How to induce labor naturally?

Some of most helpful and best tips for a natural childbirth for an expectant mother are listed below. Most of these tips are based on relaxation.And some is approved effective. You will discover why proper relaxation is so important for your body during pregnancy. I am sure that all expectant mothers will find these tips for a natural childbirth helpful and effective.

Relaxation is extremely important for a successful and uncomplicated pregnancy period. Allow your body the freedom to do what it is expected to do. Proper relaxation should be practiced throughout your pregnancy. There are numerous ways by which you can get relaxation. It is also important to know that different relaxation techniques work for different people. The following are a few relaxation techniques which may be helpful. 

* Massage 

* listening to music  

* Yoga poses

* deep breathing 

* walking 

* Meditation

* bathing or showering.

Acupuncture is a well known safe method of natural labor induction which has been used in many countries for ages. Results of research studies have also shown that acupuncture can be a very effective way to induce labor naturally.

To let labor happen naturally the baby must come down into the pelvic area by the time expected delivery date is near. Walking is a very safe and effective exercise during pregnancy which can ward off many pregnancy complications, help in maintaining proper pregnancy weight and assist to induce labor naturally as well.

Evening primrose oil is effective in dilating the cervix to make it ready for labor. You can consume the oil or apply on your cervix area. But never take it without prior approval of your doctor and those women suffering from placenta previa should never make the mistake of taking this herb in any form.

Pregnancy exercise, sex, nipple stimulation and certain consumables like Chinese food, oregano, eggplant and castor oil can be some proven ways to induce labor naturally. Remember that the baby needs a start to induce the labor process which should be done in gentle ways and not something drastic like jumping and bouncing around.

You may notice that certain things that were not advised during the pregnancy period are now recommended to induce labor naturally only due to the fact that during pregnancy these same things could have led to a miscarriage or pregnancy complications. But when your baby is fully developed to be delivered then the same things can be helpful to induce labor naturally.

Some tips to a natural childbirth

Why do an increasing number of women want to birth naturally? Preparation for conception, pregnancy and birth is more and more common as parents become more aware. When a mother chooses a natural birth at home or in hospital, it is because she cares about the health and well being of the baby and herself. A good diet becomes important in pregnancy, wholesome, fresh and raw foods, preferably organically grown is the best she can do for her body and the growing baby inside her.

To nourish all aspects of our being, we are talking about physical, mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual health. To create a healthy baby all these aspects need to be looked at. A healthy pregnancy requires a diet combing fresh, raw foods in all the rainbow colors, whole grains, nuts, legumes, fish, red meat which should be hormone free. Luckily today there are many outlets of fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, meat and chicken produced in this way. If good foods are eaten in pregnancy, supplements may not be necessary.

Keep in mind that Protein, fats, Vitamin C, E, folic acid and iron are in high demand in pregnancy. Vegetarians need to get enough iron and protein in their diet, vegans need iron, protein, calcium and B12 increased in pregnancy. Herbs and Homeopathics can be helpful as supplements, but the number one is the food we eat and the water we drink. The quality of water is very important because good water helps to flush out toxins from the body.

One of the childbirth tips I had not tried before was swimming. I wanted baby to be in the best position possible, and she was somewhat posterior (which produces back labor). So at 37 weeks, I started swimming 3 mornings a week. I typically don't swim, but I joined a club just for the last few weeks of my pregnancy because I read that swimming helps to move baby into an optimal position in the birth canal. The better positioning that baby has in the birth canal, the faster labor can go. Worked for me.

Our baby needs to be nourished in the best possible way. A pregnant mum will naturally want to change her lifestyle so she can have more time to relax and prepare for motherhood. Breathing fresh air at the beach, in the bush or in a nice garden or park, oxygenates the blood and enriches the quality of the blood supply to the baby. Deep breathing purifies and cleanses, the baby receives more oxygen. This is very important for healthy cell development.

One of my favorite childbirth tips for expectant moms is to have regular chiropractic care.

When I was about 37 weeks, my midwife said that my baby was laying on her side, which wasn't the best position for baby to be in when I went into labor. She suggested that I go to a Chiropractor. After I was adjusted, I could tell baby was in a much better position, and I credit my fast birth, in part, to the chiropractic adjustments I received just before birth.
Going to the chiropractor in late pregnancy can ensure that mom's pelvis, back and neck are in good alignment, as well as helping baby to rotate into an optimal position. Both of these things can help labor to progress quickly and less painfully.

Chiropractic adjustments, especially at the end of pregnancy, is one of the best childbirth tips.

Emotional well being is important in pregnancy. If there is conflict in the relationship with the father of the baby, it is important to take time to resolve the issues before the birth. This goes for close family members as well, as it can affect the birth itself. Sometimes a counselor is needed or it could be a friend, family member, midwife or others. Emotional and mental health and well being is linked. We want to resolve as much as possible before the baby arrives so we can give our baby the best.

Pregnancy, birth and motherhood brings us very close to our spirituality, the essence of who we are. Many women have a spiritual experience at birth as well as a good physical experience. It is important for women to be in touch with the instincts and intuition, their inner knowing. This can only happen with sensitive caregivers, who respect this and don’t take charge, over ride or act from ego or want to be in control. Everyone, including professional care givers need to understand that the mother knows the baby best and is fully capable of giving birth naturally, bond and breastfeed the baby in her own mothering style. We want to support her knowledge. Some women want to deliver their own baby with their own hands, they do not tear and they just push the placenta out when they are ready.

A drug free birth gives that opportunity to be fully aware of what happens in labour, the baby is born fully aware and breastfeeding becomes easier.

The contentment and satisfaction that is experienced through a good healthy and drug free birth helps with all the challenges that comes afterwards. Sleepless nights and/or breastfeeding problems are easier to cope with. What happens at birth affects the baby long term. What we want to achieve is non-separation and the ability to give the baby all the colostrum it wants which is full of antibodies and immunoglobins and will protect the baby for a very long time.

There is so much to be said about the nourishing aspects of a natural birth; the people involved, their behaviour and attitudes to the mother, baby, family; support and encouragement of individual mothering styles, respect and honouring of what is primal, the core-strength of all beings, the knowing of who we are.

What should I do

I feel so troubled with one thing, and I don't have any solution.In october 2010, my best friend borrow RMB 3000 because of urgent need. She made a promise to pay the money back within 3 months. But there is no message of paying back, because we are so close friends, and I didn't need to use money, so I never talk about that money. But later, her husband also borrow RMB 4000 from us, and later borrow RMB 20000. Till this month, it is almost one and half a year.Last year, we met lots of things which spended lots of money, but when I mentioned the money, they avoid this topic, we know they are in unhealthy financial status, but we are also in trouble. How should I do? We had an overdraft of nearly RMB 30000, so we have to cut out a great deal of unnecessary expenditure, sometimes we have no money in the middle of a month, it is a unforgettable year. I want to say to my friend "Pay back our money, we are need them eagerly" everytime, but I can not say them out, those words will hurt our relationship. Friendship is hard to bulid up, but easy to destory it. We should cherish it. But those days, my husband want to buy a car because it is far away from his workplace, it nearly takes one and half an hour on the way to his office.But....What should I do, who can tell me?

A joke about control bad temper

Husband: "How to control your temper when you are angry?"
Wife: "Every time you got angry and I went to clean up the toilet."
Husband: "Cleaning up the toilet can help you to control a bad temper?"
Wife: "I ​​use your toothbrush."

The risk of overweight gain during pregancy

How much weight should I gain in each trimester?

The majority of your weight should be gained in the second and third trimester. In your first trimester you may find that you do not gain weight and some actually lose weight. This is not ideal, but it is also not abnormal. You should attempt to eat small, frequent meals. This should help with adequate weight gain. You should expect to gain 3 to 5 pounds in your first trimester.

