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DURING Pregnancy
AFTER Pregnancy
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BEFORE PREGNANCY Ovulation Ovulation is the most fertile time during your menstrual cycle. It occurs when a mature egg is released from your ovaries, in preparation for a possible pregnancy. This egg is released by a signal from hormones released by your glands. The egg can be fertilized for a period of 12 to 24 hours. If fertilization does not occur during this time, the egg disintegrates.
On average, ovulation occurs around 13 to 15 days after the first day of your period and depends on the length of your menstrual cycle. However, each woman’s cycle is different. Ovulation takes place earlier for women with a short cycle than for women with a long cycle. Ovulation can happen anytime from 11 to 21 days after the beginning of your cycle.
How can I know when I’m ovulating? There are several ways to predict ovulation:
Timing How do I know if I'm pregnant? What are the first signs of pregnancy? For most women, the first sign of pregnancy is when their periods stop. Although the absence of menstruation can be caused by many things if, in addition, a woman's breasts feel swollen or tender and she feels nauseous - especially in the morning - it is likely that she is pregnant.
Can I get pregnant during my period? You can get pregnant at any time, even during your period. However, the probability of getting pregnant during your period is very low but possible. If you have a short or irregular cycle, ovulation might occur before your period is over.
When is the best time to get pregnant during my menstrual cycle? The best or most fertile time to get pregnant is the period of ovulation in your menstrual cycle. This is the time when following an LH surge, a mature ovum is released into the uterus from the follicles. This egg or ovum is ready to be fertilized and stays so for about 12 hours after which it starts degenerating. The best way to determine your most fertile time is to pay attention to your body and learn to spot the physical signs of ovulation, and thereby the best time to get pregnant. Source: http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/best-time.html DURING Pregnancy General Questions Can I be pregnant and still get my period? Well, no, you can't get your period once you're pregnant — once your body starts producing the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and your pregnancy is established, your menstrual cycle is interrupted and normal periods stop. But you may have bleeding or spotting during pregnancy that can seem like a period. Some pregnant women have what's called "implantation bleeding" that can happen around the time their period is due, and they may mistake that bleeding for a period. This spotting may be caused by the fertilized egg burrowing into the blood-rich lining of the uterus, a process that starts just 6 days after fertilization, and it's generally a lot lighter than a typical period — just a day or two of very light spotting. If you're pregnant and you're not sure when your last period started, this can make establishing a due date difficult for your healthcare provider. If you have any doubts, your provider can feel how big your uterus is with a pelvic examination and estimate how far along you are. In most cases, your provider will also order an ultrasound before the middle of your pregnancy to measure the size of your developing baby and clarify exactly when the baby is due.
Morning Sickness "Morning sickness" is really a misnomer. (In fact, the technical medical term is "nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.") For some pregnant women, the symptoms are worst in the morning and ease up over the course of the day, but they can strike at any time and last all day long.
What are some cures for morning sickness?
Nutrition: Food & Drink Issues How much caffeine can I drink? Research is inconclusive on the harmful effects of caffeine on a developing fetus. It is known, however, that caffeine passes quickly through the placenta to the baby. The FDA and most health organizations recommend that you don't drink or eat foods with caffeine while pregnant, or at least limit your intake to 300 mg per day (2-3 servings). There are about 65-135 mg of caffeine in brewed coffee. Remember, caffeine is also found in tea, sodas, and chocolate.Source: http://babyfit.sparkpeople.com/articles.asp?id=413
Exercise Pregnancy can be harsh on ligaments and joints because of the added weight your body supports. Your back may be one of the major areas where you'll notice the ache. Regular stretching and exercise help offset these effects by improving flexibility, strength, muscle tone, and reducing the incidence of lower back pain. Click below for gentle exercises and stretches to alleviate back pain.
What exercises are safe to do while I'm pregnant? Times have changed - women are now encouraged to stay active and fit during pregnancy. There are many safe activities you can enjoy while keeping fit during your pregnancy (unless your doctor has prescribed otherwise).
Source: http://babyfit.sparkpeople.com/articles.asp?id=413
Feeling fatigued while pregnant is normal. Make relaxation a priority, getting in rest whenever you can. However, too much rest can increase fatigue, while exercising can give you more energy. Exercise slowly, not to the point of exhaustion. Try to break up your exercises into 2-3 short sessions a day if that helps you make it happen.
Safety Is the influenza vaccine safe during pregnancy? The influenza vaccine is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists " ...in the second and third trimester during the flu season, and women at high risk for pulmonary complications regardless of the trimester."[1].
The effects of chemicals in hair dyes on a developing fetus are unknown. Some doctors recommend that women should avoid any kind of hair dyes while pregnant, or at least minimize use, especially during the first trimester. Highlighting or streaking your hair involves less scalp contact with dye, so it might be safer. Always use latex gloves and don't leave dye on longer than necessary. This will minimize skin contact and the level of absorption. If you do dye your hair, consider vegetable-based products like henna. AFTER PREGNANCY Breastfeeding How can I prepare for breastfeeding? When it comes to breastfeeding, preparation is the key. Talk with family and friends who have successfully breastfed. Check out breastfeeding books at your local library. And definitely sign up to take a breastfeeding class at a local hospital, taught by a certified lactation consultant. During this class you will learn breastfeeding basics, tips and techniques, and do's and don'ts. With hands-on instruction you will be exposed to different holding techniques, basic nipple and breast care, how to store breast milk, ways to determine if your infant is getting enough milk, and how and when to use a breast pump. You'll learn what to do if problems should arise, and know when it is necessary to call your doctor or the pediatrician.
Another Pregnancy How long should I wait before having another baby? The optimum length of time between pregnancies appears to be 18 to 23 months.
How long after giving birth does my period start again? Most women get their period two to three months after giving birth. However, each woman is different and there is no specific time when your period should start. It can take from one week, up to a year for your body to regulate and start your menstrual cycle again. If you are breast feeding, it will usually take you longer to restart your period than women who are not breast feeding.
Postpartum Depression What is the difference between “baby blues,”postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis? The baby blues can happen in the days right after childbirth and normally go away within a few days to a week. A new mother can have sudden mood swings, sadness, crying spells, loss of appetite, sleeping problems, and feel irritable, restless, anxious, and lonely. Symptoms are not severe and treatment isn’t needed. But there are things you can do to feel better. Nap when the baby does. Ask for help from your spouse, family members, and friends. Join a support group of new moms or talk with other moms.
What steps can I take if I have symptoms of depression after childbirth? Some women don’t tell anyone about their symptoms because they feel embarrassed, ashamed, or guilty about feeling depressed when they are supposed to be happy. They worry that they will be viewed as unfit parents. Perinatal depression can happen to any woman. It does not mean you are a bad or “not together” mom. You and your baby don’t have to suffer. There is help.
Source: http://www.4woman.gov/faq/postpartum.cfm
There are two common types of treatment for depression.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with their doctors about the advantages and risks of taking antidepressant medicines. Some women are concerned that taking these medicines may harm the baby. A mother’s depression can affect her baby’s development, so getting treatment is important for both mother and baby. The risks of taking medicine have to be weighed against the risks of depression. It is a decision that women need to discuss carefully with their doctors. Women who decide to take antidepressant medicines should talk to their doctors about which antidepressant medicines are safer to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. |
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