What About a Doula? The Role of the Trained Supporter for Birth and Beyond

There are many reasons why people choose to employ a doula during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period- some lifestyle choice based, some based on a previous birth experience, some just because of the continuity that having a doula provides.

Here are my top reasons why pregnant women and their partners should consider a doula:

• Doulas are professionals that don't mind being yelled at. There can be something very comforting to a woman that they are able to express themselves without repercussions. This applies both antenatally and postnatally.


• Doulas are there to support both the mother and father; being able to give Dad the opportunity to pop out if he (and the labouring woman) so wish.


• Doulas are able to respond to situations sympathetically (and often empathetically too) without sharing too much of their own experiences.


• At the same time as the last point, Doulas aren't brought down and burdened by the 'stuff' that occurs as you work with them. They tend to reflect a lot on their practice to see where they can improve or do things differently, but then leave that behind as professionals.


• Doulas tend to be highly motivated individuals with a real passion for birth, mothers and babies- that is the sort of supporter you want on your side.


• At the same time, Doulas are not 'wannabe midwives' that just fancy having a go and dipping their toe in the water- many have undertaken strenuous training and are passionate about their particular role in supporting the mother rather than performing clinical tasks.


• Doulas are bound by the same rules as your care providers in terms of confidentiality.


• Doulas can be a rich source of information and resources- many operate their own lending library for clients, and others lend pieces of equipment such as birth pools.

Even if the above points don't sell the possibility of a doula to you than consider meeting one for a chat to see if you connect with them and they are able to offer a service that you may be interested in. Many Doulas are also able to offer complementary therapies such as antenatal massage or aromatherapy for before and during the birth, and many postnatal doulas offer services including baby massage classes or night nannying. Initial consultations are very often free of charge and you are under no obligation to take up their services, in fact even if you decide to use a Doula it is always best to chat to a few.

So, think about a Doula for your next birth- you may be surprised.

Stress Reduction Therapy - A Vital Key to Minimising Harm During Postnatal Depression

Giving birth to a new child is one of the most positive events that should occur during your lifetime. However, Postnatal Depression or the 'Baby Blues' is more common than the general public would believe. Somewhere between ten and fifteen percent of mothers will suffer from this condition in some shape or form. It is not unusual for the drain and strain of giving birth to leave you feeling run down. The more sinister symptoms of Postnatal Depression however that develop normally in the first month after birth can last for months and be severe. An overburden of stress during this time can be hard to deal with and therefore stress reduction and it's management should be taken as a priority.

It is estimated that 1 in 10 women develop Postnatal Depression. Usually the condition develops within four weeks after the birth of the baby. However, it can take up to a year for some women to develop full-blown Postnatal Depression. Without the correct treatment or understanding the condtion is very likely to worsen and potentially impare the bond you create with your new child. So how do you know if you have the condition and how can you cope if you do?

The Signs and Symptoms of Postnatal Depression

The main sign of Postnatal Depression is constantly feeling low. It could become worse at specific times throughout the day but that is not always the case. You will also be extremely irritable. Most women who develop Postnatal Depression will take it out on their partners. This causes a lot of stress and tension within the relationship and it can often lead to feelings of guilt.

Perhaps the most distressing symptom of Postnatal Depression however is a detachment from your child. This is likely due to the worry that you feel over the baby's health. Worrying about every little thing is completely normal in Postnatal Depression and you may find that you are looking for constant reassurance from your partner.

Other common signs of the condition include loss of appetite, feeling constantly tired, losing interest in sex and you may not enjoy anything anymore. It really can be a distressing condition and without treatment, it can potentially last years.

How to Cope If You Develop Postnatal Depression

If you are suffering from Postnatal Depression then the good news is that there is help available. You do not have to suffer in silence. A visit to your physician without doubt should be your first priority. They will be able to fully diagnose the problem and help you to find ways to combat it. It may be suggested in some cases that anti-depressant type medication is the best course of action or counselling sessions may also be recommended.

It would definitely help you to talk to your partner and anybody else who will listen and let them know how you are feeling. Helping you to limit the build up of stress which on a daily basis is a top priority. Many women feel ashamed to admit how they are feeling. The main thing to remember is that Postnatal Depression is actually quite a common condition and it is not your fault if you develop it.

Communicating with those around you is so important, do not attempt everything on your own. Like other forms of depression, a high percentage of women attempt to cope silently with this condition which can make it very tough. Trying to cope on your own and failing to "snap yourself out of it" will only lead to further negative feelings. Always be willing to accept any support offered and whenever possible treat yourself to as much quality rest as you can. New mothers need to try to get as much rest as they when they have a new baby. So sleep as much as possible and that will ensure that you are refreshed and better able to deal with your daily stresses.

Try to get as much exercise as possible. Taking your baby for a walk in the park could be great exercise. If you can get a babysitter, why not take some time out and go for a walk yourself? Getting out of the house on your own will really help you to recharge your batteries.

Finally try not to blame yourself or your partner for the way that you are feeling. Communicating with your partner and family about how you currently feel is important, being affectionate also with your partner and keeping that bond with them intact. Daily hugs for example can be very therapeutic and it can comfort you when you need it the most.

Postnatal Depression can go away by itself but the road to recovery may be extremely stressful and traumatic. Therefore, it is always better to get help and to admit to how you are feeling. The condition can really spoil the experience of being a new mother and it can weaken your relationships with your partner as well as your baby. If your depression is quite severe then you may want to ask your doctor about anti-depressants or indeed he or she may suggest them.

Doing everything that you can to de-stress yourself would be solid advice. As well as the normal stress management practices of eating healthily and living a life with regular exercise you could also take your stress reduction one step further and choose to adopt one of the latest home study stress reduction therapy programs that have been developed with modern lifestyles in mind.

Easy to follow, these systems have been developed to teach you how to best reduce any effects that future encounters with stress may have on you. There are some superb stress reduction therapy programs available now, believe it or not that can be downloaded from the internet! Saving you precious time and causing as little interference with your daily routine as possible.

You can discover all the latest techniques and methods that you will need. From home and at your own pace, to combat any unnecessary stress that you may be experiencing with the arrival of your new baby. This most crucial self improvement learning, can really help you to be in the best place possible to be able to face and conquer the undue stress caused by Postnatal depression. With quality stress reduction therapy you really can make a difference within a few weeks.

It may take you a little time to research and find the best stress reduction therapy program for your needs. However any time and money spent can only help you not only in your immediate needs during Postnatal Depression but also for the rest of your life. You can learn to live a much happier, healthier and stress free existence which reduces the chances of any long term impacts of too much stress. Stress reduction and it's management really has come of age and should be considered a real priority.

One Newborn's Psychological Experience - A Clairvoyant's View - Baby Psychology

A parent cannot understand a newborn or infant unless that parent is willing to see what his or her baby is going through emotionally and interact with them realistically and accordingly.

Jimmy is one of the newborn babies I clairvoyantly studied. I hope that this account may give some insights to mothers and fathers of newborns and infants.

Jimmy's mother was caring about her baby's physical health and well-being during the pregnancy. She wanted to do everything right, which greatly helped in her son's birth experience. He was relaxed during his birth and seemed to have little discomfort.

He felt good to be here, and was warm and cozy in the hospital nursery. That translated into a sense of well-being. Because of his mother's caring and his healthy body, he was passive and enjoying a sense of pleasure in his body.

I observed good thoughts and feelings coming toward him from both his parents and grandparents. Caring and loving feelings were keeping this baby stabilized and feeling safe. Jimmy, compared to most newborns I have clairvoyantly observed, was a peaceful baby and having an unusually good experience early on.

Ten days old

When Jimmy was brought home, he felt afraid of unfamiliar psychological energies. His mother was leaving Jimmy with his grandmother for long periods. Unlike being in the hospital, this newborn began having a difficult time adjusting to his home environment. He was uncomfortable, uneasy, and, at times, afraid.

I sensed a feeling a sense of being "disgraced" in him. Jimmy's grandmother gave him affection for her own pleasure, not in a perverse way, nevertheless, he was feeling "used."

Newborns and infants are extremely sensitive to psychological energies; truly positive or negative psychological energies. They do know the difference. Jimmy felt his grandmother's selfish intentions toward him. He experienced those as her using him. That was the feeling of it.

She believed that she had pride and joy in being Jimmy's grandmother. She had many ideas and illusions about him and was dumping an excessive amount of "pseudo positive" feeling energies onto him. Her thoughts and feelings were not matching his experience, and they actually were not appropriate. Jimmy felt her overwhelming lack of realness. This was confusing him and making him afraid.

Jimmy was not getting direct contact and this is where the feeling of disgrace came in. When a person does not feel respected as a human being, most often that person will react with anger and indignation. My sense is that we use anger and indignation as a cover for a deeper feeling of disgrace.

When I clairvoyantly observe infants, I see that an infant essentially feels and responds in all of the basic ways that adults do. A baby from his or her first awakenings in the womb has an experience of being an "I" and, essentially, will respond from that place.

Babies in the womb and infants send and receive telepathic messages long before they can talk. They have an ability to psychically and energetically (clairvoyantly) see the whole picture or the actual truth of a person or situation and will respond to that psychological reality.

Jimmy's parents and grandparents had many ideas about what it meant to have a child and grandchild. They were not seeing Jimmy; they were seeing their ideas about him.

