6 Most Interesting Facts About Baby’s Kicks During Pregnancy

For most pregnant woman it’s a special feeling to experience her baby’s kicks. While it definitely indicates that your child growing inside you has reached a new milestone, it also indicates that your pregnancy journey has reached a new level. But ever wondered what these kicks really mean or what is it your pregnancy-body is trying to convey to you. If not, here are a few facts that you ought to know about your baby’s kicks during pregnancy.

1. Kicks are not just ‘kicks’.We all know that as baby grows, it starts to move around in the womb. ‘Kicks are referred to movements a fetus performs inside the womb. Though commonly called kicks, the movements might include movement of the diaphragm, hiccups, hand movements, a side-to-side turning, somersaults and more. However, not all these movements are perceived by the mother,’ says Dr Shantala Vadeyar, consultant obstetrician, foetal and maternal medicine, specialist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital. So the ones that are felt are often referred to as kicks. When your baby starts to actually kick, stretching the limbs out during the initial weeks all you might feel is flutter or just a swishing feeling in your abdomen. Here are more things you should know about your baby’s kicks.

2. Babies kick more in response to what happens in your environment

Within the womb your baby tries to stretch out the limbs to relax or move and hence you feel the kicks. ‘These movements or kicks are a part of your baby’s normal development. A baby might also move or kick in response to an external stimuli like sound, light or even food taken by the mother,’ says Dr Vadeyar. Here are five things that you should ask your gynecologist during your antenatal visit.



3. Babies kick more after your meal

A healthy baby growing at an expected pace might kick about 15 to 20 times a day. ‘Usually they will kick more after a meal or in response to a loud sound,’ informs Dr Vadeyar.

4. Babies start kicking as early as nine weeks

‘But those kicks can only be picked up on an ultrasound scan and is too early for a mother to sense them. However a mother can sense the movements after 18 or 19 weeks,’ says Dr Vadeyar.  But to perceive kicks that early you need to be really very attentive, many moms miss their first kicks accounting it to wind or just flutter in the abdomen. Else after the 24th week you might feel the kicks more too often. A mother who is blessed a second time can also feel them as early as 13 weeks. Here is what happens to you during the 24th week of your pregnancy.

5. Reduced number of kicks could mean something is wrong

A healthy baby would kick around 15 to 20 times a day. ‘Reduced fetal movements can raise a concern because it might mean that the fetus is not getting sufficient nutrition or oxygen. A detailed maternal and fetal assessment by ultrasound scan and a non-stress test, which checks the fetal heart rate patterns should be undertaken to evaluate the cause of reduced fetal movements.  Sometimes a serious problem may get detected and prompt delivery would be needed to rescue such distressed babies who are presented with reduced movements,’ says Dr Vadeyar. Contrary to popular belief, a baby kicking less often doesn’t indicate a quiet and reserved persona it means your baby needs help. If the baby does not move for more than an hour, despite the mother eating something, then it can be a cause of concern. Sometimes fetal movements tend to slow down if your sugar levels drop. Here is what you need to know about fetal distress.

6. Reduced kicks might not always indicate trouble.
Sometimes babies also rest inside the womb for periods as long as 40-50 minutes. Also after the 36th week there might be a retardation of fetal movement due to less availability of space.
source:http://www.timesfull.com

6 BAD HABITS PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD AVOID

The obesity epidemic, especially as it relates to children, is nothing to kid about. Seventeen percent of children and teens in the United States are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control, putting them at risk for adult problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.
There are many factors that contribute to this growing problem, and there’s now research to suggest pregnancy may be an especially influential time in determining the risk a child faces of becoming obese.
Here are 6 mom-to-be habits researchers say may influence the trajectory of weight gain in the next generation.

Watching TV during mealtimes
Pregnant women who watch TV while eating are more likely to continue that habit during their baby’s feedings, which is tied to a childhood obesity risk for newborns later in life, according to a new study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting in Vancouver, Canada. TV watching during meals is discouraged because it is associated with poorer quality diet, and mothers may miss the subtle cues that indicate their baby is full, said study author and associate professor of clinical pediatrics at the New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Mary Jo Messito. Though this is preliminary research, the study’s findings are a great reminder that distracted eating leads to unhealthy habits like overeating and ignoring satiety cues. Pamper yourself by eating at a set dinner table; your body and your baby will thank you.

Regularly eating red meat

In a recent commentary published in the journal Evidence-Based Nursing, author Philippa Middleton (not to be confused with Duchess Kate’s hot sister) warns of a link between regular red meat consumption and a higher rate of gestational diabetes in pregnant women, which poses risks to the health of both the mother and baby. Women with the highest intake of red meat showed an risk elevated by as much as 49 percent! A separate study in the journal Diabetes Care found that a child’s risk of obesity increased dramatically among those whose mothers had developed gestational diabetes. Middleton hypothesizes that excess fat and additives present in red- and processed meats (as opposed to the iron) may be to blame for the elevated risk. The good news is that non-meat sources of protein seem to have the opposite effect. Middleton notes: “Just over half a serving of nuts per day can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes by 40%.”

