women wonder whether they can continue to breastfeed their first baby when they become pregnant with their next. According to La Leche League International (the international breastfeeding experts) the answer is yes in most cases although certain considerations should be followed when deciding to do so to ensure proper health on everyone’s end.
Fluids
To ensure that continued breastfeeding doesn’t put either mom or fetus at risk, a mother must be diligent about consuming enough fluids to produce both her breast milk and additionally to support the rapid increase in blood that is produced during pregnancy. Because blood volume pretty well doubles during pregnancy, extra fluids are necessary to support this shift.  If a mother is not consuming enough liquids then both her breast milk and her internal fluids can be affected. 
Nutrients
Pregnancy and breastfeeding both require extra nutrients due to the growth promoting aspect of each one. In order to sustain healthy growth for both the baby and the fetus, it is imperative that the mother consumes adequate nutrients. Because she is essentially eating for three, supplementation should be considered.
Key supplements to consume are omega 3s, a whole foods multi-vitamin and mineral, calcium + magnesium + vitamin D, probiotics, iron and B-vitamins including folic acid.  
Extra Food
To help usher in the nutrients and calories that are needed by both the baby and the fetus, the mother should be eating extra food. So in addition to her extra intake from breastfeeding, a mom should consume about 300-400 extra calories a day. These calories are essential to allow for the incredible growth taking place in both babies.
If a mother doesn’t compensate with the extra calories and nutrients that are needed, she herself will suffer as her body will function as a bank and continuous withdrawls will be made from it. Eventually her own health will suffer as a result.
Mothers need to be vigilant about protecting their own health since their children are entirely dependent upon them for their wellbeing.     
When It May Be a Problem
The only time breastfeeding while pregnant may be an issue is when a woman has a history of preterm labor(s). Because breastfeeding stimulates the nipples, this can cause mild uterine contractions to occur in the body. For women who have had prior experience of preterm labor, this may be dangerous as the mild uterine contractions that can occur can initiate labor before a woman is full term.
Consistency Changes
La Leche also advises that breast milk production may decrease between the 4th and 5th months of pregnancy. Breastfeeding children may respond to this decrease in milk by fussing, or even by weaning themselves. It is a good idea to monitor their weight regularly to ensure they are gaining appropriately.  
The taste of breast milk may also change during this time due to the increase in pregnancy hormones. The breastfed child may also react to this tasted change.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Pregnancy Kagel Workouts


Kegels exercises are most often associated with pregnancy. However, they are an important part of our overall health as women whether or not we have been or currently are pregnant. Kegels exercise strengthens the pelvic floor muscles that are responsible for keeping our pelvic organs in place in order to avoid urinary incontinence. Kegels increase sexual response as well. As the pelvic floor muscles are strengthened, women have reported more sexual satisfaction.

Kegels Exercises

Kegel exercises are named after Dr. Kegels who developed them. Sometimes the pelvic floor muscles are even referred to as Kegels muscles. If you have never done Kegels exercises, one easy way to identify your pelvic floor muscles is to start and stop the flow of urine. Once you know where the muscles are, you can exercise them almost anytime without anyone even knowing. You can exercise in the car, while watching television, or sitting at the computer. It is important to exercise your kegels everyday for about 5-10 minutes by alternatingly clentching and relaxing the muscles in 30 second intervals. While doing kegels workouts, make sure to keep breathing. While doing kegels, it can be easy to tighten the muscles in the buttocks, abdomen, or thighs, so remember to isolate the pelvic floor muscles.

If you have never done kegels, they may feel awkward at first. Keep at it. Just as in any exercise, it may take a few sessions before you are comfortable with the workout. One technique many women recommend is to do kegels while at a stop light in traffic. You can exercise your kegels by simply tightening the muscles and holding them, with a short rest period in between. Start at 10 seconds and work your way up to 30 seconds. Another easy kegels exercise is to hold for 5 seconds and then release for 5 seconds. You can work up to 10 seconds with rest in between.

