Pregnancy

Post Traumatic Response And Post Pregnancy Life

2008-02-25T22:01:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, there are a few women who experience great difficulty during childbirth. Their experiences may be traumatic. This sort of experience is accompanied by a lot of shame and guilt in the mind of the mother, in her post pregnancy life and it leads to high levels of stress. This post traumatic response(PTR) can become the cause of a failed marriage, phobia of further pregnancies, failed bonding with the new born infant and other physical and emotional ailments. Mothers are known to suffer from nightmares for decades after, in life post pregnancy and sometimes, they are never able to bond with their offspring.

The symptoms of PTR

The symptoms of Post Traumatic Response include nightmares, anxiety, depression, a heightened startle response and lack of sexual desire. Sometimes, these symptoms may be caused by a physical problem such as a fractured pelvis or peritoneal tears during childbirth.

Here Are Some Questions the Doctor Should Ask You If He Thinks You Are Suffering from PTR

Do you not feel safe any more?

Do you have a heightened startle response?

Do you avoid talking about pregnancy or avoid anything that may remind you of pregnancy?

Do you get affected by certain smells? Do they bring back unhappy memories of the labor room? Are you unwilling to go back to the hospital where you delivered?

Do you experience a feeling that something is wrong, suffer from night mares, feel depressed and anxious, and feel a lack of bonding with your infant and spouse, numbed emotions, indifference, feelings of anger, sadness and mood swings?

If your answer is yes to any of these questions about PTR and post pregnancy life, you should get help from a specialist doctor, who after understanding your situation, will be able to advise you on steps to take, to make you well again. After all, motherhood is meant to be enjoyed. It should not cause trauma.

Post Pregnancy Diet - Continuing A Healthy Well Balanced Diet

2008-02-25T21:58:00.000-08:00

A healthy post pregnancy diet is very important for both the mother and the child; Remember, you are breast-feeding and you need nourishment for yourself and to feed the baby. You may have gained weight during pregnancy, but the way to counter it is with good exercise.

Give Importance to a Balanced Diet

If your pregnancy has been a normal pregnancy, you can start exercising right away. Start slow, take a walk, or go swimming. However, you should continue to give importance to eating a healthy diet and a well-balanced meal. Get in touch with a good dietician, who can help you design a well-balanced, nutritious meal, tailor made to suit your needs. This will help you loose weight in a healthy manner.

Avoid Fatty Foods

Eats lots of freshly cooked green leafy vegetables, eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Eat pulses, legumes, whole grains, fortified cereals, and fresh fruits. Avoid eating oily and fatty foods. Remember, breast-feeding itself will burn up quite a few calories for you daily. In addition, you are supposed to follow the diet prescribed by your dietician. Also, drink lots of water, at least six to eight glasses a day.

Get Some Exercise

To a great healthy well balanced diet, you can add proper exercise. Take time out when your baby is asleep, put on an exercise video, and do some aerobics. Alternatively, you can leave the baby with your spouse for a while and go for a nice long walk. A walk will refresh and revitalize you. Buy your self some good shoes, nice clothes, and a good firm bra and start an exercise routine. However, always consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine. Do not be too harsh on your self. Do not push yourself too much in the beginning. Give your body time to heal and recover post pregnancy.

We wish you look beautiful and get back to your pre pregnancy looks with that post pregnancy diet, created especially for you.

Plugged Ducts - Why Your Breast Milk Is Blocked

2008-02-25T21:53:00.000-08:00

If you are unable to feed your baby breast milk, the reason could be plugged ducts. A plugged duct is the milk duct in your breasts, which has become blocked, inflamed, and sore. It can cause you pain and make you feel feverish. If you catch fever with a plugged duct, you must consult a doctor.

How is a Plugged Duct Caused?

Plugged ducts are caused when milk ducts are blocked by a mass of thickened milk or cells. This may be caused because of missing breast feedings, wearing a tight bra; some sleeping positions and not applying the correct positions while breast feeding. If you don’t take care, then a plugged duct could flare up into mastitis.

