Before You Get Pregnant
BabyCenter's getting pregnant tools and information can boost your chances of conception by helping you chart your cycle, read your cervical mucus, and pinpoint ovulation. Other getting pregnant resources include the top ten early pregnancy symptoms and the latest research on the accuracy of home pregnancy tests.
Before you try Actively trying Having trouble
Before you try
Get your body ready
Nutrition
Fitness
Get your life ready
Emotional Health
Relationships
Sex
Finances
Actively trying
Trying for another baby
Family Planning
Age & Fertility
Secondary Fertility Problems
Boost your chances
Detecting Ovulation
Nutrition
Health & Fitness
Sex
Relationships
Alternative Therapies
Boy or Girl?
Are you pregnant?
Pregnancy Tests
Pregnancy Symptoms
Editor's PicksOvulation calculatorTop 10 signs you may be pregnant Fertility success stories Best baby-making sex positions
Having trouble
Suspecting a problem
Getting Diagnosed
Causes & Treatments
Coping with fertility problems
Relationships
Emotional Health
Considering other options
Adoption
Surrogacy
Grief & Loss
Emotional Health
Relationships
Friday, August 1, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Pregnancy
You & Your Baby's Health
Pregnancy Week by Week
Weeks 2-13
Weeks 14-27
Weeks 28-41
Your Growing Baby
Weeks 2-13
Weeks 14-27
Weeks 28-40
Childbirth
Planning & Preparing
Labor & Delivery
Childbirth Complications
Birth Stories
Emotional Health
Depression, Anxiety & Stress
Grief & Loss
Fitness
Exercises
Is It Safe?
Health Problems
Bedrest
Pregnancy Complications
Illness & Infections
Miscarriage
Quitting Smoking
Nutrition & Weight
Eating Well
Managing Your Weight
Is It Safe?
Plus-Size & Pregnant
Prenatal Checkups & Tests
Choosing a Provider
Prenatal Checkups
Prenatal Tests
Sleep & Dreams
Sleep Basics
Sleep Problems
Dreams
Is It Safe?
Special Situations
Carrying Twins or Multiples
Symptoms & Discomforts
Aches & Pains
Morning Sickness
Editor's Picks: Fetal development pictures, Pregnancy Calendar
Your Life
Baby Naming
How to Pick a Name
Popular Names
Baby Showers
Gift Ideas
Planning
Reader Favorites
Beauty & Style
Hair, Skin & Makeup
What to Wear
Is It Safe?
Buying Guides
Pregnancy Supplies
Baby Supplies
Gifts
Reader Favorites
Expectant Dads
Pregnancy & Birth
Fatherhood Tips
Family Life
Relationships During Pregnancy
Sex During Pregnancy
Travel
Travel Tips
Is It Safe?
Work & Maternity Leave
Pregnant at Work
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Is It Safe?
