Baby Names by Meaning

A name has to last us a lifetime. Its importance can't be stressed enough. It gives people their first impression of you as an individual and often says a lot about the family you come from. Children are often named after their fathers or Mothers. Sometimes children are names after other family members, friends, or even famous people. The current trends in naming babies seem to be the more outlandish the better. Or is it? Celebrities have hit the news naming their kids everything from Apple to Wolfgang. But has society followed their trend?

Fifty years ago the most popular 3 names for boys were Michael, David, and James. The 3 most popular girls names were Mary, Susan, and Linda, nothing outlandish. Good names that had meaning and you weren't afraid of telling anyone your name for fear of them making fun of you. You didn't have a nick name because you didn't need one. I mean really, if your name was something weird wouldn't you do your best to develop a nickname for yourself?

Thankfully, the celebrity naming trend isn't prevailing. Last year the 3 most popular boys names were Jacob, Michael, and Ethan. The 3 most popular girls names were Emma, Isabella, and Anthony, and again, nothing outlandish. These are all good names that have great meanings. Nothing you have to explain when you introduce yourself., because I'm sure when Apple gets older everywhere she goes that name is going to need an explanation. I can here the others shouting now, "You're a fruit." And she'll explain, "I was named for...", and filling out applications? "We need your real name." again, "I was named for..."

Not that explaining names can't be nice. "I was named after my father." sounds good. Even made up names aren't bad. "My Dad's name is Dan and my Mother's is Lana, so they combined them to name me Dana." A name does last a lifetime so remember that when you name your baby. Give them something with meaning. And if they have to explain what it means or why they have that name, make it an explanation they don't mind sharing.

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Choosing a Baby Name For Your New Born

Choosing a baby name can be hard, but when you have some tips to follow, it can make the journey a little easier for you. Here are some tips that you should use in order to find the perfect new born baby name.

Too Common?

How many Katies, Kyles, or Jessicas do you know? These popular names frighten many parents. Future mommies and daddies today have concerns about their child's name being too common. Some names seem to be so common that everyone knows two or three people with that name. Looking back a few decades, these names were extremely trendy and new when they were chosen. Names like Ashley, Jennifer, and Christopher were not common names for adults in the 1980s. However, that next generation, those who are young adults now in the 21st century, seem to all have names like those. The trend has begun again with names such as Ava, Madison, and Aidan. Expect to see these current baby names as the future generation of young adult names.

Too Original?

Many of us have heard a name before that made us pause and wonder where it came from. Was it a family surname? Or perhaps it was a combination of two first names? Maybe the parents were just a little overly creative! These seemingly interesting and original names are usually chosen by the type of parents I mentioned above who are afraid of naming their child a common name. In the long run however, a name that is too original may become a challenge for the child, possibly even a disadvantage. A name that is hard to pronounce may cause others embarrassment when attempting to read the child's name, and in turn, may cause them not to use it at all! This adds in a completely different factor when it comes to names. Never forget about the effect that others can have on your child when it comes to their name. Will they get made fun of? Or will they get left out? No parent wants either for their child.

Just Right!

Finding a name that is just right for a child may seem like the most challenging task in the world right now. However, you will find a name that you are comfortable with, think others will be comfortable with, and know fits your baby perfectly. Parents often choose a name that may be common, but it is not too common. For extra help and some ideas, try looking up the top 100 names of the year through the government. But here is a secret: don't choose from the first 50 names. Look toward the bottom half of the list where the common, but not too common, names are listed! Good luck on your search!

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Help Choosing Baby Names

When you choose a baby's name, in a way you make them who they are. Some people think that the name given to a baby affects their personality to a degree and moulds them into the person they eventually become. If you accept this as a fact then you should also accept that you must spend some time considering your new baby's name.

Be careful that the baby name you choose will not sound silly in the future and will not give other children ammunition to mock your child; you may love your favourite actor or singer but will their name really sound ok in everyday use? Some of the more traditional members of your family may try to influence you to name your baby after a family tradition, whilst this may be wonderful in your eyes it may not be such an ideal name for your baby, that family name may sound old fashioned or silly today, remember that it is your decision.

It is nice to be inventive when spelling a baby's name but you have to think through the long term problems with this such as your child constantly having their name spelled wrong or constantly having to spell their name out over the telephone. Be careful that the initials of your baby don't make a funny acronym, like GBH or IRS etc, again this could be a source of mockery.

Sit down with someone you trust when thinking up baby names, it is good to have a sound board, especially when it is someone who is not afraid to say what they think, be objective, listen to the criticism but ultimately listen to your own thoughts on this matte.

You will also have to decide if you will give your child a middle name, many people are embarrassed by their middle names but this is usually because the parents have used an old family name which sounds old fashioned today, if you do go for a middle name please try and make it as right for your baby as the first choice name. A middle name is useful when you can't decide between two different names or when two partners each like a different name, using one as the middle name is a compromise.

There are hundreds of baby name books out there and there are thousands of websites devoted to this subject, just get out there and take a look around. This should have given you some guidelines to use when choosing a baby name, please check back for the next article 'Choosing a Pram.'

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How to Pick Out a Great Baby Name

You've got the nursery decorated, the car seat purchased, and the baby monitor in place. Have you chosen a name? Have you chosen a name people can pronounce? Have you chosen a name your child will have to spell aloud every time he or she meets someone new?

Your baby's name is probably the most important thing you'll choose for the precious bundle, so choose carefully. Unless you KNOW you're giving birth so Winthrop, Heinzmann, Larkenshire VI, the sky's the limit, but keep your head out of the clouds.

It's a name, not a spelling quiz for the teacher

Most often, your child's name will be spoken or heard, so an off-beat spelling isn't going to set him apart. If you want a girl named Caroline, don't name her Karolin or Carylyn or Karalin. Complicated spellings only complicate life.

