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, visit http://www.nofas.org.
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Criss_White
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28.2.09
10 Pregnancy Risk Factors that Every Pregnant Woman Should be Aware of
Is spotting brown common in early pregnancy?
Sometimes spotting is harmless, but sometimes it's a sign of something more serious. Here is some advice from women who've been there - and some of their firsthand experiences, too. Don't panic! First find out what's going on with your body.
Go test your hcg levels, even if it means going to the ER. I just had a miscarriage in January (1st pregnancy) and I just found out I'm pregnant again (4 months later) about a week and a half ago.
Well, 4 days ago I had some brown discharge. I freaked out and went to the doctor. He tested my hormones, looked at me, said it wasn't blood - he just called it brown stuff. He told me I would have to wait and see what my hcg levels were. Today, being that I've been worried and I didn't feel like waiting till Wednesday (which is 4 more days from now) I went to the ER and they tested my levels of hcg. I've gone from 111 last Saturday to 3488 this Sunday, so my baby is growing strong. My girl friend told me that with 1 out of her 3 pregnancies she had the brown discharge too, and her daughter is beautiful. So my suggestion to any of you who are worried is: go test your levels even if it means going behind your doctors' back to the ER. It's your baby and its your piece of mind that is at stake.
It's common to have brown discharge and it isn't necessarily a sign of a problem with the pregnancy. Here's my story: I started spotting (light brown discharge) last Wednesday. It isn't heavy, only saw it sometimes (three times a day if that, otherwise normal clear discharge) when I wiped, did have extremely sore breasts and was extremely moody as well as feeling hungry all the time. I was planning to go to a scan on Tuesday, because I had had a miscarriage only 2-3 months ago at 5weeks 3 days. The doctor indicated that this was the same; I'm seven weeks, done 4 pregnancy tests and come out positive with a very strong line each time. Was feeling sick - probably due to being nervous (it had been 5 days, though before this started I did have a yellow/darkish discharge for about 2 days before - the nurse said it was due to hormonal changes. I didn't know if this was spotting). Well, it turned out to be ok. I had an internal scan done and they found a heartbeat and everything was fine with the baby - well, as much as they could tell as this stage. It is incredibly common to have a brown discharge, it is just due to hormones - my discharge comes out all funny (different shades of yellow). But the bottom line is, as long as there is no pain or severe cramping, it's considered to be ok.
What causes brown spotting, anyway?
Spotting brown blood is an indication of old, dry blood that is for some reason in the cervix. The most common reason is if you have sexual intercourse and irritation of the cervix causes a little tear. Not enough that it comes flowing out, but like when you urinate or you wipe, you might see it on the tissue. Unless you are passing bright red blood and clots, brown spotting is pretty harmless.
Brown spotting is perfectly normal in early pregnancy. One reason for this type of spotting is called implantation bleeding. This occurs approx. 2 weeks after conception and 4 weeks since your last menstrual period. Another reason this could be happening is your body could be releasing old blood. Neither of these reasons are cause for concern.
Some women's experiences of spotting and miscarriage:
Coming to terms with a miscarriage... I was 5 weeks pregnant when I noticed a tiny bit of brown spotting. I had been exercising when I noticed it and figured that caused it. Over the next week and 1/2 I noticed that I didn't have a lot of pregnancy symptoms. I did have tender breasts but that was it, no morning sickness or aversions to food. One week and a half later I noticed more brown spotting and went to the hospital. The ultrasound showed that my fetus was only 5 weeks in size and that my hcg levels were low for 7 weeks. I was sure about the dates and knew that I was experiencing a miscarriage. The brown spotting turned into red and brown blood over the next few hours. That night, I woke up with absolutely terrible cramps which were actually contractions. I have been bleeding for three days and am trying to come to terms with the idea that I am no longer pregnant.
Even if it's bad news, it's good to know about it ASAP. Spotting brown blood seamed to be normal. I am around what I thought was 11wks pregnant with my first child. I noticed some spotting last night it kept changing from red to brown. However, I am feeling no pain, no cramps, nothing out of the norm! I went to the emergency room and they can't find my baby's heartbeat. They are preparing me for a miscarriage. I have to go back on Wednesday to check and see what my hormone count is. Right now I'm at 14 thousand. If by Wednesday two days from now it has not increased to 28 thousand, then I am losing the baby. So brown spotting can be a bad sign - go get checked ASAP.
