tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51440511692650324072011-11-27T15:53:31.436-08:00everything about motherhoodmelindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.comBlogger601100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-7337612509951615752008-08-27T09:22:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.565-07:00

THE FEAR: What if something really gross or embarrassing will happen during delivery? THE (RELAX!) FACTS: You've likely heard all sorts of delivery room stories -- say, about the woman who pooped on the table, or threw up all over her doctor...or cursed her husband for "doing this to me" in front of

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-10239650869835401892008-08-27T09:20:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.565-07:00

THE FEAR: Sex will never be the same again. THE (RELAX!) FACTS: After baby makes her way out, it's hard to imagine how everything down there will get back to the way it was. But it will! You just need to give your body a little time to heal, and your libido a chance to fire back up again (breastfeeding may

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-79949210498689694582008-08-26T09:18:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.566-07:00

THE FEAR: I'll never lose all this baby weight. THE (RELAX!) FACTS: Every giant-bellied gal on the planet worries about getting her pre-baby body back. And it doesn't help to see celeb after celeb snap back to their skinny selves the instant they're wheeled out of the delivery room. Truth is, research shows

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-3842025565897565652008-08-26T09:15:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.566-07:00

THE FEAR: My baby will have a birth defect. THE (RELAX!) FACTS: Like many moms-to-be, you hold your breath during every single prenatal test, hoping the results will prove your baby is healthy and developing on track. And it's overwhelmingly likely that she is. The risk of your baby having any birth defect

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-10079208951741392962008-08-25T09:12:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.567-07:00

THE FEAR: I'll eat or drink the wrong thing -- and harm my baby. THE (RELAX!) FACTS: Women today feel a lot of pressure to do all the "right things" when they're expecting, says Dr. Morse. Beyond the basics like eating healthy and taking prenatal vitamins, pregnant gals today worry about every little "Is it

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-47830589770928044152008-08-25T09:06:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.567-07:00

Relax! Here, doctors share the truth about your biggest pregnancy worries -- and why they're not as scary as you think.It's only natural to worry a bit throughout your pregnancy -- after all, this whole baby thing is new, nail-bitingly unpredictable, and you just want so badly for it to go perfectly. And guess what? It usually does. Here, doctors explain the real facts about the things that freak

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-41873476897182421592008-08-24T09:05:00.000-07:002008-08-24T09:05:00.812-07:00

In the vast majority of term pregnancies the fetus will be in the vertex, or "head-down" position at delivery. When the fetus is not in this position it is referred to as breech. Early in pregnancy the breech position is common. However, when the pregnant woman approaches her due date only 3% of babies will remain in the breech position. The majority of breech pregnancies in this country are

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-53808941851713954002008-08-23T09:04:00.000-07:002008-08-23T09:04:00.175-07:00

For many women, pregnancy comes and goes. Although it is an unforgettable experience, most women find pregnancy to be uneventful. However, there are some women who face issues and conditions during pregnancy, that aren't common. When something does go wrong, how do you cope? Once you encounter a complication in pregnancy, you are never able to relax again. Every twinge, ache, or odd feeling will

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-32142298085571882962008-08-22T09:02:00.000-07:002008-08-22T09:02:00.107-07:00

"Bedrest," she said, stoically. Incredulous, I asked my doctor to clarify. "You mean I can't go back to work?" "I mean you can get up to use the bathroom and to take the occasional short shower. Other than that, I want you lying on your left side at all times." Before I knew it, I was in the front office holding a packet of disability forms and scheduling weekly OB visits. My husband and I

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-16876310285418931362008-08-22T09:00:00.000-07:002008-08-22T09:00:03.673-07:00

There are many factors that constitute a high risk pregnancy. Some depend on the physician you have and their current opinions. Some stem from chronic conditions that was in place before pregnancy occurred. And some crop up during pregnancy. Even though you may have a high risk pregnancy - with today's medical knowledge and help - chances are your outcome will be a healthy baby in the end.

