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  • Ovulation Calendar

    Days 13- 16 of your cycle

    Your estrogen level increases and then drops all-of-a-sudden, triggering your pituitary gland to release a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). This causes the follicle (or sac) that contains the mature egg to burst, releasing the egg into your fallopian tube. This is when ovulation occurs.

    Your BBT may actually take a slight dip the day prior to ovulation, but at the time ovulation takes place, your BBT rises and remains high until your next period (or stays elevated beyond the time you expected your period, if you became pregnant). The rise in your BBT is caused by a rise in the hormone progesterone. Your cervical mucus may be very slippery and stretchy, which helps your partner’s sperm to swim through your cervix with ease.

    You may experience some light spotting and ovulatory pain around this time also, although many women don’t notice any change. “Mittelschmerz” (pain associated with ovulation), sometimes can be felt when the egg is released from your ovary. You may experience an increase in your libido during this stage in your cycle and possibly an increased energy level as well. Continue to make love with your partner, to increase the possibility of conception.

    After ovulation, the egg moves down into the fallopian tube towards your uterus, to wait for one sperm to penetrate it. If sperm are present, one will break through the outer layers of the egg and complete conception. The fertilized egg will begin on it’s 7-10 day journey down the fallopian tube towards your uterus, where it will soon implant into the lining and continue to develop into a baby.

  • Overheating

    When your basal metabolic rate increases and your little built-in heater grows, you may experience feeling warmer and even perspire more. Try taking a cool shower or bath if you feel too warm and wear light, loose-fitting clothes. If it’s hot or humid outside, don’t exercise for long periods of time and stay out of the sun. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily and even more if you’re sweating.

    more Discomforts

    —Backaches
    —Breast Discomfort
    —Braxton Hicks Contractions
    —    Constipation
    —Dizziness and Fainting
    —Fatigue
    —Hand Numbness
    —Headaches
    —Heartburn and Indigestion
    —Hemorrhoids
    —Increased Discharge
    —Itchy Abdomen
    —Leg Cramps
    —Nausea and Morning Sickness
    —Overheating
    —Pelvic Pressure
    —Sleep Trouble
    —Swelling
    —Urinary Problems
    —Varicose Veins

  • Ovulation Calendar: Pregnancy Tips (continued)

    Days 9- 12 of Your Cycle

    Your uterine lining is building up, thickening and becoming engorged with extra blood and tissue. Blood vessels are enlarging inside your uterus and your body is getting ready to receive and nourish a fertilized egg. Your estrogen level is rising more and more and your BBT is still low. One of your eggs is just about ready to be released from your ovary.

    As ovulation approaches, the blood supply to one of your ovaries increases and the ligaments contract, pulling the ovary closer to the fallopian tube, which will allow the egg, once released, to find its way into the tube. Your cervical mucus will now start to become thinner and more stretchy, because of increased levels of estrogen and will turn to a consistency of raw egg whites, which allows sperm to easily penetrate your cervix. Your cervix may be softening, opening up and rising higher, making it harder to reach.

    You are becoming highly fertile at this stage in your cycle. This is the optimum time for you and your partner to begin making love every day for the best chance of conceiving, since your body is almost ready for ovulation. It wouldn’t hurt for your partner”s sperm to be ready and waiting for your egg in the fallopian tube. Sperm can live up to 5 days inside your body, under the right conditions which can increase your chance of getting pregnant.

    Days – 13 to 16 of Cycle

  • Nutrition in Pregnancy

    How your diet affects your baby

    What you eat while you’re pregnant affects your health and that of your unborn baby. The belief that a baby’s nutritional needs are accommodated regardless of what the mother eats used to be well accepted. But, now many doctors are realizing that if the mother is in need of specific vitamins, it’s not just her that suffers. The mother’s deficiencies in nutrition may cause her baby to be deficient as well.

    What you eat when you’re pregnant plays a vital role in the development of your growing baby and the consequences of malnourishment and a poor diet may include health problems for your baby. Low birth weight, nutritional deficiencies, birth defects and even mental retardation, can result from not eating properly during pregnancy. A healthy diet also has been found to decrease the risk of miscarriage, along with the possibility of preterm labor.

