There are over 4 million babies born in the United States each year. According to a National Vital Statistics Report issued in March, 2009 entitled” Births: Preliminary Data for 2007”

The preliminary estimate of births in 2007 was 4,317,119, 1 percent more than in 2006 (4,265,555) and the highest number ever registered for the United States (Tables 1 and 2; Figure 1) (1). This number surpasses the peak of the postwar ‘‘baby boom,’’ in 1957 (3).

There is lag in time between when these pregnancy rates are gathered and when they are published. Once collected these statistics are used for planning governmental programs around the world. Birth rates are extremely important for global social and economic development. They are so important that the CIA actually tracks and issues reports about worldwide fertility rates. The CIA’s publication entitled “World Fact Book Country Comparison: Total Fertility Rate” is a list of fertility rates by country. According to the report, the average woman in the United States gives birth to 2.05 children. The CIA explains the methodology used to collect their data this way:

…This entry gives a figure for the average number of children that would be born per woman if all women lived to the end of their childbearing years and bore children according to a given fertility rate at each age. The total fertility rate (TFR) is a more direct measure of the level of fertility than the crude birth rate, since it refers to births per woman. This indicator shows the potential for population change in the country. A rate of two children per woman is considered the replacement rate for a population, resulting in relative stability in terms of total numbers…

The following statements from the “World Fact Book Country Comparison: Total Fertility Rate” illustrate why tacking fertility rates are important for world economic development.

…Rates above two children indicate populations growing in size and whose median age is declining. Higher rates may also indicate difficulties for families, in some situations, to feed and educate their children and for women to enter the labor force. Rates below two children indicate populations decreasing in size and growing older. Global fertility rates are in general decline and this trend is most pronounced in industrialized countries, especially Western Europe, where populations are projected to decline dramatically over the next 50 years.

The fertility rate of nations is so important that entire societies are restructured when women do not have babies. Because of low birth rates, the Japanese have decided to change the work habits of its population. According to Steve Ertelt on www.lifenews.com:

Japan faces such strong underpopulation problems that companies are more frequently letting their workers leave work early: to go home and make babies. Leading electronics firm Canon has resorted to the early leave policy because the nation’s low birthrate is causing a shortage of workers. “Canon has a very strong birth-planning program,” company spokesman Hiroshi Yoshinaga. “Sending workers home early to be with their families is a part of it”. The Japanese birth rate, currently at 1.34, is well below the 2.0 threshold needed to maintain a nation’s population. To help combat the under population problem … Keidanren, Japan’s largest business group with 1,300 affiliated companies, has issued a memo urging its members to adopt the same sort of early, leave program for workers.

Ertelt writes:

… The Bank of Japan index underscores the problems by showing that the demand for labor is at its highest level in 16 years. By 2030, the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research estimates the Japanese workforce will shrink 20 percent. With fewer babies born over the years, the agency says 40 percent of Japan’s population will be 65 or older by 2050 — more than doubling the current ratio.

Having babies is vital to the world economy and to the United States. In this context, giving birth to healthy little people who populate the world is extremely significant. The future of the world depends on women having healthy babies who grow up to become the political leaders, doctors, and scientists of the world. A healthy baby starts with good prenatal care from his/her mother. Excellent prenatal care does not just mean going to the doctor for regular medical visits. Prospective mothers should maintain a healthy daily life style that includes a positive attitude regarding the physical and emotional changes that she will experience during the nine months of her pregnancy. Understanding the mental, emotional, and physical changes of a woman who is pregnant can form the basis for this positive attitude.

The content of this report is an overview of the physical and emotional stages of pregnancy. Having a baby is exciting. Gaining the knowledge of what this means can help both the mother and father translate the experience of childbirth from something unknown and frightening to something magical.

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Because of the worldwide recession, which according to some economists started in 2008, many analysts are predicting a decrease in the birth rate in the United States. Melissa Schoor, writing for MSNBC states:

… Each year after the country’s last four recessions, general fertility rates — calculated as the number of women of child-bearing age per thousand who gave birth — dipped slightly. For example, in the year following the 1973-1975 recession, fertility rates dropped from 68.8 in 1973 to 65 in 1976, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Similarly, following the 1980-1982 recession, the fertility rate fell from 68.4 in 1980 to 65.7 in 1983.

Okay, so the birth rate might drop slightly because of the economic recession, but that only means that millions more babies will be born in 2009 and 2010. It also means that millions of new mothers and fathers in the country are currently pregnant. In addition, while the first baby, the first pregnancy is special, because the experience is new, every pregnancy is unique. This report does not attempt to explain in detail the complex physical and emotional changes that happen to a woman during the nine months of her pregnancy. Rather, this report provides new parents with general information about pregnancy and early childbirth. This report contains generally accepted knowledge about the physical and emotional changes women experience during pregnancy. This report does not cover the special circumstances of severe illness during pregnancy, pregnancy resulting from ICV (in vitro fertilization) or unusual social conditions that may have an impact successful childbirth. Each pregnancy is different. Nevertheless, there are some “norms” that if understood can help a new mother and father deal with the emotional stress of pregnancy.

There are millions of women around the country this morning wondering or worrying if they are pregnant. There are also millions of men who are wondering if their partners are pregnant. Wondering if she is pregnant often causes a great deal of stress among women of childbearing age. Lauren Wiener, writing for parents.com lists the following commonly accepted symptoms that women may experience as signs of pregnancy.

