Health Niche

Pregnancy is a breathtaking experience that arrives with its regular do’s and don’ts that an expectant mother should inhabit. Pregnant women who follow this code of instructions specifying the do’s and don’ts enjoy the pregnancy period without any discomfort. This is the period when their babies are within them and adhering to these ifs and buts will let them have their way by reaping excellent and comfortable rewards. These rewards materialize in the form of their babies. It is often because of these babies that hopeful mothers gladly tolerate the difficulties that come on their way during their pregnancy stages.

Generally, it is anticipated of pregnant women to forsake all their vices such as drinking alcohol or smoking. This is because these vices are harmful to the unborn babies. This can result in premature labor or low birth weight, brain defects or other health problems to the new born child. It is advisable for pregnant moms and for moms who are planning to conceive to desert such vices.

One of the essential things expected from an expectant mother is to concentrate on healthy living. This involves taking in nutritious foods and drinking lots of water. Fruits, wheat breads, eggs, meat, vegetables, fish and milk are the main food that an expecting mom should have. Avoid eating junk foods as these possess artificial preservatives. Avoid eating too much sugar, salt and spicy foods, as they can cause barrier and put your baby at risk. Walking, swimming, practicing yoga, and light aerobics are some of the recommended exercises for an expectant mom to perform gently.

Reflecting upon some best parenting advices as well as pregnancy tips and exercises are of great source to expectant mothers.

Pregnancy Tip 1: 
Realize to adore your belly. Do not shrink from others when they watch you with a big belly.

Pregnancy Tip 2: 
Beg and borrow maternity clothes so that it is of great aid during the last few weeks.

Pregnancy Tip 3:

Forget the schedule date prescribed by the doctor. Just relax, and let things happen accordingly as it is absolutely normal to deliver between 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnancy Tip 4:

Enjoy admiring glances and remarks with humor. This will allow you to lead the other months in peace.

Pregnancy Tip 5:

Find a health care practitioner you adore as they will be able to provide enough support and answer all your queries. They should be capable of putting your fears to rest and assist you in providing the best pregnancy and delivery.

Pregnancy Tip 6:

Understand and tutor your body as suddenly you may feel like sleeping for long hours or you may crave for eating. Do not hesitate. Just continue and be relaxed.

Pregnancy Tip 7:

Share your feelings and experiences of everyday with some other female who is also pregnant as she may listen patiently. Moreover, her ideas and experiences will be of great source to you.

Pregnancy Tip 8:

Buy things that are essential to you than the baby as he will grow out of anything new. But you can purchase things for your comfort as this will be of great assistance after the child birth.

Pregnancy Tip 9:

‘Morning sickness’ can cause irritation as this can happen at any time of the day. So tolerate it with ease.

Pregnancy Tip 10:

Everyone has a unique experience of pregnancy. Listen to everything and set heart to things that are fascinating and useful. Ignore the rest.

Practicing yoga before or after pregnancy is recommended as it helps in keeping calm and peaceful. The breathing yoga exercises are of great relief during the childbirth process. Following a set of rules during pregnancy is recommended.

1. Drink lots of water. Your body temperature increases so much so that it harms your baby. Take repeated water breaks to regulate your body temperature.

2. Ensure that you are eating perfect meals with bounty of nutrition. The additional effort you use while practicing yoga sessions will take away a lot of calories.

3. Some poses are not recommended during pregnancy. Stop those activities that demand good balance. If you happen to lose balance, you could injure yourself and your child.

Consulting your doctor before starting any exercise program, including yoga is highly recommended. Learn to understand your body and restrict overdoing.

Exercising during pregnancy ensures tremendous benefits. It will assist you in keeping in shape and will make labor easier for you and your baby. It is believed that mothers who exercised during pregnancy had babies with higher intelligence. These three exercises are recommended for pregnant women.

The first exercise is a simple exercise which will work on the hips and make them stronger and fit for labor. You have to lie on the floor, bend your leg slightly, and then lift your leg straight. This exercise will help in keeping the hip pain away from you during pregnancy.

The second exercise is walking. Walking helps you in getting into shape and sets for labor. You don’t have to walk big distances, but the more you walk the better you feel and this results in additional energy you are going to experience. While walking, enjoy the natural surroundings and all the pleasant things that cross your eyes.