Will it stand the test of time?

A baby named Flower is a charming little tot, but will Flower command respect as the Dean of the school of architecture? "Ma'am, I'm Officer Kamrei Miller and I'm here to impound your Camry."

You're named after a breakfast cereal?

Recently, it's become common to use names that started as actual nouns, like Wren, Drake, Kestrel, and Falcon (like the "balloon boy") Most are not BAD names, but don't give in to your sugar coma and name your baby "Cola" or "Kiwi" or "Daiquiri." Likewise, don't forget your last name in the mix. Baby Coco Lombardy is passable: Coco Wheat is trouble.

So, where can you find inspiration?

Climb your family tree

While you may not want to name your child after a grandparent or cousin, you should look further back, four or five generations. Names go in and out of fashion, and back in, so the great-greats might have some great names!

Go to the movies

Well, not Rambo. But look through some cast listings from movies 30 or 40 years ago. You might find names in the characters or actors that have been forgotten for a while. How about Audrey? Or Spencer?

Well, yes, there's the internet

There are enough baby name sites to keep you busy browsing for weeks. Narrow your focus to a certain theme: ethnicity or names associated with nature, or famous inventors, so you can try out a few at a time.

Don't be surprised if you change your mind. Plenty of babies get named AFTER they're born, because they "just don't look like a Phyllis!" Keep an open mind, keep an eagle eye, and keep your head. Your child, the future Nobel Prize winner, will thank you for it.

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Why Are Prenatal Vitamins So Important?

So, you have recently found out you are pregnant? Congratulations. Now you really have to start taking care of yourself and your new baby to be. In doing so, it all starts with taking prenatal vitamins. We have all heard that taking prenatal vitamins is important, but the question is, what type of vitamins are the most important? What should we be looking for?

There are many people who will say that taking prenatal vitamins and supplements before conceiving will help in the prevention of many birth defects. Others will say you can get beneficial effects by continuing to take them after you have had your baby and during the time you are breastfeeding. You should ask your doctor for more information and what is best for your particular case. They will even give you different samples to find the one that is best for you.

One strong word of caution on prenatal vitamins. They are meant to be a supplement and not a substitute for a proper diet. Never rely on prenatal vitamins for all your nutritional needs. Talk to your doctor about what foods you should be eating. Prenatal vitamins work better when taken along with a healthy diet.

Be sure to keep an eye on your calcium. An expectant mother generally requires 1,200mg - 1,500mg of calcium on a daily basis. Most prenatal vitamins do not contain this amount, so you may need a calcium supplement in addition. Many will only contain 250-500mg. Calcium is certainly important in the development of your new baby.

No two prenatal vitamins are the same; and many may not provide any benefits at all. Recent studies show that a pregnant woman’s body does not necessarily absorb all of the nutrients provided by the vitamins, especially folate. Folate is extremely important in the baby’s prenatal development. The vitamin helps prevent birth defects like spina-bifida. Only three out of nine vitamins on average actually provide the amount of folate labeled on the bottle. This is not to suggest that the supplements do not have the vitamin, it just is not absorbed by the woman’s body.

Some argue that it is better to take a prenatal vitamin prescribed by a doctor. However, this is not necessarily the case. While prescribed vitamins are ideal, many of the very same vitamins are available in stores and without a prescription. Ask your doctor about this if these aren't covered by your insurance. You may be able to save substantial money with a store bought brand. The most important things to consider are the ingredients in the vitamins, and whether they absorb quickly or not.

There is an easy test you can use to determine if the vitamins will be absorbed into your system. Put one of the prenatal vitamins into a cup of water. Wait ten minutes. If the vitamin is dissolved, or is very soft, it will be absorbed into your system. If the vitamin remains hard, it will probably pass through your system without depositing many of the nutrients it carries. This is important, so be sure to do this with any new vitamin.

When first starting out taking prenatal vitamins, you may experience nausea. If so, let your doctor know about it and take a different brand. I told my doctor about the trouble I was having and she recommended a supplement that I could buy over the counter. This vitamin was not a potent as the one she originally prescribed, but I was getting more nutrients because I was able to tolerate them much better.

Finding the right prenatal vitamin may take a little trial and error, but the benefits are great. Just continue to keep in mind that you still need to maintain a healthy diet. The benefits of prenatal vitamins are enormous and highly recommended, but good nutrition is still better than any supplement.

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Types of Bleeding During Pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding is rather common during the initial 12 weeks (first trimester) of pregnancy. While vaginal bleeding during this period does not necessarily mean a miscarriage but any sort of bleeding should be reported to the doctor as maximum miscarriages occur in the first trimester of pregnancy. About 50 percent pregnant women experiencing vaginal bleeding in this phase will not have a miscarriage.

If anything resembling foetal tissue is passed, it should be ensured that a doctor is consulted immediately. Miscarriage maybe considered a natural process which deals with abnormalities even though a miscarriage is not avoidable. It has never been proved if exercise and sex can cause miscarriage. As a matter of fact regular exercise ensures that when a woman finally goes into labour, the woman is at ease if the exercise is carried out continuously during the pregnancy. It should always be checked with your doctor before one takes on any exercise program.

Ectopic pregnancy is another major cause of bleeding. This happens when the fertilized egg gets implanted in one of the fallopian tubes. This is referred to as a "tubal pregnancy." Ectopic pregnancy takes place in about 1 in 60 pregnancies and is therefore much less common than a miscarriage.

Molar pregnancy is another extremely rare cause leading to vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy. This occurs when abnormal tissue instead of the embryo grows. While this may be referred to as a mole but is commonly known as gestational trophoblastic disease or GTD.

