There are no two pregnancies that are alike so, while it is difficult to say exactly how each will progress, there are certain factors that are common among all women going through pregnancy. Quite often, early symptoms of pregnancy will appear and prompt the soon-to-be mom to purchase a home pregnancy test. These can be found at virtually every retail and/or grocery store. It is important to remember that pregnancy tests, while designed to be accurate, are sometimes wrong. Regardless of the result, it is recommended that women experiencing pregnancy symptoms should schedule an appointment with a health care professional who will accurately test for pregnancy.

Among the pregnancy symptoms that most women experience are heightened sensitivity to certain smells and/or food, exhaustion, recurring morning sickness and mood swings. During the entire pregnancy, it is very important that the woman participate in a healthy lifestyle. Among other things, this would include not smoking or being near secondhand smoke, avoid drinking alcohol, etc. In addition, the mom-to-be should drink plenty of milk and eat healthy foods. This will help to promote good development for the child and will be a healthy start for him/her.

Once a woman is confirmed with pregnancy, the next step is shopping for maternity clothes. There is generally a maternity section of every store, but many women simply wear oversized shirts and comfortable elastic waist pants. Preparing for a new baby will include shopping for nursery items, including a rocking chair, bassinet, baby blankets, clothes and toys. If there are plans to convert any room in the house into a nursery, it’s best to start early. It’s also very important that the mom-to-be not be near any paint or harmful products that may cause her, or her unborn child, any problems.

During the nine months of pregnancy, women will go through a lot of changes – both physically and mentally. Mood swings will become more intense and there may be frequent trips to the bathroom as the pregnancy progresses and the growing child begins to press more heavily on the bladder. After the baby is born, the woman will likely have a desire to lose her pregnancy weight. Immediately following birth, it may be a good idea to rest before starting on any exercise program. A licensed medical doctor will be able to prescribe a timeline for such things as physical activity, which will greatly be determined by the mom’s overall health.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. It is not designed to be used in conjunction with, or in place of, professional medical advice. Any woman who believes she may be experiencing pregnancy symptoms, or has reason to believe that she may be pregnant, should consult a licensed medical physician for proper testing and determination.

Author Bio
Find more about Chinese pregnancy calendar, Chinese gender chart and EPT pregnancy tests and many other pregnancy resources on CareJournal.org.

What is In-Vitro Fertilization?

In-vitro fertilization is a procedure that allows couples who cannot conceive normally to have a child. The woman’s egg and man’s sperm are taken out of the body and fertilized in a laboratory, then put back into a woman who can carry the pregnancy to term.

Many moral and ethical concerns have been raised because of in-vitro fertilization. Those against the procedure say it is too much like playing God. Many women, however, have successfully delivered healthy babies as a result of in-vitro fertilization. Only you can decide if this procedure is the right one for you.

What are the Chances of Success with In-Vitro Fertilization?

“The chance of successful pregnancy with in vitro fertilization is directly related to the age of the woman who provides the egg. Most in vitro fertilization programs divide up their success rates according to age. For example, clinics will report pregnancy rates for women under and over the age of 35 years. There is certainly deterioration in the quality of eggs from the mid-thirties onwards. Some clinics divide up success rates further, and specifically report pregnancy rates for women between the ages of 35 and 37, 38 and 39, 39 to 42, and then over the age of 42.:
- Victoriafertility web site, August 2006

In-vitro has enjoyed a good success rate. Some in-vitro procedures have been too effective, with women giving birth to twins, triplets, or even more babies at once. It’s a good idea to try the process with three or fewer eggs, on the chance that all the eggs will become successfully fertilized and produce children. In-vitro is a viable option for women who cannot naturally conceive.

What are the Dangers of In-Vitro Fertilization?