Jimmy was clairvoyantly perceiving and feeling their ideas and attitudes and was confused because of the lack of real communication. This is why he was afraid, insecure, and disoriented. His parents and grandparents were stuck in their ideas about him, so their energies were going into their ideas instead of connecting with this baby.

The good feelings toward Jimmy when he was in the hospital were no longer present. Jimmy's mother was depressed. She had hoped this baby would change her life and make her happy. There were many times during her pregnancy that she did feel happy and this gave her a sense of emotionally stability. She was missing that experience now and was expecting Jimmy to give those feelings to her, but that was not happening.

One month old

At four weeks, Jimmy had become a burden to his mother. She believed that he was demanding and required much attention that she did not want to give.

Jimmy's mother did not want to exercise her "giving muscle." She did not consciously know exactly why, but she was withdrawing from her son and seeing him as an "obligation." This left Jimmy confused and feeling alone in his present situation.

This was a point in time and there will probably be many "ups and downs" in Jimmy's experiences with his parents and grandparents.

How to Easily Get Pregnant? Fertility Boosting Foods

So many people ask me how to easily get pregnant. The fact is that it often isn't as easy to conceive as we wish it was. But, eating properly can help boost your fertility and some foods have certain energetic properties that may be just what you need to make your conception easier. The famous Nurses' Health Study from Harvard University's School of Medicine revealed that foods rich in trans-fats and refined sugar can make it difficult to get pregnant. Trans-fats aggravate ovulation-related fertility problems whereas refined sugar can cause your insulin levels to spike, which also affects ovulation. On the other hand, the same study also indicated that fertility-boosting foods like plant proteins, full-fat milk and dairy, and whole grains can do wonders for your fertility. Naturopathic, alternative, holistic and Eastern medicine also advise that certain foods have special qualities that help make the body ready to reproduce. Here are three foods that may help you do just that.

Pineapple for implantation

In the book "The Infertility Cure," author Randine Lewis suggests that women eat pineapple during the luteal phase because of its bromelain content. Bromelain is an enzyme that has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help pave the way for successful embryo implantation. Most of the bromelain is concentrated in the core of the pineapple, but you might want to stick to the flesh; too much bromelain is thought to bring on uterine contractions, which can trigger a miscarriage. The tart fruit is good enough to eat on its own, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy pineapple. You can make it into a cold shake for hot summer afternoons, or you can use pineapple chunks as an ingredient for a refreshing salad. Don't eat too much pineapple before the luteal phase though - the acidity of the fruit might affect your cervical mucus, which needs to be alkaline for sperm to survive.

Black strap molasses to treat fibroids

Uterine fibroids may be non-cancerous tumors in the uterus, but their very presence can be detrimental to fertility. Depending on their size and location, fibroids can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg and increase the risk of miscarriage. While most fibroids eventually shrink by themselves, it may help to try to speed up this process using natural methods when you want to get pregnant. One thing you can try is to increase your consumption of black strap molasses, the kind that you put on gingerbread. Black strap molasses contains iron and trace minerals that help alkalinize your body. This process discourages fibroid growth and may help existing ones shrink faster. Apple cider vinegar or baking soda can amplify its effects. If you don't like eating plain black strap molasses, use it as a substitute for sugar when baking.

Black sesame seeds to nurture fertility

According to experts of traditional Chinese medicine, the reproductive system is governed by the liver. When the liver has enough energy or "essence", your fertility is in top shape and you will not encounter any difficulties conceiving. But if your liver is deficient in essence, your reproductive functions become impaired. You can enhance your liver essence by eating foods like black sesame seeds, which you can find at many health related supermarkets and health food stores. Black sesame seeds can be eaten alone, mixed with salad greens for added texture, or used as an ingredient in baking. Try combining black sesame seeds with bread spread and using a little to top a whole wheat toast. Do not eat them to excess as too much of any food may not be helpful in easing your way to conception.

Fish Oil: The Essential Body Supplement

Benefits of Fish Oil

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel have fats that can produce fish oil. Fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are recommended by health-care professionals to be included in a individual's diet. Omega-3 acids are mainly docosahexaenoic acid or DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA. Omega- fatty acids are essential in cell building. It is important to get them from our diet since the body cannot produce this kind of acid. Research showed that Omega- 3 plays a significant role in brain and fetal development during pregnancy and infancy. Fish oil are believed and proven to provide numerous health benefits. Aside from this, there are also a lot of advantages by taking oil supplements.

Fish oil can:

• Improve brain development and memory. There are studies showing that DHA actually plays a major role in brain functions. Low levels of DHA can increase the risk of having Alzheimer's disease. Intake of fish oil during pregnancy is also recommended. According to a research conducted by the University of Western Australia showed that pregnant women who ingest fish oil supplement actually give birth to babies with better hand and eye coordination, better in speech and better cognitive development at the age of two and a half.

Aside from Alzheimer's disease, fish can also help in reducing the risk of other mental illnesses like depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children, dyspraxia, bipolar disorder and dyslexia.

• Reduce the risk of hear attack. Even if the DHA and EPA are fatty acids, they can reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. It helps in preventing blood clots in the heart. So aside from heart attacks,It is also important in reducing risks of coronary heart disease.

• Reduce the risk of cancer. Researches have shown that fish oil can help in reducing risks of developing breast, prostate and colon cancer. They stop the growth of cancerous cells and inhibit its growth. For postmenopausal women, those who consume more Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and mackerel or fish oil supplements are less likely to develop breast cancer.

• Reduce the effects or helping patients deal with lupus, arthritis, colitis and asthma. Its natural anti-inflammatory capabilities can reduce pain brought by inflammatory arthritis and gastritis.

• Help a lot during pregnancy. Not only does Omega-3 fatty acids and helps in he fetal brain development, it can also reduce the risk of giving early or premature birth, post-partum depression for mothers, allergic reactions among babies an low- birth weight. Not only does it helps in pregnancy, there are preliminary researches showing fish oil to aid in getting pregnant or fertility.

• Help improve the body overall. Fish oil can help in producing serotonin, the happy hormones. Happiness can help a lot of people deal with stress and other emotional issues which can totally improve a person's emotional and mental disposition. They can also revitalize and rejuvenate skin, reduce wrinkles, weight loss and improve eyesight. It is even said that fish oil can reduce acne and make your hair a lot better.The oil is very important in building a better you. But doctors and experts suggest in taking pharmaceutical grade oil supplements. The problem with eating too much fish can actually lead to mercury contamination.So, ask yourself, are you getting enough oil in your body? If not, then it is time to start making sure that you do that.

Fish oil can:

• Improve brain development and memory. There are studies showing that DHA actually plays a major role in brain functions. Low levels of DHA can increase the risk of having Alzheimer's disease. Intake f fish oil during pregnancy is also recommended. According to a research conducted by the University of Western Australia showed that pregnant women who ingest fish oil supplement actually give birth to babies with better hand and eye coordination, better in speech and better cognitive development at the age of two and a half.

Aside from Alzheimer's disease, fish oil can also help in reducing the risk of other mental illnesses like depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children, dyspraxia, bipolar disorder and dyslexia. There are studies showing that the lack polyunsaturated fatty acids can contribute to this disorder. This can also be the reason behind dyslexia. There were studies conducted among children, they were given fish oil supplements for the period of three months. These children showed significant improvements in behaviour, reading and spelling. They were also able to focus and concentrate more.

There were studies that showed that Omega-3 fatty acids had the same effects as Prozac which is a known anti-depressant. Studies showed that countries with high fish consumption have lower rates of depression. Aside from that, pregnant women and those who have just given birth who include fish in their diet regularly have lower risk of experiencing postpartum depression.

If you have decided to take the supplements to address these mental problems for yourself or for your kids or relatives, then it would be best to consult a doctor first. You would have to know how much you are going to take. Just like any vitamins or anything, when taken in excess it can have bad effects.Too much of the supplement can also cause some serious problems like oxidative stress. Some doctors would recommend taking Vitamin C along with the fish oil supplement. This would actually balance the nutrients that you are getting.Fish oil has amazing effects on our health and body, we just have to remember to keep it balanced with a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle. One of the reasons why people take these supplements is due to the various health benefits that they offer.It has long been known to contain essential fatty acids that are known to be very beneficial in maintaining one's good health. Here are some of those benefits.

Heart Disease One of the more common benefits that fish oil is known to offer people involves heart health. Various studies through the years have shown that the long chain omega 3 fatty acids contained in fish oil may help reduce the risk of heart diseases in humans. These essential fatty acids may also help lower LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream ad therefore help reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Not only that, omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil are also known to increase the levels of HDL, or good, cholesterol.

Prevent Inflammation One of the more beneficial properties of omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil is their anti-inflammatory effects on the body.It can be also used to prevent or reduce the inflammation of the tissues. Regular consumption of fish oil has been known to help those people who are suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases.It has also been known to be effective in treating certain gastrointestinal disorders as well as ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease.Arthritis Treatment Due to its good anti-inflammatory properties, fish oil is a good supplement that can help ease the pain brought about by arthritis and rheumatic.it's supplements can help reduce the use of NSAID's or Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs for treating such conditions. In osteoarthritis, fish oils prove helpful in trying to reduce the functions of certain enzymes that may destroy or damage cartilage tissues in the body.

Weight Loss Fish oil also proves beneficial for those people who are trying to lose weight. It sees that taking oil supplements may help a lot during the weight loss process. It has been known to improve the efficiency of exercise in trying to lose weight. Studies have shown that people who were given fish oil as part of their diet seem to lose weight more when exercising than those people under the same program but were not given fish oil in their diet.

