Childproof Your Home

Parenting : Childproof Your Home
by: Marilyn Bohn

About 2-1/2 million children are injured or killed by hazards in the home each year. The good news is that many of these incidents can be prevented by using simple child safety devices on the market today.

Any safety device you buy should be sturdy enough to prevent injury to your child, yet easy for you to use. It's important to follow installation instructions carefully. In addition, if you have older children in the house, be sure they re-secure safety devices. Remember, too, that no device is completely childproof; determined youngsters have been known to disable them.

You can childproof your home for a fraction of what it would cost to have a professional do it. And safety devices are easy to find. You can buy them at hardware stores, baby equipment shops, supermarkets, drug stores, home and linen stores, and through mail order catalogues.

Here are some child safety devices that can help prevent many injuries to young children.

1 Use Safety Latches and Locks for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas to help prevent poisonings and other injuries. Safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers can help prevent children from gaining access to medicines and household cleaners, as well as knives and other sharp objects.

Look for safety latches and locks that adults can easily install and use, but are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. Safety latches are not a guarantee of protection, but they can make it more difficult for children to reach dangerous substances. Even products with child-resistant packaging should be locked away, out of reach; this packaging is not childproof.

Typical cost of a safety latch or lock: less than $2.

2 Use Safety Gates to help prevent falls down stairs and to keep children away from dangerous areas. Safety gates can help keep children away from stairs or rooms that have hazards in them. Look for safety gates that children cannot dislodge easily, but that adults can open and close without difficulty. For the top of stairs, gates that screw to the wall are more secure than "pressure gates."

New safety gates that meet safety standards display a certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). If you have an older safety gate, be sure it doesn't have "V" shapes that are large enough for a child's head and neck to fit into.

3 Use Door Knob Covers and Door Locks to help prevent children from entering rooms and other areas with possible dangers. Door knob covers and door locks can help keep children away from places with hazards, including swimming pools.

Be sure the door knob cover is sturdy enough not to break, but allows a door to be opened quickly by an adult in case of emergency. By restricting access to potentially hazardous rooms in the home, door knob covers could help prevent many kinds of injuries. To prevent access to swimming pools, door locks should be placed high out of reach of young children. Locks should be used in addition to fences and door alarms. Sliding glass doors, with typical cost of a safety gate: $13 to $40.

Locks that must be re-secured after each use, are often not an effective barrier to pools.

Typical cost of a door knob cover: $1 and door lock: $5 and up.

4 Use Anti-Scald Devices for faucets and shower heads and set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water. Anti-scald devices for regulating water temperature can help prevent burns.

Consider using anti-scald devices for faucets and showerheads. A plumber may need to install these. In addition, if you live in your own home, set water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water.

Typical cost of an anti-scald device: $6 to $30.

5 Use Smoke Detectors on every level of your home and near bedrooms to alert you to fires. Smoke detectors are essential safety devices for protection against fire deaths and injuries. Check smoke detectors once a month to make sure they're working If detectors are battery-operated, change batteries at least once a year or consider using 10-year batteries.

Typical cost of a smoke detector: less than $10.

6 Use Window Guards and Safety Netting to help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks, and landings. Window guards and safety netting for balconies and decks can help prevent serious falls.

Check these safety devices frequently to make sure they are secure and properly installed and maintained. There should be no more than four inches between the bars of the window guard. If you have window guards, be sure at least one window in each room can be easily used for escape in a fire. Window screens are not effective for preventing children from falling out of windows.Typical cost of a window guard or safety netting: $8 to $16.

7 Use Corner and Edge Bumpers to help prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces. Corner and edge bumpers can be used with furniture and fireplace hearths to help prevent injuries from falls or to soften falls against sharp or rough edges. Be sure to look for bumpers that stay securely on furniture or hearth edges.

Typical cost of a corner and edge bumper: $1 and up.

8 Use Outlet Covers and Outlet Plates to help prevent electrocution. Outlet covers and outlet plates can help protect children from electrical shock and possible electrocution.

Be sure the outlet protectors cannot be easily removed by children and are large enough so that children cannot choke on them.

Typical cost of an outlet cover: less than $2.

9 Use a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector outside bedrooms to help prevent CO poisoning. A carbon monoxide (CO) detector can help prevent CO poisoning. Consumers should install CO detectors near sleeping areas in their homes. Households that should use CO detectors include those with gas or oil heat or with attached garages.

Typical cost of a carbon monoxide (CO) detector: $30 to $70.

10 Cut Window Blind Cords; use Safety Tassels and Inner Cord Stops to help prevent children from strangling in blind cord loops. Window blind cord safety tassels on miniblinds and tension devices on vertical blinds and drapery cords can help prevent deaths and injuries from strangulation in the loops of cords. Inner cord stops can help prevent strangulation in the inner cords of window blinds.

For older miniblinds, cut the cord loop, remove the buckle, and put safety tassels on each cord. Be sure that older vertical blinds and drapery cords have tension or tie-down devices to hold the cords tight. When buying new miniblinds, verticals, and draperies, ask for safety features to prevent child strangulation.

You can get window blind cord safety information and free tassels by calling 1-800-506-4636 or visiting www.windowcoverings.org

11 Use Door Stops and Door Holders to help prevent injuries to fingers and hands. Door stops and door holders on doors and door hinges can help prevent small fingers and hands from being pinched or crushed in doors and door hinges.

Be sure any safety device for doors is easy to use and is not likely to break into small parts, which could be a choking hazard for young children.

Typical cost of a door stop and door holder: less than $4.

12 Use a Cordless Phone to make it easier to continuously watch young children, especially when they're in bathtubs, swimming pools, or other potentially dangerous areas.

Cordless phones help you watch your child continuously, without leaving the vicinity to answer a phone call. Cordless phones are especially helpful when children are in or near water, whether it's the bathtub, the swimming pool, or the beach.

Consumers can obtain this publication and additional publication information from the Publications section of CPSC's web site or by sending your publication request to info@cpsc.gov.

Using safety devices will help protect our children and give us peace of mind.

About The Author :

Marilyn is a creative organizer who has been organizing for over 20 years. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.She holds a bachelors degree in Social Work. She has reared five daughters and currently lives in Utah.

Go to her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find free organizing tips and interesting blogs and helpful articles on organizing

Keeping Your Kids Active

Parenting : Keeping Your Kids Active
by: Dave Roth

Keeping kids active today is becoming increasingly difficult. Most parents blame video and computer games for this, as well as the Internet in general. While those things have certainly contributed to a more sedentary lifestyle, it is really up to the parents to keep children active as much as possible. One of the best ways to do this is to stay active with them. Young children often play outside with others in the neighborhood, but there are some children that do not fit in with their peers, and there are also children that grow up in neighborhoods where there are no other children or where it is not safe to play outside without adults.

For these children, and for others that are not getting enough exercise, parents must work to keep them active. Taking them to the park is helpful, but after a while this ceases to be interesting, so parents must find other ways of ensuring that their children stay active. One way to do this is to have them take a class such as martial arts or ballet where they will get consistent exercise. If a parent can take the class with them, that is even better, but some classes are designed only for children. Naturally, a kid should not be forced to enroll in something that he or she will not enjoy, regardless of whether exercise is needed.

For children that do not want to enroll in this kind of structured activity, though, there are other options. Playing Frisbee or horseshoes or badminton with parents or other relatives can help a kid stay active, as can outdoor play with friends. This does not mean that a child should be forbidden to play video games or watch television. However, the time spent doing those things should be limited. This is especially true if the kid is not in a physical education class at school or if he or she makes no effort at all to get any kind of exercise. Children that stay active are less likely to be obese, and they often have fewer health problems as they get older, making staying active very important for them both now and in the future.

About The Author :
Dave Roth runs a leading outdoor game and sports product site that sells horsehoes, volleyball, and cornhole gear, go to http://www.corntossmania.com right away

Should you Limit Your Kids Time Playing Video Games?

Parenting : Should you Limit Your Kids Time Playing Video Games?
by: Dave Roth

Whether to limit the time that a child plays video games is a question that almost every parent has battled over at least once and often many times. However, just because one parent has a specific opinion about it does not mean that another parent holds the same opinion. In other words, whether a parent should limit his or her childs time playing video games is a largely subjective, opinion question. There are, though, some signs that a parent should look for when trying to make a determination as to whether the time that his or her kid is spending on video games is too much.

If a kid who is playing video games is paying so much attention to them that his or her schoolwork is suffering, a parent might want to limit the video game time that child has. In addition, if relationships are suffering because of video games, this might also be another reason to limit the amount of time spent playing them. Video games are supposed to be for fun and enjoyment only. Unfortunately, they can actually become addictive. When someone is addicted to video games, the rest of that persons life suffers. He or she will generally not do well at all with school or work, and the relationships that have been built with others will be ignored, at least to some extent.