Cures for Plugged Ducts

Breast-feed your baby as frequently as possible, so that the plugged ducts are drained.

Also, apply hot compresses to the affected area or stand under the shower, with the sprays targeting the sore areas.

Give yourself a massage on the affected area, before and during feedings.

You must take a lactation consultant’s advice, if your plugged ducts do not heal in a few days time.

These Are a Few Tips on How to Get Rid of Mastitis.

Mastitis is caused by severely blocked ducts. The symptoms of mastitis are tender spots in your breasts that are warm to the touch, feeling feverish, having headaches and feeling fatigued.

Give yourself as much rest as possible. Have some water, snacks by your side, and nurse the baby while resting, as much as you can.

Shake your arms vigorously to open up the plugged ducts.

Research says that, breast-feeding your baby at this time may not only help you in getting better faster, but it will not have an adverse effect on your infant.

Ensure that your baby does not have to bear with plugged ducts and go hungry. For more information visit pregnancy period.

Prolactin And Its Effect On Periods After Pregnancy

2008-02-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

Periods after pregnancy can be either regular or erratic. They are different for different women. Some women get their periods in the first month, and regularly after, and some get them even after six months of child bearing.

The Release of Prolactin

The reason why your periods become irregular post pregnancy is that, a substance called prolactin is secreted by the pituitary gland during breast-feeding. Prolactin suppresses normal functioning of the ovaries. Some women are clearly affected by this and they do not get their periods for some time after pregnancy, while for others, their periods resume like before.

Your First Period Post Pregnancy

The first period after pregnancy is slightly unusual. There is pain and heavy bleeding. This is because, your body needs to get used to the 9-month long gap from regular menstruation. You may get very tired during this time.

You will get your first period after pregnancy within five to six weeks of delivery, if you breast-feed your baby or combine breast-feeding with bottle-feeding.

If you breast feed your baby and do not bottle feed at all, you may not get your periods, while you are breast-feeding. In addition, your periods will tend to be most irregular during this time, if they do happen.

You are Fertile even though You Don’t Get Your Periods

Here is an important point to be remembered. While you are breastfeeding, you do not get your period, however, that does not mean you will not get pregnant again. You are very fertile during this time. Ask for your doctor’s advice on what contraceptive method you should follow. Taking estrogen or progesterone pills can be harmful at this time. The use of condoms may be a wise decision.

You may want to read more about periods after pregnancy. Read good books and health magazines that offer reliable advice on the subject.

Look Lovely In Pea Pod Maternity Clothing

2008-02-25T21:43:00.000-08:00

Pea pod Maternity is a superb store, where you will find lots and lots of great things to buy for your pregnancy. It is a maternity store that sells exclusive clothing to people who can afford them. Therefore, if you wish to look your best and money is no constraint for you, go ahead, and shop at Pea Pod Maternity.

Stylish Outfits

If you are a businesswoman and are also pregnant, you may have to shop for some stylish maternity clothes to look your best at business meetings. Pea Pod maternity apparel has attire that appears cool and formal and yet, makes you look ravishing. Clothes are available in many varieties and styles. There are a wide range of eveningwear and also some beautiful lingerie. They also have designer wear to cater to your choice and taste.

Lots of Choices

The variety at pea pod maternity is awesome. You can get shirts, pants, blouses, sweaters, jackets, and even some really sexy swimwear.

It is a Time to Show Off

It is a maternity store that ensures that being pregnant is a celebration and something to be proud of. Instead of clothes that hide your belly and make you look like you are wrapped up in a sack, these clothes accentuate your beautiful belly. Yes, it is certainly time to show off that you are pregnant and are proud of it too!

Not Just Clothes

You can also shop for things other than clothes at Pea Pod Maternity. Books related to pregnancy, skin care products and skin lotions, nursing products, such as breast feeding pillows and breast feeding covers are all available at this fabulous store. If you do not want to spend too much money, why don’t you visit the store when there is sale going on? You will get some great outfits at terrific and rock bottom prices.

