Pregnancy Period

Description

2009-06-12T23:36:00.000-07:00

First month
At the end of the first month, the embryo is about a third of an inch long, and its head and trunk—plus the beginnings of arms and legs—have started to develop. The embryo receives nutrients and eliminates waste through the umbilical cord and placenta. By the end of the first month, the liver and digestive system begin to develop, and the heart starts to beat. Second month
In this month, the heart starts to pump and the nervous system (including the brain and spinal cord) begins to develop. The 1 in (2.5 cm) long fetus has a complete cartilage skeleton, which is replaced by bone cells by month's end. Arms, legs and all of the major organs begin to appear. Facial features begin to form.

Third month
By now, the fetus has grown to 4 in (10 cm) and weighs a little more than an ounce (28 g). Now the major blood vessels and the roof of the mouth are almost completed, as the face starts to take on a more recognizably human appearance. Fingers and toes appear. All the major organs are now beginning to form; the kidneys are now functional and the four chambers of the heart are complete.
Fourth month
The fetus begins to kick and swallow, although most women still can't feel the baby move at this point. Now 4 oz (112 g), the fetus can hear and urinate, and has established sleep-wake cycles. All organs are now fully formed, although they will continue to grow for the next five months. The fetus has skin, eyebrows, and hair.

The Joy Of Pregnancy

2008-10-07T09:47:00.001-07:00

Quand il s'agit de la grossesse, la plupart des premiers temps immédiatement penser à la maladie matin, les crampes, les sautes d'humeur, vos envies bizarres, et une peur mortelle de votre corps n'est pas le même jamais. Mais demander à toute femme qui a été par la grossesse et elle s'en rappellera parfaitement. Grossesse mai être une sévères changement, mais il est également l'ouverture d'une femme dans les domaines de la divinité. La grossesse est la tour de potier de la création, c'est une joie d'être célébrée. Un heureux, la santé durant la grossesse est le chemin d'accès à une vie de bonheur maternelle. Dans certaines parties du monde, la grossesse est synonyme de renaissance, parce que le moment est venu vous faire face à la plupart des changements physiques et émotionnels en vous-même, sans parler de l'évolution sociale. Vous êtes vraiment à nourrir une autre vie dans votre ventre. Vous aurez bientôt réaliser que votre capacité d'amour pour cette vie est illimitée et inconditionnelle. Il est très important de comprendre exactement ce qu'il faut faire et comment s'occuper de vous pendant votre grossesse. Il va être un merveilleux voyage que vous vous en souvenez aussi longtemps que vous vivez. Dès le moment où vous reconnaître les premiers symptômes de la grossesse au moment où il est temps de donner naissance, vous devez être au courant de tous les choix et les options dont vous disposez, de sorte que vous puissiez prendre les bonnes décisions. C'est aussi le moment où vous devriez envisager la banque de sang de cordon. Si vous décidez de stocker les prises de sang de cordon du cordon ombilical de votre bébé, vous pouvez utiliser les cellules souches si votre bébé, vous ou tout autre membre face à la menace de nombreuses maladies mortelles qui peuvent être guéris par la transplantation de sang de cordon ou de la thérapie de cellules souches . Une des premières choses à faire est d'apprendre à identifier les symptômes de la grossesse et de la façon de calculer votre date d'échéance. De nombreuses mères à se maintenir un blog à partir du moment où ils l'avis de signe précoce de la grossesse. La grossesse ne sont pas tous les symptômes sont faciles à passer par - certains sont difficiles à mettre vers le haut avec. Voici où vous pouvez connaître à quoi s'attendre et comment faire face à ces douleurs. Le droit de nutrition et régime alimentaire équilibré peut aller un long chemin pour vous aider. Découvrez ce que vous devriez éviter et ce qui est bon - tout savoir sur la grossesse gain de poids, le type. Renseignez-vous sur les médicaments à prendre et à éviter. Une femme enceinte doit se détendre; obtenir un bon sommeil et l'exercice d'avoir une grossesse en santé - Lisez à propos de conseils sur la grossesse, le droit d'exercices.