Editor's Picks: Baby Name Finder, Baby Name Poll, & Product Recall Finder
Postpartum
Newborns 101
Just After Delivery
Health & Safety
Feeding & Care Basics
Sleep Basics
Your Postpartum Health
Recovering From Childbirth
Emotional Wellness
Nutrition
Fitness
Editor's Picks: First-Year Baby Costs Calculator, Breastfeeding
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Pregnancy body care
Fitness Magazine Pregnancy
Stages of Pregnancy
Pregnancy Due Date
Pregnancy without Pounds
Pregnancy Pounds
Pregnant? No Insurance?Get Info on Doctor & Hospital Maternity Benefits in Your Area MaterntityAdvantage.com
Pregnancy CareContact us for help with the Doctor Labs, and Hospital bills. ReproductiveAccessSolutions.com
Pregnant? No Insurance?It is not too late. Plans available Doctor, Lab, and Hospital benefits MaternitySavings.com
Body Care40% Off Laser Hair Removal, Skin Care & Lipotherapy Packages In May. www.sonamedspa.com
Need Maternity Insurance?We can make pregnancy affordable Even if you are already pregnant MaternityCard.com
Belli Skin CareFor Pregnancy and For Babies, Free Shipping+ Samples - All Orders SkinStore.com
Dove® Supreme Cream OilShower Your Skin W/Moisture And Receive A $2 Coupon Online Now! www.DoveCreamOil.msn.com
CAREHelp us in the fight against poverty. Donate to CARE today! www.care.org
Pregnancy careRelax. Take a deep breath. We have the answers you seek. www.RightHealth.com/Pregnancy
Pregnancy informationPregnancy planning, symptoms, week by week calandar and delivery info. RevolutionHealth.com/Pregnancy
Friday, May 16, 2008
Pregnancy Health
Early Pregnancy Symptom
Pregnancy
Early Sign of Pregnancy
Pregnancy Symptom
Pregnancy Week by Week
Pregnancy Journal
Sign of Pregnancy
Symptom of Pregnancy
Weekly Pregnancy Calendar
Pregnancy Period - Pregnancy
Early Pregnancy Symptom - Pregnancy
Early Sign Of Pregnancy - Pregnancy
Pregnancy - Pregnancy
Pregnancy Journal - Pregnancy
Pregnancy Week By Week - Pregnancy
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Planning a Family
Monday, March 17, 2008
Budgeting for Baby
Written by: Olivia Wallace
Every aspect of your life will change once you bring a new baby home. Among all the adjustments new parents must make, financial changes may be one of the more difficult to plan and implement. Some experts have estimated that a new baby can set his parents back $9000 to $11,000 US Dollars (USD) in the first year alone! The US Department of Agriculture has estimated that it costs approximately $250,000 USD for a middle class family to rear a child to the age of 17. Add that to the staggering costs of college, and you have a definite motivation to get your financial house in order before you start a family.
Before Baby
While it is always smart to live below your means, if you plan to get pregnant in the near future, now is the time to implement a baby budget that accommodates a new baby. If possible, budget an amount that you determine will cover the cost of clothing, diapers, food, childcare, medical costs and miscellaneous items, and set it aside. Not only will you have a nice amount of money saved to feather your nest or to save for college but you will have become accustomed to living on less. Once you have lived with the baby budget, you won't suffer a shock at the extra expenses.
It is smart to have a rainy day fund saved up before you have a baby for unexpected expenses. If you wait until after the baby arrives, you may not have the extra income to put away.
A new baby will be a new expense, and may mean a lost income if Mom (or Dad) plans to stay at home. If both parents plan to continue working after the baby is born, then childcare costs must be worked into the budget. If you plan to have one parent stay at home, try living on one salary for several months to a year before the baby arrives. You'll save tons of money, and it will give you the opportunity to make tweaks, whether large or small, to your baby budget to accommodate this change. You may find that you have to trade in your car for a smaller payment, or move to a more affordable community to afford living on one income. Planning ahead will allow you to determine if can live on one income, or if you'll have to make other arrangements.
If both parents will be working, then the adjustment to your baby budget won't be as dramatic — but you will have to allow for childcare expenses. The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) has estimated that parents will pay from $400 to $500 USD monthly per child for home daycare. Depending on where you live, and what type of care you choose for your child, you may be paying upwards of $5000 USD per year. If you choose to have a nanny or in-home babysitter, that figure may be closer to $20,000 USD per year.
Preparing for the Unexpected
No one likes to think about what may happen if a parent unexpectedly passes away. This is a possibility that must be planned for when making a baby budget. You may need to check with your insurance agent to see if your current life insurance policy is adequate to fit the needs of your growing family. If, for instance, the mom stays at home and the dad works, you'll need two different life insurance policies. A stay-at-home mom's will be a smaller policy because it will not be paying for living expenses, but rather for childcare and other services she was providing. A working father's policy should theoretically replace his income for the amount of years he has left until retirement. So, if for example, your salary is $60,000 USD, and you are 20 years from retirement, your insurance policy should be at least $1,000,000 USD. Some parents will calculate enough living expenses until their children are 18, or out of college. Of course, if you can only afford a policy for $500,000, it is better to have something rather than nothing at all.
