Many women start feeling drowsy and at a need for energy during pregnancy. In a lot of cases, these symptoms are associated with a disease known as pregnancy anemia. Fortunately, while pregnancy anemia may generate unwanted and harmful effects, it is completely treatable. Therefore, those suffering from pregnancy anemia should waste no time in alerting their preferred medical expert.

First and foremost, it is important to understand the basics of anemia. By definition, anemia is a condition that occurs when the body lacks a sufficient level or red blood cells. Many are aware of this definition but few realize its importance. As a person inhales, he or she takes in oxygen. The red blood cells then provide the oxygen to the rest of the body. An insufficient level of the red blood cells means that organs throughout the body, including the brain and heart, are not receiving enough oxygen. This understanding is the cause of the drowsiness and fatigue-like symptoms associated with anemia.

As far as pregnancy anemia it concerned, it is a common condition in women who have just conceived. More specifically, it is common in women during their second and third trimester. Generally, a healthy lifestyle will reduce the risk of developing the illness but in some cases in it difficult to avoid. Certain activities, such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, should be avoided to reduce the risk. If any of the symptoms are experienced, especially chronic drowsiness, one should seek a doctor as soon as possible.

Why is it that pregnant women are more likely to become anemic? One must understand that during pregnancy, the body produces about three times as much blood as normal. This bodily response occurs to ensure that there are adequate blood levels flowing to the fetus. If the body does not have enough iron to keep the blood flowing, then the result is anemia. Consequently, red blood cells are not produced at a sufficient level and both the baby and the mother suffer from inadequate oxygen. Most women diagnosed with the condition say that they feel exhausted almost constantly. The symptoms can trigger a chain reaction of unwanted effects, specifically stress.

Many do not realize that there is a simple solution to pregnancy anemia: take a multivitamin pill. Too often do pregnant women fail to supply themselves with the nutrients needed to nurture a fetus. Most multivitamins contain all of the necessary nutrients that help foster a healthy development. For those that are already diagnosed with anemia, a specific iron source (pill) may be prescribed by a doctor. IN most cases, replenishing the body with the necessary iron eliminates all symptoms associated with the anemia. Therefore, it is important that a pregnant woman waste no time reporting the symptoms and seeking medical attention. If a woman fails to report the symptoms in a timely manner, it can result in a number of unwanted conditions. Specifically, the baby can be born with birth defects. Ultimately, the best solution to pregnancy anemia is to report it as soon as fatigue-like symptoms are noticed.

Pregnancy Anemia

Exercising in Each Trimester

Pregnancy doesn’t mean that you have to sit with your feet up (unless under doctor’s orders). If you were exercising before, you may continue. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy wisely during some of the most important months of your life.

The Benefits of Exercise

Exercise has many benefits even while you are pregnant. It can lift your mood and keep your blood pressure and heart rate low. Also, exercise improves muscle tone when you perform activities that challenge them. When it comes to labor, you’ll be glad you have strong muscles.

If you haven’t exercised before you can begin right now. It is normal for women to gain weight during pregnancy, but activity will keep it manageable. For those who have already started an exercise program, you can continue with some restrictions as your belly gets bigger.

Tips for Each Trimester

Exercise during pregnancy: First trimester

There aren’t too many restrictions on activity at this point. You can participate in the same activities that you did before with the exception of contact sports. Strive for about 30 minutes a day of exercise.

So, if you run, then you can continue. No marathon running. It is important for women to stay hydrated at this point.

Weight training can also be a part of your routine. In fact, it can get your muscles in shape for all of that pushing you will be doing later. Don’t forget the Kegel exercises. They strengthen the pelvic floor so you can maintain your bladder control as your belly grows.

If you haven’t exercised before, this is a perfect time to find out what activities you like to do. As long as your morning sickness doesn’t keep you down, go for it. But, if you do feel sick a lot of the time, it’s normal. Wait until it passes and then you can get moving.

Exercise during pregnancy: second trimester

Your belly will begin to show now. At this point, you may want to cut back on the high impact activities like step aerobics, kickboxing and cycling. Balance can be a problem as you adjust to the baby moving and its growth. You don’t want to fall and injure yourself.

