Archive for the ‘Pregnancy and Childbirth’ Category

Concerns During Pregnancy

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

There is nothing more stressful than to have something go wrong during pregnancy. It doesn’t matter if it is your first time being pregnant or your fourth. There are many things to be concerned about during your pregnancy and it is easier when you know what they are.

Vaginal bleeding- This may also known as spotting, but make sure that is what is going on. There is a difference between actively bleeding and spotting. Spotting is lightly bleeding kind of like your period, the blood can be red, pink or even brown. If you are bleeding actively with any pain call your doctor, if you can’t get a hold of him go immediately to the emergency room. Bleeding can be a number of things from implantation, ectopic pregnancy, labor, infection or even miscarriage. Always let your doctor know, so everything can be ruled out, you’ll feel better too.

Stomach pain or cramping- During the pregnancy it may be hard to decipher the difference between a growing pain and an actual stomach pain/cramping. However, if you do get a pain of any sort rest. After a few minutes if it doesn’t subside, call your doctor and describe the pain to

him. Don’t worry about it if you find out you only had gas or were having Braxton hicks contractions, at least you know everything is okay with pregnancy.

Gush of liquid- This could mean you are in labor and that your water broke, however if it isn’t close to the time of birth it can be something else. Call your doctor immediately and head for the emergency room.

Dehydration- While you are pregnant it is easy to become dehydrated, especially if you have morning sickness or just don’t drink those 8 glasses of water. If you find yourself pale, dry mouth or dizzy, you could be dehydrated and should be seen by a doctor. Dehydration can cause premature labor and/or distress on the pregnancy.

Painful urination - Could be a urinary tract infection, also known as UTI. This can be easily treated with medication or by drinking lots of fluids and cranberry juice. A urinary tract infection isn’t something to be embarrassed about, it is very common amongst pregnant women. The growing belly pushes against your ureters and makes it harder for it to flow through. Which of course can cause infection. Another way to find out if you have it is if you have a foul odor when you pee.

Pregnancies can be scary enough, there’s no reason to add to it. If you are ever in doubt or have a concern talk with your doctor. It is common that first time moms are worried about many pains that they feel. Never fear calling because you are afraid of waking the doctor up or because you feel silly. Being silly might just save the baby. While you are worrying, you are only causing stress on you and the baby, find out what’s wrong and relieve your anxiety.

Preparing for Your New Arrival

Monday, July 21st, 2008

The first few weeks after your baby is born will be a bit hectic and you won’t want to have to run to the store to pick up any baby items you forgot or didn’t realize you needed.  At least a month before your baby is born, in case she comes early, you should have everything you need for at least the first few weeks.

Clothing your baby

You will be amazed at the rate your baby goes through clothes.  Between spitting up and leaking through their diapers, your baby will go through several outfits every day.  Make sure you have a good selection of the following items for your baby: Bibs, socks, sleepers, gowns, hats, bodysuits, pants, blankets, and t-shirts.  A few of each of these items should do.  You might want to invest in a few more sleepers, gowns and blankets as you will be going through them like water during the first few weeks after your baby arrives.

Diapers and such

You will go through 10-12 diapers a day, at least at first, so be sure to stock up on plenty of these before your baby gets here.  You may want to get at least one package of preemie or newborn diapers for the first few days.  Newborns can be extremely small and don’t always fit into the first size of diapers right away.  You will also want to have plenty of wipes on hand; sometimes you will need quite a few for just one diaper change!  You should also have diaper rash ointment, thermometer, respirator (though you’ll usually get one at the hospital), nail clippers and a diaper pail.

The diaper bag

The diaper bag is an essential part of taking your baby out, even if only for a few minutes.  Always make sure you have your bag packed with a few diapers, wipes, changing pad, extra change of clothes, socks, rattle or toy, an extra bib or two and a blanket.

Feeding essentials

If you are planning on breastfeeding, you really don’t need anything unless you plan on pumping, in which case you would need to invest in a breast pump, storage baggies and bottles.  If you plan on bottle feeding, even if it’s only part time, you will need to stock up on supplies to ensure you don’t run out of anything when your baby needs to be fed.

Gifts for Our Doctors

Saturday, July 12th, 2008

medical watch.jpgAfter delivering a beautiful baby without any complication or problems, we always feel outburst with happiness and relief. And the doctor who has helped us delivering the baby is like a hero to us. If not for him, we might not be in this great health, holding our baby, right?

