Pregnancy Help: Ease Your Way Into Your Second Trimester

All of a sudden, you're feeling better. Gone are the days of nausea and vomiting. Energy levels are rising and even sexual drive is returning. Emotionally speaking, you feel them normalizing, stabilizing. You feel so much better. Ahoy! Welcome to your second trimester.

Did you know that by the start of second trimester, around week 14, your baby is already learning to to smile and to frown?

Also, by Week 14, you might want to increase your fiber and water intake. The rapid growing of your baby may cause an increased pressure in your abdomen that could lead to constipation. You might also want to move to loose-fitting clothes, as moving might become tricky with your old clothes.

Sailing unto the 15th week, look out for possible signs of carrying multiples. 2% of pregnant women carry twins, triplets or more! See if your belly is larger than it should be, or if you're putting on weight faster than other expectant mothers. And when you go to your care provider, check if your fundus is already halfway to your belly button.

Most mothers feel baby movements by the 22nd -24th week, but if you're lucky, you can feel it even at the start of your second trimester. It'd be best to start asking your care provider for tests to determine if your baby has any genetic defects to look out for.

If you're feeling sore in your belly area or your lower back, this is probably due to all that stretching your ligaments are going through. To ease some of the pain, try rocking your pelvis or stretching your back. And don't forget your Kegel exercises!

Did you know that when your physician puts you under the Doppler, your baby is undergoing auditory stress akin to a person standing near a helicopter that's taking off?

This is because by this time, your baby's hearing is already developed. Also, notice that with your every visit to the doctor, he checks your urine for proteins and sugars? That's because pregnant women are prone to gestational diabetes. It's a condition wherein even though the body produces enough insulin, it fails to utilize it due to interferences within the hormone system brought on by the pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes can be the cause why you feel faint when you suddenly stand up. But you need to check on your iron intake too, because anemia can also cause hypotension.

And no, you're not mistaken. Your feet really are getting bigger. The ligaments all around the body loosen up due to the excess weight and this causes your feet to puff up. I'm sorry ladies, but most of the time, it's permanent. Also, try not to stand for long stretches of time. It might cause your legs to swell.

Did you know that by the end of the second trimester, your baby can recognize you voice?

It is highly recommended by doctors to talk to your baby. Do it as often as you want, since babies are actually comforted by the sound of your heartbeat and your voice. You could also try exposing the baby to music and find out what genre he/she likes.

Having difficulty in breathing? Don't fret. This is your enlarged tummy squashing your other organs. Try slow but deep breaths. Don't let small things bother you, as this will just pile up your anxiety and worries and contribute to your struggle.

Again, try to take up more fiber and water. With this you can avoid dry and itchy skin, dry eyes and hemorrhoids. If you spot swollen ankles, you're okay. But if you see your face or fingers swelling up, this could be a symptom of preeclampsia. If your swelling doesn't go away even after rest, see your doctor immediately.

Did you know that the slight increase in your blood pressure gives you that rosy skin and radiant look?

That's why expectant mothers are said to be getting more beautiful and glowing. All that hydration with water and moisturizers also help in giving you that softer and silkier skin.

Finally, as you approach the end of second trimester, you might want to take note of the signs of premature labor. They are:

* Continuous or sporadic cramps that vaguely resembles that of your menstrual cycles

* Continuous or sporadic dull pain in your lower back

* Discernible uterine contractions

* A decrease in your pelvic pressure.

Always remember to maintain your healthy diet, do some gentle exercises and take care of yourself and your baby.

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How Does Childbirth Affect Your Sex Life And How To Cope

How does childbirth affect sex life? When is it safe to resume sex, what to expect and how to reconnect with her will be discussed in the following paragraphs.

How Soon Can You Have Sex Again

This is the first question that probably most guys have in their minds - how soon or when is it safe to have sex after childbirth. Because having babies is so natural and common, many guys have difficulty appreciating just how dramatically a woman's body changes during the postnatal recovery period. This lack of awareness may be due to the male tendency of ignoring those problems we cannot solve and also to the lack of sufficient knowledge about this aspect of female sexuality.

Although individual circumstances vary, the typical medical recommendation is for a 6-week no-sex period after childbirth for her body to recover whether by normal delivery or by C-section. For some women, it can be even longer if there are some more complications or they are suffering from postnatal depression. It is therefore very important for couples to have a frank discussion about their expectations and to reach an agreement on a time when they can start to have sex again.

