Winter Maternity Clothes

The Symptoms of Pregnancy with Twins
If your pregnancy symptoms are earlier and more pronounced than you'd normally expect, you may be carrying a twin pregnancy. However, only a health professional can tell for sure. 1. You just feel that you are carrying more than one baby. Some mothers of twins (or higher order multiples) say that they knew right from the start that they were carrying more than one baby. 2. You experience more nausea and/or morning sickness. If you are having more than one baby, you may have an elevated hCG level (hCG is a pregnancy related hormone). This hormone is the one associated with morning sickness. 3. Other typical pregnancy symptoms may be exaggerated. Many women -- but not all -- who are pregnant with twins have more intense pregnancy symptoms, probably related to the extra hormones circulating through their system. You may find that your breasts are extremely tender, you have to urinate frequently, you are hungry all the time and you are always very tired. 4. A higher than average weight gain in the first 16 weeks may be your first clue that you're carrying more than one baby. Good weight gain in early twin pregnancy is associated with a favourable outcome. With each additional fetus a woman carries, the range of weight gain will increase. For example, a woman who starts a pregnancy in a healthy weight range might expect her weight gain to be as follows: One fetus, 11 kg (24 lb) to 16 kg (35 lb) Twins, 16 kg (35 lb) to 20 kg (44 lb) Triplets, 20 kg (44 lb) to 23 kg (51 lb) Quads, 23 kg (51 lb) to 25 kg (55 lb) 5. Your uterus seems large for gestational age. If your last menstrual period indicates an eight-week gestation, your uterus may feel more like 10 to 12 weeks to your obstetrician. This may prompt a request for an ultrasound examination. 6. You are told that you have elevated levels of AFP. AFP is one of the chemicals tested to screen for Down’s syndrome and spina bifida abnormalities. AFP levels are higher in twin pregnancies. 7. Your health care provider hears two fetal heartbeats. Two separate heartbeats can be distinguishable with a Doppler in your care provider's office from around 18 weeks. At around 28 weeks, it may be possible to differentiate two fetal heads and multiple small parts when doing an abdominal exam. 8. You have a positive ultrasound. If you believe you are pregnant with twins, an ultrasound can be performed quite early in pregnancy. With a skilled ultrasonographer, two gestational sacs, two embryos and two distinct fetal heartbeats can be seen six weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period. Many twins have been diagnosed as early as five weeks -- when you're just one week late for your menstrual period. 9. In later pregnancy, you may experience difficulty catching your breath, swelling (oedema) of the hands and legs, an unusual rate of weight gain and abdominal enlargement and excessive fetal movement. Anaemia or low iron (decreased haemoglobin) is also common with twin and multiple pregnancies. 10. There is considerable disagreement among medical professionals as to whether a woman carrying twins is more likely to feel movement earlier. But many mothers do claim that those early flutters and flips were their first clue that they might be having more than one.

David A Viniker MD FRCOG is a London Consultant in OB/GYN who strongly supports patient choice. You are welcome to visit his websites which explain the pros and cons of the various options for women’s health, pregnancy and childbirth: <a href=" http://www.obstetric-health.com/Pregnancy/Multiple-Pregnancy/Twins.htm">www.obstetric-health.com <a href="http://www.2womenshealth.com ">www.2womenshealth.com

Advertising Your Genes
Customers pick the best product. Women pick the best genes. Well, not quite.

Every soy sauces claim to be number one.

Who knows which one is?

Consumers do not pick which one is best. Consumers pick which one looks best.

Well, you see, like anyone in the world, women do not pick the best genes. Women pick the best looking genes.

How do they know?

All products, including sperms, require advertising. That advertising can actually hurt gene pool, or even life survival. However, if the advertising can improve women�s impressions on the males, some males will do it.

Let�s examine the peacocks elaborate tail. Those tails actually hurt survival.

Those tails attract parasites and predators.

Peacock�s with shorter tails will not attract predators and hence live longer.

However, the fact that most peacocks have long tail is a proof that at least in the past, peacocks with longer tail have survived better in the gene pool.

We know that it happens because peahens are attracted to peacocks with long tail. The reason why the tails are attractive is surprisingly because the tails hurt gene pool survival.

A living peacock with longer tail must have strong capability to fight parasites and run from predators.

Hence, a built in pattern recognition algorithm in all peahen�s mind will correctly conclude that any living peacocks with long tails must have better genes than peacocks with shorter tails.

