Most women are aware that a missed period can be a telltale sign of pregnancy. However, many changes take place in a woman’s body during pregnancy, some of which can help identify a pregnancy even before a missed period. Recognizing other signs of pregnancy can be particularly important for women whose periods are irregular and difficult to predict. Bear in mind that every woman’s body is unique, and signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman and among pregnancies for the same woman. Here we examine some common signs of pregnancy that may be evident in the early stages:

-Implantation Bleeding: Some women experience implantation bleeding, which is bleeding that occurs after fertilization when the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus. Implantation bleeding is usually lighter in color and flow than a regular period and shorter in duration.

-Fatigue: Pregnancy places a lot of new demands on a woman’s body, and a feeling of tiredness or fatigue is common. Fatigue is often most noticeable during the first trimester.

-Heightened Sensitivity to Scent: Many pregnant women experience a heightened sensitivity to scents, even to the extent that certain odors can induce vomiting. Even scents that the woman would normally enjoy may become unpleasant or unbearable. A heightened sense of smell can occur very early in pregnancy.

-Nausea/Vomiting: Morning sickness occurs during pregnancy for many women, but is not limited to the wee hours. Some pregnant women experience nausea and possibly vomiting throughout pregnancy, while some have none at all.

-Food Cravings: Cravings for specific foods strike many women during pregnancy. Developing new aversions to certain foods is also common. While you may crave something other than the clichéd pickles and ice cream, craving unusual combinations of foods is not uncommon during pregnancy.

-Mood Swings: Hormones levels in the body change dramatically during pregnancy, which can result in mood swings. Mood swings are a normal part of pregnancy. Like many other signs addressed here, mood swings can be caused by a variety of factors and do not necessarily signify pregnancy.

-Intuition: Perhaps more powerful than a checklist of symptoms is good old fashioned women’s intuition. Some women report that they just “know” they are pregnant, even when other signs of pregnancy are not blatantly obvious. Perhaps they are experiencing pregnancy symptoms but have not consciously connected them with a possible pregnancy, or maybe nature has equipped women with such strong intuition that their bodies simply “tell” them they are pregnant. Either way, women with this instinct are often right, so do not hesitate to take a pregnancy test based on a strong hunch.

Remember, not all women experience all of these symptoms during pregnancy, and the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you are pregnant. It is advised to visit a doctor specializing in obstetrical care as early as possible if you suspect you are pregnant.

Women of child-bearing age are concerned about tanning beds and pregnancy, and who can blame them? Bringing a new life into the world is serious business, and every mother wants her baby to be born healthy.

While there is no definitive evidence that tanning beds and pregnancy don’t mix, there are some common sense concerns that you need to be aware of:

1 - One real concern for pregnant women is that of becoming overheated or dehydrated while using a tanning bed. Overheating is associated with spinal malformations in unborn babies, and dehydration can lead to premature labor.

2 - Especially during the later months of pregnancy, lying on a flat tanning bed can create significant pressure on the lower back and reduce the blood flow to your heart and to the baby.

3 - The UV rays that give you a great tan can also lead to a folic acid deficiency. This type of deficiency can lead to neural tube defects, especially during the first trimester.

4 - During pregnancy, your skin may be more sensitive to the UV rays, leading to hives, a rash, or chloasma, which are dark splotches on your skin.

5 - Not all pregnant women get stretch marks, but those who do will tell you that tanning can make the stretch marks appear more prominent.

A better answer for expectant mothers may be to take advantage of spray on tanning booths or self-tanning products. These products that are applied to the skin have not been found to have adverse affects on a growing fetus and do not elevate a woman’s body temperature.

For many, a terrific tan equates to looking healthy, but when it comes to pregnancy, it is better to sacrifice the convenience of tanning beds than to take a chance on harming your baby. Look for alternative means of tanning or treat yourself to a massage or pedicure to compensate for the stress-relief you may normally feel when using a tanning bed.

