C-Sections and The Health of Your Baby

C-Sections and The Health of Your Baby

June 15th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Old Title: Is It True That Having a C-Section May Affect My Baby’s Immune System?

There is a great deal of anticipation when it comes to the birth of your baby. If you take a birthing class, then they tell you to create a birth plan. Even if you have one, there are always the unforeseen circumstances that you can’t quite plan for. Giving birth to a child is a very intense process and involves a great deal of factors to be lined up. If you go in assuming that things will go one way, they will almost certainly go another way. It just goes to show that when it comes to delivering your baby, you should be prepared for anything. There are many moms out there that worry about a C-section, and understandably so. There are however certain times when it can’t be avoided, but you do want to know what it means for your baby.

The Potential Risks

Though there is contradictory evidence, you can find information to support that a C-section could somehow create health problems for your baby down the line. What many believe happen is that the DNA is somehow compromised using a C-section as a method of delivery. When that happens, it can lead to a potentially weakened immune system or may even make them susceptible to health problems such as diabetes or asthma later on. This doesn’t become a certainty, but as you can see that the potential risks are there.

It is believed that babies delivered via C-sections don’t have time to properly prepare for birth. This means that it can put additional stress on the birth and the experience overall. While some may debate this, others believe that this is what can lead to all of the potential problems down the line. It’s important to talk to your doctor to see if this is the best delivery method for you. It is also important to talk to your doctor to understand when it is safe to plan for a C-section if that is deemed necessary. Anything before 39 weeks of pregnancy should be seriously questioned as baby’s full development isn’t complete.

There Are Instances Where It’s Safer

It is important however to remember that there are instances where a C-section may not only be desirable, but actually recommended as well. When the baby is breech and shows no signs of flipping in time for delivery, then the C-section creates a much safer delivery for mother and baby. When the woman has had another C-section in the past, there are many conditions that must be in line to ensure that vaginal delivery is even possible. Therefore a planned C-section may be the best possible option for a woman in this situation. If there is any distress within the baby or anything that could cause potential harm to mother or baby during delivery, then this too is an instance where a C-section is recommended.

The timing of the birth is an important factor, and many will find that the baby will respond much better to a planned C-section over an emergency one. So while there may be potential risks that can be scary to mom, doing whatever is best for the baby is what rules out in the long run. If a C-section is recommended, just ask a lot of questions and be sure that everything is happening as it is meant to so that there is no worry of potential health problems down the road.

Taking the Stress Out of the Last Days of Your Pregnancy

Taking the Stress Out of the Last Days of Your Pregnancy

June 11th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Early on in your pregnancy you may feel as though you can’t wait for your due date to arrive. You are inundated with symptoms of all varieties, and you may feel as though nine months is an eternity away. You make it through your pregnancy, your series of doctor’s appointments, tests, and ultrasounds to arrive at the big day. You had such high hopes and anticipations for what it would be like to get to the end, and you initially feel excited.

Once the reality that your due date is near hits you, it’s likely that you are feeling a whole host of other things. Many women feel a great deal of stress as they approach the final days of their pregnancy. It’s not that they’re not excited to meet their little babies, it’s just that they know their lives are about to change. Additionally they may feel as if they aren’t quite ready for labor, and so it’s important to take the stress out of this final stage of pregnancy.

Getting Your Head on Straight at the End

The problem for most women is that they feel as though they have so much to do. They feel like they are grossly unprepared for the birth and arrival of their little baby. Though you’ve likely been planning for the birth for nine months now, it can still feel like it comes at you rather quickly. One of the most important things you can do to take the stress out of your final days of pregnancy is to relax. This means that you should try to get in all of the naps and restful nights of sleep that you possibly can. There is nothing wrong with putting your feet up and closing your eyes for a few minutes – as a matter of fact that may be a good recommendation. This can help you to get your head on straight and to decompress as your due date approaches.

