SharedPregnancy.com

Is your body ready for pregnancy or more importantly are “you.” I agree both questions may sound silly to the woman who has already given birth, but because each pregnancy differs and the body changes with age, makes questions of this nature ones that have to be asked. Aside from getting the body into a healthy state to carry a baby, plans have to be made for the infant`s arrival. Parents need to be prepared for when baby turns toddler. They need to be prepared when toddler turns teen. Do the parent`s preparations ever stagnate, no; planning still goes on for when the children fly the nest? Mom will nurture her baby, tickle her toddler and nag her teen – and why. Every mom has a personal built in mechanism inside which triggers an emotion what impels her too protect and love in a way you could never imagine or even understand until you become a mom too.

Is your body ready for pregnancy?

The norm for preconception preparations usually starts up to 12 months before conception. Your doctor will need to ask questions to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy. If you already use contraception (birth control pill) your GP may suggest a pill-free break before trying to conceive. Disconnection from the pill will permit the reproductive system to go through several normal cycles before you conceive – which will make it easier to establish when ovulation happened. While this is suggested it is best to take necessary precautions. Use a condom or a barrier method of contraception till you are ready.

Is there such a thing as unhealthy pregnancy? This will depend on what is meant by unhealthy. Unhealthy pregnancies can really only result from how you look after yourself before and throughout the 9 month period. Smoking, taking drugs, eating bad foods and drinking alcohol can harm your well being and severely damage the unborn baby. Avoid caffeinated drinks, although 1 to 2 cups a day is acceptable. Research disclosed that caffeine in one or two cups of coffee will not have a significant effect on the developing fetus.

In pregnancy you could face serious issues. Infections i.e. chickenpox (varicella), German measles (rubella) and hepatitis B can be dangerous for an unborn baby. If your immunizations have not been completed or your immunity to certain infections is unknown, your preconception care may include one or more vaccines.

If you suffer from diabetes, asthma or have high blood pressure – you’ll want to make sure your condition is stable before conceiving. Your GP will be aware of any medication you take for any disorders you have, however if you buy over the counter herbal solutions tell your doctor.

Safe proposals at this stage are prenatal vitamins. Why take prenatal vitamins so early. The baby`s neural tube – which becomes the brain and spinal cord – grows during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy. Taking prenatal vitamins before conception helps prevent neural tube defects. Prenatal vitamins contain folic acid. Your baby needs this essential nutrient during the early weeks of development to help prevent serious conditions like spina bifida.

Although the body needs vitamins, seek medical advice to verify if it is safe for you to take them.

You need to be aware that if infected with a venereal disease (VD – STD) it can increase the risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy (fertilized egg implants outside the uterus) and other pregnancy complications Unprotected sex is not safe and neither are the problems that can rise from having sexual intercourse without using contraception.

If there is family history of ill health then this can affect your pregnancy and risks increase. Baby can be born with a medical condition or birth defect. Do not concern yourself at this time over this issue because women all over the world are delivering healthy babies. To put your mind at rest, talk to your nurse or doctor at the clinic.

Age does not really have to give reason for concern, however depending on the age group we talk of – may see extra care rules having to be issued. After age 35, the risk of fertility problems, miscarriage and certain chromosomal disorders increase. If you have in the past suffered complications when giving birth – tell your GP. Complications may have included high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, premature birth or birth defects. If you want to deliver a healthy baby and give it the best start in life, then eat healthy foods and stay clear of substances that harm. Healthy lifestyle choices during pregnancy are vital. Light exercise combined with a healthy diet is the key to future goodness for you and your baby.

Obesity is not healthy and if you do not want to delay the conception process then try and lose weight. According to the ASRM, weighing too much or too little can make you less fertile and affect your ability to carry a baby to term. Avoid alcohol and illicit drugs. Good luck and give baby plenty of kisses and hugs.

The Immaculate Conception explained.

Pope Pius IX confirmed in his 1854 dogma that “the most Blessed Mary was, from the first minute of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.” This confirms that Christ redeemed all human beings, including Mary although at the time done differently. Medieval Franciscan theologian quoted, Duns Scotus (1266-1308) Christ`s role was to mediate for all men, and that to do so he must have been born of a pure mother. Since this mother was also mediated by him, then his mediation would be to make her immaculate which would also facilitate his birth. This does not contradict the Bible in that subsequent to Adam and Eve`s fall from Eden, all men are born with Original Sin. Christ removed Mary`s sin, as we now all have thanks to his sacrifice. In our case, this is through baptism. As Mary was his mother, hers was removed before birth, therefore labeled ‘Immaculate Conception’

In today`s society we have no blessed virgins so therefore you need to take safety precautions to stay safe. Using contraceptives can prevent sexually transmitted diseases and an unwanted pregnancy.

