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Foods to avoid during pregnancy

2011-09-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and albacore tuna

Fish are low in fat and high in protein and essential Omega-3 fatty acids, which makes most fish an excellent nutritional choice during pregnancy. But the US Environmental Protection AgencyFederal Food and Drug Administration webpage for updates and changes.) Even women who are trying to conceive should avoid these fish, because mercury can lurk in the bloodstream for a year or more after it's ingested. (EPA) warns pregnant women to avoid fish that have high methylmercury levels. Methylmercury is a chemical byproduct of industry that finds its way into lakes and oceans—and into some of the fish we eat. Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and even albacore tuna are some of the fish on the EPA watch list because they contain the highest methylmercury levels of any fish. (You can check with your local fish market for an up-to-date watch list)

Shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish all have lower mercury levels and are considered safer to eat, but the EPA recommends that pregnant women limit their consumption of these fish to 12 ounces (two average meals) or less per week (canned albacore, or "white" tuna, which has more mercury than light tuna, should be limited to six ounces per week).

Most cravings, while revolting to other people, are perfectly normal—and even healthy. In many ways, cravings are simply the body's way of indicating that it needs more protein (if you crave hamburgers) or calcium (when you just have to eat a pint of ice cream in one sitting!).

While cravings usually don't pose a health risk during pregnancy, food choices often can. Doctors agree that some foods contain chemicals or bacteria that are dangerous to both you and your baby. They can interfere with fetal development or even cause serious infection.

What Not to Eat while you are Pregnant

2011-09-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

Refrigerated pâtes or meat spreads - for the same reason of listeria contamination. It is safe to eat the canned or shelf-stable versions.
Liver - liver is a rich source of iron. However it contains a high level of Vitamin A. Large amounts of Vitamin A can be harmful to the baby.
Unpasteurized milk and juices. In other words, raw milk and untreated juices.
Alcohol - many documented fetal abnormalities and birth defects have been associated with alcohol use during pregnancy.
Raw Meats and Seafood including sushi - all uncooked and rare meats and seafood should be avoided due to high risk of listeria and salmonella poisoning.
Deli meats including hot dogs - these deli meats might be contaminated with listeria bacteria which may result in miscarriage or even a stillbirth. It's safe to eat deli meats if you reheat them until steaming hot.
Refrigerated smoked seafood - for the same reason of listeria contamination. It is safe if they are contained in cooked dishes. Canned and shelf-stable versions are safe to eat.
Raw eggs - raw eggs may contain salmonella. Some Caesar salad dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream and custards as well as Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs. It is best to check with your server in a restaurant; if in doubt, it is best to avoid it. In addition, unpasteurized eggnog should be avoided.
Fish high in mercury - avoid high-mercury fish such as Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel and Tilefish. Also limit fish intake to no more than 2 servings per week. For more info - read Is it Safe to eat Fish during Pregnancy?
Soft cheese - avoid the following soft cheeses: Feta, Brie, and Camembert cheeses, blue-veined cheeses, queso blanco, queso fresco and Panela. They are safe to eat if they are labelled pasteurized.

Enjoy a healthy pregnancy!

Tips for Pregnant Lingerie

2011-07-20T02:32:00.000-07:00

Being a mom doesn’t mean you stop being a woman, and more retailers are starting to offer sexy, affordable maternity lingerie to meet this need. With the above tips and resources in mind, you can find great lingerie and undergarments that will help you look your best throughout your pregnancy.

Check out the maternity sections in your local department stores or specialty shops to see what type of maternity lingerie they have. If you aren’t finding anything local, the internet has several shops that sell a wide selection of sexy and supportive maternity lingerie to help you look and feel your best through all the stages of your pregnancy.

It is important to:

knows how important it is for moms-to-be to still feel sexy, and they offer a great selection of maternity lingerie, to help you look and feel attractive and adorable no matter how many months along you are.
Find a great selection of sexy nursing bras, camisoles, sleepwear and more to help you feel beautiful and desirable throughout your pregnancy.
find attractive lingerie that will make you feel like a woman while still offering the support you need for your changing shape.

working pregnant mom, do and don't

2011-07-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

Most people will not cut you much slack just because you're pregnant. They will expect you to keep up with your job and pretty much do everything you did before. Your challenge is to figure out how to be kind to yourself but keep up with your responsibilities.Many women find themselves juggling the inside "job" of growing a baby and the outside job of working for pay. For some, especially those who do not suffer from pregnancy sickness and whose jobs are important to them, work is a welcome way to wait out the nine months. These mothers want to work right up until the first contraction.

