Stay Active During Pregnancy: Putting for Two

Exercise during pregnancy is important for mom and baby alike. Most women reap tremendous benefits from exercising throughout their pregnancy. If you have been exercising regularly prior to your pregnancy, then chances are you can engage in an exercise plan quite easily after becoming pregnant. You may need to modify your routine slightly to accommodate your growing figure.

If you are new to exercise, be sure to check in with your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure our health and well being prior to starting an exercise routine. Fortunately for most women starting an exercise program during pregnancy is perfectly safe and very beneficial.

Discover safe exercises to keep you and your baby fit while you’re pregnant at Womens Health Care Topics where exercise is fun.

Let’s take a closer look at some of your pre-conception profile to illustrate just why your doctor needs this information.

Are you currently attempting to conceive? 
Many different elements of your health can affect your fertility, including your height, weight and your lifestyle. That is why it is so important you take time out of your life to assess your overall health. If you are overweight, talk with your doctor about losing some weight before conceiving. Weight problems, whether you are overweight or underweight, may impact your ability to conceive. You may for example, experience ovulation problems if you are underweight. Your doctor may recommend you work with a nutritionist so your body is again, in tip-top shape before you even think of conceiving. Are you getting regular exercise? If not, you might consider starting an exercise program before you conceive. Regular exercise will help promote a faster labor and delivery as well as recovery. Women who exercise regularly during pregnancy often also feel less stressed than women who do not. As an added bonus, the less stress you feel, the more likely you are to conceive!

Women’s Health Care Topics has ALL the information you need for a happy, healthy prenancy.

START PREPPING FOR PREGNANCY IN MONTH ONE

At one month pregnant it’is confusing to realize that for the first two weeks you are not pregnant. Doctors start counting from the first day of your last menstrual period and not from the day of ovulation or conception approximately 2 weeks later.

Preparing yourself for pregnancy should start before the first month of pregnancy. Of course you’re thinking about it. That’s why you’re reading this article. Whether your heart is ready for pregnancy and you’re preparing for the rest of your life or, your mind is telling you that this is the best time to become a mom or, your body just told you you’re going to be a mommy, you want to start your pregnancy on the right foot.

A healthy pregnancy is healthy both physically and emotionally. You owe it to yourself, your partner, your family and your unborn to be physically, emotionally and spiritually ready to make a happy, healthy baby. So, let’s go through the list to ensure you’re ready for the first month of pregnancy. Learn more about early pregnancy preperation.

Keeping the Romance Alive in Pregnancy

Most women experience many unpleasant side effects during their first trimester of pregnancy, which lasts roughly 13 weeks. These side effects may include morning sickness, which can put a damper on one’s amorous spirit. If you are not feeling well during this time, let your partner know and spend some quality time cuddling together to stay intimate and let your partner know you still care deeply about them.

How To Ignite Passionate Flames During Pregnancy
Many women find they are very much interested in sex and lovemaking during their second trimester. During this time their hormones are surging, their bodies are becoming ripe and round and most of their morning sickness has left them.

This is the perfect time to take advantage of your womanly body and tempt your partner with your wiles. While some men fear intercourse or intimacy during pregnancy, this fear is often easily soothed with a few simple tricks (which we will mention below). The most important step you can take toward setting up a close and intimate relationship with your partner is keeping your lines of communication open during pregnancy.

If you don’t talk with your partner during your first trimester for example, when you feel sick, your partner may not understand why you do not have an interest in sex. If however, you explain what is happening, the chances are strong your partner will come to your side and help you through this difficult time.

You can then have fun explaining to your husband the hormonal surge that typically occurs during the second trimester, when most pregnant women and their partners enjoy sex and intimacy the most during pregnancy.

Sizzling Ways To Overcome Common Barriers To Intimacy During Pregnancy
Don’t be surprised to find your partner expresses an interest in your growing breasts, which may no longer be tender now that you have entered your second trimester. Still, some couples experience difficulty becoming intimate during pregnancy. Here are some common reasons couples have trouble facing intimacy during their pregnancies:

1) A woman sometimes feels uncomfortable or fat as her body grows and expands during pregnancy. Keep in mind however, that many men find the voluptuous changes occurring in their partners enticing during pregnancy. I must admit pregnancy was one of the first times in my life I could claim to have big breasts, and I took great pleasure in showing them off (much to my partner’s pleasure). You too should have a little fun with your growing body. If you have a little junk in the trunk then accentuate it with some flattering lingerie. Many lingerie pieces look elegant on pregnant women, especially during their second trimester, when they are not yet too big to wear full on maternity clothes much of the time.