Gaining too much weight

Mothers who gain excessive weight over the course of a pregnancy may permanently affect energy balance mechanisms like appetite control in their offspring, according to a study published in PLoS Medicine. Researchers found 39.4 percent of children born to women who gained more than 40 pounds to be obese. According to the Institute of Medicine, recommended weight gain during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds for normal weight women (BMI 18.5-24.9).

Not gaining enough weight

Call it the Goldilocks dilemma. Researchers say gaining too little weight during pregnancy may also increase the risk of having an overweight or obese child. The large-scale study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, found that women with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement before pregnancy who gained less than the Institute of Medicine’s recommended amount of 25 to 35 pounds were 63 percent more likely to have a child who became overweight or obese.

Not considering your antidepressants

Research from McMaster University suggests that maternal use of a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, may predispose infants to fat accumulation around the liver, type 2 diabetes and obesity later in life. The study authors note that the findings do not suggest women should avoid taking antidepressants during pregnancy, only that there may be associated risks. More studies need to be done to verify these conclusions, but if you have concerns, you should consult with your doctor.



Not sharing your traumatic stress with your doctor

A study from Aarhus University published in PloS ONE indicates that unborn children who are exposed to severe stress levels have an increased risk of becoming overweight or developing obesity as adults. Young men whose mothers had been exposed to bereavement during pregnancy showed an increased risk for obesity, the degree of which varied depending on the closeness of the relationship the mother had with the deceased. If the woman had lost her husband, her son had twice the risk of developing overweight in adulthood. Though not all associations are clear, the study underscores the fact that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health and the importance of being open with your doctor. Sharing your emotional as well as physical stress allows you and your doctor to work closely together to ensure the health of your child.

source:http://www.kidsloverscenter.com/

Natural childbirth V: epidural side effects and risks

Before we dive into a discussion of epidural analgesia I’d like to clarify my intention in writing this series in light of some of the comments on previous articles.
The purpose of this series on natural childbirth is to demonstrate that homebirth is as safe – if not safer – than hospital birth for low risk pregnancies, and that medical interventions commonly used in hospital births such as epidurals, induction with synthetic oxytocin and cesarean sections have risks and complications that are often not communicated to pregnant women.

Currently fewer than 1% of births happen at home in the U.S., and I believe this is largely due to misconceptions about its safety. My intention here is to correct those misconceptions.

The purpose of this series is not to condemn the use of these interventions in all circumstances. All of them have their place, and can be very helpful and even life-saving (for mothers and babies) when used appropriately. In fact, I said the following in bold text at the end of the first article in this series:

I want to be clear: no matter where birth takes place, complications may arise that require medical intervention and I am 100% in support of it in these cases.

There is still much we don’t understand about birth, and even more we don’t have direct control over. In some cases, despite a woman’s best efforts to have a natural, undisturbed birth, complications arise that require medical attention (and transfer to a hospital if she started laboring at home). In these circumstances, I absolutely endorse taking advantage of whatever interventions may protect the health and safety of both the mother and baby. At the end of the day, that is far, far more important than the method by which the baby was born.

I also want to be clear that I am not judging women who choose to have hospital births, receive epidurals, induce with Pitocin or end up having a cesarean section. I respect the right of women to choose a method of childbirth that feels safe and comfortable for them.

My purpose, instead, is to tell the side of the story that women are often not told, and to raise awareness of the risks associated with these procedures so that when it comes time to make their own decision, women are adequately educated and informed to do so.



What is an epidural and how common are they?

Dr. Leonard J. Corning, a neurologist in New York, was the first physician to use an epidural. In 1885 he injected cocaine into the back of a patient suffering from spinal weakness and seminal incontinence.

Today, epidurals are by far the most popular method of pain relief during labor in U.S. hospitals. According to the Listening to Mothers II survey (2006), more than 75 percent of women reported that they received an epidural, including 71 percent of women who had a vaginal birth. In Canada in 2005-2006, 54 percent of women who gave birth vaginally used an epidural, and during those same years in England, 22 percent of women overall had an epidural before or during delivery.

In an epidural, a local anesthetic – still derived from cocaine – is injected into the epidural space (the space around the tough coverings that protect the spinal cord). Epidurals block nerve signals from both the sensory and motor nerves, which provides effective pain relief but immobilizes the lower part of the recipient’s body.

In the last decade, a new type of epidural has been developed (called “walking epidurals”) that reduce the motor block and allow some mobility.

Spinal analgesia (a.k.a. “spinals”) are also used for pain relief during labor, but unlike conventional epidurals, they allow women to move during labor. In a spinal, the analgesic drug is injected directly into the spinal space through the dura, producing fast-acting, short-term pain relief.

Epidurals have significant impacts on all hormones of labor

In the last article, Natural Childbirth IV: The Hormones of Birth, we discussed the exquisite orchestration of hormones during birth and the risks of interfering with the body’s natural hormone regulation.

Unfortunately, epidurals interfere with all of the hormones we discussed.

