Thursday, September 8, 2011

How to Be A Vegetarian During Pregnancy

Are you a vegetarian and pregnant? There can be many questions that run in your mind in this period, especially if you should carry on being a vegetarian.

It is obvious that a pregnant woman's nutritional needs will increase during pregnancy. You will need roughly 300 extra calories per day during this period. But how can you keep yourself and the baby inside you healthy while being a vegetarian?

Get plenty of protein

Your need for protein will be increased by about 30 percent (10-16 grams) during this pregnancy period. You can get plenty of protein from food like soy, beans and legumes. Just make sure you have at least one such item in your every meal.

Vitamins and supplements

Vitamins and minerals are a part of everyday life even if you are not pregnant. In this fast pace world of lifestyle, we are actually eating less food with nutrition we need daily. Thus supplementing nutrition with vitamins intake is a natural step. Pregnant woman will need a well balanced nutrition diet rich in vitamins and minerals.

You can actually get most of your recommended nutrition with your vegetarian diet. For example, for calcium, you can take foods like broccoli, calcium-fortified soy milk and tofu. Taking dark colored vegetables help too.

Foods like nuts, seeds, breads, beans and cereals are rich in iron. Iron is an important mineral especially at the later part of your pregnancy period. You need twice as much iron when you are pregnant. Insufficient iron may result in premature delivery and a baby with a low birth weight.

Other vitamins needs are folic acid, zinc, and vitamin B-12. Vitamins B12 is important if you are the type of vegetarian that do not eat eggs and dairy product.

Often times, it can be difficult to measure if you have been getting the daily dose of nutritional value that you need per day. The solution to this is taking necessary supplements as an add-on to your diet.

Water and exercises

Pregnancy exercise is good for you and your baby. Working out daily will ensure that you don't get so much backache which can increase during the last few months of your pregnancy. Also, do remember to get some sunlight. Sunlight can stimulate your body to produce vitamin D naturally. As usual, keep yourself dehydrated throughout your pregnancy by drinking 8 glasses of water daily. Odd but true facts, drinking more water actually helps to get rid of pregnancy swollen feet and ankles symptoms.

Eating a variety of nutritional foods and amount, your vegetarian pregnancy period should be an enjoyable journey. The other most important thing to do is consult your doctor to be sure you are getting everything right and your baby is doing fine.

Health Tips During Pregnancy

You find out that you are going to be a new mom in 9 months. You are so excited and are looking forward to enjoying every minute of your pregnancy. The thought of waiting patiently, then finally getting to hold your little bundle of joy fills your heart with happiness. Nothing can interrupt this wonderful feeling. Then it hits you like a ton of bricks...pregnancy weight gain.

Gaining weight during pregnancy is something most women fear. Having a "baby bump" is not the issue, it is the extra weight that is gained throughout the whole 9 months. Why has this fear become so prevalent within our society? Only two little words are needed to answer this question, the media.

The media has portrayed women as having to be extremely thin, even during pregnancy. There is such a craze about weight loss and women seem to feel they never measure up to society's standards. The fear of becoming obese during (and after) delivery has plagued the minds of women nationwide.

The problem with this is that not only will weight loss, especially via fad and crash diets, will have a negative effect on the woman but on the unborn baby as well. Everything a mother eats, drinks, or ingests will have either a positive or devastatingly and potentially fatal effect on the baby. Going on a diet or strictly regulating food intake to insure minimum weight gain can cause the unborn baby to have numerous health issues such as: malformation, thickening of arterial walls, brain damage, premature birth, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, be more susceptible to autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosis, and may other health issues in utero and after birth.

The mom-to-be will also suffer health issues by loosing weight during pregnancy.

To avoid any problems with you or your unborn baby, eat healthy foods and limit the amount of empty or high calorie foods that contain a lot of sugar or salt. It is equally important to stay away from alcohol, smoking, caffeinated drinks, and drugs. If you go out to eat choose healthy foods. If you are not sure what foods are better for you ask for a nutritional guide.

Despite the old wives tale that you are "eating for two", you are actually providing necessary nutrients "for two". You only need 100 to 300 calories more than a normal healthy diet for someone your age/weight. You should also have healthy and nutrient rich snacks on hand. It is recommended to eat 5 to 6 small meals a day. This will prevent overeating and, for most, prevents or lessens heartburn during pregnancy.

Why do I need to gain weight during pregnancy?