Pregnancy Planning & Conception – How to Deliver a Healthy Baby …

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Frances Largeman-Roth: Hi everyone,Thanks so much for joining the chat today. You’ve sent in lots of great questions! Will starting answering them in just a minute or two.Thanks!Frances

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Jennifer LaRue Huget:

Jennifer LaRue Huget:

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Hot Dogs and Pregnancy: hello. I am currently five months pregnant and have a concern about hot dogs. With the summer season coming up, I plan to attend BBQs, and I love grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, etc. however, I heard that you shouldn’t eat hot dogs while pregnant, because of the presence of nitrates. if the hot dog is well done and cooked thoroughly on the grill, is it okay to eat? Thanks.

Jennifer LaRue Huget: You’re smart to be cautious about eating hot dogs while you’re pregnant. but I think the greatest risk they pose is that they’re easily contaminated with listeria, which can be very harmful and even deadly to you and your unborn baby. but cooking hotdogs thoroughly should kill any listeria they may harbor.

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Admitted Ignorance: what are some common foods that most everyone eats that should be avoided? I know most know not to smoke or consume alcohol and to avoid fish with mercury, but after that, there admitedly is much ignorance on what else should be avoided.

Frances Largeman-Roth: Great question! There are lots of weird little things to avoid in addition to the biggies (booze, tobacco, high mercury fish). Lots of women are surprised to learn that cold cuts, smoked salmon and hot dogs are on the no no list. That’s because they’re at risk for listeria contamination, which can happen under refrigeration. Also, unpasteurized juices are another listeria risk. and on the caffeine front, keep it to no more than 200mg a day. That’s about 1 8 oz cup of coffee, depending on the strength. Check out chapter 5 of the book for more!

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Soft Cheeses: is it true women shouldn’t eat soft cheeses while pregnant? I thought it was specifically targeted towards unpasteurized cheese, which basically means any store bought cheese in the US is consumable because they’re pasteurized.

Frances Largeman-Roth: Yes–just unpasteurized should be avoided. enjoy the rest!

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excercise while pregnant: Jennifer and FrancisIs it okay to still excercise an hour a day, while pregnant.? also, is water aerobics good for the baby? How long should you do it? (until what trimester)

Jennifer LaRue Huget:

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28 weeks: I was a healthy weight when I got pregnant — 118 pounds, 5’3. I have gained about 15 pounds during my pregnancy. I have been eating my normal diet, not thinking too much about calories and weight. My husband thinks I am not gaining enough weight. is there a problem with being on the lower end of pregnancy weight gain? are these babies smaller?

Jennifer LaRue Huget: You should probably discuss these concerns with your physician. I assume your baby’s development is being monitored, and your doctor would tell you if it looks as though the little one wasn’t growing adequately. Your physician can also help you determine whether your diet is adequately meeting your and your baby’s nutrition needs.

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Labor foods: first, thank you, thank you for your chocolate muffin recipe. it has gotten me through many a mid-morning snack and will probably remain in my recipe rotation long after my pregnancy is over. I’m about 10 weeks away from my due date and have been thinking about what to eat and/or bring with me during labor. what do you suggest for the last meal or two at home as well as for packing in the hospital bag?

Frances Largeman-Roth:

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Early Weight Gain: I gained too much too fast early on in my pregnancy. now in my third trimester, I wonder, how can I moderate my food intake to undo some of the damage I have already done? Can I restrict calories and let the extra substance of my body give the baby what it needs? I now weigh more with two-and-a-half months to go than I did when I was past my due date with my first — yikes!

Jennifer LaRue Huget: You should check this out with your doctor. it may be that you can try to work in some extra physical activity to keep your weight gain in check. by the way, I did the same thing during my first pregnancy!

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tea: which tea is okay to drink? is plain Lipton tea decaffinated okay? what about just hot water and lemon?

Frances Largeman-Roth: Sure, decaf black and green teas are safe to use. and hot water and lemon is a nice, refreshing drink. I have a recipe for a ginger lemon tisane in the book, which is delicious.

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Protein: How much protein is necessary during pregnancy? I am vegetarian, so do I need to be very conscious to make sure I get enough protein?

Frances Largeman-Roth: 60grams of protein a day is recommended. That’s about 10 more than what you needed pre-preg. You can get about 10g in an energy ba, 1/3 cup almonds, 8oz of yogurt (greek is higher in protein), or 11/2 cheese sticks. As long as you’re trying to get a little protein with each meal and snack, you should be able to get to 60g. good luck!

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How to lose weight after childbirth: breastfeeding: no conversation about pregnancy weight should omit discussion about the weight-loss benefits of breastfeeding. in addition to all the benefits for the baby, breastfeeding is a great way to drop pounds after pregnancy.

