Baby’s Movement As You Near Your Due Date

Baby’s Movement As You Near Your Due Date

October 20th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

There are so many things about pregnancy that are truly magical. That moment when you first find out that you are pregnant is hard to describe. Then you go through the variety of symptoms, which though hard to deal with can hold some mystique as you recognize that this tiny little being has taken up residence. Seeing your baby for the first time on an ultrasound is of course a defining moment for most parents.

One of the most memorable moments that a woman experiences during pregnancy is feeling their baby move. This is hard to explain and even harder to describe, and it elicits some rather emotional reactions. You enjoy that movement from early on in your second trimester throughout the remainder of your pregnancy in most cases. It’s something that ties you to your baby and something that you will likely miss once you give birth. It is however important to understand that the baby’s movement patterns will change as you get later into your pregnancy.

Movement Patterns Change

Once you start feeling the baby’s movement in your pregnancy, you will likely be pretty tuned into it. Though it may be a bit sporadic at first, you may find that it starts to even out and maybe even become a bit predictable. Though this may not be the case for everyone, most women can plan on feeling their baby move at a certain time of day or after a certain activity such as eating sugary foods or a larger meal. Though your doctor will tell you not to worry if things aren’t quite so unpredictable, but they may very well ask you to ensure that you check for baby’s movement at least once a day. This is a good habit to get into so that you can ensure baby is doing what she’s supposed to in there.

Keep in mind that as you move throughout your pregnancy, your baby is growing tremendously. Your baby is putting on weight and taking up some major room in your growing uterus. Though the movement patterns may have started out with a flutter, they quickly evolved into kicks, rolls, and even what may have felt like punches in your belly. This is amazing and takes a woman’s breath away, but you do need to remember that just as this evolution took place so too will a new one. Once you enter into the third trimester and especially near your due date, you are going to feel things a bit less. This is nothing to be concerned about, but rather a very normal part of the pregnancy and the preparation for birth.

Less Movement Means Baby is Getting Ready

Though you do want to be careful to ensure that baby is moving here and there, as you near your due date the movement will be very different. While as you used to feel the baby roll over and could maybe even see this, you will likely experience a bit less of that as the baby gets into position for birth. Not only that, but the baby has grown so much that it has taken up a good amount of space leaving it far less room to move about within.

As you near your due date, you do want to ensure that baby is moving and always ask your doctor if you are concerned. However you do want to be aware that baby may very well be moving into position, have far less room to move, and is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do if you experience less movement.

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.

Uterine Contractions In The Third Trimester

Uterine Contractions In The Third Trimester

June 8th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

There’s just so much to think about during pregnancy. You want to ensure that you are doing the very best to take care of your baby. You want to ensure that you are in good health and that you care for yourself in the proper way. There is so much to think about and just as you get used to one phase or symptom of pregnancy, an entirely different type comes about.

You may feel as though you know what you are doing, particularly if you are beyond your first pregnancy. However, there are so many things to think about and many elements of pregnancy that can literally take you off guard. One such thing that tends to cause a woman to lose her breath is uterine contractions. If you have never experienced these before, they can be a little intimidating. They can be scary as you prepare for the upcoming birth of your child. It is good to know though that these are not only common, but very normal.

So What Exactly is Going On?

You can be going about your business, not have a care in the world, when all of a sudden one of those uterine contractions may strike you. Some women will go an entire pregnancy without feeling them, and some will start experiencing them somewhere around the 20th week. As you can see here there are many different symptoms as you move about your pregnancy, and this is just one of them. If you feel uterine contractions, know that they are normal.

What usually happens at this point of the pregnancy is that the uterus contracts, but not in a painful way. Though contractions will be painful and rhythmic as you enter the final days before delivery, this is totally different. Uterine contractions, or Braxton Hicks contractions as they are called, are felt earlier on are often more of a tightening than anything else. They are shorter in nature, usually around 15 to 30 seconds, and then go away. There is often no rhythm nor rhyme or reason to these contractions because they come on and go away just as quickly. If there is any pain associated with them, it is often very minor as the focus is usually more on the tightening of the entire area.

Preparation for the Big Day

The uterus has gone through a lot to prepare your body for pregnancy. It has also grown exponentially to house your baby and ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. The uterine contractions felt are very normal as the uterus contracts along the way as a result of all of these changes. Consider this to be a bit of preparation for the big day, but in a much more minor way than you will consider.