There are several reasons why proper weight gain during pregnancy is critical to your baby's growth and development, as well as your own well being. The number one reason for healthy weight gain during pregnancy is that your baby has specific nutritional needs at every phase of his/her development. This includes the stage before you know you are even pregnant. There are certain developments that can only take place at a specific time. Certain nutrients are required for these specific developments, which is why a healthy diet plus healthy weight gain is paramount for your baby to obtain optimal developmental results. Once that stage passes, it is gone and can not be "made up" in later stages.

By staying on a path of healthy weight gain also insures that the you are physically well enough to carry your baby throughout her pregnancy. Loosing weight and not eating a healthy diet can cause the you to become severely anemic and there is a possibility of a miscarriage especially in the first trimester. If you stay anemic during the entire pregnancy, you may have a problem with her red blood cells reproducing after delivery which can lead to health risks or, in very severe cases, can lead to death.

Whether you are underweight or overweight, it is recommended that you gain weight. The average weight gain is around 25-35 pounds. If you are underweight, it is suggested that you should gain around 28-40 pounds, and if you are overweight you should gain around 15-25 pounds. If you are expecting twins you should gain 35-40 pounds. No matter what category you fall in, it is imperative that you get prenatal care as soon as possible. Your OB/GYN will tell you how much weight you need to gain and how to obtain that goal in a healthy way.

How do I keep us both healthy during my pregnancy?

First, find an OB/GYN that you are comfortable with. He/she will tell you where you are in the "weight category". They will develop a nutritional plan for you and what/how often you need to eat. This will ensure the best possible start in life for your baby before and after he/she is born. It will also help you get in the habit of eating healthy and regularly throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

Second, you and your doctor will also develop an exercise regime that will help keep you at a healthy weight. Exercising regularly will:

decrease nausea/fatigue, lessen joint/muscle pain, lessens fat deposition in late pregnancy, raises your metabolism, and lowers chance for inducing labor/forceps delivery/C-section. 85% of women that exercise have uncomplicated vaginal births. Exercise also has health benefits for your baby. Your baby will be more lean, have a lower chance of exhibiting behavioral or chemical signs of stress, tolerate labor better, and do better and are more active at birth.

To prevent problems during pregnancy, start living a healthy lifestyle before you decide to conceive. If you are already pregnant, discuss with your doctor your current weight, how much you need to gain, what/how often to eat, develop a regular exercise routine, and go to regular check-ups to make sure you and your baby are healthy and stay that way throughout your pregnancy, during labor, and after delivery.

Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy - What Causes Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Getting hemorrhoids during pregnancy is very common. Because of the increased blood flow and hormonal levels throughout the body, pregnant women are more prone to getting varicose veins in general. Add the weight of your growing uterus to this mix which adds even more pressure to an already weakened veins and pelvic area and you have a prime breeding ground for hemorrhoids.

In addition to this, many pregnant women suffer from constipation which adds additional strain on the rectum.

If you are suffering from hemorrhoids during pregnancy, there are several things you can do to get some relief from your condition, such as:

Add More Fiber To Your Diet - Adding more fiber rich foods to your diet will help eliminate constipation and help you get rid of your hemorrhoids.

In addition to adding fiber, you want to also drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily. The water will help keep your body hydrated and your system flowing properly. Hydration is another key to curing and preventing hemorrhoids altogether.

Warm Sitz Baths - Soaking in a tub of warm water 2 to 3 times daily will help keep the hemorrhoid area clean, stop some of the irritation you may be experiencing and it will help to shrink your hemorrhoids.

Applying An Ice Pack - An ice pack will help reduce the swelling and discomfort of your hemorrhoids. You can apply the ice pack in 15 minute increments as often as needed.

Witch Hazel - Soak several cotton balls in witch hazel and apply directly on your external hemorrhoids. This will provide cooling and soothing relief from the itching and irritation.

Wipe Gently And Clean Thoroughly After Each Bowel Movement - While often overlook this is extremely important in treating hemorrhoids.

After each bowel movement, gently wipe the area with a moist cloth or tissue. You want to thoroughly clean the area as any residue left behind can cause you unwanted irritation and may make your condition worse.

Doing these things will help relieve the pain and irritation of your hemorrhoids. For most women, hemorrhoids will subside after pregnancy, but for an unfortunate few they will be an ongoing problem.

Herbal Remedies During Pregnancy

Herbal remedies are being widely used among pregnant women as organic and other alternative homeopathic treatments continue to get popular. More women are trusting natural supplements rather than use synthetic substitutes to provide essential nutrition and relief for common discomforts. They also are attracted to organic supplements as these are cheaper than medical counterparts.

