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How to really help your wife through pregnancy - fatherhood tips

2009-02-21T18:20:00.000-08:00

How to really help your wife through pregnancy - fatherhood tips

An essay for men who are soon to be dads.

It is usually at about the ten week mark, right about when the hormones start to take control of your wife, that an unusual amount of complaints are beginning regarding your lack of involvement in this pregnancy. Questions like, "Why don't you help me?" and, "Can't you do anything?" pummel the poor man who is caught on his heels. While this catches most men off guard -it does come rather suddenly- we as men and fathers must be prepared to fill deep boots while she is pregnant, and that means accomplishing our role as the male. But what is our role? I have three words for you. Cook. Clean. Concierge.

Ask any woman what they want in a man while she is pregnant. If she doesn't ask that he take a walk to the moon and breath deeply, she will undoubtedly ask for help. She is looking for someone who will make her feel like she does not have to do this by herself. Pregnant women want us to know that it is a lot of work growing a child within them, and they want to know that they can count on us to support them. So what do we do?
Here are the only three areas you have to really worry about: cooking (which is really just the art of finding food), cleaning, and becoming her extra hands. This does not mean that you should do all of the cooking and cleaning. This means that you need to be her helper by bearing a bit of the load (and the load does get bigger the more time passes). Over all you are to serve her. Trust me, the more you serve the more she will feel loved and the less you will hear about how she is second-guessing breeding with a sack of potatoes like you. I personally heard that one myself during the first pregnancy. I hope the rest of this article keeps you from ever hearing that as well.

While she was pregnant with our oldest was when my wife first honestly surprised me with a culinary request; well, two requests really. One: grapefruit... in everything. Ever had grapefruit on a salad? No, not lettuce. Egg salad. Well, neither have I, despite her insistence that it was next to ambrosia. The second: authentic Asian food. Notice I did not say anything about Mar Far. We're talking about raw fish and cooked bugs.
What do you do guys? She wants raw squid with a light grapefruit baste. What do you do? This is the first role of the man who is to be called "Dad", you cook. In more practical terms, you find food. Remember that this doesn't mean you cook every night. But offering

to make dinner three or four nights a week will certainly help her out.
Some men, like myself, enjoy cooking food. Say it with me, "BBQ." Think about it men. How many of you like the smell of a chunk of meat sizzling over fire? From medieval knights celebrating with a fat hog on a spit to Uncle Tony's famous salmon in beer, men cook on fire. The enjoyment is natural, but the skills are not. That is why I suggest the first pregnancy "tools" you should purchase for yourself are few good cooking books. Find some that are geared for the male mind and have tips on side dishes. It is the culinary rule of triangulation: one part meat, one part fruit or veggie, and one part starch. Every meal should have these three things so find a book that provides the side choice for you and save yourself the guess-work.

My wife pregnancy 9 month, our baby was born just at the same day we took these picture. How amazing!!

"Whoa, Mike," I hear from the back, "That does nothing for our squid problem." True, most BBQ's do not come with squid. This is where you hone the art of finding food. You have to be creative. For example: It is 1:08 AM and your princess wants Subway. You, in your 'I'm thinking clearly because I'm not the pregnant one' logic inform her that they've been closed for hours, and she would feel better with some rest. Unfortunately you have neglected that your partner is indwelt at the moment. She has been fighting the craving for a deli sandwich for two hours and can not fight the demon any more. Currently, due to your reply, she is in deliberation as to what to do with your eyeballs once she has plucked them from your head. Your response? Get the sandwich. Find a place that is open all night. Some grocery stores have twenty-four hour service and their deli section with have pre-made subs prepared that day and plastic wrapped for individual sale. Buy two.
For the more exotic tastes, check the yellow pages for specialty markets. You might be surprised at how many ethnic food stores are in your area. From Mexican groceries (the best place to find good tamales) to Asian markets (there's your squid), you may be minutes away from your answer.

My wife and my future baby.
My wife was in her 5th pregnancy month when I took this photo.

It was not until our second pregnancy that I realized how important cleaning was. Okay, so I probably just lost half of the audience. Stick with me men! This isn't that hard. She wants a clean house, and you want a happy wife. It means you get to clean. Here are a few tips.

From my pregnancy 5 mos ago. I was 9 mos preg there.

Make a list.
Cleaning happens faster when you make a list and prioritize. Pick a room, break down the chores,

and get to it.
Ask her what she expects.
Tell her that you want to help by doing it right the first time. Chances are she will tell you exactly how she wants it done.
Don't forget the small stuff.
Guys tend to overlook the details like wiping-down the stove top after doing the dishes and dumping the trash in the bathroom. Make sure you are thorough.

Remember, you are there to be her helper, and sometimes that means donning the toilet brush.

Lastly is the role of the concierge. A concierge could also be called the Odd-Job Man. She needs it: you get it. Her socks itch: you find the soft ones. She can't reach her shoe laces: you tie them. The dog stinks: well... put him outside.
Now I know this sounds like servitude. That's because it is. She is unable to perform many of the tasks and you are. You are making your abilities her abilities. Without you she would be struggling to reach the pots in the back of the low cupboard, and wearing socks that drive her nuts. By offering your services to her you are giving her peace, and building intimacy; two things no house can have too much of.

Remember, the male's job doesn't stop at conception. And while you will undoubtedly do more than is mentioned in this short essay, hopefully you have a much smoother time after making a few easy applications to your routine.

How to really help your wife through pregnancy - fatherhood tips

Funny Pregnancy Tips Pics for Mommies on crack

2008-08-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

Do's And Don'ts - Helpful Pregnancy Tips For Mommies on crack

To hell with this tips!!!

watch the real pics below

Do take prenatal vitamins with folic acid. Medical studies have

demonstrated that folic acid can help to prevent birth defects. Many women may

have a deficiency of folic acid. Your doctor will recommend that you take a

prenatal vitamin with folic acid and you will want to be sure to follow that

advice. There are many brands of prenatal vitamins available at most grocery stores
or health food stores.

Don't smoke tobacco. Tobacco has been found to be harmful to

pregnant women and their babies. Do avoid second hand smoke as much

as possible.

Do learn about pregnancy information, and what to expect in your

pregnancy each week, month, and trimester. Look these topics up online, read books and talk to your doctor about any

pregnancy related questions you may have.

Don't lift heavy objects or do strenuous labor. While it is a great

idea to do mild exercise like walking, this is not a time for seeing how much

weight you can lift at the gym. Read Fit Pregnancy magazine for ideas on

maintaining your ideal pregnancy weight.

Do eat health foods. Everything you eat has a positive or negative

effect upon the growing baby in your womb. Feed your baby health foods,

fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, brown rice, whole grain breads, lean chicken, milk, yogurt, etc.

Don't drink alcohol. It is best to abstain and not have any. Although

some doctors say it is okay to have one glass of wine with dinner on the

weekend, be sure to ask your own doctor about your particular body and

individual health situation.

Do enjoy being a mom. This is a magical and special time in your

life. Rather than stress out about the outcome, be sure to enjoy the journey.

Your baby will feel happy and healthy if you are feeling happy and healthy.

Watch some funny shows on television and have a good laugh. Read some

entertaining books, and listen to some pleasant music and sing along.

Smile and rub your belly, while you talk to you baby and say "I love you."

Important things mommy's should not do

2008-08-02T05:47:00.000-07:00

Mommy's not to do list

Some moms or moms to be just don't understand that doing bad habits or not living a healthy lifestyle right from the start when baby is just growing up or on his/her tender years can be very dangerous.

Just as there are certain foods that you should be sure to stock up on, so too are there foods that you should avoid as though they would give you the plague if you were to breathe in their general area if you were pregnant. Of course, this list changes from year to year so take most of these recommendations with a grain of salt!