If you are pregnant, doing kegels everyday during your pregnancy can help to make childbirth easier. The stress of childbirth can stretch your muscles. Kegels will help your muscles rebound more quickly. You will also be less likely to experience stress incontinence (such as urinating while coughing) after childbirth.

If you are having trouble doing kegels, consider discussing the issue at your next docto'’s appointment or with other women. Although we may feel some embarrassment in discussing these issues, they are common to women. Men can also experience Kegels benefits from the workouts, although this is less commonly known. Some doctors even recommend doing Kegels exercises using biofeedback to ensure they are done correctly. Seeking help to increase health and well-being is one way to empower ourselves as women.

Vitamin C and the Birth Control


In our modern society of today more and more women are using the birth control pill as a way to prevent pregnancy. This is mainly because although their has been an increase in production of a variety of different birth control methods the pill is still the most popular as well as one of the most effective.

Does Vitamin C Reverse Birth Control?
When you take the pill it allows you the option to choose when you want to get pregnant. However Vitamin C has an effect on birth control. Throughout the years the overall effectiveness of the birth control pill has drastically improved however, the overall concept of how the pill is used still remains the same today as it was when it was first introduced.

One thing that a lot of women are unaware of is that there are two most common hormones that are found within the birth control pills is estrogen and progesterone. The combinations of both of these hormones will prevent a woman that is taking the birth control pill from ovulating during her monthly cycle. However, the combination of these two hormones actually leads to a vitamin deficiency in most women and this is especially true with Vitamin C. Therefore when you are taking birth control pills than it is very important that you also take Vitamin C along with other vitamin supplements.

Vitamin C is an important mineral that plays a very critical role in women. It will help them fight a variety of diseases and it will also helps to strengthen a womans immune system to be able to fight off certain illnesses as well as helping your system to repair any damaged cells that may exist.  It gets easier and easier to take vitamin C.  For example try the vitamin C fizzy to add some good nutrients to your diet.

One important fact to note however is that if you are taking vitamin C along with your birth control pill you need to space them at least 4 hours apart. You should never take the two together at the same time. Before doing so however, you need to consult with your doctor about the overall amount that you should intake. You need to also be aware of the various side effects that a lot of medications have on your body.

Another important role that you will notice that Vitamin C effect plays will be the overall replenishment of any lost nutrients that are brought on by the use of birth control pills. Although it is wise to have a planned pregnancy there are a variety of different effects that the pill will have on your body if taken for long periods of time. This is why it is important to discuss with your doctor about the options that you have available to you to help reduce these effects.

Vitamin C has a big effect on your health. While you are on the pill you not only delete yourself of Vitamin C but you also rob yourself of other vital minerals. Vitamin C is extremely important to aide in your overall immune system. If you are on the pill talk to your doctor today about the amount of Vitamin C you need in your own body.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

7 Week Pregnant


Your baby

Your baby is the size of a bean and can move around, although you won't feel it until you're well into the second trimester. It also has a tiny tail, but don’t worry, it will soon disappear!
By this time your baby’s limb buds will be flattening, like paddles, getting ready to form digits for his fingers and toes. As the limb buds lengthen your baby will develop his elbows.
The black dots that will form your baby’s eyes are now visible on an ultrasound and its jaw has also been formed.

You

You may be on an emotional rollercoaster; up one minute and down the next, this is mostly due to the changing level of hormones in your body. This is a normal part of the early stages of pregnancy.
Moderate exercise may be an idea to help relieve stress and your body cope with the demands of pregnancy. But this isn’t the best time to start a contact sport!
Try to eat well, and keep yourself in tip-top condition in these early stages of pregnancy.

What to think about

You may want to start telling family and friends that you are pregnant and it is a matter of personal choice but there are good reasons to keep it quiet at this early stage.
You might want to take a break and get some sun, so if you’re thinking about taking a holiday make sure you travel safely.
Take extra care over cooking preparation. Food hygiene is really important at this stage as food-borne illnesses may affect the health of your baby.

