by Jennifer Shakeel

One of the most devastating things that can happen when you are pregnant is a miscarriage. A miscarriage is what happens when a mother loses a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks of gestation, if you lose the fetus after 20 weeks it is considered a preterm birth or a still born. All of which are terrible and can be devastating to any expecting mother. Note I say mother, not woman as many places will say. I decided to use mother based on my own experience with a miscarriage.

For those of you that have read my other pregnancy pieces know that last year I had a very long and sometimes difficult pregnancy which resulted in one of the most precious little girls I have ever known. What many may not know that it took my husband and I over a year to conceive and we had a miscarriage along the way.

The doctor that I had at the time completely dismissed it. He told me that I probably wasn’t pregnant at all, and that it was just a heavy period. However, my husband and I had been trying for a long time, and that time… we had taken 4 different pregnancy tests over a week…each of which were positive. Then I got influenza, had a temperature of 108 and was miserable. I felt cramping… and there was a lot of blood… but it wasn’t just blood. Now, with my first child I bled throughout the beginning of the pregnancy, but this was different and that is what I told the doctor. Who then proceeded to blow me off and we took a urine pregnancy test in the office and it was negative. I passed out on the way out of the office, my husband and I in tears… devastated.

It wasn’t until I was pregnant again, and going to a new doctor and a Geneticist telling them both what had happened that the doctor looked at me and said, “You were pregnant,” the geneticist explained what had probably happened and we looked at whether or not it would happen again. You have to know this, 90% of miscarriages are unavoidable. There is nothing you can do to prevent them. According to the Geneticists, more women probably have a miscarriage and don’t even realize it because it happens so soon after the egg is fertilized. They look at it and just think that they are having a heavier period than normal.

The majority of those miscarriages are due to chromosomal problems in the fetus, and they typically have nothing to do with you. There are also miscarriages that take place due to external factors such as malnutrition, infection, stress, maternal trauma, or drug and alcohol use. It is important that you know normal activities such as sex, working out, nausea and vomiting or lifting heavy objects do not typically cause a miscarriage unless you are high risk. It is important that if you are trying to get pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant that you talk with your doctor as soon as possible.

The majority of miscarriages, regardless of cause, happen between the 7th and 12th week of pregnancy. And if it is going to happen there is nothing that anyone can do to stop it. When we were pregnant again after the miscarriage, we had a number of very scary moments when it seemed as though we would lose this baby as well. Frantically calling the doctor, she would get on the phone with me and tell me, that if it was going to happen, there wasn’t anything that they could do to stop it. Then I would be sent for an ultrasound to see whether or not we were still pregnant.

With this last pregnancy I had 7 ultrasounds. Four of them within the first trimester, it was the second one that I had that was the worse… the tech wouldn’t tell us anything and we didn’t see the little flutter (which was the heart beat) and when I asked if everything was okay, her response was “We aren’t suppose to say anything, you have to wait for the doctor. “ Immediately to me, as a former nurse, that meant something was wrong. She couldn’t find the heartbeat, so she went to get someone else to come in and try. I couldn’t even look. I couldn’t be more gracious to the second tech, who was able to find the heartbeat and happily report the fetus was fine.

“Somewhere between 10 and 20 percent of all known pregnancies end in miscarriage. In many cases a woman may have a miscarriage without even knowing she was pregnant. It is estimatent of all fertilized eggs are lost.” (http://www.babble.com/miscarriage-pregnancy-health-causes-risks)

Just because miscarriages are common, does not mean that they are easy. It is okay for you to feel emotional, a sense of loss and be sad. It’s important that you talk to someone about the way you are feeling, and talk with your medical professional about your risks.

Biography
Jennifer Shakeel is a writer and former nurse. As a mother of two incredible children, I am here to share with you what I have learned about parenting. One of my children has ADD, our journey of learning to come to terms with the diagnosis and figuring out what works best for us has been a challenge and a joy. Our son was diagnosed about two and half years ago, and we have had our ups and downs, joys and sorrows. If I can just offer you one day of hope or one idea that may work to help you and your family then I know that my purpose has been fulfilled.

