Eating for two may well be one of the most enjoyable aspects of pregnancy. Indulging in a little extra hummus or peanut butter or, let’s face it, ice cream or a few potato chips, here and there is a definite pregnancy perk. As long as you do your best to maintain a predominantly healthy diet and refrain, whenever possible, from gaining too much weight, you should be fine to indulge in a craving every once in a while. Aside from not over-doing the sweets and other foods that don’t offer a whole lot of nutritional value, and barring any dietary restrictions due to a medical condition, there are relatively few foods that mothers-to-be are advised to stay away from. However, there are a few precautions that you should take seriously regarding your nutrition and the health of your unborn baby. Don’t worry. The list isn’t very long and it isn’t…

One of the most exciting moments in a pregnancy is when you feel your baby kicking for the first time.  However, many mothers, especially those who are experiencing their first pregnancy, aren’t always aware of the first kicks.  They often mistake them for gas or nerves.  Nevertheless, somewhere in the second trimester (sometimes as early as the 13th week for women who have had previous pregnancies and as late as the 26th week for first-timers), you will feel that first kick – something akin to a flutter or tickle deep in your belly.  Make no mistake about it, it will be one of the best and happiest moments of your pregnancy.  Those little kicks, which will become more frequent and more powerful as your baby grows, are often your baby’s way of communicating with you.  It’s important to pay attention to them so that you can learn what your baby…

If you’re a pregnant college student, you may be feeling like the odds are stacked against you. How can you possibly meet all of your school’s expectations while still taking care of yourself and your baby? It’s true that going to college or university while pregnant is a challenging experience. With some advance planning and collaboration with your professors and school administration, you can continue to be successful at school while pregnant. Self-Care You have a new boss – your baby! It’s up to you to take good care of yourself, for your own sake and for the sake of your child. Each woman’s body is different, and you’ll discover what you need to do for yourself as you proceed through your pregnancy. Some self-care tips that have proven useful for other pregnant students include: Invest in a wheeled backpack If you’re carrying books and notebooks around campus, it may…

If you’re pregnant, you’ve probably already realized that your body is capable of playing all kinds of mischievous tricks on you.  Perhaps you’ve been battling morning sickness, or your skin has broken out and resembles a photo of yourself from eighth grade, or maybe it has you waking up three or four or even five times during the night to use the bathroom.  There are all kinds of surprises in store for pregnant women.  One not to be overlooked is the dreaded hot flash. Hot Flashes:  Not Just for Menopause We’ve all heard about hot flashes – those uncomfortable episodes that leave middle-aged women flushed and sweating as they navigate menopause.  Well, here’s a little tidbit:  they can happen during pregnancy, too.  The reason they accompany so many of us during our pregnancies is due to fluctuating hormonal levels.  Just like menopause, pregnancy wreaks havoc with our hormones.  As our…

As in any medical procedure, there are risks and benefits to be considered when choosing which option is best for you.  It’s likely that, if you haven’t already, you will soon find yourself discussing labor delivery options with your physician and, most likely, friends and family, as well.  You will probably hear all kinds of information regarding the best delivery option for you.  As in most situations, the more research and knowledge you can stockpile for yourself, the easier it will be to feel comfortable with your decision, whatever it may be.  Let’s begin at the beginning. Important First Steps in Choosing the Best Delivery Option for You and Your Baby Create a birthing plan that clearly states your wishes and expectations during delivery. Include a Plan A option that reflects your most ideal scenario and also include a Plan B that would be referred to only if your Plan…