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Sex During Pregnancy
It is important that you nourish your relationship as much as your nourish your unborn child during pregnancy. Most women find that their bodies grow large and unwieldy during pregnancy. Many women are surprised to find that their sex drive actually increases during pregnancy, particularly during the second trimester. This is due to the increased amount of blood that is coursing through your pelvis and vagina.
Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?
Sex is safe during pregnancy provided you have a low risk pregnancy with few complications. Your doctor will let you know if you should avoid sex for any reason at all. Most women can enjoy a healthy and fulfilling intimate relationship throughout their pregnancy, right up until their delivery date.
Will I Enjoy Sex During Pregnancy?
Surprisingly, many women find that they are more sexually aroused during their second trimester than they were prior to pregnancy. The increased blood flow to the vaginal and a woman's growing bosom often results in a heightened sense of self and sexual arousal.
Most women will shy away from sexual relations during their first trimester when morning sickness and fatigue often get in the way of love making. During the third trimester, some women find themselves uncomfortably large and prefer not to be intimate, whereas others continue having intercourse right up until they go into labor.
Will Sex Hurt the Baby?
One of the most common concerns of fathers to be is that sex will hurt the baby. Some men are afraid that they will bump into the baby when they have sex. By and large however this concern is unfounded. If your husband is overly concerned about having sex during pregnancy, have him join you at your prenatal visits. A little reassurance from your physician that he will not hurt or bump into the baby may be all your husband needs.
Partners often react very individually when it comes to sex and pregnancy. While some men find the site of their wife's blossoming body a true turn on, others are ambivalent or even a little turned off by pregnancy. It is important that you are open, honest and communicative with your partner about your needs during pregnancy, and try not to take any emotions your partner may be feeling personally.
Remember that pregnancy is often an emotional roller coaster, and your husband or partner may be more concerned that you might react differently, or may be scared of the idea of having a family in general. Some men have a difficult time being intimate with their wives even when they recognize that they will not harm the baby, because they feel another presence is in the room.
That said, many men and women have remarkable sexual relationships throughout their pregnancy. Even if you do not engage in intercourse with your husband, it is important that the two of you work on nurturing your relationship throughout your pregnancy. Foot rubs, kissing, back rubs and holding hands are all excellent ways to share some intimacy without actually engaging in intercourse.
The best way you can ensure that you and your partner remain close during your pregnancy is to check in with your partner on occasion. Inform them of your needs, let them know where you are coming from and what you need or want from them.
Positioning
If you and your partner are interested in maintaining a healthy sexual relationship during pregnancy, then undoubtedly you must be wondering what positions will work best for you as your belly grows and expands. The best thing you can do during your pregnancy is keep an open mind and be creative. Most women will find that it is uncomfortable to enjoy sex in a missionary position after about the first or mid second trimester. Try flipping over, woman on top and even lying next to one another during your pregnancy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverley_Brooke
Do You Have A Pregnancy Calendar?
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 timeline 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.
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Stages Of Pregnancy - What Mums-To-Be Must Know
Everybody must be telling you so many things about the different stages of pregnancy now. Right! The stages of pregnancy are the three trimesters that have duration of three months each. Breast heaviness, general exhaustion and of course an upheaval of emotions are the other pregnancy symptoms of the first trimester
Stage 1
The first stage of pregnancy is the trimester, which begins with the first day of your last menstrual period and ends with the 16th week of your pregnancy. A wave of emotions can overwhelm you during the first trimester.
Keeping a close watch on your pregnancy diet and regular doctor-approved exercise is a must. Stage 2
The physical changes that occur during the first trimester are not as subtle as the emotional changes. Most women do not appear pregnant during the first months of pregnancy, but other changes will be evident. One of the first signs in nausea.
Exhaustion and morning sickness (which can occur at any time of day) are common and will be experienced by the majority of pregnant women. The increase in hormones within your body can make you feel tired constantly and your breasts may be sore and/or tender and will feel more full.
