Hello and welcome to More4kids Family Portal! As proud parents and business owners, we are dedicated to bringing quality pregnancy, parenting and educational resources. This part of our website is dedicated to conception, pregnancy, childbirth, health, early signs of pregnancy, baby names, and the future mothers, fathers and their children. Proper planning is very important before the birth of a new child. We hope you enjoy your time here.
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Pregnant women are always beautiful, they glow because they are working to bring new life into the world in just a few sometimes short and sometimes long months, pregnancy always seems to drag on towards the end as the excitement builds. However, pregnancy can also take its toll on the body at the same time. It is just as important to take care of your skin while you are pregnant, as it is when you are not pregnant.
Before You Start Skin Care Tips
Before you start any skin care regimen while you are pregnant, it is important to consult with your doctor. Some skin care items, even topical elements could be dangerous to your unborn baby. You already likely know that everything you put into your body has an effect on your baby. However, you may not know that everything you put on your body may as well.
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Tags: acne pregnancy pregnancy skin care skin care tips skin discoloration skin tags stretch marks
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Cord blood banks advertise heavily on television and in magazines read by pregnant women. The ads can leave mothers feeling guilty if they choose not to bank the cord blood or like they are tempting fate by not doing it. At the very least you may be wondering if it is worth the investment.
It is a significant investment for many families, especially in the current economic climate. Cord blood banks charge two different fees for their services. One is a collection fee which covers collection, enrollment in the program and the first year’s storage fee for the cord blood. This fee can be over a thousand dollars. The second fee is an annual storage fee, which usually is around $100.
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Tags: cord blood banks cord blood transplants pregnancy stem cells
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by Patricia Hughes
At your first prenatal visit and again in the late second or early third trimester, your doctor will test your blood for iron. A low level of iron puts you at increased risk of developing anemia. Approximately 20 percent of pregnant women suffer from anemia caused by an iron deficiency in pregnancy.
The reason iron deficiency is so common in pregnancy is that women require about twice as much iron as when they are not pregnant. During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by about fifty percent, which can result in an iron deficiency. This often occurs in the second trimester, as the blood volume increases and the baby begins to demand more iron. For this reason, you will be tested again, even if your iron was fine in early pregnancy.
Women who experience iron deficiency in pregnancy are at risk of developing anemia. The biggest risks to the baby are low birth weight and preterm labor. A study in California showed that women who experience iron deficiency anemia in the second trimester are twice as likely to have a preterm labor as women with normal levels of iron. Check out:
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/71/5/1280S Read More
Tags: iron blood levels iron deficiency iron supplements pregnancy second trimester of pregnancy
by Patricia Hughes
When we discover we are pregnant, the foods we eat take on significance like never before. In addition to making changes in your diet to include a variety of healthy foods, consider what is in the foods you eat. Two potential issues are pesticides used in growing foods and artificial additives.
Pesticides in Food:
Many studies have demonstrated the danger of pesticide exposure on the fetus. Some of these studies looked at people that handle pesticides in their work, such as exterminators and farmers. A study in California found that mothers who live or work in agricultural areas of the state had an increased risk of having children born with defects of the limbs. Other studies have shown an increase in cleft palate and other birth defects with pesticide exposure.
Other studies have linked exposure to pesticides with health problems such as an increase in childhood cancer, neurological disorders and hormone disruption. For more information on these studies:
http://www.kidsforsavingearth.org/mnchec/articles/pesticides.htm. The studies have shown that the risk increases according to exposure. If the child is exposed to pesticides through food, in sprays and pest control products used in the home and in the community, the risk would be higher. For this reason, it is best to reduce or eliminate exposure to pesticides both during pregnancy and after the baby is born.
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Tags: food additives pesticides pregnancy womens health
Since the day you discovered you were pregnant, you’ve been counting the days until your due date. As the date approaches, you get excited and maybe a bit anxious about the birth, but mostly excited. Then the day comes and nothing happens and nothing happens the next day and the day after that. This is frustrating to say the least.