Frances Largeman-Roth: Great point! while it doesn’t work for everyone, it has certainly worked for lots of people, including me.

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Gain Nothing? Really?: As an obese mother who delivered one year ago, I read your Checkup item with interest. My doctors told me to try to limit gain to around 15 pounds — I topped out at 24 pounds, which was all gone six weeks later. I know that the vast majority of the weight I gained was fluid plus baby. so, how does that work with the recommendation that fat pregnant mothers not gain any weight? are you really recommending that women diet while pregnant? by my calculations, women would have to cut around 250 calories per day to lose 20 pounds of fat over 40 weeks. it seems like it would be difficult to get the high-quality nutrition that pregnancy requires while cutting calories. by the way, this obese (180-pound) mother (of advanced maternal age!) had no diabetes, no hypertension, and delivered a healthy 7-pound baby right on time. I know that my doctors were very vigilant about monitoring for complications related to my age and size and I almost felt that they were disappointed that things went so smoothly for me!

Jennifer LaRue Huget: the issue as to whether women should diet while pregnant remains controversial. Ideally, it’s recommended that obese women try to lose some weight before they become pregnant. and some experts suggest obese women skip those extra 300 daily calories that women whose weight is in a healthy range should consume to accommodate their pregnancy during the second and third trimesters. That’s a bit different from actually going on a “diet.”

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Springfield, Va.: I’m 36 weeks and exercised prior to my pregnancy and have continued to do so (in a lesser intensity and frequency) till now. is it okay to keep going? People in my office are afraid I’ll bring on labor but I think the baby will come when he’s ready.

Frances Largeman-Roth: As long as your doctor says it’s OK to continue, and you don’t feel lightheaded during exercise, keep going! just dial back the intensity of your workouts and make sure to stay hydrated, especially as the weather continues to warm up. I did a spin class the week before I gave birth and continued walking each day. just listen to your body and rest if you have any pain or discomfort (beyond the typical swollen ankles,etc).

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Off topic — eat to lose before and during: is it possible to actually eat enough that gets used for baby and as energy for you while still maintaining a good body weight? I am heavy and am in the process of a lot of weight loss for life and future baby, but will eating the grains, etc. that i am eating now keep my waist under control even as it expands with a baby?

Jennifer LaRue Huget: You should definitely read Frances’s book, which addresses your concerns in a very helpful way. it sounds as though you’re doing a great thing, losing some weight before you become pregnant. Your physician should be able to help you navigate this tricky task of getting adequate nutrition for you and your baby without gaining too much weight. good luck!

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Artificial Sweetners: I have tried cutting out artificial sweetners from my diet but they seem to be present in so much — gum, certain yogurts, etc. what are your views on consumming artificial sweetners in pregnancy?

Frances Largeman-Roth:

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Fish: what fish is okay/good to eat, and how often?

Jennifer LaRue Huget: Frances’s book has a whole chapter about eating fish during pregnancy. She cites the federal government’s recommendation that pregnant women eat up to 12 ounces of low-mercury fish and shellfish per week, and quotes a scientist who says the small risk posed by potential mercury in fish is far outweighed by the nutritional benefits fish offers. She also offers a list of low-mercury fish, including catfish, pollock, shrimp, salmon, tilapia and kona kampachi.

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Hopeful mom-to-be: I am trying to concieve and am wondering what I should be eating (or more importantly not eating/drinking) to get prepared for a baby. any advice?

Frances Largeman-Roth: Foods rich in folic acid and iron-rich foods are especially important when you’re TTC. Folate rich foods include fortified cereal, citrus fruits, asparagus, and lentils. Iron rich foods include lean meats, raisins, beans, dried apricots, and fish. Eating a well balanced overall diet is a smart thing to do. make sure to include healthy fats and antioxidant-rich foods too. You want your body to be a very inviting place for a baby to start growing! There are more tips in chapter 1 of Feed the Belly. good luck!

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Poor Habits: I love your Web site and plan to try your parfait recipe this weekend. I have three weeks left in my third pregnancy where I’ve eaten poorly overall (I’ve had more than my fair share of Cinnabons) and gained 40 pounds, which is alot for me. I believe I’ve probably harmed my body as much as my baby’s with too much sugar, etc. Can I make up for that while breastfeeding over the next year as I plan?

Frances Largeman-Roth: Don’t fret! and as long as your glucose tolerance test was normal, don’t beat yourself up for overdoing it with the sweets. once the baby is born, you can get back on track with a healthy eating plan. but don’t try cutting calories too quickly. if you’re b-feeding, you’ll need a steady influx of calories as well as fluids. once your milk supply is established, you can talk to your doc or an RD about cutting down on calories overall. and don’t forget about calcium! you’ll need 1000-1200mg per day.

