IVF - A Real Life Story

If it turns out you have spent longer than two years making efforts to get a baby, then you will probably love this story. My partner and I had been trying for a while in order to make a baby. My spouse and i were actually residing in Africa at the specific period as expats, where there wasn't a very large level of hospital providers available. So I checked the online world to get advice. I'd been keeping track of my heat range to actually verify when ever I started ovulating, I even lowered my bottom down into a container of baking soda (please do not take the time attempting this!) and I even travelled to some sort of gynaecologist who just put me on a certain pill and it spoiled a visit through India due to the fact I came to be perpetually throwing up.

Not a thing worked. And after that whilst having a look throughout our contractor healthcare insurance policy - wow -- I became aware of that these firms paid out regarding IVF! (consult any health insurance -- though this is unusual). My hubby and i set about conversations by working with fertility center home in New Zealand.

We both had an important trip to New Zealand to be able to try to get inspected, and thus quickly after masses of poking and prodding, our own consequence appeared to be to that experts claim absolutely nothing turned out to be drastically wrong with myself. But, when they analyzed my husband's sperm - it was actually him! He produced sluggish swimmers. As a result we organised IVF in September 2008. My partner and i went back to Africa for work and were pretty enthusiastic.

On our return to New Zealand the thrill shortly wore off. IVF seriously is not for anybody who does not like needles. The exact details blur a lttle bit at the moment, but for 1 month, every day I was awoken - my better half was injecting me in the gut with a syringe full of hormones costing one hundred dollars per shot. This, two times a day to help trigger the ovaries into making above the normal 1 ovum. In addition to this, were routine bloody examinations Sadly you will do anything at all with the hope of getting a baby! I was sick and weak, but as a perfectionist; this simply had to work. With a rate of success of 15% there was permanently a feeling of tension pushing up the sickening influence from the drugs. Thankfully we were on holiday - I can not comprehend having to work with that happening. My partner was forced to carry out his part too naturally! Into that room he went...mags, the little cup...done. His sperm was rinsed placed in some special juice ($2500 later!) and then ready to race. The morning arrived when the ova got to be removed, this was painful - and I'd made a solid 21!

Even though this is good, it meant that I had gotten over stimulated ovaries, which unfortunately made me awfully unwell, and almost meant that I could very well not implant - yet I did. Overnight, my 20 or so (now embryos) reduced to 12, and then the following day right down to 8. The following night five. This was day three. We then had to make a decision of whether to embed at day three or let the embryos to progress into blastocysts at five days old. Because they had been dying overnight it was dicey, however having five left made the risk less. We risked it and on day five we had four healthy jumping blastocysts! Due to the fact we were returning to Africa, we were encouraged only to implant one, the others were frozen. Just before implantation I had to ready my system by way of putting huge white-colored pills containing progesterone into myself on a daily basis.

This was obviously a tad awful - much like white colored chalk in my underwear, but nonetheless, I was building a welcoming home for our blastocyst! Implantation turned out to be the easiest - and the most amazing step! I walked out of the clinic with a baby continuously growing within me! For the following couple of weeks I noticed I had been really moving mindfully, I didn't want the baby to fall out! On day ten after implantation we could perform the pregnancy test.....and YES our little boy was strong inside of me! After the tribulation attached to IVF we researched different remedies, and I got with child once more within Four months! Everyday living is and has been very busy, yet worth every moment. However you have a baby, trust me it truly is worth it. All the best!

How to Look After a Fractured Shoulder

Caring for a fractured shoulder will entail that you first of all get clear instructions from your orthopedic surgeon and your rehabilitation professional on how to properly care for your injury. By following the instructions that are provided, you can save yourself a lot of discomfort or further injury.

Proper care for a fractured shoulder consists of keeping your pain levels within a reasonable level. This can be done by first of all taking your pain medication as prescribed. Many of the patients I see for various types of shoulder injuries are not compliant with their medications for various reasons. By not taking the pain medication as prescribed will slow down the healing process and cause you unnecessary pain and discomfort.

When you allow your pain to get out of control and it remains constant, it actually slows down your body's healing process. It also will make rehabilitation of your shoulder difficult when you are in pain. When you allow your pain to get out of control, your compliance in caring for your shoulder drops considerably.

Wearing your sling as directed by your doctor will also save you from suffering an increase in pain that can be caused by gravity pulling on the fracture site. It is important during the initial healing process to have the shoulder protected by keeping it elevated with the sling. By keeping your shoulder immobilized as instructed, you will help speed up the healing process. This has been an area I have witnessed where patient compliance can be very inconsistent.

During the care of your fractured shoulder part of the healing process and recovery will include physical therapy.

Your orthopedic doctor will provide your physical therapist and yourself with an exercise protocol to follow. It will be important once medically cleared, to begin gentle passive range of motion exercises to help regain the mobility of your shoulder that was lost due to the immobilization. Once the mobility has improved you will also be instructed on general strengthening exercises to improve the ability of your shoulder to function properly during your activities of daily living.

During the rehabilitation process it is vital that you follow precisely not only the recommendations that your doctor has set forth but, also pay close attention to the information that is given by your rehabilitation professional.

Your ability to remain disciplined not only with the exercises but including the pain control tips during rehab will help you in achieving your prior level of function.

Finally during your care, the biggest problem I see in clients is the ability to remain patient throughout the healing and rehabilitation process. Like many orthopedic injuries, we all begin to feel better and in our minds feel that the whole process of recovery should be going faster. This can be your biggest obstacle to slowing your recovery.

Allow yourself to fully recover by following the advice of the medical personal, take your pain medication as prescribed after the initial injury and allow the fracture site to properly heal by protecting your injured shoulder.

Improve Fertility With Yoga - How Yoga Can Help You Get Pregnant

Exercise is very important generally but especially so when we are trying to conceive. Moderate exercises can increase fertility because it reduces stress and restores hormonal balance. Exercise also releases endorphins, which makes you feel good. Exercise is most important if you are obese, because obesity can cause insulin resistance which in turn inhibits ovulation. Exercising half an hour, three times a week can help improve fertility. This said, we should not over-exercise either, because this can hamper fertility instead of aid it.

There are many reasons why yoga is an ideal form of exercise for women who are trying to get pregnant:

1. It is a gentle form of exercise. Unlike rigorous exercises, you feel rejuvenated instead of exhausted after a good session.

2. Focussing on the breath can promote deep relaxation. Yoga reduces stress and anxiety by relaxing tight muscles and reducing the release cortisol, a stress-related hormone.

3. Yoga helps the body to detoxify and promotes general well-being. It triggers your body's own healing capacity.

4. Yoga increases blood supply to the reproductive organs. It strengthens the muscles in the reproductive area.

5. It can be done with your partner to strengthen your relationship.

6. Yoga can correct hormonal imbalance.

7. It promotes mental and emotional health. The quiet time to yourself will help you to control your negative thoughts and find deep inner peace. Yoga can even be a spiritual experience for some.

8. Certain yoga positions practised after sex may improve the chances of conception by keeping the sperm inside the vaginal canal for a longer time. Especially recommended is the "Legs Up On The Wall" pose. Basically, as the name of the poses suggests, lie down near the wall and put your legs up against it. Support your buttocks with some pillows if needed.

Although it is not impossible to learn yoga from books or videos, it is much more effective to join a class. This is because your instructor can correct your poses if necessary and this is especially beneficial for beginners.

So How Exactly Does Prenatal Yoga DVD Support A Safe Pregnancy?

Yoga DVD, especially the Prenatal yoga dvd, is certainly the best type of exercise for expecting mothers - the best method to fulfill the 30 minutes of exercise recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Prenatal yoga is a wonderful type of physical exercise as well as one of the greatest ways to prepare for the experience of labor. It is a safe exercise designed for all 3 trimesters of being pregnant.

The DVDs record the heart and soul of yoga that is adapted to needs of mothers-to-be. The routines on these types of digital video discs mix simple movements along with conscious breathing and will help train future mothers to become deeply in contact with their body and also the baby while pregnant. It offers gentle and helpful stretches and strengthening exercises, which usually calm the body and mind, while also toning up the body and keeping you fit, without risk. The evidence is apparent: if you start exercising regularly and gently while pregnant, you support yourself and your baby. Infants delivered to exercising mothers are much healthier, experience less fetal problems in the course of labor, and may actually attain neurobehavioral advantages because of their mom's exercise regimen whilst they are in utero.

Aside from that, the videos will help: improve and build endurance in the muscle tissues used in the course of childbirth; learn about deep breathing strategies to help you access full relaxation - a power tool you can use to replenish yourself in between contractions; know inhaling and exhaling and visualization strategies to secrete stress and control pain during labor; improves circulation delivering a lot more o2 to both you and your fetus; enhances healthy posture and alleviates lower back pain; build up your self-confidence and rely upon the innate intelligence of your body; interact with your changing body and your growing baby; and enjoy uninterrupted time to explore your feelings as you make the transition to motherhood.

During maternity, taking time for yourself can be quite a difficult task. Making use of these types of prenatal yoga DVDs will let you acquire the ability to chill if you want to-a skill you'll discover ideal for both pregnancy and motherhood. Not everyone is ready to go to prenatal yoga classes, and many prefer to perform yoga pregnancy exercises inside the comfort and ease of their own house. If you happen to belong to this classification, pregnancy yoga DVDs offer you a great alternative to prenatal yoga courses and a considerable amount of time or a costly fitness center membership isn't needed. There is an array of prenatal yoga DVDs readily available out there, hence regardless of whether you're looking for a energetic work-out or a mild stretching yoga routine, there ought to be something that meets your taste.

