6 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Premature Delivery

Most mothers carry their baby to term (90%). If you are at risk, your doctor would know by now and would advice you the necessary. Sudden premature birth happens to unknown factors. But with the advance facilities in new borns that we now have, any baby of 28 weeks can survive.

1. Avail yourself of good prenatal care.

2. Don't smoke. Quit before conception if you can.

3. Avoid alcohol consumption.

4. Eat nutritiously and gain the right amount of weight for you.

5. Avoid illegal drug use and use of over-the-counter medications not approved by your healthcare provider.

6. Avoid chronic, unresolved stress throughout your pregnancy.

Signs you are experiencing premature labour:
1. Your water bag breaks and starts gushing out followed by pain (or trickle).
2. Contraction that you thought were normal but now becoming more regular and intense.
3.Sudden pain on your lower back or pelvic that you never felt before.

Shortness of breath

As we approach our seventh month of pregnancy, we experience shortness of breath. The expension of uterus limits the lungs ability to expand with each breath.Here are methods for you to breath easily.

1.Change position when you feel breathless.
2.Listen to your body signals. Slow down when you feel breathless after walking up stairs etc.
3.Experiment your sleeping position. I prop some pillows so that I can breath easily. But I also notice that I sleep easily when I am super tired.
4.Practise breathing. Try to stand up with your hand to the side. Take long slow long breaths rather than short panting.Hand up while inhaling and down when exhaling.
5.Seek medical help. If you experience anything to sudden that doesn't subside, get medical assistant. Your blood might clot on your lungs, rare, but could happen.

Coughing, sneezing, flu and nasal block

Can you believe that this is normal? I did not have it during my first pregnancy at all. This time I experience this almost every other day. I get better after a few days and then it all comes back to me. So I did a little research on what natural remedies I can take to keep it away! (by the way, hold your lower tummy when you cough to support your uterus!)

1. Hot tea with lemon.
2. Steaming with vicks. Put a pot of hot water and some vicks. Cover your head with towel. Do this 2-3 times a day.
3. Take honey.
4. Cut a lemon, put salt and pepper and suck. (Never tried. But sounds ok)
5. Combination of grape juice and honey.
6. Gargle warm water with salt.
7. Mix orange juice with 2 tsp of honey and some lemon.Drink 2-3 times a day.
8. Vitamin C and some sun.

Try to not cough to hard. Frequent caughing can cause your water bag to break prematurely. Try taking lozenges that would help you ease the cough. Stay away from cold water too!

Sleepless night during pregnancy

This is very common for expected moms. You have a lot to worry about, whether you are eating the right food, what can you do and not do, doctor’s appointments, getting the nursery ready, labour anxiety etc.

Insomnia: Almost 87% of women face this problem during their pregnancy. Insomnia is when a person has problems falling and staying asleep.

Reasons:

Awaken by baby’s constant movement or urge to go to the bathroom.

Sleep apnea. Can be caused by weight gain. It is rare in young women, where breathing stops during your sleep.This is often due to swollen nasal passage.

Restless leg syndrome(RLS).Research suggested that this could be caused by insufficient folic acid or iron. What happen is your leg starts to twitch, ache or become uncomfortable at night. Luckily it will go away after child birth.

Dream. Vivid dreams about baby’s wellbeing may disrupt your sleep during pregnancy.

Other possible causes: active baby, back and lower back pain,hunger, leg pain, medication, nausea, toilet visits, nose congestions, uncomfortable sleeping positions.Signals that you are experience sleep disorder:

• Excessive sleepiness during day time
• Forgetfulness
• High blood pressure
• Night time sweating
• Obesity
• Frequent waking
• Morning headache

Complication that may occur (yikes!)

Average person needs to sleep 7-9 hours and expecting ladies should be having extra 2-3 hours of sleep. This could affect you and your baby’s health if it happens continuously. These are some complication that could happen: 

• Hypertension.causing you to get high blood pressure.
• Longer labour. If you sleep less than 6 hours you may be in labour for longer hours.
• Unexpected illness. With your immune system down, it is easier for you to contract unexpected illnesses.