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Soy: is tofu/soy products safe to eat when trying to get pregnant/already pregnant? I have heard they can mess with fertility and reproductive organs.

Frances Largeman-Roth:

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Sushi: I’m about 12 weeks along with my third and all I’m craving these days is sushi!! Crazy, I know. Anyway, I’ve caved a few times and had some good sushi from a clean place that I really trust. I know the listeriosis concerns, but I’ve been eating there for YEARS and have never gotten sick. and I’m watching the high mercury fish. is an occasional sushi lunch ok or do I really need to power through these cravings?

Frances Largeman-Roth: I had similar cravings! I handled them by ordering some rolls with cooked fish or shrimp. There are usually a few good options on the menu. I also liked the one with cooked egg (I think it’s called Unagi, but I could be wrong). Anyway, I would definitely advise skipping the raw fish if you can. all the best!

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Rockville: given the list of things to avoid (which, by the way it seems like you contradicted yourself about hot dogs), if I’m taking a pre-natal vitamin, how important is making sure I eat healthy foods?

Jennifer LaRue Huget: first, about hot dogs. They should be okay to eat if you are sure they’ve been cooked to a very hot 165 degrees. but since that’s hard to confirm in most situations in which you might find yourself confronted with a hot dog, it’s safer to skip them. As for vitamins and healthful eating, I think most experts would tell you that of course you need to eat as healthfully as possible even when you’re taking a multivitamin. but as Frances points out, you can probably afford to slip up and and indulge in a less-nutritious treat now and then. in those cases, consider your vitamin a safety net!

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hydration: I’m currently 35 weeks pregnant and have noticed that I don’t feel hungry like I used to during the day. I don’t know if it’s because I’m drinking too much water (trying to keep the Braxton-Hicks contractions down) or I’m just running out of room. any advice?

Frances Largeman-Roth: My guess is that you’re running out of room. the same thing happened to me. I would know that I needed to eat something, but nothing really appealed to me in the last few weeks. just make sure you’re eating something every 3 hours or so–it can be light, like a fruit salad with yogurt, or a salad with grilled chicken. and that’s great that you’re staying hydrated! Take care.

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20202: I’m in my first trimester, and I’m not having nausea (yet). instead, I’m freaking starving — much hungrier than usual. Does this sound right to you?

Jennifer LaRue Huget: Sounds right to me — because that’s just how my pregnancies went, too. Everyone’s pregnancy experience is different. You should just enjoy your lack of nausea and try to stave off hunger with the most nutritious foods you can. think of packing in as many nutrients-per-calorie as you can.

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Nausea: are there any foods that help with nausea? When I was pregnant with my first, I found that while I didn’t have any food cravings, I was nauseated by my old, healthy favorites, like grilled chicken and salad. I turned to things like peanut butter and jelly, which was sweet and easier to stomach, though a little less healthy.

Frances Largeman-Roth: Some women have just the opposite reaction–they can’t do sweet anymore, so they go for salty. as far as foods for nausea go, the best thing to do is actually eat every couple of hours. even if you’re just having a few pretzels or apple slices, making sure your stomach isn’t empty will really help. and then ginger and lemon are really helpful. There are these great little ginger candies called Gin Gins. and I love the real ginger beer from Reed’s–very helpful. and fresh lemons–even just smelling them can be helpful.

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vegetarian: I’m a vegetarian. I’m concerned about eating too much soy (I am carrying a boy). any suggestions for good non-soy/non meat sources of protein?

Frances Largeman-Roth: 7.3 million Americans are vegetarian so you’re in good company! and I devoted a whole chapter to women like you, as well as women who are gluten and dairy-free. Non soy protein sources include nuts, beans, some veggie burgers, quinoa, and nut butters.

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Warm vs. cold: I always heard warm foods were better when trying to conceive. is the same true once pregnant? I.e., roasted veggies instead of salads?

Frances Largeman-Roth: I’ve never heard this, but it’s interesting. Might be related to Ayurvedic medicine.

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Cheese, please!: I understand that pregnant women are not supposed to eat soft cheeses (brie, goat, feta…(sob!)). but is it okay to eat soft cheeses that have been cooked? for example, can I have baked quiche with goat cheese in it, or pasta filled with a soft cheese that has been cooked?

Jennifer LaRue Huget: Frances address this very question in Feed the Belly. She asked the FDA and the Partnership for Food Safety Education whether eating a souffle or casserole made with unpasteurized cheese would be safe. They said it would be safe if the food were heated to 165 degrees or above, but cautioned that the risk of cross-contamination (from cutting boards, utensils, etc.) would remain high enough that it’s best to just keep those cheeses out of your house altogether while you’re pregnant.