So next time you want to splurge, visit Pea Pod Maternity or you can even shop at their store online.

Nursing Pajamas And Shirts For Comfort And Beauty

2008-02-25T21:40:00.000-08:00

Ladies, its time to pamper yourself, you have just been through nine months of pregnancy, a time that was difficult and yet rewarding. Weren’t you just amazed at the feeling of holding the little bundle of joy in your arms for the first time? Now, you will have to breast feed your baby. Are you prepared with a set of nursing pajamas and shirt?

You, as a mother, certainly wouldn’t want your new born to feel any discomfort what so ever, would you? Give it the feeling of not just comfort but also luxury while it breast feeds in your lap, by wearing soft nursing pajamas and shirts.

These pajamas and shirts are not just functional but fashionable too. They have very pretty designs on them. They are stitched not just for comfort, but also with an eye for fashion. They are very attractive and bound to make you want some more for home wear.

Here Are Some Tips on Choosing Nursing Pajamas and Shirts

Combine comfort with fashion and you will find a pair of nursing pajamas that will make you look and feel great. Not just that, your baby will feel loved too.

The silken pajamas are not just comfortable, but are very luxurious looking too.

Wear Pajamas and shirts with a good fit. Just because you have had a baby, does not mean you should dress up in sack like clothing.

You may be tempted to buy a pair of nursing pajamas with a slinky shiny belt, but it is advisable not to. These belts are a hindrance during nursing.

Buy dark colored pajamas, they make you look slim and attractive.

Buy pajamas and shirts in contrasting colors. Then you can mix and match them and get loads of compliments.

So wear these nursing pajamas and shirts that are made to make you look lovely and attractive and let your baby feel cozy and comfortable while it breast feeds.

Nursing Gowns - A Boon For Pregnant Women

2008-02-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

A nursing gown is a boon for women in the later stages of their pregnancy. It helps women to move about freely and in comfort. You can walk, sit, and sleep feeling like a queen, because these gowns are designed to make movement easy. This becomes even more necessary during the later months of pregnancy. You must buy at least one additional nursing gown, for the big day, to carry with you to the hospital when you are due.

Comfortable and Attractive

Most maternity and nursing wear are made of soft material, with very pretty designs on them. They are very attractive and come in a wide range of colors. They are not just the epitome of comfort, but because of its fit, they help alleviate the negative symptoms of pregnancy, besides looking so appealing that they can lift up your spirits and take you out of depression.

Surfing the Net for Maternity Gowns

Nursing gowns are available everywhere these days. The markets are loaded them; you will also get them at shops that sell clothes especially for pregnant mothers, not to mention the internet, which is fast replacing any other form of shopping. If you surf the net on a regular basis, you are sure to find some of the best bargains and deals for these useful items of clothing. The clothes come in a variety of designs and colors and in any size you want, from petite to extra large. You will certainly be pampered for choice if you look up the net for maternity gowns.

Ideal to Breast Feed Your Baby In

This is the ideal form of clothing during nursing, because you can breast-feed your baby so easily. A nursing gown is one of the best forms of home wear that you can buy during and after pregnancy. Your baby will also find the texture of the cloth soft to the touch and will feel just as pampered as you.

Neonatal Care - Taking Care Of Your Baby’s Breast Feeding Needs

2008-02-25T21:35:00.000-08:00

The advantages of neo natal care cannot be underestimated. Neonatal care involves nursing your offspring to health and this requires you to breast feed your baby regularly. Research has proved that breast-feeding is the best form of food for the baby in the early months, after it is born. The advantages of breast-feeding are too many to elaborate on, but here are a few. Breast milk is nutritious and it builds the baby’s immunity. It is also easily digestible by the baby’s simple digestive system.

Getting a Lactation Consultant to Teach You to Breast feed

We know it can be difficult as a first time mother and you may require hands on training to breast feed your little one. Find out how in breast feeding help. Here, you will get to know how a lactation consultant can help you learn how and when to breast feed, and what to do in certain difficult situations.