No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © and All Rights Reserved

by Jennifer Shakeel

Today’s purses are bright and cheerful.  These large hold all, carry all bags are inexpensive and you can buy them anywhere. Stores like Target, and Kohl’s, Wal Mart and Macy’s have rainbows of pouches and purses. Their vinyl, PVC and faux leather surfaces wipe clean with soap and water, they resist spills, and you can have one to match every outfit, and every pair of shoes. These purses have great appeal to young and old. Unfortunately, they are slow killers.

Purses have joined the ranks of toxic consumer products, along with painted toys from China and play jewelry for children.  A recent report from the not for profit Center for Environmental Health states that these bags, when tested, have levels of lead up to ninety times higher than the federal limit for lead in paint. This is a frightening finding for women, and their children. The lead is used to preserve colors and softness in purses and wallets that are sold in many national chain stores. Out of twenty one outlets in California, sixteen had contamination that exceeded the level required for labeling under Proposition 65.  The colors that showed the highest levels of lead are yellow, and yellow tinted colors, such as green and orange. ABC News reports that H&M and New York stores are working to address this problem and pull contaminated purses from their shelves in California.

Although we do not think of purses and billfolds as being something that we put in the mouth, the obvious route of ingestion, lead contamination is being detected in high rates on the clothes these purses rub against, and in things that are carried in the bag, like lunches, and children’s toys.  Lead rubs off of these purses onto the mother’s hands, onto their kids’ hands and the hands go straight to the mouth. Women have dangerous levels of lead showing up in their system, in their bones and in blood tests as well. This is a health hazard for women of all ages and for their families.

Our first concern needs to be for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. During pregnancy lead has been shown to transfer from the mother to the fetus. When a woman is breastfeeding, due to an increased need for calcium, the woman’s bones can break down. At that point, lead that has been stored in the mother’s bones during her lifetime leaches out to the bloodstream with the calcium. This increases the exposure of the infant brain to lead. The young immune system has no barrier to protect the brain from the lead that it is exposed to during gestation. This exposure can take place during the entire pregnancy, as well as during lactation.  Lead exposure in infants and children has been shown by studies all over the world to cause learning disabilities, violent behavior, and mental retardation. Children have enough difficulties without adding environmental poison.

Adult exposure to lead has been shown to contribute to cognitive disorders, and is destructive to the kidneys and causes increased risk of heart disease. Some scientists believe lead contamination could be linked to other diseases like Alzheimer’s and ALS.  Is being fashionable worth these potential health risks? We need to think about how we can avoid lead exposure in our daily lives.

The final word is to avoid vinyl bags. Carry leather or cloth bags. There are many colorful canvas bags on the market in all sizes. If you do carry vinyl bags and wallets, be sure to wash your hands after handling them. Do not give them to your child to hold or play with. Do not carry your lunch in vinyl purses. Hopefully other states will follow the lead of California at removing the bags from the market.

News of this health risk seems to have been reported as early as April 2009. Dianne Sawyer featured a news piece about it on January 22, 2010 on an ABC news program. It is time for all consumers to be made aware of these risks and the measures that they need to take to avoid them. When the demand for these products diminishes, then the supply will be reduced as well. Meanwhile, take the measures that you can to protect yourself.

Biography
Jennifer Shakeel is a writer and former nurse with over 12 years medical experience.  As a mother of two incredible children with one on the way, I am here to share with you what I have learned about parenting and the joys and changes that take place during pregnancy. Together we can laugh and cry and rejoice in the fact that we are moms!

No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © and All Rights Reserved

Pollutants in the air are something many people worry about, and in some areas of the country this information is reported on the evening news. It turns out, this fear is not unfounded. There is mounting evidence from studies conducted around the country that exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of complications, negative outcomes at birth and problems throughout infancy and early childhood.

Several studies have looked at particulate and nitrous oxide emissions from vehicle exhaust and the effect of this exposure on the developing fetus. Most pregnant women are exposed to some level of fumes from vehicles, but the level varies throughout the country.

A new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health suggests that fetal growth may be slowed by exposure to air pollution, resulting in low birth weight and smaller head circumference. The study gathered data on over 400,000 pregnant women in the state of New Jersey from 1999 through 2003.

Data on the air pollution levels was gathered from EPA monitoring sites located near the homes of pregnant women. This information was used to determine the level of air pollution exposure during pregnancy. Based on this information, average pollution levels were assigned to study participants.