Not every woman experiences all of or any of the symptoms in the preceding chart. Some women experience no symptoms at all. If a woman has the suspicion that she may be pregnant, there are over the counter pregnancy tests that are available to determine whether she is or not. If the test is positive or if its negative and a woman exhibits any of the symptoms as outlined in the chart, a doctor should be consulted.

The substantiation by a physician that a woman is pregnant begins a beautiful nine-month journey of creating a new human being. It is very helpful for any pregnant woman to understand the emotional and physical changes of pregnancy and childbirth. Knowledge of what to expect during the exciting nine months of your baby’s development can reduce the stress and fear you will feel during pregnancy. This knowledge can also help the father cope with the emotional and sometimes physical changes he experiences. Although the woman as the mother is the heart of any pregnancy, the father is also pregnant. According to Bruce Linton, Ph.D,

Men’s involvement in pregnancy and birth and their participation in the early years of their child/children’s lives has changed dramatically over the past 25 years. In 1965, about 5% of fathers attended the birth of their child. In 1989, almost 95% of fathers were present at childbirth. Men are clearly asking for more participation in the childbirth process. It is also interesting to note how, in a recent survey on men and work, 75% of the men would accept slower career advancement if they could have a job that would let them arrange their work schedule to have more time with their families.

A father’s understanding of the physical and emotional changes his spouse is experiencing during pregnancy  is extremely important to the development of the baby and will help him determine the prenatal role he plays along side the mother of his child.

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In the first few months of pregnancy, many women experience morning sickness. This means that some women may experience extreme nausea that may be accompanied by vomiting. According to the American Academy of Family Physician, the nausea that can start between the 4th and 6th week of pregnancy is caused by an increase in hormones. Although called “morning sickness”, the nausea and or vomiting can take place anytime during the night or day and begins to end around the 13th week of pregnancy. Other physical changes that women experience during pregnancy include tenderness of the breasts, nasal congestion a runny nose, frequent urination, muscle aches and pains, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, heartburn, gas, and leg cramps. In an article about body changes during pregnancy ,Georgina Farren, MSc (Midwifery), BNS (Hons), R.M., R.G.N. & N.),  states:

All changes in body during pregnancy are associated with or caused by hormones. These changes are necessary to enable you to nurture your baby, prepare your body for labour, develop your breasts for breastfeeding, and lay down stores of fat to produce calories for the production of breastmilk.

The hormonal changes in an expectant mother’s body are manifested emotionally as well as physically. Hormonal increases are believed to be the reason many women seem emotionally unstable during their pregnancy. Some women appear to cry for no reason, are irritable, angry for no reason or feel extremely frightened. Dr. Anandi Subramanian, MD an OB/Gyn physican states in an article on expectantmothersguide.com:

The rise in estrogen, as well as progesterone and other hormones in pregnancy, is also in part responsible for the magnification of emotions a pregnant woman experiences. Increased circulating levels intensify the myriad of feelings a pregnant woman has. The joy of being pregnant may often move a woman to tears. Anxiety in regard to how a woman may feel about herself and the way her body is changing is normal, and her concerns regarding her own health and the health of the fetus are paramount. Anticipation of the new role of being a mother and the changes a new baby will bring to the family may be overwhelming.

Both the physical and emotional changes experienced by most pregnant women are predictable, normal, and common. It is important for the father to understand that pregnancy is a glorious, yet frightening experience. Glorious, because   women, despite the emotional ups and downs, are  happy about the fact that they are about to bring a new human being into the world. Frightening because she knows while she is pregnant she is solely responsible for the health, welfare and the life of her child. Many women fear having a miscarriage and losing their baby. Other woman fear losing their spouse.

It is natural to fret about what you eat, drink, think, feel, and do. It is also perfectly normal to worry about whether your baby is healthy, how this new person will change your life and relationships and whether you’re truly up to the task of parenthood.

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There are millions of women around the country this morning wondering or worrying if they are pregnant. There are also millions of men who are wondering if their partners are pregnant. Wondering if she is pregnant often causes a great deal of stress among women of childbearing age. Lauren Wiener, writing for parents.com lists the following commonly accepted symptoms that women may experience as signs of pregnancy.

Not every woman experiences all of or any of the symptoms in the preceding chart. Some women experience no symptoms at all. If a woman has the suspicion that she may be pregnant, there are over the counter pregnancy tests that are available to determine whether she is or not. If the test is positive or if its negative and a woman exhibits any of the symptoms as outlined in the chart, a doctor should be consulted.

The substantiation by a physician that a woman is pregnant begins a beautiful nine-month journey of creating a new human being. It is very helpful for any pregnant woman to understand the emotional and physical changes of pregnancy and childbirth. Knowledge of what to expect during the exciting nine months of your baby’s development can reduce the stress and fear you will feel during pregnancy. This knowledge can also help the father cope with the emotional and sometimes physical changes he experiences. Although the woman as the mother is the heart of any pregnancy, the father is also pregnant. According to Bruce Linton, Ph.D,

Men’s involvement in pregnancy and birth and their participation in the early years of their child/children’s lives has changed dramatically over the past 25 years. In 1965, about 5% of fathers attended the birth of their child. In 1989, almost 95% of fathers were present at childbirth. Men are clearly asking for more participation in the childbirth process. It is also interesting to note how, in a recent survey on men and work, 75% of the men would accept slower career advancement if they could have a job that would let them arrange their work schedule to have more time with their families.

A father’s understanding of the physical and emotional changes his spouse is experiencing during pregnancy  is extremely important to the development of the baby and will help him determine the prenatal role he plays along side the mother of his child.

