Prenatal Testing

During pregnancy there are a bunch of different tests done to be sure you and your baby are healthy and stay healthy to the end.  At each prenatal visit there will be some new test that you will have the option to have or one that your doctor or midwife may feel is necessary for your circumstance.  

Your first prenatal visit is where your doctor or midwife will learn a slew of information about you by the testing done and the questions they ask.  They will do tests to find things such as:

• Blood type
• Rh factor (+ or -)
• Anemia
• Infections
• Immunity to rubella and chicken pox

Your doctor or midwife may recommend a series of tests depending on:

• Age
• Family health history
• Ethnicity
• Results of routine testing

Some of the testing done are just screening tests. Screening tests only can determine risk or probability, not actuality.  From the information gathered of a screening test your doctor or midwife can then decide if further diagnostic testing should be done to give you a definitive result. Diagnostic tests and confirm and narrow down andy health problems in your or your baby.

Common prenatal tests that are offered and/or recommended throughout the pregnancy are:

Urinalysis - done routinely at prenatal visits to test, sugar, protein, ketones, leucocytes, white blood count, and bacteria -  used to diagnose:

--Urinary Tract Infection

--Dehydration

--Preeclampsia

Chorionic Villus Sampling - diagnoses some birth defects between 10 and 13 weeks such as:

--Down Syndrome

--Cystic Fibrosis

First Trimester Screening - detects some higher risk birth defects between 11 and 14 weeks such as:

--Chromosomal Disorders

--Heart Problems

--Multiples
--Paternity

Amniocentesis - diagnoses some birth defects between 14 and 20 weeks such as:

--Down Syndrome

--Cystic Fibrosis

--Spina bifida

Ultrasound -  Ultrasounds are not routine but common between 18 and 20 weeks.  They are used to detect any problems with the baby's organs and body systems and confirm the age of your baby and be sure he or she is growing properly.  You also may be able to find out the gender of your baby if he or she cooperates.

Glucose challenge screening - detects gestational diabetes between 26 and 28 weeks.  Depending on the results from the initial screening, your doctor may recommend the glucose tolerance test which is used to diagnose gestational diabetes.  

Non-stress test - If your baby is showing little to no movement or any signs of distress a non-stress test is done to determine the reasoning. It is a monitor placed around the baby bump to measure the baby’s heart rate based on his or her movement. Biophysical profile - This test is used along with a non-stress test to monitor the overall health of your baby and to help decide if the baby should be delivered early.

It is an ultrasound done after a non-stress test. The biophysical profile looks at 5 fetal things: 

--breathing

--movement

--muscle tone

--heart rate

--amount of amniotic fluid.

Group B streptococcus infection - used to find bacteria that causes pneumonia in newborns - done between 36 and 37 weeks.

If your doctor or midwife recommends certain prenatal tests, don't be worried.  Never hesitate to ask as many questions as you want.  It is so important to keep yourself informed about what is going on. Don’t fret and remember that screenings do not diagnose, they detect possible risk.  Your doctor or midwife will guide you in the right direction to keeping you and your baby healthy.  

Epidural Or Not?

So many women have concerns about the pain associated with labor and delivery.  When it is your first time having a baby, just about everything is unknown.  With pregnancy, labor, and delivery, you could be on your fifth kid and there will still be so many unknowns because every experience is different.  There are some women that will get through labor and delivery without any pain med at all and say it wasn’t so bad.  Some women need the pain relief and find it excruciating.  Every woman has a different pain tolerance.  For those women who do not want pain medication and go all natural, I have an enormous respect for you!  I wish I had been that strong, but for me it just was not going to happen.  For those of you who feel they want the pain relief, there is no shame in that.  If there are the resources available why suffer if it is unbearable for you.  Remember, you are the only one who know what you are feeling.  That being said, I just want to educate you a little bit further on your options and clear up a few misconceptions.

As with anything, before you move forward with something you should know all the facts.  Talking it out with your doctor or midwife to know your options is your first step.  If pain relief is something you are considering, you need to know what questions to ask. Here are a few questions to think about asking your doctor or midwife while considering any pain relief:

What are the different methods of pain relief available to me?

How will an epidural affect the baby?

Is there any instance I won’t be able to have an epidural?

What are the advantages and disadvantages to having an epidural?

What are any possible side effects?

What are the risks?

How is an epidural given?

How long before it begins to work?

Will it wear off?

Will I be able to move once the epidural is placed?

At what point of labor can I have an epidural?

Is it painful?

There are so many misconceptions about epidurals.  I am guilty of this myself.  I assumed so many things about epidurals going into my pregnancy when I couldn’t possibly have known.  I just want to discuss some of the things assumed about epidurals but aren’t ever really clarified.

