Can’t get pregnant? A few lifestyle changes may be in order.

Like we said, it’s never really as simple as have sex, get pregnant. Even a few lifestyle factors can mean boost or bust if you want to have a baby. If you’ve decided you’re ready to be a parent, consider our fertility don’ts. If you want to get pregnant and have a healthy head-start for your baby, time to start kicking some bad habits — or a least practice some self-control.

Read More »

What’s good and safe about pregnancy massage?

Massage offers many benefits for pregnant women. Done properly by a trained therapist, prenatal massage can help alleviate the aches and pains of pregnancy, improves circulation and relieves tension and fatigue. You might hear people tell you to skip massages while pregnant because it can harm your baby. That’s a misconception!

Read More »

What’s true and what’s an old wives’ tale?

When you announce you’re pregnant, the unsolicited advice and information pours in. It can get confusing and overwhelming. You can even be misled to do the wrong thing. We can be worried about what we shouldn’t be bothered with. We know more about medicine and health these days, but myths still abound. We sort out what’s fact and what’s fiction.

Read More »

Stress and lack of support puts expectant moms at risk.

Some expectant mothers are more prone to depression than others. A University of Michigan study reports that factors such as stress, mental health history, social support and whether a pregnancy was planned contribute to putting a woman at risk for depression during pregnancy.

This is important because women who are depressed have higher risk for dangerous complications during pregnancy. In fact, attending doctors are being encouraged to identify depression and its risk factors to minimize pregnancy complications.

Read More »

Dealing with those pregnancy dizzies.

As we had tackled previously, it is typical for women to experience nausea and vomiting during the early stages of pregnancy. These symptoms may be unpleasant, but the American Pregnancy Association considers morning sickness as indicative of healthy placenta development. It’s a sign your body is doing its work to grow your baby! Still, we have more ways to deal with the discomfort. No need to suffer too badly.

Read More »

I’m pregnant and I feel sick!

Actually, morning sickness is somewhat of a misnomer. The nausea, fatigue and vomiting that may accompany pregnancy can happen anytime of the day or night. I can attest to that. Mine would come in waves, during the afternoon and in the evening. Just found out you’re pregnant and not feeling too good? Welcome to your first trimester!

Dr. Marjorie Greenfield, ob-gyn and author of The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book, says 70 percent of women experience nausea early in pregnancy and about 50 percent experience vomiting. “It’s very, very common, but it’s also incredibly varied,” Greenfield adds. “Lots of people are sick all day, some are sick mostly in the evening, and others are sick if they haven’t gotten enough sleep.”

Morning sickness can start as early as six weeks into pregnancy and tends to peak around the eighth and ninth weeks. But this too shall pass. Typically, pregnancy-induced nausea lifts when you hit the second trimester at 12 to 14 weeks.

In the meantime, we have advice on how to manage those unpleasant pregnancy symptoms.

Read More »

You’ve decided to take the plunge. Now what?

Deciding to have a baby before it actually happens is a great opportunity. Take advantage of having the chance to prepare yourself – and your body – for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby at the end of it. Go though our pre-pregnancy checklist and get a good, healthy start.

Read More »

Nutritious or poisonous? The real score on fish for pregnant moms.

When it comes to eating fish during pregnancy, experts seem to be giving conflicting advice. Some say fish contains mercury which could lead to abnormal brain development. Others tell us, fish is rich in omega fats that are crucial for brain development. So what’s a pregnant woman to eat?

When I first became pregnant, I was forced to turn nutrition expert overnight. After all, I wasn’t just eating for myself anymore. What I eat, my baby grows on too. If there was anything really confusing during my frenetic food research, it was advice about eating fish and seafood. We have a guide that finally makes sense.

Read More »

Do your kids have asthma? Then they’re at higher risk for H1N1 complications.

Young children have always been a high-risk group for contracting the pandemic H1N1 virus. Now, a new study shows that if your child has asthma the risk for serious H1N1 complications also rises significantly. Read on for more reason to take steps to protect your family from the virus.

Read More »

So what’s to expect – in the bedroom – when you’re expecting?

Even with that growing belly occupying more space, there should be room for romance. Sex during most pregnancies is safe. On top of that, those extra hormones can even give your sex life a boost. Multiple orgasms anyone? It’s a hot topic, and questions about sex and pregnancy abound. We have the answers… uncensored!

Read More »