Safe Exercises During Pregnancy

Is Sex During Pregnancy Safe?

2007-11-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

In the olden days, sex during pregnancy was a taboo. But one thing is sure, expectant mothers are sexual beings and sex is important and natural part of pregnancy and also a wonderful way for couples to remain intimate during pregnancy.

That a woman is pregnant does not make her look sexy in the sight of her husband though there may be that fear and worry from both sides, fear that sex may cause harm to the baby or even cause miscarriage. For a normal pregnancy, sex is very much safe and needed more especially at the last weeks of pregnancy for it helps to reduce the risk of delivery of the baby too early.

Let us be frank, as your husband needs and finds you sexy so do you feel same about him, so why shying away from that, why not share your feelings and together and jeep the candle of love that brought you together burning and enjoy yourselves sexually with any position you feel is comfortable for both of you while the baby grows.

For sex during pregnancy, it is very much safe and acceptable, it is high time couples came out of that fear that the baby may be hurt, if there is no complication of any kind, go ahead and enjoy yourselves for sex will by no means harm your baby. Your baby is in a secluded place and is protected by the amniotic sac and also your abdomen. No infection will affect your baby for the mucus plug that closes the opening of your cervix helps to avoid any kind of infection.

The only approval you need is from your health care provider, as far as he or she approves it, go ahead and have your sexual intercourse until your due date for you may be asked to even have sex then so as to help natural labour to take place.

Recommended: Visit Baby Making Issues And You for more information on how to manage your lifestyle to enhance your rate of conception.

The Principles for Safe Exercise during Pregnancy

2007-10-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy is one of the hardest; if not the hardest undertaking a woman endures. Aside from frequent bathroom trips, shameful uncontrolled gas, and the infamous morning sickness is the fact that you will gain weight.

Pregnancy is the safest excuse to gain weight. No matter how you try to deny, all women undergo the same thing. In fact, it is even encouraged for pregnant women to gain weight. The right amount of weight gained is essential and crucial all throughout your pregnancy. However, what we would like to avoid as much as possible is the irony of gaining more than what we should. If you are of normal weight, the approved weight gain is anywhere between 25-35 pounds, however if you are naturally underweight then you may gain up to 40 pounds but if you are diagnosed as obese then you should not exceed 15 pounds.

In order to stay in the right track or much better to stay on the right weight, exercise plays the biggest part. Safe exercise during pregnancy not only helps you control your weight but it also decreases your risk of labor complications in the long run. It also shortens the span of time of your labor and promotes a faster recovery after giving birth. The benefits of doing a safe exercise during pregnancy are virtually limitless, not to mention the overall feeling of wellness that it has to offer.

But how do we practice safe exercise during pregnancy? Here are some useful guidelines that you may want to consider.

Pay attention to your body If you run out of breath or feel dizzy, then that's your signal to take a rest. Once you regain strength, then you can restart but at a slower pace. Pregnancy is not the time to push to your limits.

Be well hydrated Drink plenty of water in between exercises. It is a simple way of not getting overheated as raising basal temperature is dangerous to your pregnancy.

Avoid Injury Your joints and ligaments are softer and less stable as they usually are. Have plenty of support especially on your back. Never attempt to do floor exercises if you are beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Observing safe exercise during pregnancy is important. You may be the toughest, most active person prior to your conception, but exercise during pregnancy is something that should be done with great care and with moderation.

About Author

If you are looking for more information about parenting and family life, visit webarticles.com. Adrian Smikins is a contributor for Webarticles.com.

Pregnancy Diets - Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

2007-10-26T22:25:00.000-07:00

During pregnancy and breastfeeding your body works hard and needs more vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. In addition to fueling your own body and providing for the needs of your growing baby, the increased tissue of the uterus, placenta and blood requires more calories, vitamins, minerals and protein. Most doctors emphasize on getting enough calories through your pregnancy diet - which is why even if you are overweight, you've got to have pregnancy weight gain; if not, your own body fat will be used to support the pregnancy. Your body produces ketones and if this happens, it is harmful for your baby.

Unlike your carefree days when you wolf down a grease-filled burger and fries from the local diner, or when you could drink your friends under the table, you now have to think about yourself in a responsible manner.