Your second and third trimesters, you should expect more rapid weight gain, typically 10 to 15 pounds in each trimester.

Gaining more than the recommended weight during pregnancy can put women at increased risk of becoming obese and developing related health problems, including high blood pressure, later in life. These are the latest findings from researchers at the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)/Children of the 90s at the University of Bristol.

Weight gain during pregnancy is necessary for the growth and development of the fetus but the study, which looked at the health of 3,877 women 16 years after they gave birth, found that those who gained more than the recommended weight during pregnancy (by 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines) were three times as likely to be overweight or obese or to develop central adiposity (become apple shaped). Correspondingly, women whose weight gain during pregnancy was low were at lower risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing associated health problems.

Women who were underweight or within the normal range before pregnancy had average weight gains of 12.7 and 12.9 kilos respectively, well within the respective recommended ranges of 12.5-18 and 11.5-16.0 kilos, but women who were overweight gained on average 11.9 kilos, and obese women gained 10.1 kilos, both well over the recommended 7-11.5 and 5-9 kilos, respectively.

The study compared the women's pre-pregnancy weight with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and blood pressure 16 years' later and adjusted for age, sex of the child, social class, parity, smoking, physical activity and diet in pregnancy, method of delivery, and whether the mother breastfed.

Dr Abigail Fraser, the report's main author, said:
'Our findings suggest that regular monitoring of weight in pregnancy may need to be reconsidered because it provides a window of opportunity to prevent health problems later in life.'

The full results and accompanying editorial are published in the June 2011 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.


Read more:
How to keep right weight during pregnancy

Weight gain during pregancy

How to keep right weight during pregnancy

Studies show you only need about 300-500 extra calories per day when you are pregnant – the equivalent of about one or two snacks a day. Even though you don’t need all that much extra calories, you’re probably going to feel like you’re way hungrier than normal and as if you’re eating twice as much! But you are definitely not eating for two full-size adults so by doubling your caloric intake, you could be overeating.

The main issue with pregnancy weight gain is quality of nutrition – not just quantity! Your body does require significantly more healthy nutrients when you’re pregnant, so if you are not eating the right foods, you will not be getting the right kind of raw materials for the growth of your baby and that can lead to poor health outcomes as well as constant cravings.

Cravings seem to be the worst enemy of pregnant moms who don’t want to gain too much weight after their pregnancy – it doesn’t matter if you have been eating broccoli the whole day, if you dig into a tub of Ben and Jerry’s at 10pm at night, all bets are off! Cravings often happen when our body is deficient in certain nutrients – which can happen more frequently during pregnancy when the demand for high quality nutrition is so much greater than ever before. The best way to curb cravings is to ensure that you eat foods that are nutrient-dense – think “big nutrient bang for the calorie bucks”.

If your health care provider recommends gaining more weight during pregnancy, here are some suggestions:

• Eat five to six small, frequent meals every day.
• Keep quick, easy snacks on hand, such as nuts, raisins, cheese and crackers, dried fruit, and ice cream/yogurt.
• Spread peanut butter on toast, crackers, apples, bananas, or celery. One tablespoon of creamy peanut butter will provide about 100 calories and seven grams of protein.
• Eat wholesome, nutritious food: your body will get all the nutrients that it needs to grow the baby, and it will not be craving more food than you should be eating. Nutrient-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, berries, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains and high quality natural meat.
• Reduce intake of processed, packaged foods: if you eat junk foods devoid of nutrients, your body will have cravings and you will feel hungry because your body is not getting the nutrients it needs. Avoid things like white flour, white sugar, white pasta, etc.
• Stay hydrated – Many people mistake thirst for hunger and even cravings, especially sugar cravings.
• Cardio exercises – increasing your heart rate moderately can help keep your metabolism up, not to mention other health benefits. Make sure you check with your healthcare provider and discuss your maximum exertion level.
• Do weight bearing and resistance exercises: muscles burn more calories than fat, so if you build up some muscles, you will be able to lose your baby weight faster postpartum. 
• Add nonfat powdered milk to foods such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and hot cereal.
• Add condiments to your meal, such as butter or margarine, cream cheese, gravy, sour cream, and cheese.

If you have gained more weight than recommended during the beginning of your pregnancy, talk to your medical provider. In most cases it is not appropriate to intentionally attempt to lose weight during pregnancy.

• Be sure to eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you and your baby need. Here are some tips to slow your weight gain:
• When eating out at a fast food restaurant, choose lower fat items such as broiled chicken breast sandwich with tomato and lettuce (no sauce or mayonnaise), side salad with low-fat dressing, plain bagels or a plain baked potato. Avoid fried foods such as French fries, mozzarella sticks, or breaded chicken patties.
• Avoid whole milk products. You need at least four servings of milk products every day. However, using skim, 1%, or 2% milk will greatly reduce the amount of calories and fat you eat. Also choose low-fat or fat-free cheese or yogurt.
• Limit sweet or sugary drinks. Sweetened drinks such as soft drinks, fruit punch, fruit drinks, iced tea, lemonade, or powdered drink mixes provide many calories with little nutrients. Choose water, club soda, or mineral water to avoid extra calories.
• Do not add salt to foods when cooking. Salt causes your body to retain water.
• Limit sweets and high calorie snacks. Cookies, candies, donuts, cakes, syrup, honey, and potato chips provide many calories with little nutrition. Try not to eat these types of foods every day. Instead, try fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt, angel food cake with strawberries, or pretzels as lower calorie snack and dessert choices.
• Use fats in moderation. Fats include cooking oils, margarine, butter, gravy, sauces, mayonnaise, regular salad dressings, sauces, lard, sour cream, and cream cheese. Try the lower fat substitutes that are available for these foods.
• Prepare meals using low-fat cooking methods. Frying foods in oil or butter will increase the calories and fat of that meal. Baking, broiling,grilling, or boiling are healthier, lower fat methods of cooking.
• Exercise. Moderate exercise, as recommended by your health care provider, can help burn excess calories. Walking or swimming is generally safe, effective exercises for pregnant women. But, be sure to talk to your health care provider before starting an exercise program.

Read more:

Weight gain during pregancy

Weight gain during pregancy

Gaining the right amount of weight during pregnancy by eating a healthy, balanced diet is a good sign that your baby is getting all the nutrients he or she needs and is growing at a healthy rate.

Today, more than 40% of women enter pregnancy already overweight or obese, and 60% gain more weight than recommended. Achieving a healthy weight gain during pregnancy has benefits for both mother and baby. For the pregnant women, a healthy weight gain reduces the risk of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, cesarean birth, and retaining excess weight postpartum. For the baby, there is less risk of being born too large (more than 8½ pounds) and becoming obese during childhood.

It is not necessary to "eat for two" during pregnancy. It's true that you need extra calories from nutrient-rich foods to help your baby grow, but you generally need to consume only 100 to 300 more calories than you did before you became pregnant to meet the needs of your growing baby.

The Institute of Medicine has developed new recommendations, based on prepregnancy weight, to help women and their infants have healthier outcomes.

Ask your health care provider how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. A woman of average weight before pregnancy should gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy. Underweight women should gain 28-40 pounds during pregnancy. Overweight women are recommended to gain 15-25 pounds.

Obese women are recommended to gain 10-20 pounds.

Without making some changes, it is very easy to gain more weight than recommended.

In general, you should gain about 2 to 4 pounds during your first three months of pregnancy and 1 pound a week for the remainder of your pregnancy. If you are expecting twins you should gain 35 to 45 pounds during your pregnancy. This would be an average of 1 ½ pounds per week after the usual weight gain in the first three months.