Eye Disorders Another benefit that many experts have extolled on fish oil involves the treatment of certain eye disorders. Consuming it on a regular basis seems to help people avoid the effects of age related macular degeneration. More studies are being undertaken in order to prove further just how effective fish oil can be in trying to help people maintain good eye health.Skin Health Another known benefit associated with fish oil consumption is skin health.It is also known to contain nutrients that can help change dry and poorly maintained skin look shiny and glowing.It has also been known to be effective in treating other skin conditions such as eczema, skin lesions and rashes.It can be applied topically on the skin to help relieve the effects of psoriasis. Regular intake can also help retain moisture in the skin.

Your Ultimate Defense Against Silent Inflammation:

Silent inflammation has been linked to heart disease, cancer and dementia. It is a condition that occurs when the body's natural immune response goes awry. Silent inflammation is an inflammation without pain and it can continue undetected for years, continually assaulting your heart, arteries and even the brain - without you noticing it.According to Dr. Barry Sears, author of bestselling books "The Zone," high carbohydrate diet is the culprit to this kind of health situation. In his boos "The Anti-inflammation Zone," he had proposed taking supplements of high dose, ultra-refined fish oil as the best armor against inflammation.

The Japanese manage to maintain a state of wellness and away from silent inflammation by consuming copious amounts of fish. However, according to a research, the massive amounts of fish does not ensure them enough intake of omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil. Fish oil is ultimately the healthiest fat around because it has profiund anti-inflammatory properties. It has no long-term side effects and can even make you smarter.

The reason why high-dose fish oil is so effective is because it reduces arachodonic acid (AA) which is the building block of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. By taking it within 30 days,it will increase your levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Fish oil is the only dietary supplement that is supported by robust clinical studes by treating chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, immunological and inflammatory diseases, and neurological conditions like attention deficit disorder, depression, multiple sclerosis, and different types of dementia.However, taking oil fish as defenses to silent inflammation has a drawback, it might lead you to contamination. So in taking fish oil as dietary supplement, Dr. Barry Sears cautioned to ensure that its ultra-refined and use the SIP as guidance for exact dosage. On a scale of 1 to 10 for supplements, Dr. Sears give high-dose fish oil a 12. The EPA found in fish oil partially inhibits the activity of the delta-5 desaturase enzyme that makes AA.

This represents the primary anti-inflammatory effect of fish oil, he adds. To achieve a significant impact on AA production, a person must provide a lot of EPA. A high-dose fish oil, especially rich in EPA will likely lead you to success in reducing silent inflammation as reflected in the reduction of the AA/EPA ratio. The ratio can be measured by SIP.

The public and the mainstream medicine are starting to accept the importance of insulin control to well-being. Now is the perfect time to bring to public's attention the role of eicosanoids and the way high-dose it can manipulate them. Dr. Barry Sears that the role of fish oil in medical practice because it tells us that medical care is based primarily on the food we eat, not the drugs we take.Recent genetic research is forcing scientists to evaluate the value of fish oil in the evolution of modern humANS. It was genetic scientists who initiated the theory that consumption of high-dose fish oil was the reason why humans have the power to conquer the earth. A proper combination of insulin and high-dose pharmaceutical-grade of the oil may be the true miracle cure for the 21st century.It is so effective that having this dietary supplement is like having a miracle drug that has the perfect balance between eicosanoids with totally zero side effects.

• Reduce the risk of hear attack. Even if the DHA and EPA are fatty acids, they can reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. It helps in preventing blood clots in the heart. So aside from heart attacks, fish oil is also important in reducing risks of coronary heart disease.

• Reduce the risk of cancer. Researches have shown that can it will help in reducing risks of developing breast, prostate and colon cancer. They stop the growth of cancerous cells and inhibit its growth. For postmenopausal women, those who consume more Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and mackerel or fish oil supplements are less likely to develop breast cancer.

• Reduce the effects or helping patients deal with lupus, arthritis, colitis and asthma. Its natural anti-inflammatory capabilities can reduce pain brought by inflammatory arthritis and gastritis.

• Help a lot during pregnancy. Not only does Omega-3 fatty acids and It helps in the fetal brain development, it can also reduce the risk of giving early or premature birth, post-partum depression for mothers, allergic reactions among babies an low- birth weight. Not only does it helps in pregnancy, there are preliminary researches showing fish oil to aid in getting pregnant or fertility.

• Help improve the body overall. The oil can help in producing serotonin, the happy hormones. Happiness can help a lot of people deal with stress and other emotional issues which can totally improve a person's emotional and mental disposition. They can also revitalize and rejuvenate skin, reduce wrinkles, weight loss and improve eyesight. It is even said that fish oil can reduce acne and make your hair a lot better.Fish is very important in building a better you. But doctors and experts suggest in taking pharmaceutical grade of oil supplements. The problem with eating too much fish can actually lead to mercury contamination.So, ask yourself, are you getting enough fish oil in your body? If not, then it is time to start making sure that you do.

Fish Oil Effects That You Can Avoid: There has been a lot of buzz about fish oil and its benefits. Researches and studies have proved the numerous health benefits that fish oil can give. But every coin has two sides. So, is it possible for something beneficial like fish oil, to have bad effects, as well? Yes, it is possible.

If you have fish oil capsules or liquid at home, then you would have to make sure that it would not be exposed to heat, light and oxygen. When exposed for too long,it would get oxidized and would get bad. Once the oil gets bad, it would lose its nutritional value. Aside from that, bad fish oil and fatty acids are said to contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases.Minor side effects of fish oil would include a fishy aftertaste, diarrhea, and fishy burps. Some would report nose bleeding as a side effect of fish oil intake. Aside from this, you would have to be conscious with vitamin A, E and D. Accumulated or large doses of these vitamins can eventually lead to poisoning.There are also serious side effects of fish oil. If these side effects happen to you, it is best to consult a health care professional. You would have to stop taking fish oil supplements or it could mean other serious ailments.

Fish is said to increase the risk of bleeding, especially gastrointestinal bleeding. So if you would notice red blood on your stool and vomiting blood, the consult a health care professional immediately. Serious effects could also include hemorrhagic stroke or bleeding in the brain. Common symptoms would include vision and speech changes, numbness or loss of strength in the limbs and frequent and painful headaches.If you have diabetes, then it would also be better to check with your doctor if taking fish oil supplements is safe. Taking fish oil supplements can sometimes result to hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. Be watchful or conscious of allergic reactions. Symptoms that you are allergic with oil supplements which includes rashes, itching, swelling, wheezing and difficulty in breathing or swallowing.

To avoid the minor side effects, you can take the oil supplement along with your meal. This would get rid of the aftertaste and make it easier to digest. It is less likely for you to experience abdominal or stomach pain. There are few who keep their supplements refrigerated. It is said that keeping them frozen or cold would help lessen gastrointestinal problems or side-effects.

Too much is always not good. The problem is we do not how much is too much. There is maximum amount that an individual should take. But there is a recommended amount, for male it is 1600 mg while women are recommended to have 1100 mg.As mentioned, we should be cautious with Vitamin A,E, and D overdose. How do we deal with this?Read the labels. Know what kind of supplement you are taking. You have to know if the oil supplements you are taking exceed the recommended level. To avoid an overdose of Vitamin A and D, avoid using fish oil that includes the internal organs like liver.

Fish oil is something that can very essential in improving our physical and mental health as long as it is taken in recommended doses and amounts. Let us remember that fish oil is not a magic pill that would immediately remove us of any ailments and pains. It's effects can be gradually noticed over time.

How Fish Oil Can Benefit Your Health:

Oil are extracted fats from fish, a concentrated solution of omega-3 EFAs. It is the best source of omega-3 EFAs. You could add more omega-3 EFAs to your diet in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The richest plant sources of ALA are the leaves and seeds of the perilla plants common in North America, Japan, Korea, China and Vietnam.

Green plants and algae also contain ALA as well as linseed oil. However, fats or oil from fish is considered the most important dietary source of omega-3 EFAs because it has concentrated amounts of the ALA derivatives EPA and DHA. These two nutrients are found almost exclusively in seafood.

Eating fish on a regular basis has its own risk as you are can never be sure if the fish you are eating has no toxins on it such as mercury and PCBs. During the manufacture of fish oils, toxins are eliminated. The supplements are meticulously purified to remove heavy metals such as mercury, lead, PCBs and other toxins as well as to reduce the incidence of rancidity and improve the taste and quality of the fish.These makes fish as safe and effective food supplement. A 1-gram fish oil capsule contains about 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA. An intake of three 1-gram capsules would provide 0.9 gram (900 mg) of EPA and DHA. This means it comply the daily dosage recommended by the American Heart Association. However, you should always bear in mind that fish oil supplements are basically dietary supplements, not drugs.Studies shows that many people are getting too much of the wrong kinds of fats found in animals (saturated fats) and vegetables (polyunsaturated fats), and need the fish oil to "balance" the family of fat nutrients. Intake of the wrong kinds of fats should be lowered to total 20 to 30 percent of daily calorie serving while fats found in the oils of certain fish should be appreciably increased.