To that end your diet during pregnancy needs to be a healthy one. You need to think about what is best for not only you, but also for your baby. Drinking is out, and so is smoking. You might also want to think about lessening the amount of coffee you consume and maybe even switch to something like an herbal tea that is suitable for pregnant women.

Healthy foods for pregnant women It is important to choose a wide variety of foods to ensure the nutritional needs of both mother and baby are met. Try to eat:

* Lots of fruit and vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals * One quart (4 glasses) or more of milk. Any kind will do: whole milk, low fat, skim, buttermilk, or cheese, yogurt, ice cream, etc.... * Moderate amounts of low fat dairy foods and lean meats * A piece of citrus fruit or glass of juice of lemon, lime, orange, tomato, or grapefruit. * Small amounts of foods high in fat, sugar and salt * Lean meat, chicken and fish * Whole baked potato three times a week.

Protein is needed during pregnancy to support the rapid growth of the fetus and placenta. Protein is also used in the growth of maternal tissue. Current recommendations suggest an increase in protein of 10 grams more than the non-pregnant state for adult women. Ten grams of protein is the amount found in 2 cups of soy milk, 3-1/2 ounces of extra-firm tofu, 3 ounces of tempeh or one large bagel. This amounts to a total of only 60 grams of protein per day; in one study vegan and vegetarian women were consuming that amount even before they were pregnant .

Folic acid aids cell division in early pregnancy and damage to the fetus from low folic acid can occur even before pregnancy is confirmed. Folic acid is well sourced from yeast, wholegrains, pulses, nuts, dairy products, Jaggery - again no need for supplements- just a whole foods balanced diet.

Water plays a key role in your diet during pregnancy. It carries the nutrients from the foods you eat to your baby, and also helps prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, excessive swelling, and urinary tract or bladder infections. Most importantly, drinking enough water, especially in your last trimester, prevents you from becoming dehydrated which can then lead you to have contractions and premature, or early labor. Pregnant women should drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day. You can drink juices for fluid, but they also have a lot of calories and can cause you to gain extra weight. Coffee, soft drinks, and teas cannot count towards the total amount of fluid you need as they have caffeine which actually reduce the amount of fluid in your body.

Eat small meals every few hours

Even if you're not hungry, chances are your baby is, so try to eat every four hours. And if morning (or all-day) sickness, food aversions, heartburn, or indigestion make eating a chore, you may find that eating five or six small meals, rather than the usual three larger ones, is easier on your body. Remember, your developing baby needs regular sustenance, so try not to miss meals.

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Read out Herbal medicines. Also check out for punk hairstyles and pregnancy tips

Safe Home Workouts During Pregnancy

2007-10-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

Along with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, one of the most important things you can do to benefit yourself and your baby during pregnancy is exercise. Women who exercise regularly while pregnant have easier labor, deliveries, and recovery time. The majority of pregnant women are able to exercise at a level appropriate to their stage of pregnancy, but you should always check with your doctor to make sure you have no risks or conditions that would prevent you from exercising safely.

Working out at home during pregnancy is fun and convenient when you use pregnancy workout videos as a part of your routine.

Through the use of one of the many excellent exercise videos that are available to you, you can exercise during all stages of your pregnancy in the comfort of your own home. The videos are fun and effective and you are sure to love the challenging yet pregnancy-oriented routines that will help keep you toned and fit throughout your pregnancy. Included in the many benefits of exercising during pregnancy are less fatigue, reduced lower back pain, stress relief, weight management, and a quicker return to your pre-pregnancy weight after delivery. Some forms of exercise are better than others for moms-to-be. Low-impact, low-risk exercises include walking, stretching, yoga, swimming, specialized prenatal aerobics, and Pilates.

Exercise during pregnancy is beneficial to both you and your baby. The wrong exercises however, can cause actually cause harm so it is important to do only those exercises that are known to be safe for both mom and baby. Pregnancy exercise videos will give you a safe, manageable workout routine that is appropriate for your stage of pregnancy. You can order pregnancy exercise videos featuring well-known exercise personalities or your favorite celebrities.