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-92182985732599982402008-08-21T08:58:00.000-07:002008-08-21T08:58:00.367-07:00

Feeling tired, exhausted, fatigued, getting short of breath and experiencing dizzy spells can all be symptomatic of anemia. Anemia is defined as "a condition in which there is an abnormally low proportion of red corpuscles in the blood, treated by iron (Fe) supplements." However, it may be difficult to assess if you are anemic or not, as many of the associated symptoms are symptoms typically

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-8737313233182830242008-08-20T08:55:00.000-07:002008-08-20T08:55:00.493-07:00

It is the job of the placenta to provide the growing fetus with the necessary nutrients and oxygen. If this organ fails to function properly, the fetus could be deprived of oxygen and become malnourished. If a problem with the placenta is discovered early enough, doctors can work to maintain the health of the baby. According to Dr. Stefan Semchyshyn, in his book, How to Prevent Miscarriage and

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-50170466920162538142008-08-20T08:54:00.000-07:002008-08-20T08:54:00.991-07:00

The term pre-eclampsia means a pregnancy disease in which symptoms are hypertension, protein in the urine and swelling. Pre-eclampsia was once known as toxemia. Eclampsia is when hypertension, protein in the urine and swelling (Edema) becomes life-threatening. The symptoms are followed by loss of consciousness, convulsions and possibly coma. Pre-eclampsia is first diagnosed when the blood

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-48465359684987110852008-08-19T08:52:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.568-07:00

Gestational Diabetes is a complication that occurs in approximately 4% of pregnancies and exemplifies yet another reason to seek and receive quality prenatal care, but it is still considered a very manageable condition. While testing, diagnosis, and treatment is somewhat disputed among medical professionals, gestational diabetes can result in various complications with delivery and if untreated

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-40635240156988667762008-08-08T11:57:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:14.613-08:00

By nature, mothers are nurturers. From the moment of conception, a mother's love will greatly influence her baby's journey through life. As babies are conceived out of love, they need to be cared for and loved. Bonding with your baby doesn't have to wait until birth. Mothers can bond with their baby throughout their pregnancy. Babies need to have their most basic needs met. From their mothers'

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-58299140878404357212008-08-06T08:55:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:14.776-08:00

The issues surrounding choosing the sex of a baby are controversial, to say the least. Those who are for gender selection feel that hereditary, gender-related diseases can be avoided, as well as allowing for "family balancing." Those who are opposed to gender selection feel that it is not our place to take nature into our own hands. Regardless of your stance on this subject, the fact remains,

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-82262579638043174542008-08-05T08:52:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.569-07:00

Pregnancy can be a thrilling time of anticipation and joy. But when you start contemplating how on earth you'll manage to be both a stellar employee and a stellar mom, your nine months can also be fraught with anxiety and conflicting feelings about what may become of your career -- and what you want to become of your career. Negotiating and orchestrating a smooth maternity leave will work wonders

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-2521852141208623082008-08-05T08:50:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:14.908-08:00

I will admit that I am very fortunate. I have two children already, and they are ages 10 and 8, and are fairly self-reliant. If Mom can't tend to the household duties, they can help. However, with all that said, the Mom in me still wants things to go smoothly, especially that first week after the baby arrives. Starting with the first month of my pregnancy, I began to prepare for our big arrival,

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-72538309645261372842008-08-04T08:47:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.570-07:00

Choosing the name for your baby will probably be one of the most important, exciting and fun things you will do during your pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy, many hours will be spent on choosing the baby's name. Friends, relatives, and even strangers will give you their opinions. You will probably consider many names and name combinations before you finally come to a decision. The following

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-36934194307227140782008-08-04T08:46:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.570-07:00

f you have to travel for work or for other reasons during your pregnancy, don’t fret. While there are safety issues to consider, traveling during pregnancy is generally safe for both you and baby. Following are some precautions you can take to make sure you and baby stay safe and comfortable during your travels. Talk to your doctor. Be sure to bring it up at your next visit, or make a special

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-7180360246612508802008-08-02T08:40:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:15.071-08:00

Breastfeeding your baby can be a rewarding experience for you both. Not only are you providing essential nutrients, but the act of breastfeeding is a bonding experience like no other. If you’ve decided that you will breastfeed your new baby, there are some things you can do while you’re still pregnant to prepare.Educate YourselfDuring your third trimester, learn as much as you can about

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-35468125286260149262008-07-30T10:55:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.571-07:00

WHAT IS AN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY?"Ectopic" is Latin for "in the wrong place." An ectopic pregnancy, also referred to as tubal pregnancy, occurs when a developing embryo plants itself outside the uterus. Most ectopic pregnancies are found in the fallopian tube, but they can occur at other pelvic sites such as the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity. The embryo cannot survive outside the uterus and must

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-52877539753805336802008-07-24T08:27:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:15.251-08:00

