Baby Care

Archive for the ‘Pregnancy’ Category

When you discover that you’re pregnant, you will hopefully be filled with excitement and anticipation. However, you may also feel slightly anxious as you’re suddenly confronted with a list of pregnancy do’s’ and ‘don’ts.

These feelings are entirely normal and they don’t mean that you’re neurotic or paranoid; you simply want the best for your baby and are therefore keen to ensure that your pregnancy runs as smoothly as possible.

You may well be aware that there are certain foods you should avoid and exercises that are not recommended during pregnancy.

One area where a certain amount of confusion arises, however, is whether or not it is safe to dye your hair when you’re pregnant.

Is it safe to colour hair during pregnancy?

It is always best to consult your GP before having your hair coloured; you should always be guided by your doctor, rather than a hairdresser. Although there is no evidence that the chemicals present in hair dye are dangerous, there have been suggestions over the years that they might harm your unborn baby through causing birth defects. However, the tests that have been conducted have been inconclusive and hair dyes have come a long way in recent years; previously, some hair dyes contained certain chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which would possibly pose a threat to an unborn baby’s health. Most of the chemicals now used in hair dye are not very toxic, but some doctors may advise you not to have your hair coloured during pregnancy or might suggest that you wait until after your first trimester. This is because the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system is at it’s most active during the first three months.

If the doctor says it’s safe to colour hair, should you do it yourself or go to a salon?

If the doctor gives you the go-ahead, the next question you may ask yourself is whether you should dye your hair yourself or have it done professionally. As your hair will probably undergo changes when you’re pregnant, you may choose to have it done in a salon as you can’t be quite sure what colour it will come out! If you choose to colour it yourself, make sure that you wear gloves and choose products which are low in ammonia and peroxide. It’s also a good idea to dye your hair in a well-ventilated room, so you minimise the amount of chemicals that you breathe in – you are also less likely to feel sick from the smell of the fumes.

Your doctor may suggest that, rather than having your whole head of hair coloured, you ask for highlights, as these do not come into contact with your scalp.

Are any hair dyes completely safe?

The only hair dye that is considered to be completely safe to use during pregnancy is henna. As a rule, most vegetable-based products will be safe to use, although you should always check with your GP if you have any concerns.

Will hair change during pregnancy?

Many women report that their hair gets thicker and more glossy when they’re expecting. This is one of the positive side-effects of pregnancy, as even women who have previously had fine, limp hair may now be blessed by a thick mane to be proud of! This is due to increased levels of oestrogen produced by your body during pregnancy.

Don’t be shocked, however, if you shed a considerable amount of hair in the first few months following birth. This is because your hormones are returning to their pre-pregnancy state and you are now shedding the hair that you didn’t lose during pregnancy. Obviously, if you are concerned at all then make an appointment to see your GP.

Obese women who gain more than the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy are much more likely to retain a portion of that weight one year after they give birth, according to a new US study. It followed 1,656 obese pregnant women and found that most of them gained too much weight during pregnancy, then, on average, kept on 40% of the weight one year after they gave birth.

This study defined excess weight as more than 6.8kg (15 pounds), which until recently was the minimum amount of weight gain recommended for obese pregnant women by the US Institute of Medicine. The NHS points to 7–12 kg (about 1.5-2 stones) as being a healthy amount of weight to gain in pregnancy with women carrying multiples expected to gain more. Any more than this and you may compromise your and your baby’s health – extra weight gained in pregnancy puts you at a higher risk of pregnancy and birth complications like diabetes,  pre-eclampsia, a bigger baby, and a caesarean delivery.

The study found that, on average, women retained 40 percent of the weight they gained during pregnancy one year after delivery. Compared to women who gained less than the recommended 6.8kg, women who gained 6.8-11kg (15-25 pounds) were twice as likely to retain 4.5kg (10 excess pounds); women who gained more than 35 pounds were nearly eight times more likely to retain at least 15kg (10 pounds). The study also found that younger women and first-time mums were most likely to gain too much weight.