“One of the commonest serious side effects from using fertility drugs is a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome becomes a risk in women who develop more than 20 follicles in response to the fertility drugs. In these circumstances the blood estrogen levels are often very high, and this combination causes OHSS.”
- Victoriafertility web site, August 2006

The most common danger of in-vitro is that it will not work. It is very disappointing and depressing for a couple who has tried many methods, only to fail again at in-vitro. There is nothing to suggest that in-vitro fertilization will make natural conception easier or harder for the woman in the future. Medically, the procedure is fairly safe. There is some pain associated with the process of removing the woman’s eggs, however, and there is a surgical procedure involved.

If you are considering in-vitro fertilization, it’s best to discuss your options with your doctor. In-vitro can be a rather invasive procedure. You’ll want to know what your chances are of having a successful pregnancy using this method before you decide to go ahead with in-vitro.

The Pros and Cons of In-Vitro Fertilization

Each woman has to make the decision regarding in-vitro for herself, with the support of her spouse. Many couples face reproductive challenges, and it’s a very common problem that is nothing to be ashamed of. Learn all about your own chances of success with in-vitro before you decide to go through with the procedure, which can be very costly and very invasive to a woman’s body. How much you want to conceive will determine whether or not in-vitro fertilization is right for you.

Author Bio
Tim Lawrence is a father of two and co-founder of Colic Calm

Losing tummy weight after pregnancy is hard. Nine months of “eating for two” paired with the way your body changes in pregnancy leads to a hard road back to fitness. Only after you have the baby do you realize how much weight you have gained. So what now? Is it possible to lose your tummy weight after pregnancy? Here are three tips to start you on the right direction.

Step 1 – Use Your Baby as a Calorie Vaccuum

Not only is breastfeeding the best thing that you can do for your baby, it is also the best way to lose weight after pregnancy. All of the calories that your little one eats come directly from you. Breastfeed as much as you can, trying not to supplement with formula if at all possible. This is an one time chance to lose the vast majority of your baby weight quickly, so don’t pass it up!

Tip 2 – Eat Healthy

Sounds obvious right? But with the stress of being a new mom, and trying to take care of all of your baby’s needs, it can be hard to find time to take care of yourself. Try to eat a balanced diet, staying away from processed foods. Also, eating 4 or 5 smaller meals will not only help you to lose weight, but it will help with your milk production as well.

Idea 3 – Start To Exercise

Be reasonable about when you start, as your body may not be up to exercise right away so it is important to listen to your body for this one. Usually by 4 weeks you will feel up to exercising. Start small and get back into the swing of things. A daily walk is a great way to start. As you feel your body getting back to normal, ad in some low to moderate intensity core exercises.

Follow these three simple tips and you will start losing tummy weight after pregnancy. Check out the links below if you want to lose weight quickly.

If you want to learn the secret to quick ways to lose weight check out my site. To read more about after pregnance weight loss read my article.

• Start taking a prenatal vitamin.  They will have folic acid in them, which will help your growing baby ensure a healthy start.
• If you have a pre-existing condition that requires medication, take the time to discuss with your doctor how the medication will affect the baby and what you can do to minimize those effects.
• Quit smoking as smoking can cause low birth weight babies and also raises the risk for a baby with Down Syndrome and other birth defects.  If you cannot quit, do your best to cut as far back as possible.
• Quit drinking alcohol as it may reduce your chances of conceiving.  Drinking during pregnancy may cause a number of birth defects, especially during the first few weeks.
• Go to the dentist.  Good dental health is important.  Why you ask?  Gum disease and other oral infections can increase your risk of premature birth, and other health issues.  Also it can lead to poorer maternal nutrition.
• If you have a cat, prepare your husband to begin cat care duty, as you should not be scooping the kitty litter during pregnancy as it can cause health risks to you and your baby.
• Start exercising if you don’t already.  The more fit you are, the easier your pregnancy and labor will be.  It also helps relieve stress, boost your energy levels and helps you to maintain proper body weight.

Now remember, I am not an expert.  These were hints, tips and ideas passed on to me when I began thinking about becoming pregnant.  I hope they help you prepare for your pregnancy, and I wish you good luck in conceiving that bundle of joy.