The second stage of pregnancy is the second trimester and is counted from the 16th to the 28th week. For most women, the emotions experienced tend to focus on preparations and the things you will need once the baby arrives. Certainly not all women, but most women will become excited about the upcoming delivery and the idea of having a baby during the second trimester.
The second trimester is that stage of pregnancy by when you will become accustomed to some of the changes.
Stage 3
Finally, you would enter at the last trimester - the beginning of the end to the stages of pregnancy. This period would seem to crawl on slowly, what with a big, swollen tummy and the anxiety to quickly get child birth over with. The fear of delivery pains, general all-day fatigue, combined with sleeping problems, swollen feet, frequent urination, will make days seem very slow and laborious.
Many women grow restless, as they develop what is called the 'Nesting' urge. It is important now that you follow every part of your doctor's advice, so that complications can be avoided. Your pregnancy is going to be over soon and you will be a momma, so take extreme care and caution.
Remember, a pregnancy is once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, try to have fun and enjoy your stages of pregnancy. Best of luck!
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27.2.09
The Role Of Physical Exercises For Pregnant Women
For instance, pregnant women should follow a healthy diet and not in the last place they should maintain their health and a nice body shape by doing physical exercises. In addition to this, exercises during pregnancy are a new discovery and many pregnant women tend to adopt it in order to keep a nice figure and also to have a healthy body. Moreover, by doing exercises during pregnancy, women not only maintain their weight and nice figure but also they can pass easier over the pregnancy symptoms having an important role in balancing the hormones, improving constipation, lessening morning nausea and also in preventing or managing gestational diabetes.
Furthermore, it is important to say that pregnant women should ask a medical advice before they start the exercises. On the other hand some women have a complicated pregnancy and cannot perform physical exercises. Pregnant women have the chance to perform great activities at home together with their husbands or in special places where many pregnant women gather and do physical exercises supervised by a specialist. For instance, a common activity which pregnant women usually choose is aerobics, exercises that increase the heart rate and pump oxygen and nutrients thought the body. Other low impact activities are: walking, swimming, stationary cycling. Moreover, other examples of exercises are yoga and pilates which are useful for the physical and mental health and usually combine breathing, stretching and breathing techniques.
Another group of exercises are Kegels, a pregnancy exercises which are very easy to perform.
Best Exercise For Pregnant Women - What to Do and What to Avoid
These days most folks realise the importance and benefits of regular exercise for pregnant women. It not only helps you avoid those awful back and joint pains, but can aid in your breathing and help you have a swifter less painful labour. - Hold your breath for long periods
- Participate in contact sports - Basketball, Football etc.
- Bounce or stretch unnecessarily
- Put undue strain on your abdominal area
Now, before starting any exercise I would always advise that you speak to your doctor first and talk through any exercise routines you may have in mind.
1/ Buttock Leg Lifts Exercise For Pregnant Women
Lift your right knee forward and then extend your right leg backwards until it is straight. Repeat this exercise 10 times on each leg, always making sure you keep your back straight.
This exercise for pregnant women works your gluteal muscles (i.e. your butt), and if you're feeling adventurous you move your opposite forward in unison with your leg - right leg, left arm; left leg, right arm.
2/ Pelvic Tilt Exercise
Whilst on your hands and knees drop your abdominals so that your back arches downwards, then tighten your abdominals upwards so that your back arches upwards slightly as a cat would do. Repeat 10 times in a controlled fashion, always remembering to breath slowly and fully to get the full benefit. This exercise for pregnant women will work your lower back and abdominals.
3/ Wall Squats Exercise
This exercise for pregnant women is great for your thighs, lower back and butt. It can be performed with or without a "body ball" (those big soft rubber balls you find in the gym, which are good for abdominal exercises).
Bonus Exercise Tip:
All these exercises for pregnant women can be "supercharged" by getting some ankle or wrist weights and strapping them on to increase your effort and the benefit to you and your baby.
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26.2.09
Pregnancy Calculator Software
Pregnancy Calculator and Ovulation Calendar is one of the Easiest and Accurate Software Utilities for women to predict safe period dates and safe days for love to avoid conception. Use this advanced tool to Track high fertility cycles to conceive baby and achieve pregnancy.