Fish oil prevents and/or alleviates heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis and migraine, headaches, may be protective against cancer, immune deficiency diseases, kidney disease and others.It also have two special nutrients that protect the heart and arteries, reduce pain, inflammation and swelling, and protect cell membranes. Omega-3 EFAs found in oily fishes are believed to be essential for the healthy development of brain, retina, and nervous tissue among fetus and infant.During pregnancy these fatty acids are transferred from the mother's tissues to the fetus. However, the FDA has strict guidelines on eating fish during pregnancy because of the possibility of mercury or other toxic substances that may contain in fishes and the best solution is to take fish oil as food supplement

Over the past 30 years more than 7,000 scientific studies have provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of fish oil and omega-3 EFAs in the prevention and treatment of our most common diseases. Hundreds of clinical trials support the efficacy of fish oil's omega-3 essential fatty acids in preventing, mitigating, and remedying an incredible range of health conditions. Some scientific and medical communities however are resisting to these facts and still support pharmacological treatment.

As a traditional dietary supplement that encourages good health,it is a preventive medicine but as a natural alternative to NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other pharmacological and medical treatments, it is complementary medicine.With all the undergoing studies to prove its affectivity, fish is on the threshold of crossing over into traditional Western medicine.

How Fish Oil Can Cure Inflammation:

Inflammation occurs as our body's natural protective response to fend off any outside aggressors and to begin the process of healing. Its effect on our tissues usually involves pain, heat and redness. However, there are some cases that this outward effect is not visible.

Inflammation is a double-edges sword; its effect can be helpful or harmful depending on the circumstances. When an inflammation is in chronic state, devastating consequences are likely to happen like arthritis, heart disease or stroke. It usually happens when the cause of inflammation is continually reintroduced or if the acute inflammatory response is not able to eliminate it. This situation is very likely to happen nowadays because of our exposure to implausible amounts of toxins.

Some of these toxins can be avoided like poor food choices, smoking, and prolonged sun exposure. While some things arise from things from things we don't have control like genetics, accidents and pollution. Inasmuch as there are factors you can't help being exposed to unnecessary and harmful factors detrimental to your good health, you can also take food supplements effective in strengthening your body against the sometimes lethal effect of inflammation. The most effective food supplement according to recent studies happens to be fish oil.

The prevalence of destructive or chronic inflammation among Western countries makes it imperative for many specialists to deal with preventive measures. The reason behind this is that the Western population is more exposed to stress, obesity and poor health in general. Many pharmacological anti-inflammatory drugs offer reduction of inflammation, however, long-term medication have potentially lethal side effects.

So what is your safest option if you have inflammation? Research on alternative medicines revealed that certain dietary supplements can help reduce levels of pro-inflammatory factors, with significantly lower side effects. One of these dietary supplements is the essential fatty acids or EFAs.

Essential fatty acids are necessary for various aspects of normal physiology like: mediating immune response, regulating bodily secretions and their viscosity, dilating and constricting blood vessels, regulating collateral circulation, directing endocrine hormones to their target cells, regulating smooth muscles and autonomic reflexes, being primary constituents of cell membranes, regulating the rate of cell division, maintaining the fluidity and rigidity of cellular membranes, regulating the flow of substances into and out from cells, transporting oxygen from red blood cells to the tissues, maintaining proper kidney function and fluid balance, keeping saturated fats mobile in the bloodstream, preventing blood clots, mediating the release of inflammatory eicosanoids that may trigger allergic conditions, and regulating nerve transmission and communication. (Source: Fish Oil: The Natural Anti-inflammatory by Joseph C. Maroon and Jeffrey Bost, 2006, page 39).

For this reason, it is very important for over-all health to have a regular intake of foods rich in omega-6 or omega-3 EFAs. The omega-3 pathway, activated by trauma, injury, or chemical stimulus, is the process of converting the omega-3 EFAs found in the cell membranes to various eicosanoids. If the omega-3 EFA components of the cell membranes become dominant, an anti-inflammatory state can result, with preventive health benefits.

Fish is the best source of the omega-3 essential fatty acids. But why fish oil, you might ask? The needed nutrients can also be found in green plants; algae (phytoplankton); leaves and seeds of the perilla plants; and linseed oil but fish oil is considered the most important dietary source of omega-3 EFAs because it contains concentrated amounts of the ALA derivatives with APA and DHA.

The two mentioned nutrients can almost exclusively found in seafood. Fish contains high amount of EPA and DHA because they are at the top of food chain based on algae, a single-marine organism that manufactures huge amount of EPA and DHA.

Surprising Benefits Of Using Fish Oil:

The known benefits of fish oil are not just limited to the more common conditions. Of course, many people have already known how using fish oil may help improve skin health and reduce the risk of heart disease. But there are also surprising benefits that it seem to offer to those who regularly consume them. Here are just some of them.

Depression And Anxiety People may not be aware of it, but fish seems to help put people in a good mood. In fact, many studies have shown that fish oil may be beneficial in trying to help treat depression and anxiety in people. Thanks to the omega 3 fatty acids contained in fish, it seems a good means to relieve anxiety, depression, stress and sadness in people.

Fish seems to have good mood stabilizing properties that make them quite interesting as a treatment for depression and other related conditions. Evidence suggests that countries where oily fish such as salmon is regularly eaten also seem to have low incidence of depression. Similar studies involving prisoners have also shown that having them on a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids resulted in a significant drop in homicide rates. Although more studies may be needed in order for such findings to be conclusive, it already shows some good evidences of the other surprising benefits of fish oil.

Cancer Fighter It may seem quite surprising enough that fish oil may also benefit patients with certain forms of cancer. Preliminary studies have shown that fish oil may be useful in trying to delay the weight loss in people suffering from pancreatic cancer. Still further research may be needed to solidify this claim as well as how oily fish may affect certain types of cancers.

Type II Diabetes Some studies also have shown positive findings on the effect of fish oil in Type II diabetes. Since people suffering from this form of diabetes are also prone to developing diseases such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis and stroke, medical experts believe that taking fish oil supplements may also help in trying to reduce such risks in diabetics. Some studies have already shown that fish oil may also be effective in lowering triglyceride levels in people with diabetes.

Pregnancy Fish oil might also be able to help women bear healthier children. Taking the oil supplements may help pregnant women ensure the healthy development of their child while still in the womb. The DHA found in fish oil is known to help babies undergo healthy eye and brain development. Pregnant women who are also taking the oil supplements run fewer risks of having premature births, miscarriage or delivering babies with low birth weights. As an added benefit, pregnant women who regularly take fish oil supplements run lesser risks of getting into depression following the baby's delivery.

Fertility Fish oil supplements may also help in improving fertility. In a study done on male boars, those who were fed with a diet rich in fish oils were able to show better sperm quality. After ejaculation, the sperm from the boars fed with fish oil seem to resist the effects of lipid peroxidative attacks in the female boar genital tract, giving the sperm higher chances of conception.

The Benefits of Fish Oil Supplements: The benefits of fish oil supplements should not be outweighed the need to understand how these supplements should work or provide essential nutrients for the human body.

Although it is a general notion for nutrition experts to insist on regular food as the common and most basic source of vitamins and minerals important for the human body, oil supplements, be it in liquid or solid form, are needed to ensure a holistic enrichment and nourishment for the body.

Fish oil supplementation is ideally beneficial by providing for what the regular or daily diet may not provide, it can also be a preventive measure against diseases and illnesses.

Essentially, fish supplements are meant to complement a diet, not as a substitute for it, as what many believe to be the case. Since plant foods still contain many nutrients, among them phytochemicals, that still cannot be substituted or generated through synthetic means.

Why the need for fish oil supplements? Take for instance these circumstances;

Infants that are being breast-fed need to have their regular source of iron, especially when they reach their four to six months, since breast milk only provides little iron. This is where iron supplementation comes in with baby milk formula or alternative sources like fortified cereal meals or baby food.

Children also need fluoride supplementation to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.

Pregnant women need multivitamin-mineral supplementation, to ensure that their nutrient levels are met for the development of the fetus inside the womb. Among those that need supplementation are increased levels of folate to prevent birth defects, as well as increased amounts of vitamins like B6.

You Gotta Love Fish Oil

One has gotta love fish oil. If you think that I'm kidding then go pick it up. Those who shun fishes like mackerel, tuna and salmon due to some personal and at times even weird preferences might have second thoughts, by going for fresh fish which has oil in them for vit. B6 supplement for your good health to come up.

How to Cure the Baby Blues

There are few things as joyful as the birth of a baby. Nine months of preparation, anticipation and planning for the future. During this time, the mothers body has gone through several changes, both physically and hormonally. Although these changes are perfectly normal, over half of all women experience mood-related symptoms following childbirth which usually disappears in a few weeks. In approximately one our of eight, the symptoms can last for several weeks or months.

Having a baby is a great responsibility that requires a commitment of 24/7. From the moment a child is born, your life completely changes. No longer can your needs come first. The needs of the child will always take precedent. This drastic lifestyle change, coupled with great responsibility and further enhanced by hormones, can be devastating. The strain may occasionally become overwhelming.

In 10% to 20% of births, the mother may experience what is termed as postpartum depression. In these cases, the birth is not considered a joyful event. The mother suffers feelings ranging from extreme melancholy to anger and fear. Postpartum depression stems from a condition known as perinatal mood disorder, which can manifest during the pregnancy or after the birth. This form of depression has several possible symptoms.