Get your will up to date. You can have your lawyer draw one up or amend an existing one to include your children, or you can make one yourself online or with the help of computer software. Remember to plan for who will care for your child and how.
Although rising costs of health insurance are making it difficult for many families to have, not having medical insurance may be more expensive in the long run than having it. One broken arm or one major illness can be enough to damage a family's credit rating or necessitate bankruptcy if they are unable to afford medical bills. Just the regular cost of well baby checkups and shots add up quickly, so having good medical insurance can help keep your baby budget under control.
Disability insurance is also smart to have when adding a baby to the mix. When before, you only had yourself and your spouse to worry about, a baby is completely dependent upon you to support him. If you suddenly become sick or disabled, you should have a policy that will cover basic living expenses.
Saving for College
In your baby budget, make an allowance for college savings. If you start early, as little as $25 USD per month can add up to a nice chunk of change 18 years from now. Investigate your state's 529 savings account, or look at other states' plans to see what fits you best. You can have the monthly contribution automatically withdrawn from your paycheck or bank account. An online savings program such as Upromise™ helps you save a percentage of what you spend money online, eating out, or in the grocery store.
Raising Children on the Cheap
There are so many resources available to help parents raise their children without breaking the bank. The following are some examples of how you can save on the bare essentials:
- Breastfeeding instead of bottlefeeding.
- Cloth diapers instead of disposable (although some diaper services are equal to or more than disposable)
- Homemade baby food versus store-bought canned baby food
- Clip coupons, shop sales and compare prices online to get best deals
- Buying your baby clothes and gear at garage sales, second hand stores or on sale instead of paying retail. Also consider exchanging clothing with friends and family.
- Co-op preschool or daycare
Implementing a baby budget can take the financial burn out of a new addition, and give you the peace of mind to enjoy your baby for what he is — your most valuable "asset"!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Prenatal Tests
Written by: Olivia Wallace
Statistics show that up to 3% of American babies are born with congenital birth defects. Worldwide, this figure rises to about 6%. Approximately 250 of these defects can be detected with prenatal tests well before the baby is even born, making prenatal tests an important aspect of proper prenatal care. They are a large part of a wide array of tools doctors have to assess the health of a pregnant woman and her baby. They can be utilized to detect health conditions in the mother that could adversely affect her baby, as well as conditions and abnormalities in the baby.
Prenatal tests accomplish three main goals: detecting health conditions a mother may have, determining the gender, size and location of the baby in the uterus, and screening for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities as well as deformities in the baby. It is important to know the difference between tests that screen for possible abnormalities and tests that actually diagnose problems.
Testing the Mother
All mothers will undergo tests at the first visit to the doctor after becoming pregnant. These include blood type and Rh factor, urine sample to test for gestational diabetes or infection, blood screen for exposure to diseases such as measles and chickenpox, screen for cystic fibrosis, sexually transmitted diseases and cervical cancer. You can also expect to also have your blood tested to check for iron deficiencies at some point in the pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy, you are monitored for the development of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, or toxemia. At 24 to 28 weeks, you will undergo a glucose screening to definitively screen for diabetes. By the 37th week, your doctor will take a swab of your rectum and vagina to test for Group B strep (streptococcus), a bacterium that if transferred to the baby during delivery, can cause complications.
Testing the Baby
Prenatal tests for the baby help a doctor screen for several types of abnormalities: dominant genetic disorders such as dwarfism and Huntington disease; recessive genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs; x-linked disorders such as hemophilia; chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome, and multifactorial disorders which are caused by a variety of factors, both environmental and genetic, such as neural tube defects and congenital heart disease.