Healthy Pregnancy

2008-08-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCTION — A normal pregnancy lasts 37 to 42 weeks, counting from the first day of the last menstrual period. A pregnancy that continues beyond 37 weeks is called a "term" pregnancy. Preterm labor is defined as labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Approximately 12 percent of babies in the United States are born preterm; 80 percent of these are due to preterm labor that occurs on its own or after preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes (or "broken bag of waters"). The remaining 20 percent are planned early deliveries that are done for maternal or fetal problems that prevent the woman from being able to safely continue with her pregnancy.
Not all women who have preterm labor will deliver their baby early; estimates are that between 30 and 50 percent of women who develop preterm labor will go on to deliver their infant at term. If preterm labor leads to an early delivery, the premature newborn is at risk for problems related to incomplete development of its organ systems. These problems include difficulty with breathing, staying warm, feeding, as well as injury to the eyes, intestines, and nervous system.
Preterm birth is a major cause of newborn complications and death. Regular prenatal care can help to identify some, but not all, women at risk for preterm labor. Should preterm labor occur, measures can be taken to delay delivery and decrease the risk of newborn complications.
RISK FACTORS — It is difficult to predict who will develop preterm labor. Certain obstetrical conditions and other factors are known to increase a woman's risk. However, most preterm births occur in women who have no known risk factors.
The strongest risk factor for preterm birth is a previous preterm birth, although most women who have had a preterm birth will have a term pregnancy in the future. As an example, one study found that only 22 percent of women with a previous preterm delivery had a preterm delivery with their next pregnancy.
Other factors that may increase a woman's risk include
Use of certain illicit drugs, such as cocaine
Cigarette smoking
Some infections
Low prepregnancy weight and low weight gain during pregnancy
Being pregnant with twins, triplets, or more
A history of cervical surgery (eg, conization or cone biopsy) for abnormal Pap smears, if the amount of the cervix removed is large (eg, more than 2 cm in length)
Abnormalities of the uterus
Uterine bleeding, especially in the second or third trimester
Moderate to severe anemia early in the pregnancy
A short interval (less than 18 months) between pregnancies (deliveries)
Abdominal surgery during pregnancy
Black women appear to have double the incidence of preterm labor and delivery when compared to white women. The risk of preterm delivery is also higher in women under 18 to 20 years of age. Older maternal age alone (over 35 to 40) is not associated with an increased risk of preterm labor. However, older women are more likely to have other conditions (such as hypertension and diabetes) that can cause complications requiring preterm delivery. Infertility treatments that result in multiple gestations (eg, twins, triplets) have contributed to a increased risk of preterm labor.
CAUSES — It is usually difficult to identify the cause of preterm labor. Four general categories causes include:
Uterine bleeding — Conditions like placenta previa (when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix) and placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus before delivery) can cause the fetal membranes to rupture prematurely and can trigger preterm labor.
Stretching of the uterus — Having twins, triplets, or more, or having polyhydramnios (an excessive amount of amniotic fluid around the baby) causes stretching of the uterus, which can lead to uterine contractions and preterm labor.
Bacteria or inflammation — Bacteria or inflammation caused by an infection in the uterus can stimulate the production of hormones and other substances that trigger uterine contractions.
Physical or psychological stress — Severe stress can lead to the release of hormones that cause uterine contractions and preterm labor.
PREDICTING PRETERM DELIVERY — Research is ongoing to identify a chemical or physical marker that predicts whether and when premature delivery will occur. Two tests have been identified that may be helpful in some settings.
Fetal fibronectin — A substance called fetal fibronectin is released when the fetal membranes begin to change prior to labor. Studies have shown that if this substance is not present in high concentrations, premature delivery is unlikely. If there are high amounts of fetal fibronectin, it does not always mean that the woman will deliver prematurely.
Cervical length — Ultrasound measurement of the cervix can help to predict the risk of preterm delivery; the risk increases as cervical length decreases .
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS — The signs of preterm labor are similar to the signs of labor at the end of pregnancy:
Change in type or amount of vaginal discharge (watery, mucus, or bloody)
Pelvic or lower abdominal pressure or pain
Constant, low, dull backache
Mild or menstrual-like abdominal cramps, with or without diarrhea
Regular or frequent contractions or uterine tightening that may be painless
Ruptured membranes (broken water)
Braxton Hicks contractions (also called false labor contractions) are uterine contractions (tightening of the uterus) that occur less than eight times in an hour or four times every twenty minutes; these contractions are not accompanied by bleeding or vaginal discharge and are relieved by resting. These are normal and do not increase the risk of preterm birth. However, it is often difficult to tell the difference between preterm labor and false labor without having a pelvic examination.
In the early stages of labor, a woman may experience cramping that is relatively mild and occurs irregularly. At this stage the discomfort may be similar to menstrual cramping and may cause low back pain. As uterine contractions strengthen they usually become more painful and occur at regular and shorter intervals.
In addition, a woman may notice excessive mucus discharge from the vagina. Light bleeding or spotting is also common. The fetal membranes can rupture (known as "water breaking") before or during preterm labor. If this happens, a trickle to a sudden gush of fluid will drain from the vagina.
A woman should contact her hospital or healthcare provider immediately if she is concerned she could be in preterm labor or has other concerning symptoms. In particular, a woman should call if she has more than six contractions in an hour that continue despite lying down, if she has leakage of amniotic fluid, or has any vaginal bleeding.
The healthcare provider will perform a pelvic examination to determine if the membranes have ruptured and if the cervix is effacing (thinning) or dilating (beginning to open).
HOME MONITORING — A healthcare provider may ask a woman to monitor herself for contractions. This is best accomplished by lying down and gently feeling the uterus with the fingertips. Normally, the uterus should be relaxed, soft, and easily indented by pushing on it with the fingers. During a contraction, the uterus becomes firm and difficult to indent. The time between the start of one contraction and the start of the next indicates how often contractions are occurring.
TREATMENTS — Treatment can be given in an attempt to slow or stop preterm labor. The primary goal of treatment is to delay delivery long enough that steroids, which promote development of the baby's lungs, can be given. Delaying preterm delivery also allows the woman to be transferred, if necessary, to a facility that can provide specialized care to a premature infant.
Treatment to delay delivery is typically recommended if the woman is less than 34 weeks pregnant because infants born before 34 weeks are at particularly high risk for complications of premature birth. However, if the mother or infant's health are at risk, labor may be allowed to proceed. Labor may also be allowed to proceed if the mother is more than 34 weeks pregnant or if tests show that the baby's lungs are fully developed.
A woman in preterm labor will be admitted to the hospital for close monitoring while medications to stop labor are administered. An intravenous line will be inserted to give medications and fluids, and a fetal monitor will be used to measure uterine contractions and the baby's heart rate.
Treatments to stop labor — If the mother and baby are healthy, medications are often used to try to relax the uterine muscle and stop contractions. Medications used to stop or slow labor are called "tocolytic" agents. They include terbutaline, magnesium sulfate, nifedipine, and indomethacin. Some of these drugs are given intravenously or by injection while others can be taken orally (show table 3).
Tocolytics are usually given along with a steroid (glucocorticoid) injection (see below). Tocolytic medications are intended to delay delivery for several hours and optimally for 48 hours.
While tocolytics are used, the mother is monitored for medication side effects. If labor stops, the woman is usually kept in the hospital for a period of time to monitor for more uterine contractions. Depending upon a number of factors, the woman may be discharged home or asked to stay in the hospital. While at home, the woman may be asked to limit her activities, and she should contact her hospital or healthcare provider immediately if signs of labor return.
Treatments to help the infant — Steroids (glucocorticoids) can speed the development of a preterm infant's lungs, and are often administered during preterm labor. Steroids help the lungs mature and may promote the production of surfactant, a substance that prevents the collapse of alveoli (small sacs in the lungs where air is exchanged). Steroids also decrease the infant's risk for intraventricular hemorrhage (bleeding into the brain) and other complications affecting the bowels and circulatory system.
Steroids are usually administered if the mother is between 24 and 34 weeks gestation. Before 24 weeks gestation, the fetus is too immature to benefit from steroids. After 34 weeks, the infant's lungs are usually sufficiently developed, although steroids may be given if fetal lung tests suggest that the lungs are not mature. The most commonly used steroid is betamethasone.
The timing of the dose of steroids is important. Steroids must be given to the mother as an injection several hours before the infant is delivered. A second dose is usually given 24 hours after the first dose. There is probably some benefit from steroids, even if the woman delivers before the second dose is given. The greatest benefit is seen when the steroid is given at least 48 hours before the infant is delivered. It is not usually necessary to repeat the steroid treatment later in pregnancy if preterm labor recurs.
If the mother delivers early, a number of treatments can be given to support the premature infant. Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in the care of premature newborns. However, not all hospitals are equipped to care for them. For this reason, it is important that a woman who is at high risk for premature delivery be treated in a hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit.
PREVENTION — One of the most important things a pregnant woman can do to prevent preterm labor is to stop habits that can be harmful, such as smoking and use of illegal drugs.
Women with a history of a previous preterm birth at less than 34 weeks of pregnancy (due to spontaneous labor or premature rupture of membranes) may be offered a progesterone supplement, either as an injection or a vaginal gel, to prevent recurrent preterm labor. Progesterone supplementation is begun between 16 and 26 weeks of pregnancy and continued until 36 weeks. There is no evidence that this drug is effective in women with NO previous history of preterm labor. In addition, it has not been effective in women with multiple gestations (eg, twins).
WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION — Your healthcare provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem. Because no two patients are exactly alike and recommendations can vary from one person to another, it is important to seek guidance from a provider who is familiar with your individual situation.