Where Does the Extra Weight Go During Pregnancy?

Baby :8 pounds

Placenta :2-3 pounds

Amniotic fluid :2-3 pounds

Breast tissue :2-3 pounds

Blood supply :4 pounds

Fat stores for delivery and breastfeeding :5-9 pounds

Uterus increase :2-5 pounds

Total :25 to 35 pounds


Read more:
How to keep right weight during pregnancy

Foods That Beat The Blues and Keep good mood

• Peppers

These veggies are packed with vitamin C, which can inhibit the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Yellow peppers have the highest level (341mg), followed by red (209mg) and green (132mg).

• Chocolate

Chocolate contains a mood-improving conpound known as anandamide that target the receptors of the brain and produce a joyful mood. It in addition liberates endorphins that are produced naturally inside the body that alleviate pain and bulids up a feeling of happiness and comfort and helps in lifting the mood at once.

Walnuts
A handful a day has been linked to heart health and weight control; now new research from the nuts, along boost levels of serotonin, a hormone that increases feelings of well-being. To get the biggest benefit, go for a raw and unpeeled.

• Chickpeas

Just half a cup of these legumes supplies 141mg of folate, a type of B vitamin necessary for the production of dopamine, a neuro-transmitter associated with pleasure.

• Figs

Figs are loaded with iron that is indispensable for carrying oxgen to the brain.Deficiency of iron is a general cause of tiredness in women, paritcularly during breastfeeding,pregnancy, and menstruation.

• Avocados

Stress depletes stores of B vitamins-essential for the creation of serotonin. Avocados are an excellent source of not only B vitamins but also potassium, which helps lower blood pressure.

• Sunflower Seeds

A magnesium deficiency can slow dopamine production, leaving you feeling frazzled. To stay on an even keel, take in 320mg of the mineral daily; these seeds provide 91mg per 1–ounce serving.

• yogurt

calcium present in yogurt diminishes nervousness, irritability,depression, and various other mood swings.

• Bananas

Bananas are full of vitamin B6,that is considered to bulid levels of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that calms and relaxes as well as reduces tension and stress.

• Berries

Berries such as raspberries, blackberries.blueberries.strawberries,etc, are full of antioxidants that keep ones brain happy and fresh.

• Prunes

Prunes are superb in enhancing one's energy,They contain a huge amounts of fibers and antioxidants. They boost uo concentration and memory power,in addition to help in decreasing the stress level.

• Cereal

Consuming cereals in the breakfast heightens the level of serotonin in the brain that controls appetite and mood.

• Oranges

Oranges are loaded with Vitamin C. This vitamin provides fuel to the body and helps in digestion.Oranges also help in decreasing anxiety and stress.

Keeping Active While Pregnant

Pregnancy is exciting news for most of the couples. It opens the doors to the new plans, worries and joy. Many couples do not feel fully prepared when it comes to pregnancy, especially if it is their first child. Having doubts about the entire situation and how the future will be, is quite normal for the new parents. It is perfectly natural to have your doubts and insecurities when it comes to the money and providing for your child, if you will be a good parent or not, etc.

The best solution to solve your worries and doubts is to become well informed and prepared. The more you read about pregnancy, talk about it with people that already had some experience with it, consult the health care professionals, and spread your interest across all the aspects of pregnancy, the more secure you will feel. Feeling secure about it will also make you feel more prepared.

It is not only that the mother is responsible for a baby while pregnant. It is a shared responsibility between both partners. The male partner needs to support the mother because she is the one going through all the pregnancy process and hormonal imbalances.These hormonal changes make the pregnant women more sensitive and easily irritable. The partners should be supportive and understand the situation since having the partner’s support is essential.

During the pregnancy women should avoid stress by all means. Avoiding stress can be achieved through many relaxation techniques such as yoga or some light exercises. Being in a joyful company can help greatly as well. Keep in mind that consistent stress can transfer the effects to the baby. This can make the baby more vulnerable to diseases after the birth and can develop a stress prone personality. Stress has direct effect on the baby so the couples should support each other to avoid stress as much as possible. Studies show that the main cause of stress in pregnant women is a non supportive and difficult partner. Both partners should understand that if they want their baby to be healthy, active and safe they should try to be as relaxed and calm as possible, especially the mother.

What are the benefits of keeping active while pregnant?

• Keeping active while pregnant lessen the discomforts of pregnancy and will make you healthy. Exercise and physical activity will prevent you from gaining too much weight and will lower your risk of pregnancy complications associated with being overweight like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Exercise also help relieve pregnancy discomforts like lower backache, leg cramps, swelling hands and feet, varicose veins, sleeplessness, fatigue and constipation.
• Keeping active while pregnant makes you look good. Exercises and physical activities can prevent the build up of fat deposits and improve muscle tone. It can help you stay in shape and beautiful while going through your pregnancy. When you are in shape, you do not have to wear baggy and unattractive clothes but you can be pregnant and sexy. Exercise also improves sleep. If you have complete night sleep, you will definitely look great.

• Keeping active while pregnant makes you feel good. Physical activity can help you overcome mood swings and relieves stress. Exercise can help boost your energy level and can help you achieve emotional stability. And of course if you look good, you will feel good.

How to love your pregnant wife

May be she is fine one minute, crying or shouting the next; there's no doubt about it, being pregnant plays havoc with her emotions!

It's often the case that mood swings predominantly accompany the first trimester as her hormones are going into overdrive to establish her pregnancy and she is still getting around the idea of being pregnant.

Generally, the second trimester will be a calmer phase as her body begins to take things in its stride, however as with anything, mood swings in pregnancy differ from woman to woman so you may still find her getting a bit overemotional at times.

Some women find that mood swings come back during the final trimester as she start to make preparations for the birth and become less uncomfortable as your baby finishes growing.

However, as her husband, you should try your best to love her.Here are some tips.

• When she feel blue, It’s your job to keep quiet.Take her to see a movie or take a walk in the garden.

• A pregnant woman may not even be aware she’s acting strange. You should treat her like your baby.To be patient.

• Let her eat well.A balanced diet is an almost essential in pregnancy to ensure that her body gets all the nutrients it needs to grow a healthy baby.. Good eating habits will also help you to regulate her hormones and minimize the ups and downs many women experience.

• Talk with her.It's so true that talking about how she is feeling will make everything seem a lot more bearable.

• Do moderate exercises with her.It will make her feel health and energetic. All the mood swings and tantrums are controlled by exercising. Walking is considered good for health. 

• Drop your bad habit. If you are lazy, try to do more housework. If your wife hates one habit of yours, try to drop it, otherwise, there will be a war.

• Do the things that she wants to do. She will feel the love from you.

Read more:

How to be a Highly Happy Pregnant Woman

How to Make Your Pregnant Wife Happy

what a father to be should do

Maintaining good health during pregnancy

Maintaining good health during pregnancy

Pregnancy has a big effect on women, both physically and mentally – and not all of it good!You're fine one minute, crying or shouting the next; there's no doubt about it, being pregnant plays havoc with your emotions! In fact, many moms-to-be can be described as “moody”; sometimes you feel great, other times it’s difficult to make it through a day. However, whether you find yourself in tears at the smallest thing or incensed to rage by a harmless action, dealing with these emotions on top of everything else that comes along with a positive pregnancy test can be very stressful itself.

Here are some ways you can keep your mood up while dealing with all the vagaries of pregnancy.

• Little Things Mean a Lot

Improving your prenatal mood needn’t cost a lot of time or money. Think about the things that make you feel good any time, pregnant or not. It could be a candy bar, a hot bath with fragrant oils, or listening to your favorite songs on your iPod. These may be some of the simple treats that always elevate your spirits – and they’re perfect for a way to feel good fast. If you enjoy fresh flowers, why not buy yourself a bouquet? An added bonus is that the scent of flowers is often calming.