The ultrasound is one of the most utilized prenatal tests that assesses the size and development of the baby, as well as its placement in the uterus. It may be used early on to confirm pregnancy, determine the number of fetuses, as well as the location of the placenta. Typically, an ultrasound is performed at 18-20 weeks, but may be performed more often if special conditions exist.
There are several other tests that a mother may choose to utilize to screen for fetal abnormalities:
- Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) test: Typically administered at 10-12 weeks, the CVS screens for chromosomal abnormalities. This test removes a small sampling of chorionic villi from the placenta either through the cervix or through the abdomen via a needle.
- Triple Screen or Maternal Blood Screening: This test screens for the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the mother's blood, and may indicate a possibility of Down syndrome. The AFP test is typically done around 16-18 weeks.
- Amniocentesis: This test is conducted by removing a small amount of amniotic fluid with a needle through the abdomen. There are risks associated with this test, though it is fairly accurate in detecting Down syndrome, spina bifida and other metabolic disorders.
Most of these tests are voluntary, and the decision to get them is a very personal one. Be sure to discuss all your options with your doctor to be sure that you are well informed before deciding what tests to perform
Source: http://www.pregnancyetc.com/prenatal-tests.htm
Friday, November 16, 2007
Stages of Motherhood - Prepregnancy
Additional Internet Resources on Pre-Pregnancy:
http://www.modernstork.com/content/003690.shtml
A website that includes information on preparing for pregnancy
http://www.pregnancy-info.net/newprgnancyarticle5.html
A great website that includes information on pre-pregnancy information, fertility options, conception, adoption, pregnancy, labor and delivery, and post partum recovery.
http://www.4women.gov/pregnancy/tryingtogetpregnant/beforeresources.cfm
An excellent site with tons of valuable information on preconception health, family planning, genetic counseling, pregnancy after 35, and list of organizations that have additional information as well.
Stages of Motherhood - Prepregnancy
Your Pre-Pregnancy To-Do List
Trying to conceive? Print this to-do list for a healthy pregnancy.
By Denise Mann
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD
- Make a doctor's appointment for a checkup/wellness visit.
- Make sure to get and begin taking prenatal vitamins.
- Check with your doctor about any over-the-counter and prescription medications you currently take.
- See your dentist for a cleaning or checkup if you have not done so in the last six months. Untreated gum disease is linked to preterm birth.
- Look into local prenatal exercise classes.
- Review maternity/paternity leave options at work and your health insurance's maternity coverage.
- Develop a maternity and baby budget.
- If you smoke, quit.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Stock your refrigerator with healthy foods and snacks.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/your-pre-pregnancy-to-do-list
Stages of Motherhood - Prepregnancy
Preparing for Pregnancy
Everything you put in your body is connected to your ability to conceive! Whether it should or shouldn't go in, begin today by plunging into (what will become) your pregnancy diet.
Everything you put in your body is connected to your ability to conceive! Whether it should or shouldn't go in, begin today by plunging into (what will become) your pregnancy diet.
Doctors and health professionals recommend beginning your clean livin' lifestyle anywhere from three months to a year before you being trying to conceive. Ensuring your best body for your baby will improve fertility and descrease the risks of miscarriage and birth defects. It's all worth it.
Source: http://www.modernstork.com/content/003690.shtml
A website that includes information on preparing for pregnancy
Stages of Motherhood - Prepregnancy
Preparing for Pregnancy
Source: http://www.bellybelly.com.au/articles/conception/pre-pregnancy-checklist
So you’ve decided that now is the time to prepare for pregnancy – congratulations! You’ve probably been thinking about babies for some time and can’t wait to get started.
It’s important to bear in mind that it’s completely normal for you to conceive anytime in the first twelve months of trying – 90% of couples will conceive in the first twelve months of trying. After this time, your fertility can be investigated should you be concerned that you haven’t yet conceived.
So, what’s the next step? In no particular order, below are some things to think about now that you’re ready to prepare for pregnancy.
