PREGNANCY TIPS
1. Eating plain saltines or crackers before you get out of bed in the morning can help with morning sickness.

2. Try sprinkling some ground ginger on applesauce (or whatever else you can stomach) to help ease morning sickness.

3. Instead of buying new bras each time you outgrow your old bra size, get an extender, which can really make a bra go a long way.  It adds a few inches to the bra and are usually under $3.00!!

4. For pants that still fit, but won't button, loop a rubber band around the button and through the button hole and back to the button again!

5. Always have a bottle of water by your bedside.  You will invariably wake up thirsty and its no fun getting out of bed at 4:00 a.m. (or asking DH to get out of bed).

6. If prenatal vitamins are not agreeing with you, try taking them at night, after a meal, so you don't feel so nauseous from them.

7. If you have any doubts that you are not going to like whatever food has just been given to you, don't eat it!  Trust your instincts.  Your body is letting you know, for whatever reason, that you should not eat that food at that time.

8. Instead of spending a fortune an entirely new maternity wardrobe, make sure you ask friends and relatives to borrow!  Also, there may be some great consignment shops in your area where you can really find some neat things.

9. The three “biggest” things you should try and take care of as early as possible are: signing up for child birth classes, finding a pediatrician, and figuring out your daycare situation.

10. If you're concerned that you have not been feeling your baby move on a particular day, eat a small snack, usually something sweet, and then lie down on your left side.  You should feel five movements within the hour.  If not, call your health care provider!

11. If you're having chronic lower back pain, a maternity belt can really help.  It is worn around the hips and goes directly underneath your belly.  It takes a lot of the weight off of your back.  They run around $20.00 and are definitely worth it!!

12. Make sure you ALWAYS have snacks with you at all times.  I usually make sure I have a pack of cheese crackers in my glove compartment, my briefcase, my purse, and my desk at work at all times!!!  I promise there will be a time when you are starving and you need to eat something RIGHT NOW!

 13. Remember that by the end of the evening, you are going to feel much more bloated and uncomfortable than you did in the morning.  This means wear comfortable clothes and do not wear anything that feels even slightly tight in the morning.  You will be miserable by the afternoon!

Some Questions that have been answered (FAQs):
Q: What happens at the first appointment?
At my first appointment they took a urine sample, a gazillion vials of blood, and I had an internal exam as
well.  They also gave me a packet of general info about being pg and some samples of pre-natal vitamins (in
addition to my prescription). After the exam, the dr. sat down with me and my husband and just talked with
us and answered questions for 20 minutes.
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Q:  Why are my sinuses so clogged?  What can I do?  What medicine is okay to take?
When you are pg it really affects your sinuses.  I use a menthol saline spray no drugs in it.   You can also take the Red Sudafed , its safe to use during pg.
For getting down a fever or a cold:
1) take the Tylenol.
2) you could try a cool/lukewarm bath - persistent high fevers can be a concern, so try to bring it down.
3) I didn't take anything else, except throat lozenges - Fisherman's Friends lemon were the good. I felt just
awful during my cold, and it lasted a bit longer than usual (started to improve on day 5). However, I asked
my dr. last time (after the cold), and she said there are safe things to take (I think Robitussen plain,
Tylenol, maybe Sudafed), so keep that in mind if it gets bad.
4) Stay in bed and get plenty of rest. (chicken soup maybe:)
5) I've been drinking hot peppermint tea & lots of water and eating lots of chicken soup! Something
good for relieving congestion (since we can't really take any medication for it) is that Vicks Vapo-Rub stuff.
It's this cream that comes in a tube and is composed of camphor and menthol--you just put a dab under
each nostril and WOO! it clears you right out. It also helps with coughing, if you have a chest cold.
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Q: What is everyone doing for Morning Sickness?
1)  I always make sure there is either chicken or tuna salad in fridge, and some sort of pasta salad.  Just made
one with spinach and red peppers. Then I always have something I can grab and eat without a lot of prep
time
2)  First of all, as for morning sickness someone came up with a concoction that seemed to help with
ms symptoms--maybe you could post her recipe?  Small, frequent meals, ginger ale, and eating something
right when you wake up were the main things I had recommended to me. Women with really bad nausea
also talked about Sea-Bands, those sea-sickness things you put on your wrists (really bad vomiting can
call for actual prescription drugs, though). For me what seemed to work best when I felt really queasy was
(believe it or not) EATING. I found that even when the thought of food made me want to throw up, I'd always feel
better when I had a little something to eat.
3)  Exercise--there are great guidelines in "What to Expect" and other pg books, but the rule of thumb seems
to be that exercise is safe and very beneficial for both mother and baby. Just avoid total high-impact stuff
that really elevates your heart-rate, as well as bouncing and activities that rely on your ever-changing center
of gravity (no ice-skating, skiing, roller-blading, etc.). Also, no exercising flat on your back (sit-ups) after 4
months. There are lots of good pg workout videos that are very informative. The thing I've seen over and over
again is the warning to not exercise to the point of exertion, and to be sure to drink lots of water.
4) Great craving satisfiers in the first trimester: frozen grapes (the red kind--I pretty much lived
on these the first 2 months!), Eggo Apple-Cinnamon or Blueberry Waffles (or any other flavor that's tasty
without syrup--these are also great because they are packed with calcium!), and fruit. Another way to
sneak in calcium if you're not a milk drinker is Tropicana OJ with calcium--tastes just like regular OJ, but
with as much calcium as a glass of milk.
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Q:  How can I help deal with moodiness or stress?
Well, my advice is to remember to pamper yourself. There is so much
going on in our bodies while we are pg, and because we can't see (or control!) it, we can forget about how
much "work" we're doing just by being awake and push ourselves more than we should, only to wonder
"Why am I so tired/cranky/weepy/angry/etc?" So give yourself permission to relax, let your DH take on
some of the stuff you might normally do, and be patient with yourself.

