What are the Different Pregnancy Stages?

April 25th, 2012

The wonderful time of pregnancy is one of the milestones in a couple’s life. Every set of parents wait eagerly for the arrival of the baby. It is easier to go through the 9 months of pregnancy if you understand the different stages of pregnancy. Knowledge of pregnancy stages helps you in the topic of ‘track my pregnancy’ better and you will know what to be on a look out for.
The 41 weeks of pregnancy can be divided in to three trimesters. Let’s take a look at what to expect during these three trimesters:

First Trimester
The first trimester lasts from week 1 to week 12. During this time you have to take maximum precautions as most miscarriages happen during this time. You will notice many changes in your body during this period. Stopping of period is a clear sign of pregnancy.
The embryo forms in the initial weeks of the first trimester. The placenta, umbilical cord and yolk sac are formed to protect the growing embryo. Organs start developing in this stage and the brain forms during third week of pregnancy. The sex can be recognized in the 11th week and limbs start to develop.

Second Trimester
The second trimester goes more smoothly than first because the morning sickness disappears in most women and they start getting the beautiful ‘pregnancy glow’. You also become more adept to your body changes. The second trimester lasts from week 13 to week 28.
You can feel the moment of the baby in the second trimester. The organs are fully developed during this state and you will be able to see separate fingers and even the appearance of nails. Your stomach will expand as the baby undergoes a rapid growth and stretch marks began to appear.

Third Trimester
Week 29 to week 41 come under the final stage of pregnancy i.e. the third trimester. You will be making more frequent trips to the bathroom and as the baby grows there will be little discomfort.
The fetus is almost fully grown and bones are formed in the body. You will feel more moment of the baby as the kicks and jabs will be more forceful. Lungs start to develop and practice breathing occurs. The baby can open his/her eyes and feel the light. During the end of the trimester the baby will be fully grown and gain height and weight. The cervix will become soft as it prepares for the delivery.
Most women experience some changes such as tiredness, shortness of breath, back pain etc. but the degree will differ.

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What Are The Most Uncommon Pregnancy Symptoms?

April 17th, 2012

The old wives tales of pregnancy symptoms which included nausea, desire to eat more, a craving for citrus things are true in most of the cases but there are not every woman is the same and therefore it is not necessary that every woman will experience the same symptoms.
Given below are some uncommon pregnancy symptoms that every woman who is trying to conceive should be aware of, to help her in avoiding problems. These are:

Flu: This is one of the most uncommon signs of pregnancy. The bout of flu can include high fever, cough, cold, sore throat, headaches. If you have been trying to conceive then instead of directly taking medicine for flu consult your doctor for a pregnancy test.

Extra hair growth: The change in body level of hormones can increase hair growth on your chin, upper lip, around nipples, belly, jawbone. Some women enjoy a luxurious mane of hair on their head during pregnancy. Also hair fall slows down during pregnancy. Therefore rather than visiting your aesthetician if you notice hair growth around your nipples, take a pregnancy test.

Swollen nose: A very apparent facial distortion that you can notice during pregnancy is a swollen and bulbous nose. In fact, according to an old myth the swollen nose is a prediction of baby girl.

Spider veins: Spider veins are spider leg like veins which usually occur in upper chest and arm areas of a newly pregnant women. These veins are harmless and disappear post pregnancy. If you have started noticing the appearance of their veins without any reason then you might be pregnant.

Itching sensation: Another uncommon pregnancy symptom that women often ignore is itching sensation all over the body. Usually women who have a liver disorder called cholestasis experience itching sensations. This condition needs to be treated because it can affect the baby.

Energy: Fatigue is a common symptom associated with pregnancy but increase in energy levels is also symptom of pregnancy. Especially in women who have been taking medication in order to conceive. The rise in hormonal levels results in your body feeling fresh which results in the Pregnant glow on a women’s face.

Saliva Production: Some women experience increase in salvia production due to the increased hormonal levels during pregnancy.

Changes in skin: If you notice some extra skin hanging from your underarms or other body parts then it is sign that you might be pregnant. Also if you notice unusual appearance of freckles, beauty mark or irregular dark blotches across forehead, nose or cheeks then you might be pregnant.

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What are The Most Common Pregnancy Questions?