Cervical growth or an inflamed cervix often results in vaginal bleeding during late pregnancy. This is a serious risk to the mother or the baby and should follow immediate hospitalization. A problem with the placenta is often the cause of heavy vaginal bleeding during later phase of pregnancy. Placenta previa and placental abruption are two most common problems indicated by this.

If the placenta is lying low, it may cover all or some of the cervix and this affects approximately one in two hundred pregnancies. A lot of women experience placenta previa during early pregnancy, it moves before labour occurs in most cases. A cesarean section is scheduled if a women still has placenta previa even in the last weeks of pregnancy. If before labour occurs, placenta previa is present and not diagnosed then there is a serious risk for both the mother and the baby putting both at a risk of death in this situation. During late pregnancy, vaginal bleeding during the initial sign of placenta previa.

The detachment of the placenta from the wall of the uterus during labour or even before is referred to as placental abruption. Mostly placental abruption happens during the pregnancy's last trimester. Weather vaginal bleeding occurs or not, mostly women will at least experience pain in the stomach. This complication occurs in one percent of pregnancies.

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Dos and Don'ts For Bleeding During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a very crucial condition in a woman's life. That is why utmost care is especially needed for her to conceive healthily.

The most usual question of a pregnant woman is, "Is it normal to bleed during my pregnancy?"

Well, most experts convey that bleeding during pregnancy does not pertain to a menstruation that a woman naturally experience. According to medical experts, menstruation is not possible during pregnancy; because menstruation refers to the shedding of the uterus lining, which will not permit ovulation.
However, light-blood spotting is often mistaken as a menstruation.

Bleeding pregnancy is one risk a woman must be most prudent about. About 20 to 30 % pregnancies are characterized by this vaginal bleeding. It is most likely to occur during the first trimester or first three months of pregnancy.

Caution must be taken when vaginal bleeding continues until the second trimester of pregnancy. It is already an abnormal characteristic of a pregnant woman. This requires a medical help to stop the bleeding so that the pregnancy can be continued under healthy condition.

Emergency occurs when at the 28th week after pregnancy, bleeding still persists. It is usually characterized by mild to severe abdominal pains, and hemorrhage; the latter is the common cause of death of mothers in the United States. About 4% of mothers' deaths are due to hemorrhage.

It is important for all women to know how to treat bleeding during pregnancy; whether it is a home-care or hospital care treatment.

A bleeding expectant mother should take note of the following cautions as a personal remedy to her dangerous condition:
- Avoid lifting and all strenuous activities.
- Avoid having a sexual intercourse, douching, and tampons.
- Get an adequate rest and sleep.
- Relax and free yourself from stress.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

If in case, there occurred severe vaginal bleeding, do not hesitate to seek for medical remedy; because this is an aggravated condition that needs immediate attention from medical professional.

In the event that bleeding pregnancy cannot be remedied anymore, a bleeding expectant mother must be prepared for its possible outcomes, which include implantation bleeding and miscarriage.

Any woman should be prepared to handle those pregnancy risks. It is her responsibility to be aware of the dos and don'ts of her current condition.

People around her, loved ones, especially her husband must be ready to lend support, both emotionally and mentally.

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Vaginal Bleeding and Discharge During Pregnancy

Any pregnant woman, who is experiencing vaginal bleeding or watery discharge during pregnancy, should be careful. When you're pregnant, it is not only important to watch your developing changes, but abnormal symptoms, too. Women need to take not of any changes their experiencing, particularly vaginal bleeding or a watery discharge. Both of these can signal serious occurrences in your pregnancy. Depending on the level of each, there may be nothing to worry about. But in some women vaginal bleeding and watery discharge can be a problem. These need to be addressed cautiously, no matter what they result in.

Vaginal bleeding often causes pregnant women a lot of alarm. The first thought in this type of scenario, is that of a miscarriage. Miscarriage, however, is not the only reason behind vaginal bleeding in pregnant women. For some women, the reason may be quite simple. The taking of certain medications, can produce certain levels of bleeding from the vagina.

Medications, like antibiotics, have been known to cause spotting or bleeding. This is one reason why medicine usage habits during pregnancy is important. In these situations, women are dealing with some other condition or ailment, and are treating its symptoms. Sharing, this type of information, with your personal physician is a way to gage its safety, especially while expecting.

Some women will experience bleeding from the vaginal area, because they have illnesses they're unaware of. In these cases, uterine fibroid tumors, or even cancer, can be to the culprit. This again is why communication with a physician is paramount. Doctors can look at seemingly unrelated symptoms, and occurrences and figure out what your condition may be. It may even be necessary to run tests for a proper diagnosis.

Women normally have a watery discharge, also called leukorrhea. It is usually odorless, or has only a mild odor. This discharge often looks to be milky. Pregnant women traditionally see an increase of normal discharge increases. One reason for this is the presence of more estrogen in the body. It is also encouraged by more blood flow in the entire vaginal area.

This discharge secrets from the cervix and vagina, and is often harmless to pregnant women. It is noteworthy to take caution, if at anytime mucous is present with this discharge. Mucous can signal that the mucous lining or mucous plug blocking the cervix is thinning. This typically happens only when labor is eminent.

If this type of discharge occurs during early pregnancy, this is more of a concern. For a woman nearing her due date, this discharge is probably normal. But for a woman far from the time of delivery, premature labor may have been triggered. If this is the case, seeking medical attention is paramount.

Women who are not yet 37 weeks pregnant, and are, seeing a lot of mucous, in their discharge needs to tell their doctor. This could be a timely way of averting problems with the rest of pregnancy. It is also a good means of protecting your baby's health, and maybe even its life.