In the first few months of pregnancy, many women experience morning sickness. This means that some women may experience extreme nausea that may be accompanied by vomiting. According to the American Academy of Family Physician, the nausea that can start between the 4th and 6th week of pregnancy is caused by an increase in hormones. Although called “morning sickness”, the nausea and or vomiting can take place anytime during the night or day and begins to end around the 13th week of pregnancy. Other physical changes that women experience during pregnancy include tenderness of the breasts, nasal congestion a runny nose, frequent urination, muscle aches and pains, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, heartburn, gas, and leg cramps. In an article about body changes during pregnancy ,Georgina Farren, MSc (Midwifery), BNS (Hons), R.M., R.G.N. & N.),  states:

All changes in body during pregnancy are associated with or caused by hormones. These changes are necessary to enable you to nurture your baby, prepare your body for labour, develop your breasts for breastfeeding, and lay down stores of fat to produce calories for the production of breastmilk.

The hormonal changes in an expectant mother’s body are manifested emotionally as well as physically. Hormonal increases are believed to be the reason many women seem emotionally unstable during their pregnancy. Some women appear to cry for no reason, are irritable, angry for no reason or feel extremely frightened. Dr. Anandi Subramanian, MD an OB/Gyn physican states in an article on expectantmothersguide.com:

The rise in estrogen, as well as progesterone and other hormones in pregnancy, is also in part responsible for the magnification of emotions a pregnant woman experiences. Increased circulating levels intensify the myriad of feelings a pregnant woman has. The joy of being pregnant may often move a woman to tears. Anxiety in regard to how a woman may feel about herself and the way her body is changing is normal, and her concerns regarding her own health and the health of the fetus are paramount. Anticipation of the new role of being a mother and the changes a new baby will bring to the family may be overwhelming.

Both the physical and emotional changes experienced by most pregnant women are predictable, normal, and common. It is important for the father to understand that pregnancy is a glorious, yet frightening experience. Glorious, because   women, despite the emotional ups and downs, are  happy about the fact that they are about to bring a new human being into the world. Frightening because she knows while she is pregnant she is solely responsible for the health, welfare and the life of her child. Many women fear having a miscarriage and losing their baby. Other woman fear losing their spouse.

It is natural to fret about what you eat, drink, think, feel, and do. It is also perfectly normal to worry about whether your baby is healthy, how this new person will change your life and relationships and whether you’re truly up to the task of parenthood.

The contents of the following table are taken from www.parents.com

The thought of giving birth to a new baby frightens many women.  Understanding that these fears are common, as outlined in the table above, is important for the prospective mother and father. This understanding allows the mother to know that what she is experiencing is normal, she is not going crazy. For the father, understanding the fears of his spouse makes it easier for him to give her emotional support and keep his self-esteem up. When his pregnant spouse is angry, irritable or irrational he knows that hormonal changes are the source of her discomfort, not him.

Every pregnant woman must visit a doctor to get regular prenatal care. Regular visits to a physician are mandatory in order to insure the birth of a healthy baby. According to  AskDrSears.com

The usual schedule of prenatal visits to your practitioner is monthly for the first twenty-eight weeks, every two weeks from twenty-eight to thirty-six weeks, and weekly thereafter until delivery. The frequency and complexity of these visits may vary, according to your practitioner’s philosophy, your previous obstetrical history, and any special needs you and your baby may have. Your obstetrician or midwife will use the office visits to monitor the changes you and your baby are experiencing. Most of these changes are normal. Other changes may signal a concern that needs to be addressed. In most cases, these concerns can be dealt with or corrected early on so your chances of delivering a healthy baby are great.

Lack of prenatal care can adversely affect the birth of a healthy baby. A 2008 Stanislaus County (California) Community Health Assessment report summarizes the association between problem births and the lack of prenatal care:

… Other studies have shown that low birth weight babies are also at a higher risk for developmental handicaps, such as learning disabilities and attention deficits, than babies with normal birth weights are. Low birth weight babies also demonstrate higher rates of sub-average IQ (< 85) than their normal birth weight peers. … prenatal care is comprehensive medical care provided for the mother and fetus, which includes screening and treatment for medical conditions as well as identification and interventions for behavioral risk factors associated with poor birth outcomes. Women who receive adequate prenatal care are more likely to have better birth outcomes, such as full term and normal weight babies. Prenatal care can provide health risk assessments for the mother and fetus, early intervention for medical conditions and education to encourage healthy habits during pregnancy, such as the avoidance of tobacco, alcohol and substance use.

So, what is the role of the father while the mother deals with mood swings, fatigue, vomiting, and doctor’s visits? Soon-to-be new father’s can:

Be involved. Go with your partner to her preconception and prenatal visits.

Watch, listen, browse and read. Watch videotapes, listen to audiotapes, check out the Internet, or read books about pregnancy, childbirth and being a parent.

Help plan for the baby.

Learn. Go to childbirth education classes.

Help your partner stay healthy during pregnancy.

Be supportive.

In the modern world, many fathers want to play an active role in the birth of their children. They reject the notion that they should retreat to the next room while the woman engages in “female business”. Today men are more likely to communicate the condition of their pregnant partner to family and friends by replacing the statement “she is having a baby”, with “we are having a baby”.

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How is the baby developing while his/her mother and father are living with the day-to-day life changes that his/her conception has produced? What does he or she look like inside the mother’s uterus? What changes in your baby’s development is the doctor monitoring during prenatal visits? Many, many Internet web sites track fetal development. Most of these sites give detailed descriptions, pictures, and movies illustrating fetal growth. The chart below gives a month-by-month summary of the baby’s development inside a woman uterus.