The third exercise is also simple and is called a butterfly press. Hold both arms in a U shape, compress your chest muscles and start moving your arms slowly, and then go back again. This helps in making your muscles tight.

Exercising has numerous benefits during pregnancy. It can guide you have a healthy baby, speed delivery and recovery time after delivery. Encourage practicing exercise and you will notice the difference. Exercising is good for any pregnant lady.

Pregnancy is a wonderful and exciting stage for every woman, as she lays her feet on the first stepping stone of motherhood. As a woman you feel complete after attaining motherhood. After one intercourse, you start assuming you are pregnant. Confirmation of pregnancy gives you a mixed feeling of happiness and fear. Happiness is because you are bringing your own child and fear is regarding the childbirth process.

Confirmation of pregnancy through actual pregnancy tests is the right way to ascertain pregnancy.  A pregnancy test is done to ensure the presence of a hormone called HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the blood or the urine of the pregnant woman. This hormone is also referred to as the pregnancy hormone. The presence of HCG in the blood or urine is a confirmation that the woman is on her family way.
How to test pregnancy

There are two ways of testing pregnancy; one test is done on the blood and the other on the urine for pregnancy hormone. A urine test can also be done at home to ascertain pregnancy. Blood test has to be conducted at a doctor’s place. It is noticed that in recent times, women do the pregnancy test at home as these tests are private, easy and inexpensive. Urine tests confirm your pregnancy within two weeks following the ovulation. While, some urine states that they can confirm pregnancy in a day, if your period is missed even for a day.

Pregnancy tests are done using the Home pregnancy test kit. Home pregnancy tests can be expected to be accurate if they are utilized properly. The directions mentioned in the kit should be followed accordingly. You should be acquainted with its usage as to how to use the kit and when exactly to use them.

Similarly, birth control is a system of preventing pregnancy. Birth control helps you in deciding the time factor as to when to have a child. There are different forms of birth controls available. It is essential to know about the various methods of preventing birth control. The method you adopt should give you security and also prevent you from becoming pregnant. Every birth control method has its own favors and swindles.

Birth control can be done under various methods such as family planning, contraception, fertility control, and pregnancy prevention. Generally, all birth control methods are established on the basis of restricting male’s sperm from entering and contacting female’s egg, there by preventing further growth. Birth control methods are in two types, reversible and permanent. Reversible birth control methods are within our control, while Permanent birth control methods cannot be reversed because these methods involve surgery. Vasectomy for males and Tubal ligation for females are instances of permanent birth control methods.

Birth control methods can be classified into barrier method, mechanical method, hormonal method and natural method. Condom is the illustration for barrier method. Insertion of intrauterine device is an illustration of mechanical method. Hormonal method revolves using pills. Natural methods deals with women’s body physiology.

Birth controls are available in various forms, but none of them can provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Only strict abstinence can prevent you from entertaining hazardous diseases. Some of the birth control methods are explained to have a better idea of its functionalities.

Speaking of surgical sterilization, it is believed to be the permanent method of contraception. Sterilization is recommended for couples who do not want children in the future.

What is Vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a type of sterilization done for a man. Vasectomy stops the sperm from exiting his penis during intercourse. This surgery is done by a specialist surgeon or urologist. Similarly, Tubal ligation is done on woman’s fallopian tubes, so that it is blocked and eggs do not enter. It is a form of permanent sterilization method. Tubal ligation takes 30 to 450minutes of time. This is not a permanent solution for birth control.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is removal of the uterus in a woman. The IUD is also a method of birth control especially for women. It is a small T inserted in the uterus by healthcare. IUD is one of the effective and safest forms of contraception that starts working instantly. Two types of IUDs are available. One is Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) and other is intrauterine system (IUS).

There are different hormonal methods of birth control such as oral Contraceptives, insertion and injection into the body. The oral contraceptives are the pills which are available in two types, the combination pill and the mini pill. The combination pill restricts the eggs from maturing. The mini pill is also effective for birth control provided it is taken regularly. Few other hormonal methods are Contraceptive patch and vaginal ring.

Natural birth control methods are based on the sexual intercourse timings and eggs fertilization. Natural methods are the safest as it involves no side effects, surgery or drugs. But, a small slip will result in pregnancy.

