Prenatal belly dancing is also an excellent exercise during early labor to help move your baby into position, relax and energize you for the coming event.

Miscarriage by definition is a pregnancy that spontaneously aborts or terminates and always means that the fetus is unable to survive outside of the womb. Once a fetus becomes “viable” usually after the 20th week or so, early delivery is usually termed preterm labor and all efforts are made to save the baby.

By: Nilutpal Gogoi

Spontaneous abortion or miscarriage can happen due to two main reasons. Miscarriage may occur if the mother has a physical condition or suffers an extreme injury that will not allow the pregnancy to continue to term. Miscarriage can also happen if the fetus fails to develop as it should within the womb. Repeated miscarriage can reduce the likelihood of a woman carrying to term in future pregnancies.

When Do Most Miscarriages Happen?
The vast majority of miscarriages take place during the first three weeks of pregnancy, before many women even realize they are pregnant. Some also happen between the fourth to 12th weeks of pregnancies. Medical researches have ascertained that miscarriages account for approximately 15-25% of all pregnancies.

Why Do Miscarriages Happen?
Some women have a natural tendency to miscarry for a variety of reasons including health conditions, prescription or illicit drug use, smoking, nutritional deficiencies or even being hostile to “foreign DNA” from the baby’s father. Multiple miscarriages reduce the likelihood of carrying future pregnancies to term so it is best to seek the advice of a professional if you have suffered more than one miscarriage.

If you experience any or all of these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor or a medical facility to evaluate if you could be having a miscarriage:

• Mild to severe back pain (often worse than normal menstrual cramps)
• Weight loss
• White-pink mucus
• True contractions (very painful happening every 5-20 minutes)
• Brown or bright red bleeding with or without cramps (20-30% of all pregnancies can experience some bleeding in early pregnancy, with about 50% of those resulting in normal pregnancies)
• Tissue with clot like material passing from the vagina
• Sudden decrease in signs of pregnancy - Americanpregnancy.org

Causes of Miscarriage
Miscarriages happen for many reasons. 50 per cent of the miscarriages have been attributed to either or both the unnatural development of the placental issue or of the embryo. These abnormalities can be due to three main reasons:

• Faulty sperm or egg cells (germ cells)
• Defective budding of the fertilized egg
• Other maternal problems such as psychological shocks including acute trauma or/and anxiety, diabetes and other systemic diseases like those of the kidney (nephritis).

Premature expulsion of the fetus can also take place also due to malfunctions of the uterine tract, the presence of cancerous tumors or specific health conditions in the mother such as toxemia or fifth disease.

Toxemia
Toxemia is an extremely serious condition which can result in the death of both the mother and the baby and it usually occurs late in pregnancy. Toxemia can degenerate into seizures, coma or death. The symptoms of preeclampsia (which leads to toxemia) are presence of protein in urine, excessive swelling (edema), rapid weight gain and high blood pressure. If severe toxemia happens, doctors generally opt for immediate deliveries to save both the child and the mother. Toxemia is cured automatically with birth.

Fifth Disease
Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19 and it can also lead to miscarriage. Though Fifth Disease generally affects children, it can happen in adults too, including pregnant women. Its effects are arthritis and joint pains and the most vulnerable adults are those who suffer from sickle cell anemia.

In most cases, there are no serious complications for an expectant woman who has fifth disease, and her unborn baby usually has no problems. In rare cases, however, fifth disease during pregnancy can cause the unborn baby to have severe anemia and may cause the woman to have a miscarriage. There is no universally recommended approach to monitor a woman dealing with both fifth disease and pregnancy; however, some healthcare providers may increase the frequency of doctor’s visits and perform tests (such as blood tests and ultrasound examinations) to monitor the health of the baby. Kids.emedtv.com

When Termination of Pregnancy Becomes Necessary
There is a vast difference between the connotations of the two terms: miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) and induced abortion. While the former happens naturally, the latter is carried out artificially. Induced abortions are brought on deliberately.