April 9th, 2012

Pregnancy is a time in a women’s life when a lot of changes happen. It is not only about the physical changes but a woman has to gear up for nursing the life inside her. There are a lot of questions, that go around in her mind about the pregnancy and the baby especially if it is the first baby. Let’s take a look at the most common pregnancy questions.

What and what not to eat: A pregnant women eats for two and her diet has to be according to the needs of the child growing inside her. As a general rule green leafy vegetables, fruits (with some exceptions such as papaya), pulses etc. are recommended. She should avoid processed food, too much of fried food etc. as they can hamper the digestive process and also contribute to an increased heart rate. Another important thing to keep in mind is that she should not go hungry.

What are early pregnancy signs? : Just missing a period does not necessarily mean that you are pregnant. There are other signs such as nausea, heaviness etc. that indicate pregnancy. If you are using a home pregnancy test then take it twice over a span of 4 days. It is best that you consult your gynaecologist to confirm the pregnancy. Remember not every woman will display the same signs of pregnancy.

What are the activities I should steer clear of? Or Do more?: It is absolutely imperative that a pregnant women be aware of activities she can do during pregnancy and what kind of activities she should avoid. For example exercises such as swimming, brisk walking, yoga, Pilates during pregnancy are considered beneficial for both mother and baby, whereas basketball, baseball, horseback riding, skiing, running etc. can do more harm than good.

What body changes are normal and which should be a warning sign: Gaining weight (but not too much), breast tenderness, backache, frequent urination, gassiness, swelling of feet , hands etc. are some of the common body changes which a pregnant women should accept. However if there are any symptoms like pain in abdomen, untimely contractions, spotting, too much nausea, abnormal vaginal discharge, urinary tract infections, sharp pain in back etc. then it should be taken as a warning sign and the doctor should be consulted.

What about beverages? : Drinks such as coffee, tea and cola contain caffeine which should be taken only in moderation. All alcoholic drinks should be avoided at all costs, as they can reach the baby quickly through blood stream.
There are just a few common questions. It is best to not to take any chances during pregnancy and if you feel any discomfort, contact your doctor.

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The ABCs Of Proper Pregnancy Nutrition

March 24th, 2012

When women become pregnant, they must maintain proper pregnancy nutrition for their own health and the health of their unborn baby, as well. While many people think they should eat double the amount of food when they are pregnant, they must keep in mind that the baby does not require but about two to three hundred extra calories per day.

Pregnant women must eat a healthy diet that is rich in the following things: whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein, iron, Vitamin C, calcium, and water. All of this is essential to maintaining health during pregnancy. Although expectant women do not need to give up fats and salt from their diets, they do need to cut back on them.

Expectant moms should also make sure that they take their prenatal vitamins as directed by their doctors, and they need to make sure that they consume plenty of food containing folic acid. Folic acid is essential in that it can help prevent various birth defects, and it helps the placenta and fetus grow. Women can find folic acid in such food as beans, orange juice, lentils and green, leafy vegetables.

There are many different things that women should avoid while they are expecting. This is due to various reasons including the possibilities of birth defects and bacterial contamination. Some of these things include caffeine, alcohol, artificial coloring, raw meat, raw eggs, soft cheese and some fish. If expectant women are unsure of what they can and cannot eat, they can ask their doctor.

Proper nutrition is of the utmost importance for pregnant women. There are many foods that women should eat when they are expecting and several that they should avoid. When women consume food that is beneficial to them and their unborn babies, they help increase their baby’s chance of developing normally. Proper pregnancy nutrition can also decrease any risk of women having any problems during their pregnancy and child-birth.

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Best Ways To Maintain Pregnancy Fitness

March 19th, 2012

When women become pregnant, some of the first things they think about are getting baby supplies and baby-proofing their home. However, there is something that is much more essential than any of these preparations, and that is pregnancy fitness. While women should take it somewhat easy while they are expecting, they need to maintain their health and exercise, as well.

Before pregnant women begin any exercise program, they need to get the okay from their doctor first. If their physician says it is okay, they can then begin to put together a light exercising program. It is best to start with some light stretching, such as neck/arm and shoulder rotations. Next, they can lie on their backs and perform a few leg lifts.

