Doing an Early EPT Pregnancy Test at Home

An early EPT pregnancy test is a very convenient way to test for pregnancy at home. The results of this home pregnancy test are stated to be 99% accurate. The results from an early EPT pregnancy test take just about two minutes to achieve.

You can take the test on the day you miss your period. The result appears in a separate test and control window. The early EPT pregnancy test normally detects the hCG hormone at a level ranging from 20mIU to 40mIU. This home pregnancy test is a clinically proven safe and effective product for home pregnancy testing. The more than 99% accuracy of this procedure matches the accuracy of the tests conducted by clinics, hospitals and doctors.

Anytime Online Pregnancy Test

Every woman has dreams of one day having children. The state of pregnancy is a preamble to that dream coming true. It is time to act responsibly, once pregnancy is confirmed. Proper care and diet are the two major requirements to ensure the health of the baby and mother.

You should consult a doctor, who may advise you to take plenty of proteins, grains, fruits, vegetables, wheat, vitamins, minerals, and fiber in your diet.

Online Pregnancy Test

Once you feel that the early symptoms of pregnancy are showing up, you can have a pregnancy test done. The elementary question is when to take the test for detecting your pregnancy. It takes about a week after conception for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.

You start feeling the symptoms only after the egg gets implanted. Here is a brief description of the symptoms you are likely to experience. If you face some of the following reasons, you can believe that you are pregnant and consider taking a test to confirm that you are preparing for the most beautiful period of your life.
Darkened Areolas: The areolas (dark area surrounding the nipple) darken, signifying that you are pregnant. This symptom occurs within a week from conception.

Missed Period: One of the early signs of pregnancy is a missed period. However, you cannot safely assume that you are pregnant because stress, illness, and discontinuation of oral contraceptive pills can make you skip a period. So, go for a confirmatory test to know what the reason of your missed period is.

Light Spotting: Spotting can take place when implantation occurs just before the beginning of the next period. A little bleeding (pinkish or brownish blood spots) occurs because of the implantation.

Frequent Urination: If you find yourself making a dash to the washroom once too often, it could mean that you are pregnant. Frequent urination occurs two weeks after conception. The body prepares space for the baby to develop, resulting in pressure on the bladder. That is the reason why you need to urinate frequently.

Cramps: Generally, women experience cramps throughout pregnancy. These are quite similar to cramps associated with periods and occur due to hormonal changes in the body.

Breast Tenderness: The onset of breast tenderness takes place early. They tend to grow in size to facilitate milk production.

Constipation: It can occur quite early in pregnancy, as the body prepares itself to create space for development of the baby. Pressure is exerted against the bowel, leading to constipation. However, constipation in itself is not a reason alone to go for a pregnancy test.

You might be pregnant if you experience any one or more of the above symptoms, and can take a test to confirm your pregnancy. The advantage of having an online pregnancy test is that you can take it from home. A blood pregnancy test can produce an accurate result as early as 8 to 10 days after conception.

The urine test can be done as early as 10 to 14 days following conception. If your symptoms point towards pregnancy, but the online pregnancy test result is negative, try again after a week. You may consult your doctor as well. The advantage of having an online pregnancy test is that it can be done anytime anywhere. A positive result is a cause for celebrations.

Check our recommended sources below for attractive deals and offers on pregnancy testing and pregnancy testing kits.

Pregnancy Picture

Are you considering having a pregnancy picture done of your beautiful big belly? Are you positively glowing? Are you feeling so gorgeous that you can’t wait to be photographed?

If you are anything like me, you are probably thinking, “Why would I want a picture done when I am bigger than a house and so unbelievably uncomfortable?” That’s how I felt at the end of my pregnancy. I had gained 40 pounds and my pubic bone hurt so bad that I didn’t think I could sit in a car for the hour long drive to the photographer’s house.

I actually called to cancel the appointment, but the photographer (bless her!) convinced me to do it.

And, in the end, I am so glad I had the portrait done!