Pregnancy Nutrition Tips to Eat Right During Pregnancy
by Bertil Hjert

It is of utmost importance to focus on having right food when you are expecting a baby. This will give your baby all the nutritional values it requires to develop and you will be sure about having a healthy baby.

Pregnant women should normally eat ca 300 extra calories a day. Do not eat junk food. Choose healthy, low-fat foods for these extras.

Here are some tips you can follow in this regard:

First trimester

This is a very crucial stage for the development of your baby. Here, you need to focus only on nutritional diet. During this phase of pregnancy, your baby must have developed all the major organs including finger nails, heart beats and eyebrows.

All these are made from what you eat! Some of most important nutrients are folic acids, vitamins B, Zinc, and omega oils. Your body would require a lot of iron, calcium and protein to increase blood volume and proper development of the fetus and placenta.

Make sure that you have plenty of liquids and enough vitamin B6 if you feel sick and tired during this period of your pregnancy. Take regular exercises and eat smaller but frequent meals.

Second trimester

You baby has already been formed. Now, all it requires is to grow up. During this trimester, the organs of your body start to mature. The bones and teeth get hard. You require adequate calcium intake.

You must also add vitamin D and magnesium to your diet. It is also important to take vitamin A, C, E and Zinc in conjunction with essential omega oils to nourish the skin, body and the baby. This will also keep stretch marks away.

Third trimester

This is the phase when your baby starts to lay down some fat stores. The baby requires loads of vitamin C for the development of bones, gums, blood vessels and teeth. Calcium is also very necessary for the development of bones at this stage.

You wont believe it but it is true that your baby can hear you. Since, babys brain is growing at a fast pace, you require essential omega oils would need to nourish the skin. You need to eat small and regular meals during this phase. You wont require large meals as you dont have any room.

However, it is very important to have nutritional meals. You must taking some magnesium citrate is great for the muscles to contract during labor. Vitamin K is great for blood clotting and also prevents hemorrhaging.

Never ever skip your breakfast. In case, you have morning sickness, try to eat something small meals throughout the day. This also helps in reducing the effects of bloated feeling and heartburn.

Make sure that you eat right. You must eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Add lean meats, fish and poultry to your diet as it can provide required proteins to your child to maintain enzymes and hormones.

Green veggies and broccoli are excellent for your babys development. Dont follow the regime for eating for two when pregnant. Follow the pregnancy nutrition tips mentioned above and talk to your doctor and have a happy pregnancy ahead.

Babymooning - Risky Travel Trend?

The new trend of Babymooning is taking the travel world by storm. Just as a honeymoon takes place shortly after marriage, a babymoon is often scheduled after a couple finds out they’re expecting a baby. Sometimes the babymoon comes shortly after the baby is born. This is often done to give mom and dad a much-needed vacation, as well as to introduce the baby to a whole new world.Five-star hotels and resorts often offer special packages that include gifts for expectant parents and babymooners. The weeks following childbirth can be very trying for new parents; something as simple as having room service and someone to bring you clean towels can be a true blessing.While all of this sounds great, there are potential risks. Before making any travel plans, the expectant mother should always check with her doctor. ost doctors agree that travel during the second trimester is probably safest and most comfortable for the mother-to-be. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that expectant mothers not fly after the 36th week of pregnancy. Many airlines will require a note from your doctor letting them know it’s okay to allow you to board the plane. Not every airline requires a doctor’s note, but it’s better to think ahead and be prepared.The risk of miscarriage is greatest during the first trimester, even in the healthiest women. However, most of the risks associated with flying during the first trimester involve the mother’s discomfort. Though relatively safe, flying can exacerbate first trimester issues, such as morning sickness. Even mildly congested sinuses can become much worse once you’re in flight. If you plan to travel during your first trimester, be sure to include a few extra airsickness bags just in case.The second trimester is when flying is most recommended. Most women feel the most comfortable during the second trimester. Usually by the second trimester, morning sickness has subsided, the risk of miscarriage is much lower, and there’s little risk of premature labor. The biggest concern of travelling during the second trimester is circulation. Pregnancy itself often causes problems with circulation, and flying increases the chance of developing blood clots. It is very important to keep the blood flowing by wearing comfortable, loose clothing. Compression stockings will help keep the blood flowing from the legs to the heart and lungs. Make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid crossing your legs. To assist in circulation, get up and walk up and down the aisle at least every hour. Flexing your feet and ankles and wiggling your toes also can help increase circulation. This also helps with potential swelling problems.Third trimester travel, before the 36th week, is usually okay. Flying late in the third trimester, however, is not recommended. The expectant mother is much more uncomfortable, and the risk of going into premature labor is much higher than in the first and second trimesters. Checking with your doctor prior to travel is, as always, highly recommended. Make sure your health insurance is up-to-date and will cover the baby if she arrives early. Take copies of your medical records with you and keep them close during the trip. If you begin experiencing contractions at any time during the flight, notify someone immediately.Planning your babymoon should be an exciting time for you and your partner. This celebration of the creation of a new life should be a wonderful and relaxing experience. When booking your hotels or resort, be sure to ask what is included in various babymoon packages.Many hotels and resorts offer great snacks that satisfy those late night cravings and even offer room service to deliver them. In addition to great gifts and snacks, most babymooning packages include couples massages, parenting classes and walking tours.

