Stretch Marks

If there is one thing that is regrettable about my pregnancy is the few stretch marks it left in my belly. The hubby was actually complaining about it. What used to be flat and smooth abs, now it is an old saggy, rough waist bag, he said. I have tried numerous stretch mark creams already, and I see little or no improvement at all. I wish somebody taught me how to prevent stretch marks. Unfortunately, none.

Divas-Blog.com somehow gave me hope about this problem. Here is a blog full of information about stretch marks, how to prevent and cure them. They have made a review of several stretch marks creams available in the market which included Revitol Stretch Mark Cream. You will find the reviews made here were thorough and objective, not just market-creating buzz type of reviews.

The tips proffered about preventing and curing stretch marks were practical and proven methods. How I wish that I have read this blog during my pregnancy. Anyway, it is not too late. I am so damn glad that I read this blog, I found hope. I am not alone; there are who share the same predicament like me. Now I know that I can regain back my flawless skin without resorting to surgery.

Four Things to Avoid Duirng Pregnancy

Your health and that of your baby in your womb are the most important aspect of normal and healthy pregnancy. Hence, alcohol, smoking, unprescribed medications (including herbal medicines) and excessive caffeine should be avoided during your pregnancy. Research has shown that each of these presents definite risks to you and/or to your unborn baby. Here are the reasons why you need to avoid thee 4 cardinal things to avoid during pregnancy:

• Alcohol

Very high alcohol consumption is associated with babies born with mental retardation, nervous systems, and facial abnormalities.

• Smoking

Smoking or inhaling smoke raises the risks of having a premature or underweight baby.

• Medication

Do not use any medication except those prescribed by your doctor. Some drugs have harmful effects on your fetus.

• Caffeine

Try to avoid excessive amounts of caffeine in your diet. Its effect on the developing human fetus is unclear, but animal studies have shown that it can cause fetal abnormalities or low birth weight babies. Better, avoid it just the same.

Adding, sleep well, relax and eat a well balanced diet. On other things that are peculiar to you, kindly consult your doctor. Happy pregnancy!

PREGNANCY TIPS: THE TECHNIQUE OF NURSING

Since the mother should have opportunity to recuperate from the fatigue of labor, physicians generally recommend that an interval of at least twelve hours elapse between the birth of the infant and the time it is first put to the breast. Moreover, the best interests of the infant demand that it be kept warm and left undisturbed while becoming accustomed to its new environment. There is no immediate need of food; and if there were, nature does not fit the mother to supply it, for at this time the breasts contain merely small quantities of colostrum.

Some babies nurse vigorously at the outset, but later, discouraged because they get so little, become indifferent and restless, or even decline to take the breast. And the mother, who is handicapped by inexperience and by the awkwardness of nursing in a recumbent position, often feels desperate. Fortunately technical difficulties are confined to the first few days, and, trying as they sometimes are, no one should be discouraged or imagine that she is incapable of nursing; for practically every woman who persists will succeed. For a week or ten days the mother will nurse in the recumbent posture. She turns to one side or the other, according as the right or left breast is used, and holds the corresponding arm to receive and support the baby, which will lie beside her. Then with the opposite hand she holds the breast, placing her thumb above and her fingers below so as to keep it from the baby's face, for only in this way can the infant breathe freely.

One must also remember that the infant draws the milk into the terminal ducts chiefly with the back of its mouth, and drains the ducts by compressing the base of the nipple with its jaws; the infant therefore should take into its mouth not only the nipple, but also the areola, the area of deeply colored skin round about it. Mothers frequently disregard these directions, and the failure of their infants to nurse properly may be thus explained, for it is impossible to secure undisturbed nursing unless they are obeyed.

Generally the breasts are employed alternately, but both may be used at each nursing if one is insufficient. To fix the duration of the nursings arbitrarily is impossible; from ten to fifteen minutes generally proves satisfactory, but in each case systematic observations of the change in the baby's weight, of the character of its stools, and of its general condition must determine how long to leave it at the breast. The common error, unfortunately, is to be over-indulgent, and, as a result, infants are more frequently ill because the nursings are too long, than too short. Furthermore, the duration of the feedings can never be gauged accurately if the infant is allowed to nap while nursing.

The above is an excerpt. For more pregnancy tips, please visit www.gorgeousmums.com

Yo-yo' weight warning to mothers during pregnancy

Mothers who gain or lose lots of weight between pregnancies could be putting their baby at risk, say experts.

Fluctuating weight ups the risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes in the mother and the chance of stillbirth, research suggests.

The work by Dublin-based specialists is in the British Medical Journal.

They said pregnancy was "one of the most nutritionally demanding periods of a woman's life" and women needed to be aware of the implications of weight.

Mixed messages

The work was authored by Jennifer Walsh, a specialist registrar in obstetrics and gynecology at Coombe Women's Hospital, Dublin, and Deirdre Murphy, professor of obstetrics at Trinity College, University of Dublin.

