There have been many articles written about the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. And there have many debates and researches that referred to this issue.
Some experts say moderate drinking during pregnancy is okay, but there are others who believe taking even one drink is like very dangerous for the baby's health.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Morning sickness during pregnancy: No Need to Panic.
Morning sickness may be your beginning signs of pregnancy. It does not mean that you will be sick just in the morning time. This may occur in the morning, noon or night. It usually happens in the first trimester of the pregnancy and stop near the second trimester, it is not occurring in all pregnancies though. Some pregnant women may keep on morning sickness until the end of pregnancy.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Great Opportunity For Pregnancy Women
Everyone has their own ‘special’ way of parenting – some instantly wonderful and some great with a bit of gentle guidance.
I remember when my daughter was born, later my son. According to many well meaning individuals, I should’ve done this, should’ve done that and maybe improved in some areas.
Most times I appreciated their pearls of wisdom because they made sense. At other times the line dividing the ‘yes we can talk about this’ crossed over into ‘the no go zone’ and I would bristle and spit like an angry cat! In the end, for my sanity, I did it my way.
I remember when my daughter was born, later my son. According to many well meaning individuals, I should’ve done this, should’ve done that and maybe improved in some areas.
Most times I appreciated their pearls of wisdom because they made sense. At other times the line dividing the ‘yes we can talk about this’ crossed over into ‘the no go zone’ and I would bristle and spit like an angry cat! In the end, for my sanity, I did it my way.
Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy
It is always important to take whatever steps you can to be healthy, but while you are pregnant it is even more important: not only do you need to take good care of yourself, you are also profoundly affecting the life of another person - your baby.
If you smoke, one of the most important things you can do is to stop smoking: babies born to mothers who smoke have a lower average birth weight, are more likely to be born prematurely, and are at greater risk of death from sudden infant death syndrome
than babies of non-smokers.
If you smoke, one of the most important things you can do is to stop smoking: babies born to mothers who smoke have a lower average birth weight, are more likely to be born prematurely, and are at greater risk of death from sudden infant death syndrome
than babies of non-smokers.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Caffeine and Pregnancy: How much is too much
One of the first things most of us women prepare to say goodbye to once we see those two pink lines on our pregnancy tests is caffeine. Many women will stop their caffeine habit cold turkey out of the sheer fear of doing some sort of damage to the new life growing inside of them. These women will swear off anything that has caffeine in it from coffee, and soda to even chocolate. Then there are some of us who will still drink caffeine but cut back. Instead of drinking five cups of coffee a day, we might cut back to at least one cup of coffee to get us through the day.
Our mothers and grandmothers will probably tell us that they drank the same amount of caffeine pregnant as they did when they were not pregnant and their children turned out fine. However a lot more research has been done since their time and studies are showing that too much caffeine can cause some complications such as preterm labor and/or low birth weight.
So how much caffeine is too much caffeine? Doctors are telling their patients that a moderate amount of caffeine will not harm their babies. Even though caffeine does cross the placenta, anything less than 300 milligrams a day (an 8 ounce cup of strong coffee) will not do any harm. Anything over 300 milligrams puts your baby at risk and studies have also shown that women who drink more than 300 milligrams of caffeine a day during their first trimester have a slightly higher risk of a miscarriage.
Studies have also shown that women who had over 500 milligrams of caffeine a day had babies who had faster heart rates and faster breathing rates. These babies also spent more time awake in their first few days of life rather than peacefully sleeping after their long journey.
There are a number of other reasons why we women might want to cut back on the amount of caffeine we drink during pregnancy. For starters, it has no nutritional value. If there is ever a time for us to be aware of our nutritional needs it is when we are pregnant. Second, caffeine is a stimulant which will increase your heart rate and can cause insomnia and headaches which can put some stress on your growing little one. Third, caffeine can cause heartburn. If you have been pregnant before you know that heartburn can be a burden to begin with, and caffeine just makes it worse. Lastly it is a diuretic which means it can cause you to lose fluids which can put you at a risk of becoming dehydrated.
While it is not necessary for you to give up all caffeine through out the duration of your pregnancy, you should learn how to drink it in moderation or don't drink it at all. If you can not handle having only one cup of coffee a day, then you might be better off drinking no coffee at all. Stick with caffeine free sodas and even decaf coffee. Remember though that decaf coffee still contains small traces of caffeine so make sure you take that into consideration.