The biggest investment of your life won't come cheap. As you anticipate the joys of parenthood, a few mundane matters beg to be considered. One of the most fundamental is the question of money.The bottom line is, inquiring minds want to know: What's it going to cost me? Good question. Unfortunately, there's no easy answer. The glib answer is this: a lot. A whole lot. Probably more than you really

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-59543618593438109932008-07-24T08:24:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.571-07:00

Breastfeeding your baby can be a rewarding experience for you both. Not only are you providing essential nutrients, but the act of breastfeeding is a bonding experience like no other. If you’ve decided that you will breastfeed your new baby, there are some things you can do while you’re still pregnant to prepare.Educate YourselfDuring your third trimester, learn as much as you can about

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-7805531089307478802008-07-24T08:21:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.572-07:00

There can be many causes for vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, which can range from mild to serious. However, as alarming as it might be to find that you are spotting or bleeding while you are pregnant, be advised that most women who bleed during pregnancy – primarily during the first trimester – go on to deliver healthy babies at term. It’s important to know the most common causes of vaginal

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-52064465126478603932008-07-23T08:14:00.001-07:002008-12-08T14:24:15.429-08:00

How your baby's growing: A bit over 20 inches long, your baby has continued to grow and may now weigh almost 8 pounds. As cozy as he is, your baby can't stay inside you forever. For your baby's safety, your practitioner will talk with you about inducing labor if your baby isn't born in the next week — earlier if there are any problems. Most practitioners won't let you wait more than two weeks

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-68324037768967499932008-07-23T08:12:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:15.581-08:00

See the big picture How your baby's growing: It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds (a small pumpkin) and is about 20 inches long. His skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "molding" is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-47445631471755673552008-07-23T08:11:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:15.697-08:00

How your baby's growing: Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.See what your baby

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-80002705973063567932008-07-23T08:09:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.574-07:00

How your baby's growing: Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-66513434860995740252008-07-23T08:07:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:15.800-08:00

How your baby's growing: Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth,

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-24501594458252632262008-07-23T08:06:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:04.574-07:00

How your baby's growing: Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-57726943976812301472008-07-23T08:04:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:15.963-08:00

How your baby's growing: Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products.

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-68788069444147103912008-07-23T08:01:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:16.138-08:00

How your baby's growing:This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-80875522057366186572008-07-23T07:59:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:16.294-08:00

How your baby's growing: This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-21800225116891286162008-07-23T07:57:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:16.430-08:00

How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-75361056785067624702008-07-23T07:55:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:16.619-08:00

How your baby's growing: This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-9652443449636840682008-07-23T07:50:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:16.816-08:00

How your baby's growing Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it,

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-47588297392634655762008-07-23T07:47:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:16.926-08:00

How your baby's growing: Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-54074392412695728912008-07-23T07:45:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:17.132-08:00

How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-8559913231357570302008-07-23T01:04:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:17.303-08:00

How your baby's growing: Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, taking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-85183641201001817542008-07-23T00:58:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:17.408-08:00

How your baby's growing: Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.See what your baby looks like this

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-85005319736619780482008-07-23T00:53:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:17.523-08:00

How your baby's growing: Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs.

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-63363655351446694802008-07-23T00:33:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:17.807-08:00

How your baby's growing: Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp)

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-51492292965493721632008-07-23T00:31:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:17.968-08:00

How your baby's growing: Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-8230030029323089672008-07-23T00:04:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:18.112-08:00

How your baby's growing: Your new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-86702233672408031582008-07-23T00:01:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:18.218-08:00

How your baby's growing: New this week: Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from your baby's hands and feet, his eyelids practically cover his eyes, breathing tubes extend from his throat to the branches of his developing lungs, and his "tail" is just about gone. In his brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. You may be daydreaming

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-29990069562463690112008-07-22T23:56:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:18.387-08:00

How your baby's growing: The big news this week: Hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs — although they look more like paddles at this point than the tiny, pudgy extremities you're daydreaming about holding and tickling. Technically, your baby is still considered an embryo and has something of a small tail, which is an extension of her tailbone. The tail will disappear within

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-77800209672068783762008-07-22T23:53:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:18.655-08:00

How your baby's growing: This week's major developments: The nose, mouth, and ears that you'll spend so much time kissing in eight months are beginning to take shape. If you could see into your uterus, you'd find an oversize head and dark spots where your baby's eyes and nostrils are starting to form. His emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and his arms and

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-52551958956783261362008-07-22T23:50:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:18.777-08:00

How your baby's growing: Deep in your uterus your embryo is growing at a furious pace. At this point, he's about the size of a sesame seed, and he looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. He's now made up of three layers — the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm — which will later form all of his organs and tissues.The neural tube — from which your baby's brain, spinal cord, nerves, and