Prenatal yoga DVD is really ideal for women in all stages of pregnancy. In fact, yoga is an excellent form of physical exercise following your delivery, particularly as your time far from home is going to be limited. When your baby is napping, just play your prenatal DVD for a quick yoga class and you'll appreciate the benefits of a refreshed body, mind and spirit when your newborn awakes. It might actually be a fun activity to do with "daddy" since some dads earn compassion weight with their expecting spouses.

Health Insurance For Pregnant Women - Get Health Insurance Before You Get Pregnant

There is a lot of excitement and anticipation that surrounds the event of having a baby. However, there are also a lot of costs involved too, especially the maternity costs. But you can get a lower cost health insurance for pregnant women, if you plan early and get coverage before you get pregnant.

In these times a lot of women wait to get pregnant and plan out their family life. Some choose to get their careers started before even thinking about that little bundle of joy, so as to be able to provide a more financially stable life for the family. And the planning does not stop there. Many women also plan ahead for getting insurance coverage to help cover the maternity and delivery costs associated with their pregnancy. After all, everyone wants to have a healthy baby and the best way to do that is to get appropriate prenatal care, which can be costly.

Not only will you be visiting your doctor on a regular basis, up to every week in the last month, but you will also have to get a battery of tests at the beginning and throughout the pregnancy to be sure that you and the baby are healthy. All these visits and tests can add up to quite a tidy little sum if you do not have health insurance for pregnant women. And, if by chance these initial routine tests come back abnormal, then you may have to endure even more tests including ultrasounds, amniocentesis, or other costly procedures.

Unfortunately I did not have insurance when I was expecting my baby, so I know how important it is to plan and obtain health insurance coverage before you get pregnant. The maternity costs alone were in the thousands and the birth and day in the hospital alone was nearly $10,000. And if I would of had to have a C-section, I don't know what I would have done. I would probably still be paying it back to this day.

So don't make the same mistake I made. Find out how much it would cost you to get health insurance for pregnant women before you start your family. And if you are already expecting right now, then it might not be too late. Many insurance companies will still cover the pregnancy, albeit at a higher insurance premium than if you weren't pregnant. But a monthly premium could still be less than paying all your prenatal and maternity costs out of pocket.

Getting Back Into Shape After Giving Birth - A Woman's Odyssey

Congratulations on your new baby! Now that you have figured out diapers and breast-feeding and your energy is coming back, you are probably looking at your body and thinking, what happened? How do I get my body back? Are you wondering how to lose the baby weight instantly like Katie Holmes and Heidi Klum? Are you starting to get the baby blues? Thinking about a crash diet as a solution? Hang on for a moment before you do anything radical that requires a full time staff and thousands of dollars. You can get fit sensibly and not spend tons of money.

Adding a new member to your family that demands 24/7 care is a big adjustment. Where do movement and nutrition fit in? Since we are not all movie stars and super models, try not to hold yourself up to those standards. Instead, do your body recharge in a sensible, everywoman's way. A little can go a long way; just like cleaning your house, start with small reachable goals so that you set yourself up for success. After clearing the start of an exercise program with your doctor, you are ready to begin in a sensible way. (Most women can return to exercise four to six weeks after a vaginal birth or after bleeding has stopped; or 8-10 weeks after a cesarean with a physicians approval.)

Start by carving out time for your exercise. I know, you are wondering how to find the time and energy to exercise when you have a hard time just getting showered and out the door. You don't have time for coffee, let alone exercise at a gym. But, I'll bet you have a stroller or baby backpack. Walking with your baby is a great place to start. Put the baby or toddler in and hit the mall or the sidewalk. Your baby will be excited because it will give them some relaxation, fresh air and new things to look at. Start slow and move up to a faster pace and longer walks as you feel the pounds drop off and the worries slide off your shoulders.

If you are more of a workout-on-the-mat type of gal, don't worry about trying to arrange childcare; it is challenging enough to lose the baby weight. Use your baby in your workout. You and your baby can re-shape your body right from the comfort of your home, have fun doing it and reduce the stress you may feel about leaving baby behind. Exercising with your family gives you the opportunity to start on a healthful, daily life pattern that includes fitness and quality time as a family. (see sample exercises in box)

Continue the focus to get your body back by reactivating and building the pelvic floor, the transverses abdominis, the obliques and lumbo pelvic stability. If that is confusing lingo then think of all those muscles as your "core". You need to rebuild your core. A classical Pilates class is ideal for rebuilding your core for pre and post-natal women for the same reason it has been labeled an exercise program for a lifetime. It is a complete coordination of body-mind-spirit with a custom approach which ensures every client benefits from a workout tailored to their fitness level and their body's unique intricacies. Women have used Pilates worldwide to strengthen their pelvic area and stomach muscles.

If you have the luxury of leaving baby in the care of others take some "me" time. Try to relax your mind and workout in the moment. Your baby is in good hands, now take this time for yourself to take a class or walk the neighborhood. You will come back to your family more relaxed, able to give more, and be a better Mommy. Exercise is an antidepressant. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists promotes exercise as a key factor in the health of new Moms and a paper published recently in the Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health suggests that it offers benefits to help with postpartum depression.

Do not spend time on crazy, frustrating methods of losing weight. Some women think a crash diet is the way to go. Ever notice the word "Die" is in diet? Breast-feeding is your best diet because it burns calories, which helps in your weight loss efforts. If you are not breast-feeding then stick to sensible, whole foods that nourish your body without adding fat or non-nourishing calories. Cutting out whole food groups is never good for you because your body needs all food groups to be healthy, especially if your body is healing from giving birth and breast-feeding. If you are breast-feeding, you should be eating 1500 calories or more, or you could be short-changing you and the baby. Remember, you need whole, healthy foods to re-new, re-store, heal and re-energize your body.

Finally, do not depress yourself or hamper your progress by comparing yourself to others. Especially when you are up in the middle of the night with the baby, watching television, and you see the tabloid entertainment shows creating a spectacle of these high-profile women, who just bounce from the delivery room to supermodel shape overnight. You might be thinking, "What is wrong with me?" I have news for you. It isn't a realistic expectation, or a healthy one, for you to return to a "slim self" just days after giving birth. An important point to remember is that these women's jobs depend upon their body. Heidi Klum as a supermodel is required to keep her body in perfect condition no matter what it does to her or her babies. Actresses are also known for their bodies, it's sometimes all they have so they must keep in shape to keep on top of their game.

Laura Riley, M.D., a high risk pregnancy expert from Massachusetts General Hospital and spokeswomen for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states: "We don't have the kind of lifestyle that would allow for that kind of quick loss-and the sooner women recognize that, the better they will feel about themselves."

So, check out the ideas above, and check with your doctor and start a program today that fits your lifestyle. Pick a program that is true to you and your goals. Remove the supermodel images from your head. You have already run the marathon of pregnancy and delivery. You are already a SuperMommy. Make sure the program that you choose is something that honors you, and if it feels good doing it, you will maintain the program over the long term. Stay away from fitness gimmicks and muscle wrenching workouts that punish you into reaching your goals.

One final reminder, don't let a lapse derail your efforts and become a collapse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a lifelong commitment and no one is perfect at it. Lose the "all or nothing" attitude and instead focus on one day at a time.

Side Bar #1

Check out your local Community College. Most have a great mix of classes that will help you reach your goals. Our local college, Monroe County Community College has re-aligned their class mix to be forward thinking and inspiring the community to movement. Programs are affordable because you share the cost with a group of "like-minded" peers; the local public transportation system runs bus schedules to the college and they have a complete list of classes to help you with each aspect of getting your health and body back in order.

For example:

o Pilates, corrective exercise to help you re-align your posture and activate and strengthen your core;
o Yoga, to help you reduce stress, increase flexibility, and be a better self.
o Intuitive Eating will help you learn to eat healthy and intuitively without diets and will provide you with a program that the whole family will want to follow.
o Fitness Coaching will help you start an exercise routine, pick cardio sessions that aren't boring or help you get to that next level and win the triathlon.

The list at the college is endless to choose from. Start with the area that works best for you. To learn more about what Monroe County Community College has to offer call 734-242-7300 and request a Life Long Learning Catalog. Not in Monroe County? Look up your local college, call the administration office and inquire about their programs today.

Side Bar #2

Tips for Postpartum Moms

o Be physically active (at least 30 minutes) most days of the week
o Relax, breathe and enjoy this special moment in you life
o American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2007; 32[4], 305-11) found that a sound walking program may be what postpartum moms need. New moms who watch fewer than two hours of TV daily, walk 30 minutes or more per day and eat fewer trans fats are 77% less likely to retain the baby weight.
-- IDEA Fitness Journal July/ August 2007
o There are two main components that you are trying to accomplish.

1. Restoring your abdominal muscles and core strength...Pilates is an excellent choice for this.
2. Dynamic stability: I know this is a little odd, but you just passed an object the size of a large eggplant.

You have loose joints, weakened abs, etc. After pregnancy it is very easy to exercise out of alignment. You need to learn how to properly position your body's alignment so that you develop core strength, healthy spinal function and prevent injury. Pilates wins the vote again to accomplish this.
o How do you pick a movement program that is right for you at the different stages of getting your body back?