If you’re unsure whether a food is safe for you to eat, or if you have heard mixed reports or have a concern based on your individual circumstances, consult your OB/GYN. Since they are regularly required to take continuing education classes and receive frequent updates from the research fields they would be the most qualified to provide you with information pertaining specifically to your pregnancy.

Alcohol is first on the list of No-No’s for Mommies to Be, and with good reason. The amount of alcohol that is safe to consume in a day while pregnant has yet to be determined, and the incidence of known cases of birth defects due to alcohol consumption is on the rise. According to the March of Dimes “alcohol is the most common known cause of damage to developing babies in the United States and is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation.”

On a more personal note, alcohol can also aggravate many of the common side effects of pregnancy such as nausea and heartburn. It also takes up space in your stomach that could be filled with more healthy things, like water or juice. If you can forsake alcohol completely during your pregnancy, that would be the best choice for you and your baby. Does that mean that a sip of your glass when you toast your cousin’s wedding is going to leave your baby scarred for life? No, probably not. Use your good sense. While a sip or two of wine every now and then probably won’t hurt your growing angel, a shot or two of tequila might not be as forgiving. Pregnancy is only nine months long. Your baby lasts a lifetime.

The other scare when it comes to pregnancy eating has come from an unexpected source-fish. Long lauded as the best source of protein for pregnant women, it was recently discovered that fish was also high in mercury, a condition caused by the dumping of waste into the water. Mercury can cause irreparable damage to a fetus’s developing nervous system. The debate as to whether specific fish can be considered safe or not is still ongoing, but pregnant women are currently being encouraged to avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, bluefish, tuna steak, striped bass, freshwater fish and canned tuna.

While highly processed foods may not cause permanent damage to your unborn baby they usually contain enough preservatives to qualify them as highly suspicious. Remember, anything that claims to be sugar free yet tastes sweet has some form of sugar substitute in it. The question is, what are they substituting? Labels such as “fat free” and “caffeine free” should also be approached with caution. Take the high road here and attempt to buy whole, natural foods as often as possible. Look at the list of ingredients on the label. The longer it is, the less likely it is to be healthy for your baby.

If you have a hard time getting started in the morning without your cup of Joe, now’s going to be the time to learn. Caffeine impedes iron absorption, contributing to anemia in pregnant women who don’t have enough to spare, robs the body of precious calcium and aggravates heartburn all in one fell swoop. It also transfers to your baby through your breastmilk, which means that if you like to drink coffee and you’re planning on breastfeeding you can expect a lot of late nights.

Although you could switch to decaf, for the dedicated coffee drinker this is about the equivalent of taking a perfectly good cup of coffee and filling it 2/3 full of water. As a placebo it’s a poor substitute. Instead, try a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider in the morning. (Heating apple juice and adding a little cinnamon works too.) The hot beverage will hit a few of the “wake up” buttons that coffee triggers, and while you’ll probably feel the lack of caffeine for the first week or two you should find that getting through the day gets easier-and hey, pregnant women are supposed to nap regularly anyway!

Unpasteurized cheeses, soft or fresh cheeses such as Brie, deli meats, hot dogs, undercooked eggs, fish, rare to medium well meats and unpasteurized juices are also being added at various intervals to the “no-no” list that OB/GYNs are handing out to their patients in an attempt to stop the spread of pathogens such as E.coli, Salmonella and Listeria, all of which are often present in undercooked or uncooked meats.

Listeria, the leading cause of meningitis in children less than one year old, has the ability to cross the placenta and infect the baby. It can also cause miscarriage. Salmonella has been associated with stillbirth. Even if fetal death doesn’t occur, dehydration from the diarrhea and vomiting that accompany Salmonella infection is a serious risk. A severe infection with E. coli can cause dehydration as well as potentially triggering premature labor or miscarriage.

By the same token, it is vitally important that you wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before you eat them, particularly if you grow your own. You were probably told by your physician that while you were pregnant you shouldn’t handle kitty litter due to a potential infection with Toxoplasma, a parasite that lives in cat feces. Toxoplasma is also present in the soil, particularly in areas where cats often roam and do their business outside. There is always a risk of Toxoplasma appearing in commercially processed foods, although it is less common than in home grown.

It is better to be safe than sorry when dealing with Toxoplasma. The parasite can cross the placenta, infecting the baby and causing stillbirth or long term damage. There is a 15% chance of the parasite infecting the baby if exposure occurs in the first trimester, 30% in the second and 60% in the third.

Pathogenic infection of the developing fetus can be potentially devastating, particularly when it is caused by an invader that an adult immune system would be able to battle off with ease. It is far better to take the time to carefully ensure that your food is pathogen free during pregnancy than to have to live with the consequences.

Smoking while pregnant -what to do and what not to do

2008-07-21T05:15:00.000-07:00

Tobacco poisons affect baby

When you smoke, the poisons in the tobacco are going into you and your baby. Nicotine affects your baby’s blood supply, as well as affecting you. Every puff you take increases the carbon monoxide poison in your blood stream, so when you smoke:

Sexy Pregnant mothers

• less oxygen and nourishment get to your baby

• your baby’s heart beats too fast (so does yours)

• your baby’s chest muscles don’t have enough oxygen to

exercise properly, to get ready for breathing after birth.

You are more likely to lose your unborn baby (miscarry) if you

smoke during pregnancy.

A smoker’s baby is more likely to:

• be stressed during labour, leading to a complicated birth

• have a low birth weight, making health problems more

likely

• die at, or shortly after, birth

• die of cot death, or SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)

• have cough, colds and other breathing problems

• get ear infections

• develop asthma

Once you have quit for your baby …

You have many reasons to stay smoke-free. If you smoke, your child is more likely to:

• be hospitalised

• get middle ear damage

• get chest illnesses or asthma

• have poor breathing and lung development

• grow up to be a smoker (copying you)

If you start smoking again, you are more likely to get serious diseases, such as cancers, stroke, heart disease, breathing diseases like emphysema and bronchitis, and circulation damage causing pains in the legs and trouble with walking.

Staying smokefree after pregnancy – some tips for tough times

So you quit smoking for your pregnancy – great! Now you want to stay a non-smoker, for yourself and for your child. Some times are harder than others, and it’s good to learn new ways of dealing with the ‘tough times’.

Seeing other people smoke Move away from smokers when you can. Ask your family and friends not to smoke inside your home. Get rid of all the ashtrays. Maybe you know someone who wants to quit, and you can support each other.

Out socializing

Try to socialise with people who don’t smoke! Tell people straight away that you don’t smoke, and that don’t want to.

Drinking alcohol

Try avoiding alcohol. Try a different, non-alcoholic drink. Hold something else in your free hand.

Driving a car

Take the ashtray and lighter out of the car, and keep your car smoke-free.

Watching television

Sit in a different chair. Have something to keep your hands busy.

Nibble on healthy snacks. Keep busy in the ad breaks.

Drink water – keep a water bottle beside you.

On the telephone

Make a list of the reasons you want to stay quit, and keep it by

the phone to look at while you talk. When the phone rings or

you go to use the phone, remind yourself “I don’t smoke”. Put

paper and pen by the phone – doodle.

More Info can be read at these Pregnancy Sites: Pregnancy.org, Pregnancy Guides and Simple Pregnancy Information for moms to be.

Pregnant Mothers Needs these vitamins From A to Zinc

2008-05-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

From A to Zinc

If you have ever attempted to go on any kind of diet that involved reading the information on the nutritional labels of your food you are all too familiar with the fact that those little words and symbols can start to look like Greek after a while. If you’re not a doctor or a nutritionist you probably have no idea of what Vitamin B or Folic Acid are, much less why they’re important. The first step to conquering pregnancy nutrition is understanding what you’re eating, how much you should eat, why you’re eating it and how it’s going to help your baby.