It�s the same reason why human males spend a lot of money for car, donations, big mansions, and bling blings. All those actually hurt gene pool survival. The money used to buy sport cars cannot be used to buy food or health care.

Moreover, a male that show of wealth will often be killed with other males with less to display in their effort to get rid more desirable competitors.

Such killing explains genocide done against capitalists, Jews, and other successfully contributing minorities all over the world.

However, women know that any men that can afford such things must be rich. So women pick such males, and males buy those things.

Advertising of survival capability don�t just end there.

<a href="http://GeneTips.com">Jim Thio</a> is a silver medalist in International Physics Olympiad. He's learning evolution theory to understand humans nature and make humans happier. He visions a better world where the productive make more kids and the parasites get more cash.

Prenatal Massage
Pains and aches are part and parcel of every pregnancy. Physical discomfort, muscular tensions, headaches, backaches, pains occur due to increase in weight, shifting posture and hormone levels. Pre natal massages aim to improve circulation, alleviate aches and pains, eases muscular tensions and other pregnancy related symptoms, perking up expectant mother�s mood and mental attitude.

Stress related areas which demand attention are back, neck and shoulder. Massaging the legs reduces blood pooling and full body massage to the head/scalp, feet, hands and face area provides relief from tensions and aches. All the areas should be massaged gently and pressure should be applied when needed.

Experienced masseurs pick ways that are safe and effective and provide special pampering and comfort. Prenatal massage offers encompasses a broad range of benefits such as:

- Increases circulation
- Improves digestion
- Reduces fatigue
- Reduces swelling in hands and lower legs, fewer calf cramps
- Eases backaches, headaches, shoulder and neck aches caused due to muscular tension and postures to accommodate the increasing weight.
- Lessens pain in the pelvic/hip area
- Alleviates stress on weight bearing joints such as knees, ankle and lower back
- Promotes relaxation and deep breathing
- Reduces stress hormones
- Decreased insomnia
- Helps in maintaining proper posture

Prenatal massage during pregnancy is beneficial emotionally as it allows soon to be moms to unwind, feel calm, healthy and comforted during the period of physical and emotional stress.

Prenatal massage can be done in different ways. Expectant moms mostly lie on their sides. A newly designed pillow especially for expecting mothers is available. This pillow has deep center cutout enabling the moms to lie flat on their bellies making them relaxed and comfortable. Lying flat on back reduces circulation of blood to the mother and child; pillows are used to keep the mother's body in elevated position. Body pillows are used for side lying positions too.

After delivery, new moms are under all kind of emotional and physical stress, especially sleep deprivation. Post partum massage is therapeutic, helping the body to return to its normal state by adjusting to the physical and emotional demands of their little one.

Massage is usually safe for most mothers, though it is advisable to check with your doctor prior to getting one. If you have high BP or diabetes, prenatal massage is not recommended. It is ideal that you tell your therapist if you any problems or complications with your pregnancy. Duration of the massage can be anywhere from 10 minutes to one hour. It depends on how much discomfort you are experiencing and how much time you have on hand. Massage once a week during 2nd trimester and twice a week or more during 3rd trimester are ideal.

Sharon Hopkins manages Massage therapy related sites. Massage is a therapeutic treatment to rejuvenate the mind and body and eliminate stress. <a href=http://www.massagehealthytherapy.com> Prenatal massage </a>alleviates aches, pains, muscular tension and physical discomforts.

Health Tip: Detecting False Labor
Title: Health Tip: Detecting False Labor
Category: Health News
Created: 8/8/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/8/2008

Prenatal Nutrition: The Effects Of Caffeine and Green Tea
Pregnant women would be wise to limit the amount of green tea they drink during pregnancy, and should be careful about taking any green tea supplements. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, and has a host of health benefits relating to dental health, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and weight loss. But researchers have found, whilst examining the active constituent of green tea, the epigallocatechins, or EGCG for short, that it may affect the way the body uses folate. Folate is important for pregnant women as it prevents neural tube birth defects in babies.

The problem of green tea during pregnancy is that the EGCG molecules are structurally similar to a compound called methotrexate. Methotrexate is able to kill cancer cells by chemically bonding with an enzyme in the body called enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Healthy people have this enzyme also - it is part of what is called the folate pathway, which is the pathway, or steps, the body takes to transform nutrients like folate into something that can be used to support its normal functions.