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The Biology of the First Trimester of Pregnancy

We all know how women become pregnant, and we have heard stories of the birthing process. What goes on during the nine months of a normal pregnancy? Yes, a mother might get morning sickness, stretch marks, and swollen feet. But many people may not stop to consider the various changes that are going on inside mother's body as her unborn child grows.

When an egg is fertilized, it moves down the fallopian tube and implants itself in the wall of the uterus, or the uterine lining. This is the part of a woman's body that flushes out during menstruation if no egg is implanted into it. If a woman is pregnant, her endocrine system will emit large amounts of progesterone, which keeps her from having a period and losing the fertilized egg.

Next, the outer layer of cells turn into the placenta that surrounds the baby. The placenta is actually attached to the baby by the umbilical cord. It works to nourish the fetus, as well as remove waste, exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, regulate your hormones, and protect its precious cargo. At the end of a pregnancy, the placenta is flushed out of your body along with the afterbirth.

Once in the second month, the fertilized egg is finally categorized as an embryo. Cells are starting to become specialized, and they form three layers which give rise to different parts of the body. Still, the little thing is only about one-tenth of an inch long. Then, two distinct orifices start to develop-one will be the mouth and the other is the anus.

At the age of six weeks, the embryo undergoes a number of exciting changes. Buds emerge that will turn into arms and legs, and the organs are created as well. The two halves of the heart fuse together, and this vital part of your baby will start to pump its first beats. Also, this is when the umbilical cord grows and performs all of its tasks, like keeping the baby nourished and healthy.

At the beginning of the third month, your baby has turned into a boy or a girl, but it is still indeterminable on an ultrasound. It also has eyes, and the fingers are differentiating. This is now called a fetus rather than an embryo, and by the end of the first trimester, your baby now has eyelids and definitely looks more human than alien.

Because of the complexity of pregnancy, it is easy for something to go wrong. Egg placement, cell development, hormonal problems, and actual physical abnormalities such as umbilical cord misplacement can translate to deformations of your baby. Sometimes, a doctor can step in and help your child, while other times interference or negligence can make it worse.

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Pregnancy Daily Calendar - The Third Trimester

With the due date in sight, the baby that's been developing so rapidly since the day he or she was conceived will finally meet the world. The third trimester is full of continued development, and may also be full of anxiety and complete discomfort.

Arming yourself with knowledge of what to expect in the final phase of pregnancy is important. The following is a pregnancy calendar with brief week by week explanations of what new developments are in store for mother and baby.

Week 28

The uterus is sitting about 3 inches above the navel. Weight gain should be somewhere between 17-24 pounds by now. Since the baby's head may be sitting on sciatic nerve, this may cause pain or discomfort in the lower back, legs and buttocks. The baby is performing a variety of functions, such as hiccupping, coughing, sucking and blinking. He or she is also positioning him or herself for delivery.

Week 29

By now, a birth plan should be put together. This would include a variety of things, such as whether or not to have an epidural, where the birth should take place, and who your labor coach will be. The baby is most likely kicking up a storm. If fewer than 10 kicks every 2 hours is felt, it may be a good idea to get checked out to ensure the baby is alright. By now, the baby's head is in proportion to the rest of the body.

Week 30

A good night's sleep will probably be hard to come by at this point on the pregnancy calendar. The increase in size of the belly will be getting in the way, and will make it difficult to get comfortable. The baby's 'lanugo' (hair on the body) is disappearing. The toenails are growing, and the bone marrow is producing red blood cells.

Week 31

The uterus is about 4.5 inches above the navel by now. As the uterus stretches, 'belly aching' may be experienced. The baby is approaching the birth length, with a little more weight left to gain. The lungs remain the only major organ left to fully develop.

Week 32

Heartburn and indigestion may be quite common by now as all the organs are being pushed out of the way by the large baby and uterus. Eating smaller, more frequent meals should help. Doctors visits will be every 2 weeks at this point. The baby is about 4 pounds, with fat still piling on. He or she is not so transparent any longer.

Week 33

It's important to ensure that you are getting enough omega-3 fatty acids (or DHA) in your diet - or at least in supplement form. The baby's brain and vision development are dependent on DHA. Studies suggest that almost all of the baby's accumulation of DHA occurs during the last trimester.

Week 34

Vision issues may arise around this time. Your sight may not be as sharp, and reduced tear production may leave your eyes dry and irritated. If your baby is a boy, the testicles will start to descend from the abdomen to the scrotum. About 3% - 4% of baby boys are born with undescended testicles, which is not necessarily permanent. The testicles should descend some time before he turns a year old.

Week 35

Keeping the pelvic floor muscles strong will help with labor, and will reduce the chances of bladder incontinence after childbirth. Weakened pelvic floor muscles can be conducive to urine leakage after the baby is born, and long after. Practicing 'Kegal' exercises will help to strengthen these pelvic floor muscles. These exercises are done by tightening the muscles that you would use to stop the flow of urine when you're peeing, then releasing. This should be done periodically throughout the day, every day.

Week 36

At this point, average weight gain is between 25-30 pounds. Doctor visits will probably be as frequent as once per week by now. A test for Group B Strep (short for streptococcus) will be conducted. Group B Strep is is a type of bacteria that causes illness in newborn babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with other illnesses. With proper testing done prior to labor, and antibiotics taken during labor, risk of passing the bacteria onto the baby are minimal. The baby may "drop" (descend into the birth canal) any time now.

Week 37

At this point, the cervix will be checked to see if it is effaced (ripe/thinned out) and/or dilated. The baby is considered full-term at this stage of the pregnancy calendar. He or she is still growing though - 1/2 a pound per week is still being added on to the weight. The baby is preparing for birth by sucking and breathing.