A quick note. In the following section you are going to see several mentions made about the negative consequences of overdosing on specific vitamins. You must understand that this overdose very rarely occurs because of the foods you eat. More often it is because mothers have chosen to consume extra supplements in an attempt to “help” their baby or they have forgotten to tell their physician about other vitamins and supplements they take on a regular basis. Be sure when you go in for your prenatal appointments that your physician knows exactly what vitamins, medications and supplements (including herbal) you take, regardless of how insignificant you may believe them to be.

1. Vitamin A: Vitamin A helps the development of baby’s bones and teeth, as well as their heart, ears, eyes and immune system (the body system that fights infection). Vitamin A deficiency has been associated with vision problems, which is why your mom always told you to eat your carrots when you were a kid! Getting enough Vitamin A during pregnancy will also help your body repair the damage caused by childbirth.

Pregnant women should consume at least 770 micrograms (or 2565 IU, as it is labeled on nutritional labels) of Vitamin A per day, and that number almost doubles when nursing to 1300 micrograms (4,330 IU). Be aware, however, that overdosing on Vitamin A can cause birth defects and liver toxicity. Your maximum intake should be 3000 mcg (10,000 IU) per day.

Vitamin A can be found in liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, kale spinach collard greens, cantaloupe, eggs, mangos and peas.

2. Vitamin B6: Also known as Pyridoxine, Vitamin B6 helps your baby’s brain and nervous system develop. It also helps Mom and baby develop new red blood cells. Oddly enough, B6 has been known to help alleviate morning sickness in some pregnant women.

Pregnant women should consume at least 1.9 mg per day of Vitamin B6. That amount rises slightly when nursing to 2.0 mg per day.

Vitamin B6 can be found in fortified cereals, as well as bananas, baked potatoes, watermelon, chick peas and chicken breast.

3. Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 works hand in hand with folic acid to help both Mom and baby produce healthy red blood cells, and it helps develop the fetal brain and nervous system. The body stores years’ worth of B12 away, so unless you are a vegan or suffer from pernicious anemia the likelihood of a B12 deficiency is very slim.

Pregnant women should consume at least 2.6 mcg (104 IU) of B12per day, nursing mothers 2.8 mcg (112 IU).

Vitamin B12 can be found in red meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs and dairy foods. If you are a vegan you will be able to find B12 fortified tofu and soymilk. Other foods are fortified at the manufacturer’s discretion.

4. Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron and build a healthy immune system in both mother and baby. It also holds the cells together, helping the body to build tissue. Since the Daily Recommended Allowance of Vitamin C is so easy to consume by eating the right foods supplementation is rarely needed.

Pregnant women should consume at least 80-85 mg of Vitamin C per day, nursing mothers no less than 120 mg per day.

Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, raspberries, bell peppers, green beans, strawberries, papaya, potatoes, broccoli and tomatoes, as well as in many cough drops and other supplements.

5. Calcium: Calcium builds your baby’s bones and helps its brain and heart to function. Calcium intake increases dramatically during pregnancy. Women with calcium deficiency at any point in their lives are more likely to suffer from conditions such as osteoporosis which directly affect the bones.

Pregnant women should consume at least 1200 mg of calcium a day, nursing mothers 1000 mg per day.

Calcium can be found in dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt and, to a lesser extent, ice cream, as well as fortified juices, butters and cereals, spinach, broccoli, okra, sweet potatoes, lentils, tofu, Chinese cabbage, kale and broccoli. It is also widely available in supplement form.

6. Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, leading to healthy bones for both mother and baby.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should consume at least 2000 IU of Vitamin D per day. Since babies need more Vitamin D than adults babies that are only breastfeeding may need a Vitamin D supplement, so if your doctor recommends this don’t worry. You haven’t done anything wrong! Formula is fortified with Vitamin D, so if you are bottle feeding or supplementing with formula your baby is probably getting sufficient amounts of this vital nutrient.

Vitamin D is rarely found in sufficient amounts in ordinary foods. It can, however, be found in milk (most milk is fortified) as well as fortified cereals, eggs and fatty fish like salmon, catfish and mackerel. Vitamin D is also found in sunshine, so women and children found to have a mild Vitamin D deficiency may be told to spend more time in the sun.

7. Vitamin E: Vitamin E helps baby’s body to form and use its muscles and red blood cells. Lack of Vitamin E during pregnancy has been associated with pre-eclampsia (a condition causing excessively high blood pressure and fluid retention) and low birth weight. On the other hand, Vitamin E overdose has been tentatively associated with stillbirth in mothers who “self medicated” with supplements.

Pregnant women should consume at least 20 mg of Vitamin E per day but not more than 540 mg.

Vitamin E can be found in naturally in vegetable oil, wheat germ, nuts, spinach and fortified cereals as well as in supplemental form. Natural Vitamin E is better for your baby than synthetic, so be sure to eat lots of Vitamin E rich foods before you reach for your bottle of supplements.

8. Folic Acid: Also known as Folate or Vitamin B9, Folic Acid is a vital part of your baby’s development. The body uses Folic Acid for the replication of DNA, cell growth and tissue formation. A Folic Acid deficiency during pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects such as spina bifida (a condition in which the spinal cord does not form completely), anencephaly (underdevelopment of the brain) and encephalocele (a condition in which brain tissue protrudes out to the skin from an abnormal opening in the skull). All of these conditions occur during the first 28 days of fetal development, usually before Mom even knows she’s pregnant, which is why it’s important for women who may become or are trying to become pregnant to consistently get enough Folic Acid in their diet.

Pregnant woman should consume at least 0.6-0.8 mg of Folic Acid per day.

Folic Acid can be found in oranges, orange juice, strawberries, leafy vegetables, spinach, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, pasta, beans, nuts and sunflower seeds, as well as in supplements and fortified cereals.

9. Iron: Iron helps your body to form the extra blood that it’s going to need to keep you and baby healthy, as well as helping to form the placenta and develop the baby’s cells. Women are rarely able to consume enough iron during their pregnancy through eating alone, so iron supplements along with prenatal vitamins are often prescribed.

Women who are pregnant should have at least 27 mg of iron per day, although the Center for Disease Control suggests that all women take a supplement containing at least 30 mg. The extra iron rarely causes side effects; however, overdosing on iron supplements can be very harmful for both you and your baby by causing iron build-up in the cells.

Iron can be found in red meat and poultry, which are your best choice, as well as legumes, vegetables, some grains and fortified cereals.

10. Niacin: Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacin is responsible for providing energy for your baby to develop as well as building the placenta. It also helps keep Mom’s digestive system operating normally.

Pregnant women should have an intake of at least 18 mg of Niacin per day.

Niacin can be found in foods that are high in protein, such as eggs, meats, fish and peanuts, as well as whole grains, bread products, fortified cereals and milk.

11. Protein: Protein is the building block of the body’s cells, and as such it is very important to the growth and development of every part of your baby’s body during pregnancy. This is especially important in the second and third trimester, when both Mom and baby are growing the fastest.

Pregnant and nursing women should consume at least 70g of protein per day, which is about 25g more than the average women needs before pregnancy.

Protein can be found naturally in beans, poultry, red meats, fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, cheese, tofu and yogurt. It is also available in supplements, fortified cereals and protein bars.

12. Riboflavin: Also known as Vitamin B2, Riboflavin helps the body produce the energy it needs to develop your baby’s bones, muscles and nervous system. Women with Riboflavin deficiency may be at risk for preeclamsia, and when baby is delivered it will be prone to anemia, digestive problems, poor growth and a suppressed immune system, making it more vulnerable to infection.

Pregnant women should consume at least 1.4 mg of Riboflavin per day, nursing mothers 1.6 mg.

Riboflavin can be found in whole grains, dairy products, red meat, pork and poultry, fish, fortified cereals and eggs.