Our mothers and grandmothers will probably tell us that they drank the same amount of caffeine pregnant as they did when they were not pregnant and their children turned out fine. However a lot more research has been done since their time and studies are showing that too much caffeine can cause some complications such as preterm labor and/or low birth weight.
So how much caffeine is too much caffeine? Doctors are telling their patients that a moderate amount of caffeine will not harm their babies. Even though caffeine does cross the placenta, anything less than 300 milligrams a day (an 8 ounce cup of strong coffee) will not do any harm. Anything over 300 milligrams puts your baby at risk and studies have also shown that women who drink more than 300 milligrams of caffeine a day during their first trimester have a slightly higher risk of a miscarriage.
Studies have also shown that women who had over 500 milligrams of caffeine a day had babies who had faster heart rates and faster breathing rates. These babies also spent more time awake in their first few days of life rather than peacefully sleeping after their long journey.
There are a number of other reasons why we women might want to cut back on the amount of caffeine we drink during pregnancy. For starters, it has no nutritional value. If there is ever a time for us to be aware of our nutritional needs it is when we are pregnant. Second, caffeine is a stimulant which will increase your heart rate and can cause insomnia and headaches which can put some stress on your growing little one. Third, caffeine can cause heartburn. If you have been pregnant before you know that heartburn can be a burden to begin with, and caffeine just makes it worse. Lastly it is a diuretic which means it can cause you to lose fluids which can put you at a risk of becoming dehydrated.
While it is not necessary for you to give up all caffeine through out the duration of your pregnancy, you should learn how to drink it in moderation or don't drink it at all. If you can not handle having only one cup of coffee a day, then you might be better off drinking no coffee at all. Stick with caffeine free sodas and even decaf coffee. Remember though that decaf coffee still contains small traces of caffeine so make sure you take that into consideration.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Basic Principles of Ultrasound
Doppler ultrasound capabilities have increased enormously in the past few years. Technology is ever changing and the ultrasound is no different and it continues to grow in versatility as more demands are placed on the technology. Today the Doppler ultrasound is an important piece of equipment in dealing with heart disease. It's time you had understood the basic principles of ultrasound.
The Doppler ultrasound reflects sound waves which evaluate the blood as it flows through the vessels. This helps your doctor evaluate the blood flow through your major arteries and veins in the neck, legs, and arms. It can show reduce blood flow caused by narrowing in the arteries as well as blockages.
These narrowing in the arteries of the neck can lead to stroke while blood clots in the legs called deep vein thrombosis can break loose and block the flow of blood in the lungs.
A handheld transducer is passed lightly over the skin and blood vessels. Sound waves are sent which are then bounced off the solids which include the blood cells. The movement of the blood cells changes the pitch of the sound waves. This is called the Doppler Effect. When there is no blood flow there is not change in the sound pitch produced.
There are four types of Doppler ultrasounds used:
1. Power Doppler - uses the newest technology and its 5 times more sensitive at detecting blood flow than the color Doppler is and it is able to obtain images other Doppler equipment can't produce. It is generally used to evaluate the flow of blood through the vessels in organs.2. Bedside Doppler - uses the change in the pitch of the sound waves to produce the information on the flow of the blood through the vessels. The doctor listens to these sounds to evaluate whether there is a narrowed or blocked blood flow. This method is used in the hospital right at the patient's bed to quickly determine blood flow.3. Color Doppler - produces a picture of the blood vessel using the traditional ultrasound methods. The Doppler sounds are converted into color which is then overlain on the blood vessel image showing the speed and flow of the blood in the vessels.4. Duplex Doppler - also uses traditional ultrasound methods to produce pictures of both the organs and the blood vessels. The computer converts these Doppler sounds into graph form that shows the speed and direction of the flow of the blood in the vessels.
The Doppler is used to:1. Detect blood clots, narrowed blood vessels, and blocked vessels throughout the entire body but especially in the legs, arms, and neck. When arteries become narrowed or blocked they can cause dizziness, paralysis, vision loss, numbness, weakness, and other symptoms of stroke.2. Look for blood clots in the deep veins of the legs that can cause swelling and pain and if left untreated lead to pulmonary embolism.3. After a stroke or similar condition evaluate the flow of blood.4. Map veins that may be candidates for blood vessel grafts.5. Determine the amount of blood reaching a kidney transplant.6. Monitor blood flow following blood vessel surgery.7. Locate arterial plaque specifically in the carotid artery which can reduce blood flow to the brain and increase the risk of stroke.
