Pregnant woman thinking about the futureby Patricia Hughes 
You may have heard about kegel exercises from your doctor, at child birth class or read about them in a pregnancy book. Kegel exercises are intended to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and vaginal muscles. When these muscles are strong, they are less likely to be weakened by the increased pressure of the growing uterus on the bladder and pelvic muscles.
 
There are several benefits to doing kegel exercises regularly, in pregnancy, during birth and in the years after you are finished having children. Toning these muscles throughout pregnancy helps strengthen them in preparation for giving birth. In addition, you will find that it is easier to relax the muscles of the perineum, which is helpful for natural pain relief during labor.

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by Patricia Hughes
Exercise is beneficial during pregnancy as long as you are healthy and not high risk. Exercising results in fewer aches and pains, is good for your lower back and reduces stress. Women who are in shape tend to have easier labors. Talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise routine.  
Your doctor may advise against exercise, if you are experiencing a complication or are considered high risk. The doctor may limit exercise if you have a history of preterm labor, heart problems, high blood pressure, asthma, bleeding, multiple : or issues with the placenta or cervix.  
Best Types of Exercise 
Swimming: Swimming is a great choice for  exercise. Its non weight bearing and works all your muscle groups. Later in pregnancy, swimming is great for relieving pressure as your baby gets heavier. Spending time in the water feels great when it’s too hot for other exercise. 
Walking: This is a good, low impact workout. Walking can be done anywhere by people of all fitness levels. Start off slow and don’t overdo it. You can build up to a faster pace or extend the time gradually. Be sure to stay hydrated when walking. Bring a bottle of water with you. Don’t get overheated. In the summer, walk in the early morning or evening, rather than in the hottest part of the day.  
Exercise Equipment: A treadmill or indoor exercise cycle is a good choice when the weather is bad. You can work out any time of the day or night, regardless of the weather with this equipment. It’s important to keep a good pace and not try to do too much. Stay hydrated as you would when walking outdoors.  
Weights: If you have been working out with weights prior to becoming pregnant, it may be safe to continue. Talk to your doctor about your situation and show him your routine for approval. Weight training strengthens your muscles and keeps you in great shape. You may need to use lighter weight than you did prior to pregnancy. Sit when lifting weights to avoid becoming dizzy. Don’t lie on your back in the second or third trimesters.  
Yoga: Prenatal yoga is a great, low impact work out that tones muscles, as well as improving circulation and balance. It also reduces stress and is calming. The deep breathing and relaxation of yoga are beneficial even in labor. Prenatal yoga classes are offered at many yoga studios. The instructor will help you modify the positions based on your fitness level and stage of pregnancy. A prenatal yoga DVD will allow you to practice at home. There are modifications for each trimester on these DVDs. 
Kegel Exercises: These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This is good for both and bladder control. Problems with bladder control are common during and after pregnancy. To perform these exercises, you contract, hold and release the muscles of the pelvic floor. These muscles can be found when you are using the bathroom. Stop urinating mid stream. The muscles you use for this are the same muscles you should be contracting when doing kegels. Be sure to only contract these muscles and not the abdominal or thigh muscles.  
Precautions When Exercising 
  • Start off slowly and don’t try to do too much. If you feel tired, slow down or stop. Listen to your body. You can gradually build up your pace over time.
  • Be careful not to get overheated. If you are overheated, so is your baby. If the weather is very hot or very cold, go to the gym and use the treadmill.
  • Stay hydrated when you are working out. Drink water before, during and after exercise.
  • Pay attention to your heart rate. Keep it under 140 beats per minute. If your heart rate is getting too high, slow down to bring it under control.
  • Pay attention to your breathing. You should be able to talk during your work out. If you can’t, you are doing too much. Slow down the intensity or stop if necessary.
  • Stop and call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: short of breath, dizzy, bleeding, contractions or headache.
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 © 2006

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by Patricia Hughes

Weight gain is a major concern for many pregnant women. You want gain enough to grow a healthy baby, but not so much that it’s really difficult to lose after the baby is born. The recommended range for healthy weight gain in pregnancy is between twenty five and thirty five pounds. If you were overweight prior to the pregnancy, you may be advised to gain a bit less. If you were underweight before you became pregnant, you may be advised to gain a little more. Always make sure you consult with your health care professional to make sure any dietary changes are right for you. Here are some tips and ideas. 

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by Patricia Hughes

pregnant women relaxing at the spaPregnancy 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.

