Doing Yoga Exercises While Pregnant Will Help Your Pregnancy (See the Benefits)

Yoga is already known through out the world, but some people still doesn't know what is allowed and what is not allowed when you are going to do yoga. One of them is, " Are Woman allowed to do Yoga when they are pregnant ? ". The answer is Yes of course. Yoga will even help you during your pregnancy and the birth of your baby.

In yoga there are many poses, for pregnancy it is best yo practice Yoga Asanas. By practicing yoga asanas, it have a tremendous effect to your pregnancy. It could ensure you to have a smooth pregnancy. It also helps you to have a natural childbirth. And a lot of women after giving birth will gained a lot of weight, Yoga Asanas could also help you to reshape your body after childbirth.

I will tell you some of the benefits while doing Yoga in pregnancy,

1. In the last month during pregnancy, usually woman will have cramping and fluid retention ( edema ) almost all the time. If you are doing Yoga, it will relieve your edema and cramping.


2. Yoga could help you slowing the metabolism to restore your calm and focus, by Raising the level of energy.


3. While pregnant, a lot of woman experiencing nausea, morning sickness and mood swings. Doing yoga with the combination of pranayamas ( yoga breathing ), it will help you reduce all of them.


4. You could influencing the baby position and turning it in advance, if you want to do that. Massaging and strengthening the abdomen, will help you to stimulate your appetite and bowel action.


5. It will also help you to relieve the tension around your cervix and birth canal. It also help you to opening your pelvis in order to make your labor quicker and easier.


6. After giving birth, Yoga will help you to restore your abdomen, uterus and pelvic floor. And will help you to relieve the upper back tension and also breast discomfort.

These are some of the benefit in doing Yoga for your Pregnancy. It is advised to do this while having an expert guidance by taking a prenatal yoga class. And you could find some books to help you doing the practice. Some of them even have a picture to help you doing all the yoga exercises. So, for those who are pregnant, Yoga is a good exercise for you. Yoga will help you a lot during and after the pregnancy.

ADHD Symptoms and Hormonal Changes

Do your ADHD symptoms get worse during certain parts of the month? Do you get organized and efficient after your period, and forgetful the week before your period starts? Experts on ADHD noticed that there seems to be a relation between hormonal fluctuations and the severity of ADHD symptoms. Hormones' influence on ADHD doesn't just happen every cycle; they can last over an entire lifetime. In fact, the average age a female adult gets diagnosed for ADHD is between ages 36 to 38.

Doctors who evaluate women with ADHD rarely factor in hormonal fluctuations when they construct a treatment plan. But an increased awareness of ADHD and the effect of hormones are starting to change this. Here are the four major stages of a woman's life, the hormonal changes that occur at these periods, and the best ways to manage symptoms.

Adolescence

During puberty, the female body produces higher levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. These "raging hormones" often lead to risky behavior, rebellion, and increased impulsivity. During their early teen years, girls with ADHD are more likely to experience academic problems, experiment with drugs, and display aggressive behavior. You can help your daughter by keeping an eye out for signs of worsening symptoms. When you notice this happening, encourage her to accomplish tasks, study for a big test, or write a paper a week in advance. Identify her strengths and skills, and emphasizing these during the emotional lows of her cycle. Try to patient with her if she begins to get argumentative; instead of yelling, show her a better way to handle the situation.

The reproductive years

During the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels rise. This hormone is responsible for the release of neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, and can explain why women are better at managing their ADHD symptoms at this point of the cycle. At the third and fourth week, progesterone levels increase and start canceling out the benefits of estrogen. Experts believe that women with ADHD are more likely to experience severe pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) than women who do not. The good news is that proper ADHD management gets rid of PMS too.

Pregnancy and childbirth

Pregnancy is a period of hormonal change. Not only does the placenta produce more hormones; it stimulates the thyroid and adrenal glands to increase hormonal production as well. During the first few months of pregnancy, expectant moms with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety, mood swings, and fatigue. The good news is that these symptoms improve as the pregnancy progresses. After childbirth, hormone levels drop and can cause postpartum depression or mood swings. Make sure that any ADHD treatment you are taking is safe while pregnant or nursing.

Menopause

During menopause, or the last period, your estrogen levels would have dropped by 65%. This drop in hormones does not occur immediately; rather, it is a gradual decrease that takes place during perimenopause, or the ten years before menopause. Women with ADHD going through perimenopause tend to experience fatigue, memory lapses, irritability, and moodiness more than women without. Look for natural ways to stabilize your hormone levels, such as eating food with phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). Get a lot of exercise as well. While it might be tempting to seek hormone replacement therapy, this may actually cause a hormonal imbalance that will aggravate the effects of perimenopause and contribute to your ADHD symptoms.

The Truth about PMS

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? Headaches, depressions, anxiety, uncontrollable crying spells, fatigue, fluid retention, abdominal cramping, heart palpitations, weight gain, irritability, panic attacks, forgetfulness, migraines, backaches, decreased work or social performance, sleep problems, food cravings, breast tenderness, clumsiness, confusion . . . Sounds like a nightmare existence, doesn't it?

Are you one of the 40-80% of women for whom this scenario, or at least a portion of it, is everyday life for one to two weeks out of every month of their lives from puberty to menopause? What disorder could possibly result in these varied, and often dehabilitating, symptoms for so many women?

Premenstrual Syndrome! That's right! It's that old friend, PMS, the subject of so many jokes and putdowns. You know - that "catch-all" phrase that, according to "so-called comedians," covers all the "imaginary" problems that women "invent" as excuses to spend the day on the couch "watching TV and eating bonbons."

Let me assure you that, while it is true that doctors and researchers have not found a specific lab test that can identify PMS, this disorder is definitely neither "imaginary" nor is it "invented." Serious medical research has been going on for years to identify the definitions, diagnosis, causes, and cures for this disorder. Here are two of the resulting definitions:

1. Dr. Ellen Freeman of University of Pennsylvania Health System describes PMS as a "cluster of emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms that have a cyclic pattern related to the menstrual cycle, becoming severe in the week or two preceding menses and abating with menstruation."

2. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists defines PMS as "the cyclic occurrence of symptoms that are sufficiently sever to interfere with some aspects of life, and that appear with consistent and predictable relationship to the menses."

How do you know if you or a loved one has PMS, if there is no real test for it? Across the board, researchers and doctors agree that the identifying factor overall in this disorder is the fact that the symptoms stop once the menses begin or once a woman becomes pregnant.

You should know that doctors have identified two serious forms of PMS that have effects far beyond those of normal PMS symptoms:

1. "Postpartum Depression" is a severe depression that some women experience after giving birth. Women with this disorder suffer a severe let-down from the high pregnancy-levels of hormones, and, because of the disruption to their nervous systems, they may actually harm themselves or their babies.

2. "Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder" (PMDD) brings about serious and disabling depression, anxiety, tension, and angry irritability, intense mood changes in the week or two before the onset of menses, and women suffering from this disorder exhibit at least five of PMS's physical symptoms as well. Like regular PMS, PMDD symptoms disappear with menses.

You may have heard that doctors find it helpful for women to keep a daily diary of symptoms throughout the month when they are attempting to diagnose PMS. What should you look for when keeping a daily diary or considering the possibility that you or a loved one has PMS? Well, PMS carries over 150 possible symptoms that affect women in both the physical and the emotional realms in varying degrees.

Physically, symptoms can range from light, as in headache, fatigue, and slight abdominal swelling, to severe, as in migraines, severe cramping, and an inability to function normally. Emotionally, you may experience symptoms relating to anxiety (irritability, irrational crying, or emotional swings), depression (withdrawn, fearful, or altered libido), cravings (for sweets, dairy, or alcohol), and fluid retention (headache, breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, and weight gain).

I can tell you that although doctors still have not determined the exact cause of PMS, they agree that hormones and neuro-chemical changes within the brain are prime suspects. Estrogen hormones, for example, can contribute to increased brain activity, retention of salt, and drops in blood sugar, because it has a central neurological effect on the brain.

What do you do if you realize that you or a loved one suffers from some level of PMS? Obviously, if the symptoms are severe, you should seek your doctor's advice. Doctors today may prescribe either psychiatric (psychotropic drugs, tricyclics, tranquilizers, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), medical treatments (anti-estrogenic hormonal medications), or a combination of both for severe cases.

However, if you believe that your symptoms are manageable, or if they are intermittent, here are a few tips that might help you alleviate some symptoms.

- Eat six, small, high in complex carbohydrates, low in simple sugars meals at three-hour intervals to help keep energy levels and blood glucose levels steady. Complex carbohydrates are found in foods eaten in their natural states like oatmeal, cornmeal, barley, and wheat germ, or in foods like pastas, brown rice, root vegetables like potatoes, whole grain breads and cereals, etc.

- Reduce caffeine, alcohol, salt, fats, and simple sugars to help diminish fatigue, tension, depression and water retention bloating.

- Add calcium, controlled levels of B6, B complex, magnesium, and Vitamin E to help maintain normal moods and reduce fluid retention, cramps, and back pain.

- Exercise three times a week for at least 20-30 minutes to improve mood, blood circulation, sense of well-being, and alleviate the build-up of tension and stress.

- Learn to relax with deep breathing exercises, music, quiet time alone, or yoga, to decrease symptoms and help with coping. In addition, spend time with an understanding friend, get a solid 8 hours of sleep regularly, and keep track of the menstrual cycle on the calendar to prepare for the onslaught of symptoms to help yourself cope.

- Adjust your schedule around the menstrual cycle to avoid heavy decisions, stressful appointments or events, or even arguments during PMS to help both your PMS time and your relationships.

- Investigate the use of herbs. Much research is going on in the field of herbal remedies for PMS. Evening primrose oil, chaste tree berry, dong qui and other herbs may have an effect on PMS symptoms according to personal testimonies of women who have tried them.

