Pregnancy and Health Care

Posts Tagged ‘pregnancy’

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.

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.

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 extra rest it needs. 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.

Chemical compounds that can be found in homes and businesses in the United States total more than 83,000. In most cases, little is known about the effects they can have during pregnancy (1). However, it was found that a small number of them are harmful to the fetus. These are mainly in the workplace, but certain environmental pollutants in the air and water, and some household chemicals can also pose a risk during pregnancy.

The pregnant woman can inhale these chemicals, ingest them in food or drink, or in some cases, absorbed through the skin. But in general, would be exposed to a lot and for a long time to arrive to harm your baby.

Most companies have appropriate preventive measures to ensure this does not happen. However, because little is known about the effects of most chemicals on reproduction, it is recommended that women consult their physician if exposed to any of them in their work, preferably before pregnancy . Along with your doctor can determine if you need some additional protection at work or if you should switch tasks. This is particularly important for women working in certain industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, dry cleaning, printing, manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and health care.

Pregnant women also can take steps to protect themselves and their babies from pollutants and potentially harmful chemicals used in your home.

There are many myths about the use of cosmetics during pregnancy we often scared and confused.

But we know that not all cosmetics are safe and that any drug or applied to the skin and mucous membranes are absorbed into the blood-feeding and therefore may also affect the fetus.

For example, it recommends the use of creams indicated for skin aging from the sun in its composition containing retinol or derivatives, as has been shown that retinoids administered orally, are associated with the appearance of numerous malformations in the fetus. sunscreens pose no risk because they are kept in the surface layer of the skin and its absorption is minimal. By contrast, pregnant women should use a high protective factor to prevent the emergence of so-called chloasma gravidarum (dark spots that appear on the skin).

The deodorants can be used, except those containing aluminum salts are used for large surfaces such as hands or feet. Perfumes not do any harm to the fetus.

The make-up and masks are also harmless to the developing fetus. Read the rest of this entry »

Many studies have shown that exposure of pregnant women to certain chemicals can cause problems in pregnancy or birth defects.

One study showed that pregnant women exposed to large amounts of hairspray during pregnancy are twice as likely to have babies with hypospadias (a defect in the urethra of males abnormal urinary opening implies a) that pregnant women not exposed to that product.

Parabens are also suspected, and are used by many cosmetics as a preservative, and phthalates, used in lacquers, perfumes and deodorants.

The range of effects is not known in depth, therefore it is advisable to minimize possible exposure to all kinds of chemicals during pregnancy .

Therefore it should remove all cosmetics, it is not known for sure what effect they may have. One option is to use cosmetics natural, which does not contain any chemicals.

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

At times it looks terrible and other beautiful, dazzling. In general, pregnant women rather favors and gives a halo of light difficult to explain in words , which makes it look very beautiful and radiant. However, there are some aesthetic 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 tone (chloasma gravidarum), which become manifest through the presence of dark spots. Nothing that can not be resolved with some cosmetics and makeup.

But if the pregnant woman must not neglect its aesthetic and grooming, you should keep in mind that is going through a very special period in which there are certain cosmetics which can be harmful to the fetus.

These, being absorbed by the skin of the mother, could 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 best avoided at this stage.

Among them are the anti-wrinkle creams containing retinol or derivatives, as consumption of this substance by mouth is associated with major fetal malformations. Also the use of phthalates, a group of chemicals used in small amounts in some cosmetics, are harmful for normal fetal development. And there are studies that recommend avoiding lacquers during the first trimester of pregnancy because it may cause abnormalities in the urinary tract of the baby.

During pregnancy it is very important that the self-esteem of women is high. It is therefore essential that sits pretty well with his image. Some of the problems that occur in pregnancy, such as staining, may be disguised with make-up for pregnant women, ie using certain products to help hide them.

But it is also very important in this period, take precautions as to the composition of the beauty products that will be used. It is always advisable to read labels and if in doubt consult a physician, is the best option.

Incredibly, a psychological pregnancy brings them real pregnancy symptoms. The menstrual cycle stops, start the dizziness, nausea, an gorse and in a later stage the growth of the belly, breasts, apparent movement of the baby and even uterine contractions.

Women more prone to develop psychological pregnancy are on the one hand, those with trouble conceiving (sterile) or whose age is sufficiently advanced to conception (menopause). Also, fear can paralyze the minds of young people become sexually active and live in constant fear of getting pregnant.

Peer pressure also contributes to its presence. It is said that motherhood is synonymous with women and that we are incomplete if we fail to perform in this area. Collective or personal thoughts (need to love and to strengthen marital relationships) tend to cause an appearance. Read the rest of this entry »