13. Thiamin: Also known as Vitamin B1, thiamin helps develop your baby’s organs and central nervous system.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should consume at least 1.4 mg of Thiamin a day. Nursing mothers who are Thiamin deficient are at risk for having babies with beriberi, a disease which may affect the baby’s cardiovascular system (lungs and heart) or the nervous system.

Thiamin can be found in whole grain foods, pork, fortified cereals, wheat germ and eggs.

14. Zinc: Zinc is vital for the growth of your fetus because it aids in cell division, the primary process in the growth of baby’s tiny tissues and organs. It also helps Mom and baby to produce insulin and other enzymes.

Pregnant women should have an intake of at least 11-12 mg of Zinc per day.

Zinc can be found naturally in red meats, poultry, beans, nuts, grains, oysters and dairy products, as well as fortified cereals and supplements.

Bear in mind that the Recommended Daily Allowances are just that-recommended. None of those number has been formulated on a case-by-case basis, so if your doctor recommends something else for you listen to what they have to say. After all, they managed to run up that student loan somehow!

For more Pregnancy info please visit the pregnancy guides wiki

When Can You Get Pregnant?

2008-02-28T11:59:00.001-08:00

When Can You Get Pregnant?
By Milos Pesic

If you are planning on becoming pregnant in the near future, you may be wondering when exactly it is that you can get pregnant. If you are asking these types of questions, you are definitely on the right track to pregnancy! Let’s discuss the biology of the female body in more detail in order to understand when you can get pregnant.

After puberty hits, a woman typically has a month-long menstrual cycle. The main outwardly visible sign of this monthly cycle is the presence of menstruation, but this is not the only thing that is going on inside of your body. You can get pregnant as soon as you begin to have this pattern of monthly cycles inside of your body.

During each monthly cycle when you can get pregnant, your body will carefully build a lining of blood vessels and nutrients in your uterus. This is careful preparation for the time when you actually do get pregnant. Your body does not know when that will be, so it prepares thoroughly each month.

You can get pregnant when the lining of the uterus is ready. At this point, your ovaries will release an egg into your uterus. This is the perfect time for you to get pregnant; everything is aligned just right. If you should have intercourse at this time in your monthly cycle, then you stand a good chance of getting pregnant. This stage when you can get pregnant is calling “ovulation.” Ovulation just means that the egg is released during this time period.

If you do not become pregnant during your ovulation time, the egg will die and the lining of your uterus will become too old. At this point, your body sheds the lining and the egg in order to start all over again. This is the stage known as menstruation, when you will notice blood coming to the outside. At this point in your monthly cycle, you typically cannot get pregnant. You will have to wait to get pregnant when the next ovulation period begins in the next month.

This pattern continues over and over during a woman’s childbearing years until she either becomes pregnant, or goes through menopause. When you get pregnant, the lining in you uterus won’t be lost, but rather will grow with the baby and becomes the placenta, which nourishes the baby for nine months. When women go through menopause, they can no longer get pregnant. This is because they stop sending eggs (ovulating), and their bodies quit preparing the monthly lining.

The best way to know when you can become pregnant is to pay attention to your monthly cycle. If you know when you are ovulating, you have all of the information that you need to know about when you can get pregnant!

Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Pregnancy and Fertility and runs a highly popular and comprehensive Pregnancy web site. For more articles and resources on Pregnancy and Fertility related topics, early Pregnancy Symptoms, Infertility Treatments and much visit his site at:

=>http://pregnancy.need-to-know.net/

How Long Does It Take To Get Pregnant?

2008-02-28T11:51:00.000-08:00

How Long Does It Take To Get Pregnant?
By Jamie McMillan

How long does it take to get pregnant?" I always get asked this from couples trying to conceive. Unfortunately, my answer every time is...It depends.

Couples usually don't like to hear this and would like to hear within a month or two. Many couples wonder if there is something wrong after a month or two and they aren't pregnant. Actually if you look at the averages about 50% of HEALTHY couples get pregnant within 4 or 5 months, and nearly 86% will get pregnant after one year of trying.

There are MANY factors that can affect you getting prefers...here are a couple.

1. Timing of Sex - I can't stress how important this one is, if you are "baby dancing" at all the wrong times you may never get pregnant. There are really only 3-5 days of fertile times and you need to be having intercourse during these times.

2. Mom's Age - The older the woman is, the longer it will take to get pregnant.

3. Health - Healthy people tend to get pregnant MUCH faster than unhealthy people. This includes drug, alcohol, tobacco, use as well as caffeine intake for the mother AND the father.

So here are a few things to look out for when you're wondering "How long does it take to get pregnant?" Like I said in general it takes around 4-5 months, but it really just depends.

There are other factors as well, and they are discussed in great detail in "The Pregnancy Plan", it's a free online e-Course that can help you get pregnant naturally.

Baby Dust To All!

For more information about how long it takes to get pregnant, please visit the Pregnancy Plan.

http://www.thepregnancyplan.com

Tips On How To Get Pregnant

2008-02-28T11:50:00.001-08:00

Tips On How To Get Pregnant
By Jamie McMillan

So you've been having trouble getting pregnant?

Getting a little frustrated? Want to have your baby naturally?

The truth is many will think that they have fertility problems and this simply isn't the case. Many times couples who are trying so desperately to become pregnant are simply missing a thing or two.

#1 Problem Timing Sex - Timing sex or "baby dancing" is probably the most crucial thing you do to get pregnant. This is in fact one of the best tips on how to get pregnant.

You see there are really only two or three days per month that you can become pregnant and these days are when you are ovulating. It's actually best to have sex the day before ovulation.

#2 Problem Top Things You MUST Avoid - There are quite a few things that can prohibit you from actually getting pregnant. Smoking, alcohol and drugs. I know it sounds like common sense, however these are things you really should quit if you are looking how to get pregnant. #3 Problem Weight - Now in my experience many women who want to become pregnant are somewhat overweight. The best time to lose weight is BEFORE you get pregnant and will actually HELP you conceive faster. Believe it or not this goes for you and your husband, getting to and maintaining a healthy weight will up his sperm count as well.

There are really TONS more tips on how to get pregnant that I would like to share with you and you can find them all out for free at "The Pregnancy Plan" It's a free online e-Course for women trying to get pregnant.

Check out the tips on how to get pregnant at The Pregnancy Plan:

http://www.thepregnancyplan.com

Tips On How To Get Pregnant

2008-02-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

Tips On How To Get Pregnant
By Jamie McMillan

So you've been having trouble getting pregnant?

Getting a little frustrated? Want to have your baby naturally?

The truth is many will think that they have fertility problems and this simply isn't the case. Many times couples who are trying so desperately to become pregnant are simply missing a thing or two.

#1 Problem Timing Sex - Timing sex or "baby dancing" is probably the most crucial thing you do to get pregnant. This is in fact one of the best tips on how to get pregnant.

You see there are really only two or three days per month that you can become pregnant and these days are when you are ovulating. It's actually best to have sex the day before ovulation.

Check out the tips on how to get pregnant at The Pregnancy Plan:

http://www.thepregnancyplan.com

Pregnant Because I'm Pregnant

2008-02-28T11:48:00.000-08:00

Pregnant Because I'm Pregnant
By Karen Peralta

This was written due to my thinking I had become pregnant a second time, which turned out to be a false prospect on the home pregnancy test. I had skipped a period and was simply not pregnant. But I had gotten all excited over the prospect of being pregnant a second time, as we did indeed want a second child. Our first child, my daughter Angela, was so wonderful I was deeply looking forward to a second period of time being spent in pregnancy. Unfortunately, it did not turn out to be the case.

Pregnant Because I'm Pregnant

And I’m telling it to whatever’s out to get me
That I’m pregnant
I’m secretly hoping to whatever Gods there be
That I’m pregnant
And I watch to the stars and I dream about Mars
And I eat nothing but sterling silver candy bars
So I’m pregnant.