Other women may need a month or more to prepare their nest and focus on the life inside; they may plan to leave their jobs at a particular time, often in the last trimester. Some mothers, due to pregnancy complications, need to quit even in the early months.

You'll notice that you're more tired, and your feet will start to swell.
Don't expect to function every day on your job at the same level as you did before you were pregnant.
The best time to tell is just after people begin to suspect you might be pregnant and before they are sure. Although you are excited about your news, most women recommend against revealing a pregnancy in the early months. Be careful not to wait too long to tell, either.
You can handle these issues by taking short naps during the middle of the day (perhaps the restroom has a couch) or getting outside to take 10-minute walks at break time or whenever possible.
Drinking lots of water will increase your profusion of blood to the brain, which will make you feel less tired. . Above all, be kind to yourself and give yourself time off at night when you are at home. Plenty of rest in the evening will go a long way toward making you feel better the next day, and you'll think more clearly.
Only you can guess how much maternity leave time you need; only your company can guess how much time they can afford to be without you. Remember, your bargaining power depends not only on how you present your case, but also on your value to the company.
If you have a unique skill required for a special job, you have more clout than if there are many others within the company who can do your job just as well.

using hair dryer or flat iron while pregnant, is it safe?

2011-06-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

Avoid using hair dryer or flat iron while pregnant for daily use. It is safe to use this tool occasionally, but try to use it not more than 5-10 minutes. Some opinion said that if no chemical applied in the hair then it was safe,but remember that a hair dryer or a flat iron will blow out hot air, while some of the pregnant women have sensitive skin and hormonal changes. using hair dryer or flat iron while pregnant is not safe for this kind of women, it can make baldness.

Do and Don't while Pregnant

2010-03-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

You've probably heard every old wives' tale while you are Pregnant. "Don't do this, don't do that." Here are some warnings worth heeding:

* Don't smoke. Smoking raises your risk for miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight and many other problems.

* Don't use drugs. Cocaine, heroin, marijuana and other drugs increase your risk of miscarriage, premature birth and birth defects. Your baby could also be born addicted to the drug you've been abusing, which can cause serious health problems.

* Don't drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the major cause of preventible birth defects, including fetal alcohol syndrome.

* Don't clean your cat's litter box or eat raw or undercooked red meat. You could get toxoplasmosis, a disease that can cause birth defects.

* Don't sit in a sauna or hot tub. The high heat raises your risk of miscarriage and birth defects.

* Don't douche. Douching could force air into the vagina, which can cause an air embolism. The vagina doesn't require cleansing in addition to normal bathing. Douching disrupts the helpful bacteria that keep the vagina clean.

Water Birth, is is save?

2009-06-23T03:37:00.000-07:00

Some studies have been done in Europe demonstrating similar perinatal mortality rates between water births and conventional births. According to an article written by the Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists, there may be a theoretical risk of water embolism, which is when water enters the mother’s blood stream.

Though the British Medical Journal is 95% confident in water births, they do see a possible risk for water aspiration. If the baby is experiencing stress in the birth canal or the umbilical cord becomes kinked or twisted, the baby may gasp for air, possibly inhaling water into the lungs.

This would be rare because babies do not inhale air until they are exposed to air. They receive oxygen through the umbilical cord until they start to breathe on their own or until the cord is cut. The final potential risk to consider is that the umbilical cord could snap as the baby is brought to the surface of the water. This is preventable by using caution when lifting the baby up to the mother’s chest.

How do I prepare for a water birth:

Check first with your health care provider. They may already be equipped for water birth with a special tub, or know where to refer you in your area.
If you plan to give birth at a hospital, make sure their policies are water birth friendly. More and more hospitals are welcoming parents who want to try water birth.
You can rent a birthing tub for about $350. Check online or in the phone book. Be sure to ask if fees include shipping both ways and any other extras to make your birth experience more enjoyable. Check with your insurance company to see if they will reimburse the expense of the rental.
Contact a local birth center to see if they provide water birth options.