Some women will feel these uterine contractions as early as the 20th week, and they may actually get used to them as they stay for the remainder of the pregnancy. As the due date nears and the baby prepares for birth, these Braxton Hicks contractions may come faster and furiously. You will know when it’s actual labor as there will be much more pain and regularity to them, but know that the Braxton Hicks contractions may very well stay with you up until the big day.

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.

Managing Your Exhaustion During Pregnancy

Managing Your Exhaustion During Pregnancy

May 31st, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

There are many aspects of pregnancy that you can’t even explain to others. The way that you feel, that first kick from the baby, so many things are just miraculous and difficult to put into words. One such aspect of pregnancy that is rather difficult to put into words is the absolute exhaustion that you feel.

For many women, exhaustion during pregnancy is a tired feeling that you’ve never quite felt before and it just beats you down. You can barely keep your eyes open during normal and rather routine activities, leaving you feeling drained so very easily. This is very common at the very beginning of a pregnancy and in the first trimester. Usually you feel much better by second trimester, though you’re certainly not up as late as you used to be. Then by the time that third trimester comes around, you feel that exhaustion again. There are many factors that contribute to it, and learning how to properly manage it is always a good idea.

It Seems to Come Out of Nowhere

One of the first indicators to many women that they are pregnant is that absolute exhaustion that you feel. It’s hard to describe, but as you have difficulty getting up in the morning or keeping your eyes open through dinner; you somehow know what’s going on. Though it is a very common symptom of pregnancy, it can be very frustrating for many women. If you have other children to care for, have a full time job, or simply have responsibilities that you must maintain then it can be very trying.

It may seem that the exhaustion comes out of nowhere, but it does make sense if you think about it. In the first trimester, the exhaustion is often attributed to the major change in hormones. As it often is, progesterone is usually the culprit and contributes to everything slowing down and you feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck. You are likely experiencing other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, and these can take a lot out of you as well. You are also building another person and as you work through the process of building another human being and the placenta, it’s only natural that you feel tired. You will feel this again towards the end of your pregnancy as you are carrying around a lot of extra weight and your body gets ready for delivery.

So How Do You Manage Pregnancy Exhaustion?

Since the exhaustion can be so debilitating and frustrating, many women want to know how to properly manage it. As you can see from these ideas, there are some rather simple but effective measures one can take which will help the exhaustion to subside a bit. Though it may sound counterintuitive, getting in a bit of exercise can be a real lifesaver when it comes to restoring some of that lost energy.

Along the same lines, eating the right foods that are loaded with nutrients and natural energy boosters can help you to feel more like yourself again. You can also rely on short little naps to help you get back to a normal state. Shutting your eyes for just twenty minutes when you feel tired can be a real energy booster. Getting more sleep at night and taking it easy throughout the day will always help you to feel more energized and ready to take on the world.

Traveling Late In Your Pregnancy

Traveling Late In Your Pregnancy

May 28th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

It may seem like the furthest thing from your mind depending on where you are at in your pregnancy, but travel is something that most pregnant women wonder about. The problem is that the first trimester can be full of undesirable symptoms that leave you feeling like all you want to do is lie in bed. Then the third trimester comes along and you realize just how close you are to your due date, which can make a lot of women feel like they just want to stick close to home.

The ideal time to travel in any capacity is the second trimester. Not only are you bound to be free of most symptoms, but you are also far enough away from your due date to really have to worry. There does come the occasion however when there may be a desire or a need to travel late in pregnancy. Is this safe? Is it even allowed?

Look At the Guidelines

First and foremost you should always use common sense when it comes to traveling throughout your pregnancy. If you have any sort of health condition or limitations that would prohibit you from traveling, then use that as your guideline. If you are in a situation where you are either feeling sick or just don’t feel comfortable in travelling to far from home, then let that instinct guide you. If it comes down to a work trip, see if you can get a note from your doctor that would indicate to your boss that they prefer you not travel so late in your pregnancy.

The bottom line is that many airlines won’t even allow a woman to travel past a certain point in their pregnancy. As you can see from these guidelines, to be able to travel via air in your ninth month of pregnancy requires special clearance and medical documentation. So use the guidelines to help you decide what is best for you and your baby.