Week 38

Since the breasts are beginning to produce breast milk, you may start to experience leakage. Colostrum is also being produced, which is a yellowish liquid that starts before the breast milk. This is full of antibodies which protect the baby from illness. The baby's intestines are accumulating meconium (first bowel movement). This will look like black tar the first few days after birth, which needs to be discarded from the baby's body.

Week 39

As the center of gravity shifts, feelings of imbalance or clumsiness are common. The baby is settling into the pelvis, which is called "lightening" - this will make breathing easier but walking more difficult. Since the uterus is pushing on the bladder, bathroom trips may be more frequent.

Week 40

This officially marks the end of pregnancy, although it is common for babies to be born at 41 or 42 weeks. Most doctors won't allow the pregnancy to continue past 41 or 42 weeks. He or she will recommend being induced if the pregnancy has gone on long enough.

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A Pregnancy Week by Week Guide to the First Trimester

The various phases of pregnancy can be an exciting time for you as you look forward to the birth of your little one. But this is also a scary time for you as your body goes through many changes. Knowing what to expect on a week by week basis can ease some of the discomfort associated with being pregnant for the first time.

A week by week guide to the first trimester:

1. This is the time when you may be considering getting pregnant. A good idea is to take a prenatal vitamin and a dose of folic acid to prevent neutral tube defects.
2. You have ovulated and your egg is in the process of being fertilized.
3. This is when a home pregnancy test will come back positive and your body is starting to undergo a change, you may experience swollen breasts or headaches due to hormonal change.
4. This is the week when morning sickness may set in due to the rising hormone levels in your body. If you have a cat, avoid changing cat litter as there is a risk of you catching Toxoplasmosis which is harmful for the baby.
5. This is the time for you to feel like a teenager again as many women break out during this stage.
6. This is the week when you may want to schedule your first visit with your doctor. This is a good time to ask questions you may have about your health or the process.
7. It's not easy being pregnant, some women experience nose bleeds, stuffy noses or dizzy spells during this time.
8. Now is the time when people will start to notice that you have put on weight though the baby bulge will still not be visible. Say good bye to your waistline though.
9. Most women gain about 1 - 2 pounds a month during their first trimester. Many gain even more than this.
10. Week ten can be a relief, since many of the uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy get better at this time, though in some women it may stretch a little longer.

The first trimester is weeks 1 - 12 of your pregnancy. Your body is starting to go through many changes now. Many women do not know what to expect during this time and this guide can be an invaluable source of information. Needless to say, if you need more information or have questions, do not hesitate to call and ask your doctor. Books and websites on pregnancy can also give you invaluable information and help you through this new and exciting time.

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Yoga For Pregnancy - Trimester Overview

Pregnancy, whether your first, second, or seventeenth, brings with it a host of changes that can easily overwhelm you. Practicing yoga for pregnancy can help you cope with the ups and downs of the next nine months and lead to a happy, healthy pregnancy.

In your first trimester, your body will experience the greatest period of adaptation of your pregnancy. Production of hormones increases, leading to nausea (also called "morning sickness"), fatigue, mood swings, headaches and dizziness.

At this stage of pregnancy, it is generally best to focus on yoga breathing and relaxation techniques. A great way to start your training is with basic breathing practice:

From a seated position, listen to your breath. When you are familiar with the rhythm and length of your breaths, inhale deeper, allowing your abdomen to grow to its fullest, then release the breath, now letting your abdomen fall completely. Repeat this breathing rhythm for 20 full breaths. Use this time to focus on your breathing, letting any stress and anxieties float away on the breath.

Yoga for pregnancy in your second trimester will focus on increasing energy and strength and take advantage of your body's increased flexibility.

Standing poses can form the basis of your second trimester routine. Poses like Extended Triangle Pose, Extended Side Angle Pose, Warrior I and II Poses and Chair Pose build strength in the legs and help to increase circulation, which can prevent swollen feet and ankles. Balance poses, like Tree Pose or Warrior III Pose also help build lower body strength, but be careful to have a wall or chair nearby to help with balance. Add chest and hip openers to counteract the strain and stress your muscles are under from the growth of breasts and belly. Cow Face Pose and Reverse Prayer Pose can help release this tension.

By the third trimester, most women not only deal with the clumsiness and discomfort of added weight, but also experience heartburn, the need to urinate frequently, shortness of breath, cramping and back pain. With the right mix of breathing practice, modified poses and relaxation techniques, though, you will be able to ease these discomforts and prepare for the end of it all-the labor phase and the birth of your child.

The third trimester focus of your poses should be on maintaining lower body strength gained in your second trimester poses and on "opening" poses to relieve lower back pain.

For lower body strength and balance, you can try Extended Triangle Pose, Extended Side Angle Pose, Hero I and II Poses and Tree Pose. These poses will also encourage circulation and keep the spine in alignment. Be careful as you do these poses to have a wall or chair near-by if you have trouble keeping your balance. Poses to open the hips and relieve lower back pain include Bound Angle Pose and Seated Wide-Legged Forward Bend Pose.

Sticking to a yoga for pregnancy routine will help you build the strength and confidence to face labor, delivery and the "fourth trimester" (the first three months with your baby). The habits you build over the nine-month span also serve as a reminder to take time for yourself post-pregnancy. Yoga at that point can be a great way to slim down, energize your body and relieve the stress of your new life with baby.

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The Best Food To Eat For Morning Sickness

Although I wouldn't really say that there is a blanket "best food to eat for morning sickness", I would suggest a few foods that should be pretty easy to eat and not make you feel bad. However, I probably should also point out some foods that you shouldn't eat too, in this article, I will be sharing some tips on the different foods that you can and cannot eat when it comes to reducing morning sickness.