Move into activities that don’t require a lot of bouncing and impact. Swimming, walking and yoga are great alternatives for the next three months. Yoga classes specifically for pregnant women will work your muscles and keep you relaxed.

Exercise during pregnancy: Third trimester

You are in the home stretch now. You’ll want to take it easy. Your body is going through so many changes that it might be best to keep it simple.

You may continue to swim and walk when you feel like it. If you are experiencing sciatic pain, then swimming takes the pressure off of all joints while still giving you a brisk workout. Through it all, remember to stay hydrated and keep your heart rate below 140 beats a minute.

Exercise is important at all stages of life, even during pregnancy.

Exercising During Pregnancy: Tips for Each Trimester

Pregnancy is supposed to be a magical time in your life. But, hormones can play strange games with a woman’s body. Here are some weird pregnancy symptoms that some pregnant women have experienced.

Blame it on the Hormones

Let’s get this straight first of all: It’s the hormones. When the body goes through the process of creating a new life, things get out of whack. It’s almost like returning to puberty except with a baby. Your emotions are up and down as a result and so are some of the things that happen to your body.

Now, some of the things that happen will have to be endured for several months. The good news is that many of the symptoms subside once the baby is born and hormone levels return to normal. But, until then, sit back and read about the strange and unusual things that your body can experience.

Weird Side Effects We Never Talk about

Itching – This occurs because of the stretching of the skin and changes in the hormone levels. It can be irritating to have to scratch your belly all the time. Instead use aloe Vera and cocoa butter creams to rehydrate the skin and manage the itching.
Extra hair – Many women talk about gaining a long luxurious head of hair as well as longer, stronger nails. That’s okay. But, did you know that sometimes women grow hair in places where they previously didn’t have hair like on their chin, neck and lip. It can be quite embarrassing but it should go away after the baby is born. In the meantime, get acquainted with waxing.
Big Feet – No one wants to wake up and find out that their feet are a size bigger. Don’t cry. Hormonal changes are to blame again. As women get heavier through their pregnancy, arches can fall and feet can spread out and swell causing you to temporarily need a bigger size shoe.
Big nose – Have you heard people say that their nose is spreading across their face? It is due to pregnancy hormones. Nasal membranes swell and blood flow increases. This can make the nose feel stuffy and look larger. Nosebleeds are also not uncommon. Use saline spray to hydrate membranes so you can breathe.
Cravings for inedible foods – Gone are the days of pickles and ice cream. Some women crave paint and clay. Why? The body is missing essential nutrients in the diet that are needed. But, don’t eat the clay. Iron is often missing so eat more red meat and green leafy vegetables.
Gas explosion – Bowels move slower during pregnancy due to the weight of the baby and, you guessed it, hormones. This leaves more time for gas to build up and explode either up or down. Try to reduce your gas faux-pas by avoiding gas-producing foods like broccoli and beans.

What side effects are you experiencing from your pregnancy? Remember, they are short-lived and soon disappear after birth.

Weird Pregancy Symptoms

You have just found out that you are pregnant. A lot of things are going to change for the next several months including your appetite. But, don’t believe the myth that you are actually eating for two.

It’s the biggest myth about pregnancy, right up there with Sasquatch and the Loch Ness monster. Yes, you are now supporting another life, but it is a small life, that grows from an embryo. The way that some of us eat you would think we were feeding another adult person. It’s time to dispel the myth.

What to Avoid Eating When Pregnant

Yes, you will have your cravings for strange combinations of food. And, it is okay to indulge as long as it is not all the time. Eat slowly and savor each bite so that you enjoy it.

Because you are experiencing changes in hormone levels, eating the same foods can affect you differently. Your sense of smell is more acute and so is your sense of taste.

There are a few foods that need to be restricted during pregnancy for safety of the unborn child as well as manageable weight gain. We are not advocating a diet. Losing weight is detrimental to a healthy pregnancy. You can still eat but fill up on low calorie, nutrient dense foods instead of the high calorie ones that offer less nutrition for you and your baby.