Things to consider for a pregnancy picture:

• If you are planning on having the photos done in the nude, wear loose-fitting clothes on the way there. Then you will not have any bra and panty lines showing for the photographs
• Bring several different outfits to wear. Consider a long flowing shirt you can open under the breasts so your breasts are covered but your belly is exposed
• Keep patterns to a minimum
• Remember that today’s coolest fashion could look ridiculous in 20 years, so dress in a traditional style
• Style your hair and makeup the way you normally would
• Don’t forget to take some with your husband too!
• If you have older children, get several photos with them too, kissing your tummy, or holding your hand, or holding a teddy bear up to your belly

Above all, do not dismiss a pregnancy portrait simply because you “feel fat”. We all feel HUGE when we are pregnant. Your hormones are so out of control you don’t really know what you are thinking. I look at my pregnancy photos now, which are framed in my kids’ room, and I am so happy I had them done! Looking back on it, I do NOT look fat, I look pregnant.

 www.american-pregnancy.co.cc

 And darn it, I WAS glowing. 

Yours,

Suzanne

Pathophysiology of Pregnancy-2

 When things go wrong during pregnancy, the health of both mother and baby may be at risk of certain health problems associated with pregnancy.

Infertility. Infertility is defined as failure to conceive following a period of 12 months or longer of unprotected sexual intercourse. In 1988, over 8 million American women 15 to 44 years of age reported an impaired ability to have children. Major causes include endometriosis, poor sperm quality or low sperm count, failure to ovulate, and tubal damage.

Ectopic Pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that has implanted outside of the uterus, most commonly in the Fallopian tubes, which may have been scarred from a previous infection, ectopic pregnancy, or tubal ligation. The growing pregnancy, if not surgically terminated, may rupture the tube, causing hemorrhage. Ectopic pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal deaths among African-American women.

Abortion. Abortion refers to the termination of pregnancy before the twentieth week of gestation (counting from the last menstrual period). Abortion can be spontaneous or induced. Most spontaneous abortions (miscarriages) involve some chromosomal abnormalities; the causes of the rest are not known, but some may be due to exposure to environmental toxins.

Birth Defects. Birth defects are the leading cause of infant death and the fifth leading cause of potential years of life lost. About 3.6 percent of all babies in the United States are born with major birth defects, the most common being cleft lip and palate, Down syndrome, neural tube defect, and congenital heart disease.

Low Birth Weight (LBW). LBW, defined as birth weight under 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds), is the second leading cause of infant death, and the leading cause of infant death among African Americans. Risk factors include short interpregnancy interval, low prepregnancy weight, inadequate weight gain during pregnancy, history of LBW or preterm birth, cigarette smoking, and socioeconomic factors.

Preterm Birth. Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, may result in major problems, including neurological damage from brain hemorrhage or respiratory distress from immature lungs.

Fetal Death. Fetal death refers to the death of a fetus after 20 weeks of gestation. Major causes include preexisting maternal conditions like diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and premature separation of the placenta from the uterus (placental abruption) as a result of drug use or trauma.

Infant Death. Infant death refers to death of a baby under one year of age. Major causes include birth defects, LBW, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Maternal Death. Maternal death is defined as the death of a woman as a result of her pregnancy, from the first stages of gestation to within 42 days after the pregnancy has terminated. Risk factors include age greater than 35, unmarried status (owing to socioeconomic factors, including a lack of access to health care), and lack of prenatal care. The classic HIT triad (hemorrhage, infection, and toxemia or preelcampsia) contributes to about half of all maternal deaths. Approximately 300 women in the United States and 500,000 women in the world die every year from pregnancy-related causes. The maternal mortality ratio of 7.5 deaths per 100,000 live births in the United States did not changed significantly during the last 20 years of the twentieth century.