Periodically, a pregnancy has to be terminated intentionally simply because the pregnancy may be life threatening to the mother, the baby or both. If the fetus is mature enough then all efforts will be made to help the infant survive. Sometimes a pregnancy is intentionally terminated because the fetus died in utero and did not deliver naturally. If the pregnancy is less than seven weeks along then a chemical abortion may be performed. Terminations that happen later in pregnancy have to be performed surgically and they are commonly known as a D&C.

Mifeorustone & Chemical Abortions
If chemical abortion is chosen as an alternative to surgical abortions in the first seven pregnancy weeks, then many doctors prescribe Mifepristone or RU-486 to the patients to induce abortions. Nonetheless, chemical abortions cannot be possible if the pregnancy has entered the seventh week. On the other hand, surgical abortions can be done faster. They are completed in two visits to the hospital and do not pose problems in future pregnancies.

Miscarriage Treatment
The generally prescribed treatment to avert threatened miscarriages is bed rest. In cases of repeated miscarriages, total bed rest for the entire pregnancy term becomes indispensable. Often, hormone and vitamin therapy is also suggested. In extreme cases, the patient may even have to undergo surgeries to correct the uterine or cervical abnormalities.

Coping with Miscarriage
It is important to allow yourself time and space to grieve if you have suffered a miscarriage. Many people on the “outside” have no idea what you are going through and may make insensitive or even cruel remarks. If you lose a child, that pain will be with you forever, no matter how far along you were. Many women find internet support groups very helpful and will place banners and tributes to their “angels” online. Other women may plant a flower garden, create a memorial or have some sort of service to mark the passing of the child they will never hold.

Buy the Book: Something Happened: A book for children and parents who have experienced pregnancy loss.

About the author:
Nilutpal Gogoi is a writer and a freelance journalist having more than 18 years of service in several audio-visual and print media reputed organizations in North East India. He has published more than 1000 articles and a popular adventure book for children. For more information log on to
http://www.wellbeingwork.com/ http://www.awellnesshealth.com/
http://www.abouthealthonline.com/

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/_f1guy68_/1643679095/

Doctors are searching for new ways to protect unborn babies from the dangerous health impacts caused by a drinking mother.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 12 percent of pregnant mothers drink at some point during pregnancy, while about 2 percent admit to binge drinking.

Drinking during pregnancy can result in adverse affects on a child’s brain. It can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which is the largest preventable cause of mental retardation among children.

Fetal alcohol syndrome can result in facial abnormalities, growth problems, and developmental and behavioral problems, as well as other birth defects, according to the CDC.

Scientists have been searching for an effective nutrient that would help alleviate the negative impacts of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Dr. Jennifer Thomas of San Diego State University has begun research involving a prenatal nutrient called choline, which is commonly found in egg yolks, wheat germ, and cooked beef, chicken, veal and turkey livers.

“There’s not going to be a single treatment that’s going to be a panacea,” Dr. Thomas told the Associated Press.

She tested choline in a group of pregnant rats that were introduced to alcohol during the third trimester. She found that by giving the mother and the babies extra doses of choline, their mental abilities were increased later in life despite the early introduction to alcohol.

Read the full article at: Redorbit.com, Prenatal Nutrients And Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:

Thomas Beatie, was born a woman and became a legal man through a sex change operation. He had chest reconstruction and testosterone therapy but did not have his uterus removed so the couple was able to conceive via artificial insemination.

Unfortunately the couple has met with some hostility from the medical community and some members of the public. It is a shame. We feel that all new life should be celebrated and we offer our congratulations and wish them luck!

Read more at:
Telegraph.co.uk
SMH.com.au
malepregnancy.com

A recent study in the UK suggests heavy use of cleaning products during pregnancy can increase the unborn baby’s risk of developing asthma. The study looked at the link between childhood asthma and cleaning product use in pregnancy, particularly bleach and spray air fresheners

The study found that babies of mothers who frequently used bleach and air fresheners during pregnancy had a 41 percent higher risk of developing asthma compared to mothers who did not use these products.