Pregnancy Pop and Preggie pops


The Natural Way to Ease Morning Sickness!
All Natural way to ease nausea
  • Drug free and Doctor recommended
  • Great for Labor
  • Alleviates dry mouth
  • Quick energy boost

Our Preggie Pop Flavors

Ginger
This popular root has been used by women around the world to alleviate morning sickness. Often recommended, it is difficult to find in a convenient and tasty form. Our naturally flavored ginger lollipop is the perfect combination of sugar and spice.Sour Fruits
Many women crave something sour to combat a queasy stomach. Our natural sour fruit pops include Sour Raspberry, Sour Lemon and Sour Tangerine -- a variety to satisfy anyone's cravings.
Mints
Mint is another popular remedy for nausea in pregnancy, often taken in the form of herbal tea. Our convenient mint pops include natural Peppermint and Spearmint.
Lavender
Our most unusual flavor, Lavender, is aromatic and truly unique. The same flower used for enhancing relaxation in aroma therapy is used to formulate our deliciously sweet and pungent lollipop.
Preggie Pops are arranged in flavor bags.


Preggie Pops - Morning Sickness Remedy for Nausea during Pregnancy

Each flavor bag contains 7 Preggie Pop lollipops.
Allergy Information: These products are processed in a plant processes dairy, peanut, tree nuts, soy protein, wheat, and shrimp (glucosamine) products.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Dont worry about discharge in late pregnancy


Should I worry about discharge in late pregnancy?
When it comes to the discharge in late pregnancy, you should not have too many worries. A dark discharge may be the "bloody show," which is a sign that labor is close. Contact your midwife, doctor or physician anytime you have concerns about a discharge. It's very common for a pregnant woman to experience an increase in vaginal discharge towards the 37th week of pregnancy. An increase in discharge before this time that is odd in color or smell merits a call to your practitioner for advice and or a check up if you think that there is a problem.

Serious and Not So Serious Causes for Late Pregnancy Discharge

One of the more concerning times of uncharacteristic discharge in a pregnancy is in the first trimester. If there is a dark discharge or blood in the discharge, you may want to keep an eye on what it looks like and if it smell. If the discharge has a bad smell, it is usually a sign of an infection. The color brown may also be a concern because that is often a sign of old blood. If you have any symptoms that concern you, always ask a doctor, nurse or midwife for advice and tell her the details.
A dark discharge in late pregnancy is a sign of the bloody show, which is an indicator that the birth of your baby is coming soon. Some of the fluid is normal leukorrhea that a woman's body produces even when she isn't pregnant. The difference now is that your body is producing more of this natural discharge. This is because your body has formed a mucous plug in the birth canal to help protect your a baby's home inside of your uterus. As the time for delivery draws near, this mucous plug begins to dissolve in preparation for the birth and may lead to increased discharge.
Anytime you have questions or concerns about a discharge or symptom when you're pregnant, you should contact the proper professional. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to a baby. A little information may help keep you from freaking out too much. The bottom line is that you are going to have more vaginal discharge than normal. You just need to educate yourself so that you know what to expect in the months to come. Around 37 weeks, it's common to start to loose the mucus plug in the birth canal. This is a common discharge in late pregnancy.
Discharge during pregnancy should be monitored for the safety of the unborn baby. Take note of any weird colors or smells in the discharge that you notice. An infection is something that needs to be treated with concern, especially if the doctor recommends that you come in to see her at her office. Always do what's best for an unborn baby because this is the time that development is a key for survival.

Tips to cure late pregnancy nausea


Best Cure for Late Pregnancy Nausea
Each stage of pregnancy provides a unique set of symptoms. These are not felt by every expectant mother, but are common enough to not to be cause for alarm. Nausea in late pregnancy is one symptom in particular that is a fairly common complaint. If you are suffering from nausea in the third trimester, rest assured that there are steps you can take to lessen the symptoms and make yourself more comfortable.