Keep In Mind How it May Affect You

Though there are certain types of travel such as car and sea that won’t have as pressing of guidelines as the airlines do, it’s important that you think about the potential side effects. The reason that most airlines don’t wish to have women travel so far along in their pregnancy is that they become a liability, that is they could give birth at anytime. There is also the potential risk for a woman to develop blood clots if they sit in an airplane at different altitudes for too long.

Along with blood clots, there is also the issue of exhaustion. When you think of travel, you must recognize that it can really take a lot out of you. If you travel too far along in your pregnancy, you are already running that risk as a potential and very real side effect of the pregnancy anyhow. Beyond that, you also have to contend with the onset of uterine contractions and stomach upset that often returns later on in the third trimester. Even if the guidelines don’t prohibit you from traveling, you may want to think through what it could mean for you and your baby. You always want to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a happy baby, so be sure that traveling later on in your pregnancy is really what is best for you.

Feeling Out of Breath During Pregnancy

Feeling Out of Breath During Pregnancy

May 21st, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

There are many things that we anticipate in pregnancy and many things that we can’t possibly predict. We certainly expect that we are going to gain weight and gain that all important and all adored baby bump. We may very well expect that we are going to suffer through certain symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or even backaches. Many of us know that pregnancy isn’t always going to be a pleasant experience, but that with the bad comes the good and that means that we will end up with a baby at the end of the process. This is well worth it, we tell ourselves, and we deal with the circumstances we are dealt.

There are, however, certain aspects of pregnancy that we may not be ready for. When women feel shortness of breath, they tend to worry. They can’t understand why they feel breathless, and therefore it’s important to explain why a woman may feel this unanticipated symptom of pregnancy.

Where Are You At in Your Pregnancy?

There is a multitude of reasons as to why you may get out of breath during your pregnancy. It is usually due in large part to exactly where you are at in your pregnancy as that can make a big difference. What you feel in your first trimester is very different than your second trimester. What you feel and experience in your third trimester doesn’t even compare to anything else as your body is working hard to prepare for baby’s arrival and doing everything it can to pull from the resources. Therefore if you feel short of breath, it’s important to consider what stage of your pregnancy you are at so that you can get the necessary explanation.

In the first trimester, the blood flow multiplies exponentially. This is to get ready for everything that baby will need, it is to build the placenta, and it is to prepare for the pregnancy overall. You will have a great deal of additional blood flow and hormones in your pregnancy, and as this is all happening it can result in you feeling a bit short of breath. Though this is short-lived, it can help to know what exactly is going on.

As you can see, feeling shortness of breath later on is due to other circumstances. It is often due to the extra weight that you are carrying around, and it is also due to your growing uterus pressing up on the diaphragm. As the baby gets into the position for birth, the pressure on the lungs and the diaphragm continues and grows exponentially. This is however a great indication that the baby’s arrival is getting near.

Consider This in Your Daily Activities

Many women are taken off guard by this shortness of breath and don’t really know how to account for it in their everyday life. It can become a very frustrating issue for women when they go to their regular workouts, but it is something that can be worked around. Taking a yoga class that focuses on breathing and taking it a bit slowly with your workout regimen can help you to get used to this. It won’t necessarily last the entire pregnancy, but it is something that you should plan for. Though walking up a flight of stairs may leave you out of breath now, it will get better later on. It’s a symptom of pregnancy like anything else, and therefore it will subside and you will get back to your normal self in no time.

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.

Understanding the Needs of Your Body During Pregnancy

Understanding the Needs of Your Body During Pregnancy

March 26th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Pregnancy takes a lot of you over nine months. Your baby takes nutrients from your body, and you experience changes due to hormones released during the pregnancy. It is vitally important that you consider what you need to do to keep your body and mind healthy during pregnancy.

Eating Healthy

Because your baby takes its nutrients from your body, you need to be sure you are taking in enough healthy foods to nourish both yourself and your baby. In addition to taking a prenatal vitamin, you need to increase your intake of certain foods, such as milk and spinach for calcium, carrots and squash for vitamin b, and easily broken down proteins like eggs and beans. You should also eat foods high in folic acid, which includes most leafy vegetables.

The Importance of Exercise

Especially throughout the second and third trimesters, you will gain weight rapidly. Part of this is due to the weight of the baby. However, it is also due to your increased food intake. The baby takes the nutrients, but not necessarily the fat. To stay healthy, keep blood pressure low, and avoid being overweight after the pregnancy, you need to exercise and stay fit. There are many exercise programs developed specifically for pregnant women, although most exercise routines can be continued throughout most of your pregnancy.

