Monday, March 31, 2008

Bed Rest Advice

Bed Rest: An Expectant Mom's Survival Guide Staying Healthy & Productive
-- By Antigone Arthur, Health & Pregnancy Author
From BabyFit.com

Though well-intentioned friends and family might joke that bed rest is a picnic, it is actually quite confining and frustrating (not to mention boring!) for many moms-to-be. Fortunately there are several things you can do to make the most of your time in bed:

Catch up on parenting reading. This is the perfect time to absorb everything you can from parenting books about your newborn before he makes his appearance known to the world.

Start a scrapbook. If you have other children, and you're behind on scrap-booking, this is a great time to catch up. If you're on top of things, why not start a book or album for the newest member of your family, or keep a pregnancy journal? Be sure to jot down everything you need in advance and send a family member to get your supplies.

Prepare for your baby by ordering baby gear and other essentials online. There is no reason you can't prepare for your latest arrival just because you are confined to the bed. You can conveniently shop for everything from diapers to cradles, compare prices, read product reviews, and even have an online baby shower!

Chat with other bed rest moms. Keep in touch with your loved ones while on bed rest, or make new friends. There are numerous online chat and support groups specifically for mothers on bed rest. Share your story, experiences and even complaints with other moms to help pass the time away.

Other tips that will help your transition go smoothly include:

  • Have handy supplies such as water, snacks and the remote nearby.
  • Prepare a list of things you might need for the week ahead of time.
  • Create a support group of friends, family, and neighbors to help you accomplish the household and everyday tasks that you are no longer able to complete.
  • Have a wide selection of books and magazines within easy reach.
  • Prepare a schedule for yourself so you have something to look forward to each day.
  • Take the time to brush your hair and change your clothes. You'll feel better about yourself and your baby.

Bed rest does not have to be a death sentence. For most women it means the difference between a life-threatening and life-saving pregnancy. Focus on the positive - pay your dues now and you'll increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy and delivery. This is truly a case where the end justifies the means.

For more information on bed rest:Moms on Bed Rest - Online community offering comprehensive information on bed rest including resource support network for childcare and home assistance, daily chat and FAQ section. Days in Waiting: A Guide to Surviving Pregnancy Bed Rest, by Mary Ann McCann, PTR

Friday, March 28, 2008

Why Must I Always Be Waitin on You?

Now that ovulation has passed and we have done all we can it's just time to wait. This is my least favorite time in this whole thing because it introduces all those "maybes". I just don't want to set myself up for disappointment. I think I should just try to focus on other things and see what comes to be.

My period is expected around April 8th so we will have to see.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Going Strong

So it is Day#2 of my ovulation (meaning the egg is still present in the monitor). I am super happy because this means I am not only ovulating regularly but can predict my ovulations to the day! I love getting better!!!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

5 in a row!

Yes, I ovulated!

Monday, March 17, 2008

Happy St. Patrick's Day


Planning for a Baby: The Pre-Pregnancy Checklist

Planning for a Baby: The Pre-Pregnancy Checklist
GettingPregnant
By: Craig L. Bissinger, MD, FACOG


