Pregnancy Cycle – Ovulation Predictor

Sometimes, specially for certain couples, getting pregnant takes longer while others get pregnant once they plan it. While our ancestors certainly not did think of using methods to chart their fertility and their pregnancy cycle , today we have that option and, at many times, the need of using ovulation predictors or menstrual cycle calculators. These can predict your dates of ovulation and planning becomes easier for couples trying to get pregnant.
The pregnancy cycle begins with Ovulation. Ovulation occurs halfway through the cycle around the 14-15th day of  a standard 28-day menstrual cycle. It is then that one or more of your eggs is released from the ovary and then goes down the fallopian tube where it is fertilized. During this process your body temperature raises to create a more fertile environment for the egg. This increase in temperature is caused due to increased levels of the hormone progesterone
The traditional method includes charting fertility cycles, taking your body temperature to check for ovulation and monitoring cervical mucus. Charting your fertility cycle will give you a clue to predicting ovulation and thus knowing when you have the best chance of becoming pregnant.Then you can plan to have intercourse during the 2 or 3 days preceding ovulation. That way the sperm (which can survive for 3- 7 days) can lie in wait in the fallopian tubes, ready for the egg when it is released, increasing your chances of conception. This method also known as Fertility Awareness is a method where women can monitor their cycles to identify ovulation to help getting pregnant.
While these methods has been very effective they definitely require more of an effort and in today’s rushed environment, women find it more convenient to use the kits that are available. There are different categories of ovulation cycle predictors:

Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) which test the levels of Luteinizing hormone in your urine. Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels go up 12 -36 hours before ovulation. These kits are said to be quite accurate. In fact the newer models are digital and the results can be analyzed quite easily hard to interpret.

Fertility Monitoring Units are more expensive than Ovulation Predictors but they give a wider window of fertility period in your cycle.
There are various other Kits available but if you are unable to get pregnant in spite of  keeping track of your ovulation cycle, it is better to ask your doctor for the correct information. May be additional tests are required to rule out medical conditions like PCOS which do prevent a woman from getting pregnant.
Tags: fallopian tubes, Menstrual cycle, fertile environment, predicting ovulation, ovulation predictor kits

This content is taken from http://www.babiesinfantspregnancy.com

ENSURING A HEALTHY WEIGHT GAIN DURING PREGNANCY

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Expecting a baby is one of the most beautiful moments of a woman’s life. However, there are many women who are concerned regarding their weight, size and health ramifications post- delivery. While it is important to eat well while carrying a child, it is equally important to take care and eat right in order to ensure a healthy weight gain during pregnancy.

RECOMMENDED WEIGHT GAIN GUIDELINES

Issued by Institute of medicine in May 2009, following these guidelines ensures a healthy weight gain during pregnancy.

·         If you had a healthy pre- pregnancy weight (BMI between 18.5 to 24.9), you should gain only around 25 to 35 pounds. The first trimester sees an increase of around 3 or 4pounds. Thereafter, for the rest of pregnancy, every coming week requires an increase of one pound in weight for optimal baby growth and a safe delivery.

·         Although chances of conceiving in case of underweight body (BMI less than 18.5) are low, if you still conceive, you should gain a total of 28 to 40 pounds. This involves gaining 5-6 pounds in the first trimester and slightly more than a pound per week for the rest of pregnancy.

·         If you are in the obese range (BMI greater than 30), you should gain weight between 11 to 20 pounds during the whole time. This involves 1 pound for the first trimester, and less than half a pound per week for rest of the pregnancy.

·         In case you are expecting twins, you should gain 37 to 54 pounds in case of a healthy BMI, 31 to 50 pounds for underweight BMI, and 25 to 42 pounds in case of overweight BMI.

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING A HEALTHY WEIGHT GAIN

If an expecting mother does not monitor herself properly, weight gain during pregnancy could cross the excess limits. This would make it very difficult for her to shed those extra kilos even after the delivering the baby. Some of the tips to ensure that an expecting mother gains weight healthily can be listed as follows:

Eating the right food in appropriate quantity is the correct way to go. You should avoid eating junk food which just add on to the weight without providing any kind of healthy nutrients to the body.

While carrying a baby, you should always try and have a complete balanced diet rich in minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron, vitamins, and other nutrients. Also, the foods should be well cooked and fresh.