While this is the case, healthcare professionals are advising moms-to-be to take extra precaution and inquire for evidence-based information before they buy herbal remedies. This is because there are a lot of products in the market whose efficacies and safeness have yet to be established through extensive research.

Most mainstream health experts have little or no complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) training and yet to understand the pharmacological nature of herbal therapies and the risks they pose to pregnant women. To resolve this issue, a number of medical organizations and registration boards are taking steps to institute care standards to education and knowledge of CAM.

Already there are many health establishments that offer safe herbal products and alternative treatments such as acupuncture and massage. In terms of dietary supplements, only a few herbal remedies have approval from well-known food and pharmaceutical agencies. Most of these recommended products have been processed naturally and help to increase intake of the appropriate vitamins and minerals for both the mother and developing baby.

The safest supplements are those made from various fruits and vegetables. Most health professionals recommend these products as they are simply extracts from common produce, which are often included in the daily diet anyway. Some of these extracts are apples, bananas, blueberries, prunes, water chestnuts, green beans, eggplant, artichoke, lettuce, and zucchini.

Other products are made from herbs and can provide relief of some minor discomforts. For instance, teas made from red raspberry leaf, peppermint leaf, and ginger roots decrease nausea and ease labor pains. Another traditional homeopathic treatment is oats and oat straw, which are rich in calcium and magnesium and also help relieve anxiety and restlessness. The extract from the inner bark of the slippery elm provides relief for heartburn and vaginal irritations when taken orally.

Some herbal extracts that help increase the production of milk are those from nettle leaf and blessed thistle. They aid in the increase of the blood flow to the mammary glands. Chamomile and dandelion, on the other hand, can be used for digestive disorders during pregnancy. Both are good sources of essential vitamins and can be used throughout the pregnancy.

All in all, herbal supplements and other alternative treatments are safe. Still, as a precaution, pregnant women are advised to ask for a doctor's recommendation before they take or do anything since every pregnancy is unique. Many pregnant women have various reactions to different medical and alternative medical treatments. This fact also applies to herbal product usage.

Diet For Healthy Pregnancy - Healthy Eating During Pregnancy Explained

To ensure a healthy pregnancy, you need a special diet that can sustain you and your precious cargo for your nine months so read on for great tips.

Finding a great diet for healthy pregnancy

There's no mystery involved and don't feel like you have to cook separately for yourself than for your family. You CAN still eat from the family pot!

Making a few adjustments to your cooking methods is the first step towards ensuring a healthy pregnancy diet so you don't worry about eating properly to sustain both baby's growth and your development. Follow tips like cooking low-sodium/low-fat meals and incorporate some healthy, creative ideas in your kitchen.

You can do this so forget crazy notions like hiring a dietitian.

Your diet for healthy pregnancy

This is easier than you think. Be sure to have your daily intake of the following nutrients, avoiding over-eating and enjoying correct servings. Excess pounds can bring health risks to both mother and baby like diabetes and high-blood pressure, so be vigilant.

Know what your suggested weight is for the trimesters of your pregnancy and stay within your margin, following your recommended pregnancy diet. With care and healthy eating, you won't be susceptible to obesity and the difficult struggle it brings.

So, portion-control and sensible eating habits are key e.g. not eating late at night, not skipping meals, coupled with other practical pregnancy rules out there.

Sensible diet for healthy pregnancy

Be sure to have one adequate serving of each nutrient below, and consume 300 additional calories to your normal daily consumption:

    * protein: meat, fish, poultry, beans
    * carbs: rice, pasta, potatoes, breads, potatoes, cereals, fruits, veggies
    * calcium: dairy/milk, yogurt, cheese, salmon/sardines, spinach
    * iron: red meat (lean), whole-grains, cereals, spinach
    * vitamins (A, C, D, B6, B12): natural foods plus supplements
    * folic acid: green-leafy vegetables, dark-yellow fruits & veggies, nuts, peas, beans
    * fat: meat, dairy, peanut butter, nuts, avocado

You're well on your way to good pregnancy health with a wholesome combination of these vital nutrients and vitamins.

Other essential healthy pregnancy issues

Follow a suitable exercise program. Moderate exercise is key. No need to join a gym or get a personal trainer. You'll be fine with short, brisk walks everyday or with careful home exercises, avoiding any strain.

Don't overlook other issues to be addressed like dressing cool and drinking enough so you're well hydrated, avoiding alcohol and allergy-prone foods, healthy snacking, nausea and vomiting, heartburn and gas, snacking sensibly, food cravings, nutritional drinks/supplements, harmful foods like raw eggs, okay over-the-counter drugs and natural remedies for common ailments.

