Wednesday, November 30, 2011

About Pregnancy & Childbirth: Holiday Weight Gain and Pregnancy

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Holiday Weight Gain and Pregnancy
Nov 30th 2011, 08:45

pregnancy weight gain

Okay, so it's fairly well known that the holidays is a time for gaining weight.  All the parties, the good food, the meals with family and friends - who can help but to pack on a few pounds?  The question is, how does this effect pregnancy weight gain?  Are you watching what you eat during the holidays to avoid gaining extra weight in pregnancy?  Or are you saying - to heck with it all, let's party?

Related:

Holiday Weight Gain and Pregnancy originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 at 08:45:36.

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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

About Pregnancy & Childbirth: Ultrasound Tech Offers Advice on Gender Disappointment

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Ultrasound Tech Offers Advice on Gender Disappointment
Nov 29th 2011, 08:26

22 Week Baby Girl Ultrasound

Every day lots of moms write me to share their stories of disappointment at the results of their ultrasound in regards to the sex of their baby.  This is known as gender disappointment.  While there are also many mothers who don't understand the feelings discussed, I thought that this note from an ultrasound tech, someone who deals with this on a daily basis, was particularly nice:

"I'm an ultrasound tech and I totally see so many women who feel the same exact way as you ladies every single day.  Sometimes they are pregnant with #4 or 5 only to get the same sex.  The only thing that gets you going is knowing that once you get this baby in your arms you will feel, 'Wow, I can't picture my life without you!'" -Baz

Do Baz's words comfort you?

Related:

Photo © Varney

Ultrasound Tech Offers Advice on Gender Disappointment originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 at 08:26:08.

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Monday, November 28, 2011

About Pregnancy & Childbirth: Are Dollar Store Pregnancy Tests Worth It?

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Are Dollar Store Pregnancy Tests Worth It?
Nov 28th 2011, 08:47

Positive Pregnancy Test

Pregnancy tests are something that we need to work easily and quickly.  We have to be confident in their answers.  It's also important to note that pregnancy tests can cost a lot of money.  But the real question is - does a more expensive test give you a more accurate result?  Here is what Aliysa wondered about a dollar store pregnancy test:

"I took a test but was negative it was simple one from 99c store but could be accurate? I feel nausea a lot, craving different kinds of food and my tummy is bloated... I have 1 kid and didn't have any of this with my son really it was pretty normal and good pregnancy."

Aliysa's question is one I hear asked a lot.  The truth is - the dollar store tests, even though they cost a dollar, are just as good at detecting hCG as the more expensive pregnancy tests.  They have less packaging both in the box it comes in and the pregnancy test cassette.  They are very basic but good pregnancy tests.

When you pay for a test at a drug store, you're paying for the advertising, the packaging, the fancy parts.  This means that the digital pregnancy tests are working in the same manner as any other pregnancy test, they just display the answer in a fancier form.  So ask yourself what you really need in a pregnancy test.  If the answer is that you simply need a test that can tell you if you are pregnant - any pregnancy test will do.  If you need detailed instructions (beyond the basics), fancy color brochures or digital read outs, perhaps the more expensive tests are worth the money for the peace of mind for you.

What do you look for in a pregnancy test?  Do you trust a dollar store pregnancy test?

Related:

Photo © Burazin/Getty Images

Are Dollar Store Pregnancy Tests Worth It? originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Monday, November 28th, 2011 at 08:47:31.

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Sunday, November 27, 2011

About Pregnancy & Childbirth: 5 Reasons to Track Your Menstrual Cycle

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
5 Reasons to Track Your Menstrual Cycle
Nov 27th 2011, 08:34

Positive Pregnancy Test and Monthly Calendar

There are plenty of reasons to track a lot of things in our lives.  Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all that I need to pay attention to every day.  Though tracking your menstrual cycle has many practical applications to your life, even when you aren't trying to get pregnant.

Do you keep track?

Related:

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Photo © Dreamstime

5 Reasons to Track Your Menstrual Cycle originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Sunday, November 27th, 2011 at 08:34:19.

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Thursday, November 24, 2011

About Pregnancy & Childbirth: The Last Thanksgiving Before Baby

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
The Last Thanksgiving Before Baby
Nov 24th 2011, 08:15

Baby in Cranberries

I remember very clearly that Thanksgiving twenty years ago when I was 38 weeks pregnant and some change.  It was a quiet day.  My husband and I made a small feast and enjoyed it in peace and quiet.  We spent much of the day in reflection about, now only how thankful we were for our healthy baby-to-be, but thinking about how our lives were about to radically change.