For best results, I recommend a combination of all of these areas. A lifestyle including a balanced diet, proper amounts of necessary vitamins and minerals, plenty of healthy exercise, proper rest and relaxation, good mental attitudes, and appropriate herbs gives you the best defense against PMS symptoms. However, if all else fails, by all means, throw in a couple of bonbons. Women for centuries have insisted that chocolate is a miraculous cure-all!

The Pros and Cons of Using a Midwife During Pregnancy

A midwife strikes up imagery of labor and delivery in the Middle Ages, but they are still very much with us in the 21st century. A midwife is a health care professional who specializes in reproductive health. They are responsible for providing prenatal care to expecting moms, and they also attend the birth and then give the mother and new child postpartum care. By tradition, midwives usually help women to have a natural birth experience.

The specific services that a midwife offers depend on her license credentials and certification, as well as any restrictions imposed by the specific state. A nurse-midwife will provide the most extensive array of services, since they have the added nursing license. The services might include family planning, preconception care, gynecological exams, prenatal care, labor / delivery support, menopausal management, and newborn care. Midwives also often provide reproductive education for the mother, pertaining to subjects such as nutrition, exercise, pregnancy health, contraception, and breast feeding.

There are several different types of midwives. All must receive certification through the North American Registry of Midwives. Here are the different types:

• 
  CNM: Certified Nurse-Midwife. This is a person who has been trained in nursing as well as being a midwife. They have received a bachelor's degree and have American College of Nurse Midwives certification.


• 
  CRM: Certified Professional Midwife. This is a person who has been trained as a midwife and has met the standards provided by the North American Registry of Midwives.


• 
  DEM: Direct-Entry Midwife. This is a person trained as a midwife through self-study, a midwife school, apprenticeship, or a college program.


• 
  CM: Certified Midwife. This is a person trained in midwifery. She has a bachelor's degree and is certified through the American College of Nurse Midwives


• 
  Lay Midwife. This is a person with no official certification, but who has been informally trained in midwifery through either apprenticeship or self-study.

Benefits of Midwives

The main benefit for most women who select a midwife is that they want to go through the birthing process in a natural way. Also, midwives usually offer some kind of easy payment plans or sliding fees. Plus, in the end, the maternity costs are considerably less when you use a midwife.

Drawbacks of Midwives

There are some times when using a midwife are not recommended. These all revolve around situations in which complications with the pregnancy arise. Most midwives are not equipped to handle situations that require a medical intervention.

The American Pregnancy Association says that choosing to use the services of a nurse-midwife will be a good choice for low-risk pregnancies where there is not likely to be a major medical complication. Sixty to 80 percent of pregnancies will fit in this category. APA also cites a review of 800,000 births, in which it was discovered that a standard hospital approach to birthing offers no significant advantage to giving birth over a midwife setting. Just be sure to discuss the matter first with child-care and medical professionals to determine if this is the right choice for you.

Considering Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy?

Whether she's always gone to a chiropractor or she's contemplating going for the first time, a woman who is expecting has special concerns about whether a chiropractic adjustment is safe for her baby; after all they are dealing with her back and spine, the main mechanism that is supporting her and her baby during the time that the most stress is being put on her body. She probably also has questions about whether there are any specific benefits or risks in pregnancy. The good news is that all chiropractors receive training specific to caring for pregnant patients, learning techniques that avoid putting too much pressure on the belly; many have taken additional courses in fertility, prenatal and postnatal care. Some chiropractors even have special treatment tables that provide extra room and support for the pregnant belly. Seeking chiropractic treatment during pregnancy is one of the most beneficial steps a woman can take to ensure a comfortable pregnancy and easier delivery.

There are many reasons why having chiropractic treatment during pregnancy is a great idea. Spinal manipulation can increase overall wellness for everybody, but a pregnant patient has special needs and concerns, as pregnancy makes tremendous demands on the spine and the growing baby puts new stress on bones and joints. Chiropractors can resolve nausea, help improve posture (which makes carrying the extra weight up front easier), relieve joint and back pain, and can even reduce the amount of time spent in labor and delivery, as a misalignment reduces the chances of the baby being in the right position for birth, making a caesarian section a real possibility. Not only can regular manipulations increase the chance of a natural birth, there is even a special manipulation called the Webster Technique that can only be done by a chiropractor to prevent and right a breech or posterior birth.

Whether under the care of an obstetrician or any other health care provider, pregnant women will find that most pregnancy professionals encourage the use of chiropractors. Chiropractors help their patients overall wellness, often eliminating undue stress. Chiropractic manipulation treatments are able to relieve much of the pain and lack of balance that the growing uterus has put on her joints and spine, and a specially trained chiropractor may be able to offer specific stretching exercises for use between treatments, and adjustments designed to help problems of sleeplessness, which is a fairly common problem in pregnancy.

Herbs For Infertility - 7 Simple Steps to Help You Get Pregnant Easy

When having problems getting pregnant, couples often think something large needs to be done to rectify the problem. More times than not, it is the small simple changes you implement that make a most significant difference on your fertility journey.

Here are 7 Simple Steps to Help You Get Pregnant Easy

1. Use Mother Natures Herbs for Infertility

The ancient Eastern cultures have been recording successful pregnancy results for centuries. All contemporary synthetic medicines are derived from plant substances and properties which mother nature provides. Combat your infertility safely and naturally with a quick and easy herbal regime. Simple solutions such as drinking green tea can improve your fertility. Nettle Leaves, False Unicorn Root, Chasteberry (Vitex), Black Cohosh, Evening Primrose Oil and Ginseng are herbs also used for infertility issues. Most herbs are significantly more effective when combined together and very simple to acquire.

2. Know Your Window Of Opportunity

If your periods are irregular and you are not aware of your most fertile window of opportunity is, rest assured it is simple to take steps to rectify this. Basal temperature, calendar counting and knowing the changes in your own cervical fluid can dictate when the ideal time to have intercourse is. You are most fertile 14 days before the start of your next period. To get pregnant successfully, the ideal time to have intercourse is 2 to 3 days prior to your ovulation seeing as sperm can easily remain active for more than 48 hours.

3. Rule Out Medical Problems

Visiting your doctor is important for males and females. For men, you want to ensure your sperm count and motility is healthy. For women rule out endometriosis, cystic fibroids or any other medical condition which might be contributing to your infertility. If any results come back positive, they can also be dealt with quickly and efficiently with the help of herbal remedies or pharmaceutical medicines.

4. Enjoy you Partner

Enjoy being with your partners sexually whenever you can. It is always encouraged to have intercourse shortly before ovulation and during ovulation to increase your chance of getting pregnant. When having difficulty getting pregnant, it often produces feelings of stress, disappointment and inadequacy which all deplete sexual urge. The irony is, the more sexual contact, the greater your chance of getting pregnant.

5. Think about Your Baby

Maintain positive thinking while trying to get pregnant. It is proven, negative thoughts change the chemical and hormonal balance within your entire body which makes it more challenging for your body to conceive. The mind body connection is powerful and you want to ensure your staying positive and thinking of the wonderful day your baby arrives. Never underestimate the power of your thoughts.

6. Enjoy Foods Which Enhance Fertility

Foods provide you with the nutrients your body requires to function properly. This also includes the optimum functioning of your reproductive system. Foods such as broccoli, raspberries, black sesame seeds, walnuts, flax seed oil, barley, and apples are known to increase nutrients the body desires when trying to conceive. There are also many known delicious simple recipes which can aid in getting pregnant.

7. Take a Stroll

Find a favourite place such as a museum, lake or garden and take a stroll. In today's society, much emphasis is put on getting as much done in a 24 hour period as possible. This is one of the simplest things you can do yet many people feel it is a waste of time or feel guilty for taking time for themselves. If you are serious about getting pregnant, know your body can not and will not function optimally if it is stressed, tired and run down. You need to make the effort to relax and enjoy yourself.

Implementing small simple steps will make a difference in your fertility. Herbs for infertility produce positive results for couples having difficulty conceiving and may also aid you in the above suggestions, therefore was listed #1 on our list. Herbs can be used to relax your nervous system, regulate your menstrual cycle, encourage hormonal balance, increase your libido, and provide additional energy which will all aid in helping you get pregnant.

We wish you success on your pregnancy journey!

5 Ways To Reduce Stress During Pregnancy

It is natural to feel some stress during pregnancy. In addition to the enormous physical changes that occur during pregnancy, many women work throughout pregnancy, care for other children, and maintain a household. Stress can lead to headaches, poor mood, and disrupted sleep, none of which contribute to a happy, healthy mom. Chronic high levels of stress can even lead to a lowered immune system and high blood pressure. Fortunately, there are many fun, healthy ways for women to reduce stress during pregnancy, many of which can transition well into the postpartum period.

Exercise

Gentle exercise provides a number of benefits for pregnant women. Taking a ten to fifteen minute stroll every morning and evening not only regulates blood sugar and pressure, but also helps to release mood-boosting endorphins, decreasing stress.

Other gentle exercises like prenatal yoga and swimming are extremely helpful. Not only do they keep mom and baby healthy, but they also provide a gentle, relaxing environment. These particular low-impact exercises also help to soothe pregnancy aches and prepare the body for birth.

Recognizing the need for exercise throughout pregnancy, many clothing manufacturers produce maternity-appropriate fitness attire that looks and feels great. Common options include maternity swimwear, maternity yoga pants, and maternity tank tops. These pieces are made with extra length and width in the midsection to provide comfortable mobility during exercise.

Eat Well

Nutrition plays a huge role in every aspect of human life. Eating good, healthy food not only reduces the odds of pregnancy problems or illness, it also improves brain function. People who lead healthy, active lives that include a diet rich in vegetables and low in processed foods experience less depression, anxiety, and stress.

