Pregnancy and Health Care

Archive for the ‘pregnancy’ Category

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.

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.

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.

Many women who are concerned not only for their own health in their own breasts or breasts, but is concerned to a greater or lesser extent by the appearance of them.

During pregnancy, the appearance of the famous stretch marks during pregnancy, this concern tends to increase even more in many women, although not all take precautions to prevent its occurrence.

Or to avoid, in short, that these annoying stretch marks could go further, and could harm then your appearance negatively.

Therefore, a question highly recommended (and highly to be considered), is knowing how to care for the breasts during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks precisely, and that they are then in the woman’s body.

Breast care in pregnancy

As surely know, during pregnancy is an increase volume of all-natural breasts in women, which generally favors the appearance of stretch marks.

These appear by breaking and stretching of elastic fibers in the deeper layers of the skin, and although at first show a pink color (ideal time in which they must be fought), then pearly white again.

The best way to combat them is through specific creams and specially developed for the period of gestation. In fact, now may be a variety of different cosmetic creams and special products for this purpose.

The gestation period is a period of great change, including hormones and increased blood flow. These changes increase the risk of tooth decay, bleeding gums or gingivitis.

Dental health in pregnancy

The following tips will allow you to wear your best smile when it comes time to give birth.

Brush your teeth after every meal. Use a fine brush and fluoride toothpaste. Clean the tongue and floss. Its regular use helps prevent gingivitis.

If you have any dental-fulfillment, it is better to do before pregnancy, but if you’re expecting a baby, you should wait for the period between the fourth and sixth month, for the first three are of extreme importance for the development of child and the incidence of complications is higher.

Either way, it is recommended that regularly visit the dentist at least once during pregnancy and again after delivery, that even if you have any dental condition.

However, if your gums are swollen and oozing or have the impression that you move your teeth, go immediately to the dentist, as they may be symptoms of a periodontal problem.

For healthy teeth, food plays a major role. Avoid sugar, “as far as possible,” for its high consumption causes plaque to be more aggressive and to produce acids that attack the enamel and cause cavities.

The gum tissues are extremely sensitive to hormonal changes that could favor even situations that result in the loss of teeth.

Vitamins have different regulatory functions in the body, so it is necessary not to neglect its contribution in the pregnancy, and vitamin supplements necessary as needs grow some, necessary to protect the health and development of the fetus throughout pregnancy.

* Vitamin A
Vitamin A deficiency is virtually nonexistent, although we must bear in mind that hypervitaminosis can damage the embryo and fetus.

* Vitamin B6
With a balanced diet, do not meet the needs of B6, so that deficiencies of vitamin affect the umbilical cord blood and breast milk. Vitamin B6 is useful for treating vomiting, as well as pregnancy-induced hypertension.

* Folic Acid
It has proven essential folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. This vitamin helps prevent neural tube defects of the fetus such as spina bifida and anencephaly, in addition to reducing the risk of congenital abnormalities, not genetic. Vitamin A deficiency is associated with spontaneous abortion, low birth weight and premature births.

* Vitamin C
Vitamin A deficiency is associated with preeclampsia-associated with pregnancy induced hypertension, and premature rupture of amniotic membranes, but should not exceed the dose we recommend, as a cause hypervitaminosis infant scurvy.

* Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is not common, and that is synthesized in the skin through the sun’s rays. The maternal vitamin D deficiency and thus the fetus, can lead to neonatal hypocalcemia and infantile enamel hypoplasia and osteomalacia of the mother. Hypervitaminosis of vitamin D may harm the fetus. Vegetarian women not taking calcium or vegans should take a supplement of vitamin D.

During the pregnancy the woman goes through various stages and moods that strongly influence the way it looks in the mirror.

At times it looks terrible and other beautiful, dazzling. In general, pregnancy favors pretty women and gives it a halo of light difficult to explain in words, which makes it look beautiful and radiant. However, there are some cosmetic problems that appear in this period because of hormonal changes that may embarrass her and make her feel bad. The skin undergoes certain changes as changes in hue (chloasma gravidarum), which become manifest through the presence of dark spots. Nothing that can not be resolved with some cosmetics and makeup.

But while pregnant women should not neglect aesthetics and grooming, you must realize you are going through a very special period in which there are certain cosmetic products which may be harmful to the fetus.

These, being absorbed by the skin of the mother may pass through the blood to the placenta and be harmful to it. Although research in the area are rare (on the toxicity of cosmetics for pregnancy), there are certain products which, by its composition, it is preferable to avoid this step. Read the rest of this entry »

If you are pregnant and everyone tells you what you should not eat and I do not know who to ignore … We tell you the food you really should avoid.

