For most women, pregnancy is a healthy, normal part of life, rather than a medical event. However, for about seven percent of pregnant women, a complication will occur. Becoming familiar with some of the complications of pregnancy won’t prevent a problem from happening, but it’s good to have some knowledge. When you know some of the symptoms, you can get medical treatment faster and give your baby the best possible chance of a healthy birth. This is by far not an exhaustive list, and if ever you suspect or feel anything wrong you should seek medical attention or contact your health care professional. More on Some Common Pregnancy Complications and Symptoms
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by Patricia Hughes
Taking a childbirth class during pregnancy is the best way to learn about labor and delivery. You will also learn about possible complications, interventions and procedures. You will have the chance to ask questions of the instructor. Taking a childbirth class helps reduce anxiety and may lessen the need for pain medications in labor. You will learn relaxation and breathing techniques to help you deal with the pain of labor. The two most common classes are Bradley and Lamaze.
The Bradley Method
The Bradley Method is also called Husband Coached Childbirth. This method was developed by Dr. Robert Bradley in the 1940s and was revolutionary at that time. This method emphasizes natural childbirth without medication and minimal interventions. More on Choosing a Childbirth Class
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by Patricia Hughes
Negative body image is a problem for many women. In some cases, the problem only gets worse in pregnancy. Society offers the image of the emaciated supermodel as the ideal. This is not realistic at any time of life, especially during pregnancy. Some women love their curves during pregnancy, but others hate it.
Your feelings about your body may change many times during your pregnancy. These highs and lows are typical and nothing to worry about. However, if you feel depressed frequently or find yourself skipping meals or trying to lose weight, this is not healthy. Talk to your doctor right away. He or she may be able to refer you to a counselor with experience in this area.
Tips for Increasing Self Esteem
Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on health, rather than size during this important time in your life. Remember that you are nourishing your baby with every bite you take. Choose healthy foods for meals and snacks. When you are caring for your body, you naturally feel better about it. This increases your self image. More on Maintaining a Positive Self Image During Pregnancy
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by Patricia Hughes
Pregnancy is an amazing time, but can also be a stressful time of life. You are busy preparing for the arrival of a new baby. You may spend most of your time working at a job or caring for other children. The fatigue of pregnancy coupled with pressures from work or home life can leave you exhausted. It’s important to take some time to pamper yourself from time to time.
A Day at the Spa: Indulge in a day at the spa, or just a treatment or two. Look for a spa that offers prenatal massage. This should be done by someone experienced and trained in massaging pregnant women. Most have tables with a space for the belly cut out for your comfort. After the massage, treat yourself to a facial and a pedicure. A pedicure and painted toe nails will have your feet ready for sandal season and you won’t have to worry about your inability to reach your feet. More on Pregnancy and the Importance of Pampering Yourself
Stress is epidemic in our society. The negative effects of stress on our health and emotional well being are well documented by years of research. Pregnancy can be a time of great stress, even when the baby is planned and very much wanted. Although there has not been any definitive proof that normal stress can negatively affect the baby, a high level of stress for a prolonged period of time can be dangerous. Extreme stress can cause problems such as high blood pressure, which can put you and your baby at risk. Here are some tips that may help.More on Stress Relief Tips During Pregnancy
There are many benefits to taking a class to prepare you for the birth of your baby. Women who have taken classes tend to be more prepared and have less fear of labor. There are a variety of different methods. Three common methods are Bradley, Lamaze and Birthworks. Some hospitals offer courses that are hybrids of several methods. You can locate classes through your doctor, midwife, hospital, birthing center or get a recommendation from friends or family members. Here is some information and tips on childbirth classes:More on Pregnancy and Tips for Selecting a Childbirth ClassFiled under Childbirth, Pregnancy by
by Patricia Hughes
The final stage of pregnancy can cause anxiety for many women. 
Fear of labor is real. A study done in Sweden in 2001 showed that fear resulted in more medication used in labor. The study was done on first time mothers and showed that more drugs were needed for women who exhibited fear before and during labor. Fear can take many forms, such as the fear of the unknown, pain or fear that results from hearing horror stories from friends or family about difficult labors.
Fear of labor has gained attention in recent years. In the year 2000, an article in the British Journal of Psychiatry addressed this fear. It is known as tokophobia, or the fear of childbirth. This fear is now classified as a psychiatric disorder. The study discussed in the article showed that fears resulted in an increase in night mares and panic attacks. More on Childbirth – How to Calm Fear of Labor
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