Limit or eliminate the following:
Caffeine – too much may cause problems with birth weight
Alcohol – can contribute to fetal alcohol syndrome
Artificial sweeteners – cross the placenta and affect the fetus
Certain fish – may contain mercury which is detrimental to neural development of your fetus
Unpasteurized foods – can harbor bacteria such as Listeria

Foods you Need to Eat When Pregnant

Your body’s systems are not only nourishing you but also your baby. It will be necessary to increase your caloric intake slightly to account for baby’s needs. But, baby needs plenty of the good stuff. Researchers suspect that if you don’t take in the proper nutrients it is baby that suffers and not the mother.

Eat a lot of the following:

Vegetables – Yes, you can have the sauce too in moderation. Choose bright colorful veggies that contain a lot of antioxidants plus other vitamins and minerals.
Fruits – If you have a sweet tooth, try some dried fruit or fresh fruit.
Fiber foods – High fiber cereals and whole grain breads help keep your digestive system moving. It can slow down as baby grows so fiber helps prevent constipation and diarrhea.
Low fat dairy – Your body will need lots of calcium and protein to support baby’s growth
Omega-3 fatty acids – Fish like salmon can be eaten a couple times a week to provide these important fats for your body.

What are you eating? There are two people but one is small so eat accordingly and healthy.

Eating for Two During Pregnancy Do’s & Don’ts

When it comes to delivering a baby, every woman says that she can do it “naturally.” But, when the pain of those contractions begins, some change their mind. Just in case you change your mind, know the options and the risk of pain management.

It used to be that you had to endure the pain of the contractions during the delivery. Screaming was your only option or chewing on a piece of leather. Now, you can opt for less pain and more enjoyment of the experience if you wish. And, it doesn’t diminish you as a woman in any way.

What is an Epidural?

The most common form of medication given during pregnancy is an epidural. It consists of a mixture of narcotics and anesthetics of manage the pain and discomfort of contractions. Anxiety levels can rise so high that it can affect the progress of labor and your focus.

The medication is infused through a catheter placed in the epidural space between the second and fifth lumbar vertebrae. The nurse or physician will ask you at a certain point during labor if you want to consider using any medication. It takes about 20 minutes for the medication to take effect and with the catheter more can be infused if needed.

Other forms of Pain Management

Spinal block – Medication much like that used in an epidural makes up a spinal block. The medication is injected directly into the spinal column. It can last for up to two hours and numbs your body from the chest down.
Pudendal block – Medication is injected into the area between the vagina and the anus. It helps reduce pain during the actual delivery whether with forceps or a vacuum. If you have an episiotomy, this type of block can help with pain management for at least the first hour.

Pros of Pain Medication

Pain medication can be helpful in certain situations. Here are a few:

Medication reduces pain and contractions can be stronger in some women than in others.
Mom gets to rest during a long labor when things are progressing slowly
Medication lasts a long time so that
Amount given can be controlled through the catheter
Mom stays awake during a c-section

Cons

There are risks to all medication. Ask the doctor to explain it all to you clearly before making a choice. Here are a few things you need to know.

Rare side effects include severe headaches from spinal fluid leaks
Baby needs to be monitored since you usually can’t feel contractions
Epidural doesn’t work immediately and you can move involuntarily when a contraction hits
May need to be told when to push when the time comes
Medication of this type can lower your blood pressure and your baby’s

Pain management is important during pregnancy. If you want to use medication, know the pros and cons.

Pain Relief During Labour Pros & Cons

It’s one of the most important moments of your life. Your baby is getting ready to come into the world. So, how will they present themselves? There are many options for your baby’s birth these days.

The time is finally here. Your baby will be born in a few weeks and you have prepared everything – except how you will birth them. Today, women can take charge of their own body and their baby and decide for themselves how the experience will turn out.

