Pregnancy and Health Care

Archive for 2012

Yoga is one of the activities you can practice during pregnancy and you better sit you and your baby. This ancient oriental therapy has significant benefits for your body during pregnancy.

Benefits for the body: prenatal yoga classes keep your joints flexible and help you maintain flexibility. In addition, yoga strengthens the muscles, stimulates circulation and helps you relax, because you can use the techniques practiced in class to stay calm and have a little more control during labor.

Is it safe? As your pregnancy progresses, avoid positions in which you can lose your balance. In the second quarter, stay away positions requiring you’re lying on your back – because as the uterus gets heavier, you may put too much pressure on major veins thus decreasing blood flow to the heart. Also, be careful not overstretching too. Pregnant women produce more relaxin, a hormone that increases flexibility and mobility of joints, so it is important to know your limits in order to slow down when you stretch.

Sleep during pregnancy vary depending on the quarters, and divide and explain the three quarters and symptoms that can disrupt sleep and process the different changes of pregnancy.

First Quarter: You will experience a state of drowsiness and increased need for sleep, due to increased progesterone, which is tripled during pregnancy and has a direct soothing effect on the brain, it acts also an inhibitory effect of muscle causing the need to go to the bathroom more frequently.

Second Quarter: The frequency of urination can also be a hindrance in that sleep will be interrupted.

Third Quarter: In the final stage of pregnancy the reasons that can disrupt sleep are many, will continue the frequent urination, discomfort in the stomach already well advanced in the last quarter. Fetal movements may also be somewhat uncomfortable at halftime and anxiety about the proximity of the birth, fear of change and the relationship. Contractions will be another experience difficulties in sleep.

During pregnancy dreams can become more real and have frequent nightmares, stress due to concerns about the health of the baby, we’ll have the ability to be mothers, fear of childbirth and the concern of the changes that may occur in the couple may be the result of insomnia during pregnancy.

It is advisable to get used to maintain a schedule to go to sleep and wake. Make something that is soothing to the hours before sleep, like a relaxing bath, drinking a glass of milk and honey, a cup of decaffeinated tea and most importantly none of the drinks contain caffeine.

If insomnia is causing fear or anxiety, sign up for pre-natal classes or parenting can help, knowledge on the subject and the company of women in the same situation, help you overcome fears and concerns and so both will help you sleep better.

One of the first signs of pregnancy is generalized fatigue and desire to sleep all the time. There are even women who suspect they are pregnant before confirming they feel fatigue and excessive sleep. This fatigue is most evident during the first quarter, when the body begins to run at full speed to give rise to a new life.

The body produces more blood to send nutrients to the baby, causing the heart to the organs involved and work harder than usual. Early in pregnancy, the placenta and the baby experiences the initial stage of development in which major organs are formed and this requires energy.

Hormones, of course, also play a role. It is believed that sleepiness is caused by the increased level of progesterone, which is active during the first weeks preparing the uterus for implantation of the egg has been fertilized.

If we add nausea, vomiting and possibly emotional stress experienced during the first months, it is normal to ask the body more rest to recover. Never mind if we play in summer when added downward pressure caused by heat.

It’s understandable to feel tired and sleepy during much of the day, so you must put aside the guilt and serve the claim giving your body needs extra rest. The best remedy for this disorder is rest.

Of course, when work is not easy. There is also a big difference when it comes to the first child of the following, since in the latter case we have a child (two, three or four) to care for, so the rest is relative.

How to cope with fatigue?
• Rest whenever you can : find holes throughout the day to relax a while, or if possible, better yet, napping. After lunch, afternoon or before dinner. Any time is good but naps are short.

• Sleeping more hours at night : go to bed earlier than usual and if you can get up a little later. If you can not do during the week, enjoy the weekend to recover.

• If it is your first child, ask for help to your partner, family and friends who can care for him / children while you rest a while.

• Healthy eating is important for energy recovery. The extra energy input is needed drink while pregnant is only 250-300 calories, so it is important to eat foods rich in nutrients and vitamins like folic acid, iron, calcium and iodine, but not fat. That is, foods that feed, not to fill. A diet that brings vitality must be based on vegetables, fruits, cereals, dairy and legumes. Also, drink fluids throughout the day to keep constantly hydrated.

• Exercise is also critical. Although one may think that physical activity might cause more fatigue, on the contrary. Moderate exercise helps to raise the energy level. A half-hour daily walk or any activity which does not overexert yourself, it is advisable for the benefit both physically and mentally.