The results showed an increased risk of low birth weight baby with higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. The study showed a higher risk among low income women, who were more likely to live in congested areas with heavy traffic congestion and the related air pollution. Researchers found a higher correlation between air pollution and birth weight when an increase in exposure to pollution occurred in early and late pregnancy.

A separate study showed negative effects on the IQ in children with exposure to air pollution in the womb. This study was conducted by the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health at Columbia University and published in the journal Pediatrics.

The study focused on women in Harlem and the Bronx. These areas were chosen because they are known to have heavy pollution from traffic. As in previous studies, women living in areas with high levels of pollution were found to be most at risk. These areas are generally located in the inner city areas of major cities throughout the country, including New York City.

For this study, the women carried portable air monitors throughout the study, which gathered data on the exact level of air pollutants in the mother’s environment. This method allowed researchers more accurate data about air pollution exposure levels throughout the pregnancy, compared with estimating the actual level.

The Columbia researchers gathered data on the level of air pollution throughout the pregnancy of each study participant. When the children were five years of age, they were given IQ tests. The children with high levels of prenatal exposure to air pollutants had an average IQ that was four or five points lower than in children exposed to lower levels of pollution.

A University of California study published in Environmental Health Perspectives studied the effect of air pollution on the fetus. This study was conducted on babies born between 1997 and 2006. Researchers found that women who were exposed to higher levels of air pollution during pregnancy were more likely to have a preterm birth. In addition, these women were found to be at higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia, a potentially serious complication of pregnancy for mother and baby.

This study used data collection sites to gather information about air pollution, similar to the New Jersey study, but constructed data collection centers within two miles of the study participants’ homes. This was done to gather more accurate data about exposure without creating estimates, which are less reliable.

Previous studies into the link between air pollution and the health of babies and children have found a relationship between asthma and exposure to air pollutants. As a result of these studies, experts believe exposure to air pollution during critical periods of fetal development and throughout infancy increases the risk of a child developing asthma in childhood.

Although there have been several studies, there remain unanswered questions and opinions vary about how air pollution affects the baby. Some believe the exposure to air pollution could reduce oxygen and nutrients getting to the fetus. Reduced oxygen levels have been linked to problems such as low birth weight, lower IQ and preterm birth. Others believe exposure to pollution may alter cell activity in the fetus in some way. Further study will have to answer these questions and shed more light on the effect of air pollution on the fetus.

Pregnancy Hair Care by Patricia Hughes

Pregnancy changes many things about the body, including the hair. The changes and challenges each woman experiences with her hair are unique. Some of these changes, such as improved thickness and growth, are beneficial and others can be frustrating. As the hair changes, some adjustments in your hair care routine may be needed.

Many of the changes in the hair are caused by changes in the hormone levels during pregnancy, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Although all women experience hormonal changes, the response can depend on several factors, including genetics. For some women, less shedding of the hair results in thick, beautiful hair that has never looked better.

The thickness and shine some women experience isn't enjoyed by all pregnant women. Changes in the hair vary for each woman – and even from pregnancy to pregnancy in the same woman. It's possible to have great hair the first time and dry, brittle hair with a subsequent pregnancy.

Some women find their hair becomes dry during pregnancy and they may experience breakage as a result. If your hair is dry during pregnancy, use frequent deep conditioning treatments. Salon treatments may help and your stylist can offer suggestions for hair care products and techniques to improve the condition of your hair.

There are some things you can do to prevent breakage. One is to stop wearing tight pony tails. Mothers often pull back the hair at home to keep it out of the way or because we don't have time to style it. Elastic hair bands contribute to hair breakage, so if dry hair and breakage is a problem, ditch the pony tail for now.

When you visit your stylist for a deep conditioning treatment, have her trim your hair. When the ends get dry and brittle, they tend to break easier. Having the brittle ends cut off can help prevent this. Consider going a little shorter or adding layers when you have your hair cut. In addition to preventing breakage, layers make breakage less noticeable and layers often help improve the appearance of dry hair.