Food and drink for pregnant mom

2009-04-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

Pregnant mother should really consider her food consumption. What kind of food that is suitable for the prospective mother?

1. Fish
Fish is rich with calcium, important for the growth of strong bones and teeth is small. Also rich in protein and fatty acid omega-3, which is important for the development of brain. However, the need to avoid fish that contain mercury that can be much hindered the development of the neuro system. Avoid shark, sword fish, Marlin, catfish, and immature fish, such as Oyster, sashimi, smoked salmon, smoked and Oyster.

2. Orange juice
Orange juice is essential for brain health baby. Orange juice is also full of vitamin C to help absorption of iron better.

3. Milk, yogurt, know, and cheese
Both for the development of bones and teeth because they are rich in calcium. Products of low fat usually have the same amount of calcium, but less fat that is not needed.

4. Beef
It is important for the production of red blood to send oxygen around the body and to the baby, the meat is rich in iron. Combine with the vitamin C from food, such as broccoli to increase the amount of iron that can be absorbed by the body.

5. Avocado
Because it contains many folat, avocado important to prevent the tube birth humans. Can be made with the juice or milk.

6. Wholegrain bread
Bread is rich with fiber, which is important to prevent constipation. This is also good for breakfast.

7. Salad
Avoid salad or vegetables that have been prepared and serve cold for a long time, because it can become a place of growing bacteria that can cause food poisoning and miscarriage, or premature birth. If you want to eat salad, prepare yourself at home and note the cleanness, do not consume more than a day.

8. Banana
It is important to prevent constipation, bananas are full of fiber. Try a Smoothie of banana, the fruit is also full of calcium and folat.

9. Spinach
To prevent constipation, spinach is also full of fiber. Use this menu in your salad to maximize the nutrition from green vegetables which is rich with iron.

10. Eggs
Eggs contain a lot of calcium, rich in protein and low fat sour. This is just a few need to be consumed by the prospective mother, but to ensure the conditions and adjust the capital, consult with your doctor what the menu that should be consumed and what must be avoided.

Music Helps Pregnant Mother from Stress

2008-10-18T05:04:00.000-07:00

Music is not only good for the development of the fetal brain. For the mother, wave music can also eliminate the stress. Especially when close to the time of birth. The closer the time of birth, the level of stress that pregnant women are usually increased.
This is usually caused by the level of concern will be safety and the safety of newborn baby himself. Even stress can disturb the health of the fetus.
Chung-Hey Chen from the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan conducted a study to overcome it. A total of 236 pregnant women who experience stress, depression and a high level of emergency becomes the object of research.They are asked to listen to CD music for 30 minutes in one day.

After that, all these women are given several questions about the level of stress, depression, and their emergency. After two weeks in which the results can not uncommon. The level of stress, a sense of panic and depression, the prospective mother is to be reduced. So for pregnant mothers, let's go listen to music

Pregnant with twins, am I?

2008-09-26T11:33:00.001-07:00

24 weeks pregnant (twins), originally uploaded by rms519.

Here are some of the most common signs of a twin or multiple pregnancy.
1. History/Hunches
A family history of multiples, or a powerful hunch can be convincing indicators.
2. Weight Gain
Just as a multiple pregnancy may cause a mother to measure large, it may also result in an increased weight gain.
3. Doppler Heartbeat Count
Using harmless sound waves, a Doppler system amplifies fetal heart sounds, usually distinguishable late in the first trimester.
4. Ultrasound Confirmation
The only way to confirm a twin or multiple pregnancy is to see it by ultrasound. the only way you'll know for sure is to have an ultrasound.

Why pregnant women often get aroused?

2008-08-06T12:08:00.001-07:00

It's normal. Pregnant women in a rush of hormones, makes them very easy to get aroused.Take advantage of it with carefully,better to enjoy now because after the birth comes post-partum depression session.
Actually in the second trimester pregnant women are usually hornier than usual, and their lubricants are something special. During the second trimester, the lubricant seem different (in a good way). .it's all hormones.As the woman gets later into pregnancy they produced more hormones.
When you get aroused,the baby is unaware of what you are doing, but does experience the euphoric hormone rush that you have already get. There will also be minor contractions of the uterus, as there have always been, but now that the uterus is bigger you can feel them more. This is not preterm labor, unless you have this cramping sensation or contractions for more than one hour.