Your Baby's Due Date

2008-07-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

Two Ways to Figure the Due Date
Most women don't know the exact date their baby was conceived, but they usually know the day their last menstrual period began. The doctor subtracts 2 weeks from the date of the last period as an estimate of when conception occurred. Your estimated due date is 38 weeks after the date of conception (40 weeks after the first day of your last period).
There is a second way to determine your due date. Add 7 days to the date of the beginning of your last menstrual period, then subtract 3 months. This gives you the approximate date of delivery. For example, if your last period began on January 20, your estimated due date is October 27.

FOLIC ACID FORTIFICATION

2008-06-29T23:05:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Public Health Service recommended in September 1992 that all women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms (ug) of folic acid daily to reduce their risk of having a pregnancy affected with spina bifida or other neural tube defects. Folic acid is a B vitamin. For women, this amount of folic acid on a daily basis spina bifida or anencephaly, both of which are neural tube defects (NTDs) in the baby.

PHS suggested several approaches by which this level could be reached:
Improved dietary habits
Fortification of the U.S. food supply
Daily use of folic acid supplements by women throughout their childbearing years.

History of Food Fortification:
Addition of iodine to salt was one of the earliest successful fortification programs. Iodine fortification was initiated in the U.S. in 1924 to prevent goiter, cretinism and other symptoms of severe iodine deficiency.
In the early 1930s, vitamin D was first added to cow's milk to aid in absorption of calcium and phosphorus, preventing development of rickets.
In 1938, voluntary enrichment of flours and breads was initiated to prevent the development of deficiency diseases in the general population. Enrichments included thiamin for beriberi, niacin for pellagra, riboflavin essential for proper functioning of vitamin B6 and niacin, and iron for iron deficiency anemia. Mandatory requirements were effective in 1943.
There are various other fortification requirements to enhance the quality of food such as vitamin A added to low and nonfat cow's milk and certain other dairy products, and lysine added to certain corn products to enhance protein quality.