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Need lunch food options: Hi. I am a working mom, pregnant with #2. Can you suggest some lunch food options since cold deli meats are out, and I don’t like the taste of heated up deli meat? Bringing food with me to work is not an option (no refrigerator/microwave in my office), so I usually grab food at a lunch shop. With the warm weather approaching, I am looking for some “cold,” nutritious food choices with protein. Salads (without meat) and cheese sandwiches are not cutting it. Thanks.

Frances Largeman-Roth: I hear you–it’s definitely a challenge if you don’t have a fridge. How about bringing cut up fruit from home and then buying some Greek yogurt and making a little parfait. Adding some almonds or walnuts on top will add more protein and nutrients. Also, you could bring some thawed edamame from home and add those to a salad or pasta dish that you buy. and finally, it may be worth buying a mini fridge to keep in your office. Nut butter on whole grain tortillas is also tasty and nutritious. good luck!

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Shellfish: Wait, I can eat shrimp? I thought I couldn’t have shellfish! (What about crab, real or imitation?)

Frances Largeman-Roth: You can have shellfish as long as it’s fully cooked. and on the topic of seafood. These are the ones to eat during pregnancy (I saw that another user had asked this question):SalmonPollackCatfish: I know you’ll say Ewww, but when it’s cooked properly, it’s delish.TilapiaKona kampachi (also called hamachi)

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what to eat while pregnant?!: POPTARTS!!! I’m only half kidding. Boy did I have a craving for them (and I never eat them, otherwise) so I gave in!! and cherries, and watermelon. happy to report that I did not gain huge amounts of weight either. but boy oh boy, did those poptarts taste awesome! now, they do nothing for me — which is probably a good thing!

Jennifer LaRue Huget: many worse things than PopTarts you could eat while you’re pregnant. (I’ll confess to loving them, pregnant or not.) As long as you maintain good nutritional balance in the rest of your diet, indulging a craving such as PopTarts should be fine, so long as you don’t go so overboard that you take in too many calories and thus gain too much weight.

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Hot Dogs: for the people asking about the hot dogs, I just buy nitrate free ones (there’s nitrate free bacon out there too, if you are looking) and cook them myself. I just check the temperature on one with a kitchen thermometer. As far as cravings go, so far my biggest one has been chocolate/peppermint. I’m statisfying this with chocolate peppermint hot chocolate (great way to get my milk in) and thin mints. but eventually the thin mint supply will dy up and it will be too hot for hot chocolate. any suggestions?

Frances Largeman-Roth: Can you tell the other posters what brand you buy? that is fantastic that you check the temp at home. that is the way to go, it’s just that most people will buy them off the street (here in NYC) or get them at BBQs, and who knows how they’ve been cooked or how long they’ve been sitting.I would just ice your chocolate-mint drink and have that in the summer. Or, go for 1/2 cup of natural (non green!) chocolate mint ice cream, such as Breyers. I think Stonyfield might make one too. by the way, I loved choc mint chip during my pregnancy!

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Listeria: of note, pregnant women are told to avoid lunchmeat due to listeria. but you know what? It’s in fruits and veggies too. but if we eliminate everything with listeria, there’s not much left. so there needs to be less hysteria about listeria. Other complications should get more attention — like preeclampsia and HELLP. About 5 percent of women develop preeclampsia, and left undetected, it can cause fetal and maternal death. I had to be induced at 36 weeks due to HELLP. Essentially, my liver was failing and the only way to save both me and baby was to deliver. and my midwife thought my preeclampsia was no big deal.

Frances Largeman-Roth: Regarding fruits and veg and listeria, it’s really important to wash all of them (even the ones with a hard rind) with running water before eating. and if you’re cutting them up to eat later, make sure to refrigerate them.

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Lunchmeat clarification: Please clarify you can eat lunchmeat — like hot dogs, it needs to be heated. so, I make my lunch at home. I keep the lunchmeat off the sandwich, in a seperate container, and microwave it before adding it to the sandwich. so, how hot is 165? Easier to say make sure there’s steam coming off the lunchmeat or hotdog.

Jennifer LaRue Huget: I wish there were a simple way to judge when lunch meat or a hot dog has been heated sufficiently. unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is to use a meat thermometer. and even with your laudable efforts to keep your sandwich components separate, there’s always a chance of cross contamination. Frances’s book has tons of great lunch suggestions!

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evidence: Seriously, what is the evidence that avoiding so many foods really protects the baby?

Frances Largeman-Roth: There are millions of cases of food borne illness each year, and pregnant women are definitely more susceptible to getting sick due to the increased demands on their bodies (kind of like being immune-compromised). so, while you might never run into any issues eating raw meat, raw milk, raw fish, etc., I don’t think it’s worth the risk. and it’s only 9months or so!