You will be working very hard to have this baby, working up a sweat and then some. So, one essential is your own soaps, shampoos, and lotions. It is true that the hospital will supply you with these, but using your own will make you feel more comfortable and more like yourself. Don’t forget to bring your own toothpaste and toothbrush too. There’s nothing like a good tooth brushing to give you the lift you may need.

Another item that was not in my bag the first time was my pillow. The hospital beds do have pillows on them, but if you normally take your pillow to a hotel, then make sure you take it to the hospital. You want yourself to be comfortable and to feel as at home as possible. Also, those found at the hospital are not usually the most comfortable pillows on the earth.

Your favorite fuzzy socks and/or slippers are a must have. Keep your toes warm in style while feeling the most at home as possible. Now if you forget these, you can always use those non-skid socks the hospital staff can provide, although they are not as comfortable or as stylish as your own.

During the long, exhausting process of labor, you will undoubtedly become dry, and somewhat dehydrated. You won’t be allowed to drink much during labor and so your lips will become very dry. Bring your favorite lip balm with you to keep your lips as moist as possible during the process.

The next one should be very high on your list, as the hospital will provide you will some interesting replacements if you do not have your own. Underwear, the ones you wore during your pregnancy, will be very useful. Pack a few pairs as you will be very grateful for them. The ones from the hospital are often either a paper version or an odd netting type. Take it from me and bring plenty of your own for a more comfortable stay.

Depending on the hospital will depend on whether you need the next essential or not. Pack a variety of non-perishable snacks and drinks for your husband and for you after giving birth. The hospital I gave birth in had a kitchen for the patients and their significant others, filled with drinks and healthy snacks. This was great as I labored through the night with both of my children and my husband was very grateful to just walk down the hall for a snack and not have to move to a different floor. But if you hospital does not offer this luxury, do pack some of your own for everyone’s sake.

Something to pass the time with, like some magazines or a MP3 player with your favorite songs loaded. Remember, you will not want anything that takes lots of brain power, as that will be in full use already. Some hospitals have a cd player in the room, and you can bring cd’s in to listen to. Your own personal MP3 player or such is another great option.

Pack your nursing bra. This will be useful soon after birth and make the ride home more comfortable. You will learn how to use it in a situation where there are people that can teach you some simple basics about them.

Don’t forget your CAMERA! If it is not digital, then make sure you pack plenty of film. If you are worried that you will forget it, throw in a disposable one to be sure you can capture those precious moments before, during and after birth.

Of course make sure to pack a variety of clothes for yourself and for your husband. You may be there for a few days or longer depending upon what happens during the birth.  Also, be sure to pack a few sizes of infant outfits as your child may be bigger or smaller than you think.  Pack a baby blanket (or two depending upon the season) and of course the baby car seat.

I wish the best of luck packing your “bag” for the trip to maternity ward.

Number 10:

If you are a feline lover, you probably own at least 1 cat.  Being pregnant means you will not have to do the dirty job of cleaning out the cat litter box for at least nine months.  Since being pregnant the first time, 10 years ago, I clean out the litter box very seldom!  This perk can be long lasting if you let it be.

Number 9:

When out shopping, people will generally offer to carry your bags for you.  Your significant other will even offer to carry the laundry up and down the stairs.

Number 8:

Sandals and slip on shoes are the only way to go.  Comfort 100% of the time!  If you decide to wear some that tie, feel free to ask anyone to tie them for you, as  they surely will.

Number 7:

Why bother shaving your legs, you can’t see them past your belly!  Why not take advantage of this and take a breathier from shaving.

Number 6:

Have that “gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now” feeling but don’t see a sign for a public restroom.  Just ask!  Most places will let you use theirs as they understand you needs.

Number 5:

No need to suck it in!  Let that stomach hang out there, it’ll never be this cute just hanging lose, so enjoy it while you can!