The person may also lose sleep, not eat well, and exhibit other behaviors consistent with focusing too much on video games and not enough on reality. This is, of course, very detrimental, especially for a child who is just developing habits. Because this is such a serious issue and can lead to many problems in the future, any parent who is concerned about how much time his or her kid is spending playing video games or any parent who sees a change in his or her child because of video game playing should limit the time each day that the child is allowed to play the video game

About The Author :
Dave Roth runs a leading outdoor game product site that sells bocce ball, volleyball, and cornhole gear, go to http://www.cornholegamecenter.com right away.

Where To Take Your Kids When They Say "Mom I'm Bored!"

Parenting : Where To Take Your Kids When They Say "Mom I'm Bored!"
by: Megan Hazel

"Mom, I'm bored!"

How many times have you heard your ten year old exclaim this on a Saturday afternoon, only to follow you around while you tried to do laundry or iron or cook dinner? Children may expect you to be their entertainment committee, but there are things you can do to keep them entertained for hours without eating up your entire Saturday or Sunday afternoon in the process.

The roller rink is a perfect place to take your kids on a Saturday. Almost every town has a local rink, and it is good for many ages. For about $10.00 a child, skate rental money if they don't own their own, and perhaps some extra money for snacks or lunch, you can usually bet on a good three or four hours of entertainment. Many of the skating rinks have video games and a café as well, so if your child is done with skating he or she can still be entertained. If your child is young, a chaperone will obviously be needed, and perhaps you and a neighbor can take turns and alternate weekends. If he or she is of the age where "dropping off" is appropriate, there is usually an open skate complete with the music of the moment that your kids will surely enjoy. Of course, he or she is getting exercise along with having fun so you can rest easy that this is a positive activity all around.

Another good place, depending on the season and your locale, is your local commercial dairy farm. True, it is a bit different, but it can be packed full of things to do for children of all ages. For the little ones, a simple tour of the farm can be full of wonder and amazement. Usually all you need to do is ask and those in charge will be more than happy to show your little one around. He or she can see the cows up close and even pet them in their stalls. They may get a tour of the production facility if they are a bit older and it can hold their interest, which can take a good amount of time. Often there will be other animals on the farm, and both younger and older kids will enjoy visiting with the barnyard animals. If your child's boredom occurs during the warm spring or summer months, it may be strawberry season and you may be lucky enough to have a farm that honors the age-old tradition of strawberry picking! If it's October and pumpkin season, perhaps you will be able to find your next perfect jack-o-lantern with your kids or even take a haunted hayride if it's close enough to Halloween. A hayride might just be possible no matter the season, so it can't hurt to ask! Of course, before you leave the farm don't forget to get a taste of their sure-to-be-homemade ice cream. The tour guide will probably give a cone to your little ones for free. Again, this Saturday or Sunday treat will be an educational source of entertainment for your children and cost you almost nothing.

Almost every parent falls back on the movies or the mall, if their child is old enough, but what about getting them outside for some fresh air instead? Surely you can open your back door and let the kids play in the yard any day of the week, but if you physically take them to a playground it will be something different. Bring the dog, if you have one, and get the most ‘bang for your buck' - your dog will be worn out by the end of your visit, and the kids can help with the wearing-out process! Both your children and your pet will have the benefit of a new play yard, and there will likely be other children to join in the fun, or even other dogs. There is bound to be a swing set, sliding board and jungle gym. Even if you own these and have them in your own backyard, they will likely be different than your own and hence more entertaining for your youngsters. Bring a ball or your dog's favorite toy to play fetch, bring some snacks for the kids, and get out there and play with them yourself! If you are fortunate to share the park with a pond or lake, you may need to bring some bread and you can feed the ducks there as well. Just getting outdoors to the park really can be a good hour's worth of fun at the least.

Any of the above recommendations will force your child to stop the "I'm bored!" exclamation. By the time you get home from any one of the three, your little boy or girl will most likely be ready for a nap and you may too - so look forward to your relaxation.

About The Author :
Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about childcare and parenting topics, similar to what consumers read in http://www.magazines.com/ncom/mag?mid=4780 Women's Day

Tips for Improving Communication with Your Kids

Parenting : Eight Tips for Improving Communication with Your Kids
by: Len Stauffenger

Are you content in the thought that your communication with your kids is spot on, or do you worry that you might be missing the mark? If your interface is overwrought with emotion, you might need these tips to gain a more peaceful relationship with your children. I experienced wonderful things with my daughters when I used these eight tips.

Be Your Word.

Everything you say to your children is a promise or an agreement. Do what you say you're going to do and you build trust. Trust carries you through when they're sixteen years old, driving around with their friends and you don't know what they're doing.

There was a recent article about the Florida football team which was about to go into the National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Florida had a new coach named Urban Meyer. Everyone agreed he had turned the program around. Their season had dramatically improved, even though they essentially had the same talent and schedule. So what was the difference?

To a man, they all emphasize the fact that the new coach had built a greater sense of trust among the players and coaches. They discussed some of his techniques. There were things like practices at midnight and certain competitions he had dreamed up. The important point was he had created a high level of trust.

Your children will be tempted, and since you won't be there looking over their shoulder, you have to instill character in them. The first step in instilling character is that they see character in you. You are their role model.

Be 100% Responsible

Having integrity means being 100% responsible for everything in your life. It means giving up your reasons and your excuses. Every truly successful person I know lives their life as though they are 100% responsible for everything in their life.

At first blush, many people think this is ridiculous or unrealistic. Other people get the concept but they don't really live it. This may at first sound like a burden; in reality it's a freedom.

When you really get that you are 100% responsible for everything in your life, it's a tremendously freeing experience. It allows you to create your life. This idea isn't just some quotation you can read and pooh pooh. It's real. Think about it: if you're not responsible, if you don't have control over your own life, then you're just a victim and whatever makes you unhappy will always make you unhappy because you can't change it, get rid of it. I know you can see this truth.

Be Genuine

This means being straightforward in your communications and take what you get. This means don't use force or manipulation as a way of trying to get what you want. We know that we can't control other people. When you really understand that and accept it, you'll stop trying to manipulate or force others into achieving the results that you want. Force and manipulation will, at best, only get you a temporary result. Human beings always resist force and manipulation. Force and manipulation are really a product of fear.

When my children were young and they told their mom they wanted to live with Dad all the time, her response was to tell them that if they did that she would disown them. Obviously, I knew she wouldn't disown them and I told them that. But she got what she wanted temporarily. They went back to live with her for a month. But in short order, they realized Mom wasn't really going to leave them and then they moved into my house permanently.

Be Free

Learn to give up being right. How many times have we used that as justification for our actions?

When I say give up being right, I'm not saying forget about the concept of right and wrong. It's incredibly important to teach your children the difference between right and wrong. Giving up being right really relates to the whole idea of control. More specifically, it deals with the fact that you don't control anyone else. If you're having an argument with your ex or you're mad at them because you're right and they're wrong, this has nothing to do with making them right and you wrong. It has nothing to do with forgetting about right and wrong. It doesn't meant that you have to give in to the. I just means you aren't going to convince them that you're right. It just means, let it go. Again, think long term. Think what will be effective and what your kids are seeing as you interface with your ex.

Be Courageous

Always deal with issues with your children head-on. My daughters told me throughout high school that their friends were always amazed at all the things they could talk to me about. My daughters would tell me "My girlfriends are amazed about the things I tell you." Of course, I was forced into this because there was no mom around. The result is that my kids can talk to me about anything - sex, drugs, rock-n-roll. However, our goal here is to raise these children so they become productive and healthy young adults.

When you communicate clearly and openly with your children and develop trust they will come to you with the important issues in their life. Be their guide. You are their anchor. You want them talking to you, not their friends.

Be Peaceful

This comes back to being accepting about what you're really trying to achieve. Don't take the easy way out. Develop an early warning system. What are the things in your relationship with your children that irritate, aggravate or anger you? Think about what it is that really angers you.

Whatever you think it is, it really isn't that. Now you think I'm talking nonsense. Let me give you an example. When my daughters were in high school I used to get really aggravated when they would leave the bathroom a mess. Typically, they would spend hours in the bathroom, doing what girls do, so that they could leave and be beautiful and get to that party. They would make a half-hearted attempt to clean up the bathroom and boom, they were out the door. I'd go upstairs, take one look at the bathroom and become angry because the sink was a mess and the towels were just lying on the floor.

On its face, I was angry because they left the bathroom a mess. When I really analyzed it, I knew I was mad at myself because I was failing as a parent to modify their behavior. That's what I mean when I say, look at whatever it is that upsets you and whatever you think it is, it's not really that.

Be Powerful

Don't be cynical; be inspiring. Act in a way that they are touched and that you make a difference in their lives. A last work about complete ownership: I've repeatedly talked about being responsible in your life. Successful parents are responsible. Responsibility in this context is not a burden. It's not something you have to do, like pay the bills. It's not about fault or blame. It's not about guilt of shame. It's not about getting credit. It isn't all about your ability to understand things or to say if a thing is moral or ethical. It's not about what's good or bad.