2) Other times the male partner feels he will hurt the baby by having sex. You may find it is your partner, not you, that has a problem with sex during pregnancy. During our first pregnancy, my partner expressed some concerns that he might hurt the baby. He was also afraid sex would be different during pregnancy. There are many ways you can approach this problem. The most sensible way is of course, to take your partner with you to the doctor and let your doctor assure your husband that sex during pregnancy is very safe. (As long as you have a normal pregnancy that is not high risk) You partner will not damage the baby. When it comes to your partner’s fears about how the baby may change your relationship, change your attitude and show him just how sexy being pregnant can be. Get a little wild, do something a little naughty. Your partner will quickly get over any reservations they had about sex.

3) Some couples find sex during pregnancy, especially during their third trimester, difficult. It can be challenging finding a position that is comfortable for all parties involved once you reach or come close to your full pregnancy size. You can easily ease this problem however by trying many positions, including side lying, or lying on your back slightly propped up while your partner comes at you and holds your legs up. Experiment. Play around with some positions and see what works.

For some women, sex during pregnancy doesn’t seem like any fun. This is ok too. Your partner may feel neglected however, so make sure you take some time to cuddle up to them and find other ways to shower the love of your life with affection.

And know this. Some men never do become comfortable with the idea of pregnancy and sex. While you can’t always change your partner’s mind, you can still cuddle together and enjoy many fun and intimate moments throughout your pregnancy. You should look back at your pregnancy as a time of joy, laughter and intrigue.

Cramping early and later in pregnancy

Cramping In Early Pregnancy
During each of my three pregnancies, I experienced cramping during early pregnancy. During my first pregnancy this cramping concerned me to no end. I experienced cramping from pregnancy weeks 2 through about week 12. Sometimes my cramps were so severe I was confident I was going to have a miscarriage or get my period.

When I had my third child, I knew I was pregnant because I had cramping that was really bad right before I was supposed to get my period, but I had no period. Why does the body cramp so badly? There are many reasons. First, many different changes are occurring in your body during early pregnancy. As your body prepares for ovulation, you may feel cramping on one or both sides of your abdomen.

Then, if implantation occurs and you successfully conceive, your uterus starts to stretch and grow. This can cause cramping ranging from very mild to moderate depending on the woman. I always thought the pain was quite bad.

Sometimes cramping in early pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage. If you are having other unusual symptoms, including spotting or bleeding or abdominal pain, you should always, always contact your doctor. You should even contact your doctor if you are not sure your cramping is normal. Why? Your doctor can check you out and put your mind to ease. That is after all, what your doctor is there for, to help you through your pregnancy.

You may find resting or light exercise may lessen early pregnancy cramping. Many women report having the most cramping between weeks five and six of their pregnancy. Many other symptoms also start to appear around this time, including breast tenderness, nausea and fatigue.

Cramping In Late Pregnancy
Some women will experience pregnancy cramping throughout their pregnancy. You may notice cramping increases when you engage in vigorous activity. If you are exercising and notice cramping, you should back off your exercise and rest for a while. You don’t want to stress your uterus too much.

Your uterus also continues to grow throughout your pregnancy, and this can be a source of cramping later in pregnancy. Some women find after about their 28th week of pregnancy they start feeling short, rhythmic type cramps that come and go with no distinct pattern. If you have had more than one baby, you might notice these cramps earlier in your pregnancy.

These cramps, cramps that don’t follow any pattern but feel like a tightening across your lower abdomen and then release, are often Braxton Hicks contractions. These are not real contractions, like the type you will have for labor, but practice contractions that help your body prepare for the rigors of labor.

You should always be on the lookout however, for signs of preterm labor. These may include contractions that are regular and last for more than an hour, cramping accompanied by bleeding or abdominal pain or leaking from the vagina. If you experience any of these symptoms get to your doctor right away.

Most of the time Braxton Hicks contractions are harmless. You might notice they are more intense toward the later part of your pregnancy. I know I always thought Braxton Hicks were the real thing UNITL I started labor, and then I realized what cramping was all about!

When to See Your Doctor
You should never hesitate to call your doctors office if you have any questions during your pregnancy, whether related to cramping or other problems. Here are some reasons however, you should talk or go see your doctor:

• You have rhythmic contractions that last one minute or more for an hour that don’t stop and are less than 37 weeks.