Read the full story at: Pregnancy.Families.com

Sheryl’s comment:
Adverse reactions during pregnancy are a natural, protective mechanism that keeps babies safe. If a chemical smells particularly bad to you while pregnant, then by all means do not use it. Keep in mind that even if you have someone else do the cleaning, the chemicals remain in the air and on surfaces. The safest way to go natural during pregnancy is to simply stop using chemical cleaners. You can clean your entire home with a combination of vinegar, baking soda and salt. If that does not appeal to you, there are tons of green cleaners on the market today but none are as safe (or inexpensive) as homemade. Will it make a difference to your baby? Potentially, possibly, probably…..who knows. Why risk it?

Omega3 - Nutrition for the Pregnant Mother and Child
It is widely accepted that your nutritional needs change when you become pregnant. This includes both an increase, as well as a decrease of certain foods, drinks and supplements. We all know that an increase in nutrients during this time is beneficial for fetal development to prevent nutritional deficiencies of a number of nutrients that can lead to birth defects or complications.

Essential Fatty Acids (omega3 and omega6) in the correct ratio and quantity can offer exceptional benefits in terms of fetal development, the health of the mother-to-be and the health of the baby after being born.

“Fish oil omega 3 supplements during pregnancy and nursing are so vitally important that they’re recommended by the Food Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The unified recommendation for pregnant and lactating women is 1200mgs a day. To eat that much fish would mean consuming more than a daily serving of salmon – which is the highest source of the omega 3 fatty acids.” Omega3.us

How Can Omega3 Fatty Acids Help During Pregnancy?

Overall Wellbeing
It is becoming common knowledge that omega3 fatty acids are exceptionally important for human health. Unfortunately in most Western lifestyles our diets include dangerously low levels of omega3s and a level of omega6 fatty acids that is far too high. This shift in our diet can be very closely correlated with the increase in incidence of degenerative diseases over the past hundred years.

Omega3 and omega6 fatty acids are labeled ‘essential’ because the body cannot synthesize them on its own. It relies upon a food source, and unfortunately, given the nature of the average, modern western diet – the majority of us severely lack a natural source of omega3 fatty acids, with omega6s are provided at damagingly high levels through cooking oils, butter etc. To compound this, the omega6 fatty acids that we do intake are often cooked or spoiled by heat, light and oxygen and have therefore become toxic to our bodies.

Hundreds of research studies have now proven, beyond doubt, that a diet including optimal levels of omega3 and 6 (in the correct ratio) on a regular/daily basis can lead to a myriad of health benefits, and can also help to prevent (and reverse) the symptoms of degenerative diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, arthritis as well as Type 2 diabetes.

Other benefits that are gained from including omega3 and 6 essential fatty acids in your diet include a stronger immune system, stronger bones, an increase in energy, weight loss and healthier hair, nails and skin.

It is important to remember that it is easier for pregnant women to experience a deficiency in omega3 fatty acids because more essential fatty acids are required to build a growing baby. This deficiency can be compounded in subsequent pregnancies due to the fact that maternal stores can become further depleted with each pregnancy, rarely returning to pre-pregnancy levels.

Omega 3 oils are especially important during the final trimester. It is during this time that your baby uses Omega-3 to form approximately 70% of her brain system. She is also working on the rest of her nervous system. Pregnancyinfo.net

Fetal Development
Omega3 fatty acids are vital to healthy fetal development. A deficiency can easily occur with modern, Western diets and supplementation has been recommended by many researchers, health experts and doctors (not only for pregnant women, but for everyone!).

During fetal development, omega3 fatty acids are especially important for neural development and cell growth. Throughout pregnancy, omega3’s supply ‘brain food’ to the fetus, as important brain and eye development takes place during fetal development, continuing well into the child’s infant years. In fact, the lack of omega3 fatty acids during pregnancy and during the formative years after birth have been discovered to be a critical element for both the neurological and visual development of the baby. DHA is especially vital, as fetus cannot produce DHA efficiently independently.

In fact, research has shown that by adding omega3 and omega6 fatty acids to the mother’s diet during pregnancy can almost certainly have a very positive effect on the child’s cognitive abilities. These effects have even been proven to exist in the development of the child until the age of four!

Perhaps, even more critically, studies have shown that effective supplementation of omega3 fatty acids during pregnancy can greatly decrease the likelihood of complications such as pre term labor, and pre-eclampsia (toxemia) – a significant contributor to maternal mortality.