Where

Hospital – Most women give birth in the hospital with a physician. It offers quality medical care for every eventuality and risk of pregnancy.
Birthing Center – Usually staffed by midwives, a birthing center is usually near a hospital or even within one. A physician is also on call in case more advanced medical care is needed. The entire family is allowed to be involved in the blessed event. The woman decides who she wants in the birthing room. Patients are screened for serious complications that would necessitate a hospital birth.
Home – At one time, that was the place where most children were born. A physician was called once the baby was born and mother and child were transported to the hospital to get checked out. Midwives usually attended unless it was a high-risk pregnancy.

How

Natural – This refers to giving birth vaginally without any form of drugs. Relaxation and breathing methods like Lamaze and McMoyler are used to keep mom stress-free and keep the pain at a level that she can manage while getting rest if labor is long.
Water – Many women are trending towards giving birth under water in a warm bath. The water can help with pain as well as stress. Baby can still be monitored for any signs of distress.
Epidural – This is the medication most often heard about when it comes to pain management during pregnancy. A catheter is inserted in the epidural space so that a combination of narcotics and analgesic medications can be administered. The pain of contractions is virtually eliminated so mom can sleep and relax while she waits for the baby to be born.
Cesarean section – When the need arises, the physician may need to remove the baby through your abdomen. An epidural can also be used during this procedure so that the mother can stay wake and alert as her baby is being born. General anesthesia usually poses too many risks for the mother and child.

Discuss all of your options with your partner and then your medical care provider. Most insurance companies cover the different choices for birth. With advances in medicine, you can now choose how you want to deliver your newest family member into the world.

Birthing Options

Pregnancy is an amazing occurrence and while many people take the whole process for granted, assuming that they will have a beautiful baby at the end of their 40 week pregnancy, it’s not always that cut and dry. Some women become pregnant but it is not a viable pregnancy because it is what is called an ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic Pregnancy: What Is It?

There are many terms that are used to refer to an ectopic pregnancy including tubal pregnancy, cervical pregnancy as well as abdominal pregnancy. While there are many different names for this type of pregnancy, all of them refer to a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus. While pregnancy has occurred, in terms of an egg being fertilized, it is not a viable pregnancy as a fetus cannot thrive outside of the uterus.

Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy

Not every ectopic pregnancy has the same cause but generally this type of pregnancy is caused by a lack of movement or the inability of a fertilized egg to move down through the fallopian tubes into the uterus where it can attach itself to the uterine wall and thrive. This inability to move freely can be caused by blockages in the fallopian tubes, hormones and even smoking as smoking has been linked to changes in the fallopian tubes.

Ectopic Pregnancy Risks

There are some women who are more likely to experience an ectopic pregnancy than others. Most of the time, the women who experience this type of pregnancy do so because they have a swelling of the fallopian tubes or pelvic inflammatory disease, though not all women who have these issues will experience an ectopic pregnancy. Some of the risk factors associated with ectopic pregnancy include but are not limited to:

•    ● Past ectopic pregnancies
•    ● Current or past infections of the fallopian tubes
•    ● Surgery involving the fallopian tubes
•    ● Pelvic inflammatory disease
•    ● Smoking
•    ● Birth defects
•    ● Scar tissue caused by past pelvic surgery
•    ● Scar tissue from appendicitis
•    ● Endometriosis
•    ● Being over the age of 35
•    ● Promiscuity
•    ● In vitro fertilization

While these are common causes associated with ectopic pregnancy, there are some instances when the direct cause is unknown.

Diagnosing an Ectopic Pregnancy

A doctor will usually suspect ectopic pregnancy based on the symptoms that the patient is reporting. These symptoms may include sharp pains in the lower abdomen, low back pain, nausea, mild cramping on one side, pain in the pelvic area, feeling faint, intense pressure in the rectum, as well as severe and sharp pains accompanied by irregular bleeding.