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Unagi is eel! Tamago is egg.: just wanted to clarify the sushi answer — unagi is eel, but it’s barbecued, so maybe it’s still safe to eat? Other good non-raw fish sushi choices include Inari, which is a little bean curd pocket that I just love. Futo maki contains all cooked ingredients as well, I believe. Or you could always go and get chicken or salmon teriyaki and just take in the atmosphere of the sushi restaurant…

Frances Largeman-Roth: thank you for clarifying! I should have looked it up first. I meant Tamago.

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Jennifer LaRue Huget: Okay, so now I’m craving PopTarts and sushi — and I’m not even pregnant! Thanks, readers, for all your terrific questions. and to those of you who are expecting, hoping to be expecting soon or have recently given birth, best wishes for good health all ’round!

Jennifer LaRue Huget:

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Frances Largeman-Roth: Thanks everyone for such a lively chat! if you have more questions, please do check out Feed the Belly. You can also contact me through my website: franceslargemanroth.com.happy pregnancies and I hope you all have a great delivery experience!Frances

What to eat while pregnant

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Within the early indications also as first 1 week of having a baby, you can go by way of the implantation period, that is wherever the fertilized egg implants itself into your uterine wall. obviously, during the first signals of having a baby you’ll knowledge an increased require to urinate, food cravings, early morning sickness, fatigue and a missed menstrual cycle.

Close to three to four weeks your unborn child will probably be creating rather swiftly with already containing formed organs, spine, nervous program and tissue. This stage of one’s having a baby is titled the embryonic stage and will last all through your eighth few days. In the course of this specific week, your baby’s neural tubes are going to be developing also because the set ups for blood circulation. The circulatory technique will kind.

Your baby’s heartbeat will start beating in the course of the fourth week of being pregnant. The movements of your unborn baby’s heart will move blood to the placenta. inside the central portion with the neural tube, the formation from the spinal cord and brain are going to be evident.

The human brain of your unborn baby is developing sensory placodes, which form within near to 1 an additional. The lens structures produce into eyes and the nasal and aural features evolve into the nose and ears. Also around the fourth 1 week of having a baby the jaw, teeth, tongue, voice box, throat and mouth kind.

The HCG hormone going by means of your system induces symptoms of pregnancy. This really is why you will get a constructive having a baby test. The quantity of HCG within your body is what shows a being pregnant or no being pregnant. low amounts of HCG can reveal problems with our having a baby. Urine having a baby assessments aren’t one of the most accurate being pregnant checks when attempting to decide the HCG levels inside of your physique.

Through the embryonic stage, your appetite will increase dramatically. You will discover yourself reacting to foods differently as in comparison with whenever you was not pregnant. Some distinct kinds of foods could make you nauseous.

Morning hours illness is really a pregnancy indication, which may improve because the HCG and progesterone continually operate through your body’s program. Morning hours sickness will reduce as you attain the finish of your earliest trimester. one more clear sign of being pregnant is bodyweight gain. Your very first trimester you may achieve six to eleven pounds. Your physician will check your fat gain or loss throughout your pregnancy.

Throughout your first trimester, miscarriages are feasible. Several Girls aren’t aware that miscarriages are frequent with twenty percent of pregnancies ending in miscarriage. Some pregnancies will conclusion before you start experiencing pregnancy indications. This is caused by resulting from the HCG is created in registering a good pregnancy outcome but follow-up tests will indicate a bad end result.

Miscarriages take place caused by numerous factors. Most miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities. Indications and indicators of your miscarriage can involve cramping, aches and vaginal bleeding. if you have any questions about miscarriage as well as being pregnant indications week by 7 days, see your principal well being attention health practitioner.

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Just thought you may be interested in reading this guide: early signs of pregnancy, early pregnancy symptoms and fertility calendar

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Pregnancy Signals – 1 week by Week All through Your Pregnancy …

Speaking about health before pregnancy, we mean way of life, nutrition, physical activity, habits, and also possible chronic diseases, such as heightened blood pressure or diabetes. if you have such diseases, then you just have to visit a doctor beforehand. You know, this may complicate pregnancy, bring harm to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor which medicinal preparations and in which doses you take. Doctor will recommend you tests and observations you should pass, for example, X-ray photography. Try to discuss all questions you have for the moment.

It is much simpler to think over a strategy of treatment before pregnancy and then worrying about complications.

