Saturday, June 28, 2008

Are Salon Treatments Safe During Pregnancy?

There is nothing like a new haircut or hair color, or pedicure and manicure to make you feel like a new woman. Especially when a pregnancy can leave you feeling tired and changing hormones can make you feel not quite yourself. But are these treatments safe for your developing baby? Exposure to certain environmental agents called teratogens during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Experts are divided on how much exposure is too much but at this time there are no proven risks for most salon visits and there are many things you can do to help minimize any potential problems.



Nails

Reducing your exposure to fumes is the most important thing you can do when getting a manicure. Ask your manicurist to do your nails in a well ventilated area and ask her to tightly cap all solvent bottles. Your nail polish should be formaldehyde and toluene free if possible. There is a small risk of blood-borne infections such as HIV or hepatitis being transferred by non-sterile equipment through nicks in the cuticle. When getting acrylic nails, make sure your nail technician is careful about minimizing the skin contact with the liquids used. Be most careful when in the first trimester.

Pedicures

Pedicure massages, especially when focused on reflex points on the feet can trigger labor. Avoid any kind of foot massage during the first trimester. Also avoid ankle massages even during the second and third trimester. Blood clots are six times more common in pregnant women. Foot and leg massages can dislodge clots if the pressure of the massage is too deep. The temperature of your foot bath should not be too hot. Again, your polish should be formaldehyde and toluene free if possible.

Essential Oils

Some essential oils known as emmenagogues can encourage menstruation and should be avoided during the first trimester. Make sure your pedicure technician knows which herbal oils are safe.

Hair Dye

Experts disagree on how much dye may be absorbed by the body and there are many doctors who think it’s perfectly fine to get your hair dyed during pregnancy. You might want to be on the safe side and just get your hair frosted, highlighted or streaked where there is minimal contact with your scalp. Be wary of natural dyes that can still contain synthetic chemicals. Pure vegetable henna can be an alternative but not everybody will want a red-orange hue. If you do choose to have your hair dyed, be aware that changing hormones can affect the way the dye affects your hair color.

Tanning Beds

You should definitely pass on this salon treatment. Excessive heat exposure is dangerous for your pregnancy and over exposure to UV light can interfere with your immune system.
There are salons and day spas that cater exclusively to pregnant women. For peace of mind, you may want to find a salon that understands your special needs during your pregnancy.



About Author:
Cyndra Neal answers questions every day from moms who are searching for relief for their babies with reflux and colic. She has written several articles on family issues such as dealing with http://www.coliccalm.com/baby_infant_newborn_articles/baby_colic_treatment.htm colicky babies.

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Breast Milk Helps Mental Development In Premature Babies

Study after study clearly demonstrates the importance and benefits of breastfeeding. Now, a recent study shows that premature babies who are fed their mother's breast milk show better mental development than those who aren't.

Many premature babies are not routinely fed their mother's milk and are instead fed infant formula. However, a recent study now stresses the importance of breast milk for preterm babies and urges that all premature babies should be fed theirs mother's milk when at all possible.

The study presented its report to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The study involved 773 premature babies who were born extremely underweight - less than 1kg (2.2 lbs) - Between 1999 and 2002.

The mental development was noted in infants who were fed breast milk and those that were fed infant formula. At age 30 months, an intelligence test was conducted on all babies. It found that the average mental development in those that were fed their mother's milk was more advanced than those that weren't.

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development backed the study and Dr. Duane Alexander stated that: "These findings strongly suggest that, whenever possible, preterm infants should routinely be given breast milk during their stay in the intensive care unit".

Another study backs up these findings. It found that preterm babies who were tube-fed breast milk had IQS 8 points higher than those that were fed infant formula.

Mother's milk contains DHA (docosohexaenoic acid) and AA (arachidonic acid) which are known to contribute to brain and retinal development. Also, Nature has seen to it that the milk a mother produces for a premature baby is different than one delivered at full term. Among other things, premature breast milk contains higher levels of Necrotizing Enterocolitis, which helps to prevent serious inflammation of the bowels.

It is also believed that premature babies who suckle at the breast suffer less from stress, which in turn leads to a reduction of other physical ailments.

Premature babies that are fed their mother's breast milk leave the incubator sooner than those fed infant formula.