Get Ready and Then Wait

The final few days of a pregnancy are almost a game of “hurry up and wait” so just be prepared for this. The best thing that you can do is to be prepared in every sense of the word. Take your preparation time very seriously and take your time with it. Avoid the temptation to pack everything in at the last minute, as the baby may arrive faster than you thought. Take your time along the way to get baby’s room ready for their arrival. Also be careful to get your overnight bag packed well in advance of your due date as this can always work to your advantage. There is no such thing as too prepared when it comes to your due date, and this really helps to take a lot of the stress out of your final days.

Once you have learned to embrace relaxation and done everything you possibly can to get prepared, then it’s time to sit back and wait for that little baby. Try not to let your mind wander and let all the bad or scary thoughts in. You will be just fine and you will give birth as millions of women have done before you. Doing your part in advance and learning to embrace relaxation can do wonders for your final days of pregnancy, and of course for your labor and delivery as well.

What Daddy Should Pack for the Hospital

What Daddy Should Pack for the Hospital

June 7th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

There’s so much emphasis on the mother-to-be throughout pregnancy, and often the dad is overlooked. As he is just as important a part of the process, there should be some thought put into the role that he plays. Without the dad or a similar system of support, the entire experience is made much more difficult for the mom. Both partners need each other and that’s why it’s so important to ensure that dad is available and present.

The dad wants to be a part of the birthing process just as much as anybody. He can offer comfort and support as the mom makes it through all of the different stages of labor. Every dad wants to be there to meet their new little bundle of joy for the first time, as it’s one of those precious moments in life that you will always treasure. So just as the mom has to get ready for the big arrival, the dad should be prepared and packed for the hospital stay as well.

Playing the Support Role

Though this role is crucial to the birth of his child, the dad will ultimately play a support role. As he packs for the hospital, he should ensure that many of the items on his checklist reflect this role and are in place to help mom through the stages and get everything in order after the birth. Take a look at this checklist for example whereby many of the items recommended for daddy to bring include those which will support his partner. Consider bringing items such as a stop watch and a pad of paper to write down contraction times and track the labor overall. Be sure to bring along a video camera, regular camera, and anything else that can be used to capture every aspect of the birth that you will surely want to remember later on.

Bring whatever is necessary to keep your partner comfortable and focused. This can include massage oils, scented items to keep her calm, pillows, special comfort items, and of course music. Talk to your partner in advance and be sure that you know what she would like to help keep her calm and as happy as can be throughout the birth process. This is where your support role becomes very important and therefore you want to be prepared to help out in any way that you can.

Getting Yourself Comfortable

Chances are that you’re going to be in the hospital for a while. Either the labor may carry on longer than you had anticipated, or you may be staying with your partner throughout the duration of her hospital visit. Either way you want to be sure to pack a change of clothes and even something comfortable like pajamas for the occasion where you spend the night. Bring some pillows along for you as you can’t always be sure of what the sleeping arrangements will be.

Pack some snacks for yourself as you need to keep your energy up during the long birthing process. Also be sure to bring some money as you will surely have to grab a meal or a snack from the cafeteria during your stay. Along with the camera and any other items that you bring to capture the precious moments, be sure that you bring along the phone numbers of anybody that you’ll want to contact with the good news after the birth. All of these things will make your stay more comfortable and allow you to focus on your partner and your new baby.

Baby’s Preparation for Delivery

Baby’s Preparation for Delivery

June 5th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

You know that the moment is nearing because your due date is just around the corner. You are now at the stage where you go in for weekly appointments, and therefore the time is coming closer and closer. You feel as though you are ready though you have anxiety about the big arrival. It’s an exciting time and you give much thought to what you are ready for and how you will fully prepare.

You’ve probably not given that much thought to what your baby goes through in anticipation for the big arrival. As your body gets ready, you know that things are happening as you can just feel it. There are many stages and things happening that get you ready for the big delivery. Just as you prepare both physically and mentally for the baby’s arrival, the same things are happening with the baby. Though they can’t really prepare emotionally, they are going through some changes at the last minute to ensure that they are ready for the big arrival as well.

