Folic acid reduces the risk of serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. A baby who is born with spinal bifida has a spine that is not closed. The exposed nerves are damaged and may cause the baby to be paralyzed or sometime mental retardation. These defects usually develop 28 days after conception. Most women don’t know they’re pregnant and they have a poor diet habit. This poor diet will cause birth defects which is why doctors recommend pre-natal vitamins. You should take them well before the time you plan to conceive. A well balanced diet should be adopted as part of anyone’s lifestyle no matter the reason for it. Even more importantly for women just in case they decide to become pregnant. Folic acid can be found in foods like whole wheat products like brown rice, barley, and whole wheat flour products. Natural sources also include dark green vegetables, nuts, beans, and citrus fruits.

Calcium can prevent a mother’s loss of bone density. The body automatically takes her own density as the baby’s mineral for bone growth. For this reason it’s important to double up on your calcium in take. Make sure you’re eating whole grains with a good source of magnesium so that you can absorb your calcium from your foods. Brown rice again has a great source of magnesium. Vegetables like spinach and broccoli are a great source of calcium. You can get your folic acid, calcium and Iron all from the same place. Eat plenty of dark green and purple vegetables. Iron will help the body carry oxygen to both the mother and the baby. Lentil beans are a great source of Iron and B vitamins. Aloe Vera juice is also a great source for B12 vitamins. You can never get enough of the B vitamins.

Take advantage of these crazy food binges and eat plenty of natural foods that are loaded with anti-oxidants and important nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are crucial for your body as well as your baby’s development. Eat as much salad as you can and try to load it with as many different colors as you can. It’s the easiest way to make sure you get all of your important foods and vitamins in your diet. Exercise, rest and drink plenty of water. Pre-natal vitamins are also good way to make sure your meeting all of your nutritional needs but remember that there’s no pill that gives you over-all health. It needs to be added to a healthy life style.

In addition to feeling good your sexual drive is probably kicking in now. A lot of couples are scared to have sex because it will harm the baby. However, doctors have confirmed that it will not harm the baby in any way ,so have fun because sex around this time is highly enjoyable! Your baby is pretty happy as well. Its growing definition in its facial structure and you can see its chin, nose, and forehead. It even has a neck to hold up the baby’s head. No wonder the baby is happy; it’s starting to look more human than before. You have to admit the early stages of development are alien like. If you compare animal embryos to human ones they are similar in many ways and can easily be mistaken; Just an interesting fact to chew on.

Your body is changing in miraculous ways. Your heart has increased in size to pump more blood in order to get to your baby. Your uterus size has increased dramatically. Your doctor or midwife can easily feel it position and can tell how the progress of the pregnancy is going. They can also tell whether you are carrying twins or not. Some of the signs are a faster weight gain then most women. The uterus length, whether the fundus is greater than half way to your belly button. An ultra sound can also determine twins by listening for a second heart beat. Your baby has developed hearing around this week and is comforted by your heart beat and your voice. It has developed hair and lanugos cover the body which will later disappear before birth.

Once you reach the 27th week of pregnancy, the baby has developed its eyes and can open them, it also demonstrates cases of its first hiccups and you can feel every one of them. The baby weighs about 2 pounds and its brain is showing wave activity. It may even play games with you. If you press on your stomach he will most likely press back and forth. You will also notice a routine of its sleeping patterns and the time of day where it’s up and active. One more trimester and you have a new addition to the family!

Prenatal vitamins are your insurance policy but they will never replace the need for vitamin rich foods in the diet. A pregnancy diet should include an ample supply of fruits and vegetables, a variety of animal products, and whole grain breads and fortified cereals. If this is done then the bases should be covered.

Vitamin A benefits the mother by aiding lactation, placental membranes, and hormones. It benefits the baby by assisting with growth, vision, hair, skin, mucous membranes, and protects against infections.

Vitamin B benefits the mother also aiding in lactation, metabolism of fats, sugar, and protein. Benefits to baby include nerve function promotion, heart and palate development.

Vitamin C benefits the mother’s connective tissues, fights viruses, and helps the absorption of iron. It helps baby distribute oxygen, boosts immunity, and helps teeth.

Vitamin D helps mother’s teeth and promotes calcium and phosphorus absorption. While hardening babies bones and assisting with skull development.

Vitamin E helps mothers heal after birth, fights stretch marks and prevents anemia. It helps babies blood cell formation, heart, and fights jaundice.