Preeclampsia. Preeclampsia, caused by high blood pressure during the latter part of pregnancy, is characterized by hypertension, protein in the urine, edema, and organ damage as a result of hypertension. Such organ damage may include seizure, stroke, kidney failure, liver damage, and fluid in the lungs. Preeclampsia is treated by effecting prompt delivery (and thereby ridding the body of the circulating toxin released by the placenta). Magnesium is commonly used to prevent seizure. Complications of severe preeclampsia can often be prevented with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Obstetrical Hemorrhage. Obstetrical hemorrhage is characterized by excessive blood loss. It occurs prenatally as a result of premature separation (placental abruption) or abnormal location (placenta previa) of the placenta. It can also occur as a result of injury to the birth canal during delivery, retained placenta within the uterus after delivery, or the inability of the uterus to firm up (uterine atony) after delivery.

Puerperal Infection. Puerperal infections are those that occur during labor, delivery, or the postpartum period. The infection is typically caused by bacteria from the vagina ascending into the uterus. Risk factors include cesarean section, prolonged time from when the “water breaks” to delivery, poor nutrition, and maternal anemia. Prompt treatment with antibiotics can prevent significant morbidity associated with puerperal infections.

Embolism. An embolus is a clot. It could be a blood clot (thromboembolus), or a clot of fetal tissues (amniotic fluid embolus) that travels in maternal circulation. If it blocks off circulation in the lungs or the heart, the embolus could be fatal.

www.pregnancy-ultrasound.co.cc/

Physiology of Pregnancy

A human pregnancy starts when the male sperm fertilizes the ovum (egg) in a woman’s Fallopian tube, and it lasts, on average, 266 days. Contraception works by inhibiting the release of the ovum from the ovary (birth control pill, injectible, or subdermal implant), by impeding the release of sperm (vasectomy), by blocking sperm from entering the vagina or cervix (male or female condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap), or by blocking the Fallopian tubes (tubal ligation). Once conception takes place, the fertilized egg travels through the Fallopian tube into the uterus, where it implants about seven days later. The intrauterine device (IUD) impedes such implantation, and medications like mifepristone (RU486) causes the implanted embryo to abort.

A developing human is called an embryo between two and eight weeks after conception; thereafter it is called a fetus until delivery. Development of the major organs begins during the early embryonic period, and interference with this process may result in birth defects. Women taking harmful substances, or women with preexisting diseases like diabetes mellitus, are at increased risk for having babies with birth defects. Because the development of major organs begins during early pregnancy, often before a woman starts prenatal care or realizes that she is pregnant, preconceptional care is recommended for every woman of reproductive age.

Although most major organs are present at the end of the embryonic period, the development of their functions continues well into the fetal period, infancy, and early childhood. Interference with this process may lead to functional deficits. For example, undernutrition during this period of growth has been associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease, and maternal alcohol use during pregnancy has been linked to mental retardation and other birth defects.

Remarkable changes take place in a woman during pregnancy. The heart circulates 40 percent more blood volume to supply nutrients and oxygen to the growing baby, deeper breaths occur and an increased amount of harmful substances are cleansed through the kidneys. Digestion slows down for better absorption or nutrients, which may cause problems such as heartburn and constipation. The baby is sustained in the uterus by the placenta, which serves as the interface between maternal and fetal circulations. Hormones prepare the breasts for lactation, and the immune system is altered so that it does not reject the baby as a foreign body. While most healthy women make these adaptations readily, pregnancy can jeopardize the health, and sometimes the lives, of women who are less healthy and suffer increased stress to the system during pregnancy

Twin Pregnancy

When you find out that you’re carrying more than one baby, your first instinct may be to wonder if there’s room in there for more than one baby! But, there are other issues which commonly come up for multiple mums-to-be. We give you the lowdown on multiple pregnancies.

 

Twins can either be identical (from one fertilised egg which then splits) or non-identical (from two separate eggs). Identical twins have to be the same sex, as they have the same genes. Non-identical twins can either be the same sex or one of each.

How twin pregnancies happen

 

1. Identical twins. One egg splits after fertilisation into two separate cells – each one of these growing into a baby (usually sharing the same placenta). Having developed from the same cell, they are always the same sex and look alike.
2. Non-identical or fraternal twins. Two eggs are fertilised by two different sperm at the same time, (each baby having its own placenta). They can be different sexes and probably will not look any more alike than any brother or sister.