Is Baby Really Getting Ready Too?

There are certain things you can feel and certain things that you can’t. You will be made aware of some of the changes that are occurring as you go through the weekly doctor appointments. Your doctor is checking to see if you are dilated at all or if your cervix is thinning in preparation for the big arrival. While all of these things are going on with you and your progress, baby is going through some important stages as well. You may be feeling a bit less movement than you have throughout the second and third trimesters. Not only has baby run out of room to romp about, but she has also begun her descent downwards towards the birth canal.

Your baby has developed all of their organs and body parts by the third trimester. However what they are doing up until the moment that they are born is bulking up, that is adding a whole lot of weight onto their tiny little frame. By week 38, they have fully developed lungs that they are working at until that very week. These are all important sings that they are getting ready for their big debut, though there’s a good chance that you’re not feeling a thing at all. The baby will do everything on their own time schedule and will get themselves ready for the arrival all on their own, often without you knowing a thing.

Getting Into Position

The most important thing that baby does to get ready for the big arrival is to get into position. This is something that you may or may not feel, and the way it works out will determine the type of delivery that you can have. If all goes as it should, then baby will move into the “heads down” position as she prepares for her entry into the big world through the birth canal. This may be felt by mom as a flip or some major movement as they move lower in the uterus and work towards the necessary “heads down” position.

Sometimes baby doesn’t really want to cooperate and may be “bottom down” which presents some problems for a vaginal delivery. If this happens, then the baby is considered to be breech and a C-section may very well be necessary. Remember that baby will do everything that she can to get herself ready for the big arrival, and they will do son their own timeframe.

When Childbirth Classes are Necessary

When Childbirth Classes are Necessary

March 27th, 2010 by admin  |  1 Comment

There are a lot of good reasons to attend childbirth classes during the third trimester of your pregnancy. However, many of us are very busy, and it can be difficult to find the time. Additionally, if this is not your first pregnancy, you may believe you have it all under control. And, if you have older children, getting away for childbirth classes can be extremely difficult. So it is often asked if childbirth classes are really necessary for every pregnancy.

First Time Mothers

If you are a first time mother, you should definitely attend childbirth classes. The birthing classes will give you a good idea of what to expect. Watching a birthing video may very well scare you, as you will realize the pain that you are going to go through. Even though you have the knowledge that labor and delivery is painful, and that a baby will be coming out of your body, it is a very different thing to see it. However, it will be better to have prepared yourself for this trauma rather than going through it cold on delivery day.

Birthing classes can prepare you for labor and delivery in many other ways as well. You will learn about all the different options for pain relief during the delivery. You will also learn techniques for lessening the pain using mind tricks such as visualization. Most importantly, you will learn the proper way to breathe through contractions, and come to understand exactly what happens in the delivery room so that you are prepared to follow the doctor’s instructions.

Another great reason to take childbirth classes is to prepare your spouse. They will need to know how to support you through this traumatic experience. Additionally, you and your spouse can make decisions about the labor and delivery process together, before it actually starts. This is called a birthing plan. When you work together with your spouse and a professional to develop a birthing plan, everything will go much more smoothly. If for some reason you are not able to tell your spouse or doctor what you want to do during delivery, the plan puts everyone on the same page and your wishes will be followed.

Experienced Mothers

If you are not on your first pregnancy, you may believe you have everything covered. However, there are many reasons to take childbirth classes in this case. First, if it has been several years since your last pregnancy, you may want to re-familiarize yourself with the procedures and what will happen in the delivery room. Besides having forgotten (or blocked out) the labor and delivery experience from your previous children, new methods and techniques may be taught that were not available during your first pregnancy. There may also be new pain relief options that you did not know about before.