But this chemical similarity means that the EGCG in green tea also binds with the enzyme DHFR, and when it does this, it inactivates this enzyme. When this enzyme is inactivated, the ability of the body to use folate is going to be affected. How much green tea is able to be consumed, or precisely how much folate absorption is affected, is unclear. Though the research article did say that drinking 2 cups of green tea a day can stop cancer cells (which is what methotrexate is targeting) from growing.

The good news on caffeine drank during pregnancy, from coffee and tea, is that a moderate amount is fine. Two studies, one by Danish scientists who interviewed more than 88,000 pregnant women, and the other by the Yale University School of Medicine, had similar findings on caffeine during pregnancy.

The concerns over caffeine were that it would lead to low birth weight or miscarriage. And this is still true of a very high daily intake of coffee. The Yale team found that drinking about 600mg of caffeine a day, which is about 6 cups of coffee, would reduce birth weight to levels that were clinically significant. The rate at which birth weight was reduced was established at being 28 grams per 100 mg, or 1 cup, of coffee per day. But they emphasized that this would not be significant for moderate caffeine consumption.

The Danish study found that drinking 8 cups or more of coffee per day (this would be about 16 cups or more of tea), would increase the chances of miscarriage, or stillbirth, by 60% compared to women who did not drink caffeine. They also found that moderate coffee or tea drinking did not pose significant risks. For those drinking half a cup to 3 cups of coffee a day, the risk of fetal death was 3% higher compared to non-caffeine drinkers. And for those drinking 4 to 7 cups of coffee a day, the risk increases to 33%. One cup of coffee equals about 2 cups of tea when comparing caffeine levels. The recommended amount of coffee drunk is up to 3 cups daily, or 6 cups of tea, by the UK food agency.

References:
1. nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=58807
2. nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=24747
3. foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?id=63174

If you're interested in learning which herbs to avoid during pregnancy, which herbs are beneficial, and which help alleviate morning sickness, <a href="http://www.vitaminstohealth.com/herb-pregnancy.html" target="_new">read this herb pregnancy article</a>. For <a href="http://www.vitaminstohealth.com/green-tea-weight-loss.html" target="_new">more scientific based information on green tea weight loss</a>, including reference to both human and animal studies, read this article. Rebecca Prescott runs this site analysing <a href="http://www.vitaminstohealth.com" target="_new">the effects of vitamins from a health point of view</a>.

Best Tips On Getting Pregnant
The best tips on getting pregnant include understanding your reproductive cycle, understanding conception positions and paying attention to your overall health. Getting pregnant and pregnancy is a wonderful event that is complex, satisfying and exciting. Here are seven best tips on getting pregnant:

1. Know your most fertile time - generally, ovulation occurs about 14 days before your next period begins. So if your cycle is a 28-day one, that could make day #14 your most fertile (day #1 is the first day that your last period began). If yours is a 30-day cycle, day #16 could be the time to go for it.

2. Track your basal body temperature - you'll need an inexpensive basal thermometer to chart the slight elevations in your body temperature upon awakening each day that signal your fertile time.

3. Watch for cervical mucus - this can be one of the best tips on getting pregnant since ovulation causes a change in the appearance and consistency of cervical mucus. By checking yourself each day, you'll be able to see the 'egg-white-like' vaginal discharge that indicates ovulation and fertile time.

4. Have sex using the missionary position - the time-proven 'man-on-top' position works with gravity to encourage semen flow toward the uterus to maximize the chance of a sperm uniting with the egg and causing conception. One of the related best tips on getting pregnant is -- after ejaculation, the woman can remain on her back with her legs bent a few minutes to further maximize semen flow toward the uterus.

5. Eliminate smoking and alcohol - not only will doing so benefit your health, when you do become pregnant, you'll not expose the developing fetus to the harmful effects of smoking and alcohol.

6. Take the best vitamin/mineral/nutritional supplement you can find - taking one of the cheap one-a-day vitamins is probably a waste of time and money. Vitamins and minerals are just the beginning. Taking a high-quality, broad-spectrum nutritional supplement helps fill in the dietary gaps that everyone will have. The body needs and will use nutrients such as amino acids, antioxidants, bioflavanoids, neuronutrients, enzymes and other nutrients such as L-Carnosine, alpha lipoic acid, acetyl L-Carnitine and so on.

7. Adopt a healthy lifestyle - this is one of the most important best tips on getting pregnant. Healthy living includes having a sensible diet with nutritional supplements, adequate quality sleep, managing stress, reasonable exercise and weight management.

And finally, just relax and enjoy your partner. Trying too hard is not one of the recommended best tips on getting pregnant.