If my husband can ever wake up and see
That I’m pregnant - the lie is - I’m pregnant.
I’ve never thought I was a woman my whole life,
And I don’t deserve baby. Who is already wonderful
Daughter Angela not imaginary, I think she is.

And if I wake up to myself being two people
Like last time, when an unknown entity resided
So deep within me, I never wanted it to leave,
And want to keep him or her safe deep in there
I will never hit anyone like that ever again -
Because last time, when I lost my bad temper,
My daughter had to learn martial arts from me.

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Miscarriage what is it?

2008-02-28T11:29:00.000-08:00

Miscarriage what is it?

Miscarriage
Reviewed by Dr Philip Owen, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist

What is a miscarriage?

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks, with most miscarriages actually occurring during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Unfortunately, miscarriage is very common, affecting one in eight pregnancies.

What causes a miscarriage?

There is seldom an adequate explanation for why a woman experiences a miscarriage. Studies inform us that approximately 50 per cent of lost pregnancies have failed to develop normally, either due to chromosome or genetic problems or because of structural (bodily) problems. There is no apparent explanation for the remaining 50 per cent of cases.

* Certain maternal illnesses are associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, although these are very uncommon.

* Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage.

* There is a gradual increase in the risk of miscarriage as the woman gets older.

It is important to remember that an ordinary lifestyle that includes exercise, going to work, minor falls or taking the Pill before pregnancy does not increase the risk of miscarriage.

What are the symptoms of a miscarriage?

The most common symptom is bleeding from the vagina. Lower abdominal pain is also very common.

Some women have no symptoms at all and the miscarriage is only diagnosed when they are given an ultrasound scan at their antenatal clinic. This is referred to as a 'silent miscarriage', and can be very distressing for the woman and her partner.

What to do if a miscarriage is suspected

If a woman is bleeding from the vagina and feels pain then she must consult her doctor.

When is it necessary to consult a doctor immediately?

* If the woman is bleeding at such a rate that she needs more than one sanitary towel per hour. In this case, too much blood is being lost and the flow must be stopped.

* If the woman feels weak or faint. These are both signs that she is losing too much blood.

* If the woman experiences severe stomach pain, this may be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy.

* If the woman experiences fever, shivering or a smelly vaginal discharge, this can be a sign of an infection or inflammation.

All these conditions are potentially serious and must be treated immediately.

What does the doctor do?

An abdominal examination is usually combined with an internal (pelvic) examination. In this way, it is possible to determine if the bleeding is a sign of a pregnancy that is destined to miscarry or one that may continue. An ultrasound scan is the most useful investigation. This is performed through the abdomen or through the vagina and gives precise information about whether the pregnancy is continuing or not.

What if my pregnancy is continuing?

Provided the bleeding is not too heavy and the pain is controlled by simple painkillers, then you can go home. As long as the bleeding continues, it is advisable to keep off work. Bed rest is not essential and does not influence whether the bleeding will continue and result in a miscarriage or not. If a pregnancy is destined to miscarry, there is, unfortunately, nothing effective that you or your doctor can do.

What if my pregnancy is not continuing?

Again, depending on the amount of bleeding and discomfort you may be admitted to the hospital or allowed home. If the scan shows that there is no blood clot or tissue in the womb then nothing further needs to be done. If there is more than just a little tissue or a blood clot then a small operation called a uterine evacuation may be recommended.

What happens after a miscarriage?

Following a miscarriage, it is advisable to take it easy and rest for a couple of days. It will help if the woman has someone she trusts with her, so that she can talk openly about her feelings. After a couple of days it is often helpful to return to a normal daily routine.

After a miscarriage a woman might experience headaches or have trouble sleeping. She may also experience lack of appetite and fatigue.

Many women feel anger and sadness after a miscarriage, while many others experience a strong sense of guilt, even though it is not their fault. These are all natural reactions.

A miscarriage can be frightening, confusing and depressing. It is natural to feel grief over the loss of a child. Women should not let people ignore or belittle what they have been through. The people they choose to talk to must be prepared to listen to what they have experienced and deal with the strong emotions involved.

Any woman who finds it too difficult to deal with her grief, or who continues to feel depressed, should consult her doctor for further help.

What if more than one miscarriage is experienced?

If a woman has three miscarriages in a row, this is known as a recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (RSM) and a referral to a gynaecologist for special investigation is recommended. Provided the investigations are negative, a woman's next pregnancy still has a 70 per cent chance of being successful.

When can I try for another baby?

There are no hard-and-fast rules. The right time to try for children again will vary from one couple to another: some will want to start a couple of weeks or months after the bleeding has stopped, others will want to wait longer. It is, of course, advisable to recover from the worst of the emotional upset before starting another pregnancy.

Will my next pregnancy be successful?

Following one miscarriage, the risk of the next pregnancy being a miscarriage is not increased beyond the overall risk of one in eight.

* Remember to keep taking folic acid to reduce the risk of the baby being affected with spina bifida.

* If you smoke, give up.

* Often a woman gains considerable re-assurance by having an early scan. Ask your doctor or gynaecologist about this.

Based on a text by Dr Niels Lund, specialist gynaecologist and obstetrician, Dr Charlotte Floridon, specialist gynaecologist and obstetrician and Christel Bech, nurse

Pregnancy -> Planning -> Caregivers and Birth Settings

2008-02-28T11:28:00.004-08:00

Pregnancy -> Planning -> Caregivers and Birth Settings

Why do I need to think about choosing a maternity caregiver and birth setting before I get pregnant?

Most women will make these important decisions early in their pregnancy, but you might want to consider what care options are available to you before you get pregnant. The caregiver you choose will affect many things -- from the quality of care you receive and the amount of information that is shared with you, to your options during labor and birth and your involvement with these decisions. An established relationship with your caregiver during pregnancy planning can be an important part of your support system and a trusted source of information throughout your pregnancy.

If you have a chronic medical condition, are on certain medications, or have a disease that could cause birth complications, you will need to choose a maternity caregiver and birth setting which can accommodate these needs. In your situation, you will probably want to plan to give birth in a hospital and be in the care of a doctor who is board-certified in obstetrics.

If you are healthy, as most pregnant women in the U.S. are, you have decisions to make as well, including whether to have a doctor or a midwife provide your maternity care. You will want to begin reviewing the points that go into making educated decisions about a maternity caregiver and birth setting during this planning pregnancy stage. This website has detailed Pregnancy Topics covering both Caregivers and Birth Settings to help you make an informed decision.

Difficulty in Getting Pregnant - The Weight-Fertility Connection

2008-02-28T11:28:00.003-08:00

Difficulty in Getting Pregnant - The Weight-Fertility Connection
By Christen Ferster

If you are experiencing difficulty in getting pregnant, you are not alone. In fact, according to the NCHS (National Center for Health Statistics), you are one in about 6.1 million women between the ages of 15 to 44 who have trouble getting pregnant.

Infertility can be caused by so many different factors, even male infertility. Though some of these hurdles may be more complex to get over, one hurdle is not: your weight.

Being underweight or overweight can be very hindering in your attempt at conceiving. Being overweight has been linked to so many health risks, such as heart problems, diabetes, and cancer. What many people do not realize is that it has also been linked to infertility.

For many, extra weight will come off if you do two things:

1. Eat less and eat healthy

2. Get more physical activity

In fact, one study* showed that being overweight and having a sedentary lifestyle increases your chance for infertility. This study concluded a person may increase their risk of conceiving by 7% for each hour per week of physical activity.