Lately, Prenatal Yoga classes have been catching on, within some hospitals, clinics, and Yoga studios, but there are a surprising number of Yoga teachers and students, who take risks due to a lack of awareness about potential hazards.

Lately, Prenatal Yoga classes have been catching on, within some hospitals, clinics, and Yoga studios, but there are a surprising number of Yoga teachers and students, who take risks due to a lack of awareness about potential hazards.

With what we now know about contraindications for postures during each trimester a pregnant Yoga student should not be practicing Yoga, without the guidance of a qualified Prenatal Yoga instructor. How can a Yoga teacher expect to address the needs of each student and then customize the lesson plan for a pregnant student%26#8217;s particular trimester?

Pregnant students should be in a specialized Prenatal Yoga class, with a competent Prenatal Yoga teacher, and have their doctor%26#8217;s permission to be in the class. Why should Yoga teachers be so cautious? As a Yoga instructor, your number one priority is student safety and you could set yourself up for a negligence lawsuit, if you do not have Prenatal Yoga teacher training.

Last year, we had a potential Yoga student, who had two previous miscarriages and wanted to practice Yoga. She had become pregnant again and decided to try Vinyasa Yoga during her first trimester. Upon asking her a few questions, it was discovered that both of her two previous miscarriages occurred during the first trimester.

Do you see any “red flags” with this situation? I hope so. Firstly, she should not think

about participating in a Vinyasa style Yoga class, with her past medical history, but any jumping movements could possibly dislodge an embryo from her uterus. We did manage to place her in a Prenatal Yoga class, with her doctor%26#8217;s permission, and later she did have a healthy baby.

Supervised Prenatal Yoga is a very good thing for expectant mothers, but many people are under the mistaken impression that because Hatha Yoga is a “low impact exercise class” in comparison to other forms of fitness; there is no risk.

Currently, there is some open debate as to whether a pregnant mother should be lying on her back during, and after, the second trimester. Compression on the inferior vena cava can slow the flow of blood to the uterus. Therefore, it would be prudent to use props in order to avoid conventional supine Yoga postures.

Am I too cautious? Maybe, but I would like a guarantee that the fetus is getting good blood circulation, if a pregnant Yoga student is lying in a supine asana. A few blankets, pillows, and bolsters will help insure safety in this case.

Lastly, I do not want to sound any false alarms, but it is wise for expectant mothers to seek out certified prenatal Yoga teachers and it is wise for Yoga teachers to know their “boundaries.”

When you are not sure, refer a student to a Yoga teacher who is.

ฉ Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Article Source: http://www.BestToRead.com/

Are Salon Treatments Safe During Pregnancy?