Being responsible means being wiling to deal with a situation in your life from the view that you are the creator of your life and of what you do. No one makes you responsible and you don't make anyone else responsible. It's a gift you give yourself.

Pass this lesson on to your children. Teach them to be responsible for themselves. Again, not a burden - acknowledge that they determine the consequences of their lives.

Take Nothing Personally

In all of your relationships, in all of your communications, take nothing personally. Observe the world around you. Notice how often people get offended. Look for it. As an experiment, see how many times you can notice someone being offended in a single day. The more you observe it as an outsider, the more comical it becomes. People act like little kids.

Don't be like everyone else. Step back and be an observer. Watch how people interact with each other. You'll find it humorous. The more you observe it in other people, the more humorous it is, the funnier it becomes, and the more quickly you'll realize when you're doing it, you'll be able to stop.

If you want your children to turn out great, your success in parenting and your communication with your kids will both benefit from using these tips.

About The Author :
Len Stauffenger's parents taught him life's simple wisdom. As a divorced dad, he wanted to share that simple wisdom with his girls. "Getting Over It: Wisdom for Divorced Parents," his book, is the solution. Len is an author, a Success Coach and an Attorney. http://www.wisdomfordivorcedparents.com

10 Steps to Healthy Pregnancy : Tips Things to do in the year Prior to Conception

10 Steps to Healthy Pregnancy : Tips Things to do in the year Prior to Conception
by Ann Douglas

1. What's up, doc?
A generation ago, your doctor would have thought you were crazy if you called to set up an appointment to talk about your conception plans. Today, it's fast becoming the norm for couples to book a preconception health checkup.

You may have to do a little arm-twisting to get your partner to accompany you to your appointment -- a lot of guys feel that their role in Operation Conception is limited to heading up the elite Sperm Squadron forces! -- but, whether he's prepared to admit it or not, your partner also needs to do a little preconception health planning of his own.

2. Testing one, two, three
I know, I know... lying spread-eagled on an examination table isn't my idea of a good time either, but the experts are pretty much unanimous on this point: the ideal time to schedule a pap test is before you start trying to conceive. That way, should anything abnormal show up, you and your doctor will be able to deal with the problem prior to rather than during your pregnancy.

3. All systems go
You wouldn't even dream of heading off on a cross-country expedition without checking to ensure that your car's equipment was in good working order. Well, you're about to embark on the ultimate of journeys -- the journey to motherhood -- so it's even more important to make sure that your body is firing on all cylinders.

Your doctor will generally give you the green flag if you are in reasonably good health (e.g. any chronic health conditions, such as heart problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure are under control, and you haven't tested positive for any sexually-transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea). Your doctor may also want to talk to you about any hazards that you may face in the workplace -- strenuous working conditions or exposure to hazardous agents, for example-- since they may impact on your pregnancy as well.

4. The human pincushion
Don't relish the thought of being turned into a human pincushion? Chances are you won't have to. While it's always a good idea to have your immunity to both rubella (German measles) and chickenpox checked before you start trying to conceive, most adult women are immune to these two diseases. If it turns out that you're not, it's time to roll up your sleeve: both diseases can be devastating to the developing baby.

What's more, if contracted during pregnancy, chickenpox can pose significant health risks to the pregnant woman as well.

5. Shaking your family tree
Something else you might want to do before you and your partner move into the "action phase" of babymaking is to find out what types of skeletons are swinging from your family tree.

Certain types of birth defects and serious -- even fatal -- diseases are genetic in origin, and it's possible that you and your partner may be carriers for certain types of these inherited diseases. A geneticist can help you to determine your odds of giving birth to a healthy baby.

6. Lifestyle makeover
If your idea of vigorous exercise involves wrestling with your partner for the TV remote, there's no time like the present to start being more physically active. Not only will you strengthen your heart and lungs -- two organs that get a considerable workout during pregnancy -- you'll also be better psychologically equipped to weather the emotional highs and lows of pregnancy.

And if you're carrying around a few extra pounds, this is the perfect time to deal with that problem, too, and reduce your risks of experiencing certain types of fertility problems and pregnancy complications. (Studies have shown that women who are significantly over- or underweight face an increased risk of infertility, and overweight women face an increased risk of requiring a cesarean delivery or experiencing other pregnancy-related complications). Of course, crash dieting is a definite no-no. That can send your body into starvation mode, which will hamper -- not help -- your chances of conceiving anytime soon.

7. Nutrient check
Your baby needs a whole cocktail of nutrients in order to grow and develop -- nutrients that you may have a hard time serving up if you end up battling morning sickness during your first trimester. That's why it's important to try to "stockpile" as many as these nutrients as possible prior to pregnancy.

At the top of your nutrient wish list should be folic acid -- a "miracle nutrient" that has been shown to dramatically reduce the incidence of such neural tube defects as anencephaly and spina bifida if taken in the months leading up to and during the first trimester of pregnancy. How much folic acid you need will depend on your individual and family health history: if you've previously given birth to a baby with a neural tube defect or if you have epilepsy, anemia, insulin-dependent diabetes, or certain other health conditions, your healthcare provider may recommend that you consume a higher than average amount.

8. Kick any remaining bad habits
You don't have to be a saint to be a candidate for motherhood, but it doesn't hurt to have a few saintly habits.

Since no safe level of alcohol consumption has been established for pregnancy, most doctors suggest that you abstain entirely rather than flirting with the possibility of giving birth to a baby with serious developmental and behavioural problems, and other anomalies. Ditto for street drugs: they're just plain bad news for babies and mothers-to-be.

And as for smoking: well it shouldn't be news to you that smoking's a no-no, too. Not only has smoking been linked to premature birth and low-birthweight babies: it can also increase your newborn baby's susceptibility to SIDS and other health problems.

9. Slam the medicine cabinet shut
Don't pop any medication in your mouth -- prescription or over-the-counter -- without checking with your doctor to ensure that it's safe to use once you start trying to conceive. (He may want to fiddle with your prescription meds a little -- perhaps changing you to a less harmful drug or taking you off medications altogether for the foreseeable future.)

Bear in mind that even "natural" herbal products can pose a significant risk to a developing baby, particularly since many of these products have not been tested on pregnant women.

10. Lose the birth control
The final step in your countdown to conception is to lose the birth control. If you've been using the birth control pill or some other form of hormonal birth control (e.g. implants or injections), you'll need to wait for at least one normal period before you start trying to conceive -- something that makes it easier for your caregiver to pinpoint your due date.

If the intra-uterine device (IUD) has been your birth control method of choice, you'll still need to put on the brakes momentarily: most doctors recommend that you wait for at least one normal period before you start trying to conceive.

While there are no guarantees in the reproductive world, it only makes sense to do what you can to tilt the roulette wheel in your favor. With any luck, you'll walk away with the ultimate prize: a healthy baby.

Daddies in waiting
Preconception planning isn't just a girl thing. It's also important for fathers-to-be. Here are some important health issues you and your partner should be thinking about if there's a baby in your future:

• Workplace exposure to lead, mercury, anesthetic gases, biological hazards, pesticides, herbicides, radiation or other health hazards on the job: These can affect a man's fertility and/or the health of his offspring.
• Medication use: Some medications are fertility impairing while others are linked to fetal abnormalities.The jury's still out on most herbal products.
• X-rays to the groin area: One US study indicated that such paternal X-ray in the year prior to conception can affect a baby's growth rate.
• Weight: The excess quantities of the female sex hormone estrogen that can be found in overweight men can interfere with communication between the testes and the pituitary gland, hampering a man's fertility.
• Groin injuries: Athletic injuries can temporarily or permanently hamper fertility and sexual function. What's more, some research links long-distance cycling with groin numbness and impotence.
• Avoid overheating the genitals: Wearing tight clothing, soaking in hot tubs and otherwise overheating the testicles can interfere with sperm production and leave a man less fertile.
• Skip the vices: Cigarettes, street drugs and excessive alcohol use have all been linked to reduced fertility and other negative health effects.

Ann Douglas is the author of The Mother of All Pregnancy Books, The Mother of All Baby Books, and numerous other books about pregnancy and parenting. You can contact Ann via her website at http://www.having-a-baby.com/

Smoking During Pregnancy Can Put Mothers And Babies At Risk

Pregnancy : Smoking During Pregnancy Can Put Mothers And Babies At Risk
ScienceDaily (Feb. 23, 2008)

Pregnant women who suffer from the high risk condition pre-eclampsia — which leads to the death of hundreds of babies every year — are putting the lives of their unborn children at significantly increased risk if they continue to smoke during pregnancy.But experts at The University of Nottingham have also shown that if women give up smoking before or even during pregnancy they can significantly reduce these risks.