In pregnancy, health is about quality rather than quantity. Pregnant women need only a few hundred additional calories per day to maintain a healthy singleton pregnancy. However, these calories, as well as all others, should come from natural, protein-dense foods. Empty calories like soda, sugar, and many processed foods are best avoided.

Get Rest

Lack of sleep plays a contributing role in many cases of stress and depression, both before, during, and after pregnancy. Though it may be difficult to sleep when tormented by morning sickness, leg cramps, and an ever-expanding waistline, it is extremely important to get as much rest as possible.

For most, the first twelve weeks of pregnancy are marked with intense fatigue. During this vital time, the body is going through intense changes. It should come as no surprise that creating a human life can be a bit taxing. Waking up later or going to bed earlier help. Caffeine should be avoided, especially in the four hours before bedtime. Creating a rest-friendly environment by turning off the TV, dimming the lights, and listening to relaxing music also helps.

Learn to Say "No"

It is important during pregnancy to be cautious of taking on too much. If ever there were a time to put less important activities on the back burner, this is it. Reduce obligations to include only those that are critical and do not be afraid to ask for help. Stretching one's self too thin is a hotspot for creating unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Take a Babymoon

Particularly for couples who are pregnant for the first time, late pregnancy offers a chance for one last hurrah before the baby comes. Many partners take this time to go on a babymoon, a romantic trip to celebrate each other's love before it expands to include a tiny third wheel. Not only will taking time out for a vacation help to reduce stress, it also gives partners a chance to reconnect before undergoing a huge life change.

Cramping During Late Pregnancy - Four Possible Reasons Why Pregnancy Cramping May Occur!

Bleeding and cramping during pregnancy do not always indicate severe pregnancy issues even though no woman wants to see or feel them. Although keeping your health care provider in the loop at all time is highly advisable, it is also recommended that you endeavor to thoroughly understand what the causes of these signs and symptoms may be before actually experiencing them. This article will reveal four of the most common causes of cramping during late pregnancy.

1. Ectopic pregnancy may be the reason why you are cramping and bleeding. Ectopic pregnancy is characterized by the development of the embryo in the fallopian tube instead of the uterine wall. Ectopic pregnancy is a life threatening condition and should not be treated lightly. Its symptoms include, but are not limited to, the following; pain on one side of the abdomen, and cramping in the pelvis, and so on.

2. Having a miscarriage may also cause you to cramp during late pregnancy; this type of cramping is often accompanied by bleeding. It may also be possible for you to have a miscarriage without cramping therefore the importance of knowing what the signs of a miscarriage are cannot be overstated; these signs include, but are not limited to; bleeding from the vagina, cramping around the pelvis, and tissue that proceeds from the vagina.

3. If you experience your cramps after the first trimester, it may be indicative of placenta problems. These include; placental abruption (which is when the placenta separates from the uterine wall), Pre-term labor (this is characterized by any labor beginning before the 37th week of pregnancy), and Placenta previa (which occurs when the uterus covers your cervix partially or completely due to the placenta being positioned too low).

4. The process whereby the embryo embeds itself into the wall of the uterus is referred to as implantation. It is normal and common for this process to cause cramping and bleeding. The APA (that is, the American Pregnancy Association) says that bleeding due to implantation may occur within the first 6 - 12 days after fertilization of the egg - which is a process commonly referred to as conception. This bleeding, which may last for a couple of hours or up to two days, appears as a light spotting. Ironically some women may not experience cramping caused by this condition at all or may only experience very light cramping.

Note that you must endeavor to keep your health care provider in the loop (that is, knowledgeable) concerning your experiences during pregnancy especially as it pertains to cramping or bleeding in particular. Avoid inserting anything into the vagina while bleeding including tampons. If possible, try to abstain from sexual intercourse until you have ascertained the cause of your cramping during late pregnancy. You could monitor the frequency and volume of bleeding by wearing a pad, that way you will be able to let your health care provider know what your observations are.

Pregnancy Due Date Calculations Can Also Help You Become Pregnant

Calculating your pregnancy due date is basically a piece of simple arithmetic based on the date of the first day of your last period and the average length of your menstrual cycle.

On the assumption that you've got this information handy, all that's then required is to add 40 weeks to the first day and, hey presto, you've got your pregnancy due date - well near enough to be within a few days either side in most cases.

Incidentally, a baby born only 3 weeks earlier than the official pregnancy due date is classified as being premature although babies born as little as 24 weeks after conception are still considered to be viable given the full resources of modern medical care available in Western societies.

However, in practice 92% of babies very obligingly arrive within a two to three week window around their predicted pregnancy due date.

So, on the face of it everything seems to be hunky-dory - you've got your pregnancy due date either by calculating it yourself (NOT recommended except for initial guidance) or, much better, by being informed of it by your Doctor after other relevant factors are taken into account.

There are also numerous websites where you can just enter your dates (first day of your last period is the most important) and get an instant calculation of your pregnancy due date.

Then all you have to do (in theory!) is to wait for your baby to politely keep the appointment set for him or her.

The only problem is that not everyone may be well enough organised to know the date when her last period started or the average length of her menstrual cycle.

But not to worry if your dates are a couple of weeks adrift. The prediction of your pregnancy due date may well be wrong when you are first given it but as your pregnancy progresses other signs and symptoms will start to indicate that a different date is more likely.

So pretty soon you will be able to be quite certain that, provided your baby is one of the 92% who arrive more or less on time, you will be giving birth somewhere around the date given.

But these calculations also potentially have a hidden benefit if you are still at the stage of planning your family because you can use simple arithmetic again to predict when during your menstrual cycle you are most likely to conceive.

The same information used to predict the pregnancy due date is also used for this prediction as it is based on the first day of your period together with the average length of your cycle with the well established assumption that you are most likely to ovulate within a time frame of 2 to 3 days either side of the middle of this period of time.

So if your cycle is 28 days and your first day was the first of the month, the best time to have sex would be between the 12th and 16th of the month although there's no need to unnecessarily restrict yourself to just this window of opportunity!

And if you and your partner are both fortunate enough to be in your twenties, you have a 20-25% chance of getting pregnant during each month that you're trying, so 4 or 5 months could easily do the trick!

If you're really confident, you could even draw up a little chart of likely pregnancy due dates, although that may be tempting Providence a bit too far!

Obviously, as people get older, the likelihood of such spectacular early success starts to diminish, but statistics show that eventually 95% of all couples who try to start a family finally succeed even if it seems to take for ever for that all important pregnancy due date to be finally announced!

In fact, on average, one couple in five has failed to conceive after 12 months of trying so don't be too worried if things don't seem to be working out quite as quickly as you may have hoped.

If you want to check your potential pregnancy due date online, it is very simple to do so via a Google search for instance, but please be advised that there is no substitute for proper medical advice. Many of these sites will also allow you to calculate when you are likely to ovulate during your monthly cycle.

What Are the Advantages of Prenatal Care?

One of the reasons that there is quite a low perinatal mortality rate in the USA and Europe is the prenatal care (or antental care) given to the expectant mother, and the specialist help supplied, by the following people:

• Family doctor (GP) The family doctor is usually the first person to be consulted if a woman thinks she is pregnant. It is quite possible that the doctor will be part of a group practice at a health centre. He or she may be a GPO (general practitioner obstetrician), i.e., a family doctor who specialises in care of pregnant women and children. Some GPs run their own antenatal clinics; otherwise they may refer the expectant mother to a hospital or local antenatal clinic. In any case the doctor will give general care and advice during the pregnancy.

• Health visitor The health visitor is a RGN (registered general nurse) with at least three months' midwifery experience who has attended a one-year technical college course. She or he does in fact look after the whole community, and is usually attached to a health centre, a general practice or a local welfare clinic. She or he may also work as a district nurse, providing nursing at home for people who need it. The health visitor may run the antenatal clinic and the child welfare clinic, and usually gets to know families very well.

• Community midwife The midwife is a RGN who has taken the added qualification of SCM (state certified midwife). She or he is qualified to look after the expectant mother, to deliver the baby either at home or in hospital, to give drugs if needed, and to care for mother and baby when they leave hospital. If the midwife is at all anxious, or any problems arise, she or he will?always call in a specialist. The midwife is in charge of the care of mother and child until ten days after the delivery, when the responsibility becomes that 14 of the health visitor.

?• Obstetrician The obstetrician is a doctor who specialises in looking after women during pregnancy (the prenatal care stage) and birth. The expectant mother will receive a check-up from the obstetrician when her pregnancy is confirmed, and she will be examined at intervals throughout and at the end of her pregnancy to make sure there are no complications. The obstetrician will make the necessary decisions if any difficulties arise, such as the need for a Caesarean section 104). A midwife or doctor carrying out a home delivery can call upon emergency services if there is any difficulty.

• Gynaecologist The same doctor may be both a consultant obstetrician and a gynaecologist. The gynaecologist co-operates closely with the obstetrician, as he or she is qualified and specialises in the treatment of women's diseases and reproductive disorders.

• Paediatrician The paediatrician specialises in the treatment of children up to their early teens. He or she may be attached to a maternity unit and will examine the newborn babies for defects. The paediatrician also acts in a consultant capacity in child health centres, hospitals, schools, etc.

• Neonatologist The neonatologist is a doctor who specialises in the care of the newborn baby and is usually a paediatrician.

• Social worker The expectant mother may have problems which are not simply medical, such as finance, housing, a broken marriage, or psychological problems. In this case she can discuss her problems with a social worker; sometimes there is one attached to the health centre.

How to Succeed as a Yoga Teacher

Upon successful graduation from a Yoga teacher training course, many new Yoga teachers feel they still need some direction. After spending five months, up to years, with a Master Yoga teacher, Swami, or Guru, the new Yoga teacher has left the nest, but where should he or she go from there?

Let's look at an organized way for new Yoga teachers to expand their knowledge, while pursuing their passion. After all, Yoga instructors cannot share the same interests all the time. With so many forms of Yoga, and a multitude of aspects to choose from, "the sky is the limit."