Women of normal weight are often advised to avoid piling on the pounds between pregnancies and obese women are told to shed excess pounds before pregnancy.

But the Dublin specialists said women were being bombarded with mixed messages about diet, weight and body image, which were extending into pregnancy.

They said: "There is growing concern on the one hand about an epidemic of obesity, and on the other about a culture that promotes 'size zero' as desirable, irrespective of a woman's natural build.

"Pregnancy is one of the most nutritionally demanding periods of a woman's life, with an adequate supply of nutrients essential to support fetal wellbeing and growth.

"With at least half of all pregnancies unplanned, women need to be aware of the implications of their weight for pregnancy, birth, and the health of their babies.

"Women are at an increased risk of different but equally serious adverse pregnancy outcomes if they gain or lose an excessive amount of weight between pregnancies."

They point to two studies.

The first, from Sweden and involving 207,534 women, found that weight gain between pregnancies was strongly associated with major complications for the woman and baby in the months preceding, during and just after childbirth.

The second found that women whose weight fell significantly between pregnancies had a higher risk of giving birth prematurely than women whose weight remained stable or increased.

Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said: "Women should be aiming for a normal weight before they have their second child.

"But this research also shows that women also go the other way and starve themselves to plummet to a goal weight. That is also wrong."

He said young girls should be taught the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, not only for their own physical wellbeing but also for that of any children they may want to have in the future.

"There is a known association between overweight and obese parents and the likelihood of a child being overweight themselves," he added.

Source: www.gorgeousmums.com

Pregnancy: Taking Care of You and Your Baby -Part 2

Is it okay to have sex?

Yes, unless your doctor believes you're at risk for problems. Don't be surprised if you're less--or more--interested in sex. As you get larger, you may find you need to try different positions, such as lying on your side or being on top. If you have oral sex, tell your partner not to blow air into your vagina. This could force air inside you, which could cause an air embolism. Air embolisms can cause permanent brain damage and even death to a pregnant woman and her baby.

What can I do to feel better?

Here are the most common discomforts of pregnancy and some tips for handling them:

Morning sickness. Nausea or vomiting may strike anytime during the day (or night). Try eating frequent, small meals, and avoid greasy foods. Keep crackers by your bed to eat before getting up.

Talk to your doctor if morning sickness lasts past the first 3 months of pregnancy or causes you to lose weight.

Tiredness. Sometimes tiredness in pregnancy is caused by anemia, so tell your doctor. Get enough rest. Take a daytime nap if possible.

Leg cramps. Gently stretch the calf of your leg by curling your toes upward, toward your knee.

Constipation. Drink plenty of fluids. Eat foods with lots of fiber, such as raisins and bran cereal. Don't take laxatives without talking to your doctor first. Stool softeners may be safer than laxatives.

Hemorrhoids. Don't strain during bowel movements. Try to avoid becoming constipated. Clean yourself well after a bowel movement (wet wipes may be less irritating than toilet paper). Take several warm soaks (sitz baths) a day.

Urinating more often. You may need to urinate more often as your baby grows because he or she will put pressure on your bladder. This can't be helped.

Varicose veins. Avoid clothing that fits tightly around your legs or waist. Rest and put your feet up as much as you can. Move around if you must stand for long periods. Ask your doctor about support hose.

Moodiness. Your hormones are on a roller coaster ride during pregnancy. Plus, your life is undergoing a big change. Don't be too hard on yourself. If you feel very sad or think about suicide, talk to your doctor.

Heartburn. Eat frequent, small meals often. Avoid spicy or greasy foods. Don't lie down right after eating. Ask your doctor about taking antacids.

Yeast infections. The amount of discharge from the vagina increases during pregnancy. Yeast infections, which can also cause discharge, are more common during pregnancy. It's a good idea to talk with your doctor about any unusual discharge.

Bleeding gums. Brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist for cleanings. Don't put off dental visits because you're pregnant, but be sure to tell your dentist you're pregnant.

Stuffy nose. This is related to changes in the levels of the female hormone estrogen. You may also have nosebleeds.

Edema (retaining fluid). Rest with your legs up. Lie on your left side while sleeping so blood flows from your legs back to your heart better. Don't use diuretics (water pills). If you're thinking about cutting down on salt to reduce swelling, talk with your doctor first. Your body needs enough salt to maintain the balance of fluid and cutting back on salt may not be the best way to manage your swelling.

Skin changes

Stretch marks appear as red marks on your skin. Lotion can help keep your skin moist and may help reduce the itchiness of dry skin. Stretch marks really can't be prevented but they often fade after pregnancy.

Other skin changes may include darkening of the skin on your face and around your nipples, and a dark line below your belly button. Staying out of the sun or using a sunscreen may help lessen these marks. They'll probably fade after pregnancy.