They inhibit beta-endorphin production, which in turn shuts down the shift in consciousness (“going to another planet”) that characterizes undisturbed birth.

Epidurals reduce oxytocin production or keep it from rising during labor. They also blunt the oxytocin peak that would otherwise occur at the time of birth because the stretching receptors of a woman’s lower vagina (which trigger the peak) are numbed.

As Dr. Sarah Buckley explains 1:

A woman laboring with an epidural therefore misses out on the final powerful contractions of labor and must use her own effort, often against gravity, to compensate for this loss. This explains the increased length of the second stage of labor and the increased need for forceps when an epidural is used.

Epidurals have also been shown to inhibit catecholamine (CA) production. Remember that CA can slow or stop labor in the early stages, but it promotes the fetus ejection reflex in the second stage of labor. Thus inhibiting CA production may make delivery more difficult.

Epidurals limit release of prostaglandin F2 alpha, a lipid compound that stimulates uterine contractions and is thought to be involved with the initiation of labor. Prostaglandin F2 alpha levels should naturally rise during an undisturbed labor. However, in one study women with epidurals experienced a decrease in PGF2 alpha and a consequent increase in labor times from 4.7 to 7.8 hours.


Epidurals interfere with labor and have side effects for mothers

Epidurals have been shown to have the following effects on labor and laboring mothers:

They lengthen labor.
They triple the risk of severe perineal tear.
They may increase the risk of cesarean section by 2.5 times.
They triple the occurrence of induction with synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin).
They quadruple the chances a baby will be persistently posterior (POP, face up) in the final stages of labor, which in turn decreases the chances of spontaneous vaginal birth (see below).
They decrease the chances of spontaneous vaginal delivery. In 6 of 9 studies reviewed in one analysis, less than half of women who received an epidural had a spontaneous vaginal delivery.
They increase the chances of complications from instrumental delivery. When women with an epidural had a forceps delivery, the amount of force used by the clinician was almost double that used when an epidural was not in place. This is significant because instrumental deliveries can increase the short-term risks of bruising, facial injuries, displacement of skull bones and blood clots in the scalp for babies, and of episiotomy and tears to the vagina and perineum in mothers.
They increase the risk of pelvic floor problems (urinary, anal and sexual disorders) in mothers after birth, which rarely resolve spontaneously.
One important thing to note about these studies: in most of them, the women in the “control” groups were given opiate painkillers, which are also known to disrupt the natural hormonal processes of birth. We can assume, then, that a comparison of women using no drugs during labor would have revealed even more substantial differences.

Epidural also have side effects for babies

It’s important to understand that drugs administered by epidural enter the baby’s bloodstream at equal and sometimes even higher levels than those present in the mother’s bloodstream.

However, because babies’ immune systems are immature, it takes longer for them to eliminate epidural drugs. For example, the half-life of bupivacaine, a commonly used epidural analgesic, is 2.7 hours in an adult but close to 8 hours in a newborn. 2

Studies have found detectable amounts of bupivacain metabolites in the urine of exposed newborns for 36 hours following spinal anesthesia for cesarians.

Some studies have found deficits in newborn abilities that are consistent with the known toxicity of drugs used in epidurals.

Other studies have found that local anesthetics used in epidurals may adversely effect the newborn immune system, possibly by activating the stress response.

There is evidence that epidurals can compromise fetal blood and oxygen supply, probably via the decrease in maternal blood pressure that epidurals are known to cause.

Epidurals have been shown to cause fetal bradycardia, a decrease in the fetal heart rate (FHR). This is probably secondary to the decrease in maternal CA caused by epidurals which in turn leads to low blood pressure and uterine hyper-stimulation.

Epidurals can cause maternal fever, which in turn may affect the baby. In a large study of first-time moms, babies born to mothers with fever (97% of whom had epidurals) were more likely to be in poor condition (low APGAR scores) at birth, to have poor tone, to require resuscitation and to have seizures in the newborn period, compared to babies born to mothers without fever.

Older studies using the more exacting Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS, devised by pediatricians) rather than the newer, highly criticized Neurologic and Adaptive Capacity Score (NACS, devised by anesthesiologists – can you say “conflict of interest”?) found significant neurobehavioral effects in babies exposed to epidurals.

In one such study, researchers found less alertness and ability to orient, and less mature motor abilities, for the first month of life. These findings were in proportion to the dose of bupivacaine administered, suggesting a dose-related response.

Epidurals may interfere with mother-baby bonding and breastfeeding

Some studies suggest that epidurals may interfere with the normal bonding that occurs between mothers and babies just after birth.

In one study, mothers given epidurals spent less time with their babies in the hospital. The higher doses of drugs they received, the less time they spent.

In another study, mothers who had epidurals described their babies as more difficult to care for one month later than mothers who hadn’t had an epidural.

It’s important to note that neither of these studies prove that epidurals were the cause of the behavioral changes observed. However, if epidurals were at fault, the effects are most likely caused by their interference with the natural orchestration of hormones we discussed in the previous post, and may also be influenced by drug toxicity and the complications associated with epidural births: long labors, forceps and cesareans.