The study underpins that obese women (those with a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or more) should take steps to control weight gain during their pregnancies, since once your baby is born, it’s much harder to change eating habits and start an exercise program.

Try these tips for controlling pregnancy weight gain:

* Eat regular meals and small healthy snacks between meals – research shows that this eating pattern may be better for pregnant women than the traditional three large meals way of eating.
* Avoid junk food and keep snacks healthy. Fresh fruit is one of the best snacks as it’s packed with vitamins and fiber (great for helping to relieve constipation).
* Reduce your fat intake to less than 30 percent of your daily calories.
* Reduce your consumption of sweets and sweetened drinks.
* Keep a food diary to check for nutritional adequacy and portion management.
* Eat only 100-300 extra calories per day beyond what your calorie needs were before you became pregnant.
* Exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days (ask your midwife if you’re at all unsure about what you should be doing in regard to exercise).

The placenta sounds like a planet from another solar system and looks like an alien life form. But it has a very important job to do. It is your baby’s life support system whilst in the womb and not only supplies your baby with everything she needs, but also keeps anything harmful out of her way.

For the first 12 to 13 weeks the placenta is developing rapidly inside you and attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. Some scientists think that this is the reason some women feel very drained in early pregnancy. Their bodies are not only creating a tiny baby, but it’s life support system too. First and foremost the placenta helps your baby to breathe. Each time your heart beats, blood from your arteries flows into the placenta so that oxygen and nutrients flow to your baby. It also carries waste products like carbon dioxide away from your baby. The success of the placenta functioning properly depends on a good supply of maternal blood. If the maternal blood supply is reduced, the mother smokes for example or is suffering from pre-eclampsia, the blood flow to the placenta is reduced and this can have an effect on your growing baby.

As well as linking your blood supply to your baby’s, the placenta also keeps the two blood supplies completely separate, even though only a thin membrane separates the two. This is important because the maternal and foetal systems must not mix. The placenta keeps any harmful substances away from your baby as well as protecting her against infection. The placenta can’t always distinguish between what is good and what is bad, which is why pregnant women are advised not to drink, smoke or take drugs during pregnancy. Some viruses can pass to your baby from the placenta. German Measles or Rubella can be particularly dangerous if caught by the mother and can lead to defects such as blindness, deafness and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in your baby. It is important to ask your GP before you plan to get pregnant whether you have been immunised against Rubella or not.

The placenta also secretes hormones such as chrorionic gondotrophin, progesterone and oestrogen that all help to maintain your pregnancy and also help to prepare your breasts for breastfeeding.

During the last stages of pregnancy, antibodies will pass from you to your baby via the placenta, which will help to protect her for the first three months. After that her own body will start to build up immunity from what she is exposed to on a daily basis.

Once your baby is born, the placenta’s job is done. As the cord is cut and clamped the placenta can be delivered, as it no longer supplies your baby with all she needs. The delivery of the placenta is called the ‘third stage’ of labour. Some women choose to have a managed third stage and others choose to have a natural third stage.

A managed third stage is when the mother is given an injection (usually syntometrin or syntocinon) into her thigh to speed up the delivery of the placenta. The mother won’t have to push as the midwife will usually wait for a contraction and gently pull on the cord, or press the abdomen until the placenta comes out. With this option the placenta comes out very quickly after birth, usually in about ten minutes.

Some mothers prefer a natural third stage, which is when the mother waits for the placenta to dispel by itself. This can be immediate or can sometimes take over an hour. Breastfeeding your baby can help to dispel the placenta because nipple stimulation releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps with uterine contractions.

Once the placenta is out it will be examined to see if it is complete, that all of it has come out and what state it is in. The state of the placenta can tell the medical team a lot about the condition of your baby at birth.