• Take a break

Give yourself permission to take a break. Take a look at your to-do list - even if it's only a mental list. Take one item off of it - and spend the time you would have spent on that chore relaxing with a cup of tea and that magazine you've been promising yourself you would get to.

• The Mind-Body Connection

As you are probably well aware, your mind and body are integrally connected; what happens to one affects the other. So if your body is big and ungainly and tired, your emotions are apt to be the same!

Of course, physical activity is important for your health. Something as simple as a walk around the block can work miracles for both mind and body and it’s easy to fit into your work day.

• Reward yourself

Promise yourself a walk in the garden. When you're racing through the supermarket treat yourself to a bouquet of flowers along with the groceries. Call an old friend for a chat. Make these rewards - one reward for each chore that you manage to get through.

• Posture Affects Emotions

But even more than that, your body’s overall health is linked to your posture. Without good posture, your breathing can be labored, your digestion negatively affected, and depressing emotions allowed to run rampant. It’s true! A change as simple as sitting and standing straight at all times has been linked to feelings of comfort, better physical and mental balance, and clarity of thought, not to mention decreased lower back pain.

• Stay Away from Bad Habits

If you have been drinking and smoking in your early years, you need to quit these two habits to keep good health during pregnancy. Such habits are not only harmful for your health but also hazardous to your baby. It is said that there are chances of pre – mature delivery if the expectant mothers smoke and drink.

When you’re pregnant, it’s more important than ever to treat yourself right. Not only does your mental and physical health affect your own emotions, it affects your developing baby, too. Take the time to focus on the things that make you feel good and wear the LAYLA™ Maternity Bodysuit so you body stays aligned and balanced and thus promotes a positive mental state.

Pregnant Women And Mosquito Bites

Have you noticed more interest from the insect community now that you're pregnant? There's a good chance that you are not imagining things. Pregnant women do get more mosquito bites! Around twice as many, according to one study. Why?

Mosquitoes use heat to see. So that furnace you've been feeling in bed at night is to blame. It's easier for a mosquito find you due to your higher body temperature. Pregnant women also exhale more carbon dioxide than other people, which is another way mosquitoes track down their victims.Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide. Later on in pregnancy, you’ll tend to breathe more heavily, releasing more air (21 percent to be exact) than non-pregnant women do. Some think the mosquitoes are drawn to the fact that you’re giving off more CO2.

There are some tips to treat  Mosquito Bites: 

• Make sure your clothing is light-colored.

Mosquitoes are more attracted to dark clothing. Darker colors tend to absorb more heat, which tends to draw the mosquitoes closer to the clothing.

• Treat your bite with Aloe Vera gel.

According to Answersforyourhealth.com, Aloe Vera is a plant that contains over 75 known active ingredients, 19 Amino acids that are required by the human body, and 7 essential Amino acids which the body cannot produce itself. Aloe Vera gel reduces swelling and itching from the mosquito bite, while forming a layer to protect and reduce the possible infection.

• Use Vinegar and Baking Soda.

Using both will add a protective layer so the bite may begin the healing process. Baking soda also helps to draw inflammation out of the mosquito bite.

How to deal with Hives during pregnancy?

Hives during pregnancy is a common skin problem that a woman faces during that stage. Hives are none other than skin allergic reaction which appear as raised red or pale colored welts that cause severe itching. Hives appear as clustered or grouped welts that even change their shapes and location on the body.

Hives appear on the body of a pregnant woman that stretches during pregnancy. Here are the areas wherein hives usually appear on pregnant women:

• Breasts
• Abdomen
• Back of the legs
• Face
• Arms
• Back

Pregnancy hives is neither harmful to the mother nor to the baby in the womb. However, the associated itching can be very irritating to the woman. It has been found that in 99% pregnancy cases, women do not get hives at all. It is only in very rare cases that hives in pregnancy occur. Mostly, women experience severe itching on the skin during pregnancy, especially, on the breasts, abdomen, back of legs etc. It is because the skin stretches to accommodate the growing baby inside. Also there is a surge of production in hormones unique in pregnancy which might also stimulate dryness o the skin and cause itching.

Hives during pregnancy usually disappear after a few weeks of delivery of the baby. In very rare cases, it may persist beyond four weeks. Hives in pregnancy are more common when it is the first-time pregnancy case of woman. It has been observed that the condition of hives does not occur in subsequent pregnancies in the woman. Also pregnant women carrying twins in her womb tend to have higher chances of getting hives in the body.

Treatment of Pregnancy Hives

Hives during pregnancy does not affect the baby at all but the associated itching on the skin and body can be very irritating. For that purpose, doctors often prescribe Benadryl lotions and sprays. Some women experience drowsiness and feeling sleepy after application of Benadryl. Some even complain that the movements of the baby become slow and infrequent. In any such cases, the pregnant woman must be rushed to the doctor and seek his/her advice.

The other hives treatment medicine which is very popular and administered often is Claritin. This medication is an anti-histamine product which does not induce skin allergic reaction of hives. In most of the cases, Benadryl and Claritin are not prescribed in the first trimester of pregnancy. Other popular anti-histamine drugs that are effective in hives during pregnancy are: Atarx, Zyrtec.

Cold compress is the easiest and safest way against hive. It rapidly reduces inflammation and itchiness.
Moisturizers can help reduce the itch because itchiness is mostly due to dry skin.
Anti-itch creams can do wonders when cold compress and moisturizers don’t work. Anti-itch creams also leave the skin feeling cool.
Make a paste out of baking soda and water and rub it on the affected area

Of course, the simplest approach that a doctor follows is to check of the hives reaction has been caused by any food allergen. If yes, then this allergen is to be avoided from the diet, so that no such allergic reaction recurs. If you never had hives before and now have a sudden flare-up of hives during pregnancy, then this condition of hives is more to do with pregnancy hormones than simple allergic reactions to the body.

Also avoid scratching and rubbing the skin surface affected by hives. These would just aggravate the problem and make matters worse. Taking showers in very hot water can also trigger a great deal of irritation on the hives. This must be avoided too, especially during pregnancy. After shower with cool water, one must pat dry with a soft towel only and avoid any vigorous rubbing on the body.

Causes of hives during pregnancy

• Hives are allergic reaction due to triggers; such as certain foods, dust mites, spores, etc. Allergy happens when the immune system takes allergens as threats, thus releasing histamines.
• Stretching of the skin as the uterus expands.
• Hormonal changes can also attribute to the appearance of these itchy bumps on a pregnant woman. Hormonal changes can also make the skin dry, causing it to itch.

Whatever be the cause, hives in pregnancy can greatly irritate the lady. One must avoid taking over-the-counter drugs that can be harmful to the baby in the special condition of pregnancy. 


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Hives during pregnancy

Pregnant Women And Mosquito Bites

Hives during pregnancy

The fact that some women have to deal with hives during pregnancy along with the various other symptoms that occur is unfortunate, but the good news is that this condition is considered quite rare.  Hives are usually an allergic response that develops as raised, red or pale colored wheals on the skin. The skin condition often results in intolerable itching. Hives develop as clustered or gathered bumps that at times alter in location, size and shape on the body. They generally develop on the arms, back and legs. One of the main causes is the release of different hormones, which can result in the body releasing histamines that dry out the skin. Another cause is Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy, or PUPP, which can result in hives all over the body. Finally, the fact that pregnancy tends to stretch out the skin, depleting the moisture in it, means that some women can get hives on their stomach.