Twin Pregnancy Diagnosis

Twin pregnancy used to be diagnosed clinically when the mother reported that her symptoms of pregnancy were worse than usual and the womb was found to be bigger than expected for the gestational dates. Sometimes twins were diagnosed for the first time in labour – certainly a surprise for both the expectant couple and the obstetrician alike. Nowadays, the ultrasound scan performed routinely between the 16th and 20th week usually allows a much earlier diagnosis.

Effects of a twin pregnancy

Many mothers expecting twins say it’s harder and more tiring. You have a greater load to carry – not just an extra baby, but an extra placenta, and extra amniotic fluid. The added weight can mean the likelihood of more backache and more fatigue. Your blood pressure is also likely to be higher. You may need to rest more than a mother expecting one baby, and you may want to think about stopping work sooner.

Birth of twins

Although there’s a higher chance of twins being born pre-term, most are born only a little earlier than term – at about 37 or 38 weeks.

The birth of twins usually goes smoothly, with both born head down. But caesarean section is more common with twins, and the main reason is simply one of space. One or both of the babies ends up in a less-than-perfect position, because that’s the only way he or she can make room for himself.

So one or both might be breech, coming bottom or feet first. Occasionally, one baby actually lies across the uterus. If it’s the twin nearest the exit lying like this, a caesarean is essential.

Twins can be small, and weaker than single babies. Sometimes, a caesarean might be the easiest, least stressful way for twins to be born.

Because twin pregnancy and births have the potential for more challenges, you’ll find you will see the obstetrician more often, and all aspects of your pregnancy and the labour and birth will be monitored very carefully. Twins are more likely to need some time in special care after the birth; you’ll probably be advised to stay a little longer in hospital yourself, even if your twins are fine and perfectly healthy (as most are). This will give you the chance to become more comfortable with feeding your babies, and build your confidence about their routine, day to day care. See our feature on Twin births for more information.

Breastfeeding twins

Your body can make as much milk as your babies need – twice the stimulation of the supply, twice the amount made. It’s the practical aspects that might be harder for you – how to hold them so you are all three comfortable, or whether to feed one at a time instead of both together. The babies may not have the same appetite, and they may be hungry at different times, too. You’ll need plenty of help to assist with the other aspects of the babies’ care, such as bathing, nappy changing and clothes washing.

http://www.pregnancy-implantation.co.cc/

pregnancy calendar

Congratulations! Pregnancy is an exciting time and a great opportunity to learn about your child’s growth and development. But with so much pregnancy information available in books, in magazines, and on websites, how can you hope to cover it all before giving birth?

We’ve made it easy for you to get all the pregnancy info you need in one place. Our illustrated pregnancy calendar is a detailed guide to all the changes taking place in your baby — and in you! Each week of pregnancy includes a description of your baby’s development, as well as an explanation of the changes taking place in your body. You’ll also find important medical info that will help keep you and your baby healthy.

A Word About Due Dates and Trimesters

After you announce your pregnancy, the first question you’ll probably be asked is “When are you due?” At your first prenatal visit, your health care provider will help you determine an expected delivery date (EDD). Your EDD is 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). If you deliver on your EDD, your baby is actually only about 38 weeks old — that’s because your egg didn’t become fertilized until about 2 weeks after the start of your last menstrual period.

It’s important to remember that your due date is only an estimate — most babies are born between 38 and 42 weeks from the first day of their mom’s LMP and only a small percentage of women actually deliver on their due date.

