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Administrator — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:12:20 +0000

Great Ideas for Parents and Kids

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Charting Fertility Patterns: Basal Body Temperature, Calendar & Cervical Mucus Method

Administrator — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 06:25:27 +0000

How can I tell when I am most likely to get pregnant?

Knowing when you’re most fertile will help you plan or prevent pregnancy. There are three ways you can keep track of your fertile times. They are:

Basal Body Temperature Method

Basal body temperature is your temperature at rest as soon as you awake in the morning. A woman’s basal body temperature rises slightly with ovulation. So by recording this temperature daily for several months you’ll be able to predict your most fertile days.

Basal body temperature differs slightly from woman to woman. Anywhere from 96 to 98 degrees orally is average before ovulation. After ovulation most women have an oral temperature between 97 and 99 degrees. The rise in temperature can be a sudden jump or a gradual climb over a few days.

Usually a woman’s basal body temperature rises by only 0.4 to 0.8 degrees Fahrenheit. To detect this tiny change, women must use a basal body thermometer. These thermometers are very sensitive. Most pharmacies sell them for around $10. You then record your temperature on a special chart.

The rise in temperature doesn’t show exactly when the egg is released. But almost all women have ovulated within three days after their temperatures spike. Body temperature stays at the higher level until your period starts.

You are most fertile and most likely to get pregnant:

two to three days before your temperature hits the highest point (ovulation), and
12 to 24 hours after ovulation.

A man’s sperm can live for up to three days in a woman’s body. The sperm can fertilize an egg at any point during that time. So if you have unprotected sex a few days before ovulation there is a chance of becoming pregnant.

Many things can affect basal body temperature. To get the most useful chart you should take your temperature every morning at about the same time. Things that can alter your temperature include:

drinking alcohol the night before
smoking cigarettes the night before
getting a poor night’s sleep
having a fever
doing anything in the morning before you take your temperature – including going to the bathroom and talking on the phone

Calendar Method

This involves keeping a written record of each menstrual cycle on a calendar. The first day of your period is Day 1. Circle Day 1 on the calendar. Do this for eight to 12 months so you know how many days are in your cycle. The length of your cycle may vary from month to month. So write down the total number of days it lasts each time. To find out the first day when you are most fertile, check your list for the cycle with the fewest days. Then subtract 18 from that number. Take this new number and count ahead that many days on the calendar. Draw an X through this date. The X marks the first day you’re likely to be fertile. To find out the last day when you are fertile, subtract 11 days from your longest cycle and draw an X through this date. This method always should be used with other fertility awareness methods, especially if your cycles are not always the same lengths.

Cervical Mucus Method (also known as the Ovulation Method)

This involves being aware of the changes in your cervical mucus throughout the month. The hormones that control the menstrual cycle also change the kind and amount of mucus you have before and during ovulation. Right after your period, there are usually few days when there is no mucus present or “dry days.” As the egg starts to mature, mucus increases in the vagina, appears at the vaginal opening, and is white or yellow and cloudy and sticky. The greatest amount of mucus appears just before ovulation. During these “wet days” it becomes clear and slippery, like raw egg whites. Sometimes it can be stretched apart. This is when you are most fertile. About four days after the wet days begin the mucus changes again. There will be much less and it becomes sticky and cloudy. You might have a few more dry days before your period returns. Describe changes in your mucus on a calendar. Label the days, “Sticky,” “Dry,” or “Wet.” You are most fertile at the first sign of wetness after your period or a day or two before wetness begins. This method is less reliable for some women. Women who are breastfeeding, taking hormonal contraceptives (like the pill) using feminine hygiene products, have vaginitis or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or have had surgery on the cervix should not rely on this method.

To most accurately track your fertility, use a combination of all three methods. This is called the symptothermal method.

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I’m pregnant. What should I do or avoid for a healthy baby?

Administrator — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:49:10 +0000

There are many things that you can do during pregnancy to ensure the health of both you and baby. Your doctor will probably recommended a lot of things to you based on your unique situation. But, in general, the following may help you stay healthy during pregnancy:

Take a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
Get early and regular prenatal care. Whether this is your first pregnancy or third, health care is extremely important. Your doctor will check to make sure you and the baby are healthy at each visit. If there are any problems, early action will help you and the baby.
Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, and calcium – rich foods. Choose foods low in saturated fat.
Unless your doctor tells you not to, try to be active for 30 minutes, most days of the week. If you don’t have much time, get your exercise in 10 minute segments, three times a day. Learn more about how to have fit during pregnancy.
If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs, STOP! These can cause long-term harm to your baby. Ask your doctor for help.
Ask your doctor before taking any medicine. Some are not safe during pregnancy. Remember that even over-the-counter medicines and herbal products may cause side effects or other problems. So ask your doctor before taking these products too.
Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and x-rays.
If you have a cat, ask your doctor about toxoplasmosis. This infection is caused by a parasite sometimes found in cat feces. When left untreated toxoplasmosis can cause birth defects. Your doctor may suggest avoiding cat litter and working in garden areas used by cats.
Don’t eat uncooked or undercooked meats or fish.
Stay away from chemicals like insecticides, solvents (like some cleaners or paint thinners), lead, and mercury. Not all products have pregnancy warnings on their labels. If you’re unsure if a product is safe, ask your doctor before using it.
Avoid or control caffeine in your diet. Pregnant women should have no more than two servings of caffeine per day. Remember that teas, sodas, and chocolate may contain caffeine.
Stay active. Most women continue working through pregnancy. Few jobs are unsafe for pregnant women. But if you’re worried about the safety of your job, talk with your doctor.
Get informed. Read books, watch videos, go to a childbirth class, and talk with experienced moms.
Ask your doctor about childbirth education classes for you and your partner. Classes can help you prepare for the birth of your baby.