• You experience regular contractions that seem to get worse or uncomfortable and you are less than 37 weeks pregnant.

• You experience cramping with bleeding at any time during your pregnancy.

• You experience cramping with sharp, intense abdominal pain, nausea or other symptoms.

• You experience cramping and fever.

• You aren’t sure if your cramps are normal or not.

Remember, your doctor is always available to help you during your pregnancy. You will not appear foolish or silly for asking your doctor whether your cramps are normal. Chances are high your doctor has heard the question before. Take heart, and take it easy, and enjoy your pregnancy!

The study, conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, suggests a relationship exists between pregnancy complications and inter-pregnancy weight gain.

Evidence is mounting supporting the notion that women should do everything they can to maintain a normal weight prior to pregnancies and to gain weight within the recommended weight ranges during their pregnancy. The study also suggests that women should follow a sensible diet and exercise program to lose pregnancy weight prior to conceiving another baby.

According to additional researcher provided by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, women who are normal weight and lose their pregnancy weight before conceiving again are less likely to experience problems throughout pregnancy and delivery.

Studies On Weight Gain Prove Conflicting
Interestingly, despite these new studies, other studies suggest women who exercise an average of four or more hours a week were less likely to experience a successful in-vitro fertilization compared with women who did not exercise.

This study also showed women who exercised regularly were more likely to experience pregnancy loss or other complications following in-vitro fertilization. Of greatest risk according to researchers were women who routinely engaged in cardiovascular exercise. This study, conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, clearly calls into question evidence suggesting exercise is good for everyone.

This study does not contradict the evidence supporting women maintaining a normal and healthy weight, but does suggest exercise may or may not be an option for some women trying to conceive.

Overweight, Exercise and Women’s Health
How does exercise or lack thereof really affect a woman’s health? That question remains a mystery for some. From the evidence available, one may conclude that women who maintain a normal weight before and after pregnancy are least likely to experience complications during pregnancy and delivery.

Despite this news, obesity and overweight seem to be rising within the United States. Multiple studies confirm more and more women are obese, with 28% of women in the United States between the ages of 20 and 39 now obese according to some studies.

For many years researchers have linked overweight and obesity with an increased risk of pregnancy complications. This recent study conducted by researchers from Harvard calculated women’s body mass index during their prenatal visits during each pregnancy. Women were closely followed and pregnancy complications noted. Among the complications more often noted among women with obesity or overweight problems included gestational diabetes, hypertension and stillbirths.

While some women believe there is nothing to fear at a modest weight gain, this latest research suggest even a small amount of weight gain may result in slightly higher than average risk of pregnancy complications. A weight gain as small as 6.6 pounds according to researchers between pregnancies may increase the average risk for pregnancy complications by 30 percent or more.

However, what about the IVF study? It may be that weight and exercise play different roles in the method of conception. One thing is clear. Women should take great care to heed the advice of their physician, exercise when appropriate and do their best to maintain a healthy body weight.

While losing weight gained during pregnancy seems relevant according to this new study, it is important that weight loss occur at a modest pace, by eating well and exercising as appropriate. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider about a safe and sensible exercise and nutritional program between pregnancies to reduce your overall risk of complications and improve your overall health and well-being.

Your medical history:

Some women have medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, seizure disorders and other medical conditions that can cause problems during pregnancy. A pre-pregnancy check-up will get your started off on the right foot. Your doctor will have a lot of questions. Use the following to organize the information your doctor requires to plan for the safest, healthiest pregnancy possible.

What Your Doctor Needs to Know

1. Are you currently trying to get pregnant?

2. Do you use birth control? If so, what type?

3. Have you been treated for any medical or psychiatric problems in the past? List all
known conditions.

4. Do you take medications regularly? List all prescription and over-the-counter
medications and supplements you use regularly.

5. Have you ever had any of the following problems that may make a pregnancy high risk:

  High Blood Pressure, heart disease or thyroid disease

Diabetes Mellitus

Lung problems such as asthma

Chronic anemia (low blood count)

Being overweight

Surgeries, especially female surgeries

Problems with previous pregnancies

6. Have you ever had any sexually transmitted diseases such as Syphilis, Chlamydia or
Herpes?

7. Have you received any recent vaccinations?

8. Does your family have a history of disease such as epilepsy, Tay Sachs disease or
mental retardation?

9. Do you drink, use tobacco, use illegal drugs or drink a lot of caffeine?

10. Have you ever received a transfusion or blood products?

11. Do you currently exercise? Describe your fitness routine.

12. Where and in what capacity do you work?

13. Have you ever been exposed to x-rays, toxic chemicals or other dangerous
substances as part of your employment? If so, describe in detail.