Research is proving beyond doubt that omega3 supplementation is almost vital during pregnancy and can greatly increase the health and development of both the child and the mother. However, it is recommended that these fatty acids are not added solely to the diet through consuming fish or fish based supplements. There are growing concerns regarding the toxicity of fish, particularly from mercury poisoning. A safer option would be to seek specific pre-natal supplements, or those such as Udo’s Choice which contain only plant based fatty acids.

Various sources of Omega 3:

• Krill Oil
• Walnuts & Oil
• Flax & Oil
• Wild Alaskan Salmon
• All oily fish (be cautions of contamination)
• Chia Seeds
• Hemp
• Marine algae (where do you think the fish get Omega 3s?)

Infant/Child Behavior and Development
Modern research is showing a strong link between infant/child behavior and nutrition. Over the past thirty years, the focus of this research has turned to omega3 fatty acids and their role in the behavioral development and learning skills. ADHD, in particular, has been very closely associated with omega3 fatty acid deficiency both in terms during pregnancy and in the infants diet until at least the age of four. Research has shown that infants with lower omega3 levels are more likely to suffer behavioral problems including hyperactivity, impulsivity, anxiety, temper problems and unsettled sleep patterns. Interest in this area was first shown following a breakthrough study in 1981 which hypothesized that children with ADHD are more likely to have a diminished nutritional status of EFAs due to them showing greater thirst than non-ADHD children.

This study was further strengthened two years later, when EFA levels were measured in 23 children diagnosed with behavioral disorders and 20 average children. The results showed clearly that the children with behavioral problems were significantly deficient in EFAs.

More recently, a UK-based study has been undertaken and monitored by the BBC to show the effects of nutritional supplements of omega3 fatty acids on the behavior of children. The study has focused upon both infants (as young as 20 months) and children up to the age of 12. The children were assessed on their reading skills, IQ, spelling, behavior and motor skills over a period of six weeks. The study was led by Dr Madelene Portwood of the Durham Local Education Authority and the Durham Sure Start trial and she concluded that ‘The performance of almost 60 per cent of the children has improved dramatically…some two-year-olds went from having a vocabulary of 25 single words to being able to use whole sentences while others were able to sit down and concentrate for the first time in their lives’.

“Babies born to mothers who had higher blood levels of DHA scored better on the attention tests until 6 months of age, and they scored better on different tests designed to measure visual learning in older babies at 1 year and 18 months.” WebMD.com

Post Natal Depression
It has long been accepted that using supplements of omega3 fatty acids can play a vital role in treating and preventing depression. When considering the increased requirement for omega3s during pregnancy and the depletion of a mother’s omega3 reserves after giving birth it is no surprise that an omega3 deficiency may play a role in post-natal depression.

A major UK study on over 11,000 women has found that the more omega3 fatty acids consumed by women during the third trimester, the less likely she was to suffer from depression both during pregnancy and for the eight months after giving birth.

The reason behind EFAs being so effective at reducing depression is that they are used extensively by the brain through many different functions. Omega3s are converted by the body into both EPA and then DHA. The majority of the human brain is comprised of DHA, and a deficiency of DHA has been linked to the Alzheimer’s epidemic. Low levels of EFAs are also highly associated with low levels of serotonin, the major brain chemical that is responsible for our mood levels. Low serotonin levels almost always results in depression.

Summary

Pregnant women and new mothers should definitely consider supplementing their diet with omega3 fatty acids. The nutritional benefits are manifold both during pregnancy and in everyday life. Most significantly, the intake of omega3 fatty acids during pregnancy can prevent pre term delivery, improve the babies neural development, retina development, skin and cell health, reduce the likelihood of behavioral problems and can also help prevent the mother from experiencing prenatal and postnatal depression.

On top of the non-pregnancy related benefits, this subject is certainly worth further research and consideration.

Energize for Life offer free guides and resources for those looking to achieve optimal health and energy. With a slant towards the alkaline diet approach to health they offer a huge range of nutritional supplements, health equipment, superfoods and essential fatty acids. The aim of Energize for Life is to give you every resource you need to reach your own individual health goals.