If you have had a child recently, within the last year or two, you probably do not need to attend a full session of childbirth classes. However, you should attend at least a few birthing classes to refresh your memory of labor and delivery procedures and develop a birth plan. If you are on your second pregnancy and it is the father’s first pregnancy, childbirth classes may benefit both of you to familiarize him with the experience.

Labor Exercises – Making Labor Easier

Labor Exercises – Making Labor Easier

March 21st, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

There are conflicting views on whether or not exercising during pregnancy can make labor easier on your body. While keeping yourself in shape during your pregnancy is important, there is no definitive evidence that it makes labor easier. However, many women claim that it has helped them. Additionally, one study of a very small group of women showed lower pain levels and shorter pushing phases in women who exercised than women who didn’t.

However, there is such a thing as too much exercise. If your pelvic floor muscles become too tight, it can make it difficult to push the baby out into the world. However, if you build the muscles enough to control them easily, you can make your pushing phase of labor easier and less painful. It can also lessen your chances for tears in the perineum.

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises are recommended for women during and after pregnancy. These exercises strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, which can help you in many ways. First, you will have an easier time avoiding leakage or incontinence that comes with pregnancy, and can continue shortly after giving birth. Additionally, you will be able to make those muscles more elastic, making labor easier and less painful. Finally, doing the exercises after the birth will help tighten your muscles to their original elasticity, making sex more enjoyable and less painful.

Kegel exercises are very simple to do once you get the hang of it. These muscles are the same ones you use when you urinate, or avoid urination. The easiest way to start is when you are using the restroom. Simply use the muscles to start and stop the flow of urine. As you practice this, you will eventually come to know the feeling of the muscles being contracted. At that point you can begin doing the exercises at other times. Simple sit in a relaxing position, such as when you are watching television, and contract and relax the muscles.

Other Exercise

Walking and bicycling are also good exercises for pregnant women. The exercises helps keep your back muscles strong, relieving some of the back pain that comes with later pregnancy. This also strengthens your abdominal muscles, making labor less painful and making it easier to contract your muscles during the pushing phase of labor. The exercise will also help to keep your body in shape, making it easier to lose weight and regain your original figure after pregnancy.

Warnings

Although it is safe in most cases to continue exercise as you always have during pregnancy, there can be risks and complications that do not allow for hard exercise. You need to listen to your body, and do not overdo it. You will find that you wear out more easily and become breathless more easily the further into your pregnancy you get. If you are out of breath or tired, do not try to keep exercising. Take a break and go back to your routine later, or simple shorten your routine during your pregnancy.

If you have any problems that may result from your exercise, talk to your doctor. You should also inform your doctor at the beginning of your pregnancy of any exercise routine you have or plan to have during your pregnancy. This gives your doctor an opportunity to address any concerns he might have.

Going Into Labor – Knowing It’s for Real

Going Into Labor – Knowing It’s for Real

March 20th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Starting as early as the second trimester you may begin to have contractions. This occurs as your uterus contracts and relaxes repetitively. Some of these may be caused by the baby’s stretching, while others are simply the uterus moving the baby into birthing position and preparing your body for actual labor. These practice contractions are called Braxton Hicks, after the scientist who first noted them in 1872.

Braxton Hicks contractions feel more like pressure than pain. They may be felt from inside the body, or by placing a hand on the belly. For the most part, it will simply feel like your stomach has tightened. While medical dictionaries may say that they are not painful at all, most pregnant women disagree, and say that they feel very much like real labor pains toward the end of the third trimester. This can make it difficult to tell if you are actually in labor or if you are having Braxton Hicks contractions, especially if it is your first pregnancy.

These pre-labor pains are perfectly normal, and nothing to worry about. They may increase in intensity as you move around, and lessen or disappear as you rest. If you are overly uncomfortable and having contractions try resting for a while and drinking a glass of water. This will usually make them stop. You can also take warm baths to relax the muscles, which will also relax the uterus and stop the contractions. If you are ever in doubt of whether your contractions mean you are in labor, try these methods to stop them. If they become more frequent and regular rather than ceasing, you may be in labor.

