Smoking during pregnancy is more than an unhealthy habit. It can cause serious complications for the mother, such as placental abruption, as well as lifelong complications for the baby. Cigarettes contain more than 4,000 toxic chemicals including cyanide, lead and numerous cancer-causing compounds, such as nicotine. These chemicals pose dangerous health risks that every mother … [Read more...] about Smoking While Pregnant
Starting Exercise During Pregnancy
According to William Sears, M.D., and Martha Sears, R.N., authors of "The Pregnancy Book," a woman's heart rate increases during pregnancy by 20 percent. Even without planned exercise, she is already performing a low level of aerobic exercise daily. Whether you are a seasoned expert or just beginning an exercise program, exercising during pregnancy is beneficial for both mother … [Read more...] about Starting Exercise During Pregnancy
Fetal Position in the Stages of Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your baby is active. There are no positions your baby cannot wiggle into, and most positions are temporary. While fetal positioning does not matter much during pregnancy, it becomes important when you go into labor. Delivering a baby who is head down is the preferred position by most health care providers. You should talk with your provider about what … [Read more...] about Fetal Position in the Stages of Pregnancy
What Makes Pregnancy Labor Progress?
You have likely heard many horror stories about the process of labor and birth. People are quick to tell you how long it lasted and how painful it was. The good news is that it doesn't have to be extremely painful or last forever. There are many things you can and should do to make labor as quick and painless as possible. And, it just might be easier than you think. Take a … [Read more...] about What Makes Pregnancy Labor Progress?
Signs of Labor During Pregnancy
During your ninth month, you are eager to hold your baby. Every time you feel the slightest twinge, you may think, "this is it," but the feeling goes away and you realize you have longer to wait. Some mothers start labor suddenly with painful contractions, yet others begin with progressive signs, such as a backache and contractions that last for days. While each labor is … [Read more...] about Signs of Labor During Pregnancy