Sunday, July 13, 2008

Morning Sickness : Causes and Cures

Morning sickness is often the first sign of pregnancy, as it can start as early as 2 weeks after conception. Despite the name, the sufferer can feel ill at any time of the day, although as an empty stomach is thought to be one of the triggers then mornings are a common time for it to appear.

Not every pregnant woman will experience morning sickness, although most do to some degree, and it can vary from a feeling of mild nausea or queasiness ranging up to feeling truly dreadful and unable to keep any food or liquids down. The severity of the effects seems to be greatest in women with a history of migraine or travel sickness.

It's not known exactly what causes it, but most doctors agree that the changes in hormone levels that pregnancy triggers are the most major factor. One of the effects of these hormones is to change the way your digestive system works, which can lead to higher levels of acid.

Another possible cause is that many women experience a heightened sense of taste and smell while pregnant, which can make nausea feel worse when unpleasant or strong odours are around.

Finally, tiredness and stress play a part, and most pregnant women are tired and stressed a lot of the time!

Morning sickness can occur over the full range of your pregnancy, but most women find that it more or less disappears by around 14 weeks as hormone levels in the body stabilise.

There are dozens and dozens of traditional 'cures' for the feelings of nausea, with every mother having an opinion on the subject! The fact is that every woman's body is different and so no single thing will work for everyone. However, there are some simple things to try which can help most feel better.

As previously mentioned, an empty stomach can be a cause, so snack little and often to keep hunger at bay, and keep a couple of biscuits by your bed for if you wake up during the night.

Sucking on an ice cube can help, as can fizzy drinks. Fresh ginger is reputed to calm the stomach, so making a tea from crushed root ginger or even chewing on a piece can be worth a try.

Remedies for travel sickness can also help, so it might be worth trying the magnetic wristbands you can buy, but you should never take any medication while pregnant without consulting your doctor.

Morning sickness is a natural part of pregnancy and will not harm your baby in any way, but in severe cases you may be unable to keep any food or fluids down and if this continues you could become dehydrated, which is very dangerous for your baby. If your urine starts to become very dark in colour this is a sign that your fluid levels are too low, and you should speak to your midwife or doctor.

Finally, when you're in a bout of morning sickness, don't worry too much about what you're eating - getting enough energy is more important than a balanced diet at that moment, so if chocolate makes you feel better then go for it! You can always stock up on healthier foods when the sickness has abated a little.



Simone is a contributor to a Parenting Guide web site where you can read more on aspects of pregnancy and babies, including a more detailed morning sickness article and information on pain relief in childbirth.

Article Source: http://www.articleclick.com


Sunday, June 29, 2008

Breast Feeding Tips and Guidelines

Breastfeeding has many advantages for both the baby and the mother. There are many substances in breast milk that can’t be found in cow’s milk. More so, there are fewer complications associated with breast milk than with cow’s milk.

It has been advertised time and again that it is best for the babies if they are breastfed for the first six months even up to two years. So why is breast milk so beneficial for the baby? First of all, only breast milk contains colostrums which are essential for the baby to take. Commercially-made milks cannot simulate the colostrums made by a mother. The colostrums contain natural antibodies and immune globulins that are responsible for keeping the baby free from illness for the first few months of its life.


Another advantage breast milk has over cow’s milk is that it allows the mother to save as cow’s milk can be expensive. The baby can better adapt to breast milk. Their feces are not smelly and they don’t have any difficulty defecating compared to cow’s milk. Breastfeeding has also been approved to be one of the family planning methods that a family can observe.

Since breastfeeding has been given so much importance, many women have been made aware. However, despite the awareness, many mothers still report of breast problems associated with lactation. These problems are most often than not, associated with improper breast feeding techniques. In order to lower down the incidence of breast related problems due to lactation, it is important that mothers observe the proper techniques of breast feeding. Ultimately, both the mother as well as the baby will benefit from the proper observance of these techniques.

First of all, you need to prepare your breast for milk-production. There are various nipple exercises to perform in order to prepare your nipple to deliver the breast milk to your baby. One of these exercises would involve routinely pinching the nipple.

Second and what most mothers fail to realize is how to keep the nipple clean before the baby latches on to it for feeding. When you plan to breast feed, you should avoid using soap on your nipple. If this cannot be avoided, your nipple should be wiped using a soft cloth soaked in clean water to make sure your nipple is clean before your baby feeds from it.

Third and perhaps the most important step is to allow your baby to properly latch on to your nipple. You will know when your baby is latched on properly when your baby’s mouth covers the entire areola and not just the nipples. It is essential that your baby should latch on properly so that he or she can properly stimulate the “let-down reflex” of your breasts wherein the milk will go down the ducts and out your nipple.

To aid your baby in latching on properly, you should make use of their rooting reflex. This is manifested in the first few months of life. You stimulate your baby’s cheek, near their mouth using your nipple and their head will automatically turn towards the stimulation. Their mouth will open and be ready for receiving your nipple. Once you’re done, you can aid your baby to stop latching on by inserting a clean pinky finger into the side of their mouth and propping it slightly open. Your baby will stop sucking and you can remove your nipple.

