Saturday, July 6, 2013

Please Help Me Get Pregnant


Help Me Get Pregnant - Ways You Can Improve Your Chances

Helpful Tips On Getting Pregnant

You and your spouse have finally decided that it's time to work on starting or adding to your family. So you stopped whatever form of birth control you were using each month you waited expectantly for your monthly visitor to not make her appearance, only to have it show up and dash your hopes. At first you don't think too much about it, but after the months go by with no luck at seeing a positive on a pregnancy test you start to worry. So you start thinking, how can someone help me get pregnant?

Before you start to worry remember that sometimes it can take a few months for your body to regulate itself after coming off most forms of birth control. Some women are lucky and get pregnant the first month off, but most it takes a few months for things to regulate. Once you have made the decision to work on becoming pregnant it is a good idea to start taking care of yourself. Good health can help you get pregnant sooner. One thing to do is to start taking a good prenatal vitamin as soon as you decide that you want to work on conceiving a child. Not only is it good for your health, but folic acid is known to help prevent some types of birth defects.

Another thing that will help with your thought of help me get pregnant, is to stop smoking and drinking lots of caffeine. Both of these have been shown to affect fertility in a not so good way and could cause problems with conceiving if they are used regularly. Another thing that will help is to get to know your cycle. By knowing your cycle you can pinpoint the best times in it to conceive and know exactly when to do the deed to maximize your chances.

And finally, if you are wishing for a fairy to wave a magic wand whilst thinking 'please help me get pregnant', just remember that you have to learn how to de-stress and relax. Stressing over not getting pregnant can actually affect ovulation and make getting pregnant even harder. Stress can also cause performance anxiety in males, which can cause difficulties in conceiving. And do not be afraid to make an appointment with your doctor at anytime. Doing so can ease your mind and allow nature to take its course.

Where to Find Health Insurance, Maternity Coverage


If you or your spouse just lost a job and therefore your medical insurance coverage, you need to look into a family health insurance plan. If you are currently pregnant, a new health insurance plan will not cover you or your pregnancy because this was a pre-existing condition.

You should check into continuing your current medical insurance coverage under COBRA if you are pregnant. You will have to pay a monthly premium that will likely be quite a bit higher than your group insurance coverage was with your job, but at least you will still have coverage. If you or your spouse is leaving one job to go to another that does have group health insurance maternity coverage, you may have a waiting period before the new plan will cover the existing pregnancy. If you are pregnant currently it is best not to change jobs if at all possible until after your baby is born.

Hopefully, you are not yet pregnant and can plan to have other health insurance maternity coverage when you do get pregnant. If this is the case, you can do an online search for medical insurance providers for your location. Be sure to add on maternity as special coverage. This will raise the premium, but if you plan to get pregnant it will be worth it. If you forget to add maternity coverage on your family plan and you become pregnant, you will not be able to add it on at that time. Remember, pregnancy is a pre-existing condition on a medical insurance plan. You will need to plan ahead for health insurance maternity coverage. Most plans will have a waiting period of 6 months to one year before maternity benefits will pay. Make sure you understand every detail of your policy so that you don't end up disappointed later on. The cost of a pregnancy is high even with no problems, but if you encounter problems during your pregnancy, the costs will sky rocket.

How to Get Pregnant Without Sex


How can you get pregnant without sex? As strange as this question may seem on the surface, there are more and more techniques every day that promise to help you and your partner get pregnant without sex. There are many treatments used for infertility experienced by couples. If you have been diagnosed as infertile, or if you have tried unsuccessfully to conceive for at least a year and a half, then it might be appropriate for you and your partner to visit a fertility clinic for a consultation.

Before you begin the process of getting pregnant without sex, you should be aware of the high cost associated with many of these medical procedures. Even if you have medical insurance, there is the possibility that these procedures are not covered. Many fertility treatments are not considered "medically necessary" by the insurance companies, so they will not cover the cost of your treatment. It is possible that your employer has a program for the cost of these procedures, or that there is funding from another source. Maybe you already have saved enough to begin infertility treatments; if you have, that was pretty smart! Some procedures can cost upwards of $30,000 per visit to the doctor! Wow! And you thought your normal doctors' bills were expensive!

If you and your partner decide to pursue infertility treatments, there are many options to decide from. Most likely, your doctor will suggest a plan based on your desires, medical problems, and budget.

Treatments can start out with fairly simple methods such as prescription fertility drugs. These drugs will not make it possible for you to get pregnant without sex, but they will make it much easier for you to conceive when you do have sex. Drugs have effects such as causing your ovaries to release more than one egg at a time so that you increase your chances of getting pregnant each month. This type of treatment can be very effective for couples who are not completely infertile, but who are having trouble getting pregnant naturally.

More invasive treatments such as artificial insemination are available to help you get pregnant without having sex. During artificial insemination, a doctor strategically places semen into the uterus of the women who would like to become pregnant. The semen used my come from her partner or a male donor. This option can be used not only for infertile couples, but also for single women or lesbian couples that would like to have children.

After artificial insemination, there are even more serious measures that can be done to help you to get pregnant without sex. An egg and sperm can be combined in a laboratory and then the fetus can be implanted into the uterus, if necessary.

There are many options for women who need to get pregnant without sex; see your doctor to figure out which one is best for you!

California Health Insurance Exchange 101


With the inception of health care reform, we have seen numerous changes in health care, such as full coverage of preventive care services and work has already begun to create state-based "exchange" around the country. But, how can you use one of these exchanges? How can it help consumers looking for affordable health care coverage in California?

An exchange is a marketplace where individuals and small business firms can shop and compare different California health plans online. Plans will be standardized; every plan sold by insurance companies will offer the same benefits to make it easier for consumers to shop for health coverage. Consumers will simply focus on the cost and quality of the health plan when doing comparison shopping. It's designed to make it easier than the complicated fine print we now should read, but can't always understand.

Why Would A California Health Insurance Exchange Be Controversial?

Like almost everything else, state-based exchanges are enmeshed in politics. In California and other states, lawmakers have agreed to adopt the legislation in setting up exchanges, but many Republican governors are fighting the exchanges. Some governors even refuse to implement any part of the health care reform, such as in Florida.

California, Florida and Texas contribute 40 percent of the 4.3 million uninsured children in the country and lack of coverage hurts the adults in these states, as well. The insurance exchange can give the public a better chance to get affordable health plans. However, some insurance experts predict that healthy individuals will opt out from the exchanges if they are not well planned. That would leave insurance companies insuring sicker people, which typically drives up CA plan premiums.

When Will The California Health Insurance Exchange Be Ready?

The new health insurance marketplace is required to be fully functional on January 1, 2014. By that date, all states are expected to have set up their state-based exchange. If they fail to do so, the federal government will run an exchange for that state.

The CA exchange will initially be open only for individuals buying their own health coverage and for small businesses looking for plans to cover employees. Most U.S. citizens will still get health coverage through their jobs, but there are millions of people who don't have that choice. For better or worse, immigrants without documents will be barred from buying health insurance through the exchanges. Since many illegal immigrants work in food production in the U.S., keeping them healthy sounds like it would be extremely important.

Congressional members and staff will be required to buy health plans for California through the exchange, but other federal employees can get health care coverage outside the exchange. Among the public, 11.5 million U.S. citizens are expected to use the exchanges in 2014, and the Congressional Budget Office estimates that will double in 2018.

How Much Will California Health Insurance Plans Cost?

Since there are four different types of plan offered, premiums will vary depending on the level of benefits and your location. There will be a choice of bronze, silver, gold and platinum plans, and all plans will incorporate certain safeguards. For example, insurance companies will not allowed to charge premiums based on your gender or your health status. However, insurers may increase rates based on age. Seniors could be charged triple the rate for young adults.

The Obama administration has said there will be a set of "essential benefits" in every health plan sold through the exchange. The benefits are still being worked out, but will definitely include coverage for services such as emergency care, prescription drugs, hospital care, lab services, maternity care and pediatric care.

Maternity Insurance Options


If you are already carrying a child and want to purchase medical insurance, you might find that it won't be easy to find. Insurance companies know that they are will spend more than you pay in premiums if they insure you and are unlikely to offer you health insurance.

Your options are likely to be limited, but there might be some ways that you can lower your costs. In some situations, health care insurance companies are mandated to insure you.

You might qualify for group medical insurance. You may qualify for a government-sponsored policy through your city, county, your state or the federal government. You might be able to get the cost of your medical care lowered through negotiation.

You will probably be denied for an individual health insurance policy, if you applied while pregnant. However, if you already have a health care insurance policy, you will not be dropped from the health insurance policy because you are "with child" unless you applied too recently.

Many health individual policies will eliminate coverage for pregnancy. If you have one of these health insurance contracts and are "with child" keeping might still be worthwhile.

Why? Because most of these contracts will cover the complications of pregnancy. The complications of pregnancy could considered a sickness. Normal pregnancy is not.

You may want to look at other choices if your current contract doesn't cover normal pregnancy expenses. If you do, make sure that you keep your current policy until you have another policy in place. This can save you a lot of money.

Employer-sponsored medical insurance, if available to you, will probably be your best option. These types of policies usually have good benefits and will often have good doctors and hospitals.

Group medical insurance might be available to you through your employer. If your child is due is after the company's next open enrollment period, you could be able to get the bulk of your pregnancy costs covered by that policy. Getting group health care insurance is often the best alternative.

If your spouse or domestic partner qualifies for group health insurance, you could be able to get insurance through his or her contract. You will probably need to wait until the next open enrollment period to request insurance through the policy.

Open enrollment periods usually happen once per year, but there are special open enrollment periods also. You can typically be placed on your spouse's insurance if you apply right after you get married. A child can usually qualify to get on a parent's plan if he or she applies before he or she is 30 days old.