The study linking smoking and pre-eclampsia was carried out by the Genetics of Pre-Eclampsia Consortium (GOPEC) and was funded by the British Heart Foundation. The results have just been published in the journal Hypertension.

Fiona Broughton Pipkin, Professor of Perinatal Physiology at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the School of Human Development, said: “Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are the second most frequent cause of death in pregnancy in this country and cause an estimated 70,000 deaths worldwide among pregnant women each year. In 2005 742 babies died as a direct result of pregnancy hypertension in England and Wales. Ten times this number are delivered prematurely for the same reason. They risk short-term breathing problems, potential brain damage and long-term cardiovascular disease. The deaths are the tip of an iceberg for hospital admissions and worry for mothers, babies and families.”

Professor Broughton Pipkin led a multicentre cohort study of 1001 white Western European women with moderate to severe pre-eclampsia and their babies. It found that smokers in this group are even more likely to deliver prematurely (before 34 weeks), produce much lower birth weight babies, or have babies with adverse outcomes than women who don't smoke. Smokers were also five times more likely to develop eclampsia.

Of the 1001 women in the study:

*34.8 per cent who smoked delivered before 34 weeks — compared with 26.8 per cent of former smokers and 21.3 per cent of non-smokers.

*46.1 per cent who smoked had low birth weight babies — compared with 37.5 per cent of former smokers and 27.9 per cent or non-smokers
*65.6 per cent who smoked had babies who experienced adverse outcomes — compared with 60 per cent of former smokers and 50.4 per cent of non–smokers.

Ellen Mason, a cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said: "Research like this study from The University of Nottingham is vital to help us understand the full effects of lifestyle choices on our heart and circulatory health and that of our children. Smoking is clearly potentially very harmful to mother and baby, and we need to support women in quitting at every stage of pregnancy.”

Professor Broughton Pipkin said: “Although a recent article suggested that smoking in pregnancy is less damaging to the unborn baby than commonly supposed, GOPEC argues that smoking CAN make a bad situation worse for both mother and baby in pre-eclampsia. However, stopping smoking limits the damage.

“I feel very strongly that pregnant women should be encouraged as actively as possible to stop smoking, and this paper provides yet more reasons why.”

Smoking during pregnancy is recognised as a major public health problem. Around 30 per cent of pregnant women smoke and researchers say it can cause significant health problems in the unborn child. It accounts for around 4000 fetal deaths (including miscarriages) every year and it can lead to premature births, low birth weight, cot death and asthma. It is also associated with attention deficit and learning problems in childhood.

In a separate study researchers at the University are currently recruiting 1050 pregnant women for the most extensive trial of its kind to establish the effect of using nicotine patches during pregnancy. The £1.3m clinical trial — Smoking, Nicotine and Pregnancy (SNAP) trial — will investigate whether nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is safe, effective and cost-effective for mums-to-be who want to give up smoking. It will also study the effect on the behaviour and development of the child.

Adapted from materials provided by University of Nottingham

Leukemia Therapy During Pregnancy May Cause Infant Abnormalities, Study Suggests

Pregnancy : Leukemia Therapy During Pregnancy May Cause Infant Abnormalities, Study Suggests

While doctors already face many challenges in treating patients with cancer, treating pregnant women with the disease, in particular, can be quite difficult as studies suggest that certain therapies can harm developing fetuses. According to the results of a study prepublished today online in Blood, the official journal of the American Society of Hematology, expectant women treated with imatinib, a commonly used therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), may be at moderate risk of developing fetal abnormalities.

Imatinib was introduced for the treatment of CML in 1998 and has become a primary therapy for most patients, turning the previously fatal disease into a mostly chronic condition in the last decade. The drug's label warns that women of child-bearing age should avoid pregnancy while taking the drug based on earlier studies that suggested it may penetrate the placenta and cause damage to developing cells.

The retrospective study reviewed records of 180 cases of CML treatment during pregnancy reported to Novartis, the Hammersmith Hospital in London, or The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to determine the real risks of imatinib therapy. Specific outcomes data were available for 125 of the cases, as 55 cases had incomplete pregnancy-related data.

Half of the pregnancies resulted in the birth of normal live infants (n=63). Thirty-five women underwent elective terminations, three following the identification of fetal abnormalities. At least 18 pregnancies resulted in miscarriage. The remainder of the births resulted in infants with congenital abnormalities (n=9, one still birth). In total, 12 pregnancies resulted in infants with fetal abnormalities (9.6 percent) and of those, there were eight live births, one still birth and three terminations (mentioned above). Some of the abnormalities in the infants were similar, including exomphalos (umbilical hernia), renal agenesis (undeveloped kidney), and hemivertebrae (underdeveloped spine). The stillborn child suffered from meningocoele (cerebral hernia).

The study showed that a significant proportion of pregnancies exposed to imatinib result in a normal outcome and a healthy infant. The miscarriage rate in the study was 14.4 percent, which is within the expected range for the general population. However, the fact that some of the abnormalities seen in the 12 infants were similar to results found in early animal studies with imatinib suggests the possibility of an imatinib-induced effect.

"Our study suggests that a concern about conceiving a child while taking imatinib is justified and that patients should be advised to avoid conception while on treatment," said Dr. Seonaid Pye, of the Department of Hematology, Imperial College of London and lead author of the study. "In those patients who do become pregnant, balancing the risk of the fetus from taking therapy to the risk of the mother from interrupting therapy will be an individual decision."

The majority of women in the study were being treated for CML at the time of conception; just four cases were exposed after the first trimester. The dose and the exact duration of imatinib therapy are unknown for most cases, with insufficient information to assess a dose-related relationship. There were no reports of maternal exposure to alcohol, drugs, or tobacco addiction during pregnancy, and none of the mothers had received other high-dose chemotherapy prior to their pregnancies.

"The risks and benefits to an expectant woman fighting cancer and her fetus are challenging and must be evaluated on an individual basis with careful counseling," said Dr. Pye. "Ultimately, the treatment of CML during pregnancy clearly remains a considerable clinical challenge."

Adapted from materials provided by American Society of Hematology 2008, March 7.

Depression and Pregnancy-What Is the Connection?

Pregnancy : Depression and Pregnancy-What Is the Connection?

At one time, doctors believed that the hormones associated with pregnancy were a good protection against depression. In more recent years, however, there has been a growing body of evidence that depression during pregnancy is a serious problem, affecting 10-20% of all women - the same proportion that women as whole suffer without adding pregnancy into the equation. With figures like that and with the added concern that depression can factor into the health of the baby, it is important to know something about how depression and pregnancy are connected.

First, it's important to recognize what depression is and what the symptoms are.

Depression is a mood disorder that may have both biological and behavioral roots. Although healthy women frequently experience some of the following symptoms during a pregnancy, depression is usually diagnosed when the patient experiences three or more of the following symptoms in the space of two weeks:

* A sense that nothing feels enjoyable or fun anymore
* Feeling blue, sad, or "empty" for most of the day, every day
* Difficulty concentrating
* Extreme irritability, agitation, or excessive crying
* Trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time
* Extreme or never-ending fatigue
* A desire to eat all the time or not wanting to eat at all

If a woman experiences three or more of these, she may be suffering from clinical depression and should report the symptoms to her doctor.

Depression is a serious disorder, and is more than just having "the blues." Untreated depression can interfere with a woman's ability to care for her self during pregnancy, and can push a woman to neglect vital personal care, thus hurting her unborn child. In extreme cases, the condition can also put her at risk for suicide, and for abuse of substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Depression may also interfere with the ability to bond with the child, and can also increase the risk for having an episode of depression after delivery (postpartum depression). In addition, recent studies have shown the possibility of links between depression in the mother and such serious conditions as premature delivery, low birth weight, spontaneous miscarriage, and gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia.

Doctors feel that there are several major causes which can contribute to a depression during pregnancy. Having an existing history of clinical depression or PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, a severe type of premenstrual syndrome or PMS) is paramount among these, as a predisposition to the disorder can increase the chance that pregnancy and its attendant stresses will bring on an episode. Age at time of pregnancy is also a factor -- the younger the woman is, the higher the risk of depression.

There are also environmental factors to consider. If the woman is living alone, without the support of a partner, and has limited social support; if there are already multiple children in the family, or there is a history of marital conflict and ambivalence about the pregnancy, there is a greatly increased risk of a significant clinical depression.

If a pregnant woman believes that she is experiencing depression, she should seek medical advice immediately. This is not a condition that will simply go away; treatment to avoid the serious consequences listed above is vital.

Fortunately, there are many ways to treat depression during pregnancy. One of the most important is for the woman to take a step back and realize that she may not have to do everything she did before the pregnancy. If a social network and supportive partner are available, much of the self-imposed stress of trying to maintain a normal, pre-pregnancy routine can be alleviated by doing less while others take up the slack. If these resources are not available, psychotherapy is an effective way to help the patient get at root causes of feelings of helplessness and low self-worth, thus allowing her to cope better.