Alcohol: not a drop
No amount is safe, so do not eat or drop of alcohol during pregnancy because the fetus is very sensitive to it and may harm a greater or lesser extent. If you fancy a cold beer, you take it, but make sure it contains 0% alcohol.

No coffee, no tea
Better Move to decaf and tea without protein . If you are very coffee you can drink a cup of coffee a day with no regrets, but no more, because caffeine crosses the placental barrier and affect baby’s nervous system.

Neither liver pates or blue cheese
The products are exquisite, but discouraged at this stage. The liver pâtés containing a very high level of vitamin A, which could be harmful to the developing baby . Another type of pâté can use them safely (and moderately), provided they are canned, which guarantees that have passed health checks. As for blue cheeses (camembert, roquefort), you should not take them because they can cause listeriosis, an infection that could be very serious for unborn baby. Yes pasteurized cheeses are safe.

No fish, meat and seafood
Even if you like, avoid these preparations. Nothing carpaccio, sushi, oysters … may contain microorganisms and cause an infection or food poisoning, such as toxoplasmosis or Anisakis . The first can harm the fetus and not the second, but can certify thee go badly for you, because treatment is contraindicated in pregnancy. Yes, the baked or grilled seafood if you can do without any problems.

Smoked, Nor
It should also be avoided. The reason is that the process of smoked salmon or halibut does not ensure the disappearance of the parasite Anisakis, so you can not take them safely .

Not Very Greasy Sausages
Salami, pepperoni, sausage … very tasty, but nothing indicated in pregnancy. First, are high in fat , making it difficult to control the weight you carry in these months. And besides, if you are not immunized against toxoplasmosis could get this disease, although it is true that the risk is low, better not risk it. As for the ham, whether the studies are contradictory spread toxoplasmosis, which is best not to eat it. Yes you can make with confidence and when you want ham and roast turkey.

Check nutrition before, during and after pregnancy is essential to avoid problems in the mother, baby and breastfeeding.
This is the conclusion arrived experts in the XXV International Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which took place in Buenos Aires.

The symposium discussed the importance of maternal and child nutrition and responsibilities when it comes to eating a balanced diet.
This concern arises from that 50% of pregnancies are unplanned population, so it’s important information and dissemination on the nutritional needs of women of childbearing age to avoid reaching the design with important micronutrient and frolic acid.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the equilibrium bio-psycho-social, which defines health should also be sought through adequate nutrition and quality. The issue is that under normal conditions, this ideal is difficult to achieve, and pregnant women the problem is even greater, especially in less developed countries.

According to dr.Addi Rhode Cruz Navarro, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Food Chemistry, Autonomous University of Puebla, Mexico, “the physiological changes of pregnancy can be aggravated by malnutrition, leading to micronutrient deficiency states such as anemia, could have disastrous consequences for both mother and newborn.”

The debate, chaired by dr.Enrique Gadow, coordinated by dr.And Dr. Diana Galimberti.Mario Sebastiani, it was argued that the prenatal supplementation may reduce maternal morbidity and mortality directly (treated for an illness related to pregnancy) or indirectly reducing the risk of complications during childbirth.The effectiveness of supplementation programs (mainly focusing on iron and folate) tends to focus on the birth of the baby, stillbirth, premature delivery and low birth weight, Galimberti said.

When speaking of the birth, however, make a distinction between the teratogenic effects of the deficiency in preconception and deficiencies in the last stage of pregnancy.
The former include, for example, folate deficiency, causing neural tube defects and iodine deficiency causes cretinism, among others, while the latter include intrauterine growth retardation and other complications related to pregnancy.This distinction is important because many less developed countries pregnancies are unplanned. Read the rest of this entry »

Pregnancy Nutrition Facts
We know that good nutrition before and during pregnancy is important for the amount of labor resources required. At this stage, nutrition is a process of building the immune system in preparation of pregnancy and is known as one of the main factors that determine the success rate of conceiving healthy children.

As with most cases, the most important factor in nutrition before pregnancy is to ensure that the mother is healthy and without major factors that could worsen the chances of conception, factors such as anorexia or bulimia are considered direct links with infertility.

The ideal weight range for women who want to conceive children is thought to be optimal body mass index between 20 and 26.If this, again, is used in conjunction with good nutrition and diet before pregnancy under normal conditions of a balanced diet and then micronutrient stores, provide materials for the pregnancy, also the maximum.

Nutrition During Pregnancy
As is known, during the first weeks of pregnancy the embryo is at his most vulnerable, as are developing organs and all the energy required for this comes from the power of the mother. Read the rest of this entry »