Now that you understand the basic principles of ultrasound you can see why the Doppler ultrasound is such a powerful and important tool in the treatment and diagnosis of heart disease.
Yong has been working for a leading ultrasound manufacturer for last 8 years. At At www.ultrasoundlive.com he has provide information about different types of utlrassound equipments. Visit the website to get more information about ultrasound equipment and accessories.
The Doppler ultrasound reflects sound waves which evaluate the blood as it flows through the vessels. This helps your doctor evaluate the blood flow through your major arteries and veins in the neck, legs, and arms. It can show reduce blood flow caused by narrowing in the arteries as well as blockages.
These narrowing in the arteries of the neck can lead to stroke while blood clots in the legs called deep vein thrombosis can break loose and block the flow of blood in the lungs.
A handheld transducer is passed lightly over the skin and blood vessels. Sound waves are sent which are then bounced off the solids which include the blood cells. The movement of the blood cells changes the pitch of the sound waves. This is called the Doppler Effect. When there is no blood flow there is not change in the sound pitch produced.
There are four types of Doppler ultrasounds used:
1. Power Doppler - uses the newest technology and its 5 times more sensitive at detecting blood flow than the color Doppler is and it is able to obtain images other Doppler equipment can't produce. It is generally used to evaluate the flow of blood through the vessels in organs.2. Bedside Doppler - uses the change in the pitch of the sound waves to produce the information on the flow of the blood through the vessels. The doctor listens to these sounds to evaluate whether there is a narrowed or blocked blood flow. This method is used in the hospital right at the patient's bed to quickly determine blood flow.3. Color Doppler - produces a picture of the blood vessel using the traditional ultrasound methods. The Doppler sounds are converted into color which is then overlain on the blood vessel image showing the speed and flow of the blood in the vessels.4. Duplex Doppler - also uses traditional ultrasound methods to produce pictures of both the organs and the blood vessels. The computer converts these Doppler sounds into graph form that shows the speed and direction of the flow of the blood in the vessels.
The Doppler is used to:1. Detect blood clots, narrowed blood vessels, and blocked vessels throughout the entire body but especially in the legs, arms, and neck. When arteries become narrowed or blocked they can cause dizziness, paralysis, vision loss, numbness, weakness, and other symptoms of stroke.2. Look for blood clots in the deep veins of the legs that can cause swelling and pain and if left untreated lead to pulmonary embolism.3. After a stroke or similar condition evaluate the flow of blood.4. Map veins that may be candidates for blood vessel grafts.5. Determine the amount of blood reaching a kidney transplant.6. Monitor blood flow following blood vessel surgery.7. Locate arterial plaque specifically in the carotid artery which can reduce blood flow to the brain and increase the risk of stroke.
Now that you understand the basic principles of ultrasound you can see why the Doppler ultrasound is such a powerful and important tool in the treatment and diagnosis of heart disease.
Yong has been working for a leading ultrasound manufacturer for last 8 years. At At www.ultrasoundlive.com he has provide information about different types of utlrassound equipments. Visit the website to get more information about ultrasound equipment and accessories.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Herbs and Breast Feeding - How to increase your breast milk supply
Ayurvedic Herbs can increase breast milk production. Besides medicinal plants, there are lifestyle suggestions that were known in the ancient system of holistic medicine. Herbs have been a staple part of life for us as human beings. Unfortunately the more modern our world becomes the more distant we become to what’s been naturally provided to us on this earth in order to successfully sustain life. Opposing drugs is not the focus of this article, but rather an approach to increasing breast milk production naturally through the use of herbs. Using herbs to increase breast milk can have positive effects for you and your nursing baby.
There are two popular herbs that are being used regularly to help nursing mothers overcome how to increase breastmilk production. Those two herbs are Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle.
Fenugreek:
* Fenugreek is a common galactogogue. A galactogogue is a substance that increases secretion of milk. Fenugreek usage dates back to ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The primary use of this herb was to combat problems that women were often faced with, one being breast milk production in mothers who found it hard to produce adequate breast milk for their baby.
* Fenugreek seed sold today is usually ground into a powder and placed into capsules. This form of Fenugreek can be purchased for a reasonable price at local herb stores.
* The normal dosage for Fenugreek is 3 capsules taken 3 times per day.
* Fenugreek primarily helps mothers to produce more milk by stimulating the glands that produce sweat. Being that your mammary glands are essentially sweat glands, it’s no mystery how this herb is able to assist towards increasing breast milk production.