    Calories

    When you’re pregnant, you need to consume an extra 300 calories per day, especially during the second and third trimester. If you are carrying more than one baby, adding in more calories will be necessary. How much depends on suggestions from your physician. Normally the calories you take in are not much more than you are already digesting, but are important in your diet. Don’t forget to add in a prenatal vitamin to ensure that your baby is getting what he or she needs. Do not digest empty calories that lack little or no nutritional value. Just because junk food fills you up, doesn’t mean it’s good for your baby. And, in fact, could harm you or your baby if you are not adding in the right kind of foods to our diet.

    Benefits of Eating Healthy

    In pregnancy, it is necessary for your level of energy to increase by more than fifteen percent, so your body can take care of the baby within you efficiently. That’s why eating a well-balanced diet will move you in the right direction to achieve that goal. Eating right can make your pregnancy easier and can lessen your discomforts and might even decrease your chances of complications. You may notice less heartburn, fatigue and constipation. Your body will return to pre pregnancy status easier after birth and heal faster. Isn’t that great news!

    If you have questions about how to improve your diet and need help choosing healthy foods, be sure to speak with your doctor or midwife.

  • Non-Stress Test (NST)

    Prenatal Testing

    This test helps your doctor evaluate the condition of your baby by measuring your baby’s heart rate in response to it’s own movements. Normally, the heart beats faster when the baby moves. This is usually done during the third trimester of pregnancy.

    For a NST, you either lie on an exam table or sit back in a chair, while a belt with ultrasound transducers attached to it is placed around your abdomen. Your baby’s heart rate is recorded continuously for about 20 minutes. If your baby appears to be sleeping, the test may take longer.

    The results are considered normal if the test is reactive- if the baby’s heart rate accelerated normally in response to it’s own movements. Follow-up tests are needed when a non-reactive NST is obtained.

    More Tests

    —Amniocentesis
    —Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
    —Contraction Stress test (CST)
    —Glucose Tolerance Testing
    —Hemoglobin Test
    —MSAFPT Test
    —Non-Stress (NST) Test
    —Rh Factor
    —Triple Screen Test
    —Ultrasound

  • Nausea and Vomiting

    When you are in your first trimester of pregnancy and your body is adjusting to the production of certain hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, you may experience nausea and even vomiting. It happens anytime of the day, but is usually worse in the morning.

    Sensitivity to odors during pregnancy can make many smells bothersome. Try to avoid food odors, as well as cigarette smoke, which may contribute to your queasiness.

    Don’t let your stomach get completely empty, eat small meals throughout the day, so your blood sugar level doesn’t get low and make your morning sickness worse.

    Eat a diet that is relatively low in fat and try to stay away from any greasy or fried foods, which can upset your stomach. You may try to calm your nausea by smelling or eating lemon. Many women will drink lemon water or even suck on a wedge of lemon for relief.

    Another remedy other women praise is the use of wrist bands. They provide pressure to the underside of your wrist, on a pressure point, which may be helpful in reducing nausea.

    more Discomforts

    —Backaches
    —Breast Discomfort
    —Braxton Hicks Contractions
    —    Constipation
    —Dizziness and Fainting
    —Fatigue
    —Hand Numbness
    —Headaches
    —Heartburn and Indigestion
    —Hemorrhoids
    —Increased Discharge
    —Itchy Abdomen
    —Leg Cramps
    —Nausea and Morning Sickness
    —Overheating
    —Pelvic Pressure
    —Sleep Trouble
    —Swelling
    —Urinary Problems
    —Varicose Veins

  • more Pregnancy faq

    What happens at a first prenatal visit?
    Your first prenatal visit will be longer and more involved than subsequent visits. Your doctor or midwife will likely ask you questions about your personal and family medical history, your partner’s medical history, as well as any concerns you may have.

    Questions may cover issues such as any medications you are taking, known allergies or health problems, your menstruation history (including the date of your last menstrual period, so your due date can be determined), previous pregnancies (or miscarriages), ethnic background of you and your partner, your diet, recent birth control methods and any current or past habits (such as alcohol and drug use, as well as smoking).