First of all, as I mentioned already, there are some foods that you should try to avoid as much as possible as they will often only make you feel worse and make it more likely for you to experience morning sickness, avoid things like:

* Fatty foods

* Greasy foods

* Spicy foods

These types of foods will probably have a negative affect on how you are feeling and may make you feel sick, avoid these foods. Now, a tip that is quite well-known for eating at this time is to eat smaller meals throughout the day rather than just one or two large ones, you may eat four or five meals but they are not as big.

It might be a good idea to eat foods that do not have very strong smells, or smells that may induce nausea, maybe eating cold foods would be a better idea, this should help reduce the chance of nausea occuring during a meal.

Eat enough to satisfy your cravings, don't think that it's a good idea to eat less in order to reduce the sickness or any other reason, make sure you get enough to keep you healthy and full up, satisfy your cravings when they come, as long as you aren't eating unhealthy, damaging things. Drink fluids such as water quite often throughout the day in order to avoid dehydration.

These are just some tips for you, I hope you find them helpful and useful for reducing the morning sickness you experience, there are other things you can do to make it less likely to suffer from terrible morning sickness but these are just some tips for you, remember that if it gets very bad or is happening too much then get in touch with a doctor.

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Morning Sickness Information - Don't Let it Ruin Your Pregnancy

Unless you've actually been there, it's hard to explain just how debilitating morning sickness can be. We've all experienced feelings of nausea, but with morning sickness it's a constant feeling that you're just about to throw up. It's about staying clear of foods and smells that you know will make it worse - and as for traveling - that has to be planned with military precision.

The good news - yes there is some - is that around half of all women who suffer, find that symptoms stop by the fourteenth week. The bad news for the remaining women still suffering, is that it can take up to a further four weeks until they are completely symptom free.

A small percentage of women will suffer from hyperemesis gracidarum, which is an extremely severe form of morning nausea. Throwing up almost constantly, leaves the woman in danger of dehydration and possibly lacking in nutrients. As to the exact cause, well that is still uncertain, but of course there are many theories. Could the sex of the unborn baby make a difference? Apparently it's a possibility. One study discovered that if a woman was carrying a female, there was a fifty per cent increase in the possibility that she would have morning sickness.

Pregnancy involving twins or more, are more likely to suffer from sickness. This is possibly due to the higher levels of estrogen, or other hormones in the systems. Women who have previously had vomiting or nausea after taking birth control pills are also more likely to suffer from morning sickness. Could genetics be to blame? Women with mothers or sisters who suffered sickness, also typically suffer themselves. Of course, more studies need to be carried out before being certain, but maybe one day we well know the truth about why some of us suffer so much and others have no symptoms at all.

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Easy Tips to Stop Morning Sickness

Being pregnant should be a special time for the expectant mother. But more often than not, the first trimester can be a frustrating and sometimes debilitating experience. Knowing how to get rid of morning sickness can be the difference between a positive pregnancy and one you'd like to forget.

Here are 10 tips that my wife used for morning sickness.

1.) Instead of the traditional three large meals a day, change it to four to six small meals spread throughout the day. Nothing triggers nausea like an empty stomach and low blood sugar. This is a huge tip for how to get rid of morning sickness.

2.) Have a snack in bed to get food in your stomach and keep your blood sugar up. The best snack is one that has lots of protein and complex carbohydrates.

3.) You need a surplus of sleep and relaxation. Take a nap, go to bed early, or sleep in whenever you find it necessary. Try some relaxation techniques to soothe your nerves. Fatigue, both emotionally and physically, can make your nausea and vomiting worse.

4.) Keep your senses away from any foods that make you nauseous. Don't look at, smell, or taste any foods that can trigger your morning sickness.

5.) Eat a snack or light meal whenever you feel nausea coming on. Food helps your stomach and can prevent nausea and vomiting from occurring.

6.) Don't eat foods that are high in fat with little nutritional value. But it is alright to eat foods that are high in fat and high in carbohydrates. Eat foods like celery or apple slices with peanut butter, yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, and nuts.

7.) Magnetic wrist bands can be helpful for those wanting to know how to get rid of morning sickness. It's an unconventional approach but has worked for some.

8.) Warm water mixed with a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. This helps to neutralize the stomach and stop the morning sickness.

9.) Find a toothpaste and mouth wash that you can tolerate or like that doesn't trigger nausea. Brush your teeth and rinse after each session of vomiting and after meals and snacks. This will keep the mouth clean and fresh and reduce nausea. This will also cut down on the amount of bacteria in your mouth from the vomiting that can damage your teeth and gums.

10.) Don't eat late dinners. You can snack to have food in your stomach before going to bed, but don't eat a major meal late at night.

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How to Calculate Ovulation by Ovulation Calculators

Many women today choose to calculate their fertile days so as to determine when the best time for pregnancy is. This is a common practice for women who have some difficulty in conceiving, or those who are planning to have a baby and want to increase their chances of conceiving at a particular moment.

If you have never done it before calculating ovulation can be a rather daunting task, because not all women have the same menstrual cycle and not every month is the same anyway. Here are some tips that can help women determine their fertile days.

1. Use a calculator: there are ovulation kits and ovulation test that can help women determine which their most fertile days are. These kits are available in drug stores and they are very accurate, helping you determines when to have an intercourse. A pregnancy ovulation calculator is quite easy to use, but all kits come with detailed descriptions and guidelines in them.

2. Use an ovulation calendar. The ovulation calendars are very helpful because they allow women to keep track of their period and ovulation days. They cannot tell you right away which your fertile days are, but after following them for a couple of months, they can prove to be very helpful.

3. Basal temperature calculation. Creating a chart with the basal body temperature can help you predict when your next ovulation will be. It is not the most accurate method, because it is mostly based on the temperature of the basal body, which gets higher when the ovulation symptoms occur, however it is a method that will allow you to be quite close. There are some particular ovulation tests that actually give you the chance to track the basal temperature and determine the right timing for that.