Cesarean section. Women who don’t get enough sleep are 4 times likely to get a C Section.

Try these tips to make sure you get your snooze at night:

• Cut your caffeine – no soda,no tea or coffee.
• Avoid eating a full meal or drinking a few hours before bedtime.
• Avoid exercising right before bed.
• Change sleep positions. In the first trimester, try sleeping on your side, with your knees bent. Sleep on your left as you progress.
• Do not attempt to sleep on your stomach at any time in your pregnancy, as the pressure can cut off oxygen to the umbilical cord. Also, don't sleep on your right side, because it can put undue pressure on your liver.
• Take a warm bath prior to going to bed to relax.
• Join a childbirth class or parenting if becoming and being pregnant is causing you to stay up.
• Good luck!

How to breast feed properly

Breast feeding can be a challenge, especially with your first child. It is very heart breaking when you are not able to give milk to your child. I only breast fed my daughter for 3 weeks. After much reading after that, I realised that perhaps my techniques were wrong. I asked around from my girlfriends and I received a lot of feedback.

Do read on this article and how to latch your child properly on to your breast. I found this very helpful and quite accurate to one of my friend's advice who nursed her child for a year plus.Remember to eat properly during this time as all the nutrient is shared by your child.

Here's the article http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T021000.asp

Body changes during pregnancy

This is a concern for most women who are pregnant. Not everyone will go through it, some experience mild  changes and some quite visible and won't fade for quite a bit.

Stretch marks

No one can avoid a little of this during pregnancy.After all your skin is stretched by a few kgs! Some people are super lucky that they have more elasticity in their skin causing them not to have stretch marks while others have thinner skin and will have stretch marks, which will take a while to fade.The only way is not to increase your body weight too quickly and rub tons of preventative stretch marks lotions.

Linea nigra

The line that runs down in the middle of your tummy.They usualy make presence in the second semester and also will take time to fade. What you can do is rub the dry skin off after your pregnancy.

Spider vains

If you are already prone to them, you might have more during this time. You'll have them on your face and leg. To avoid keep from being too hot or cold.

Choasma

Pigmentation on your face, neck and forehead. Its brown patches that appears on your neck, face and forehead. I have a friend who had them during her pregnancy and faded after the baby was born. Wear sunscreen when you're outdoors.

Chaffing

As your body puts on weight, you might get chaffing happening between your thighs or breast. Tell your GP about it. Keep it dry and put on talc if can.

Sensitive skin,rashes,itching

Your regular soap suddenly causes you itchiness.Some experience thrush(vaginal itchiness) and piles (itchiness around your anus). Talk to your GP if it doesn't go away within a couple of days as we would want it to clear up before the baby comes along.

Intense itching

Happens during 3rd trimester where could possibly link to a rare liver disorder which occours during pregnancy, obstetric cholestasis.From my reading it clears up after 3rd week of pregnancy.

A lot of things can happen during pregnancy. My cousin experience mild diabetes during her pregnancy. In my last pregnancy I had to lie down a lot towards the end of my pregnancy due to water retension and possible high blood pressure and yet, they all dissapeared after giving birth.

Where does all the weight go?

In your first trimester,you do not need to worry about putting on weight. You might not even look that pregnant till you second trimester.

Anyway, what makes the weight?Let's just say:

Baby's weight: 3-3.6kg

Your breasts: 0.5-1.4kg

Uterus:1kg

Placenta:0.7kg

Amniotic fluids: 1kg

Blood volume:1.4-1.8kg

Fluid volume:1.4-1.8kg

Fat: 2.7-3.6kg

You will gain more towards the end of your pregnancy as the baby is on his final stage of growth.

Weight gain during pregnancy

Weight gain during pregnancy is unavoidable. It also doesn't mean that you could eat anything and everything because you are eating for two. You may have an increase in appetite or not at all. The important thing is to eat healthily for you and your child. 