Consider the following:

o Start with bonding, where you, and baby exercise together.
o Include total body workouts, do movements that work your entire body.
o Consider practicality, a workout that is tailored to meet your needs so that you don't have the fear of wetting your pants forever.
o Gradually increase your intensity, start out easy and make it harder as you get stronger.

Sidebar #3

Here are two short workout sessions to try: (Be sure your doctor has released you for exercise first) 30 minute indoor workout:

o You and baby need to move around the house for about 10 minutes.
Have fun and walk briskly until you feel warm.
o Lay your baby down on a blanket.

Position yourself so that you can do kneeling push-ups over the baby. Each time you lower your body, give your baby a kiss, As you lift up, give your baby a smile. Do this for 2 minutes.

o From your hands and knees (all fours position) lift your hips toward the sky and step into the position where your hands and feet are on the ground, and your body is over your baby (downward facing dog).
You will still be gazing into your baby's eyes and you get a good stretch through the posterior side of your body (back side)
Remember! Your abdominals should still be hugging your spine to protect your low back.
Hold this for about 2 minutes.

o Dance with your baby to children's music for 16 minutes and you have a 30-minute workout in.

30 minute outdoor workout:

o Start on your hands and knees (all fours position), starting at the tailbone, arch your back up to the sky one vertebra at a time.

Starting at the tailbone, reverse the arch to a "sway back" one vertebra at time. (Cat & Cow)
This articulation of the spine is coming from using your abdominal muscles, not your legs or arms. Inhale into cow and exhale into cat. (About 10 cycles). Use your breath to help you work deeper into your abdominals. Do this for one minute.

o Lying on your back with bent knees and feet close to your bottom, arms long at your side.
Inhale and lift your hips to the sky and then exhale and roll down bone by bone. (Shoulder Bridge)
Insure that your abdominals are hugging your spine while you do this (no pouching of the belly)

o Lying on your back with legs bent Inhale, roll back tucking your tail and snapping each vertebra to the mat. Roll from your tailbone to your bra strap and then progress to rolling from your sacrum to lying flat. Hold onto the back of the legs and allow the spine to peel and articulate on and off the mat. Inhale to prepare and exhale to scoop your abdominals and lift up (Modified Roll Up) Lying on your back with bent knees Inhale and lift the head off of the mat, Exhale and crease at your sternum with the tips of your shoulder blades on the mat, shoulders open, Slide your arms along the mat, keep your eyes on your navel, (Neck Curls) Return to the mat-- lengthening through the crown of your head. As you curl up, ensure that your abdominals are pulling in and up.

o Standing flat on your feet, sweep your arms up to the sky. Bend your knees to protect your low back and bend at the hips until your hands reach the ground. Try and straighten your legs as much as your flexibility will allow. (Forward Fold). Inhale, bends your knees and return to standing, exhale bends your knees and forward fold. Always be mindful of what your abdominals are doing.

o Turn so that you are facing away from the stroller handle then reach back for the bar and give yourself a big stretch through your chest. (Chest Expansion)

o Out for an interval walk with the baby and stroller: 5 minutes of walking at an easy pace, 5 minutes of walking at a brisk pace, 5 minutes of walking at an easy pace, 5 minutes of walking at a brisk pace

o Do 2 minutes of walking lunges behind the stroller

o 2 minutes of holding your baby, peaceful relaxation outdoors

Side Bar #4

Food suggestions and tips:

o Limit caffeine to no more than 300 mg per day. Better yet, reduce it further (March of Dimes 2007)
o Avoid alcohol if breast-feeding. If you must, please drink only a moderate amount and wait 3 hours before you breast feed (LaLeche League International 2006)
o Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains
o No smoking
o Also, talk with your doctor about continuing with a DHA supplement and prenatal vitamin while you are breast feeding
o The LaLeche League's philosophy is "Good nutrition means a well-balanced and varied diet of foods in as close to their natural state as possible" Eat fresh and healthy food in a variety of choices. Anything you are happy to eat is okay while you are breast-feeding.
o A healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grain and lean protein is important for any person. It gives a mother the nutrition's to produce milk for her baby as well.
o The most important thing is to start small, for example reading labels and looking for foods with no high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils or colored dyes. Once you have this mastered, think about offering more than one vegetable choice at dinner (green leafy salad (no iceberg) and a steamed vegetable of choice), then move to only purchasing whole grains, etc.
o With simple steps paced out over time it is less overwhelming, you gravitate toward healthier and healthier choices over time

Sample menu from the Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid for a 1200-1500 calorie diet.
o Breakfast:
o 1 medium banana,
o 1 cup bran cereal,
o 1 cup fat free milk,
o Herbal tea.
o Lunch:
o Tuna salad sandwich (tuna, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon of curry, chopped celery) top with leaf lettuce,
o 2 slices of whole grain bread,
o 2 cups of raw baby carrots, jicama and bell pepper strips,
o 1 small apple
o Water.
o Dinner:
o 3 oz of boiled cod sprinkled with juice of 1 lemon wedge
o 1 teaspoon drained and rinsed capers,
o ¾ cup steamed green beans,
o ½ cup sliced beets,
o Salad made with 1 cup of variety of green leaf lettuce, ½ cup cherry tomatoes, splash of balsamic vinegar and 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
o Sparkling water with lemon.
o Snack: 1 small pear and 1 ounce of cheese

Help Getting Pregnant - Understanding Why Vitamin D is Important

Vitamin D is related with pregnancy, because it helps to manage the amount of calcium minerals and phosphate in the body. When it comes to try in conceive, you will need the calcium supplements to maintain the bones and teeth healthy. In order to fight infections, vitamin D has been related to a lower life expectancy chance of several cancers, multiple sclerosis, and diabetic issues.

Regarding to getting pregnant, there is a close connection about vitamin D and fertility. When you are expecting or nursing a baby, uncommon amounts associated with vitamin D might have a disadvantageous relation to toddler development.

Lack of vitamin D can cause the baby to be born with rickets, or in early childhood, it can also cause to developing rickets. Rickets is a conditioning of the deformity bones, such as leading to ankle sprains. Pain as well as weakness is signs and symptoms of rickets, and also decreased progress.

Vitamin D sources

There are two sources of vitamin D; from sunshine and what we eat. In response to sunshine, the problem might occur during winter, because there is not enough sunshine as well as during spring. To acquire Vitamin D, you can depend on the food that contains Vitamin D.

There are some foods that you can consume daily, such as fish, mackerel and also sardines. Margarine is the best source of vitamin D and cereals too.

It is said that some experts are recommending to take a supplement that contains 10 micrograms of Vitamin D in pregnancy. Make sure to take a multivitamin that is designed for pregnancy. In case you are doubted about that, you can ask pharmacist advice.

Importance of Buying the Right Maternity Clothes

Today, there are many pregnant women that prefer buying maternity clothes. Earlier people who had limited budget were unable to afford maternity clothes and had to wear what was available to them. However, with the opening up of the markets, many women prefer wearing special dresses that take care of their needs.

However, maternity clothes are not cheap as they are made from soft material so women don't feel uncomfortable wearing them. Also, most women who buy these clothes expect them to last for the entire period of pregnancy. If manufacturers use cheap cloth it can get damaged easily and may not last long. Therefore manufacturers use expensive cloth that last long and are soft.

Women who buy maternity clothes must check the quality of material used by the manufacturers. They should buy clothes that are not only classy but are also of exceptional quality. When buying clothes that you want to wear at home or at casual outings, buy large comfortable clothes like t-shirts and large sweaters.

You can also use maternity clothes after childbirth when you breastfeed your child. Buying breastfeeding clothes can be expensive and mothers can save money by using maternity clothes when they feed their baby. However, you cannot completely avoid getting nursing clothes as you may require them when you go out shopping or meet your friends.

Today, designing clothes for pregnant women is a big business and many designers have come out with exclusive collection of clothes for pregnant women. You can buy these designer clothes at a well-known departmental store or you can even buy them online. If you are looking to buy simple clothes, you can buy clothes have simple designs or prints on them.

Unusual Pregnancy Symptoms That Women Should Know

If you think you're pregnant, congratulations! You will not think about it if you have not felt any of the pregnancy symptoms. Pregnancy is a memorable experience for a woman in which she has to prepare her body for the big changes. The early signs of pregnancy can bring you sense of excitement but anxiety at the same time knowing that you might encounter some or all of the most unwanted pregnancy symptoms. However, these signs are just the body's way to adjust itself from the changes brought by pregnancy.

Here are some of the unusual pregnancy symptoms that you might encounter:

Constipation might be experienced if you lack fluid on your body. This may due to the growing size of your belly that compresses your rectum giving you the difficulty to pass your stool, or may also due to the process by which they take out all the available nutrients to supply it to your baby which slows down your digestive tract. Pain on your belly button may also happen during pregnancy. This is due to the pressure if the growing uterus on your abdomen. This symptom usually appears on the second trimester and subsides around third trimester.

If you think food craving is very common, you may also experience the loss of appetite. Some women tend to eat less but some just don't have the appetite. It is a good sign if you develop this symptom to unhealthy foods so that you will not worry about losing weight after pregnancy. However, if this sign of pregnancy make you eat less than your daily required nutrients, you have to consult your doctor.

During pregnancy, some pregnant women experience increased salivation. The rationale behind this is the occurring hormonal changes. Increased cervical fluid may also become evident any time of the day and may come whitish and mild smelling discharge. This is considered as a usual pregnancy symptom because your body is just getting rif of the bacteria from your vagina. Don't forget to your feminine hygiene to avoid infection.

During pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms may also manifest through your skin. You may notice extra skin that dangles from any parts of your body such as in your underarms. In addition, you might also feel itchiness all round your body. This is not a common pregnancy symptom but this may happen if you have cholestasis prior to pregnancy. Cholestasis is a liver disorder, which can have pose danger to your unborn baby.

Other women may also experience a metallic taste in their mouth during the first weeks of pregnancy. Spider veins are also one of the most unwanted signs of pregnancy that is due to the increased blood flow during pregnancy. In addition, the increased amounts of the hormone oestrogen and blood flow can also cause nasal congestion.

Back Pain During Pregnancy: Can Prenatal Pilates Help?

Back pain accompanies every stage of pregnancy for many women. From conception to delivery, the body undergoes significant changes.

Very soon after conception, the body begins releasing the hormone relaxin. This causes ligaments and joints in the pelvis to loosen, making room for baby. Since the pelvis is the foundation of the spine, pelvic instability can lead to back pain. An unstable pelvis also encourages postural changes that lead to back pain.

As the pregnancy proceeds, abdominal muscles loosen to make room for the growing womb. The pelvic floor, a group of muscles, ligaments and tissues that stretches from the pubic bone to the base of the spine, also stretches out as the baby grows. These changes leave the lower back muscles alone to handle the task of supporting the spine and the upper body's weight.

Finally, as the baby grows to full size, your center of gravity changes. This can alter posture significantly, causing muscle aches, strains and fatigue.

How Prenatal Pilates Can Help

Pilates is a popular form of exercises that focuses on developing core strength through body awareness and exercise. One of its major benefits is that, like yoga, Pilates is highly adaptable.

You may want to consider attending a prenatal Pilates course during your pregnancy. Its benefits include increasing pelvic stability by keeping the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles as strong as possible, maintaining flexibility in the back muscles and spine through stretching and enhancing pain management abilities through mental focus and breathing exercises.

First, talk to your doctor or midwife to make sure there is no special circumstance that would bar you from Pilates practice.

Next, seek out a prenatal Pilates class with a qualified instructor. You can look for classes at community centers, gyms, fitness clubs and YMCAs. You'll want to take a class where the instructor can offer plenty of individual attention. This is important; prenatal Pilates is very safe, but only when performed properly. As your body changes throughout pregnancy, your program will need to be altered.

For example, overstretching is a concern for pregnant women. This is because relaxin has made muscles, ligaments and joints very loose. Women are more susceptible to muscle strains late in pregnancy. A prenatal Pilates instructor can guide you as to the types of movements that are safe and beneficial for you along the way.

While you can't stop the changes your body goes through during pregnancy, you can take steps to manage the painful effects they have on your body. Prenatal Pilates is a great way to increase strength and overall well-being during your pregnancy. Pilates can help make this very special time more comfortable.

Duties of the Bookkeeper

There are many parts to a company. When you start a company formation UK, you have to make sure that not only make sure that you register the company with the Companies House and make sure that all of your shareholders and directors are chosen. But you have to make sure that you have someone on board to help with your bookkeeping. One of the fastest ways to lose control of your company is improper bookkeeping.

If you are a new company owner, you should read up on what duties and responsibilities you want your bookkeeper to have. A bookkeeper is going to have access to all of your accounts including bank accounts so make sure that you have a job description in writing. As a guideline, you should make sure that you cover the basics at least.

A bookkeeper's job is to provide payroll services. Some companies choose a payroll service but most companies these days keep their payroll in house. This may sound easy enough but there is more to payroll than just keeping track of employee hours and producing a paycheck. There is the payroll to each employee and director every week or every two weeks. Then you have the PAYE, sick pay, holiday pay, vacation pay, nation insurance, maternity leave pay if necessary and if a worker becomes injured while on the job.

Company formation UK bookkeepers are also required to complete statutory forms that will include the end of the year returns that will go to both the employees and the Inland Revenue. There will also be bonuses, staff costs, ex-gratis, severance pay and the pensions.

Then you will have the duties of registering and complying with the Value Added Tax or Vat. This is a tricky one, the requirements are strict and sometimes they are hard to understand so companies often pay to much or too little. A Bookkeeper should understand how to configure the VAT or they may know where they can enlist help. A good bookkeeper knows their job and they know how to get it done.

If you are a company that works with overseas companies, a bookkeeper who is knowledgeable in overseas tax laws and setting up procedures to help work with the Euro and other foreign currency. There is so much that goes into becoming a bookkeeper that it may not be a job for just one person. You may want to consider hiring a team. You have to remember that there is also Corporate Tax Planning, Audit Services if necessary and even Shareholder Profits. The person or people you hire should be well versed in all of these things. A good bookkeeper makes for a successful business.

Visiting Your Country of Origin

Many people dream of the day they can visit their mother country -- the country where their ancestors are from. Whether your roots grew from Greece, Italy, China, or Africa, it is always a special and momentous occasion when you are able to visit the place where your family originated for the very first time. When you step on to the land for the first time, you might automatically feel a sense of belonging, as if you have been there before, and are returning after many years.

If it is your first time in decades or your first time ever, the feeling of coming home is indescribable. Not everyone is privileged enough to have the opportunity to go to their home country and learn more about their culture, their history, and their heritage. As fun and exciting as it is to have this chance, here is some sound advice that you should follow: purchase short term travel insurance.

Don't know what that is? You are not the only one! If you want to know about how short term travel insurance could be a valuable investment for your trip, you should do research online. Internet search engines could direct you to an informational website, a webpage for an insurance company, or someone's entry on a short term health insurance blog. In brief, this type of insurance offers healthcare coverage while you are away from home. The health insurance you might currently have will most likely not cover you while you are in another country.

Therefore, if you become sick or injured while you are visiting the homeland of your ancestors, medical expenses could be costly if you are uninsured. Because not many people know about this, you should take the time to find out the specific types of benefits you might want to consider being covered in your insurance policy. A short term health insurance blog or an insurance company website would be two sources of information to provide you with insight on this type of insurance.

Short term travel insurance usually covers doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, and surgery. It is important to note that pre-existing conditions might not be covered, and maternity care might not be covered either. If you become seriously sick or injured, you could opt to have the expense of flying family member to where you are so they could be by your side in the hospital. Coverage could last from five days up to three years, depending on how long you plan to be abroad.

Without this insurance, you will be responsible for one hundred percent of the costs of all accumulated medical bills. You could imagine how easily this price tag could cost thousands of dollars. You do not want to have to be burdened by the high expense of medical bills, especially while on vacation. Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, stress-free excursions from the daily grind, but it would be the complete opposite if you have to worry about financial matters.

Depression During Menopause

Menopause is a disease associated with biological factors. It occurs in every woman as they grow old. This makes it difficult to deal with it. There are many beliefs associated with menopause depression. Some people associate menopause with depression. Some believe that menopause and depression occur simultaneously. The symptoms of menopause and depressions are similar. They include hot flashes, irritability, sleep disorders, anxiety, change in food habits, and lack of interest in any activity. Women are more prone to depression during menopause than men.

The visible depression symptoms and menopause symptoms in women are dejection, feeling extremely sad, melancholy, and worthlessness. This is caused by the less secretion of the hormone 'serotonin' in the body which is responsible for the mood fluctuations. They also experience extreme sadness and confusion. It may also trigger the feeling of suicidal tendencies in them. These things are quite normal in women. Care should be taken to handle this situation otherwise it would lead to severe health problems.

The first step that should be considered is that you should clearly understand the problem. Women, most susceptible to the disease, are those women, who had undergone some surgery, smoking, had managed many children, or had a stressful life. Apart from these, women with premenstrual syndrome and postpartum depression are also highly vulnerable to depression. Depression during menopause can be effectively treated with the help of doctor's treatment.

Some physical problems are also associated with depression during menopause. They include stressful relationships, divorce, and anxiety about the life when you grow old.
Tips for managing menopause depression are enlisted below:

Basically, there is no cure for menopause. Some doctors recommend hormonal therapy as a treatment. We can undertake some simple steps as a strategy to cope depression during menopause. They are enlisted below:

Undergo regular medical examination. It would help you to keep a track all the changes taking place in the body and take necessary precautions:

- Regular exercise and right nutrition
- Relax using meditation and yoga
- Opt for other herbal medicines and therapies that help you to curb its effects
- There are many tests available online that can be utilized to find out whether you are depressed or not
- Adopt changes in lifestyle that will foster the treatment of depression
- Join social groups wherein you can share and discuss your problem. It would help you to control your anger and frustration
- You can also bring out your feelings by jotting them down in a dairy. This would help you to overcome the mood swings
- Family members could support the patient by giving him/her a hearing to his/her problems and also helping him/her to overcome the depression
- Make a trip to a nearby garden or tourist place. Take a break from the stressful life
- Counseling sessions of psychologist may also help to overcome it

The most common symptoms of menopause are depression and frequent bouts of anger. Fighting depression is possible when proper care and support is provided to women during menopause. You can adopt different coping strategies and bring down the effect of depression. There is another option available of using antidepressants for depression treatment for women.

The most common mistake made by women is they consider menopause as a normal thing in the process of aging and don't treat them or even consult a doctor. Misconceptions related to depression during menopause should be removed and by adopting simple techniques you could easily cope up with depression. You should also change your attitude towards these bodily changes. It would assist you to deal with its effects and also bring you out of depression.