Sheryl’s comment:
There are many ways to take Omega 3s. They are vital for every animal and human being but especially important for pregnant women. Purchase Wild Alaskan Salmon and eat it religiously throughout your pregnancy. If you cannot afford that, munch on flaxseeds or walnuts every day as a snack or get krill oil. Take a spoonful of Vitamineral Green in your OJ in the morning. There are tons of ways to get your Omega 3s but algaes and krill oil are probably the best. Take what you can afford and are comfortable with, but make sure to get tons of it every single day.
Uberarticles.com

Can Preeclampsia be prevented?

Preeclampsia is a condition that affects 5-7% of pregnant women, most often first time mothers. It is a potentially dangerous condition that must be monitored once it is detected. Although preeclampsia can strike rapidly and with no symptoms, there are generally a number of warning signs to be on the lookout for including:

• Protein in urine
• Sudden weight gain
• Headaches, dizziness or fainting
• High or elevated blood pressure
• Excessive edema or swelling
• Ringing in the ears

Pre-eclampsia often causes preterm birth and can also compromise the blood flow to the uterus which can result in growth problems before the baby is born. More extreme cases of pre-eclampsia can result in serious health problems to the mother including stroke, coma and death. This is why urine and blood pressure are tested weekly or bi-weekly during prenatal wellness visits.

“Preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading global cause of maternal and infant illness and death. By conservative estimates, these disorders are responsible for 76,000 deaths each year. ” Preeclampsia Foundation

There is no cure for preeclampsia. It can only be managed once it is diagnosed and doctors will have to weigh the health of the mother against the term of the baby to decide how to best handle it because birth or death is the only way to end preeclampsia. A recent study did find that low doses of aspirin may be useful in the treatment of preeclampsia but you should only take aspirin under the supervision of your doctor since aspirin has its own side effects.

Preeclampsia is a potentially deadly condition once it develops and no one will argue that point. The real question is whether or not preeclampsia and other related conditions can be prevented with proper diet. We believe the answer is yes, based on the actual cause of preeclampsia in the first place.

Protein spilling in the urine is one of the first signs of preeclampsia. That would lead many people to believe that women with the condition have an excess of protein in their diet but the reverse is actually true. Pregnant women who do not consume enough protein will actually begin to breakdown their own body tissues to provide protein for their growing baby.

“Very simply, if you are not getting enough protein (80 to 100 grams per day), and if you are not getting enough calcium/magnesium, your liver cannot function properly, and the tissues of the body begin metabolizing themselves to provide for your protein needs, specifically kidney tissue. Some of the protein that is broken down is excreted into the urine, which is why there will be protein in the urine. Blood pressure and edema (swelling) are due to poor mineral balance, specifically calcium/magnesium imbalance. ” Unhindered Living.com

This is why proper nutrition and protein intake is extremely important during pregnancy. Here are some tips to stay on track nutritionally during pregnancy:

1. Get 80-100 grams of protein a day. Some excellent protein sources are whey protein, hemp protein, beans, peas, nuts and nut oils and butters, seeds and their oils, organic whole raw milk from grass fed cows or goats, organic vegetarian eggs from free range chickens (safe to eat raw), wild Alaskan salmon, organic whole milk dairy products & cheese (preferably raw), brewers yeast, wheat germ, wheat grass, aloe vera juice and of course animal meat if you are not vegetarian but please choose meat that is organic, free range, grass fed for the sake of the animal and to avoid feeding unnecessary antibiotics, hormones and other chemicals to your baby.

If you eat these items on a regular basis then not only will you have no problem meeting your protein requirement but you will also be getting a slew of other vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that are crucial for proper fetal development.

2. Take a food based prenatal supplement, green superfood or both.

3. Take coral calcium with magnesium and take epsom salt baths for extra magnesium absorption

4. Drink tons of filtered water and do not limit your salt intake. Never use table salt whether you are pregnant or not. Always use sea salt or Himalayan crystal salt.

Even if you do everything right nutritionally, it is still very important to monitor your blood pressure and urine protein whether you are doing your own prenatal care or you are under the care of a midwife. If your levels or readings become elevated, it is important for you to remain vigilant as preeclampsia can quickly develop into a very dangerous, life threatening condition.