The weight gain is important for your baby's growth. Exercise and eat well may help you to shed your extra weight faster after your delivery.Everyone needs to put on weight differently during their pregnancy due to their pre pregnancy weight.As for me I am underweight, therefore,I need to put extra kilos on to support my baby's development. The minimum weight I have to gain is 12-18 kilos. (My last pregnancy I put on 24kg!)

Check with your doctor on the right weight for you. If you have small bone structure, putting too much might burden your body.

Those who weigh more do not need to gain that much. Some of my bigger friends don't even look like their pregnant because all they need to put on is about 5kg. Some of you are really worried about not shedding off the few kilos. Don't worry, your baby will make sure that you'll lose them because you'll be quite hectic handling you little bundle of joy!

More facts on travelling during pregnancy

Here is something i came across the other day. I hope this will give you some more info on travelling during pregnancy.This is a review is from

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/air-travel-during-pregnancy/AN00398

Question: Is air travel during pregnancy safe? I've heard that air travel isn't recommended during the first or third trimester.

Answer: from Roger W. Harms, M.D.

Generally, commercial air travel during pregnancy poses no special risks to a healthy pregnant woman or her baby. Still, if you're pregnant, it's best to check with your health care provider before you fly. Certain conditions in pregnancy — such as severe anemia, sickle cell disease, clotting disorders and placental insufficiency — can increase the risk of problems.

If you have flexibility in your travel plans, midpregnancy (14 to 28 weeks) may be the best time to fly. This is when you're likely to feel your best — and the risks of miscarriage and premature labor are the lowest. Your health care provider may restrict travel of any type after 36 weeks of pregnancy or if you're at risk of preterm delivery.

When you fly:

• Check the airline's policy about pregnancy and flying. Guidelines for pregnant women may vary by carrier.
• Choose your seat carefully. For the most space and comfort, request an aisle seat. For the smoothest ride, request a seat near the front of the plane.
• Buckle up. During the trip, fasten the lap belt under your abdomen and across the tops of your thighs.
• Promote circulation. If possible, get out of your seat for a short walk every half-hour or so. If you must remain seated, flex and extend your ankles often.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Low humidity in the cabin is dehydrating.

Women who are concerned about air travel during pregnancy often worry about air pressure and cosmic radiation at high altitudes, but these issues aren't usually problematic. Decreased air pressure during flight may slightly reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood, but your body will naturally adjust. And although radiation exposure increases at higher altitudes, the level of exposure for the occasional traveler isn't a concern.

There's a caveat for frequent fliers, however. Pilots, flight attendants, air marshals and others who fly often may receive radiation exposure that exceeds current recommendations. If you must fly frequently during your pregnancy, discuss it with your health care provider.

Update on the nausea band

Just remembered that I am suppose to share about the korjo nausea band whether it works or not. Guess what...it worked well on me!

I had them on from my flight in KL. Somewhere after 7 hours of flight, I thought I'd take it off...and I felt dizzy. I put them back on and tried to sleep and felt better. I basically used it on most of my journey - on the flight from Stansted to Amsterdam and the train back to UK.

Try to make everything as comfortable as you can so that you can have an enjoyable holiday eventhough you are pregnant. 

How to sleep during pregnancy

As your tummy starts to get bigger and into the 3rd trimester, you will find it difficult to get a restful shut eye, plus the constant awakening of having to go to the bathroom at night.

I find that these methods helps me to sleep a little better :

• Lie on your left and don't lie flat on your back. This helps blood flow to your fetus, uterus and kidney.
• Nap during day time. My naps in the afternoons helps to cover the restless nights and having raccoon eyes.
• Put pillows behind your back or under tummy. the support would allow you to relax.
• get into a routine. stretches,swimming, yoga would help you for your birth and rest well.
• Cooler room temperature. If you live in a tropical country like me, the air cond is a life saver. It really helps me sleep!if you experience winter, i suppose make sure you have the right temperature that would help you sleep.
• Sleep at the same time. Doesn't work for me. I sleep when i am really sleepy, and this helps me to sleep longer.but a lot of articles that i read says its better for you to keep a routine and sleep about the same time. i wish!
• Get your partner or anyone to massage you. Yes, the pain is coming...the lower back pain. Keep the pain at bay.
  