In rare cases the placenta can become trapped and the mother may need an operation to remove it under epidural for pain relief.

The placenta is amazing. It protects, nourishes and provides everything for your growing baby. The placanta will do all it can to protect your baby so if you get a glimpse of the alien-like organ, remember to say thank-you for looking after your little one for all those months.

Walking

As walking does not require any special skills or special clothing, walking with fairly brisk pace is the best choice for beginners and those who simply do not like sports. Walking improves muscle tone and heart with minimal risk of injury. The main requirement is- to find good, comfortable shoes, which, you may need to change at the second or third trimester, as legs at this time are usually very swollen. Furthermore, in these terms you’ll need to add equipment supportive bra and a special bandage for pregnant women. In the third trimester, there are additional risks for walking: poorly visible road irregularities, because of great belly, besides deteriorating balance. Try to choose the straight road and walk at a slower pace. Watch your breathing (breathlessness is unacceptable) and avoid dehydration (during and after walking, drink non-carbonated mineral water).

Swimming

Swimming is one of the best forms of sports for pregnant women, as the water does not need to make special efforts. In water, body weight decreases six times, and the pressure of water reduces water retention in the body and reduces swelling of hands and feet. Swimming supports the tone of the body with minimal stress on joints, and joints suffer first with the rising weight of the fetus. The main requirement is to come and dive into the water slowly, even during the first weeks of pregnancy. Fast dive, let alone diving, has an undesirable pressure on the abdomen and groin. Try to swim in the calm flat rate, no dives and sharp turns. Aqua aerobics is also useful. But, of course, in order to avoid further infections all trainings should take place in the pool, never in natural waters.

Running
Pregnancy is not the best time for jogging, unless you’re a professional athlete. While running, the heartbeat increases too much and the take off impacts on the fetus. It is better to replace running by fast walking. However, if you occasionally or regularly had run before, during the first and second trimester continued trainings are possible with some reduction in the rate of running. By the third trimester even athletes refuse jogging.

Aerobic
Many women continue the aerobics up to the birth. Nevertheless, experts advise during pregnancy weaken the load and intensity of your workouts, or even better – attend special trainings for pregnant women, especially if you feel pain in the joints. Starting from the second trimester, to avoid injuries and damage, give up jumps and sudden jerks. If you are doing step aerobics, step height should not be above 10 cm. Higher stepped-up aerobics is excluded during pregnancy with hops, jumps, with complicated choreography, high-intensity step-aerobics.

Bicycles

A bicycle does not have a big load on the joints, so you can continue exercises during the entire period of pregnancy. However, starting from the second trimester is better to confine stationary bike instead of a bicycle to avoid injury and falls. It would also somewhat reduce the rate of trainings and avoid fatigue and dehydration.

Yoga
Yoga not only develops flexibility and supports muscle tone, but also well relieves stress. Yoga exercises are aimed for the development of proper breathing techniques and achieving harmony with your body. However, pregnant women should not “overstretch” too much, so don’t do all the exercises in the maximum force. Starting from the second trimester give up leaps and poses, in which you’ll have to lie on your belly or back. Also give up the subsidences back and leanings forward in the third trimester.

At this period you have to replace some food. For example, milk is a substitute for cheese; instead of meat it is better to eat fish or other seafood, sugar is a substitute for honey. Good honey has healing properties, and that is why it is the best food. It contains important elements necessary for the formation of blood cells, and it can be used to strengthen the nervous system, normalize sleeping, etc. As a bonus, honey helps to prevent constipation. Full meal can be called an egg, because it includes all the necessary components for forming, like a chicken, and man.
Vegetable salads contain essential minerals, so adding them to your diet is essential. To increase the hemoglobin in the blood can help the liver, eat it once a week and get the necessary vitamins for you and your child. Eating nuts is also healthy because they increase the fat content of breast milk.
You can give up some food for the health of your child at this period. Of course, diet during pregnancy and lactation is best to plan with qualified professionals in this field. And do not forget that during this period you may have an allergy to certain foods, for example, on citrus fruits or nuts, so that consultation with the allergist will never be superfluous.Correctly made diet will never harm you and your child. So carefully study your diet at this period.