Having hives during pregnancy is neither detrimental to the mother’s health nor to the baby in the womb. However, the involved itching can be very frustrating to the mother. Studies have indicated that in 99 percent of pregnancy cases, women do not develop hives at all. It is only occasionally that hives and pregnancy go hand in hand. Usually, women deal with intolerable itching on the skin during pregnancy, particularly, on the abdomen, breasts, back of legs, and so on. This is due to the skin stretching to cater to the developing baby inside. Also, the rush of hormones that occur in pregnancy may encourage dryness to the skin and result in itching.

In some cases, the cause of hives during pregnancy is just due to dry skin, as it typically loses moisture as it is stretched out. This is often the cause when the hives appear only on the stomach, especially if it has grown particularly quickly. In such cases, stretch marks may also be present since they tend to occur when the skin is stretched quickly and is unable to repair itself due to lack of moisture. Women may be able to prevent hives during pregnancy due to dry skin by keeping the area moisturized with lotion. It is also often advised that pregnant women avoid using harsh soaps that tend to dry out the skin, as mild soap followed by cocoa butter or similar lotions can lock in moisture.

A skin condition almost the same as hives, known as pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy is found to develop among pregnant women. It is usually noticed in the last trimester. Hives and pregnancy generally do not have a trigger. The precise cause of this condition is not clear but it is believed that the stretching of the skin during pregnancy is a considerable factor.

Am I Having Twins??

Generally only pregnant with a fetus once pregnancy, multiple pregnancy is a special phenomenon in human reproduction, like the world had concern births childbirth. The development of assisted reproductive technology in recent years, the application of ovulation induction drugs, the incidence of multiple pregnancies has increased considerably. I often have friends asked me, "You see I was pregnant with twins, right?". The more signs you check off on this list, the more likely it is that you've got more than one in there


Gaining weight? While it's true that a multiple pregnancy can cause an increase in abdominal girth, rapid weight gain is more often about diet than multiple pregnancy. Twin and multiple pregnancies tend not to increase weight by much more than a singleton pregnancy. But if your belly looks very large, this could signify that you are carrying more than one fetus.


Severe Morning Sickness. Up to 50% of all pregnant women do have some nausea or vomiting during pregnancy. Most moms of multiples don't report morning sickness as an indication of multiple pregnancy. The bottom line is that some moms have it and some moms don't.


Early or Frequent Fetal Movement. The experts disagree on whether early or frequent fetal movement is a symptom of a twin or multiple pregnancy. Women who carry twins or multiples after an earlier singleton pregnancy do seem to report feeling the baby's movements earlier on in the pregnancy, but this is also true of subsequent singleton pregnancies.


Extreme Fatigue. This one is real. The most common complaint reported by women carrying multiples is exhaustion and fatigue during the first trimester of pregnancy.


Family History and Intuition. If your intuition tells you you're carrying more than one baby, or you have a family history of twins or multiples, these are indications you shouldn't ignore. See your doctor for confirmation.


Best Confirmation


Abdominal examination: uterus increases over the corresponding month of pregnancy, can sometimes touch polyhydramnios can reach many small limbs, or two two buttocks. When a fetal head is touched, the size of a single fetal head or uterine disproportionate. Third trimester Wakamiya taller than 40 cm, abdominal circumference greater than 100 cm, you should consider the possibility of twins. Can also assist in the diagnosis by B-ultrasound. The practical value of B ultrasound diagnosis of twin pregnancy is more important. B ultrasound since the 1970s, spread in China, twin misdiagnosis rate decreased year by year, the twins can be done early diagnosis and early care.


Laboratory tests: HCG is a glycoprotein produced by the placenta syncytiotrophoblast secretion. In early pregnancy, HCG in the blood and urine of pregnant women, there are a lot, because of the twin placenta bulky, syncytiotrophoblast cells corresponding to produce the HCG. Determination of plasma HCG value higher than the value of the single tire can be diagnosed as twins. Once the diagnosis of twins must follow the guidance of doctors, regular check-ups, because of twin pregnancy risk than single births are.

How to count fetal kick

During pregnancy, healthy babies usually are active babies.

From the first few days and weeks of pregnancy (when that rapidly expanding cluster of cells is just a cluster of cells) through the end of the third month (when your practitioner's Doppler just might pick up the lovely lub-dub of a heartbeat), the first trimester is a time of astoundingly fast development. But don't expect to feel any fetal movement yet (except the queasiness, the fatigue, the headaches…); your baby is far too tiny, and buried far too deeply within the protective cushioning of your womb, to make a blip on your belly radar. He or she could dance a jig and you'd feel neither a stamp nor a hop. 

When will you actually feel those twitterings of life known as quickening? Some pregnant women (the very thin, or those who have had previous children) first feel their baby's movement as early as the fourth month. Most women won't be aware of, or recognize, the flits and twitches (which can feel a lot like gas or muscle spasms) for at least another few weeks.

By the fifth month, most women are feeling the fidgets and squirms of their active little tenant. The baby's routines will grow increasingly acrobatic (and the punches more powerful) as those little muscles get stronger and those fledgling motor skills develop. 

Your baby picks up the pace in the sixth month. Leg movements will seem more choreographed, and you may start noticing patterns in the pitter-patter of those little feet (although it's just as likely that the behavior won't be predictable).

It starts to get a little cramped in the womb by the seventh month, but your baby still has enough room to toss and turn for a little while longer. Your pint-sized pugilist is getting stronger, and those punches, while comforting, can now be downright jolting. Babies are individuals, just like the rest of us, and the rhythms and patterns of their activity will vary. Try not to compare your baby's movements with those of others (your best friend's pregnancy is different from yours), or of your own previous children. And don't stress if your baby seems unusually active; it doesn't mean you'll have a hyper child later on.

The kick count is an easy, non-invasive test that you can do at home to check your baby's well being. The idea is to be sure he or she is moving around enough.

There are numerous ways to count your baby's movements and numerous opinions on how many movements you are looking for within a certain amount of time. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that you time how long it takes you to feel 10 kicks, flutters, swishes or rolls. Ideally, you want to feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours. Most likely you will feel 10 movements in much less time.

Though strongly recommended for high risk pregnancies, counting fetal movementsbeginning at 28 weeks may be beneficial for all pregnancies.

Remember: Your baby will normally have periods when it is asleep, sometimes lasting as long as four hours; however, this period should not exceed four hours.

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The first fetal movement

The first fetal movement

Although every baby is different when it comes to fetal movement, and there's a wide range of what's normal, it helps to take a peek into your baby's world during pregnancy to understand what's going on in there, and what to expect when.
Fetal movement is a sign of fetal well-being. A sick baby doesn't move that much—he or she uses all energy just to keep growing. Movements will change over time, however, and a woman who thinks all is well based on consistency will be worried. After about 18 weeks or so (sometimes earlier, sometimes later), a woman will feel little flutterings in her lower abdomen, like little "butterflies." The old term for this is "quickening." As the baby gets bigger, these movements get stronger and more organized, and the discrete kicks and jabs are felt. After about 32-34 weeks, when there's less room for the baby, the movements are often squirming-like movements, which happen just as often, but this change in the quality of the movement will give a woman worries. Whether you feel the movement toward your back, front, or side is unimportant.

You probably won't feel your baby kick until sometime between 16 and 22 weeks, even though he started moving at 7 or 8 weeks, and you may have already witnessed his acrobatics if you've had an ultrasound.

Veteran moms tend to notice those first subtle kicks – also known as "quickening" – earlier than first-time moms. (A woman who's been pregnant before can more easily distinguish her baby's kicks from other belly rumblings, such as gas.)

