Pregnancy constipation: Seeking relief

Pregnancy triggers many physical changes in your body — some quite aggravating. During my first pregnancy years ago, the worst of these changes was constipation. In fact, after all this time, I've convinced myself that pushing out a baby was easier than having a bowel movement.

If you've never been constipated or you think all the ads about regular bowel movements are silly, don't assume you're immune to the condition. Constipation in pregnancy and after delivery can happen to anyone. It isn't inevitable, though. To prevent constipation in the first place, consider these tips:

Drink more fluids. During pregnancy, waste moves through your body more slowly than usual. This allows water to be removed from the waste, which contributes to constipation. Keeping well hydrated can help keep bowel movements soft. Fluids count after the baby is born, too, especially if you're breast-feeding. Your body will take all the fluids it can get to make breast milk. If you're not drinking enough fluids, the result might be uncomfortable constipation.Include more fiber in your diet. Think whole grains in foods such as breads and muffins, as well as fruits, vegetables and beans. With your health care provider's OK, you might also consider fiber additives that are mixed with water.Include physical activity in your daily routine. Regular physical activity can help keep your bowel movements regular.Consider stool softeners, if your health care provider approves. Stool softeners help moisten bowel movements.

I don't recommend laxatives for constipation during pregnancy unless you've cleared it with your health care provider. Some types of laxatives can be used safely in pregnancy while others aren't recommended.

Don't be like me with my first pregnancy. Take care so constipation doesn't become a problem — and no more laughing at fiber and laxative commercials! You could be next.

blog index

View the original article here

Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 10th Anniversary Edition: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health

This comprehensive book explains in lucid, assured terms how to practice the fertility awareness method (FAM), a natural, scientifically proven but little-known form of birth control (which is not to be confused with the woefully ineffective "rhythm" method). Author Toni Weschler has been teaching fertility awareness for almost 20 years, and it's only just now gaining in popularity. As the book explains, by using simple fertility signs including peaks in morning body temperature and changes in cervical position and cervical mucus, it's possible to determine when ovulation is taking place. Fertility awareness is therefore useful for not only couples who are trying to conceive, but for those who are aiming to avoid pregnancy without the use of chemical contraceptives. It will be of special interest to those women who have suffered from infertility; many FAM practitioners have told the author that by filling in the detailed charts in the book, they've realized that they were chronically miscarrying, even when their doctors told them they weren't conceiving at all. As the book explains, by charting body temperature, it's simple to tell when pregnancy has occurred--and when there's danger of miscarriage. Taking Charge of Your Fertility also explains how to choose the sex of your baby by timing intercourse according to certain fertility signs. It also features thorough, easy-to-understand explanations of hormones, the menstrual cycle, and menopause, along with fertility tests and treatments and their long- and short-term side effects, plus a topnotch resource section. Recommended for any woman who wants to better understand her body. --Erica Jorgensen

Price: $24.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Teenage pregnancy: Advice for parents of teens

When my kids were teenagers, I would occasionally subject them to "the talk" during dinner. The talk wasn't about sex — it was about not having sex. They'd roll their eyes, look at each other and usually the oldest would say, "You saw a pregnant teenager today, right?" Of course that was true. Throughout their teens and early 20s, I lived in fear that one of them would get pregnant or father a baby. My fear was probably magnified by all the pregnant teens I'd encountered in my professional life.

I believe it's important to talk about teenage pregnancy with your teens and preteens — both girls and boys. Adolescents aren't known for their ability to see actions and consequences or to project into the future. They're also likely to romanticize challenging situations, such as teenage pregnancy. These tendencies might be compounded by the celebrity status of pregnant teens featured in popular reality shows on TV.

Ask your teen if he or she knows anyone who's been pregnant while still in school. Talk about how your teen's life would change if he or she had a baby. Get specific. For example, would your daughter want to go to prom pregnant? Would your son want to drop a favorite sport so he can work to earn money for the baby? Would it be possible to finish school? What would it feel like to be responsible for a helpless infant? Who would support the baby? Let your teen know that he or she can come to you with questions or concerns. Also remind your teen that it's essential to tell you if a pregnancy happens. You don't want a surprise delivery.

If you're faced with a teenage pregnancy, it's tough to predict how you'll feel. You'll probably experience a mass of emotions: anger, disappointment, fear. All of these feelings are real and you can't decide that you just won't feel them. Instead, acknowledge your emotions and work with them. If you're angry, say so. If you're caught up in your emotions and don't think you can have a productive conversation right away, let your teen know that you need to put some distance between you and the news — then agree on a specific time to sit down and discuss the decisions that need to be made.