The needle is humongous and is more painful than contractions.

This is false.  It is no more painful than having an IV inserted.  The most difficult thing about having an epidural is the possibility that you may have a contraction during the process and you must hold still.  The needle portion is about 1 minute, just long enough to insert the catheter, which is the size of pencil lead.  An epidural is inserted in your back, so for you to see the needle and know exactly what is going on back there is highly unlikely.  Make sure you breath through it, but truly the most painful part is possibly having a contraction during the process.

You are there for hours because you can’t feel anything and won’t be able to push.

Again, false.  Epidurals do help ease the pain, but they do not paralyze you.  You can feel the pressure that urges you to push.  One common thing I have found with other women’s experience, is they expect to feel absolutely nothing.  When the epidural is in and there is still a bit of discomfort, they ask for a higher dose because they are still in pain.  This is where the issue of not feeling comes in.  You wont completely feel nothing with an epidural.  If you know this going in, it will help.

You must wait until you are 5 to 7 cm before you can have an epidural.

This really depends on your doctor, but not likely.  You can ask at any point, normally around 3 cm you are able to have an epidural.  You can always ask!  One thing women don’t realize is that you are able to have the catheter placed and the medication later.  Having an epidural will help your body relax allowing your body to do what needs to be done.  For some women, they are in such pain and the anxiety is so high, the body can not relax to dilate and then there is complication.

I want to share my own experience, not to freak anyone out, but so you are aware of the reality of pain relief.  I went through an induction process so I had pain relief and medication.  I did have an epidural around 4-5 cm when I was brought down to delivery.  I absolutely could feel the sensation of needing to push when it came time.  As I was nearing the point of no return, my epidural wore off.  I want you to know this because there is no guarantee that an epidural will work 100%.  I will say I did not feel 1 contraction once I had the epidural, which, at least in my own experience, the contractions were worse than giving birth.  If you chose to have pain relief stay informed as much as you can.  Try not to blindly go in.  Ask questions, and keep an open mind.

For The Birthday!

Leading up to the big day when you get to meet your little one there is so much to do.  One of the biggest things I never felt confident about was what to pack in my hospital bag.  I felt like I was forgetting something even when I was overpacked.  It turned out I didn’t end up needing my hospital bag because I was induced on the spot.  I want to give you some tips and necessities for the birthday.

• Get your car seat installed!
  My husband and I thought we had tons of time to get the car seat installed because our son was not actually due until 3 weeks after we had him.  Because we were not expecting to have him the day we did the car seat was not installed.  My husband had to go get the car seat and get it installed at the hospital.  Unfortunately, between the time he brought the car seat, came up to make sure I was okay and went back down to install it...someone had broken his back window with a bat and stole the car seat.  This completely put a damper on the big day of bringing home our baby.  Get it installed, it is never too early.

• Keep the tank full.
  Also something my husband and I forgot to do.  Luckily for us the hospital was only 6 minutes away, but for those who have a ways to go make sure you keep your gas tank full because you never know when you will be taking that midnight trip to the hospital.

• Pack the bag.
  Get your hospital bag and diaper bags packed so it is one less thing to worry about.  There are some essentials for the hospital but a lot of things you don’t actually need.  I, being a first time mom, packed everything short of the crib.  As I said, I didn’t even end up having a hospital bag because everything happened so fast.  I really didn’t need anything because the most important things were supplied at the hospital.  To keep you comfortable there are a few things that are good to have.  Most women, like myself, overly pack so here is a checklist of the things most important to bring.
• Picture ID (license or passport)
•  Insurance information
•  Birth plan if you and your doctor or midwife have one
•  Glasses if you wear contacts normally
•  Phone chargers
•  Cash -- if your hospital charges for parking or your partner gets hungry and needs a snack
•  Gowns for labor if you aren’t comfortable with the hospital gowns, especially if you are walking the halls in early labor, you don’t want to be mooning the whole hospital.  Check out Pretty Pushers Gowns they have adorable and affordable gowns to be comfortable and stylish while in delivery.
•  Sweats for after delivery if you have a natural birth
•  Cotton underwear if you don’t like the underwear the hospital provides and sports bras or nursing bras, whatever is most comfortable for you
•  If you don’t have an Iphone or Ipod that can take pictures and want to bring a camera
• An Ipod or some device that can play music to help relax you
•  Toiletries -- toothbrush, toothpaste, ect.                                                                                                                           Anything else you think you may need the hospital will provide.  As far as what you may need for the baby, the hospital will give you everything you need, and what you don’t have your partner can bring you.