Self care is critical - developing good sleeping habits, regular diet and exercise routines and the like are also effective treatments. Medications are also available, but as with any drugs taken during pregnancy, there are risks that must be considered. Some antidepressants have been associated with serious side effects for the baby; any use of these drugs should be discussed carefully with a trained doctor so that risks are balanced against the benefits. Keeping in mind that depression is a serious illness; there are times when the benefits of treating a depressive episode with drugs outweigh the possible downside.

As with any medical condition that occurs during a pregnancy, depression requires a skilled diagnosis and treatment by a trusted specialist. Women who are at risk for depression or who are experiencing the symptoms owe it to themselves to address the problem as soon as possible.

About The Author
Craig Smith is a freelance writer who writes about mental health topics including http://www.carelink-svs.org/ .Community Support Services * Depression Anxiety Treatment

Are Maternity Clothes Necessary in Order to Look Good During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy : Are Maternity Clothes Necessary in Order to Look Good During Pregnancy?

I remember my mother telling me about the times when she was pregnant. She was wearing nothing more than my father’s jeans and his working shirts throughout her pregnancy. No maternity clothes for her because she was too poor to buy them at that time. Remember, in her time, which was about 30 years back, maternity clothes used to cost a bomb.

And yet, if you walk along any shopping center these days, you’ll notice at least three or four maternity clothes fashion houses catering to the specifically ‘large’ needs of a pregnant mother. And since the web and the Internet is such a magnanimous thing these days, what about online maternity stores? I’d safely say there are just about half a million legitimate maternity stores right now flailing around the Internet wires for business.

And the amazing thing is that…YES, they make money! And why, I was wondering.

Because of one simple thing….even though my mother (like your mother) and my grandmother (and your grandmother) didn’t need maternity clothes when they were pregnant, the modern generation of pregnant women really, truly DO need maternity clothes. We’re living in an era that is completely different from their time and we cannot compare our pregnancy needs with their needs. The same rules no longer apply.

If you’re pregnant right now and am sitting around here wondering if you should get yourself a whole new wardrobe of maternity clothes, you’re in luck. I have some tips about buying maternity clothes for you.

Buy good-looking maternity clothes that can last at least 3 pregnancies

Like I said, maternity clothes are not cheap these days and maternity clothes are only wearable for the nine months that you’re pregnant and maybe another month or two after that. And when you get back in shape, you’re going to have to shelve those expensive maternity clothes or put the maternity clothes in sad boxes with the edges stuck together with cellophane tape.

So, buy only maternity clothes that are classy and of exceptional quality. You wear maternity clothes only when you plan to go out. For casual outings and at home, stick to your extra large clothes or perhaps, you can buy some large sweaters, t-shirts, overalls, or raglan to wear when you’re not required to look all-that-presentable. It works!

You won’t need CASUAL maternity clothes. In my books, that’s an oxymoron.

Maternity clothes that can double up as breastfeeding clothes later on would be good too

If you intend to breastfeed your baby after the whole pregnancy is over, you would have to think about buying MORE clothes…breastfeeding/nursing clothes. Now, as with maternity clothes, nursing clothes don’t come cheap either. And do we NEED nursing clothes as much as we need maternity clothes? Yes, sometimes we do. I have quite a few fashionable looking nursing clothes that I wear whenever I go out shopping or meeting up with friends. Other times, I wear my t-shirts with holes cut out for easy access to the breast! Yeah, it’s funny, but at home, who’s going to care?

And if you can get your hands on some good maternity clothes that can double up as nursing clothes later on, GO FOR IT! You will get your money’s worth that way.

Style of maternity clothes

Many maternity clothes designers are asleep when they’re designing maternity clothes – the selection is bad. Most of them are nothing but flower after flower, spiral after spiral, safety pins or perhaps some form of teddy bear or another. Forget about them! If you were to buy maternity clothes, invest one that makes you look good. If the maternity clothes are plain, that’s fine, it’s better than making you look like Bozo – most of them do, by the way.

The point is that you want to look CLASSY and DIGNIFIED even though you’re sort of….BIG. and wearing maternity clothes with large orange and yellow flower prints is NOT going to help you do that!

That’s just my opinion, of course, and you’re entitled to have your own opinion about maternity clothes that looks good.

Good luck!

About the Autohor : Marsha Maung is a freelance writer and designer. She designs apparel, household and premium items for http://www.allmomstuff.com/. Marsha Maung’s personal website is http://www.marshamaung.com/

Do You Have A Pregnancy Calender?

Pregnancy : Do You Have A Pregnancy Calender?

Current info about pregnancy is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest pregnancy info available.

The more authentic information about pregnancy you know, the more likely people are to consider you a pregnancy expert. Read on for even more pregnancy facts that you can share.

Have you ever heard of a pregnancy calendar? A pregnancy calendar is simply a record of all the changes a woman and her baby will go through during the 40 weeks of pregnancy. Many expectant parents spend countless hours going over the pregnancy calendar so they can monitor what is going on inside the mother's body at any given moment. While the changes the mother is going through are very evident by the changes in her body outwardly, the changes the baby is going inside the mother's womb are not evident. That is why having a pregnancy calendar is so useful. Expectant parents can look at a pregnancy calendar to know what stage of development their unborn baby is in at any given week. Here is a general rundown on what you find on a pregnancy calendar.

Week 1-4: Conception occurs and the egg is fertilized.

Week 5-8: Your baby's heart has begun to beat by the 6th week. You baby has arms and legs have started to develop by week 8.

Week 9-12: By the 10th week your baby will be moving around inside of your womb. You probably do not feel it, but he or she is moving.

Week 13-16: During the 13-14th week a doctor may be able to determine the sex of your baby through an ultrasound. Your baby's heartbeat can also be heard during this time. Your baby's bones begin to harden during this time and you may begin to notice it when he or she moves around in your womb. Babies at this age can suck his or her thumb.

Week 17-20: Your baby's organs are developing and the sex of your baby can positively be identified. Your baby's body starts to be covered with fine hair.

Week 21-24: Your baby will start to deposit fat on his or her body so that he or she can deal with changes in temperature during and after birth.

Week 24-28: Your baby is able to hear sounds and can sense darkness and lightness. This is the time when the baby's movements start to lesson because the uterus is becoming crowded.

Week 29-32: Your baby's eyes begin to move. The size of your baby's head is starting to catch up with the size of his or her body. Your baby's brain is growing very fast. All major organs are developed by the 32nd week, except the lungs.

Week 33-36: Your baby starts to open and close his or her eyes during this stage. Your baby's fingernails start to grow long.

Week 37-40: Your baby's lungs start to get ready for birth. You can go into labor at anytime during this stage.

These are just the highlights of what you would see on a pregnancy calendar. If you are pregnant, you are encouraged to get a pregnancy calendar of your own to chart your baby's development. These calendars can be as simple or as detailed as you would like them to be. You can even locate pregnancy calendars that have room for you to write important details down for each week. This is a great way for you to monitor yourself and your baby. Pregnancy calendars are a great thing to have for a keepsake that you can give to your child when he or she is grown along with their baby book.

Those who only know one or two facts about pregnancy can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.

Successful Weight Loss After Pregnancy

Pregnancy : Successful Weight Loss After Pregnancy

When most people think of Pregnancy , what comes to mind is usually basic information that's not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there's a lot more to Pregnancy & Parenting than just the basics.

Most of this information comes straight from the Pregnancy pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you'll know what they know.

How fast you lose weight will depend on a number of factors, including the amount of weight you gained during your pregnancy.

Most women will lose anywhere from 10-14 pounds within the first 2 weeks of delivery. This weight may be attributed primarily to the loss of excess fluid in the body, the baby's weight, the placenta and amniotic fluid. Some women might lose a little bit less, and others might lose a little bit more.

As the uterus shrinks back down to its normal size and your hormone levels continue to fall, you will lose weight. Most women gain at least 7 pounds of fat during pregnancy. This fat is meant to help women store energy while breastfeeding. How fast this weight comes off will depend on a number of factors including: genetics, your overall health, diet and exercise.

You should expect that it will take a little bit of time to lose the weight you gained during pregnancy. It did after all take you nine months to put that weight on! Many women have successfully lost weight however, in just a few short months after a delivery.

Some women will hang on to the last few pounds they have to lose until they stop breastfeeding. Your body may want to cling to a few extra pounds to ensure you have enough energy to provide adequate milk for the baby. Every woman's experience is unique with respect to this.

The good news is that with a solid nutritional program and with moderate exercise, you can expect to lose the weight you gained during pregnancy within a reasonable time frame.

Most women will be back to their pre pregnancy weight within nine months of delivering IF they follow a regular exercise program and eat healthily after delivery. That said some women will lose their pregnancy weight in as little as six to twelve weeks!

That's the latest from the Pregnancy & Parenting authorities. Once you're familiar with these ideas, you'll be ready to move to the next level.

