Maternity Dresses

How Hormonal Methods Work
There are various hormonal methods for birth control, which work by changing the chemistry of a woman’s body. Sperm cannot fertilize if there is no egg released. This concept is widely agreed as a proven mechanism to prevent pregnancy. By making difficult for sperm to reach the egg, the hormonal contraceptives have proven its effectiveness to prevent fertilization. Women naturally produce two types of hormones namely, estrogen and progestin. All the contraceptives that are based on hormones contain artificial estrogen and progestin as their ingredient.

Various hormonal contrceptives
Some hormonal contraceptives contain both the hormones while some have progestin only. The contraceptives containing both the hormones are more effective than that of containing progestin only. The former prevent the sperm to reach the egg while the later prevent the release of egg from the ovaries. Below are the several forms of hormonal contraceptives available in the market.

Pills
Pills are also called oral contraceptives. Pills are of two types. Those pills that contain only progestin are called “mini pills�. It works by not allowing sperm to reach to the uterus. Even if an egg becomes fertilized, this pill prevents implantation. In the other hand those pill containing both the hormones (estrogen and progestin) are called combination pills. It also affects the condition of the uterus in the same manner but since it contains estrogen, it prevents release of eggs.
Pills come in 28 days package or in 21 days package. Both the pills are effective for only one menstrual cycle i.e., for four weeks only. Both the pills contain only 21 active pills. But in 28 days pack you will get a reminder pill for 7 days so that you can start you next course in time. If you take your pill every day on same time then only these pills will be effective.

Vaginal Ring
It is a thin flexible ring coated with estrogen and progestin. It is inserted into vagina to prevent birth control.
It directly supplies the hormones to the organs that need them. Within the five days of menstrual period it must be inserted. After insertion a backup method is recommended for the first week so that body adjusts to hormones. If inserted and used properly, the vaginal ring is effective for more than 99%.

Injection as hormonal contraceptive
It comes in the form of injection and administered a shot to prevent pregnancy. This is also of two types. One Depo Provera that contain only progestin. Once it has been administered, it prevents pregnancy for three months. The other brand is Lunelle. It has both estrogen and progestin. It has to be taken on monthly basis.
Only a trained nurse of doctor can inject it in arm or buttock. It has to be taken every one or three months as per your choice of brand. Within 5 days of the start of menstrual period, first injection must be taken. It starts working immediately. It has about 3% failure rate.

Since it is easily available, hormonal contraceptives are very popular. Almost all the hormonal contraceptive work on the same mechanism but the forms are different.

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Essential Nutrients for Women's Health
Different nutrients are needed in the right amount to attain a good nutritional status. The amount of each nutrient needed in a day is known as the nutritional requirement. What is RDA? Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) refers to the amount of nutrients that need to be consumed daily to ensure the nutritional requirement of the body. The recommended level depends upon how much of the nutrients are absorbed from a given diet and utilized by the body. Everyone needs good nutrition, but the needs for specific nutrients can vary depending on individual factors like: • Age: An adult requires more total calories than a child due to larger size of the body. A child needs more nutrients on unit body size basis to meet growth and body composition requirements. • Sex: Females require fewer calories than males as their metabolic rate is slower and size of the body is smaller. • Physical work: Sedentary workers require less calories and B-vitamins than active individuals. • Physiological stress: The requirement for nutrients is increased during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Recommended Dietary Allowance for Indian Women (Moderately Active) Nutritional needs of women vary at different stages of her life. Adequate nutrition before and during pregnancy and breastfeeding in women has greater potential for a long-term health impact not only in them, but also in the progeny, than it does at any other time. The recommended daily nutritional and energy requirement for pregnant and breastfeeding women is greater than that of nonpregnant and nonlactating women. Nutrients Nonpregnant and nonlactating adult women Pregnant women Breastfeeding women 0-6 months Energy (kcals) Moderate 2225 2525 2775 0-6 months Protein (g) Moderate 50 65 75 0-6 months Fat (g) Moderate 20 30 45 0-6 months Calcium (mg) Moderate 400 1000 1000 0-6 months Iron (mg) Moderate 30 38 30 0-6 months Vitamin A (µg):Retinol Moderate 600 600 950 0-6 months Vitamin A (µg)-Retinol:Beta-carotene Moderate 2400 2400 3800 0-6 months Thiamine (mg) Moderate 1.1 1.3 1.4 0-6 months Riboflavin (mg) Moderate 1.3 1.5 1.6 0-6 months Niacin (mg) Moderate 14 16 18 0-6 months Pyridoxine (mg) Moderate 2.0 2.5 2.5 0-6 months Ascorbic acid (mg) Moderate 40 40 80 0-6 months Folic acid (µg) Moderate 100 400 150 0-6 months Vitamin B12 (µg) Moderate 1 1 1.5 0-6 months Nutrient Requirements and Recommended Dietary Allowances for Indians. Indian Council of Medical Research, 1989.