Outsourcing CPAs: Frequently Asked Questions

Why do businesses resort to outsourcing accounting functions?

Most businesses resort to outsourcing CPA functions of in-house accounting services for the following reasons:

• Top employee resigns and key accounting jobs are neglected.


• Outsourcing CPA functions lessens, if not removes, recruitment and training costs


• Employee commits a serious offense against company rules and regulations like fraudulence, dishonesty or fund embezzlement, which culminates to his/her termination


• To increase transaction volumes that staff are unable to accomplish on time


• Acknowledgment that outsourcing CPAs can bring favorable results such as speed up management of payables as well as the collection of receivables, and upgrade the level of vendor financing among others


• Immediate need for administrative or fiscal management of business processes [such as] assist projects, provisions for maternity leave, coverage for military service and illnesses, business reorganization or relocation prospects

If there is already an in-house bookkeeper, why is there still a need for outsourcing CPA functions?

Bookkeepers see to it that accounting records of pertinent monetary transactions are regularly updated. However, when companies begin outsourcing CPAs, they can improve their current cashflow and create a sturdy database for all their accounting records. In effect, the service provider assumes a proactive role in the operations of the entire process, including accounts payable or accounts receivable. What's more, CPA outsourcing firms provide bookkeeping services that are half the rate charged by in-house bookkeepers - yet just as, if not even more, efficient.

Will outsourcing CPA functions obliterate my need for a company accountant?

Of course not. Company CPAs provide services that are altogether different. Sub-contractor company CPA functions involve business advisory, preparation of financial statements as well as federal and state tax returns, and compiling and submission of necessary reporting documents like those required by the bank. Financial planning, structuring and management should rest on the shoulders of in-house accountants. However, when you resort to outsourcing CPA functions to a third party service provider, you will be able to get things done on a daily basis. Outsourcing CPA work goes beyond advising and preparing financial statements or income tax returns. CPA service providers overseas see to it that core accounting functions are attended to and solidify the company's CPA foundations. They do all the dirty accounting work, which can be time-consuming and can distract the management from attending to more pressing matters. Rest assured, outsourcing CPA functions is an answer to companies' heavy-weight back office accounting problems and not just minor ones.

Supposing I do not have costly financial and administrative procedures, should outsourcing CPAs still work for me?

Cost is not the only reason businesses opt for outsourcing CPA functions. One other consideration would be to reduce the complexity of their present accounting records. They are in need of a viable CPA method that can work better for their respective companies, regardless of size and social standing. The fact is, though some business processes are not costly, they are either too complicated to help the company gain advantage or the management is not aware of its own business processes due to other pressing concerns. Rather than spending time on the process, they could utilize these spare moments in planning for and developing the business to satisfy consumer needs. Besides, financial and administrative tasks are always the priority which is why they usually do not get done well or punctually. Tasks like payroll processing need a sufficient amount of knowledge and accuracy. Thus, they are usually the first process that management identifies as compatible to outsourcing.

Will I still retain control of my CPA processes if I outsource them?

For certain, you will. Outsourcing CPA processes actually boosts up your business prospects and guides you properly in making decisions. You can delegate all the necessary information to us service providers by outsourcing CPA functions to offshore providers and in so doing, you increase your level of control. Take for instance if you outsource your accounts payable service. This can help your company select directly the vendors to be paid, or permit you to institute policies on the selection process. Outsourcing accounting work of this nature can prevent any unauthorized disbursements. Moreover, a weekly or biweekly system of payments to vendors may be established, but with fully equipped accommodations on receiving goods COD.

If my company data is highly confidential, is it still viable to proceed with outsourcing CPA functions?

Fear not when outsourcing CPA work. You can guarantee that all data are considered confidential by accounting service providers. Whether the client says so explicitly or not, offshore outsourced accounting firms treat their clients' data with respect and value. Their computerized accounting systems, as well as necessary backup data are much secured and we store all hard data copies with utmost caution. Outsourcing CPA functions actually increases your data security, giving you the confidentiality you need.

If I prefer to retain my company's financial data on my existing accounting system, then does it dispense the need for outsourcing?

Certainly not. CPA outsourcing will always be a viable alternative for your company. The only necessary condition is for your site to have a high-speed internet connection, so we can efficiently operate your accounting system at a distance. This is more practical on your part as you would be spared from unending investments on new hardware and software to back up your existing accounting system or upgrade or convert your current data. Secondly, it is also a viable alternative to allow the CPA service provider to "host" your accounting system remotely from their service site. You can relocate your hardware to where the provider company is located. The third cost-efficient option is to utilize an internet-based accounting package readily available on the World Wide Web.

What if I only want to seek for counsel and advise regarding how I and my staff should run our accounting processes - not necessarily turn over the accounting?

Outsourced CPA service providers are hands-on. Their primary aim is to do the work for you instead of merely advising you and your staff. Yet if you feel that consulting about rather than outsourcing CPA functions is what your company needs, we can do this for you too. However, in general, accounting service providers feel that this will only add more costs to your company. In addition, improvement and solutions for your accounting will only be limited. As they have the goal of giving you the best and affordable way to utilize your CPAs, outsourcing firms would always give the same advice: outsource and not just consult.

If I outsource CPA work, will I not increase my exposure to dishonest and fraudulent acts?

It is certainly true that there is a widespread case of employee dishonesty and fraud nowadays and almost every employer in the world has been a victim. However, these may be the result of weak internal control and lenient recruiting and supervision on the part of management, which instead facilitates the flow of dishonest and fraudulent acts. If you outsource your pertinent CPA functions to third party service providers, the employees they hire are on a contractual basis and each of them is commissioned to sign a "terms of employment" document, which makes dishonest and fraudulent acts subject to instant termination.

Procedures are also properly documented when outsourcing CPA functions to third party service providers. These providers operate on a team-based environment in an office open enough to make any act of dishonesty and fraudulence difficult to hide.

Another attractive thing about outsourcing CPA work to service providers abroad is that their processes are designed to effectively impose internal controls that aim to minimize the possibility of dishonesty and fraudulence and increase the chances of discovering them - no matter how small. There are also insurance programs that enable these CPA service providers to underwrite losses in the unfortunate occurrence of one. Although the existence of dishonesty and fraud cannot exactly be prevented from occurring, it is highly recognized that outsourcing accounting functions answers a big chunk of this workforce problem.

Care of Perineal and Cesarean Section Wounds

Most women want a normal delivery with an intact perineum but unfortunately, this may not always be possible and the majority of women will have a wound to take care of in the postnatal period.

Perineal wounds are either a tear or an episiotomy. During the second stage of labour, the perineum has to stretch to allow the baby to be born. A tear usually occurs during delivery of the widest diameter of the baby's head or the baby's shoulders. A tear normally extends from the vagina downwards to the anal region and it heals very quickly. Although rare, the tear may extend into the anus, which is more complicated and requires extra care. An episiotomy is a surgical cut in the perineum to facilitate vaginal delivery of the baby, which may be normal, by forceps or vacuum extraction. The tear or episiotomy needs to be stitched to facilitate healing and hopefully get it back to its' pre-pregnant state.

Care of perineal wounds

During the first postnatal days, the perineum will be bruised, swollen and sore. You may find it painful to walk or sit therefore it is best to lie down as much as possible for the first few days. Sometimes when you pass urine, you may feel a stinging pain on the wound. To reduce this effect, pour cool water on the area as you pass urine so that the water will dilute the stinging effects of the urine.

To help reduce the swelling and for the wound to heal quickly, the best treatment is to soak the perineum in cool salt water for 5-10 minutes once or twice daily until the wound has healed. Hot water will increase blood flow to the area which may make it more painful later.

During the healing process, the tissues will shrink causing the wound to become tight and uncomfortable. Sometimes the sutures (stitches) may become hard and stick into the flesh, which can be very painful. If you feel any uncontrollable pain, you must go back to your obstetrician who may remove a couple of stitches to relieve the pain.

Keep the area as clean and dry as possible by changing your sanitary pad regularly. It is better to use sanitary towels with loops as these can provide some counter pressure on the wound therefore making it less painful.

Do not use air rings. It does give relief when you sit but it may restrict blood flow to the area if used too long, which may delay healing of the episiotomy. It is better to sit on a soft pillow.

Please do not use feminine sprays or powder as they may interfere with the healing process.

A caesarean section is an operation whereby the baby is delivered through a cut in the lower abdominal and uterine walls. Normally, the cut is in the lower segment of the uterus at the bikini line.

Care of the section wound

Initially, the wound may be painful especially when you move or cough. This is due to internal pressure on the wound. Placing a hand firmly on the wound when you cough or move will counteract this pressure and reduce the pain. The pain is also due to tissue trauma therefore it may be necessary to take some painkillers. Keep the wound dry until any stitches are removed (normally about 7 days) so no bathing allowed. Use cotton dipped in salt water to soak and remove the scabs. Salt water also helps healing and reduces itching when the wound is healing. Do not lift heavy items for at least 6-8 weeks after the delivery.

Care tips for both types of wounds

o As far as possible, try not to bathe the baby yourself until the wound has healed properly.
o To help the wounds heal quickly, do not eat ginger for the first 10 days.
o Take extra vitamin C.
o Do not walk too much especially up and down stairs as your wound needs to 'rest' in order to heal.
o After 2 weeks, massage the wound with vitamin E oil to prevent keloid formation.
o Do not worry if the wound feels itchy even after many weeks or months.