4. Calculate and track the period day. A regular menstrual cycle is from 25-28 days, although many women can have a 22 or even 32 day cycle. Women usually count the cycle from the first day of their period to the first day of the next cycle. If the amount of days becomes a sort of pattern, then that can help them determine their usual cycle. Ovulation occurs during the mid cycle, so for most women that could be from the 12-14th day. Using an ovulation calendar can help you determine your cycle, as precisely as possible.

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Pregnancy Due Date Calculator

Due date calculators are generally considered accurate within 7 days. Typically, most practitioners don't adjust due dates in either direction if the discrepancy between the two possible dates is less than 7 days. And that's true even of early ultrasounds.

There are generally two ways of measuring a pregnancy, LMP (last menstrual period) and gestational. Most due date calculators go by LMP, which calculates a pregnancy at 40 weeks or 10 lunar (4 week) months.
LMP would mean that ovulation took place in your 2nd week of pregnancy (day 14). Gestational starts from the date of ovulation resulting in a 38 week pregnancy. So if you know the date of ovulation you can calculate where you are by either LMP or gestational.

The ultrasound technology may give you an odd date because they may not use either of these; they sometimes take the rate of development and change the date based on where on their scale the baby is. The Doctor may even move the due date based on this, even if you know absolutely when the baby was conceived!

Babies only have so much possible size variability throughout pregnancy and so most will be of a certain size at a certain point in the pregnancy. The later in the pregnancy you are the more individual variability among babies there is and so the less accurate the size and date estimate will be. However, for example, almost all babies will be 2 inches at 13 weeks (LMP) and each little bit bigger than that they are, an extra day would get tacked on to an ultrasound estimate.

The solution is to calculate the due date and then, unless there are complications be ready early but figure on going late. Many people have their hearts set on their due date and are so ready on their due date that when it goes by and nothing. They get pretty upset.

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How to Use a Pregnancy Due Date Calculator

If there is one thing a lot of expectant mothers look forward to, it is the day when their child will be born and one of the tools that are used by excited mothers-to-be to predict when that fateful day will be is the pregnancy due date calculator. A due date calculator is one that uses the first day of your last period to calculate when your child will be born and this calculator uses the approximate date of your ovulation to determine when the child will be born. You will need to put in the exact date of the first day of your last menstrual cycle along with the number of days your cycle usually runs to get a date for when your child will be born.

Some people use a simpler pregnancy due date calculator to help estimate the arrival of their baby into the world. There are due date calculators that require you to choose only the date of the first day of your last menstrual period and you will be given the estimated day when you will give birth if you are to carry your baby to term. Some women try to use these calendars to help prepare themselves for the big day and to help get important people in their lives to be around when the day of giving birth is at hand. Some people use these calculators to determine when they will need to start their leave of absence from work and some use this calendar to map out plans that they have for before and after the day they are to give birth.

If you are wondering about the accuracy of a pregnancy due date calculator when it comes to telling you when your baby will be born, you should know that these calculators only give you an approximate date as to when your baby will be born based on the 40 week calendar for normal pregnancies and the result is often based on the data you give. What you get when you use a pregnancy due date calculator is the estimated date when your child might be born but the real date is still dependent on when the baby is ready to be born. These calculators simply tell you when your child may be born and you will have at least a 20% margin for error with these predictions since only 80% of these predictions using these calendars have been rather accurate within a ten day period of the predicted birth date.

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Interactive Pregnancy Calendar

The presence of early pregnancy symptoms is an indication that your spouse needs to undergo a pregnancy test. If positive, it means your spouse is on her way to give birth to your baby.

However, pregnancy-divided into three trimesters-remains a mysterious period for most women. And as for the men, most expectant dads go through these months without a slightest clue as to what is expected of them. Here is a pregnancy calendar to prepare you on what to expect from your spouse and how best to help her.

Pregnancy Calendar: First Trimester

What your spouse will experience:

The sudden hormonal rush during this phase may lead to a host of uncomfortable symptoms and sensations for your spouse. Nausea (commonly referred to as morning sickness) and an aversion for certain foods items may become apparent. Weakness or fatigue is another common symptom at this stage.

What you can do:

As the full import of the pregnancy starts to sink in, you can discuss the baby with your spouse. You could also accompany her during her visits to the obstetrician. Make use of this relatively relaxed period by spending quality time together, at home and outside.

Pregnancy Calendar: Second Trimester

What your spouse will experience:

The initial distressing symptoms such as nausea will now subside. However, your spouse's belly will continue to expand throughout this stage. This will restrict her movements considerably. Bleeding from the nose and gums, heartburn, indigestion, and the appearance of varicose veins or hemorrhoids are the other symptoms that she will have to bear with.

What you can do:

Her pregnancy will increasingly impede your spouse's capacity to live a normal life. You can help by taking over at least some of her domestic duties. This is also a good time to help her plan her pregnancy in detail.

Pregnancy Calendar: Third Trimester

What your spouse will experience:

The developing baby will make further demands on your spouse's body: her weight will continue to increase and may lead to back and hip pain. Swellings on the ankles and face may also be present. Besides, even mild exertion during this period may leave her gasping for breath.

What you can do:

In this final stage of pregnancy, your spouse may become increasingly housebound. Try to find ways to make her feel comfortable and keep her spirits high-an occasional gentle massage will be highly appreciated. This is also the time to finalize arrangements for the birth of your baby.

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Chinese Pregnancy Calendar - Girl Or Boy - How to Use It and Predict Your Baby's Gender

As soon as most people find out that they are going to have a baby, they want to find out what gender the baby will be. They want to know if they are having a boy or a girl. Some people would even like to try any method that might help them to have a child of a particular gender. One resource that can be helpful in situations like this, when it is too early for an ultrasound to determine the gender of the baby, is to use a Chinese pregnancy calendar.