To prevent sore nipples and breast engorgement you have to monitor the amount of time your baby sucks with each nipple. It is usually advisable to spend 10-15 minutes each breast to make sure that the breasts are completely emptied of milk. This will prevent breast engorgement. The next time your baby feeds on your breast, let your baby feed from the last breast he or she fed on. This will completely empty the milk on that breast before you move on to the other breast.



Written by Janice Mallard M.D, expert on Breast Feeding and Pregnancy Symptoms.

Article Source: http://www.articleclick.com


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.

Article Source: http://www.articleclick.com

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.

Article Source: http://www.articleclick.com

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.

Article Source: http://www.articleclick.com

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Birth Announcements Wording Ideas, Birth Cards Verses & Sayings for Baby Announcements

Birth Announcements Wording Ideas, Birth Cards Verses & Sayings for Baby Announcements by Sarah Porter

Looking for Birth Announcements Wordings Ideas, Baby Announcements Wording Verses & Pregnancy Announcements Sayings

Parents can use children’s books, baby announcement websites and their personalities to inspire fun and precious birth announcement wording ideas. The unique baby announcement wording verses should be cute and can really show the personality of the family. Sayings for birth cards can come from anywhere: children books, friends, the toy store, websites, TV, etc.

If the parents have already put together the nursery with a theme, they might make a list of baby announcements wording ideas based on that theme. Many birth announcements sayings come from searching for the right birth announcement on the internet. Parents should remember that baby announcements sayings can be long or short. Photo birth announcement verses are usually on the shorter side, just because recipients will focus on the baby picture more than the words.

If the parents have a good sense of humor, they might want to find birth announcement wording ideas similar with their humor. Being funny does not detract from the wonderful reason for the baby announcement itself. Culture or ethnicity can also be incorporated into birth announcement wordings. If the family has a special saying, they may want to use that as a baby announcements verses.

Sometimes a baby picture might help the parents find just the right photo sayings for birth announcements. If they find just the right shot of the baby’s toes, there are sayings that just might be appropriate for that picture! If the parents find a good photo birth announcement verse before the baby is born, they should plan on taking many baby pictures to get the right photo. Most babies are very photogenic so getting the right shot for photo birth announcements should not be difficult!

Many website selling announcement allow parents add their own baby announcements wording verses and photo birth announcement sayings. If the parents do have something very special and unique to say, they should look for those options in the announcements. You can always use come of the websites suggested wordings, or an idea from several samples to get it just as you wants. Look into this before the baby is born. Parents should not waste much time after the baby is born looking for birth announcement wording ideas, verses or sayings.

Whether parents choose a photo birth announcement saying or other baby announcement wording verses, they should be sure to receive a proof of the card before the company prints all of their announcements with the baby announcement wording verses. If baby verses are too long or otherwise don’t fit on the card, parents may want to look for other birth announcement wording ideas. While searching for just the right wording for your announcements, don’t forget to look for cute birth announcements thank you cards wording ideas and baby thank you cards wording verses and sayings.



About the Author: Sarah Porter is Author of several articles including About Birth Announcements Wording Verses, Ideas and Sayings, Birth Announcements Wording Ideas and more.

Article Source: http://www.articleclick.com

Stretch Mark Information and Solutions

Stretch marks (or striae as they are referred to in dermatological terms) are caused when an individual's skin is stretched too quickly: More accurately, the skin is torn rather than stretched. They are most common around the stomach area, breasts, thighs and hips. Both men and woman can suffer from them and they affect the majority of the adult population. Fortunately, for all of us, they pose no health risks and are simply a cosmetic concern. Of course, these concerns grow in the warmer seasons as the amount of our bodies we show, increases.

This stretching occurs when the body grows at a rate that the skin cannot keep up with. They are most commonly associated with pregnancy but are also a normal part of puberty: Body building or quick weight gain can also result in stretch marks.

Although the skin is usually fairly elastic, when it is overstretched, the normal production of collagen is disrupted. It is this collagen which keeps skin tight and supple. There are several external factors which affect the skins natural ability to produce and maintain collagen levels such as a persons diet and smoking.

These collagen levels also affect the appearance of wrinkles and lines in the face. They also largely dictate how other blemishes, such as acne scars, heal.

When they first form, stretch marks appear as reddish purple lines. They appear indented and maintain a different texture to the surrounding skin. Over time, the discoloration does subside, turning lighter and less noticeable. The ability to heal however does vary considerably from individual to individual.

There are several methods of tackling problem stretch marks. These vary widely in both cost and effectiveness. They range from simple solutions such as creams and lotions, up to more extreme and expensive methods such as laser surgery.

What all these solutions have in common are that they assist, in one manner or another, the body’s own natural ability to heal itself. The skin is the largest organ in our body and anyone who has ever cut or scraped themselves, would have seen how it heals itself. Our natural defensive mechanisms are indeed one of the most wonderful things in nature.

Where our bodies do fall short, is that these natural defences do not account for our ongoing desire for aesthetics and looking good. It is here that nature needs a little helping hand. Fundamentally, to overcome this problem, we need to promote what happens in our bodies naturally, but stops once the body deems itself healed. By effectively extending the healing process, we can “trick” the body into healing itself too much - This way it may look and feels as though no physical trauma ever occurred.

Learn more about stretch marks - causes and removal at derma-rollers.com. We offer an amazing product that can help to remove stretch marks, wrinkles and scars quickly and easily.