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Pregnancy Symptoms
Pregnancy is defined as ‘the period from conception to birth when a woman carries a developing fetus in her uterus’. Let us see some of the common symptoms of pregnancies among women. Missing the period is the most common sign and indication of pregnancy. However a variety of other reasons such as stress, illness, and weight fluctuations etc also can cause the late or missed periods. Missing periods normally can also be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition in which periods can occur months apart. Hence one has to observe rather examine the other symptoms to confirm the pregnancy. Another important symptom of pregnancy is the change in the size and feel of the breast immediately after the conception. Breasts begin to enlarge to get ready for breast feeding and women claim that the breasts become sensitive and they experience a very sharp and twinkling sensation. . Another most common symptom of pregnancy is nausea and vomiting normally seen among women. This is also known as morning sickness. A feeling of sickness is also being experienced by most women from the fifth and sixth week of the pregnancy. The morning sickness can start as early as 2 weeks of pregnancy.. The degree of nausea and vomiting differs from person to person. Mostly this symptom may disappear after period of 3 to 4 months. Most of the pregnant woman experience tiredness and fatigue. Frequent urination is also a common feature among pregnant women within 2-3 weeks after consumption due to the reduction in the size of the bladder . Drastic change in the taste and smell is also another factor resulting in craving for certain foods and start hating certain other types of food. All the above symptoms though normally confirm the pregnancy a clinical cal test is the ultimate proof. One can confirm pregnancy by conducting the small home pregnancy test by detecting the level of HCG in the urine and if the result is positive one may need to make an appointment with family doctor to confirm the pregnancy and to start the follow up. Like the home pregnancy test the office urine test also confirms pregnancy by detecting the level of HCG in the urine. Similarly a blood test can also be made that may give a positive or negative results normally conducted when there are apprehensions of miscarriage or unusual pregnancy. After a period 0f 4 to 6 weeks the obstetrician can confirm the pregnancy by a physical examination. The thickening of the vaginal tissues and softening uterus confirms the pregnancy. This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice regarding pregnancy. Prior to beginning any treatment regimen or taking any medication, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.

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Enjoy Your 2nd Trimester!
Congratulations! Your pregnancy now comes to the second trimester, which is within weeks 13 through 27. Your morning sickness has faded away gradually by now. This means, you should be feeling better than before.

It?s actually the stage when you experience the most enjoying moment with your pregnancy. You?ll feel energetic and full of vitality. You can do a lot more than when you were in the first three months.

However, this does not mean you can do anything you want. You still need to be cautious about what you do and avoid doing too many activities.

Check out the points below to guide you in going through this invigorating phase:

1. Control your appetite. Compared to the previous trimester, it?s improving now. Try not to overeat and watch out for getting overweight. Get balanced nutritious food instead of fast food.

2. Handle leg cramps by straightening and lifting up your legs for several minutes. If you get cramp, move your toes upward and hold for a few seconds.

3. Carry out ?low impact? exercise. Getting pregnant does not mean you do not need exercises. They are even needed at this time. Swimming, yoga, and walking are good exercises for pregnant women. Ask your hubby or friends to join you.

4. Perform Kegels to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Simply squeeze the muscles for a few seconds and let them relax just like when you stop and start urine flow. Do it several times a day as trained muscles can make labor easier.