Physical Changes and Challenges

As your baby grows, you will have some back pain. This can often be relieved through back massages, taking frequent breaks from chores that require standing, and changing positions frequently. You can also take Tylenol for back pain during pregnancy. Don’t both with a chiropractor, however, as most of them will not do any adjustments while you are pregnant.

You may also have problems with dry skin, brittle nails, and breast tenderness. The best way to address these issues is to invest in good, nourishing body lotion loaded with vitamins and minerals. You can also get similar strengthener for your nails. For aching breasts, a bra that fits comfortably yet offers extra support can really help. The less they move, the less they will hurt.

Emotional Health

There are a million things that cross through your mind when you are pregnant. You will be excited, of course, but you may also feel worried about the pregnancy, the health of the baby, or your ability as a parent. This is all very normal, but you need to address your concerns. At the very least, talk to your spouse about how you are feeling. Ignoring these emotions and fears can mean higher chances of post-partum depression after your baby is born.

As you get larger with your pregnancy, you may also begin to have feelings of being ugly or fat. You will feel like your body is no longer your own, and you want to reclaim it. When you start feeling really down, take yourself out for a girls day at the spa. If you cannot afford that, have a spa day at home with some friends. Get your hair done and put on some makeup to feel more like yourself. You might also want to go shopping for something sexy to wear after your pregnancy is over. This will help remind you that this form of your body is only temporary.

Expected Pregnancy Symptoms Week By Week

Expected Pregnancy Symptoms Week By Week

March 25th, 2010 by admin  |  1 Comment

Most pregnancy information focuses on the growth and development of the fetus, and what you need to do to help that process along. But there are many pregnancy symptoms and changes that you yourself will experience during pregnancy that may or may not have any bearing on the infant itself. It is important to understand what pregnancy symptoms to expect, and how to take care of yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of your baby when it arrives.

Pregnancy Symptoms During First Trimester (Week 1 – Week 14)

The first few weeks of pregnancy is often the most difficult for the mother. It starts with morning sickness, which can actually come on throughout the day, at any time. This nausea is rarely beaten by anything you do. It is important to keep your strength up, and to nourish your body. Even if you don’t feel like eating, remember that your baby is taking most of the nutrients your body has stored, and it is important to get something down. Eating small meals can help, but if solid food doesn’t work you should take in plenty of fluids, as well as chicken, beef, or vegetable broth.

The first trimester can also bring fatigue, so make sure you are getting plenty of rest. If you don’t work, taking naps during the day can be a huge help. You may also experience some tenderness in your breasts, which can usually be relieved by wearing an extra-supportive bra that limits movement. You will also have increased urination, so be sure to drink lots of water. Drinking water and juices will also help you avoid the issue of constipation that will generally arise in the first trimester, and last throughout the pregnancy.

Pregnancy Symptoms During Second Trimester (Week 15 – Week 27)

This is the easiest trimester of pregnancy for the mother. Most of the pregnancy symptoms from the first trimester, such as fatigue and nausea, will begin to fade and eventually disappear. You will still have frequent urination, and you may still experience constipation. Keep up a high fiber diet with lots of fluids to avoid this. Your spouse will enjoy this phase of the pregnancy as well, as your breasts begin to become enlarged. Do not be surprised if you have some seepage from your breasts, particularly after a warm shower. Lotion on your nipples and breast area can help prevent dryness caused by the seepage.

Due to hormones released during this trimester, your blood tends to circulate faster. This is what gives your skin the pregnancy glow, but it can also cause bleeding gums, nasal congestion, or leg cramps. Make sure to address any concerns with your doctor, and rest frequently whenever needed.

Pregnancy Symptoms During Third Trimester (Week 28 onwards)

This final trimester of pregnancy can be rather uncomfortable, and most women are happy to go into labor to end it. As your baby continues to grow, he will begin kicking you in the ribs. You will also have some shortness of breath, heartburn, and back pain due to the baby pushing on your lungs and stomach, and the sheer weight of the baby on your body. Circulation is still increased, so you may experience some spider veins, especially in the legs. If the uterus presses on veins near the legs, you may also experience some swelling of the ankles and feet. Fear not, the discomfort will be over soon!

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