How Does Childbirth Affect The New Mother And Her Sex Drive

Tiredness is the first thing affecting every new mother. Looking after a baby can be very exhausting both physically and emotionally, so that when you get to bed you just want to sleep. At the same time (the 1st few weeks after childbirth) her body is in a recovery mode - to give chances for the wound to heal and the stitches to dissolve. The hormonal changes that happen during this period can cause vaginal dryness, making sex very uncomfortable.

Generally, women are able to regain their desire within a couple of months after delivery. If her libido does not return or if she shows symptoms of postnatal depression, she should either see a doctor or get some counseling from an expert in sexual problems.

How Does Childbirth Affect The Couple's Sex Life

As she is busy with the baby and her body still recovering from childbirth, sex is the last thing in her mind. During this time, a man can feel neglected and view her wife's lack of interest in sex as rejection. These feelings of being neglected and rejected are hard for guys to acknowledge because this can make them look immature and selfish.

Guys can overcome this by being reminded how important they are to their spouses. It is therefore important for women to be aware of this and to reassure their men that they are still desirable through small gestures such as pampering the guys with some favorite dishes or writing some nice and sweet notes. Empathy is needed to re-establish the emotional closeness in the relationship. Guys also need to understand that sex requires emotional as well as physical readiness.

After watching a partner through pregnancy and birth, some men gain a new respect for the female body. These guys are able to articulate their feelings easily about the new phase of their relationship and can become more considerate of their partner's changing needs.

But some men who have witnessed the whole child delivery process are quite distressed by what they have seen. They feel so guilty at the pain their partner has gone through that they are unable to even consider the idea of making love with her again. This is usually a temporary phase, but not always. If the guy continues to be troubled by this feeling, he should seek help from a counselor to discuss his feelings.

Perhaps the first priority for you as a couple is to give each other as much emotional support as possible. Words and cuddles can do much to convey affection and emotion. Both of you will benefit from this closeness. On the physical side, sex does not have to mean full penetration as the stimulation from touching each other can be highly pleasurable.

Giving Birth in Water - Benefits and Methods

For many soon-to-be parents around the world, giving birth in water is still not a top choice but there is a growing interest in this birthing method because of its many mother and child-friendly benefits.

Water birthing may have just started to gain popularity in the west, but the idea is not new. Traditionally, women in Romania have been giving birth in warm natural pools (usually in the summer) for a long time with few complications even before 1960, when Igor Tjarkovsky, a Soviet researcher and swimming teacher had scientifically pioneered the idea of giving birth in water. Tjarkovsy has facilitated the births of hundreds of babies in a warm tank of water using his method since then. Seventeen years later, Michel Ordent, a French obstetrician, started the use of the warm tub. The technique proved to be highly popular and spread rapidly. By the 1980s, more than four thousand babies in the USA had been born through water birth.

To start birthing, the mother in labor is placed in a tub with warm water. The baby is monitored by a special underwater device. The mother stays in the tub while she labors and she can choose whether to give birth while submerged or give birth outside the tub. If the baby is submerged when it is delivered, it is perfectly safe because babies do not breathe in air until they are exposed to air. An attendant quickly takes the baby out of the water and hands it to the mother. This process must always be under the supervision of trained medical personnel and should not be attempted on your own.

Despite its unconventional nature, many nurses and healthcare practitioners say that water birthing has many benefits. The mother is not overtly stressed or anxious because the water soothes her muscles and there is less pain than conventional birthing because water stimulates the body's natural pain inhibitors. The water also provides buoyancy which makes it easier for the mother to change positions and it also provides privacy for many self-conscious or first-time moms. The water also provides a less traumatizing environment for the baby because it is similar to the womb's environment and shields it from sound and light, thus preventing over stimulation at birth. Many midwives, obstetricians and birthing experts say that water birth can also minimize fetal complications.

If you choose to deliver your baby through water birthing, look for a hospital or birthing center that allows water birth and has medical personnel trained in the process. It is also recommended that you inspect the tub and the birthing equipment before you give birth, as well as their prices. Renting a tub may be an option too. If you are going to give birth at your nearest hospital, review their policies on water birth (some do not welcome it yet). Also, check on your insurance company to see if they will cover the expenses of your water birth.