As frustrated as you feel, it’s important to remember that the due date is really just an estimate. In fact only about five percent of all babies are born on the actual due date. This means that ninety five percent of them will not arrive on that day. In the vast majority of the cases, the baby will come within two weeks of the due date, either before or after.
If the baby isn’t here by your first visit after the due date, the doctor may want to do a bit of monitoring to check on the baby and assess his condition. An ultrasound may be done to check the baby’s heart rate and general health. The placenta can also be checked during the ultrasound to be sure it is still functioning properly. The amniotic fluid will be measured to be sure the level is sufficient.
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Tags: baby heart rate due date going past due date pregnancy ultrasound
Welcome to the March 24th, 2008 edition of carnival of Pregnancy and Family. A blog carnival is where some of the best bloggers on the internet share their stories. This will be our first monthly carnival devoted to Pregnancy and our Families. We hope all our readers will enjoy these great articles:
Silveral presents Celebrity babies – new kids on the block posted at Celebrity News, and Gossip.
Malia Russell presents I Love You More from Homemaking 911 posted at Homemaking 911.
Karen Alonge presents bringing home Baby Number 2 posted at advice for parents.
Sonja Stewart presents Top 10 Things Not to Say to New Mothers | Parenting Squad posted at Parenting Squad.
Raymond presents Thinking of Having a Baby? Reserve That Domain Name Before It’s Too Late posted at Money Blue Book.
Steven Chang presents Chinese Conception Calendar posted at Gagazine.
Here at More4kids Pregnancy and Family we are presenting Should Siblings be Present at Birth.
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of carnival of pregnancy and family using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Tags: blog carnival carnival of pregnancy and family pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you may be wondering if the baby’s older siblings should be present at the birth. This is largely a matter of choice. Some women believe that birth is a family event and welcome their children at the birth. Others prefer to give birth without the children present, but welcome them into the room after the baby is born to meet the newest member of the family.
The personality of each child is an important consideration. Some children are more sensitive and easily upset than others. A very sensitive child may find seeing mommy in pain to be very upsetting. In this case, waiting until after the baby is born may be best for the child. This is a matter of knowing the personality of your child and figuring out what is best in your situation.
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Tags: childbirth childbirth and siblings giving birth I saw my brother being born in the womb pregnancy
by Patricia Hughes
Amniocentesis is a medical test that is sometimes done in pregnancy. The test involves extracting a sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby. In this fluid are the baby’s chromosomes. These cells are collected and sent to a laboratory to be analyzed. It can take a week or more to get the results, depending on the testing done.
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Tags: amniocentesis amniotic fluid chromosomes genetic tests pregnancy pregnancy tests preterm labor risk
It is almost always a glorious occasion when a woman finds out she is pregnant. You will excitedly talk to friends and your mom about what to expect during pregnancy, and of course, your doctor should fill you in of the necessary precautions that you need to take.
As you progress in your pregnancy, you notice that your swelling a bit, in all areas of you body, however, you may also notice that something else has made an appearance; Cellulite. By this stage of your pregnancy, hormones have almost surely have taken over and you may get mad, however, it is more likely that you will break down in tears.
Cellulite is caused by many different things, it gives your skin on you’re a dimple appearance much like cottage cheese. It is found mostly on the hips thighs and buttocks and women who have it consider it to be unsightly. It is brought on by weight gain, and pregnancy is when it strikes the most. Cellulite is a build up of fat deposits.
Interestingly enough, cellulite does not strike everyone. If cellulite is in your family, than you will more likely to be affected by it. What is equally interesting is that cellulite is not a medical term nor can it be found in any medical journals.
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Tags: cellulite cellulite cream cellulite removal cellulite treatment get rid of cellulite liposuction pregnancy
Becoming a parent changes your relationship with your spouse. The changes often begin before the baby arrives. All marriages will change to some degree. Some of the changes may be good and others not so good.
