Activities to Avoid While Pregnant

Day to day life is challenging enough but when you add pregnancy to that mix, your body may undergo a major workout without visiting a gym. And you end up with a back ache, morning sickness (sometimes lasting all day), and exhaustion.

Before you end up exhausted and sore, here are some activities that should be avoided during your pregnancy.

Eliminate as much fatigue as much as possible
Don’t let fatigue overwhelm you. Instead, find out what part of the day is the best for you and do your job or activities that require the most energy or the most concentration. When you start to feel fatigue coming on, get up and walk around a little to reactivate your muscles and blood flow. Walking can also work for destressing yourself when you do take the time to relax.

Cut back on your commitments
Most of us have extra activities and commitments outside of our work place or home. This would normally be a good thing. But during your pregnancy this may be a good time to cut back and take that time to get some rest. Right now is when you need to make your commitment to yourself and your baby.

Don’t try to be wonder woman
Remember she was only a fictional character. If you are blessed with friends, relatives, or other co-workers that really care and want to help, don’t turn their offers of help away. Instead, consider yourself truly blessed and allow them to help you. You may think that you are burdening them, but it is probably quite the opposite. Most people do not volunteer unless they really want to help. It makes them feel good to do things for others. So if you have storm windows to put on, a lawn to be mowed or snow to be removed, a house that needs cleaning, or errands to run, for goodness sake, allow others to help. That’s what keeps us all in touch with one another.

Don't let your job get you down
If you have a job that requires any of the following working conditions, you may need a little understanding from your boss, or a note from your doctor to get you through your pregnancy while still holding down employment.

• If you have to do any constant heavy lifting
• If you have to do any standing for long periods of time
• If you have to deal with or be around any heavy duty machines that cause vibrations
• If you are enduring lots of stress from commuting long distances to and from work
• If you are afraid of being exposed to harmful chemicals
• If you endure lots of heat while working
• If your job requires a good sense of balance
• If you have a job that requires different shift changes, you will not get proper rest.

All of these things in this report will cause fatigue, or add to your already aching body. You can’t fully escape certain conditions during pregnancy, but you can learn what types of activities need to be avoided to help maintain your health.

What to Expect After a Vaginal Delivery

Your recovery from vaginal birth will depend a lot on what kind of pregnancy you experienced.

For example, was your pregnancy and delivery a fairly normal one, or were you blessed with one or more of these nagging problems: back pain; hemorrhoids; constipation; or varicose veins? At least 50% of all new mothers have some sort of health problem to recover from after childbirth.

Recovering from lack of sleep

One big concern is sleep, or lack thereof. A major cause of depression is fatigue.

Some suggestions for overcoming fatigue are the following:
* Find someone who will be available to help with the work around the house -- such as helping with the other children, cooking the meals, or watching the baby so you can rest. Tell your friends and family that helping you would make an excellent baby gift.
* Take your naps when the baby does for a few weeks.
* Get away for some adult time when you can, even if it is for a short period.

Getting your body back to normal

Remember it will take the first 6 weeks for your body to heal itself from the strain of giving birth. It will take your genital organs anywhere from six to eight weeks to start to function at their normal size.

The pregnancy hormone called relaxin will stay in your body for about 5 months. This hormone is what causes your ligaments and muscles to increase in both size and elasticity. Because of this, it is important to realize that your joints are fragile and any high impact activity should be put off for a while.

When you have completely stopped bleeding, you can try things like walking and swimming. Other exercises such as tennis or biking or low impact aerobics should wait until 4-5 months after birth.

Losing weight

Normally, if you were thin before you became pregnant and only gained about 25-30 pounds, you may have your shape back in about 3 months. Moms who have given birth before may take up to 3-6 months to lose the extra weight. Women who are overweight my take from 6-9 months to recover their shape.

Health problems such hemorrhoids, varicose veins, bleeding gums, and skin pigmentation, may last for months after your baby is born.

Post-partum depression or ‘baby blues’

It is very common for woman to go through a depression after the birth of their baby. If you feel you are having this problem, please let your doctor know. He is there for your support both before and after your baby is born. Here are some of the symptoms you may feel when going through post-partum depression.

* You have a hard time keeping your concentration.
* You find yourself crying more frequently.
* You are worried about harming your baby.
* You find yourself feeling an overwhelming sense of your world crashing in.
* You find yourself having trouble with sleep.
* You feel helpless or have been contemplating suicide.
* You can’t seem to recover from your sadness.