5. Enjoy love-making with your husband. These months are the most comfortable time for both of you to do it.

Besides you?ll be enjoying this second trimester, another incredible thing is coming up. In the 22nd week of your pregnancy, the tiny little creature in the womb is about to make a little move. Wow! You won?t believe it?s true ?til you feel it by yourself

Enjoy your pregnancy.

Adwina Jackson is a wife and mother of a young boy. She's also the editor of Inspiring Parenting, an online source of valuable parenting information. Please visit <a href="http://www.InspiringParenting.com">Inspiring Parenting</a> for helpful and free parenting info.

Postpartum Depression
Women around the globe are resenting the day that their bodies will go through a transformation.

When postpartum depression kicks in women often feel sluggish, unconnected to reality, and often undergo several other symptoms that include depression.

Women that undergo postpartum depression (PPD) often go through bouts of crying uncontrollable and very seldom do they understand the cause. There thinking is often irrational and their emotions are often tangled. One minute they are struggling to go to sleep and the next minute they can?t seem to wake up.

Once a baby is born the family, friends, mother and so forth a suppose to join in a joyful expedition. Sometimes mothers go through postpartum depression however, and the birth seems more like a curse than a joyous moment.

Instead of sharing a happy moment mothers often feel a sense of guilt because they simply because they may resent the birth of their baby. All of a sudden, you begin feeling sadness, despair, worthlessness, and insomnia kicks in.

Then you go through panic attacks while feeling a sense of shame. In addition, it doesn?t stop there. Next you begin feeling fear of loosing control of your actions, you start feeling like your mind is tumbling, and your concentration has vanished. Still, you feel nausea, agitated, your heart races, and you breathing is complicated. The symptoms are increasing as you feel an imbalance level of worry toward your child, hopelessness since you have no control, exhausted from all the mental changes, and suicidal because you see no way out.

The battle is just beginning. Mothers than suffer from postpartum depression often have an underlying psychological impairment, possible biological imbalances, including Posttraumatic Stress if the mother undergoes a horrible birthing. Most professionals will treat postpartum depression with antidepressants combining it with therapy.

It is important for mothers with postpartum depression to seek help immediately, since the diagnose does not only affect the patient, it affects everyone around you, including your baby. Babies need their mother, and when the mother is unable to provide emotional nourishment and loving care, and then a baby will suffer as it grows into adulthood.

Just like any diagnose there are triggers that may interrupt the mother, including difficult births, isolating one self, death, changes in living arrangements, hereditary, financial difficulties and so forth. Unfortunately, some of these triggers are going to happen.

Most therapists have found treating women with postpartum depression, treating them with antidepressants and therapy has worked wonders. Recently studies are finding that depression may also be treated with Electromagnetic therapy. Scientists are constantly searching for a solution to treat depression so the end of the world hasn?t arrived.

There is hope. Studies have also shown that writing down your episodes, feelings and so forth is a great therapeutic relief. Talking is also a great source for eliminating stress, which is often linked to depression. It is important to get regular checkups after your baby is born to eliminate biological reasoning for the postpartum depression.

In most cases, doctors may prescribe Valiums, Prozac, or Zoloft. It depends on the person, but for some mothers one or the other medications work, while others have no results. If you are suffering postpartum depression, it is also important for the family to offer support and understanding.

Since, you may have suicidal thoughts the last thing anyone needs to do is push you over the edge. It is also important that the resentment you feel is not necessary toward your baby. It could be that you resent an area of your life, or an occurrence and the baby seems to be the target.

You might want to try listening to easy music when you feel a sense of loss, or episodes of the diagnose erupt. Music has proven to heal the soul. In addition, you might want to start exercising since this too has proven to do wonders with people that suffer mental or physical illnesses. Exercise relieves the mind often because you are doing something to better yourself and improve your health.

Therefore, if you are in postpartum depression, there are answers and you should never give up hope!

Are you sick and tired of being "empty" inside and out? Worry no more! At <a href="http://www.depression-self-esteem-stress-management.com" title="http://www.depression-self-esteem-stress-management.com" target="_blank">http://www.depression-self-esteem-stress-management.com</a> you?ll find free and reliable information that gives you the straight facts and solutions to beat depression.