Call your doctor if you have:

• Blood or fluid coming from your vagina
• Sudden or extreme swelling of your face or fingers
• Headaches that are severe or won't go away
• Nausea and vomiting that won't go away
• Dizziness
• Dim or blurry vision
• Pain or cramps in your lower abdomen
• Chills or fever
• A change in your baby's movements
• Less urine or burning when you urinate
• Any illness or infection
• Anything that bothers you

Warnings

"Don't do this, don't do that." You've probably heard every old wives' tale. Here are some warnings worth heeding:

• Don't smoke. Smoking raises your risk for miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight and many other problems.
• Don't use drugs. Cocaine, heroin and marijuana increase your risk of miscarriage, premature birth and birth defects. And your baby could be born addicted to the drug you've been taking.
• Don't drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the major cause of preventible birth defects, including mental slowness.
• Don't clean your cat's litter box, or eat raw or undercooked red meat. You could get toxoplasmosis, a disease that can cause birth defects.
• Don't sit in the sauna or hot tub. This raises your risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
• Don't douche without talking to your doctor about it first. Douching could force air into the vagina, which can cause an air embolism.

Source: FamilyDoctor.Org

Pregnancy: Taking Care of You and Your Baby -Part 1

Is prenatal care important?

Yes! You can help make sure that you and your baby will be as healthy as possible by following some simple guidelines and checking in regularly with your doctor.

What will happen during prenatal visits?

Your doctor will probably start by talking to you about your medical history and how you've been feeling. You'll probably be weighed and have your blood pressure taken on every visit.

On your first visit, you'll also probably have a pelvic exam to check the size and shape of your uterus (womb) and a Pap smear to check for signs of cancer of the cervix (the opening of the uterus).

Urine and blood tests may be done on the first visit and again later. Urine tests are done to check for bacteria in your urine, high sugar levels (which can be a sign of diabetes) and high protein levels (which can put you at risk for preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure in pregnancy). Blood tests are done to check for low iron levels (anemia).

Sometimes, an ultrasound may be done to help figure out when your baby is due or to check on your baby's growth and position in your uterus. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of your baby on a video screen.

Other tests may be needed if you or your baby are at risk for any problems.

How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?

About 25 to 30 pounds. If you don't weigh enough when you get pregnant, you may need to gain more. If you're very heavy when you get pregnant, you may need to gain only 15 to 18 pounds.

Pregnancy isn't the time to diet! It's best to gain about 2 to 3 pounds during the first 12 weeks and about 1 pound a week after that. Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should gain.

What should I eat?

One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby is eat a balanced diet. There are a few foods that you should be more careful about eating while you are pregnant. Meat, eggs and fish that are not fully cooked could put you at risk for an infection. Do not eat more than 2 or 3 servings of fish per week (including canned fish). Do not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish or tuna. These fish sometimes have high levels of mercury, which could hurt your baby.

Wash all fruit and vegetables. Keep cutting boards and dishes clean. Eat 3 to 4 servings of dairy foods each day. This will give you enough calcium for you and your baby. Do not drink unpasteurized milk or eat unpasteurized milk products. Soft cheeses such as Brie, feta, Camembert and Mexican queso fresco may have bacteria that can cause infections.

If you drink coffee or other drinks with caffeine, do not have more than 1 or 2 cups each day.

It is okay to use artificial sweeteners such as aspartame (some brand names: Equal, NutraSweet) and sucralose (brand name: Splenda) while you are pregnant, but you should try to them in moderation. If you have a genetic disease called phenylketonuria, or PKU, you shouldn't use aspartame at all.

Should I take vitamins?

You should take 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid every day for the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy. Folic acid can help prevent problems with your baby's brain and spinal cord. It is best to start taking folic acid before you get pregnant.

Your doctor might want you to take a prenatal vitamin. If you do take a prenatal supplement, make sure you're not taking any other vitamin or mineral supplement along with it unless your doctor recommends it.

Is it okay to take medicine?

Check with your doctor before taking any medicine, including aspirin. Even medicine you can buy without a prescription can cause birth defects, especially if it's taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

How long can I keep working?

This depends on if you have any problems with your pregnancy, what kind of work you do and if you're exposed to anything at work that could harm your baby. For instance, lifting heavy objects or standing for long periods can be hard on you. Radiation, lead and other heavy metals, such as copper and mercury, could be damaging to the baby. Working in front of a computer screen is not thought to cause harm to an unborn baby.

What about exercise?

Unless you have problems in your pregnancy, you can probably do whatever exercise you did before you got pregnant. You may feel better if you're active. Try to get at least 30 minutes for exercise each day. Talk to your doctor about any special conditions that you may have.

Some women say exercising during pregnancy makes labor and delivery easier. Walking and swimming are great choices. If you didn't exercise before pregnancy, start slowly. Don't overdo exercise. If you can't talk easily while exercising, you are working too hard. Don't get overheated. Be sure to drink plenty of water so that you don't get dehydrated. It's best to avoid anything that could cause you to fall, such as water skiing or rock climbing.



Source: FamilyDoctor.Org