Sept. 15 - 2010 - All About Women Health - Pregnancy Articles

Increase in Obesity During Pregnancy - What Health Experts Say
By Emmanuel Rotimi Akinbanjo


Recommended Reading
Slim & Healthy Pregnancy.
How To Keep Excess Weight Off &
Maintain Good Health During And After Pregnancy.

A recent release from the U.K. National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) says that about half of women of childbearing age are either overweight or obese.
In new guidelines for doctors and midwives, women need reliable information on how to manage their weight because of serious health risks that face obese women and their babies.
The purpose of the new guidelines is to enable health professionals to help women have a healthy pregnancy as there are more risks associated with pregnancies in women who have a Body Mass Index of over 30 when they become pregnant says NICE director, Mike Kelly.
The guidelines also suggest that women who are obese before they become pregnant should be encouraged to lose weight even before they conceive.
Studies have revealed that there is a lot of benefits for obese pregnant women if they exercised moderately and not gain weight or even lose a few pounds during pregnancy. The popular belief in the past was that pregnancy is not a time to start an exercise program and that pregnant women should "take it easy" as women "eat for two" during pregnancy. But today, that belief has changed.
British health experts say "eating for two" is no excuse to become obese during pregnancy. The guidelines specifically advise women to stay away from fried foods and sweets and watch portion of sizes even if they crave to do otherwise.
According to the guidelines, "health professionals should encourage women to check their weight and waist measurement periodically or as an alternative, check the fit of their clothes".
Women who exercised and did not gain weight had normal weight babies, whereas obese women who gain more weight during pregnancy face the risk of hypertension, diabetes, asthma and other health risks to their babies.
Health experts therefore recommend a healthy diet along with exercise. Visit a Registered Dietitian to learn how to eat during pregnancy.
In conclusion, obese women are advised to lose weight and start exercising well before they become pregnant. But if you are obese and get pregnant, talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program. Ensure that you visit your doctor regularly to enable him monitor your progress. Your health and the health of your baby are very important. Moderate exercise is very beneficial to you and your baby; but always decide with your doctor before you start an exercise program.
Want to learn more about weight loss during pregnancy? Go to http://www.weightlossduringpregnancy.net for more information now!

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How To Keep Excess Weight Off &
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emmanuel_Rotimi_Akinbanjo

Sept. 06 - 2010 - All About Women Health - Pregnancy Articles

Is DHA During Pregnancy Really Important to Your Baby's Health?
By V K Rajagopalan

Recommended Reading
Slim & Healthy Pregnancy.
How To Keep Excess Weight Off &
Maintain Good Health During And After Pregnancy.

In short, yes, DHA during pregnancy is extremely essential for the baby and the mother as well. The DHA, which is an Omega 3 fatty acid helps to build the eyes, nervous system and brain of a baby.

Omega 3s are one type of fat that the body cannot make. It is extremely important and if it is not replaced, the mother's body will use what it has to provide for the growing baby.

The mother can get DHA from certain foods and then the baby will get it from the mother. However, if there is not a sufficient supply for the mother to consume, a supplement may be needed.

The Journal of Perinatal Medicine recently published a review of research indicating that a pregnant woman should have 200 mg of DHA per day. After the baby is born, breastfeeding women still need approximately this much per day to provide the DHA to the baby.

Everyone knows that certain types of fish are recommended for nutrients that are needed. However, pregnant women should be very careful about eating fish as they may contain toxins.

There are areas where fish get their DHA from algae that is consumed. Some fish can contain mercury or other toxins and the oil needs to be extracted and molecularly distilled. This will ensure it is safe for both the pregnant woman and the child she is carrying.

DHA provides for higher test scores when it comes to hand-eye coordination of babies whose mothers took this during pregnancy, especially during the second half of their pregnancy. The tests were conducted with two year olds and four year olds.

Another study conducted at the University of Oslo tested four year olds whose mothers took DHA while pregnant as well as when breastfeeding. The result showed children with high scores on IQ tests and others have shown even more promising results.

An attention span at the age of five, motor skill development at 30 months and visual alertness at only two months of age in babies whose mothers took DHA during the second and third part of their pregnancy.

Another study was conducted in the Netherlands and with participation of 782 mothers and babies, their results showed "significant positive associations" between the DHA levels of the mother and the baby's birth weight.

Studies elsewhere have shown that pregnant women who do not get enough DHA during pregnancy can have pre-term babies and this can be repetitive. Other results have shown that pregnant women who have DHA in their diets do not have post partum depression after giving birth.

Omega 3 fish based oil is of critical importance to us to minimize health risks and maximize healthy living. To learn more about DHA during pregnancy that can help with growth of the child and the mother, I invite you to visit http://www.omega3fishoilsguide.com.