• No need to stop doing everyday activities, for some women being active helps them cope with fatigue, but it is time to do the superwoman. If you wear a frantic work pace, you will reduce hours and intensity. The important thing is that you start to connect with your body and listen to your needs, because it’s not just your health but also that of your unborn child.

Fatigue may reappear during the last trimester of pregnancy when the body makes an effort to meet the needs of the baby and carry the extra weight. It is also a time when no longer sleep well and may be something moviditas night, especially if you have young children.

Early in pregnancy, doctors often prescribe a multivitamin to meet the requirements of vitamins and minerals the body needs to adapt to changes that occur. The B vitamins are those that primarily help regain the tone and energy. If you feel very tired and do not take a vitamin supplement, check with your doctor.

Also, if you notice excessive fatigue, fainting suffer, too much vomiting, frequent dizziness and paleness, you should consult your gynecologist because it can be more serious than a simple fatigue such as anemia or a condition that needed medical treatment.

Sleep? What’s that, you ask now that you’re pregnant. No wonder you’re upset. Among the nausea, the heartburn and constant desire to urinate, a good night sleep becomes a thing of the past. In fact sooner or later almost all moms have trouble sleeping. But the other pregnant also unveil not give you comfort while turning in bed at 3 am. Read on and know how and why it changes your night’s rest during the first quarter and what you can do to sleep better.

You close your eyes during the day and have wide open at night
In early pregnancy, you will feel very sleepy during the day. This is due to increased levels of progesterone, a hormone whose function is to regulate the reproductive cycle, but also has a calming effect. The torrent of this natural chemical in your body can transform a normal working day on something as strenuous as running a marathon, and you could feel so exhausted that you might think you’re getting sick with the flu or something. Although progesterone you induce sleep, while it may interfere with your sleep at night, making you feel even more tired during the day. Unfortunately, there is another way to combat this problem that is not resting as much as possible, but not get to sleep. But remember that rest is not to dream, so do not miss any opportunity you have to lend a nap.

How difficult is to find a comfortable position!
With the increase in breast tenderness is not easy to find a comfortable sleeping position, especially if you used to sleep face down. The first trimester is the ideal opportunity for you to start to get used to sleeping on the left side, which is the best position to circulate the blood and nutrients to your baby and your uterus, and the most favors the elimination of waste and fluids through the kidneys. The sooner you adapt to this position, will achieve better sleep when you start growing belly.

You have to urinate constantly
Another of the blame for your lack of sleep is your uterus, it grows and begins to push your bladder, making you run into the bathroom every few minutes. If you can not stand these constant trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night, drink enough fluids during the day and do not drink much at the end of the afternoon and evening.

Cheer up! This too shall pass.
If you feel trapped in a vicious cycle of exhaustion day and night vigil, remember you are not alone. More than half of pregnant women are cast at least one nap during the work week, while 60 percent do at least once during the weekend. Conclusion: Do not expect a lot of energy during the first quarter and listen to your body when you ask for a time out. Read here more about other factors that could steal your sleep during the first quarter, including nausea and vivid dreams.

A key issue during pregnancy is the food. It should be noted that pregnancy is the time when the fetus is formed, and now the mother is responsible not only food but also of being that is brewing inside.

This is why taking a special diet for this period is fundamental to have a perfect pregnancy to ensure both feed the baby and mother, without either suffering or nutritional disorders or problems related to food disproportionately. Then mention some points that the diet of a pregnant woman should have, all provided by Dr. Ignacio Ferrando, director of Sanitas Medical Programs.

First, it is important to consider the consumption of bread, cereals and potatoes. These foods have to represent seventy percent of dietary intake.

Also the vegetables and fruits are essential. This is presumably because these are basic and essential food either with or without a pregnancy and also at any stage of life. At least five servings a day are to be eaten during pregnancy.

Meat, fish, eggs, nuts and legumes are an essential source of protein, vitamins and minerals, so they should not be absent from the diet of the pregnant woman. It is important to try to consume two to three servings daily. The dairy products should also be eaten in this amount.

The pregnant woman should remember that the ideal is not to exceed 13 kilos of weight gain in pregnancy, and now we should not lose weight, not being on the advice of a doctor. Pay careful attention to the figure, but above all must be the correct development of the baby.

Pregnancy is an exciting time because there will be a new member to the family, and the many changes expected to occur, especially physical. To be comfortable is necessary to renew your wardrobe.

The clothing for pregnant women have come a long way in recent decades. The old form of blouses and ceased to be used and have given way to sexy clothing that allows you to feel great. Today I propose to see some tips to feel even better.