Festivals in India

2008-06-23T23:58:00.000-07:00

India, the land of festivals and fairs. It is a land of festivity - religious as well as folkloristic. Whether you go to the East or the West, North or the South you would be able to enjoy every month a festival or a fair. Every day of the year there is a festival celebrated in some part of the country. Be it cultural or religious, it gives everyone an opportunity to enjoy and join the festivity. More... http://www.pagesofindia.com

Nutrition and the Pregnant Vegetarian

2008-06-23T04:09:00.000-07:00

Like all expectant mothers, vegetarians need to pay close attention to the foods they eat and the nutrients those foods contain. This need is a constant, and does not change because of a lifestyle choice. "What you consume when you are pregnant matters more because you are not only taking care of your own body, but you are starting the beginnings of a new one," says Dr. Amy Lanou, Nutritional Director for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. "The nutrients of special importance during pregnancy don't vary depending on what your diet is, they remain important."

Calcium is crucial to the development of bones and teeth. Even if a woman has an insufficient calcium intake, the baby will still get what it needs from the mother's body. Therefore to ensure her bone health, vegetarian and especially vegan women should be sure to consume calcium rich foods like kale, collards, broccoli, cabbage, legumes, enriched soy and rice milks, calcium fortified orange juice and breakfast cereals.

Folate or folic acid is instrumental in neural development. Vegetarians have a tendency to have a higher folate intake than do omnivorous people, because their diet often includes folate rich foods such as dark green leafy vegetables and legumes. If a woman is concerned about her folate consumption, she can always take a supplement.

Iron is needed to make hemoglobin for both mother and child. During pregnancy, iron supplements are commonly recommended in addition to iron-rich foods such as whole and enriched grains, legumes, soy products, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, andvegetables.

Vitamin B-12 plays an important role in fetal brain development, normal cell growth and protein synthesis. While not a lot of B-12 is needed, vegans need to pay special attention to this need. Omnivorous or vegetarian people usually meet their B-12 requirement because it is rather ubiquitous in animal based foods, but vegans don't have a dietary source of vitamin B-12. For these women, enriched or fortified soy or rice milk, nutritional yeast, and supplements are the best sources of B-12.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, and a woman's need for Vitamin D doubles during pregnancy. Vitamin D doesn't exist in that many foods naturally. Therefore, it is important for pregnant vegetarians and vegans to incorporate fortified milk, soy and rice milk, cereals and orange juice into the diet.

Fetal development in the first trimester

2008-06-04T04:26:00.000-07:00

You're pregnant. Congratulations! You'll undoubtedly spend the months ahead wondering how your baby is growing and developing. What does your baby look like? How big is he or she? When will you hear the heartbeat?
Fetal development typically follows a predictable course. To help answer some of these questions, check out this weekly calendar of events for your baby's first three months in the womb.
Week 1: Getting readyIt may seem strange, but you're not actually pregnant the first week or two of the time allotted to your pregnancy. Yes, you read that correctly!
Conception typically occurs about two weeks after your period begins. To calculate your due date, your health care provider will count ahead 40 weeks from the start of your last period. This means your period is counted as part of your pregnancy - even though you weren't pregnant at the time.
Week 2: FertilizationThe sperm and egg unite in one of your fallopian tubes to form a one-celled entity called a zygote. If more than one egg is released and fertilized, you may have multiple zygotes.
The zygote has 46 chromosomes - 23 from you and 23 from your partner. These chromosomes contain genetic material that will determine your baby's sex and traits such as eye color, hair color, height, facial features and - at least to some extent - intelligence and personality.
Soon after fertilization, the zygote travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. At the same time, it will begin dividing rapidly to form a cluster of cells resembling a tiny raspberry. The inner group of cells will become the embryo. The outer group of cells will become the membranes that nourish and protect it.
Week 3: ImplantationThe zygote - by this time made up of about 500 cells - is now known as a blastocyst. When it reaches your uterus, the blastocyst will burrow into the uterine wall for nourishment. The placenta, which will nourish your baby throughout the pregnancy, also begins to form.
By the end of this week, you may be celebrating a positive pregnancy test.
Week 4: The embryonic period beginsThe fourth week marks the beginning of the embryonic period, when the baby's brain, spinal cord, heart and other organs begin to form. Your baby is now 1/25 of an inch long.
The embryo is now made of three layers. The top layer - the ectoderm - will give rise to a groove along the midline of your baby's body. This will become the neural tube, where your baby's brain, spinal cord, spinal nerves and backbone will develop.
Your baby's heart and a primitive circulatory system will form in the middle layer of cells - the mesoderm. This layer of cells will also serve as the foundation for your baby's bones, muscles, kidneys and much of the reproductive system.
The inner layer of cells - the endoderm - will become a simple tube lined with mucous membranes. Your baby's lungs, intestines and bladder will develop here.
Week 5: Baby's heart begins to beatYour baby at week five (three weeks after conception)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At week five, your baby is 1/17 of an inch long - about the size of the tip of a pen.
This week, your baby's heart and circulatory system are taking shape. Your baby's blood vessels will complete a circuit, and his or her heart will begin to beat. Although you won't be able to hear it yet, the motion of your baby's beating heart may be detected with an ultrasound exam.
With these changes, blood circulation begins - making the circulatory system the first functioning organ system.
Week 6: The neural tube closesYour baby at week six (four weeks after conception)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth is rapid this week. Just four weeks after conception, your baby is about 1/8 of an inch long. The neural tube along your baby's back is now closed, and your baby's heart is beating with a regular rhythm.
Basic facial features will begin to appear, including an opening for the mouth and passageways that will make up the inner ear. The digestive and respiratory systems begin to form as well.
Small blocks of tissue that will form your baby's connective tissue, ribs and muscles are developing along your baby's midline. Small buds will soon grow into arms and legs.
Week 7: The umbilical cord appearsYour baby at week seven (five weeks after conception)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seven weeks into your pregnancy, your baby is 1/3 of an inch long - a little bigger than the top of a pencil eraser. He or she weighs less than an aspirin tablet.
The umbilical cord - the link between your baby and the placenta - is now clearly visible. The cavities and passages needed to circulate spinal fluid in your baby's brain have formed, but your baby's skull is still transparent.
The arm bud that sprouted last week now resembles a tiny paddle. Your baby's face takes on more definition this week, as a mouth perforation, tiny nostrils and ear indentations become visible.
Week 8: Baby's fingers and toes formEight weeks into your pregnancy, your baby is just over 1/2 of an inch long.
Your baby will develop webbed fingers and toes this week. Wrists, elbows and ankles are clearly visible, and your baby's eyelids are beginning to form. The ears, upper lip and tip of the nose also become recognizable.
As your baby's heart becomes more fully developed, it will pump at 150 beats a minute - about twice the usual adult rate.
Week 9: Movement beginsYour baby at week nine (seven weeks after conception)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your baby is now nearly 1 inch long and weighs a bit less than 1/8 of an ounce. The embryonic tail at the bottom of your baby's spinal cord is shrinking, helping him or her look less like a tadpole and more like a developing person.
Your baby's head - which is nearly half the size of his or her entire body - is now tucked down onto the chest. Nipples and hair follicles begin to form. Your baby's pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder and anus are in place. The internal reproductive organs, such as testes or ovaries, start to develop.
Your baby may begin moving this week, but you won't be able to feel it for quite a while yet.
Week 10: Neurons multiplyYour baby at week 10 (eight weeks after conception)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By now, your baby's vital organs have a solid foundation. The embryonic tail has disappeared completely, and your baby has fully separated fingers and toes. The bones of your baby's skeleton begin to form.
This week, your baby's brain will produce almost 250,000 new neurons every minute.
Your baby's eyelids are no longer transparent. The outer ears are starting to assume their final form, and tooth buds are forming as well. If your baby is a boy, his testes will start producing the male hormone testosterone.
Week 11: Baby's sex may be apparentYour baby at week 11 (nine weeks after conception)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From now until your 20th week of pregnancy - the halfway mark - your baby will increase his or her weight 30 times and will about triple in length. To make sure your baby gets enough nutrients, the blood vessels in the placenta are growing larger and multiplying.
Your baby is now officially described as a fetus. Your baby's ears are moving up and to the side of the head this week. By the end of the week, your baby's external genitalia will develop into a recognizable penis or clitoris and labia majora.
Week 12: Baby's fingernails and toenails appearTwelve weeks into your pregnancy, your baby is nearly 3 inches long and weighs about 4/5 of an ounce. Your baby's head is nearly half the size of his or her entire body.