Pregnant and smoking, please don't do it!

2008-07-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

Studies have also shown that children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are much slower in reading abilities, math abilities, speech and language abilities, intelligence levels and are not as physically developed as normal children. These children scored much lower on tests than other kids. If you smoke during pregnancy it is very likely that your child will be extremely hyperactive and have ADHD.
Cigarette smoke contains many poisonous substances, but studies have shown that this hyperactivity is caused by carbon monoxide building up in the baby's blood stream. This reduces the oxygen that reaches the baby and causes many problems in development. The longer you smoke the more damage it does to the placenta and the more likely it is that your baby will be starving for food and oxygen. This the reason that many babies of smokers are smaller and stressed, and can be born prematurely.

9 Months Pregnant, some do and don'ts

2008-07-18T10:49:00.001-07:00

Janet 9 months 2, originally uploaded by Gavin Cooper.

Keep in mind though you are exercising to maintain a healthy pregnancy, not to lose weight during your pregnancy. How long should you exercise? Well, that is really up to you. avoid any sit-ups and some weight lifting after your first trimester. Almost every doctor will tell you to walk.
Aerobics are good also, along with walking you have swimming, or even light jogging will work. Pilates is becoming the hip thing to do and help with your mental health while pregnant. Exercising during pregnancy can help you balance your hormones, help loosen your bowel movements, relieve stress, and help avoid or control gestational diabetes.

Is swimming good for pregnant woman?

2008-07-10T13:01:00.001-07:00

P6280216, originally uploaded by captargh7.

For women who are pregnant, it can relax the muscles and other discomforts related to pregnancy. It was a belief that swimming was bad to the baby and mother as it will cause miscarriage, that's not true! Nowadays, there are swim suits or swim wear specifically designed to cater the needs of pregnant women.

Pregnant special delivery gift photography

2008-07-04T09:43:00.001-07:00

special delivery., originally uploaded by pinkcoffee photoart.

Pregnancy is an unforgettable moment to wait. See at this photograph, the idea of make picture with pregnant belly with ribbon, it was a pregnant special delivery gift. Nice photograph!

Cravings while pregnant, is it good?

2008-06-30T13:01:00.001-07:00

6.24.08 Cravings, originally uploaded by drago[knit]fly.

Lot of experts agree that these cravings are nature's way of helping you to eat what you and your growing baby need. For example, if you are craving ice cream, then you might need calcium. If you are craving hamburgers, then you may need protein. But, there is actually little to no evidence to support this theory.
Pregnant women often have extraordinary food cravings. We have all heard the pickles and ice cream story. It may seem strange to someone that not experience it, but to the mom-to-be, it is a very real and very powerful urge.
While others believe that pregnant women are just more likely to comfort themselves and take advantage of her precious opportunity to get what they want. They are tired, heavy, hormonal and that hot fudge brownie every night seems to take the edge off.

Push the button, pregnant photograph...

2008-06-29T05:03:00.001-07:00

Push the button..., originally uploaded by Joho1967.

beautiful photograph

Pregnancy Ultrasound, is it dangerous?

2008-06-26T10:05:00.001-07:00

Day 78 Ultrasound at 12 Weeks, originally uploaded by ladyhawke365.

Since 1953, Obstetric Ultrasound has become a useful diagnostic tool. It is used to ""watch"" the fetus in its mother's womb. In some countries, routine pregnancy ultrasound scans are performed to identify potential defects before birth.
Researchers told that pregnancy ultrasound is safe for the unborn child, unlike radiographs, which use ionizing radiation. The information obtained from different reflections is recomposed back into a picture on the display screen. The sex of the baby can generally be determined after 16 weeks, depending upon the sonographic machine and aptitude of the operator.

Groom & his Pregnant Bride Photos

2008-06-25T12:21:00.001-07:00

Groom & his Pregnant Bride, originally uploaded by jodie....

Nice photograph of groom and his pregnant bride
black and white picture make contrast with the old house as a background.