Fetal Growth Chart by Trimester:

The definition of an old wives’ tale: “n.A superstitious belief or story belonging to traditional folklore.” www.thefreedictionary.com. There are so many myths (old wives tales) surrounding a woman’s pregnancy that every woman who has ever been pregnant, has heard or believes at least one of them. Which is unfortunate, because belief in any of these myths can create unnecessary emotional stress for the mother.

The Heartburn Myth
If a pregnant woman frequently experiences heartburn, her baby will have a full head of hair. Simply not, true. Some babies have hair, some do not. Most lose it all within a few weeks, anyway.

The Umbilical Cord Strangulation Myth
If a pregnant woman lifts her hands above her head, she will choke the baby. Give us a break. People used to think (and, alas, some still believe) that the mother’s movement could cause the baby to become tangled in the umbilical cord, but that’s just not true.

The Curse Myth
Anyone who denies a pregnant woman the food that she craves will get a sty in his eye. Nope. This myth doesn’t mean that someone who stands between a pregnant woman and her cravings is in the clear though. He will most certainly be subjected to threats, name-calling or icy glares.

The Heart Rate Myth
If the fetal heart rate is fast, the baby is a girl. If the heart rate is slow, it’s a boy. Medical researchers actually looked into this myth. They did find a very slight different between the average heart rate of boys and girls, but it wasn’t significant enough to make heart rate an accurate predictor of sex.

The Ugly Stick Myth
If a pregnant woman sees something ugly or horrible, she will have an ugly baby. How could this possibly be true? There’s no such thing as an ugly baby!

The Coffee Myth
If a baby is born with cafe au lait spots (light-brown birthmarks), the mother drank too much coffee or had unfulfilled cravings during pregnancy. Nope.

Separating truth from fiction can reduce the amount of stress that a couple endures during the nine months of pregnancy. A woman’s doctor is the person that she should talk to about any questions she may have about the impact of her lifestyle on her unborn baby.

The belief that a woman cannot engage in sexual intercourse with her partner during pregnancy is one of the most commonly believed old wives’ tales. Dr. Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD, on www.kidshealth.org writes:

Is It Safe to Have Sex During Pregnancy?

If you’re having a normal pregnancy, sex is considered safe during all stages of the pregnancy. So what’s a “normal pregnancy”? It’s one that’s considered low-risk for complications such as miscarriage or pre-term labor. Talk to your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider if you’re uncertain about whether you fall into this category. (The next section of this article may help, too.) Of course, just because sex is safe during pregnancy doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily want to have it! Many expectant mothers find that their desire for sex fluctuates during certain stages in the pregnancy. Also, many women find that sex becomes uncomfortable as their bodies get larger.

You and your partner need to keep the lines of communication open regarding your sexual relationship. Talk about other ways to satisfy your need for intimacy, such as kissing, caressing, and holding each other. You also may need to experiment with other positions for sex to find those that are the most comfortable. Many women find that they lose their desire and motivation for sex late in the pregnancy – not only because of their size but also because they’re preoccupied with the impending delivery and the excitement of becoming a new parent.

When It’s Not Safe ?

There are two types of sexual behavior that aren’t safe for any pregnant woman:

If you engage in oral sex, your partner should not blow air into your vagina. Blowing air can cause an air embolism (a blockage of a blood vessel by an air bubble), which can be potentially fatal for mother and child. You should not have sex with a partner whose sexual history is unknown to you or who may have a sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, or HIV. If you become infected, the disease may be transmitted to your baby, with potentially dangerous consequences. If your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider anticipates or detects certain significant complications with your pregnancy, he or she is likely to advise against sexual intercourse. The most common risk factors include:

1. a history or threat of miscarriage
2. a history of pre-term labor (you’ve previously delivered a baby before 37 weeks) or signs indicating the risk of pre-term labor (such as premature uterine contractions)
3. unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping
4. leakage of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby)
5. placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta (the blood-rich structure that nourishes the baby) is situated down so low that it covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus) multiple fetuses (you’re having twins, triplets, etc.)

Dr. Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph states that a woman having sex while she is pregnant cannot harm the fetus because it is protected by a “thin walled bag” that holds the fetus and surrounding fluid. Further, a woman’s cervix is sealed, which guards against infection. In addition, “the penis does not come into contact with the fetus during sex.” She continues:

Actually, both of these possibilities are normal (and so is everything in between). Many pregnant women find that symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and the increased need to urinate make sex too bothersome, especially during the first trimester. Generally, fatigue and nausea subside during the second trimester, and some women find that their desire for sex increases. Also, some women find that freedom from worries about contraception, combined with a renewed sense of closeness with their partner, makes sex more fulfilling. Desire generally subsides again during the third trimester as the uterus grows even larger and the reality of what’s about to happen sets in.

Dr. Joseph recommends that an expectant mother call her health provider if she has doubts about having sex during her pregnancy. As for the father of the child, what is he thinking about sex? According to Armin A. Brott, author of “The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips and Advice for Dads-to-Be”

There is lot of second guessing that goes on about sex during pregnancy,” says Brott, who has talked to “thousands” of men on the topic of pregnancy. “As soon as a woman begins to notice her body change, lots of guys say ‘She is self-conscious about her body. She is not feeling good. I will leave her alone.’ though women are often depicted as the crazy ones during pregnancy (think Lucille Ball ordering Ricky out to get sardines and ice cream) men are sometimes the irrational ones. Men can feel as if they are being watched by their future offspring, or that they will hurt the baby usually by hitting it with their penis.