Are you interested in Office Yoga, Prenatal or Postnatal Yoga, Chair Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Yoga for Stress Disorders, teaching Yoga to children, or another Yoga teaching path? There are many directions to specialize in, and it is best to keep the list small.

This brings up the first step in finding your direction: Write a list of goals, interests, and objectives, for teaching Yoga. There is something very powerful about "etching ideas into the subconscious mind," with a pen and paper.

If you decide to enter deadline dates, for short-term goals, you might be shocked at the number of goals, which reach fruition. When you put ideas into writing, and take action, the success rate does go up.

Avoid procrastination, and do not allow excuses to run your life. This is a pitfall on a goal-setting path. I guarantee that you will run into obstacles. Nobody has a life without them; however, look at each one as a stimulating challenge.

Do not waste time on blaming anybody, or anything; this will make you stronger as you journey toward becoming a better Yoga teacher. This will also guide you in the right direction to meet the needs of your students.

Organize your list of goals by priority. Which goals are more urgent? Decide by projected deadlines - in measurements of days, weeks, months, and years. This will help you to avoid wasting time on long-term goals, when you have a serious deadline facing you this week.

It is human nature to try to avoid the tough projects. Yet, you are best off to tackle the difficult projects first. Once you have taken care of the toughest chores, a heavy burden has been lifted from your mind and you can think clearly.

Get rid of all distractions for optimum use of your time. For example: Cell phones, television, time wasting chatter, and Email must wait if you are in the middle of an important project or your studies. You do not have to live the lifestyle of a Spartan, but there are some times when the "technological toys" get in the way of real progress.

Lastly, reward yourself with quality time, when you have finished a project. Make sure that you take the time to enjoy your family, friends, and quality relationships. You are a Yoga teacher, who teaches the art of living, and you should also enjoy a balanced life.

© Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Postpartum Depression Scale - The Postpartum Depression Scale Defined

It is common to confuse simple "baby blues" with postpartum depression, but it happens all the time. Baby blues are very common, and happen when the mother feels conflicting feelings where she is happy that the baby has arrived and at the same time is very sad as well; this happens, even though everyone around is celebrating the new arrival.

Baby blues usually happen around 24 hours after childbirth and are characterized by feeling empty, sad and upset. One can have disturbed sleep, have difficulty sleeping at all, experience extreme crying spells, and can be exceptionally emotional with the baby blues.

Symptoms are at their worst between three to five days after the baby is born and can last up to two weeks.

However, postpartum depression is different. It lasts much longer than baby blues do, from six months to a year. Postpartum depression is also much more intense than baby blues are.

Baby blues are very common and do not interfere with the mothers' ability to take care of the baby or to go about normal daily life. However, postpartum depression can be extremely crippling and can stop normal life.

The depression itself can leave a woman emotionally fatigued and physically drained.

Following are some of the symptoms of postpartum depression, and should be watched out for:

* Having extreme mood swings and emotional fluctuations
* Being unable to sleep
* Being unable to enjoy your new baby
* Being unable to enjoy activities you did previously
* Being very fatigued
* Having fluctuations in appetite
* Feeling inadequate as a parent and spouse
* Having negative thoughts about yourself, and/or the baby
* Being suicidal, and/or thinking of harming the baby

There are times as well when postpartum depression can be severe enough that it can become postpartum psychosis. With postpartum psychosis, a new mother may become delusional, may become severely depressed, or may even start hallucinating.

Health centers in Edinburgh and Livingston have developed what is called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; also called the "postpartum depression scale," this scale helps to detect possible postpartum depression in mothers.

If you or your health care provider suspects that you may be suffering from postpartum depression, you will be asked some questions from the scale, such as how long you have had the depression, how intense it is, any previous history of depression you have had, any substance abuse problems you have had, any marital problems you may be having, or any other discord or form of stress you may be experiencing now, so that conclusions can be drawn.

You will also be asked to take what is called a "postpartum depression scale test."

The latter is a questionnaire that has 10 statements, each with four possible answers. If you are asked to take this test, you will be asked to identify what you have felt in the past week, that just previous to the time you take the test.

If your score is higher than 92%, it is likely that you are severely depressed. Ideally, this test should be taken between six to eight weeks after you have given birth, and it should be completed by you (or the mother who has given birth, as applicable) without first discussing answers with anyone.

In addition to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, there is also the PPD Screening Scale Test. This scale test has 35 items on it that you grade from a scale, ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree."

After the test is taken, the physician should be consulted so that proper decisions and treatment can be discussed and applied.

You Can Avoid Pregnancy By Eating Certain Foods

It is not surprising that there are pretty many contraceptive means to consider when a couple prefers to avoid pregnancy in own interest. Though it is with own choice for some reason or other, taking prescription pills may have some unwanted consequences when frequently used. While there are wonderful foods to avoid pregnancy, why should you go for searching a gynecologist and drain your pocket savings? It is suggested here to choose eating certain foods as under mentioned as a safe way to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

Papaya: Papaya is one of the naturally available contraceptive foods. It is a traditional remedy that can help to avoid pregnancy naturally. It contains an enzyme called papain that interacts, as a catalyst, with progesterone and produces contraceptive effect to avoid getting pregnant. There is fair chance that a woman aborts when she chooses to eat large amounts of ripe papaya. A teaspoon of Papaya seeds taken daily can show excellent effect of contraception in both male and female.

Sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds have high potential to offer contraceptive and abortive effect. If the seeds are consumed within three hours before or after coitus, you can see the amazing effect of avoiding pregnancy.

Garlic: The cuttings of garlic pieces have excellent role of killing the sperms. If 5 pieces of garlic and 10 sun flower seeds are consumed during coitus hours, the expected result of contraceptive effect can be surprising.

These are just some natural ways to avoid pregnancy by consuming medicinal foods. Over eating can make the fertility potential poor that cannot be recovered in a short period when you want to get pregnant. So taking of home based contraceptive foods just to the need is good and harmless. It is suggested in good will, if you are particular, that you choose to prevent pregnancy rather than going for abortion.

Coverage and Other Important Details of Family Health Insurance

Ones health is almost compared with weather, which is never predictable. The healthiest person may one-day cramp to such an extent that they pull an enormous demand of money and pose many economical problems to the family. So deciding on a well contributing insurance plan would always help at times of need. The two main categories of family health insurance would be as follows...

1. Indemnity family health insurance plans (reimbursement plans)-This would allow the user to choose their own medical practitioner


2. Managed care family health insurance plans -This applies to only selected medical practitioners and not mapped to every medications too.

• HMO-Health Maintenance Organizations


• PPO-Preferred Provider Organizations


• POS-Point of Service Plans.

The coverage would include medication, drugs, treatment, diagnosis, maternity care, vision care, audio aid, mental health benefits, Hospital expenses of room bed and other accessories, surgical expenses of surgeons fees, consultation expense. These health insurance plans also offer other allowances such as co-payment for consulting doctor regularly at least monthly once, deductible amount that are spent annually on medications, coinsurance. One must consider few issues before getting into this type of insurance,

• What is the waiting period of the plan you select?


• Does the insurance company has good reputation?


• What are the co-pay, co-insurance, deductibles on that plan?


• Does the health insurance plan offer full coverage to all the family members?

Decide whom you are about to add to your group health insurance policy and enroll after deciding. This would be helpful when you decide over offers and services they provide according to the members you chose. Remember one cannot add any member just in the middle of your investment scheme exception being a newborn kid in your family. This would pose lot of complications in your health insurance plan. If you want to move away from one plan to another be sure about your families financial status and check the coping up capability. Compare various health insurance quotes made free by many insurance providing companies. This would be the best way to analyze and check out the most feasible policy. Than individual insurance, health insurance would be better at cutting cost with the widest coverage for your entire family. Always keep in mind that individual insurance favors the company and group health insurance plan favors the insured. Hence it is better to rely on family health insurance rather than individual insurance. Some of the available options for you to choose would be,

1. Short term family health insurance


2. Private companies family health insurance


3. Group family health insurance

Do You Know The First Signs of Being Pregnant?

Along with a positive result and a missed period on an first diagnosis maternity test, there are several additional inform report early maternity symptoms and signs that will get the interest by leaving you asking yourself if you're expecting a baby. If you think that you are pregnant, make sure to get hold of your obstetrical health care professional immediately to be certain you get good prenatal health care.

Kinds

1. From soreness inside your breasts in order to severe rounds of fatigue, as early as you get pregnant your whole body actually starts to go through numerous improvements. For many women, early morning illness, swollen and sensitive breasts, implantation blood loss and head pain will be the primary clue that they're pregnant. Some others can feel mood swings and backaches.

Importance

2. A number of women start to feel several earlier symptoms of pregnancy just before they actually miss a period or have a maternity test to verify their accusations. Because a few medicines, such as pursuits like consuming alcohol based drinks needs to be prevented while being pregnant, obtaining on these earlier symptoms of being pregnant prevents you against getting medicines or taking part in routines that can adversely impact your maternity.

Time Frame

3. Numerous early symptoms of pregnancy happen throughout 3 weeks of conceiving. Implantation bleeding may appear 6 to 12 days right after conceiving, morning illness 2 weeks soon after conceiving and breasts changes and severe exhaustion within the very first a week or two after conceptions has occurred.

Considerations

4. A pregnancy is really dated from your 1st day of the past menstrual period. Regarding 14 days before the next period of time arrives, ovulation happens and at any time within twenty four hours of ovulation, conceiving can be done. If you are attempting to prevent pregnancy, don't have sexual intercourse the 7 days you anticipate to ovulate. If you're trying to get pregnant, arrange of getting sexual intercourse every second day throughout the week you predict ovulation.