Author Name: Cyndra Neal Are Salon Treatments Safe During Pregnancy?There is nothing like a new haircut or hair color, or pedicure and manicure to make you feel like a new woman. Especially when a pregnancy can leave you feeling tired and changing hormones can make you feel not quite yourself. But are these treatments safe for your developing baby? Exposure to certain environmental agents called teratogens during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Experts are divided on how much exposure is too much but at this time there are no proven risks for most salon visits and there are many things you can do to help minimize any potential problems.NailsReducing your exposure to fumes is the most important thing you can do when getting a manicure. Ask your manicurist to do your nails in a well ventilated area and ask her to tightly cap all solvent bottles. Your nail polish should be formaldehyde and toluene free if possible. There is a small risk of blood-borne infections such as HIV or hepatitis being transferred by non-sterile equipment through nicks in the cuticle. When getting acrylic nails, make sure your nail technician is careful about minimizing the skin contact with the liquids used. Be most careful when in the first trimester.PedicuresPedicure massages, especially when focused on reflex points on the feet can trigger labor. Avoid any kind of foot massage during the first trimester. Also avoid ankle massages even during the second and third trimester. Blood clots are six times more common in pregnant women. Foot and leg massages can dislodge clots if the pressure of the massage is too deep. The temperature of your foot bath should not be too hot. Again, your polish should be formaldehyde and toluene free if possible.Essential OilsSome essential oils known as emmenagogues can encourage menstruation and should be avoided during the first trimester. Make sure your pedicure technician knows which herbal oils are safe.Hair DyeExperts disagree on how much dye may be absorbed by the body and there are many doctors who think it%26#8217;s perfectly fine to get your hair dyed during pregnancy. You might want to be on the safe side and just get your hair frosted, highlighted or streaked where there is minimal contact with your scalp. Be wary of natural dyes that can still contain synthetic chemicals. Pure vegetable henna can be an alternative but not everybody will want a red-orange hue. If you do choose to have your hair dyed, be aware that changing hormones can affect the way the dye affects your hair color.Tanning BedsYou should definitely pass on this salon treatment. Excessive heat exposure is dangerous for your pregnancy and over exposure to UV light can interfere with your immune system.There are salons and day spas that cater exclusively to pregnant women. For peace of mind, you may want to find a salon that understands your special needs during your pregnancy.

Hypothyroidism-Pregnancy

Your body’s need for thyroid hormone increases dramatically during the first half of your pregnancy. This increased need may begin as early as one week after your missed period. Women with hypothyroidism need to increase thyroid hormone drugs as soon as they conceive. As soon as you know you are pregnant you should increase your levothyroxine dose by about one third (usually an extra 25-50mg a day) and see your doctor soon. Your thyroid function will be checked often in early pregnancy and your medication adjusted as needed. Appropriate management of hypothyroidism during pregnancy is very important even borderline low thyroid hormone levels may impact your baby’s neurological development. Screening for thyroid function is recommended in women over 35 with any autoimmune condition such as SLE or diabetes or in women with a strong family history of thyroid disease.Obesity If you are obese (body mass index over 30) you are more likely to develop problems in pregnancy (including miscarriage) some of which may be due to unrecognized diabetes. You are also more likely to develop diabetes and high blood pressure. Obese women often need a cesarean delivery and have a higher rate of complications. High Blood PressureIf you are being treated for high blood pressure you should see a doctor before conceiving. Some drugs used to treat high blood pressure should be avoided your doctor will make sure you take a type that is safe. You may be at risk of complications such as preeclampsia during your pregnancy. It is important that your kidney function is checked in the first trimester so that if protein is found in your urine later in the pregnancy you have a point of reference. Your doctor is likely to monitor your baby with nonstress tests from 32 weeks. It is vital that you take your medication during pregnancy high blood pressure can cause bleeding in the placenta and be harmful to the baby.DepressionDepression may worsen with the stresses of pregnancy and the accompanying hormonal shifts. For this reason do not abruptly discontinue your medication with out medical supervision. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) like fluoxetine and sertraline can be continued during pregnancy. Your obstetrician or care provider should communicate closely with your mental health provider prior to any changes in medications.AcnePregnancy can worsen acne. Before you conceive ask your doctor about the safety of your current treatments. Isotretinoin can cause significant birth defects, and any woman taking this drug should be using a reliable form of birth control. It is wise not to take any antibiotics for acne with out checking with your obstetrician.