Group insurance is often available to the self-employed. In many areas, an individual can qualify for group insurance. You could be able to get health insurance this way as the primary insured or as a dependent.

There may be plans offered through your state, city or county. You might qualify for Medicaid. These government-sponsored plans should be investigated if coverage through private health care insurance isn't available to you.

You might want to ask your OB/GYN or your local planned parenthood to see what options are available in your area. Choices available in different parts of the country, towns and counties vary widely. If you are able to find coverage, you are likely to save a lot. Be sure to do your homework..

You may be able to lower your pregnancy expenses by prepaying your bill at the hospital. Soon-to-be-mothers often find that the hospital will give them a deep discount if they are able enter into a prepayment plan.

Shopping around for a less costly doctor can also be a good idea. Hospitals even those that are a short drive form each other can charge very differently. It pays to comparison shop.

Pregnancy shouldn't be a time where money is paramount in your mind. However, making an effort to reduce your expenses can make being a mother better because you can spend more time focusing on your baby.

Which Insurance Companies Provide Short Term Disability?


Whether you are an employer seeking short-term disability coverage for your employees or an employee independently trying to find a policy for yourself, you will need to know where to look for these policies and the short term disability insurance cost. Not every insurance company offers this sort of coverage. Since these policies are not regulated equally in every state, finding short-term coverage is not as easy as finding a policy for your car or your general health.

The list below contains the names of some of the most highly rated carriers of short-term disability insurance. The list is not exclusive and it should not discourage you from looking further for other companies. These companies, however, are financially strong, offer numerous options in their insurance products and already have established reputations as excellent and reliable carriers.

Companies That Provide Short-Term Policies for Disability

American International Group (AIG)

AIG operates in 130 countries and jurisdictions around the world. This sort of size is reassuring when you are paying for a policy because you know that they can and will pay on properly filed claims. If you live and work in the United States, then choosing this company will put you in the hands of the country's largest underwriter of both commercial and industrial insurance. Besides offering disability coverage in the short-term, AIG also provides long-term coverage for serious disability.

Boston Mutual

Boston Mutual is a long-lived company that has been around since 1891. When you take out a policy with a business that has been around so long, you can count on their reliability. Some of the most respected reviewers of insurance companies believe in their trustworthiness. Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch have all rated Boston Mutual as one of the best in the insurance business in general. They offer short-term accident and sickness policies that you can add independently to your insurance coverage.

The Hartford

The Hartford is another top-rated company that has received accolades from Standard & Poor's and Moody's. They offer a wide range of insurance products that you can integrate with a short-term policy. These other products include long term disability (LTD) and workers' compensation. You can also just select your short-term coverage through them.

Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha has over 100 years of experience in providing insurance to a variety of customers. They have consistently earned strong ratings from Moody's and Fitch. This company offers policies that employers can manage for their employees and they also offer voluntary policies that employees can seek on their own.

Unum

A Fortune 500 company, Unum provides products and services that cover a variety of insurance situations, among them short-term needs for income during disabilities that do not qualify for long-term coverage.

The Cost of Short-Term Coverage for Disability

The cost of this coverage will vary from company to company. You should take advantage of the Internet and make a quick comparison of prices. Remember to examine all the features of such coverage. There are many different issues to consider when you pay for this sort of coverage. Monthly premiums are only one aspect of insurance that you should contemplate. You should also investigate how much each policy will pay, for how long and whether premiums will be taxed or payments will suffer taxation later.

The cost of these policies will also be affected by how well you handle the bureaucratic red tape. This is another issue which you should examine before you buy the policy. When injuries and illness have occurred, in your own life or that of your employee, you would probably prefer to think about the paperwork as little as possible. By reviewing the effectiveness of a policy before you buy it, you can save yourself a lot of trouble later on when an accident or an infection are the foremost problems in your mind.

Friday, July 5, 2013

IVF Implantation - Three Foods That Can Help


Most people who are attempting In Vitro Fertilization have already tried many less thorough methods that have failed them. And while couples should carefully follow the procedures and advice provided by their doctors, many have asked what else they can do, safely and simply, to help their chances. Fortunately, there are things you can do to improve your success with the all important step of IVF implantation. For instance, certain foods can help a woman's uterine lining grow more receptive to a fertilized egg. Consider snacking on these three super foods to improve your odds for a successful implantation.

Nuts

A fatty acid called prostaglandin is essential for successful implantation, which explains why women are encouraged to eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids if they want to get pregnant. Omega-3 contributes to the levels of prostaglandins in the human body but fish, the primary source of this fat, is not the safest food to eat when you're trying to conceive. Larger fish like salmon and tuna tend to have higher concentrations of toxic substances like lead and mercury. Not only do they lower your chances of conceiving successfully, but they linger in the body and can trigger learning disorders and developmental disorders in the baby.

Instead of turning to fish to obtain your daily dose of omega-3 fats, why eat more walnuts? Walnuts contain the omega-3 parent alpha linolenic acid, or ALA. Once it enters the digestive tract, the body converts ALA to omega-3 fatty acids needed for conception. A healthy amount of walnuts will provide omega-3 fats that help to increase your prostaglandin levels.

Pineapple

Believe it or not, this tart tropical fruit can help implantation because of its bromelain content. Bromelain is an enzyme that dissolves proteins which prevent healthy implantation, and a pineapple's core contains the highest concentrations of this enzyme. While scientific studies have yet to examine these claims, many mothers who conceived through IVF believe that eating pineapple improved their chances immensely. For IVF, divide one pineapple into five portions. Eat one portion every day, starting on the day of your embryo transfer. It's important that you start during the embryo transfer itself; otherwise, the pineapple can interfere with the PH levels of your vaginal and cervical mucus, turning them acidic.

Green leafy vegetables

Make dark green leafy vegetables and other folate-rich foods an important part of your diet. Folate or folic acid is a type of B vitamin that aids in the production of new cells and helps them survive. This is essential for embryos, whose cells are rapidly dividing in the womb. A number of studies have also shown that folic acid produce healthier eggs, which are more likely to implant successfully. While you can certainly take a folate supplement for this, you might risk consuming too much of this nutrient, which increases the chances of twin births. Twins are a blessing to have, but carrying them comes with a few health risks your body may not be able to handle. Instead, stick to a salad of dark leafy greens and add folate-rich foods like whole wheat bread and lentils.

Help Getting Pregnant - Get Pregnant Fast Using Natural Methods Only - You Don't Need Any Drugs


Do you need help getting pregnant? When you consult a physician or a fertility specialist, the first thing that they will usually do is to try and find a medical reason for your failure to get pregnant. Usually, women will be told that they have one of a series of physical problems such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, tubal fibrosis, or endometriosis.

However, these physical problems may just be manifestations of something else, or they may not be the ones causing the actual infertility. Before surrendering your body to irrevocable surgery, maybe you should consider trying to go the natural route for help getting pregnant. This article provides you with several easy, simple suggestions that you should try.

First, try to remove synthetic cleaning products and other such household materials from your house. Exposure to the possible chemicals and toxins contained within these products can alter your system and keep you from being as fertile as you can be.

Second, Chinese medicine has proven to work with some women who need help getting pregnant. Alternative medicine tends to use natural herbs to create supplements that work with the body to increase your fertility levels. If you are stressed, anxious, or depressed, you may find that acupuncture, another traditional form of treatment, can help you to release these bad elements and make your body more receptive to pregnancy.

Finally, remember that it takes two to tango. Your husband should also be involved in this effort to create a successful pregnancy. You may want to suggest to your husband to cut down his exposure to toxins such as alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine for the duration of your attempts to conceive. Doing this, as well as increasing his dietary intake of omega 3 fatty acids such as can be found in nuts and salmon, will help increase his sperm count. This in turn will increase your chances of a successful pregnancy outcome.

There is nothing to lose in first trying natural methods to help you conceive. Try these simple suggestions and you may be surprised at how much they can help you.

10 Weeks Pregnant - Taking Care of Yourself and Your Baby


If you are 10 weeks pregnant, it means that you are nearing the end of your first trimester. The first trimester constitutes the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. At 10 weeks pregnancy stage, the embryo would have grown considerably. At this stage, it is important for pregnant women to take proper care of themselves in order to have a healthier baby.

Fetus Growth

In a 10 weeks pregnant woman, the fetus will be around 1.2 inches. It will weigh less than a sixth of an ounce. The vital organs like kidneys, heart, brain, lungs, and intestines would have been fully formed and functioning. From here on, the fetus will start to grow rapidly with each passing day. Over a period of next few weeks, the fetus will start to show the first signs of fingernails and hair growth. At this stage, the forehead will appear very big. However, as it develops, it will become normal in size.

Taking Care Of Yourself

With a baby growing rapidly inside you, it is important to take proper care of yourself. Proper care and nourishment always starts with a healthy diet that includes proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients in balanced amounts. It is best to take a doctor's advice regarding what should be consumed and what should be avoided during pregnancy.

For instance, health care providers always advise pregnant women to avoid eating foods that generate heat inside the body. Pineapple and papaya are two such fruits that generate heat and must be avoided during pregnancy.

It is best to take small meals throughout the day rather than taking large meals three times a day. Taking small meals will help in digestion and avoid problems like heartburn and acidity. Prefer taking a walk after your meal to ensure proper digestion.

Besides incorporating a healthy and balanced diet, 10 weeks pregnant women should keep themselves hydrated by drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday.

Additionally, you should also take plenty of rest during your pregnancy. Take frequent naps throughout the day. Proper rest will ensure healthy growth of the embryo.

