Are You Taking Enough Vitamins During Pregnancy?

Whether you need supplements of vitamins during pregnancy is a debatable issue. However, most women are of the opinion that, prenatal vitamins are vital for fulfilling the requirement of nutrition during pregnancy. This holds particularly true when you have a deficiency.

Common supplements of vitamins are those containing iron, folic acid, and other such crucial nutrients that you need during this nine-month phase. In case you are lactose-intolerant, the doctor may recommend you calcium supplements, to fulfill the increased calcium requirement in your body.

Not all women are so healthy that they can provide all the essential nutrients to their developing baby through natural food sources. Moreover, the need for calcium, minerals, iron, and vitamins increases. In such a situation, pregnancy vitamins help. There are more than 50 nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones.

Pregnancy Nutrition

# Folic acid - it is a B vitamin, essential before conception and in first trimester. It decreases the risk of various scary neural tube defects like, spina bifida, encephalocele, and anencephaly.

# Iron - it is crucial, as it produced red blood cells that transport oxygen to the fetus. You need double amount of iron in this period.

# Calcium - it is essential for the healthy development of bones and teeth of your baby. It also prevents the onset of osteoporosis in you.

# Vitamin A - important for the health of skin, normal cell growth, and developing resistance to infection.

# Vitamin D - essential for strong bones of your baby and regulation of calcium absorption

# Vitamin C - inevitable for strong gums, teeth, and bones. Helps in iron absorption.

# B vitamins like vitamin B6, thiamine, and riboflavin - B6 is important for brain and nervous system development. Thiamine (B1) is essential for brain development. Riboflavin (B2) encourages development of muscles, bones, and nerves of your baby.

# Protein - it’s the building block of your baby’s cells.

# Potassium - it maintains fluid balance in cells.

# Zinc - helps in tissue development of your baby and reduces the risk of neural tube disorders.

The aim is to provide adequate nutrition during this stage. But, supplements are NOT a substitute for nutritious food. They work in combination with a balanced diet. Besides, always consult your doctor before staring any supplement for vitamins during pregnancy.


To take supplements of vitamins during pregnancy is under debate. However, most of the pregnant women prefer them for adequate nutrition during pregnancy. But, pregnancy vitamins work best only when combined with a balanced pregnancy diet.

Warning Signs for Premature Labor-Pregnancy

When to Call Your Physician or Midwife

Painful menstrual-like cramps.

Dull ache in the lower back(If you have had a dull backache throughout the pregnancy, then this symptom is only a danger sign if it is different from the backache you've had before.)

Pain or pressure above the pubic bone(in the area of the pubic hair.)

Sensation of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic region.

Increase in vaginal secretions, including loss of the mucous plug.

Change in the type of vaginal secretion(for example, from thick to thin or watery.)

Bloody discharge from the vagina.

Diarrhea.

Uterine contractions occurring 10 minutes apart or more frequently for more than 1 hour; even if they are not painful(a contraction is palpated when the top of your uterus-the fundus-gets hard, softens, and hardens again). If these disappear when you lie down, they are probably not labor:

Symptoms of urinary tract infection-pain or burning on urination, especially at the end of urination; urgency-an unusually strong feel of the need to urinate, especially if you actually urinate very small amounts; frequency-needing to urinate very often(although this may be difficult for pregnant women to differentiate from the usual increased frequency of late pregnancy).

Any leakage of fluid from the vagina.This can be a big gush or a continuous dripping of watery fluid. This may indicate rupture of the membranes.

If your work involves heavy physical labor, rotating or night shifts, long periods of standing, or makes you excessively tired, consider changing or reducing your workload. Unfortunately, women in the United States are not uniformly guaranteed paid maternity leave.