Each woman will sooner or later wonder at what age it is better to give birth. There are different opinions. Recently a trend has been noticed that women decide to become mothers after 30 years, having received a good education and a career. But, unfortunately, many of them do not know that conceiving after 30 years is much more problematic than at younger ages. This occurs because the supply of eggs from women is reduced, thereby reducing the likelihood of successful conception.
Ovum has its roots in the follicle, where a woman is given a laid still while the girls in the womb. Mortgaging follicles more than 5 million, and by the time of puberty, girls have still only 400 thousand. And just one hundredth of this number of follicles reaches full maturity and ovulates, giving life to the egg. After 35 years the number of follicles in the ovaries of women sharply decreases, and when their numbers fall to 1000, reaches a natural menopause.
Likelihood of pregnancy depends on the ability of the female body to conceive. The greatest chance of conception is for healthy women aged 20-25 years. This is the age scientists consider the best for the child’s birth. After 25 years the possibility of successful conception and reduced to forty years is only 5%. The main reasons for reducing the likelihood of conception is the age, genetic predisposition to premature depletion of ovarian disease ovaries.
Modern science has different methods of determining the reduction of the stock of follicles.
Conception can be made through IVF, but its effectiveness in such cases is about 20%. The second version of the problem – is the use of donor eggs. But such a step is very expensive, not every family is ready, to take a donor egg from a strange woman.
To avoid such problems, you should have children at a young age. A career and education will wait!

Pregnancy is one of the most serious tests in woman’s life, which she must overcome. It is divided into several main phases concerning the important changes in mother and baby.
Due to the fact that science has been noted and recorded major changes in the body of a pregnant woman, you can prepare for these phases in advance without future surprises. All this will benefit prospective parents, as well as help in planning pregnancy. You can prepare your and your child’s body to these changes in advance.
Of course, it is easier to identify and observe the changes taking place with the future mother. But it is much harder to detect any changes in the body of your baby. The calendar of pregnancy for each woman is strictly an individual process. But there are some general phases that occur in the life of every expectant mother.
The very first phase in this process is conception, which occurs during the first four weeks. Conception is the fertilization of female ova with male sperm. This is the starting point of pregnancy. Then within five to eight weeksbaby’s heart starts beating and arms and legs are already formed. Then baby begins to perform some motions. In the womb, this period begins in nine to twelve weeks. At this time the child is still quite tiny, and the mother can not immediately feel these movements. Upon reaching the thirteen-sixteen weeks mother already feels these motions performed by the child. Doctors at this stage can determine the sex of the child. Children even acquire bad habits – they can suck big finger. During the seventeenth to the twentieth week, the doctors can confidently tell you whom you will give birth – a boy or a girl, because at this stage are forming the genitals of the child and hair.
At the next phase of development the child becomes quite capable. Some fat appears which protects him/her against extreme temperatures. This process occurs within 21-24 weeks.
Then the organs of hearing are formed, he/she feels the external noise. This stage occurs at 25-28 weeks of development.
He/she feels the restriction in space and begins to move less, but starts kicking.
At the next phase begins to grow his/her head, he/she already moves eyes, and by the end of 32 weeks all organs except the lungs are formed. At the 33rd week, the child already blinks. And at the 40 th week finally the baby’s lungs are formed. Now he/she waits only for childbirth.
For women and men the calendar of pregnancy is a great opportunity to stay close to their baby throughout all phases of its development. This is an interesting, exciting occupation; the calendar of pregnancy will help them more clearly and properly to conduct themselves in each new stage of development of their baby. Do not throw it; it’s a real remarkable thing that belongs to your child. So it can become your family heirloom. When child grows up and becomes adult, probably he/she will be very interested in seeing his/her life’s path, starting from the source. Yes, and he/she himself/herself will need parent experience, when taking care about his/her children and family.