Despite its many benefits, water birth is not for everyone. It cannot be performed for breeched, premature and multiple births. If you have had a risky diagnosis during your pregnancy (e.g. susceptibility to bleeding or an infection), talk to your doctor first. Having herpes, which is transferred through water, is also not ideal for water birth. If your body is quite inflexible, you may also have to resort to the conventional way.

Some Interesting Ways to Help You Get Pregnant That You've Likely Never Heard Of

Here are some methods of helping aid in pregnancy that I have stumbled across over the years. In all probability, some of these you aren't likely familiar with. Keep in mind with these techniques that your mileage may vary.

1) North-South Sexual Position Alignment - Oriental Occultism has utilized North-South positioning for better sleeping, increased energy and well-being, and for increasing the chance of pregnancy for thousands of years. The woman should lay supine with her feet pointed South and her head pointed North. The man lays prone, on top of the woman (Missionary Position) with his head pointing North and Feet pointed South.

2) Sperm Competition Exploitation - There are many methods of encouraging the aggressiveness of sperm (for better chance of egg fertilization) through spermal competition. Two simple methods are:

A) Not the most ethical and a bit risky, to be sure. Introducing an extremely tiny amount of another man's semen into the vagina after the main partner has ejaculated into the vagina will create a sperm battle in the vagina and will make the partner's sperm more aggressive about fertilizing the egg. (When the sperm of two men are in the vagina at the same time, the sperm of each man will do battle with the other man's sperm. They will kill other sperm utilizing deadly enzymes, will form "gangs" of sperm to kill other sperm, and actually form "blockades" of sperm to block other sperm from reaching the egg. This is not science fiction, this is biological fact). Use this method at Your Own Risk due to potential fertilization by the man (or men) other than the partner.

B) Again, not the most ethical and a bit risky, hinting or convincing your partner that you might be sleeping with another man to get pregnant will make your partner naturally increase the quality and quantity of his sperm and, in all likelihood, create more fertilizing-aggressive sperm.

3) Pelvic Manual Therapy - This is a popular method for helping initiate pregnancy in Russia, as I understand it. I met a doctor in Moscow who claimed a 70% success rate with women who were unsuccessful with "conventional" methods. The bones of the pelvis and lower back are "aligned" through applying leverage to the legs and lower back. This stimulates neurological communication with the reproductive organs, as I am told. The closest Western equivalent would be osteopathy or chiropractic. Various forms of lower back, pelvic, and buttock massage can also used to "stimulate" the sexual organs which can heighten their function.

4) Pelvic Tissue Vasodilation - A relaxing hot bath, hot tub, or sauna session before sex, for the woman, is suggested. For the man, too, but not for more than five minutes, as long-term increased temperatures can be harmful to sperm. These methods increase blood flow to the pelvic regions and stimulate tissue function and response. Such adjuncts to sex also act as a libido for both partners and typically increase the intensity of pleasure experienced by the partners during the sexual act(s). Men who want healthy sperm should stay away from long-term sessions in saunas and hot tubs.

(As an interesting note, earlier in Eastern European history, saunas (for both men and women) were specifically utilized before sex to increase the likelihood of pregnancy. Saunas were also taken by both partners before the marriage ceremony, the belief being that a sauna session creates a clean mind and body {sauna is, after all, the cleanest form of bath possible} and this "cleanliness" is what the marriage consummation should use as a foundation. Babies were also typically born in the sauna. No surprise there, as the heat from the sauna session kills bacteria, the natural tannins in the sauna woods are also anti-bacterial in nature, and the heat from the sauna acted as a sedative to encourage relaxation for the woman, to decrease her pain during the pregnancy, and to make the overall childbirthing experience faster and easier.)

5) Post-Sex Orgasm Induction - Once a man has ejaculated into the woman (Missionary Position) the woman, even if she has already reached an orgasm, should be further stimulated to encourage an orgasm or, hopefully, more orgasms. The woman should clench her vaginal muscles as tightly as she can while the man withdraws his penis. This will ensure that more seminal fluid is left inside the vagina, as the vaginal walls will act as a makeshift penile squeegee. His penis should be removed while it is still erect, but not until he has contracted his penile and pubococcygeus muscles as many times and as tightly as he possibly can (to rid his penis of as much seminal fluid as possible). The woman should remain in the supinal-recumbent position. Her external genitalia should then be stimulated in order to encourage orgasm(s). The more the better. A vibrator is especially handy, in this case, when applied to the clitoris. Do not introduce any type of phallic device into the vagina during this post-intercourse stimulation phase.