• Stock the car.
  Keep the hospital bag in the car at the ready because you never know.  Also, put some of the value pack peanut crackers or lunch bag size chips in the car for your partner to have because you don’t know how long the process will be.  Some women vomit during labor, so keep a bucket or barf bag handy just in case it’s a bumpy ride.

Bring anything you feel you may need or that makes you comfortable but here are just some essentials to bring to the hospital and some tips to help you leading up to the big day.

Where Did I Put Those Darn Glasses?

Have you been feeling forgetful lately? Maybe you were looking for your glasses, while they were on your face?  Or you thought you lost your phone so you tried calling it with your phone.  Maybe, you even locked yourself in your car.  This is called pregnancy brain.  Some women experience a complete haze during their pregnancy and don’t really know why.  Our dear friend progesterone is acting up again causing this temporary forgetfulness.  

I can recall working at a restaurant where I normally was the hostess.  I filled in on a few  occasions for the bartender because I had my license and previously worked as a bartender.  I had filled in at least 5 times at this particular restaurant on fairly busy nights, no big deal.  One night towards the end of my working days and into my bed resting days I was asked again to fill in.  I was so flustered and overwhelmed that I forgot how to make some of the drinks that I could have made in my sleep prior.  A man came in and asked for a vodka gimlet, my mind was in such a cloud I could remember how to make it...one of the simplest drinks to make!  I was so overwhelmed and felt so foolish because I couldn’t remember something so simple.  This was just one instance that happened, but so many things occurred that caused my boss to come over and say “You’ve done this before, right?” I explained that it was the pregnancy and I was just so flustered.  No one told me anything like this was going to happen. Luckily the woman who normally bartended became a good friend of mine and recently had a baby.  She explained to me it was totally normal.

Having pregnancy brain can effect your everyday activities.  It did in my own experience and some of my girlfriends as well.  It was so embarrassing that I couldn’t remember things and found myself getting flustered in a job I once was great at.  For so many women, this is the case.  Pregnancy brain can have different effects on women from forgetting where you put your glasses to rendering you unable to perform your duties effectively at work.

There are a few factors that contribute to this pregnancy brain and it is thought that if you change some habits it will help.

Get sleep!

You must make sure you get the proper amount of rest.  I know this can be difficult when you are uncomfortable, sick or constantly having to wake up to run to the bathroom, but do your best to get sleep.  Even not pregnant it is hard to function without a good amount of rest.

Eat a good diet!

In previous posts I have discussed nutrition and how important it is for your baby to get in the right nutrients and vitamins.  It is equally as important for you! Certain foods can also benefit your memory even outside of pregnancy.  Blueberries have been proven through studies to improve any short term memory loss, so stock up on the berries!  Also, tomatoes which contain lycopene, an antioxidant, that is known to help with memory.  Be sure to get in your recommended daily allowance of zinc which is 11 mg during pregnancy.  This will benefit both you and your baby’s brain.  To see more on nutrition and what foods give you certain nutrients and what they are good for check out an earlier post by me, Nutrition Is The Key, http://helpmomstone.blogspot.com/2014/02/nutrition-is-key.html.

Exercise!

Do your best to get some kind of physical activity in during the day.  I know certain circumstances may prevent you from this but do your best, it will make a big difference.  Exercise will help keep circulation flowing, release endorphins, and decrease fatigue.  With the circulation going, endorphins flowing and not being so tired you will have an overall better mental health.

Drink as much as you can!

Get in as much fluid as you can to avoid dehydration.  The last thing you want is an upset in your electrolytes.  Any disturbance to electrolytes can cause some confusion and decrease memory.  Keep the fluids flowing.  If you find you can’t drink that much make sure what you can drink counts.  Try gatorade or vitamin water, anything with electrolytes.  One tip is if you are drinking gatorade or any sugary drinks that have electrolytes be careful and try to get low sugar drinks.

Take your prenatal vitamins!

Be sure you are taking your prenatals to be confident that your getting vitamins and minerals in for you and your baby.  

The upside to this is your mind will return to its original state a few months after giving birth.  You will find yourself still having this pregnancy brain after birth, but you have now graduated to new mommy brain.  Try and have a sense of humor about the whole thing because otherwise you will get incredibly frustrated.  Know it is completely normal and hang in there!

Keep It Down!

I want to discuss pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).  It is something that is not necessarily a main concern initially when you are going through your prenatal visits.  It becomes a greater issue typically in the third trimester.  Questions I have been asked recently because of my experience are, “What is gestational hypertension?” “What is pregnancy induced hypertension?” What is preeclampsia?” “How do you get it?” “How can I prevent it?” “How will I know if I have it?”  I am going to answer all these questions and then some.