What Increases Your Risk

2008-05-17T02:59:00.000-07:00

It is hard to predict who is at risk for preterm labor. Some women with risk factors do not have early labor. Others with no known risk factors do have early labor.
Related Articles
Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy - What Increases Your Risk
Preterm Labor - Topic Overview
» More birth Articles
Of all women who see a health professional about their preterm contractions (before 37 weeks, without preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM), about half will actually deliver at full term.

Preterm labor and preterm birth

Most premature births happen after naturally occurring, or spontaneous, preterm labor (as opposed to a medically necessary preterm birth, when the baby must be delivered as quickly as possible to prevent harm to mother or baby).
Experts say that spontaneous preterm labor is often the result of a combination of factors. The most common medical risk factors for a spontaneous preterm birth, in order from most to least risk, are:6
Pregnancy with twins, triplets, or more. (Use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or superovulation increases the risk of multiple pregnancy, which carries a high risk of premature birth and resulting medical complications.7)
In vitro fertilization (IVF), a type of ART. IVF twins tend to be born earlier than naturally-conceived twins.7
A past preterm delivery.
Vaginal bleeding in the second trimester.
Infection in the urinary or reproductive tract, including the vagina.
Age younger than 18 years.
Mother's low body weight for height (body mass index).
Cigarette smoking during pregnancy.
Frequent contractions.
Other factors that increase your risk for premature labor include:
Use of cocaine or methamphetamine.
Too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios).
A significantly shortened cervix, as seen on ultrasound.
Less common conditions linked to spontaneous preterm labor include:
A cervix that doesn't stay tightly closed until near your due date (incompetent cervix).
A history of two or more induced abortions. Risk increases with each additional abortion.8
A new pregnancy within 3 months of the end of your last pregnancy.
Problems with the uterus, such as an abnormally-shaped or overstretched uterus (too much amniotic fluid or twins or more can overstretch the uterus and rupture the amniotic sac).
Previous surgery on your cervix, such as a cone biopsy. Having a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) also raises preterm labor risk.9
Exposure to the drug DES (diethylstilbestrol) before your own birth.
Low prepregnancy weight or low weight gain during pregnancy.
Not eating a balanced diet.