If you have dry hair during pregnancy, you should shampoo it less frequently. You can skip the shampoo, give it a good rinse in the shower and apply a conditioner, if dry hair is a problem. Styling products and leave in conditioners approve the appearance of dry hair. Be careful when styling your hair and use heat as sparingly as possible. Wait until the hair is almost dry before using the blow dryer to avoid drying out the hair and contributing to the problem.

Not all women experience dry hair during pregnancy. Some find the oil production in the scalp increases in response to the hormonal changes of pregnancy. Previously easy to manage hair may become oily and limp as your pregnancy progresses. Some women find they were able to wash their hair every other day, but during pregnancy, they need to shampoo every morning.

The texture and manageability of the hair may change during pregnancy. The hormonal changes in pregnancy cause more of the hair follicles to remain in a resting phase, rather than shedding. This is the source of thicker hair during pregnancy. For women with fine hair or straight hair, this is often a blessing. These women are responsible for the myth of beautiful hair during pregnancy.

For women with thick, course, curly or dry hair, this additional hair can be more of a curse than a blessing. Thicker hair just means unmanageable frizz for some women. In this case, some changes in the cut or styling may help. Layered hair cuts or thinning techniques during a hair cut can help cut down on too much volume.

Styling products can help manage out of control hair during pregnancy. What to use depends on your hair's texture and style. A great cut and scrunching in a little spray gel may be all curly hair needs to look great. Straightening products and frizz control hair products are helpful for getting control of out of control hair.

Select hair products based on your hair type and the issues you are having during pregnancy. A moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner is great for dry hair. For oily hair, choose a gel type shampoo that is designed to cleanse the scalp and take care of the excess oil.

Some women worry about hair care products and chemical ingredients. For this reason, many women avoid chemical treatments during pregnancy, such as perms, coloring or straightening the hair. There is no solid evidence that styling products cause damage. However, if you are worried about hair care products, read the labels and choose natural ingredients. There are several organic shampoos and hair care products that contain no dangerous chemical ingredients.

Biography
Patricia Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four. Patricia has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. She has written extensively on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting and breastfeeding. In addition, she has written about home décor and travel.

No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © and All Rights Reserved

by Patricia Hughes

Leg Cramps are common during Pregnancy

Leg cramps are a common discomfort in pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. The sudden cramping and tightening of the calf muscles is extremely painful and often happens at night, causing you to wake in pain from a peaceful sleep.

The exact cause of leg cramps is not known, but there are some factors believed to contribute to leg cramps. The increased weight of pregnancy, changes in blood circulation and pressure on the nerves from the growing baby are believed to cause the discomfort in the legs. The best way to deal with leg cramps is to prevent them.

Preventing Leg Cramps

There are some things you can do to prevent leg cramps. Standing or sitting for too long at one time can cause leg cramping. If your job requires you to stand or sit for extended periods of time, take breaks throughout the day. Put your feet up if you stand for work and get up and walk around periodically if you sit at a desk.

How you are sitting can also contribute to leg cramping. Avoid crossing your legs when you are sitting. Circulation is decreased when the legs are crossed. Sitting with your feet elevated at the end of the day or on breaks helps improve the circulation, which can help reduce cramping.

When you do get up, stretching the leg muscles can help prevent cramping. Stretch the calf muscles during the day and before you go to bed at night, since this is when cramping is most common. Walking is another way to improve the circulation in your legs and stretch the muscles.

How you sleep at night influences your circulation. Lying on the left side at night is the best sleeping position for increasing blood circulation. This is important for cramping, as well as bringing more oxygen to your body and your baby.

Regular exercise is good for your circulation. There are many benefits to exercising in pregnancy, including fewer leg cramps, reduced risk of certain complications, controlling weight gain and preparing the body for labor. Swimming, walking and prenatal yoga are forms of exercise that increase circulation, can reduce leg cramps and are gentle. Ask your doctor or midwife before starting a new exercise routine during pregnancy.

There is evidence to suggest certain supplements can help with cramping. The theory is that low levels of calcium or magnesium can be responsible for increased cramping. The science is mixed on whether taking additional supplements is helpful, but might be worth trying for recurring cramps. Speak to your health care provider before adding additional supplements to your daily regimen.

Dehydration can contribute to leg cramping. If you experience leg cramping, pay careful attention to stay well hydrated. Take a water bottle with you to work or when out running errands. Sipping water throughout the day helps you stay well hydrated, which can reduce leg cramps.