The Sly Masquerader - Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy

A 26 year old, newly-pregnant woman sits on the exam table in her obstetrician's office. She is excited about her pregnancy and does not want to complain about her nausea, vomiting, weight loss, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue. The obstetrician can tell just by looking at her that she seems to be suffering the normal symptoms of pregnancy and is not overly worried. After all, nausea and vomiting occur in 50-80% of all pregnant women, especially between the 5th and 13th week. The doctor reassures the patient that this is normal, and encourages her to hydrate and rest. Sometimes the physician will suggest a medication, or a supplement, to reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

Is it possible that this woman is experiencing something more severe than the normal, early pregnancy symptoms?

One of the great masqueraders for pregnant women is thyroid disease. Many of the symptoms that women experience in the early stages of pregnancy are the exact symptoms that occur with thyroid problems. Women will commonly experience fatigue, weight gain, constipation, insomnia, and lethargy. Health care providers will often reassure patients that this is normal and these symptoms are due to the hormonal and physiological changes that one expects with the early stages of a healthy pregnancy. However, one must be on the alert that these same symptoms could be representative of a much more serious underlying problem; one that could have major, negative ramifications on the pregnancy and the newborn infant. Left undiagnosed and untreated, hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) could result in serious, high-risk conditions during the pregnancy. Prematurity, preeclampsia, placental separation (abruption), and/or serious consequences in the child such as congenital cretinism (mental retardation, deafness, muteness).

This weeks article will focus only on hy-PER-thyroidism (when you have too much thyroid hormone.)

Next week we will review hyp-O-thyroidism. (when you have too little thyroid hormone) and its effects on pregnancy.

Who should get screened for thyroid disease in pregnancy?

The current American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines state that thyroid functions should be checked only in women with a personal history of thyroid disease or symptoms of thyroid disease. It is NOT universally recommended to test all pregnant women even though there are cases of women who have disease that do not have symptoms (subclinical cases).

How does maternal thyroid hormone effect the fetus?

The fetal brain is completely dependent on maternal thyroid hormone until about 12 weeks gestation. At that time, the fetus is able to manufacture its own thyroid hormone in conjunction with the maternal hormone that crosses the placenta. Diminished levels of thyroid hormone in the mother impair fetal brain development. Elevated levels can also cross the placenta and cause excessive production in the fetus. (Graves disease.)

What is hyperthyroidism?

The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the neck that controls metabolism. It receives a message (TSH) from an area in the brain called the pituitary which releases thyroid hormone (T4).

When the gland produces more hormone than it is supposed to, hyperthyroidism is diagnosed (elevated thyroid hormone T4 and low TSH.) This can occur in about.2% of all pregnancies. The most common form of the disease is Graves disease where certain antibodies are made by the body that stimulate thyroid hormone production. Other causes can be multinodular goiter, subacute thyroiditis, an extra thyroid source of hormone production (certain tumors of the ovary or pituitary), thyroid adenoma.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

• nervousness


• tremors


• tachycardia


• frequent stool


• excessive sweating


• heat intolerance


• weight loss


• goiter


• insomnia


• palpitations


• hypertension


• eye changes-lagging of the eyelid and retraction of the eye lid

What are the risks to the mother and the fetus if hyperthyroidism is left untreated?

If left untreated, hyperthyroid can cause:

• preterm delivery


• severe preeclampsia


• heart failure


• fetal loss


• low birth weight infants


• stillbirth


• fetal hyperthyroidism

How do you treat hyperthyroidism in the mother?

A classification of drugs called thioamides are used to treat hyperthyroidism.

• PTU


• methimazole

These drugs prevent the manufacture of the thyroid hormone by preventing a needed substrate iodine from attaching to the thyroid molecule and it also blocks the the manufacture of of another active form of the hormone T3.

These drugs do cross the placenta and can effect the fetal thyroid, although it is generally transient. Generally, these drugs are safe to use in pregnancy but rare side effects of the drug can include fever, sore throat, hepatitis, rash, nausea, loss of taste and smell, loss of appetite and a very serious and rare side effect called agranulocytosis (less than 1%) which is an abnormal condition of the blood characterized by a severe reduction of white blood cells (fever, prostration and bleeding ulcers of rectum, mouth, and vagina.)

Infants must be observed carefully after birth with mothers on antithyroid medication since newborns have been known to have neonatal hypothyroidism and goiter in mothers who have been treated. Babies are ultrasounded during pregnancy looking for fetal goiter and growth problems which can present problems at delivery due to the hyperextension of the neck.

It is generally considered safe to breast feed on these medications.

Other drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism are beta-blockers (propranolol) which act to reduce the rapid heart rate that can occur. Side effects from this drug can include growth retardation in the fetus, fetal bradycardia (slowed heart rate) and hypoglycemia in the infant (low blood sugar).

Radioactive iodine is never used in pregnancy since it can ablate the fetal thyroid. A patient was treated with radioactive iodine prior to becoming pregnant, should avoid becoming pregnant for at least 4 months. If all medications fail, or allergy to the medications exist, thyroidectomy, or surgical excision of the thyroid is recommended.

What is subclinical hyperthyroidism?

In about 1.7% of women there are asymptomatic women with normal thyroid hormone but a low TSH. This condition generally has been found to have no effect on the pregnancy since it is the maternal T4 level that is critical for fetal brain development, regardless of what the TSH level is. However, these women should be observed for osteoporosis, cardiovascular morbidity and progression to overt disease or thyroid failure in the future.

What is thyroid storm?

Thyroid storm is an acute obstetrical emergency that occurs in about 10% of women with hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include a change in mental status, seizures, nausea, diarrhea, and cardiac arrythmias. Patients are placed in the intensive care unit for constant monitoring and observation since there is a high risk of maternal heart failure. Thyroid storm can be precipitated by an acute surgical emergency, infection, diabetes. anesthesia, and noncompliance with thyroid medications. In addition to the usual treatment of hyperthyroidism as described above, steroids are commonly given.

Can thyroid disease present itself right after delivery?

About 6 to 9% of women with no history of thyroid disease can present with disease after delivery, generally within the first year postpartum. This is common in women that have previously known thyroid antibodies that are not activated until after the delivery, or women with a strong family history of diabetes or other autoimmune disorders. Most women have transient hyperthyroidism which then converts to hypothyroidism requiring treatment. About 77% of women will completely recover but 30% will continue with thyroid disease permanently. Many women that recover will develop this disorder again with subsequent pregnancies.

Summary:

Because of the close similarity of symptoms that occur with a normal early pregnancy, be sure to ask your health care providers if you should be screened for thyroid disease. Discovery and correction of this condition can have beneficial ramifications to ensure a happy, healthy mother and baby. As stated in many previous articles, pregnancy can be the crystal ball of future medical conditions and by being vigilant, pregnancy can help a woman avoid diseases and conditions from surfacing later in life.

Post Natal Hair Loss - What Women During Pregnancy Should Know

For any woman who has had a child, pregnancy can be a great experience excluding of course the nauseating pain that comes with child birth, but then that is an aside considering they have just brought a brand new life into the world. The problem is the pain is not the only side effect of a pregnancy, there is some degree of hair loss involved which is more of a postnatal effect as is well known by many mothers. Somewhere around 50% of women will experience this hair loss at some point in time after child birth. This usually happens within a one to five months period after child birth whereby in or around the third month is where in most cases the effect is really felt. This of course is a very distasteful situation and extremely unnerving especially since this affects their looks and their mood. What is even worst is when the person is a new or even worst yet a young mother which increases their rate for postnatal depression and lowering their self esteem.

What is the cause?

Hormones! Just that, hormones, the increase and/or loss of hair when it comes to pregnant women and new mothers is usually due to the flux in the level of female hormones, which basically is known as estrogen. Within the term of pregnancy most women would experience an increase in their scalp hair, which is because at this time there is a surplus of estrogen being pumped around the body. This causes their metabolisms to be sped up and nutrients spread to everywhere in the body including the scalp causing the increase in scalp hair.

After child birth however is the complete opposite whereby there is a decrease in estrogen in the body to return the body to its normal levels that it was before the pregnancy therefore resulting in what we deem, hair loss. Basically since the extra nutrients in the scalp can not be provided by the hormones anymore there is nothing to support the increase in hair therefore the hair gained falls out. There are also other causes that add to pack when it relates to this type of hair loss like discontinuing the use of contraceptives, miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion and hormonal imbalance resulting from various reasons.

Most women fortunately do not have to worry considering this effect is only temporary and most come out of this problem without even taking any treatment for it since the body does the work for itself. There is however some cases whereby the hair loss continues after the predetermined period and becomes something to worry about especially if the person was already afflicted with very thin hair in the first place. No real need to worry though since there are treatment options available to help out in form of hair care and hair nutrition which are the major factors in promoting healthy hair after child birth.

Hair Care

Proper hair care has been found to be in this case a major helper in the restoration of the hair to a thicker and lusher growth. Some of these methods however should be avoided during this time though because they put too much stress on the scalp such as pigtails, cornrows, hair weaves and braids. Using tight hair rollers is also not recommended. The application of essential oils is also helpful as they promote healthy hair growth which may include lavender, neroli, patchouli and sandalwood. Shampoos and conditioners containing biotin and silica are also advisable options available. What should also be noted is that wet hair should not be rubbed hard since the hair is usually brittle at this time.