When you talk to your teen about the options, remember that any decisions about the pregnancy are your teen's to make — including whether to keep the baby, have an abortion or place the baby for adoption. Your decisions focus on how you'll support your teen and his or her decisions. If you have strong feelings against abortion, how will you handle a decision to end the pregnancy? If you feel that keeping the baby is the wisest choice, how actively will you participate in caring for or supporting the baby?

When you talk with your teen, discuss how the pregnancy will change your teen's life — as well as how it will change your family's life. Talk finances, talk responsibilities, talk school. Talk about everything. Listen to what your teen is saying and ask how he or she is feeling. Let your teen know that his or her feelings are important to you. Above all, love your teen no matter what.

blog index

View the original article here

Weight loss after pregnancy: Tips from a specialist

Are you looking forward to getting on the scale after your baby is born? You might hope that you've literally worked your butt off having the baby.

At first, you'll lose weight simply from the delivery of the baby and the placenta — as well as loss of amniotic fluid and blood. Within the next few weeks, you might also lose weight from all the fluid that used to be in your feet and ankles. Then weight loss is likely to slow down. Still, you're not stuck with pregnancy weight gain for life.

It might seem counterintuitive, but to take off those excess pounds it's important to eat regular meals after the baby is born. Even though you might be busier — and more tired — than you bargained for, be careful to eat healthy meals and snacks. It's also important to make conscious choices about what — and how much — you eat. Be aware of what you're eating and really think about it before you pop it in your mouth.

Another important part of pregnancy weight loss is physical activity. You might think I'm crazy to expect you to find time for exercise when you can't find time for sleep — but every bit helps. Make sure you have your health care provider's OK, then start out slowly. You might be surprised by how much better you feel after a 10-minute walk. Add a few minutes to your walk every day. Better yet, invite your partner or other new moms to join you.

Believe it or not, sleep counts in your weight loss plan, too. When you're exhausted, it's harder to feel positive about yourself — and make smart choices about food and exercise.

So get some sleep, think about ways to include physical activity in your daily routine, and be thoughtful about what you eat. Remember, it took an entire pregnancy to gain the weight and it'll take time to lose it. Be kind to yourself in the process.

blog index

View the original article here

Pregnancy and you: Pregnancy weight gain — Know the factors

A prenatal visit can be a joyful experience. You get to listen to your baby's heartbeat, and you're reassured about your baby's well-being and your own health. Still, you might dread getting on the scale. You might wonder why you never weigh the same on the scale at the office as the scale at home — or if the scale will reveal your dietary indiscretions.

Why the focus on pregnancy weight gain? The risk of pregnancy complications is higher in the upper and lower extremes of weight gain. If you gain too much weight during pregnancy, it can be challenging to lose the excess pounds afterward — and those pounds have the potential to stay with you for a lifetime.

Your health care provider will give you an idea of the amount of weight gain that's ideal for you and your baby. Generally, the amount of weight you're encouraged to gain depends on your pre-pregnancy weight:

Underweight (BMI less than 18.5): 28 to 40 pounds (about 13 to 18 kilograms)Normal weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9): 25 to 35 pounds (about 11 to 16 kilograms)Overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9): 15 to 25 pounds (about 7 to 11 kilograms)Obese (BMI 30 or more): 11 to 20 pounds (about 5 to 9 kilograms)

So what should you do if you realize you're gaining too much weight? Start by forgiving yourself. Then look at the past few weeks to see if you can pinpoint any major contributing factors to your pregnancy weight gain. Brainstorm ways to deal with those issues. Remember, it might be easier to curb excess weight gain during pregnancy than it is to lose the pounds after pregnancy.

Likewise, what should you do if you're not gaining enough weight? My advice is the same. Look back on your eating habits and consider what you can learn. Remember that sometimes changing to a healthier diet can cause weight loss.

If you find you're having trouble managing your pregnancy weight, ask your health care provider for a referral to a nutritionist or dietitian. Also remember that weight gain is just one part of your pregnancy. Don't let the scale ruin the joy and excitement of pregnancy.

What are your strategies for gaining a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy? What are your struggles? Share your stories so that we can learn from each other.

blog index References Committee to Reexamine IOM Pregnancy Weight Guidelines, Food and Nutrition Board, and Board on Children, Youth and Families. Weight gain during pregnancy: Reexamining the guidelines. Institute of Medicine and National Research Council. http://www.nap.edu. Accessed June 29, 2011.

View the original article here