To express our special thanks, we might want to give him some special gifts. Although the most important thing is that it’s not about the value of the gifts, but the well meaning behind the gifts, if we can give him something that will make him happy and proud, then it is better, right? What about medical id jewelry, whether it is bracelet, pendant, watches, money clips, or medical id plates? Those items might not be worn everyday, but those are kind of symbols of their achievement and pride.

Your Birth Control Options

Sunday, June 29th, 2008

There are several reasons that make you not prepared to have a baby or another baby. After all, although it is actually fun and exciting, we have to admit that pregnancy and parenting is serious responsibility. Whatever the reasons are, there are some options that you can use for birth control.

Perhaps, the most popular and most well-known birth control method is that of condoms. Condoms, in most cases, are highly effective against preventing pregnancy. On rare occasions, they can break or leak, but you are typically safe.  Just be sure to purchase a brand of condoms that is known for their strength and durability.  What is nice about this popular birth control method, is that you are often not only protected against pregnancy, but sexually transmitted diseases as well.

Birth control pills are a hormonal form of birth control.  Birth control pills require the taking of a pill each and everyday of the month. Birth control pills are known as being effective, as long as they are taken as directed. As with many other medications, birth control pills are not ideal for smokers, as they may cause additional health complications.

Aside from condoms and birth control, the next most popular form of birth control is another hormonal method. This birth control method is commonly referred to as the Depo shot. The Depo shot has one main downfall and that is that it has been linked to a poor absorption of calcium. That is why many Depo users are urged to take calcium supplements each day. What is nice about the Depo shot is that it is not only effective at preventing pregnancy, but it is also administered on a three-month schedule and periods are often a thing of the past.

Although not as popular as condoms, the Depo shot, and birth control pills, IUDs are also effective forms of birth control.  IUDs are known as Intra-Uterine Devices.  Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs) come in a number of different formats, but they are still designed to protect you from pregnancy. This is either done with the use of a copper device, which is spermicidal, or ones that release progestin.

All are great and effective. It all depends on our preference and our body acceptance. Some methods are doing great for some people, while other people have complaints about that same methods. Have a try first, then.

Be Prepared - The Baby is Coming

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

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It is a happy moment, when we know that in just a few days the baby is coming, no matter that it is our baby or our niece/nephew. What do we need to prepare for the baby?

First we need to prepare the baby room, like starting to spread the sheet, check the baby cloths and equipment, and air the room. Secondly, we need to really decide the name for the baby. Thirdly, we need to tell everybody we know that we are having a baby and prepare what kind of baby birth announcement cards we want to have.

Actually before or after the baby has arrived, we’ll need to prepare for the baby shower. A baby shower is a party in which parents or expectant parents receive gifts for their newborn or expected child. For baby shower invitations or baby announcements, it is a good idea to put the baby’s picture on the cards.

One other interesting thing to make this occasion more memorable is the idea of photo cards. We can just use one of the available holiday photo card designs, put the baby’s pictures or our pictures as family, and make our own photo cards. We can send them out to our family, friends, or just want to keep them for ourselves.

Should We Take Parenting Classes?

Monday, March 31st, 2008

Have you recently learned that you are going to be a new mom? If you have, congratulations! Motherhood is something that most women live their lives for. As nice as motherhood is, many issues arise that many first time parents do not know about. For that reason, many first time mothers make the decision to take parenting classes, but the question is should you?

When it comes to determining if you should take parenting classes, to prepare for the raising of your new baby, many parents are unsure. If you are one of those soon-to-be parents, you may want to examine the advantages and disadvantages of parenting classes.

As for the advantages of taking a parenting class, many parenting classes focus on a wide range of issues. In a parenting class, you may learn how to properly change a diaper, lay your baby down for a nap, as well as feed them in a healthy way. In addition to educating you in a classroom setting, you will also find that many parenting classes give you hands on learning. This is often done with the use of baby dolls.

While there are a number of benefits to taking a parenting class, to prepare for the birth and upbringing of your first child, there are also a number of disadvantages or downsides to doing so as well. One of those downsides is the meetings. Parenting classes vary, but many have multiple classes in a short period of time, like a month or two. You will want to attend each and every one of those classes to absorb as much information as possible. Preparing for the birth of a new child, especially your first child, can be a busy and hectic time in your life. For that reason, you may not necessarily have the time to devote to parenting classes.