Pregnancy Birth
Page 2
By Kelly Ann Griffin
Bringing a baby into the world is an amazing feat, with much emotional and physical preparation required of the parents. After about forty weeks of development, a new life will be delivered and handed over to you in complete dependence. Luckily, an abundance of information and key resources are easily accessible for the mom-to-be.
Pregnancy Signs
Besides the telltale sign of missing your monthly period, several other early symptoms of pregnancy can arise, even before your menstrual cycle is M.I.A. Keep an eye out for:
- excessive fatigue
- nausea/vomiting
- light spotting occurring (during implantation)
- soreness of breasts, darkening or tingling of nipples, and/or veins becoming more visible
- bloating/constipation
- frequent urination
- heightened sense of smell
Pregnancy for each woman can present different symptoms and conversely, some symptoms may never occur.
Pregnancy Magazines
A subscription to a pregnancy magazine can provide helpful, current information during your pregnancy:
- “Parenting” and “babytalk” (parenting.com): These sister magazines provide pregnancy planners, a names database, and guides for different stages/ages.
- “American Baby” (americanbaby.com): Covers the latest pregnancy topics.
- “Fit Pregnancy” (fitpregnancy.com): Available online or in print, Fit offers encouragement for healthy nutrition and exercise during and after pregnancy.
Get Pregnant
Still trying to conceive? Certain lifestyle changes can help in the fertility game.
- Pinpoint ovulation: Begin using a basal body thermometer to daily measure your basal temperature. A slightly elevated temperature signifies ovulation. Furthermore, track your cycle. What is the average length for you? Ovulation predictor tests can also be purchased at most pharmacies.
- Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine: These are toxins for the baby and can hinder conception and safe development.
- Missionary position: Work with the laws of gravity. The “man-on-top” position allows the sperm an easier swim, increasing your chances to conceive.
Diabetic Pregnancy
About five percent of pregnant women have gestational diabetes, occurring during pregnancy. Certain risk factors affect the onset of a diabetic pregnancy including: family history, pre-diabetes, previous childbirth with a baby weighing over nine pounds, and being overweight. Diabetic pregnancy requires lifestyle changes in food intake and exercise, possibly requiring insulin injections. The baby may be at risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). A neonatologist will most likely be present during birth in case of complications.
Pregnancy Information
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a special website devoted to women and pregnancy (http://www.4woman.gov/pregnancy/).
- The Bump is an informative site for pregnant women that can also be localized by specific city for retailers and events from your area (thebump.com).
- Stork Net's Pregnancy Guide Online provides week-by-week development information (http://www.pregnancyguideonline.com/).
Pregnancy Calendars
Several websites offer free, personalized pregnancy calendars, allowing pregnant moms to keep track of their baby’s development.
PregnancyCalendars.net
JustMommies.com
Twins
Twin pregnancy rates are rising; one in 89 births without fertility medication results in twins. Having multiple babies will shorten your pregnancy with the babies usually being delivered between week 35 and 37.
- Fraternal: Fraternal twins occur when two different eggs are released and fertilized by two different sperm. These twins can be of either sex and are not genetically identical. Heredity tends to affect a woman’s chances of fraternal twins. Odds: 1 out of 90 births.
- “Super Twins”: Triplets, Quadruplets, Quintuplets, and beyond, are often referred to as super twins. Multiples of three or more can be identical or fraternal, or a combination of both. Odds: 1 out of 535 births.
- Conjoined: Conjoined twins are identical twins that are joined together sometime during development. Extremely rare with little medical understanding on why these twins form, most do not survive past birth. 75 percent of conjoined twins are female. Odds: 1 out of 50,000 births.
Names
A baby name is a significant decision with lasting impact. Facets such as name popularity, origin, meaning, and cultural associations should be considered before choosing a name. Research your favorite picks on sites such as babynamesworld.com, which offer additional information such as current popularity and ranking of the name. Be leery of choosing a top ten name as your son or daughter will most likely have a name twin in his/her social circles growing up.
Pregnancy Test
After the fertilized egg implants to the uterine wall, a special pregnancy hormone, human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is produced. Pregnancy tests detect this hormone in the urine or blood. Urine tests can be purchased over-the-counter while blood tests must be done by a physician. More accurate results are likely to be obtained by waiting a week after your missed period.
Pregnant
Congratulations! Becoming pregnant is a wonderful, new phase of life. Enjoy the process as you prepare for a new addition to your family. Once pregnancy is determined, be sure to keep your body healthy with a balance of proteins and carbohydrates in your diet. Also, take your vitamins, with an emphasis on Folic Acid, Calcium, and Iron. Schedule regular doctor visits to check that the pregnancy is going smoothly. Smart parenting begins with choices made throughout pregnancy, giving your baby a critical head start.