A good bra will make you look thinner and sexier. During pregnancy your breasts grow and sometimes necessary to change the size of underwear.

Resist the temptation to go to your husband’s closet. You deserve to get dressed and feel great during pregnancy will look good you feel comfortable and confident.

Avoid buying loose clothing, dresses and shapeless clothes just make you look bigger.

Jeans are the uniform of casual life, and this should not change just because you’re pregnant. There are jeans for pregnant or adjustable elastic waist.

While you’re pregnant is easy to forget yourself. All the fuss about the new family member can make us neglect, but it is important to your emotional and physical well-being, so try to take some time for yourself and enjoy either an evening salon, a manicure or a pedicure.

Pregnancy is a beautiful stage, and although we suffered significant physical changes, and we are a little larger than normal, we can still look beautiful.

Esete is a fundamental aspect to keep our morale high and there is no possibility of depression, which can greatly affect the little boy within.

The clothing must meet moms mainly with the principle of accommodation. In general, loose clothing are recommended, fresh and natural fabrics that do not cause allergies and allowing the skin to breathe enough, as the pregnancy causes the body to lose oxygen to give the baby.

Motherhood changes the look of a woman, and most of the time a woman is expected that a child is radiant. This can be supplemented with the right outfits, for there is reason to believe that pregnant women can not be attractive or appealing.

The underwear is essential, as you should not use anything that hinders press and circulation. On the market tights (pants) that are designed specifically for your state, you help support the weight of your belly will grow and playing an increasing role. The brassiere or bra is also a fundamental and, therefore, must be the most appropriate and in these cases the ideal is one that does not press the nipples, but that fits and supports developing breasts.

As tight clothing is not recommended, nightgowns or loose blouses and wide are a great idea because you can use throughout pregnancy and beyond. The best thing about this piece is that it allows great mobility, like dresses or tunics, which this season are very fashionable.

Similarly, a basic garment for any pregnant woman who also wants to maintain a youthful image, is the overall or mono (pants with a bib and brace), it has the ability to give a little in size and they can use for several months and at the same time feel very at your leisure and good image.

And believe it or not, being pregnant does not mean you can not wear pants or that you can only wear maternity clothing. Today, pants are elastic waist ccon that expand as needed and then you may find useful for a long time if not last all emebarazo, which is very possible.

As for tones, there is nothing in writing the truth as best you can do is use those colors you really like, not necessarily think you have to use n cakes mandatory, but if you have questions we recommend rather dark colors, they have the advantage of making you look more stylish and sober.

Maternal nutritional status and dietary habits of the mother before and during pregnancy, are a determining factor for your health as well as for fetal growth and birth weight. Eating a balanced and appropriate at this stage of life is the best option to prevent premature birth and even problems related to the development of the newborn and low birth weight, decreased litter size, fetal malformations, lowered resistance to infections, etc.. That’s why it is essential to have adequate nutritional status before pregnancy (maternal stores) and proper weight gain, to ensure normal during the course of pregnancy, and thus avoid nutritional deficiencies such as anemia, desertification, loss of hair, skin discoloration, fatigue, Precambrian (increased blood pressure), constipation.

The general dietary recommendations during pregnancy aim to achieve the following objectives:

Own food needs of the mother.
Meeting the nutritional requirements due to fetal growth.
Prepare the maternal organism to better cope with childbirth.
Ensure fat reserves for milk production during the coming stage of lactation.
The total weight gain during pregnancy depends on the previous status of women. As a guide we can say that the recommendation of weight gain during pregnancy is:

Women with adequate weight: gain between 9 and 12 kg.
Women with low weight gain between 14 and 16 kg.
Overweight women: gain between 7 and 8 kg.
These values ??are approximate and it is important to note that each particular case must have the right professional track.

If we talk in terms of energy cost, a number of calculations that indicate the approximate so “total cost of pregnancy”, which takes into account the fat reserves that are deposited in the mother, the new tissue as a fetus, placenta, uterus, breast, amniotic fluid, etc., and maintenance of throwing them a value of 84,000 Kcal approximately, with a daily cost of 300 kcal, ie ? 84,000 kcal / 40 (weeks) / 7 (days) = 300 kcal.

While it is true that pregnant women should consume more calories (energy) than previously ingested to feed properly and to nourish your baby, we must clarify that during the first months (1 quarter) the requirements are relatively small and usually able to cover with ordinary food of the mother, is in the 2nd and 3rd quarter where you have to ensure compliance with requirements, adding about 300 kcal per day approximately. It should be noted that there are several tables and calorie recommendations for specific nutrients (RDI U.S. and Canada, IR Spain, FAO / WHO, etc..) That differ in some respects, but in general they all have in common and increased caloric protein during the 2nd half of pregnancy.