When a woman is fertile, sexually active and having good physical fitness the chances of getting pregnant are very high. This is the stage when she has to ascertain whether she wants to become pregnant or not. If she doesn’t want to get pregnant at that point of life then there are various birth control options available. Before choosing the right birth control method she has to address some crucial questions. If the pregnancy is not needed now, then when it is needed, whether it is in the near future or after many years or she never wants to become pregnant in her life. These questions can determine the type of birth control option best suited to her or her partner.

Birth control is known in different names such as contraception, fertility control, family planning and pregnancy prevention. In whatever names it is called there are number of methods available for sexually active people to prevent pregnancy. Around 3.7 million women undergo unprepared pregnancy every year in United States alone.. Basically, all birth control methods are based on either preventing a male’s sperm from entering and contacting female’s egg or obstructing the fertilized eggs from placing in the female’s uterus, there by preventing it to grow further.

Some birth control methods are reversible and some are permanent. Reversible birth control methods can be stopped whenever needed and the fertility can be restored. Permanent birth control methods can not be undone because usually these type birth control methods involve surgery. Vasectomy for male and Tubal ligation of female are examples of permanent birth control methods. Birth control methods also can be categorized into barrier method, mechanical method, hormonal method and natural method. Condom is the example for barrier method which essentially prevents the sperm entering into female organ. Insertion of intrauterine device is an example of mechanical method. Hormonal method involves using pills. Natural methods do not use any tools or hormones but deals with women’s body physiology to avert impregnation.

Surgical Sterilization

Sterlization is a permanent birth control method. Vasectomy is meant for men who do not want to have children. Once vasectomy is performed sperms will not exit from penis during sexual intercourse. Generally, vasectomy is a surgical process conducted by a specialist surgeon or by an urologist after administering local anesthesia. Under this method the spermatic duct which is instrumental in carrying the sperm from testicles are cut and ends are closed. A vasectomy surgery doesn’t affect the man’s ability to have an erection nor minimizes the flow of fluid. Reversing the vasectomy is possible but the success rate is very less. Vasectomy doesn’t guard a male or female from sexually transmitted diseases.

Tubal ligation is a form of birth control methods performed for women. This is a permanent sterilization method. Tubal ligation is performed after administering anesthesia, generally on outpatient process. Under this method the Fallopian tubes are identified and closed by clipping, cutting, tying or cauterizing. The whole exercise takes 30 to 45 minutes. There could be some side effects such as bleeding, infection or any other relating to general anesthesia. Tubal ligation has a success rate around 98%. A tubal ligation surgery can be reversed and can have more success rate than vasectomy.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) are another form of birth control methods used for women. In this method a small “T” shaped IUD made of polyethylene plastic is inserted into uterus. There is a short string bounding the IUD that passes through cervix and ends at vagina. This string helps to know whether the IUD is sitting properly in the vagina. There are two types of IUDs one is Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) and other is Intrauterine system (IUS). IUCD is made of copper and emits copper through a copper wire tied at the bottom. IUS emits hormone progesterone. It is not known fully how IUDs work. They are thought to prevent conception by causing a brief localized inflammation that begins about 24 hours after insertion. This causes an inflammatory reaction inside the uterus that attracts white blood cells. This type of IUD also alters the cervical mucus, which, in turn, inhibits sperm from passing through the cervix.

Hormonal methods of contraception

There are various types of hormonal birth controls based of the type, amount and the way hormones go into a woman’s body. The hormone delivery includes oral, inserted into the body tissue, injected into the body, absorbed by the skin or positioned in the vagina. The oral pills are one of the popular and oldest forms of contraceptives. Pills are made of synthetic hormones. There are combination pills and mini pills under different brand names. A pill is not a perfect method of contraceptive. There could be some side effects like vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea during the first month of taking pills. There are other types of hormonal methods such as Inject able, Contraceptive patch, vaginal ring, etc.

Natural birth control methods

Natural birth control methods are neither non-mechanical nor non-hormonal. These methods are based on timing of the sexual intercourse when the eggs are not to be fertilized. The Fertility Awareness method (FAM) is based on women’s symptoms for ovulation. The Calendar Rhythm method involves calculating woman’s fertile period. Basal Body Temperature (BBT) method depends on women’s body temperature as it tends to be fall before an egg is relapsed. Natural methods are safe in the sense there is no side effects associated and there is no surgery or drugs involved. At the same time a small mistake in the calculation will result in pregnancy.