By exercising throughout your pregnancy you will help avoid many of the discomforts associated with pregnancy including constant feelings of exhaustion and lower back pain. An added bonus of regular exercise during your pregnancy is a faster recovery time after delivery and a quicker return to your pre-pregnancy weight.

Pregnancy exercise videos are a great way to keep fit and healthy during your pregnancy. Fun, easy to follow exercise routines designed especially for expectant mothers will give you to opportunity to keep your mind and body fit during your pregnancy and make it much easier for you to regain your pre-pregnancy shape after the birth of your child. You can be healthy and experience significantly less discomfort when you take the time to exercise regularly throughout your entire pregnancy. Pregnancy exercise videos can help you stay fit and will allow you to perform your workout in your own home at your convenience.

If you are an expectant mother or are planning to become pregnant, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. You will make labor and delivery easier for both you and your baby and the benefits will extend after the birth of your child. You will lose that extra pregnancy weight faster and your body will be considerably more resilient if you have a regular workout routine that you continue throughout your entire pregnancy.

Tina Titas is a columnist for http://www.FunExerciseVideos.com From pregnancy pilates videos to pregnancy yoga videos, you’ll find an affordable option that you’ll enjoy.

Stress During Pregnancy - Pregnancy and Stress

2007-10-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

As a psychologist friend of mine once told me if you don't feel stress in your life you're not paying attention. Everyone experiences stress, even pregnant women. What is not clear, however, is whether stress can have harmful affects on pregnancy. Anxiety and stress, while common during pregnancy, is not a healthy side effect of pregnancy. There are many reasons you may feel anxious during pregnancy. Along with pregnancy comes the stress during pregnancy and responsibility of carrying a new life into this often chaotic and unpredictable world. Fortunately you don't have to spend every waking moment thinking, obsessing and stressing over your pregnancy. There are several strategies you can adopt to help reduce the anxiety and stress associated with pregnancy.

Under normal circumstances, a woman is bound to experience the ultimate event in her life: pregnancy and motherhood. Getting pregnant is one of the simplest yet unique source of happiness a woman could ever have. Bearing a child changes a woman's lifestyle and her very perception about life itself. and would change their whole lifestyle as well. Being a mother is exceptionally different from being just a woman. Experiencing pregnancy for nine months can give the woman a lot of time to think about herself, her health, and all of her responsibilities regarding her family and her career.

When it comes to pregnancy, women should know as much information as they could get in order to have knowledge on what to expect while she is pregnant and when she is about to give birth. It is necessary for the woman to know the basics of conceiving a baby, right from the very start of it all. A first time mother could really feel the excitement and, of course, the fear and anxiety that naturally comes with the first-time pregnancy. Being worried is considered normal since this would be their first time to experience pregnancy. Personal research on pregnancy usually starts when a woman asks her own mother or close circle of female friends about the what, why, and how of pregnancy. These informal means of education may be quite unscientific but make up for it by the sense of privacy and the level of personal interaction that occurs between the woman and her source of information.

Pregnant women should be aware of possible health risks and activities that they should avoid during the pregnancy period. Eating the right and healthy diet for you and your unborn child is essential for the proper growth of the baby, as well as to give strength to the soon-to-be mother. Exercise is also important to keep pregnant women fit since the delivery requires stamina and endurance. But still, not all exercises are fit for pregnant women. Research studies have shown that there are risks in having a miscarriage when a pregnant woman engages in vigorous exercises like jogging, ball games, and playing racket sports. Swimming is a good exercise alternative for pregnant women. This can relax the woman's body by not feeling her extra weight in the water, and is also a practical source for stress relief.

For first time mothers, fear and anxiety is relevant since this would be a new experience for them, and a hard one at that. Being stressed and worried may complicate the pregnancy, so there are useful tips that can be recognized as forms of stress relief. A lot of factors can give stress, as well as fear and anxiety for first time pregnant women. They can be stressed out due to financial reasons, work-related issues, and the more personal form of stress. By prioritizing her needs and simplifying the daily schedule, a pregnant woman can release some stress that normally comes with the pregnancy. In terms of financial stress, it is wise to cut down on unnecessary things and focus more on creating a fixed budget that could eventually help your family when the baby arrives. Experiencing pregnancy for the first time can be truly stressful. It is advisable for pregnant women to work try stress relief methods in order to have a healthy, worry free pregnancy.