With the help of this Safe Period Dates Calendar & Pregnancy Calculator advanced utility, Pregnant ladies can determine the probable date when the child will be born, Keep track of pregnancy and countdown the days until due date, Visualize the stages of pregnancy using a weekly pregnancy info chart and Know your Baby’s Growth week by week.
you can download this pregnancy calculator software here for free and use it to find when your baby will born.
Is Your Weight Gain During Pregnancy Appropriate?
Weight gain during pregnancy depends on your weight and height before you conceived, or better known as, BMI (Body Mass Index). Your doctor will measure your BMI and chalk out a weight gain chart
• If your BMI is less than 18.5, you need to gain 28-40 pounds.• If your BMI is 18.5-24.9, you need to gain 25-35 pounds.
• If your BMI is 25-29.9, you need to gain 15-25 pounds.
• If your BMI is 30 or more, you are obese and need to gain only 15 pounds.
In case you are having twins, your weight gain must be between 35 and 45 pounds. It's wise to follow a chart, as it gives you an idea of whether you are within the normal range or have gone beyond.
Tips For Slow Weight Gain During Pregnancy
• You must take at least 4 servings of milk products daily. However, skip whole milk products and switch to skimmed milk, low-fat cheese or yoghurt.
• Cut down on sugary drinks like soft drinks, fruit drinks lemonade, iced tea, or powdered drink. They contain empty calories. Switch to plain water or club soda.
• Avoid adding salt to food while cooking. It retains water in your body.
• Avoid high calorie snacks and sweets. Say "No" to cookies, cakes, candies, honey, syrups, donuts, and potato chips. Substitute them with fresh fruits, angle food cake, pretzels, low-fat yoghurt, or low-calorie desserts and snacks.
• Moderate the use of cooking oils, butter, margarine, gravy, sauces, regular salad dressings, mayonnaise, lard, cream cheese, and sour cream. They contain fat. Opt for low-fat items.
• Prefer low-fat cooking, such as baking or boiling. Foods fried in butter or oil has higher fats and calories.
• When eating out, opt for lower fat items like sandwich with tomato and lettuce, plain baked potato, or side salad containing lower-fat dressing.
• Exercise regularly after consulting your doctor. Waking and swimming are safer physical activities, as it prevents excessive gain.
There's nothing better than keeping a check on your diet and following an exercise regime for a healthy and happy pregnancy, these tips will also help you to avoid all the pregnancy complications. In addition to your doctor, there are hordes of articles and books available that guide you towards a healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
There is a limit to weight gain during pregnancy. You can't just keep on adding pounds to your body. Excessive gain during pregnancy has its own harmful effects. So, follow a weight gain chart to avoid pregnancy complications.
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Dangers of Smoking During Pregnancy
Smoking while pregnant puts both mother's and baby's life at risk. Currently, about 13 percent of pregnant women in the U.S. smoke during pregnancy. If all pregnant women stopped smoking while pregnant, there would be an estimated 10 percent reduction in infant deaths in this country, according to the U.S. Public Health Service. Smoking while pregnant should be a cause for concern. Cigarette smoke contains more than 2,500 chemicals, with nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide thought to be the most dangerous to the fetus.
The sooner a mother quits smoking, the better it will be for both her and her baby. If you currently smoke, it's not to late to do something about it. Quitting during the first trimester can greatly reduce the risk of having a baby with low birth weight — almost to that of a woman who doesn't smoke. The fewer cigarettes a woman smokes, the less likely her baby will be born with smoking-related problems.
Tell your doctor if you need help quitting. If you are a heavy smoker and have not been able to quit or cut down, you may be able to use a nicotine patch to help you quit while you are still pregnant. There are risks to using the patch during pregnancy, but the risk of heavy smoking may be greater.
Even if you don't smoke, be aware that your baby can be harmed by people smoking around you. Pregnant women regularly exposed to other people's smoke during pregnancy may also be at increased risk of many of the same fetal development problems.