Another common term you’ll hear throughout your pregnancy is trimester. A pregnancy is divided into trimesters:

• the first trimester is from week 1 to the end of week 12
• the second trimester is from week 13 to the end of week 26
• the third trimester is from week 27 to the end of the pregnancy

http://www.pregnancy-today.co.cc/

Bleeding During Pregnancy

Bleeding During Pregnancy Bleeding may occur at various times in pregnancy. Although bleeding is alarming, it may or may not be a serious complication. The time of bleeding in the pregnancy, the amount, and whether or not there is pain may vary depending on the cause. It is important to contact your doctor if you have any bleeding at all during your pregnancy

 

1. Early Pregnancy Bleeding
2. Late Pregnancy Bleeding

Early Pregnancy Bleeding

Bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy is quite common and may be due to the following:

 

1. Miscarriage (pregnancy loss)
2. Ectopic pregnancy or Tubal pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian tube)
3. Gestational trophoblastic disease (a rare condition that may be cancerous in which a grape-like mass of fetal and placental tissues develops)
4. Implantation of the placenta in the uterus
5. Infection

Late Pregnancy Bleeding

Bleeding in late pregnancy (after about 20 weeks) may be due to the following:

 

1. Placenta previa (placenta is near or covers the cervical opening)
2. Placental abruption (placenta detaches prematurely from the uterus)
3. Unknown causes

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is always scary for the expectant mother. There are many causes of vaginal bleeding and often the bleeding will stop on its own. You should always alert your doctor or midwife when you have vaginal bleeding since the bleeding may pose a risk to you or the fetus.

Bleeding in Early Pregnancy

Many women have vaginal spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy. This bleeding may be as a result of implantation – when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall. Early in pregnancy your doctor or midwife may order a series of blood pregnancy tests. These tests measure the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your bloodstream. HCG is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Following the increasing levels of hCG in the blood can help your doctor or midwife to monitor the progress of your pregnancy in the early weeks. An ultrasound, or sonogram, may be performed to help locate the reason for the bleeding. Your doctor or midwife may wish to do a pelvic exam. Sometimes the cause of the bleeding is never found.

Miscarriage

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy in the early stages. Although a miscarriage can occur any time during the first half of a pregnancy, it is most common during the first twelve weeks. Although 15 to 20% of all known pregnancies end in miscarriage, approximately ½ of those with bleeding in pregnancy do not miscarry. Most miscarriages cannot be prevented. This is nature’s way of dealing with a pregnancy that is not developing normally. Although a woman may first notice the bleeding after sex, having sexual intercourse in early pregnancy will not cause a miscarriage. Most women who miscarry will go on to deliver healthy babies with future pregnancies.

There is a possibility of miscarriage if you notice vaginal bleeding, the passage of tissue, and cramping pain in the lower abdomen. Many women with bleeding have little or no cramping. The bleeding may stop and the pregnancy progresses. Other times, though, the bleeding will continue to get heavier and miscarriage occurs. Generally the cramping experienced with a miscarriage is stronger than normal menstrual cramps.

If you think you may be having a miscarriage, call your doctor or midwife. If you have passed any tissue, you will be asked to bring it to the office with you. It will be sent to a pathologist for examination. If you have had a miscarriage, but tissue remains in your uterus, you will continue to bleed. You will need a D&C to remove the tissue. This procedure is performed by dilating (widening) the cervix and either suctioning or wiping the tissue away from the lining of the uterus.

Having a miscarriage does not mean you will not be able to carry a child to term in the future. If you have two or three miscarriages in a row, your doctor or midwife may want to perform tests to look for a possible cause for the miscarriages.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is one that occurs outside the uterus. Because the pregnancy is not in the uterus, it cannot progress normally and must be removed. About 1 in 60 pregnancies are ectopic. Usually the pregancy is in a fallopian tube. A ruptured tubal pregnancy will cause major bleeding into the abdomen and can even cause death. The symptoms are typically pelvic pain (usually a sharp pain on one side) and vaginal bleeding. If the tube has ruptured, there may be shoulder pain, dizziness, or fainting. Since there may not be much warning, you should call your doctor or midwife if you have pain or bleeding.

The treatment for an ectopic pregnancy varies according to how early the problem is found. Sometimes the pregnancy can be removed from the tube using a laproscope. This will preserve the tube for later use.

If the pregnancy is larger, or the tube has ruptured, a larger incision will need to be made. This is called a laparotomy. The pregnancy may be removed from the tube, or the tube may need to be removed.