Activities To Avoid

At this stage, you can also begin reading books on pregnancy to get more information. Learning as much as you can about pregnancy is important to know about the things you need to avoid during pregnancy. Here is a list of some of the activities that pregnant women should avoid:

Smoking and drinking alcohol

Avoid activities like horse riding, hockey, skiing, and playing soccer as these activities increase the chances of trauma or injury to your abdomen.

Avoid exercises like aerobics.

Avoid over-exerting physically and mentally.

Avoid jacuzzi, saunas, and steam baths during early pregnancy because high temperature can lead to birth defects.

Reading books on pregnancy will also help you learn about the warning signs that you should watch out for during pregnancy. Severe headaches, a feeling that something is wrong, not feeling the child's heartbeat regularly, severe vomiting, and swelling on face, hands and legs can be considered some of the warning signs that should never be overlooked. Seek your doctor right away so that any complications can be avoided.

If you are 10 weeks pregnant, it is important to understand that there is still a long way to go. For the next 30 weeks or so, you will need to take extra care of yourself and your baby. And, learning as much as you can about pregnancy will help you in your goal.

Create Maternity Leave Pay Using Short Term Disability Insurance


Your health and ability to work may be your most important asset. Most people buy their house and their car using financing: mortgages and/or car loans and leases. They plan to pay for these necessities over time - from future income. You insure your house, your life, and your car, wouldn't it make sense to insure the asset that makes it all happen - your paycheck?

Short-term disability provides important income protection should you have an accident, or develop an illness and were unable to work. Statistics show that you are much more likely to be injured in an accident than to die from one. Advances in medicine are allowing us to live longer. However, recovery from a serious illness often requires time away from work. Short-term disability can replace up to 70% of your income should you become disabled. Benefits can begin as quickly as within seven days for an illness, and with no waiting period for an accident. Benefits can last as long as two years.

Create Maternity Leave Income

Workingwomen who are planning a pregnancy have an extra incentive to buy this valuable coverage: they are planning to use the benefit, and will likely generate maternity leave income that far surpasses the premium cost. Short-term disability pays a six-week benefit for a vaginal delivery, and an eight-week benefit for a c-section delivery, less the elimination period. Benefits may be extended if delivery complications require an extended time away from work.

Apply preconception to lock in your short-term disability benefit for maternity leave, with at least a three-month buffer in case of premature birth. Most short-term disability policies contain an exclusion for normal delivery within the first nine months of the policy effective date. By applying several months before conception, your delivery will likely fall outside the exclusion period, even if your pregnancy does not go full term.

Coverage for High Risk Pregnancies

Each year almost 25% of expectant mothers will have one or more complications of pregnancy. Many women will need to leave work weeks or months in advance of their due date. Others may miss work when they suffer a miscarriage. Short-term disability plans provide income protection for these circumstances, which becomes especially important for high-risk pregnancies.

Ask your Employer

Short-term disability with pregnancy and maternity leave benefits are only available through your employer. Your opportunity for a positive return on your maternity leave income is a loss for the insurance carrier. Insurers are willing to absorb losses on pregnancy and maternity leave policies, provided they have the opportunity to market other policies to your co-workers.

It's easy to get your employer on board, even if they don't offer such a program now. There is no direct cost to your employer, as you pay the premium. Your employer simply needs to deduct the premium from your paycheck, and forward the money to the insurance carrier once a month. The policies are portable. If you separate from your employer, you can keep the policy at the same rate. You own the policy.

Contact a local agent specializing in voluntary employee benefit programs. The agent can speak to your employer, and provide you the opportunity to pay for this coverage through payroll deduction.

How Can I Get Pregnant Fast - 5 Great Tips to Help You Conceive Quickly and Naturally


How can I get pregnant fast? I looked around for answer to this question for a very long time. I read a lot of books. I participated in online women's forums and did some research on the internet too. Here in this article I am going to share with you the top 5 tips which I feel will be useful for women wanting to get pregnant fast.

1. Have sex three times a week.

Having regular sex is the best way to get pregnant. This way you can be sure that you do not miss the most fertile period of the month. Some women find it difficult to precisely predict when they are ovulating. By having intercourse thrice a week you can be sure that you do not miss the opportunity to conceive.

2. Make use of an ovulation prediction kit or fertility monitor.

Ovulation prediction kit and fertility monitor are both useful to identify the best time to get pregnant in any given month. These are very simple to use gadgets which anyone can make use of.

3. Have sex before ovulation (not after).

The amount of time which you have to get pregnant each month is only 24 hours on an average. The male sperm is capable of surviving for 3-4 days. On the other hand the fertilized egg usually survives for approximately 24 hours only. Hence if you have sex couple of days before ovulation, your partner's sperm would be ready and waiting to fertilize the egg when it is released.

4. Sex positions that keep sperm inside the vagina longer.

There are certain positions which help to keep the sperm inside the vagina for a longer time. The missionary position is a good position to use when trying to get pregnant. Dog style and side by side positions are also useful to help in conception. Woman on top position must be avoided. It may also be useful to place a pillow under your hips to help tilt your pelvis and keep the sperm inside longer. Relax and keep lying down for some time after sex- do not be in a hurry to get up right after sex.

5. Don't smoke, drink alcohol, or do drugs if you seriously want to get pregnant.

Smoking, drugs, and alcohol can seriously impact your fertility. It can also cause harm to your unborn child. Remember, the first thing to do while figuring out-how can I get pregnant fast is to stop smoking or using drugs and alcohol BEFORE getting pregnant. Don't wait until you find out you are pregnant!

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Maternity Leave - What You Need to Know


It is important for moms and dads to know the facts about maternity leave and to know your rights in the USA.

I know two women here in the United States where I live, who recently found out they were pregnant. Both have claimed for years, they did not want children. After the initial baby blues, these mommies to be are tickled pink! One of the ladies will be 39 by the time her child is born. Luckily, she has been with the same employer for over a decade. This dedication has earned twelve weeks paid maternity leave. The younger expectant Mom only qualifies for the standard six weeks off work. This is not a lot of time- to give birth, recuperate, and bond with your newborn.

What if the pregnancy becomes difficult in the final trimester? Sometimes your gynecologist will prescribe bed rest for women who are experiencing complications. You may need to stay off your feet for weeks before delivery. Someone told me of a new mother who was harassed by her boss to return to work early when her son was only five weeks old. Mothers do not deserve the additional pressure of worrying over job security, while trying to take care of their growing family. A woman should not have to put their health at risk, working right up to the due date.

We cannot leave fathers out of the excitement. After they receive the news of becoming a Dad, there are other important events to share. They are needed at doctor visits and naturally at the hospital when the baby is born. Employers in the United States frown enough on mothers expecting maternity leave. It is practically unheard of for the father to expect time off work. Parents to be require an adjustment period to this new life that will change their lives forever. Dads are expected to take the bare minimum off their normal schedule. This does not take into account, the outcome of a premature or ill baby.

In America, only one in seven workers receives paid leave for childbirth. The wealthiest nation in the world puts maternity leave at the bottom of the family values list. The business outlook in the USA is not looking out for the parents of this country. Instead, we are made to feel guilty of leaving our workplace in an awkward position. Added insecurity of our jobs being in jeopardy, does not lead to a healthy environment. Keeping our families and employment in check requires juggling financial demands and bouncing babies.

You may find uncaring management at fault, although most maternity leave policies are not dictated at the office level but by the US government. It pays you to know your legal rights. The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, states that you are allowed at least 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, if your company employs more than 50 people. You must have been employed full-time for at least a consecutive year to be eligible.

Maternity leave rights guarantee a job will be waiting your arrival back to work. Your employer is not legally bound to hold the exact position you left. Your pay is guaranteed to stay the same or better when you return. It is a violation of the Law, if you are told your job no longer exists after taking maternity leave. Congratulations on your new bundle of joy. Finding balance between home and income is a labor of love.

Overcoming Postpartum Depression: 7 Keys to Finding Happiness


Each year in the US, approximately 1 million new mothers suffer from symptoms of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a much more intense condition than having just the "baby blues." A new mom suffering from postpartum depression will suffer from such conditions as: feelings of hopelessness, irritability, mood swings, panic attacks, lack of interest, constant crying, sleep problems, mania, guilt, racing thoughts, delusions, and the inability to care for the baby. Postpartum depression is very serious and a new mom suffering from the condition needs help overcoming this emotionally paralyzing state.

Medical experts believe that postpartum depression results from changes in the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. After childbirth, progesterone levels drop dramatically which may play a major role in major depression. As well, after pregnancy, the levels of endorphins (naturally secreting mood elevating chemicals) drop sharply which adds to the risk of depression. If you are a new mom afflicted with postpartum depression, the good news is it is a condition that can be overcome. The first step to overcoming postpartum depression is to acknowledge your feelings.

The following is a list of 7 keys to finding happiness when suffering from postpartum depression:

1. Accountability Partner(s): Draw a circle of support. It is important not to isolate yourself from others. Surround yourself with positive people that will inspire and encourage you to identify the good things in your life. It is important to have someone that you can share your thoughts and feelings with during your recovery process. It is helpful to have someone that you can "vent' your frustrations.

2. "Me" Time: It is vital that you take time for yourself. Don't be apprehensive about asking others to care for the baby so you can have a break and do something that you enjoy. If you don't have "me" time, you will become more stressed, negative, and emotionally drained. You can begin with an hour a day while leaving your baby with someone you trust. It will give you a chance to relax, clear your mind, and have some fun.

3. Exercise: Exercise is an effective way of getting rid of stress, frustration, and anxiety. Running is a good choice because you will not only run off your negativity and anxiety, but you will also become fit and have more energy. You can also hike, walk, and even join a fitness center.

4. Find a Hobby: Having an extra activity that is separate from the baby and other family responsibilities will allow you to occupy your mind with things that you enjoy and makes you feel good. It is important that you take time for your own needs and wants. For instance, gardening, painting, pottery, taking a course...etc, are all very rewarding and relaxing hobbies. You can be the best mother and also have other meaningful things in your life.