There is also evidence that epidurals may decrease breastfeeding efficiency.

In one study, researchers used the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) and found scores highest amongst unmedicated babies, lower for babies exposed to epidurals and IV opiates, and lowest for babies exposed to both.

A large prospective study found that women who had used epidurals were more than 2 times as likely to have stopped breastfeeding by 24 weeks compared with women who used non-pharmacological pain relief.

Conclusion

Epidural analgesia is a highly effective form of pain relief and a useful intervention in certain circumstances.

However, epidurals and spinals also cause unintended side effects in both the mother and baby, and interfere with the natural birth process and bonding between mother & baby.
source:http://www.kidsloverscenter.com/

How To Bathe A Baby – With Detailed Step By Step Instructions

For the first week or so it’s best to give your infant sponge baths with a warm, damp washcloth. Wash his face and hands frequently, and thoroughly clean his genital area after each diaper change.

Bathing a baby in a bath tub

After the umbilical cord stump dries up, falls off, and the area heals, you can start giving your newborn a tub bath every few days. It’s easiest to use the kitchen sink or a small plastic baby tub filled with warm water instead of a standard tub.

Although some parents bathe their babies every day, until a baby is crawling around and getting into messes, a bath isn’t really necessary more than three times a week during the first year. Bathing your baby too often can dry out her skin.

Some babies find the warm water very soothing. If this is the case with your baby, it’s fine to let her linger. Others cry through the whole bath —that’s when you’ll want to get her in and out. Baths don’t need to take up a lot of time: Five minutes is long enough to get your baby clean before the water cools down too much.

When you do bathe your newborn, you may find it a little scary at first. Handling a wiggling, wet, and soapy little creature takes practice and confidence, so stay calm and maintain a good grip on her.


Bathing your newborn
A nurse and mother of four demonstrates the best ways to wash your new baby.


How to keep a baby safe in a bath tub

Never leave your baby unsupervised, even for a minute. If the doorbell or phone rings and you feel you must answer it, scoop him up in a towel and take him with you.
Never put your baby into a tub when the water is still running. (The water can quickly get too deep or hot.)
Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A child can get third-degree burns in less than a minute at 140 degrees.
Never leave your child unattended. (Yes, it’s so important we listed it twice). A child can drown in less than an inch of water—and in less than 60 seconds.

Step by step: How to 

1Gather all your bath supplies (including mild soap, a washcloth, and a plastic cup), and lay out a towel, a clean diaper, and clothes. Make sure the room is comfortably warm so your baby doesn’t get chilled.

2Fill the tub with about 3 inches of water that feels warm, but not hot, to the inside of your wrist—about 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) or a few degrees warmer.

3Bring your baby to the bath area and undress her completely. (TIP: If your baby cries through every bath, leave the diaper on at first. It can give her an increased sense of security in the water.)

4Gradually slip your baby into the tub feet first, using one hand to support her neck and head. Pour cupfuls of bath water over her regularly during the bath so she doesn’t get too cold.

5Use mild soap and use it sparingly (too much dries out your baby’s skin). Wash her with your hand or a washcloth from top to bottom, front and back. Start by washing her scalp with a wet, soapy cloth.

 6Rinse the soap from the cloth and use it to gently clean her eyes and face. If dried mucus has collected in the corners of your baby’s nostrils or eyes, dab it several times to soften it before you wipe it out. As for your baby’s genitals, a routine washing is all that’s needed.
Rinse your baby thoroughly with cupfuls of water, and wipe her with a clean washcloth. Then very carefully lift her out of the tub with one hand supporting her neck and head and the other hand supporting her bottom. Wrap your fingers around one thigh. (Babies are slippery when wet.) If it’s possible, have another adult help by receiving your baby in a dry towel.

7Wrap your baby in a hooded towel and pat her dry. If her skin is still peeling from birth, you can apply a mild baby lotion after her bath, but this is generally dead skin that needs to come off anyway, not dry skin. Then diaper her, dress her, and give her a kiss on her sweet-smelling head.
source:http://www.kidsloverscenter.com/

YOUR 9 MONTHS PREGNANCY LIFE IN 4 MINUTES!!! THIS IS BEYOND AMAZING!!!

Have you ever wondered how a baby develops so rapidly and fully in his or her mother’s womb? Well, this astounding short video demonstrates the mind-blowing process for us to witness. It’s a computerized, fast-paced – and accurate – window to the womb.
Here’s the description of the video on YouTube:

Life is truly wonderful! In fact, the development of human life in the womb is just amazing. Did you know that everything about you — including how tall you would be, the color of your eyes, and the color of your skin– was all determined at the time of fertilization? Month-by-month you grew in the safety and comfort of your mother’s womb until the big day of your birth finally arrived!

“Life in the Womb” is a fascinating video that gives us the story of the unborn child, and demonstrates the fetus development in the Uterus.