TOP Websites

2008-04-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy.org
Preconception, Pregnancy and Early Childhood ...If you're trying to get pregnant, pregnant or have a family, we're the best resource for Pregnancy and Baby. We cover Getting Pregnant, Pregnancy, ...www.pregnancy.org/

Pregnancy: Humorous week-by-week calendar and free pregnancy tickers
Humorous week-by-week pregnancy calendar and pregnancy tickers - 100% http://free.pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/

Pregnancy Info: Birth, Baby, and Maternity Advice
Making sense of the confusing symptoms and signs of pregnancy.
www.pregnancy-info.net/

Healthy PregnancyPregnancy can be a joyous time.
But it also can be a time of uncertainty and worry. Getting informed is the first step in keeping yourself and your baby ...
www.4woman.gov/Pregnancy/

Parent

2008-04-02T05:19:00.000-07:00

A parent is a father or mother; one who sires or gives birth to and/or nurtures and raises an offspring. The different role of parents varies throughout the tree of life, and is especially complex in human culture.
Mother
A mother is the biological or social female parent of a child or offspring. The maternal bond describes the feelings the mother has for her (or another's) child. In the case of a mammal such as a human, the mother gestates her child (called first an embryo, then a fetus) in the uterus from conception until the fetus is sufficiently well-developed to be born. The mother then goes into labour and gives birth. Once the child is born, the mother produces milk to feed the child.

Quitting Smoking May Be Harder If Mom Smoked During Pregnancy

2008-03-25T02:27:00.000-07:00

Quitting smoking may be more difficult for individuals whose mothers smoked during pregnancy, according to animal research conducted by Duke University Medical Center researchers.

Prenatal exposure to nicotine is known to alter areas of the brain critical to learning, memory and reward. Scientists at the Duke Center for Nicotine and Smoking Cessation Research have discovered that these alterations may program the brain for relapse to nicotine addiction. Rodents exposed to nicotine before birth self administer more of the drug after periods of abstinence than those that had not been exposed.
The study suggests that pregnant women should quit smoking to avoid exposing their unborn children to nicotine, and that they should do so without the use of nicotine products such as patches or gums that also present a risk to the baby, the researchers said.
"Smoking during pregnancy can harm the baby in ways that extend far beyond preterm delivery or low birth weight," said lead study investigator Edward Levin, Ph.D., a professor of biological psychiatry. "It causes changes in the brain development of the baby that can last a lifetime."
Results of the study appear this week in the online issue of the journal Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior. The work was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and Philip Morris USA.
Levin's team exposed pregnant rats to nicotine. Once the offspring grew to adolescence, they were allowed to self administer nicotine as often as they wanted. To self administer the drug, the rats pressed a lever that caused a dose of nicotine to be delivered intravenously. Each push of the lever was roughly equivalent to a hit from a cigarette.
The researchers studied two groups of rats: those that had been exposed to nicotine prenatally and those that had not. Initially, both groups of rats consumed nicotine at the same rates -- about ten hits per session. After four weeks, the researchers forced the rats to go "cold turkey" for a week, during which they had no access to nicotine.
Once the scientists restored access to nicotine again, they witnessed a dramatic difference in the rates at which the two groups resumed the habit. The rats that had been exposed prenatally took nearly double the nicotine hits compared with those that had not.
While the rates of smoking in the United States are declining, approximately a quarter of Americans have mothers who smoked during pregnancy, Levin said. Previous studies have shown these individuals have a higher chance of sudden infant death syndrome, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, obesity and even of becoming a lifelong smoker themselves, Levin said.
"It is easy to quit smoking -- anyone can do it, for a brief time," Levin said. "But not taking it up again -- that is the part that has proven so difficult for most people, especially those who have been exposed to nicotine before birth."
Levin and his colleagues say that different smoking cessation approaches should be taken in individuals who have been exposed to nicotine prenatally. Whether or not a person has been exposed to nicotine while in the womb becomes another part of their medical profile that helps doctors tailor treatment to the specific needs of the patient, Levin said. Some other factors shown to influence a person's ability to quit include gender, age, state of mental health and genetics, he added.
Other researchers participating in the study were Susan Lawrence, Ann Petro, Kofi Horton, Frederic J. Seidler and Theodore A. Slotkin.

Should I Change My Diet During Pregnancy?

2008-03-24T01:56:00.000-07:00

Good nutrition before you’re pregnant will mean a healthier you and baby. If you’re already eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet now few, if any, changes will be necessary during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, also referred to as the ACOG, recommends that pregnant women increase their pre-pregnancy servings of the four basic food groups to include the following:

At least four servings of fruits and vegetables. This is important for making sure you consume enough vitamins and minerals through food, in addition to any prenatal vitamins your health care provider has suggested during your pregnancy.
At least four servings of whole-grain or enriched bread and cereal to ensure you have enough energy during your pregnancy.
At least four or more serving of milk and dairy products (not including butter or margarine) for the calcium you need during pregnancy.
You’ll also need to consume at least three servings of meat, fish, poultry, chicken, eggs, nuts, dried beans, or peas to ensure an adequate level of protein in your diet.
A well-balanced diet during pregnant helps ensure that both you and your baby are healthy.

The only necessary recommended daily allowance or RDA that is difficult to achieve through diet is iron. In most cases, your physician will prescribe an iron supplement during pregnancy. Also, be sure to follow any additional diet or vitamin supplementations recommendations that your personal physician recommends during your pregnancy.

Meat and Meat Alternatives

2008-03-20T02:18:00.000-07:00

5.5 ounce equivalents (or the amount of a food that has a similar nutrition value as 5.5 ounces of meat)

Count as 1 ounce equivalent: 1 ounce lean meat, fish, or poultry; 1 egg; 1 slice lunch meat; 1 tablespoon peanut butter; 1/4 cup cooked kidney, pinto, or garbanzo beans.