Hypertension is high blood pressure.  Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against blood vessel walls.  When the force of the blood is above normal (120/80) this is considered high blood pressure.  Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is high blood pressure accompanied by headaches, swelling in the face, feet and hands and protein in your urine.  PIH is also called preeclampsia, and toxemia.

There are certain factors that make you more at risk for PIH.  Being under the age of 20 or over the age of 35, being underweight or overweight, a history of hypertension, a history of PIH, a mother, sister, aunt or grandmother with a history of PIH or hypertension, kidney disease, immune disorder, and expecting multiples are all reasons you may be at higher risk.

If you experience any of the following immediately call your doctor or midwife:

-Swelling in the face, feet and/or hands

-Severe headaches accompanied by spots, dizziness and changes in vision

-Reduced urination or blood in the urine

-Flank or abdominal pain

-Vomiting and nausea

-Decreased fetal movement

These are all symptoms of PIH.

When you go to your prenatal visits your doctor or midwife will most likely take a urine sample and be testing routinely to see if there is any protein in your urine.  At every visit they also will check your blood pressure and weight.  If you have rapid weight gain, a high blood pressure and protein in the urine your doctor will order further testing for you and the baby.  There is question of high blood pressure when the systolic (above number) is between 120 and 139 and the diastolic (below number) is between 80 and 89, this is considered prehypertension.  Sometimes “office anxiety” kicks in and you temporarily have a higher read so in some cases it is best to ask your doctor to do another reading.  I had to get mine read at the beginning and end of my doctor appointments.

If PIH begins to get worse the only cure is to deliver the baby.  I remember being admitted to the hospital at 34 weeks and I was given magnesium to prevent any seizures and medication for the blood pressure.  At this point doctors and midwives need to look and see if the benefits outweigh the risk of using medication.  Make sure you do not hesitate to call your doctor or midwife if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.

Sweet Dreams!

I found that for majority of my pregnancy I did not get much sleep.  Whether I was running to pee in the middle of the night or puke, or just uncomfortable I got maybe 3 hours of sleep a day.  When preparing for such a huge task your body should certainly be well rested.  I remember asking my doctor why I was unable to sleep, if there was an actual reason hormonally.  She told me that it was my bodies way of preparing me for what it would be like when the baby arrived...zero sleep.  Though partially true, also partially false.  You don’t know what your baby will be like once they are here.  For me, I was fortunate enough to have a good sleeper, he has slept great since the day we brought him home from the hospital.  Since the baby is sleeping 12 hours a night and 2 naps during the day, why would I need to be prepared for no sleep?

          I later learned through my studies that the hormonal changes in your body are the biggest reason for the lack of sleep.  The little dickens estrogen is the culprit, along with many other factors like the bulging human in your belly.  Any hormonal shift will cause insomnia.  Along with the hormonal changes, there are many physical changes taking place that are causing quite a bit of discomfort.  Some pregnant women experience leg cramps, difficulty breathing due to the baby’s positioning, frequent urination, constant vomiting, back pain, vivid dreaming (nightmares), anxiety about delivery, and a baby who decides it is time to play in the middle of the night.  These are all super normal with pregnancy but does make getting sleep a bit more difficult.  Not to mention, your partner is probably sleeping like a baby and snoring away, also keeping you awake.

          Some ways of coping with this insomnia are: 

• Exercise if possible.  If you and your doctor or midwife feel all is well and you are able to continue your daily routine, exercise is a great tool to help you sleep.  Exercise is great to relax you if you are dealing with any anxiety.
• Try not to nap a whole lot during the day.  I know how difficult this is because of the pregnancy fatigue but you will sleep much better if you avoid that mid day nap.
• Sleep where it is most comfortable for you.  Some women prefer the couch to their bed.  Whatever makes you most comfortable is key.
• Invest in a body pillow.  They are sold at at Wal-Mart, Target, most baby stores.  Shop around.  It will truly be a life saver.  It is so hard to get comfy at times and a body pillow will help relieve some aches and discomfort.
• Do your best to steer clear of caffeine.  I know for you coffee drinkers this one may be difficult, but do your best.
• Avoid drinking large amounts of liquid a few hours before bed.  Pregnancy is known for making you do laps to the bathroom so you want to do your best to limit what you have so you don’t need to go as much in the middle of the night.
• Find soothing sounds that you can play for you and your baby.  If nothing else is will help you relax and give your baby something nice to listen to for a bit.