The video has been seen over 1,00,000 times, and some of the viewers have reacted:

“This is an amazing video. Only God who created all things could create such a beautiful process. …”

“Amazing how far science has come. We even know the full process of life. But there are still some people that refuse to accept it.”



“I can’t explain my feeling about this video.  It’s out of my mind and heart. Best ever video on Youtube.”

“The progress at every point is really beautiful in pregnancy – to the way the baby’s made, to the way it forms and grows, and until his/her birth. This is why I’m pro-life because life is life, and each fetus should be given a chance to grow into the person God meant them be. It deepens one’s faith in God and his love, and makes me reminisce about being pregnant with my son who’s 16 now…brings u closer to God and your children, and is very precious. It’s lovely and emotional. God is good :)”

“This is AWESOME!!!!!!!!! WOW”

“This video is totally beautiful! There has to be a God!!”



For more videos on life inside the womb, visit The Endowment for Human Development online. There, you will find rare, in-utero footage of preborn babies at various stages.
source:http://www.kidsloverscenter.com/

How to Prepare the Breast for Breast Feeding

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your baby. It contains exactly what your baby needs for nutrients, energy, and antibodies against illnesses. Your body will prepare your breasts for breastfeeding without you having to do very much. However, there are a few things that you can do to learn what to expect and get organized.

Part 1 of 2: Getting Ready to Breastfeed

Massage, but do not “rough up” your breasts. Massaging your breasts will help you relax and prepare you in case you need to manually express milk for the baby.

The massage should be gentle and not painful. Start at the above the breast and stroke with a circular motion while moving towards the nipple. Then move again to the outside of the breast in a different area and repeat, moving towards the nipple. Do this until you have moved around the entire breast.
Do not “rough up” your nipples by scrubbing them roughly with a towel. This will remove the natural oils that your breast produces and may make them sore.

Determine whether you have inverted nipples. Some women have inverted, or flat, nipples which appear to have an indentation in the middle. You can determine whether your nipples are inverted using the pinch test:

Pinch your breast between your thumb and forefinger on the dark area about an inch above and below the nipple.
If your nipple becomes erect, it is not inverted. If it retracts into the breast, it is inverted. Women may have one inverted and one protruding nipple.
The degree of inversion can vary from slight to severe.
Your doctor will also be able to tell you whether your nipples are inverted or flat.


Do not worry if you have inverted nipples. Many women with inverted nipples are able to successfully breastfeed without a problem. However, there are devices you can buy and techniques you can learn about to prepare in case your baby has trouble:

Push your nipples out with breast shells. Breast shells are plastic devices which press on your breast making the nipple pop out. You can prepare your breasts by wearing them before the birth and then after the birth for about 30 minutes before feeding time.
Use the Hoffman Technique to stretch your nipple and make it easier to pop out. Put both thumbs on either side of your nipple and press into your breast while also spreading your thumbs apart. Work your way around the nipple. Start doing it twice a day and work up to five times per day. Continue doing it after birth.
Use a breast pump to pull out your nipple right before feeding.
Try an Evert-It NippleEnhancer. This device uses suction to pull your nipple out.
Stimulate your nipples to make them erect before feeding. Massage them between your thumb and forefinger until they protrude. You can also, very briefly, apply a cold compress, but do not numb it. This will make milk less likely to flow.
As your baby latches on to drink, squeeze your breast or pull the skin back towards your chest. This will help the nipple protrude.
Try a nipple shield in consultation with a lactation specialist. This is worn over the breast and allows milk to flow through a hole to the baby. If the baby has difficulty gripping the breast in its mouth, the shield may help. But do not use it without professional help to make sure it is done properly.

Keep your breasts clean, but do not use harsh soaps. Washing your breasts in clear water will be sufficient to keep them clean.

Lotions and lubricants are not needed unless your nipples are very dry.
If you have psoriasis or eczema, talk to your doctor about what medications you can use while breastfeeding.
Wash your hands before breastfeeding or expressing milk.
Use a breast pump to induce lactation if you are an adoptive mother. Adoptive mothers can often breastfeed by stimulating their breasts to produce milk.

Stimulate your breasts through pumping every 2-3 hours around the clock before the baby comes.
Use a Medela Supplemental Nursing System or a Lact-Aid Nurser Training System to feed your baby additional milk while he or she stimulates your body to increase its milk supply.
The quantity of milk adoptive mothers can produce varies greatly. It may still be necessary to provide some formula.
source: http://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-the-Breast-for-Breast-Feeding

13 Things No One Tells You About Giving Birth

1. Your water doesn’t break in a ceremonious splatter at your feet. Unlike in every movie ever, when a real woman’s water breaks, it usually doesn’t look like a water balloon shattering on concrete. More likely, it’s going to be a slower, more gradual flow akin to uncontrollably peeing yourself. We’ve all done that, right?

2. Your water might not break just once. Said “water” — actually, amniotic fluid that forms a protective sac around your baby — can keep trickling all day, necessitating a fat maxi pad, which feels very Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. This is the first time birth will lead you back to maxi pads. But it ain’t the last.