1. You may stop eating altogether or have an insatiable appetite.
2. Sleeping constantly or suffering from insomnia.
3. Anxiety or inability to function.
4. Feelings of shame or guilt.
5. Little or no concern for the baby.
6. Negative feelings toward the baby.
7. Inability to feel happiness with anything you do.
8. Thoughts of hurting your baby.
9. Thoughts of hurting yourself.
10. Thoughts of death or suicide.

Postpartum depression makes it difficult to function well, which includes bonding with your baby. It can cause the baby to have slower in behavior, language, and mental development, which makes it important to get treatment early. The earlier you are treated, the quicker your recovery, the lower your chances of repeat depression, and the less your baby's development will be affected by your condition.

In rare cases dangerous postpartum psychosis symptoms may occur. This includes hallucinations, feeling detached and having urges to hurt oneself or others. These symptoms tend to affect women who have bipolar disorder or have had postpartum psychosis in the past.

Postpartum depression may also cause a strain on the parents relationship. Having a baby can be isolating and self absorbing for the mother. Many couples do not survive the effects of postpartum depression, and the divorce statistics are high within the first years following birth.

3 Effective Exercise After Giving Birth to Lose the Weight?

Regular exercise after giving birth provides so many health benefits to the new mother. One of the most important is that it makes you feel good. A happy woman is likely to be a happy mother. Some muscles in your body are directly affected more than others during pregnancy. In order to bring them back into good shape, you will have to start doing some physical exercising.

You may be wondering how to begin a fitness program or what kind of exercises will help you get back into your pre-natal shape. The good news is that you can become fit and healthy by doing little and low-impact exercises. Below are three physical activities that can help you rebuild your good shape. A word of warning before you continue, consult your doctor before you begin any exercise program. Your doctor will advise you on the time to begin, and at what pace to do it.

1. Brisk Walking
This is one of the more simple forms of exercising. You may see it as a normal activity that you do on a daily basis but its health benefits are wonderful. To begin this exercise, get a good pair of fitness shoes that fit you perfectly well and some comfortable fitness clothing. You can either do the walking on a treadmill at home or you can do it around your neighborhood. Walk for about 10-20 minutes daily. Take it easy with yourself by doing your activities slowly. Include stretching in your workout to help improve your muscles. You can do this before and after the brisk walking. Let your breathing be natural and through your nose. To make your walking interesting and fun, go out with your baby in a stroller. This will inspire you to stick to your exercises after giving birth.

2. Bicycling
Riding is another form of exercise that can help you get back in shape after giving birth. Like brisk walking, you can do your riding around your neighborhood for about 10-20 minutes daily. Remember to begin at a slower pace before you increase the intensity. Alternatively, you can use a stationary bicycle in the comfort of your own home.

3. Swimming
This exercise will help improve your cardiovascular system, relax your body and also help reduce post-natal depression and stress. When swimming, don't dive into the pool. Swim slowly from one point of the pool to another. Increase the rate at which you swim when you get used to this activity.

What Are the Effects of Economic Depression on an Individual and Family?

Economic Depression can affect an individual, a family, a community, a nation and even the world.

Effects of Economic Depression -

1. Industries & businesses suffer a great loss during a great depression. To cope with this loss, generally industries reduce their labor force. This minimizes their expenses to a great extent. Economic crisis can lead many businesses even to bankruptcy. In this way, Depression Generates massive unemployment.

2. Economic Recession lasts a very bad impact on a functioning society. Due to high unemployment rates, many people don't get jobs. This increases social degradation like prostitution, crime, robbery, and movement of people from one place to another place.

3. Depression brings degradation in social services also. During normal economic conditions many people rely on different forms of government services. People can rely upon different government schemes until that get another job. Economic Depression makes a large portion of society unemployed. It makes a great pressure on services provided by the government. It becomes very difficult for the government to provide those services for a large number of people. Economic Depression Brings a drop down in tax revenues given by both businesses and government employees.

4. Due to Economic Depression an individual has to deal with great debts and carries a very little saving. Credit cards debt has become very common among American citizens and other countries of the world. Figures show that an average consumer own nine credit cards. Statistics show that 70% of houses are mortgaged & 23% of people have loan on their homes.

Please Mum, Can I Have Some More?

It's dinner time. Everyone is seated at the table. The entrée this evening is grilled chicken, wild rice and delicious, fresh mixed veggies. You've been slaving in the kitchen for who knows how long to make sure dinner is delicious, healthy and pleasing to the eye. And your kids want nothing to do with it. Depending on your parenting style, there are a few ways the rest of the scenario plays out: bargaining, force-feeding, table dismissal or downright pleading with your kids so they'll get a little fat on their bones. Sound familiar?

If you're tired of the evening (or morning or afternoon) battle of the wills over what's on the table, perhaps it's time for a different approach. Anyone who has ever observed a child knows that they cooperate much better when they have a say in the matter. This is especially true with food. Children, like all humans, need to feel valued and most are eager to share their opinions when someone asks. So, rather than bearing the burden yourself, get some help from the kids and they'll be much more likely to devour what you prepare.

Make a menu
Making a menu is a really fun way for your kids to be involved in meal planning. This may be something that you do already, but involving your kids can turn a mundane task into a fun learning opportunity. Little kids, especially can use this as a fun craft time and create their own restaurant-style menu so they can visualize their choices and feel more involved. Sit down at the table together and brainstorm. What are your favorite meals? What are theirs? Maybe your kids love to eat squash but you rarely buy it or maybe they'd be more willing to eat corn if it was served with mashed potatoes instead of the rice that usually goes with it.

This will be a great time to research new recipes together and try out something new. Listening to each other is key so you'll know exactly what healthy foods they enjoy. This doesn't mean that you have to only eat what they want, but why not let them plan an entire meal once a week? If it's not as healthy as you want it to be, so what, that's what the rest of the week is for. A little give goes a long way.

Cook together
This requires some patience. Depending on the size of your offspring, their level of involvement can range from pouring some stuff into a bowl, to full preparation of a side dish. Not only does this give you some fun bonding time together, but they'll also be learning. This is a good time to practice reading and fractions. Not to mention the fact that cooking is an extremely valuable skill that all people should master before leaving the nest. Most kids take pride in things they've made and are eager to share it with others; food is no exception. Just prepare yourself before you start - this will probably not go as quickly or as cleanly as you would like. But it will all be worth it when they dig into their special dish and you don't have to nag about eating "just one more bite."

Grow your own
Not only do kids like to cook their own food, but they like to grow their own food. Nurturing a seed into a delicious, healthy vegetable provides a sense of pride and accomplishment. They'll be excited to see the whole cycle of seed to food. Not only that, but fresh produce usually tastes so much better than food that has been trucked in from hundreds of miles away. That boost in flavor alone might just whet your children's' appetite for more greens. If growing outside isn't possible, research indoor growing at the library together. Or take them grocery shopping and give them their own list of items to hunt for. This is a great time to teach them about smart shopping and staying within a budget. Learning opportunities abound when kids are included in household decisions.

Whether it's a short trip to the grocery store or a fun, menu-making craft at the table, getting kids involved in family meals is a snap. Not only will it be a learning opportunity for them but it can be a great stress-reducer for you when they eagerly eat the meal that they helped to prepare. They might not devour peas and onions just yet, but with time, I'm sure you'll notice a change in attitude at the family table.

Reiki and Miracle Pregnancies

Reiki is quite popular and most people commonly experience during Reiki treatment a sense of peace and relaxation, often combined with a pleasant sense of security and of being enveloped by a faint wave of energy. But even this is not experienced at all times. Therefore, this might be used for those wanting miracle pregnancies.

It is a form of Japanese or Asian medicine. When someone is treated with Reiki, they are taken back to a state of unification with the harmony of the universe. This harmony, which is capable of reaching the smallest of its cells allows it to become full and healthy again, thus enhancing the woman's natural ability to heal itself. Thus, it is beneficial to couples with infertility problems looking for miracle pregnancies. Reiki is both powerful and gentle. Often, when energy levels are low or blocked, the immune system is weakened and more susceptible to disease.

Reiki energizes women preparing for miracle pregnancies on several levels simultaneously:

-In the physical plane through the warmth of hands
-On the mental plane through the thoughts
-On the emotional level through love

Reiki can be used by those hoping to conceive as it can help relieve pain and illness. Not only may it help in achieving miracle pregnancies, but it can also help in skin problems, flu, fatigue, backache and headaches. This form of Japanese medicine is based on allowing the body to correct itself, heal itself, and provide strength to the immune system to help the body fight disease. Reiki helps the body to help restore physical balance by removing blockages. Some women may fail to get pregnant or achieve miracle pregnancies because of a blockage in their fallopian tubes. Reiki can also rid the body of toxins that have been stored.

Reiki encourages the examination of the woman's emotional life, releasing negative emotions while collecting positive and love, and self-confidence. Reiki flows to where it is needed in a healthy, balanced and natural way. Imbalances in the body can affect the health and can be caused by many situations that occur in our lives, such as emotional or physical trauma, negative thoughts and feelings such as fear, anxiety, worry, doubt or anger, nutritional depletion, destructive lifestyle behavior, bad relationships, and self-neglect. Many doctors who are not naturopathic will also tell you how important your emotional and mental health can be for your physical health.

When women are hoping to achieve miracle pregnancies and receive Reiki during pregnancy, she will find this is beneficial for herself and the baby who will develop when it is conceived. The steps within this form of Asian medicine can help women receive the strength and health as they continue to try for miracle pregnancies. Thus, it can also be used when it is time to give birth, as it helps develop labor more naturally and stress-free.