Health Tip: Sex During Pregnancy
Title: Health Tip: Sex During Pregnancy
Category: Health News
Created: 10/3/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 10/3/2008

Hair Loss In Pregnancy - What You Need To Know
Although it is not as common as after birth, hair loss in pregnancy is prevalent. Many of the prevention and treatment methods that can be applied to hair loss following pregnancy can be used during pregnancy as well. There are just a couple of precautionary measures you will need to take during pregnancy. When hair loss is occurring after you have given birth, it is almost expected as almost 50% of pregnant women begin to lose hair. During pregnancy hair loss is not quite as common, which is why precautionary measures should be taken. It is vital that you do seek advice from your physician to make sure everything is alright with you and the baby. Aside from the precautionary measures that should be taken, many of the prevention methods are similar to those you would take following giving birth. If you are experiencing hair loss in pregnancy, it may be a sign that you are not getting enough vitamins and minerals. It is important that you supply your body and the baby’s body with vitamins while you are carrying the baby. Some of the most crucial vitamins include Vitamin B, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Including a high amount of fruits and vegetables will supply you with many of these vitamins and minerals needed to maintain your health and prevent hair loss. You should also be taking a daily vitamin of some sort every morning. While you do not always have complete control over hair loss and your body during pregnancy, taking care of your hair can help reduce the chances of you losing hair. Certain hairstyles should not be worn during pregnancy because of the stress it puts on your hair. Some of these hairstyles include braids, cornrows, and pigtails. You should also try to avoid getting perms and getting your hair colored. The kinds of shampoos and conditioners used during pregnancy can also affect whether or not you lose hair and how much you lose. There are specific brands that are better than others, which you should ask a physician about. But it is recommended that you use shampoos and conditioners that contain biotin and silica. While it is not near as common to see hair loss in pregnancy as it is after, it still occurs quite often. The first step is to take precautionary measures and seek medical advice. From there, supplying your body with vitamins and taking care of your hair can help you prevent hair loss in pregnancy.

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The Importance of DHA During Pregnancy
What is DHA? DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an important omega-3 fatty acid. There are many kinds of essential fatty acids; DHA is one kind of fatty acid that has been shown to have a very important role in brain, eye, and heart health. Benefits of DHA For Mom and Baby DHA is the building block for healthy brain and eye development (Uauy et al. 2001). DHA is the most abundant kind of fat in both the brain and the retina of the eye and is important for optimal brain and eye function. As your baby grows throughout your pregnancy, the brain grows more rapidly than in any other stage of infant or child development. And during the first year after birth, the brain continues to develop rapidly, growing 3 times in size the first year. Studies have shown that your baby’s nutrition during pregnancy and in the months after birth may have a long-term impact on your baby's health and development (Uauy et al. 2001). Now you know that DHA provides important brain and eye nutrients for your baby. What else can DHAâ€"like the kind provided by Duet®DHAâ€"do for you and your baby? 1. DHA can affect brain function and behavior; lower levels of DHA in the body have been associated with health concerns like depression, mood disorders, memory loss, and other neurological or visual conditions (Uauy et al. 2001; Salem et al. 2001). 2. Adequate amounts of DHA in the body have been associated with improving the length of time a fetus remains in the womb to develop (Smuts et al. 2003). 3. DHA supports your health, including brain function and heart vitality, in a variety of ways. The scientific community continues to discover that getting enough DHA is critical to brain function at every stage of life (Uauy et al. 2001). 4. The American Heart Association states that "omega-3 fatty acids [like DHA] benefit the hearts of healthy people and those at high risk ofâ€"or who haveâ€"cardiovascular disease."

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Good Exercises To Do When Pregnant
Most women can and should exercise when pregnant. Unless your pregnancy is high risk or your doctor has ordered you to stay in bed, there is no reason in fact you can?t exercise while pregnant.

Studies show that there are numerous benefits to exercising while pregnant. You can improve your energy levels, get your blood pumping to your legs and improve your circulation, and improve your chances for a speedy recovery.

Another reason to exercise? Moms who worked out while pregnant generally had shorter and easier labors.

So what kinds of exercises are good to do when pregnant?