Danger of toksoplasma

I had lunch with a friend last week and we were talking about toksoplasma. What is toksoplasma actually? She shared her experience of not being informed about this that lead her to a miscarriage on her first pregnancy.Since I am in my second pregnancy, I only remembered reading about staying away from cats and not eating raw food...and I forgotten why I am not suppose to. So I did a little reading and this is what i found out:

Toksoplasma is caused by a virus called toksoplasma gondii which is said to be transmitted by cats, dogs, birds-pets. But it is not necessary so. She told me that it was due to her habit of eating raw food like medium rare steaks-meats which are not fully cooked, eating out a lot (being a former stewardess) - which could cause from unproper vegetables cleaning. (Also can be contracted from half boil eggs and unproper wash of fruits).

Basically we are immune to it but if you are stressed or your body immune system is not that strong this would lead you to be infected. Not all pregnancy is unsuccessful but some people do experience miscarriage, birth defects or premature labor.

How to avoid

• Try to keep a minimal distance to pets. You can also check with your vets if they have them. Once you know they are toksoplasma free, make sure that they do not go out hunting for mouse or bird, eat raw meat and try to avoid them to play with other pets if possible.
• Get someone to clean them.
• Wear gloves if you are gardening. Do not work on earth where cats have littered.Avoid your other children to play there as well.

Note: Make sure you eat your steaks at well done, keep away from raw food. Try to take pasteurized milk, eggs if possible.

Tips to relieve or keep constipation away

What could be the cause of constipation? You may be drinking water, but not enough. You might be drinking coffee or tea.You are also probably eating a lot of refine and rich food. Keep your eating hours regular. I find prune juice, fruits and salad helps me a lot:)

• Prune juice-works great on me
  

• Eating food with high fibre content

• Avoid excess consumption of red meat, oily, dry and spicy foods

• Avoid starchy food – hard to digest

• White bread

Try to eat:

• Carbohydrate-rich grains - especially whole grains - are great for weight management. In addition to their energy content, most are medium in calorie-content, rich in dietary fiber to boost satiety levels, and useful sources of dietary nutrients to help maintain an efficient metabolism. A good food option for anyone interested in weight loss or weight maintenance.
• Drink plenty of water, juices.
• Eat fruits and veges. Eat a bowl of your favourite fruit or salad a day, its so simple.
  

Bloating and water retention

I had very bad water retention the last pregnancy with my daughter Fateeha. I am so determine to make sure that I don't gain weight this time around just because of it. I did a little research and this is what I found out:

Salt. Without salt, our food would be tasteless but during your pregnancy try to avoid them.

• Excess carb.
• Bulky raw food.
• Gassy Foods

Certain foods simply create more gas in your GI tract. They include legumes, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, peppers, and citrus fruits.

• High-Acid Drinks

Alcohol, coffee, tea, hot cocoa and acidic fruit juices: Each of these high-acid beverages can irritate your GI tract, causing swelling. You can have these drinks in moderation after the jumpstart if you choose.

• Fried Foods

Fatty foods, especially the fried variety, are digested more slowly, causing you to feel heavy and bloated. On the Flat Belly Diet you'll eat fats, but you'll eat the healthy kind--MUFAs (short for monounsaturated fatty acids)--that target hard-to-lose visceral belly fat. MUFAs can be found in oils (such as olive oil), olives, nuts and seeds, avocado, and dark chocolate. Yum!