Your desire to become pregnant and having that special child will have even more significance to you if it means you'll be taking better care of yourself and your partner. Not only does that mean a more healthy you, it also means you'll increase the chances of having a healthier baby.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Read more about ovulation tests at <a href="http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com/ovulation-tests.html" title="http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com/ovulation-tests.html" target="_blank">http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com/ovulation-tests.html</a> and fertility monitors - Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of <a href="http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com" title="http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com" target="_blank">http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com</a> - a website of natural health articles for women of all ages.

The Fastest Way to Get Pregnant Naturally
The fastest way to get pregnant naturally involves monitoring your body signs for ovulation, and then having sexual intercourse on the days when this occurs. Ovulation means that your ovaries are releasing an egg down your fallopian tubes and into your uterus, where the baby will stay for nine months once it is conceived. If you are hoping to be able to find the fastest way to get pregnant naturally, there are several reliable methods, both commercial and natural, at your disposal. You just need to understand these various methods and pick the one that works for you and your partner as you try to become pregnant naturally. The easiest commercial devices for monitoring your ovulation and fertility levels can be purchased at a drug store or grocery store right by your home. These ovulation detectors are usually found next to the pregnancy tests and family planning sections of the store. There are many different brands available, and they all work slightly differently. You can read the backs of the boxes to get an idea of what the fastest techniques are that would work for you to help you get pregnant naturally. These ovulation kits are not particularly expensive, but there are still cheaper alternatives available when looking for fastest way get pregnant naturally through monitoring your ovulation. Your own body will give off several predictable signs when you are ovulating. You and your partner can monitor these signs to figure out when you are fertile, and then engage in sexual relations on these days. This is the fastest way for you to get pregnant naturally. (And it might be even faster than any artificial methods you could try!) Here are some of the signs to look for: First, the natural discharge inside of your vagina will change its consistency over the course of the month. At some points it is more thick and pasty, and at other points, it is slippery and stretchy. You can use your finger to remove some of this mucus in the shower and stretch it between two fingers. Once your vaginal mucus becomes less thick, you are getting closer to ovulation. Second, the position and shape of your cervix (the opening of your uterus) will change throughout the month. You can usually feel these changes by putting a finger into your vagina and feeling for the opening at the end. Your cervix usually feels like a hard point at the end of your vagina. However, once you are about to be ready to ovulate, the cervix will get soften, move higher up, and be more flat than pointy. These are your key signs that now are the time for you to get pregnant naturally. The fastest way for you to get pregnant naturally is to monitor your ovulation and then act on it when the time is right. You know what to do!

<b>Milos Pesic</b> is an expert in the field of Pregnancy and Infertility and runs a highly popular and comprehensive <a href="http://pregnancy.need-to-know.net/">Pregnancy</a> web site. For more articles and resources on Pregnancy and Infertility related topics, early Pregnancy Symptoms, Infertility Treatments and much visit his site at: =><a href="http://pregnancy.need-to-know.net/">http://pregnancy.need-to-know.net/</a>

Tips for Mothers-To-Be and Common Pregnancy Induced Skin Problems
Expecting a first child is one of the most exciting times in a woman's life, and taking basic preventative measures, such as the use of shielding lotions, can help minimize or prevent the effects of common skin disorders resulting from pregnancy-induced changes to her body. According to the March of Dimes, common skin conditions plaguing a woman during her nine months of gestation range from improved or worsened acne: flare-ups in existing eczema and psoriasis; bluish discoloration or blotchy skin in the legs; bhloasma - the "mask of pregnancy" or melasma - "glowing" skin from increased blood flow and skin oils; itchiness and dry skin; stretch marks; dark line on the belly; changes in fingernail or toenail growth and appearance; puffiness; rashes, red or itchy palms from increases in the hormone estrogen; skin tags, spider veins; and darkening skin. Though most of these conditions will usually disappear after delivery, these tips may help reduce or treat common skin problems that occur during pregnancy and help the mother-to-be feel more comfortable: - Skin cleansing. Good skin cleansing is the best way to avoid or treat acne breakouts. Wash your face with a mild cleanser two or three times a day. Don't wash too often or the skin may become dry, aggravating the problem. A shielding lotion can minimize the loss of moisture and it won't wash off. IMPORTANT: Do not take any acne medications or over-the-counter treatments without checking with your health care provider. Some of these are not safe for pregnant women to use. - Sun protection. Your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy. Good sun protection is very important at this time. Sunlight can darken pigment changes in your skin and increase your chances of getting "mask of pregnancy." Use a good sun block, cover up, and wear a hat when outside. Limit the time you spend outdoors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - Make-up. Cover-up and foundation can help hide dark streaks or spots on the skin. Avoid make-ups that contain mercury. Look at the label to see if the make-up contains mercury. - Stretch marks. You won't be able to avoid stretch marks entirely. It will help if you gain only the recommended amount of weight (usually 25 to 35 pounds), and do so slowly. Using a quality shielding lotion may help the skin retain moisture and stay supple, minimizing the effects. Stretch marks usually fade and become less noticeable after delivery. - Moisturizers. Moisturize your belly and your breasts to reduce itchiness and dry skin. To avoid skin irritation, use an unscented high-quality shielding lotion that won't wash off and can protect against environmental irritants and air pollution. Use a mild soap when washing. Avoid hot showers or baths. They can dry out the skin. - Excessive heat. Heat can intensify itchiness and rashes. When you go out in warm weather, wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing. Always talk to your health care provider before using any medicated creams or ointments to treat skin problems, as some may be harmful. Ask your doctor if shielding lotions using high-quality all-natural ingredients are right for you in managing your pregnancy-related skin conditions.