          Hopefully some of these things will help you find some relief and understand why you aren’t sleeping.  Your baby will not be affected by your lack of sleep.  The baby sleeps independent of you.  It is totally normal but if you are feeling unsettles about it contact your doctor or midwife.

Rest Up Momma!

          There are many women that experience bed rest during pregnancy whether for a week or 3 months.  I was one of the “lucky ducklings” that was put on bed rest.  I had a few mommas e-mail me questions about my experience and if I found bed rest really helped.  I am going to start off by telling you that though I was prescribed bed rest, I did take occasional breaks.  Majority of the time I was not up and about, whether laying or sitting I was resting, but I would go for ride in the car just to get out and get some fresh air.  Research has not shown enough evidence that bed rest is beneficial for you and your baby; however, there isn’t research enough to prove that is isn’t.  Due to my experience with bed rest and my medical background, I just want to educate you a bit on bed rest.  I know so many expecting moms are faced with this and my hope is to let you know some pros, cons, risks, and benefits.

          Bed rest may be prescribed for the following reasons:
Pregnancy Induced Hypertension/Preeclampsia/Toxemia - For these conditions the only real cure is delivery.  I experience preeclampsia myself and thankfully had reached 37 weeks and was able to deliver.  If you have not reached the 37 week mark a doctor or midwife may prescribe bedrest so they can keep close watch on you.
Placenta Complications:
-Placenta Previa - When a woman has placenta previa this means the placenta has blocked the cervix not allowing the baby to exit.  Placenta previa can correct itself in some cases, but women may be put on bed rest to keep the pressure off the placenta and cervix.
-Placenta Abruption - This is when the placenta begins to separate form the uterine wall prior to delivery.
Cervical Insufficiency -  Cervical insufficiency means your cervix has begun dilating and effacing before your baby is full term and ready for delivery. With this condition there are no normally no symptoms.  Bed rest takes the pressure of your growing baby off the cervix.
Preterm Labor - If you are in preterm labor your body is ready to deliver the baby before the baby has reached full term.  There are many factors that can increase your risk of preterm labor such as:
-Smoking
-Alcohol Abuse
-Drug Abuse
-Health Conditions- preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, infections, blood clotting disorders
-History of preterm labor
-Having twins or multiple babies
-In vitro pregnancy
If you begin to experience contractions that are 10 minutes apart consistently, backache, increased vaginal pressure, cramping, gush of fluid, or any bleeding call your doctor or midwife because these are possible signs of preterm labor.

          By reducing activity and being put on bed rest there is a hope that the risk of preterm delivery or pregnancy complications will be reduced.  There are risks that can develop while on bed rest such as: blood clots, depression, anxiety, decreased birth-weight of your baby, difficulty delivering due to weakened bones and muscles, and slower recovery after birth.

          If you are prescribed bed rest you want to make sure you are getting a full explanation of what bed rest means to your doctor.  There are different degrees of bed rest so make sure you are asking the appropriate questions to be sure you are getting the proper information.  To keep yourself in the know here are some good questions you could ask your doctor or midwife.  What reasons are you recommending bed rest?  What degree of bed rest is appropriate?  What are the benefits for my baby and me? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?  What are some potential issues from bed rest for my baby and for me?  How long will I be on bed rest?  Can I do normal household chores? Can I take care of my other kids?  Is it best to lie on one side over the other?  Is it alright to continue sexual activity? If so, are certain positions safer than others?  If you don’t feel your questions have been answered to your satisfaction or feel uneasy it can not hurt to get a second opinion.

          Some research has shown that resuming your everyday activity to a lesser degree would be more beneficial for you than strict bed rest.  As I said before there are different degrees of bed rest.  Bed rest for a few hours a day while still resuming other activities to a lesser degree, bed rest which confines you to only activity in the home, and bed rest which means you are in bed only.  It is up to you and your doctor or midwife but make sure you feel comfortable with the decisions made.

           If you are prescribed bedrest and are limited to little or no activity it can be extremely difficult mentally.  It is important to give yourself some ways to pass the time productively, otherwise you will go insane.  I found myself going nuts throughout the day because I was alone and unable to drive or do anything.  Thank God for candy crush!  Have some friends come over and keep you company, even if just for an hour to watch a movie, it will make a big difference.  Use the time to bond with your baby, play music for him or her and talk to your baby, he or she can hear everything and is getting to know you.  Take the time to learn a new hobby like knitting.  Keep a journal of all your experiences, when the baby moves, how the baby reacts to certain things.

In my own experience I found bed rest to be both helpful but also not.  As I said before it is what you and your doctor or midwife decide and what is best for you and your baby.  I hope this helped educate you a bit about bed rest.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at helpingmommytone@gmail.com.