Advantages

5. Determining the alterations within your body as early maternity symptoms enables you to moderate your maternity faster. As early as you consider you may well be expecting a baby, you'll be ready (should you are not already) to consume healthful, consider prenatal nutritional vitamins, exercise and find out your obstetric care provider. You may also get rid of everything that you experienced that will harm you and your growing baby such as tobacco, drug use or being around toxic chemicals.

Fetal Doppler - The Must-Have For a Caring Mother

The fetal Doppler is mainly used for monitoring fetal heart rate, and it is offered by general maternity hospitals, while these fetal equipments adopt Doppler ultrasound technology, which is also known as the fetal Doppler.

The aim for fetal heart monitoring is to audit whether the fetal quickened abnormally, and then make the appropriate adjustments according to fetal position.

The supervision time for fetal Doppler is generally the 28th weeks after gestation, while the subjects are pregnant women with abnormal and normal fetal movement.

The heart Doppler monitors the sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation of fetal and describes the curve formed by instantaneous fetal heart tracings, and you can understand the response of fetal heart with fetal movement during contractions to infer whether the intrauterine fetal is anoxic or not. The Doppler technique can monitor your baby at all time by listening to fetal heart tones, therefore, your baby can grow up healthily.

Moreover, there is a player inside it, and you can download suitable music and stories for prenatal care depending on different periods of pregnancy. And it can also serve as the story machine after the baby is born!

The heartbeat Doppler can link to your home recorder or computer to record fetal heart sounds as a permanent memory. A few months before baby born, recording mothers' heartbeat can play a very good role for babies. What is more, the special microphone for prenatal care allows the baby to hear the voice of parents more clearly, while the father can also involve in the prenatal care to make your baby smarter!

The heart Doppler adopts the ergonomic design, which is consistent with the curve of pregnant women. The monitor applies the principle of ultrasound Doppler, so you can carry out fetal heart monitoring at home continuously with high sensitivity, high - quality, and it is durable, simple, economical and easy to use, which is an article of very good home medical equipment. It is the only one which can be used at home for pregnant women, and it can be operated by single hand to listen to fetal heart by professional speaker with the whole family and enjoy the fun brought by future baby!

The Right Parental Care During Pregnancy

Only a healthy mother can deliver a healthy baby. So, parental care and preparation are necessary at the beginning itself. Having nutritious food and health exercise alone will not help a mother to deliver a healthy child. It needs overall care in each minute element that a mother comes across her regular life. Once you know that you are going to have a baby, it is essential that you give your baby a healthy start. Pregnancy is an extremely amazing time for you as well as your partner and future child. As an expectant mother, you must know what is happening to you and the baby growing within you.

Time of changes

Even though in the initial stages you might not notice any major transitions taking place in yourself, you would be able to see the budding evidences of the changes going on inside your body slowly. Most Believe it or not, it would be totally miraculous yet strange for you to wake up every morning to discover that you see a body that is different from what you had yesterday. It is quite normal to experience some common discomforts while you are pregnant. Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, bloated body, fatigue, tiredness, body aches, frequent urination and many other problems are common during this time. All these should be given due care during the effective parental care.

Give care on emotional changes

You would also undergo emotional and physical changes during pregnancy. Maintaining a cool and calm mindset is necessary to keep your baby healthy. The time demands more relaxation techniques to free your body from unnecessary commotions. Try to practice any of your favourite pastimes during pregnancy period. If you come across extra mental pressure and shock, try to get rid of it at the earliest with the help of your better half. Reading is a good habit that any woman can leisurely enjoy during her pregnancy days. Watching comedy movies also can gift you more relaxation.

Consult your doctor in time

You can keep a track of your kid's development by going through various tests. The best way is to visit your gynecologist regularly. These parental care visits are extremely essential for the health of your would be baby and you. A health care provider would also guide you about the things that you must avoid during your nine months of conception. Activities like drinking and smoking would hurt your child. Same is the case with certain medicines. A good doctor would advise you to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. Prenatal vitamins also play an essential role in the health of your unborn child.

Top 7 Unusual Early Pregnancy Symptoms

1. Spider Veins -One of the very early symptoms of the pregnancy would be visual aspect of veins surrounding chest and upper arms. Almost all the women consider this situation as the most hatred and fret over. Nevertheless, there is nothing to worry about such sign as it is the positive signal for the pregnancy and it result from the high blood flow in the body and being transmitted to the rest of the vital organs in the body.

2. Nasal Congestion -Another common sign of the pregnancy would be the nose get clogged and become impaired. At this point of time you may feel quite vexations same as you had during influenza. On certain occasion bleeding occurs in nose even if the weather is without any blemish or indication of cold. Get advice from doctor to find out positive reading of pregnancy.

3. Metallic Taste -Metallic taste is the often sign during the pregnancy.. Metallic taste comes about due to the changes of hormones in the body and that is the overriding reason why it is considered as the unusual readings of pregnancy.

4. Flatulence - Flatulence or pompously embellished language is the most unenviable sign of early pregnancy. To correct such soreness, alter your diet chart with the help of a specialist.

5. Production of Excessive Saliva -Most of the expectant women senses surplus of saliva in their mouth. Furthermore, the superfluous saliva products result in early nausea and create more uncomfortable situation for pregnant mothers that is very hard to confront. Your mouth will dribble even though you are in deed sleep.

6. Cramping in legs -If you arise from sleep even in the midnight with pains in your legs, you should consider this among early pregnancy indications as well that is not very usual.

7. Facial Hair And Pigmentation -During the course of pregnancy women will experience a rapid increase in facial hair along with facial pigmentation even though they spend pretty amounts for facial hair removal works. These are the very common unusual early pregnancy symptoms. Hence, seek the advice of an erudite doctor to facilitate these problems, instead of get into chemical usages.

The Process of Lactation

Lactation is the biological term used for the production of breast milk. When a baby suckles at the breast, nerve stimuli are sent from the special receptor cells located in the breast to the hypothalamus which is located in the brain. The hypothalamus is then stimulated to activate the pituitary gland ninto producing two different hormones.

These hormones are called oxytocin and prolactin. The hormone called oxytocin is stored in the pituitary gland and acts on muscle cells. These muscles surround the milk glands where milk is produced. Oxytocin causes the muscles cells to contract in turn squeezing milk out of the glands into the ducts.

Prolactin is the second hormone which is involved in the lactation process. Prolactin is also produced by the pituitary gland and is released into the blood stream each and every time the baby suckles at the breast. When prolactin is released into the blood stream, it travels to the milk glands in the breast and stimulates the glands to produce milk. The level of prolactin increases in the mother during pregnancy, but milk production is suppressed by another hormone, progesterone, until its level drops off after birth.

Oxytocin causes what is known and referred to as the "letting down" of milk from the glands. This causes different sensations in different mothers. Some will report shooting pains, others report a tingling feeling and sensation. Some report no sensation at all. All are normal. After this process, the milk is then transferred from the breast to the baby by a combination of two processes:

* Active milk expulsion by the mother due to the let down reflex

* Active removal by the baby who works on the breast tissue with tongue and jaw to receive milk.

The more a baby feeds at the breast the more milk will be produced. The mother needs to bring the baby to the breast often so that her milk supply can keep up with the demands of her growing baby.

Source: MNT Training OCN Maternity Practitioner Award Course Handbook.

Increase Your New York Maternity Leave Pay by Applying For Short Term Disability Insurance

How long can you pay your bills on $170 per week - before taxes? The New York area has the nation's highest cost of living, and some of the highest incomes to help pay those bills. While the New York State Short Term Disability Insurance is good to have should you miss work, it does not replace a significant percentage of most New Yorker's income.

New York Disability Benefits May Fall Short

Who feels this the most? New York women preparing for maternity leave. They are expecting to be out of work for six to eight weeks for normal delivery, and may be shocked to discover how little income replacement they will get.

For example, a woman earning $52,000 per year earns about $1,000 per week. Her New York State Short Term Disability payout equates to only 17% of her normal income. That's equivalent to an 87% pay cut!

Many women can't afford an 87% pay cut for eight weeks, much less if she is disabled longer. What will happen if she is also out of work prior to delivery because of pregnancy complications? Or if she experiences complications during delivery and needs additional time to heal before returning to work? Or if she has an accident or illness that prevents her from working?

Increase your Level of Disability Coverage

Women can increase their maternity leave pay by applying for supplemental short term disability before conception. An individual short term disability insurance policy can replace up to 2/3 of income, and will be paid in addition to the NY State Disability benefit. The benefit can be paid free of any tax consequences, bringing take-home-income replacement very close to 100%.

Supplemental Short Term Disability can create maternity leave income, while also protecting your family in case of pregnancy complications, delivery complications, premature birth, accidents, and illnesses. It covers your maternity leave for normal delivery, plus pays benefits for the unexpected medical events that cause you to miss work.

Other Possible Gaps In Coverage

Short Term Disability in New York has other limitations and gaps that women with a growing family should know.

• The benefits end after 26 weeks - What if you are disabled for a year? Can you continue to pay your bills?


• The benefits are taxable - Depending upon your state, federal, and FICA tax rates, your take home pay could be considerably less.


• Government workers are exempt - If you work for a state, county, city, township, or boro entity you may not have coverage.


• Teachers are Government workers - You may not have coverage if your union did not request this benefit.

Get the right amount of coverage for your pregnancy and maternity leave by applying for short term disability insurance before getting pregnant.

8 Early Pregnancy Symptoms - How To Find Out If You Are Pregnant

You feel queasy. You're experiencing a headache. You just don't feel too good. Blame it on yesterday's seafood? Or are you catching a cold? Or could it be that you're pregnant? How can you tell the difference?

This article will hope fully lead on the right path. We will discuss early pregnancy symptoms and signs that you should keep an eye out for.

One of the most telling sign of being pregnant is a delay in your menstruation. If you miss your period and have been sexually active, then you should take a pregnancy test kit. Keep in mind that many women still get bleeding, but it will be lighter and for shorter days.