Tips for driving a car while pregnant

2008-05-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

You do need to be reasonable however, make sure you are comfortable in the car, take frequent breaks to stretch your legs on long journeys and drive on proper roads. If your ankles are very swollen due to water retention, you can ask your doctor for medication.
Some women feel better a s long as they’re driving but get sick as a passenger. So drive while you feel energized, and ride when it is nap time and you can sleep through the nausea. You should avoid bringing books or crossword puzzles to occupy you in the car; as a passenger, you will get sick. Being pregnant is not like being ill. If you feel fine to do a lot of activities, then go ahead! Unless you have a special condition, you can live your normal life without too many changes. Driving always carries the risk of having an accident, whether the driver is pregnant or not, it is up to you to weigh up that risk.As long as it is comfortable, you can get in a car right up until the end of your pregnancy.
Of course a pregnant woman can drive a car. There is no law against it. However, with any pregnancy, there are dangers and precautions. Getting into an accident is a danger and complications with pregnancies can happen. However, anyone and everyone risks accidents everyday. Just be safe and you'll be fine. If traveling by car, don’t be the sole driver; it’s a good idea to trade off driving with a partner so you’re less likely to get sick. Stop frequently. If you are prone to car sickness, take a Dramamine, it is generally safe for all stages of pregnancy. If it’s a long car trip, make sure you plan time in a hotel or inn to get enough rest and lots of exercise. As long as you wear your seat belt, and make sure the belt is sitting underneath your belly (not on your belly) you should be fine. Also, remember to stay as far away as possible from the steering wheel so that if an airbag deploys, there will be less facial and chest trauma (if any).

Pregnant and sexier with pregnant lingerie

2008-05-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

Just because you are pregnant doesn't mean you can't still be sexy. A lot of lingeries collection are now available for pregnant women. Wear sexy lingerie helps women feel good about themselves as our tummies get bigger from the growing baby. One of the last things on many women's minds when we are pregnant is thinking about lingerie. Once women pregnant bodies start changing and they can't fit into their regular garments anymore some may begin considering getting some new lingerie that fits better.
This way we can still get the support need for our stomach and have a n attractive backside at th e same time. In addition to the sexy panties for pregnant ladies, take the time to look at the many styles of lingeries those are available for the expecting mom. We will be able to find anything from negligees and Baby Doll nighties to camisoles and chemises.
For many expectant moms the camisole along with some cute little shorts can be very sexy. These specially designed shorts have an elastic expanding area in front to make room for you increasingly larger belly. These lingerie items usually hug the bust tightly and then are larger and flowing from that point downward. These flowing sheer designs allow room for the baby but allow you to look and feel sexy at the same time. If we take the time to choose a really sexy pair of panties or a thong along with a nice silk robe Be sure that our gentleman at home will be pleasantly surprised and appreciative!

Touching pregnant belly, is it polite or not?

2008-05-04T02:15:00.000-07:00

Of course, some women don't mind this at all. But whether you mind it or not is your own personal business. Or is it?
The magnetic attraction that your pregnant belly seems to have interesting point. For some reason hands are magically drawn to that belly and you're finding that even complete strangers can't stop themselves from touching it. Isn't that crazy? I mean, in what world is it OK to walk up and start touching someone's belly?
Your body is your personal space and you shouldn't have to deal with people touching your pregnant belly if you don't want them to touch it. Unfortunately, it's going to take a bit of determination to get them to stop.
If you find that people are actually reaching out to touch it before they have even asked, you have every right to bat their hands away. If people do the polite thing and ask...there's no shame in telling them that you prefer not to have your belly touched.
This is two answers :
"...I am 7-1/2 months pregnant and I guess I'm the odd person here but it doesn't bother me at all to have people rub my belly. I tried for almost 5 years and had 2 miscarriages before I got pregnant with this baby so to me, it's a blessing to be carrying this baby and for people to want to feel the baby is exciting to me. I feel like people just want to share in my excitement. With that being said, I also haven't had a lot of "total strangers" rub my belly (I have had some)..."
"...I don't mind people touching my belly if they ASK first. And just because you say it's ok once, doesn't give them a green light to walk up to you anytime, anywhere and grab your belly."