Buy the Book: Pre-eclampsia, Etiology and Clinical Practice
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A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a typical North American’s red meat based diet is deficient in Omega 3 Fatty Acids. We don’t need a study to tell us that news. Omega 3 Fatty Acids have been all over the news in the last decade. The vast majority of people are aware that they need more Omega 3s in their diet but are not willing to make the trade off from poultry and red meat to fish or other natural sources of Omega 3s.

“The researchers found that the women who ate lots of meat and little fish were deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, and their babies didn’t do as well on eye tests as babies from mothers who weren’t deficient. The results were noticeable as early as two months of age. The study is ongoing as the researchers intend to follow the children’s development until four years of age.

For the study, the researchers recruited 135 pregnant women and randomly assigned them to either a group that took an omega-3 fatty acid supplement or one that took a placebo. All the women continued eating their regular diets. The supplement added the equivalent of two fatty fish meals per week, an amount that the researchers estimated would prevent deficiency.”
Medical News Today

Whether or not you choose to get enough Omega 3s in your diet is naturally a personal choice until you become pregnant. While it is still a personal choice, that choice is now affecting the health, wellbeing and development of your unborn child. If you are like most pregnant women, you know now is the time to stop dinking around with your diet and get serious about nutrition if you want your baby to have the best start in life.

Omega 3s are absolutely vital for the brain and eye development of a developing fetus and breastfed infant. This is one of many reasons that breastfed babies are more intelligent than formula fed babies.

There are a number of great sources of Omega 3. If you are a meat eater, the easiest and first thing you should do is eat more fish. Since mercury and other toxins are also a concern while pregnant, try to obtain Wild Alaskan Salmon which provides all the Omega 3s with none of the heavy metals. A wonderful option is the mom/baby packages available at Vital Choice Seafood which comes with Salmon fillets, burgers, halibut fillets and organic berries. There are also plenty of Omega 3 supplements available and many foods are now fortified with Omega 3s. You can also find Omega 3s in many plant sources if you are vegetarian or vegan such as:

• Flaxseed Oil
• Ground Flaxseeds
• Walnuts
• Hemp Seeds and Oil
• Marine Algaes

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/spcummings/2569503808/

Socioeconomic status was a factor in the incidence of postpartum depression. This factor seems to be even more significant than race in raising the risk for postpartum depression. When income was considered, low income women were significantly more likely to experience depression after the birth of a baby.

Of study participants with a household income of less than $20,000, approximately 40 percent suffered from postpartum depression. Only 13 percent of women with a household income above $80,000 per year suffered from clinical depression. Pregnancy.families.com

Many attribute the stress of money, bills and increased baby care costs with the increased risk of postpartum depression. Another possible cause that is rarely considered is the increased birth trauma that African American and low-income (read Medicaid) women often face. African American women have an absolutely appalling rate of cesarean sections and many unscrupulous doctors may take advantage of women who fail to educate themselves on the dangers of childbirth interventions, while simultaneously seeing Medicaid reimbursement as a free for all.

Invasive and dangerous childbirth interventions are damaging to the mother’s physical and psychological state. Many interventions are demeaning and degrading, while others, such as cesareans incapacitate a woman, not only inhibiting her ability to exercise and get fresh air and sunshine postpartum but also to care for and bond with her baby.

In addition, childbirth interventions regularly impede breastfeeding efforts. Breastfeeding releases a number of “feel good” hormones that help a mother bond with her baby and counter PPD.

There are many reasons other than simple money matters that can contribute to postpartum depression. The easiest way to avoid childbirth related depression is to have a gentle, loving lay-midwife assisted or unassisted homebirth. Breastfeed around the clock and wear your baby to facilitate breastfeeding. Cosleeping is also essential during the first few months to ensure successful breastfeeding. Turning lights on in the middle of the night (to go the bathroom or a nursery) is also proven to contribute to PPD. Avoid the lights and cosleep. Lastly, make sure to eat well(avoid soda, sugar and junk food) both during and after pregnancy. Take walks with your baby to get sunshine, fresh air and exercise. PPD is not a sentence that low-income women should simple accept. Take matters into your own hands to not only prevent, but overcome this crippling disorder.

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