* Fenugreek works best when breast milk has been emptied completely from each breast, which can be accomplished by breast feeding or using a breast pump.
* Results vary from person to person, and may take some trial and error to see if the herb works to increase your breast milk supply.
Blessed Thistle:
* Blessed Thistle works by stimulating the mammary gland, and is considered to be one of the best herbs to increase breast milk production.
* It’s recommended that you take Blessed Thistle along with Fenugreek to achieve maximum results.
* The recommended dosage is 3 capsules 3 times per day. Blessed Thistle is also sold in the form of a tincture which can be taken 3 times a day, 20 drops each dose. Some tincture preparations have labels that state nursing mothers should avoid consuming the product mainly because it contains alcohol. There is no need to worry as the alcohol is in such minute amounts that it will only show up in small amounts in you breast milk.
Other herbs that may help to increase breast milk supply are:
* Fennel Seed – helps promote menstruation and increase mothers milk production
* Chamomile – has relaxing properties and helps stimulate the production of breast milk.
* Alfalfa – this herb is rich in amino acids that are essential to the body which some mothers may be deficient in because of their diet.
* Most of the above mentioned herbs can be purchased in capsule form or as a tea.
* Goat's Rue- The leaves stimulate development of mammary glands, and increase breast milk production and flow.
* Shatavari - is traditionally used by women for overall health and vitality and it promotes lactation.
Aniseed : Aids digestion and promotes mother's milk production for nursing mothers.
Caraway : This herb has galacagogue properties. Used to aid mother's milk production and aid digestion disorders.
Below are herbs to avoid if you are having milk problems or if you want to increase breast milk production.
* Aloe spp.
* Black cohosh
* Buckthorn
* Cascara sagrada
* Cocoa
Read out Pregnancy calculator. Also check out for home remedies for sore throat
Article Source: http://www.articleclick.com
There are two popular herbs that are being used regularly to help nursing mothers overcome how to increase breastmilk production. Those two herbs are Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle.
Fenugreek:
* Fenugreek is a common galactogogue. A galactogogue is a substance that increases secretion of milk. Fenugreek usage dates back to ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The primary use of this herb was to combat problems that women were often faced with, one being breast milk production in mothers who found it hard to produce adequate breast milk for their baby.
* Fenugreek seed sold today is usually ground into a powder and placed into capsules. This form of Fenugreek can be purchased for a reasonable price at local herb stores.
* The normal dosage for Fenugreek is 3 capsules taken 3 times per day.
* Fenugreek primarily helps mothers to produce more milk by stimulating the glands that produce sweat. Being that your mammary glands are essentially sweat glands, it’s no mystery how this herb is able to assist towards increasing breast milk production.
* Fenugreek works best when breast milk has been emptied completely from each breast, which can be accomplished by breast feeding or using a breast pump.
* Results vary from person to person, and may take some trial and error to see if the herb works to increase your breast milk supply.
Blessed Thistle:
* Blessed Thistle works by stimulating the mammary gland, and is considered to be one of the best herbs to increase breast milk production.
* It’s recommended that you take Blessed Thistle along with Fenugreek to achieve maximum results.
* The recommended dosage is 3 capsules 3 times per day. Blessed Thistle is also sold in the form of a tincture which can be taken 3 times a day, 20 drops each dose. Some tincture preparations have labels that state nursing mothers should avoid consuming the product mainly because it contains alcohol. There is no need to worry as the alcohol is in such minute amounts that it will only show up in small amounts in you breast milk.
Other herbs that may help to increase breast milk supply are:
* Fennel Seed – helps promote menstruation and increase mothers milk production
* Chamomile – has relaxing properties and helps stimulate the production of breast milk.
* Alfalfa – this herb is rich in amino acids that are essential to the body which some mothers may be deficient in because of their diet.
* Most of the above mentioned herbs can be purchased in capsule form or as a tea.
* Goat's Rue- The leaves stimulate development of mammary glands, and increase breast milk production and flow.
* Shatavari - is traditionally used by women for overall health and vitality and it promotes lactation.
Aniseed : Aids digestion and promotes mother's milk production for nursing mothers.
Caraway : This herb has galacagogue properties. Used to aid mother's milk production and aid digestion disorders.
Below are herbs to avoid if you are having milk problems or if you want to increase breast milk production.
* Aloe spp.
* Black cohosh
* Buckthorn
* Cascara sagrada
* Cocoa
Read out Pregnancy calculator. Also check out for home remedies for sore throat
Article Source: http://www.articleclick.com
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