Finally long, complex process of preparing for pregnancy and carrying your baby will come to its end. Now you have no less difficult and important task – childbirth. For this you are carefully prepared. And soon your child will see the white light.

Deliveries are accompanied by profound emotional and, above all, physical stress. Therefore, future mothers should take most comfortable position, so as not to be distracted by discomfort in the most inopportune moment. Choosing the position, just think that you need to help your baby. Deliveries for him are not easy too. Lie down, sit, recline. Choose a convenient place – bed, couch, maternity chair. Calm down, take it easy. When it starts, keep your back straight. The doctor and obstetrician are always near. They will help you mentally, give the right advice. Most importantly do as they say. Between contractions breathe properly. This will help to calm down, and will also facilitate relaxation of the pelvis, rectum and anus.

At a time when the baby’s head appears in the vagina, you need to calm down. This moment is called discovery. Now it is very important to follow the advice of a doctor. He/she will tell you when you need to push and when to relax. If you do not get nervous, but quietly comply with the physician, you can avoid gaps in vagina. Once the head appears further process will go much easier.

Sometimes, at first birth, or because of incorrect disposition of the child episiotomy happens. The idea is to cut between the vagina and anus. As a result, conditions for easier passage of the head of the child are created. Before doing episiotomy, the doctor must obtain the consent of women. During this anesthesia is done. Fabrics vagina relax and the process becomes easier. After the release of the child, followed by the placenta, the incision is stitched.

The appearance of the head is the most difficult moment, as it is the widest part of the baby. Since its inception, thephysician sees that the umbilical cord is not wound around the neck. Over time he/she cleans the mouth and throat of the child from the liquid. Then the doctor will turn, with contractions, the child’s shoulders so that they open the vagina. The rest of the body slips out itself, under pressure from uterine contractions. And now you will feel an incredible relief. Now your kid screams, letting the world know about his/her appearance. But not everyone starts screaming. Some kids just whine, other just breathe.

Finally, this fairy-tale moment came. You can take your little miracle in your hands. He/she claps eyes and looks at you without understanding what happened. But now he/she feels your care. He/she knows that you can protect him/her. These moments are worth all the difficulties and hardships, through which you had to go. You are still physically inseparable. At the time of cutting umbilical cord, attach the child to your heart. Let him/her feel your breath, and the beat of your heart, your velvet skin, your endless love for him/her. Enjoy this time. You will never forget it. Now you are a mother. Life of this little creature depends on you.

Human body is a well-established system of interaction mechanisms and natural nutrients. Everyone must be considerate to all the processes taking place inside him, and be able to recognize signals that our body sends. After all, if we treat ourselves with care and love, our body responds to us in return.
Conversely, if we do not notice the signals sent by our body, then over time it just stops sending them. And we won’t be able to treat ourselves. Mostly women must think about this when planning a child or when they are already pregnant. Every mother wants a beautiful, healthy and strong baby. If a woman eats properly and fully receives the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals, she can count on a powerful little fellow. If you are planning a child, then you should think about a special pregnancy diet.
Remember that baby gets all the vitamins and minerals necessary for its growth and health from his mother. Woman’s body contains trillion different cells. In order to control their normal functioning pregnant women should constantly receive vitamins and other beneficial substances. This can be done only through well-balanced meal. Do not forget that during pregnancy a woman is experiencing tremendous overload, because her body is working for two.