As sexually transmitted infections may be implicated in premature rupture of the membranes and preterm labor, you should use a condom if you are at risk for such an infection. Being at risk means that either you or your partner has more than one sexual partner. If you have any doubt about whether this is the case for your partner, or you have had a pre term birth, you should use condoms. In fact, because semen contains prostaglandins-body chemicals that cause uterine contractions-use of a condom from midpregnancy to 37 weeks gestation is a good idea for any woman who has had a previous preterm birth. The condoms provide a barrier between your body and your partner's semen.

If you have a history of pre term labor or signs of preterm labor, avoid nipple or breast stimulation in the third trimester, before 37 weeks gestation, as this initiates uterine contractions. Abstain from orgasm if there is any question of threatened preterm labor, as it can lead to contractions.

There is some evidence, although not conclusive, that calcium supplementation may help prevent preterm labor. Routine calcium supplementation is not currently advised in pregnancy, but you should certainly maintain an adequate dietary intake of calcium sources. Except for sometimes causing constipation, a calcium supplement is not dangerous in pregnancy. If you have had a preterm birth, discuss with your physician or midwife whether or not they advise calcium supplementation as a possible preventive measure. In the 1980s, some promising studies showed that preterm birth might be prevented with frequent prenatal visits and vaginal examinations for women at risk for preterm labor. A number of "Prevention of Preterm" birth programs were funded by various governmental and private agencies. Unfortunately, these did not demonstrate that such measures were uniformly valuable in preventing preterm birth. Whether or not to do weekly or biweekly vaginal examinations or ultrasounds to check the cervix in the third trimester for women with a previous preterm birth remains controversial.


Author has an experience of more than 4 years writing about multiple pregnancy.
He also holds experience writing about pregnancy diet and baby care tips.

Abdominal Cramps During Early Pregnancy

It is not uncommon to have abdominal cramps during early pregnancy. Many
women become frightened and fear that they may be having a miscarriage. This
is normally not the reason for abdominal cramps during early pregnancy. The
embryo is embedding itself in the lining of the uterus. This is what makes
you feel cramps similar to those felt when you’re having your period. The
cramps may last for several days and you may suffer the way you did when
having a period on a normal basis. Please do not be afraid of those cramps
as they are a normal part of the pregnancy.



Abdominal cramps during early pregnancy are a normal happening that all
women experience. A more serious problem is when you are suffering lower
abdominal pain. Then it is best that you consult your physician. It is not
uncommon for many women to suffer the lower cramps which are referred to as
sporadic abdominal discomfort. These sporadic abdominal cramps are similar
to those pain felt during a normal period. It is a sign that your uterus is
preparing to carry your baby through the next nine months. If you are
suffering the pains with other symptoms then you will need to immediately
contact your physician.



Women, who suffer from chills, fever, spotting along with abdominal cramps
during early pregnancy maybe suffering from other more harmful conditions,
when a fertilized egg attaches outside of a woman’s uterus then this
condition is referred to as Ectopic Pregnancy. The egg usually will attach
itself to the fallopian tube. Normally this condition is caught in the first
few weeks and treated right away. If for some reason it does not get noticed
and treated it could be very dangerous as the fallopian tube may result in
rupture. The signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include spotting,
abdominal pain and tenderness. These signs are accompanied with lower back
pain, shoulder pain, dizziness or faintness. If you suspect an ectopic
pregnancy please contact your physician right away.



Abdominal cramps during early pregnancy unfortunately can occasionally mean
that you are about to have a miscarriage. Typically, the symptoms for a
miscarriage are bleeding that might be light or heavy, menstrual cramps that
gradually increase in intensity. Some women suffer from back pain.



If any of these symptoms arise please contact your physician immediately.




Remain calm because it does not necessarily mean that you are in the process
of having a miscarriage as other things maybe going on that are lesser by
nature. Some ladies suffer from lower back pain due to kidney stones,
gallbladder disease or even pancreatitis. When you suffer from one of these
diseases it is debilitating and in some cases warrants surgery. An abdominal
cramp during early pregnancy usually happens to just about all women who are
pregnant therefore please do not panic. It is always for the best to contact
your physicians.