Other stuff--make sure to take pre-natal vitamins. If you haven't gotten them before your first appt., you can
get them over the counter at any drugstore. Also, especially in the beginning, watch your vitamin A intake.
Vit. A has been proven to be harmful in early pregnancy. Most pre-natals have about 3-5,000 IU of Vit. A,
and that's pretty much all you need. Never let it exceed 10,000 IU. Also, don't sweat the weight gain thing.
We're supposed to gain weight. Some people might gain 20 pounds, some might gain 60, but that's just
how it goes. Concentrate instead on trying to eat healthily (cut out sugar, caffeine, junk food)(okay, maybe
not junk food ENTIRELY...)

Q: What is that silly Draino test that everyone talks about?
You take 2-3 ounces of first morning urine, you must be at least 4 months along.. and you add 2Tsp crystal
draino (outside in a glass bowl or jar).  It bubbles and smells awful so make sure to do it outside.. in a glass jar that is disposable.   If it stays blue/green its a girl,  If it turns brown its a boy:

Other Pregnancy Tips found on the internet and in books:
I need some Morning Sickness tips:
- Soda crackers... Leave a package on your bedside table and eat a few before
you get up in the morning. Keep some small  packages of crackers in your purse in case nausea
strikes while you are away from the house.
- Chew on licorice-tasting fennel seeds to calm queasiness.
- Try eating your favorite foods from childhood, like ginger ale, jello, or whatever your mother fed you
- Always get up slowly in the morning and take small breaks throughout the day
- Hot teas may help, especially spearmint or  peppermint known to be good for indigestion or try red raspberry leaf tea. If cold is more appealing, make popsicles or ice chips with the teas.
- According to the newest research, morning sickness  may be a healthy and protective way for a woman's body
to reject foods that may be harmful to her baby. There is less incidence of miscarriage in women who experience morning sickness. Unless vomiting is making a woman dehydrated, she should be reassured that her baby is very healthy and vomiting will subside at the end of the first trimester when the baby's development is less sensitive to toxins.
- Never take any prescription or non-prescription drugs for your nausea. Benedictin, in the past prescribed by
some doctors for the nausea of pregnancy has been associated with birth defects such as cleft palate and
heart deformities.

What are Braxton-Hicks Contractions and How Do I know?
Braxton-Hicks contractions begin during your last trimester and generally increase with intensity as you progress toward your time of birth. You will feel these contractions for very short time periods and then nothing at all for hours or days. These contractions are normal and are your body's way to condition your uterus for delivery.  After you detect uterine contractions, you should determine what  you were doing when they occurred. The activities that cause uterine contractions very greatly from woman to woman.
Regardless of the activity, it is important for you to recognize that uterine contractions are occurring and stop that activity and sit down, or preferably lie down on your left side, until the contractions subside.  You should also drink at least a glass or two of water, since dehydration can also cause uterine contractions.
Note:  True labor pains are rhythmic, even during early labor, occurring every fifteen to twenty minutes. After a few hours, the pains occur about every five minutes. False labor occurs when the painful contractions diminish in intensity after a few hours, and labor does not progress.