    Many times you can expect a complete physical exam at your first visit, including a pelvic exam and pap smear, if you haven’t had one recently. Your blood pressure will be taken, your weight and height will be noted and you’ll be asked to give a urine sample to test for sugar, protein and bacteria. Usually, a variety of routine blood tests will be done to identify your blood type, Rh factor (positive or negative) and whether you’re deficient in iron, which can lead to anemia. Blood tests may include checks for STDs such as syphilis, herpes and hepatitis B, even if you are low-risk for these diseases.

    You may be given tests for rubella (German measles) immunity and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well. All women should be offered HIV testing in pregnancy.

    Occasionally, an ultrasound may be done routinely at the first visit, depending on the clinic you go to. Your first prenatal visit should be scheduled as soon as you suspect you are pregnant. Doctors and midwives usually want to see you before your 10th week, ideally between the 7th and 8th week of pregnancy. After your initial visit, you’ll go in once a month until your third trimester.

    Menstrual Periods, Drinking and Hair Dye
    Cats, Ultrasounds and First Movements
    Fish, Exercising and Sleep
    Sex, Cesarean and Back Labor
    Tanning Beds, Weight Gain and Areola Changes
    Castor Oil, Smaller Shoes and Nesting Instincts
    First Prenatal Visit

  • more Pregnancy faq

    Is it safe to have sex during the last trimester?

    In most cases, it’s safe to continue to make love throughout pregnancy, up until your water breaks, but it’s a good idea for all couples to check with their doctor or midwife. Intercourse won’t rupture membranes and there’s no significant evidence that it causes premature labor in the last three months, as long as your pregnancy is uncomplicated and you have no history of preterm labor. You may have heard that the hormone prostaglandin (sometimes used to soften the cervix in early labor) is present in semen and could cause you to have your baby prematurely, but semen only contains very small amounts, which will not bring on labor. This may be disappointing news to some women who are close to their due dates or are overdue, who wish to trigger labor.

    How can I avoid a cesarean birth?

    Many women who have cesareans have had one previously, so the best way reduce your chances is by trying to avoid the first. The doctor or midwife you choose will be a key to avoiding an unnecessary cesarean. Find one that has a low cesarean rate and ask them about their philosophy on cesareans, when interviewing potential doctors or midwives. By avoiding an epidural or waiting until you are past 5 centimeters dilated, you can reduce some of the risk of a cesarean, because epidurals can slow labor down. During labor, avoid lying on your back for extended periods of time and try changing positions every 15- 30 minutes if possible. Lying on your back can make contractions less effective, causing labor to be prolonged, which could lead to a cesarean. Walking, squatting and any other position which allows gravity to help is best. Find a labor support person (or doula), who can provide continuous support during labor. This can also significantly reduce the risk of a cesarean.

    What is back labor?

    Back labor is when you feel the most pain and pressure in your lower back, just above your tailbone, during labor. Many times this is caused from the baby being in a posterior position (facing the mother’s abdomen, rather than facing down) in the birth canal. The first thing to do to relieve pain (as well as possibly encourage your baby to rotate) is to get off your back. Change positions frequently. Different positions can sometimes give the baby more room to turn. Counter-pressure may be helpful to lessen the pain of back labor. Have your partner or support person apply firm pressure to your lower back, using a tennis ball or their hands. Warm baths, showers and hot water bottles can be a relief also.

    Menstrual Periods, Drinking and Hair Dye
    Cats, Ultrasounds and First Movements
    Fish, Exercising and Sleep
    Sex, Cesarean and Back Labor
    Tanning Beds, Weight Gain and Areola Changes
    Castor Oil, Smaller Shoes and Nesting Instincts
    First Prenatal Visit

     

  • more Pregnancy faq

    I’ve heard it’s not safe to change my cat’s litter box. Why is that?

    Cat feces may sometimes contain a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis can be very dangerous during pregnancy, posing serious risks to your unborn baby including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, mental retardation, blindness and other disabilities. Have someone else clean the litter box during your pregnancy, but if that’s not possible, always wear rubber gloves and wash your hands thoroughly when finished. Keep your cats indoors, so they won’t pick up the parasite if they don’t already carry it. An automatic litter box, which pretty much cleans itself, may be a great solution.

    When will I get an ultrasound?