About the Author

Read out Pregnancy calculator. Also check out for homemade face masks and home remedies for sore throat

Phentermine and Pregnancy - Is Phentermine Safe For Your Baby?

2007-10-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

Obesity is the main problem during pregnancy and may lead to diabetes in pregnant women. As per the latest survey carried out by the various research teams, there are no side effects of Phentermine in case of pregnant women if it is taken as per prescribed doses.

But if the doses of Phentermine are consumed in large quantity, there is a risk of abnormal development of foetus, so to reduce these risks, prescribed doses needs to be followed in proper manner under strict vigilance of the doctor. But it is an advice to the pregnant women that they should avoid Phentermine during pregnancy period because it may lead to gestational diabetes. Sometimes Phentermine can cause various withdrawal symptoms in case of pregnant women. To avoid all these side effects, Phentermine should be stopped before start of pregnancy stage and doctor needs to be consulted for more information about Phentermine.

In case of breast-feeding mothers, Phentermine is to be avoided, so that the newborn baby is safeguarded from various side effects. As Phentermine is from the family of sympathomimetic amines and it is almost similar to the Adipex-P, pregnant women should avoid taking Phentermine. This may lead to an addiction if the doses of Phentermine are taken in large quantities. If doctor permits you to go ahead with Phentermine during pregnancy period, you should gradually reduce the dose to avoid the symptoms of withdrawal. Before opting for Phentermine, please go through the instructions and quantity of doses written on the leaflet. Do not follow self-medication practice, it may result in abnormalities.

Along with above stated abnormalities, there are various side effects of Phentermine during pregnancy period and they are as follows. * Phentermine may lead to allergic reactions during pregnancy stage. * You may feel abnormality in breathing. * Throat choking in pregnant women is a common side effect of the Phentermine. * It might lead in swelling of lips and face. * Phentermine may lead to risk of abnormal babies. * Phentermine may cause abnormal heartbeats and the risk of high blood pressure. * Headache and the dizziness occur in case of pregnant women due to Phentermine. * Diarrhea and constipation are other minor side effects of the Phentermine, in case of pregnancy. * The common and minor side effects in pregnancy are soar throat, confusion, anxiety, insomnia and the abnormal taste. * There is also a risk of impotency due to the Phentermine.

Basically Phentermine is a type of medication that is used for reducing the appetite and obesity as it simulates the nervous systems in case of pregnant cases.

In general, Phentermine is not recommended for pregnant women as losing weight may lead to under-weight babies or with abnormality such as neural defect in which the spinal has abnormality. In case of such problems, it is better to get examined to have a healthy baby. The examinations or tests recommended by the doctor are ultrasound examination, which enables to check the physical behavior of the baby in mothers' womb. Even this ultrasound can provide complete details of the head and the spinal cord of the baby. In such cases Phentermine should be stopped immediately.

Women who breast-feed their babies should also avoid taking Phentermine as the contents may pass on to the baby through the milk and may affect the health of baby. Tremors and agitation may occur in baby due to breast milk because the main function of Phentermine is to stimulate the central nervous system and that may lead to side effects. Before breast-feeding, mothers who plan to take the dose of Phentermine, should consult with the doctor.

All of the above information regarding side effects and disorders during pregnancy is only a guideline and not to be treated as authority for the Phentermine users. Readers are advised to discuss the issues with their doctor before opting for Phentermine.

About the Author

Learn more about Phentermine and how it can be part of your weight loss toolbox at PhenForum.com. This site offers discussion forums, a weight loss support group, weight loss tips, and much more - all for free!