Am I Pregnant?

Most women are aware that a missed period can be a telltale sign of pregnancy. However, many changes take place in a woman’s body during pregnancy, some of which can help identify a pregnancy even before a missed period. Recognizing other signs of pregnancy can be particularly important for women whose periods are irregular and difficult to predict. Bear in mind that every woman’s body is unique, and signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman and among pregnancies for the same woman. Here we examine some common signs of pregnancy that may be evident in the early stages:-Implantation Bleeding: Some women experience implantation bleeding, which is bleeding that occurs after fertilization when the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus. Implantation bleeding is usually lighter in color and flow than a regular period and shorter in duration. -Fatigue: Pregnancy places a lot of new demands on a woman’s body, and a feeling of tiredness or fatigue is common. Fatigue is often most noticeable during the first trimester. -Heightened Sensitivity to Scent: Many pregnant women experience a heightened sensitivity to scents, even to the extent that certain odors can induce vomiting. Even scents that the woman would normally enjoy may become unpleasant or unbearable. A heightened sense of smell can occur very early in pregnancy. -Nausea/Vomiting: Morning sickness occurs during pregnancy for many women, but is not limited to the wee hours. Some pregnant women experience nausea and possibly vomiting throughout pregnancy, while some have none at all. -Food Cravings: Cravings for specific foods strike many women during pregnancy. Developing new aversions to certain foods is also common. While you may crave something other than the clichéd pickles and ice cream, craving unusual combinations of foods is not uncommon during pregnancy.-Mood Swings: Hormones levels in the body change dramatically during pregnancy, which can result in mood swings. Mood swings are a normal part of pregnancy. Like many other signs addressed here, mood swings can be caused by a variety of factors and do not necessarily signify pregnancy. -Intuition: Perhaps more powerful than a checklist of symptoms is good old fashioned women’s intuition. Some women report that they just “know” they are pregnant, even when other signs of pregnancy are not blatantly obvious. Perhaps they are experiencing pregnancy symptoms but have not consciously connected them with a possible pregnancy, or maybe nature has equipped women with such strong intuition that their bodies simply “tell” them they are pregnant. Either way, women with this instinct are often right, so do not hesitate to take a pregnancy test based on a strong hunch. Remember, not all women experience all of these symptoms during pregnancy, and the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you are pregnant. It is advised to visit a doctor specializing in obstetrical care as early as possible if you suspect you are pregnant.

Am I Pregnant?

Most women are aware that a missed period can be a telltale sign of pregnancy. However, many changes take place in a woman’s body during pregnancy, some of which can help identify a pregnancy even before a missed period. Recognizing other signs of pregnancy can be particularly important for women whose periods are irregular and difficult to predict. Bear in mind that every woman’s body is unique, and signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman and among pregnancies for the same woman. Here we examine some common signs of pregnancy that may be evident in the early stages:-Implantation Bleeding: Some women experience implantation bleeding, which is bleeding that occurs after fertilization when the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus. Implantation bleeding is usually lighter in color and flow than a regular period and shorter in duration. -Fatigue: Pregnancy places a lot of new demands on a woman’s body, and a feeling of tiredness or fatigue is common. Fatigue is often most noticeable during the first trimester. -Heightened Sensitivity to Scent: Many pregnant women experience a heightened sensitivity to scents, even to the extent that certain odors can induce vomiting. Even scents that the woman would normally enjoy may become unpleasant or unbearable. A heightened sense of smell can occur very early in pregnancy. -Nausea/Vomiting: Morning sickness occurs during pregnancy for many women, but is not limited to the wee hours. Some pregnant women experience nausea and possibly vomiting throughout pregnancy, while some have none at all. -Food Cravings: Cravings for specific foods strike many women during pregnancy. Developing new aversions to certain foods is also common. While you may crave something other than the clichéd pickles and ice cream, craving unusual combinations of foods is not uncommon during pregnancy.-Mood Swings: Hormones levels in the body change dramatically during pregnancy, which can result in mood swings. Mood swings are a normal part of pregnancy. Like many other signs addressed here, mood swings can be caused by a variety of factors and do not necessarily signify pregnancy. -Intuition: Perhaps more powerful than a checklist of symptoms is good old fashioned women’s intuition. Some women report that they just “know” they are pregnant, even when other signs of pregnancy are not blatantly obvious. Perhaps they are experiencing pregnancy symptoms but have not consciously connected them with a possible pregnancy, or maybe nature has equipped women with such strong intuition that their bodies simply “tell” them they are pregnant. Either way, women with this instinct are often right, so do not hesitate to take a pregnancy test based on a strong hunch. Remember, not all women experience all of these symptoms during pregnancy, and the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you are pregnant. It is advised to visit a doctor specializing in obstetrical care as early as possible if you suspect you are pregnant.