Such worries are unfounded. It would be virtually impossible for any man to bonk Junior on the head or poke his eye out with that thing, for example, because the penis would have to be very, very long and even then it’s unlikely to bother the baby. (Sorry, men.)

… research has proven that “the chances of doing something to the baby is small,” and that unless the pregnancy is fraught with complications like bleeding or contractions, there is no reason not to have sex and enjoy orgasms throughout the pregnancy if both partners feel like it. Almost as important as what’s going on in her body is what is going on inside his brain.

Whether it was the result of months of trying or completely unexpected, the facts remain the same – you are pregnant! There are some common pregnancy symptoms that most women experience. While the symptoms common, it is rare for two women to experience them the same way, or even one woman to experience them the same way for each pregnancy. Let’s look at some common symptoms.
I Feel Nauseous All the Time!
Some women are spared this symptom, while others may actually lose weight their first trimester because they throw up so much. Morning sickness can start as early as 2 weeks after conception and is usually most severe in the morning, but can be experienced at any time, day or night.

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My Breasts Ache!
This symptom usually starts within a month of conception and is due to the changes your body is already making in preparation for the baby’s arrival. You may notice they get bigger or fuller during the pregnancy as the mammary glands prepare to make milk.
I Have to Pee Frequently!
Because of the changing demands on your body, you may find that you are having to urinate much more frequently than you used to. Do not decrease your water intake in an effort to pee less often, water is essential to a healthy pregnancy.
I Have Never Been This Tired Before!
Many women experience this symptom very early in the pregnancy. It is more than feeling a little tired though. Pregnancy induced fatigue is the sensation of desperately needing a nap after even the slightest exertion. Your body is exerting a high level of energy day and night, busy creating a whole new person, no wonder you are tired!

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That Commercial Always Makes Me Cry!
Moodiness, especially having a tendency to cry with little (or no) provocation is a very common symptom of pregnancy. Your hormones are rapidly shifting, and that takes an emotional toll and makes you more prone to emotional outbursts like crying.
I Swear I Can Smell What People Had for Dinner the Night Before!
Many women experience a heightened sense of smell throughout their pregnancy. Scents seem stronger than they did before, and may even become unpleasant. Scented candles and highly aromatic foods are usually best avoided by women experiencing this symptom.
I Need a Cheeseburger, and I Need it Now!
Nearly 85% of all pregnant women experience some kind of food craving. For some, it is an intense need for a specific food right away. For others it is a propensity for adding a particular topping on everything.
Get That Away from Me!
The flip side of food cravings are food aversions, common during early pregnancy and likely due to the heightened sense of smell. Certain foods, even though you loved them before, will instantly make you nauseated. Common aversions are to foods with aromatic ingredients like onions or garlic.
This Headache Just Won’t Go Away!
Many women experience lingering headaches during their pregnancy. Once again, the culprit is hormones. Drink plenty of water and consult your obstetrician before taking any kind of medication or herbal remedy for headaches as some medicines may harm your baby.

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Watch for the next email: Sleep Solutions for Your Baby!

Teen pregnancy is a very real concern for teenagers and their parents. Along with the social stigmas and financial burdens associated with teen pregnancy, there are also health risks. There are sometimes serious risks present for both the mother and the baby. In fact, most teen pregnancies are considered high risk, requiring an intensive level of prenatal care, but because of the nature of the pregnancy, these are the mother’s who get the least prenatal care.

Pregnancy is harder on a teenage mother’s body than an adult’s because she is still developing and is not as ready physically for pregnancy and childbirth. The babies of teen mothers tend to have a low birth weight and teenage mothers are at a higher risk for premature birth than most other mothers. Let’s look at some of the primary concerns with teenage pregnancy.

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Teenage Bodies and Pregnancy

A teen’s body goes through many physical and hormonal changes. One of the hormonal changes early in the teen years is the ability to get pregnant. However, the ability to get pregnant and the ability to carry a pregnancy to term are not the same thing. There are higher incidences of cesarean section deliveries with healthy teenage mothers than with healthy adult mothers. This is due in large part to the fact that their bodies have not finished growing and shifting to accommodate the act of childbirth. Another health concern for the teen mother is that her body still needs nutrients to grow and she will be deprived of them by the baby during pregnancy.

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Low Birth Weight

Teenage mothers are more likely to give birth to babies with low birth weights than are adult mothers. One reason is that because the teenager’s body is still growing and developing, it needs a higher level of nutrients. As the fetus is developing, it too needs a high level of nutrients for healthy development. This creates a competition for resources, that ultimately ends with both mother and baby losing out, resulting in a low birth weight and possible complications for the mother during birth.

Another reason for low birth weight is that teenage mothers often are not well educated about proper pregnancy nutrition, possibly due to a lack of access to resources. Because they do not know what a healthy pregnancy diet is, they are inadvertently depriving their baby of vital nutrients, resulting in a low birth weight.

Premature Babies

Babies of teenage mothers are more likely to be born prematurely than those of adult mothers. This is due largely in part to the fact that the teen mother’s body is not prepared for pregnancy and childbirth and is physically unable to carry to term. Babies who are born prematurely face a great number of immediate health problems, including bleeding in the brain, retinal and intestinal problems and sudden infant death syndrome. Premature babies that survive infancy face a lifetime of challenges, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and seizures.

Not only are teenage girls not ready for motherhood emotionally, they are not ready physically either. Teen pregnancy poses a health risk to both mother and baby. Proper education is not only the best way to prevent teen pregnancy in the first place, it is the best way to safeguard the health of mother and baby if it does happen.