So you have decided to have a child. Congratulations. Welcome to a whole new world of choices. Never before have your decisions had such a profound impact on another person. Everything you eat, drink and smoke will affect your baby. But before you throw away your morning coffee or tea take a few minutes and read these common sense thoughts on pregnancy. The first thing I do with my patients is remind them of the reality of pregnancy. Women have been having babies since pre-historic times. Somehow, the species survived without all the current hoopla surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. I often ponder the reason we affix so many rules to this exciting time of our lives and I think I have an answer. We are used to being in control of our lives and bodies. We walk, run, jump and skip when we choose. During pregnancy, there is an alien being within our midst, taking control of many of our bodily functions. To compensate for this lack of power, we look for ways to fight back. Watching what we eat is a great example of control. Avoiding caffeine, cigarettes and NutraSweet are just a few of the controls we impose. Following is some advice for those contemplating pregnancy.
"I Want to Have My Baby on Valentine's Day"
Getting pregnant can be the easiest or most frustrating event in your life. All these years you've tried to avoid pregnancy and now you are ready. The first thing to remember is that most couples will get pregnant (85% get pregnant within 12 months of unprotected intercourse). For the 15% who don't, there are a variety of tests to help decipher the cause and help them conceive. Second, it is helpful to understand the menstrual cycle and when a woman is most fertile. Every woman has her own unique cycle. A cycle refers to the number of days between the beginning of two consecutive menstrual periods. We will use a standard twenty-eight day cycle as our example but the rules will apply to cycles of 21-40 (or more) days as well. The release of an egg (known as ovulation) occurs around fourteen days before the beginning of the next menstrual period. Ovulation is the period of maximum fertility. In the case of a twenty-eight day cycle, ovulation would occur 14 days after the first day of a menstrual period, regardless of the number of days of menstrual flow. To give another example, if a woman's cycle was 40 days, she would ovulate roughly 26 days after the first day of her period (because 40-14=26). At ovulation, there are other signs that may be present. The cervical mucous becomes very thin and clear, resembling a raw egg white. Another sign is the onset of a sharp or dull aching in the right or left lower part of your abdomen, which can last from 12-36 hours. This is known as mittelschmerz and occurs when an egg is being released from the ovary. Another way to determine the time of ovulation is to do a home ovulation predictor test. This simple urine test, available at many drug stores, can predict ovulation 24-36 hours in advance. In any case, it takes two to tango. Intercourse should occur on a regular basis around the time of ovulation. I have always suggested trying to have relations every 24-48 hours, starting two days before you expect ovulation. In order to account for the occasional irregular month, I recommend continuing this regimen for a few days past your expected ovulation. Now, let's talk about how to have a Valentine's baby. We can't control the nature of our menstrual cycle but we can at least figure out when a baby will be due based on it. This involves using a simple math equation. To time the estimated due date, take the first day of the last menstrual period, subtract 3 months then add 7 days to get the estimated due date (which may be the following year). In the case of Valentine's Day, the last period should begin on May 7th (because May 7th - 3 months + 7 days = a due date of February 14th of the following year).
Excercise
I think being physically fit is important no matter what you do. It can be a terrific aid for pregnancy as well. I recommend being on an aerobic exercise program before getting pregnant. If you were to choose a program with pregnancy in mind, I'd prefer a low-impact program such as swimming, walking or biking. All these activities are easy on the joints and the baby. I have found that my intense runners and weight trainers tend to ease off considerably during pregnancy due to the changes they experience. This isn't to say that they couldn't continue their routine but they tend to modify it considerably. In addition, vigorous exercise tends elevate the pregnant woman's heart rate above the American College of Obstetricians/Gynecologist's recommended maximum heart rate of 140 beats/minute.
Diet
In anticipation of pregnancy, it is a good thing to get in the habit of eating three healthy meals per day. For those of you who are underweight, expect your doctor to encourage you to eat a little more when you are pregnant. If you are considerably overweight, don't be surprised if your physician encourages you to lose weight in advance of pregnancy. However, there is no specific weight at which pregnancy is unsafe provided that your weight hasn't caused you to have other health-related problems.
Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to eating well, pre-pregnancy ingestion of folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of certain nervous systems diseases such as spina bifida. The addition of 0.4 mg of folic acid at least a month prior to attempting conception is recommended. If you have had a prior child affected with spina bifida or other related diseases, you may be advised to take up to 4 mg of folic acid daily. Folic acid can be found in enriched bread and leafy vegetables, or taken as a supplement. Ingesting 1200 mg of calcium and taking a multivitamin each day are the other pre-pregnancy suggestions to ensure an adequate supply of nutrients for a developing fetus. Some women take a multitude of supplements prior to getting pregnant. Although they may have certain beneficial effects in the non-pregnant state, nobody can say for certain whether supplements are or are not safe during pregnancy. It has been discovered that Vitamin A in doses above the RDA (recommended daily allowance) can be hazardous to the fetus, with the potential to cause birth defects. I often suggest to patients to discontinue all their vitamin supplements and take a daily prenatal vitamin in anticipation of getting pregnant. This way, a woman doesn't have to worry about whether she is getting the proper amount of each vitamin and mineral.
Smoking
Read the label on a pack of cigarettes. It offers a succinct warning about the risks to the unborn child from exposure to smoke. We know smoking has been associated with a diminished capacity to get pregnant. In addition, smoking during pregnancy is associated with premature birth and smaller babies. Children of smokers tend to have more lung conditions (including asthma) than those of non-smokers. I plead with my smokers to quit "cold turkey" before pregnancy. If they haven't stopped, I strongly encourage that they stop or smoke as little as possible. The use of nicotine gum, patches and medication is not recommended during pregnancy.
Vaccinations
Have you been re-vaccinated for the measles? For many women born after 1956 and before 1980, the answer is no. The vaccine you received as part of your childhood immunizations is wearing off! I advise my patients to get the vaccine in advance of getting pregnant. The only downside is that YOU MUST WAIT THREE MONTHS TO GET PREGNANT AFTER GETTING THE SHOT because it contains a weakened strain of measles which could cause problems for a baby. In addition, I check with patients about chicken pox and tetanus. If you haven't had chicken pox, you may be a candidate for this vaccine. If you receive the vaccine, you should wait one to three months prior to conceiving. The tetanus shot should be administered every ten years. It can be given without any waiting period. It can also be given if necessary during pregnancy (e.g. if your skin gets cut with a rusty metal object).
Drugs and Alcohol
Illicit drugs should never be used during pregnancy. They can have major impacts upon an unborn child. Alcohol can also be very harmful during pregnancy. In advance of conceiving, mild (1-2 drinks per day) alcohol consumption is permissible. Those who abuse alcohol may have a harder time getting pregnant because of its effect on their general health.
Family History
"We are who we were" is a pretty good adage when it comes to being parents. Learning about your family health and genetic background can be important in preparing for a pregnancy. We can harbor genes for diseases such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia without knowing it. Fortunately, many diseases have pre-pregnancy testing available so we can discover who might be carriers of these maladies. If there is a genetic disorder in the family, I suggest the couple speak with a geneticist before getting pregnant.
Summary
Pregnancy can be the most exciting (and scary!) time of a woman's life. Millions of women have gone through successful pregnancies in the past and much of what we know is based on their experiences. A few simple preventative measures can help to ensure that your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible and that your child is born as healthy and happy as can be. © Healthology Inc., A Health Education Company. Permission to republish granted to Julie Snyder. All rights reserved and protected under all International Treaties and Agreements such as the Berne Convention.
Craig L. Bissinger, MD is a board certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist practicing in Parsippany, NJ. Dr. Bissinger is vice-chairman of the Department of OB/GYN at Morristown Memorial Hospital where is is also actively involved in teaching medical students and residents. Dr. Bissinger received his undergraduate degree in biology at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. He continued his education at Ohio State University College of Medicine where he received his medical degree. Dr. Bissinger did his residency at Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He was the winner of the Ortho Pharmaceutical Senior Thesis award for his original research of cervical ripening agent for induction of labor. Dr. Bissinger was also selected to the be administrative Chief Resident during his tenure at Rush.