You may find that your husband becomes more concerned about your well being. He may express concern about pregnancy symptoms, your general health or the well being of the baby. Some men become very protective of their wives when they are carrying a baby.
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Tags: healthy marriage marriage parenting pregnancy pregnancy and marriage pregnancy changes
by Patricia Hughes
The advice on caffeine in pregnancy varies depending on the source. Some books and articles will tell you that a small amount of caffeine is fine, while others recommend skipping it altogether. The same is true among health care professionals. Some say a limited amount of caffeine is not dangerous, while others say to eliminate it entirely. With advice differing, it can be difficult to know what to do.
The issue becomes even more confusing because studies of caffeine use in pregnancy are not consistent. An FDA study in the late 1980s showed that caffeine consumption had an impact on miscarriage rates. The study was later refuted due to the fact that rats were used in the study. Later
studies on humans were criticized because they failed to control for other contributing factors such as tobacco and alcohol use.
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Tags: caffeine pregnancy pregnancy and caffeine womens health
So you just found out your going to have multiples! Now what? Believe it or not, being pregnant with multiples is a completely different experience than being pregnant with only one child. Your pregnancy may be more difficult, you will need to take better care of yourself and eat differently, and you also increase your risk for several complications that can occur. Although it may seem scary, being pregnant with multiples can be a very exciting and rewarding experience.
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Tags: childbirth multiple pregnancy pregnancy pregnancy complications pregnancy side effect preparing for childbirth twins weight gain
by Patricia Hughes
If you are planning a pregnancy in the near future, you may want to consider preconception counseling. In a preconception visit, women are screened for health and potential risk factors prior to becoming pregnant. These visits are valuable for both women with chronic health conditions. Many doctors are now recommending preconception counseling to all their patients.
Benefits of Preconception Counseling
Perhaps the biggest benefit of preconception counseling is knowledge. A health problem or potential risk factor that is found prior to conception can prevent serious complications later. Unhealthy lifestyle choices can be changed prior to the pregnancy to increase the likelihood of a healthy baby and mother.
If a health condition is present, it is generally best to get it under control prior to pregnancy. For example, if the doctor discovers that a woman has undiagnosed high blood pressure, this can be treated through lifestyle changes or medication. The doctor will evaluate any health conditions and suggest ways to get the condition under control prior to pregnancy.
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Tags: birth defects Diabetes in Pregnancy Program preconception preconception counseling preconception visit pregnancy pregnancy risks
by Patricia Hughes
If you are pregnant and find that things are slipping your mind, you are not alone. Most women report some degree of forgetfulness during pregnancy. While frustrating, this is completely normal. Pregnancy affects every part of your body, including the mind. Fortunately, there are ways that you can cope with this problem and still finish the tasks you need to accomplish.
There have actually been studies done on this phenomenon. A study published in The Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing showed that 68% of participants reported changes in memory. Fifty four percent reported difficulty in concentration and 52% reported absentmindedness during pregnancy.
A 1997 study published in the New Scientist looked at changes in the brains of pregnant women as a possible explanation for forgetfulness. This study looked at brain images and found an increase in the pituitary gland and a small shrinkage in the overall size of the brain in the third trimester. These researchers suggest that more study is needed in this area. Check out:
http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/absentmindedness Read More
Tags: absentmindedness discomforts of pregnancy fatigue forgetfulness memory problems pregnancy pregnancy and memory
One of the first questions you will have when you discover you are pregnant is when is the baby due? This is also the first question that friends and family members will ask when you tell them you are expecting. You don’t have to wait until you visit the doctor to find out. You can easily calculate your due date at home.
To calculate your due date, you will need to know the date of your last menstrual period.
If you don’t have any idea when you last had a period, or if your periods are very irregular, calculating the due date becomes even more difficult. On the other hand, if you were undergoing treatments for infertility, you may have an exact conception date and this will make calculating the due date easier.