5. Mind Relaxing Techniques: It is important to find ways to relax. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation will help focus the mind and also help you look at things with a more rational perspective.

6. Make your Environment Positive: If you isolate yourself and surround yourself with things that make you feel sad, you will have a much more difficult time finding joy in life. You will reflect the sadness around. It is important to surround yourself with bright and happy items such as freshly cut flowers, bright colors, inspiring pictures, bright light, opened curtains...etc.

7. Cognitive therapy and Interpersonal therapy: Psychotherapy is based on the idea that there is a link between your mood disorder and interpersonal relationships, such as those with your spouse or new baby. Cognitive therapy and Interpersonal therapy are two therapy methods that are very helpful in helping women overcome postpartum depression. There are many therapists that specialize in these two therapy techniques. Cognitive therapists work on the principle that negative perceptions can quickly decrease energy and motivation, increase stress levels, and lower self-esteem and self-confidence. Interpersonal therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed to help people cope with immediate problems and difficult transitions.

It is important for a new mother to understand that their postpartum depression is not the result of being a weak or a bad person. It is a real medical condition that can be treated. You deserve to be healthy, and your child needs a healthy and happy mom.

Robert Moment is an inspirational life coach, personal growth strategist, speaker and author of bestselling book titled, The Path to Emotional Healing. Robert specializes in maximizing human potential for happiness, purpose and success. Visit http://www.howtobehappyagain.com and sign-up for the FREE life-changing emotional healing and finding happiness 10 day ecourse titled, Be Happy Now.

What Are the Causes of PMS? Part 2


In PMS Part 1, we saw the general classification of the four 'types' of PMS which showed some promise that we might be able to identify a cause for each set of symptoms. But it turns out that trying to work out the causes of PMS from even an organised list of the possible symptoms is rather like watching a blockbuster 3D movie without the special glasses; you have a general idea of what is going on, but the details are blurred, the colours run into each other, and clarity is tantalisingly out of reach!

However, a glance at the PMS-A/C/D/H categories outlined in the previous article do suggest different factors and the influence of different hormones being involved in each type. For example:

(A) anxiety/hyperarousal (raised adrenaline and noradrenaline from the adrenal medulla)

(C) stress symptoms with secondary disturbance of sugar metabolism (raised adrenal cortical steroids, eg cortisol)

(D) depression, sadness and diminished mental function (increased oestrogen, reduced progesterone, raised cortisol)

(H) fluid retention and related signs and symptoms (increased oestrogen, aldosterone).

Although these categories seem relatively well defined, in practice there is considerable overlap between them. It becomes obvious that to pinpoint the complete hormonal state of affairs within an individual woman through laboratory tests would be very difficult in both practical and financial terms. Taking into account the other hormones in the hormonal cascade, each with their different functions and subtle effects on mood and physical symptoms, and the scale of the problem becomes clear. No wonder we can still read in many publications that "PMS is a condition of unknown (or uncertain) origin"!

The Hormone Confusion

In her thoughtful book 'The Truth about Hormones', the science editor Vivienne Parry says "PMS is a classic model of the way hormones affect mood and emotion; it is also a fascinating model of fluctuating medical beliefs, swayed by prevailing medical dogma."

Here she is referring to theories of the cause of PMS which have tended to focus on hormone excess or deficiency, with either oestrogen or progesterone being given main responsibility. It is clear by now that this is a much too simplistic approach, and that part of the answer must lie in the balance and fluctuation of the various hormones, fluctuations which of course have their own causes. Dr John Lee's work on the syndrome of oestrogen dominance, with its 'excess' of oestrogen in relation to progesterone, is very much to the point here.

Much has been written in the psyche-soma debate in relation to PMS, just as it has about conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, prompting questions like "PMS - is it all in the mind?", which have contributed to it not being given the importance it has deserved.

The Role Of The Mind and Emotions

This bias has been based on the curious attitude that psychological and emotional disturbances somehow rate lower on the scale of things than physical ones. But the study of cellular biology, cell receptors and their informational substances, (which include neurotransmitters and hormones too), has already shown us that our ideas of a separate mind and body are completely artificial, born of a polarised way of looking at the world.

There is only a bodymind, the different systems of which are in health completely integrated and communicating with each other at the cellular level through their extraordinary array of hormones, neurotransmitters and receptors. Because of a tendency to think in a compartmented, linear, cause-and-effect, 'either-or' sort of way, we often have difficulty in seeing the whole picture in complex conditions like PMS; whereas the truth is more likely to be glimpsed by a holistic, 'both-and' overview. For all its strengths, evidence-based medicine, with its emphasis on a reductionist approach, can contribute to this particular problem.

The Role of Ovulation in PMS

Taking this further, we know that, in the extreme, removal of the ovaries stops the symptoms of PMS. Symptoms also disappear in anovular cycles, where ovulation has, for whatever reason, not taken place. It has also been observed that if ovulation is artificially shut down with drugs the symptoms of PMS no longer arise. If these women are then given oestrogen and progesterone to restore previous levels, only the women who previously experienced symptoms do so again, showing that some women are especially sensitive to hormones, probably due to enhanced cell receptor sensitivity.

Another interesting fact: for women with mild PMS, the contraceptive pill, by stopping ovulation, eases symptoms; for those with more severe forms, their symptoms are made worse, probably due to the effect of the synthetic progestogens on women whose biochemistry is more severely disrupted by stress or previous emotional trauma. Exactly the same effect occurs in post-natal depression (PND), while bioidentical progesterone has been seen to have a markedly beneficial effect in both conditions.

As if this is not enough to consider, there is the matter of the neurosteroids, steroids that are synthesized in the brain, and have marked effects on some of its own chemical systems. It is known that receptors on cell membranes in the brain that respond to oestrogen affect learning, memory and pain reception. In addition, low levels of the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin are associated with violence and aggression; and of serotonin alone, with depression. Interestingly, breakdown products of progesterone such as pregnenelone act as a calming influence, acting preferentially on the same receptors as do tranquillizers and barbiturates.

We also know that low levels of the aminoacid tryptophan, a serotonin precursor, make PMS symptoms worse; that oestrogen tends to increase serotonin levels when given to menopausal women, as do drugs that promote serotonin release or prevent its reuptake, improving PMS. Then there are the effects of diet, nutritional deficiencies, alcohol and obesity: a large subject in itself, and one to be explored in PMS-Part 3.

The Emotional Aspects

Finally this brings us to the emotional aspect of PMS. The 3-5% of menstruating women who suffer from the severest symptoms find their day-to-day functioning significantly affected, with consequent problems for their families. The main symptoms in this group are primarily emotional, which is why psychiatrists have claimed it for their own and labelled it 'Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder' or PMDD, the word 'dysphoric' meaning feelings at the opposite end of the spectrum from 'euphoric'.

The emotional symptoms that stand out in this form of PMS are those that already described at the severe end of postnatal depression (PND); -

Anxiety - Irritability - Agitation - Sudden panics - Anger and aggressive outbursts - Volcanic rages and violent behaviour - Feelings of murderous intent.

Another early advocate of natural progesterone supplementation, Dr Katherina Dalton, used to regularly visit Holloway women's prison and found that very nearly half of all newly sentenced prisoners had committed their crimes during the four days before the start of menstruation and the first four days of the period itself. Bipolar swings similar to those in manic depression, and disconnection of thought and emotion as found in schizo-affective states, can also occur in the most extreme forms.

It's Not The Hormones - It's Their Fluctuating Levels

As we have seen, hormones do have their own direct effects on mood, but rather than taking the easy route and attributing these symptoms to a particular combination of hormones, I think that it is much more likely that, as in PND and puerperal psychosis, it is the fluctuation of the hormonal picture that allows the release of feelings that are already there, repressed and stored away within the body in response to previous traumas, sometimes physical or sexual, often emotional, that could not be expressed at the time, or resolved since. The majority of these are from childhood, but their repression seems to attract in later life the very situations which will trigger the same feelings, leading to the recurring negative 'patterns' of experience with which all too many of us are familiar.

The positive aspect of this suffering, however, is that it sooner or later forces us to explore or confront the hidden emotional issues that underlie PMS, which itself may act both as a reminder and as a pressure-release valve. There is a saying I like:- 'Give me the courage to meet the Devil in his lair, and make of him a friend'. The process of healing these emotional and psychological stresses means that these energies are then no longer present to 'break through' when hormonal fluctuations occur.

Dr Christiane Northrup in her comprehensive guide to women's health 'Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom' writes well on this sensitive subject. She also describes a strong correlation between PMS and growing up in a family system in which parents or even grandparents were alcoholic. "The relationship between PMS and relationship addiction - giving your life away to meet other people's needs - is very high" she says. It is not difficult to see here the seeds of co-dependency. The intense, confusing and contradictory emotions of love, hate, anger, guilt, despair, shame, fear and defeat experienced in response by many children in this situation cannot be borne consciously for long. The result is a cutting off from their feelings, which resurface later in life at particularly vulnerable times. These may be times of severe or cumulative stress, emotional or physical exhaustion; or at times of hormonal imbalance or fluctuation, such as in the postnatal and premenstrual phases, and to a lesser degree at the menopause.

Conclusion

It is not always easy, and sometimes not possible, to explore the underlying issues in these situations, but in my own experience, if a woman has the willingness and the courage to do so, the results are almost always beneficial. In PMS-Part 3 we will explore the different levels of approach available to help resolve this condition, and offer a coherent and comprehensive way of looking at the problem.