A regular intake of fluids is important for an expecting mother both in terms of weight gain and keeping the morning sickness symptoms at bay. Water is also essential for a better digestion of food and increasing the metabolism of the body.

Instead of taking the conventional three meals per day, it is better to eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day. This helps in keeping you energetic  throughout the day and will also keep any untoward symptoms in control too.

Lastly but most importantly, it is important for the pregnant women to stay active throughout the pregnancy. Regularly indulging in some form of mild exercises helps in keeping you fit while also keeping any kind of gain in weight during pregnancy at bay.

OBEYING THE TIPS

 While carrying a child inside you, it is easy to get carried away by eating everything in sight on the name of your unborn child. However, the old maxim “Eating for two” does not allow you to just double your intake. Remember, the baby growing inside you is one of the miracles of nature. Eating the right foods will not only help you in a healthy weight gain during pregnancy, it also rewards you with a healthy baby in the end.

Summary

For a healthy weight gain during pregnancy, the mom-to-be has to take appropriate care regarding a nutritious and balanced diet and regular exercising.

SOME UNIQUE BABY SHOWER PRODUCT IDEAS

Birth of a baby is one of the most important moments of a couple’s life. There are many expecting mothers who are showered with various baby products.  Nowadays, the market is inundated with various baby shower products that can be used by the friends and family to shower on the mommy-to-be to welcome the arrival of a new baby in the lives f couple.

Baby shower product ideas

ü  There are a variety of Baby shower gifts that can be gifted based to the mom- to- be based on the theme of the whole affair:

ü  Rubber ducky:  You can create a unique gift by getting an infant tub and filling it with various baby bath essentials such as towels, brush, comb, body was, baby lotion, and washcloths. After all, a baby needs to have his or her own bath!

ü  A Changing Basket: One of the basic essentials needed by the baby is the diapers. Apart from these, baby bottoms need a lot more stuff. You can create your own special basket that includes all that is needed while changing. These include baby powder, diapers, baby wipes, and diaper rash ointment and cream. This will act as a personal vanity case for pampering the baby’s bottom.

ü  Diaper Genie Disposal system: According to Playtex, this is fast becoming a popular baby shower product. It is easy to use while keeping the baby’s room fresh and clean.

ü  Hands free Baby Carrier: Another popular product fast becoming a rage among moms-to be’s friends is the Hip Hammock Child carrier. It allows the mother to keep their hands free while taking their babies outside and leaving the stroller behind.

ü  Class in Infant Massage: A creative yet useful gift that can be gifted to an expecting mother is to gift her a class in infant massage so that she is able to properly massage her baby. Massages are considered to be quite beneficial for babies while proving to be soothing and relaxing at the same time.

ü  Baby Astrology Chart: This gift is prepared by an astrologer depending upon the time and location of the birth of child. Also called as the natal or birth chart, this shows the planets in the sky on the time of the child’s birth.

ü  Mural for the baby’s room: Though this may seem to be a little over the top gesture, but then, what is the fun in going for the normal stuff. You can get a muralist to paint the baby’s room. This may cost you a few hundred dollars or even thousands, but it will be worth it. The mural will prove to be wonderful gift, both creative and thoughtful at the same time.

ü  Safety Basket: After some time, the expecting mother will have her hands full ensuring that the scooting and crawling baby remains safely in the confines of the home. You can help the mother by gifting her a basket of a variety of baby proofing products such as corner cushions, outlet covers, and cabinet latches.

ü  Make Memories: Arrival of a new baby always warrants new memories. These moments are generally captured by parents at every possible point. You can help the new parents stay ready to capture and save that special moment in their babies life by giving them disposable cameras, photo albums, scrapbook albums and supplies. In addition to this, you can also design or even personalize special photo albums for the baby.

Conclusion

These are just some ideas that can be used while gifting. However, there are a number of other baby shower products available in the market that can be used by friends and family alike to gift to an expecting mother and make the occasion a memorable one.

Summary

With the availability of many baby shower products in the market, the friends and family have adequate choice to gift to the expectant mother.

SOME UNIQUE BABY SHOWER PRODUCT IDEAS

Birth of a baby is one of the most important moments of a couple’s life. There are many expecting mothers who are showered with various baby products.  Nowadays, the market is inundated with various baby shower products that can be used by the friends and family to shower on the mommy-to-be to welcome the arrival of a new baby in the lives f couple.

