When you’re pregnant, there’s one question that everyone seems to think they have a right to ask — is it a boy or is it a girl?
Well, for years, mothers have been trying to figure out the sex of their unborn child based on a load of old wives’ tales. But can you really determine the sex of your unborn child based on those old theories?
We’re going to put these to the test and find out once and for all.
If you plan to become or are pregnant, ensure you take care of your teeth by following the oral hygiene guidelines described earlier. You may find it more relaxing to have any dental treatment well in advance because you may experience morning sickness and tiredness in early pregnancy.
If you’re travelling while pregnant, take all the usual precautions, but be especially vigilant. Malaria increases the risk of maternal death, miscarriage and stillbirth so travel to malaria endemic areas should be avoided during pregnancy or if you are intending to become pregnant. There is no first-line malaria treatment able to be taken during pregnancy to help protect against the most deadly form of malaria (P falciparum).
Pregnancy Dos
Follow these helpful hints for a healthy pregnancy.
| Do | Don’ts |
| Get all essential vitamins and minerals every day. | Don’t eat fish with lots of mercury. |
| Get 400 micrograms (or 0.4 mg) of folic acid daily. | Don’t disregard foodborne illness. |
| Eat a healthy diet. | Don’t use chemicals. |
| Gain a healthy, not excessive amount of weight. | Don’t clean or change a cat’s litter box. |
| Get enough sleep. | Don’t take very hot baths, hot tubs, or saunas. |
| De-stress. | Don’t use scented feminine hygiene products. |
| Get Moving! | Don’t douche. |
| Get a handle on health problems. | Don’t have optional x-rays. |
| Ask your doctor before taking any medicines. | Don’t smoke. |
| Consider getting a flu shot. | Don’t drink alcohol. |
| See your doctor regularly.
Wear your seat belt correctly. Ease the aches and pains. |
Don’t use illegal drugs. |
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has just issued a warning to all pregnant women to limit their caffeine intake during pregnancy or risk giving birth to a underweight baby. This warning is in addition to the already issued warning informing pregnant women of the increased risk of miscarriage due to the intake of caffeine.
Every woman’s labor is unique. But understanding the typical signs of labor can help you know what to expect as your due date approaches.
On television, babies are often born with a rush of emotion and swift action. The mother doubles over from the pain of a single contraction, and the baby appears before the commercial break.
Stress during pregnancy has now been conclusively linked to emotional and development problems in offspring. Mothers who suffer from stress while pregnant are at a greater risk of having children with
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued an important statement last week, urging women- most especially pregnant women- to get flu shots. According to the ACOG, this month is the best time to get vaccinated against influenza; before flu season is going strong. In the United States, it tends to run all the way from October through mid-May. Even though having a flu shot should be considered a
A woman’s body increases its demand for thyroid hormone during the first half of pregnancy. This increased need can begin as early as a woman’s first missed period. Women with thyroid problems need to increase the
Some pregnancy guidebooks read like one very long and sometimes confusing list of dos and don’ts. To help you make sense of it all
Beauty and Hygiene
Can I get a manicure during pregnancy?
Manicures are fine, but bring your own instruments (nail file, cuticle clipper, etc.) from home to reduce infection risk. Steer clear of salons with a particularly strong chemical odor — look for those with air-conditioning or fans so you don’t inhale fumes. If you do your nails at home, apply polish in a well-ventilated area (near an open window) for the same reason.
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