Extra Care For Pregnant Rabbits


Our pets have some basic necessities that we should give in order for them to live their lives more comfortable and at ease. Those are the things that they really need so that they can able to stay with us and give us enjoyment for a longer period of time. It is our responsibility to provide them as we show our true love and care for them, more especially to those of our pregnant pets.

Animals are also like humans that need an extra care during their pregnancy or else they might miscarry their child. We need to give them more care this time and of course just like any other women; our pregnant pets have additional needs that we need to give to ensure that they will able to deliver new life very well. To help you with that, here are some of the things that you should give focus with once you know that your pet rabbit is in her pregnancy.



  1. Food. One of the most important things that we need to provide to our pregnant rabbits is the right food that will help them to be nourished and even healthier. They need those where they can get minerals and vitamins that will also make their child healthy and normal even they are still inside their womb. It is very important since the food that they will acquire will be their baby's only source in order to live and survive until the day that they will be born.


  2. Shelter. Pregnant women need a lot of good rest and sleep for it will be their way of giving enough comfort for their child, that's why we also need to give our rabbits a place where they could able to have peace every time. Provide them a good rabbit hutch where they can spend most of their time relaxing and strengthening their body. This rabbit hutch will help her to always feel comfortable and have no stress cause of noisy and dirty environment, which is really important during their pregnancy.


  3. Check-up. Everyone needs a regular check with a doctor to ensure that everything is going perfect with our entire body system and most especially if you still have that another life inside you. Bring your pregnant rabbits to a veterinary regularly so you can ensure their health and to help the rabbit have a good and safe delivery. It is very helpful for it can help you to know earlier if there are some complications with your pet's pregnancy and then it can be solved earlier too. Imagine that by just providing them the right medical protection, you can save two lives all at once, sounds really good right?


  4. Supplements. To give your pet extra protection from sickness and other bad illnesses, give them those food supplements and vitamins that will boost their immune system. With that, you will be able to nourish that child inside them plus avoiding any harm and danger to even get near to them.

How Short Term Disability Benefits Are Taxed


If you have injured yourself (on or off the job) and have been rendered temporarily disabled, you may be collecting short term disability benefits. The benefits may be paid out by the social security administration or from disability insurance provided by your employer. How short-term disability benefits are taxed varies depending on whether they are public benefits (such as social security) or private benefits, such as those provided by your employer. Taxation of these types of benefits also varies greatly from state to state and program to program. It is beneficial to speak with a qualified tax advisor in your area early in your short term disability period to know exactly what to expect. Below are some guidelines to get you started.

Public Short Term Disability Benefits

Generally speaking, if Social Security Disability (SSD) is the only income you are receiving, you can expect to pay little to no tax on that income. The reasoning is that the public disability benefit is considered to be limited income. In this case, the IRS gives you a break by taxing only a portion of the benefits based on what other income you may be receiving. If you are receiving other income, such as worker's compensation benefits, investment income or other income, you must take a look at the IRS's guidelines more closely. Even if you receive no other income during your disability period, but did receive income from your employment during a portion of the year, you will have to pay taxes on a portion of the income. Generally, the federal guidelines are as follows:

o If you file a federal tax return as an "individual" and your combined income is at least $25,000 but not greater than $34,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50 percent of your temporary Social Security Disability benefits.

o If your combined income is above $34,000, you will have to pay taxes on up to 85% of your SSD benefits

If you file a joint return:

o You could be taxed on up to 50 percent of your SSD benefits if your household's combined income is between $32,000 and $44,000.

o If your combined income is greater than $44,000, up to 85 percent of your Social Security benefits are subject to income tax.

o If you are married and file a separate tax return, you are likely to pay taxes on your benefits.

Again, the rules will vary from state to state, and you should discuss your personal situation with a qualified tax professional.

Private Short Term Disability Benefits

For short term disability benefits paid by private insurance plans, the rules are different. The IRS will tax either the premiums that were paid for the disability insurance policy or the actual benefits paid to the claimant. If the premiums deducted from an employee's paycheck are paid with after-tax dollars, they were included in taxable income, thus the benefits received from the policy are not taxable income. If, on the other hand, the employer offers the short term disability insurance as an employee benefit and deducts the premiums as a business expense, then the IRS taxes the benefit payments made to the claimant. If you have started or will soon start receiving short term disability benefits from an insurance plan, make sure you understand how the plan is taxed by the IRS.

Now that you understand the basics of how the IRS taxes short term disability benefits, make sure you speak with a qualified tax professional to get specific information that is pertinent to your own personal circumstances.

Steps To Banish Acne For Good and Create Healthy Beautiful Skin Others Will Envy


Every one wants to have beautiful glowing skin but unfortunately many people suffer from acne vulgaris which is the most common skin condition. Persistent and severe acne is not only a cosmetic problem but can affect the self esteem negatively. While there are many oral and topical medications, gels and creams that can help eliminate acne, there are various everyday steps that can prevent the development of acne in the first place.

Acne commonly develops at puberty although there are many instances of adult acne. In some cases someone may not have had acne during adolescence but may then develop it during adulthood.

Acne Causes

Many factors can contribute to the development of acne and teenage acne usually develops as a result of hormones associated with entering the puberty phase that can cause overactive sebaceous (oil) glands leading to the clogging of pores with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria and the development of acne.

Acne can also run in families as a result of a hereditary component. Acne may develop in women just before the start of the menstruation as well as during a pregnancy and the postpartum period. Acne also develops from the use of various topical corticosteroid creams, the use of heavy oil based creams, oily hair care products that can migrate to the face or other common acne prone areas such as the neck, shoulders, chest and back. Stress is also another important cause of acne especially in adult women.

Contrary to popular belief, acne does not appear to be caused by greasy foods, chocolate, candy or soda. So reducing these foods as a way to eliminate acne will not work. Eliminating these foods will be great for your general health however!

Steps to Eliminate Acne For Acne-Prone Skin

As mentioned previously, there are many medications, gels and creams that can treat existing acne flare-ups but an important step to eliminate acne is prevention since learning how to prevent flare-ups in the first place is better that finding a cure once you develop acne or acne scars.

A. Cleansing

In order to regulate excessive oil production by the sebaceous glands in addition to exfoliating the skin, cleanse the skin daily with either a medicated acne cleanser that contains either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide or a cleanser that contains an alphahydroxy acid. You can also use a cleanser that is geared for your particular skin type. Most acne prone skin is either oily or combination skin and using a cleanser that is formulated for these skin types will help to eliminate acne by preventing it's development in the first place.

Wash the face twice daily and do not use any products that contain granules to scrub the face as they only aggravate acne. Do not use any rough washcloths, sponges or puffs. Use a gentle hand when handling the skin. Gently massage the face with the cleanser of your choice, and using tepid water, completely rinse the face and gently pat dry. If you do wear makeup during the day, ensure that all traces of makeup are removed each night so as not to clog the pores and worsen the acne.

B. Moisturizer

Skin needs to be moisturized on a daily basis even for acne prone skin that may produce excess oil. It is important to note that moisturizers containing various medications such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide may be very drying on the skin which will only lead to excessive production of pore clogging oil.

In order to eliminate acne by preventing its development, you may want to consider using an oil free moisturizer instead. Depending on the skin type, a moisturizer containing an alphahydroxy acid such as glycolic acid may be beneficial as this acid will help unclog congested pores and remove dead skin cells which will help to prevent the development of acne.

C. Sun Protection Habits

Daily sun protection is very important for any skin especially acne prone skin. You can use a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15 or you can apply a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 if your moisturizer does not contain sun protection. The sunscreen should be oil-free or non-comedogenic. Other ways to protect the skin from the sun include the use of hats, umbrellas, etc. Exposure to the sun of unprotected skin can lead to hyperpigmentation if your acne scars darken before they heal which is especially common with acne prone African American skin. Skin treated with acne medications can also be very sensitive to the sun if not properly protected.

D. Skin Exfoliation

In order to eliminate acne, skin exfoliation is very important to help improve the skin's texture. Using an exfoliating mask that contains glycolic acid, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is excellent for fighting acne since this mask will absorb excess oil and also help in the prevention of dead skin cells accumulating and clogging the pores.

Other daily care tips that will help to prevent acne include not touching your face with your fingers which can contain bacteria and oil, limiting the use of hair oils and hair sprays, washing all items that touch the face daily such as brushes, sponges, etc. Minimizes stress is also very important to eliminate acne especially adult female acne.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Baby Cough Remedy at Night


Upper respiratory tract infections such as common cold are the most common cause of cough related sleepless nights in babies. In this case, your baby will also have other cold symptoms such as slightly elevated body temperature, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, irritability and reduced appetite. Common cold in babies is usually not serious and resolves within about a week without any medical treatment. But if your baby is younger than 3 months of age, you are recommended to call your pediatrician as soon as possible because newborns are at increased risk of complications including pneumonia and. Also, consult with your baby's doctor if you do not know what is causing night coughs regardless of his/her age and call a doctor immediately if:

- your baby has breathing difficulties

- may have swallowed a small object

- has high body temperature or/and any other worrisome symptoms

- has blue lips

- is unconscious

If your baby is older than 3 months and does not have any other worrisome symptoms, you can follow the tips below. Please note that none of the mentioned tips will make the cough go away immediately. But if your baby has an uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection, it should resolve with other symptoms within a few days.

Baby cough remedy at night tip #1:

Elevate your baby's head. This will reduce the drainage of mucus from the nose and sinuses into the throat which is the main trigger of night cough because the mucus irritates the airways. You can also elevate the mattress in your baby's crib by placing a pillow beneath the mattress. Be sure, however, not to put any pillows or other objects into the crib because they pose a risk of suffocation as well as increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Baby cough remedy at night tip #2:

Give your baby warm or cool liquid or milk formula if you are formula feeding. Both warm and cool liquids help thin out the mucus, make it easier to cough up and sooth the throat. You are also highly recommended to give your baby plenty of liquids during the day to keep him/her well hydrated. Just like adults, babies need more liquids to stay hydrated when they are sick.