Well let?s start with those you should avoid. You should avoid embarking on any stringent exercise program you are unfamiliar with. Avoid running and other jarring activities unless you are a very experienced runner. Even then you should consult with your physician.

Here are some generally good and safe exercises that are recommended during pregnancy:

Walking ? This is the best overall exercise for pregnant mothers anywhere. It is low impact but still gets your heart rate up and your blood pumping. Walking is usually safe throughout the entire pregnancy.

Jogging ? Jogging can be done safely if you are an experienced jogger. You should reduce your jogging regimen however the further along you are in your pregnancy. If you are not able to have a conversation when jogging, then you are working out too hard.

Swimming ? This is the number one exercise and the safest exercise when it comes to pregnancy. Swimming alleviates the heaviness you feel from weight gain associated with pregnancy. It also provides you with optimal cardiovascular benefits and helps you feel light and refreshed.

Yoga ? Yoga can help you maintain your muscle tone and stretch out tight ligaments during pregnancy. Be sure you investigate a pre-natal yoga class if at all possible.

Weight Training ? Weight training is a great way to maintain and build muscle during your pregnancy. Just keep in mind you should avoid heavy weights and weight bearing exercises that require you to lie on your back.

To be safe you should always consult with your doctor or physician before beginning any exercise program. Most pregnant women are fine to work out particularly if they?ve been active before.

If you are just starting a program be sure to take it easy initially. You should also commit to exercising regularly. Generally 30 minutes of exercise 4-7 days per week is recommended.

One last point? be sure to keep hydrated and avoid over-heating which can be dangerous for you and your baby. Avoid getting your heart rate much over 140 and stop any exercise if you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Also don?t forget the importance of warming up before any and all activity. You?ll reduce the likelihood of injury. Warm up after activities will also help your heart rate return to normal.
Good luck and have fun!

Adwina Jackson is a wife and mother of a young boy. She's also the editor of Inspiring Parenting, an online source of valuable parenting information. Please visit <a href="http://www.InspiringParenting.com">Inspiring Parenting</a> for helpful and free parenting info.

Which Exercises Are To Be Done To Reduce Labour Pains?
This article will tell you the advantages and the type of exercises to be done during pregnancy. Let us see some exercises which can be done during the delivery period.
Exercise to Relax Physically and Mentally: This exercise is done by lying flat on the floor. Do the relaxation exercise in the following order:
1) Relax your forehead. Do not bring wrinkles on your forehead.
2) Relax your jaws by loosing them.
3) Loosen your shoulders.
4) Let loose both your elbows and hands. Spread your hands away from the body.
5) Then loosen your fingers and hands.
6) Also loosen your legs.
If you find hard to relax, ask your friend, relative, etc to move his/her hand over your forehead, shoulder and back. This will certainly make you feel better. Do this process in between two labour pains. Relaxing helps in proper circulation of oxygen to the body. Face must also be relaxed. Automatically your whole body will get relax.

Types of breathing exercise for relaxation:
1) Breathing in synchronisation
a) Deep breathing: Breathe deeply through your nose and fill your lungs. Release air through your mouth.
b) Normal breathing: Place hands on your hip. Breathe slowly. Then release air through your mouth. The air should be release as if you are blowing a baloon. Repeat this exercise twice.
c) Breathing upto the jaws: In this process say "OUT" and put emphasize on "T". Breathing automatically takes place.
Deep breathing exercise should then be repeated.

2) Low breathing: Breathe low for two times and then blow air out. Keep doing this until the urge to push baby outside is stopped. This exercise is to be done when the cervix is closed. This exercise definitely helps in preventing swelling of the cervix. The swelling of cervix is caused due the pressure exerted by the chid's head.

3) Breathing during final push out:
a) Put two pillows beneath your head.
b) Breathe normally through nose and release air through the mouth.
c) Breathe again.
d) Now take a deep breath and hold.
e) Now move your chin close to your chest.
f) Apply force so as to push your baby down. Release breath if it is impossible for you to hold it. Then again take a deep breath and keep holding it for sometime.
e) Release your breath and relax.
The above exercise should be done in your final phase of pregnancy, i.e., when you are about to deliver.

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