Check out our more detailed tips on pregnancy dos and don’ts.

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3rd Trimester of Pregnancy

Administrator — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:12:04 +0000

Pregnancy Third Trimester (Week 28 thru 40)

Wow! You’ve begun the home stretch of pregnancy by reaching your third trimester. During the third trimester of pregnancy your baby (and yourself) will be packing on more pounds than in the entire first and second trimester combined. You may start to feel anxious, you may begin “nesting” or preparing your home and nursery for the arrival of the baby, and you may have an additional onset of unpleasant and uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Some of these symptoms will be reminiscent of your first trimester feelings, and some may be new and uncharted territory.

As your due date becomes more in sight, you may be considering different things that need to get taken care of before the big day comes!

Here are some suggestions of things to take care of while in your third trimester:

Create your birthing plan and discuss it with your doctor.
Organize and decorate the baby’s nursery.
Finalize your maternity leave plans at work.
Make a packing check list for your hospital bag.
Shop for baby’s coming home outfit and blanket.
Arrange for help during the first week if you have older children.
Attend a birthing class and learn breathing techniques.
Tour the hospital where you plan to deliver the baby.
Know the types of pain management you may want to use during delivery.
Pre-make and freeze meals that you can pop into the oven once baby is home.

Changes in Your Body

Some of the discomforts you experienced in the second trimester will continue into your third trimester. Additionally, many women find breathing even more difficult as the uterus is growing into the lungs and more frequent urination as the uterus pushing on the bladder.

You may experience some new and some familiar aches and pains in the third trimester as well, including:

Tender Breasts
Hemorrhoids
Trouble Sleeping
Leg Cramps
Swelling

Weight Gain

On average, it is normal to gain about one pound per week or three to four pounds per month, during the third trimester. At the end of your pregnancy it is normal to gain a total of 25 to 30 pounds, depending on your pre-pregnancy weight and your doctor’s recommendations. Of the weight you will gain, roughly 7 ½ pounds will be your baby.

Changes in Your Baby

Your baby is growing, moving, and packing on the fat. With rapid growth, your baby has less room in your uterus so you may not feel the circus like you did before but probably will feel more sharp jabs from the elbows and knees.

Even before your baby is born, it will be able to open and close its eyes, sucking its thumb, and taking in amniotic fluid to practice breathing.

At birth, most babies are 20 to 22 inches long and weigh 7 ½ pounds. However, newborns who are between 5 pounds, 11 ½ ounces and 8 pounds, 5 ¾ ounces are considered healthy babies.

Preparing for Birth

Near your due date, your cervix becomes thinner and softer, called effacing. This is a normal process that helps the birth canal (vagina) to open during the birthing process. At your doctor’s visits, your doctor will check your progress with a vaginal exam.

To help in preparation for the big day you may also begin to notice that your baby is beginning to move into the birth position. Dropping or moving down lower in your abdomen in the head down position is normal for you baby to do. Once your baby has moved, you may notice that is becomes easier to breathe.

Visiting Your Doctor or Midwife

As you have done throughout your pregnancy, continue to see your doctor or midwife regularly. Closer to your due date, around 38 weeks, you’ll even begin to make these visits on a weekly basis.

During these last few visits to your doctor or midwife, feel free to ask questions and share your concerns. Your doctor is there to listen and help ease your concerns and worries and it’s natural for you to have a lot of emotion running through you.

If you anticipate having a non-surgical, vaginal birth, talk to your doctor about the options you have for pain management and the pros and cons of each option. Some women choose to have a natural, medicine free delivery while others choose a pain management technique to help them through the process. It is important that you make the best choice for you after discussing your options with your doctor.

Inducing Labor

Only a small number of babies are actually born on their due dates, about 5%. This should help ease your concerns when you due date comes and goes and you’re still pregnant.

In some cases, with continued pregnancy, your doctor or midwife may have concerns about the health of you and your baby and for this reason; your doctor may choose to induce labor.

To induce labor means that your doctor will begin the labor process for your body by artificial means. Typically, your doctor will wait one to two weeks after the due date has passed before considering inducing labor.

Signs of Labor

Contractions at regular and increasingly shorter intervals that also becomes stronger in intensity. Learn the difference between real labor contractions and Braxton Hicks.

Your water breaks. This can be a large gush or a continuous trickle and you have contractions at regular intervals.

