Preparing for Pregnancy

Preparing for Pregnancy

Unfortunately, many women are already two weeks pregnant by the time a missed period confirms it. But, by making early preparations you can give both yourself and your baby the very best chances of a successful pregnancy and healthy baby.

Getting Pregnant
Before getting pregnant, think about whether there are any hereditary medical or family conditions that need to be considered.

Contraception
If you have been using any form of contraception you will obviously need to stop!

You are most likely to conceive if you have intercourse around 5 days before you ovulate. And many doctors advise having sex 2-3 times a week throughout your cycle to stand the best chance of conception.

Lifestyle Changes
Both potential mums and dads should take extra care of their diet and lifestyle when they are considering having a baby.

If either or both of you smoke or drink, you should ideally cease altogether or at the very least cut down drastically.

Dietary Changes
Improve your diet. It is important to build up a good store of vitamins and minerals before you get pregnant.

Body Weight
Even if you are not yet pregnant, you still risk high blood pressure and diabetes if you are overweight. Lose excess weight carefully by following a calorie-controlled diet and exercising regularly, not by taking appetite suppressants.

Stress
Stress can be detrimental to both mother and baby as it can cause high blood pressure and even spontaneous labour in some cases.

Caffeine
Although there is lots of conflicting advice about how much caffeine is safe, it is generally believed that moderate consumption is fine. You may want to cut down if you drink a lot of coffee or other caffeine- rich drinks, especially in the early weeks.

Folic Acid/ Folate
Women are often advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid supplements from twelve weeks pre-pregnancy until twelve weeks into the pregnancy. Folic acid is also found in dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli as well as oranges and enriched breakfast cereals and wholemeal bread.

Hazards at Work
Unfortunately some working environments can lead to fertility problems or even pose a risk to the developing baby. Workplaces that may be a risk include those that work with some chemicals, X-rays, lead and anaesthetic gases.

Finally, if you think carefully about the new life you will be bringing into the world, and make the necessary changes to your lifestyle and diet, then at least you know you are giving your longed-for baby the very best chances of developing into a healthy human being.

And you can enjoy your pregnancy in the knowledge that you have done your very best. Good Luck!
Unplanned Pregnancy Raises Questions

With all the knowledge we have today regarding pregnancy and birth control, it is hard to understand why half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. Should you find yourself with a pregnancy that was unplanned, here are some considerations to help you make a decision about the pregnancy.

What Are Your Options?

You may continue with the pregnancy, choosing to raise the child, you may continue the pregnancy, but place the child up for adoption, or you may choose to terminate the pregnancy. What to do about your unplanned pregnancy is your decision. What factors might contribute to your decision? First of all, consider your personal beliefs, and values, your present status and needs, and your plans for the future. A pregnancy, whether planned, or unplanned, has a great deal of influence on the rest of your life, as well as the life of your unborn child.

Your decision will be greatly affected by what your current situation dictates. What do you want at this point in your life? What are your current capabilities? While it's true that you might decide differently had the pregnancy happened at a different time in your life, it is important for you to do what you feel is right for you right now.

Whom Can You Talk To?

If you are involved in a committed relationship, you should discuss the pregnancy with your partner. In this type of relationship, the news of a pregnancy, even an unplanned one, can be cause for great joy. However, while the choice of what to do is ultimately yours, it is necessary to find out how your partner feels about the pregnancy. Just as you assessed your own situation, you must consider your partner's feelings, desires, and goals when making your choice. The decision will greatly impact both of your lives, as the responsibilities of having, and raising a child are shared responsibilities.

If you were not involved in a committed relationship when the pregnancy occurred, and you are trying to decide what to do about the pregnancy, it would be very advisable to consult with a health care provider. Health care providers are trained to be supportive, and non-judgmental. They will have all the necessary information you need about pregnancy, and if you request it, abortion. Additional support and information regarding an unplanned pregnancy can also be found in a number of community, and online resources for women. Your doctor, or other health care provider should be able to refer you to your community resources. Online support and information resources are available with a simple Internet search. The results will provide you with a large number of websites you can visit.

It may also be a good idea to speak with a trained counselor. An unplanned pregnancy can produce many different feelings in a woman, including guilt and fear. If you have these feelings, you need to talk with someone knowledgeable, and non-judgmental, whether or not you decide to go through with the pregnancy.

If you choose to raise the child, you will need to deal with your feelings regarding your pregnancy, and begin to prepare for motherhood. Should you decide to have the child, and then place the child up for adoption, you need to discuss the feelings of loss that may arise. If it is your intention to terminate the pregnancy, you will need to talk about this decision and how you really feel about it. Many people consider abortion to be unacceptable, but if it is what you really want, you may find it difficult to feel that you have done the right thing. Counseling is critical.