There are some steps you can take if you are overweight and having difficulty in getting pregnant! Once you have determined to choose a healthier lifestyle, follow these steps to achieve a healthier weight:

Take more steps...literally! Just taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking far away from the store, and taking a short walk around the block all add up to more calories burned in a day.
Stop drinking calories. Other than milk or small servings of juice, you should not be drinking many calories. Calories found in sodas, coffee drinks, tea, and alcohol are not nutrient-dense and will not fill you up.
Cut back or cut out calorie-dense, high-fat foods. If you are a mayonnaise or cheese lover, you could save a lot of calories just by cutting back! There are many foods such as French fries, high-fat meats, and butter that are high in calories and can be replaced by healthier versions such as baked potato, leaner meats, and olive oil.
Do NOT go on a fad diet! Yes, you will probably lose weigh. The problem is, you will most likely not be able to sustain the diet for life. Make healthier food choices and watch portions in order to have a healthy lifestyle.
Lift weights. Weight training is not just for the bodybuilders! Weight training will help you build lean muscle mass, which will not only make you look more fit, but also will cause your body to be more efficient at burning calories. Your metabolism will thank you!
Never, never give up! The key is to always see each day, even each meal as a fresh start. Do not get discouraged if you get "off-track," just keep moving forward!

By losing excess weight and making healthy lifestyle changes, you will not only improve your chances of conceiving, but also enjoy many other health benefits. You will decrease your risk for many diseases, be at a lower risk for difficulties during pregnancy, and have more energy for motherhood one day!

* (Epidemiology. 13(2):184-190, March 2002.Rich-Edwards, Janet W. 1 2; Spiegelman, Donna 3 4; Garland, Miriam 5; Hertzmark, Ellen 3; Hunter, David J. 3 6; Colditz, Graham A. 3 6; Willett, Walter C. 3 5 6; Wand, Handan 4; Manson, JoAnn E. 3 6 7)

For more information about pregnancy and pre-pregnancy, visit http://www.happy-healthy-pregnancy.com/pre-pregnancy-planning.html

6 Tips For Moms To Feel Sexy While During Pregnancy

2008-02-28T11:28:00.001-08:00

6 Tips For Moms To Feel Sexy While During Pregnancy
By Stephanie Dow

Being pregnant does not have to mean that you are no longer the same sexy women you were just a few months ago. Your belly is growing and you are acquiring some curves but this is not a bad thing. Your husband at this moment most likely finds you incredibly hot. Men like to make things. You are walking proof he can help make a baby. This is a major turn on for him. Your growing breasts and butt are probably grabbing his attention as well.

So while you are feeling down on your changing body, remember that he still finds you just as attractive if not more. You are still just as beautiful as before. But, when you feel down, you feel down. Here are some things you can do during your pregnancy to help you feel better about your new body.

Go for a free makeover. The make-up counters at the department stores in the mall often offer free make-overs. It's a fun, free way to feel good while looking beautifully made up.
Take a relaxing bath. You can take a bath all the way up until you loose your mucous plug. Set up candles, turn on some soft music on the radio and turn off the lights. Enjoy a warming face mask while you relax in the warm water.
Recruit the daddy-to-be to paint your toe nails. You can't reach them so ask him to help. Pick a bright fun color. Afterwards, have him do your fingernails to match.
Get a haircut. Women are notorious for chopping their hair short. Make sure that if you want something this dramatic, that it is you and not your hormones making this decision. Otherwise, just go for a trim to get rid of split ends and make your hair look even more beautiful.
Use Cocoa Butter lotion. Your pregnancy belly is expanding and with that will come stretch marks. Cocoa Butter has been known to reduce stretch marks. Vitamin E can also help reduce the appearance.
Buy some sexy pregnancy lingerie. Pregnancy lingerie can make you feel more attractive by covering up some of the growing curves your not excited about while accentuating others such as your new breasts.

Stephanie Dow is single mother and an aspiring writer. One of her latest works complete with pictures, Sexy Maternity Lingerie For The Pregnant Mom is attracting a whole lot of attention.

Pregnancy 101 - The Real Basics

2008-02-28T11:27:00.002-08:00

Pregnancy 101 - The Real Basics
By Nicky Foote

"You are pregnant!" Maybe you are waiting to hear these words or you have recently heard them. The whole getting pregnant and being pregnant process is one that brings a huge range of emotions and experiences for each individual.

Talk to any mother and you get a host of stories about their experiences both good and bad. For the first time parent it can be a time of great joy and of anxiety as you try and understand what is happening to you.

I can remember going shopping for my niece about a year before I had children. She had just been born and I wanted to buy a present for her. Now I have to admit I had not had much to do with young children up to that point so going to the baby section of the shop was a whole new world. All the clothes were in different sizes with choices of zips, buttons or press studs. Then there was all manner of 'accessories' from bath seats to chew toys to fluffy toys etc. From memory I think I ended up going for bibs which I thought was a relatively safe choice. They were still using them with their second child so I guess I did OK.

Now with two children of my own I am much more with it when it comes to baby stuff but I can still remember the ups and downs of being pregnant and the value of having a basic guide to what to expect as time goes on.

In this article I will be looking at some real pregnancy basics, the type of stuff that by the end of your pregnancy you forget that you never knew, like a typical pregnancy is 40 weeks.

Your pregnancy is divided up into three trimesters:

Trimester 1: Weeks 1-13.

This is where you can suffer nausea, backache, stress, fatigue and mood swings. It is where the morning sickness can get you. Some say ginger or dandelion tea will help the nausea.

Trimester 2: Weeks 14-26

For most this trimester is easier, the nausea and fatigue goes and you often experience the 'glow'. Your abdomen will grow and sometime during this time you get to feel your baby move for the first time.

Trimester 3: Weeks 27 - birth

Things can start to become uncomfortable as the baby grows and does things like pushing on your bladder so it's off to the toilet frequently. For some finding a comfortable position to sleep can become a real challenge.

Of course once you get through all this there is the birth. This is another whole area to get educated in, the symptoms of labour, the stages of labour, how to prepare and so on.

For some pregnancy can be a relatively easy time with little discomfort or complication, for others one or more symptom can create problems whether it be extreme morning sickness, fluid retention, heartburn or any of the other multitude of issues that pregnancy can produce. In a short article like this I cannot cover all the issues or problems that can occur. I thoroughly recommend obtaining a comprehensive resource like a book or eBook that you can refer to instantly as issues arise.

Having this sort of resource behind you helps you relax, knowing that the answer to your questions is just seconds away, you don't have to wait until you next see the doctor.

It is important to not only understand what is happening to your body but also what effects things like smoking, alcohol or drugs have on you and your baby during this time and what you should be eating.

A comprehensive guide to your pregnancy should include some information on getting pregnant, how to know when you are pregnant, stages of pregnancy (including changes happening to you, fetus development and possible problems), labour and birth plus how to look after yourself.

Check who the author is and what their qualifications are, ideally someone who has had lots to do with pregnancy and its issues e.g. doctor, midwife, nurse etc. Go with an expert and ideally one who has been there themselves, that is they have children of their own.

One ebook that meets this criteria is A-Z of Pregnancy at Top Line Publications. It is written by a doctor and mother in a way that is simple to read and understand. Grab yourself a copy of this or a similar publication to help you along, also read my other articles on pregnancy which will be published over the next few weeks. Good luck!

Nicky Foote is a successful publisher of quality eBooks and software, giving practical information for practical living. Information to help you enhance your life, lifestyle and family, assist in your business and improve your leisure time. Visit http://www.toplinepublications.com today to instantly download ebooks of your choice.

Go to http://www.toplinepublications.com/prods.php?cat_id=9&prod_id=25 to download your complete guide to Pregnancy.

Things Your Mother Didn't Tell You About Being Pregnant

2008-02-28T11:27:00.001-08:00

Things Your Mother Didn't Tell You About Being Pregnant
By Julie Wickenden

You can wear maternity clothing from very early on

You don't need a bump the size of a spacehopper before you buy maternity clothes! In fact, the earlier you buy, the more comfortable you will be and the better value you will get from your new wardrobe. For some women, a "thick" waist comes along within the first few weeks (even with a first pregnancy) and feels very uncomfortable, as though you have eaten too much. Don't try to ignore it; you will just feel irritated all the time and, frankly, it's just going to get worse. At this point, look at underbump trousers or skirts, as these will give much-needed relief around your tummy. This design can also be worn during the months after you have had your baby and are waiting for your waist to return. You don't need to go mad in the early stages, just cut yourself some slack!