Lower back pain that does not go away. This can also feel like cramps or premenstrual symptoms.

Your cervix is dilating (opening) and becoming thinner and softer. This will be determined by your doctor during a pelvic exam.

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1st Trimester of Pregnancy

Administrator — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:09:28 +0000

First Trimester During Pregnancy (Week 1 thru Week 13)

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Your journey to motherhood has begun. Check out this article to read about the changes you are about to experience in your body and to see how your baby will develop and grow in your first 3 months of pregnancy.

Changes in Your Body During the First Trimester of Pregnancy

During the first three months of pregnancy, also known as the first trimester, your body will begin to undergo many changes. Your body will begin adjusting to the growing baby and because of this; you may experience nausea, fatigue, backaches, mood swings, and stress. Though some not pleasant, all are normal.

Each Woman Is Different, So Is Each Pregnancy

Most women will experience several of these pregnancy symptoms during the 1^st trimester, and some unlucky few might even get all of them. Some of these pregnancy discomforts will be alleviated as your pregnancy progresses into the second trimester, only to reappear again in the third trimester. While few women might not feel any discomfort at all. If this is not your first pregnancy, you might experience different symptoms this time around.

While your body begins adjusting to this change, you may need to make some changes to your normal routine, based upon how you’re feeling. If any activities during your normal, daily routine are now uncomfortable or even painful, stop. Don’t push yourself, especially during your 1^st trimester, when the risk of miscarriage is highest.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

Morning Sickness

Commonly referred to as “morning sickness,” nausea and vomiting are normal during early pregnancy and can actually happen during any time of the day. Although this period may seem like it lasts forever, nausea and vomiting usually subside at the end of the first trimester.

There are many suggestions for fighting off morning sickness and one may be right for you. Try one of the following ideas to lower your chances of morning sickness:

Drink carbonated drinks like Ginger Ale or Seltzer Water between meals.
Eat starchy snacks like toast, saltines, Cheerios, or other dry cereals.
Ask your doctor about taking Vitamin B6
Ask your doctor about a change in prenatal vitamins if they seem to make your nausea worse.
Try to take your prenatal vitamin at a different time (i.e. you may have less nausea if you take your vitamin at night rather than in the morning).

Feeling Sleepy, Tired, or Even Exhausted

Most women find that during the first trimester, they’re exhausted. While normal, it’s just your body’s way of telling you that you need more rest. Remember, your body is working at creating new life and this requires energy.

To help fight the feelings of exhaustion:

Try to get at least eight hours of sleep every night
Nap during the day when possible
When you’re tried, don’t push yourself. Rather, relax or rest

If possible, you may want to try sleeping on your left side. Doing so will help to relieve pressure on major blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Should you have high blood pressure, it’s even more important to be on your left side when lying down.

Weight Gain

In the months ahead it’ll be vital to your baby’s development that you’re gaining weight, especially during the second and third trimesters. But in the first trimester, it’s more common that you only gain a small amount of weight. About 5 pounds total weight gain during the first trimester is average.

Also, it not necessary or recommended to increase your caloric intake during the first trimester. Continue to eat a normal, recommended daily diet for your size, age, physique and activity level. Only starting in the second trimester is it recommended to increase your caloric intake by 300 calories per day.

Frequent Urination

Visiting the bathroom all of the time begins in the first trimester and will last your entire pregnancy. The growing uterus presses on your bladder which causes the frequent urination. As your baby continues to grow, you’ll notice a more significant increase in bathroom visits too.

Changes in Your Baby During the 1st Trimester

By the end of the first trimester, your baby is about three inches long and weighs about half an ounce. Your baby’s eyes will move closer together into their positions. And your baby’s ears are in their position having made the move up from the neck. The liver is making bile, and the kidneys are secreting urine into the bladder. Even though you cannot yet feel your baby move, he or she is twisting and turning up a storm inside your womb! Your baby will also respond to pushing on your abdomen with movement, though it’s too early to feel.

Visiting Your Doctor or Midwife

Prenatal care, which are visits to your doctor or midwife, are especially important in the first few months of pregnancy. Make sure to choose a doctor who you meet and trust, and especially one who shares your views on pregnancy and birth. For example, some doctors perform more c-sections than others, while other Ob/Gyn’s prefer vaginal or natural births. Having a doctor who shares your pregnancy philosophy will allow you form a trustworthy and supportive partnership throughout your pregnancy, birth and beyond. And make sure you keep all the recommended appointments, every doctor’s visit during your pregnancy is important.

At your first visit, you can expect the following:

Questions about your family’s medical history.
Questions about your history of diseases, operations, and prior pregnancies.
A complete physical exam
A pelvic exam with Pap test
Check of blood pressure, weight, and urine.
Order of lab tests.
Calculating your due date.
Answer your questions.

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Which brand of pregnancy test is the most accurate?

Administrator — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:49:35 +0000

Some brands of tests can pick up lower levels of hCG than others. But limited research makes it impossible to say for sure which one is the best. Even so, two studies suggest that First Response, Early Result Pregnancy Test may be more sensitive than others. So for women who want test early, this may be a good choice.

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