What should I be eating?
It is important to the health of both mother and fetus that the mother eats a well-balanced and varied diet.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beans, and fish are essential. Limit refined sugars,
processed foods, and saturated fats. Organically grown produce, meats, and poultry are preferable. However, if
produce is not organic, it should be washed to remove as much of the agricultural chemicals as possible.  Most physicians recommend eating plenty of dairy products during pregnancy, due to their calcium and  protein content. No one food, including dairy, should be eaten on a daily basis and contrary to popular belief, a well chosen vegetarian diet is healthy for a pregnant woman.

Do not go on any calorie reduced eating program while  you are pregnant. The single most important thing you
can do for your baby is to make sure you are eating well and eating often.  A change in the food you purchase can make a vast difference in the health of your baby. If possible,  purchase your fruits and vegetables organically. An organic tomato has 2,000 times more iron than a regular tomato. Organic lettuce has 60 times more calcium that regular lettuce.

What about Breast Feeding?  What should I know?
Breast milk is free and is natural.  It is the best food available for your baby and can create a strong bond of love and  trust between you and your baby.  Studies show that breast fed babies cry less often, are calmer, and have less colds.   A side note: breast size has no correlation to the amount of milk you produce.

What is an Episotomy and do I have to have one?
An episiotomy is a surgical cut through the perineum (the skin and tissue between the vagina and the anus) to widen the birth outlet. A number of doctors are still habitually performing this unnecessary procedure. The practice of episiotomy was initiated in the 1920's and were deemed necessary because supposedly a woman's body was not perfectly designed for childbirth. This of course is perfectly untrue.

Today's research on episiotomies shows that episiotomy can involve a woman's sense of mastery or control over her birth process.   Episiotomies can be extremely painful - even the most painful part of childbirth.  A study found that women who have episiotomies "resumed sex later, and had more pain during sex and reported less sexual satisfaction, at least in the first three  months after birth."

Some findings show that Episiotomies do not prevent tears into or through the anal sphincter. In fact, deep
tears almost never occur in the absence of an episiotomy. Even when properly repaired, tears of the anal sphincter may cause chronic problems with coital pain and gas or fecal incontinence later in life. If a woman does not have an episiotomy, she is likely to have a small tear, but with rare exceptions the tear will be at worse,
no worse than a routine episiotomy.

What should I start doing as soon as I know I'm pregnant?
Start looking for an independent childbirth instructor now. Some hospital supported prenatal classes promote the various medical interventions offered at their hospital. The best value for your money is an independent instructor who will talk to you about avoiding unnecessary medical interventions, natural pain relief methods, and
the emotional and spiritual aspects of birth. The more knowledge you acquire about the birth process the faster and easier your labor and delivery will be. Take a partner, if you have one, if not go alone.  Many prenatal courses are available over a weekend or a couple of weekdays. Ask for referrals from your health team to find the best class. Each class will have its own ideas or philosophies about the birth process, interview the instructors to see if their ideas match yours.

What are Kegels and Why should I do them?
Kegels reduce urinary incontinence, help relieve and reduce hemorrhoids, help you to create a faster and easier delivery and will get you ready and toned again to resume a good sex life. To locate your muscle and do the kegel exercises; when urinating start and stop the flow of urine, this will isolate the target muscle area which
is the PC muscle. Tighten these muscles and hold to the count of ten, then release and tighten again. Latest research shows that holding your PC muscles for a long rather than a short period of time will condition these muscles more quickly. Count to ten and slowly release for the greatest effect in the shortest amount of time.
To keep your PC muscle toned it is important to practice Kegel exercises on a daily basis, both before and after the birth. Do sets of ten or twenty throughout the day.
 

I am interested in Water Birth.  What is is?
Water births have captured women's imagination as a natural, safe and effective method of pain relief, as part of the trend towards natural childbirth. It's an idea whose time has come.  Midwives have known about the soothing effects of warm water for generations. The first medically recorded water birth took place in  France in 1803. The birth attendants were at their wits' end to know what to do to help a woman deliver after she had been in hard labor  for forty-eight hours. One of the midwives suggested a warm bath,  hoping that it might ease her pain. Almost as soon as the exhausted woman got into the bath the baby was born.