Besides missing your period, you could also experience some spotting or light bleeding. This normally takes place very early in the pregnancy stages, somewhere between 6 to 12 days after the conception. This happens when the tiny embryo clings itself onto the wall of your uterus.

Once you are pregnant, there will be changes to your body. One significant change is the swelling of breasts. Women tend to get swollen breasts as early as 1 - 2 weeks into the pregnancy. The breasts are sore and tender and can be a discomforting experience for women. Besides breasts tenderness, women could also experience the darkening of the areolas. The nipples tend to grow darker when you are pregnant.

One thing that sends shivers down the spine of soon-to-be mothers is the morning sickness or nausea. Nausea is experienced by many pregnant women anytime between weeks 2 - 8 after conception. And even though it's called morning sickness, you can get it at anytime of the day. You might not have to throw up, but the queasy feeling is still there. The good news, it will not last forever. Some women are very fortunate in the sense that they never have to go through morning sickness. However there are some unlucky women who go through morning sickness right through their pregnancy.

When you're pregnant, you could experience extreme tiredness or fatigue. This can keep you in bed, as you're often sleepy or just don't want to get out of bed. This is normal for an expecting woman.

And if that's not hard enough, another symptom of pregnancy is the frequent urination. You may feel like you just want to sit near the bathroom all day, or that your bladder just can't hold it in any longer. Pregnant women have to put up with this and make extra trips to the bathroom every day.

Expecting women also experience aches - backaches and headaches. Early in the pregnancy, you may experience lower backaches. Backaches are also common throughout the entire time you are pregnant. Your body has to cope with a growing belly and this can strain your back, thus you may experience a dull backache all this time. As your body changes, so do your hormones. As a result of this, you may find yourself experiencing headaches early in your pregnancy.

And of course, who can forget the food cravings of the pregnant woman. Of course it might not be a longing to eat odd combinations of food like sardines and chips, but many pregnant women feel a craving for some types of food. This craving could also last for the entire pregnancy.

The above are the most common symptoms that a woman may go through in the early stages (and some till the end) of pregnancy. Should you experience these symptoms, get a pregnancy test kit or meet with your doctor. Do remember that the symptoms might vary, as everyone is unique and that each woman is different.

Foot Health During Pregnancy

Podiatrist's encounter many foot problems during and after pregnancy. From cramps and itchiness to swelling and aching, our feet can often feel very uncomfortable throughout pregnancy and following the birth. Hormonal changes and natural weight gain have a huge impact on the body and the feet bear the brunt of the major changes that a woman's body will go through.

Swollen feet, swollen ankles and arch and heel pain are the main causes of foot pain in pregnant women. Muscles and ligaments stretch and soften because of an increase in the ovarian hormone relaxin, which makes your feet more prone to ankle and ligament strains on a daily basis.

The choice of footwear can also be a factor in the cause of foot problems during pregnancy. A shoe with a heel of approximately 1.2in (3cm) is recommended as they will help to shift the weight further forward on the feet. This can help to reduce any pain or discomfort. Wide fitting and supportive shoes will minimise discomfort and help to avoid long term damage. Choosing a shoe with a strap can help the shoe to stay in place although fiddly straps can sometimes cause problems in later stages of the pregnancy when you may struggle to reach your feet.

If high heels are a must they should only be worn occasionally or when you know you will be able to sit down through the day. On a daily basis, a supportive shoe should be worn.

When shopping for shoes try to shop later in the day as feet can swell throughout the day. Ensure that the shoes fit well before you leave the shop as it is a common myth that you can break in a pair of shoes - this is not true. Shoes with a round or square toe are recommended. If you are buying boots, make sure that there is room in the calf area as they calves can swell. Choose a boot with a side zip fastening as they will be easier to take on and off - this will be much more appreciated towards the end of your pregnancy!

Keeping active is also recommended to help reduce the risk of cramps and swelling. Do check with your midwife or GP before starting an exercise program.

If you do experience arch pain or general foot pain make an appointment with your Podiatrist to see how he or she could help you. If necessary an orthotic device can be prescribed to make your feet feel much more comfortable - as any pregnant woman will know, this may provide much needed relief.

Top 10 Essentials - Newborn Baby Clothing

Having a new baby is such an exciting time. There is also much to organize, prepare for, learn about, and of course buy.

Yes, there will certainly be many items you will need to purchase for your newborn. And of course shopping for newborn baby clothing is by far one of the most enjoyable and most fun.

Anticipating the arrival of your new baby is exciting enough but visualizing your little bundle of joy in the adorable little outfits you have for them makes it even more exciting!

Obviously depending on what season your baby is born in will dictate exactly what you will need here is a basic list of essential newborn baby clothing and items you will need:

1. Jumpsuits - they are so comfortable and practical, easy to change nappies
2. Singlets - in hot or cold whether
3. Booties - especially in winter
4. Mittens - sounds crazy, but newborns tend to rub their faces and sharp little nails can scratch, nails aren't meant to be trimmed as a newborn
5. Wraps - for wrapping for sleep
6. A good nappy - whether you go cloth or disposable a good nappy can make the difference between good sleep or broken sleep
7. Slings - especially if unsettled, keeps baby close, and you still have your hands free to do things
8. Sleeping bag - perfect if your baby kicks the covers off, you know they will still be warm
9. Sheepskin - for sleeping or so baby can lay on the floor at home, friends and family
10. A great baby bag - an absolute must!

Having the essentials hopefully will assist make your life as a new parent a little bit easier by starting off with the right items.

With so much available both in shops and online stores it's hard to know where to start. It's important to find newborn baby clothing stores that have a good variety with the essentials, without having overwhelming amounts of clothes and products to go through.

Sound information and advice on a range of newborn baby products and services are good to utilize also. There are sites that offer all these things; the newborn baby clothing, product and service information, free baby sample bags, baby equipment such as baby prams, furniture, d矇cor, baby bags, advice and information on breastfeeding, postnatal depression and general baby information.

Remember to take good care of yourself and have lots of fun shopping.

Does Pregnancy Have You Feeling Sleep Deprived?

Pregnancy can be a trying nine month period of time for any woman. Many times, a mom to be may feel sleep deprived. Since she will not be getting much rest once the baby arrives, it is best to nip the problem in the bud. When sleep deprivation is occurring during pregnancy, a woman will need advice concerning the best way to get rest. Here are some tips that a pregnant woman can follow to get to bed and sleep through the night peacefully.

One way that a pregnant woman can sleep better is with use of a pregnancy pillow. This special pillow is designed to support the stomach and lower back while sleeping. It is usually C-shaped and fit to contour against the profile of a pregnant woman's curves. It can be placed between the knees or around the back for support. Most pregnant women will find that side sleeping is the most comfortable position.

Getting a weekly pregnancy massage may also help to get a better night's rest. Massage can lower stress and relieve the discomfort placed on the body by the growing fetus. Backaches and leg cramps are common complaints during pregnancy, so massage can alleviate the pain. It can also heighten circulation and take away tension. On the end, it can encourage a good night's sleep as well.

Soothing music can be an outlet when stress builds during pregnancy. Music is a way to ease anxiousness and depression that sets in as hormones are running wild during pregnancy. Soothing music can also calm the baby as well.

When a pregnant woman cannot sleep, it is best to leave the television off. Turning the tv on will only get the brain excited instead of making it calm. When a person finds a show that is interesting, they tend to watch it to the end. This may take away valuable time that can be spent resting. Before it is all said and done, morning has come and it is time to get up.

Many women who are pregnant will experience swollen nasal passages. This will lead to snoring or congestion which keeps a person awake or from falling asleep. To alleviate the problem, it may be smart to place a humidifier in the bedroom. This will add moisture to the air, leaving the nose clear and open.

No pregnant woman wants to suffer from sleep deprivation, so it is imperative to learn ways to get a good night's sleep. The above tips will help a woman rest comfortably at night when she is expecting a baby. Without sleep, a pregnant woman will be irritable and even more uncomfortable than normal.

Effective Ways To Get Pregnant Fast

There are many ways to get pregnant faster with one way to make this happen is by having trying to conceive before the female ovulates. Many think that a couple should have sex after ovulation but that is not necessarily true. Once a woman ovulates, the egg will only survive for a day. That is why some feel that having sex one to three days ahead of ovulation will increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Another way to get pregnant is not to depend on the calendar method for predicting when ovulation may occur. This is not an accurate way to measure ovulation. In addition, before you begin to try and get pregnant, talk with your gynecologist first. There are many reasons why women have a hard time getting pregnant such as having an infection, being in poor health or having a sexually transmitted disease.

It is important to note that smoking, abusing drugs or drinking alcohol also can impede a woman's chances of becoming pregnant. If you drink, smoke or use drugs, stop and talk with your physician on the methods you can safely use to stop these harmful habits.

Another tip that will help you get pregnant quicker is to enjoy having sex. Often when a couple wants to have a child they will try too hard, meaning having sex is not enjoyable but only a stressful way to produce a child.

Also, many say that having sex in the missionary position - that is when a woman is lying down and the man on top - is the best way because the angle of your pelvis will help keep the sperm in longer. In addition, some women have found success in getting pregnant by staying on their back after sex as to keep the sperm from escaping. It is believed by some to boost the chances of a sperm fertilizing the egg.

To help boost the pregnancy, talk with your partner about cutting back on alcohol and smoking. The healthier the sperm is, the better chances of a woman's egg getting fertilized. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables and taking a daily multivitamin will certainly help in the production of healthy and active sperm.

It is important to note that the chances of getting pregnant quickly are more apt to happen the younger a woman is. Women in their twenties and early thirties have a much higher chance of getting pregnant than those who want to get pregnant and are over the age of 35. To get pregnant fast is not difficult; it just requires a plan and a desire to have children.