From Rajagopalan, A strong advocate of natural healthy living.

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How To Keep Excess Weight Off &
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=V_K_Rajagopalan

Audust 29 - 2010 - All About Women Health - Pregnancy Articles

Top Pregnancy Concerns - Gestational Diabetes
By Isabel De Los Rios

Recommended Reading
Slim & Healthy Pregnancy.
How To Keep Excess Weight Off &
Maintain Good Health During And After Pregnancy.


When discussing common pregnancy concerns, gestational diabetes and other forms of diabetes usually rank near the top of the list. There is good reason for such attention given to diabetics during pregnancy and other metabolic disorders affecting pregnancy. Type II Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in America today.
In recent decades, diabetic rates have skyrocketed. Pregnancy related diabetes is one area of special concern. Not only due to the negative impact diabetes has on maternal and fetal health, but also because gestational diabetes is one of the most accurate predictors of future development of the more serious and irreversible Type II Diabetes.
Spotting Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes can be tricky to diagnose based on symptoms alone. Some women whose insulin and blood sugar levels are severely out of balance report having no pregnancy concerns at all. Other women with perfectly normal insulin function report typical diabetic symptoms of extreme thirst and frequent urination.
While difficult to detect from symptoms alone, the most commonly observed indicators of gestational diabetes include:
repetitive vaginal infections
weight gain
larger than average fetus/baby
extreme thirst
frequent urination
Gestational diabetes is usually discovered by a simple glucose test. Administered between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy the test for gestational diabetes measures a woman's blood sugar one hour after a high fructose beverage is consumed.
Women whose blood sugar levels are below 140 mg/dl are considered safe, while women with levels higher than 140 mg/dl are considered to be at risk and further testing is required.
Additional tests include a second blood glucose test, which is coupled with a restricted diet in the days immediately prior to the test.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes
If the diagnosis of gestational diabetes is conclusive, specific pregnancy and diet guidelines will be instituted by the attending OB/GYN. These pregnancy and diet guidelines are not too invasive and are aimed at maintaining normal blood sugar and insulin levels via extra care given to nutrition during pregnancy.
Additional intervening steps may be needed if shifts in diet alone fail to control blood sugar. These measures usually include a lot of needles such as blood tests, insulin shots and other medications.
Gestational diabetes can be prevented and at the very least controlled by proper, well-balanced nutrition during pregnancy. A recommended diet for mothers suffering from gestational diabetes is rich in deep colored vegetables like leafy greens. Fruits are on the caution list as they contain high levels of sugar, but they are definitely preferable to a sugary cake, candy bar or other sweets. Proteins are also important, as they tend to help blood sugar levels remain steady.
Eating proteins from quality organic sources and avoiding foods high in processed chemicals, preservatives, white flours and sugars does not have to be boring. With all of the delicious vegetables and natural foods to choose from, you can put together meals that your taste buds will enjoy. In the long run, this kind of diet will keep both mother and baby healthy not only during the pregnancy but long afterwards as well.
Isabel De Los Rios, nutritionist, exercise specialist, author and successful business owner has unlocked the secrets to healthy weight maintenance not only for life but during the especially crucial time of pregnancy. Learn her secrets to get the body, health and vitality you've always wanted at http://www.whattoeatwhilepregnant.com/.

Recommended Reading
Slim & Healthy Pregnancy.
How To Keep Excess Weight Off &
Maintain Good Health During And After Pregnancy.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isabel_De_Los_Rios

Audust 21 - 2010 - All About Women Health - Pregnancy Articles

Health Tips During Pregnancy
By Lacey Cormier

Recommended Reading
Slim & Healthy Pregnancy.
How To Keep Excess Weight Off &
Maintain Good Health During And After Pregnancy.