Trying to Get Pregnant? - 5 Natural & Herbal Tips You Can Immediately Use Which Are Often Overlooked

An estimated 14 to 20 percent of couples will suffer with some form of infertility. There are numerous causes for infertility in women including blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis or ovulation problems. In men, a low sperm count or low sperm motility could also contribute to difficulties in getting pregnant.

Here are 5 Natural tips that are often overlooked and provide you with effective herbal remedies and suggestions on how to get pregnant.

1. Organic Fertility Teas

There are delicious herbal teas designed especially for trying-to-conceive women. They are designed to support overall reproductive health, encourage hormonal balance, and optimize your chances of conceiving. Chasteberry (Vitex), Green Tea, Ladies Mantle, Nettle Leaf and many more natural remedies are often overlooked in western civilizations but are still very much practiced in eastern societies.

2. Sperm Friendly Lubricant

Some over the counter lubricants are not fertility-friendly. In many cases they act as a barrier and prevent sperm from reaching their destination for conception. There are now companies which offer lubricants specifically designed for trying-to-conceive couples. They work as well as other lubricants but actually mimic your natural fluids to create a helpful environment for sperm.

3. Folic Acid

Folic acid is important if you are planning to become pregnant. It has been observed that folic acid is one of the best stimulants of sex hormones in women. This will enhance your chances on a healthy pregnancy. Although folic acid can be found in many foods such as fortified cereals, citrus fruits, beans, spinach, broccoli and collard greens, it is difficult to achieve the 400 micrograms (mcg) or 0.4 milligrams (mg) per day which is usually recommended. A diet high in folic acid will not only help you conceive, it will also help you deliver a healthy baby.

4. Relaxation and Meditation

Many women are sceptical when advised to implement relaxation and meditation into their daily routines to improve their fertility. We all lead very busy lives and find it difficult if not impossible to carve out quiet time. Our body needs to relax and find peace within for everything to be in balance. This includes our reproductive organs and hormonal balance. The additional stress you are putting on yourself worrying about when you will conceive, or why you are not conceiving is working to your detriment, not your benefit. Make time to relax and meditate and you will find your mind and body will reward you.

5. Don't Wait Until The Day You Ovulate To Have Sex

Having sex before ovulation can greatly increase your chances of pregnancy. Many women wait until they are ovulating thinking they have a small window of opportunity each month to get pregnant. After a woman ovulates, the egg will survive approximately 24 hours. Sperm, on the other hand, will live for up to three to five days. This is why having sex two to three days before ovulation can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Start Reducing Postpartum Belly Fat In 4 Easy Steps

New mothers can learn how to reduce unwanted postpartum belly fat and improve overall health in only 4 steps. Read about some healthy living information you can start using right away.

Step 1: Nutritional Supplements

Good nutritional supplements are a wonderful insurance policy, especially when combined with healthy eating habits. In today's modern world we can't all be farmers and grow all our own food fresh in our back yard. Almost all of our food goes through some sort of processing, or at the very least, some waiting around before getting to our table.

Especially for fruits and vegetables, waiting means losing nutrients. For this reason it's very difficult to get all the nutrients your body needs through food alone, but combining proper nutrition with nutritional supplements is very powerful.

The one supplement everyone including new moms should be taking for sure is a good multi vitamin and mineral. Eating well is crucial, but a quality multivitamin and mineral supplement can assure you that you're getting all the nutrients your body needs. This is especially important if you are nursing your new little one.

Step 2: Nutrition

Most people these days know that good nutrition is important, but it's especially important for new mothers to get the right nutrition. You really are what you eat, and if you're a nursing mom, your baby is what you eat too.

Make the commitment to gradually improve your eating habits, eating more fresh and unprocessed foods and less of foods that are processed. It sounds overly simplistic, but it really works. Sweets don't have to be completely off your list, but reserve them for special occasions, and then, keep your indulgence to just a taste or a small serving.

Develop the habit of reading the labels of the foods you're buying. Avoid anything that's more than 50% fat, and watch out for salt. Even some innocent-looking crackers can pack quite a wallop in the fat and salt department, so be sure to educate yourself.

You may think it requires superhuman willpower to avoid all those delicious unhealthy snacks, but you'll be amazed at what how much better you'll feel when you start to eat better. Your body will love all the sweet fruits and good foods it's getting, and it will want you to keep improving your nutrition. Your body will reward you with greater energy and vitality in a very short period of time.

Step 3: Exercise

When it comes to improved health, many people leave out the final piece of the puzzle - exercise. There are so many benefits of exercising. Some of these are stronger bones, increased vitality, improved sleep and higher libido - so it's a very simple choice to start doing it.

Make it your goal to exercise 3-5 times a week with a combination of strength work and cardio exercise (but make it less than 1 hour per workout session). Work at a moderate pace. You should still be able to carry on a conversation while exercising, so don't overdo it, especially when you're just beginning.

Unfortunately, you can't spot-exercise away that postpartum belly fat and flabby abs. In fact if you work your abs too much you'll actually make your stomach bigger. Do some crunches and other traditional abs exercises, but in moderation.

A more effective abs exercise is to draw the stomach all the way in towards the spine, hold for 10 seconds, and let it out slowly. Repeat this 10 times. This will tone those muscles so that when the fat is gone, you'll reveal lovely, flat ab muscles.

If you add 3 pounds of muscle to your body, this added muscle will burn as many calories as if you ran 1 mile. Muscle burns calories, even at rest! So the more lean muscle your body has, the faster you'll burn off the fat. Grab those weights and start lifting!

Step 4: Stress Management and Sleep

Getting a good night's sleep each night, plus managing stress, are essential for good health. With a new baby, getting a full night's sleep can be pretty difficult; so make it a point to nap when the baby naps. If that's not workable for you, recruit someone to care for the baby while you get your rest.

Your body uses its sleep time to repair itself, and your mind needs that time to rest as well. Try to get 7 to 9 hours' worth of sleep per night. Two good ways to help ensure you get all the shut-eye you need are to get plenty of exercise, and avoid eating late at night. Your body can rest much better when it doesn't have a heavy meal to contend with as well.

Until you find a way to manage your stress, it will continue doing damage to your body. Here are two tips that should help: Every morning, prioritize your day. Plan to accomplish what's most important. If something isn't critical, it can wait. Your main focus right now is the baby. The other tip is to practice deep breathing exercises. Just stopping and focusing on deep breathing for a few minutes can work wonders for stress reduction.

Now that you have the basics, you can find out more for yourself. Find out what works for you, and build upon those findings. If you're consistent and have a little patience, that belly will shrink away in no time. Good luck and enjoy that beautiful baby.

The Secrets in Having a Healthy and Happy Baby

The bond between a mother and her baby starts at the moment of conception. This is the stage where they begin to respond to each other. What a mother feels has a direct effect on her baby. Her actions and reactions at this point can affect the development of her unborn baby. It is advised that during pregnancy, the mother must constantly feel happy and content so that the baby will feel the same way. This is where the role of a father starts. While women are responsible for the overall development of the unborn child, men must ensure the emotional stability of their partner. It is primarily their responsibility to love, to care, to secure and to understand their partner.

There are several ways to ensure your baby's good health and happiness even at the stage of pregnancy.

1. Think Happy Thoughts. Keeping a positive attitude on things while conceiving is important. A mother and her baby do share the same emotions. This is because of the hormones that are connecting the mother and her baby. The hormonal imbalances due to emotions and a mother's feelings will be shared to her baby as well.

2. Watch the tone of your voice. A baby would not be able to decipher what an action means but would depend on facial expression. In the same way, an unborn child responds to voice tone rather than speech. A baby can feel the love and care when talking in a loving tone. Studies show that instrumental and lullabies can even help relax an unborn child.

3. Take good care of yourself. The health and development of the baby is dependent on the mother. By taking good care of yourself, you are also taking care of your little one.

The big question that goes out to all the couples would be, "Are you ready to take care of your delicate little baby?" Having all the help you can get is important at this stage. There are pregnancy books that will share tips and techniques in caring for yourself and your baby - Not only while conceiving but also after you give birth. A highly recommended sample of a book under this category would be "Pregnancy Miracle". It provides a step by step procedure of everything you need to know from ways to conceive naturally to having a healthy and happy baby.

Risks to Avoid During Early Pregnancy

Week by week your pregnant body will be changing and working extra hard to cope, so it makes sense to take extra care of yourself and avoid unnecessary risks especially in the first trimester. But don't be alarmed by the multitude of scare stories you mat hear. In reality, there is no reason why, with a bit of extra care and some common sense lifestyle changes, you can't sail through your pregnancy without putting either your baby or yourself in danger.

Here are some of the risks to avoid:-

Smoking

It's preferable for you and your partner to give up smoking before getting pregnant, but it should certainly be done as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. Smoking in pregnancy has been linked to premature birth and low-birth weight babies and to babies developing respiratory illnesses and it increases the risk of cot death.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can harm your baby. There is no safe limit, so it really is best to stop drinking altogether. If you do drink alcohol during pregnancy the Department of Health advice is to limit yourself to one or two standard units of alcohol once or twice a week (one standard pub measure of wine, half pint of cider, beer or lager) and NEVER binge drink (more than five standard measures).

Caffeine

Drinking over 200mg of caffeine a day can increase the risk of low birth weight babies and miscarriage.

Certain foods

P璽t矇, peanuts, under-cooked eggs and blue-vein or mould-ripened crust cheeses can be hazardous to your baby.