The reason for inducing orgasm after a man has deposited his seminal fluid is because the cervix contracts (numerous times in cadence with pleasure sensations) when a woman is experiencing her orgasm. This creates a suction in the vagina and the fluidal contents (seminal fluid) of the vagina are then "slurped up" into the cervix via the cervical os. Achieving orgasm AFTER the man has deposited his seminal fluid in the vagina will greatly increase the odds of getting pregnant.

Of course, the utilization of pillows and what-have-you for better cervical-penile alignment and to decrease the potential for leakage of seminal fluid from the vagina should always play an important role for those people interested in increasing the chance of pregnancy.

It's also worth keeping in mind that other forms of medicine may also be quite helpful to increase the likelihood of pregnancy. Homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal supplements, and other methods may be helpful.

Always check with your obstetrician before attempting any of these methods.

Georg von Neumann

Charting Out Twins' Pregnancy Diet Is Easy

Congratulations, you are carrying twins! You might be curious about twins' pregnancy diet. Relax! It's no different from other pregnancy diet plan, only you need to keep in mind certain things.

Eat More

You are allowed to eat more food than what you normally eat. Now, it's not 300 calories, but 600 calories that you need to add to your daily twins' pregnancy diet. Increase your amount of protein, fibers, calcium, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Variety adds nutrients to your diet.

Besides this, talk to your health plan manager or doctor regarding insurance plans that cover nutritional counseling for pregnant women, especially those with twins.

Don't Gorge On Prenatal Vitamins

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine recommends increasing the dose of vitamin supplements by double the amount. However, many doctors disagree with this recommendation. This is due to the fact that, excessive doses of vitamins like Vitamin A may cause birth defects in the baby. What you need to do is take a prenatal vitamin of good quality, along with some extra calcium. Consult your doctor for more information regarding supplements.
Grab That Iron

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women should take 30 mg of iron supplement daily. And this becomes crucial, if you are carrying twins, because in this situation you face a higher risk of iron deficiency. Your plan should contain foods rich in iron such as green leafy vegetables like spinach. Want the most effortless source of iron? Eat blackstrap molasses. One tablespoon of this molasses has 3.5 mg of iron!

Fall In Love With Water!

The best pregnancy diet is the one that keeps you hydrated. It prevents hemorrhoids, constipation, and UTI. Water keeps edema, which marks swelling of feet, at bay. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water everyday. The best way to achieve this target is to keep a water bottle handy in your purse or car. Sip water all through the day.

Water, which is said to be the elixir of life, eases your bowel movement, makes your skin radiant and hydrated, and makes you feel healthy and beautiful. And when you feel that way, you can expect a healthy and happy nine-month pregnancy period!

Remember, twins pregnancy diet does not mean you can stop this diet after delivery. You need to continue eating a healthy diet after pregnancy too.

How to Sharpen Your Memory in Terms of Studying

Today, studying is not just about reading through books and scanning your notes for possible answers to possible questions. Although each students have their own techniques on how to study, they usually end up on the wrong end of the stick and would rather study at the last hour before the exam. To correct such routine, these tips will help you study better.

Always study when you are at your sharpest time of the day. If you are a morning person then study in the morning when you wake up or at least have had your breakfast. If you are able to concentrate more during mid-day then do study during the mid-day.

In studying, there are certain aspects that need for you to get by. One such is comfort. Always choose the right chair and the right table. An uncomfortable chair will distract you from your learning process.

While you are busy jotting down notes for you to study, keep everything that is not connected to your studies away from the table. They will only distract you from studying and would most likely cause you to skip studying and straight to leisure.

The mind can only take so much information in a single hour so at the very least try to take some break every hour or two while studying. It will help get off some steam inside your skull making room for more information to store.

Always study at the same time and at the same place. Our body is used to having routines that once it is out of its elements, it will have to adjust again to accommodate the comfort levels of our body. If you keep on switching places to study, the body will have difficulty coping up with different environments taking your focus off from studying.

Recite items as you study to give you a better idea of what you are talking and studying about. Reciting what you have just learned makes the brain more familiar with the concept and more likely to permanently remember it. Sure you can jot down notes to help you remember but the best way for your brain to store information is when you verbalize it.