Pregnancy is the stage where a woman bears a child in her womb and has to take care of not only herself but also the baby within her. A woman's body can be very delicate during this stage and thus the people around her needs to know what she needs and have to avoid. Some, because of their lifestyle, those who are down because of poverty, sometimes forgets the things they need to do during those nine months. Here's a list of easy activities that doesn't need too much money but definitely important for pregnant woman.
- Medical Check Ups
It is the most important for a pregnant woman to have her monthly check ups with an OB gynecologist. If not, "barangay" or city health centers offer free consultations. The gynecologist or the midwife/doctor will check you and your baby if you are in good conditions.
- Daily Vitamins
After a check up, the midwife will give the mother free vitamins for the baby's development and also for herself as her body undergoes changes for the child's growth. During pregnancy, women should always take in mind that she needs to be healthy in order for her child to be healthy as well. The right vitamins and supplements will always do the trick.
- Vaccines
While pregnant, women shouldn't take any sort of medicine unless prescribed by a doctor. Some of the drugs can affect the child's development mentally and physically. But there are vaccines such as Tetanus Toxoid as a preparation for giving birth. Infection might affect the mother or the child (like the Tetanus infection) during birth so just before that due date, the mother must have her complete shots of T. T. to protect herself and the baby. In case of wounds or any other complication, anti-tetanus serum e.g. elisa kits, etc. should also be given for faster protection. It also measures the mother's protective status and thus, determines the proper treatment.
- Exercise
It is always good for the body; exercise helps your immune system to get stronger and a lot fitter, adjusting to the change due to pregnancy. It also prevents a lot of swelling at some parts of the body.
- Diet
Food is one of the most important factors when a woman's pregnant. This is where she gets most of the nutrients and vitamins for her and her baby. Also, a balanced diet affects the nutrients that help the baby's formation and development.
- Stress/Depression
These are the factors that a pregnant woman must avoid. Depression and stress affects the child's mental development and might result into a complication after birth. It can also cause low blood pressure and might turn the mother unhealthy. As far as possible, a mother should be healthy not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.
Pregnancy can be risky but easy to handle with proper intelligence and information. Women should take care of themselves while pregnant for their child's development, it is important that a child should be born healthy and perfectly well. Though always at home, there should always be enough caution and preparation even inside the house. Parents should always be prepared for anything and keep things in handy. Just like first aid kits (also like Elisa Test Kit ), emergency hotlines, and anything that could be used in times of unexpected events. "Prevention is better than cure" is always a sensible quote to keep in mind.
Silent but highly focused, Lacey Cormier is a 20 year-old working student who studies nursing at night and works part-time on a pharmacy during the day. She likes helping customers and referring items like elisa test kits and elisa kits, new and effective generic drugs and food supplements. She lives with her family in Ohio.

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Slim & Healthy Pregnancy.
How To Keep Excess Weight Off &
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lacey_Cormier

Audust 13 - 2010 - All About Women Health - Pregnancy Articles

See Why Fish Oil During Pregnancy Has Important Nutrients For Your Baby
By Jennifer P. April


Recommended Reading
Slim & Healthy Pregnancy.
How To Keep Excess Weight Off &
Maintain Good Health During And After Pregnancy.

If you've read anything about fish oil during pregnancy you know you need these important DHA and EPA fatty acids for your baby's brain development.

DHA is a building block of the brain. It develops motor skills, language and improves focus and concentration. EPA keeps moods balanced and positive.

Studies show these needed fatty acids can help develop motor skills up to 2 months faster in your child than children who don't get them. And, studies show that if they aren't getting these nutrients through your diet, they'll take them from your brain.

In turn, this can make you forgetful and can increase your risk of post partum depression.

Just as DHA & EPA builds your mental muscle and improves your child's outlook on life, it does the same for you. It improves your memory, strengthens your cardiovascular system and keeps your mood up.

Fish oil is rich in these essential nutrients.

That's why so many doctors recommend fish oil during pregnancy for you and your baby's health. But, you have to make sure you're getting a pure oil. It doesn't do either of you any good to take supplements laced with toxins like mercury and PCB's.

Really, it's all in the fish. Just like you may be wary of eating too much fish because of pollutants, you run into the same danger with some supplements.

Here's what you can do to protect you and your baby.

Make sure you know what kind of fish is used in your fish oil and where it came from. Salmon, tuna and sardines are good sources. But they have to come from a clean area of the ocean and run through a molecular distillation process.

A fish called hoki is hard to find in the States because it comes from the clean, pure waters of the Southern Ocean off the coast of New Zealand. It's one of the purest species today.

Any fish oil has to go through a process that ranks it on the International Fish Oil Standards. You can check that to see where your oil measures up.

Whichever you choose, molecular distillation is the best method for purification.

You're absolutely right that fish oil during pregnancy is highly recommended by health care professionals. It's also recommended through out your life because most people don't get enough. A deficient in these important fatty acids can have serious health consequences.

If you're interested in learning more about the effects of fish oil during pregnancy, please visit my website, where I share what products I have personally been using daily for several years.

Jen P. April is a passionate advocate of health and nutrition. To learn more about effective Omega 3's and supplements she recommends after extensive research, visit http://www.omega3-reviews.com.

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How To Keep Excess Weight Off &
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_P._April

Audust 05 - 2010 - All About Women Health - Pregnancy Articles

Current Health Articles on Obesity and Pregnancy
By Deep Gajiwala

Recommended Reading
Slim & Healthy Pregnancy.
How To Keep Excess Weight Off &
Maintain Good Health During And After Pregnancy.