Author, Gloria MacTaggart, is a freelance writer who contributes articles on skin care for Gloves In A Bottle, Inc. For more information, visit www.glovesinabottle.com.

Preeclampsia Raises Risk of Serious Kidney Disease
Title: Preeclampsia Raises Risk of Serious Kidney Disease
Category: Health News
Created: 8/21/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/21/2008

Breastfeeding - How Important Is It?
Years ago, perhaps when you were a child, breastfeeding was not very popular. Breastfeeding was not encouraged as it is in todays society. Doctors didn't fully grasp how important and beneficial it is for a newborn baby. Because of this, and a few other reasons, there were many new mothers that went directly to feeding with the bottle, most often new mothers didn't even try to breastfeed their new baby. Breastfeeding helps protect and nurture your baby in innumerable ways. There have been many studies in regard to breastfeeding babies and the results have shown increases in brainpower within as little as six weeks of breastfeeding. The study has also shown a reduced risk of obesity due to the fact that breastfed babies are much less likely to overeat than formula-fed babies. Overall, babies that have been breastfed for roughly six months are also less likely to have breathing problems. We now know how nourishing breast milk is for your baby. Breastfeeding is highly recommended by doctors as well as health care professionals. Further, it's been shown that breast milk supports brain function as stated above and also provides valuable nutrients that would not otherwise be available. Breast milk is very special, every mother's milk is slightly different, tailored to her own baby's needs. A baby's immune system is directly affected by the breast milk of his/her mother. Every feeding time is an extremely important time of the day, it allows the mother and baby time to bond to each other without any distractions. A new mother will really get to know her baby by breastfeeding and will feel much more at ease with him or her during breastfeeding. Milk induced sleep is one of the most wonderful things a mother will experience. Newborns love to be cuddled and they also love to eat. When you combine the two you get an extremely sleepy baby who will snuggle up in their mother's arms long after the feeding is over. Breastfeeding will instill a naptime but you'll find yourself continuing to rock your precious little one, it's calming to mother as well. Babies have a built-in latching instinct, although some babies will not latch properly, causing pain to the mother. You'll detect these problems early on and you'll find that most hospitals have a nursing specialist that will help to determine if your baby is latching on wrong. If you continue to have problems in this area in the first week, you should consult with your doctor. With a little practice you'll be a pro in no time! Hang in there, It's worth it! Breast milk is not only good for your baby, but it's also good for the mother as well. It has been stated that Mother's who breast-feed their babies for at least six months have shown a dramatical reduction in the risk of various types of cancer including breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Another happy note... through breast-feeding, new mother's will also lose the additional weight she gained while pregnant, and another benefit is that it will also help her uterus contract to its pre-baby size. All new parents want to give their babies the very best and when it comes to nutrition, the very best "first food" for baby is breast milk. Although you may experience a few challenges at first while breastfeeding; it will be the best experience a new mother will have. There may even come a time later in life when you look back on this wonderful experience and wish that you had breast fed your baby longer.

Carlie Edwards is a successful business woman offering articles and useful information on a variety of Health and Beauty topics and issues. For more information and resources about Breastfeeding, please visit: http://breastfeeding.health-and-beauty-worx.com