Safe & Effective Pregnancy Massage

2007-10-17T17:23:00.001-07:00

Benefits:

Massaging a woman from 13 weeks onwards during her pregnancy is a fantastic way to keep a mum-to-be relaxed and comfortable as her growing body accommodates the new weight. The main benefits of regular safe and effective mama massages are:

* Relief of pain
* Improved circulation for mother and baby
* Improved immune system for mother and baby
* Better sleep
* A more relaxed attitude towards giving birth, and thus better birth outcomes
* Better bonding between mother and baby
* Improved chances of carry the baby to full-term
* A healthier and calmer baby of good weight
* Improved skin condition
* Relief of headaches and possibly nausea

Extras you will need:

A firm, steady, thick pillow for the leg plus a towel to cover

A thin cushion or towel for under the belly

An two towels or sheets for draping

A pillow to hold on to

Positioning:

A pregnant woman should NEVER lie on her stomach. This is partially for insurance reasons, but also because the weight of the uterus will pull the ligaments on the mothers’ sacrum (lower back) and cause back ache (not what we’re trying to do!)

Do not massage any woman who is less than 12 weeks pregnant due to the increase risk of miscarriage. This is through nothing you would have done, but for insurance reasons stay safe. A woman who has lost her baby following a massage is more likely to accuse and sue you and cause bad relations than someone who had a sore muscle from a strong massage.

It is possible to have a pregnant woman of 13-22 weeks lying on her back with a cushion under her right hip/ buttock, but any pregnant woman who is more than 22 weeks should not lie on her back for more than 3 minutes. She may be propped up to a seated position if you need to work on her front. Lying on her back, the weight of the uterus, after 22 weeks, is too much pressure for the vena cava (main vein running up the right side of the spine) and will cause breathlessness in the mother and nutrient and oxygen restrictions to the baby.

You will find it easier and generally safer to always massage a pregnant woman in the side lying position, asking her to turn over half way through so you can massage both sides effectively.

When lying on her side, the pregnant woman should have her knee and foot on a firm and steady cushion that is high enough for her hip to be at a right angle so her leg is not pulling on her hip and lower back. Make sure the foot is supported as this creates more comfort for the mother.

If her belly is feeling like it is pulling while lying on her side, the mother-to-be will need a small cushion or towel under her belly. Let her put the cushion there so she can make herself comfortable. Any woman who is more than 22 weeks pregnant will need the belly cushion even if they initially feel comfortable… 1 hour on a couch can change things.

Ask your pregnant lady to lie on the couch with her back as close to the edge as she can… this makes it more comfortable for you to massage her so you don’t have to over reach. Make sure that the cushions under her legs are close enough to her so her back and hips are not twisting.

Once you have made sure her leg is comfortable and the blankets are neatly in place you can then give your mother-to-be a pillow to hold on to like a teddy bear so as she doesn’t put any pressure on her growing, tender breasts.

You will need two towels to drape your pregnant client. Make sure one towel covers the legs and is tucked neatly into the lady’s undies, pulling them down far enough so you can work on the hips. And drape another towel over her back so it falls across the front and back of the woman. Ask her if she’s comfortable with a blanket over her as many pregnant ladies get over heated. Ask her if she’d like her feet covered or uncovered.

Make sure your pregnant client has a pillow under their head that is not too high or too low…their neck should be in line with their spine. If the pillow is too low for her she is likely to put a hand under her head, so you’ll know if she needs extra support.

Whether a pregnant woman has a large belly or not, always use side lying when giving a mama massage.

Pressure:

You can use as much pressure as your client wants when working on the back of a pregnant lady. The lower back and sacrum is often very sore and stiff because of bad posture so working as strong as the client likes is good to help release tight muscles. The shoulders and neck are also sore spots for pregnant women and can be massaged as strong or light as your client requires.

The only place on a pregnant body that you must NOT massage is the inside of the legs. A pregnant woman has 40% more blood in her body which is thicker and prone to clotting. This is a great design feature for giving birth in case of hemorrhaging. Normally the clots will disintegrate naturally, but if you use pressure on the inner thigh and calves, or any shaking/percussion moves on the leg you may accidentally move a clot which could cause thrombosis (dangerous restriction on blood flow) and cause problems for mother and baby.

You can safely massage a pregnant woman’s feet with as much pressure as she is comfortable with. Massaging the feet has a different intention and effect than reflexology, so is not dangerous to the mother or baby. Reflexology can safely be given to a pregnant woman from 13 weeks onwards, so long as you stay away from the reproductive area and the pituitary gland as both of these can stimulate a miscarriage or premature labour.

If your client has water retention (puffy) hands and or feet, make sure you use very light pressure on these areas.