• Spicy Foods

Foods seasoned with black pepper, nutmeg, cloves, chili powder, hot sauces, onions, garlic, mustard, barbecue sauce, horseradish, catsup, tomato sauce, or vinegar can all stimulate the release of stomach acid, which can cause irritation.

• Carbonated Drinks

Where do you think all those bubbles end up? They gang up in your belly!Try sassy drink –flat belly recipe

• Chewing gum!
• Sugar Alcohols

These sugar substitutes, which go by the names xylitol or maltitol, are often found in low-calorie or low-carb products like cookies, candy, and energy bars because they taste sweet.

Keeping your nausea away

Usually when i travel, (when I am not pregnant) i would pop a motion sickness pill. Although it doesn't effect me much, but i take it anyway to just keep that feeling away. Anyway, this time being pregnant and all i was more concerned because there are some days when i do get headaches etc. So,during my search with hubby for our luggage tag, i stumbled across this brand, korjo (www.korjo.com) that has an anti nausea wrist band sold at RM25 at times book store, pavilion. I wanted to buy it but then my hubby said the flu pill would probably knock me out so i didn't buy it.

But then, me being me, I went to guardian a few days later to get some solution for my lenses when i stumbled on another brand called acu life (www.healthenterprises.com), which cost RM21.50, uglier looking than the korjo(sorry!) but it was enough to make me feel a little better if i buy it...

Basically both these items use acupuncture as a method to relief nausea. It's meant for pregnant ladies, air/sea traveller as well as for those under chemo. Although i read some remarks /feedback on yahoo answer on these wrist bands - most who replied said that it gave no effect to them; I have to try it for myself. It comes in one pair and you have to wear both for it to work.

A 13hour flight would definitely sufficient enough to tell you whether it works or not...darn. Total of 15 hrs!

(We are going to Amsterdam-Brussels-London...wish me luck and hopefully a superb time!)

Pregnant and travelling

When we first bought the tickets, I was not pregnant, nor were we planning well at least till next year. Then when I got pregnant, everyone was worried about my trip…especially with H1N1, miscarriage and other complication.

After reading and consulting my doctor, she told me it was safe to travel in the second trimester and better to stay off travelling during 1^st trimester and 3^rd. Lucky for me I have entered my 2^nd trimester. 
 Health preparation before flying:   

1. Drink a lot of water. 
2. Try to stay away from crowds. If must, wear a mask unless you feel there’s no need to.
3. Watch the food that you take. – I had diarrhea throughout my first trimester. I tried to monitoring and realize I couldn’t take carbonated drinks like coke (yes, it’s not good to begin with but I have that craving-unlike my first pregnancy. I could eat anything!), spicy food, salt and vinegar chips. 
4. Rest when you feel like resting. A short nap during noon is good to boost some energy later. 

Will I be taking shots against H1N1? Apparently not. I have been having flu like symptoms so far every few days. Doctors says its just part of my pregnancy. I think the best way is just to wear a mask at the airport, eat healthily, drink loads of fluids and rest. I don’t think it’s necessary.Make sure you are fever free and flu free on that day. I am trying hard to not get any fever…which I haven’t got besides the runny nose and sneezing throughout the pregnancy. You wouldn’t want to get quarantine in a foreign country- if possible.  

Travel food reminder Stick to food that you are use to. Yes, of course you like to be adventurous, maybe a bite won’t hurt. But try hard to keep away from unfamiliar food as you don’t want to get tummy ache (+ being pregnant) during travel. Medication Since I had a bad runny nose and sneeze, I dropped by at the pharmacist and check out what are the medications I can take for it. Make sure you tell what you have and what you don’t (In my case no fever or cough).*The pharmacist gave me an otc medication which only cost RM4.40. it suppose to make the runny nose and sneezing stop-eat 3 times a day with drowsiness as side effect.(I later ate them after lunch and slept for 2 hours!). Note: Although taking medication is not recommended, but I think if you been sick too long or experiencing flu, headache for too much you should be able to help you burden off the feelings.  Please remember to consult your doctor's first!