Vitamin K promotes mothers healthy blood clotting and protects baby from hemorrhages.

Vitamin F allows vitamin absorption and promotes mothers healthy skin. It helps babies developing kidneys and brain, general growth and hormone levels.

Calcium is essential for mothers healthy bones and teeth and helps promote healthy nerves/muscles. It promotes healthy growth of babies bones and teeth too.

Iron helps mothers respiratory function and fights fatigue. It helps babies blood cell count and bone growth.

Magnesium promotes mothers energy levels, muscles, and labor contraction. It helps the development of babies heart, nervous and skeletal systems.

• Vaginal spotting is common during the initial stages of pregnancy, especially during intercourse. But if you have heavy bleeding, then you need to consult your doctor immediately.

• During the first trimester, it is common to have cramps. Strong cramps are not normal. Try drinking a warm glass of water. If the cramp still persists, contact your doctor.
• If you have regular headaches during pregnancy, then it can be a sign of pregnancy induced high blood pressure. High blood pressure needs to be treated before it is harmful for both the baby and mother.
• If you feel that you are retaining excess fluid, than consult a doctor immediately. This leads to toxemia that can be life threatening.
• After the 20th week, you will be able to feel your baby move regularly. If for any reason you feel that the bay is not moving, rush to the nearest hospital.

Some common complications that take place during pregnancy are:

Miscarriage – If the pregnancy gets terminated in the first six months, then it is called miscarriage.

Ectopic pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg implants itself in the fallopian tube. Due to lack of space, the fetus bursts. If not treated immediately, it can cause the death of mother.

Pre-eclampsia: This is also called pregnancy induced hypertension. This is more common in case of first pregnancy.

Placental abruption and Placenta previa: In both the cases the bleeding happens in the third trimester of pregnancy. Placenta previa is low lying placenta. Placental abruption is where the placenta separates itself from the lining of the womb. Both are harmful for the fetus.

Gestational Diabetes: This is a kind of diabetes that lasts as long as the pregnancy. The body fails to produce enough insulin to cope with the changes. This is more common in late pregnancies or if there is any kind of family history.

Premature rupture of membrane: Here, the membrane that holds the baby gets torn before full. This can happen due to insufficient diet or any kind of vaginal infection. Usually the mom–to-be needs to take total bed rest. She must be monitored regularly.

Preterm labor: This is labor that starts before 7 weeks of pregnancy. This can happen due to smoking, induced abortion, multiple fetuses. It needs to taken care of immediately.

Pregnancy complications can be avoided by regularly monitoring the fetus and taking care during the tenure.

Once you conceive, you need to switch to a conservative pregnancy exercise program and that too under the proper guidance of an expert. You must not overstress yourself. Try and avoid doing any heavy stuff. After your deliver, you can get back to regular regime. You would need to lose excess weight and get back into shape. Chalk out a chart that you can manage while the baby is sleeping. You would not have much time for yourself in those initial months.

Pregnancy exercises ensure that you maintain a healthy weight. Exercising also ensure that your stress level is maintained. It lessens morning sickness and prevents gestational diabetes. Exercise has a positive effect on female hormones and makes you feel better. You can enroll yourself in some special class dedicated to exercises for pregnant women. Some exercises that you can do during pregnancy are yoga, walking, swimming, aerobics and similar others. But whichever ones you choose, you must consult your doctor. If you have back pain during pregnancy, then exercising can be a great way to relieve the pain. Pregnant women have a different set of exercises for back pain as compared to normal people. They are simple movements that can soothe back pain.

During pregnancy, you need to ensure that you have a normal supply of blood to all the organs. This can be maintained through cardiovascular exercises. However, you must do this with caution. Strengthening exercises can sooth your back pain to a great extent. You can also opt for abdominal exercises. This will tone your abs and strengthen your back which is good for your baby. A toned abdomen also eases the process of delivery. A very simple ab exercise is to pull your belly button towards your spine. As you do this, breathe out air and hold your breath for a few moments.

Some women have complications during pregnancy. They should avoid doing exercises of any kind. Pregnancy exercises can work wonders, provided they are done under expert guidance.

Your body needs extra food for the baby when you are pregnant. But that does not mean that you can eat as much junk food as you like. You need to make sure that you eat a balanced nutritious diet that is good for the baby and you. It makes sense to consult a nutritionist on what food you should eat when you are pregnant. Some women are already on the heavy side. They need not put on the same amount of weight that thin people might need to. The amount of weight that you can put on will also be different if you are carrying twins or triplets. Your doctor will guide you on how much weight you can gain during pregnancy. Listen to the advice.