We can not fail to mention the various pregnancy complications associated with overweight or obese, not just the mother but also for your baby. Women with a high body mass index (> 26.1) have higher risk for problems during and after delivery, and which often have gestational diabetes, leg pain, edema, preeclampsia, problems during childbirth, the more likely that you perform a cesarean section, etc.. Infants of obese mothers are at greater risk of being born prematurely, having birth defects and to develop early childhood obesity.

To avoid these problems is desirable for women to control their weight on a regular basis through adequate nutritional follow before getting pregnant, where you will be informed of healthy eating patterns and adequate physical activity plan.

In the case of women and pregnancy is pursuing a state of overweight or obese, it is very important to follow up training, and should not be subject to strict diets which will mean a reduction in nutrient inputs to her and for the baby.

We know that a balanced diet is essential to health, especially in pregnant women, who must eat beneficial for her and the baby. Dietary fiber is an indigestible collection of components, which is only found in plant foods and with beneficial properties for health.

Fiber is important for proper digestion, prevent constipation, weight control, to reduce cholesterol levels, prevent high blood pressure or diabetes control.

For all of these benefits of fiber, it is the intake of various sources before the single. And what are foods high in fiber?. In general, cereals, vegetables, fruits and vegetables. In addition, these foods provide us with many vitamins and minerals necessary for proper fetal development and health of the mother. Salads, fruits and juices and cereals should become part of everyday life. Consider foods that contain more fiber:

Grains: rice, bread, crackers or pasta and cereals in general all agree that they are better than refined grain, since the refined contain much less fiber. Wheat, oats, rye, barley, millet or corn also. Watch out for breakfast cereals industry, which often contain high levels of sugar and saturated fats.
Vegetables , in salads or as a garnish each day: we recommend the use of any, except those that produce flatulence (as artichokes, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, peppers, cucumbers, radishes, onions, leeks). Which contain more fiber are: spinach, chard, mashed potato, cabbage, carrots, asparagus, tomatoes , red beets and avocado (the last 3 also high in folic acid) …

Fresh and dried fruits, several pieces a day: figs and prunes (high content), dates, kiwi, pear, apple, apricot, mango, apple, orange, banana (also rich in potassium) …
Nuts : almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts (also rich in Omega-3) … As in the case of cereals, nuts discard those that are prepared industrially, are sweetened with honey or salt.
Legumes : kidney beans, dried peas and beans (high), chickpeas, lentils, green beans … When cooking, better not accompany the typical sausages.

As mentioned, plus fiber, vitamins and minerals are found in most of them, so we should not deprive us of these foods, combined in a balanced way. Dietary fiber consists of cellulose, hemicellulose and other complex sugars (carbohydrates). Carbs or carbohydrates are an important source of energy for all vital cell activities and also regulate the metabolism of fats.

Cereals and legumes are especially foods rich in complex carbohydrates that contain iron, zinc or magnesium, also important for pregnancy.

They are also ideal foods to maintain a healthy weight during our pregnancy . At those times between meals that need food, better go to any of these foods listed above that the pastries, juices and other artificial foods high in fat. Combined with drinking plenty of fluids (especially water and juices such fruits or vegetables) estarmos contributing to our body and the many benefits of the baby.

In the later stages of pregnancy, when digestion and intestinal transit become more complicated, increasing the risk of constipation or heartburn, is the more grateful for an increase in the diet of these plant foods rich in fiber.

Obesity is a serious public health problem is increasing day by day and is a direct cause or is a major risk factor for many serious diseases and even death.
Represents the second deadly preventable disease after smoking and the 3rd position in Mexico. place among fatal diseases.

It affects more women, hormonal factors and pregnancy and genetic predisposition among other factors. A severe problem is that it is significantly increasing in children whose eating habits and lifestyles are being defined on a basis that can be very dangerous to their health and development.

Its name comes from “obedere” which means devouring and is defined as excess adipose tissue weight of 20% or more, of course considering the physical, race, sex and age of each person and considering the amount of fat each person, which does not mean that all people who weigh a little more of the provisions are not necessarily obese, because what matters is not so much weight, but the amount of fat.

To determine that a person is obese, you have to take into account your height and age.

This disease contributes to physical deterioration and is a short route to heart disease, joint and bone problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, sedentary lifestyle, psychological problems like depression, anxiety and prostration leading to inability to perform activities desired. Read the rest of this entry »