Current health articles are mentioning the latest in the world of obesity. According to resent research obese women that become pregnant are putting their babies at risk of many abnormalities. The list of these abnormalities goes from spina bifida to neural tube defects to heart problems, cleft palate and abnormal rectum development.

The current health articles mention that there are a few theories in relation to these findings and some of them can be that obese women may be suffering from undiagnosed diabetes. Also the nutritional levels of an obese mother may not be up to the standard and folic acid may be lacking on their system which is also a very important aspect in regards to abnormalities in babies.

Obesity in itself is a sign that you are not healthy, and however, if you are planning to start a family and you are obese, there are a few things that current health articles mention that you can do in order to try and avoid any problems for your child.

First make sure you take the proper amounts of folic acid. Folic acid is very important for the proper growth of the fetus and taking the prescribed dosage will rule out this possibility. The folic acid is directly responsible for the development of the brain and the spinal cord of the child which are the most important aspects of the proper development of the physical body not to mention all its functions.

Other current health articles have mentioned the proper precautions to be taken in case you are a person suffering from diabetes. If you feel that you are obese or over weight, and you are pregnant, then getting yourself checked for diabetes can be a very good idea, as in this manner you can try and maintain a balance of your insulin levels and at the same time keep your baby from any kind of danger.

Current health articles also mention other precautions that you should take while you are pregnant or trying to conceive. You should get yourself properly checked by your doctor to avoid any kind of complications that you may be having at the time of pregnancy. Obesity may be caused by other reasons other than by eating too much or exercising too little and it is important to find out whether everything is in order.

Of course, the most important factor that current heart articles recommend and mention is having a nutritious and balanced diet that is not too low or too high on anything. Obese women tend to go on strict diets from time to time and this is not good for the general health as this depletes the vitamins and mineral balance in the system and it does not get rid of obesity either.

Regular exercising is also something that current health articles are emphasizing as you need to have energy to handle the burden of pregnant life and this can be very taxing for your body. This will be a good way to stay healthy.

Dr. Deep is a Physician and Blogs about current health events and current health articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deep_Gajiwala

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Slim & Healthy Pregnancy.
How To Keep Excess Weight Off &
Maintain Good Health During And After Pregnancy.

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July 29 2010 - All About Women Health - Pregnancy Articles

6 Ways to Reduce Heartburn During Pregnancy
By Megan Winegar


Recommended Reading
Slim & Healthy Pregnancy.
How To Keep Excess Weight Off &
Maintain Good Health During And After Pregnancy.

Many women experience heartburn for the first time while they are pregnant. It's not uncommon, but it is uncomfortable. What should you know about coping with heartburn during pregnancy?

First, the reason that women who have never had problems with heartburn may experience it during pregancy is easy. One of the hormones produced by the placenta slows down the contractions in the esophagus and relaxes the muscles between the stomach and esophagus - meaning that stomach acids either escape into the esophagus or get pushed there by the crowding baby.

Although they probably won't cure the problem completely, there are a few things you can do to minimize your discomfort.

1. Avoid those foods and habits that usually cause heartburn (even if they haven't triggered it in you before). Alcohol (as if you need another reason to avoid it while you're pregnant), caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruit, tomatoes, mustard, other acidic foods, spicy or fried foods, etc.
2. Instead of eating big meals (eating for 2!) eat multiple small meals throughout the day. That way, foods have more time to digest slowly and stay down.
3. Don't gulp down your liquids during meals. It's important to get enough water, but too many liquids while your stomach tries to digest will hinder the digestion process.
4. Avoid eating too close to bedtime - give yourself 2-3 hours before you give gravity extra leverage for letting acid into your esophagus.
5. Wear loose and comfortable clothing. Trying to fit into those jeans just a little longer will probably make your heartburn worse.
6. Try taking otc acid reducers, but talk to your doctor about it so you make sure to avoid brands that might contain aspirin or be high in sodium. Chewable, calcium carbonate antacids are probably your best first bet.

Your doctor may have other suggestions about what you can do to reduce your heartburn during pregnancy. You have enough discomfort to worry about - find ways to make this part easier.

Megan is the Web editor for Overstock Drugstore, an online pharmacy that offers great deals and great service on health and beauty products you use every day, including zantac 75 acid reducer. Overstock Drugstore believes in offering the best products and the best service, including a help line that goes to a person every time. To learn more, visit http://www.overstockdrugstore.com.

Recommended Reading
Slim & Healthy Pregnancy.
How To Keep Excess Weight Off &
Maintain Good Health During And After Pregnancy.

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