    The majority of women will have their first ultrasound (or “sonogram”) early in the second trimester, usually between weeks 18 and 20 of pregnancy. This is the most common time for accurate detection of most major abnormalities and malformations and has generally become a matter of routine practice. Many centers are now performing ultrasounds at about 13-14 weeks to aid in diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Some doctors and midwives routinely do ultrasounds at about 7 weeks to confirm pregnancy, exclude ectopic pregnancy and measure crown-to-rump length for dating, while others only do first trimester ultrasounds if bleeding is present, an ectopic pregnancy is suspected or to get more accurate dating of the pregnancy. Additional ultrasounds will be ordered separately if an abnormality or problem related to your pregnancy is suspected.

    When can I expect to feel my baby’s first movements?

    Most women begin to notice gentle fluttering sensations (first movements are called “quickening”) around their 18th week of pregnancy. For first pregnancies, sometimes movements aren’t felt until a little later, possibly as late as the 22nd week of pregnancy. For subsequent pregnancies, occasionally movements can be felt as early as the 15th week. Second or third-time moms tend to feel movements and kicks earlier, because their uterine muscles are not as tight as they were the first time around and because movements are more easily recognized in subsequent pregnancies. Also, thinner women tend to feel movement earlier than overweight women on an average.
    Back to Pregnancy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

  • Dairy Products Increase Odds of Conceiving Twins and Decrease Low Birth-Weight Babies

    (continued nutrition)

    Strict vegans (whose diets exclude all animal and dairy products) have a much lower chance of conceiving twins than meat-eaters and vegetarians because dairy products increase ovulation and prompt the release of eggs. This is due to more and more growth hormones being fed to dairy cattle to boost their beef and milk production which, in turn, stimulate the release of a growth protein called Insulin-like Growth Factor (or IGF) that finds its way into the cow’s milk. This heightens sensitivity of women’s ovaries, promoting the release of eggs (possibly allowing more than one to become fertilized).

    Vegans IGF levels are lower than women who consume milk and other dairy products. Twin births occur much more frequently in countries that consume more milk. African American women have much higher IGF levels than most other groups as well as the highest rates of conceiving twins. Asian women have the lowest IGF levels and also the lowest rates of conceiving twins. Caucasian women fall in the middle. It appears as if a woman’s chance of conceiving twins runs hand-in-hand with the level of IGF in her blood.

    In a separate Canadian study by Montreal’s McGill University and the University of Calgary, researchers found that both milk consumption and vitamin D intake are major predictors of birth weight. Low consumption of milk during pregnancy can effect the baby’s birth weight, leading to the birth of a much smaller baby. Therefore, don’t severely restrict your daily dairy intake to decrease your chances of conceiving twins, because your baby may suffer as a result. Drink your milk to keep you and your baby happy and healthy. Three 8-ounce glasses per day during pregnancy is recommended.

  • Preterm Causes

    Preterm Causes

    What triggers normal, full-term labor is not yet fully understood, so the actual cause of preterm labor is not completely understood. In over half of preterm labors, the cause is unknown. However, there are some factors which are known to increase a woman’s risk of experiencing preterm labor.

    Many preterm births (30-40%) are the result of preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM), in which the amniotic sac that holds the baby breaks too soon, leading to preterm labor. Preterm labor usually begins shortly after PPROM occurs. Sometimes, when a slow leak is present and infection has not developed, contractions may not start for a few days. On occasion, a leak high up in the amniotic sac may reseal itself so that preterm labor does not start or subsides.

    A mother’s age may play a role in preterm labor. Women in their teens or women over 35 are at an increased risk. Also, some recent studies have found a link between severe stress and stressful life situations (including things like: domestic violence or death of a close family member) and preterm labor, as well as standing for long periods of time or extremely tiring jobs.

    Infections can cause preterm labor, including certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as: gonorrhea, syphilis, chronic active hepatitis, trichomoniasis and chlamydia, as well as any illness with a fever. Severe urinary tract infections (UTI), undetected or untreated, Group B Strep and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are also possible triggers of labor before term. Other conditions that may be related to preterm labor include certain chronic maternal illnesses such as: diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease/infection and sickle cell anemia.