Smoking During Pregnancy: Complications
Smoking has been associated with a number of pregnancy complications. One is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo becomes implanted in a fallopian tube or other abnormal site instead of the uterus. With the rarest of exceptions, these pregnancies do not result in the birth of a baby, and must be removed surgically or with drug treatment to protect a woman's life.
Cigarette smoking also appears to double a woman's risk of developing placental complications (which occur in about 1 percent of pregnancies). These include placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta is attached too low in the uterus and covers part or all of the cervix; and placental abruption, in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. Both can result in a delivery that jeopardizes the life of mother and baby.
Smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and severe vaginal bleeding.
Smoking During Pregnancy: Risks to Your Baby
Smoking during pregnancy, which can seriously slow fetal growth, nearly doubles a woman's risk of having a baby with low birth weight. In 1998, 12 percent of babies born to smokers in the U.S. were of low birth weight, compared to 7.2 percent of babies of nonsmokers.
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BLEEDING DURING PREGNANCY
bleeding in pregnancy has many causes. Bleeding can occur early or later in pregnancy. You should call your doctor or seek medical advice any time that bleeding occurs. Bleeding in Early PregnancyMany women have vaginal spotting or bleeding in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Bleeding of the cervix may occur during sex. An infection of the cervix can also cause bleeding
If you are bleeding in early pregnancy, your doctor may do a pelvic exam. If you have bleeding while you are pregnant, you may need special care. 
Miscarriage
Vaginal bleeding
Many women who have vaginal bleeding have little or no cramping. Sometimes the bleeding stops and pregnancy goes on. Other times the bleeding and cramping may become stronger, leading to miscarriage.
If some tissue stays in the uterus, bleeding often continues. Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy causes pain and bleeding early in pregnancy.
A major risk with this type of pregnancy occurs if the fallopian tube ruptures. A rupture needs prompt treatment. There may be internal bleeding. Ectopic pregnancies are much less common than miscarriages. They occur in about 1 in 60 pregnancies. Women are at a higher risk if they have had
a previous ectopic pregnancy
Bleeding in Late Pregnancy
Heavy bleeding usually involves a problem with the placenta. Preterm labor also can cause such bleeding.
Placental Abruption. high blood pressure,Placental abruption is serious. Placenta Previa
It may cause vaginal bleeding. This type of bleeding often occurs without pain.
Placenta previa occurs in 1 in 200 women. Labor
Late in pregnancy, vaginal bleeding may be a sign of labor. vaginal discharge
Call your doctor immediately if you have bleeding in late pregnancy. Conditions that cause bleeding in late pregnancy pose a risk to both mother and fetus. For other women, bleeding can be a sign of a serious problem.
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25.2.09
How to Start a Pregnancy Diet and Lose Weight Effectively
If you'd like to finally avoid gaining excess pregnancy weight, get fit to deliver so you can enjoy an easy labor and lose your pregnancy weight quickly after delivery without all the drama of stretch marks, nausea, fatigue and misery, then this might be the most important letter you'll ever read. 
Pregnant women have so many questions regarding their ever changing body's.
What is a healthy weight to gain? How can I prevent the hated stretch marks and cellulite that seems to be the war scars of pregnancy?
There's no denying that when you have a big belly, feel nauseous and have aches and pains - the last thing you feel like doing is getting up off the couch or thinking about what you're about to put in your mouth.
And that's why most pregnant women gain more weight than they should, struggle to lose the excess pounds afterwards, and feel downright miserable.
Here are some great tips on how to lose that baby fat and keep it off.
Get rid of the junk food
It might have been OK for you to have during your pregnancy, you were eating for two after all, but the baby's here; which means there is no need for the junk food. You need to start eating health again. If you're able to, go on e vegetarian diet for nine days. Going nine days without any meat won't be too hard I promise!
Breastfeed
Breastfeeding alone will burn 600- 800 calories a day! There are women who can drop all of their baby fat, plus some, just by breastfeeding. If this happens to you, you will still need to change your diet and eat healthier. If not, you'll gain the weight back and then some.
Exercise, exercise, exercise!
Get up of your butt and get some exercise. If it's nice out, take the newborn out for a nice long walk. Try and find a babysitting to get in a 30-minute workout if you're unable to take the baby for a walk with you. The key to losing weight is exercise, so you will need to exercise five days a week if you want to lose the weight.