What About Prenatal Depression?

        Morning y’all! I want to talk about something that seems to be swept under the rug, prenatal depression.  Prenatal depression was never mentioned to me through my pregnancy by any doctor or midwife.  I went to the doctor the day my son was born because I hadn’t felt any fetal movement for almost 24 hours, naturally I was a little anxious.  Being sick for 9 months with hyperemisis, little to no sleep and other health issues, 3 weeks away from my due date, you could say I was a little on edge.  I had huge dark circles under my eyes, I was a nervous wreck because no movement was far form the norm for my baby boy, and let’s not forget I had been throwing up everything I ate for 9 months.  I was on the table with my mom in the room getting an exam to see how far dilated I was, and my doctor asks me...”are you depressed?”  Now!? You ask me now when I am 3 weeks away from my due date and have been going through this for 9 months!  Mind you I was high risk so since 16 weeks gestation I had been at the doctor every 2 weeks for my prenatal visits.  Needless to say, I was not happy.  She followed that statement with...”I just want to make sure I am not missing anything.” Depressed I was not, ready for the pregnancy to be over, I was.  I am telling you this because it absolutely floored me that 3 weeks away from my due date after seeing me every 2 weeks for 9 months suffer I was asked this.  I was not upset that I was being asked if I was depressed, I was upset and shocked that I was being asked this so late in the game.  If the doctor wanted to make sure she wasn’t missing anything, she would have asked at the first signs of me seeming off to what she was normally used to, rather than letting it go for 9 months.

I feel it is so important that you be your own advocate and pay close attention to your body.  Talking to your partner about any changes you may be having is really helpful also because an outside perspective can always see things that perhaps you can’t.  There are a few reasons you may be at higher risk for prenatal depression.  It doesn’t necessarily mean you will experience it but some reasons it is a possibility are:

• complicated pregnancy

-bedrest

-genetic testing

-prior health issue

• history of depression or anxiety
• prior miscarriage
• financial and job concerns
• relationship problems
• unplanned pregnancy

If you fit any of the above, you are at risk for prenatal depression.  That is not to say that  you can’t have prenatal depression if these things haven’t happened to you  Also, just because these may describe you doesn’t mean you will have prenatal depression.  Some symptoms to look out for may be:

• emptiness or sadness
• irritability
• lack of sleep
• too much sleep
• lack of concentration
• guilt
• panic attacks

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms contact your doctor or midwife.  Make sure you talk to them about how you are feeling.  Emotional health is equally as important as your physical health during pregnancy.  Be your own advocate and make sure you express to your doctor or midwife exactly what is going on and how you are feeling.  Depression can be environmental in some cases.  Most of the time it is a biochemical condition so it can be difficult to avoid.  In those instances that the depression is environmental, there are a few ways you can help in preventing prenatal depression, such as:

• Spend time with your partner
• Talk to your partner or counselor about any fears or anxiety you may be having
• Yoga classes or some form of meditation
• Have a healthy and nutritious diet
• Try your best to get out of the house
• Pamper yourself

For women who do have prenatal depression, know you are absolutely not alone.  Make sure you speak to your doctor or midwife right away to work on some ways you can deal with this.  I hope this helps in letting you know it can happen and does for one in eight women.  Stay informed and keep yourself in the loop with what is going on with your own body.

Daddy Dearest...Part 2

I want to continue my post from yesterday.  I was thinking last night and talking to my husband, he read my post and form the daddy stand point thought it was very honest and heart felt.  He suggested I post a gift I made him for his birthday which was 2 weeks prior to our son being born.  I made him a survival kit and survival guide that goes with it.  We read through it and after having the baby can’t believe how funny and true it actually is.  Here is a Daddy Survival Guide for all you dads and how to deal with your partners through the pregnancy/labor/delivery and first few months home.  Disclaimer ** Sense of humor is key.**

During Pregnancy:

• Food will become her best friend.  If you fail to give her what she wants, be prepared for the consequences.  After you have gone on the hunt to find the best clams zuppa in town, in a snow storm, at 10 o’clock at night...do not even dare to ask her if you can have a bite.  The only bite that will happen is her biting off your finger.

• Expect to have high stress levels.  Picture yourself working for a car dealership where you must meet a quota and have all the paperwork correct while have 4 different boss’s watching your every move and telling you every single thing you are doing wrong, meanwhile you must make the sale.  Multiply that by 10 and this is the stress you will be feeling during the pregnancy.  This will cause you to eat more and gain weight. So...under no circumstance do you ever and I mean EVER mention how big your partner is getting..even if she looks like a beached whale. 