There is good news, however, women who have abdominal cramps during early
pregnancy find it occurs from uterus stretching, from gas or even
constipation. It is true that you might be suffering from round ligament
pain which may result in short stabbing and sharp aches in one or both sides
of the abdomen. This pain can be relieved very quickly simply by changing
your position or simply just relaxing.



When you do feel abdominal cramps during your early pregnancy the best thing
for you to do is set down, put your feet up, and relax. Normal abdominal
pain may be caused by the simplest of things.



* Gas pains and bloating caused by hormones that slow your digestion process
down.



* The pressure of your growing uterus.



* Constipation *note contact a doctor before taking any type of laxative.




* Heartburn caused by something that you ate that did not agree with you or
the baby.



A lot of women do have abdominal cramps during early pregnancy which is
normal as the embryo is embedding itself in the lining of the uterus.
Cramping in the last weeks of the pregnancy is a sign that labor is almost
ready to start. At the start of your labor you will have very strong cramps
that are severe in nature and about five to ten minutes apart. This is time
to contact your physician and go immediately to the hospital for the
delivery. The early part of your pregnancy these cramps can be mild to
severe so it is up to you to check with your physician and make sure that it
is just the natural part of your pregnancy and not anything to worry about.

About The Author Kitty Barker who often writes for and with Pregnancy Information where there is far more information, news and resources. She also writes for Pregnancy Weight Gain If that link is inactive, you can paste this link into your browser - http://pregnancy-and-baby-tips.com/

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.

Jeene Micheal 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.

This article is free for republishing

Source:

http://www.articlealley.com/article_483374_61.html

Knowing the Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

Having a baby can be a joy. It signals the start of family life. The baby serves as the carrier of the bloodline and legacy of the parents. More than that, a baby is a very important individual who will someday grow up and make a difference in this world.

Creating a baby involves sexual reproduction. This can occur when a couple has sexual intercourse and both the egg cell from the woman and the sperm cell from the man unites into one fertilized cell. This cell quickly duplicates and matures within just hours and turns into a zygote. The zygote then attaches itself to the uterus lining where it further matures into a fetus. This fetus has the physical appearance of a human being as early as 6 weeks old. This developing group of cells can come to know as the woman�s baby. The period of holding this baby inside her womb and until the baby is born is called the pregnancy period.

The pregnancy period lasts for approximately 9 months or specifically 36 to 40 weeks of gestation. During this period, there are countless changes involving the baby�s growth and development inside the mother�s womb. The mother is also affected with these changes, having some changes of her own too in order to accommodate the baby�s needs. Together the mother and her baby form a bonding relationship as well as a physical connection with each other.

To know if a woman is really pregnant, there are numerous signs and symptoms which give out clues to alert the people if there is or there is no pregnancy. First, there are possible signs of pregnancy which can be felt and experienced by the woman. Next, there are probable signs of pregnancy which can be felt by the nurse or examiner. Lastly, there are positive signs of pregnancy which can be derived from running tests and examinations through which the final verdict is revealed of whether or not the woman is pregnant.

As the baby matures, there are a lot of possible signs and symptoms a mother will feel. There are nausea and vomiting episodes more commonly known as morning sickness. She will have missed monthly periods or will not menstruate in the succeeding months. The mother will have changes in libido and may feel less inclined to having sexual intercourse. She will feel her breast engorging and swelling. As the baby gets larger, the woman will have increased frequency of urination. She will also have food cravings or in some cases pica, which is the unusual consumption of usually non-edible food. The mother will be easily fatigued and experience skin changes and stretch marks. She will also feel fetal movement inside her which is termed as quickening.