Your build may also have something to do with when you'll be able to tell a left jab from a hunger pang. Thinner women tend to feel movement earlier and more often than women who carry more weight.

Women have described the sensation as being like popcorn popping, a goldfish swimming around, or butterflies fluttering. You'll probably chalk up those first gentle taps or swishes in your belly to gas or hunger pains, but once you start feeling them more regularly, you'll recognize the difference. You're more likely to feel these early movements when you're sitting or lying quietly.

If you're still worried, you still can tell well-being by the actual number of movements, not so much the types of movements. A very reassuring test is the "baby-count" method: Lay down on your left side twenty minutes after eating and see how long it takes the baby to move 10 times. If it takes longer than four hours, say the text books, call your doctor. In my practice, I say if this method takes longer than one hour, I want to know. And usually, the baby will push 10 moves in less than twenty minutes!

At first the kicks you notice will be few and far between. In fact, you may feel several movements one day and then none the next. Although your baby is moving and kicking regularly, many of his jerks and jolts aren't yet strong enough for you to feel. But later in the second trimester, those reassuring kicks will become stronger and more regular.

Here's one common approach: Choose a time of day when your baby tends to be active. (Ideally, you'll want to do the counts at roughly the same time each day.) Sit quietly or lie on your side so you won't get distracted. Time how long it takes for you to feel ten distinct movements – kicks, punches, and whole body movements all count. If you don't feel ten movements in two hours, stop counting and call your midwife or doctor.

Pregnant women and sports

For pregnant women, the exercise can promote blood circulation and metabolism, improve heart and lung function, help sleep, reduce waist, leg pain, prevent or reduce lower extremity edema. In addition, exercise can increase strength, muscle flexibility, which is very meaningful for the successful delivery. For pregnant women with diabetes, exercise can assist in treatment of disease.

The fetus, the brain exercise expectant mothers to provide adequate oxygen and nutrients to promote the release of enkephalin and other beneficial substances in the brain, through the placenta into the fetus, can speed up the metabolism, thereby promoting growth and development; movement can shake the amniotic fluid, can stimulate the fetus body skin, like a massage to the fetus, is very beneficial to fetal brain development, it would be wise after birth. 

Evasive movement during pregnancy

From the first month of pregnancy to the baby’s safety, it is best not to do strenuous exercise and heavy manual labor; not do squat or bend of a long work, so as not to increase abdominal pressure affect the fetal blood circulation; four months pregnant after the sit-back exercise should be forbidden; for sex “movement” in the first three months of pregnancy and three months after the intercourse should be prohibited, the middle three months, appropriate to their sex life, during which if the abdominal pain and vaginal fluid, should go to hospital.

Do not exercise in hot weather to avoid jumps, shock, and rapid changes in direction of the body. Attention to add water before and after exercise to avoid hyperthermia.

To grasp the heart rate during exercise

How to determine the suitability of the intensity of exercise during pregnancy? Mothers can touch their heart rate. Generally, no more than 140 times per minute, the principle, every movement should not exceed 15 minutes. Pregnant women can work as usual, to participate in light work, such as household chores or capable of, in addition, can do simple stretching exercises or walking.

Movement according to the physical condition of pregnant women to pay attention to work and rest, blind movement can lead to miscarriage. You have been diagnosed with gestational hypertension, and pregnancy has been more than eight months, should be more rest to remain calm, not suitable for sports

More and more pregnant women are remaining active during their pregnancy. They want to remain healthy and in shape during their pregnancy. Staying in shape is said to help you through your pregnancy physically and also help you get through your labor. However, many women do not want to spend their entire pregnancy in a gym, doing the same old routing every week. Here are some different exercises and sports you can do while being pregnant. (Talk to your doctor before you start any of these activities).

Tennis is okay if you played it before you got pregnant. Do not just start playing tennis when you are pregnant. Keep your pace moderate. Playing doubles with someone is better than playing singles. The other player can take up some slack for you. Be careful with you balance and just make sure you do not over-exert yourself.

Swimming is an excellent sport when you are pregnant. It helps strengthen your entire body while not putting pressure on your joints. It is also a great cardiovascular exercise and also will keep you cool while working out. One word of caution is to not dive into the pool when you are pregnant.

A vigorous walk is also a great sport. Although you may not consider walking a sport, it will get you out of the gym. You can go to a park and walk or walk around your neighborhood. You should be able to walk a mile in about 12-15 minutes. This is a great exercise to do, even if you are new to working out. Id you are new to working out, start off walking slower and you can gain speed as you go. Make sure you are drinking plenty of liquids and that you are not pushing yourself too far.

Golf is another option for a pregnant woman. You may not get that much exercise playing golf, but it is better than not doing anything at all. You want to watch your balance on this sport also. Also, as you near the end of your pregnancy, you may not be able to golf as your belly may be too large. With golf, make sure that you are not in the extreme heat and have plenty of fluids on hand.

Take a yoga or Pilates class. There are many centers that offer pre-natal yoga and Pilates which are structured for pregnant women. These classes can help with stress and relaxation techniques. They also can just help you get in touch with your body during your pregnancy.

Pregnancy is not the time for any contact sports or any sports were you could be hit in the stomach or fall. Avoid activities such as softball, basketball, horseback riding and skiing.

Maybe you are pregnant?

When you know you are pregnant, you should call to schedule your first examination during the first 6 to 8 weeks of your pregnancy, or when your menstrual period is 2 to 4 weeks late. Many health care providers will not schedule the first visit before 8 weeks, unless there is a problem.

During your first visit, you'll be asked a lot of questions about your health and habits that may have an impact on your pregnancy. It's important to try to remember the date of your last menstrual period so your doctor can estimate the duration of your pregnancy and predict your delivery date.

You can expect to have a full physical, including a pelvic and rectal examination. A blood sample will be taken and used for a series of tests:

1. a complete blood cell count (CBC)
2.  blood typing and screening for Rh antibodies (antibodies against a substance found in the red blood cells of most people)
3. for infections such as syphilis, hepatitis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
4.  for evidence of previous exposure to chickenpox (varicella), measles (rubeola), mumps, or German measles (rubella)
5. for cystic fibrosis (health care providers recently started to offer this even if there's no family history of the disorder)

Some blood tests are offered only to women of certain ethnic backgrounds, who may be at higher risk of carrying genes for specific diseases. For example, women of African or Mediterranean descent are usually tested for thalassemia or sickle cell trait or disease because they're at higher risk of these chronic blood diseases or carrying the sickle cell trait, which can be passed on to their children.

Women of Ashekenazi Jewish heritage (Jews of central and eastern European descent) and women of French-Canadian/Cajun heritage are at increased risk for carrying the genes for Tay-Sachs disease.

Talk with your health care provider to see if any of these genetic tests may be recommended for you.

During the first visit, you also can expect to provide a urine sample for testing and to have a Pap test (or smear) for cervical cancer. To do a Pap smear, the doctor uses what looks like a very long mascara wand or cotton swab to gently scrape the inside of the cervix (the opening to the uterus that's located at the very top of the vagina). This generally doesn't hurt; some women say they feel a little twinge, but it only lasts a second.

How to seek medical care for pregnancy?

When your body is going through physical changes that may be completely new to you, it isn't always easy to talk to your health care provider. Maybe you're wondering whether you can have sex or what to do about hemorrhoids or constipation, or maybe you're feeling a great deal of anxiety about the delivery.You might feel embarrassed to ask these or other questions, but it's important to do so — your health care provider has probably heard them all before. 