Baby shower product ideas

ü  There are a variety of Baby shower gifts that can be gifted based to the mom- to- be based on the theme of the whole affair:

ü  Rubber ducky:  You can create a unique gift by getting an infant tub and filling it with various baby bath essentials such as towels, brush, comb, body was, baby lotion, and washcloths. After all, a baby needs to have his or her own bath!

ü  A Changing Basket: One of the basic essentials needed by the baby is the diapers. Apart from these, baby bottoms need a lot more stuff. You can create your own special basket that includes all that is needed while changing. These include baby powder, diapers, baby wipes, and diaper rash ointment and cream. This will act as a personal vanity case for pampering the baby’s bottom.

ü  Diaper Genie Disposal system: According to Playtex, this is fast becoming a popular baby shower product. It is easy to use while keeping the baby’s room fresh and clean.

ü  Hands free Baby Carrier: Another popular product fast becoming a rage among moms-to be’s friends is the Hip Hammock Child carrier. It allows the mother to keep their hands free while taking their babies outside and leaving the stroller behind.

ü  Class in Infant Massage: A creative yet useful gift that can be gifted to an expecting mother is to gift her a class in infant massage so that she is able to properly massage her baby. Massages are considered to be quite beneficial for babies while proving to be soothing and relaxing at the same time.

ü  Baby Astrology Chart: This gift is prepared by an astrologer depending upon the time and location of the birth of child. Also called as the natal or birth chart, this shows the planets in the sky on the time of the child’s birth.

ü  Mural for the baby’s room: Though this may seem to be a little over the top gesture, but then, what is the fun in going for the normal stuff. You can get a muralist to paint the baby’s room. This may cost you a few hundred dollars or even thousands, but it will be worth it. The mural will prove to be wonderful gift, both creative and thoughtful at the same time.

ü  Safety Basket: After some time, the expecting mother will have her hands full ensuring that the scooting and crawling baby remains safely in the confines of the home. You can help the mother by gifting her a basket of a variety of baby proofing products such as corner cushions, outlet covers, and cabinet latches.

ü  Make Memories: Arrival of a new baby always warrants new memories. These moments are generally captured by parents at every possible point. You can help the new parents stay ready to capture and save that special moment in their babies life by giving them disposable cameras, photo albums, scrapbook albums and supplies. In addition to this, you can also design or even personalize special photo albums for the baby.

Conclusion

These are just some ideas that can be used while gifting. However, there are a number of other baby shower products available in the market that can be used by friends and family alike to gift to an expecting mother and make the occasion a memorable one.

Summary

With the availability of many baby shower products in the market, the friends and family have adequate choice to gift to the expectant mother.

RECOGNISE THE PREGNANCY LABOR SIGNS TIMELY

An expecting mother goes through many emotions and anticipations throughout the whole experience of being pregnant. With complete nine months down the line, you begin to wonder on every little twitch being a possible labor sign. After all, it is the final step in being closer to holding your baby in your arms. How can one be sure about the signs??? Especially for a first time mom, it is quite difficult to tell. Below are some of the pregnancy labor signs that will certainly help you in knowing that you are about to start your labor.

Lightening

You will notice that the baby has dropped down and is now settling in your pelvis preparing for the birth. This will be indicated by the dropping of your belly. Your trips to bathroom will be more frequent than before. Apart from all this, you will also be able to breathe easier and lie much more comfortably on your side as lightening releases the pressure exerted on your diaphragm by your baby.

Increase in Braxton Hicks Contractions

Every pregnant woman gets confused and scared by her first contraction. However, it is important that you count the length of contractions and the time elapsed between them to recognize the real deal. Most of them, called as Braxton Hicks Contractions, start months in advance without any warning. But, as you get closer to your due delivery date, these will be more often and more painful than others. As soon as they start coming in regular intervals, contact your doctor immediately as you may be in labor.

Nesting

All of a sudden on a day, you may feel a sudden spurt of energy and may find yourself cleaning your house, getting nursery prepared, or even running around the house preparing for the arrival of the new baby. This is termed as “nesting” and is usually a pregnancy labor sign of delivery being quite near.