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Tags: baby due date calculating due date due date calculator pregnancy calculator
Myths and old wives tales are heard by most pregnant women at some point. Some of these myths surround predicting the gender of the baby and others are just general bad advice for pregnant moms. Here are some of the most common pregnancy myths that you may hear during your pregnancy.
Gender Prediction Myths
How you are carrying the baby will predict the gender. Inevitably people will take a look at how you are carrying the baby and try to guess the gender. You may be told that you are carrying high so the baby is a boy. Carrying all in the front is also said to mean the baby is male, while carrying more to the sides is considered a sign of a girl. These are all not correct. During my pregnancies, I would have people making complete opposite predictions based on my belly.
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Tags: baby gender baby heart rate gender prediction pregnancy pregnancy cravings pregnancy myths
There are many benefits to a natural birth for both mother and baby. The baby will be born without the lethargic effect that can occur from some pain relief medications. Natural pain relief methods may result in a better chance of avoiding interventions. In some cases, pitocin, artificial rupture of the membranes and other interventions become necessary after the woman receives pain medication. If you want to have a natural birth, you will need to be ready with some natural methods for relieving pain.
Natural Pain Relief Methods
Breathing: All prenatal classes that promote natural child birth include information on breathing. This can be patterned breathing, as in the Lamaze method or just relaxed breathing as in the Bradley method. Breathing helps in a few ways. It brings more oxygen to the baby and your body tissues. Breathing can also help the mother relax through the contractions.
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Tags: childbirth childbirth classes lamaze method natural childbirth natural pain relief options pain relief pregnancy pregnancy and music prenatal classes
The decision to have a baby is often filled with a variety of different emotions. Although bringing a new baby into this world is a joyous occasion, pregnancy can often bring on a variety of different symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy is fatigue.
During the early stages of pregnancy, your body is trying to work double time in order to keep up with all of the changes that are occurring. Some of the changes that are occurring include an increase production of hormones, as well as an increased blood flow. Along with the increased blood flow, the heart is pumping faster and harder to accommodate the additional blood flow. The increased blood is necessary in order for the growing fetus to get the nutrients it needs.
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Tags: early pregnancy extreme fatigue fatigue fatigue during pregnancy morning sickness pregnancy progesterone stages of pregnancy
by Patricia Hughes
Water birth is not a new concept. Women throughout history have given birth in water. With the advent of modern medicine, the practice became less common. In recent years, water birth is experiencing a revival as more women choose this method for giving birth. There are many benefits to giving birth in the water.
Benefits of Water Birth
Better relaxation: Water aids in relaxation. There is a reason that many women enjoy a long, relaxing soak in the tub after a long day. As you relax in the warmth of the water, your cares seem to melt away. Relaxation is very important during labor. When the mother is tense, the tension can actually slow the progress of labor. Relaxing through the contractions is much more effective.
Pain relief: Women report that the pain is greatly reduced when they labor and deliver in the water. Some experienced mothers report that the water was nearly as effective as medicinal pain relievers or epidurals. Water works by blocking the pain impulses in the nerves of the body. Water is an effective alternative to pain medications for women wanting a drug free birth.
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Tags: benefits of water birth childbirth childbirth coach pain relief pregnancy water birth
by Patricia Hughes
Doctors often refer to pregnancy in women age 35 and older “advanced maternal age.” This can be a very upsetting for some women. There are both risks and benefits to postponing motherhood. Your doctor will monitor your health and your baby to prevent and treat possible complications.
Pregnancy Risks after 35
Infertility is more common as women get older. As we age, our fertility naturally declines. Women who postpone motherhood are often surprised to discover they can’t conceive right away. Women over 35 should see a doctor if they haven’t conceived within six months. Certain infertility procedures can result in a multiple pregnancy. This increases risk factors, such as pre eclampsia and premature birth.
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Tags: childbirth older moms pregnancy pregnancy after 35 pregnancy benefits pregnancy over 35 pregnancy risks