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Watch for the next email: Common Pregnancy Symptoms!

Infants have one way to communicate – they cry. A baby cries for an average of 1 to 2 hours out of every day, and the pitch of a baby’s cry is specifically designed to get the attention of the parents. As time passes, the crying will become more refined and the parents will learn to recognize what the baby needs based on the sound of the cry. There are many different reasons babies cry, and addressing the reason will often bring an end to the crying.

Hunger

One of the main reasons babies cry is because they are hungry. Even if the baby fed recently, the daily nourishment needs of babies change from day to day and some days your baby may require more feedings than others. When a baby is hungry, there are usually other clues, like sucking on things in an effort to nurse.

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Tiredness

Being tired is another common cause for crying. Many times the crying gets worse when the baby is put down for a nap, but if you let the crying go for a little, there is a good chance that the baby will fall asleep after a few minutes. If nap and bedtime routines are established, the baby should settle down quickly and fall asleep easily. There are often other telltale signs that accompany the crying to signal that a baby is tired, like rubbing eyes, pulling on an ear, or sucking a thumb.

Dirty Diaper

Having a wet or dirty diaper is not comfortable. Since babies are not able to use words to alert us to their need for a diaper change, they cry. As the baby gets older, crying due to the need for a diaper change should stop as soon as they are put on the changing table as your baby will recognize what the changing table represents .

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Loneliness

Your baby has had constant companionship for the 9 months in the womb, it is no wonder that there might be a sense of loneliness when not being held. Gone are the familiar sounds of the womb, like the mother’s heartbeat. Independence is gained gradually and is best achieved when your baby knows you aren’t far and will return when needed.

Fear

A sudden sound or other change in the environment may scare a baby, and the only response available is to cry. Being aware of when something might startle your baby will help you respond quickly to prevent or soothe crying.

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Discomfort – Temperature

When we get too hot or too cold, as adults we make a change to correct this discomfort. Babies cannot make changes for themselves, all they can do is alert you to the fact that something needs to be changed by crying. It is a good idea to always consider the temperature related needs of your child and carefully monitor whether they are hot or cold

Discomfort – Gas

If babies gets too much air while nursing or drinking from a bottle, or if they are laid down on their back too soon after feeding, they can get gas. They are unable to burp on their own and the gas bubbles can cause uncomfortable pressure in their tiny bellies. Crying as a result of this discomfort should stop as soon as they are burped.

With these tips in mind, there are many other reasons why babies cry. It is important to remember that sometimes babies just need to cry.

Click here to visit the official site of The Miracle Baby Sleep System

Watch for the next post: Facts About Teen Pregnancy!

The first year of a baby’s life is a fascinating and joyous time in the life of a baby and of its mother. But it can also be overwhelming, especially for first-time or inexperienced mothers. There are so many things that can happen and a variety of things to carefully consider and attend to within that first critical year.

A new mother will need the guidance of tried and true methods in order to successfully navigate the challenges of her baby’s first year. The eBook, Baby’s First Year by Only-4-Kids.com is a perfect resource that will help you do just that. It is a comprehensive guide that will answer any question you may ever have regarding your child’s early development and care. It will also answer many questions that you might not have even thought of!

Click here to visit the official site of Your Baby’s First Year Handbook

As a new mother, you’ve got enough on your plate just providing care for your new baby. Why struggle with learning the many things you don’t yet know by trial and error? Not only is it stressful not to know how to care for your baby and what to expect, it is time consuming and very frustrating to have to learn as you go when you need to know how to address a problem or concern in your baby’s life.

In the worst case, your baby could be in danger or suffer needlessly if you don’t know the secrets to dealing effectively with your baby’s first year. No mother wants that! That’s why Baby’s First Year is such a valuable resource. There won’t be anything that you will not be fully prepared to handle like a pro once you have read this fabulous eBook.

Click here to visit the official site of Your Baby’s First Year Handbook

Pick it up today and make that first year a year to remember fondly, as a time during which you and your baby will enjoy the bonding experience of the first year without worry or fuss!

Watch for the next post: Why Babies Cry!

Good hygiene is crucial to keeping infants healthy. They have not built up the immune system they need in order to fight the off the many germs that we come in contact with on a daily basis.

Proper baby hygiene has three components. The first component is hand washing, adults need to wash their hands frequently when caring for infants. The second component is proper care of the umbilical stump and belly button. The third component is proper bathing of the infant.

Adults come in contact with many germs throughout the day. An adult’s immune system is developed enough that most germs do not get the chance to cause illness. Adults can, however, carry the germs and pass them on to others. This means that parents can pass germs on to their babies if proper precautions are not taken.

Parents need to be sure to wash their hands before they go to pick up their infant and after every diaper change. Proper hand washing can prevent the spread of germs to the baby who does not have the immune system to fight off infections the way adults do.

Taking proper care of the umbilical stump is also important for the baby’s health. The umbilical cord was the way the baby received everything it needed from the mother during the pregnancy. The umbilical cord is clamped off at birth and will dry up and fall off within a couple weeks. During this time, the connection between the umbilical cord and the stomach needs to be cleaned frequently.

Pediatricians will always review umbilical stump care with the mother prior to letting the mother go home with the baby. Any germs that got into where the umbilical cord connects to the stomach would have direct access to the baby’s circulatory system and could potentially make the baby very sick. Keeping this area clean and dry will help keep the baby healthy.