Good Advice on Breast Feeding Your Baby

Go through our various sections that help you with breast feeding. Breast feeding help is only one of them. The section on breast feeding problems gives you good advice on taking care of your nipples, Breast feeding diet advices you on the right diet for you while you are breast feeding, and foods to avoid is another useful section that tells you what foods you should not eat while breast feeding, to ensure a healthy you and baby. The different breast-feeding positions help you learn how to hold your baby the right way while breast feeding it. You can also learn the benefits of fenugreek breast feeding. Those are some of the interesting topics you will get to read about under neo natal care. We wish you luck and lots of baby dust. For more information visit pregnancy period .

A Week-By-Week Account Of The Second Trimester Of Pregnancy

2008-01-21T23:43:00.000-08:00

Week 14 to week 26 make up the second trimester of pregnancy. This phase of pregnancy is perhaps the easiest and comparatively most peaceful. Your nausea and fatigue have stopped and you can relax a while before your third trimester starts. Here is week by week know how on the second trimester.

Week 14- Your baby’s beating heat can be heard. It weighs approximately two ounces and can move its arms and legs

Week 15- The baby begins to develop small fine hair on its body that it will shed off before birth

Week 16- You can feel the movements of your baby inside you. It is very active inside.

Week 17- The baby’s circulatory system is developing and it is growing healthier by the day.

Week 18-The baby can now open and close its eyes. Its digestive system also begins to function.

Week 19- A waxy substance covers the baby from head to toe, to protect it from its wet surroundings, and to make it easier for the baby to be born from the mother’s birth canal.

Week 20- Lots of developments take place in your baby at this time. The head starts developing soft hair and the internal sex organs in the infant start forming.

Week 21- Your baby is developing, slowly and steadily.

Week 22- Your baby is almost completely developed. The brain and the sex organs still need to be formed.

Week 23- Your tiny baby is ready to make it in this big wide world

Week 24- Rapid growth and fast developments are the hallmarks of this week of pregnancy

Week 25- The veins and arteries are developing as well as the spinal chord.

Week 26- At this time of pregnancy, the baby has developed a proper respiratory system

That was some inputs on the second trimester of pregnancy, week by week. You should read up more on pregnancy and your condition in books, magazines and on the net. It will help you through this difficult yet marvelous time of your life. For more information visit pregnancy period.

Second Trimester Of Pregnancy- An Easier Phase

2008-01-21T23:07:00.000-08:00

The second trimester of pregnancy is comparatively easier than the first stage of pregnancy. The feelings of nausea that you underwent in the first trimester of pregnancy are gone and you tire less easily. Your sex drive may be back too. Therefore, its time now to do the things you just could not do in the first trimester, go for an outing, listen to music, read some good books and magazines on pregnancy. This is the best time really, because the third trimester of pregnancy can be quite challenging and then your baby will be born and you will have no time.

How your Body Changes

Now is the time when your stomach expands and you gain weight, as your baby within you begins to grow. Your breasts will secrete milk and grow larger. Your heart will pump more blood and grow slightly larger in size.

Your Baby Is Growing Too

Your baby by the end of the second stage of pregnancy has its own distinct identity. It has a clear fingerprint. It has eyes, ears, nose, and a forehead in place and can even smile, because the facial muscles have formed. Its vital organs too have formed like the heart, lungs, and kidneys. This is the time when you will feel your baby move in your tummy.

Regular Check Ups From The Doctor

Some mothers may be constipated during this stage of pregnancy. You may experience backache and may be unable to sleep on your back or belly. The best way to sleep is on your sides propped up by cushions. This is also the time when you may get gestational diabetes. You must also be careful and report to the doctor immediately, if you have high fever, vaginal bleeding, blurred vision, or swelling of your face and hands. It is advisable to get regular check ups from your doctor to avoid any complications. You should also take as much rest as possible, do not stand if it is not necessary.