Baby cough remedy at night tip #3:

Run a humidifier because dry air irritates the airways and makes the cough even worse. A humidifier will relieve nasal congestion and facilitate breathing by which less irritating mucus will be drained into your baby's throat. But please keep in mind that humidifiers are an ideal breeding ground for mold and bacteria. You are highly recommended to clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Baby cough remedy at night tip #4:

Take your baby into the bathroom, run a warm shower and close the door to allow the steam to sooth your baby's irritated airways and throat, and thin up the mucus. This baby cough remedy at night works best if it is used in combination with a humidifier.

Baby cough remedy at night tip #5:

Do not use any herbal remedies and over-the-counter cough medications unless you were explicitly allowed to use them by your baby's doctor. Although some can be very helpful in older kids, most herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter cough medications can cause serious side effects in babies.

Besides following the mentioned tips, you are also recommended to make sure that your baby is comfortable and that he/she gets plenty of rest and fluids during the day.

When Bird Allergy Flies Your Way


Bird allergy is a normal reaction of your body's immune system to the feather dander, or more popularly known as feather dust, and droppings or fecal matter coming out of birds.

People who work closely with birds and those who take care of birds as pets are the most at risk to develop bird allergy. Farm workers, bird fanciers and zookeepers are the most common bird allergy patients in hospitals in the US alone.

However, medical statistics reveal that globally, the ratio of people allergic to birds are far lower compared to those allergic to other animals like dogs and cats.

Be also aware that bird allergy is an allergic reaction that indicates the immune system's efforts to defend you from what it senses or perceives as a health threat. In reality, bird allergy should not be considered as a harmful or deadly disease. Take note that complications to bird allergy kill, not the bird allergy itself.

During the process of an on set of bird allergy, the feather dust becomes an allergen that is not wanted by the body's system. When it manages to make a contact with your body, it will automatically trigger or cause the immune system to retaliate and produce antibodies or counter substances. Hence, you have the symptoms.

Symptoms of bird allergy

People with bird allergies exhibit manifestations or symptoms that are sometimes similar to those for hay fever or allergic rhinitis. It is alarming to know that most of the time, people with this allergy often ignore the onset of the symptoms thinking that these are just petty reaction to some weather or dust elements.

Symptoms for bird allergies can be divided into two groups. One, those symptoms that are considered lesser or less severe. These include watery eyes, sneezing, postnatal drips, sore throat, stuffy nose, coughing, hives itchy eyes and allergic shiners or the presence of black circles in the area below the eyes.

For the more serious form of bird allergies, the symptoms may vary. Take note that suffering from a severe attack of bird allergy can reduce your lung's capacity, that may potentially pose a detriment not just to your health but also to your life.

Such symptoms may appear in a long term like two years of regular or constant exposure to allergy-causing birds like budgies and pigeons. In some cases, bird allergy appears after as long as 10 to 20 years after initial exposure to allergens.

Such cases are determined by finding the following symptoms in a patient: prolonged coughing, breathing difficulties occasions, occasional fever and chills, weight loss and dry cough that lasts for some time.

How is bird allergy treated?

Usually, your doctor will have to delve deeper into your medical records to determine or to make sure the disease is pin pointed at bird allergy.

Take note that most or basic symptoms of bird allergy are minor and therefore needs no further and serious medical treatment. Just like other allergies, bird allergy can disappear on its own without the help of any drug or treatment.

Avoiding or discontinuing exposure to allergens, in this case the birds and their feathers, will surely help cease the bird allergy attack.

Physicians often prescribe antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroids to relieve the person from a bird allergy attack. Antihistamines block symptoms to allergic reactions, not just to birds, but also to all forms of allergies.

Decongestants relieve swelling of the nasal area and stops secretion of mucus or the stuff that runs through your nose when you have a bad cols. Corticosteroids are drugs that treat inflammation due to allergic and other medical reactions.

Allergy shots, of course, will also greatly help to curtail the onset of bird allergy.

Prevention

The most effective measure to avoid bird allergy, if ever you are allergic to birds, is to avoid getting near these animals. Hygiene is the best combative defense against any form of diseases and will also be effective in fighting attacks of bird allergy.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Rated Best For Health Insurance in Pennsylvania


If you live in Pennsylvania and are searching for health coverage for you and your family it's vital that you choose the right carrier. With the recent rise of people losing their employer paid health coverage it's becoming increasingly important to choose a medical insurance company that will cover your health related expenses with reliability and the least amount of aggravation.

With this in mind, Highmark Blue Shield was recently chosen as the 2009 award recipient for best health plans in Pennsylvania by JD Power (JD Power is a well regarded consumer rating service which provides non biased reviews and ratings of various products and services). As point of reference dental insurance was not considered in the evaluation.

The top ten insurance companies which were compared were: Aetna, Capital, CIGNA, Geisinger Health Plan, HealthAmerica/HealthAssurance (part of the Coventry family), Highmark Blue Shield, Highmark Blue Cross, Independence, United Healthcare and UPMC. Each carrier was rated on eight different factors with a corresponding score of 1 to 5 stars. The company with the highest combined score received the award.

Of the eight evaluated categories, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield rated best (five stars) in six of the eight areas including "Overall Experience". The only other insurance company which was close was their "sister" carrier Highmark Blue Cross. Some of the other categories which they garnered top honors were: "Coverage and Benefits", "Provider Choice" and "Claims Processing."

It's important to point out that most health insurance plans offered by Highmark will match up closely with many employer sponsored coverage which tend to be rich in benefits. There is also a level of comfort that is attached with the Blue Cross Blue Shield moniker.

How to Cope With Postnatal Depression


Postnatal depression is a condition that happens to about 10% of women after they have a baby. It is often known as the baby blues, and includes feeling unhappy, blue, sad, and miserable. In many cases this type of depression is not even recognized because of all the normal changes that occur during and after pregnancy. However, although this is a very common problem, there are some things that can be done to treat it and help to get new moms feeling back to normal again.

Causes of Post Natal Depression
There are a variety of different reasons that you could be dealing with depression after you have a baby. Many times it is a result of changes in the hormones in the body. There are big changes that occur within the first 24 hours after having a baby and this can lead to depression. Also, thyroid levels can drop leading to depression. Some of the other factors that can end up leading to problems with the baby blues include feeling overwhelmed with taking care of a new baby, lack of sleep, stress, feelings of losing your identity, and have less control over the time that you have.

Symptoms of Postnatal Depression
There are many symptoms that can be symptoms of depression. If you happen to have any of these symptoms after pregnancy and they last for more than a couple of weeks, you could be dealing with depression.

- Very little energy
- Feelings is restlessness
- Irritability
- Losing interest in activities
- Crying more often than usual
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
- Problems staying focused
- Too much sleep or not enough
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Withdrawing from family
- Dealing with chest pains or headaches

Simple Treatments to Try
There are a variety of treatments for post natal depression, and while some may include drug therapy or even talk therapy with a professional, there are simple things that you can do at home to combat this problem. The following are simply and alternative treatments that you may want to try.

- Get More Rest - One thing that you can try to get rid of the depression you are dealing with is to start getting a bit more rest. When you have a new baby, often it can be difficult to get the rest you need, leading to more risk of depression. Try sleeping whenever your baby does so you get the rest you need.

- Talk to a Friend or Family Member - Just talking someone can definitely be a huge help when you are dealing with the baby blues. It helps you to realize you are not alone and allows you to express your feelings too.

- Get Out More - Staying in the home all the time can actually lead to depression, so you need to get out more. Go out with your baby and run some errands or just go for a walk around the block. It can really help.

- Join a Support Group - Joining support groups can help. There are many people out there that are also going through postnatal depression and joining a group with others who understand can be very healing and helpful for you.

- Try Baby Massage - Consider trying baby massage by taking a class so you can learn how to do it. This is a great way that you can learn to better relate to your baby and you'll begin feeling better too.

- Eat Foods with Omega 3s - If you're going through post natal depression, chances are that you are low on fatty acids in your body, which can lead to depression. So, start eating foods that have omega 3s in them, such as seafood and fish.

The Importance of Taking Prenatal Vitamins


Having a baby is one of the most exciting events for a woman. There is an extensive spread of awareness to having a healthy baby and preventing birth defects. Prenatal vitamins are among the most important things that women should know during a pregnancy period. It must be a top priority because at this vital time, most of the nutrients are used up by the body as it is nurturing the baby's health. These are very important for today's way of life because many women don't have enough time to eat proper and nutritious foods. However, you must remember that it is only a dietary supplement and not a substitute to healthy foods.

The prenatal vitamins prescribed by physicians have great quality and have better absorption of the body. Vitamins are more accessible because it is covered by insurance making it affordable to women. These are multivitamins essentially formulated for pregnant women. Multivitamins come in various formulations depending on your needs. It includes additional vitamins and minerals that a mother needs in order for her to handle the added nutrients that her pregnancy demands.

Calcium is undoubtedly a necessary nutrient for the development of your baby. A woman needs additional calcium mainly because the baby is developing in the womb. Calcium is best to help a mother to maintain her normal blood pressure and water balance during the pregnancy period. It also aids in the formation of the baby's bones and teeth. The development of the skeletal system of the baby takes calcium from its mother. Lack of calcium supplement increases the chance of stress fracture. It could also harm the teeth and bones of the mother. Prenatal vitamins provide the additional calcium that the body requires.

Folic acid is also another important nutrient during pregnancy. It is necessary for the growth of the unborn baby. It helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects, promotes normal cell replication and growth, promotes the development of the fetal central nervous system and reduces the risk of brain and spinal defects.