3. If your water doesn’t break on its own, a doctor breaks it for you. With a super-long hook-like thingy, I am told. Supposedly it doesn’t hurt per se, but just feels “uncomfortable.”

4. Just because your water breaks doesn’t mean you have to race to the hospital and behave like Hugh Grant in Nine Months. Your water may break but it could still be hours (or even a full day) before contractions start and your cervix begins dilating to make way for le bebe. My water broke in the morning; my husband and I (quite randomly) watched Cops for hours in peace afterward.

5. You can’t run around with your water broken or have sex once it does. Just in case in your large, about-to-deliver-a-baby state, you’re feeling ripe for the Cosmo Kama Sutra. Because without an amniotic sac protecting him/her, the baby can get an infection. Via your vagina. Within 24 hours of your water breaking, labor will either start on its own or doctors will induce labor with drugs.



6. Contractions may be the worst part. You’d think pushing a baby out would be the absolute worst (given that popular “pushing something the size of a watermelon through something the size of a lemon” analogy). But for many people, contractions are the deepest circle of hell. They start out like regular menstrual cramps and you’re all, “Oh, this isn’t even that bad!” But they quickly turn into tiny, evil elf hands grabbing your lower back and lower abdomen, and squeezing them with all of their might until pushing out a baby actually seems like a nice change of pace from this bullshit. If you get an epidural because you are sane (JK, I’m sure natural births are awesome but I will NEVER know), contractions may be the most painful part of giving birth.

7. Getting an epidural is like tripping on medically sanctioned ecstasy. It doesn’t even hurt at all when the anesthesiologist injects a long needle directly into your spine because he’s so amazing, he numbs the area before hooking you up with a totally free (except for your substantial insurance bill) high! The barbaric agony of contractions evaporates within minutes, causing a sweet, sweet numbness in your entire thoracic area. In many cases, your epidural will even come with a handy pump, so you can funnel more painkillers *directly into yourself*! Soon you’ll be joyously announcing, “I can’t feel my ass!” telling the anesthesiologist you love him, and falling asleep to a My 600-lb Life marathon. But that was just me.

8. You feel like you have to number two. This is gross, but you’ll know it’s time to start pushing when you feel an intense desire to run to the bathroom and number two. That’s because a roughly 8-pound baby has descended into your uterus and is now pressing on your entire nether region, butt included, trying to get out. You may beg the nurses to let you go to the bathroom but you will not be allowed to do so (from what I gleaned, on the off chance you push your baby into the toilet like a 16-year-old at prom in a Lifetime movie?). Anyway, compared to contractions, getting ready to push out the baby is pressure and “discomfort,” not stabbing pain, and at this point you really relish the difference. Again, this is if you get an epidural, which, in my opinion, is such a gift from God that pushing a small human being out of your body actually feels do-able.

9. The person who delivers your baby might not be your doctor. In some cases, like mine, your doctor splits hospital rounds with three partners, which means I had a 25 percent chance she would deliver me and a 75 percent chance one of her partners would. I prayed it would be her, because I loved her and I knew her and she massaged a friend “open” so she didn’t tear … but alas, she didn’t happen to be on call when I got to the hospital, so her partner delivered me. But real talk: If your “real” doctor doesn’t deliver you, you sort of don’t care anymore. You just want the baby out and whoever is going to help make that happen — her partner, a nurse, a f*cking janitor — seems perfectly acceptable.

10. The doctor may cut “just a snip.” This is also known as an episiotomy, which is when the OB/GYN cuts a lady’s perineum to help get the baby out. (HORRIBLE MENTAL IMAGE I KNOW, I AM SO SORRY). My OB-GYN friend says this is an antiquated practice and it shouldn’t really happen anymore, but it does and the thought of it is horrible and never ever, ever, ever Google “episiotomy.” (P.S. Friends of mine who got an epidural did not even feel their episiotomy. Either that or adrenaline acted as a powerful au naturel painkiller.)

11. The doctor may “vacuum” your baby out. My daughter’s heart rate was dropping and I had preeclampsia (high blood pressure brought on by labor aka Lady Cybil disease, may she rest in peace), so my doctor used a “vacuum” to suction her out more quickly. He didn’t roll a Dyson in to my room to my knowledge, and I couldn’t see or feel what was going on, but I was told she was being vacuumed, and she later had a temporary conehead to prove it.

12. If your baby is vacuumed and has a little conehead, you will feel really bad for her and also think it is adorable. Who knew?

13. You have to deliver the placenta. After the main event of getting the baby out you have to deliver the placenta. Someone may casually say “one more push” and it is all very low-key because after birthing a small human, pushing out an amorphic, liver-like thing seems like the ultimate NBD. No, I didn’t look at it or encapsulate it or make placenta lasagna with it, like some people have.
source:http://www.kidsloverscenter.com/

What do I do if my waters break early?