• You can absolutely 100% take sex off the table.  It will not happen and the only chance you have of it happening is if she gets so desperate to get the baby out that the only method of induction is to use you.  I assure you, you will not get out of the pregnancy the same way you got in, but since this is probably all you will get...take advantage.  

• If you thought your partner was a bed hog before...now you no longer have a spot on the bed.  It has been overthrown by the giant body pillow she will be snuggled up to rather than you.  Don’t be offended, this too shall pass.

• Finally, if you so much as muttered an “owch” you will wish you were in hell because it will be much nicer than the response you will get from your partner.  I don’t care what the situation, do not complain to your partner.  It will not end well...I promise.

During labor and delivery:

• Take a flask to the hospital, and a Klonopin. 

• When the doc asks “do you want an epidural?” the doc is not talking to you.

• If your partner wants drugs during childbirth, go get the doctor. Don’t ask, “Are you sure?”

• The most surprising thing to come out of your partner during delivery will be the curse words directed at you…don’t take it personal.

• Always agree with her.

Home from the hospital:

• During the first week home from the hospital, you will learn to love pasta.

• Yes, you’re holding the baby wrong. Do it her way.

• After a day of changing diapers, it will be second nature.

• Be careful about using the word we. For instance, never say, “We did so good in labor!” She will hurt you…

• When your mother pulls you aside and tells you that breastfeeding will ruin her breasts, babies need to eat every hour and that if you pick up the baby every time baby cries then baby will never be independent enough to go to sleep away camp, don’t believe her.

• During the second week home from the hospital, you will learn to love pasta.

• You’ll be surprised and amazed how well you can function on so little sleep.

• No one knows why babies need so many clothes, especially since they don’t get out much. It’s one of those things you’ll try figuring out for the rest of your life.  Be prepared to do laundry 10 to 12 times a day..of just baby clothes.

• It’s perfectly normal to stare at your sleeping baby for two hours. It’s even normal to take a video of your sleeping baby for two hours.

• Never get ready for work then grab the baby, you will get thrown up on.

• Things you thought would make you sick but won’t:  baby poop, baby pee, baby puke — and having all of them on your shirt.

• During the third month home — yup. pasta.

• Your partner will probably eat more than a sumo wrestler. Don’t try to compete.

• Sometime after the birth, we will go on a “date.” Once you get in the car, she will start missing the baby. Don’t worry; this doesn’t last forever.

• Now you know why your friends use really great condoms.

• After a slew of family visits, you will learn to appreciate the show “Everybody Loves Raymond.” 

• The only weight you can control is your own, don’t start subtle hints about losing the baby weight…4 years after the baby is born.  

• Now you’ll know why all those dads at the mall walk around in those ridiculous cotton sweats…it’s all they can afford and all they can muster enough energy to put on.

• Within six months, you’ll resume some semblance of a sex life. With any luck, it will be with your partner.

• Of course it changes everything. That’s the whole point, isn’t it?

I say all of this with the upmost respect for dad’s.  After looking back, I can’t believe the torture I put my poor husband through.  Unfortunately, you will find at least half of this to be true.  Be comforted to know it will eventually pass.  I can’t stress enough to keep the lines of communication open between you and your partner, but be diplomatic about it.  Wording is key when dealing with a pregnant woman.  I have gained an appreciation for you dads for dealing with us moms.  I know it isn’t easy, but be thankful that you don’t have to birth the child.  My final word of advice to all you daddy’s:

Enjoy every second of everyday whether it be the pregnancy, delivery, or the first months of having you son or daughter home.  It goes too fast and every moment, no matter how traumatic, is a blessing and will be incredibly worth it in the end.

Nutrition Is The Key!

While pregnant it is so important to get in all the nutrition and vitamins you can. You will see RDA with each, this stands for recommended daily allowance.  Here is a list of all the nutrients and vitamins to keep you and your baby happy and healthy during your pregnancy.

1.) Potassium:

This will help keep your blood pressure on track and help with fluid balance.  The RDA for pregnancy is 4,700 mg.  The best foods that contain potassium are: 

• spinach
• lentils
• sweet potatoes
• yogurt
• banana
• cantaloupe
• broccoli

2.) Riboflavin:

This will help with your energy levels! Most women get that fatigue which happens within the first and last trimester of pregnancy.  This will help your body use the protein gathered from food and produce energy.  The RDA for pregnant women is 1.4mg.  The best food that contain riboflavin are:

• Raisin Bran Cereal
• Yogurt
• Mushrooms
• Cottage Cheese
• Milk(1%)

3.) Vitamin B6:

This is an immune system booster.  It will help produce protein for new cells and help for red blood cells.  The RDA is 1.9 mg.  The bests foods that contain Vitamin B6 are:

• Beef
• Chicken Breast
• Pork Tenderloin
• Halibut

4.) Vitamin B12:

Another energy booster! This will help your body use fats and carbohydrates productively for energy.  It also helps produce red blood cells. The RDA for pregnancy is 2.6 mcg.  The best foods that contain vitamin B12 are:

• Salmon
• Rainbow Trout
• Tuna (Be careful about mercury)
  

5.) Vitamin C:
This is a dynamite vitamin. It helps your body ease the absorption of iron, helps in the growth of bones and teeth, and is an immunity kicker.  It also keeps your red blood cells healthy.  The RDA for pregnancy is 85 mg, be careful not to exceed 2,000 mg.  The best foods that contain vitamin C are:

• Strawberries
• Grapefruit
• Broccoli
• Oranges
• Tomato

6.) Vitamin D:

This will help you and your baby immensely.  It helps your baby use the calcium to have healthy strong bones and teeth.  It also helps your body absorb calcium to strengthen your bones and teeth.  The RDA for pregnancy is 600 IU (international units), be careful not to exceed 4,000 IU.  Some people are vitamin D deficient, if this is the case it is determined by a blood test and your doctor or mid wife will deal accordingly by putting you on a temporary added dose of vitamin D.  The best ways to get vitamin D are:

• Sun exposure
• The yolk of eggs
• Milk
• Fortified Orange juice

7.) Calcium:
This will help build your baby’s bones and teeth.  Due to the fact that your baby is taking everything necessary from you, you will need to replenish your body with added calcium to keep your bones and teeth healthy.  It could also help with the prevention of high blood pressure when pregnant.  There is something called gestational hypertension which you need to look out for in pregnancy. The RDA for calcium is 1,000 mg, be careful not to exceed 2,500 mg.  The best ways to get calcium are:

• Yogurt
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese
• Tofu
• Cottage cheese
• Kale
• Spinach
• Okra
• Soy beans

8.) Choline:
This will benefit both you and your baby.  It helps your baby’s brain development and spinal cord development.  It can help in the prevention of problems with the brain and spinal cord like neural tube defect.  Choline will also help you have strong bones and is another way to help keep the blood pressure down.  The RDA for pregnancy is 450 mg, be careful not to exceed 3,500 mg.  Some foods that include choline are:

• Eggs
• Pork tenderloin
• Ground beef
• Salmon
• Chicken
• Broccoli or cauliflower
  

9.) Docosahexaenoic Acid
Docosahexaenoic acid you find in most prenatal vitamins, it is known as DHA.  DHA is important to the brain and vision development.  Also, DHA will help you in the future.  It could reduce your risk of heart disease.  The RDA for pregnancy is 300 mg.  Some great foods that contain DHA are:

• Coho salmon
• Blue crab
• Canned tuna
• Fortified eggs -- 85 mg to 200 mg

**Just a note about eating fish, you want to be careful about the mercury in fish.  Be sure if you are going to eat it, it is fresh.**

10.) Folic Acid
This is what helps prevent miscarriage and premature delivery.  It also helps protect your baby against any spinal cord birth defects during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some of the most common are, encephalocele, when there is an abnormal in the skull pushing the brain tissue to the skin, anencephaly, underdevelopment of the brain, and spina bifida, an incomplete closure of the spine. It is also great in the prevention of anemia. The RDA for folic acid is 600 mcg.  Some yummy ways to get folic acid into your diet are:

• Lentils
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Cantaloupe

**If you are planning to get pregnant it would benefit you greatly to consume 400 mcg daily prior to becoming pregnant.**

10.) Iron:
This will help prevent premature delivery and anemia while pregnant.  The RDA for pregnancy is 27 mg.  Be very careful not to exceed 45 mg, you can overdose on iron.  Make sure you are getting iron levels checked with your doctor or midwife.  The best foods that contain iron are:

• Cheerios
• Beef
• Lamb
• White meat chicken

11.) Zinc
This helps with brain development in your baby.  It will also help you with that awful fatigue you have while pregnant! It is crucial to grow and repair cells and produce energy.  The RDA for pregnancy is 11 mg, be careful not to exceed 40 mg.  The best ways to get zinc into your diet are:

• Beef
• Crab
• Pork
• White beans
• Yogurt

These are just some nutrition tips to get in all your vitamins necessary to have a happy and healthy pregnancy.  It is important to keep up on taking your prenatal vitamins because they do contain all of these at a proper amount to guide your baby in his or her growth.