Coping Strategies for Nausea in the Last Few Months

Having the classic morning sickness in the first few months of pregnancy is something that nearly every mother expects, even though only about half of mothers experience it. There is a decided tendency to not discuss what is actually far more common, which is nausea in late pregnancy. The term, "nausea" actually encompasses a wide range of symptoms. For one mother, this can mean some mild stomach cramps or a tummy-ache. Another mother may say the word nausea and be referring to symptoms that are actually a bit more serious, such as vomiting and diarrhea. None of these mentioned symptoms are entirely out of the ordinary for pregnant mothers. Late pregnancy symptoms such as these are often the result of the body preparing itself for childbirth. Frequent, mild, contractions, also known as Braxton-Hicks contractions, are the body's way of practicing or warming up for child birth. Aside from causing some discomfort, Braxton-Hicks contractions can also cause stomach cramps or even vomiting. These late pregnancy symptoms, like diarrhea or a tummy-ache, can also be the result of the natural hormonal changes that take place as the pregnancy progresses towards the birth. Finally, internal pressure from the size of the growing baby can also cause these late pregnancy symptoms . As baby gets bigger, there is more pressure exerted on the surrounding internal organs, such as the stomach, thereby causing discomfort and nausea.
Coping with cramping in late pregnancy and other related symptoms is easier with a few tips from doctors. The most common piece of advice given by doctors and nurses is to eat smaller portions more frequently rather than large meals. The less food taken in at one time, the less likely there will be stomach upset. In addition to adjusting the amount of food consumed at one time, there are other traditional forms of relief that also seem to work for many mothers. One such practice is drinking a mint or fennel tea. This often has an effect of calming a tummy ache, and generally aiding in digestion. If cramping in late pregnancy is causing discomfort, then the use of a heating pad can often provide some additional relief. However, heating pads and similar devices should be used in moderation and at low temperatures. Should traditional comforts not work, or a mother needs something more, then a discussion with her care provider is in order. A doctor can instruct a woman in the use of medications that are approved for use in treating symptoms of late pregnancy.
It is important to keep in mind that while nausea in late pregnancy is common, it should also not be brushed aside. Common symptoms or not, it should be brought to the attention of the care provider so that it can be assessed for severity and taken into account. While many of these symptoms would not be a concern for normal, low-risk pregnancies, they may well be of great concern with mothers that have certain health concerns or pregnancy risk factors. For this reason, it is absolutely imperative that mothers and care providers have open and frank conversations about all symptoms experienced and how the pregnancy is going.

How to prevent permanent deep stretchmarks?


Make Room for Baby
Stretchmarks are often a natural part of pregnancy, but did you know that there are plenty of specific steps you can take to prevent permanent deep and unsightly stretchmarks even if that baby is a big one!   Pamper your skin by paying attention to these time-proven true mom's tales for stopping stretchmarks before they even begin.

How to Prep Your Skin for the Big Stretch

Natural oils and creams have traditionally been used for preventing stretchmarks during pregnancy. Genetics play a strong role in the development of stretchmarks, so your success with oils and creams may vary, but it’s certainly worth a try. At the very least, your skin (and your stress levels) will benefit from the added care, attention, and pampering that you give yourself during your pregnancy.  Also, many doctors believe that regularly applying quality oils and creams to your abdomen can provide you and your baby with a soothing massage. 

Stretch Marks Prevention Is the Best Approach

Stop the damage before it starts.  You already know your skin type and its needs.  Basically begin with what you know and multiply what you normally do.  If you have dry skin and you are extremely fair, you are at greatest risk of stretchmarks to begin with.  What are the best oils and creams for effective stretchmark prevention?
Cocoa butter still tops the lists of many expectant mothers. Rich in emollients and loaded with proven skin-soothing properties, cocoa butter is what most Hollywood mother’s reach for in order to stop stretchmarks before they begin.

Pure Products Are the Best Cure for Stretchmarks

Other favorite products for the prevention of stretchmarks besides cocoa butter include sweet almond oil andvitamin E. Each of these pure, gentle oils are known to tame skin inflammation, dryness, and stretchmarks. Lanolin,wheat germ oil, and Aloe Vera are other products commonly used to prevent or smooth out stretchmarks. You may opt for specially formulated stretchmark prevention creams or lotions that contain a combination of some or all of these oils.