Toxoplasmosis

This is a parasite that lives in unpasteurised milk and cheeses, under-cooked meat, soil grown vegetables and cat faeces. It can also be caught through contact with lambing. It's only a problem if you become infected with it for the first time while you are pregnant and can cause miscarriage, birth defects and stillbirth.

Avoid the foods listed above, wear gloves to change cat litter, do the gardening or if lambing. Always cook meat thoroughly and wash all fruit and vegetables.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines

It is best to avoid all drugs during the first 3 months, unless they are for a pre-existing medical condition, such as asthma, and have been prescribed by your GP.

Abdominal x-rays

All x-rays use radiation, which can harm your baby so they must only be used in situations where your condition is life-threatening. Dental x-rays are considered safe, but you must always tell your dentist you are pregnant.

Chickenpox and other viral diseases

Most adults have had chickenpox in childhood and are therefore immune to the disease. If chickenpox is caught in pregnancy there is a risk to both mother and baby. Viral diseases such as measles and slap cheek syndrome may affect your pregnancy and your unborn baby so always seek immediate medical advice if you have had contact with these.

So You Are Ready To Be First Time Grandparents

My husband and I just became grandparents. It is a learning experience finding out what our roles are. My daughter and son-in-law live with us as well as my granddaughter. Finding out what your boundaries are is a balancing act. You have a mother who is super protective of her baby and wants the best care for her baby. This is good. Sometimes they sound so ridiculous, but you have to listen.

My rule of thumb has been to back off from the parents and the baby, letting them bond. There are brief times I want to hold her, but my daughter just rolls her eyes at me. I talk to the baby as if I was having a conversation and you can hear her saying she is crazy-although they do it too. I guess they are not used to me talking so infantile. They do not realize they do it too. I just ignore it.

The reason I am writing this article is for new grandparents out there who are learning to become grandparents. There are a few suggestions I have about becoming the best grandparent you can be.

繚 Do not overstep your welcome. Stay long enough to get a taste of your grandchild and let your child decide how much involvement they want you to have. As the child gets older, you may be spending more time with your grandchild.

繚 Show concern and take an interest in your grandchild. Ask how the doctor's visit went, but do not harp on it. Your child may tell you something or they may not want to discuss it with you. My daughter thinks I should already know how it went. She does not realize that I am truly interested in how to clear her clogged tear duct or how much she weighs or how long she is now. Again they may not want to discuss this with you. Give them their privacy and let them tell you in their own time. Maybe they want to discuss it with their spouse first. Maybe they feel it is something they are responsible for-when it is not and they are afraid of what you will think.

繚 Always ask if you can pick up their child. Maybe they are trying to get their child on a schedule or trying to break a habit from the baby being held all the time. Maybe they are getting ready to feed the baby. Maybe they want their husband to take a role in doing something with the baby-changing the baby's diaper, learning how to quiet a crying baby, having the baby learn a connection with their daddy.

繚 Do not assume anything. Maybe your child wants help, but they do not know how to ask you for their help. Let them figure it out. They may be embarrassed to know they need your help. They want to be as independent as possible.

繚 Do not give advice unless it is solicited. They are still trying to show their independence from you and they are making their own family unit and working on things on their own.

繚 When you listen to your co-workers tell how wonderful it is to be a grandparent, do not despair. Their grandchildren are older and their children use them as baby sitters and then your children may be at a different stage in their life-they may want your help and advice.

繚 Give this union between you and your grandchild a chance to grow. Do not rush it. The wait is worth it.

Why am I telling you this? I am trying to tell you we need to set boundaries between ourselves, our children, and our grandchild. It is important. I have seen grandparents rush in and take over the mother's roll and that is not giving your child respect. You are overstepping your boundaries. Now there are instances where you need to take over-the mother has postpartum depression/psychosis. The baby is really sick and the parents need respite. Use your best judgment and let your children tell you how much help they may or may not need. Let this early stage in the newborn's life be a sacred space. Your time will come. At least that is what I hear.

Navigating New Jersey Maternity Leave Benefits

New Jersey maternity leave benefits are quite rich when compared to most other state. Like any other government benefit, you need to know the different laws, how they work, and where to apply for benefits. NJ has three laws which impact maternity leave for workers in the state: temporary disability insurance, paid family leave, and family medical leave. Women can increase their level of maternity benefit by purchasing short term disability before getting pregnant.

NJ Temporary Disability Insurance

New Jersey temporary disability insurance is the first of three benefit programs you need to understand and utilize. The state disability plan replaces two thirds of your income, up to a weekly cap of $559 in 2011. Pregnancy is covered in the same manner as any other disabling condition. For normal pregnancy benefits are paid for up to four weeks prior to delivery, and six weeks after delivery. Benefits may be paid for a longer period of time if you deliver via c-section, or you experience a specific complication of pregnancy. Contact the state department of labor and workforce development for more information or to file a claim.

New Jersey Paid Family Leave

NJ paid family leave is funded and administered through the temporary disability insurance program. The benefit calculations of two thirds income replacement and a $559 cap apply here as well. You can claim paid family leave benefits to bond with your newborn baby during the first twelve months after the child's birth. A bonding leave must be at least seven days in length.

Keep in mind one very important point: 2/3 income replacement equals a 1/3 cut in pay. If your income exceeds $850 per week or $44,000 per year you hit the weekly cap and your pay cut will be more than one third. Make sure you budget properly.

NJ Family Medical Leave

The New Jersey family medical leave act supplements the federal law (FMLA), and provides an important distinction extremely relevant to maternity leave situations - particularly when pregnancy complications cause an extended leave from work prior to delivery. The federal FMLA applies to your own disability and/or the care of a sick family member and newborn child. The NJ law applies to the care of a sick family member and newborn child exclusively.

Examine a pregnancy complications scenario to understand why this distinction is so important. Let's say you experience complications during your pregnancy and miss twelve weeks of work prior to your delivery. The federal FMLA provides for up to twelve weeks of unpaid job protected leave during this time. Once you deliver your baby, the NJ law then provides an additional twelve weeks of job protected leave to care for your newborn. In this situation the two laws work in harmony to provide twenty four months of job protected leave.

Increase Your Maternity Benefit

Twenty four weeks of job protected leave with partial income replacement is far better than what most states provide. NJ is only one of five states with temporary disability coverage, only one of two states with paid leave to bond with your baby, and one of only ten states with a law supplementing the federal FMLA. But can you go twenty four weeks with at least a one-third pay cut?

If not, purchase short term disability insurance before getting pregnant. It will help increase your level of maternity leave income, and provide added protection in case complications of pregnancy cause you to miss additional time from work.

Depression, Symptoms and Explanation

Depression is actually a kind of extreme sadness, feelings of disconnection from life, as well as a diminished enjoyment in the stuff that you used to love in everyday life. It is not a sign of weakness, everyone goes through depression at some point in life or another. Even though the severity and length of the depression can vary in accordance with the situation and the root cause of the depression.

Unfortunately severe depression could lead to suicide, identifying the symptoms of a suicidal person or seeing the signs and symptoms in yourself can help to save a life. The symptoms shown by a suicidal person are listed below:

• Always thinking about, talking about, or writing about death or dying


• Reckless behavior that could result in injury or death, actions that portray a so called "Death Wish"


• Contacting loved ones either in person or remotely, in a way that seems unusual, like they are saying goodbye


• Talking about "Wanting out" or that things would be better without the person here.


• Talk of ending one's life, suicide


• Signs of Clinical Depression (changes in sleeping or eating habits, sadness) that seem to be getting worse


• loss of interest in things one used to love


• Talking about things being 'hopeless', or that the individual is worthless, or feels helpless


• Putting life's affairs in order as if the person expects to die soon


• A sharp change from being sad and depressed to being happy and calm

If you, or somebody you know is showing any one of these symptoms please seek help immediately. You can call any of the following numbers:

• 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)


• 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)


• 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889) (for the hearing impaired)

You can even call 911, a relative or friend or go to a local emergency room. Please remember life is not hopeless, and things will get better. People are here to help you, you don't have to do this alone.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression can effect everyone differently depending on the person involved and the situation that caused the depression. Below is a listing of common signs of depression:

• Changes in sleeping patterns, Sleeping longer then normal, Insomnia, or waking up earlier then usual


• Losing interest in activities you used to find enjoyable


• Changes in appetite, reduced appetite or over eating


• Loss of concentration, difficulty remembering things or difficulty making decisions


• Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilt ridden, sad, anxious, empty or pessimistic


• Cranky, irritable or restless disposition


• Physical pain, cramps headache or stomach issues that don't seem to go away


• General decrease in energy level, feeling tired or worn out all the time


• Crying spells for no apparent reason


• Suicidal thoughts, feelings or attempts (Please see section above on Suicide Symptoms)

Unfortunately not everyone will experience the same symptoms for the same causes. For instance most men will suffer symptoms of loss of interest in activities, feel cranky and restless, together with have physical pain and sleep problems. Women are more likely to over eat, and feel a sense of worthlessness and have a tendency to sleep too much. To complicate things, the signs and symptoms of depression can vary based upon how old you are. Teenagers for instance or more likely to be irritable and angry, and suffer a loss of concentration and might have physical symptoms of pains for no reason. Older adults however, generally suffer feelings of worthlessness and sadness, along with physical pain. Unfortunately in both teenagers and older adults, the signs and symptoms usually get brushed off as being merely a sign of how old they are and not as signs and symptoms of depression.