Article by Beverley Brooke, author of "Ensure a healthy safe pregnancy for you and your baby", visit http://www.pregnancy-weight-loss.com for more on weight loss after pregnancy

6 Reasons To Exercise During Pregnancy

Pregnancy : 6 Reasons To Exercise During Pregnancy

Have you ever wondered if what you know about Pregnancy is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on Pregnancy.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Pregnancy experts is time. If you'll invest a little more time in reading, you'll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Pregnancy.

Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising during pregnancy can have additional benefits. Generally, exercise should be light, especially during the first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes. Heavy exercise can divert blood flow from crucial areas and most women that exercise regularly should tone down their workouts during pregnancy.

Walking, swimming, and yoga are two popular exercise activities suitable for pregnant women. Other forms of exercise like weight lifting are okay too as long as it is not too strenuous. Most experts recommend exercising 3-4 times a week, unless a medical condition prevents it. If in doubt, always consult a physician first. Listed below are some of the top reasons for exercising during pregnancy.

1. Exercise can reduce the length of labor and reduce recovery times. The right exercise routines will increase stamina needed for delivery.

2. Improve emotional health - exercise lowers stress and improves emotional health and can make it easier for the new mother to get through the experience of pregnancy.

3. Exercise can help with weight management after the child is born. A common concern with most mothers is losing weight after pregnancy. Exercising during pregnancy can make postpartum weight loss easier.

4. Exercise is good for your unborn baby. By keeping your body healthy, you are also helping out your baby.

5. Reduced pregnancy side effects - Symptoms like headaches, fatigue, swelling, and constipation are common in pregnant women. Exercising has been shown to reduce the occurence of these symptoms.

6. Decrease risk of premature birth - exercise has been shown in studies to decrease the risk of premature birth by about 50%.

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids before exercising, have a nutritious diet, and avoid over exertion. Also, listen to your body - if you start feeling sick or nauseous, then you should stop and rest.

Knowing enough about Pregnancy to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you've just learned about Pregnancy, you should have nothing to worry about.

About the Author : Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For more articles by this author, visit My Baby Shower Favors (http://www.mybaby.showerfavors.com) and Babies and Showers (http://www.babiesandshowers.com)

Dealing With Common Pregnancy Complaints

Pregnancy : Dealing With Common Pregnancy Complaints

This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding pregnancy. A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about pregnancy.

It's really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of pregnancy. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.

Pregnancy is not without its side effects. During pregnancy your body will undergo many hormonal changes. These hormone fluctuations can result in a variety of unpleasant symptoms including: nausea, fatigue, bloating and fluid retention and mood swings.

What’s a pregnant woman to do? Believe it or not, there are many changes you can make to your diet that will help minimize many of the common pregnancy complaints you are having.

Nausea/Morning Sickness – This is one of the more common complaints pregnant women have, particularly during their first trimester. Many women find that sipping on some

fizzy soda water with fresh squeezed lemon often helps reduce nausea. Ginger tea is also another well known remedy for nausea and morning sickness. If you are still not feeling better, an extra 10 to 25 milligrams of vitamin B6 is often just enough to help ease nausea. You can take a supplement or try foods rich in B6 such as lean meats, fish and avocados.

Edema – Most women swell a little during pregnancy. The best thing you can do to ease swelling is drink more water. You may think you are already drinking too much, but in all reality you probably aren’t. Some women find that wearing compression hosiery can also help reduce fluid retention. Some women also find that a little extra calcium/magnesium can help combat fluid retention and bloating.

Fatigue – Exercise is often the best way to get rid of pregnancy induced fatigue. Even if you think you are too tired to work out, you’ll find you feel much better after exercising. Eating six small meals per day will also help energize you. Be sure you also consume foods rich in iron to prevent anemia, a common cause of fatigue in pregnant women.

Mood Swings – Mood changes are almost inevitable during pregnancy due to rampant hormonal fluctuations. Be sure you get plenty of rest to help combat fatigue that can contribute to mood swings. You might also consider supplementing with essential fatty acids, which may be beneficial for reducing anxiety and depression.

Don’t forget above all else that most of the symptoms of pregnancy are just temporary, and before you know it you will be back to your jubilant, pre pregnancy self!

Those who only know one or two facts about pregnancy can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.

Article by Beverley Brooke, author of "Ensure a healthy safe pregnancy for you and your baby", visit http://www.pregnancy-weight-loss.comfor/

Vacation Is One Way To Run Away From Stress During Pregnancy

Pregnancy : Vacation Is One Way To Run Away From Stress During Pregnancy

by : Sara Jameson

When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.

Think about what you've read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about Pregnancy? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

What should you do to have a happy pregnancy? Many things you could do, but what most pregnant women rarely do is having a vacation. Get a life and try to relax a little bit. Or take an extended weekend just to refresh and recharge your batteries.

Downtime is very important, and in a world where nearly all of us are tied to cell phones and lap tops, even away from the office, it is good to get away from it all from time to time. Having time to walk along the beach or play golf or even to stay inside and read a great book without interruptions can help us recharge our batteries.

When the baby comes, your number one job is to be Mom. So, you will not have much time for yourself, at least not in the beginning when the baby depends on you for everything. Capitalize on those spare moments of highly valued free time now.

When you are refreshed, you are more effective and productive anyway. You will also be easier to get along with, and it will be easier for you to deal with others (even the difficult ones!).

You are not a slacker for needing time off. Enjoy spending time with your spouse, too, in these nine months, since the second the baby arrives, it will become the number one priority for both of you. Even so, do not let your relationship with your spouse become a low priority. Otherwise, you may look up five or ten years from now and realize you no longer know the man who fathered your baby.

Keep romance alive. Go on regular, standing dates, even it they are on Tuesday nights. Leave the baby with a sitter and enjoy some adult time away from Blue’s Clues and Dora the Explorer. It is important to realize that as much as you are a mother, you are also a wife. And you need to build a life for yourself so that when baby grows up, you still have meaningful things and people around you.

Now you can understand why there's a growing interest in Pregnancy. When people start looking for more information about Pregnancy, you'll be in a position to meet their needs.

Smoking During Pregnancy

Pregnancy : Smoking During Pregnancy

by : Beverley Brooke

The following article presents the very latest information on pregnancy. If you have a particular interest in pregnancy, then this informative article is required reading.

See how much you can learn about pregnancy when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don't miss out on the rest of this great information.

If you have been drinking up until the point when you become pregnant or smoking it is also vital that you stop doing so immediately. Many women worry that they consumed a few alcoholic drinks prior to learning they were pregnant. If you are concerned you should talk with your healthcare provider. Chances are that everything will be just fine as long as you stop immediately. At this time there are no recommended safe limits of alcohol to consume during pregnancy, thus it is best that you avoid alcohol all together.

Smoking is equally as harmful for a mother during pregnancy. Smoking can also affect your unborn fetus, potentially contributing to birth defects or respiratory problems later in life. Did you know that when you smoke your baby is receiving less oxygen than they normally would? This can cause your baby to grow less rapidly than they might normally, and may also contribute to preterm labor, which can be potentially life threatening for your infant.

If you are a smoker when you find out you are pregnant, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider immediately about your condition. Your healthcare provider can work with you to develop a plan for quitting that is manageable and something you can learn to live with during your pregnancy. There are also numerous support groups available for mothers who are trying to quit during and even after pregnancy. Remember that the sooner you quit smoking, the sooner you start providing your unborn child with the best possible outcome for a healthy and safe delivery and later life.

That's how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy : Getting Pregnant

by : Heather Barnard

When you think about pregnancy, what do you think of first? Which aspects of pregnancy are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? You be the judge.

Now that we've covered those aspects of pregnancy, let's turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

As the weeks turn into months you may begin to realize the cold truth that getting pregnant isn't as easy as you had imagined. If it's your first time you may even have spent most of your life trying to 'avoid' getting pregnant and even fearing it.. well now the time has come you may be starting to realise that it isn't as straight forward as you thought. There are several factors which may be impeding your getting pregnant.

Why is it so difficult?

Well, logistically, the timing is very important. A healthy woman ovulates only once every cycle normally releasing an egg which needs to be fertilised within a period of 6 to 12 hours in order to become pregnant. This is the main factor which stops the majority of healthy couples from becoming pregnant.

The male sperm can survive inside the woman for between 2 and 3 days and the ideal situation for fertilisation is to have the sperm recently deposited inside the woman and waiting for the egg to appear - most fertilisation actually takes place at the mouth of the fallopian tubes.

The quality of the male sperm can vary greatly. Heat around the testicles, the wearing of tight underwear and excessive ejaculation are all factors which can greatly decrease the amount of active fertile sperm reducing the possibility of fertilisation.

So if a couple had intercourse twice a day every day for the whole month it would not necessarily be as effective as to have intercourse only once at the right time... just hours before ovulation occurs.