Women who have a high BMI need to be extra cautious. They need to keep their weight gain under check during pregnancy. But that does not mean you can go on a diet. Dieting during pregnancy is extremely harmful for both you and your baby. If you are diabetic, then you need to have a healthy BMI before you get pregnant. It is advisable that you get a pregnancy diet planned for you by your doctor. Most hospitals have a specially trained team of doctors and nurses who take care of diabetic would-be moms.

Avoiding excess weight gain is not too difficult. All you need to do is to eat sensibly. Any pregnant woman will need around 2,500 calories a day. About ten percent of your calories should come from meat, eggs and fish. Around thirty five percent should come from dairy products and nuts. The rest of the fifty five percent will come from bread, rice, fruits and vegetables. You can have an occasional treat of chocolate and pizza. But make sure you do not binge. This is because apart from gaining weight, you might puke after binging. Weight gain during pregnancy is something that you need to handle with extreme care.

However, one needs to be careful enough to judge the symptoms correctly. Sometimes, the symptoms may be confusing due to their similarities to the common signs of menstruation.

The Most Common Symptoms To Detect Impending Motherhood

One of the most common symptoms of pregnancy is implantation bleeding. It usually occurs at the end of the second week (after 10-14 days) after conception. The bleeding could be differentiated from natural menstrual bleeding by noting the lighter color of the blood. This bleeding lasts for a lesser duration of time than it does during the periods. These pregnancy spotting symptoms are quite normal and common.

Swelling and tenderness of breasts may also be one of the early signs of pregnancy. This happens in the second week of pregnancy due to the hormonal changes taking place in the body of the mother. The breasts may become tingly or sore. Sometimes, they might also feel fuller or heavier.

Another common and traditional measure for pregnancy detection is morning sickness. It is characterized by nausea, with or without vomiting. The queasiness usually begins in the second week after conception. Morning sickness is generally attributed to the increased levels of the hormone estrogen, and an increased ability of smelling.

Fatigue and tiredness may also be significant early symptoms of pregnancy. A higher level of progesterone, which initiates sleepiness, is the major reason for this. Additionally, lower levels of blood sugar and blood pressure along with an increased production of blood can contribute to fatigue during pregnancy.

A sense of lightheadedness and faintness may also crop up as major symptoms of pregnancy. As the blood sugar level goes down, dizziness and fainting may become common. It is advisable to consult the doctor if the symptoms are severe.

Frequent and mild headaches may also be important symptoms of pregnancy. This happens usually due to the increased blood circulation caused by hormonal changes in the body of the mother.

Constipation is another significant early symptom and a definitive clue to learn about pregnancy. Due to the increased levels of progesterone, food passes slowly through the intestines which results in constipation.

Occasional mood swings are also viable during the onset of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. This may make the mother exceptionally emotional and weepy. As is obvious, the cause of the mood swings is again the increased levels of female hormones.

Aversions and craving for certain foods may also be symptoms of pregnancy. As the hormonal changes are at their peak during the first trimester, the mother might crave for or dislike certain foods during this period. This symptom usually disappears with time.

It has been observed that most of the symptoms of early pregnancy are related to the hormonal changes taking place in the body. Therefore, if any of the early signs of pregnancy is too severe or is missing, it would be wiser to check out with the doctor.

It is quite common to receive a lot of unwanted advice which can be very irritating. Keep your calm; don’t get worked up. We are not saying that you turn a deaf ear to everyone. But listen to advice from dependable sources only. Now, it’s up to you to decide which source to trust. Nothing can replace your doctor’s advice.

What Happens In The First Trimester?

The first trimester means the first 3 months of your pregnancy. During this phase, you will experience many physical and biological changes. The first thing you have to deal with is morning sickness. Though the term states “morning sickness” but it may not happen just in the morning. It can happen at any time of the day. Don’t lose heart as there are many pleasant surprises lined up for you.