Raising A Kangaroo: Knowing Your Pet Is Important

Raising a kangaroo at home isn't something that you can take lightly. In order for you to become an effective pet owner to this exotic animal, you have to prepare yourself through research and studying. Knowing important details about your pet is vital as this will help you deal with it effectively.

Learning about raising a kangaroo basically starts with knowing the background of your exotic animal. Kangaroos are considered as amazing members of the Australian fauna. They are marsupials that are closely related to wallabies, Quokka, wallaroos, and pademelons. All in all, there are around 63 different species of the Macropodidae family in the wild today. Kangaroos are endemic to the lands of Australia. However, some members of this family specifically the smaller marcopods have also been found in New Guinea. They thrive on the landscape of Australia. They're not farmed. Instead, they're sought because of their meat. This animal has become a national symbol for Australia and is often observed on the Australian Coat of Arms, the country's currency, and on the tail of its national airline called the Qantas.

Males are referred to as kacks or bucks while females are called jills or does. The young ones or the babies on the other hand are called joeys. Among the different types of species existing today, red kangaroos are the largest ones. In fact, they are the largest surviving marsupial on the face of the planet. They thrive in the arid and semi-arid regions that are located at the center of the continent. The Eastern Grey Kangaroo on the other hand, which is another famous species, is commonly seen in the fertile eastern region of Australia. The Western Grey Kangaroo, which is also another species is a native of Western Australia and Southern Australia as well as of the Darling River basin.

Let's discuss some cool facts about these types of exotic animals. These animals are equipped with large feet and strong hind legs. Their physical adaptation helps them to leap. They have a muscular tail, which functions just like a tripod leg. Their tails come in handy for balance. The most unique feature of these exotic animals would be their marsupium or stomach pouch. This is physical characteristic that's common to all marsupials. The pouch is used to serve as a home for joeys during their postnatal development.

Kangaroos hop for locomotion. They can hop at speeds that average at 70 km/h especially when they're looking for food and water and when they're running away from predators. Their most common predators include goannas, feral cats, foxes, and wedge-tailed eagles. These animals usually live around for 4 to 6 years. Their diet varies depending on their species. In general, they are known as herbivores. They love feeding on a wide variety of grasses, hypogeal fungi, and shrubs. They are known to be both crepuscular and nocturnal. This means that they are most active during the night and by twilight.

How Nursing Helps You Bond With Your Baby

Nursing is just one of the many ways new parents can bond with their new baby. Dads can get involved with nursing too by feeding bottles of breast milk or formula. Baby can be cradled in close for a bottle feed allowing bonding to occur naturally. When nursing a baby their eyes at the perfect distance for seeing mothers face, this aids bonding as does being close to the smell of Mum. Bonding is a unique process that can happen instantly for some and may take time for others. Factors that can influence bonding can include whether the birth was easy or traumatic, whether baby was able to have skin to skin contact soon after birth and whether or not the initial feeds of colostrums went well.

Your newborn baby will be familiar with mum's heartbeat and to some extent dad's too, so feeding baby on close allows them to hear your heartbeat and be comforted. Even if your baby is in intensive care you can still form a strong bond through nursing by expressing milk and stroking your baby and talking in a soothing voice as they will be familiar with your voices.

Hormones can help a mother bond with her new baby as the mother is filled with love for her child. Sometimes, hormones go a bit astray and the mother can be affected by postnatal depression, possibly making bonding more of a challenge.

The ways babies bond:

* Touch (skin-to-skin contact)
* Eye-to-eye contact
* Can follow moving objects with their eyes
* Imitate facial expressions and gestures
* Prefer human voices

Nursing a baby fulfills although the criteria for how a baby bonds in one activity. You can hold baby close allowing for skin to skin contact providing warmth and comfort. Babies' eyes will eventually open whilst they feed thus allowing for eye-to-eye contact and they are the perfect distance away from you at the breast. If you are wearing a necklace or bright patterned top - baby will delight in playing with (make sure it is safe) or staring at your bright clothing. When you smile at them - they will eventually smile back. Whilst nursing it is possible to smile at your baby and talk to them in a soothing voice. All of these aspects will assist in the mothers' ability to bond with her child whilst nursing.

Other ways to bond with baby other than nursing:

* feeding e.g. middle-of-the-night bottle feed and nappy change
* reading or singing
* sharing a bath
* mirroring movements
* mimicking baby's cooing and other vocalizations - the first efforts at communication
* using a front baby carrier
* letting baby feel the different textures of dad's face especially fun if he has facial hair.

Postnatal 'Confinement' Food - Part 2

Everybody will ask you to eat only ' healthy' food and avoid cold or cooling food as your body is cold after childbirth. This applies to the 3 main races in Malaysia but sometimes, what is considered 'healthy' may be 'cooling' for another which increases our dilemma. The best option is to try out the food as far as your culture and religion advices and learn to substitute the ingredients wherever possible to suit your taste. I am afraid that my culinary expertise is limited to Chinese and Western food so I can only talk about this type of food at this moment in time.

Traditional Chinese confinement food consists mainly of old ginger, rice wine, sesame oil, black vinegar, some warming alcohol, lots of meat especially kampong chicken and lean pork, white fish such as white pomfret and some vegetables.

Apparently, you are supposed to eat 30 chickens, 12 bottles of rice wine and 15 kilos of old ginger root during this period. Whether you can achieve this target is up to you but I find that most women nowadays cannot manage it. On average, if you do practice what is recommended, the cost could easily be about RM 1000.00 ++ just for the food only.

Food to avoid during the first week only

Ginger - Delays healing of wounds and increase risk of jaundice in baby. Substitute with peppercorn or garlic.

Fish - Causes foul smelling lochia or discharge.

Alcohols which are recommended for consumption during the confinement month are: Brandy, Yomeishu, rice wine and Guinness Malta because they are 'yang'. If you are a non-drinker, this sudden consumption may cause alcohol rash, redness in the face and heart palpitations, so do take it easy. Alcohol does go to the baby through breast milk, so if you want a good night's sleep, drink the alcohol after your dinner. The content of alcohol is reduced during cooking therefore you might consider adding it to your food during cooking instead of drinking it neat. Guinness Malta is non alcoholic and has high iron content therefore is suitable if you are anemic. Pulut rice is rich in iron therefore is used to make rice wine for postnatal nursing mothers. The rice is low in fat and free of cholesterol with high dietary fiber to reduce risk of heart attack and diabetes. It is better known as Shaoxing wine.

Drinks

It is believed that iced or cold drinks may cause severe shock to the system and further weaken the 'cold' body therefore it is strongly recommended that boiled warm teas are consumed throughout the day as they are supposed to help heat up the womb. For those who do not believe in these teas you may try drinking Chamomile tea which is beneficial for the baby as well, because it helps to reduce wind

Soups

Soup is a nutritious replacement for water. You can use any meat for stock. The meat supplies fat that is essential for extraction of fat soluble nutrients. Drinking soup about 1 hour before breastfeeding may help to increase milk flow. Chinese soups are usually clear and easier to drink compared to creamy western soups and it is less fattening.

Below are some food ingredients that you might want to add to your diet during the postnatal 'confinement' month.

Boxthorn fruit or Chinese wolf berry is best known to correct poor eyesight and eye strain. Used in conjunction with other herbs it is effective for improving energy and strength

Chinese angelica root or dong kwai is supposed to nourish the female organs, alleviate menstrual pain and prevent hemorrhage.

Chinese yam (wai san) used in conjunction with meat and other herbs aids digestion, regulate sugar level and control inflammation of the uterus. The dried variety must be soaked for at least 15 minutes before use to remove the powder

Solomon's seal (yok chuk) is used to alleviate many ailments especially those affecting the throat and lungs

Sesame oil, besides being rich in Vitamin E, Iron & Calcium, helps heal the womb and rid it of "dirty residual blood".

Chestnuts invigorate vital energy. Resolves fatigue depression and irritability. High in phosphorous, selenium and calcium

Black vinegar is made from glutinous rice and lowers ph of food. It leaches calcium from bones cooked with it, therefore it is used to prepare high calcium food especially for breast feeding mothers and it also relieves a windy abdomen.

Dill has antibacterial and antispasmodic properties. It is a warming herb which aids digestion, gets rid of gas, encourages lactation, freshens the breath and soothes colic. It is the main ingredient in Gripe water.

Almonds and walnuts contain leucine and isoleucine which are amino acids that regulates growth, blood sugar and wound healing.

Malay confinement food is the same as normal but with a lot of jamu which is basically natural herbal remedies used internally and externally for health and beauty. Make sure the products are registered with the Ministry of Health and that they are locally produced

Kani seeds contain antioxidants to promote youthfulness, tighten vaginal muscles, prevents excessive discharge, odour and itchiness. It firms the breasts and promotes healing of the reproductive system after childbirth.

Gallanggal is a member of the ginger family and it functions as an antibiotic. It warms the body, cleanses the blood, improves appetite, reduces wind and energizes the muscles.

Pegaga leaves increases energy, helps ease sleeping problems, improves blood circulation.

Turmeric functions as an antibiotic and promotes a healthy circulatory system.

Drumstick leaves are rich in proteins, vitamin C and A, beta-carotene, iron, calcium, potassium and other minerals. Because of their nutrients and ability to encourage milk flow, they are a valuable food for survival in impoverished countries.

The most important thing to remember is that you must be comfortable with what you eat. Do not force yourself to eat something that you do not like or will cause problems later. Although you are 'in confinement' you are not a prisoner per se.

High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy What You Should Know

A positive lifestyle change is a great way for the average person to control their blood pressure. However, what about pregnant women with high blood pressure? Can having high blood pressure during pregnancy harm the unborn child?

Yes. High blood pressure can result in complications during pregnancy that can be dangerous to both the mother and fetus if left untreated. There are different ways pregnant women with high blood pressure can help control their condition and reduce the health risks to the fetus. That being said, not all pregnant women with hypertension put their baby and themselves in danger. Many have healthy pregnancies without complications.