Effacement Of Cervix

This starts in the last pregnancy month. The cervix will start becoming thin and will start stretching to make it easier for cervix to dilate while delivering the baby. This will be regularly checked by your doctor during the last 2 months of your pregnancy. You can easily check out the progress of the same from him/ her.

Dilation Of Cervix Opening

This dilation would prepare your body for labor. It is usually measured in centimeters and at time, even in fingers. The doctors start checking for dilation in the last 2 months of your pregnancy and you can know about the progress of this process anytime from him or her.

Mucus Plug

Minimally chic Eclipse Dress on sale for only $79 at PeruvianConnection.com The mucus plug is not exactly a plug but only a collection of old cervical discharge that seals your cervix. This helps in protecting your baby during the pregnancy period. When you start dilating and effacing, this may come out appearing as a large mucus clump or even a stingy discourse. Though, this is not commonly considered to be one of the pregnancy labor signs, there are many women who swear by it. An expecting mother may lose it weeks before labor or even during the actual labor.

Bleeding

Considered to be one of the biggest signs after contractions and water breakage, there is a small amount of bleeding occurring within 48 hours prior to labor. This can appear as blood tinged mucus or as spotting. If however, there is heavy bleeding, it is better that you contact your doctor immediately.

The above given information helps in providing you with the information about childbirth and pregnancy labor signs. Knowledge about them helps in preparing the expecting mother for the delivery. No matter how the baby is actually delivered, what is important is that the deliver should be safe and in a healthy environment.

Summary

Recognizing pregnancy labor signs early helps you in preparing yourself for the delivery of your unborn child.

DIFFERENT PREGNANCY TYPES

Every woman is different from another. No two pregnancies in the world are similar either. So, it is important for every woman to be aware of the different pregnancy types as not all are normal. There are a few types that spell danger for the expecting mother and she needs to be alert of it.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A tubal or ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal condition that happens when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most probably in the fallopian tube itself. This can only be checked by an ultrasound as its symptoms don’t show until by the sixth pregnancy week. It has no proven medical reason, and can prove to be deadly for the expecting mother in case she is not provided with appropriate medical attention.

Lupus Pregnancy

Lupus is basically an immunity related disease that can lead to miscarriage or still birth. It also results in clotting of blood and may affect the vital organs of the expecting mother. Many a times, a woman miscarries without any apparent reason. This may be due to this disease. However, with proper care and advance medical attention, she can deliver in a neo natal unit.

Twin Pregnancies

Though considered to be a risky option, most of the mothers are overjoyed at the prospect as they would just have to undergo nine months of pregnancy rather than eighteen months for two children. Though this condition basically occurs among women having prior family history of having twins, nowadays with the arrival of fertility treatment more and more women are opting for this pregnancy type.

New Pregnancy

This is the first time a woman experiences the feeling of being a woman. There are a host of changes that will occur every day in her life. There is an unspoken fear in her about something going wrong. However, all in all, it is a beautiful feeling to actually feel the baby moving inside you. She may feel the regular pregnancy symptoms such as vomiting, morning sickness, backaches, fatigue, and others. But, no one can take way the joy she will when she actually holds the small bundle of joy in her hands.

Second or Third pregnancy

Second and third pregnancy types are much easier on the expecting mother as her body will be familiar with the signs and symptoms experienced during the first one and will easily cope up with the same. However, this does not mean it is easy as each pregnancy is different from other and the intensity of symptoms is quite different every time.

Teen Pregnancy

Currently on the rise, teen pregnancies are usually risky as the girl may not be prepared for a baby emotionally or biologically. Though her body hits of age at puberty, she is far from ready to be a mother in her teens. Of all pregnancy types, this should be avoided at all costs. Apart from the consequences to the mother, this also results in the likelihood of delivering undernourished babies too. Proper sex education and availability of contraceptives should be provided to all to reduce the occurrence of these pregnancies.

Thus, though not all type of pregnancies are normal, if the expecting mother is provided with a healthy and caring environment along with proper medical attention, they can be taken care of. Provide an environment where your child can grow happily and safely to actually enjoy the joy of motherhood. No matter what is your pregnancy type- Be aware of any untoward symptoms so that remedial action can be taken. So, be aware of the pregnancy risk factors and pregnancy types and enjoy a blissful period ahead.

Summary

Depending upon the different pregnancy types, care has to be taken by the expectant mothers as not all pregnancies are normal.