Iron is a very important element of prenatal vitamins because a mother's iron will be transferred to her developing baby. Iron is responsible in helping the mother and baby's blood to carry oxygen and it also supports fetal tissue growth. Most prenatal vitamins contain additional iron supplements to help the pregnant woman avoid the risk of being anemic. Many women suffer from iron deficiency because they are circulating blood for both their body and their baby. So, it is important to take prenatal vitamins to prevent this from happening.

Prenatal vitamins should not be ignored since it is very important to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. A pregnant woman should go to her obstetrician or midwife to get proper advices about proper diet, general health stress, and other factors that should be considered. Always remember proper diet is still significant so that your body can absorb the nutrients needed for yourself and for your child's development.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Depression - Post Natal Depression And 9 Steps To Recovery


Be kind to yourself and believe the nine steps to recovery. If you are feeling blue the first few days (or more) after delivering your baby, you just might be suffering from postnatal depression. The symptoms are easy to spot most of the time, to name a few: physical exhaustion, always feeling not in the mood, losing interest in sex, low appetite, insomnia and worrying in distress most of the time. The fact is, the more you feel the depression settling in your being, the more you resent it, or you feel guilty because does not having a baby mean being extremely happy about your new role as a mother?

It does not encourage you when you talk to other new moms, because they all seem so ecstatic about their transition from being a pregnant woman to mother. Before you are utterly discouraged for good, be kind to yourself and do not put yourself under too much pressure!

Here are the nine steps to recovery from the anxiety you feel:

First things first, believe in recovery -convince yourself you will get better with time. It is completely normal to feel the way you do, so do not panic!

Secondly, make sure that you eat bananas and tomatoes and other foods high in potassium to make sure that you are preventing feeling even more weary than you already do (potassium also lowers the risk of any other diseases).

Thirdly, rest as much as you can. You cannot attend to your baby's needs if you are feeling stressed inside and out.

Fourth, maintain a proper diet. Make sure that you will still eat healthy because you will still need to breastfeed your baby.

Fifth, get gentle exercise. Exercise for the sake of keeping your cardiopulmonary system fit, and avoid burning yourself out with exercise because it will only add to your stress, which leads to the sixth step: avoid major stress. If it is in your control, surround yourself with things that make you feel better.

Seventh step is to try not to work unduly -you have to keep it in mind that it is okay to get all the rest you need. It is emphasized again for the eighth step: be kind to yourself!

Finally, talk about your feelings. Do not be embarrassed or feel guilty of your predicament. Getting your feelings out in the open with someone you really trust will be therapeutic for you.

Giving birth is not all pretty flowers and rainbows, so really, remember the eighth step again and again: be kind to yourself. It is okay to accept all the help you can get. In order to advance to your new life as a mother, you have to take care of yourself first so you can take care of your baby!

Remember, people can and do make recoveries from depression and go on to lead their best lives imaginable. Seek help.

Employee Medical Benefits - Showing Concerns For Your Employees


Employee medical benefits are the additional benefits provided to the employees by the company. Every employee thinks to secure his future without any fear and by choosing variety of medical benefits; he can get rid of such fear. To run any business or organization it is necessary to provide a healthy working condition. Almost all the companies provide their employees with medical benefits so that they can give their best during their working hours without any fear. A healthy working environment always makes the employees work with enthusiasm and give the best output on their job.

Employee medical benefits enhance the overall safety and wellness of the employees by offering them several major medical benefit programs. The employee medical plan is provided to the employees through varies health programs. These plans provide you with the complete list of the benefits provided by them. There is a regular medical check up for the employees to provide the healthy working condition to the employees. Employees are provided with healthy and hygienic food by the company. The main aim is to ensure that all employees work with due regards to their own safety and health and that of others. Their attitude to safety will be a factor in determining their career advancement.

Employee medical benefits act as a preventive measure for future. First aid boxes are regularly checked for their content. Every company provides a well equipped occupation center for the treatment of all sort of injuries and it is expected that all of the staff will, when necessary, use the facility available in case of serious injuries. He or she must be provided immediate first aid from the occupational health center or by trained First Aid personnel.

Employee medical benefit provides a healthy working environment. This will ultimately create a safe and hygienic environment that will help in improving productivity. It helps in creating job satisfaction and it also motivates employees to work in better and safer manner without any fear. Providing medical benefit at the right time in any accident helps to prevent premature death of employees. It also helps to improve the morale of the employees.

There are many benefits provided to the employees. Some of them are dental benefits, disability benefits, life accidental death and dependent life benefits and employee wellness program. Employee medical benefits also include holidays for the sick person. It is 12 days paid holiday. There are even maternity benefits provided in form of 100% payment for up to a period of 18 weeks. There is even business travel accident insurance for the employees.

Effective employee medical benefits raise productivity. Employees working in government firms enjoy wide range of family friendly benefits. There are several benefits covered under it. One of them is benefit while travelling and the other is worksite health and wellness benefit. The employee is eligible to enjoy all the medical facilities only if he is a full time employee, who works 40 hours per week and is expected to continue in the job for at least 4翻 months. And the employee should not be insured by another medical plan.

Ways to Get Pregnant With a Girl Baby


If you've found this article, you're probably looking for natural, inexpensive ways to conceive a girl baby or daughter.  I will discuss several ways that you can do this below.  I'll also tell you why these things work and how to make them a bit easier to accomplish.

Why Timing Is So Important When You Want A Girl Baby: Most every body knows that there are several days in your cycle where you are the most fertile and are most likely to become pregnant. But, not every one fully realizes that the day on which you conceive can influence your baby's gender.  Conceiving early in this cycle makes it more likely that you will conceive a girl, while hitting the tale end of the cycle favors your having a boy. 

Here's why this is true. Girl producing sperm are the most hardy of the two.  However, they are as slow as they are strong.  In contrast, boy sperm are as weak as they are fast.  Therefore, girl sperm have no problem surviving a slow and steady trek to your egg, while boy sperm would deteriorate and die off on the same trip.  So, conceiving early in your fertility cycle will allow many of the boy sperm to exit the stage, leaving the girl sperm that you're trying to encourage. You can gage your fertility with ovulation predictors.  I prefer the saliva variety, but this is a personal choice.

Intercourse Positions That Will Help You Conceive A Daughter: So, I've discussed when you should conceive.  Now, I'll tell you why the intercourse positions you use are important as well.  Again, it has to do with the weakness of the boy sperm and the strength of their female counterparts.  Remember that you are trying to give the son producing swimmers a long trip that they can't possibly make.  The first way to do this is by conceiving early in your cycle. The second way is by using shallow sexual positions.  This makes for a longer trip, which can be very effective.

Why Getting A High Enough PH Is An Important And Effective Way To Become Pregnant With A Female Baby: Keeping with the theme of giving the chromosomes that will get you a son a hard, difficult journey, another way to accomplish this is by creating a high vaginal PH and acidity.  This environment is simply too hostile for the many of the male swimmers to survive.  There are a few ways that you can go about this.  The first is by going on a high PH diet.  This sounds a bit complicated, but it's actually a lot like being on a weight loss diet.  Some foods will be off limits while others (with a high PH) will be encouraged.  There are food lists that can make this easier as well.

Another way to raise your conceiving PH is by douching, but probably not the way your grandmother did it.  I'm not talking about vinegar and water.  Douching has evolved well beyond this and can be extremely effective.  I realize that some people find douching undesirable, but you only have to do it long enough to get your optimal PH.  (You can find out where you are by using PH test strips).  And, if you are dead set against it, you can use foods and diet alone, but understand that it may take a bit longer.

Stay The Course: Probably the biggest mistake I see people make with this process is not following through.  They will maybe use one or two of the methods, leaving the rest to chance.  This is frustrating to me because just taking a few extra steps can take your odds of getting pregnant with a girl from roughly 50% to as high as over 90%.  If you really think about it, you're only addressing three variables.  Use the correct timing, tweak your intercourse positions, and achieve the right PH, and you've just greatly upped your odds of a pink nursery.

How to Look Beautiful and Stylish While Pregnant


Before, pregnant women were only used to wearing huge lousy shirts. Nowadays, pregnancy is no longer a hindrance for women to still look good and fabulous. There are already a lot of maternity clothes stores out there that offer stylish and trendy outfit for pregnant women. You can buy pretty clothes that you can wear during special occasions and simple gatherings.

The first few months of pregnancy does not require you to shop for a whole new set of wardrobe as you can still use the clothes that you used to wear. But after the first trimester, your regular clothing may no longer work for you. This is the time when most pregnant women tend to forget fashion and they no longer care about how they look.

To avoid this dilemma, here are some ideas on how you can be fashionable and sexy despite your big belly.

1. The Hippie Look. Having a trendy and hippie style of clothing can make you look younger. You can wear skirts with ethnic designs or yoke dresses. Loose, airy tunics look great with a cute cardigan or caplet to cover your shoulders. For a more stylish look, you can pair it with a large belt under your belly. Empire-cut or baby-doll dresses paired with maternity jeans will surely make you look great.

2. Use accessories. Accentuate your get-up by using some accessories such as a bolero jacket with colors that match your dress. This will give emphasis to your shoulders and bust. For bohemian style, you can wear shawls for a more flattering look. A halter neckline will emphasize your neck and arms.

3. Avoid using underwire bras. When you are pregnant, your breasts will automatically become larger in size. Do not use bra with underwire as it may only hurt your bust. You may use instead a thick shelf bra or a sports bra for a greater support, as you grow bigger.

4. Wear maternity jeans. Pregnant women nowadays can already wear denim jeans as there are already a lot of maternity clothing stores out there that offer denim jeans specially designed for your big belly. You can choose from among the many styles of maternity jeans whichever is perfectly fitted for you.