Some women really like their belly’s being touched when their pregnant, while others hate it. Ask the mother before the start of the massage if she would like her belly touched. If she would like it to be massaged, only use gentle pressure with the flat of your hand (no pushing or poking with fingers)

Precautions:

* No massage before 13 weeks (unless you've had specific training)
* No massaging the inner leg
* No shaking moves on the legs
* No massage for any pregnant lady who is bleeding
* Always ask if there has been any complications, nausea, bleeding and if all their scans and tests have come back good.

Always ask the client to tell you if there are any sore/painful spots… never make the massage so strong it’s painful. The baby gets the same as the mum, so if she’s in pain the baby will be also. There’s a difference between a strong massage that feels good and a strong massage that is painful but the client thinks it’s doing good.

Conclusion

Pregnant women deserve to be massaged… so don’t be shy! If in doubt about massaging your pregnant client, don’t do it. Seek medical or other specialist health professional advice.

Based in Auckland, Samantha is an advanced specialist in Pregnancy, Labour & Postnatal Massage and offers a unique service to New Zealand women as a Birthing Doula and tutor. She is passionate about giving women the essential information they need to have the best chances of a Joyful Childbirth which often get over looked by the medical profession, antenatal classes and popular birthing books.

Pregnancy Health - Have A Safe Pregnancy

2007-10-17T01:36:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy health comprises having good dietary habits before and during pregnancy. Good diet and proper lifestyle during pregnancy can help you cope with early pregnancy symptoms as well as other symptoms of pregnancy.

Maintaining good pregnancy health is extremely important for an expectant mother to ensure her own and her little one's safety during pregnancy. In fact, steps to keep yourself in good health should begin even before you begin trying to have a baby. There are some lifestyle / dietary habits which can cause trouble even in conceiving a baby. So, pregnancy health begins at the very beginning i.e. when the thought of planning a baby strikes you first. Here are a few tips on keeping yourself in good health before and during your pregnancy.

When You Plan To Have A Baby

For good pregnancy health, both you and your partner must completely avoid drinks high on caffeine like coffee, tea, and cold drinks. Similarly, both of you must refrain from having alcohol and smoking. Ingestion of any of these substances put you at a higher risk for infertility related problems. Secondly, you must visit a dentist well in advance before you get pregnant. Any kind of gum disease would give rise to bacteria in your mouth, which may infect your baby. Bacterial infections can cause you to have a premature delivery. So it is vital for you to maintain good oral health too. Also, both you and your partner must avoid heavy physical exercise while trying to have a baby. Rather restrict yourself to comfortable walks in the morning or evening.

During Pregnancy

First of all you must be careful with what you eat and drink to maintain good pregnancy health. You must eat food that is rich in fiber like fresh vegetables, fruit, cereals etc. Make it a point not to eat spicy / oily foodstuff. It's best to stick to home-cooked food. You need more calcium during pregnancy, so include food items that contain calcium in your diet. And try to eat small quantities five to six times a day rather than three large meals because the process of digestion is slower in pregnant women. Beverages having caffeine are to be avoided after conception as well. Rather drink lots of water - at least about 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. A rich and balanced diet would help you cope with early pregnancy symptoms like constipation, heartburn, hemorrhoids etc.

For body pains and aches, try applying heat-pads. Your clothing also has to be different from what you normally wear, even before you have a big belly. Avoid tight and synthetic clothing. Go in for cotton clothes that are loose and comfy. Wear padded bras to tackle another symptom of pregnancy - tender or swollen breasts. Also avoid use of soaps. Use moisturizers for your skin.

And yes, it's safe to have sex when you are carrying. Though pregnancy health is not affected by sex, but if you notice pain in the abdomen or vagina or any kind of vaginal discharge consulting your doctor is a must.

About the Author

You should take proper care of yourself for better pregnancy health. Try to be in high spirits and maintain proper diet, rich in all the essential nutrients. A pregnant woman should be physically and mentally fit to deliver a healthy baby.

Is Green Tea and Pregnancy a Safe Combination?