Dealing with Leg Cramps

Despite the best prevention efforts, cramping can still happen. When you are struck with a cramp in the middle of the night, the pain is sudden and intense. To loosen the muscles and relieve the cramp, stretch the leg, flex the foot and move the toes around to work the cramp out. Avoid pointing the toes, which can intensify the cramping.

Stand up and walk around until it stops. This will be uncomfortable at first, but continuing to walk around the bedroom helps to stretch the muscles and increase the circulation in your legs. Taking a warm bath, using a hot water bottle or massaging the calf muscles can also be helpful for stopping the cramp when they happen.

When to Worry about Leg Cramps 

Although leg cramps are a fairly common discomfort and usually require no medical treatment, not all leg cramps are benign. Some things to watch out for include constant pain in the calf muscles, tenderness and swelling. This can be a sign of a blood clot in the leg, which can be very serious or life threatening, if the clot breaks off. Symptoms of blood clots should never be ignored.

According to the American Society of hematology, women are at increased risk of developing clots during pregnancy. A family history of blood clots, obesity and bed rest increase this risk and could lead to complications in the pregnancy or danger to the health of the mother. As a result, it's important to watch out for the warning signs and report them to your doctor immediately.

More information on leg cramps in pregnancy is available through the March of Dimes .

As a mom to four beautiful children, I have learned that pampering yourself isn't selfish, it's essential. Whether this is baby number one or ten, moms fare best when they take care of themselves first – starting with pregnancy. Find the time to relax and recharge, because once your little one is on the outside, finding time to relax will become more of a challenge than ever.

You probably already know that getting enough sleep is important, but with a new baby developing it is even more true. In order to help you sleep better at night, there are a few easy and enjoyable things you can do. Try soaking in a warm tub – not too hot, to get your body to unwind. Add lavender essential oils to enhance the experience.

If your partner is helpful in finding ways to help you relax, perhaps he can have the bath ready with candles and soft music. Perhaps this will result in some spontaneous romance, which will help you feel better about your changing body.

As the third trimester closes in, it's time to start thinking about ways to make life easier after the baby. Instead of being completely practical, use this as a chance for one last splurge. Go for a facial and a good haircut. While being pampered in the salon, use it as an opportunity to get a really good cut that will be low maintenance after the new baby.

Getting a massage has always been the deferred to means of relaxation. Add a massage to your list of "must haves". Make sure your massage therapist knows you are pregnant (there are certain pressure points they will avoid). If going for a massage isn't an option, try an at home massage oil for your partner to use – if your partner is away, let your older kids massage.

Learn to accept help, because you will find that you appreciate it. Moms really can't "do it all", and having a casserole in the freezer or getting help cleaning your house can give you that little boost you need when you start to feel overwhelmed with all the preparations. Having your partner or a friend help you can take a lot of the weight off your shoulders.

Do something fun – a bachelorette party, except for expectant moms. Take your partner on a quick weekend getaway for a relaxing time. Let someone else do all the cooking and cleaning, while you take in the sights. Choose somewhere that you have wanted to go, but that navigating with a baby in tow would be tricky. Museums, hiking, the ocean… your options are endless. Keep it simple, though – you don't want to stress over a vacation.

This is the time to do something you only get one shot at. Perhaps you have seen the parenting magazines with the belly casts – hurry and make yours as a one time souvenir of your pregnancy. If you'd rather, have someone paint a design on your belly – the ideas are endless, from pumpkins to basketballs, to faces. Find some adorable ideas, then paint your belly with body paint. Make sure to take lots of pictures.

If you are sleepy, take a nap. As your baby gets closer to the delivery date, your body will need more rest to get you ready. Simply give in and take a nap with that soft, comfy pillow….

Shop online for some specialized pampering products. Earth Mama Angel Baby Organics offers a line of products from pregnancy through delivery and then for the baby. These products come without any toxins, and are safe, making it stress free to buy.

Make a fun date of pouring through baby name books at the local library. Instead of simply looking for your baby's name, find the meaning of your name and that of your friends and family. It may be an eye opening experience to discover the origin and meaning of some of the names. Keep a list of the names you want, but don't be too stuck on one name; when baby comes out, he (or she) might surprise you with personality that doesn't match the name.