Weight training is a little different because of the huge benefits weight training has to offer when it comes to losing weight. Basically, the more muscles tissue you have, the more calories you're going to burn. The reason is because muscle is an active tissue and fat, well, isn't. This is why your muscles will burn more calories each day for it's own maintenance.
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Preparing for Pregnancy
Unfortunately, many women are already two weeks pregnant by the time a missed period confirms it. But, by making early preparations you can give both yourself and your baby the very best chances of a successful pregnancy and healthy baby. Getting Pregnant Before getting pregnant, think about whether there are any hereditary medical or family conditions that need to be considered. Contraception If you have been using any form of contraception you will obviously need to stop! You are most likely to conceive if you have intercourse around 5 days before you ovulate. And many doctors advise having sex 2-3 times a week throughout your cycle to stand the best chance of conception. Lifestyle Changes Both potential mums and dads should take extra care of their diet and lifestyle when they are considering having a baby. Dietary Changes Improve your diet. It is important to build up a good store of vitamins and minerals before you get pregnant and during your pregnancy, both for the health and development of your baby and for breastfeeding. Body Weight Even if you are not yet pregnant, you still risk high blood pressure and diabetes if you are overweight. Lose excess weight carefully by following a calorie-controlled diet and exercising regularly, not by taking appetite suppressants. Stress Stress can be detrimental to both mother and baby as it can cause high blood pressure and even spontaneous labour in some cases. Caffeine Although there is lots of conflicting advice about how much caffeine is safe, it is generally believed that moderate consumption is fine. You may want to cut down if you drink a lot of coffee or other caffeine- rich drinks, especially in the early weeks. Folic Acid/ Folate Women are often advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid supplements from twelve weeks pre-pregnancy until twelve weeks into the pregnancy. Folic acid is also found in dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli as well as oranges and enriched breakfast cereals and wholemeal bread. Hazards at Work Unfortunately some working environments can lead to fertility problems or even pose a risk to the developing baby. Workplaces that may be a risk include those that work with some chemicals, X-rays, lead and anaesthetic gases.
If either or both of you smoke or drink, you should ideally cease altogether or at the very least cut down drastically.
Finally, if you think carefully about the new life you will be bringing into the world, and make the necessary changes to your lifestyle and diet, then at least you know you are giving your longed-for baby the very best chances of developing into a healthy human being.
And you can enjoy your pregnancy in the knowledge that you have done your very best. Good Luck!
24.2.09
Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Many women have questions about the types of food that are safe to eat during pregnancy. It is actually easier to discuss the types of foods you should avoid during pregnancy than it is do discuss the foods that are safe to eat.
Food To Avoid During Pregnancy
Deli and Processed Sandwich Meats – these meats might be contaminated with Listeria, a potentially deadly bacteria that can result in miscarriage or even a stillbirth. While listeria is relatively harmless to most ordinary people, it can be life threatening for your unborn baby.
Raw meats – much lie deli meats, raw meats should be avoided because they can carry bacteria that are harmful for both mother and baby.
Certain types of fish – while most fish is healthy, there are certain kinds of fish that contain high levels of mercury, which is harmful for your unborn baby’s brain. Consuming too much mercury during pregnancy can result in developmental problems and even brain damage. The types of fish that contain the highest levels of mercury include: swordfish, shark, king mackerel, tuna, sea bass and tilefish.
Raw eggs – like raw meat, raw eggs have the potential to carry bacteria, particularly salmonella.
Unpasteurized soft cheeses – some chesses that are imported also have the potential to carry life threatening Listeria if they are not pasteurized. The most common types of cheese that carry this risk include certain forms of Brie, Camembert, feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican cheeses like queso.
Unpasteurized milk or juices – remember that any type of milk product or juice that has not been pasteurized has the potential to carry Listeria and other bacteria that may be harmful for you and your baby during pregnancy.
You should also avoid alcohol during your pregnancy. There are numerous fetal abnormalities and birth defects as well as developmental problems that have been associated with alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol should also be minimized or avoided during breastfeeding, because it can pass through the breast milk.