Nutritional Choices to Keep You and Your Skin Healthy

What you put inside your body is even more important than what you put on the outside. For maximum stretchmark prevention, pamper yourself with a diet rich in skin-saving nutrients and antioxidants. Choose colorful vegetables, leafy salads, plenty of fresh fruit, and lean, low-fat meats. Your skin will look its best when it’s well-hydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of water during the course of your pregnancy. Your daily consumption of H20 may allow your skin increased elasticity and “give” that can be crucial to stopping stretchmarks in their tracks. Avoid salty and caffeinated foods that can dehydrate your skin.
The best proactive step you can take towards effective stretchmark prevention is to ensure that you understand your skin type and nourish it well during your pregnancy. It's also helpful to keep a close eye on your weight gain during pregnancy.  Most doctors’ guidelines recommend a total range weight gain of 30 to 45 pounds.  Lower your risk of stretchmarks by following these guidelines and avoiding excessive weight gain. Take regular, gentle walks and stay active throughout your pregnancy to achieve the best possible results. Also, if possible, monitor your diet and exercise routine and avoid fast weight gain. Stretchmarks are the result of sudden expansion and tearing of the outer skin tissue, so your best bet is to gain weight slowly and surely to prevent stretchmarks.
Remember: the key to a healthy pregnancy is to take care of yourself, and that includes, especially, your skin.Pampering your skin can not only help prevent unsightly stretchmarks, it can also keep you attuned to your body and your baby.

When to feel baby move?


When Should I First Feel Baby Move?
Many mothers state that they don't feel pregnant until they feel baby move. Even if the expecting mother looks the part at that point, there is just something incredibly magical about feeling the movements of life within for the first time. The big question on the minds of many first time mothers is when should those movements be felt?

Great Variety in Baby Movement to be Expected

The fact of the matter is, there is actually a wide range in what week a mother may begin to feel baby move, or as it is also referred to, quickening. A normal time frame can be considered anything between fourteen weeks pregnant to twenty-four weeks pregnant. It is possible for a fetus to be felt prior to this time frame; however that more commonly happens when it is not a first pregnancy. Mothers that have experienced pregnancy before simply notice the movement sooner than do first time mothers.
It is also possible that quickening can be felt for the first time after twenty-four weeks pregnant. However, this is actually far less common. A mother should bring lack of fetal movement to the attention of her care provider if she doesn't feel the baby’s movements at twenty-two weeks pregnant. While there is no immediate cause for alarm, some OBGYNs may ere in the side of caution and run some basic tests, most often an ultrasound, to ensure that there is nothing amiss. The majority of the time, not feeling baby move is just a case of the placenta being positioned in such a way that it insulates the movements to a greater degree, thereby making it more difficult to feel baby moving.
Another factor in how early or late in the pregnancy a mother feels baby moving is the mother's weight. A very slender mother may become aware of quickening far sooner than a mother that is overweight. The mother that is in good shape and takes excellent care of herself is likely to be at the very early end of this spectrum and notice the baby moving closer to fourteen weeks pregnant. On the other hand, a mother that is overweight or obese is far more likely to be at the other end of this spectrum and feel the quickening much closer to twenty-four weeks pregnant. The additional weight often acts as increased insulation that will muffle the baby's movements, making it more difficult to notice them.
While expecting mothers everywhere anxiously wait to feel baby move for the first time, they need to remember that this is unique to each and every mother and likewise every pregnancy. From the time that the pregnancy test turns up positive, the desire to feel baby move grows greater and greater with each passing day. It can seem like an eternity. However, the vast majority of mothers will feel those wonderful kicks, flips, and wiggles prior to twenty-four weeks pregnant. Keeping in mind the great variety in when the baby's movements can be felt can help to ease the mind and make the waiting easier.