Water birth seminars are being organized for midwives and doctors and more hospitals are providing facilities for water births.  Research has begun to provide evidence and statistics. Women's  enthusiasm for water births is helping to make them more widely available and there's growing official recognition that women should  be offered the choice of using water in labor and childbirth.

What are some tips about labor?  What should I bring?
Labor is hard work. Keep your body well nourished on this day.  Clothes you will be needing include heavy socks or slippers for walking, a housecoat, a sweat suit with extra pants to wear home,  and perhaps an oversized T-shirt for laboring in. Buy a T-shirt with a funny saying on it to remind you to keep your sense of humor and to keep as a great momento. This is infinitely better than any hospital gown ever designed.  Bring high energy foods such as a nut mix, chocolate, yogurt, soup and sandwiches and plenty to drink like herbal teas, juice, and non-caffeinated pop.   A disposable camera with flash, your birth plan, one sleeper for baby with hat, large baby blanket and an infant car seat is needed.  A surprise bag with a tape deck or Walkman with your favorite  music, a favorite photograph, and a pillow and blanket can make your room more comfortable and will also help you with the various stages of your labor. Bring a slow-cooking crock pot, an unopened bottle of vegetable oil, like olive oil and some cloth compresses to  apply the oil or heated water.  Pack some pain control techniques you have written on separate pieces of paper and placed into an envelope. Have your partner put some jokes or funny sayings in there.
 

What should I expect for Contractions and Labor?
Contractions are very similar to your period cramps when they begin.  Your labor can take days or hours so hire professional labor support to assist you and your partner, or go to classes to teach you what to do.  Practice, pre pack and pre plan for this special day.  Try to remain as "relaxed" and as focused as you can and work with your body.  You need to trust yourself and your body to deliver your baby safely.   Breath deeply throughout your labor. Your baby and your body need  all the oxygen you can give now. See yourself giving your baby extra
energy with each long slow breath you take. Work together with your  baby and see your baby beginning to descend out through your  birth canal as your cervix slowly and easily expands to allow your  baby's head through.  Remember that each contraction brings you one step closer to your  baby's birth.
 

I am scared about Delivery?  Any suggestions?
Delivery is very similar to having a bowel movement, it can last hours or minutes.  During delivery you can reach down and feel your baby's head with your hand to connect with the miracle of your baby's birth, this may help you to focus your energy.  You may want to try squatting which can open your pelvic area by 30% and speed delivery.  To practice - sit on the toilet - it  is a good birthing position as it is one of the  best ways to isolate the muscles you will use to push your baby out.

A squatting bar on the bed is also an excellent birthing position as it allows you total control and you can view your baby's head crowning in a mirror.  Plan to have your perineum massaged with warm oil as this will
stretch the muscles and help your baby to slide out easily. Hot water compresses can also help the perineum to stretch without tearing.   Squatting for the final stages of delivery can help you to retain some  sense of privacy.

 When pushing, use your vaginal muscles to keep your baby from moving back from the birth opening at the end of the contraction. Short pushes are much more effective than long strenuous pushing.  Continue even breathing. Short pants with your pushes can be very  effective. Watching in the mirror will help you to isolate these  muscles more easily.   When asked to stop pushing, make sure you do. An extra push at this time can cause you to tear. The easiest delivery for both baby and mother is a slow, controlled delivery. Remind yourself that the pain will end the moment your baby is fully born.

The "ring of fire", as your baby's head crowns fully, is the most painful part of childbirth. Luckily nature is kind and with an  unmedicated birth crowning rarely lasts for longer than three  pushes.
 

What about after delivery?
Complete rest during the first few weeks will allow your body to recover quickly and naturally.  Make a new message for your telephone announcing a new boy or girl, the name of your new baby, and the date and time of birth. Let callers know that you both resting and you will call back when you can.  Put a note on the door saying that mom and baby are sleeping and  to please call to set up a time to visit.    Find another new mother for support. Another new mom can help you keep your sense of humor as you begin to adjust to your new  roles.