Remember, that there are lots of women who have gone or are going through this same thing. Talk to your doctor. He or she will know what to do.

Just remember, don’t get discouraged. It will take time for you and your body to get back to normal. In the meantime, take the time to rest, and hold, and welcome your newest little angel to the family.

What to Expect During Your Third Trimester

The further into your pregnancy you go, the more your doctor will need to monitor your blood pressure and weight. It will also remain very important to monitor the baby’s heartbeat and movements. You will also have weekly checkups during your last month of pregnancy.

1. Being tested for group B strep
One of the things you will be tested for in your third trimester is a bacterium called group B streptococcus, or GBS. It is harmless in adults, but can cause the baby to become critically ill. If GBS shows up on the swab from your vagina or rectum, you will be administered an intravenous antibiotic during your labor to help protect the baby.

2. Resumption of vaginal exams
During the pelvic exams in your third trimester, you doctor will check to see of your baby is positioned head first or butt first, also known as breech. Your doctor may want to try to apply pressure to your abdomen to try to turn the baby. If the baby will not turn to the head-first position, you may need to have a Caesarean delivery, or C-section.

As you become closer to delivery, your cervix will begin to soften and dilate.

3. Physical changes to your body in your third trimester

• Backaches and sore hips are common as your baby gains weight. Try sitting on chairs with a good back support, using a heating pad, or find someone who can give you a massage.
• Swelling of the feet and ankles is normal. Retaining fluids and blood vessels becoming dilated will leave your face and eyelids puffy in the morning.
• Shortness of breath is also normal as your uterus becomes bigger under your diaphragm.
• Heartburn may occur.
• Spider veins, varicose veins and hemorrhoids may occur. Try elevating your legs and drinking lots of liquids.
• You may notice more stretch marks that become itchy.
• Your breasts are still growing.
• You may feel an increased pressure on your bladder.
• A continuation of the Braxton Hicks contractions.
• A total weight gain of about 25-35 pounds.

During your last trimester, as your baby grows, so will your level of discomfort. The best thing to do is keep in mind that you are almost there. Try doing positive things that will help pass the time. Pamper yourself as much as possible.

Bleeding During Your First Trimester

Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester can be a little scary, and yet, it is normal in most instances. Statistics state that one out of three women will experience bleeding at some time during their pregnancy, and this is most likely during the first trimester. As stated earlier, some of this is normal and some of the bleeding is a sign that something is not quite right. The first bit of advice to tell you is that if you do experience any kind of bleeding, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, you need to let your doctor or healthcare provider know.

If you are aware of what causes bleeding while you are pregnant, you will be more able to recognize any symptoms that are unusual or abnormal.

What causes the bleeding?

1. When the egg that is fertilized attaches itself to your uterus lining, you may notice a little bit of bleeding. This kind of bleeding is called implantation bleeding. The bleeding will be lighter colored than menstrual bleeding. For some women who do not realize they are pregnant, they will mistake this light bleeding as a period. For the most part this bleeding will be painless. Your doctor will probably ask that you avoid any heavy lifting or sex for a while. You may also be required to take some bed rest to allow the fertilized egg to attach itself better, if you have a history of high risk pregnancy or infertility.
2. When pregnant, your cervix will experience an extra supply and flow of blood to it. After intercourse or a pelvic exam, you may have some bleeding, which is going to be normal.
3. Miscarriages also can happen during the first trimester and cause bleeding. Don’t let this fact put you in a panic though, because at least half of the first trimester bleedings are not the result of a miscarriage.
4. A tubal pregnancy happens when the embryo attaches itself outside of the uterus. When this happens, there can be very serious internal bleeding. The tubal pregnancy needs to be removed from the mother to save her life. Other symptoms of a tubal pregnancy are abdominal pain that is worse on one side of your body than the other, a feeling of being lightheaded, and feeling the need to have a bowel movement.

These are just a few of the causes of bleeding. Your doctor or healthcare provider will be able to give more information if it is needed.

When should you call your doctor?

• If you experience a slight amount of bleeding, remember to tell your doctor on your next visit.
• If your bleeding lasts more than one day, call your doctor.
• If you experience bleeding that ranges from moderate to heavy, and/or you have bleeding with pain, cramps, fever, and chills and/or have tissue that is passing from your vagina, then call your doctor immediately.

Be prepared to answer questions from your doctor, and take a pelvic exam. You may also have some lab tests done and/or an ultrasound to check on the status and growth of your baby or pregnancy. The treatment you will receive will depend on the cause of your symptoms.