1. Visit your GP
Visit your GP for a full check-up, including a pap smear and breast check. Your GP should also be able to provide you with lots of helpful information, support and be a point of contact for any concerns you might have along the road to conception.
Your doctor may suggest having your immunisations up-to-date, particularly:
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)
- Chicken Pox
- Whooping Cough
- Influenza
- Pneumococcal Disease
If you have any pre-exisiting conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis etc. you will need to chat to your doctor about management during pregnancy.
2. Start taking Folic Acid (folate)
Because it can be difficult to get all the folate you need from your diet, it’s a good idea to take folate supplements, which help prevent neural tube defects like Spina Bifda – one of the most common of all birth defects.
Ideally, start taking folate three months prior to conception, but if you hope to conceive earlier than this, the sooner you start taking it, the better. A dose of 400ug until the 12th week of pregnancy is ideal – it’s most crucial in the first trimester as the brain and spinal cord are developing.
Most pregnancy / pre-natal multi-vitamins should contain folate so you can even start taking those instead of folate on it’s own – just make sure you read the label so you know how much folate you’re actually getting (ideally not too small amount).
You’ll also find folate in the following foods:
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
- Asparagus
- Berries
- Avocado
- Beef / Yeast Extracts (e.g. Vegemite)
- Eggs
- Bran Flakes
- Chick Peas
- Soy Beans
- Grapefruit
A vitamin to make mention of is Vitamin A, which can be harmful to the baby or may cause birth defects when taken in excess amounts. This is no reason to panic about the foods you eat on a daily basis. According to the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration website, “the recommended adult daily allowance of vitamin A from all sources is 2500 IU per week”.
You will find a Vitamin A in most multi-vitamins and this is okay as it’s an important vitamin – a deficiency can also cause health problems for your baby. Provided you don’t exceed the above intake per week, Vitamin A is safe to ingest. This is why it is important to make sure you have a multi-vitamin suitable for pregnancy as this should be factored in already.
3. Investigate / Check Your Private Health Cover
If you intend to:
- Attend a
- See a Private Obstetrician or
- See a Private Midwife (some funds are now contributing towards Midwives, contact your fund to see)
.. you’ll need to make sure your Private Health cover is up to date and that you have the level of cover you need.
Most Private Health funds require you have appropriate cover for at least 12 months prior to your baby being born. Most will also cover your baby if he / she is to be admitted for any reason during this time, however some funds have exceptions and limits so it’s important to check with them first.
4. Smoking
There is no safe level of smoking no matter if you are trying to conceive or pregnant or neither.
If you are a female smoker, you will likely have lowered fertility compared to that of a non-smoker. Smoking can also result in less success with fertility treatment and a higher miscarriage and stillbirth rate.
Men who smoke may have reduced semen volume and sperm count and more abnormal sperm compared to non or ex-smokers. Toxins found in tobacco smoke, such as cadmium, nicotine, lead and radioactive elements may be directly toxic as they circulate in the blood and reach the testes. It is not yet known whether this affects the fertility or health of the children of men who smoke.1^
Smoking during pregnancy and exposing the infant to tobacco smoke in the first year of life is one of the major risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS or cot death).2^ Over one-quarter of the risk of death due to SIDS is attributable to maternal smoking.3
So if you are a smoker, now is a great time to stop. You can discuss this with your GP, pharmacist or you can call support organisations like Quit on 137848. You can read more about smoking in pregnancy HERE.
5. Stop / reduce alcohol consumption
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) recommends that men drink no more than four standard drinks per day, with at least two alcohol-free days per week and for women, recommends no drinking at all during pregnancy. This is due to the difficulty in knowing what is a safe level for a pregnant woman to drink.
Excessive drinking can result in miscarriage or stillbirth and puts baby at risk of disabilities, behavioural problems and slow growth.