    Illegal or non-prescription drug abuse (especially cocaine), cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption are all risk factors for delivering a preterm baby. Not gaining enough weight during pregnancy, having a pre-pregnancy weight of less than 100 pounds, and inadequate nutrition and prenatal care may cause preterm labor and delivery of a premature infant.

    A multiple pregnancy (expecting twins, triplets or more) puts you at a much higher risk for preterm labor. The increased size of the mother plays a role in the increased risk. Women who’ve had a previous preterm labor or premature baby, 3 or more first-trimester miscarriages or 1 second-trimester miscarriage are considered at a higher risk as well.

    Cervical trauma is a major cause for preterm birth, the most common being from cervical injury due to elective abortions. Women with a history of multiple first-trimester abortions or one or more second-trimester abortions are at a considerably increased risk of delivering before term. Uterine defects due to an incompetent cervix, uterine fibroids, excesses amniotic fluid (making the uterus extra large), previous cervical cone biopsy surgery, placenta previa and diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure can lead to preterm labor, as well as a pregnancy that occurred while using an IUD (contraceptive device).

    Back to Labor Stages

  • Preterm Labor and Complications

    Preterm Labor and Complications

    asthma-pregnancy1-163x140Prematurity is the most common cause of sickness and death among newborns. Babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy are often called preterm or “premature”, babies born before the 32nd week are considered very premature, babies born before the 28th week are considered extremely premature. Generally, babies born after the 25th week of pregnancy have a survival rate of between 50-60% (although they will stay an extended period of time in intensive care), which increases dramatically to over 90% after the 28th week.

    Premature Babies

    Babies born earlier at the 22nd week of pregnancy have less than a 2% chance of survival, while babies born before the 20th week are said to be miscarried and cannot survive outside the womb, even with our improved medical technology. The more mature babies are at birth, the more likely they are to survive and the less likely they are to have health problems. In addition to age, the baby’s size tends to influence how well he or she does; larger babies generally do better.

    Many times, babies born preterm face weeks and sometimes even months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), depending on their gestational age, size and overall medical condition. Usually, premature babies are too sick and too small to go home until close to their original estimated due date.

    Preterm Health Problems

    Preterm babies are at risk for a variety of health problems, serious complications and even death. Some have lasting disabilities (depending on their degree of prematurity) such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, reading and learning problems (or developmental delay), chronic lung disease and blindness or deafness.

    Other babies, usually those born closer to term, have no long-term problems and grow up completely healthy. Sometimes, babies born closer to term (34-36 weeks) still have certain complications, as well as suffer 2-3 times the infant mortality rate during the first year as full-term babies. Mortality rates during the first year for babies 32-33 weeks are 6 times higher than those born full-term.

    Preterm Labor Treatment

    Babies born before 34 weeks often need to be on a ventilator (and may need a medication called surfactant) to help them breathe, because of respiratory problems. A common condition for these preterm babies is called respiratory distress syndrome (or hyaline membrane disease), which is a serious breathing problem caused by immature lungs, making it difficult or impossible for their air sacs to stay open, due to the lack of surfactant in the lungs.

    Apnea is also common, especially in babies born before 30 weeks. Apnea causes babies to stop breathing for short periods of time, due to their immature respiratory and nervous systems. Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) sometimes happens in the first few days of life and is quite common in very premature babies. This condition is when bleeding in the brain occurs, which can potentially cause seizures and brain damage.

    Certain blood and metabolic problems may occur in babies born before term. Anemia (low blood counts), which may require a blood transfusion is not uncommon.

    Early babies may develop jaundice, due to their livers being too immature to normally process bilirubin, which may turn them yellow or orange in color. Cardiovascular conditions may occur, such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which is a heart condition that causes blood to divert away from the lungs. With this, a blood vessel near the heart (that normally closes after delivery) stays open and may need to be closed with surgery, if medication doesn’t work.

    Feeding difficulties are common for preterm babies, since many are unable to suck, due to undeveloped suck and swallow reflexes. Often, they require tube feedings, in which a tube is placed in the mouth or nose that goes down into the stomach. You can still pump your breast milk for your baby, which is ideally the best for your tiny little one. Preterm babies typically are cared for under special heaters or in enclosed incubators that help maintain a stable body temperature, due to temperature instability from low body fat and thin skin.

    Back to Labor Stages