Diabetes
Diabetes – it is a disease, appearing as a result of lack of insulin in organism, this hormone is produced by pancreas. if you have diabetes, it will be more difficult for you to become pregnant. Moreover, diabetes can influence passing of pregnancy seriously. first of all, it can become a reason of miscarriage or giving birth to a dead baby. Secondly, women suffering from diabetes can give birth to babies with inborn defects.
You can reduce risk of such complications due to constant control of sugar content in blood during pregnancy. if you don’t care of your state, then diabetes while pregnancy may turn out to be dangerous both for you and your future baby. Majority of complications, connected with diabetes, are displayed during first trimester, i.e. during first 13 weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnancy may cause complications of state while diabetes, what will require increase of insulin doses. this can be easily determined with help of test on sugar content in blood. Majority of doctors recommend taking a special care of this disease development during at least 2-3 months before conception. this will help to reduce probability of risk of miscarriage or other problems. Probably, you will have to pass tests on sugar content in blood several times per day, to control disease completely and avoid possible complications. past experience shows that women, suffering from diabetes, had serious problems with conception and passing of pregnancy. but die to complete and constant control even women-diabetics can count on successful result of pregnancy and delivery.

If in your family there were cases of diabetes or you have slightest suspicions as for your own health, pass tests before pregnancy surely.

Asthma
About 1% of pregnant women suffer from asthma. It is impossible to predict influence of pregnancy on asthma. Half of women, suffering from this disease, notice no changes during pregnancy, about 25% feel even slight improvement, and the rest (25%) observe worsening of state.

Majority of anti-asthma remedies are safe for pregnant, but it is still better to consult a doctor as for preparation to take. almost all who suffer from asthma know what may become a reason of fit, so avoid contact with allergens before getting pregnant and during whole pregnancy. Try to control your state yet before pregnancy.

Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause complication both of mother’s and unborn baby’s health. For women it is connected with risk of refusal of kidneys work, probability of hypertensic crisis or headache. Increase of a future mother’s blood pressure may become a reason for decrease of blood inflow to placenta, what will lead to delays of fetus development, i.e. a baby will weigh less, than normal while birth.

If you had high blood pressure before pregnancy, then you just have to take care of it during all 9 months. Probably, gynaecologist will send you to therapeutist’s or family doctor’s observation with this purpose.
Before making a decision to become pregnant, women, suffering from hypertension, should consult a doctor. some remedies against high blood pressure are safe for pregnant, some are not. on no account quit taking pills and reduce dose without a doctor’s prescription! this can be dangerous. if you plan giving birth to a baby, ask you doctor about remedies you are taking against high blood pressure, and about safety of taking these medicines during pregnancy.

Heart diseases
During pregnancy load on heart increases about 50%. if you have sick heart, it is necessary for your doctor to know about it before you become pregnant.

Some heart diseases, such as mitral valve prolapse, can seriously complicate passing of pregnancy. Probably, you will even have to take antibiotics before delivery. other heart diseases, such as inborn heart disease, may seriously influence state of health. in this case pregnancy and delivery are sometimes contra-indicated.

Consult your doctor as for heart diseases before you become pregnant.

Kidneys and urinary bladder diseases
Infections of urinary system, in particular urinary bladder, often appear during pregnancy. if you don’t cure disease in time, infection may pass to kidneys, causing pyelonephritis.

Infections of urinary bladder and pyelonephritis may lead to premature birth. if you ever suffered from pyelonephritis or repeating infections of urinary system, this should be determined before pregnancy.

Stones in kidneys also may complicate passing pf pregnancy. this disease is accompanied by severe pains in lower part of belly, so it is quite difficult to diagnose it during pregnancy. Moreover, stones in kidneys may become a reason of appearance of infections of urinary system and pyelonephritis.

If you ever had some only infection of urinary bladder, you should not worry a lot. but you still should inform your doctor about it. He will decide whether you need to pass more careful observation before pregnancy.

Thyroid gland diseases
Thyroid gland diseases may appear both because of excess or lack of thyroid hormone. Excess of hormone is called thyrotoxicosis. in this case metabolism in human organism is speeded up. this may be caused by Graves’ disease. Thyrotoxicosis is usually cured with help of operation of medicinal remedies, reducing content of thyroid hormone in organism. if you don’t cure this disease, there’s rather high level of risk premature birth and giving birth to a baby with low weight.

You can carry our treatment during pregnancy too: there’re quite safe preparations, which pregnant women may take.

Lack of thyroid hormone – hypothyroidism – is usually caused by disease of autoimmune origin. in this case thyroid gland is damaged by anti-bodies, which are produced by your organism. while hypothyroidism taking of thyroid hormones is prescribed. not cured hypothyroidism threatens with sterility or habitual noncarrying of pregnancy.

If you have thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism, you need to pass through observation before pregnancy, to determine doses of medicinal remedies, necessary for treatment. in the process of pregnancy your necessity in preparations may change, and then you will have to pass another observation.