6. Stop taking social drugs
It goes without saying that recreational drug use is harmful to your body, this may also include your fertility. Studies suggest that certain drugs may have effects including a reduction sperm count and quality, preventing ovulation, causing abnormalities and an increase in general fertility problems. Some drugs may cause bleeding, miscarriage and low-weight and underdeveloped babies.
7. Visit your pharmacist
If you are taking any medications, check with your pharmacist or GP to see if they are still appropriate for conception and / or pregnancy. Many medications including over-the-counter painkillers and other drugs are not recommended to take when pregnant or breastfeeding.
8. Healthy eating & exercise
You don’t need to follow a strict regime that’s impossible to keep up with, but aim to be in the healthy weight range for your body – being underweight or overweight can effect fertility.
Being underweight or overweight can result in problems with ovulation. You are also more prone to high blood pressure in pregnancy if you are overweight, which can be dangerous if left untreated.
Drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet from the five food groups, including lots of fresh fruit and vegies and exercise regularly. Going for a walk everyday with your partner is a great idea – perhaps to motivate yourself, you can make up a little game where you’re not allowed to talk about babies for the day until you go on your walk! Alternately you might like to sign up at the local gym or for a fitness class – there are plenty of things you can do to work with your body towards conception. The fitter you are, the better you will be able to cope with pregnancy, which places extra demands and strains on your body.
9. Family health history
If your family has a history of genetic disorders or health problems, you may like to bring this up with your GP who can refer you to a genetic counsellor or you are able to contact one directly.
If you aren’t aware of any previous health problems in your family, it doesn’t hurt to have a chat to your family about it, as sometimes they don’t think or remember to tell you. For example, a good friend of mine had terrible complications with pre-eclampsia and it wasn’t until she had her baby that her family revealed the long lineage of pregnancy complications from pre-eclampsia.
10. See your dentist
It’s a good idea to have a check up with your dentist to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy before you get pregnant, as once pregnant, not only can you be more prone to teeth and gum issues, but you are not able to have the usual treatments you would if you weren’t pregnant. So making sure any potential problems are seen to before pregnancy is a good idea.
11. Caffeine
There are so many differing conclusions made about the effect caffeine has on fertility, some studies claiming that higher caffeine consumption can delay the chance of conception and some saying it has little effect.
One study indicated that moderate caffeine intake of 150-300 mg (approx one to two cups of strong coffee per day) is an established risk factor in human fertility. They noted that women who drank more than one strong cup of coffee per day were half as likely to conceive in any given menstrual cycle, compared to those who drank less than one cup per day, and those who consumed 2.5 cups per day were 4.7 times less likely to conceive.
According to the The Australia New Zealand Food Authority’s report on on the safety aspects of dietary caffeine (2000), the below foods contained the following amounts of caffeine:
—Instant coffee (1 teaspoon/cup) 60-80 mg/250 mL cup
—Percolated coffee 60-120 mg/250mL cup
—Tea 10-50 mg/250 mL cup
—Coca Cola 36 mg/375 mL can
—Milk Chocolate 20 mg/100g bar
—Energy Drinks (e.g. Red Bull) 80 mg/250 mL can
12. Investigate options for pregnancy care
While you are thinking about your private health cover, you might like to investigate the different options available to you – private? Public? Homebirth? Shared care?
Knowing where you’d like to birth and who you’d like to care for you will be very useful as a headstart, with current waiting lists for hospitals and carers starting when women book in at five and a half weeks for some places.
13. Chart your cycle
BellyBelly has a detailed article on charting your cycle here which may all seem complex at first, but it’s as easy as riding a bike! Online charting is so easy to do and gives you a great advantage when trying to conceive, as you can see right in front of you your most fertile times and least fertile times. Another article you might find useful is our article on mucus observations here which is another great help when looking for fertility indications.
All the best for a successful road to conception!
References
1.
2.
3. Blair P, Fleming Pet al. Smoking and the sudden infant death syndrome: Results from 1993-5 case-control study for confidential inquiry into stillbirths and deaths in infancy. BMJ 1996;313:195-8.