I can't even begin to articulate that change to you.  You can talk about sleepless nights, but it doesn't capture the quality of exhaustion that you feel as a new parent.  I can talk about the depth of love that you can feel for your newborn baby, but how do you describe the smell of the back of a newborn's head or the feel of the soft fuzzy hair on your lips?  There isn't anything else like it.

So today, as you're sitting here waiting for your bundle of joy, be that next week, next year or even if your baby is a mere sparkle in your eye, sit back and take a minute to reflect on the pure joy about to head your way.  Think about where you've been to get to where you are today and how you plan to get to where you're going.

Have an amazingly wonderful Thanksgiving! And leave me a comment about what you're reflecting on today...

Related:

Photo © iStockPhoto


The Last Thanksgiving Before Baby originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Thursday, November 24th, 2011 at 08:15:47.

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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

About Pregnancy & Childbirth: Tips for Pregnant Travelers

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Tips for Pregnant Travelers
Nov 22nd 2011, 09:33

Pregnant Woman in Car

Since Thanksgiving is coming up this weekend, you might be considering doing some traveling.  That means that you will need to consider the fact that you're pregnant. Depending on what stage of pregnancy you're in, it might limit how far you travel away from home, or how you feel while traveling.  (Word to the wise, morning sickness and car sickness = not good.)

So where are you going this weekend and how has pregnancy changed your travel plans?

Related:



Photo © bertys30 - Fotolia.com

Tips for Pregnant Travelers originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 at 09:33:12.

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About Pregnancy & Childbirth: Thank Your Childbirth Educator

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Thank Your Childbirth Educator
Nov 22nd 2011, 08:05

Couple in Childbirth Class

A few years ago the StoryCorps sound booth was in my state.  My husband and I actually went and participated.  I interviewed him about pregnancy, pregnancy loss and becoming a father.  It was a really positive experience, very intimate and special.

The Friday after Thanksgiving has been, for the last four years, their National Day of Listening.  I've often encouraged women to participate in the program.  This year they are once again doing the National Day of Listening, but with a thankful theme - for teachers.  I'd like to encourage you to include your childbirth educators in that category.  So consider reaching out to a childbirth educator who touched your life.

If you'd like to do it via an official StoryCorps way, consider tweeting with: @storycorps #thankateacher or with instructions at their website.

Related:


Photo © Scott Olson/Staff /Getty Images

Thank Your Childbirth Educator originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 at 08:05:52.

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Monday, November 21, 2011

About Pregnancy & Childbirth: Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy
Nov 21st 2011, 08:59

18 Weeks Pregnant Belly Shot

Look, I know pregnancy can be a real kill joy in the whole list of don'ts, particularly when it comes to eating.  I really try very hard to keep a positive focus, but I also know that when it comes to Thanksgiving, the foods are supreme!  Who doesn't sit and actually dream of a few dishes here and there that only show up on this one day of the year?  Before you head out to eat with the family, keep this short list of Thanksgiving foods to avoid in mind.

Related:


Photo © Tammy

Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Monday, November 21st, 2011 at 08:59:08.

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Sunday, November 20, 2011

About Pregnancy & Childbirth: Elimination Communication (EC)

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Elimination Communication (EC)
Nov 20th 2011, 08:54

Elimination Communication (EC)

When I was first thinking about cloth diapers, I thought that I had really expanded my mind as a parent.  The more I learned the more I realized, there was a whole wide world of cloth diapers and products that I hadn't thought about.  That's when I found out about elimination communication or EC.

EC is also called infant or baby potty training and involves following your baby's cues about needing to use the bathroom.  This can lead to far fewer diapers or even a diaper free baby very quickly for some families.  Though to be successful you need to start as soon as possible after your baby is born.  Some parents even say that you can start up until about the three to four month range.  Either way, it's something to think about starting in pregnancy whenever possible.

Have you ever heard of elimination communication?  Have you tried it?  Are you considering it?

Related:

Photo © Miniimpressions | Dreamstime.com

Elimination Communication (EC) originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Sunday, November 20th, 2011 at 08:54:12.

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Saturday, November 19, 2011

About Pregnancy & Childbirth: Cleaning for Baby

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Cleaning for Baby
Nov 19th 2011, 10:57

Nesting before labor - pregnant woman

With all the holiday craziness upon us, I know that the drive to get the house clean is an important one.  When I'm pregnant this is even worse than the holidays.  But how do you go from a cluttered environment where your house work is a very low priority to a house where it's safe to crawl around?  I call this baby proofing by broom.