14. Do you plan to continue work while pregnant?

Developing a pre-conception history provides an opportunity to identify risks of pregnancy for mother and fetus, to educate the patient about these risks and to start appropriate treatments and lifestyle changes before the start of the pregnancy.

Canned Fish May Not Be Safe During Pregnancy

Higher Mercury Levels In Canned Tuna
The recent reports revealed by the FDA show that canned tuna contains more mercury than previously thought. Many seafood items contain toxic levels of mercury. This is due largely to pollution allowing heavy metals to enter streams, lakes and ultimately the ocean.High levels of toxins including mercury in fish may lead to nervous system problems or brain damage in young children and in developing fetuses. So if you plan to feed your toddler tuna, think again.New recommendations suggest the high levels of mercury in certain fish including tuna, mackerel, shark, swordfish or tile fish may also be dangerous for young children, whose brains are still developing.

As of 2004 the FDA recommended young children and pregnant women eat only 12 ounces of fish and shellfish each week containing low levels of mercury. Now that recommendation is decreased.

If you do decide to eat tuna, consider light tuna. This generally contains lower levels of mercury than albacore tuna. However, some studies show that light tuna still contains dangerously high levels of mercury. While the FDA isn’t suggesting it necessary to ban tuna altogether, they are recommending pregnant women take care, especially because their fetuses are at such a vulnerable developmental stage during pregnancy.

How Do You Know If Your Fish Is Safe?
Interestingly most women don’t crave fish during pregnancy. If you do decide to have some fish, try for some wild salmon or other types of fish that don’t contain high levels of mercury. Avoid canned tuna if you can, or limit your intake to 3 ounces a week. Some studies suggest you may eat up to 3 ounces every day, but most women agree it is better they are safe then sorry when it comes to their health and that of their baby. Is wild fish safer than farm raised fish? The jury is still out on this controversial issue. It is a shame too, because many fishes including fatty fishes like tuna contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Fortunately you can get essential fatty acids from other sources including flax seeds.

What do you do if you need a good substitute for canned fish for tuna salad? Why not try some chicken salad instead? The good news is a lot of women are simply turned off from the smell of fish during pregnancy. I normally love fish, however during each of my pregnancies I couldn’t stand the site or smell of any kind of fish, especially shellfish (which is good, since shellfish tends to contain high levels of mercury).

Don’t worry, there are plenty of food items you can indulge in when pregnant!

Can I Diet During Pregnancy?

The one time in your life you should eat with abandon is during pregnancy. Pregnancy is not a time to diet, unless by diet you mean eat healthily. During the second and third trimester of pregnancy most women will need to consume roughly 300 extra calories each day to help support their growing infant.

These calories are important to help nourish your baby and provide you the energy you need to carry your baby to term. Most women who are normal weight will need to gain between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy. Women who are overweight when they become pregnant will need to gain less, but still need to gain roughly 15 pounds during pregnancy. Women who are underweight during pregnancy typically can gain between 35 and 45 pounds on average.

These pounds should come in the form of nutrient dense foods jam-packed with vitamins, minerals and energy. Think of food in fact during your pregnancy, as a prime source of energy.

Eating for Two During Pregnancy
Some women get the mistaken impression they need to “eat for two” during pregnancy. This is a misconception. You don’t actually need to eat enough calories to sustain two people. 300 extra calories each day equates to roughly one bagel with some peanut butter or a cup of yogurt and half a bagel. It does not equal four doughnuts and a cake.

If you diet during pregnancy you may deprive your baby and your body of vital nutrients it needs to grow and flourish. You may be more at risk for having a low birth weight baby or baby with complications.

Where Do All The Pounds Go?
During pregnancy most women will gain between 25 and 35 pounds, though this varies considerably from woman to woman. Here is a rough estimate of where some of those pounds go during pregnancy:

• 7-9 pounds – Your baby.
• 7 pounds – Maternal fat, protein and nutrient stores.
• 4 pounds – Extra weight associated with increased blood volume during pregnancy.
• 4 pounds – Fluid retention during pregnancy.
• 1-2 pounds – Extra weight associated with breast enlargement during pregnancy.
• 1-2 pounds – Weight associated with growth of the uterus.
• 2 pounds – Amniotic fluid around baby.
• 1-2 pounds – Weight of the placenta.