A calm and quiet environment for both mother and baby for the first thirty days is a custom respected in many tribal societies.  Take a quick shower or bath every day during the first two weeks.  Bring your baby into the bathroom, after a feeding, and lay her down on the bathroom mat if it makes you feel more secure. Your baby
will enjoy the noise and steam from the bath and you will appreciate the time to care for yourself.
Get plenty of rest during the first thirty days. You deserve it. It is easy  to feel overwhelmed if you are tired from not getting enough sleep.

If you feel that you are bleeding excessively, one pad per hour or  more, call your doctor immediately.   In the first few days you may pass larger blood clots, this is normal.   For hemorrhoids try Vaseline to the affected area between  medication applications to avoid irritation to the area.  You should find your bleeding beginning to taper off and change  from bright red, to brown to a light clear discharge after a few  weeks. Bed rest is extremely important to help your body to heal itself. If you find yourself with a bright red discharge all of a sudden, slow down your activities, and bring your baby back to bed with you for two or three days.

Each time you urinate or change your pad use this opportunity to use a warm water rinse on your vaginal area. A sports drink bottle with a flip top can be used to spray warm water as you sit on the  toilet. Keep your vaginal area as clean as possible for the first two weeks.

Sleep at every opportunity you find.  Rest and eat well. Set up a half hour or an hour once a day all for yourself. Soak in the tub, read a good book, write a letter to a friend or take the time to  balance your checkbook. If your partner is unable to watch your baby for this time, find an older neighbor or hire a young girl for an hour out of each day. It will be just what you need to recharge and appreciate your baby after a break.   Relax and remember that your baby is new at this too - you are learning together.   Don't be afraid to ask for help and also to let people know when you've had enough help.

Okay, the baby is here, what do I do when it cries?
All crying in the first year should be attended to immediately. Crying is  your baby's only method of communication with you. If your newborn is crying constantly throughout the day and night in the first days home, take your baby to the hospital or your doctor immediately for a thorough checkup.  Never shake a crying baby as this can permanently damage the brain of your baby and will not stop the crying anyway. If your newborn has a pattern of crying non-stop for three or four hours, usually in the evening, wearing the both of you down; you may want  to try the following to help your baby to stop crying.  A newborn's world is loud, bright and similar to a nonstop ride at the carnival. Amazing new discoveries in the field of newborn care are  now showing us that most crying in newborns is due to over stimulation.
1. If, after your baby is fed, changed and warm, your baby is still crying, try  taking your baby immediately into a quiet, dimly lit room. Turn down the lights, turn down the noise, and slow down your movement and activity.
2. Hold your baby's face and body away from you, facing your baby  outward so that your baby can visually focus on something in the room.
3. Free your baby's hands and wrists from clothing and bring both of your  baby's hands gently up towards your baby's face so that your baby can either focus on or suck on fingers, thumbs or wrist.
4. During this process it is best for the adult to remain silent.
5. As your baby begins to calm look for reasons for the crying. For  example when your newborn had the last opportunity to rest undisturbed or what activities came before the crying.
6. While you are in the quiet, darkened room either hold your baby or place your baby in her favorite body position on your bed with a hand gently massaging either back or bottom of the feet. Look for signs of your
baby beginning to calm on her own. Always make sure that your baby has  easy access to her hands and wrists.
Household SAFETY TIPS FROM SAFETY 1ST As the leading manufacturer of child safety products in the juvenile industry, Safety 1st offers the most comprehensive assortment of child proofing products available. From security gates and nursery monitors, to outlet covers, cabinet latches, door locks, and cord shorteners, Safety 1st has everything you need to create a safe home environment for your child. The following tips are provided by Safety 1st for your childproofing reference. Always look at things from your child's perspective. Only by getting down on your hands and knees can you fully observe the potential danger zones that your child may come across. Cover all exposed outlets with outlet caps or covers to help prevent toddlers from placing fingers or sharp objects inside, store all hairdryers, curling irons and radios whe not in use. Keep all household cleaners high above a child's reach, and place cabinet locks on all low standing cabinets to help prevent a child's access. A child can drown in less than 2" of water so keep toilet bowls locked, tubs empty and discard water from cleaning pails immediately after use. NEVER LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN THE TUB. Install security gates to keep toddlers out of potentially dangerous rooms. Use pressure gates between rooms and hinged mounted gates for stairs. Know that a child's weight could push thru a pressure gate, and therefore they should not be used on stairs. To help prevent scalding, always check the water temperature before placing your child in the bath. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and in all sleeping areas of the house.

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