Smoking in Pregnancy - It is Easy to Quit Smoking During Pregnancy With This Technique

Smoking in pregnancy is one of the most dangerous things an expecting mother can do. There are numerous ways smoking can harm your baby both during pregnancy and after the delivery. From pre term delivery and low birth weight to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) smoking while pregnant ranges from smoking to downright deadly.

But just how can you expect to quit smoking now? If you are pregnant and smoking is it too late? After all quitting smoking is hard to do and you only have nine months or less to get the job done. Some people take years and a number of attempts to finally break the smoking habit. How can a pregnant woman expect to stop smoking quickly and easily?

The answer lies in choosing the correct smoking cessation technique. There are a couple criteria that expecting mothers need to take into account when choosing the right quit smoking method. The safety of their baby is the top priority so first they have to rule out options that can harm their growing baby.

So that rules out smoking cessation medications and nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs). Quit smoking drugs are not recommended for pregnant women and NRTs feed nicotine into the system and this can pass on to the fetus. So these two options are not viable for women who are pregnant.

You need to make sure you select a stop smoking technique that is natural, easy to use, and works fast. So what are your options? You could quit cold turkey. This is a viable option and maybe you have enough motivation and desire to quit smoking that you can quit on your own. But the truth is that trying to quit without any help will leave you with a very small chance of success. Quitting cold turkey only has about a 5% success rate so you should get some help to quit smoking.

Your best bet is to use hypnotherapy to stop smoking in pregnancy. It meets all of the criteria listed above. And if you choose the right form of hypnotherapy you nearly guarantee your chances. Neuro Linguistic Programming, or NLP, is a form of hypnotherapy that is perfect for expecting mothers.

NLP is an all natural method to quit smoking that is completely safe for pregnant women. It is so easy to use because with NLP you do not have to visit a professional for hypnosis sessions. NLP uses modern technology and all you have to do is listen to a specially formatted recording to have the cravings to smoke completely removed.

Teen Pregnancy Solutions

We are living in a world today, a world with innovation and liberty. It is a fact that the new generation is always on the stage of discovery. They tend to try different things especially when it comes to sex; we must admit that teens are curious about it. Statistics say that the rate of birth in teenagers has risen to 200 percent since the 60's, and one out of four women gets pregnant at the age of 18 and half of it will be pregnant by the age of 21. If this is the case, parents must be cautious in educating their children about teen pregnancy.

Reasons of pregnancy:

Experts say that several reasons affects teen pregnancy. One of the main reasons is because they believe that the baby will bring changes in their lives like having some friends or getting closer to their families and their boyfriend. But what they don't know is that having a baby adds more responsibility to their life. Pregnancy is a life changing experience. Parents must tell their children that pregnancy is not just a game of playhouse; they must instill in their kids that pregnancy is not a solution to a problem, or should be used as an excuse for rebellion. Pregnancy will change their lives for a lifetime.

Effects to a country:

Many countries have been promoting contraceptives and safe sex for teens, largely because of the astounding inflation in population rate these past decades. One good example of this is the Red China. They implemented the two child policy because of over population. If a citizen is expecting a third child, the mother is obliged to abort the baby or they will be executed for violating the law. That is why authorities in China are usually one of the top rated users of pregnancy test like the elisa kits test to determine pregnancy among its women early on.

Statistics say that population in China has risen to 2 billion in the 90s alone. The government is in the verge of scarcity of resources and famine if this would continue. It is believe that, if all people in China will jump together, it would cause an earthquake in the Pacific and may cause catastrophe to nearby countries. A seemingly hilarious idea, but would actually cause serious impact if taken seriously.

Solution:

Teenagers are always curious when it comes to sex. They would do anything just to ease their selfish pleasure and we cannot hold them back if they are determined to do it. Teenagers are usually common buyers of pregnancy kits or elisa kits. At such an early age, they already know what to do and what tests to perform when suspecting pregnancy. So, before innocent flirting and youthful adventures lead to pregnancy, parents should make them understand the responsibilities and consequences of pre-marital sex.

Many Christians are against sex education because they claim that it is immoral to teach young children about sex. This practice will lose their innocence if they would be exposed to such immorality. In my own opinion, sex education must be taught at home and in schools. It is the best place for such topics where teenagers would best grasp the underlying cost and gain sex.

Take note that abortion is not a solution to teen pregnancy. If you would know the side effects of abortion you would think twice before doing it. It is said that abortion can poison the mother if some parts of the child that has been aborted is left inside the mother's womb.

I would take the big NO to abortion because it not only unethical but against morality as well.