Anemia
Anemia means that there’s lack of haemoglobin in your organism. There’re several reasons and in connection with this several kinds of anemia. Symptoms of anemia are weakness, giddiness, lack of air and pale skin.
During pregnancy necessity of organism in iron and iron-containing substances increases. if in the beginning of pregnancy you suffer from lack of iron in blood, anemia increases this lack. So you need to take vitamins and preparations, containing full choice of microelements, necessary for organism.

One of specific types of anemia – sicle-cell disease, which is passed genetically: it is mainly spread among black population. if you suffer from sicle-cell disease, your organism is deprived of oxygen. Passing of this kind of anemia can be very painful, and it also may serve as a reason for other diseases and complications during pregnancy. Sicle-cell disease cannot be cured and may be passed to your baby. Women, suffering from sicle-cell disease, have very high percent of miscarriages and infections of urinary system. they also may suffer from high blood pressure and painful hypertension strokes.

Another kind of anemia – thalassanemia is also passed genetically. if some of your relatives suffers from thalassanemia or you suppose you can have it, check it before pregnancy.

Lupus
Lupus is a vascular disease of autoimmune origin. this means your organism produces anti-bodies that may destroy your organs or influence functions of these organs negatively. Lupus can affect different organs, including joints, kidneys, lungs and heart.

This disease is hard to diagnose. one woman of 700 in the age from 15 to 64 years suffers from lupus. Among black women it is met more often, in one case of 254. As a rule, lupus more often strikes women, than men, especially women of genital age, i.e. from 20 to 40 years.

Lupus treatment is highly individual and usually means taking if steroids. It is better not to become pregnant during fit of this disease, as miscarriages are extremely often among women suffering from lupus. Risk of giving birth to a dead baby also increases.

Babies, born from mothers, suffering from lupus, can have rash. they also can have different heart diseases. Premature birth and delay of pre-natal development of fetus are also quite possible.
If you suffer from lupus, consult your doctor before pregnancy definitely.

Epilepsy and epileptic seizures
Epilepsy – is a chronic disease, characterized by different kinds of seizures (fits). Most often epilepsy is displayed by big and small epileptic seizures. Chance of giving birth to a baby with epileptic disease can be 1 of 30 for women, suffering from epilepsy. such babies have risk of in-born diseases, probably, connected with medicines, which a future mother took during pregnancy.

If you take medicines against epilepsy, it is very important to consult your doctor before pregnancy. Discuss doses and type of medicines, which you take, as many preparations, relieving seizures of epilepsy, cause in-born diseases in babies. However, there are safe remedies for fetus, for example, Phenobarbital.

Seizures can be dangerous both for mother and fetus. So it is especially important to take remedies precisely according to a doctor’s prescription during pregnancy. on no account reduce dose or quit taking medicine yourself, without a doctor!

Migraine
About 15-20% of all pregnant women suffer from migraine. many women notice improvement of health during pregnancy. if you are going to take pills against headache during pregnancy, check with your doctor how much they are safe for you and future baby.

Cancerous growths
A question of probability of cancer’s influence on pregnancy depends on the fact which organ it stroke and how wide is growth. Breast cancer is most often form of cancer, met among women. if you had breast cancer, this will not influence pregnancy anyway, and pregnancy, in its turn, will not cause breast cancer.
Many doctors advice to wait 2-3 years with childbirth after breast cancer treatment. It is very important to discuss case history and method of treatment with your doctor yet before pregnancy. Situation may become quite complicated, if you are pregnant and pass treatment at the same time. many medicines and remedies against cancer are not safe for future mother and baby.

Other diseases
We examined only some chronic diseases. However, any disease can be dangerous for future baby. So if you suffer from some chronic disease or have to take medicines constantly, discuss it with your doctor.
General rule is following: it is better not to take medicines or pass any medical treatment at the moment of conception and on early stages of pregnancy. Laying of all organs and tissues of a baby takes place during 1st trimester of pregnancy, and during this period you need to protect a future baby from harmful influences of medicines or observations. You will feel better and calmer, if you solve all these problems before pregnancy.

Yana Mikheeva is the creator of Baby Health Directory – Pregnancy, Birth, Parenting and Baby Care resources. are you going to get pregnant? Visit our friendly resource and read information on pregnancy and parenting, painless childbirth, growth and development of a baby, baby health, safety, signs of pregnancy.
She also has All about women site where you can find articles on various subjects, such as: diets, receipts, health, cellulite, figure, aromatherapy, wholesome food, psychology of relationships, pregnancy, parenting, fashion and many others.

Tags: Chronic, Diseases, pregnancy

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 at 12:16 PM and is filed under Medicine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Chronic diseases and pregnancy