Fruit Group—2 cups
Count as 1 cup: 1 cup (8 ounces) 100% juice; 1 large banana or orange; 1 small apple; 1 cup canned fruit. Include one Vitamin C source such as an orange or orange juice every day.

Vegetable Group—2.5 cups
Count as 1 cup: 1 cup cooked vegetables; 2 cups raw leafy vegetables; 1 cup (8 ounces) 100% juice. Include one serving of a dark green leafy vegetable every day.
Grain Group—6 ounce equivalents (or the amount of a food that has a similar nutrition value to 6 ounces of a grain)
Count as 1 ounce equivalent: 1 slice 100% whole grain bread; 1 cup whole grain, ready-to-eat cereal; ½ cup cooked cereal, rice, or pasta, ½ “mini” bagel, 1 small tortilla, 6 inches in diameter; 1 pancake, 4½ inches in diameter.
Oils and Solid Fats—use sparingly
Common portions: 1 tablespoon corn, safflower, or cottonseed oil; 1 tablespoon margarine; 1 tablespoon mayonnaise; 1 ounce nuts; and 4 large olives.
Most cakes, pies, cookies, soft drinks, sugar, honey, candy, jams, jellies, gravies, butter, and sour cream have either an oil or solid fat and may be loaded with simple sugars. Eat them in moderation; save them to eat only if you need extra calories after eating the basic needed foods.

Recommended Servings

2008-03-18T22:02:00.001-07:00

*Based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your needs may vary depending on age, sex, and activity level.
Dairy Group—3 cups per day; be sure to choose lower fat selections
Count as 1 cup: 1 cup (8 ounces) 1% or skim milk; 1 cup low-fat yogurt; 2 cups low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese; 1½ cups low-fat or fat-free ice cream; 1½ ounces of low fat hard cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or parmesan); 1/3 cup shredded cheese; 2 ounces processed cheese (American); 1 cup pudding (made with milk).

Guide to Good Eating During Pregnancy

2008-03-17T01:38:00.000-07:00

Eat a variety of foods.
Choose foods with a lot of fiber—fruits, vegetables, dry beans, whole grain breads and cereals, and other whole grain products.
Exercise in moderation on a regular basis (ask your doctor).
Drink plenty of fluids (64 ounces per day or eight, 8-ounce glasses)
Eat 3 to 5 meals and snacks per day.
Pregnancy increases the need for calories and most nutrients. Starting with the second trimester, you need to increase your normal calorie level by 300 calories to provide the extra energy your body needs. Remember, this is not a lot of food. 300 calories is equal to a small snack, such as a half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a glass of 1% milk.
The amount of suggested weight gain depends upon your weight before pregnancy (ask your doctor).

Nutritional Needs of Pregnancy

2008-03-15T03:31:00.000-07:00

Updated by: Jaime Foster, Extension Associate, Human Nutrition, February 2006

Pregnancy is the most nutritionally demanding time of a woman’s life. Your body needs enough nutrients every day to support the growth of your baby and the maintenance of your own body. All the nourishment this developing baby needs comes from you, either through the foods you eat or the supplements you take.
Pregnant women need more essential nutrients than other women. From the beginning of the second trimester until delivery, your body needs an additional 300 calories each day to support the growth of your baby. It is important to eat the right foods every day since tissues and organs develop during certain weeks of your pregnancy. Your own health depends on your diet, too. While your body is supplying the nutrients your baby needs, your body still needs the same nutrients as before you were pregnant.
MyPyramid helps you choose healthy foods to meet your needs. Increase your intake of nutrient-dense foods. Nutrient-dense foods are packed with more nutrients for the calories than other foods that are mostly calories with few other nutrients. Nutrients are also called vitamins and minerals. By following MyPyramid recommendations based on age, sex, and activity level while adding the additional 300 calories per day at the start of the second trimester, you can get the nourishment you need.
Protein is needed for the buildup of your muscles, uterus, breasts, blood supply, and baby’s tissues. Low protein intake is related to smaller-than-average weight babies who may have health problems. Pregnant women need around 60 grams of protein per day.
Folate is a vitamin that is required to build protein tissues. Low folate levels are linked to birth defects, such as spina bifida. These defects form early in pregnancy, often before women know they are pregnant. It is important to eat enough foods high in folate like broccoli, dark green vegetables, and oranges both before and during pregnancy. The dietary reference intake for folate is 400 milligrams per day.
Calcium is needed by your baby for strong bones. If calcium is not supplied by the mother’s diet, calcium is taken from the mother’s bones for the baby. The dietary reference intake for calcium is 1,000 milligrams per day or 1,300 milligrams per day for women under 18 years of age.
Low Zinc levels during pregnancy can cause long labor and small babies who may have health problems. The dietary reference intake for zinc is 11 milligrams per day or 12 milligrams per day for women under 18 years of age.
Iron deficiency is common in pregnant women. Both mother and baby need iron for their developing blood supplies. A developing baby also stores iron for use after birth. This increases the mother’s iron needs. It is practically impossible to get enough iron from food. Doctors usually recommend supplements. The dietary reference intake for iron is 27 milligrams per day for all pregnant women.
A good diet takes planning. Pregnant women should make sure to include:
Enough calories for adequate weight gain.
A variety of foods from each food group, with limited use of the oils and solid fats group.
Regular meals and snacks.
30 grams of dietary fiber every day.
8 or more cups of water each day.
Salt to taste.
No alcoholic beverages, including beer.
Prenatal vitamin once a day, if prescribed by your doctor.
No one can guarantee a baby will be born healthy and strong. However, these are steps mothers-to-be can take to make the best baby possible. Nothing offers greater benefits to mother and baby than good nutrition.