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by Patricia Hughes

Stretch marks are a common worry among pregnant women and new mothers. They are the result of the weight you gain during pregnancy. This weight causes the skin to stretch beyond its normal limits. This stretching causes the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin to tear. The connective tissue breaks down as a result of this tearing. The result is a small scarred area that is known as a stretch mark. 

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young pregnant womanIt 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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pregnant woman on beachNegative 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.

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young woman warming up before starting her prenatal yoga sessionRegular exercise is beneficial during pregnancy. Prenatal yoga is a good choice for a low impact exercise that provides several benefits that are both physical and mental. Prenatal yoga improves flexibility, tones muscles and helps provide natural relief from some of the common pregnancy discomforts. Always remember to consult with your healthcare professional before starting any exercise program, especially if you are pregnant.
 
Increases strength and flexibility: The regular practice of yoga helps increase flexibility in the muscles and surrounding tissues. This helps enhance blood circulation. The regular practice of prenatal yoga stretches and tones the muscles, making them stronger and more flexible.

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pregnancy issues

Revitol Cellulite Cream Review

get beautiful legs, Click Here for more information 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.

Medical professionals and health centers tend to disagree on what causes cellulite, medical professional claim that it is brought on by rapid weight gain and health center professionals claim that it is fat build up and water retention. Either way, it is unwelcome and women will do everything that they can to get rid of it.

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Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure for cellulite.  There are however, ways to decrease the appearance of cellulite and give you back your beautiful skin. Many people use cellulite creams to help or eliminate the appearance of cellulite.

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Revitol Cellulite Solution is a topical product you apply straight to the problem zones. Because cellulite is actually little pockets of fat under your skin, your blood circulation does not easily reach these areas. Any oral products can be dangerous, but they also do not work because the ingredients cannot actually reach the cellulite effectively! What is the point taking a drug that will never reach your cellulite-prone areas? Revitol is 100% safe, it contains only natural ingredients and will be easily absorbed by your skin to reach your problem cellulite immediately.

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Causes of Cellulite

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.

Cellulite Treatment

You have heard it a thousand times, a healthy diet and exercise routine will is the best thing that you can do. In the case of cellulite, no truer words have ever been spoken. A healthy diet and exercise routine will reduce the chance of fat build up. You will improve the way you feel and the way you look. 

Many women are desperate to get rid of cellulite and will try any product that sounds like it has a chance of working. There are many different cellulite creams and lotions on the market today that claim that they get rid of cellulite. Many of them are creams that are meant for women who are not pregnant, and many are not effective in any way. Since cellulite strikes many pregnant women, always make sure you talk to your doctor if trying anything while pregnant. It is usually best to wait until after the baby is born before starting any treatment.

Because there are so many products out there, and many of them not effective at all, IT IS IMPORTANT to research whatever you buy and make sure it comes with a money back guarantee. This shows that the company producing the product stands behind their product and there is less risk to you. 

Revitol Cellulite Solution comes with such a guarantee.

Click here to find out more about Revitol Cellulite Treatment and Solution.

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by Patricia Hughes 
 
pregnancy women thinking about her pregnancyApproximately 75 percent of all pregnant women experience some swelling during pregnancy. For the majority of these women, this is mild edema. The swelling generally occurs in the extremities, such as the feet, legs and hands. Swelling in the face can occur as well. this mild edema is most common in the third trimester.
 
Causes of Edema in Pregnancy
 
During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by about 50 percent. Your body is producing and retaining more fluids when you are pregnant. This can result in fluid retention, which results in swelling.
 
As your baby grows, more pressure is put on the veins in your legs. The vena cava is the large vein that returns blood to the heart from the limbs. The pressure on the vena cava from the growing uterus slows the flow of blood and this can result in swelling of the feet and legs.
 
Treating Edema
 
One way to relieve the swelling is to relieve the pressure on the veins.

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healthy habitsYour diet and lifestyle habits are more important during pregnancy than at any other time. When you are pregnant, the baby is dependent on you to nourish him and avoid anything that could cause harm. It’s common for pregnant mothers to worry and wonder about any number of factors and the impact they could have on the growing baby. Fortunately there are some healthy habits you can adopt now to give your baby the best possible start in life.
 
Quit Smoking: This one is pretty obvious. Smoking is terrible for you and your baby. Babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are at risk from a variety of complications, such as miscarriage, preterm labor and low birth weight. After birth, they are more likely to have allergies or develop asthma. Even when the parents smoke outside, the smoke remains on the clothes and in the hair. This can have a negative impact on the baby.

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