Sometimes a drug (methotrexate) may be given to stop the growth of the pregnancy. Your body will absorb the tissue over time. The progression of the treatment is monitored by blood tests.

Women who have already had an ectopic pregnancy, who have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or pelvic infections, have a history of infertility, or pelvic surgeries are at an increased risk for an ectopic pregnancy.

Bleeding in Late Pregnancy

The causes of bleeding the second half of pregnancy are different from in early pregnancy. The most common causes of heavy vaginal bleeding are related to the placenta. Bleeding can be heavy and may pose a serious threat to the mother or the fetus. The two most common culprits are placenta previa and placental abruption. If you have any bleeding in the second half of pregnancy, you should alert your doctor or midwife.

Placenta Previa

During pregnancy, the baby receives nourishment from you through the placenta. The placenta usually develops in the top part of the uterus. When the placenta lies low in the uterus, partically or completely covering the cervix (uterine opening), it is referred to as a placenta previa. In late pregnancy, this may result in painless vaginal bleeding. Placenta previa is diagnosed by ultrasound. The doctor or midwife may prescribe bed rest to prevent heavy bleeding. The baby should not be delivered vaginally if the placenta previa persists at term.

Placenta previa occurs in 1 in 200 pregnancies. It is most common in women who have had a previous cesarean section, have had placenta previa in the past, are over the age of 35, have had previous uterine infections or surgery (such as a D&C), or are pregnant with more than one baby.

Placental Abruption – When the placenta detaches from the side of the uterus either partically or completely before or during labor, this is called placental abruption. This is a life threatening complication for the mother and the baby. The mother can hemorrhage, while the baby will have its oxygen supply decreased or cut off. The symptoms include vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, and nausea and vomiting. Placental abruption occurs in 1 in 100 pregnancies. Placental abruption is associated with high blood pressure, smoking, cocaine use (even once), and blows or injuries to the abdomen. Women are at a higher risk for placental abruption if they are over the age of 35, have had a previous placental abruption, have had several pregnancies or have sickle cell anemia.

Labor

Vaginal bleeding can be a sign of labor. When the mucous plug that covers the opening of the uterus is passed, this is called “show”. The mucous is mixed with a little blood. If this happens within a few weeks of your due date, it is not a problem. It means your cervix is beginning to shorten and thin out (“effacing”), it is getting ready for labor. If it occurs earlier, you should call your doctor or midwife as it may be a sign of premature labor. Other signs of labor include:

 

1. A change in vaginal discharge (watery, mucous, or bloody, an increase in the amount.
2. Lower abdominal or pelvic pressure.
3. A low, dull backache.
4. Abdominal cramps, with or without diarrhea.
5. Regular contractions or cramping of the uterus.

What should I do if I notice spotting or bleeding when I’m pregnant?

Call your doctor or midwife right away, even if the bleeding seems to have stopped. While it may turn out to be something minor, it could also be a sign of a serious problem. You’ll probably need an exam to rule out any complications and to make sure you and your baby are fine.

How is spotting different from bleeding?

Spotting is very light bleeding, similar to what you may have at the very beginning or end of your period. It can vary in color from pink to red to brown (the color of dried blood).

Home exercise equipment guide

The advantages of buying and using home exercise equipment

If you’re trying to get into the fitness habit while pregnant, a well-chosen quality exercise machine can make it much easier to keep your new commitments. But they really come in handy after you’ve had a baby, when it’s not as easy to go for a fitness walk or to an exercise class with your baby in tow. A good machine, set up in a convenient spot in your house, may inspire you to work out whenever you have some free time.

While home equipment can be a serious investment, the cost is often no more than that of a one-year gym membership, a swim card for the local pool, or a year’s worth of drop-in aerobic classes. And you won’t have a built-in excuse not to exercise when the weather is bad or you can’t find a sitter. An extra bonus: You can tailor your workout to your goals and your body type without worrying what anyone around you thinks.

How to work out safely with your baby nearby

Make sure your baby is secure in an infant seat, high chair, or playpen before hopping on the exercise machine. If possible, stow potentially dangerous equipment out of his reach when you’re done.