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-75354520675802582432008-07-22T10:02:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:18.932-08:00

How your baby's growing: This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period. From now until ten weeks, all of your baby's organs will begin to develop and some will even begin to function. As a result, this is the time when she'll be most vulnerable to anything that might interfere with her development.Right now your baby is an embryo the size of a poppy seed, consisting of two layers: the

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-26313966998699555892008-07-22T09:56:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:19.011-08:00

How your baby's growing: What's going on in your womb now? A lot. Your baby-in-the-making is just a tiny ball consisting of several hundred cells that are multiplying madly. Once the ball of cells (called a blastocyst) takes up residence in your uterus, the part of it that will develop into the placenta starts producing the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which tells your

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-91538116360733501512008-07-22T09:33:00.000-07:002008-12-08T14:24:19.182-08:00

How your baby will grow: Before she actually starts growing, you'll set the stage. Last week an increase in the amount of estrogen and progesterone coursing through your bloodstream prompted your uterus to form a lush, blood-rich lining of tissue to support a potential fertilized egg. At the same time, in your ovaries, eggs were ripening in fluid-filled sacs called follicles. At the beginning of

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-55704230529714862162008-07-22T09:25:00.001-07:002008-08-19T09:51:24.908-07:00

Pregnancy There are some food and nutrient items that, while of little concern to non-pregnant women, deserve special consideration during pregnancy because they can affect the health of both you and your baby.Supplemental Vitamins - Because the recommended daily allowance of almost all vitamins increases by 25% to 50% when you are pregnant, doctors/midwives often prescribe prenatal vitamins.

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-41223282156675692572008-07-22T09:23:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:24.909-07:00

Pregnancy Eating right while you`re pregnant is one way you can help assure your baby`s good health. It`s also a very smart way to help you feel good during this physically challenging time. Good nutrition is really quite simple when you make a decision to eat wisely and well.Your doctor/midwife/nutritionist will talk with you about the importance of good nutrition during pregnancy. Please inform

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-51273868158219883262008-07-22T09:20:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:24.909-07:00

Eating well balanced meals is important at all times, but it is even more essential when you are pregnant. There are essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals that your developing baby needs. Most foods are safe; however there are some foods that you should avoid during pregnancy.What are the foods I should avoid during pregnancy? Raw Meat:Sushi, uncooked seafood, rare or uncooked beef or

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-58738896161755471362008-07-22T09:15:00.001-07:002008-08-19T09:51:24.909-07:00

Guidelines for working during pregnancy:Many women work during pregnancy without any complications. Being able to work safely, in some cases, until the day of delivery depends on the type of work performed and the mother-to-be's medical condition. However, the workplace does pose certain risks, depending upon the occupation. Knowing what these risks are and minimizing them will help increase the

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-76016351855283775862008-07-22T09:13:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:24.909-07:00

By Bonnie BerkExcerpted from Motherwell Maternity Fitness Plan Eat a good breakfast. Skipping meals will contribute to eating in excess later in the day and may make you feel light-headed around midmorning. Also, after you sleep 6 to 8 hours a night without eating, your baby needs the calories early in the day. There is a theory that pregnant women should wake up at night to eat. I don't

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-64749383230698106862008-07-22T08:35:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:45.179-07:00

Is it common to get headaches during pregnancy? It's not unusual to get tension headaches when you're pregnant, especially in the first trimester. Tension headaches — the most common kind of headache — can feel like a squeezing pain or a steady dull ache on both sides of the head or the back of the neck. If you've always been susceptible to tension

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-21883107236987999692008-07-22T08:26:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:45.180-07:00

How do you know whether that sudden ache is normal or warrants a 2 a.m. call to your doctor or midwife? Here's a rundown of symptoms that should set off your warning bells. But even if you don't see your symptom on this list, it's better to err on the side of caution and make that call than to agonize for hours, wondering whether you've pulled a ligament or gone into preterm labor.Note that some

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5144051169265032407.post-63432556368108188362008-07-22T08:11:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:51:45.180-07:00

The onset and degree of pregnancy symptoms will vary within women. Many women experience them within days of conception, others take a few weeks before pregnancy symptoms kick in and a lucky few feel no discomfort at all. The early pregnancy symptoms listed on this page generally can be felt once implantation occurs (8 - 10 days from ovulation) and will lessen after the first trimester.It is

melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762391219526386437noreply@blogger.com0