An effective method used by many couples (which will be addressed in a future article) is the charting method or BBT (Basal Body Temperature) method. This basically involves charting the daily vaginal temperature. Just at the point of ovulation there is a significant rise in temperature. This, combined with other symptoms such as density of vaginal mucus and possible abdominal sensations will show the when ovulation is occurring. After a few months of using this highly accurate method, the couple can predict with high certainty exactly when ovulation will occur and can have intercourse just hours before this is due to occur to ensure fertilisation.

Major health matters that impede fertilization include smoking and drinking in both the woman and the man. Un-healthy eating.. the woman should make sure that she has a good supply of vitamin B12 (found in meat, fish, eggs and milk) also the taking of folic acid can greatly help matters. Drug taking (including some prescription drugs) is also very harmful for the conception process (and for the unborn baby if continued into pregnancy). The smoking of cannabis / marijuana reduces the amount of active sperm produced by the man by well over 50% and the effects of this last for over 6 months.

All these points show how difficult it can be to get pregnant and you might begin to see that the creation of another human life really is a miracle when you see how improbable the chances of fertilisation really are.

Is there really any information about pregnancy that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another

10 Risk Factors that Every Pregnant Woman Should be Aware of

Pregnancy : 10 Risk Factors that Every Pregnant Woman Should be Aware of

by : Criss White

Many factors affect the development of a fetus into a healthy child, some which are beyond your control and others that are within your control. Here are ten of the most common pregnancy risk factors that can be controlled or influenced:

1. Smoking - Smoking is not only bad for you, but bad for your baby as well. Smoking during pregnancy reduces the amount of oxygen that the baby receives and increases the risk of miscarriage, bleeding, and morning sickness. Chemicals inhaled while smoking may lead to other health problems with the baby. Reduced birth weight, premature birth, increased risk of SIDS, and stillbirth are other possible consequences. Pregnant women should also avoid second hand smoke.

2. Alcohol - Drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, including symptoms like low birth weight, medical problems, and behavior abnormalities. As soon as you know you are pregnant, stop drinking. For more detailed information on problems that can be caused by alcohol.

3. Caffeine - There are many conflicting studies about caffeine and pregnancy and some believe that caffeine is not as harmful as it was once thought to be. Nevertheless, the FDA warns against caffeine consumption during pregnancy and suggests quitting or reducing consumption at the very least. Caffeine has been shown to affect fetal heart rates and awake time (fetuses grow when sleeping). Decaffeinated coffee can also be harmful since producers often add additional chemicals to remove the caffeine. Caffeine can also increase risk of stretch marks. Suddenly quitting coffee intake can cause headaches; so most experts recommend gradually reducing the amount consumed.

4. Drugs and Herbal Remedies - Always be careful about drugs or herbal remedies that are not prescribed by a doctor. These substances may affect the development of your unborn child.

5. Nutrition - Good nutrition is crucial to a developing child, particularly getting enough folic acid. Lack of folic acid can cause birth defects. At least 400-1000 micrograms of this B vitamin is suggested (about ten times more if you've already had a child with neural tube birth defects) starting one month before pregnant and throughout the entire pregnancy. Leafy vegetables, orange juice, and beans are some natural sources of folic acid. Many stores sell vitamins with folic acid.

6. Exercise - Moderate exercise is helpful as it improves the mother's mental state and can increase oxygen flow to the fetus. However, over-exertion can be dangerous. Most experts recommend reducing your exercise intensity during pregnancy. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are popular for pregnant women.

7. Prenatal Care - Regular doctor visits are important to your baby's development. The body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Some side effects may be completely normal, whereas other may not. Regular monitoring by a professional will help ensure that your baby will be born healthy.

8. Multiple sex partners - Multiple sex partners can increase risk of STD's, which in turn may lead to birth and pregnancy complications, like low birth weight or premature birth.

9. Exposure to chemicals - During pregnancy, reduce exposure to unnatural chemicals, particularly pesticides in food. Many people now eat organic produce, which is grown without chemicals. The simplest precaution to take before consuming vegetables or fruits is to wash them thoroughly. Also, removing the outer surface of vegetables can be helpful since most pesticides will rest on the outside of the vegetable or fruit.

10. Other factors - Many other factors can affect fetal development, including heart disease, the mother's age (before 15 years and after 35 years is riskier), asthma, excessive stress or depression, diseases, and bleeding. Consult your physician if you are affected by any of these conditions.

Dietary Precautions During Pregnancy

by : Beverley Brooke

When you are pregnant, you should be sure to wash all raw vegetables prior to consumption. Raw vegetables have the potential to carry toxoplasmosis, which is a parasite that is typically carried in the feces of cats. It can sometimes get into the soil and contaminate fruits or vegetables.

Many women are interested in trying natural alternatives to medications during pregnancy. Some turn to herbal remedies. It is important that you consult with your healthcare provider during pregnancy to ensure that an herb is safe before you take it. Some herbs can be harmful to you or your unborn fetus, and result in premature labor, miscarriage or even birth defects. Some of the more commonly known herbs to avoid during pregnancy include:

- Goldenseal
- Mugwort
- Penny Royal
- Aloe Vera
- Black Cohosh
- Blue Cohosh
- Buchers Broom
- False Unicorn
- Feverfew
- Juniper
- Lady’s Mantle
- Wormwood

Most of these herbs are known for their ability to stimulate the uterus, which might lead to premature contractions or miscarriage. That said, midwives have used some herbs in the last trimester to help restart a stalled labor or initiate an overdue labor. It is essential that you not try to use any of these herbs however without first consulting a qualified healthcare provider. The consequences could be devastating.

Pregnancy Exercise And Diet Tips - Sensible Advice For Expectant Mothers

by : Tina Titas

Mothers-to-be have many questions about pregnancy nutrition and exercise. The tips and advice below will help you get started on a healthy pregnancy.

A diet containing the essential nutrients and vitamins are vital to the development of both mother and child. Vitamins are imperative to the health of a developing baby and the well being of the mother. Choosing foods that are rich in vitamins and other nutrients are a critical part of a healthy pregnancy nutrition plan and supplemental vitamins are necessary as well.

Follow a well-planned pregnancy diet to help avoid complications such as morning sickness, fatigue, anemia, and constipation. Your healthy diet must continue after pregnancy if you plan to breastfeed your baby.

Pregnancy food recommendations

* Your pregnancy diet should include plenty of complex and unrefined carbohydrates as they contain important B vitamins, trace minerals, and fiber that are essential to a fit, healthy pregnancy.

* Appropriate quantities of yellow and green leafy vegetables are vital for the growth of the baby and the health of the mother.

* Dairy products contain calcium that will assist in the developing baby's teeth and bones. If your diet is lacking calcium your body will draw calcium from your bones to meet it's increased need.

* Avoid excessive amounts of fat must be avoided during pregnancy, as it will only serve to add excess pounds, which will be hard to lose after the birth of your baby.

* Vitamin C in generous amounts is crucial to a healthy pregnancy, bone growth, and various metabolic processes. Including berries, citrus fruits, raw broccoli and cabbage can help provide you with the Vitamin C that you need.

Ideally, your pregnancy diet should include 3-4 servings of protein and meat, 2-4 servings of fruit, 6-11 servings of grains, 4-6 servings of dairy products, and 6-8 glasses of water, milk, and juice. A pregnant mother must follow a healthy diet that will benefit the developing baby but that will also maintain her general health as well.

Exercise recommendations during pregnancy

Exercise during pregnancy will promote strength, muscle tone, and endurance. Regular activity during your pregnancy will help alleviate swelling, fatigue, and backache. If you expect to remain fit during your pregnancy you will need to work your heart and major muscle groups. The type of exercise you do during your pregnancy will depend on your fitness level prior to pregnancy. Walking, pregnancy yoga videos, and swimming are excellent pregnancy exercises combined with stretching and other low-impact activities.

Exercises that involve a risk of falling or injury should be avoided such as bicycling, racket sports, horseback riding, and skiing. You will need to alter your exercise routine from trimester to trimester to accommodate your growing body. Avoiding over-exertion is necessary to avoid complications such as faintness, dizziness, vaginal bleeding, and premature contractions. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercising to reduce the risk of dehydration, which can raise your body temperature and cause harm to yourself and/or your baby.

A regular exercise program is beneficial to both mother and child, but check with your health care provider to make sure you have no conditions or risks that will prevent you from participating in a regular exercise routine or could cause potential harm to yourself or your child.

Pregnancy Massage Therapy

by : Caroline Colby

The modern mum-to-be is a stressed out individual, having to cater to increasing pressures of a fast paced society and work place. Yet at the same time, she knows that her wellness is crucial especially during her pregnancy if she wants a smooth delivery process and the birth of a healthy happy baby.

This increased awareness has led to the search for alternative approaches in addition to traditional health services. Pregnancy massage therapy is one such alternative approach. It has much therapeutic value as it enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves blood circulation and relieves mental and physical fatigue.