Drugs and Alcohol
Illicit drugs should never be used during pregnancy. They can have major impacts upon an unborn child. Alcohol can also be very harmful during pregnancy. In advance of conceiving, mild (1-2 drinks per day) alcohol consumption is permissible. Those who abuse alcohol may have a harder time getting pregnant because of its effect on their general health.
Family History "We are who we were" is a pretty good adage when it comes to being parents. Learning about your family health and genetic background can be important in preparing for a pregnancy. We can harbor genes for diseases such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia without knowing it. Fortunately, many diseases have pre-pregnancy testing available so we can discover who might be carriers of these maladies. If there is a genetic disorder in the family, I suggest the couple speak with a geneticist before getting pregnant.
Summary Pregnancy can be the most exciting (and scary!) time of a woman's life. Millions of women have gone through successful pregnancies in the past and much of what we know is based on their experiences. A few simple preventative measures can help to ensure that your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible and that your child is born as healthy and happy as can be.


© Healthology Inc., A Health Education Company. Permission to republish granted to Julie Snyder. All rights reserved and protected under all International Treaties and Agreements such as the Berne Convention.
Craig L. Bissinger, MD is a board certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist practicing in Parsippany, NJ. Dr. Bissinger is vice-chairman of the Department of OB/GYN at Morristown Memorial Hospital where is is also actively involved in teaching medical students and residents. Dr. Bissinger received his undergraduate degree in biology at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. He continued his education at Ohio State University College of Medicine where he received his medical degree. Dr. Bissinger did his residency at Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He was the winner of the Ortho Pharmaceutical Senior Thesis award for his original research of cervical ripening agent for induction of labor. Dr. Bissinger was also selected to the be administrative Chief Resident during his tenure at Rush.




Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Why Create a Birth Plan?

Why Create a Birth Plan?

A birth plan is a detailed document stating your wishes for your labor and the birth of your baby. Although it doesn't guarantee things will go as planned, it will help communicate your wishes to everyone involved in the birth. Here are some reasons to create one:

1. Writing your birth plan helps you decide ahead of time how you want the birth handled.

2. Creating your birth plan with your partner ensures that they understand your wishes and may help prepare them for the experience.

3. Going over your birth plan ahead of time with your care-provider helps the two of you communicate about details you may not have previously discussed.

QUICK TIP :While you're whiling away the time during early labor at home, bake some cookies to give to the labor and delivery nurses along with your birth plan, as a token of appreciation for assuring your plan is followed.

Monday, March 10, 2008

The Crucial First Hour

The Crucial First Hour
from babyfit.com

The moment you lay eyes on your new baby will be a moment you never forget. But there will probably be a lot going on around the two of you, and the commotion can easily distract you from bonding with the new love in your life.

Here's how to make the most of the first hour:
� Request at least one hour of uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact, and designate someone to enforce this. Sometimes well-intentioned hospital staffs are too eager to weigh and measure the baby, and in your vulnerable state you might agree to hand over your baby too soon. Cord cutting and suctioning, if needed, can all be performed with baby lying on your belly. Unless there is a medical emergency, everything else can wait.
� Dim the lights, if possible, so that the two of you can gaze eye-to-eye without the glare of florescent lights.
� If given the chance, many babies (especially babies born drug-free) will maneuver themselves to your nipple unassisted. Watch in amazement as they use their instincts to find comfort and food.
� Let your baby nurse as often and for as long as he or she desires. This is both soothing to baby and helpful for your body, as it helps to eject the placenta, promote bonding, and begins to return your uterus to its pre-pregnancy size.
� Talk to your baby. Babies recognize their mom's voice, as they've grown accustomed to it over the past nine months. Your voice is something familiar in this new, cold, dry world, and will bring comfort to your baby

Exercising For Two

Exercising For Two: How it Benefits Mom & Baby
By Becky Hand, Licensed and Registered Dietician

Exercise during pregnancy is important. It has many benefits for mom and baby.

Exercise can:

  • Improve muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness
  • Lead to a better appearance and posture
  • Lessen some of the discomforts of pregnancy
  • Strengthen the muscles needed for labor and delivery
  • Make you feel good, too

The exercises you can do during pregnancy depend on your health and how active you were before you became pregnant. If you were not active before pregnancy, this is not the time to start an extremely strenuous exercise program. However, swimming, walking, or prenatal exercise classes are great places to get started. If you exercised before pregnancy, there is no reason you cannot continue, within reason.