During pregnancy your baby is protected and cushioned inside your uterus in a bag of membranes full of amniotic fluid. If a tear forms in the bag then the fluid leaks out via the cervix and vagina. This is known as your “waters breaking”. It is written in your notes as SROM (spontaneous rupture of membranes).
Most women’s waters break towards the end of the first stage of labour. For about one in 10 women the waters break at the end of pregnancy but before labour starts (prelabour rupture of membranes at term or PROM). For about 2 per cent of pregnant women, their waters break before they are 37 weeks pregnant (preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes or PPROM).

If your waters do break before you go into labour, don’t panic! Put on a sanitary pad for protection. This will also make it easier to see the colour of the fluid you are losing. The fluid is almost clear with a yellow tinge, and possibly a little bloodstained to begin with.

The amount of fluid you lose may vary. It may be a slight trickle or a large “gush”. It can be quite a shock if the waters do come out in a big gush; by the end of pregnancy, there can be about 800 millilitres of fluid.

If there is a lot of fluid, a sanitary pad will not be enough and you’ll be better off using an old hand towel. While undignified, it’s more practical, especially if you need to travel by car to hospital or the birth centre. You may also wish to protect the car seat with a plastic sheet.

If it’s a small trickle every now and again, it’s important to make sure it’s not leakage of urine, which can also happen in late pregnancy. (In my experience most women do know the difference!)

It’s important that, regardless of how many weeks pregnant you are when your waters break, you should be seen fairly quickly for assessment (even if you are not having contractions). Once your waters have broken, there is less protection against getting an infection, which can sometimes track upwards from the vagina into the uterus.



Some hospitals will admit you to the delivery ward, while others may see you in the prenatal clinic or labour and delivery triage. If you are planning a home birth, call your midwife and she will probably come to your house to assess you there.

Once you have been examined, provided you are at least 37 weeks pregnant, you can choose to be induced, usually about 24 hours after your waters have broken, or to “wait and see” if you go into labour beyond 24 hours. About nine out of 10 women, who are at least 37 weeks pregnant, give birth naturally within 24-48 hours of their waters breaking. If you’re between 34 and 37 weeks pregnant you may also have a choice of induction or to wait and see.

If you tested positive for group B streptococcus during pregnancy, the situation is slightly different. There is a risk of GBS-related infection if there is a long gap between your waters breaking and labour starting. So in this case you would probably be induced as soon as possible.

If all is well with you and your baby, you should be free to go home if you wish. A wait and see approach carries a slight risk of infection (about 1 per cent of women compared to 0.5 per cent of women whose waters haven’t broken). In the meantime, it’s safe for you to have a bath or shower but don’t have sex once your waters have broken as this increases your risk of infection.

You will need to:

have your baby’s heart rate and movements checked by a midwife or doctor every 24 hours until you go into labour or are induced
check your temperature every four hours while you’re awake to see if you’re developing a fever
check for changes in the colour and smell of the amniotic fluid (waters), which could indicate an infection
check that your baby is moving as usual
If you have any signs of infection or fever (such as shivering and flushing), or you’ve noticed a decrease in your baby’s movements contact the hospital immediately. If an infection is diagnosed you’ll need intravenous antibiotics and to be induced straight away.

If you have no signs of infection but your waters have been broken for more than 24 hours, you’re advised to give birth in hospital. This is because your baby may need immediate access or transfer to neonatal care. You’ll need to stay in hospital for at least 12 hours after the birth so that your baby can be checked for signs of infection and you’ll be asked to contact a midwife or doctor immediately if you have any concerns about your baby in the first five days.

The risk increases the longer it is between your waters breaking and your baby’s birth. If you have no signs of infection, but your waters have been broken for more than 48 hours, you will need to think seriously
source:http://www.kidsloverscenter.com/

A guide to your first 40 days as a mother

What are the first 40 days after delivery all about?

If you have just had a baby, you may have been told by your family members that the first 40 days after delivery are important.

The practices during these days may vary depending on which part of the country you are from. But largely, the first 40 days are seen as a confinement period, meant for you to recuperate, gain strength and bond with your new baby.

It’s quite natural to feel that 40 days is too long. You may want to get out of the house before that. Or you may find all the dos and don’t that this period comes with too restrictive.

If your recovery is taking longer than you expected though, you will probably be happy for the excuse of these 40 days to get all the rest you need.

However long you end up spending on your confinement, enjoy this precious time you get for yourself and your newborn baby before the mad rush of life sets in again. Your body will be going through a lot during these first few days of motherhood. Here is how you can make the most of the confinement time to help you recover well.

How can I recover quickly after birth?

Depending on your birth experience, you may feel well again fairly soon after the birth. But it can also seem like a long time before you are free from aches and pains, especially if you had a caesarean or assisted birth.

It is best to allow your body to heal at it’s own pace. You can help yourself heal by resting, eating well and looking out for the signs of an infection or other postnatal complication.



Rest may not be easy to come by with a newborn. Your little one will probably want to be fed every two hours through the day and night, and will probably pass urine as often. But this is why confinement is such a popular postnatal practice in India. It allows you to rest in the day while your mum, mum-in-law or maid look after the household chores.