5. Buy clothes that are multi-functional. Because you will only be using your maternity clothes for a few months, it is not very practical to buy lots of it. You can buy instead clothes that you can convert from t-shirt for the day to a tunic for evening gatherings.

With regards to the fabric, you can choose to have wool, cotton, charmeuse, or chiffon. It is also important to choose the right size of clothes for you.

6. Avoid clothes that show too much of your skin. While some celebrities reveal their growing belly in public, it will not always work for most women. Choose very well the clothes, which you are comfortable wearing and stay as beautiful and stylish as you can be.

Before Starting ICSI - Take Two Steps to Make Treatments More Affordable


Before starting with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) treatments, take two steps to make your treatments more affordable. Your health insurance policy may or may not cover your treatment costs, so learn the tax rules relating to un-reimbursed medical expenses. ICSI enjoys fertilization rate of 75% - 85%, which suggests your odds are good that you may become pregnant and deliver a baby. Translate those favorable odds into a positive insurance payoff. Buy supplemental insurance that covers your normal pregnancy and delivery.

ICSI Tax Considerations

If you are like many couples, your health insurance may limit coverage, or not even cover your ICSI treatments at all. Keep in mind that what you pay out of pocket is considered un-reimbursed medical expenses. These can be deducted on your tax return. Amounts above 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) may provide some tax relief. Use your employer's flexible spending account, get tax savings on your first dollar of expenses, and avoid the AGI trap all together.

ICSI Treatment Success Rates

In ICSI treatments utilize specialized needles to pick up individual sperm, and inject the sperm directly into the woman's egg. This will usually result in normal fertilization in about 75-85% of eggs injected with sperm. Pregnancy rates are slightly higher with this procedure as it tends to be used most frequently in case of male factor cases. The egg quality is often better than procedures dealing with female factor cases.

Play the ICSI Odds

If your chances of conception are high when using ICSI, consider purchasing supplemental insurance before starting your procedure. Supplemental insurance will pay cash benefits directly to you for your normal labor and delivery. Your benefit may greatly exceed the premium you pay. Use the excess to offset any left over ICSI costs, or to fund your maternity leave.

You also will gain important security in case of complications - all at no additional cost.

Aetna Insurance - What to Expect From Aetna Health Insurance


Connecticut-based Aetna offers a wide variety of health insurance plans for families, individuals and students. Aetna also offers benefits through various employers throughout the United States. If you are interested in purchasing Aetna insurance, you should know that many of their plans are designed as Health Maintenance Organizations, or HMOs. This means that you will be required to select a medical provider from the network to be your Primary Care Physician. However, Aetna prides itself on offering choice to consumers and has a variety of other insurance options available. Nearly 19 million people in the United States receive medical insurance through Aetna.

Not all of Aetna's plans force patients to deal with an HMO. Aetna also offers several PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) Plans as well as a few more traditional options that allow patients to visit any provider they choose. Students can also choose to purchase Aetna insurance if they are not covered under their parents' plans. Most plans are competitively priced and, due to the network structure, may have lower deductibles than similar plans from other companies. Available plans may vary from state to state.

Aetna offers dental insurance as an addition to its health insurance plans, although dental is not offered as a stand-alone product. Benefits and rates will vary. Dental plans through Aetna are structured much like their medical insurance; you can choose a DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization, or as Aetna calls it, a DMO), PPO, indemnity, or freedom-of-choice. People who choose to enroll in a DMO plan will be required to choose a Primary Care Dentist who will take care of all needed dental care. Preventive care is covered in full once every six months and basic procedures are covered after a co-pay has been determined. Aetna insurance also offers life and disability insurance for interested parties.

Although Aetna is one of the leading insurance providers on the market, like any other company it has both advantages and disadvantages. Aetna does impose pre-existing condition exclusion periods and performs extensive medical underwriting. Young mothers may want to consider another health insurance provider if they are pregnant and cannot cover the costs themselves. Aetna insurance does not cover maternity-related expenses; it does, however, cover pregnancy complications. Newborns are also covered for the first 31 days. Finally, Aetna does not provide insurance to anyone older than 64 職 years old. The broad coverage and competitive pricing Aetna provides may be enough to offset these drawbacks. Do your research before you make a final decision.

If you need assistance finding coverage with Aetna, please visit our website at http://www.health-insurance-buyer.com and provide your contact information so we can respond to your request and guide you.

Monday, July 1, 2013

What to Look For in Maternity Body Girdles For Pregnant Women


The body girdle is a very popular choice for among a majority of women looking for an instant way to shape up and get that hourglass figure that simple and easy way. But did you know that there are also girdles for pregnant women that can help them cope with body pain caused by back problems? Here are just a few things that you need to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect body girdle suited for a pregnant woman. Whether you're shopping for yourself or to give away as a gift, the experience can be a lot easier when you know what you're looking for.

For a pregnant woman who doesn't deserve to feel discomfort at the state she already is in, it's important to find a maternity body girdle that will be very comfortable for her to wear. She's not actually trying to go for the hourglass figure at her condition anyway. So this is the perfect time for comfort to trump vanity. Maternity girdles should be made of lightweight breathable cloth and material that can easily move with the wearer's body movements. It shouldn't be constraining in any way.

Next, maternity body girdles for pregnant women should be able to provide comfort by being able to alleviate the weight of the growing tummy. Check for any form of support that is built in with the girdles that will be able to lessen the stress and strain from the back. The ones with adjustable Velcro are usually good choices since they can be adjusted to accommodate growing bellies. It would also be a great idea to check if the maternity body girdle can still be used to reshape the mother's stomach after she has given birth. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone.

And lastly, price considerations. The best maternity girdles should not cost you a small fortune. You can already get a reasonably priced one for around $50. As there are so many different brands and styles of maternity body girdles available on the market today, it definitely is a buyer's market so feel free to choose which designs and features would perfectly fit an expectant mother's needs. So visit your local department store or check out the numerous online retailers that specialize in body girdles for pregnant women today.

Things to Do and Not to Do During Pregnancy


There are so many things that you can do to keep yourself and your baby healthy during the stage of pregnancy. There might be some risks associated with this stage but you can always avoid them as long as you know the things that you should do and should not do during pregnancy. Ignorance is one of the biggest and unacceptable mistakes one can make so to help you go through this special moment in your life, below are some of the most important things that you should do and should not do during pregnancy:

Things to Do During Pregnancy

• Get Regular Medical Check-ups

This is one of the best and surest ways to avoid the complications and problems that may arise during pregnancy.

• Ask Your Doctor for RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for Prenatal Supplements

By getting the right amount of prenatal supplements like vitamins, minerals and folic acid, you are significantly reducing your baby's risk for health complications.

• Get German Measles Vaccination

German measles is very dangerous especially if it is caught by a pregnant woman. This may lead to fetal deformities and miscarriages.

• Eat Protein-rich Foods

Pregnant women are often advised to have at least 100 grams of protein intake each day. This is essential for the proper growth and development of the baby's brain. Protein is also the mother's protection against preeclampsia.

• Eat Healthy Foods and Exercise

Your diet should include plenty of fiber, vitamins and minerals and other nutrients that are necessary to keep yourself and your baby healthy. It is also recommended that you follow some pregnancy exercise programs to watch your weight.

• Consult your Doctor for Preexisting Medical Conditions

Preexisting medical conditions are one of the common causes of high risk pregnancy. If you have history of chronic health problems, open it up to your doctor so that he can come up with the medical recommendations.

• Get Enough Fat

Non-pregnant women normally avoid foods rich in cholesterol and fat but these are necessary for pregnant women because fats and cholesterol are necessary to absorb the fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K.

• Learn the Kegal Exercise

Labor and child delivery can be very painful especially when the Kegal muscles are very weak. To avoid experiencing too much pain, it is very important that you do Kegal exercises.

• Focus on your Baby and Think Positively

Prenatal bonding is necessary for the healthy well being of your baby. To do this, you should always think of your baby along with the positive thoughts of having him in your womb.

• Avoid traveling but if you really have to travel, take extra care!

There are special considerations required for pregnant women who are traveling. As much as possible, pregnant women should avoid traveling especially to foreign countries but if there is really a need to travel, you have to get complete immunity vaccination.

Things Not to Do during Pregnancy

• Smoking, Drinking Alcohol and Taking Illegal Drugs

These three are known as health hazards even when you are pregnant or not. Thus, these three are even more hazardous when done or taken by a pregnant woman because of the baby inside her womb.

• Taking Over-the-Counter or Prescription Drugs

Prescription or over-the-counter drugs may be safe for non-pregnant women but may be devastating when taken by pregnant women especially during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy.

• Avoid Raising Your Temperature

Temperature above 102 degrees may pose danger to the fetus that is developing and growing in your womb.

• Avoid Drinking Too Much Coffee

Too much coffee or other drinks with caffeine may cause diabetes to develop.

• Avoid Eating Salmon and Sardines

Salmon and sardines contain high level of mercury and this may affect the development of the child's brain.

• Avoid Eating Junk Foods

Junk foods do not have vitamins and protein and junk foods may easily fill you up and may prevent you from eating other healthy foods.

• Avoid Too Much Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for pregnant women but excessive intake of Vitamin A may cause birth defects and other problems.

• Avoid X-Rays

Exposure to X-rays may cause birth defects and fetal deformities.

• Avoid Exposure to Pesticides

Exposure to pesticides has a variety of devastating effects on the fetus depending on the type of chemical, intensity and length of exposure.

• Avoid Stress

Stress and emotional problems may cause high risk pregnancy and miscarriages.

There are a lot more things to do and to avoid during the stage of pregnancy and becoming aware of these things is the best way to keep yourself and your baby in good condition during this special moment of your life!