Breast milk is a wonderful, organic and intelligent food; it constantly changes through the months and years of a child's life - its constituency changes throughout the day and even during the feed itself. It changes in order to deliver the correct dosage of nutrients a growing child needs. It is by far the best way for a mother to not only nourish but protect her child.

Until recently, breastfeeding was often overlooked with premature babies. Now more studies are showing just how vital preterm babies are fed their mother's milk. Not only can it significantly increase the development of the child, it can even make the difference between life and death.



Robin O'Brien is founder of Breastfeeding Information.com, and offers breastfeeding tips on everything from breastfeeding and alcohol to a review of the Medela nursing bra.

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Sunday, June 22, 2008

Teenagers Pregnancy and Abortion Problem

In a teenagers life when the start the enjoy the life and special events, the pregnancy is a very big problem in there life. The teenagers pregnancy is very big problem of the world mostly the develop contary.when the teenagers are coming out to the pregnant then the abortion is the simple solution of this issues. The abortion is a process to dead the pregnant child before his broth. But the abortion is the bad, because in a abortion the innocent life is got the dead. Teenage pregnancy is technically defined as occurring when women under the age of 20 become pregnant, although in the India and other country of the world like as USA and other develop country, the term usually refers to girls younger than 18 years of age. God is creating of all things for every life. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist And it is He that has ordained life as sacred.

Pregnant teenagers face many of the same obstetrics issues as women in their 20s and 30s. However, there are additional medical concerns for younger mothers, particularly those under 15 and those living in developing countries. For mothers between 15 and 19, age in itself is not a risk factor, but additional risks may be associated with social factors. Teen pregnancy as a social issue in developed countries include lower educational levels, higher rates of poverty, and other poorer "life outcomes" in children of teenage mothers.

Teenage pregnancy in developed countries is usually outside of marriage, and carries a social stigma in many communities and cultures. For these reasons, there have been many studies and campaigns which attempt to uncover the causes and limit the numbers of teenage pregnancies. To the prevent the teenagers pregnancy and abortion case, firstly we can give the sex education of teenagers, and full knowledge of sexual-relation and pregnancy, also In the areas where the education level is very low.

An abortion before the twelfth week, teens with unwanted pregnancies hurriedly take drastic measures to fix a problem. But, the problem, according to teen abortion facts, does not go away after a pregnancy is terminated. And for some, the problem is only beginning. A disorder called Post Traumatic Stress is plaguing millions of teenagers who are not psychologically stable enough to cope with the trauma associated with an unplanned pregnancy, life-altering decisions, and the destruction of life. After the surgery, guilt, shame, erratic behaviors, and substance abuse, even suicide, can result. And, at the center of those teens that self report issues, is the fear of being held accountable to God. All major decisions such as this should consider for a while before any life changing and irreversible changes take place.It is important to understand all options and be able to make a confident decision based on facts and personal feelings.

Teenage fatherhood can also be a challenge. Many feel obliged to support their child, but due to the low levels of state benefits awarded to such couples, in addition to the low quantity of money that they often earn due to their age, are unable to do so fully. Another addition is that being a teenage father is sometimes looked down upon by society and peers. Teen abortion is a decision that will impact your life dramatically, whether you decide to abort or decide to give birth. People you know will choose to support your decision or condemn your decision, but this is your decision and you will live with the choice you make for the rest of your life.

Teen abortion has many risks. Studies have proven that abortion may lead to an increased chance of breast cancer, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, depression, and the contraction of Viral Hepatitis, not to mention death due to excessive bleeding or other complications. Whether you choose to keep your baby, put it up for adoption or have an abortion, hormones run crazy when you are pregnant. Hormones are to blame for the drastic mood swings pregnant women have during pregnancy. As you feel the life inside you start to grow, you will become attached to, or perhaps even angry at, this new life.

This life is exactly that - he or she is alive and it is a part of you. Teen abortion will affect you well into the future. Initially, you will feel cramping as the excess blood is discharging from your body similar, but not as strong as, the pains felt during labor and delivery. This physical effect may cause you to feel an emotional emptiness you have never felt before. This emptiness is the beginning of depression that studies say can last a lifetime.



Caryel Digosta is a high profile health consultant and provide you latest information about health care Pregnancy and what you can do for your health. Read more on Teenage Pregnancy.

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