Proper bathing techniques in the first weeks are important to a baby’s health. Babies do not generally need to be bathed daily, they do not get that dirty during the course of the day. Many babies do not enjoy their first baths, but if the parents remain calm and relaxed, which can be difficult when bathing a screaming infant, bath time will eventually become an enjoyable time for everyone.

A baby’s first bath should be more like a sponge bath than anything else, the baby should not be immersed in water. The umbilical stump should remain dry throughout the bathing process. The baby should be gently rubbed with a wet washcloth. A light lather should be built up on the parent’s hands using baby shampoo. The baby can be washed with the lather and then rinsed off with a washcloth. The baby’s face and umbilical stump should not be washed and a dry towel should be close at hand to wrap the baby in and keep the baby from getting chilled.

Frequent hand washing, proper umbilical stump care, and good bathing practices are crucial to a newborn baby’s good health. Good baby hygiene can prevent a lot of health problems. Healthy babies are happier babies!

Watch for the next post: Your Baby’s First Year!

Breastfeeding is highly recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and many other activist groups. There are many benefits to breastfeeding, including improved infant well-being and quicker post-pregnancy weight loss for the mother. There are some instances when it is better not to breastfeed, for example, if the mother is undergoing radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. While it seems that breastfeeding should come naturally, it isn’t always as easy as it looks, but it is certainly worth the effort.

Breastfed babies receive natural antibodies from their mothers’ breast milk. These natural antibodies help protect the babies from infectious diseases, ear infections, and urinary tract infections. There are also fewer deaths due to sudden infant death syndrome among breastfed babies than formula-fed babies. A long term benefit associated with breastfeeding is that children who were breastfed as infants are less likely to become overweight than are children who were formula-fed.

Click here to visit the official breastfeeding site

Mothers can also benefit from breastfeeding. One of the benefits is the tendency for mothers who are breastfeeding to return to their pre-pregnancy weight sooner than mothers who aren’t. There are also indications that breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk for developing ovarian or breast cancer. There is the additional benefit that breastfeeding costs less than using formula, saving families a significant amount of money.

While in general it is considered best to breastfeed, there are instances where breastfeeding is either not possible or not in the best interest of the child. Infants who are not able to process the lactose in breast milk will need a special formula instead. Mothers who have an infectious disease like tuberculosis, HIV, or herpes simplex with lesions on the breasts should not breastfeed as this can pass the infection on to the baby. Mothers who are undergoing any kind of chemotherapy or radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer should not breastfeed.

Adoptive mothers, not having undergone the hormonal changes in pregnancy that make it possible to produce milk, will not be able to breastfeed. In cases where the mother is not able to breastfeed, the pediatrician should be consulted about the best formula to use as well as proper feeding techniques and amounts.

Click here to visit the official breastfeeding site

While breastfeeding is a natural process, it doesn’t come naturally to all mothers and babies. Mothers need to learn proper holding techniques and how to encourage a proper latch from the baby. Babies are born with a natural sucking reflex, but will need to get used to the feel of the mother’s nipple.

In order to make breastfeeding successful, it is important for mothers to be patient and try to remain relaxed – which can be difficult when faced with a screaming baby at 3 in the morning. Having the support of friends, family, and lactation consultants can help new mothers breastfeed successfully.

The benefits that come with breastfeeding are well worth the effort that may be needed in order to succeed. The health benefits to the baby last into childhood, well after they have weaned. The health benefits for the mother also last for many years after breastfeeding has ended. While there are cases when breastfeeding is not recommended, breastfeeding is generally considered best for both mother and baby.

Click here to visit the official breastfeeding site

Watch for the next email: Baby Hygiene!

Unless you are one of the few lucky parents out there whose baby sleeps through the night with no problems at all, it’s likely that you have been losing valuable sleep for quite some time now. You’ll be happy to know there are some very simple steps you can take in order to get back to getting a full night’s sleep every night!
The Baby Sleep Solution audio program provides a wealth of information that can get you and your baby on a healthy path of sleeping through the night and ensure that you and your baby are well rested and at your best everyday. After all, it not just you that needs the benefits of a full night’s sleep. Your baby needs it too!
Click here to download the Instant Baby Sleep Soundtrack here!
The best part is you could be sleeping through the night as soon as this evening, with the practical and concise information provided by The Baby Sleep Solution audio program. In as little as 35 minutes, you could have the secrets to ending those sleepless nights forever. The program is simple and effective and fully guaranteed! What are you waiting for? You have nothing to lose, except more sleep if you don’t try this program for yourself that is!
Do yourself and you baby a favor and try The Baby Sleep Solution today! You can conveniently download your program instantly by visiting BabySleepSolution.com. In addition to this fabulous audio program you will also receive The Baby Sleep Solution Checklist, Helping Your Child Learn to Read, Baby’s First Year, and Helping Your Child Succeed in School absolutely FREE!
Click here to download the Instant Baby Sleep Soundtrack here!
You’ll be sure to find the answers you need with The Baby Sleep Solution! Download your copy today!

Is your delivery date rapidly approaching or already passed with no sign that you will soon be going into labor? This is a problem that many mothers face during their pregnancy and it can be traumatic for both mother and baby.

Of course, there are several methods the doctors and hospitals routinely use in order to induce labor, but how safe are they? Most of the time having labor induced traditionally is stressful and unpleasant for both mother and baby alike. But did you know that you can induce labor safely and naturally using acupressure?