The easiest way to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and real labor is the length and frequency of the contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions are often irregular in frequency, and do not become very close together. Labor pains, on the other hand, will be very regular in timing and frequency. They will start out at about fifteen or twenty minutes apart when you first notice them, and increase in frequency to about ten minutes apart. Once you have had contractions lasting more than thirty seconds at ten minutes apart for one hour or more, it is likely time to start heading to the hospital.

Braxton Hicks contractions are also less painful than labor pains, and not as intense. They usually occur only in the abdomen. Labor pains, by contrast, will typically encircle the abdomen and go around into your back. They will be very intense, and they will likely be painful. Rather than simply feeling a tightening of the abdomen, you will feel as though a ring within your stomach has cinched to half its original size. Walking will make the contractions stronger and more frequent, and help progress your labor.

If you are unsure whether or not you are in labor, you should call your doctor. He will ask you the intensity, length, and frequency of your contractions. If there is any doubt that you might be in labor, he will have you go to the hospital. It is not uncommon to make several trips to the hospital as contractions start and stop, preparing your body for giving birth. Even though these tips can help you determine the difference between fake and real labor pains, there is no guarantee. Especially with first pregnancies, contractions can come frequently and regularly without progressive labor.

How Prenatal Exercise Can Benefit You and Your Baby

How Prenatal Exercise Can Benefit You and Your Baby

March 15th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Can you imagine that there was a time when women were expected to rest and not get exercise during pregnancy? What were we thinking? It has become clear over the past 50-60 years that women need exercise and that exercise helps create a healthy mother and a healthy baby.

Of course, we all know that exercise benefits everyone. There are so many ways that exercise helps both the mind and the body that once you know about them it can seem crazy not to exercise. However, despite the fact that pregnant women were once told to avoid exercise, prenatal exercise has wonderful benefits for them as well.

The pregnant woman who gets a good amount of prenatal exercise will have stronger muscles for labor and delivery and to support loose joints. This will also help improve posture and reduce back pain. Exercise will also help a pregnant woman experience increased circulation, which is vital in carrying oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby, and increased flexibility. Exercise will also relieve muscle tension and help the mother-to-be feel more relaxed.

The above are all physical benefits of prenatal exercise, but exercise also carries mental benefits. You see, when we exercise, our brains produce a chemical called serotonin. This is a wonderful chemical that makes us feel good. During pregnancy the mental and emotional boost we get from exercise can help battle the mood swings brought about by hormones and promote a feeling of happiness and wellbeing.

Of course, it is important to ensure that you exercise safely while pregnant. You should never just jump into a new exercise routine while pregnant. If you have not been exercising prior to pregnancy, then take it slow and start off with walking or swimming a few minutes each day. You can increase as you feel ready, eventually reaching 30-45 minutes 3-4 days per week. If you were physically active prior to pregnancy, then you can generally keep doing what you were doing before as long as there are no complications in your pregnancy. For example, if you are a runner you can still run during pregnancy.

It is important to follow some general guidelines when doing prenatal exercises. Avoid activities that require good balance, especially after the fourth month. Avoid high-impact activities and avoid activities that involve deep muscle stretching. Also be sure to keep yourself well hydrated and do not raise your heart rate such that you cannot talk normally while exercising. You should sweat, but only moderately. Also, be sure that your body temperature doesn’t rise too much. You don’t want to overheat.

Before starting any prenatal exercise program it is important to discuss it with your doctor or midwife. You want to be sure they know what you are doing and that they give you the thumbs-up. This way you will know that you are completely safe in doing what you are doing, instead of second-guessing yourself. Your healthcare provider will also let you know the signs to watch out for if a problem develops during your exercise.

Prenatal exercise will allow you to have a healthier pregnancy, an easier labor and delivery, and you will bounce back faster after having your baby. You will look and feel great during and after your pregnancy and just might be more fit after baby arrives than you were before.