How common is hypertension in pregnancy? In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that problems with high blood pressure occur in 6 - 8% of pregnancy, over 65% of which are in women experiencing pregnancy for the first time.

What are the negative effects of hypertension? The effects high blood pressure can have on a pregnancy may be mild or severe and could include:

o Damage to the kidneys and other organs in the mother

o Cause early delivery and low birth weight

o In serious cases, the mother can develop preeclampsia (toxaemia of pregnancy), a dangerous condition that can be fatal for both the mother and fetus.

What is preeclampsia? This is a condition that usually develops in the 6th month of pregnancy and occurs from a combination of high blood pressure and kidney problems that cause protein in the urine of the mother. Preeclampsia affects the placenta and can affect the kidney, liver and even the brain of the mother.

When it affects the brain, preeclampsia can cause seizures, a dangerous condition called eclampsica which is the second leading cause of maternal death in America. Preeclampsia can also cause complications with the fetus including premature birth, low birth weight and stillbirth.

Preeclamspsia can be treated, but cannot be cured until the mother delivers the baby. There is no known way to prevent the condition, but those who show signs can be effectively treated to reduce risks.

Who is at the most risk for developing preeclampsia?

o Women with a pre-existing condition of high blood pressure prior to pregnancy

o Women who had preeclampsia or hypertension during another pregnancy

o Women who are obese

o Women who are carrying more than one child

o Women who become pregnant before the age of 20 and after the age of 40.

o Women with kidney disease, lupus, diabetes, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis.

Tips for controlling high blood pressure before becoming pregnant and while you are pregnant -

o Healthy Lifestyle - Make sure your blood pressure is checked regularly, you are an ideal weight, and live a healthy active lifestyle.

o Educate yourself - Talk to your doctor about your hypertension and find out what you can do to help prevent and reduce complications during pregnancy.

o Medications - If you are taking medication to control your blood pressure, find out if they are safe to take during pregnancy. Don't assume that they are safe, or will be dangerous and stop taking them without first consulting your doctor.

o Engage in regular medical care - when you are pregnant make sure you attend all regular checkups.

o Avoid alcohol and tobacco - this can increase blood pressure and harm the fetus.

o Discuss all medications with your doctor - Do not take any over-the-counter medications (even if you have a cold) without first consulting your doctor. Cold and flu medication often contains decongestants that can increase blood pressure.

Remember, although hypertension can cause complications in pregnancy, many pregnant women with high blood pressure, and even those who develop preeclampsia, often have healthy happy pregnancies and give birth to healthy, happy babies.

Blue Shield of California - Explanations For PPO and HMO and a Brief Look at 3 of Their Health Plans

Blue Shield of California is a health insurance company that was established in 1938 by the California Medical Association. Based out of San Francisco California, the company services over 3.2 million members and is contracted with nearly 59,000 and 350 hospitals across the state.

With Blue Shield of California you have a couple different styles of coverage to choose from. More than likely you have heard the terms PPO and HMO thrown around. What do these terms mean?

PPO

A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) gives you the availability to choose from a much larger network or doctors, specialists and hospitals. By visiting a contracted PPO provider with Blue Shield of California you will receive a negotiated fee rate for covered services. It is always important to make sure the doctor, specialist or hospital you choose is contracted with the company before you receive care. If you happen to pick an out-of-network provider then you may be subject to higher cost for service.

HMO

A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is a smaller organization of healthcare providers that have contracted with an insurance company to offer services at fixed rates. You will be required to choose one doctor (primary care physician) who will be responsible for providing all aspects of your healthcare. Blue Shield has 2 different HMO plan options available in California on the individual and family plans network. You can expect HMO doctors that are contracted with Blue Shield to offer fewer providers than with the PPO plans. Generally you must get a referral from your primary care physician in order to receive care from a specialist.

Let's take a look at some of the more popular plans that are currently being offered in 2009.

PPO Savings Plan 4000

This plan is great for a health young male who doesn't require many office visits per year. This plan doesn't include maternity, however we do recommend it to females who don't want maternity coverage or are past child bearing years. With most health plans you must satisfy a deductible and then pay a co-insurance percentage. With the PPO 4000 you are covered at 100% after meeting the calendar year deductible! You also have the availability of a physical exam, once a year for a co-payment of $35. If you are someone looking for affordable catastrophic coverage, this plan is highly recommended.

PPO Balance Plans 2500, 1700 and 1000

With the balance plans you have a good balance of deductible, office visit co-pays, prescription drugs, and a decent monthly premium. Each deductible option (2500, 1700 and 1000) comes with first dollar office visit co-pay of $30. There is also $10 co-pay for generic drugs and $35 co-pay for brand drugs ($500 brand name deductible and $2500 brand maximum benefit per year). If you happen to be the type of person that visits a doctor more frequently than once per year, and needs prescription drug coverage, take a look at the balance plans!

Access HMO

The Access HMO with Blue Shield of California is one of the better benefit plans on the market, however the monthly premium tends to be to unaffordable for most. After you satisfy a $2000 deductible you will have a $250 co-pay for impatient and outpatient hospital stays until you satisfy a total of $3000 in out-of-pocket expense (deductible included). Office visit co-pays are $20 before deductible; you will pay a $10 generic drug co-pay and a $35 brand name co-pay after a $200 brand name drug deductible. Remember, this HMO plan will have a smaller network of providers compared to the PPO options. Make sure to verify that all providers you use are a contracted physician or hospital with Blue Shield before receiving care.

Depression After Childbirth

Having a baby is a fantastic experience for both the mother and father! Even the grandparents actually! However having a baby can change a lot of things for the woman, and it is quite common for women to suffer from depression after childbirth.

This depression after childbirth is commonly known as postpartum or postnatal depression. This is a mixture of emotional, physical and behavior changes that affect the mother after delivering her baby. Depression can also occur during pregnancy, but it is more common after delivery of the baby.

Depression after childbirth occurs because there are hormonal changes in the woman's body. Around 70% of pregnant women experience depression after childbirth, however it does not have to affect the mother immediately. It can take up to a year for postnatal depression to become apparent.

During pregnancy the woman's levels of estrogen and progesterone rise, and 24 hours after giving birth the levels of these hormones drop rapidly to their normal levels. Scientists believe that this sudden change in female hormone levels can trigger depression in some women. This is backed up, because small changes in hormone levels can cause the woman's mood to change.

A lot of things change after delivering the baby, the amount of blood in the body, immune system and the blood pressure all change. These changes can alter how a person feels about themselves, which can result in fatigue and mood swings. The exact cause of childbirth depression is not known, however as not every woman suffers from it, it's likely that lifestyle affects it.

This depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated, because doctors just don't notice these effects as being anything abnormal. Tiredness, sleeping problems, and changes in body weight are all normal changes, that happen to a woman's body during and after pregnancy, however these symptoms can also indicate depression.

Postnatal depression can be caused by:
Substance abuse.
Lack of support.
Previous pregnancy complications.
Young age of mother.
Doubting yourself.

The most common cause of depression after childbirth is drug or substance abuse, lack of support from family members, problems with previous pregnancies, mother's young age, and doubting your own ability to look after your baby. You can see most of the causes of depression are emotional and not physical.

Women need to snap out of the idea of having to be the perfect mum, because this can add to the stress. Also spending less time alone with your husband can cause depression after childbirth.

Baby blues and depression are two different things. Baby blues happen straight after childbirth, and normally disappear in under a week, but postnatal depression can strike any time during the first year and often doesn't go away.

Be very aware if you have symptoms of Postnatal depression, because it is something that must be treated by your doctor.

Postpartum Depression - What You Must Know Before Giving Birth

Every new mother has to worry about postpartum depression. This is actually something that you should start thinking about long before you give birth to your new baby. This allows you to completely understand what causes this form of depression so you know how to deal with it once it sets in. The following tips will help you deal with depression after giving birth, whether you have already given birth or are still waiting for that big day.

Depression is Blind

It doesn't matter whether this is your first baby or your tenth. It doesn't matter how much money you have in the bank or who you are married to. It doesn't even matter where you live or how much sunshine you receive on a daily basis. Postpartum depression is largely a hormonal thing that can happen to literally any woman.

When you become pregnant hormones surge in order to develop and support the growing foetus. You may be well aware of the mood swings and crying spells that this can bring on during pregnancy, but what you may not realize is that those high hormone levels must normalize after giving birth. This can take some time and may lead to depression in the meantime.

So, remember that depression is blind. Don't lead yourself to believe that it can't happen to you, because it can!

Depression has no Rules

There is no definite period of time by which postpartum depression will pass. For some women it will last a very short period of time while for others it lingers on for months. In some more critical cases, depression can last for a year or more. There may be other circumstances of life that cause it to last for those extended periods of time, or in some cases it is simply a matter of difficulty normalizing the hormones after the birth.

There are also no rules predicting what you will feel while suffering from postpartum depression. For some women it is minor emotional irritation while for others it is an extreme condition that could interfere with the baby/mother bonding experience. You may feel different from someone else, but that doesn't mean your condition is any more or less important than theirs.

Postpartum depression is an individual experience, so don't compare yourself to other women and assume you are okay or worse off. There are no rules to how you should feel!

When to Get Help

Every woman must know when it is time to seek help for postpartum depression. It is best to arm yourself with this knowledge prior to having the baby because it is difficult to recognize the signs of depression once you are living through it. The more you know about the issue prior to giving birth, the more likely you are to know when you need help and when you are okay.

The time to seek help for postpartum depression is the moment you start to suspect you may be suffering from it. Once you notice any symptoms or start feeling like you aren't bouncing back to your pre-pregnancy emotional state, it doesn't hurt to bring it up to friends, relatives, your spouse, or a doctor.

Those who love you should always be aware of how you are feeling so they can help you recover. Never try to hide feelings of sorrow or desperation!