Experienced mothers know what you are going through and are usually happy to help out at this time. If you do not have family close by to help you, there are maids specially trained to help new mothers during their confinement. You can consider hiring one either part or full time.

How will I feel emotionally after birth?

Giving birth is an amazing achievement, and every mum responds in her own way. You may feel alert and happy – physically, mentally, and emotionally satisfied. Or you may feel bruised and battered, exhausted, disappointed and even depressed. You may find that you feel very protective and possessive of your baby or on the other hand, happy when someone offers to take care of him for a while.

Many new mums also get the baby blues and a few suffer from more serious postnatal depression. This can cause severe mood swings, sadness and guilt. If you feel extremely depressed and have thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, you should speak to your doctor. With the right treatment, you will feel better again.

Use the confinement period to help you get over this emotional upheaval and bond with your baby, so that you are able to enjoy motherhood fully.

Breastfeeding your baby

Doctors, medical experts and the Ministry of Health recommend breastfeeding your baby exclusively for six months.

Though it is the best nourishment for your little one and the most natural one, breastfeeding doesn’t always happen easily. You may have starting troubles. And it’s quite normal to have problems like engorged breasts, breast refusal or sore nipples. In addition, the night-time feeds can take their toll on you.

Fortunately, there are ways to cope with breastfeeding issues. If you have any questions, you will probably find answers in our breastfeeding section.

You might find yourself very happy for the first few days of confinement to spend some quality time with your baby perfecting the art of breastfeeding.

What should I eat during my first 40 days?

Once your baby is here, you are sure to hear a lot about what you should and shouldn’t eat. The traditions vary from region to region and almost from family to family.

Though there might be many restrictions, eating healthily is vital for you to heal well and to produce good breastmilk for your baby.

So make sure you get all the vital nutrients like iron, calcium, vitamins, carbohydrates and proteins in your diet. Eating right will not only help you recover and give you the strength to carry out your new duties as a mum, it can also help you lose weight sensibly.

There are a lot of traditional foods that go along with the confinement period. See some of our traditional confinement recipes.

What practices are usually done in the first 40 days?

There are many customs and traditions followed during the first 40 days after delivery, which vary across regions.

Your mother may give you a special massage or some traditional food meant for a new mum. A well-meaning elder in the family may introduce you to healing exercises and interesting rituals.

Though some of these customs may be difficult to follow, you may find some of them useful.

If you feel like the traditional restrictions linked to this period are difficult to follow, speak openly to your family members about your feelings.

With the exhaustion of the delivery and the baby blues kicking in, it is best to take things at your pace and give yourself the best chances of a quick recovery.

Some of these restrictions were useful at a certain period in the past but might not be as relevant today. Others, such as the traditional post delivery massage, might make you feel good. Just keep in mind that the better you feel, the better you will be able to look after your little one.
source:http://www.kidsloverscenter.com

Sleeping Position During Pregnancy – Everything You Need To Know

It’s not easy to sleep soundly with your belly getting in the way. If you were a stomach sleeper before, now you’ll have to switch sleep positions to accommodate your growing girth.

Best Sleep Positions

What’s the safest sleep position during pregnancy? After your fifth month, your back is definitely not best. Sleeping on your back puts extra pressure on your aorta and inferior vena cava, the blood vessels that run behind your abdomen and carry blood back to your heart from your legs and feet. Pressure on these vessels can slow blood circulation to your body — and your baby.

Not back or stomach. You might find it harder to breathe while lying on your back. And because your belly pushes down on your intestines when you lie on your back, this position can also lead to tummy troubles.
How about sleeping on your stomach? That’s not a great idea, either. When you lie face down, your stomach presses on your expanding uterus — not to mention your ballooning breasts.

Left is best. Right now, side sleeping is safest for your baby. Plus, it’s more comfortable for you as your abdomen grows.



Is one side of the body better than the other for sleeping? Experts recommend lying on your left side. It improves circulation, giving nutrient-packed blood an easier route from your heart to the placenta to nourish your baby. Lying on the left side also keeps your expanding body weight from pushing down too hard on your liver. While either side is okay, left is best.

Positioning Tips

Here are a few other positioning tips to help you get more comfortable and protect your baby while you sleep during pregnancy:

For more belly and back support: Prop a pillow under your tummy or between your knees. Buy a special extra-long pregnancy pillow, or just use one you have in the closet at home. Positioning a pillow under your body can help keep you on your side, preventing you from rolling to your stomach or back.
For shortness of breath: Put a pillow under your side to raise your chest.
For heartburn: Prop up the head of the bed a few inches with books or blocks. This helps keep acids down in your stomach, rather than burning their way up your esophagus.
Don’t panic if you roll from side to front or back while you sleep. You’re better off letting your body move where it’s most comfortable than trying to wake yourself up every few minutes to stay on your side. You need as much sleep as you can get right now. You’ll appreciate the extra rest once your baby starts waking you up for those midnight (and 1 a.m., and 2 a.m.) feedings.

source: http://www.webmd.com/baby/positioning-while-sleeping