With my first baby I realized that I'd need to get my stuff up and away from baby and perhaps think about sweeping more often.  What I failed to realize were two things:

  1. I needed a system to keep myself on track.
  2. There would be even less time to do house work.

This is where I started looking online for information on how to clean my house faster and in a more organized manner.  Which lead me to several housekeeping type systems and plans.  This included:

  • About Housekeeping: I loved the schedules that came in daily, weekly, monthly etc.  This really allowed me to invest the time that I had into the project.  I also enjoyed the 15 minute cleaning by room category.
  • Flylady: This offers daily schedules that are emailed, called missions.  You can get a sneak preview for the week if that's more your style.  Flylady also offers a special Cruising Through the Holidays to keep from getting overwhelmed. Also see: Flying While Pregnant and Flying with Baby
  • Motivated Moms: Is a bit less interactive but very simple and basic.  It has a calendar page that you print out, or use their app to remind you to do it.  There is a small fee for this one but the simplicity and lack of email clutter may be helpful.
  • One Year to an Organized Life with Baby: This book helps from starting in pregnancy and going through the first weeks of baby's life to stay on top of not only your home, but your pregnancy.

My husband hates these systems and plans.  So now we've worked it out where he does the same household contributions each week and special things that he prefers.  For example, he likes to cook, so he gets to clean out the fridge.

So what are you using to help you keep up with the housekeeping, laundry, etc.?  Do you use a system or did you just figure out what worked best?

Related:

Photo © iStockphoto

Cleaning for Baby originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Saturday, November 19th, 2011 at 10:57:22.

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Thursday, November 17, 2011

About Pregnancy & Childbirth: World Prematurity Day

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
World Prematurity Day
Nov 17th 2011, 17:06

Baby Brain Card

Today is the first annual World Prematurity Day, coordinated by the March of Dimes. Today is also the release of the preliminary birth data from 2010.  This is significant because its also reports on the rates of prematurity, which fell slightly to 11.99% of all births in the United States.  This is the 4th straight year of declines for this number.  This matches the March of Dimes Birth Report Cards released for each of the states earlier this month.

While many people have focused on prematurity being the tiniest of babies, one program that the March of Dimes has really worked on recently has been Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait.  The goal is to ensure that every healthy pregnancy gets to at least 39 weeks of pregnancy, limiting early inductions and cesareans to only those that are medically necessary.

One story that I found very touching actually came from a friend of mine from high school. She and her brother were twins, born two months early. You can read her story here about what happened and how it's made her grateful for her sons. So today, spread the word about all types of prematurity.  Let's celebrate our successes, grieve our losses and work hard to ensure that every pregnancy be a healthy one.

Related:


Photo © March of Dimes

World Prematurity Day originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Thursday, November 17th, 2011 at 17:06:47.

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About Pregnancy & Childbirth: Cesarean Rates Fall for the First Time in Over a Decade

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Cesarean Rates Fall for the First Time in Over a Decade
Nov 17th 2011, 12:00

c-section scar

After over a decade straight of climbing the cesarean section rate fell. Okay, fell is a huge word but considering the rise of the last 13 years, I'll take the change that is so minuscule that it's nearly negligible. Statistically insignificant. But, the key is that it is not rising.

When I first read the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) preliminary birth data for 2010, my jaw hit the floor to see that the cesarean rate went from a whopping 32.9 down to 32.8. (See what I mean by small?) While this data is just a glance at what happened in 2010, you have to ask yourself what caused it? The true answer is that we don't know yet, but I suspect that it's multiple factors at work, many of which have to do with the consumer, you.

This data is the preliminary data, so it is possible that there will be adjustments, though usually it is not by much. I'm really looking forward to the VBAC and primary cesarean data myself. My bet is that we'll see it in the spring. What do you think has slowed or halted the dramatic rise of the cesarean rate?

Other NCHS highlights include:

  • Teen births were 34.3 births per 1,000 teenagers.
    The teen birth decline of about 9% from 2009. This birth rate for teens in all age groups and race/ethnic groups were at historic lows for 2010.
  • Birth rate to unmarried mothers (15-44 years) was 40.8 per 1,000.
    This is a decrease of about 0.2% from 2009 data. This decrease is the second straight decrease after years of rising.
  • The birth rate is up for moms in the 40s by 2%.
    This is the highest rate since 1967 for moms over 40. Though the numbers for women in the early 20s fell by 6% and was down in all other categories as well.
  • The general fertility rate was 66.2 births per 1,000 (15-44).
    This is the third year that this rate has dropped. There were 4,000,279 in 2010.

Related:

Hamilton BE, Martin JA, Ventura SJ. Births: Preliminary data for 2010. National vital statistics reports web release; vol 60 no 2. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2011.