Generally, we all are familiar that hypnosis makes wonders in losing weight and terminating smoking. Hypnosis has been in use for quite a long time to help various health-related issues. Pregnant women are no exception. They also enjoy the privilege that hypnosis offers for pregnancy and childbirth. The benefit of experiencing natural childbirth without any discomfort cannot be ignored. Hypnosis helps pregnant women by keeping them relaxed and calm. This is possible because hypnosis is a controlled focus and utilizing this controlled focus, assists in protracting your brain waves.

Hypnosis can assist pregnant women in many ways in different stages of their pregnancy.

Hypnosis can support in fertility

There are invariable reasons where women are incapable of becoming pregnant due to various medical reasons. But they have found assistance with hypnosis. Hypnosis is a combo pack of imagining and visualizing. Many women believe in thinking positively and imagining, to turn true. So imagining and visualizing a baby can make things happen such as becoming pregnant. Stress in women affects the sperm quality in men and so is one of the vital reasons to inhibit pregnancy. As hypnosis is expertise in relieving stress, it is considered to support pregnancy.

Hypnosis can help Women to Become More Comfortable

Many women undergo distress and anxiety during pregnancy, such as morning sickness, nausea, etc. The concentration of such sickness can be reduced through hypnosis. Women with high blood pressure find absolute relied in hypnosis as it assists them in relaxing. Relaxation in turn helps in controlling the symptoms.

Hypnosis Can assist in the child Birth Process

Women prefer using hypnosis to assist them in having natural child birth as they can do it without any drugs. Hypnosis utilization relaxes and relieves them from the sensation of pain, fear and anxiety, thereby creating a calm environment. The pregnant women can realize everything going around, inclusive of the contractions they are undergoing, but will be at ease in command of the sensation she experiences. Hypnosis teaches her to remain calm and tackle with patience. No matter whether you plan for a natural childbirth or not, hypnosis can help you over the entire process. Hypnosis teaches us you to acquire control over your pregnancy rather than the pregnancy acquires control over you.
 
Hypnosis support in childbirth

Hypnosis works effectively in medical procedures with alarming success even with people who suffer with life threatening diseases. Hypnosis support in childbirth is essential as it trains pregnant women to undergo the discomfort and pain as mere painful pleasure. The word pleasure itself relaxes the mother and provides utmost comfort. Hypnotic suggestions are followed for physical relaxation. This prepares the conscious mind that the birth will be easy and comfortable which acts like a mentor keeping the entire body fit. Labor, delivery, and normal childbirth are great reasons for pregnant women to feel their pulsating heart beat abnormal. But wise women utilize hypnosis to evade fear and pain during childbirth.

Hypnosis evades fear

Childbirth is considered as a normal event in women’s life. Yet for many generations, we know that childbirth is a painful process leading to fear and anxiety. We expect labor pains because our mind is fully prepared to do so. This is because we have heard many stories from our elders regarding the agony of pain and suffering. Similarly, hypnosis is a session that imparts the thought that the birth procedure will be peaceful with less discomfort.

Hypnosis teaches you to be relaxed and calm which is very helpful during pregnancy and child birth. Hypnosis teaches her to have absolute control over her mind and body. You can visualize the labor progressing and feel the pleasure of your childbirth with comfort. This is because hypnosis has programmed her mind to accept things and evade things to her choice.

The advantages of using hypnosis during childbirth are very few drugs are taken or mostly no drugs which means less of risk to both mother and the baby. Similarly, as they hardly take drugs there is no scope for any side effects. Subsequently, the advantage of using hypnosis results in increased resisting capacity resulting in diminished pain or at times totally eliminated. This calmness and mental strength allows the mother to be relaxed throughout the process. Another boon of hypnosis is due to total control of mind there are hardly any complications during labor.

Learning hypnosis and practicing it gives a great relief in various activities. Hypnosis does wonders not only in the field of medicine and childbirth; it casts its spell in an optimistic way in all the fields. You can attend some classed to know more about hypnosis. You can also select a course book on hypnosis for pregnancy and childbirth which can be of immense support during labor. Tapes, CDS, handouts and scripts will also support your thought. You can go to hypnotherapists and find suitable and effective solution for any fear or disorder.