The diagnosis is usually confirmed through a pregnancy test and then a transvaginal ultrasound. In some cases a serum progesterone level test will be done in addition to a white blood count and quantative HCG blood test. The rise in the HCG levels is very helpful in diagnosing a potential ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment

Once the ectopic pregnancy has been identified treatment is required. The pregnancy is not viable and it must be removed or it can cause shock and lead to a loss of life for the pregnant woman. Generally speaking minor surgical procedures including but not limited to a D and C, laparoscopy or laparotomy is done to remove the unviable fertilized cells. In some cases the patient will need to be treated for shock with blood transfusions, oxygen and even hospitalization. After treatment most women are able to go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Even if you adopt a laid-back attitude to pregnancy after 40 or have a great deal of concern, the reality is that health care providers evaluate pregnancies of women over 40 in a different way compared to the a pregnancy of a younger woman. There are certain issues you might have to anticipate if you’re a becoming a mom over the age of 40. Below is a basic list of a few of those issues, as well as a few recommendations to lower the potential risks.

Possible Risks

A short list of a few of the possible challenges to the mother throughout a midlife pregnancy:

* Placenta previa – This is pregnancy complication in which the placenta is unable to move away from the cervical area. As a result, the placenta develops close to the mouth of the womb which may result in blood loss, cramping pains, and early labor. Women over 40 are said to have an increased risk for this condition.

* Cardiomyopathy – Heart disorder may happen among postpartum moms, but some older moms tend to be more at risk, statistically. It happens if your heart goes through changes, which include deterioration, stiffening, or thickening of the heart muscle.

* Gestational diabetes – Sadly, the statistics also show that pregnant women over 40 tend to be more vulnerable to this metabolic disorder of pregnancy.

* Pre-eclampsia – This severe disorder needs to be taken very seriously in any woman’s pregnancy, however the strange issue regarding pre-eclampsia is the fact that first-time mothers have approximately the same risk as moms over 40. It makes sense, then, that when you’re a first-time mom older than 40, it would be wise to be particularly alert to the symptoms of pre-eclampsia.

* Cancer – Being pregnant is not known for increasing cancer risk. However for a number of older women, fertility treatment therapy is necessary to conceive, and the the risk of cancer (in particular breast) could possibly rise by using these hormone-intensive therapies.

* C-section – The odds of a C-section is an additional risk that will increase with women over 40.

Genetic Screening

The chance of a new baby developing having a genetic condition is claimed to rise over the age of 40 (and some people claim over the age of 35). Your health care provider probably will offer the choice of screening your baby for 1 if not more of those conditions. There are several forms of genetic testing. At the beginning of your pregnancy (approximately 14 to 17 weeks), you can have a blood sample taken and tested for a number of disorders, which include Down Syndrome. However, most of these early medical tests can be inaccurate.

The most significant test for genetic disorders is amniocentesis, that will check for each inconsistency and abnormality of the chromosomes. This can be carried out relatively early in the pregnancy (near 15 to 18 weeks), and consists of getting a sample of the amniotic fluid by using a syringe and needle. A number of people warn that this method might induce labor and cause miscarriage while other people say it’s completely harmless.

Regardless whether you choose to go with these sorts of tests (or any other test like ultrasound) is completely your choice, as is coping with whatever you find out from these tests.

Ways to Lower the Risk

Exactly what can you do to minimize a few of these risks? Healthy and well balanced diet and life-style are essential in every pregnancy, however they are possibly even more vital for pregnant women over 40.  In case you have not given up smoking, make an effort to do this. Do research on the optimal pregnancy diet with a good healthy eating plan, and stick to it carefully.

Also, it is wise to take prenatal vitamins. Consuming alcohol is actually regarded as a terrible idea while being pregnant, however it is more damaging for the unborn babies of pregnant moms over 40.

Pregnancy After 40

First trimester pregnancy health tips are always so varied thanks to the fact that everyone experiences pregnancy differently, both physically and emotionally. One thing’s for sure, though: just because your bump may not be visible to anyone else, it’s certainly making a noticeable impact on your life even in the earliest stages!

Dealing With Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is one of the most commonly reported symptoms during a first trimester pregnancy, probably due to the fact that your body is going through so many hormonal changes. It can actually last all day, and can be very bad for some women. To help improve things you should drink plenty of water, and avoid fatty foods. It goes without saying that you’ll want to avoid anything that makes you feel sick by simply thinking about it or smelling it! You can also try candied ginger or ginger tablets to help you feel better. If you can’t keep anything down, including liquids, then it’s vital that you consult a doctor.