2007-10-16T15:49:00.001-07:00

There are many alternative medicine health care providers who think that drinking herbal teas during pregnancy is one way of providing optimal support to the health of a pregnant mother. However, there are studies that show green tea and pregnancy cannot really go together. The divide is causing some mainstream confusion about the real effects of drinking green tea during pregnancy period.

Teas are often the source of additional nutrients like iron, calcium and magnesium. For pregnant women, added nutrients will do wonders for the stage they are going through. The problem is there haven't been enough studies to corroborate the safety of pregnant women who consume teas. And the few studies conducted on the safety of green tea for pregnant women are also too few for experts to make a conclusive stand. On the other hand, there are studies claiming that green tea and pregnancy is safe as long as the beverage is taken in moderation.

Experts advise that green tea and pregnancy is an acceptable combination as long as the pregnant women curb their intake of green tea to no more than 5 cups daily during the stage of pregnancy. This restriction is based on study results that show that although caffeine may not produce undesirable results and cause harm to the developing baby, there are still significant evidences that link slower fetal growth to daily consumption of 400 milligrams or more of caffeine, which can be translated to 6 or more cups of tea. Taking in too much caffeine may also bring on higher risk of late first of second trimester miscarriage.

The combination of green tea and pregnancy is not also viewed as beneficial for the reason that the effectiveness of folic acid may be affected. Folic acid is important in the prevention of neural tube defects in the first month after conception. A recent study highlighted the negative effects of green tea on folic acid. The study reported that a major compound in green tea called EGCG can cause the inactivation of an enzyme in the cancer cell called dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), which is important for folic acid utilization.

When the EGCG in green tea inactivates the DHFR in the cancer cell, the fetus will be unable to receive the complete folic acid benefits that will help prevent it from developing neural tube birth defects. It is also reported that even though the pregnant mother will continuously take folic acid supplements and eat greens rich in folate, there will still be an effect, albeit a slight one. However, it has been pointed out that the data for the EGCG-DHFR study is rather weak, so there hasn't been enough conclusive evidence to prove that green tea indeed has adverse effects on folic acid.

With all these negative effects of green tea and pregnancy, some professionals still manage to stay steadfast to the widely recognized health benefits of green tea. According to them, drinking green tea while pregnant is safe so long as these women observe caution by drinking the beverage moderately. To stay on the safe side, experts recommend that approximately 2 or 4 cups of green tea a day would likely be a sensible dose. But the best advice when it comes to green tea and pregnancy would be to discuss the issue with a doctor first.
About the Author

Patricia Hammond is a green tea enthusiast. Get her FREE 7-Day GREEN TEA eCourse here or visit her site at www.YourHealthCenter.info for more health tips on weight loss, sleeping disorders and others.

Consumption of Wine is Safe in Pregnancy

2007-10-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

There have been many articles written about the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. And there have many debates and researches that referred to this issue.

Some experts say moderate drinking during pregnancy is okay, but there are others who believe taking even one drink is like very dangerous for the baby's health.

The thing that is not debatable is that whatever women eat or drink while pregnant goes directly through your bloodstream into the placenta so literally if a pregnant woman takes a drink -- a glass of wine, a beer or a cocktail -- the unborn child takes the same.

For the unborn child, the alcohol interferes with his ability to get enough oxygen and nourishment for normal cell development in the brain and other body organs. Research has shown that a developing foetus has very little tolerance for alcohol and infants born to mothers who drink during pregnancy can have serious problems. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of mental and physical defects which develops in some unborn babies when the mother drinks "too much" alcohol during pregnancy. A baby born with FAS, or even with the lesser Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), can have serious handicaps and therefore could require a lifetime of special care. There is even some research that indicates that women who plan to get pregnant should stop drinking before they even conceive.

The debate raised by the Department of Health is about how much is "too much" because until now it was said that the only safe limit is no alcohol at all. The Department of Health said that pregnant women and those hoping to conceive can safely drink up to two glasses of wine a week without harming the foetus.

Dr Raja Mukherjee, an expert on the disorder who works at St George's hospital medical school in Tooting, London, called for pregnant women to cut out alcohol completely, and said the UK's binge drinking habits were of particular concern: "There is an increasing literature of evidence, however, to suggest that binge drinking as well as low doses of alcohol can cause damage."