A Chinese pregnancy calendar has the lunar months written across the top of the chart, and the age of the mother written down the side of the chart. By using this sort of calendar you can get a prediction of what sex a baby will be if it is conceived by a mother of a certain age in a certain lunar month.

Using a Chinese pregnancy calendar, however, is not as simple as it might look at first glance. The Chinese calculate age differently than we do, so you need to add one year to the age of the mother to get the Chinese age. Since the lunar calendar is also different from the calendar that we use, the month of conception also needs to be changed into the lunar month. Once that has been done it is a very simple matter to plug these numbers into the chart. The square that corresponds to the Chinese age and lunar month of conception will show either a B for boy or a G for girl.

This method of prediction has is actually right a good percentage of the time, but it is not always 100 percent correct. Just like most other methods of predicting the sex of a baby, there is room for error. However, this type of calendar can give you an idea of what you might be having earlier than you could find out from the doctor. You could also use it to try to figure out the best time to get pregnant in order to have a baby of the gender you would prefer. Of course there are no guarantees, but it is worth a try.

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Pregnancy Daily Calendar - The Third Trimester

With the due date in sight, the baby that's been developing so rapidly since the day he or she was conceived will finally meet the world. The third trimester is full of continued development, and may also be full of anxiety and complete discomfort.

Arming yourself with knowledge of what to expect in the final phase of pregnancy is important. The following is a pregnancy calendar with brief week by week explanations of what new developments are in store for mother and baby.

Week 28

The uterus is sitting about 3 inches above the navel. Weight gain should be somewhere between 17-24 pounds by now. Since the baby's head may be sitting on sciatic nerve, this may cause pain or discomfort in the lower back, legs and buttocks. The baby is performing a variety of functions, such as hiccupping, coughing, sucking and blinking. He or she is also positioning him or herself for delivery.

Week 29

By now, a birth plan should be put together. This would include a variety of things, such as whether or not to have an epidural, where the birth should take place, and who your labor coach will be. The baby is most likely kicking up a storm. If fewer than 10 kicks every 2 hours is felt, it may be a good idea to get checked out to ensure the baby is alright. By now, the baby's head is in proportion to the rest of the body.

Week 30

A good night's sleep will probably be hard to come by at this point on the pregnancy calendar. The increase in size of the belly will be getting in the way, and will make it difficult to get comfortable. The baby's 'lanugo' (hair on the body) is disappearing. The toenails are growing, and the bone marrow is producing red blood cells.

Week 31

The uterus is about 4.5 inches above the navel by now. As the uterus stretches, 'belly aching' may be experienced. The baby is approaching the birth length, with a little more weight left to gain. The lungs remain the only major organ left to fully develop.

Week 32

Heartburn and indigestion may be quite common by now as all the organs are being pushed out of the way by the large baby and uterus. Eating smaller, more frequent meals should help. Doctors visits will be every 2 weeks at this point. The baby is about 4 pounds, with fat still piling on. He or she is not so transparent any longer.

Week 33

It's important to ensure that you are getting enough omega-3 fatty acids (or DHA) in your diet - or at least in supplement form. The baby's brain and vision development are dependent on DHA. Studies suggest that almost all of the baby's accumulation of DHA occurs during the last trimester.

Week 34

Vision issues may arise around this time. Your sight may not be as sharp, and reduced tear production may leave your eyes dry and irritated. If your baby is a boy, the testicles will start to descend from the abdomen to the scrotum. About 3% - 4% of baby boys are born with undescended testicles, which is not necessarily permanent. The testicles should descend some time before he turns a year old.

Week 35

Keeping the pelvic floor muscles strong will help with labor, and will reduce the chances of bladder incontinence after childbirth. Weakened pelvic floor muscles can be conducive to urine leakage after the baby is born, and long after. Practicing 'Kegal' exercises will help to strengthen these pelvic floor muscles. These exercises are done by tightening the muscles that you would use to stop the flow of urine when you're peeing, then releasing. This should be done periodically throughout the day, every day.

Week 36

At this point, average weight gain is between 25-30 pounds. Doctor visits will probably be as frequent as once per week by now. A test for Group B Strep (short for streptococcus) will be conducted. Group B Strep is is a type of bacteria that causes illness in newborn babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with other illnesses. With proper testing done prior to labor, and antibiotics taken during labor, risk of passing the bacteria onto the baby are minimal. The baby may "drop" (descend into the birth canal) any time now.

Week 37

At this point, the cervix will be checked to see if it is effaced (ripe/thinned out) and/or dilated. The baby is considered full-term at this stage of the pregnancy calendar. He or she is still growing though - 1/2 a pound per week is still being added on to the weight. The baby is preparing for birth by sucking and breathing.

Week 38

Since the breasts are beginning to produce breast milk, you may start to experience leakage. Colostrum is also being produced, which is a yellowish liquid that starts before the breast milk. This is full of antibodies which protect the baby from illness. The baby's intestines are accumulating meconium (first bowel movement). This will look like black tar the first few days after birth, which needs to be discarded from the baby's body.

Week 39

As the center of gravity shifts, feelings of imbalance or clumsiness are common. The baby is settling into the pelvis, which is called "lightening" - this will make breathing easier but walking more difficult. Since the uterus is pushing on the bladder, bathroom trips may be more frequent.

Week 40

This officially marks the end of pregnancy, although it is common for babies to be born at 41 or 42 weeks. Most doctors won't allow the pregnancy to continue past 41 or 42 weeks. He or she will recommend being induced if the pregnancy has gone on long enough.

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