Nutrition

As with all others symptoms the body may experience a healthy diet is always the way to go and especially so for hair loss after pregnancy. Foods like fruit and vegetables are usually the most ideal for the promotion of healthy hair and growth. Also along with you doctor advice which he/she can advise you to a prescription of nutritional supplements which can include Vitamin B, Vitamin, C, Vitamin E and zinc which an excellent source of nutrients for the hair.

Finding Maternity Insurance

There is no such thing as maternity insurance.

Believe it or not, that is true. The term maternity insurance is used by various web sites because that is what many of you search on. But, there is no such product as a standalone maternity insurance plan.

How Do People Afford To Have Babies?

We get asked the same question almost every day. "How can anyone afford to have a baby?" Somehow or another, babies keep getting born with or without maternity coverage. But, the expenses can be a burden.

There are a number of options available to you, although none of them are perfect.

Options:

1. Consider paying the maternity expenses out of your own pocket. If you call your local hospital and pre-negotiate a fixed rate and do likewise with your doctor, you can expect to spend somewhere between $6,000 and $8,000 for a normal delivery. A c-section might run between $10,000 and $15,000. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate.


2. You can use an advocacy service. They will negotiate with your hospital and doctor for you. In certain instances, they have already established relationships at rates that are lower than you could negotiate on your own. We have found them to be very effective.


3. You can purchase health insurance with a maternity rider. Keep in mind that this means a new insurance plan. You cannot buy maternity insurance by itself. Be aware that if you have had a complication to pregnancy in the past, you probably will not be able to purchase a maternity rider.


4. If you are employed and there is a group health insurance plan available to you, it will most likely include maternity coverage.


5. If you are self-employed and live in any one of the following states, we might be able to provide you with a small group plan that will completely cover your maternity expenses. Presently, we can offer these services in Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, West Virginia, and soon in Florida, Nebraska and Texas.

For option one you can call the hospital yourself. For number two, you can call the advocacy service at 800-460-9178. For options 3 and 5, you can call me. My information is at the bottom of this article. For number four, you need to read your plan benefit book or talk with your human resource person.

If you happen to live in Southeast Florida, we have pre-negotiated rates with a number of hospitals and doctors. Again, call us for details.

"I am already pregnant and I need insurance."

If you are already pregnant use the advocacy service we just mentioned. You can call them directly at 800-460-9178.

If you have a group health insurance plan available to you, pregnancy cannot be considered a pre-existing condition. Once you are on the plan, it will cover the remainder of your pregnancy. Otherwise, there is little else you can do.

Why is it so difficult to find health insurance with maternity coverage?

First of all, let me assure you that it has nothing to do with a zero population growth movement. It is purely a matter of insurance economics.

If you are willing to pay extra for a maternity rider, then clearly you are planning on becoming pregnant. The probability of a claim is very high. In many instances the carrier will pay out more than they take in. Consequently, many companies that sell non-group health insurance plans have discontinued maternity options. Those that maintain this option generally have limited the payout. You end up paying as much or possibly more than you get back in benefits.

Group health insurance on the other hand, typically has maternity coverage as a state mandated benefit. They build the costs into the premium.

On most individual plans, complications to pregnancy are covered even though a normal delivery is not.

I urge you to read your policy carefully. In almost all instances, you will find that complications to a pregnancy are covered the same as any other illness. This means that unless you have had a complication in the past, any future complications will be covered.

You must do the math.

Since complications to pregnancy are usually covered, you only need to plan for a normal delivery. If your carrier tells you that a complete maternity rider will add $250 a month to the cost of your plan, and there is a 12 month wait before you can become pregnant, it is hardly worth it. You would be better off using an advocacy service and paying for the pregnancy out of your own pocket.

Next

In addition to the options outlined in this article, in certain parts of the country there are local and state agencies that can provide prenatal services and sliding scale fees for delivery. Be sure to investigate all available resources.

I invite you to call me if you have questions. My information is at the bottom of this article. Or, if it is missing, we are available 9AM to 8 PM EST at 800-272-0512.

Postpartum Depression Treatment

Are you a new mom looking for help in adjusting to your new, stressful situation? Feeling unsure of your skills at caring for a newborn? Sad? Weepy? This article will provide some tips and guidance to help you cope and there are links at the bottom of this article to direct you to a website that can provide more detailed postpartum depression treatment options.

Postpartum Depression (aka -- post natal depression or 'baby blues') affects new moms usually within the first few days or weeks after giving birth. It is a form of clinical depression and can last for a week, months or even a year in some cases.

Child birth can be a challenging time for expectant mothers, both physically and emotionally. Mood swings are very common immediately after giving birth -- feeling joyful at one moment and depressed the next. When this depression lasts for an extended time, it is referred to as postpartum depression and requires a detailed treatment.

Some of the common symptoms associated with this condition are feeling sad, being constantly fatigued, or having eating problems, sleep issues, anxiety and irritability. A number of women recover from baby blues immediately in within a week's time with or without the help of some counseling. Others need professional treatment.

Postpartum depression usually goes undetected and undiagnosed. Effective treatment requires early identification and adequate diagnosis. The first step in alleviating this condition is acknowledging the symptoms. Mothers with this condition may feel that they are bad mothers and are hesitant to seek help.

Mild forms of postpartum depression are treated with the help of just counseling and support from family. Women with moderate and severe form of depression may need both counseling and medications.

Prescription medication known as antidepressants may also help relieve postpartum depression symptoms especially in conjunction with counseling or therapy depending on the severity of the condition. Both partners can be included in the treatment process because it is important for the male partner to understand what's happening and be tolerant of his partner's feelings. The treatments and recovery associated with any kind of depression depends on the extent of the depression.

Medicines like antidepressants relieve the symptoms of depression. Certain types of antidepressants are proven safe to take at the time of breastfeeding. Your doctor is the best person to decide which treatment will work best for you.

A possible cause for these feelings is hormonal imbalance. Women who have experienced depression before pregnancy are more at risk and should discuss this issue with their doctors well before their due dates. Hormone treatments may be an option for a swift recovery though their effectiveness may be limited.

Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT helps in understanding things. Emotional support helps in solving problems and in setting and achieving goals.

Focusing on the short-term goals which can be achieved rather than thinking on long-term goals may also help relieve feelings of inadequacy as well as self-critical talk. Sharing feelings with your partner, families, and friends will also help in achieving a more positive outlook.

Look for inexpensive activities like reading, walking, visiting a place of worship, etc. The less isolated you are the better you'll feel. Avoiding stressful situations during pregnancy and love and care from family and loved ones will help in the long run.

With proper treatment baby blues can be conquered. Postpartum depression treatment works. One needs to acknowledge the condition and follow the treatment map set by your doctor for a speedy recovery.

Help Me Get Pregnant Quick - I'm Tired of Having Sex

Are you dreading sex because it has become a chore or duty? Are you looking for a way to get pregnant quick? This is exactly how many couples feel when they are trying to conceive a baby.

There is good news in that sex doesn't have to be so 'mechanical' and scheduled. Once you figure out a couple of details you can easily relieve the 'duty calls' feeling and engage in loving intercourse.

If sex has lost that spark and you are starting to view it as a chore then listen up. First you will want to have intercourse at the best time in order to make increase the chance of your egg becoming fertilized. This doesn't mean that you have to have sex all day long or even everyday. Stress will not help your chances of conceiving. So don't stress over this.

To help you figure out the days that you are most fertile you can always purchase an ovulation kit at the store. These are fairly inexpensive and will give you confidence if you feel that you a little unsure. You can also find out your window of opportunity by doing the following.

To do this you have to track your monthly cycles and do some basic counting. Paying close attention to your cycle will help you get pregnant quick! So, starting with the first day of your period and count the days until you are at day 12 of your cycle.

Once you have calculated this mark the days 12 through 16 of your cycle. These are the days in which most women usually ovulate. Now, if you have shorter or longer cycles you may have to adjust this timing.

During the window between day 12 and 16 you should have intercourse every other day. Don't worry, you won't be missing out on any opportunity for fertilization to happen. Sperm can live up to 72 hours once in the vagina. These are persist ant little guys and will swim until their short life is over.

I should mention that the 72 hour lifespan and reproduction ability is all dependent on the health of the male and his sperm, but on average this is the case.

Now that I'm on the subject of health I want to elaborate on this point. Reducing stress and making sure that you both are eating well and getting enough sleep is important to encourage conception and your future pregnancy. Taking some prenatal vitamin is a good idea and will only help with your overall health and the health of your baby.

Is it Safe to Use Wrinkle Cream During Pregnancy?

Being pregnant usually feels like being in a totally different world than the one you're used to. There are new food rules, new physical and emotional experiences and of course new no nos to your skin care regimen.

Many pregnant women do want nothing more but to keep using the anti aging cream they have been using before they got pregnant. Unfortunately though, you need to exercise a lot more caution now that you have a tiny little one inside of you.

The big problem is that many antiaging cream contain chemicals which have not been tested on pregnant women or worse, have been tested and have proven to be detrimental for the health of a the fetus. And truth be told, beauty products, over the counter cream specifically, are not required by law to list all the ingredients they use on the product, so you never really know what you're getting.

This is why as much as possible, if you ask me, it is best to stay away from anti wrinkle cream while your pregnant and when you're breastfeeding. But don't despair. There are some things that you can which ensure that your baby develops healthily and that your skin still gets the proper pampering it needs.