It's a really bad idea to buy clothes in a bigger size

It might seem like a good idea at the time, but clothes in a bigger size are not cut to accommodate a growing bump, and will probably make you look baggy all over (low-slung crotches, off-the-shoulder seams etc). Far better to invest in proper maternity clothes that are adjustable, fit you properly and will see you right through your pregnancy and beyond.

It's an even worse idea to dress in black all the time

OK, black is a good slimming colour and easy to match with all the other black things you may have in your wardrobe. BUT....not all British complexions look good with this colour right next to the face. You can sometimes feel very washed out and tired when you are pregnant and wearing black can make things worse. Try experimenting with brighter colours (with black trousers if you like!) which will lift your colour and leave you feeling more energized and positive. Teal blue is a great colour for the typical "mid-brown" UK colouring and is great with jeans or those black trousers.

You won't look like you're "having it tomorrow" if you wear fitted clothes

Now here's a thing. The snugger the fit, the slimmer we can look. Really. Large busts shrink magically with a v-neck, scoop neck or cross-over top with a camisole underneath. A wrap top with side detail and an interesting pattern can iron out any lumps we don't like around our midriff. Unhappy about the hips? Try a shorter tunic or a top that comes to the top of the thigh, lengthening the leg and decreasing the bottom. Tops that skim over the bump are much more flattering than ballooning smocks or half-mast clingy t-shirts.

It's OK to be curvy and to show off your bump

In the past, there was a view that pregnant women should hide away until they had produced their offspring, or at the very least should be condemned to wear enormous smocks, reducing them to the status of breeding sows in tents (heavens, just look at those pictures of Princess Diana emerging with baby William in 1982). But then along came Demi Moore on the cover of Vanity Fair and all that changed. Sexy and pregnant were at last compatible and a whole new style began to emerge. Many of the designs we sell at Nu Nu are fitted, made from gorgeous soft stretchy fabrics and do amazing things for our customers' figures! Brands such as Amsterdam's Vida Vita and UK's Melba are especially good at skimming the bump and creating a waist whilst keeping things demurely under wraps.

We've never had it so good

All in all, there are some things that will never change about being pregnant - morning sickness, anxiety about our changing shape, the feeling that we have been invaded by aliens and that life will never be the same again. But, thankfully, time has marched on in other areas and help is at hand for mums-to-be, particularly in the world of fashion. There are more brands to choose from than ever before, fabrics have improved enormously, particularly with the addition of lycra and spandex which give added stretch without bagging, and there is a much more relaxed attitude to bumps on show. Producing the next generation is a big enough challenge. Thank goodness we can now get on with it dressed like we mean business.

Link to: NuNu Maternity Dresses

Julie Wickenden is the owner of Nu Nu Maternity Wear

7 Cheltenham Crescent, Harrogate HG1 1DH

Link to: NuNu Maternity

Tired of struggling to find fashionable maternity clothes online? Nu Nu Maternity Wear is Harrogate's only specialist maternity boutique, where you will find a wide range of designer clothing at high street prices! New stock every week from across Europe includes smart and funky casual, business wear, occasion and bridal wear, swimwear, lingerie and baby accessories. Brands on sale include Crave, Valja, Attesa, Vida Vita, Arabella B, Melba and Amoralia.

Nu Nu Maternity Wear 7, Cheltenham Crescent (on the approach to Jubilee car park) Open 10.00 - 5.00 Monday to Saturday. Tel 01423 817373.

http://www.nunumaternitywear.co.uk

Applying and getting Work During Pregnancy

2008-02-28T11:26:00.002-08:00

Applying and getting Work During Pregnancy

Liz Ryan is a workplace expert, 25-year corporate (Fortune 500) HR executive, and the founder and CEO of WorldWIT, the world's largest online community for ...
Platinum Quality Author

It's happening all over: A woman is laid off while she's pregnant and finds herself job-hunting as her due date approaches. Another woman's organization tanks, and she finds herself out of work just as she realizes that that she's expecting. A third finds her consulting business too slow to sustain her financially, so she starts a job search during her second trimester.

The important thing to know about pursuing a job search during pregnancy is that it can be done. While your pregnancy is a factor in your job search — and more of a factor if your due date is coming up quickly or if, for instance, you're expecting more than one baby — being pregnant is no reason to put off a job search. You will need to incorporate your post-baby plans into your interview conversation, so that you're ready to answer questions about your return to work, your ability to manage your job with a newborn, and so on. But the fact that you're expecting shouldn't be the primary, or even a major, focus of your discussions during interviews.

If you're not "out" with your pregnancy — if you haven't reached the point where you're generally letting people know about your condition — it's not necessary or appropriate to say anything about it during an interview or when you're considering a job offer. Would you tell a relative stranger something you haven't told your best friends yet? Some women worry that if they keep quiet about their pregnancy, later they'll get sideways looks from the boss, who will never trust them again. Don't put that pressure on yourself. When the day comes to share your good news, after a month or two of productive employment at your new company, you'll say, "Sally, I wanted to let you know that Jack and I are expecting! The baby is due in February, and I feel great." That's the whole message; you don't need to get into who knew what when, and no one will be likely to be so tacky as to inquire. If anyone does ask, "Didn't you know this when you were interviewing here?" you can smile and say, "We're just official as of this week, and we're so excited."

If your pregnancy is well established, you should be prepared to discuss the logistics of your maternity leave and return to work during the job interview. Most of us in the business world are well trained (sometimes by unhappy experience) not to ask a woman if she's pregnant, so don't be self-conscious about your growing tummy. You should bring up the topic, well into the interview (don't even bother if you're completely uninterested in the job). You say to the interviewer, "Henry, may I ask you a few specific questions? Great. First, I'm curious about the relationship between the business development group and the sales organization here at XYZ Association. Oh, really? Terrific. Thanks. Secondly, I'm expecting a baby in September. I have some ideas about maternity leave and how I will manage things while away from the office, and I'd love to touch on that today. Excellent. The third is …." This way, you get the information out and let the organization know that you're not planning to fake your way through this big life change, that you have a plan, and that you'll be extremely responsible when it comes to managing your job through the new-baby time.

Is there a danger that you'll be passed over as a candidate simply because of your condition? Frankly, yes. If the organization has two excellent candidates, and you are one, and the other one is not expecting, you could lose out. But if you are the right person for the job and seem well prepared for both the new job and your other life changes, many employers will take the correct long view — what's three months of maternity leave out of a long and successful relationship?

In your confidence-inspiring remarks about your plans, you don't need to go into exhaustive detail. Your prospective employer doesn't need to know who will be watching the baby or whether or not you'll be nursing, for instance. But it might be helpful to throw in facts that will show you're not going to fall apart upon baby's arrival. For example, if this is your second child, you could mention that your past maternity leave went smoothly. One caution: Be sure to guard against the natural impulse to oversell your flexibility. Don't say, "I'll only take two weeks maternity leave!" It's more important to focus on your skills, your experience, and your enthusiasm for the job and the organization than to feel you have to apologize for or explain away your wonderful expectant state.

It doesn't hurt to look for family-friendly organizations when you're a pregnant job seeker. Ask your friends (or use a friendly, free, women-focused e-mail discussion group such as www.worldwit.org) who these employers are in your city. Ask the moms in your Lamaze class or ask your doctor which employers are known for family flexibility.

Do invest in a professional interviewing wardrobe. Remember what they say: Pregnancy makes you radiant. Let yourself shine with confidence and delight in your wonderful situation and remember that you're a terrific job candidate. The squirmer in your belly doesn't take anything away from that; if anything, he or she adds to it.