Remember, that not all first trimester bleeding is serious, but it is important to know the facts so you will be more aware and better prepared for a healthier pregnancy.

Fisher Price Papasan Cradle Swing

Product Name: Fisher-Price Papasan Cradle Swing

Submitted by: Lashonda Morehead; Houston, TX

Rating: 10

Where to buy: Amazon.com

Description: A Fisher Price cradle swing offers two different swinging motions to entertain and sooth baby. The Papasan swing features the Nature's Touch fabric.

It is one of the few infant swings which can either cradle the child in a side to side motion, or rock the child with a traditional back and forth motion. The nest-like seat of the Fisher Price cradle swing comfortably cradles baby in soft, multi-textured materials.

Review: A unique feature on the baby swing is the overhead mobile which soothes by incorporating three playful characters. The characters are a bird, butterfly and dragonfly. Each animal on the infant swing features distinct in between leaves and a mirrored globe which allows baby to see all around.

Fisher Price swings generally feature a removable toy with fun toy, bead bars and tray space to provide the child with activities. The cradle swing features six different speeds along with eight soothing songs and soothing nature sounds. It puts baby right to sleep.

This is one of the great baby swings because it features an infant head support insert and features a two position seat recline and folding for storage.

I love this product. It gives me time for myself. I normally just put my baby in and do house cleaning. It's like an on hand nanny.

Placing the baby in any one of the fantastic infant swings is a great move, but choosing a Fisher Price Swing is a sound decision.

Morning Sickness? Here are Some Tips to Help

No one really knows for sure what the actual cause of morning sickness is. Most experts say it may be due to the physical changes your body is going through. Also, the rapid increase in the hormone called ’human chronic gonadotropin‘, or hCG, along with an increase in estrogen seems to coincidentally show up at the same time the nausea starts.

Studies have shown that about 75% of pregnant women suffer through morning sickness -- that can actually last all day. For most women it starts at about 4-6 weeks into the pregnancy and goes until about 14 weeks. Some women experience it for even longer periods of time.

These body changes can trigger an increase in your sense of smell or sensitivity to certain odors which can set off movement in your now very sensitive stomach.

Remedies to try:
Nausea due to smells

• When a meal is being cooked, open the windows or the exhaust fans on the stove.
• If you do most of your cooking in the microwave, there will be less smell.
• Carry with you a handkerchief or cloth with some kind of oil scent on it that will not make you nauseous. (Peppermint scent is often calming.)
• Eat cold foods which don’t have as strong smell during preparation.

Nausea due to eating and drinking

• Avoid foods that are spicy or greasy.
• Eat the foods your body craves when it craves them.
• Eat smaller portions of food more often during the day.
• Eat something salty just before a meal. It may be easier to keep your food down.
• Try not to drink liquids with your meal.
• Decaffeinated teas like peppermint and ginger will calm your stomach.
• Drinking small amounts of liquids through the day will keep you from being dehydrated.
• Cold food will cause a less nauseous feeling.

Other remedies for nausea

• Getting too warm will bring on nausea.
• Being too tired can bring on nausea. Try to take periodic naps.
• Make sure you have something on your stomach when you take your prenatal vitamin.
• Get as much sleep at night as possible.
• When you get out of bed in the morning, do it slowly.
• Have crackers or cereal (dry) on hand to eat if you need to in the morning.

If none of these remedies, or any others that you have tried, seem to work, talk to your doctor. There are anti-nausea medications and natural supplements that are available for you to try. But, it is important to talk to your doctor if your nausea doesn’t subside.

Good luck!

When Should You Call the Doctor?

When we become pregnant, most of us close our eyes and imagine going through the different stages of our pregnancy and labor with the ‘normal’ things happening that are supposed to happen -- and then giving birth to this beautiful little child. None of us wants to even think about, much less deal with, what could possible happen to turn or ‘normal pregnancy’ into an unplanned adventure.

Ectopic Pregnancy
Starting your pregnancy off with the egg attaching itself outside the uterus or womb is called an ectopic pregnancy. Below are some signs or symptoms that may show up that will tell you that it is time to call the doctor immediately.

• Vaginal bleeding you feel that is not normal
• Pain in your shoulder
• Pain in your abdomen
• Feeling weak and dizzy

These symptoms don’t always mean you have an ectopic pregnancy, but you definitely need to be on the safe side.