Number 4:

When you go out to dinner, truly order your heart’s desire.  There is no need to have just a salad, or to keep it light, order your favorite indulgence (unless you go out to dinner every night) and truly enjoy the experience.  If this is your first child, enjoy the quiet, peaceful dinner experience, as things will change soon enough.

Number 3:

No more DIETING!  That’s right, eating healthy is still the best bet, but that does not mean you cannot have dessert too!  If you want seconds there is probably a reason, make sure you are eating enough to keep that growing baby satisfied.

Number 2:

Were you always jealous of the girl that was voluminous? Spilling out of her bra in just the right way?  Well, there is no need to be jealous anymore!  Pregnancy is nature’s way of giving a breast enlargement.  You can enjoy them while you have them.

The NUMBER 1 perk of being pregnant is: you end up with a BABY!

I want to remind you to try and enjoy your pregnancy as there is nothing like have a baby growing inside of you.  My “baby” is now six, and I still will close my eyes at times and remember when he was growing inside me.  A time I do not want to forget, but rather cherish with all my heart.  One way to help you remember these times is with a journal.  Journal your thoughts and emotions, how your felt, talk about your doctor’s visits, record everything so you and your child can look back at this magical time.

A missed period is often the first clue that a woman might be pregnant. Sometimes, a woman might suspect she is pregnant even sooner. Symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and breast tenderness, can occur even before a missed period. The wait to know can be emotional. These days, many women first use home pregnancy tests (HPT) to find out. Your doctor also can test you.

All pregnancy tests work by detecting a special hormone in the urine or blood that is only there when a woman is pregnant. It is called human chorionic gonadotropin (kohr-ee-ON-ihk goh-NAD-uh-TROH-puhn), or hCG. hCG is made when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. hCG rapidly builds up in your body with each passing day you are pregnant. Read on to learn when and how to test for pregnancy.

Home Pregnancy Tests

HPTs are inexpensive, private, and easy to use. Most drugstores sell HPTs over the counter. The cost depends on the brand and how many tests come in the box. They work by detecting hCG in your urine. HPTs are highly accurate. But their accuracy depends on many things. These include:

Read the rest

Everything is going just fine until you are stricken with the idea … it’s a food, something you don’t normally eat, but you just have to have it. Or do you? Pregnancy cravings are very strong, even overwhelming cravings for a certain food or foods. When the craving strikes, do you really need to give in?

In the movies, if you are pregnant, you grab a tub of ice cream and a pickle spear and go to town to satisfy your cravings without compromising your health or figure. In the real world, it’s unlikely that indulging in cravings like that will leave you with a defined waistline, let alone a healthy pregnancy. Naturally, you want to give your child the best start possible and want to eat the most nutritious foods. But when your hormones conspire to take over your eating habits, can you resist?

Practice makes perfect

Some say that resisting cravings is just a matter of exercising self-control and restraint.

When Jessica Senkyr-Robinette, who pens andshelivedhappily.com, was pregnant with her first child, the long-time vegetarian had a craving that seemed unlikely to her: meat. She managed to resist the urge to indulge throughout her pregnancy. “I stopped eating meat at the age of 12 but there were some things that I liked that were pretty hard to resist so I was pretty used to resisting it by the time I got pregnant,” says Jessica.

The power of suggestion

Some moms are lucky enough to not really experience cravings. That was the case with Rosalie Rung, except for one time when she saw an episode of Friends that featured a meatball sub. “Honestly, I didn’t have too many specific cravings aside from the meatball sub ‘incident’. But when that one kicked in, I didn’t feel like indulging immediately b/c (A) was very late at night and (B) not a ‘healthy’ food or even one I generally ate much of. So I just kind of blew it off, mentally, but it kept coming back,” says Rosalie.

She resisted for as long as she could, but the urge kept coming back. Determined not to give in, Rosalie did indulge … but in a slightly different food. ” I used to love [meatball subs] as a kid, and haven’t had one in at least that long. I tried to resist, but couldn’t get it out my mind, so settled on a close second: an enormous chicken parm hero….and it was delicious,” Rosalie saidx

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