Pregnancy Massage can be prenatal, postnatal or during the labour process, although many refer pregnancy massage to just prenatal and post-natal massage to mean massage that takes place a few days after delivery.

In a prenatal massage, the massage is focused on reducing pregnancy discomforts and aims to enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and foetus. A relaxed mother also helps in the development of a brainy and healthy foetus. Also, the massage helps to strengthen and prepares the muscles that are useful for a natural delivery process.

Many women fear a long delivery process. Yet, many desire one that is as natural as possible and without the use of epidural or any other drugs. During labour, massage techniques exist to help shorten the delivery process while easing pain and anxiety.

Post-natal massage focuses on toning the new mother’s body, reduce fluid retention and and helps the body be brought back to balance and shape. It also helps to rejuvenate and re-energize the new mother and thus enhance her ability to bond with her baby.

The pregnant female should always first consult her doctors if she is suitable for massage or for any other alternative therapies that they wish to try. Her overall objective is to achieve a good mental state and physical health and to have a wonderful birthing experience.

Five Powerful Tips To Ease Morning Sickness In Pregnancy

by : Rebecca Smith

Some pregnant women suffer not only morning sickness, it's often more morning, noon, and night sickness. They feel sick all the time, and want to crawl back into bed. Pregnant women will learn in this article five powerful tips that will ease morning sickness.

1. Control your blood sugar level
Allevate morning sickness pregnancy by keeping your blood sugar level stable. Obviously, sleeping is a major problem when you are trying to regulate your blood sugar. Try to eat without getting out of bed. Your partner will be happy to bring food to you every morning. Take only small bites. Try to eat a little bit, then wait to stand up. Give your body time to get the food into your system.

2. Watch out what you eat!
Morning sickness pregnancy is also triggered by certain foods. Avoid foods that will spike your blood sugar level. Foods such as processed sugars and white flour can cause morning sickness pregnancy. Whole grain foods and protein are a good alternative as they are less likely to cause nausea.

3. Be careful with drinking too much water
Although Doctors will tell you repeatedly to drink plenty of water, it can make morning sickness pregnancy worse. They are trying to ensure that dehydration doesn’t become a problem. Try some alternatives to water. Try drinking smoothies with a little plain yogurt with fruit mixed in. Mix the water with a little lime or lemon. You can even try tea – cold or hot tea very watered down. Fruits such as melons can help with morning sickness pregnancy. Regardless of your preference, it is extremely important to stay hydrated. If water is exacerbating morning sickness pregnancy, you do need alternatives.

4. Smells can trigger morning sickness pregnancy
Another issue that can cause morning sickness pregnancy is odors. There are steps you can take to alleviate morning sickness pregnancy due to smells. One hint is to let your husband change diapers if you have other children. Cook odor-neutral foods – no garlic, onions, or oily fish. Stay away from people that have odor problems. They can make your morning sickness pregnancy worse.

5. Positive Thinking
You can ease morning sickness pregnancy by focusing on positive things. Remember, while your face is in the toilet, you are growing another person inside you. This is one of the most wonderful times in your life, and the morning sickness pregnancy will not last forever. In a few months, a beautiful baby will come out and your life will be more fulfilled than you could ever imagine. Read baby name books, look at pregnancy clothes, and try to get yourself excited that you are about to have one of life’s greatest little gifts.

Concerns About Sex During Pregnancy

by : Susan Tanner

Sex is among the top most enjoyable activities practiced by couples. Why should this be any different during the nine months of pregnancy?

Many expecting parents have concerns about having sex during pregnancy. Anyone considering it will undoubtedly have many questions. Hopefully these answers can help to put you and your partner at ease.

Is it safe for the baby? In a normal, low-risk pregnancy, sex during pregnancy will not harm the baby. The fetus is protected by the amniotic sac (a thin-walled bag that holds the fetus and surrounding fluid) and by the strong muscles around the uterus. There is also a thick mucus plug that seals the cervix and helps guard against infection.

When is it not safe? It is unsafe in high-risk pregnancies. Some cases where you should not have sex during pregnancy are:

* If you have a history or threat of miscarriage
* If you have a history or signs indicating the risk of pre-term labor
* More than one fetus (twins, triplets, etc.)
* Unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping
* Placenta previa (a condition where the placenta is situated so low that it covers the cervix)
* Leakage of amniotic fluid
* ncompetent cervix (a condition in which the cervix is weakened and dilates prematurely raising the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery)

If any of these cases apply to you, or if you are at all unsure, consult your physician before engaging in sex during pregnancy.

Can the baby feel it? Some parents may have concerns about disturbing the unborn baby by having sex during pregnancy. Rest assured, the cervix is protected by a thick mucus plug; the penis will not come into contact with the fetus. The baby may thrash around a bit after orgasm, but this is simply because of the mother's pounding heart, and not because the baby is feeling discomfort or even knows what's happening.

Can sex during pregnancy or orgasm cause miscarriage or premature birth? It should not lead to miscarriage or premature birth in normal low-risk pregnancies. The contractions felt during orgasm are completely different from the contractions associated with labor. Some doctors recommend, though, that all mothers discontinue sex during the final weeks of pregnancy. There is a chemical in semen that is believed to stimulate contractions.

Is it normal for my desire for sex during pregnancy to fluctuate? It is perfectly normal for sex drive to increase and decrease during pregnancy. Symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, and the increased need to urinate can make sex during pregnancy bothersome, especially during the first trimester. Some of these symptoms subside during the second trimester, which may result in a heightened sex drive. Increased blood flow to the pelvic area can cause engorgement of the genitals and heighten sensation. This same engorgement, though, can leave some mothers with an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after sex. The amount of vaginal discharge or moistness may increase, which can either make sex during pregnancy more pleasurable, or cause irritation. In the case of a sudden change in the amount of discharge, or a foul or unusual odor, consult your physician.

Many couples find that intercourse is more fulfilling with the added freedom from worries about contraception and a unique new feeling of closeness.

Which positions are most favorable? You will discover that as the mother's belly swells, finding comfortable positions for sex during pregnancy will require more interesting maneuvers. Mom may find that lying on her back will become less and less comfortable as the pregnancy progresses, and the weight of the baby can restrict circulation.

* Lie sideways. Having the man on top will become more and more difficult as the baby grows.
* Use the edge of the bed. The mother can lay on her back with her feet and rear on the edge of the bed, and the man kneeling or standing in front.
* Lie side-by-side in the spoon position. This will allow for only shallow penetration. Deep thrust can become uncomfortable as the months pass.
* Have the woman on top. This allows her to control the depth of penetration and will put no added weight on her abdomen.

Oral sex during pregnancy can be an excellent alternative in situations where intercourse is not recommended. It is safe, as long as you are in a monogamous relationship, where both partners have been tested and are HIV-negative.

The most important thing is that you communicate with your partner. Experiment with different methods, enjoy yourselves and try to keep a sense of humor.

Sex during pregnancy can still be one of your favorite activities.

How To Eat A Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

by : Beverley Brooke

Perhaps the number one complaint of women trying to watch their weight during pregnancy is that they are hungry all the time. True, pregnancy does result in an increased metabolic demand on the body, which can cause you to be hungry. Many women also experience a number of cravings during pregnancy, which can make healthy eating challenging.

The first thing to remember is that the idea that you should eat for two is wrong. You only need an additional 300 calories per day, and generally you don’t need these calories until you are well on your way to the second and third trimesters.

So what can you do to help manage your weight and stick to a healthy diet?

Remember that during pregnancy it is vital that you do not cut back on your caloric intake. This has the potential to rob your baby of essential nutrients that are necessary for his/her growth and development. Here are some tips to help you stick to a healthy diet throughout your pregnancy:

Avoid skipping meals. If you have a habit of skipping breakfast, you’ll find that you are not only more fatigued but ravenous during your pregnancy, which will result in overeating. Be sure that you eat each meal every day.

Try eating several mini meals throughout the ay. This will not only help you feel fuller longer, it will help minimize the nausea often experienced during the first trimester.

Satisfy your cravings with nutritious snacks. Have a variety of healthy things to snack on readily available so you avoid overindulging in foods that are too decadent. If you are craving something sweet, consider having some mini chocolates near by or opt for a cup of hot chocolate. Both are far better for you than an entire candy bar or piece of cake.

Exercise during your pregnancy. The act of exercising in and of itself will be plenty to motivate you to stick to a healthy diet. You’ll feel better about yourself and find that you have more energy throughout the day.

Avoid high calorie beverages. Soda pop (which isn’t good for you anyway, particularly during pregnancy), juices and other flavored drinks often contain a good 100-300 calories per serving. Stick to water or flavored water during your pregnancy.

Drink lots of water. You may think you are hungry when in fact you are actually thirsty at many points during your pregnancy. In fact, the brains hunger and thirst centers often get mixed up, so people often feel hungry when they are in fact dehydrated. The better hydrated you are, the les likely you are to overeat.