Pregnant women usually are cared for by:

• obstetricians (doctors who specialize in pregnancy and childbirth)

•  obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) (doctors who specialize in pregnancy and childbirth, as well as women's health care)

•  family practitioners (doctors who provide a range of services for patients of all ages — in some cases, this includes obstetrical care — instead of specializing in one area)

•  certified nurse-midwife (an advanced practice nurse specializing in women's health care needs, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care for pregnancies without complications)

Any of these care providers is a good choice if you're healthy and there's no reason to anticipate complications with your pregnancy and delivery. However, nurse-midwives do need to have a doctor available for the delivery in case a cesarean section has to be performed.

Your health care provider may refer you to a doctor with expertise in high-risk pregnancies if you:

• have a chronic condition like diabetes or heart problems

•  have an increased risk of preterm labor

• are older than 35

• are pregnant with more than one fetus

•  have some other complicating factor that might put you in a high-risk category

Even if your pregnancy isn't high risk, this may still be a good time to make a change in health care providers if you're not comfortable with your current doctor.Keep a running list of questions between your appointments, and take that list with you to each visit.

It's also strongly recommended that you call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• heavy bleeding
• a sudden loss of fluid
• a marked absence of movement by the baby once he or she has begun moving
•  more than three contractions in an hour

What is a chorionic villus sampling (CVS)?

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test that involves taking a sample of some of the placental tissue. This tissue contains the same genetic material as the fetus and can be tested for chromosomal abnormalities and some other genetic problems. Testing is available for other genetic defects and disorders depending on the family history and availability of laboratory testing at the time of the procedure. In comparison to amniocentesis (another type of prenatal test), CVS does not provide information on neural tube defects such as spina bifida. For this reason, women who undergo CVS also need a follow-up blood test between 16 to 18 weeks of their pregnancy, to screen for neural tube defects.

This procedure is used during the first trimester for the same purposes as an amniocentesis. (Women usually have one or the other, but not both, if such testing is deemed necessary.) It involves taking a sample of the tissue that attaches the amniotic sac (the sac around the fetus) to the wall of the uterus. Like amniocentesis, CVS is typically done only when there are certain risk factors; its primary advantage is that results are available sooner. CVS also carries a slightly increased risk of miscarriage and other complications. 

How is CVS performed?

CVS may be offered to women who are at increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities or have a family history of a genetic defect that is testable from the placental tissue. CVS is usually performed between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. Although exact methods can vary, the procedure involves inserting a small tube called a catheter through a woman's vagina and into her cervix and usually follows this process. Another method is transabdominal CVS, which involves inserting a needle through the woman's abdomen and into her uterus to sample the placental cells.

• Ultrasound is used to guide the catheter (for transvaginal CVS) or needle (for transabdominal CVS) into place near the placenta.
• Tissue is removed using a syringe on the other end of the catheter.
• Women may feel some cramping during and after the CVS procedure.
• The tissue samples are sent to a genetic laboratory to grow and be analyzed. Results are usually available in about 10 days to two weeks, depending on the laboratory.
• Women with twins or other multiples usually need sampling from each placenta. However, because of the complexity of the procedure, and positioning of the placentas, CVS is not always feasible or successful with multiples.

Some women may not be candidates for CVS or may not obtain results that are 100 percent accurate, and may therefore require a follow-up amniocentesis. In some cases there is an active vaginal infection such as herpes or gonorrhea, which will prohibit the procedure. Other times the physician obtains a sample that does not have enough tissue to grow in the laboratory, such that results are incomplete or inconclusive.

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What is an amniocentesis

What is an amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is also called an amnio. In this test, a needle is used to remove a sample of the amniotic fluid from the womb; it's usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks. Testing the fluid can identify certain fetal abnormalities such as Down syndrome or spina bifida. Although the test poses a small risk for causing preterm labor and inducing miscarriage, the large majority are performed without any problem.

An amniocentesis is a procedure used to obtain a small sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus to diagnose chromosomal disorders and open neural tube defects (ONTDs) such as spina bifida. There is a small risk of miscarriage associated with amniocentesis which must be balanced with the risk of an abnormality and the patient’s desires. Testing is available for other genetic defects and disorders depending on the family history and availability of laboratory testing at the time of the procedure. An amniocentesis is generally offered to women between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy who are at increased risk for chromosome abnormalities, such as women who are over age 35 years of age at delivery, or those who have had an abnormal maternal serum screening test, indicating an increased risk for a chromosomal abnormality or neural tube defect.

How is an amniocentesis performed?

An amniocentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a thin needle through the mother's abdomen into the amniotic sac to withdraw a small sample of the amniotic fluid for examination. The amniotic fluid contains cells shed by the fetus, which contain genetic information. Although specific details of each procedure vary slightly, generally, an amniocentesis follows this process:

• The woman's abdomen is cleansed with an antiseptic.
• The physician may/may not give a local anesthetic to numb the skin.
• Ultrasound is used to help guide a hollow needle into the amniotic sac.
• A small sample of fluid is withdrawn for laboratory analysis.
• Strenuous activities should be avoided for 24 hours following an amniocentesis.
• Women may feel some cramping during or after the amniocentesis.
• Women with twins or other multiples need sampling from each amniotic sac, in order to study each baby. Depending on the position of the baby, placenta, amount of fluid, or patient's anatomy, sometimes the amniocentesis cannot be performed.
• The fluid is sent to a genetics laboratory so that the cells can grow and be analyzed. Alpha-fetoprotein, a protein made by the fetus that is present in the fluid, is also measured to rule out an open neural tube defect, such as spina bifida. Results are usually available in about 10 days to two weeks, depending on the laboratory.

Read more:
What is a chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

Prenatal Care Before Becoming Pregnant

Almost 4 million American women give birth every year, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nearly one third of them will have some kind of pregnancy-related complication. Those who don't get adequate prenatal care run the risk that such complications will go undetected or won't be dealt with soon enough. That, in turn, can lead to potentially serious consequences for both the mother and her baby.

These statistics aren't meant to be alarming, but to convey the importance of starting prenatal care as early as possible — ideally, before a woman even becomes pregnant.

Of course, this isn't always possible or practical. But the sooner in a pregnancy good care begins, the better for the health of both moms and their babies.

Are you ready for a baby?

Ideally, prenatal care should start before you get pregnant. If you're planning a pregnancy, see your health care provider for a complete checkup. Routine testing can make sure you're in good health and that you don't have any illnesses or other conditions that could affect your pregnancy. If you've been experiencing any unusual symptoms, this is a good time to report them.

If you're already being treated for a chronic condition, such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension (high blood pressure), a heart problem, allergies, lupus (an inflammatory disorder that can affect several body systems), depression, or some other condition, you should talk to your doctor about how it could affect your pregnancy.

In some cases, you may need to change or eliminate medications — especially during the first trimester (12 weeks) — to reduce risk to the fetus. Or, you may need to be even more vigilant about managing your condition. For example, women with diabetes must be especially careful about keeping their blood glucose levels under control, both before they begin trying to conceive and during their pregnancy. Abnormal levels increase the risk of birth defects and other complications.

This is also a good time to talk with your health care provider about other habits that can pose a risk to your baby, such as drinking alcohol or smoking. Ask about starting a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid, calcium, and iron.

It's especially important for women who are planning to become pregnant to take vitamins with folic acid beforehand, because neural tube defects (problems with the normal development of the spine and nervous system) happen in the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she's pregnant.

If you have or your partner has a family history of a significant genetic disorder and you suspect either of you may be a carrier, then genetic testing may be advisable. Talk this over with your health care provider, who can refer you to a genetic counselor if necessary.

If you find out that you're pregnant before you do any of this, don't worry. It's not too late to get the care that will help to ensure your health and that of your baby.

Read more :

Pregnancy symptoms-Are you too late to know?

How much alcohol is too much during pregnancy?