Surprises happen more than you can imagine, so go ahead and plan on a lunch date with your friend on baby's due date. This will keep you from focusing too much on "wanting the baby out" and will give you one last chance at relaxation. You are sure to be pampered at the restaurant when they see that you are well into your expectancy dates.

If you are still feeling a little selfish thinking about doing all this pampering for yourself, keep in mind that it's just practice. In a few short weeks, you will be giving all your attention to your new baby, and you will need to be pampering them. Enjoy every moment – it goes by in a flash.

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing. I have difficulty putting into words just how amazing it is. You are creating life. It's exciting and at the same time it can be nerve wracking. So what are some of the common concerns when pregnant? Not only is your body changing, growing, and you are experiencing new aches and pains that you haven't felt before, your mind is also experiencing changes that you were not prepared for. You are not going crazy, what you are going through is normal. Whether this is your first pregnancy or your third, the aches, pains, concerns and emotionality are all unexpected and yes, they are normal.

I am going to address the most common concerns that women have when they are pregnant. The very first one that many pregnant women stress over is weight gain. I remember when I was pregnant the first time, some 16 years ago doctors watched the weight you gained, but they didn't tell you that you should only gain so much. So with my last pregnancy that ended only 5 months ago, weight gain is an issue and one that is monitored by the doctor.

First you have to gain weight; a normal healthy pregnancy requires weight gain. Most doctors will tell you that the average acceptable amount of weight to put on is 28 pounds. Before you get upset over adding an additional 28 pounds to your frame look at the way the weight breaks down:

Baby: 6 ½ to 8 pounds
Breasts: 1 to 3 pounds
Womb: 1 ½ to 2 pounds
Placenta: 1 to 1 ½ pounds
Amniotic Fluid: 2 pounds
Other fluids: 2 to 4 pounds
Extra Fat: 6 to 8 pounds (this is the same as the lovely weight gain from the winter holidays.)
Extra Blood Volume: 3 to 4 pounds

So as you can see it isn't fat that you are putting on. It is the necessary components to a healthy pregnancy.

The next concern is the pain in the hips, the knees and the back. No you are not old, you are pregnant and once you have baby, those pains will go away. When you are pregnant your ligaments tend to soften up a little and they are slightly weaker early in your pregnancy. The older you are, and the number of pregnancies you have had can intensify the pain you experience, at times making it difficult to function. If that happens, talk to your doctor. Know that there are things you can do to cope with the pain including changing the way you sit, get up, and sleep and the activity that you partake in.

Another big concern for pregnant women in the way they are feeling. Some women will feel as though they are losing their minds, yet others will feel weepy, and others will have a rather short fuse. We can thank all of those lovely feelings to the every changing and fluctuating hormone levels in our body as we progress through our pregnancy. That added with the aches and pains, and decrease amount of sleep you get as you become more and more pregnant will only make it worse. While I didn't really notice an emotional component with my first two pregnancies, of course I was much younger and those pregnancies were a number of years ago, with this last one… I had a short fuse the longer I was pregnant. I found my tolerance level had… shall we say, dropped significantly. I was atleast aware that it was happening and I did apologize to my older kids for it, I couldn't help it. I had my days where I felt like my evil twin… and then there were days that I was normal. Once I had our daughter… my evil twin went away.

Many women, and lets face it their partners also, worry about the changes in the bedroom as the woman becomes more pregnant. I want to say to everyone that reads this, that it is perfectly safe for the bedroom activities to continue as long as the woman is healthy and the pregnancy is without complication. As the belly grows you are going to have to be more creative, but for many couples this is a time of increased intimacy and magic in the bedroom. Talk with your partner about the concerns you both have. Discuss what is comfortable and what is not. Do not assume that either partner will just know what to do and what not to do.
Trust me when I tell you what you are feeling is normal.

If you are concerned about the way you are feeling or the things you are feeling talk with your doctor and talk with a friend that is or has been pregnant.

by Patricia Hughes

The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down to the feet. This nerve can become inflamed due to pressure of the growing baby during pregnancy. When this happens, severe pain results. Sciatica is one of the more painful complications of pregnancy.