Your Diet

Eat a healthy diet, rich in calcium, folic acid and other vitamins. Eat freshly cooked green leafy vegetables and foods high in fiber content. Eat fruits and citrus fruits. Eat papaya to avoid acidity. Do not smoke or drink alcohol or do drugs.

Wish you lots of joy and happiness in your second trimester of pregnancy. For more information visit pregnancy period .

Pregnancy Stages-A Mother’s Journey Through Pregnancy

2008-01-21T23:04:00.000-08:00

The Stages of pregnancy take a woman through one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences of her life. She will soon be a mother; the feeling is out of this world.

The stages of pregnancy are divided into three pregnancy trimesters.

The First Trimester- Nausea And Mood Swings

The first stage of pregnancy brings on many changes in your body, as the baby within you starts to grow. You may feel stressed out, nauseas, suffer from fatigue and tiredness, and develop mood swings. All these will usually go away as the pregnancy progresses.

Meanwhile, the baby within you begins to grow too. By the end of the first trimester, your baby weighs almost half an ounce. Its eyes and ears develop, the liver makes bile, and the kidneys secrete urine.

The Second Trimester-You Can Feel Your Baby Move

In the second pregnancy trimester, your abdomen expands, as you gain weight with the growing baby inside you and you will soon be able to feel your baby move. Some of the pains you had in the first trimester will continue, while there will be certain changes such as skin changes, stretch marks, itching on the abdomen, feet and palms.

You baby will develop fingers, toes, eyebrows and eyelashes; it will also develop its vital organs, like the lungs, heart and kidneys. By the end of the trimester, you will even be able to feel the baby move inside you.

The Third Trimester- Prepare To Have Your Baby

You will now go to the bathroom more often because of the growing baby’s pressure exerted on the bladder. You may have greater difficulty in breathing too. You may have trouble sleeping, develop tender and sore breasts, feel heartburn, and develop swollen feet and ankles.

Your baby continues to grow, but it has less space in the uterus and so you may not be able to feel its movements. It can open and close its eyes and as your due date approaches, it will drop into the lower abdomen and taker its birth position. At birth, a baby usually weighs approximately 71/2 pounds.

Those were the three stages of pregnancy. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you kept a pregnancy journal and jotted down all your feelings in the journal? You could also have some lovely pictures in your journal of you at different stages of pregnancy. For more information visit pregnancy period.

Useful Information On Medicines To Avoid While Pregnant

2008-01-21T22:52:00.000-08:00

It is important to know, which medicines to take, and which medicines to avoid when pregnant. When you become pregnant, your body’s metabolism slows down and so it finds it difficult to remove harmful toxins from the body. Therefore, taking over the counter medication during this period is a big no. In fact, you must consult a good doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy. Otherwise, it can severely impair growth of the unborn child in the mother’s womb.

It would be a good idea to do some reading about medication during pregnancy and its negative effects on the fetus. It will create awareness and ensure that you do not take any drugs without a doctor’s prescription.

Some Drugs To Be Wary Of During Pregnancy

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies they say are ideal during your bouts of nausea and morning sickness. However, you should not take any of these drugs without clearance from your doctor. Whether it is spirulina or Echinacea, ginko biloba or St. John’s Wort, do not take them without checking with the doctor.

Antibiotics

Avoid popping pills at the smallest of illnesses. These antibiotics may do you and your baby more harm than good.

Tranquilizers

Valium is a commonly used tranquilizer. However, do not take any tranquilizers without your doctor’s permission.

MAO Inhibitors

These are another class of medicines that can have undesirable side effects in mother and child. Phenelzine and Isocarboacid are common MAO inhibitors.

Medication During Pregnancy-Yes Or No

Whether medication should be taken during pregnancy is debatable. However, there are times when medication becomes absolutely necessary to save both mother and child. For instance, a diabetic mother may have to take medication during pregnancy to prevent a miscarriage. In the same way, an Aids patient may have to take medication to ensure that the disease is not passed on to the baby.

Pregnant mothers must avoid certain medicines, it is true, however as we saw in the earlier passage, sometimes medication cannot be avoided during pregnancy.