Types of Depression

There are numerous forms of depression, each may have a different cause and a different treatment. However, if you are struggling with just about any depression or general sense of sadness, worthlessness, or a loss of interesting in stuff you love, you may need to visit a doctor. Some kinds of depression are easily treated and could be taken care of without medication, but others are more quickly relieved with the aid of a doctor.

Major Depression

Major Depression is an overwhelming sensation of sadness, in addition to a decrease of interest and in most cases one of numerous symptoms in the above list. The most important thing that separates this kind of depression from other forms is that Major Depression is an almost constant state of being for a prolonged time period. Everyone has a day where they simply feel down and don't want to do anything, but a person being affected by major depression will feel very down for weeks or months at any given time with no real break in the feeling. Other kinds of depression will have lulls throughout the day where the feelings of depression seem to lift and you can be generally happy, they may not last very long but they are there, major depression doesn't have those lulls. If you are suffering from Major Depression I would definitely suggest you go visit a doctor, in addition to speak to friends regarding how you're feeling. I would also suggest you start to exercise more as exercise increases your serotonin levels and help you to get out many of the things that you're feeling.

Mild Depression

Mild depression which is also called Dysthymia, is described as feelings of depression that aren't as severe as major depression but last for years at any given time. This constant low grade depression has a tendency to impact your general level of enjoyment in life and could be easily dismissed as simply being your outlook on life. The fact is that if you have gone two years if not more with symptoms of depression as well as not being able to remember a time when you were happy you are most likely suffering from mild depression. In my own case I used to be depressed for several years, I just felt that it was how I was, just my state of being. I felt like I had lost a part of myself that I was enthusiastic about and that it merely wasn't going to come back. I needed to have a friend point out that feeling like that wasn't part of growing up, or simply a part of the situations I was in at that point in my life, but actually a sign of depression. In this instance, seeing your doctor might be a wise decision, along with some changes in your diet, sleeping habits and fitness level. For me, making sure I got 8 hours of sleep every night, working out at least three times a week for an hour (although I work out more frequently now), and starting a meditation routine was enough to drag me out of it. But you should always speak with a doctor, they may have some tips for you depending on your current physical condition that might be more helpful then exactly what is listed above.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD (what a cheerful acronym) is a type of depression usually linked to the change in seasons, from summer to winter, and climates which may have dreary, gloomy weather. The change in seasons, which usually brings with it longer darker nights, less sunlight, and gloomier weather tends to cause a sense of depression in certain people. Women look like they're effected more then men by Seasonal Affective Disorder, but everyone can be effected by it from time to time. Fortunately, in the majority of people Seasonal Affective Disorder might be effectively treated with light therapy. Light therapy, although there may very well be different levels, basically involves exposing the individual to bright artificial lights to be able to cope with the depression. This can be done at your home by just installing light bulbs with a slightly higher wattage. Some people also like to use tanning beds as a technique of managing Seasonal Affective Disorder. Just don't over do it in the tanning beds. Additionally, it wouldn't hurt to ask your doctor's opinion on approaches to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression is a kind of depression that affects new mothers after giving birth. Although some feelings of being down are expected right after a pregnancy, usually known as the "baby blues" Postpartum Depression is the result of the change in hormones from the level they had been at while being pregnant to the level they are at normally. Any depression that occurs up to six months following the birth of a baby is considered Postpartum Depression and you should consult a doctor considering the fact that this type of depression is caused by a shift in hormones.

Breastfeeding Diet - Tips on Diet When Breastfeeding

When breastfeeding baby, women can be concerned about their breastfeeding diet. Can they drink coffee or alcohol, for example? Should they avoid certain foods in case they upset baby's digestion, or give them colic? Because there is lots of conflicting advice, it is important to know the facts.

There is no single breastfeeding diet required when breastfeeding baby. You should, however, eat an overall healthy balanced and varied diet. Importantly, there are a few vital nutrients which a baby needs, and which can be affected if the mother's dietary intake of them is too low. These include iodine, vitamin B12, iron and calcium.

The best dietary sources of iodine include kelp, dairy products, eggs, onions, all seafood, and iodized table salt. Bear in mind that eating large amounts of raw cabbage can lead to iodine deficiency. Iodine is critical, as a deficiency can lead to mental retardation and stunted growth in children.

Vitamin B12 primarily is supplied by animal products, so if you are a vegetarian who does not eat eggs or dairy products, when breastfeeding baby you may need to take a vitamin B12 supplement. Similarly, if you drink alcohol regularly and breastfeed, you will have an increased need in your breastfeeding diet for B12. As B12 is extremely important for the formation of red blood cells, among other things, see your doctor to have your blood levels of B12 checked. The best natural sources of B12 include liver, beef, eggs, milk and fish.

Iron stores are depleted in pregnancy, so you will need to rebuild your iron stores with iron-rich foods. To protect bone strength, you will need about four serves of calcium rich foods per day.

Since breastfeeding baby can make you hungry, be guided by your appetite. The exact amount of calories you need will depend on your weight and level of activity. On the other hand, if you do not have an appetite regularly, and are not eating much at all, it may be advisable to speak to your doctor or health professional about how you are feeling. A continued lack of appetite is just one symptom of postnatal depression.

Part of a breastfeeding diet is to keep well hydrated. When breastfeeding baby, your body releases oxytocin, a hormone which causes milk to be 'let down' and available for baby. It can make you thirsty, so keep a drink of water nearby when you breastfeed. There is no requirement to drink more than normal, and as usual, you can keep an eye on the colour of your urine to gauge your hydration levels. Aside from first thing in the morning, if your urine is dark yellow or smells strongly, you may be dehydrated and should drink more. Light coloured or pale urine suggests that you are getting plenty to drink.

When it comes to alcohol in your breastfeeding diet, the safest option is to avoid alcohol altogether, as alcohol does pass to your baby through breast milk. But if you do want to drink alcohol while breastfeeding baby, follow health guidelines for lactating women, which are the same as for pregnancy. These include not having more than one or two standard drinks once or twice a week. Since it takes approximately two hours for the human body to clear alcohol from the system per standard drink, try and time your drinking accordingly, allowing time for your body to clear the alcohol before breastfeeding baby. You can always express some breast milk prior to imbibing to be sure.

In a breastfeeding diet, you really can eat anything in moderation. Like alcohol, caffeine passes into breast milk. So drinking more than three cups of tea or coffee a day, or large amounts of cola should be avoided. It is possible that a particular food may affect baby, such that it makes baby unsettled. There is little evidence to support this, however. Some foods thought to sometimes cause problems include onions, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, chocolate and cow's milk. But there can be many causes for an unsettled baby, so if you breastfeed and think a particular food is the cause, you could try cutting it out of your breastfeeding diet for a few days and see if it makes any difference. Whenever in doubt, it is a good idea to seek advice from a health professional.

A strict diet to lose weight while breastfeeding baby is not recommended. So eat well and enjoy the closeness of breastfeeding your baby.

Spotting and Cramping During Pregnancy

Any woman who is spotting and cramping during pregnancy should be concerned but should not panic. Many women experience at least some spotting or cramping or both during pregnancy especially during the first trimester and this may or may not be a sign of something more serious wrong. Seeking medical advice may prevent problems later on or may simply be needed to reassure the expectant mother that all is well and the pregnancy is continuing as normal. Either way a doctor's reassurance or intervention is important when spotting and/or cramping occurs.

Spotting and Cramping during the first trimester

Many women experience spotting and cramping during the first trimester of their pregnancy though not often together. Since most miscarriages occur within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy it is advisable for any woman experiencing heavy spotting to seek a physicians care especially if that spotting is accompanied by cramps, fever or chills.

Many pregnant women will experience what is known as implantation spotting. This simply means as the egg is working its way into the wall of the uterus it may cause irritation that will result in light spotting. This spotting is usually pale pink or dark rusty color in nature. There may also be some light cramping that occurs during implantation and often women mistake these two events as a signal that their menstruation cycle is about to begin.

Other causes of spotting during the first trimester could occur after paps smears or internal exams or after sexual intercourse. This spotting is caused due to body changes and the fact that a woman's cervix is slightly more sensitive than when she is not pregnant. This bleeding usually consists of a few light drops that doesn't last more than a day or two. If the spotting is heavy or accompanied by cramping it is wise to seek a doctors care.

Cramping during the first trimester is also not unusual and is often due to the uterus stretching to accommodate the growing fetus. These cramps are usually mild. Cramps that are low in the abdomen and are stronger than regular menstruation cramps may be sign of a Ectopic pregnancy so it is extremely important to seek a doctors advice if you are experiencing severe cramping.

Second Half Pregnancy Bleeding or Cramping

Women who are experiencing spotting in the second half of their pregnancy need to visit a doctor as soon as possible as spotting in the last half of pregnancy is less common and could be a sign of a real problem. Spotting during this time could be due to an inflamed cervix or a growth on the cervix. It could mean an infection is present that should be treated or could be a sign of preterm labor.

Cramping during the second half of pregnancy is usually fairly normal and can be caused by something as simple as constipation or gas or if it occurs later in the pregnancy could be caused by the onset of labor. During this time cramping may also occur due to the continued stretching of the uterus.

While there is often some cramping and spotting during pregnancy, it is always best to have things checked out to insure that your pregnancy is progressing and you and your unborn child are both healthy.