Every cell in the body carries out its role, so it is important to provide nutrients to each of them. The interaction of these cells, in general, provides a healthy, strong baby.
One of the most important elements is iron. It is present in large quantities in the blood. Above we said that our body is a unique tool of interaction. Therefore, the lack or decrease of one substance in the chain entails a decrease in another. The lack of this element impacts on the overall state of health. When pregnant women have iron deficiencythey will have headache, uterine cramps, etc.
So you see how the lack of one substance leads to serious consequences. Now imagine that there are several substances. If the expectant mother does not want to be exposed to such diseases and harm your child, she should supply the body with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Carelessness may entail dire consequences (the loss of the fetus or the birth of weak and sick child).
Expectant mothers should carefully select vitamin supplements, because they are different on the content of the most indispensable substances. Take supplements containing magnesium and vitamin D. In the body, these two substances play a huge role. First, they provide the bones with calcium. Second, calcium and magnesium support to the optimum performance of the muscles. Do not forget that the main muscle is the heart, but it feels more pressure because it works for both. Therefore, the recommended dose of magnesium for pregnant is about 500 mg per day. It is noteworthy that the amount of magnesium is not shown in blood tests. Because it is contained in the cells themselves, and its level in the blood is consistently supported by the bones and the muscles. Woman must ensure adequate consumption of magnesium. However, magnesium can provoke diarrhea, so its use splits throughout the day.
We think these examples are enough to see how the selection of vitamins and minerals is needed for healthy expectant mother and baby.
In this issue there can be little things, so take everything with utmost seriousness and responsibility and your child will be grateful.

Is it better to give birth in the presence of my husband? Before giving birth to their children many future mothers ask this question.
On the one hand, of course, it’s good, when the closest person will support you in this crucial moment. And on the other –it’s bad, because man, seeing the whole process of childbirth, with all its details, sometimes loses sexual interest in his wife. What to do? Moreover, the viewpoints of doctors and friends on this subject are different.

Neighbors’ experience
In the West, the presence of a husband during childbirth is very common. Men play more active role in the upbringing of children there. Obviously, feminism, which struggles against gender equality in all matters, played its role here.
In the translated books on pregnancy and childcare, the illustrations of men are almost as much as of women. Here they go along with their wives on training courses where they learn appropriate behavior during childbirth, giving birth and then taking the maximum participation in everything that concerns the lives of the their wife and child.
However, practical foreigners include this situation in their marriage contract. Yes and medical care is something expensive there. So it should not be a miss if the father controls the situation: if obstetric services are shown to his wife on the entire sum. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the joint childbirth abroad having a very long history became a norm.

The choice
In Russia, the birth of the child is always considered to be purely feminine. Fathers toil and worry for their wives behind closed doors. In Soviet times, fathers were also not allowed to enter the maternity houses. And the first time they could look at son or daughter, only after discharge, receiving a squeak bag with ribbons. And only recently in our maternity hospitals the joint childbirth has started to develop. Should fathers take this opportunity?
If so, you should be prepared for the fact that relatives and friends would react to your decision ambiguously. Mothers and grandmothers, who passed Soviet maternity houses and are accustomed to endure the difficulties alone, may perceive this as a whim of a pregnant woman. Grandfather and uncles, trying not to interfere in the “women’s” affairs, will not also be happy.
Every couple should consider this question for several times. To agree to such a serious step, following the new fashion or advice of friends which can fundamentally change the entire life, isn’t worth it.
Only a qualified doctor can help future parents in making the correct decision. By the way, it is preferable, to consult a psychologist even before planning pregnancy. After all, family life undergoes significant changes, family roles areredistributed, as well as the question of responsibility for the new family member. In short, there is something to work.
Specialists’ advice
Much depends on the relationship in the family. One case is when the couple acts as partners who are accustomed to do everything together. After such an event couples become closer. Another case is when family relations are based on the type of mother-child relationship. Wife is concerned about the morals. To overcome this stereotype is hardly possible. If a woman insists on “man-child” contact in the delivery room, that will be enough. The vast majority of fathers, who participated in the joint delivery, will be proud of themselves. Incidentally, in psychology there is such a thing as imprinting – that is the first impression, obtained immediately after birth. So it’s great, if the first parent to see the baby is a father.