• You will become sexually more attractive to your partner. This is because your body will release pheromones. Your partner will woo you more than he ever did. So enjoy the attention and feel like a princess.
• Your senses will become stronger; it is very natural for you to go sniffing for food. Well, not all, but some women develop a special liking to certain foods. There are also some who develop a disliking towards their favorite foods. Fries and burgers, which were inseparable, will taste like cardboard. Your food preferences will definitely change during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Symptoms In The First Trimester

Various biological changes will show some symptoms in your body. So, if you feel any of these, it is natural and nothing to worry about. Here is a list of the physical changes. Not to mention, Morning Sickness tops the list. Some other symptoms are:-

• Tenderness or soreness in breasts, increase in breast size
• Mood swings and heightened emotions
• Beautiful, glowing skin
• Foot cramps
• Darker nipples
• Frequent urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Constipation

Now that you know about the changes, you will be in a better position to deal with them. Did you notice one of the most beautiful changes? We are talking about your skin- it will glow like never before. Thank your hormones for this healthy skin. No amount of creams and lotions could have given you this kind of a flawless skin. So make the most of it. Like they say, “If you have it, flaunt it”. But, may we guard you against an outburst of pimples. This phase can give you acne, so you might have to consult your doctor. But most women get a glowing skin. Such is the majestic first trimester of your pregnancy.

What Happens Inside?

There are many grandma tales about the different stages of pregnancy, and what happens inside you. Let us check out the symptoms of these different phases.

• Initially, during the first three months, you will experience some physical changes in your body. Sore breasts, darker nipples, increase in the size of breasts are some such noticeable changes. Symptoms like morning sickness, increased heart beats, nausea, fatigue and headache will be experienced during this phase. At the end of three months, your uterus will grow a little bit and become the size of a grapefruit. Your baby too will grow to about 2 inches.
• The next three months are blissful; your baby will start developing senses. He/she will be able to hear your voice and the sounds from the surroundings. Though this stage may be accompanied with some discomfort, but it can be very exciting. Your baby bump will start showing- time to indulge in some shopping. Soon, you will be growing out of your regular size. The end of these three months will have a pleasant surprise for you. Your baby will kick start the final stage. Yes! You got it right; your little wonder will start kicking.
• The final stage of child bearing will mostly be spent in anticipation. You will be excited like mad to see your baby. Your belly will grow really big! Baby showers and shopping for the bundle of joy will be thrilling experiences. You will again go through some physical changes. Difficulty in sleeping will be faced. But this stage of pregnancy is the most rewarding one. Your baby will start communicating with you. He/she will feel all your emotions. So enjoy yourself while taking it easy.

Your Wait Is Over - Your Little One Has Arrived

Motherhood is a very beautiful experience; the thrill of bringing a new life in this world is amazing. It can give you quite an adrenaline rush. Though you will feel burned out, nothing can mar your joy. Some women might feel bummed out, but this is just a phase and will pass away. This is a good time to just put up your legs and enjoy the attention. Your baby will keep you on your feet due to frequent feeding and nappy changing. But no other experience can replace the solace and contentment of motherhood. It will be easy to deal with all the phases if you are well aware about the different stages of pregnancy.

Once you get over the sobbing phase, which will last for around 2 to 3 days, you will be able to evaluate the situation better.

Ask yourself few questions:-

• Am I ready for bearing a child?

• Can I care for one more life?
• Am I ready to take emotional as well as financial responsibility?
• Is single parenting my cup of tea?
• Do I have a support system to fall back on?
• Will the baby’s birth affect my career?
• How will I cope with the expenses?
• What if there is a complication in the pregnancy?

If you have doubts about any of these questions, it is a sign that you are not ready for child bearing. However, if you answer all these questions positively, then you are prepared for an unplanned pregnancy. This makes your life easier; you start taking care of yourself and share the news with your near and dear ones. You can inform your boss and apply for a maternity leave in advance. But, if your answers are not positive, now is the time to either take help from a counselor, doctor or a friend.

What Do You Do When You Don’t Want The Child?

Now that you have evaluated your situation and realized that you cannot go ahead with this pregnancy, you have two options. Either abort the child or put up the baby for adoption. The latter will be a difficult thing to do since you would be bearing the child for 9 months and chances are that you might get attached to the baby. This kind of emotional attachment will make it very difficult to part with the baby later. So, the former option seems better. Not that it is the perfect solution. Aborting a child has its own perils. It can leave a deep emotional scar. But, you’ve got to go to the mattress. This cannot be taken lying down. Gather courage and put things straight before it is too late.

Life After Abortion

Dealing with an abortion can play havoc with your emotions. There will be feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, emptiness and a certain vacuum. Though these feelings will subside with time, but the wound may not heal soon. You would need counseling to come to terms with the truth of your life. Like they say – “Time is the best healer”. Give yourself some time. Whether it is abortion or an unplanned pregnancy, it can surely be depressing.