Yoga is another fantastic exercise for expectant women. This is a terrific way for women to learn how to breathe and relax, keeping muscles in shape at the same time. While some women like to jog while pregnant, this is not always advisable. As stated above, they should consult with their doctor before performing strenuous activities. However, for those women, who cannot jog, a brisk, daily walk around the block is a fabulous alternative.

Another excellent way to exercise during pregnancy is to swim. Swimming not only helps pregnant women stay cool during hot months, but it works out essential muscles, as well, including leg and abdominal muscles. Finally, exercises that all pregnant women should perform are Kegel exercises. These exercises help strengthen pelvic muscles and the muscles that help with incontinence problems.

Exercise is an essential part of staying healthy; and when women become pregnant, they should continue with some form of exercise program. However, before expectant women begin any exercise program, they should always talk to their doctors. There are many exercises that will help women maintain pregnancy fitness, and the above exercises are some of the best.

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How To Keep In Shape With Pregnancy Fitness

January 6th, 2012

When a woman is pregnant, they need to do everything within their power to keep as healthy as possible. It is important to take care of one’s body so that it can be strong enough to support a developing baby. The following information has tips and advice for expecting mothers who want to stay healthy with good diet and pregnancy fitness.

Before you start exercising, you’ll have to cut out any vices you might have. This includes tobacco use, consumption of alcohol, and drug use. All these things have been shown to increase the chances of birth defects. Not only will they help strengthen your body upon quitting, exercising will become a lot easier as well.

You should begin by doing some light exercises such as stretching or yoga. Do not try to overwork your body if you have not exercised for a while as it might be too much to handle all at once. Try signing up for a local Pilates class or something similar. Try to take walks around your neighborhood in the morning and then transition into some light jogging. Start walking thirty to sixty minutes a day and see how much better you feel afterwards.

Some women believe resistance training is harmful for a pregnant female. This is just a myth and is simply untrue. There have been studies done on women who did weight resistance workouts twice a week who suffered no injuries whatsoever during that time frame. Training with weights can be a great way to increase strength and endurance.

There are many exercises one can do when getting into pregnancy fitness. You want to cater to your own needs and start off at your own pace. Once you start integrating exercise into your daily routine, it will become less difficult. Good luck and stay healthy!

 

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Pregnancy Nutrition Tips For Expecting Mothers

January 2nd, 2012

If you are expecting to have a child soon, or are about to become pregnant in the near future, it’s vital that you understand the importance of feeding yourself correctly during this time. A good pregnancy nutrition plan is crucial to maintaining peak physical and mental health while being pregnant. If you don’t take care of yourself and eat the right kinds of foods, your baby might suffer the consequences of poor health and birth defects.

There are certain foods one may want to avoid while pregnant. You will most likely want to stay away from fish with high mercury content. Too much mercury intake can damage a baby’s developing nervous system which is something no mother wants for their child. You should tend to avoid foods like swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tile fish.

That’s not to say that eating all seafood is bad. Seafood can be a great source of omega 3 fatty acids which help brain development. Try and eat seafood such as shrimp, canned light tuna, crab, salmon, pollock, catfish, cod, and tilapia.

You want to avoid foods that are raw or uncooked. These kinds of foods are at risk at having harmful bacteria that could seriously harm your physical health. It’s a wise decision to avoid stuff like raw shellfish or other raw meats. Please be sure that you thoroughly cook all your meats before eating them and even cook them a little bit longer than you normally would just to be on the safe side. You don’t want to take any chances when it comes to you and your baby’s physical health.

Sticking to a solid pregnancy nutrition plan is vital to maintaining good health. You want your baby to be born as healthy as possible, so try and make sure that you do everything that you can to keep your body strong. Remember that it will all be worth it when you give birth to a happy and healthy baby.

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Understanding The Different Pregnancy Stages

December 27th, 2011

If you are currently pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant, it’s important to understand the pregnancy stages. Being pregnant lasts about forty weeks, starting from the first day of your most recent normal period. Each stage is grouped into trimesters. Be aware of what’s going on inside of your body during each stage.

During the first trimester, your body is going to undergo a lot of changes. Your hormones will begin to affect almost organ inside of your body. Even in the first week of being pregnant, you’ll start to notice a change. The biggest thing you’ll notice is that your period will stop completely. Some other changes may include tender and swollen breasts, extreme fatigue, cravings for specific kinds of foods, mood swings, constipation, heartburn, headaches, and weight gain. Make sure to try and live as healthy of a lifestyle as possible so that your body will have the strength to take care of your baby.