Childbirth and pregnancy are exceptional cases in the hypnosis program. It is exceptional because the fact is obvious that there is no childbirth without pain, yet this pain is not realized and she feels comfortable, calm and enjoys this phase of life in a pleasurable way due to hypnosis which molds her to think positively and to do it accordingly.

Having a baby is no doubt a pleasant experience for every woman. After going through a tedious but memorable experience for 9 months you have got your wonderful gift in your life in the form of your nice baby. Now you are going home with your lovely baby so prepare yourself to begin a new life with him. If you are a first-time parent, then you need to learn a lot about baby care and parenting.

Seeking help from others

Early months are really a testing time for any first time parents. You need to consider getting help from your friends and family members to pass through these crucial periods. You can also get the services of lactation consultants or feeding specialists who may be much helpful in preparing you in nursing your baby.

The nurses can teach you in holding your baby in a proper way. They can also help you in other basic baby care activities. At home you can hire a baby sitter or seek the help of your teenage neighbor to help you in taking care of your baby. Friends and relatives are the wonderful sources who can guide you throughout this process.

Handling infants

If you are a first time parent, first learn some basic about handling newborns.

Learn to hold your baby’s head and neck in a proper position while carrying as well as laying down.
Never shake your baby whether for pleasure or in irritation.
Always make sure that your baby is properly fastened in the car seat, carrier or stroller. Never expose him to any rough and brumby activities.
Never involve your newborn in a rough play.
Bonding and Soothing Techniques

Bonding is one of the most pleasant experiences in baby care. This happens in the early stages of child growth. During this period parents establish an unfathomable connection with the newborn. Physical proximity with baby enhances the emotional bonds.

Attachment is instrumental in bringing emotional growth in newborns. It also influences the developments in their physical growth. The other way of bonding is by showing exceptional love and affection towards them. Keeping your infant very close to you and your partner enhances the bonding.

Infant massage is another way of enchasing bonding with infants. Premature babies and babies with medical problems will respond positively to infant massage. There are various resources available to learn and practice infant massage. However, it is always better to consult your doctor before staring infant massage.

Infants usually like verbal sounds such as singing, talking, babbling, etc. Some babies also enjoy listening to music. You can use baby rattles and light musical instruments to stimulate your baby’s hearing capabilities. Singing, reciting poems, nursery rhymes are also useful in strengthening your child’s hearing. Some infants are very sensitive to touch, bright lights, or loud sound. Keeping light and noise at lower levels will help them to overcome such problems.

Swaddling is one of the best soothing techniques that every first-time parent should learn. Swaddling helps in keeping the infants arms close to your body and his legs nestled together. Swaddling helps to keep your baby warm and also gives a sense of security to him.

Diapering

A typical baby soils diapers about 10 times a day. You can either use cloth or disposable diapers for your baby. It is very essential to keep all the supplies within your reach otherwise you will be leaving your infant in dirt until you get them all. For diapering you will need a clean diaper, a fastener if a cloth is used, a container of warm water, diaper ointment in case your baby has a rash, a clean washcloth, diaper wipes or cotton balls. Diaper rash is a common worry among newborn babies. These red and bumpy rashes will disappear in a day or two with the application of diaper cream or even simple warm bath.

Bathing your baby

Sponge bath is ideal for newborn babies until 4 weeks. Afterwards two or three times in a week is enough in the first year. Frequent baths will dry your baby’s skin and expose him to skin infections. You can give your child tub bath once he is ready. If he shows any resistance, revert back to sponge bath for another few weeks before trying tub bath again.

Feeding your baby

It is better to know how often you need to feed your newborn. Whether it is breast feeding or bottle feeding, it is always advisable to feed him on demand. Normally, babies cry when they are hungry. There may be also other indications such as putting fingers in their mouth, or creating sucking noise, etc. You need to feed a newborn in every 2 to 3 hours. In case you breast feed your baby, allow 10 to 15 minutes in each breast.

Having these guidelines at your hand stretch, and becoming a wonderful and caring mother is enterprising to both, your child and yourself.