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
Pregnancy induced hypertension, or PIH, is high blood pressure bought on by pregnancy. It is a major disorder and needs to be monitored. PIH can be detected early on in your pregnancy. If you should have PIH and do not make or keep any prenatal appointments, the result may be bad for your health, as well as your baby’s. Your baby may be born prematurely, stillborn or with growth retardation. There are no for sure agreements as to what does cause PIH, but there are symptoms or signs that your body is telling you to call your doctor right away.

• You have gained 4-5 pounds in one week
• Your hands and face have become swollen
• After 12 hours or a resting period, the swelling in your ankles has not gone down
• There is protein in your urine
• You experience severe headaches and/or blurry vision
• You are starting to see spots in front of your eyes
• You are having severe pain over your stomach or under your ribs

You may not experience all of these signs or symptoms, but if you experience any, it is important to call your doctor.

It is also important to note that there is a certain amount of swelling in the ankles and feet that is normal. But normally, the swelling will go down after 12 hours or after you have had some rest. If the swelling doesn’t go down and you feel your face and hands start to swell, you need to call your doctor.

There just aren’t enough times you can be told to call your doctor if you feel something is wrong. There my be times when you are not sure if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or signs, but you feel that you know something is not right. Follow that feeling and call. This is no time to think you may be imagining things.

What to Expect During Your 2nd Trimester

The second trimester includes the fourth, fifth, and sixth months of your pregnancy. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Monthly visits to your doctor or health care provider

• During these monthly visits talk to your doctor about any concerns or symptoms you have had or that you are wondering about. Even if you may think they are insignificant, your doctor will want to know. To your doctor, there is no such thing as a silly question.
• Your doctor will measure the size of your abdomen by measuring from the top of your uterus to your pubic bone in centimeters. The number of centimeters will usually equal the number of weeks into your pregnancy you are. The baby’s heartbeat is also listened to by a device called a Doppler.
• Your baby will start kicking or moving at about 20 weeks, so it is good to tell your doctor when you notice movement.
• Your urine will still be tested for levels of sugar and protein. You will also be checked for signs of gestational diabetes, which is a form of diabetes that is temporary and can occur during pregnancy.
• Pelvic exams are generally not required in the second trimester, unless there is a concern from your doctor or health care provider.

2. Other tests that may be offered

• Blood tests to check for disorders such as spinal bifida or Downs syndrome
• An ultrasound to check on your baby’s growth and development
• If the results of your blood test or ultrasound are a concern to your doctor, he may want to do a test that is more invasive called amniocentesis.

3. Some physical changes to your body during your second trimester

• Larger breasts as your milk producing glands inside your breasts grow bigger
• A bigger belly as your uterus expands for the baby. You may gain about 4 pounds per month.
• Braxton Hicks contractions strengthen your uterus. They are painless contractions that happen in your lower abdomen and groin area.
• Skin color changes due to increased blood circulation -- darker colored skin around the nipples, on your face, and on the line that runs from your belly button to your pubic bone.
• Increased blood circulation in your mucous membranes cause the lining of your nose and air way passage to swell, resulting in snoring, congestion, and nosebleeds. The extra blood circulation may also cause bleeding in your gums while brushing and flossing.
• Expanding blood vessels will cause occasional dizziness and maybe lower blood pressure. Try not to stand for long periods of time and don’t stand up too fast after sitting or lying down.
• Leg cramps caused by the pressure from your uterus to the veins that return the blood from your legs.
• Heartburn and constipation is caused from a slower digestive process that allows nutrition to reach your baby.
• Shortness of breath.
• A normal vaginal discharge that is thin and white.
• Increase chance of bladder and kidney infections due to slower flow of urine and an increase in size of your uterus. Call your doctor if you suspect either one of these two infections.

During your second trimester, you will experience an increase in uncomfortable situations, and that is why you need to have a basic understanding of what is normal and what is not. Also remember, your health care provider is there for both you and your baby.

Packing the Hospital Bag

You’re headed into the home stretch of your pregnancy. It's been a long 9 months, but now you're ready. You've prepared all of these months for the birth and the homecoming of your baby, but don't forget your all-important trip to the hospital! Whether you're staying a night or a couple, be prepared and have your bag ready to go.

Here are some tips for packing your hospital bag:

For the Stay

• Pack a nightgown or pajama set. Remember that you probably will not be back to the size you were before pregnancy, so bring a gown that is large and comfy. Don’t worry about being pretty, go for comfortable.
• If you are planning on breastfeeding your baby, be sure to pack a gown that has a button- or snap-up front closure for easy access.

