A birth plan for labor and delivery is a clear, one-page statement about how you want the birth of your baby to go.Ask your obstetrician, midwife, hospital, or birthing center what the policies are for deliveries. Then, think about the areas that you'd like to mention in your birth plan.
Some questions to ask yourself:Who do you want present at the birth?What do you want for pain relief? (Epidural or other medications, hypnobirthing /self-hypnosis , massage, guided imagery, and breathing exercises are options you can consider.What position or positions do you want to be in to give birth? Would you like to have the option to stand, walk around, squat, or get on your hands and knees?Do you want an episiotomy? If not, what would you like done to help avoid one?
What do you want for the baby's care after the birth? Will your baby be in the room with you? What are your preferences about feeding and sleeping?Keep in mind that this is a birth plan, not a birth mandate. Be positive about stating what you want, but understand that things can change during the course of labor, and be prepared for the unexpected. Include in your birth plan notes about what you would like if complications arise, such as if a caesarean becomes necessary.
A new study published in the journalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecologyhas found that natural progesterone cream given to certain groups of pregnant women effectively reduced premature birth rates by 50 percent. Pregnant women with a condition known as short cervix are believed to be lacking in progesterone, an essential hormone necessary for the development of healthy babies. So by supplementing with progesterone gel, such women can help ensure a healthy pregnancy.Many readers will recall the recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement that the agency was giving exclusive,monopolyapproval to KV Pharmaceutical to produce progesterone cream -- and that the price of the treatment forwomenwas set to jump roughly 15,000 percent as a result .
You'll be seeing your obstetrician, midwife, or other prenatal care specialist very regularly over the next nine months. But how do you know when to call the doctor between prenatal checkups? What's normal and what's not? If you're pregnant and experience any of the following symptoms, call your health care provider immediately:
1 Unusual or severe cramping or abdominal pain
2 Significant reduction in the baby's movements after 28 weeks (less than 10 movements in a 2-hour period)
3 Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
4 Any bleeding in the second or third trimester
5 Signs of premature labor, such as regular pains or tightening in the lower back or abdomen or significant fluid discharge
6 Pain or cramping in the arms, legs, or chest
7 Fever over 100 Fahrenheit (37.5 Centigrade)
8 Severe or persistent diarrhea or vomiting
9 Fainting spells or dizziness
10 Blurred vision or spots in front of your eyes
11 Swelling in your hands, fingers, or face
Pregnancy doesn't equal a get-out-of-jail-free card for a caloric spending spree. Weight gain during pregnancy is a lot like Goldilocks and the Three Bears: you don't want too much, you don't want too little -- you want "just right." If you gain too much weight, you're at risk for conditions like gestational diabetes; too little, and your baby may be born at a low birth weight. What's "just right" for you?
If you're at a normal weight before pregnancy, gain between 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy.
If you are overweight before pregnancy, gain 15 to 25 pounds.
If you are underweight prior to pregnancy, gain 28 to 40 pounds.
For multiple births, consult your doctor (usually, you should gain about 35 to 45 pounds for twins).
The average woman should gain about 2 to 4 pounds during her first three months of pregnancy, and 1 pound a week for the remainder of her pregnancy.
Pregnancy may come with a host of uncomfortable symptoms, but you don't have to suffer in silence. Here are some tips for preventing some of the most common symptoms of pregnancy -- or at least easing some of the discomfort.Nausea and vomiting: Get up slowly in the morning; movement can make nausea worse. Don't let your stomach completely empty: eat five or six small meals throughout the day. Drink plenty of fluids, get lots of fresh air, and avoid fatty foods that are hard to digest. And trust your instincts.
If something smells good to you and the thought of it doesn't make you nauseous, you can probably eat it.Leg cramps: Exercise regularly, get plenty of fluids, and avoid sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time. Stretch your legs before going to bed by straightening your leg heel first and wiggling your toes. Massage your legs and apply heat to relieve a cramp.Heartburn : Avoid greasy or fatty foods, garlic, spicy foods, and drinks containing caffeine. Eat smaller meals, and avoid bending or lying down right after a meal.Hemorrhoids : Drink plenty of liquids, eat a high-fiber diet, exercise regularly, and avoid long periods of standing or sitting.
To relieve hemorrhoid pain, take periodic sitz baths, apply cold compresses, and ask your doctor which OTC creams are safe to use.Backache: Wear low-heeled shoes with good arch support to avoid straining your lower back muscles. Avoid lifting heavy objects or standing for long periods of time. Make sure your mattress is firm, and that chairs you sit in have good back support (a small pillow placed in the small of your back can help). Don't take medications for back pain unless OK'd by your doctor. Try a heating pad, warm water bottle, or cold pack instead.
Exercise during pregnancy is generally considered safe for most healthy women and can even relieve some of the discomforts of pregnancy. Some forms of exercise that are particularly good for pregnant women are walking, swimming, stationary cycling, and yoga.