Tender Breasts

One of the earliest first trimester pregnancy symptoms, even before missing a period, can be a feeling of tenderness in the breasts. They’re simply preparing to produce milk for your baby, but this can be quite uncomfortable for you. Try wearing a supportive bra to ease discomfort.

Increased Urination

As the uterus starts to press on your bladder you may find that you need to urinate more often. This could be inconvenient, or even make it difficult to sleep as you wake up to urinate during the night. To help prevent this, drink less in the evenings and try to reduce your caffeine intake. Always go when you feel the need, however, as this will help prevent a urinary tract infection.

Mood Swings

Most women will find their emotions fluctuating when they’re pregnant. This is a combination of factors, from changing hormones to the increased responsibility and financial pressures to come. If you’re anxious about something in particular, such as labor, then get informed and ask questions. If you’re generally feeling low, then try sleeping longer, eating healthier foods, taking a walk or simply talking it through with your partner.

Other Symptoms During The First Trimester And Beyond

Pregnancy symptoms aren’t limited to those listed above – far from it! Other common symptoms include heartburn, a sore back, difficulty sleeping and headaches. Every woman is different and you may experience very few symptoms, or less well-known symptoms such as bleeding gums, carpal tunnel, leg cramps, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It isn’t easy being pregnant!

Visiting Your Health Care Provider

When you first discover that you’re pregnant, it’s important to visit your health care provider. They will go through a number of areas with you to help assess your health and to work out whether any current medication could harm the baby. They will also give you some tips on watching your health, and schedule regular appointments with you throughout the pregnancy. You should let them know if you’re concerned about any of your first trimester pregnancy symptoms.

First Trimester Of Pregnancy Health

The Fit Yummy Mummy Will Help You Lose Weight After Giving Birth

Most women gain weight when they are having a baby and finding a way to remove the weight after the fact can often be an issue for a lot of mothers. The unhappy fact is that a lot of women just feel like they are just going to have to learn to live with the excess weight. Something that may be even more sad is that this could be the first time they have ever been overweight. However there is help for all you women looking to lose your baby fat, and that’s the “Fit Yummy Mummy” program.

One thing you will understand is that this is not just another weight loss program. The Fit Yummy Mummy method has been created for new mothers that want to get rid of the baby fat. The founder of this program, Holly Rigsby, was right where you are now and needed to drop the baby weight. Holly, just like most women that are expecting a baby, had cravings during her pregnancy, and just couldn’t regulate them. This lead to Holly putting on 50 pounds throughout her pregnancy and she needed and also wanted to lose that excess weight.

Holly began to lose a little weight with her breast feeding and also began to lose even more weight as soon as she began to walk at different speeds for 45 minutes every day. So she began to research intensity levels and how it pertained to weight reduction, looking for that secret to shedding pounds with less workout time. During her research Holly met a person who told her about EPOC, otherwise known as “excess post-exercise oxygen consumption” and how employing this she would be able to improve her metabolism to 24 to 48 hours. The thing she extremely liked about this is that she could exercise for less time and end up losing more weight. The truth is you can end up exercising just 15 minutes a day and drop all the weight you want.

I was truly surprised at all the testimonials from brand new mothers who utilized this program to get rid of their baby weight. Something else you might be surprised to see about this system is that one of the women who sent in a testimonial is really a weight loss coach who wound up using Holly’s program herself. And if you are thinking that you have had a couple of children and there is nothing that you can do, you will still discover that this program will help you.

This system is only available on the net and is currently being offered for $39. 95, and when you realize that this program will actually work you will see what a great buy this really is. Holly in addition has incorporated an 8 week money back guarantee. Which means you have a full 2 months to test this system and drop the weight. And if you find that this system is not for you, you simply make contact with Holly and she will provide you with a no hassle refund.

Get Back In Shape After Your Baby With Fit Yummy Mummy