If you have strong religious beliefs, you will want to consider the teachings of your religion regarding pregnancy. Many religions oppose abortion, but not all women feel compelled to follow the teachings of their religion on what to do about an unplanned pregnancy.

If at all possible, confide in your family, or friends. It may also be advisable to talk to a priest, or pastor; especially if you are struggling with the decision to raise the child, or place the child up for adoption.

Whatever you decide, it is imperative that you get the required medical attention for your pregnancy. Be sure to take advantage of all support services offered in your community, or online. Don't be afraid to share your feelings about the unplanned pregnancy, and about making your decisions, with someone you trust. It is important to make an informed, and intelligent decision regarding what you feel is best for you, not what you think may be expected of you.

Having made your decisions, accept them, and plan for the rest of your life.
Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is common and it is not your imagination. This discharge is referred to as leucorrhea, a mild smelling milky discharge. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is due to the fact that you are now having increased estrogen production. You are having a greater blood flow to the vaginal area as well. The secretions from the cervix and vagina, old cells from the walls of the vagina, and normal bacterial flora from the vagina are causing the excess discharge.

The so called mucus plug creates a protective barrier. When you are getting closer to labor you will notice even more vaginal discharge during your pregnancy. This discharge will look a bit different than when you were in your earlier months of pregnancy. This is fine, it is just a part of being pregnant and the body taking care of itself. When your cervix begins to thin out and dilate it will expel this mucus. Then you will notice that the discharge looks like egg white and you will probably expel the plug in one gelatinous glob. This discharge might be tinged with a bit of blood. Do not let this bother you as this is only normal before the baby is born.

One word of caution when you are getting a lot of vaginal discharge during pregnancy it can be hard for you to tell if it is mucus or you're leaking amniotic fluid. If you do have any doubts please contact your physician as this is a severe problem for the baby. If you are not yet in your 37th week and you notice an increase in discharge or a change in the type of discharge like if it becomes watery, or bloody then call the physician immediately. This can be a sign of preterm labor.

Preterm labor can be prevented if caught soon enough so you can carry your baby full term. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy, lower abdominal pain, with cramping farther along in your pregnancy is all signs of preterm labor.

This could just be a sign that your uterus is stretching or it could mean that you are indeed going into preterm labor. It is very wise for you to contact your physician immediately so he can help you prevent this process.

You may have an infection which is usually an odorless, whitish discharge that's causing you discomfort such as itching or burning. A vaginal discharge during pregnancy untreated can result in a yeast infection. It is always good for you to check your discharge because it might be foul-smelling, frothy, yellow, green, or gray which means that you have a different kind of infection or a sexually transmitted infection, even if you don't have symptoms of irritation, itching or burning. We like to advise that you should not try to treat yourself with over the counter medications. It is very important to first see your practitioner for a proper diagnosis to make sure you get appropriate treatment.

I know at this point you are wondering if there are any things that you might be able to do to help with the problem. Let me tell you now, yes there is, vaginal discharge during pregnancy is not uncommon but it is very irritating and some simple methods are available that will help. Firstly, very important - do not ever use a tampon during your pregnancy! Use panty liners to absorb the discharge and change often to prevent any infection. Next keep your genital area healthy by keeping it clean. Always wipe from front to back when you are cleaning your self. Next wear cotton underwear; avoid tight pants, nylons, bubble bath, scented pads or toilet paper. It is necessary that you also avoid feminine hygiene sprays and scented or deodorant soaps for the protection of the fetus. One other main concern that physicians and midwives have is that you do not douche. I know that vaginal discharge during your pregnancy is sometimes uncomfortable and you may feel unclean but you need to understand this is just part of being pregnant. The process of douching can upset the normal balance of vaginal flora and increase your risk of a vaginal infection. Douching has been noted in some rare cases to introduce air into your circulatory system through the vagina, which can cause serious complications. Keeping your self clean and wearing panty liners is the safest way to go when you are pregnant.
Weight Gain During Pregnancy: The Intimacy Killer

When the wedding bells rang throughout the town, and you and your new husband ran arm and arm from the church into the waiting limousine, you surely had no idea that you would be pregnant soon after.

At first, the sex was great, earth shattering even, but then the pregnancy "blahs" set in and now you would rather curl up with a good romance novel than have to go through the matter of having sex. Having to take all your clothes off, actually do the deed, and then clean up afterwards sounds like too much work in your condition.

Understanding Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Your body is a temple; a pure place where your child is growing, and expanding. Although this is a great and beautiful thing, your temple is only so big. When the child gets to be a certain size, in utero, your temple will need to have an addition put on.