Guide to working woman pregnancy

Common Tests During Pregnancy

The first examination will take place around the 8th week of pregnancy. During this check-up we shall make a thorough anamnesis (case history). This will include your own medical history as well as the family health history. It is therefore a good idea to check whether there are any hereditary diseases in the family.Together we will also determine the date your baby is due.

• First Trimester Prenatal Screening Tests

First trimester screening is a combination of fetal ultrasound and maternal blood testing performed during the first trimester of pregnancy. This screening process can help to determine the risk of the fetus having certain birth defects. Screening tests may be used alone or in combination with other tests.

There are three parts of first trimester screening:

ultrasound test for fetal nuchal translucency (NT)

Nuchal translucency screening uses an ultrasound test to examine the area at the back of the fetal neck for increased fluid.

two maternal serum (blood) tests

The blood tests measure two substances found in the blood of all pregnant women: 

pregnancy-associated plasma protein screening (PAPP-A) - a protein produced by the placenta in early pregnancy. Abnormal levels are associated with an increased risk for chromosome abnormality.

human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) - a hormone produced by the placenta in early pregnancy. Abnormal levels are associated with an increased risk for chromosome abnormality.

When used together as first trimester screening tests, nuchal translucency screening and maternal blood tests have a greater ability to determine if the fetus might have a birth defect, such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, or trisomy 13.

If the results of these first trimester screening tests are abnormal, genetic counseling is recommended. Additional testing such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis may be needed for accurate diagnosis.

• Second Trimester Prenatal Screening Tests

Second trimester prenatal screening may include several blood tests, called multiple markers.  These markers provide information about a woman's risk of having a baby with certain genetic conditions or birth defects. Screening is usually performed by taking a sample of the mother's blood between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy (16th to 18th is ideal). The multiple markers include:

alpha-fetoprotein screening (AFP) - a blood test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the mothers' blood during pregnancy. AFP is a protein normally produced by the fetal liver and is present in the fluid surrounding the fetus (amniotic fluid), and crosses the placenta into the mother's blood. The AFP blood test is also called MSAFP (maternal serum AFP).

Abnormal levels of AFP may signal the following: 

open neural tube defects (ONTD) such as spina bifida

Down syndrome

other chromosomal abnormalities

defects in the abdominal wall of the fetus

twins - more than one fetus is making the protein

a miscalculated due date, as the levels vary throughout pregnancy

hCG - human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (a hormone produced by the placenta)

estriol - a hormone produced by the placenta

inhibin - a hormone produced by the placenta

Abnormal test results of AFP and other markers may indicate the need for additional testing. Usually an ultrasound is performed to confirm the dates of the pregnancy and to look at the fetal spine and other body parts for defects. An amniocentesis may be performed to assess for elevated amniotic fluid levels of AFP and other chemicals which may indicate the presence of spina bifida. 

Multiple marker screening is not diagnostic. It is only a screening test to determine who in the population should be offered additional testing for their pregnancy. There can be “false positive” results, indicating a problem when the fetus is actually healthy. There can also be “false negative” results, indicating a no abnormality when the fetus actually does have a health problem.

When a woman has both first and second trimester screening tests performed, the ability of the tests to detect an abnormality is greater than using just one screening independently. Over 80 percent of fetuses affected with Down Syndrome can be detected when both first and second trimester screening are used.

Read more:

What is an amniocentesis
What is a chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

Notice diseases when temper gets bad suddenly

Diseases will affect the health, will also affect the mood, temperament. When temper gets bad suddenly, and there is no special reason, you should begin to pay attention to your health condition, may be it is caused by diseases. 

Diabetes 


Glucose metabolism dysfunction causes the disorder of the absorption of B vitamins, metabolism , resulting in the lack of the body of B vitamins.Vitamin B1 has a certain influence on the nervous tissue and mental state; vitamin B6 in tryptophan, sugar and estrogen metabolism; vitamin B12 is responsible for nucleic acid and amino acid metabolism, and also manages the integrity of the human nervous system. When the body lacks of the B vitamins, it will affect the stability of the nervous system, and thus give rise to the hot-tempered, moody phenomenon.Therefore, the temper sudden deterioration in the elderly may need to examine the blood sugar levels. 


Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is thyroid tissue hyperplasia, hyperthyroidism, and the generation and secretion of thyroid hormone excess caused by a group of clinical syndromes.In recent years, the incidence of elderly people aged over 60 has greatly increased, accounting for 10% to 17% of all patients with hyperthyroidism. Patients with hyperthyroidism are often emotional, brash.
In addition, clinically hyperthyroid patients mainly there palpitation, tachycardia, heat intolerance, sweating, appetite, hyperactivity, weight loss, weight decreased, fatigue, weakness, insomnia, distracted, exophthalmos, tremor, tongue flutter. 

Hypertension 
Hypertension is a common disease, and is common in the elderly.Chinese medicine believes that due to high blood pressure are due to irritable mood, love to go rather then cause liver yang rising anger. Patients with hypertension because of the anger, excessive sympathetic tone, central nervous system disorders caused by bad-tempered and irritable.
Western hypertension is divided into three, regardless of which hypertension is the psychological state of the elderly.
The first phase of hypertension, the patient's blood pressure fluctuations, the peaks and valleys, the patient's mood often changes with fluctuations in blood pressure, excitability, losing her temper.
The second phase of hypertension, as hypertension progresses, the uncomfortable symptoms more and more, such as palpitations, headache aggravated the growing burden of these can make the patient's psychological, more emotionally unstable, more impatient, irritable , impulsive.
Third of hypertensive patients not only blood pressure to maintain a higher level, more serious damage of the heart, brain, kidney and other internal organs, resulting in loss of compensatory ability. Heart failure, renal failure and hypertensive encephalopathy, the patient's mental health is greatly compromised. Late hypertension, the patient's emotions tend to become depressed, depression, and sometimes restless, and even paranoia, abnormal behavior may also occur.

How to Control Your Temper

Do you find yourself fuming when someone cuts you off in traffic? Does your blood pressure go through the roof when your child refuses to cooperate? Anger is a normal and even healthy emotion — but it's important to deal with it in a positive way. Uncontrolled anger can take a toll on both your health and your relationships. There are some steps helping you to control your temper.

• Remember that the reward for patience is happiness.
• Realize that things can be handled well at all times; it's just a matter of what kind of attitude you put into it. Take deep breaths.
• Get away from situations where your anger might get the better of you.
• Realize that no one likes to be around people who get angry easily, and act abusive. The only way you can change the situation is by starting with yourself.
•  Be considerate of others, and ultimately, yourself. 
•  If you are angry and you are standing, sit down, if you are sitting then lie down.
• Take a timeout. Counting to 10 isn't just for kids. Before reacting to a tense situation, take a few moments to breathe deeply and count to 10. Slowing down can help defuse your temper. If necessary, take a break from the person or situation until your frustration subsides a bit.
• Think about the good things that person has done for you. What bad have you done to them? Chances are, you've done at least something to them to make them resentful towards you. Make sure you have a clear conscience-then speak.
• Temper can ruin anybody's life. When your eyes are opened it might be too late, so try to control your anger and follow the above steps. It will definitely get you away from tension.
• Saying hurtful things could be very risky and dangerous and it can hurt someone's heart so please stay calm when you feel hyper.
• If you still feel the anger and have to let it out, tear old newspapers into shreds. This is a popular method to let the steam out.
• Get some exercise. Physical activity can provide an outlet for your emotions, especially if you're about to erupt. If you feel your anger escalating, go for a brisk walk or run, or spend some time doing other favorite physical activities. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out.
• Think before you speak.In the heat of the moment, it's easy to say something you'll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything — and allow others involved in the situation to do the same.