Coughs and Colds

2008-03-14T04:30:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy can cause your mucous membranes to swell. This can make it more difficult to get rid of coughs, colds, etc. Prevention is key here. Eat well, and get plenty of rest and exercise. Also avoid people who are contagious if possible.

Suggestions:

Well balanced diet
Increase Vitamin C foods
Eating garlic or onions can help with infections
Zinc and Vitamin C supplements will help increase your resistance
B vitamins help if you are under stress
Use a humidifier
Use Aconite 6X every two hours for 24 hours at the first sign of a cold
Allium Cepa 6C three times daily for a streaming head cold
Eucalyptus, lavender, lemon and tea tree: 2 drops pf each oil into a bowl of water, inhale steam for 10 minutes Do not use in conjunction with homeopathic remedies.

Backaches

2008-03-13T00:51:00.000-07:00

Backaches can be particularly annoying. They can be caused by poor posture, inappropriate lifting techniques, lack of exercise, or the weight of the baby and the stretching ligaments.

Suggestions:
Utilize good posture
Use proper lifting techniques
Pelvic rocking
Massage
Sleep with pillows supporting your legs and back
Wear flat heeled shoes that offer good support
Heat (bath, shower, pad, sock)
Swimming
Don't move in a jerky fashion
Stretch daily
Herbal Liniments may help
St. John's Wort tincture, 15-25 drops in a glass of water every few hours as needed
For severe pain add 3-5 drops of Skullcap tincture to the above
Chiropractic help may be of use as well

First Baby - 18 Weeks

2008-03-12T00:58:00.000-07:00

Leg Cramps

2008-03-11T03:28:00.000-07:00

Cramps in your muscles are common during pregnancy. They may be caused by the weight you are carrying, circulation changes, or calcium deficiency.
Suggestions:
Regular exercise
Adequate calcium intake
When the cramp begins, bring your toes towards you, and massage the muscle
Dissolve four tablets of Magnesia Phosphorica 6X in a small glass of warm water

Women's Day or farce?

2008-03-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

4 Mar 2006, 2312 hrs IST,Shobhaa De,TNN

Everyday's Women's Day. A woman has to make her own day, and do so with confidence and courage. To ear-mark one day of the year for the occasion is to insult women who do not possess calendars and have absolutely no idea that the rest of the world is 'celebrating' their gender.

There is no celebration in the lives of those women who have no access to education, to personal liberties and even to their own thoughts. Most of them are born as 'accidents'. Unwanted even by the woman in whose womb they've grown.

They are resented at birth, unsafe in their own homes. Their lives are valued at less than a price of a bicycle or a goat. Money? Forget it. They have to earn it through hard labour, carrying stones to build roads that women like you and me drive on in our fancy cars. But even that money does not belong to them. Nothing does.
Not even their name, which is changed when they marry strangers. Husbands, who are bought at a price by impatient fathers anxious to off-load their 'burdens'. Everything is 'given' to them and that includes the two stale rotis they eat.
source: http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1438227.cms

Constipation and Hemorrhoids

2008-03-07T04:54:00.000-08:00

Constipation can become a problem in pregnancy due to hormonal changes affecting the digestive system. However, iron tablets can also lead to constipation as well as a lack of fiber in your diet. Hemorrhoids are varicose veins of the rectum which are associated with pregnancy. Preventing constipation is a good start to preventing hemorrhoids.

Suggestions for constipation:
Regular exercise, especially squatting
Plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet
Drink plenty of fluids
Drink prune juice
Nux Vomica 6X three times daily
When you have to go..GO! Do not delay the urge to defecate.
Avoid straining your bowels (This will also help prevent hemorrhoids.)

Suggestions for Hemorrhoids:
Avoid straining
Apply baking soda wet or dry to take away the itch, even add some to your bath water
Hamamelis 30X
Witch hazel or lemon juice to reduce swelling or bleeding
Comfrey or Yellowdock Root ointment
Herbal sitz baths

Fainting and Dizziness

2008-03-05T00:54:00.000-08:00

Fainting is common during pregnancy. the blood may pool in the lower body and the brain may become temporarily deprived of oxygen, causing fainting or dizziness.

Suggestions:

>> Avoid standing for long periods of time
>> While standing practice contracting and relaxing your leg and buttocks muscles to help blood return to your head
>> When resting lay on your side as opposed to your back
>> When sitting return to standing slowly
>> Don't get out of a hot bath too quickly
>> Keep cool in hot weather
>> If you feel faint, sit to avoid injury and place your head lower than your body, kneeling on all fours works too
>> Take a few drops of Bach Rescue Remedy as soon as your start to feel faint
>> Make sure you blood sugar isn't low, eat small protein rich snacks throughout the day
>> Shiatsu points Lung 9 (LU9) and Heart 7 (HT7) together, if done by someone else, or separately if alone, for 5-7 seconds, repeat three times, then do the same to the opposite arm

Search Engine Optimization and SEO Tools

2008-03-05T00:53:00.000-08:00

Search Engine Optimization and SEO Tools