If you have sciatic nerve pain, you will know it. Sciatic pain is unlike other lower back and leg pains you may get during your pregnancy. It is also very different from the leg cramps that may wake you in the night. Sciatic nerve pain is a sharp, shooting pain that goes from your lower back, down the back of the leg.

There are some things that contribute to sciatic nerve pain. If your job involves a lot of lifting or requires you to spend long periods of time sitting or standing, you may be at greater risk of developing sciatica in pregnancy. Also, if you have experienced sciatic nerve pain in a past pregnancy, you are more likely to have it again this time. For some women, excessive weight gain my also contribute to the problem. The extra weight results in more pressure on the nerve.

Mention the pain to your doctor at your next prenatal visit. There is no quick cure to the problem, but your doctor may recommend some treatments you can do at home to get some relief. Heat is one method doctors often recommend for dealing with the pain. You may want to try hot compresses or a hot water bottle. A warm bath may help too.

Your doctor may make some recommendations for changes in your sleep position. Some doctors recommend lying on the opposite side of the pain. For example, if the pain is in your right leg, lie on your left side. This may help reduce the pressure on the nerve, which will reduce the pain. Products such as the Belly Sling may help take the pressure off the nerve and relieve pain.

Some women find that prenatal yoga is helpful for reducing sciatic pain. The gentle stretching helps with the muscle tightness and inflammation associated with sciatica. You can find classes at your local yoga studio or ask at your doctor’s office or child birth class. While this won’t cure the pain, it can help make it less severe.

Ask your health care provider about the possibility of seeing a massage therapist, if the pain is frequent and severe. Massage is often helpful for reducing the tension and inflammation that result from sciatica. The surrounding muscles often become tight, which makes the nerve pain worse. Ask your doctor to refer you to a massage therapist who is experienced in working with pregnant women.

For very severe cases of sciatica, a few visits to a physical therapist may become necessary. The therapist will be able to show you some exercises to do at home to relieve the pain. These exercises will also strengthen your back muscles and help with lower back pain, which is another common pregnancy discomfort. Low back pain and sciatica often go hand in hand.

The pain goes away when the baby is born, for most women. A smaller number may experience sciatic pain for a few days, or weeks after the baby is born. When my second baby was born, the pain lasted about three weeks after the birth. If the pain persists, consult your doctor for further treatment options.

Biography
Patricia Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four. Patricia has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. She has written extensively on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting and breastfeeding. In addition, she has written about home décor and travel.

by Jennifer Shakeel

There are so many joys of being pregnant. The excitement of carrying new life around inside you, the first kick, hearing the heart beat, the thought becoming a mom for the first time or for the second, third or fourth time. This is a wonderful time… all except for that morning sickness. While we all want to believe it will end after the first trimester, there are some of us that have to cope with it the entire pregnancy. My personal battle with morning sickness during my current pregnancy is the inspiration for this article. I am going to go over a number of natural remedies, but I wanted to make you aware that your OB doctor may have samples of “candy” that has been designed to help ease the nausea associated with morning sickness.

What to Eat

Yes, I know that is the last thing in the world you feel like doing when you feel nauseated. I am here to tell you that eating will actually help ease those feelings. Plus you need the calories to support that growing baby inside you. Eat foods that you would eat if you had the flu, dry toast, rice, applesauce.

What you Drink

It is vitally important that you remain properly hydrated. Don’t eat and drink at the same time so that it helps ease morning sickness.

Change Prenatal Vitamins or the Time You Take Them

Some pregnant women will get sick from their vitamins. This means that you should either try taking them at night before you go to bed, or talk to your OB doctor and see if you can change to another type of vitamin.

Peppermint

My favorite friend. Peppermint candies, gum or tea is a wonderful natural remedy that will ease the feelings of nausea.

Ginger

Ginger has long been used as a soother for an upset stomach. Ginger tea or candied ginger may ease your morning sickness.

Slow Down

Get up slowly and lay down carefully. Sudden movements can often trigger morning sickness.

Careful of Smells

Our senses seem to be heightened during pregnancy and things that didn’t bother us before now make us sick. Pay attention to any smell that is triggering morning sickness and avoid it.