First of all, you can still continue to use moisturizer. This alone is already a great help in rejuvenating your skin. Stay away from bad ingredients in skin care products and go for organic ingredients instead.

For organic skin care products, have a look at Dr. Haushcka, Weleda, and Dr. Alkaitis Skin Care.

Secondly, make sure your properly nourish yourself during this period. It is no secret that what you eat greatly affects how your skin looks as well. So eat healthy. Always have food high in antioxidants and drink a lot of water.

Moreover, if you really want to use some antiaging products on your face, then go natural. There are a lot of natural anti wrinkle treatment that you can make at home. They're safe and you know exactly what you're putting in your face.

For example, you can mix 4 Vitamin E capsules, half teaspoons of honey, lemon juice and yoghurt and then slather them on your face with a cotton ball. You can then leave it on for 30 minutes or so. This home mixture is said to help so much in the moisturizing and healing of skin cells. Do this 4 or 4x a week and you won't miss your anti wrinkle cream at all!

California Short Term Disability - Is it Enough Coverage?

California short term disability insurance (California SDI) pays the richest benefit of any of the state programs. Does that mean you are fully protected in case you become disabled? While it's great to have, you may regret not increasing your coverage level should you suffer a disabling injury, illness, or go out on maternity leave.

Only five states have mandated short term disability programs in force, and California's program pays the highest benefits by far. California SDI replaces up to 55% of your income, up to a cap of $987 per week as of January, 2010. While other state plans replace a higher percentage of income, their weekly cap is much lower. This means fewer California workers full under the weekly cap, and actually get to enjoy the full 55% income replacement.

Does this mean you should feel secure? Ask yourself this question: "Am I spending most of what I make every week, or am I banking 45% of what I earn?" If you are like most people you are spending most of what you earn, and you have very little set aside in savings. It is estimated that 60% of American households are living check to check. If you are not banking 45% of what you earn, think about this. If you become disabled, you will be slapped with a 45% pay cut.

And people with higher incomes fall into the same trap. Many times expenses rise right along with income. Anyone earning more than $93,316 annually will be subject to the cap. This means the pay cut will be more than 55%.

Furthermore, much of your spending may be fixed. You may have a mortgage, rent, car payment(s), student loan payments, credit card debt, insurance payments, etc. All of these bills stay the same; whether you are working or disabled. If you are currently spending most of what you make, and have little in savings, what will you do when your pay is cut by 45%?

This is how people get themselves into financial trouble. They live on the edge financially, and everything is fine as long as they are healthy and working. But people do get sick, and have accidents. Roughly one third of workers will suffer a disabling accident and/or illness during their lifetime. With very little money in savings, people get pushed over the edge when their income dries up. Half of all bankruptcies are triggered by health events.

California short term disability insurance is a great program for many workers who become disabled. But ask anyone who needed to use the benefit: "was it enough?" The answer will probably be "no". This is especially true for women planning a pregnancy, because she will be out of work for at least six weeks, and longer if she needs to miss work before delivery, or take extra time to bond with her baby.

If you are concerned about staying solvent in the event of a disability, consider purchasing supplemental short term disability insurance while you are still healthy, and before getting pregnant. These policies will pay an additional benefit should you become disabled, and help close the gap in your California short term disability insurance coverage.

5 Effective Techniques to Help You Get Pregnant Fast

When a woman got married and have been enjoying her life after marriage for a while, then, it's time for her to have a baby in order to complete the family, and of course, she would want to get pregnant fast. Unfortunately, some women have been trying so hard to get pregnant, but it's just not happening. If you are one of them, don't worry because in this article, there are some effective techniques to help you get pregnant fast, actually, much faster than you expected. Those techniques are as following :

More Exercise

Taking exercises is one of the techniques to help you get pregnant fast. So, what exercises should you take? Well, you could play some sports, such as, badminton, jogging, weight training, tennis, and anything that make you stand and move around all the time.

Why taking exercises can help you get pregnant? Because your bones can be stronger by doing these activities. Besides, these can keep you active and help your metabolism to run as quickly as possible.

More Vegetables

Having more leafy green vegetables is another technique to help you get pregnant fast because they are the best source of folic acid which is the most important nutrients to help preparing your body for having a healthy baby in the future. In addition, green vegetables can help you maintain a healthy weight since they are lower in calories. Being overweight or underweight is one of the problem that cause you not to get pregnant. However, if you are lucky enough to get pregnant but you are overweight, there is a high possibility that your baby could be at risk for birth defects. So, having more vegetables to maintain healthy weight can help you to avoid this condition.

Yoga Class

Taking a yoga class is another technique to help you get pregnant fast since it can help you get rid of your stress. I believe that you are fully aware that stress is not making any good effect to your body. So, it is considered to be very important for you to do something to lower your stress level, and taking a yoga class can help you with this problem because it teaches you about the deep breathing techniques which you are going to like it.

Regularly Check Up Your Body

It is a good idea to regularly check up your body, especially if you want to get pregnant fast. When you can't get pregnant, it means that there should be something going on in your body. So, performing body check up can help your body to be well prepared for your pregnancy in the near future.

Keep Tracking of Your Body

It is also a good idea for you to keep tracking everything about your body if you want to get pregnant fast. Then, what should you notice? Well, it is easy. Just make sure to keep tracking everything that is going on with your body, such as, menstrual cycle, body temperature, breast tenderness, mucus consistency, and other signs like these.

Just keep in mind that if you watch for all the changes in your body as mentioned, then, you will have more chances to get pregnant fast than those who don't.

Belli Skin Care Products - Safe Enough to Use During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time when women worry only about their unborn child and oftentimes neglect their skin. One of the reasons that women often neglect their skin during pregnancy is simply because there are a lot of products out there that are not safe to use during this time. Belli Skin Care is one of the few creams that are endorsed by OBGYN's all over the country. It is a cosmetics line that is one hundred percent safe enough to use with out any ill side effects on the mother or the child. Since this cosmetics line likes to work under a holistic philosophy, these creams are a great way to pamper yourself during pregnancy when you start to feel really uncomfortable.

When you are pregnant, there are a million things on your mind and often women just don't have the time to devote to their skin care. Pregnancy will put your skin through a lot of changes and can even put a lot of stress on your changing skin. Belli Skin Care products can help alleviate some of that stress on your skin and help you prevent some of the more common skin issues that happen during this time. A large percentage of pregnant women will develop a skin condition called melasma. This is when the UV rays will discolor the skin on your face and is often called the mask of pregnancy, but using this product, will protect the rays from penetrating the skin in the first place.

Another concern during pregnancy is the appearance of stretch marks on different areas of the body. This often happens from the rapid weight gain and can be itchy, irritating, and unsightly to the woman. Using Belli Skin Care products throughout the pregnancy can really help reduce the visability of the stretch marks and can even help repair the torn skin. It will also help you regain the original shape of your skin post delivery.

So using Belli Skin Care products can really help you take of two things during your pregnancy. It can help you take good care of your skin without any ill effects on your child and also can give you a pampered feeling while you are in an uncomfortable state.

Pregnant Pajamas

If you are looking for the best night's sleep possible during your pregnancy, shoot for purchasing a pair of pregnant pajamas. These pajamas are maternity wear designed specifically for sleeping. Ask any pregnant woman, and she will tell you how frustrating sleeping (or attempting to sleep) during the later stages of pregnancy can be. The last thing you want to deal with when you are making your eighth trek to the bathroom in the middle of the night is how uncomfortable your pregnant pajamas are. Invest in a few great pairs of pjs around your fifth month of pregnancy and during your ninth visit to the bathroom, you will be happy that you did.

When you are looking for maternity pajamas the first rule is never compromise your comfort for your style. This is the most important rule for all clothing, especially maternity clothing. If they are not comfortable you won't wear them and you definitely won't enjoy them. Make sure your pajamas fit properly so they won't aggravate anything during your pregnancy that is already bothering you. You need all the sleep you can get while you are pregnant so make comfort your first priority.

With that being said, nobody said you have to give up style to be comfortable. There are so many cute pregnant pajamas on the market. There are great maternity pajama sets with cute, comfortable pants, capris, and shorts which can be mixed and matched. It also looks chic and funky to buy separates in great patterns and colors to mix and match them. Finally, a great, black pair always looks sophisticated and classy for sleeping or lounging around the house.

When purchasing pregnancy pajamas, go with your pre-pregnancy size, making sure you avoid belts, bands, and any restriction around the tummy area. If you are making this purchase early on you can try maternity pajamas on with a small pillow to make sure they will fit in later months. If you get the right material, with enough stretch, you should be able to wear a nice pair throughout your entire pregnancy. If you invest in a pair of pajamas that also double as nursing pajamas, you will be able to wear them throughout the pregnancy and early stages of your infant's life. They can be purchased at department stores, local retailers, online retailers, or through maternity boutiques. They range in price from relatively cheap (about $20) to pricier designer or name brands (around $150).

If your clothes, especially your maternity pajamas, are ill-fitting, you will never be able to get comfortable, let alone get a good night's sleep. Invest in some pajamas made especially for pregnant women. Pregnancy is a time in which you should take the utmost care of yourself and your needs so take advantage of this time and invest a little bit of money so you can be as comfortable as you can possibly be. When your baby arrives, a good night's rest will go right out the window, so enjoy it while you can.