by Patricia Hughes
 
fetal imageIntrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is defined as a fetus that is smaller in size than would be expected for the conception age. The threshold generally used for classifying a baby as having intrauterine growth restriction is being smaller than the tenth percentile. This means that over ninety percent of fetuses at the same stage of development are larger than babies classified as having IUGR.
 
Possbile Causes of IUGR
 
The exact cause of intrauterine growth restriction is not known, but there are several factors thought to contribute to growth restriction in the fetus. Some of these factors are related to the baby or the pregnancy and others are maternal factors. Pregnancy related factors include multiple pregnancies, problems with the placenta and birth defects. Maternal factors include health factors such as heart or kidney disease, substance abuse, malnutrition and smoking cigarettes.

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Filed under Pregnancy by More4kids Inc.

mom and dad and newborn babyJust as this is an exciting and nerve wracking time for you, it is equally so for dad. Unfortunately, we tend to overlook dad’s role and dad’s feelings. We just assume he will figure it out and do what is expected of him when the contractions start, the baby comes and things need to be taken care of. Then, let’s be honest, we are exasperated when dad doesn’t do what we expect him to do. Ladies, just as you need to be prepared for having a baby, so does dad. So let’s help him out.

The first thing that expectant fathers need to know is where the hospital is. Don’t laugh or overlook this key piece of info. You also don’t want to assume that he knows where it is and where he is suppose to go. Where we used to live a lady in labor goes to the ER and is then sent to labor and delivery. Where we live now, and the hospital we will be going to, they have a separate labor unit, which you go directly in to. So dad needs to know how to get there from work, and he needs to know where he needs to go.

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pregnant woman writing her thoughts in her diary

by Jennifer Shakeel

One of the most exciting times in a woman’s life is becoming a mom. You might be inclined to document your pregnancy, especially if this is your first. This can lead many women to question what is the best way to do this. The answer really is going to depend on you. If you are the artsy type you might enjoy putting together a scrapbook. If you don’t have the time or desire to create something that elaborate, then journaling and writing your thoughts in a diary may be more your style.  Or you may decide to do both!

Keep in mind that your pregnancy journal/scrapbook is different then the baby book. This is going to be all about you. Depending on when in your pregnancy you are starting this project will really depend on how detailed your book will be. For example if you are starting this as soon as you found out you were pregnant you can include a picture of yourself before the belly started, maybe even a copy of the pregnancy test or test results. Myself, I prefer to journal, but I am going to give you six quick tips on how to create your perfect pregnancy memento. More on Tips for Creating a Pregnancy Scrapbook/Journal

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by Jennifer Shakeel

young pregnant couple peacefully celebrating pregnancyMany people may be wondering what could be a better gift for a woman who is expecting then the gift of a new life, the baby. While there isn’t a gift in the world that can compare to being blessed with a child. There are a number of gifts that the expecting mother would love to receive simply because they will help her as the pregnancy progresses, and honestly they will make her feel better. Of course, what you decide to get the mom to be will depend on when you decide to give the gift, but most of these recommendations can be used at any point throughout the pregnancy.

The pregnancy gifts should not be confused with the baby shower, which is all about baby. These gifts are really about the mom. I am going to offer you a list of ideal pregnancy gifts. Know that these are recommendations from pregnant moms, first time moms and those like me who have been around the bin a time or two or three. This isn’t about what the “experts” say or the stores promote. These are practical gifts that the mom to be will be forever grateful for.

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by Jennifer Shakeel

blissful and thankful pregnant woman in her last month of pregnancyIf you are anything like me, this is probably the hardest trimester of pregnancy to get through. I say this for a couple of reasons, it is so close to the time that your baby is going to be born that you just can’t stand it. You want to hold him or her, hear the cooing, see the perfect little fingers and toes. I can tell you that this excitement does not go away even when this is your third child.

The second reason I think this is the hardest trimester to get through is because by now, you are feeling pregnant. The aches, the restless nights, this is when you are going to put on the bulk of your weight and frankly, you are just tired of being pregnant. That is where I am at right now, counting down the days. To help, I am going to know tell you what you can expect with your growing baby this trimester and the changes in your body.

Month 7

By now you are feeling the movements of that little acrobat inside you. The movements are going to range from bucking kicks and a flurry of smaller movements. I can tell you from experience that each baby is different. My first child was a wild acrobat that kicked like crazy. My second child really didn’t kick, but stretched all the time. These are different feelings I tell you. It was always fun to watch my second child’s head push up or his feet as he stretched.

More on Welcome to your Third Trimester of Pregnancy!

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