Click here to visit official pregnancy acupressure site

At MaternityAcupressure.com you can take charge of your labor and delivery, making sure you deliver when you are supposed to, without the use of risky and often unhealthy methods used in common practice in the medical field. Obviously it is unhealthy for you and your baby to endure a prolonged period of labor, or to go too far past your delivery date, but it can be just as unhealthy to have labor induced using standard medical practices.

Not only is it safer to use acupressure to induce labor, it is just as quick and effective as traditional methods, if not more so. You don’t have to be afraid to try this method yourself. It is a very simple methodology and the Maternity Acupressure program will guide you through the process step by step in a user-friendly format that will help you and your baby safely and comfortably ease into the labor and delivery process in 48 hours or less!

Click here to visit official pregnancy acupressure site

If you are past your due date or have a history of complicated pregnancies or late deliveries, you will be thrilled to know that you can use this age-old remedy to help you navigate the delivery of your baby with ease and security. Give MaternityAcupressure.com a try today. It could make a world of difference for you and your baby during your delivery!

Watch for the next post: Breastfeeding Basics!

Morning sickness is a pregnancy symptom experienced by many women. The name is somewhat misleading – for many women it feels more like Morning, Noon, and Night Sickness. While some women experience it as just nausea, other women will actually vomit as a result of their morning sickness. It seems like anything will trigger the need to run for the bathroom. But there are some things you can do to help ease this symptom.

Keep Up Your Blood Sugar Levels

Eating small amounts frequently throughout the day helps maintain a consistent blood sugar level. It appears that some bouts of morning sickness related nausea are triggered by the blood sugar level dropping too low. This would explain why it usually seems worse in the morning, hence the name. Keep a box of crackers and a glass of water by your bed. Before you get out of bed in the morning, eat a few crackers and drink some water. This may help to ease the initial onset of queasiness.

When Water Makes You Sick

You already know you are supposed to drink lots of water when you are pregnant. But what do you do when water makes you sick to your stomach? Stock up on the single serve powdered drink mix packets. Most are designed to add flavor to a 16 ounce bottle of water. You may find that you don’t need (or want) it at full concentration and adding just enough to make your water taste less like water is all you need.

Behold the Power of Ginger

Ginger has long been used to aid digestion and ease upset stomach. This is true for pregnant women as well. When you start to feel queasy, try eating some gingersnaps or drink some ginger ale. The ginger may very well calm the nausea and eating small amounts of ginger products throughout the day may help keep nausea at bay.

Avoid Offensive Odors

If you find that you get hit by a wave of nausea each time you walk into a certain room in your house, there may be an odor that is triggering it, like a scented candle or room deodorizer. Try removing all the scented items from the room, though you may want to consider having someone else oversee the removal. If you know that certain smells, like garlic or onions, set you off, then avoid cooking with them and remove them from your kitchen entirely.

Pop a Peppermint

When you start to feel a wave of nausea coming on, trying chewing mint gum or eating a mint candy. The mint can help soothe the nausea as well as mask any residual flavors from your most recent meal. There are several different variations of mint, you may need to try a couple before you find the one that works for you.

Just like there is no single trigger for morning sickness, there is no single remedy. Find a couple things that work for you and keep them at the ready for when the nausea hits.

Just remember to keep a positive attitude, this is not going to last forever!

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Watch for the next email: How to Safely Induce Labor Using Acupressure!

The tremendous responsibility of having a baby begins as soon as you know you are pregnant. Everything you put in your body you are also putting in your baby’s body. This includes the air you breathe, the beverages you drink, and the food you eat. As your baby grows, it is pulling from the nutrients you provide to create strong healthy organs, limbs, bones, and brain tissue.

While we may not think about the air we breathe very often, it is important to consider when you are pregnant. If you smoke, you are breathing in toxins that can have a very negative impact on your baby. Smoking increases the chances of having complications during the pregnancy like membrane ruptures, placental detachment, and bleeding.

Smoking inhibits your body’s absorption of folic acid as well as vitamins B and C, which can harm your baby’s development. Babies born to mothers who smoked during the pregnancy are more likely to have neural tube defects, low birth weights, and breathing problems. If you smoke, quit as soon as you find out you are pregnant.

Water intake is essential for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Drinking enough water will help reduce swelling, remove waste, and create sufficient amniotic fluid to surround the baby. The frequent need to urinate experienced by many women is not a result of increased water intake as much as it is a result of shifting hormones and changing bodies.

Your fluid intake should be about 8 glasses a day. Add a glass for every hour of exertion, whether it is exercise or simply arranging nursery furniture. Juice, tea, and coffee can be counted toward your fluid intake, but keep in mind that they may add unwanted sugars and caffeine to your diet and should be consumed in moderation. Alcohol should be avoided, it can have very harmful effects on a fetus, even if consumed in small quantities.

You are the only source of food your baby has throughout the 9 months of your pregnancy. Every bite you take goes to your baby. This means that there are foods that you should avoid and foods you should seek out.

Avoid foods that are high in caffeine, refined sugar, sodium, and nitrates. Your baby could get sick from bacteria potentially carried in undercooked foods, so that means no rare steaks or sushi. Other potential sources for bacteria include lunch meat and soft serve ice cream.

Foods to seek out are nutrient-rich foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals. Proteins, fatty acids, calcium, iron, and folic acid are all vital to the healthy development of your baby. A prenatal vitamin will help supplement these needed nutrients, but does not replace a healthy diet.

For the first trimester you will not need to eat more than you normally do, but you may need to drink more water. The increased calorie demands do not start until the second trimester and continue into the third. It is crucial to the health of your baby that you only eat foods that will support healthy development.

Watch for the next post: Ways to Alleviate Morning Sickness!

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