Lemons

For some the lemony fresh smell of cut up lemons has helped alleviate morning sickness. If you want slice some up and put them in a baggy and carry them around.

Potato Chips

This remedy is odd, but anecdotally, it seems to help pregnant women with morning sickness. Eating potato chips may work because of the combination of salt and grease. Since potato chips are not healthy, consider using this natural remedy for your morning sickness as a last resort or eat sparingly. 

Biography 
Jennifer Shakeel is a writer and former nurse. As a mother of two incredible children, I am here to share with you what I have learned about parenting. One of my children has ADHD, our journey of learning to come to terms with the diagnosis and figuring out what works best for us has been a challenge and a joy. Our son was diagnosed about two and half years ago, and we have had our ups and downs, joys and sorrows. If I can just offer you one day of hope or one idea that may work to help you and your family then I know that my purpose has been fulfilled. 

No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © 2008 All Rights Reserved

You have just been told that you are pregnant! This is both an exciting and scary time for you. This is especially true if you are expecting your first child. Many changes will start to occur in your body, as it prepares to construct the body of the little one on the way. It is important that you know and understand the ways that you can assist in helping your unborn baby develop. Here are a few of several different methods that can be used to ensure the proper development and health of your unborn child.

One of the first ways to help your unborn baby develop is by introducing the child to certain sounds while they are growing inside of you. Sound therapy by implementing the use of various types of classical music, soothing sounds, and soft sounds has been proven to be quite effective in soothing the child in the womb, and has also been found to encourage productive growth in the womb. Music plays a large role in the overall development of a child. In addition to this, your voice can have a positive impact on the development of the child. Be sure to speak to your baby often!

There are many different ways that you can communicate with your unborn child. One example includes that of singing. Many expectant mothers have an interest and/or skill when it comes to singing. You can sing lullabies, poetry, songs that you like, and more. If singing is not your thing, you may enjoy reading books and magazine out loud. You can read virtually anything that you can get your hands on! All of these activities can soothe an unborn child, assist in their physical development, and assist in their mental and emotional development – all while still in the womb!

The next way that you can assist in helping your unborn child develop in a positive way is to be certain that you ingest an appropriate amount of folic acid during the pregnancy. This nutrient source helps the unborn child gain protection from many different birth defects. This nutrient also assists in the way of assisting in the creation of DNA. It is beneficial to the growth and development of both cells and tissues in the child’s body. Remember, this is an essential substance that should be taken regularly in order to ensure that the physical development of the child is a positive development.

Prenatal vitamins are another type of nutrient that should be taken in order to assist in the development of the unborn child. These vitamins contain folic acid; however, they also contain two other essential nutrients that are essential to the developing fetus. These nutrients include that of calcium and iron. Calcium assist the unborn child in development in that it provides the fetus with a special mineral that is designed for stimulating bone growth. Iron is essential in that it helps the blood of the mother, as well as the blood of the fetus to carry the appropriate amounts of oxygen.

Exercises that are mild and relaxing are often beneficial when it comes to assisting in the natural growth and development of the unborn child. Great examples include that of Tai Chi, and swimming. Tai Chi can assist in strengthening the muscles, encouraging circulation, relieving stress on the mind, as well as the body, and numerous other advantages. Swimming will allow you to hold your weight differently. This will help relieve some of the pressure that is on the back, as well as the legs and other areas. If you are a healthy mother, these types of relaxing exercises can only prove to be beneficial to the overall growth and development of the child. Anything that encourages circulation in the blood and increases oxygen levels in the body are increased can be extremely beneficial to the overall growth and positive development of the unborn baby.

In summary, there are many different ways that you can assist in helping in the development of your unborn child. By taking these techniques and applying them, chances are you will give birth to a child that has above average development in both mind and body!

No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © 2008 All Rights Reserved

If you always eat a healthy and well balanced diet, you may not need to make changes when you discover you are pregnant. However, most of us aren’t that perfect. Once women become pregnant, what we ingest suddenly takes on new significance.

• Fish containing mercury such as shark, tilefish, king mackerel and swordfish. Tuna should be limited to one serving per week.
• Undercooked meats can harbor dangerous bacteria.
• Lunch meats and soft cheeses, which can contain listeria.
• Raw eggs or undercooked poultry, which can contain salmonella