Always get enough sleep when you are at your studying period. The more you let your mind and body rest the more you will be able to accommodate more information and the sharper your mind will get if it gets enough rest.

Twin Pregnancy FAQ

Discovering that you're pregnant with twins is exciting but also quite overwhelming. Because twin pregnancies carry additional risks and precautions, you likely have many questions.

What's different about a twin pregnancy?

The experience of a twin pregnancy can be very different for some women. In some cases, women who are pregnant with twins experience enhanced pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or edema (swelling). A a woman who is pregnant with twins is at greater risk for some medical complications, such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and gestational diabetes.
What are the signs of twin pregnancy?

While some women report drastic differences in a twin pregnancy, others report no differences from a singleton pregnancy. Some of the most common indicators of multiple births are weight gain, measuring large for gestational age, severe morning sickness, early detection of fetal movement, abnormally High Results on an AFP or Triple Screen Test, extreme fatigue and elevated HcG Levels.

How can I find out if I am having twins?

Ultrasound remains the most reliable way to detect and monitor a multiple pregnancy. The routine use of ultrasound in prenatal care has reduced the number of surprise appearances by twins in the delivery room; most multiples are discovered during the first half of pregnancy. If you have a hunch or suspect that you are carrying twins or more, discuss your feelings with your doctor.

Will I have to go on bed rest?

Bed rest is prescribed in multiple pregnancy as a preventative and precautionary tool. It can provide benefits for both mom and babies, prolonging a pregnancy in danger of preterm labor to a woman whose body is under stress. In 1992, a survey by the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs showed that 70 percent of women expecting multiple births experienced bed rest at some point in their pregnancy. However, times have changed and doctors have become less rigid about sentencing women to bed.

Can there be a hidden twin?

Nearly every pregnant woman considers the possibility that she may be carrying more than one baby. The only way to confirm a twin or multiple pregnancy is by visually identifying the multiple fetuses with ultrasound. If your doctor or caregiver can only see one baby, you're not having twins or multiples. There are some very rare exceptions. Ultrasound provides a picture of the womb, but sometimes the picture can be misleading or misinterpreted, particularly if performed very early in the pregnancy or by an incompetent technician. At twenty weeks, a second fetus would be clearly visible on ultrasound, and the likelihood that there is another baby hidden in the womb is extremely small.

What is vanishing twin syndrome?

Vanishing Twin Syndrome occurs when one of a set of twin fetuses apparently disappears from the womb during pregnancy, usually resulting in a normal singleton pregnancy. One of the fetuses in a twin pregnancy spontaneously aborts, usually during the first trimester; the fetal tissue is absorbed by the other twin, the placenta, or the mother, thus giving the appearance that the twin "vanished." In recent years, enhanced use of ultrasound early in pregnancy has increased the frequency of diagnosis of twin pregnancy. As a result, there has been a heightened awareness of vanishing twin syndrome.

How much weight will I gain?

Women are always worried about how much weight they will gain with any pregnancy, singleton or multiple. Now that you're having twins, the thought of extra weight gain seems scary. Generally, a healthy pregnancy requires that a woman gain 25 to 30 pounds during the nine month gestation period, depending on her body type. But that's for just one baby. Like everything about having multiples, more is required. Doctor recommendations vary, but most women tend to gain about 35 to 45 pounds during a twin pregnancy, with about 10 additional pounds for every additional baby in a higher order multiple pregnancy. However, this is just a guideline so be sure to speak to your doctor about what is appropriate for your body type.

What is the typical gestation for a twin pregnancy?

Generally, twins and other multiples are born earlier than singletons. Research from the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs (NOMOTC) indicates that about half of multiples are born before 36 weeks gestation. There's no way to know exactly when your babies will be born. In some cases, a premature birth can not be avoided. Some doctors feel that thirty-seven or thirty-eight weeks should be considered full-term for twins and will seek to prompt the delivery of the babies at that time.

Are my twins identical or fraternal?

This is one of the first things people want to know about a twin pregnancy. Here are some ways to discover is you're twins are identical or fraternal:

* If you're twins are the same gender, they are identical.
* If you're twins have been diagnosed with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTS), they are identical. TTS does not affect fraternal twins.
* If there is a single, shared placenta, it is more likely you're twins are identical.
* If you're twins have been identified as monoamnionic, they are identical. Only identical twins develop with a single, shared amnion.