The best advice to get pregnant

2008-04-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

If you want help avoiding mistakes that can prevent pregnancy and a step by step guide to getting pregnant. Make time with your partner enjoyable. You have a wonderful body that can bring a miraculous new life into this world. Just relax and let nature take its course do not work against it - work with it and you will be a happy healthier mommy.

Eating healthy helps your body to function properly. Eat fresh living foods such as fruit and vegetables, also eat some raw vegetables and have salads with spinach and avocado. eating good food not only makes you healthy but it also provides mental clarity. When there are chemical imbalances we can experience highs and lows. Good fats, good food, means a happier less stressed out you.
timing. Getting the timing right is all about being in tune with your body. If you have been trying to get pregnant for a while you have probably read about this multiple times.
Healthy sperm is required. The truth is I do not, but as two adults we can agree if you are not in the best of health and relaxed you will reduce your chances of pregnancy. By the way this also applies to your partner.

Arrange time with your couple before ovulation is imperative and you need to do so at least once a day during this time frame. This will increase the sperm count giving you more opportunity to fertilize the egg. Do not use lubricants as this can destroy the little sperm. After the time to relax, prop your hips up and stay lying down for a while.

Doing Pilates while pregnant

2008-03-27T11:16:00.001-07:00

Pregnant pilates exercises should be beneficial to both mother and child. It is recommended not to overdo pregnant pilates exercises to avoid jeopardizing both your health and your baby’s. It is imperative to find specialized pre-natal pilates classes or a qualified instructor licensed for appropriate pregnant pilates exercises. It is best not to do pilates on your own with no knowledge of the fundamentals of pregnant pilates exercises.
There is a lot of debate on the subject of Pilates and pregnancy, and exercise in general. Generally speaking, moderate exercise is safe throughout a normal, healthy pregnancy and many gentle pilates exercises are appropriate.
However, keep the following cautions in mind. The compensations of pilates are evident and a great number of pilates followers have testified that doing regular Pilates classes has resulted in well balanced, toned and stronger bodies. Related benefits to pregnant pilates exercises are weight loss, increased energy levels and a general sense of wellbeing.
Pregnant pilates exercises are not particularly strenuous but you should pay attention to your body and baby by pacing yourself. Your body’s energy levels will be changing and you don’t want to overdo it. Fitness professionals usually apply the talk test. If you are too breathless to talk in a relaxed tone and tempo, it is time to slow down.
Pregnant pilates exercises are not particularly strenuous but you should pay attention to your body and baby by pacing yourself. Your body’s energy levels will be changing and you don’t want to overdo it. Fitness professionals usually apply the talk test. If you are too breathless to talk in a relaxed tone and tempo, it is time to slow down.

Pregnant before marriage?

2008-03-27T05:20:00.000-07:00

The answer lies between your legs. They just live together with no commitments or strings attached. People in societies that value the sanctity of marriage sometimes are thorn between the decisions whether the bride should get pregnant before the wedding day or not. Often, both families are committed to the wedding and the likelihood of the wedding falling through is remote. Here are a few suggestions depending on where the pressure is coming from:

Phone-a-friend. Find a trustworthy friend you can talk to and share your heart, one who would not despise your thought or try to cast out demons from you. Seek out one of the elders you can share you burden with and receive godly counsel.
It might not be as easy as working out of the relationship if the pressure if from your fiancé. He may be passing though a hard time and under pressure. He might need help and counsel as well. You would be in a better position to help him by speaking 'the friend' to give him godly counsel.
A simple medical examination to ascertain you fertility and potency could take of the pressure and restore confidence. It is advisable however, that you take a test before getting married, pressure or no pressure.
If the pressure is from parents, confronting them may not be the best way to go about it. What would probably work out better is you lie low for a while, pray and trust God to change their hearts to accept your decisions even if they don't agree. It would be ideal to marry with the blessings of your parents. Running off and getting married on an island won't so the trick.
In the case where you mind is playing games on you, you may need to have a heart-to-heart talk with your fiancé and let him know your concerns. You don't want to be engaged for 10 years still waiting to get married. Talk things out and if the situation doesn't improve revert to phone-a-friend.

Don't underestimate the power of prayers. Whatever steps you take you must seek God's face and guidance.