Liz Ryan is a former Fortune 500 HR executive, a workplace expert and the founder of WorldWIT, the world's largest online community for professional women (http://www.worldwit.org). Liz is an internationally acclaimed speaker on workplace issues and networking. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.

How Can I Get Pregnant - 5 Healthy Tips To Further Your Chances

2008-02-28T11:26:00.001-08:00

How Can I Get Pregnant - 5 Healthy Tips To Further Your Chances
By Phil Penn

As I've mentioned in another article, how can I get pregnant presents many more answers that can be answered in one go effectively. In this article I want to touch on additional things you can do which will support your chances of pregnancy.

1) Get your weight in check. Sometimes I think Doctors may say this because it's a way of getting you to diet but normally, in order to lose some weight and get in shape, you will need to do some exercise. You can forgive them for suggesting this because I believe if you are healthier by working out and eating healthy food, then your body is going to be better conditioned for making a baby. Why not get the man involved as well as a healthy body will produce a better sperm count. Not forgetting that intercourse is pretty good exercise in its own right.

2) Buy some sexy clothing. This might sound silly but it's easy to get too focused on the mechanics of making a baby and forget about the love making part of intercourse. If you are feeling sexy then you will be more relaxed and the female having orgasms can also increase the chances of conceiving.

3) If you are actively trying for a baby then it's advisable to take Folic acid which is a synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin that can help reduce the risk of serious birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord. For this reason, the FDA recommends that all women attempting pregnancy take folic acid supplements for decreasing chances of birth defects. If you're already asking how can I get pregnant, then you should start to consider talking to your Doctor about Folic acid.

4) If you are finding it hard to work out the ovulation time then another good approach is to have intercourse 2 or 3 times a week throughout the whole month, this way you are covering your bases and giving a good even chance of becoming pregnant. This will also make the process feel a lot more natural rather than scientific!

5) Take some time out for yourself. This could just be taking a nice long bath, or relaxing in the garden with a book, or whatever helps you relax. If you give yourself a chance to relax then it can help your body loosen up and become more susceptible to conceiving.

Please take some comfort in knowing that even if you do everything right, it can still take months of trying to conceive. It's easy to say but try not to let it get to you and if it's feeling like a chore, take a break and take the time to relax. At best you have a 25% chance of conceiving so don't worry if it doesn't happen straight away. How can I get pregnant is something that is being asked by many people right now all around the world.

If you've seached the internet for answers to how can I get pregnant fast then let me show you that by clicking here you will find the one resource that will give you everything you need to know to maximise your chances of conceiving a baby.

Pregnancy & Fertility - Making Room for Your New Family To Enhance Fertility & Success in Pregnancy

2008-02-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy & Fertility - Making Room for Your New Family To Enhance Fertility & Success in Pregnancy
By Deirdre Morris

Pregnancy and baby-making require energy. Even before conception, as you prepare for the idea and reality of becoming pregnant, changes are taking place in your body and being.

Embracing Pregnancy

And as with any other stage of development, the process of moving forward into a new phase such as pregnancy and motherhood comes hand in hand with releasing old patterns and habits. That is part of the deal.

When you graduated from the crawling to the walking stage you relinquished your dependence on maneuvering on all fours to embrace a more efficient method of movement. Had you insisted on maintaining your attachment to crawling, you would have restricted your capacity to explore and thwarted your natural development.

This process applies also to fertility, pregnancy, having a new baby and creating a new family (or a new addition to the family).

Creating Space For Pregnancy

Creating a new family requires that some of the energy that you have invested in your family of origin is freed up for your pregnancy and new baby. That is part of the process of evolution. However many of us have 'roles' that we play in your family and extended family that consume much of our resources consciously or otherwise.

Sometimes so much of our energy is caught up in the family of origin that there is little or no fuel available to support a new family. Even if we really want continue as we always have been, it simply is not sustainable if you want your pregnancy, baby, relationship and new family to thrive.

This is not a flaw in nature. It is the natural order or things and it really is ok for you to let go of some of your old patterns and roles and make room for success in fertility, pregnancy and motherhood.

Actually, in the long run everybody benefits even if this is not apparent immediately.

Steps To Support Your Fertility, Pregnancy and New Family

What roles or patterns are you playing in your family that are consuming energy and could be redirected into your self, your relationship, your pregnancy and fertility?

What do you need to release now so that you can enjoy success in your fertility and family life?

Deirdre Morris would like to invite you to visit http://www.magicalbeginningsforbaby.com for a Free Gift sample of her Pregnancy Workbook which supports you in fertility, pregnancy and birth.

Easy Simple Steps To Help You Get Pregnant

2008-02-28T11:24:00.000-08:00

Simple Steps To Help You Get Pregnant
By Benjamin Wise Platinum Quality Author

As days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months the challenge of trying to get pregnant can become frustrating and emotional. The idea that it would be easy changes dramatically.

In our younger years we were told to not to have sex so as to avoid pregnancy and at that stage in your life while connecting the dots it seemed simple - just have sex and you will get pregnant.

So what can you do to get pregnant? If you have been trying for a while it is time to wipe the slate clean and start over. Forget all that you have gone through and start form scratch.

Take a little break and take your mind of it. In actual fact if there are support groups in your area you could discuss your challenge with others, as they say "a problem shared is a problem halved"

This may give you some new ideas that you never thought of or you may realize that you were doing something which was reducing your ability to get pregnant. Actually once you have done this and talked it over - then take a break because at this point it will be easier for you to relax since you now have a new plan of action.

In order for conception to take place you need a healthy sperm and a healthy egg. Both of you need to be eating healthy and exercising while avoiding foods that contain additives such as MSG and certain artificial colorings. Drink plenty of water and add supplements to your diet to get the nutritional balance you need.

Take some time out during the day to do some deep breathing exercises. While having sex do not use lubricants. After sex relax and stay lying down with your hips slightly elevated.

Observe changes that occur with your body in order to predict ovulation correctly. Do not have too much sex as this will reduce sperm count. Keep your sexual activity as close to ovulation as possible.

To conclude don't try too hard as this will lead to stress and don't be afraid to talk to people as relationship is the essence of life and you may just be missing a simple step that could make all the difference.

If you want a number of useful techniques and strategies--not just one. then select any of these links.

Learn How To Get Pregnant Get a free report on how to Avoid 7 common mistakes and Get Pregnant Faster. Eliminate the stress that comes from worrying about getting pregnant take control of your fertility.

Am I Pregnant?

1988-02-28T11:59:00.000-08:00

Am I Pregnant?
By Maria Gonzalez

Am I pregnant? This is often one of the most important questions a women can ask. If you suspect you are pregnant, getting good prenatal care early is very important, so finding out as soon as possible is vital.

Am I pregnant? Have you missed a period? Are you bloated? Are your breasts tender? These may be early symptoms of pregnancy. Have you spotted, but never gotten your period? Do things smell and taste differently? Are you tired?

If you can answer yes to at least one or two of these questions, you may be pregnant. However, some women never suspect that they have conceived. As soon as your period is late, you can perform an at-home pregnancy test inexpensively and privately. These tests can be found at your local discount or drug store. The at-home tests claim 99% accuracy, and false positives are rare, so if you test positive you are most likely pregnant. Since these tests measure the level of pregnancy hormone (HCG) in your urine, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and repeat a negative test a few days to a week later just to be sure. Sometimes hormone levels don’t rise high enough to be detected right away.

If you suspect you are pregnant, refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs until you are sure. These substances are harmful to a developing baby. Stay away from x-rays and try to eat healthy until your pregnancy is confirmed.

Maria writes for Pregnancy Due Date, a site that tries to information for expectant mothers. For more great pregnancy articles, visit our Pregnancy articles archive.