Of course, these numbers are simply averages that vary from woman to woman.

Losing Weight After Delivery
Many women will find they lose between 10 and 20 pounds in the weeks following delivery. You should not embark on a rigid diet after delivery, especially if you plan to breastfeed your baby. In fact, breastfeeding burns an extra 500 calories every day!

Most women will slowly lose all the weight they gained during pregnancy with a smart, sensible diet that includes foods from each of the food groups. Gradually as your body recovers from labor and delivery, you can start exercising. This will help speed your weight loss. You want to take things easy at first however, to ensure you give your body enough time to recover from labor and delivery.

With my first two pregnancies I gained a whopping 45 pounds. I did gain more than expected, and did go a bit overboard during pregnancy. However, I lost almost all the weight within 4 months each time. My last pregnancy, I only gained 28 pounds, and at just 3 weeks after delivery, I have lost almost ¾ of that weight.

I am not dieting, simply eating well and running after my children. Remember, when it comes to weight gain and weight loss, moderation is the key to success. If it takes nine months to put on, it may take nine months to take off, but not always. The key is having fun and eating healthily, while taking time to enjoy your baby after delivery. Consider walks with your baby or mommy and baby yoga classes after delivery to help speed your recovery and promote your weight loss.

Is It Ok To Use Wrinkle Cream During Pregnancy?

No one wants to look older than they feel. Many women feel quite young and vivacious during pregnancy thanks to the increased blood flowing through their body. I can tell you from personal experience however, that having children more often than not is likely to contribute a few wrinkles and gray hairs to your face and skin. Having children is hard work. My husband’s mother always used to say, “the worrying never stops” well its true.

That said having children is one of the biggest delights in life. Those gray hairs and wrinkles are well worth it!

Most women find they do not need wrinkle cream during pregnancy. Truthfully speaking, during pregnancy increasing volumes of blood pumping through your skin compounded by fluid retention often create that pregnancy “glow”. This glow helps reduce the look and appearance of wrinkles naturally because it makes your skin appear fuller.

You’ll find as your pregnancy progresses your wrinkles look more filled in naturally. This is fortunately one of the best side effects of pregnancy.

Nonetheless, you may still want to use a good moisturizer throughout your pregnancy to help prevent flaking and drying. Some wrinkle creams are not safe during pregnancy. Many wrinkle creams contain ingredients that may be harmful for a developing fetus.

Ingredients to look out for include high levels of vitamin A, acids or other harsh chemicals that may react poorly to your skin when pregnant. Keep in mind when pregnant your skin is more sensitive than normal, so products that work by abrading the skin may react harshly during pregnancy.

Wrinkle products containing excessive levels of vitamin A are dangerous for your baby and may result in birth defects, so stay away from them.

Natural Skin Softeners During Pregnancy
There are some more natural products you can try during pregnancy. These are gentler on your skin and can help improve the look and feel of your skin simply by adding more moisture to your skin.

Look for products that contain all natural ingredients minus the vitamin A. These include products with cocoa butter, milk or vitamin E.

It is also a good idea to use a moisturizer containing sun block during pregnancy. During pregnancy your skin is more susceptible to sunburn and color changes including melasma during pregnancy. It is important you use a product containing an SPF 15 or higher during pregnancy to help prevent excessive discoloration and also to help prevent skin damage from the sun during pregnancy, which over time can result in more wrinkles.

Drinking water is another simply way to help soften your skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles during pregnancy. Be sure you drink at least 8-10, 8 ounce glasses of water every day. This will help you look and feel your best throughout your pregnancy!

Is Microdermabrasion Safe During Pregnancy?
It is best you avoid microdermabrasion and other abrasive techniques for softening skin during pregnancy. Microdermabrasion is a new technology that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

It works by sloughing off the outer layer of skin. You can have this procedure done at a dermatologist’s office. There are also home kits including one made by Neutrogena that offer a gentler form of microdermabrasion. While this procedure works relatively well for reducing the appearance of fine lines, it is too harsh for use during pregnancy. You may find your skin ends up looking too blotchy if you use it during pregnancy. You may also damage your skin.

Remember; take advantage of the natural pregnancy glow that happens during pregnancy. Often this is all you need to help reduce the appearance of fine lines during pregnancy!