Basic Essentials

• Don’t worry about packing everything that you’d pack for a weekend getaway. You’ll be tired from all the hard work of having your baby and most likely won’t feel like primping. Take the bare essentials: comb or brush, toothbrush and paste, barrette or ponytail holder for your hair, undergarments, etc.

For The Baby

• Many new mothers pack a huge diaper bag to bring to the hospital. This simply isn’t necessary. Save space and pack the few essentials you’ll need for your new baby in your overnight bag. Some things you might need are: an outfit for the ride home (something comfortable for the baby), socks or booties, and a blanket. That’s it! Hospitals provide you with a pack of diapers, Vaseline and formula to last several days, so there’s no need to pack a diaper bag.

Don’t Forget These!

• Here are a few extra items that some expectant mothers sometimes forget to pack in their overnight bag: socks, music, CD player, video tape, something to focus on (if you are going natural), and snacks for Dad. Also, don’t forget the phone book to call family members and friends and cell phone or change for the pay phone and vending machines. In addition, remember to bring your baby’s car seat with you, as the hospital most likely will not allow you to leave without one.

Now - when your water breaks, or those contractions are just a few minutes apart, you'll be ready to grab your bag and go!

Want more pregnancy information? The Pregnancy Bible is your complete guide to pregnancy and early parenthood.

Mentally Prepare for Labor

Your body is doing a great job getting physically ready for labor. Now make sure you're doing your part to MENTALLY prepare for the labor too!

Tip #1: Find Your “Happy Place”
Where is the one place that you feel most at peace? Maybe it’s a specific setting, like at your favorite café or sitting on a blanket in the middle of the park. Whatever or wherever you feel most at place is going to be your “happy place” in your mind. Practice focusing on that place where you feel calm and at peace with yourself. Hold those feelings for several minutes before you open your eyes. When you begin to feel anxious, close your eyes, take a deep breath and go to your happy place.

Tip #2: Envision a Calm Labor
Don’t let your mind run wild with all the stories you’ve heard other women talk about. Each labor is unique and much of it depends on how well you personally cope with it. What is the best possible way you would like your labor to go? Capture that in your mind. Think on it. Envision a happy, calm labor.

Tip #3: Practice Positive Thinking
It’s very easy to get wrapped up in negative thoughts about your labor. You’re already anxious about the coming day. Don’t allow negative thoughts to creep up and make you more nervous. Practice positive thinking. One way to do this is to speak positive affirmations every time you start thinking negative. Here are a few affirmations for you to practice:

• “I am strong and able to birth my child in a calm and positive environment.”
• “I can remain calm, even in the midst of this emotional time.”
• “I am the best mother for my child.”

Write your own positive affirmations and practice them daily.

Fisher Price Interactive Baby Grand Piano

Product Name: Fisher Price Interactive Baby Grand Piano

Submitted by: Brannan Sirratt, Fayetteville, AR

Rating: 8

Where to buy: Amazon.com

Description: Fisher-Price has done it again! This interactive "piano" is so much more than lights and sounds. Three settings (play time, music time and learning time) maximize the learning and exploring potential of each interactive feature.

The keyboard on the front has eight keys, each with its corresponding number and one of four colors. The keys can play a note, sing the scale and say each color or number, depending on the mode that is toggled. In addition, pressing a key will play portions of the song that the songbook is showing.

This colorful book makes page-turning sounds and has each note coded by color and number for older kids to learn the songs. On the back of the piano, there are several buttons and switches teaching everything from pitch to speed to just plain silliness. With a nearly endless possibility of noises to make, it will be some time before your child bores with this toy.

Review: My son received this at 3 months old with us all thinking, "It will be awhile before he enjoys it." Not so! Within the week he was fascinated with keeping the songs playing by banging on the flashing keyboard, and it wasn't long before he was turning the pages to play the song he wanted.

It has been nearly 3 more months, now, and he sits alone at his piano and serenades us all. It's not quite enough to let the piano play songs anymore; he wants to play it on the individual note setting. He's even working his large muscles by pulling himself to standing by it. A major plus is that if it turns over during this process, there are no edges that may hurt him. With so much more for him to discover, I can't see him getting bored soon.

Beside the incredible innovation put into this little package, it is super-durable. With all of the pounding, drooling, pulling and tipping, this toy has yet to show even the slightest hint of use.

All in all, this is a wonderful, durable developmental toy. (And this is coming from a nearly anti-battery-toy mama)

Criticism: I would watch the dancing face, however. If little fingers held on at just the right spot, I can see how they'd get pinched.