Since exercising indoors can make you heat up quickly, crack open a window, or plug in a fan nearby. Keep a bottle of water within arm’s reach, and stop if you feel faint or dizzy.

Put your equipment in a well-lighted place where you’ll actually enjoy working out — you’ll be more motivated to use it. If you place your exercise machine near the TV, you can catch up on your favorite shows and work out at the same time. If you plan to exercise while your baby’s napping, set it up where you’re near enough to hear him if he wakes, but not so close that it will disturb his sleep. Or keep a baby monitor nearby.

Pregnancy Exercises

Guidelines for good exercise in pregnancy

 If you have been following a regular exercise program prior to your pregnancy, you should be able to maintain that program to some degree throughout your pregnancy. Exercise does not increase your risk for miscarriage.

1. If you are just starting an exercise program as a way of improving your health during your pregnancy, you should start very slowly and be careful not to over exert yourself.
2. Listen to your body. Your body will naturally give you signals that it is time to reduce the level of exercise you perform.
3. Never exercise to the point of exhaustion or breathlessness. This is a sign that your baby and your body cannot get the oxygen supply it needs.
4. Wear comfortable exercise footwear that gives strong ankle and arch support.
5. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids during exercise.
6. Avoid exercise in extremely hot weather.
7. Avoid rocky terrain or unstable ground when running or cycling. Your joints are more lax in pregnancy and ankle sprains and other injuries may occur.
8. Contact sports should be avoided during pregnancy.
9. Weight training should emphasize improving tone especially in the upper body and abdominal area. Avoid lifting weights above your head and using weights that strain the lower back muscles.
10. During the second and third trimesters, avoid exercise that involves laying flat on your back as this decreases blood flow to your womb.
11. Include relaxation and stretching both before and after your exercise program.
12. Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates.

Does exercise help during pregnancy?Because exercise promotes muscle tone, strength, and endurance, it can help you carry the weight you gain during pregnancy, prepare you for the physical stress of labour, and make it easier to get back into shape after the baby is born. (Unfortunately, there’s no evidence that regular exercise shortens labour.) Being active during your pregnancy can also reduce the physical discomforts of backache, constipation, fatigue, and swelling; can improve your mood and self-image; and can even help you sleep more soundly. Guidelines for good exercise in pregnancy   If you have been following a regular exercise program prior to your pregnancy, you should be able to maintain that program to some degree throughout your pregnancy. Exercise does not increase your risk for miscarriage. If you are just starting an exercise program as a way of improving your health during your pregnancy, you should start very slowly and be careful not to over exert yourself. Listen to your body. Your body will naturally give you signals that it is time to reduce the level of exercise you perform. Never exercise to the point of exhaustion or breathlessness. This is a sign that your baby and your body cannot get the oxygen supply it needs. Wear comfortable exercise footwear that gives strong ankle and arch support. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids during exercise. Avoid exercise in extremely hot weather. Avoid rocky terrain or unstable ground when running or cycling. Your joints are more lax in pregnancy and ankle sprains and other injuries may occur. Contact sports should be avoided during pregnancy. Weight training should emphasize improving tone especially in the upper body and abdominal area. Avoid lifting weights above your head and using weights that strain the lower back muscles. During the second and third trimesters, avoid exercise that involves laying flat on your back as this decreases blood flow to your womb. Include relaxation and stretching both before and after your exercise program. Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates. Exercises or positions to avoid High-risk sports, such as scuba diving, and activities with a potential for hard falls, such as horseback riding, downhill skiing, snowboarding, or waterskiing, are strictly off-limits to pregnant women. Some other forms of exercise, such as bike riding, should also be modified or delayed until after the baby is born. While biking enthusisasts may disagree, some experts say that biking during the your second and third trimesters is dangerous because your balance isn’t what it used to be and you risk falling if you can’t avoid an unexpected obstacle in your path. You’re also at risk of being hit by a car if you ride on streets. Pregnancy is not the time to start running, either, although it’s fine if you jogged regularly before getting pregnant. Below you’ll find some suggestions for keeping your fitness regimen fun and safe.   Don’t go for the burn and don’t exercise to exhaustion. You should generally stick to 60 percent of your maximum heart rate while pregnant. Your heart rate should not exceed 140 beats per minute. A good rule of thumb: slow down if you can’t comfortably carry on a conversation. Be particularly careful to eat properly and get enough fluids. Being pregnant means you need approximately 300 extra calories a day (depending on your prepregnancy weight). Stay cool while exercising. Wear a sun hat and layers of loose, comfortable clothing when exercising in hot, humid weather. Keep a bottle of water handy to replenish lost fluids. After the first trimester, avoid sit-ups and other exercises done while flat on your back — they can make you feel dizzy and decrease the blood flow to your uterus. Weight lifting or any other exercise where you might be tempted to stand motionless for long periods can also decrease blood flow to your baby. Keep moving: change positions, or step back and forth. Exercise helps with…   constipation backache fatigue varicose veins circulation problems helps you meet other mothers and make friends.