Having experienced the possible signs and symptoms mentioned above, the woman will be inclined to go to a clinic to be examined. There are probable signs and symptoms which are noted by the nurse or examiner. The nurse performs a thorough assessment on the woman�s body. The nurse notes an increased abdominal girth on the mother. The nurse observes that the mother has bluish discoloration on her vagina along with the presence of a softening cervix. The nurse observes that the mother is having Braxton Hicks contraction which is a series of false labor contractions. The nurse can also note that the baby can be palpated on the mother�s abdomen.

To validate all of these signs and symptoms, there are positive signs of pregnancy to look out for. Among the three, positive signs are the most reliable indicators of pregnancy. These involve being positive in four tests, namely, the hearing of fetal heart tones through Doppler sound or stethoscope, ultrasound detection, x-ray visualization, and movement of baby as detected by the examiner.
--
Written by Janice Mallard, expert on Pregnancy and Pregnancy Symptoms.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_486572_61.html

A Healthy Mom Means a Healthy Baby

Pregnancy is one of the greatest joys that a woman could ever experience in her whole life. However, it is not an experience that comes without serious responsibilities as well as a lot of fears and worries. There are things that you can do though, to make all these responsibilities and fears less daunting and the most important one is preparing yourself by being a healthy. You have to remember that a healthy mom could very well mean a healthy baby. Because your baby would live inside your womb for nine months and would feed on the nutrients that are already in your system, then if you are already healthy there is really no reason to fret.

If you are planning to conceive, then you already have to take certain measures to see to it that your body is ready for your baby. You can visit your doctor and talk to him about what prenatal vitamins you can take, so you can stock on the nutrients that you and your baby might need during pregnancy. He will probably suggest one that is loaded with folic acid, calcium and iron, which will help in the overall development of your baby during his stay inside your womb. Right at this time, it is better that you are already taking in a healthy balanced diet everyday as well as getting into regular exercises. This way, when your pregnancy test finally shows a positive result, you are well on your way to being a healthy carrier of your baby.

Now that you are already pregnant, the care that you underwent before your baby was conceived should be increased. It is very important that you maintain the healthy lifestyle that you have had since you were trying to conceive. You have to continue eating a healthy diet as well as getting the amount of exercise that your doctor says is okay for you and your baby. While it is true that pregnancies always bring cravings, especially for sweet or salty foods, you can find a way to satisfy your cravings and still be healthy. Instead of snacking on cakes and pastries, you can do better by taking in sweet fruits. If you must, you can take the prenatal fruit bars that are enriched with vitamins and minerals to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying healthy. Of course, never ever forget to continue with your prenatal vitamins as they are necessary to make up for the nutrients that your baby might draw from you during his development.

About the Author
Discover more about prenatal vitamin and what are the benefits of taking prenatal vitamins to the mother, check out Helen's weblog now!

Natural Beauty for Mothers

Every mother needs a little mothering herself. New or expectant mothers, especially, deserve a little additional pampering. Visit http://www.thetextperts.co.uk/pregnancy_tips.html for tips during your pregnancy. Although it may seem like your last priority, if you take a little extra time each day to take care of yourself, it will do wonders for your mood and your own natural beauty. Making your own natural beauty products is a good way to give yourself a bit of pleasure and attention. Generations of women have created their own beauty recipes and treatments for years, using common kitchen and garden ingredients. Making your own beauty products simple to do, convenient, and cost-effective. Natural beauty products work just as well, if not better, than commercial brands because they are pure and undiluted. Just think, you're in control of the ingredients in your own home made natural beauty indulgences. Visit http://www.thetextperts.co.uk/natural_beauty_tips.html for more tips on natural beauty remedies. So, go ahead, open up your cupboards and you'll probably have the makings for natural remedies and beauty treatments in your home right now. Light cooking oils such as olive and sunflower are perfect for massage and bath oils. Honey is a deep conditioning treatment for dry, damaged hair. Or take a trip to the supermarket and check out what's on special in the fruit and veg aisles for some inspiration.
About the Author
Janet is currently writing articles for online archives while pursuing her goal to become a writer/journalist.