Babymooning - Risky Travel Trend?

The new trend of Babymooning is taking the travel world by storm. Just as a honeymoon takes place shortly after marriage, a babymoon is often scheduled after a couple finds out they’re expecting a baby. Sometimes the babymoon comes shortly after the baby is born. This is often done to give mom and dad a much-needed vacation, as well as to introduce the baby to a whole new world.Five-star hotels and resorts often offer special packages that include gifts for expectant parents and babymooners. The weeks following childbirth can be very trying for new parents; something as simple as having room service and someone to bring you clean towels can be a true blessing.While all of this sounds great, there are potential risks. Before making any travel plans, the expectant mother should always check with her doctor. ost doctors agree that travel during the second trimester is probably safest and most comfortable for the mother-to-be. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that expectant mothers not fly after the 36th week of pregnancy. Many airlines will require a note from your doctor letting them know it’s okay to allow you to board the plane. Not every airline requires a doctor’s note, but it’s better to think ahead and be prepared.The risk of miscarriage is greatest during the first trimester, even in the healthiest women. However, most of the risks associated with flying during the first trimester involve the mother’s discomfort. Though relatively safe, flying can exacerbate first trimester issues, such as morning sickness. Even mildly congested sinuses can become much worse once you’re in flight. If you plan to travel during your first trimester, be sure to include a few extra airsickness bags just in case.The second trimester is when flying is most recommended. Most women feel the most comfortable during the second trimester. Usually by the second trimester, morning sickness has subsided, the risk of miscarriage is much lower, and there’s little risk of premature labor. The biggest concern of travelling during the second trimester is circulation. Pregnancy itself often causes problems with circulation, and flying increases the chance of developing blood clots. It is very important to keep the blood flowing by wearing comfortable, loose clothing. Compression stockings will help keep the blood flowing from the legs to the heart and lungs. Make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid crossing your legs. To assist in circulation, get up and walk up and down the aisle at least every hour. Flexing your feet and ankles and wiggling your toes also can help increase circulation. This also helps with potential swelling problems.Third trimester travel, before the 36th week, is usually okay. Flying late in the third trimester, however, is not recommended. The expectant mother is much more uncomfortable, and the risk of going into premature labor is much higher than in the first and second trimesters. Checking with your doctor prior to travel is, as always, highly recommended. Make sure your health insurance is up-to-date and will cover the baby if she arrives early. Take copies of your medical records with you and keep them close during the trip. If you begin experiencing contractions at any time during the flight, notify someone immediately.Planning your babymoon should be an exciting time for you and your partner. This celebration of the creation of a new life should be a wonderful and relaxing experience. When booking your hotels or resort, be sure to ask what is included in various babymoon packages.Many hotels and resorts offer great snacks that satisfy those late night cravings and even offer room service to deliver them. In addition to great gifts and snacks, most babymooning packages include couples massages, parenting classes and walking tours.