Before you begin any exercise program, discuss it with your healthcare provider. The two of you together can plan an exercise program that is consistent with your current level of fitness and health conditions. If you experience any problems, such as bleeding, premature labor, dizziness, severe abdominal pain, or feeling unusually tired, contact your healthcare provider immediately.Once you get the okay to exercise, here are some tips to follow:

  • Be sure to warm up before exercise and cool down afterwards
  • Begin exercising gradually. Do not overdo it. You don't want to become breathless or exhausted. In the proper range, you should be able to carry on a conversation with someone next to you. If you can sing, you may not be exercising intensely enough, but if you are too winded to speak, then slow down. Discuss your exercise intensity and get a recommendation from you healthcare provider beforehand. (For a full explanation of the Perceived Exertion Scale, please see the BabyFit.com Fitness article Pace-Don't Race your Heart. )You should be able to talk easily while you exercise. If you are out of breath, you are working too hard.
  • Exercise on a regular basis (3 – 5 times a week, 20-30 minutes a session)
  • Be sure to wear clothing which provides comfort and adequate breast support. Comfortable shoes are also important.
  • Exercise only to the point where you begin to get tired. Listen to your body; it will tell you when it is time to slow down.
  • Avoid exercising in hot weather.
  • Do not get overheated.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Avoid hot tubs and saunas.
  • Your center of gravity changes while you are pregnant. This can affect your balance. Be careful getting up and lying down.
  • After the fourth month of pregnancy (16 weeks), do not lie on your back while exercising. This decreases the blood flow to the uterus and placenta.
  • When finished exercising, lie on your left side for 15 – 20 minutes.

Safe Exercises: swimming, brisk walking, prenatal exercise classes, and stationary bicycling, low-impact aerobics, tennis, golf, bowling (be careful of back strain later in pregnancy).Exercises to

AVOID: As your uterus grows and your abdomen gets larger, your sense of balance may be affected. This is also not the time for contact sports where you could fall, injure yourself, or be struck in the abdomen. Therefore, avoid these activities: scuba diving, water skiing, basketball, softball, baseball, horseback riding, and snow skiing.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Not this month

I am two days early and I have some light spotting. Looks like I am going to be going on that "Procreation vacation" after all.

Avoiding a C-Section

Avoiding a C-Section
From Babyfit.com

In certain situations, a c-section may be the best option for mother and baby. But many times they can be avoided, and mother and baby both benefit. Here are some measures that can help you avoid a c-section:

1. Stay healthy during pregnancy. Nourish your body and baby with healthy foods, exercise, and plenty of sleep. Labor is hard work, and you'll need your body to be in peak condition.

2. Find out whether your obstetrician's c-section rate is unusually high. The overall U.S. c-section rate is 20-25%. If it is above that, consider switching to another practitioner.

3. Use a midwife. They usually have lower c-section rates than OB's.

4. Hire a doula. Women supported by a doula during labor have been shown to have a 50% reduction in cesarean rate.

5. Be active during labor. Walking and standing let gravity do its job.

QUICK TIP :In 1970, only 7% of babies were born by c-section in the United States. Today's rate is climbing and expected to reach 30% before it plateaus.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

PMS-ing

Well I am going to lay money down on this one. I am sure that we did not concieve this past cycle because I am having some pretty intense PMS symptoms right now. I am just going to look forward to the next cycle which should be starting here in a few days. Maybe I will schedule a "Procreation Vacation" for this month and see what we can get!

Monday, March 3, 2008

Procreation Vacation

This morning I checked my e mail and I got an interesting article from Babyfit.com on "Procreation Vacations". The article really focuses on the negative effect stress has on fertility. There are some names of resorts given that offer specific services to enhance the process. They have cozy rooms (the suites have fireplaces & Barry White CDs) and their spa features treatments that have long since believed to help fertility.

One I saw was called "Chaste Berry" which I remember my nutritionist writing down a year ago for me to look into. Chaste Berry you make into a tea and it is said to enhance the hormones. Its name is a little misnomer. in ancient Greece they believed that the berries stopped the libido so they would put these berries all around their houses during the time of Demeter. Other teas are red clover, and rasberry.

Other things to look into is sea moss & (get this) pumpkin soup! I was floored by the pumpkin soup but it has been a belief that eating a little pumpkin can get you that little pumpkin in no time.

I was so excited to see that there happens to be a resort specializing in these treatments right here in Maryland. It looks like this cute little bed n' breakfast which features a spa that has everything needed to promote fertility and relaxation.

I am going to go by the health food store and see if I can't find Chasteberry and I will keep you posted on whether we retreat or not.

All about our family (when I remember to post it)