Cesarean Rates Fall for the First Time in Over a Decade originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Thursday, November 17th, 2011 at 12:00:22.

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About Pregnancy & Childbirth: 10 Reasons to Stop Smoking in Pregnancy

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
10 Reasons to Stop Smoking in Pregnancy
Nov 17th 2011, 09:33


Today is the Great American Smoke Out. Smoking in pregnancy is a big no no. There is a ton of evidence to show you the reasons it is dangerous, including new evidence that pregnant smokers have a greater risk of having babies with heart defects. It is also important to find the support you need to stop smoking to help you and your baby. Read on!

We're also swapping stories about smoking and pregnancy in the forum, and sharing tips on how to quit smoking.

Related:


Photo © iStockPhoto

10 Reasons to Stop Smoking in Pregnancy originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Thursday, November 17th, 2011 at 09:33:49.

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About Pregnancy & Childbirth: Thrifty Thursday: Saving Money on Getting Pregnant

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Thrifty Thursday: Saving Money on Getting Pregnant
Nov 17th 2011, 05:00

Baby Blocks - BABY

I swear, there is a way to make money on any aspect of life. And just when you thought your pocket book was safe, if you're trying to get pregnant - they've got something to sell you! Now, I'm all for fertility charting and maximizing your chances of conceiving, but for the average couple trying to get pregnant, you really don't have to spend a ton of money on products to help you get pregnant. So here are some examples of ways to save money while trying to conceive.

Related:

More Thrifty Thursday from About.com Parenting Guides:

Photo © Fotolia

Thrifty Thursday: Saving Money on Getting Pregnant originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Thursday, November 17th, 2011 at 05:00:52.

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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

About Pregnancy & Childbirth: Thanksgiving Inspired Baby Names

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Thanksgiving Inspired Baby Names
Nov 16th 2011, 08:54

Newborn Baby

So if you're having a baby sometime soon, perhaps you've considered a Thanksgiving inspired baby name.  It's easier to get along with the family over dinner if you didn't have to fight over a family name, so try one of these inspired names instead.  Or maybe the winner of the wishbone breaking can have baby naming privileges.

Related:

Photo © April's Grape Vine Photography

Thanksgiving Inspired Baby Names originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Wednesday, November 16th, 2011 at 08:54:15.

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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

About Pregnancy & Childbirth: The Baby Wasn't the Girl I Was Expecting

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
The Baby Wasn't the Girl I Was Expecting
Nov 15th 2011, 08:57

Sad Mom and Baby

Many people choose to find out the sex of their baby and the vast majority of these families do so with ultrasound.  I've written before about how ultrasound isn't always accurate and that be careful how much planning that you do based on an ultrasound.  I'm usually left comments about how I'm wrong and I should be quiet.  But this note from this mom touched my heart.  She loves her baby, but feels heart broken after months of dreaming and planning for a baby girl.

"I was so ecstatic to hear that I was having a girl at my 22 week ultrasound. Went for my very last ultrasound today the week before I'm due only to find out its a boy. Not only do I have to return the clothes and stuff, but I'm really bummed out because I had been so wrapped up in it being a girl. I'll still love my son, but right now it's kind of heartbreaking."

This is what I call the mental miscarriage, the loss of the dream baby.  This happens for lots of reasons, some physical like a baby who has to go to the NICU, has a physical problem, etc.  But it can also happen in cases like this where the mom was told that the baby was one sex and it's really another. (This is different from gender disappointment from finding out that the baby was not the preferred gender.) Having worked with quite a few moms like this, I can tell you, they really are quite sad and drained and the vast majority don't understand why, particularly because they know and appreciate that they are still having healthy babies, just not the boy or girl they've been mentally imagining for months.

Have you known any one who has experienced this themselves?  Have you experienced it?

Related:



Photo © iStockPhoto

The Baby Wasn't the Girl I Was Expecting originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Tuesday, November 15th, 2011 at 08:57:32.

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Monday, November 14, 2011

About Pregnancy & Childbirth: Thanksgiving Baby Announcements

About Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Thanksgiving Baby Announcements
Nov 14th 2011, 08:38

Are you planning to announce the news of your pregnancy at Thanksgiving this coming month? Well here are some special ideas for sharing the good news on either of these holidays.

Or perhaps you're not yet pregnant and looking ahead for generic ideas on announcing your pregnancy. If so, we've got some ideas for that as well! You can also add your own pregnancy announcement!

Add your pregnancy announcement idea for Thanksgiving or otherwise!

Related:

Photo © EyeWire

Thanksgiving Baby Announcements originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Monday, November 14th, 2011 at 08:38:00.

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