Making Love During Pregnancy

For women, pregnancy often creates an increased need for physical affection — a craving that may be greater than the desire for sexual satisfaction. Pregnancy is a wonderful time to explore aspects of making love such as cuddling, holding each other and discovering new positions and new ways of pleasuring.

Many women experience added sensitivity during pregnancy and find orgasms lasting longer than when they’re not pregnant. But though intercourse can be very welcome, just talking and holding hands can also be very intimate.

Advice on sexual behavior during this period in a couple’s life depends not only on medical circumstances, but also on the individuals involved. In most cases, it’s safe to continue to make love throughout the pregnancy, but this is something all couples should confirm with their healthcare provider.

Unless your health care provider advises you otherwise, sex during pregnancy is safe for you and your baby.

Many expectant parents worry that sex can be harmful during pregnancy. They fear that intercourse could hurt the baby, or even cause miscarriage. Some are afraid that the baby somehow “knows” that sex is taking place. The partner sometimes worries that intercourse might cause discomfort or pain for the pregnant woman. Worries like this are common and completely normal, but most of them are unfounded.

If your pregnancy is considered to be high risk, you may need to be more cautious than other women. Your health care provider may advise you to avoid intercourse for all or part of your pregnancy.

Many women are not very interested in sex while they are pregnant. Exhaustion, raging hormones, tender breasts and self-consciousness about her growing girth can put a pregnant women’s sex drive on hold. Take heart in the fact that most couples resume an active sex life sometime during the first year of their baby’s life.

Many women find that pregnancy makes them want sex more than they did before they became pregnant. This sex drive is caused by hormonal changes. For some women, newfound voluptuousness can play a role in making them feel sexier than ever.

Positions that work before pregnancy and early in pregnancy can be uncomfortable or even unsafe at later stages of the baby’s development. For example, a woman should avoid lying flat on her back after the fourth month of pregnancy, because the weight of the growing uterus puts pressure on major blood vessels. Fortunately, there are alternatives to the traditional missionary position, such as lying sideways or having the woman on top.

As for the baby, he or she has no idea what Mom and Dad are doing. The baby is well protected by a cushion of fluid in the womb and by the mom’s abdomen.

Suggestions

If you’re concerned, ask your health care provider if it’s okay to have sex.
Talk to each other about your needs and concerns in an open and loving way. If you work together, you can probably figure out how to put a smile on each other’s face.
Let mutual pleasure and comfort be your guide. If something doesn’t feel physically or emotionally right to one of you, change what you’re doing.

Keep your sense of humor.

To avoid sexually transmitted infections, have sex with only one person who doesn’t have any other sexual partners and/or use a condom when having sex. Discuss HIV testing for you and your partner with your health care provider.

If the pregnancy is high risk or if you have any questions at all, ask for guidance from your health care provider.

After the baby is born, wait until after your postpartum checkup before you resume intercourse

www.pregnancy-announcement.co.cc
www.pregnancy-chart.co.cc
www.usa-pregnancy.co.cc