The second trimester lasts from weeks thirteen to twenty eight. Most females will find this period of time much easier to deal with than the first. You may feel as though some symptoms like nausea or fatigue starting to go away. However, since your baby is growing, you might experience things like back aches, stretch marks on your abdomen, dark skin around your nipples, and numb or tingling hands.

The third trimester will last from weeks twenty nine till week forty. This is the final stretch so hang in there. You may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, swollen ankles, heartburn, hemorrhoids, and trouble sleeping. As you near the date your baby is due, your cervix will also become thinner and softer. This is normal so don’t panic.

As you can see there are a few different pregnancy stages, each with its own set of symptoms and trials. As long as you are strong and continue to take care of yourself, you’ll be just fine. Don’t worry and call your doctor if you have any problems.

 

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4 Common Pregnancy Symptoms To Look Out For

December 23rd, 2011

Falling pregnant is one joyous and momentous occasion in the lives of many women that desire to have children. There are common pregnancy symptoms to look out for, although similar indicators can occur as the result of other physical conditions. Doing a pregnancy test at home is, of course, one way to make sure, while going for a medical exam is another. Here are some common indicators to tell if a woman is pregnant.

Nausea and vomiting, or morning sickness, is one of the unpleasant indications of being expectant. It affects almost all pregnant women 5 to 6 weeks into the process. Besides leaving the person feeling ill, it’s also unpredictable because it can occur any time. Sometimes it’s intense, coupled with violent vomiting, or it might register as a mild unpleasant sensation.

Changes in the size and sensitiveness of the breast is another familiar symptom. This anatomical feature gets bigger in preparation for future breast feeding, and the areola usually darkens. Normally, the tender feeling goes away after a few weeks.

One of the first indications of being pregnant is irregular periods. Missing one is sometimes greeted with a mixture of alarm and excitement, either because the woman wants to fall pregnant, or wishes that it doesn’t happen. But it could also be due to the effects of stress, changes in body weight, or some other illness.

Urinating increasingly more is also one of the irritating indicators of pregnancy. It interrupts established daily routines, and can also be a false alarm at times. On occasion the bladder feels full as a result of hormonal effects, and not because the person actually needs to urinate.

Though the above are common pregnancy symptoms, it’s best to verify the matter as these could be outcomes of other bodily conditions. Doing home urine tests is one of the ordinary, and usually reliable, ways that many women perform to check whether a pregnancy is real. Even so, it’s perhaps best to consult a medical professional to confirm this, so follow-up appointments can also be scheduled.

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Answers To A Few Pregnancy Questions

December 17th, 2011

Most women who are pregnant for the first time usually have a lot of questions about this exciting stage of their lives. They want to know what to expect and how to respond at each stage. Getting the right answers will help them to be better prepared for any eventuality. The following are answers to a selection of pregnancy questions.

Cramping and virginal bleeding: You should not be alarmed if you notice some cramping or slight bleeding. A little ‘spotting’ is one of the symptoms that are commonly experienced at the early stages. It is also normal for your breasts to be a bit swollen or tender.

Things to avoid: It is very obvious that there are certain foods and drinks that may harm your unborn child. For instance, you should stay away from alcohol and smoking as much as you can. They can lead to several complications such as miscarriage, still birth and low birth weight.

Morning sickness: It is normal to feel nauseous and sometimes vomit in the first few weeks. This is attributable to an increased sense of smell and sensitiveness that is caused by hormonal changes. Moodiness can also be blamed on hormones. Morning sickness can be alleviated by drinking ginger tea, eating smaller meals and sucking on peppermint.

Exercise: If you have been working out before becoming pregnant, you can still continue your workouts with a little adjustment. You will be better prepared for labor and delivery if you perform regular exercise. However, you should stay away from contact sports and anything that is too strenuous.

Sexual intercourse: Sex is perfectly normal throughout the three trimesters and can be continued until the last day. This activity cannot harm your baby in anyway because of the protection provided by the amniotic sac. These are the answers to some of the most common pregnancy questions.

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