The Department of Health said the research cited at the conference had been reviewed in March as part of the government's alcohol harm reduction strategy, and that the two units a week limit was considered to be safe.

Visit Vintage Roots at http://www.vintageroots.co.uk, for organic wines.

Best Exercises During Pregnancy

2007-10-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

For many women, pregnancy is a time to make healthy lifestyle choices such as getting fit and quitting smoking. Whether you are a fitness fanatic or have never exercised regularly, exercise during pregnancy is recommended to improve the health of you and your baby.The benefits of exercise during pregnancy include increased body awareness, enhanced endurance and improved posture.

Exercise has been shown to lower your risk of developing gestational diabetes and to reduce the physical discomfort associated with pregnancy. Through exercise, you can achieve an increased sense of wellbeing and feel less fatigue and more satisfaction with your changing body. In fit women, the active phase of labor tends to be shorter and there is less likelihood that a forceps delivery or caesarean section will be required.

Through a phenomenon known as “fetal programming", your health status in pregnancy can affect the health of your child as a neonate, toddler and adolescent. In particular, if you are overweight or obese, inactive or suffer from diabetes during pregnancy, the likelihood that your child will become overweight or develop diabetes is much higher than if you are healthy, of normal weight and exercise regularly.

The kind of exercises during pregnancy you choose depends on your interests and what your doctor believes is appropriate. Often, pregnant women enjoy dancing, swimming, yoga, Pilates, cycling or walking. Aim for a combination of aerobic cardiovascular exercises, strength and flexibility exercises. Begin all your sessions with a gentle and appropriate warm up, and always finish with a cool down. It is advisable to consult your doctor or midwife regardless of whether you have regularly exercised before pregnancy or whether you are starting a new fitness program because of your pregnancy.

A few guidelines exist for exercising when pregnant. It is important to exercise at a comfortable intensity and not to undertaken anaerobic exercise. Try to avoid overheating, particularly in the first trimester when your baby is more sensitive to high temperatures. Exercise wearing light, comfortable clothing and drink plenty of water. You should avoid lying flat on your back once you are more than 16 weeks pregnant; doing so may compress the important blood vessels to your heart and therefore restrict the amount of blood your baby receives. It’s best to avoid sports where there is a risk of abdominal trauma, such as contact sports, horse riding or skiing.

Several medical and obstetric conditions may mean that you need to modify or stop your safe exercises during pregnancy program. These conditions include pregnancy induced hypertension (high blood pressure), ruptured membranes or an incompetent cervix. Vaginal bleeding or intrauterine growth retardation are also instances where your doctor may advise exercise abstinence. If you have a multiple pregnancy, you will need to speak to your doctor about your special exercise needs. Safe exercises during pregnancy can help you stay fit and healthy and prepare you for the rigors of birth and new parenthood.

Discover Safe Exercises During Pregnancy...

2007-03-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

You're about to learn the TRUTH about why you DON'T have to go through pregnancy feeling overweight and unattractive...

Dear Pregnant Mom!

If you'd like to finally avoid the dreaded feeling of gaining excess pregnancy weight or maybe you just want to get fit to deliver so you can enjoy an easier labor and also be able to lose all your pregnancy weight quickly after delivery without all the drama of stretch marks, nausea, fatigue and misery, that many woman face then this might be the most important product you have ever seen.

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Most New Moms Just Let Themselves Go...

They indulge in their amazing cravings, they stop exercising and may even go to the extent of using pregnancy as an excuse to eat like a pig.

There’s no denying that when you have a big belly, feel nauseous and have aches and pains – the last thing you will ever feel like doing is getting up off that comfortable couch or think about what you’re about what food you are putting into put in your mouth.

That is the main reason why most pregnant women end up gaining more weight than they should, struggle to lose the excess fat afterwards, and ofcourse feel downright miserable.

How many times do you hear pregnant moms complaining about the “last” 5 - 10 pounds from pregnancy that they just CAN’T seem to lose?

And how many women do you know that have turned to using the dangerously restrictive diets and army like strict exercising routines (all the weight-loss “tricks”) to get rid of those UNWANTED post-pregnancy pounds?

Don't Be One Of Those Woman.. Stay Fit!

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