Your body grows as your baby does, and so this might be a depressing thought, but you should remember that the weight will eventually come off and that the most important thing is that your baby will be born healthy.

You Feel Like a Penguin in Mating Season

So you are six months pregnant, and so far you have gained a total of 15 pounds. You always knew that weight gain during pregnancy was normal, but you sure don't feel normal. With all this additional weight your body is carrying you feel like you could collapse at any moment just from the burden. You feel that penguins have more grace than you.

Weight gain during pregnancy has been more of a problem to most people than most possibly would have thought; not only do you feel fat and awkward, but you also most likely feel totally unattractive.

Sexless Goddess

What with most of the weight gathering around your waist, hips, and butt, this can tend to make you feel rather disgusting. Despite feeling nasty, you should remember that your husband is still going to desire physical intimacy with you. After all, he isn't going through the same physical changes as you and so he doesn't understand that sex might not be what you need.

In your eyes, you see a fat, awkward, harpy whose weight gain during pregnancy has only added distress and depression to your life. But in your husband's eyes you are a glowing goddess of life!

To him, you couldn't be more beautiful. You are not only the love of his life; you are also the vessel carrying his child. You are beautiful, sensual, and your breasts are bursting out of your top. To him, you have never been sexier. This is the main reason that men are still very into sex during their wife's pregnancy.

All this to say that weight gain during pregnancy is normal. At times your love life may be effected, but the up side to all the difficulties is; you're baby will be healthy!
How To Announce A Pregnancy

Learning you are pregnant is one of the most exciting times in a woman's life. Not only is it a major milestone in the path of adulthood it is one of the most joyous experiences you will ever have.

Maybe you are so excited you can't wait to throw open you windows and announce it to the world. Or are you the type that is so excited that you want to find a special way to announce it to those that you love the most.

Obviously you would want to share your joyous news to everyone and anyone who will listen. Maybe you want to share it in a special, unique way with your friends and family; a way that will completely surprise them all and have them in tears.

Ways to announce you're pregnant

E cards

One of the simplest ways to announce your pregnancy is by e card. Hundreds of websites offer free e cards or some you can pay for.

Buy them a gift

Go to any store that sells small baby items. A dollar store is a good choice if you want to keep it low budget. Buy items like baby bibs, bottles, rattles, pacifiers, baby shoes, etc. Also you will need to buy small boxes for the items to fit in and gift wrapping paper. When you have time alone, place each item individually into a box and wrap them. Place a tag on each box for the person who will be receiving it. This can be done for your parents, his parents, your husband, sisters and brothers and so on.

You can even place a little note in each one saying, "We're having a baby!"

Imagine your family's surprise when they open this gift!

Ultrasound, baby's first picture

Not all doctors give an ultrasound when you first find out you're pregnant. Some do, however and this is another cute way to make your happy announcement. After you have your 1st ultrasound have copies made for the number of people you want to share your announcement with. Copies can be made in color for picture quality at a number of drug stores that offer film development. Buy enough frames for every copy that you had made. Also buy gift wrap and boxes for each.

When you have alone time, frame each ultrasound and wrap them carefully (stuffing the box is best since it is a breakable). Place a tag on each box to the person you plan on giving it to.

This is especially great for Christmas time, etc. Your family will be so excited by your baby's first picture!

Paper Cards

Another great idea (if you are able to find them) is give out father's day and grandparent's day cards. If you can find the cards, fill them out saying: "Happy Father's Day, etc. By the way, we are having a baby! "This will hit them from left field, especially if it is done completely out of the blue. If you have a hard time finding these cards because stores only sell them around the holidays they are intended for, try looking on the internet.

Word Search

This can be time consuming, especially if you have a lot of people to tell, but it is adorable. You will need a computer, printer and some type of software you can type on. On your computer type out various letters in no particular order in 10 columns across the screen and 10 columns down. When you finish you should have 100 letters in the form of a box (just like word search in a newspaper). Somewhere in the jumble of letters (wherever you decide) take out enough of the letters to put "We're Pregnant" or "We're having a baby".

Let your friends and family members have fun searching for the secret you have to tell!

Proud Daddy and Grandparents t shirts

Another cute idea is to buy baby t shirts for your family. The t shirts should reflect who will be receiving them.

Example:

proud daddy
#1 grandpa
#1 grandma
#1 aunt or uncle

Package them the same, with gift wrap etc. and then pass them out to your family and friends!

There are so many creative ways to share your joyous occasion with the people you love. Give people the gift of surprise with a creative pregnancy announcement!

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