Thursday, March 29, 2007

Placenta previa

Much has changed since I last gave birth in 1986, but one thing that has not changed is the potentially deadly condition called placenta previa.

Placenta previa is when the placenta, which surround the developing baby and carries nourishment from the mother's body to the baby (and also carries away the baby's wastes) detaches from the uterine wall prematurely. If the baby is not developed enough to survive, this spells death. This is also major trouble for the mother, as profuse bleeding usually occurs. With this condition, things "go south" rather quickly, and unless the mother is rushed to a hospital, she could die too.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Thinking about Pregnancy

When I found out I was pregnant a lot of things entered my mind. It is scary at first, but yet exciting. Your going to be responsible for a human beings life (at least till they are 18)

The one thing I thought of is our financial situation. Are we ready for this financially. We bother were working, making a decent income but were we ready for this? I came to the conclusion that we were and what ever problem we will face that we could overcome it.

The next thing was living space. Since we were in a one bedroom apartment we would definitely have to move. Where would we go? should we think of another apartment or maybe buy a home.

If you have a partner, what values do you share and what areas do you need to negotiate? What would life be like for you and your child if your relationship with your current partner broke down?

Once you figure out and discuss all your thoughts between the 2 of you, having a baby is the most wonderful thing that happened to me. It was a long 9 months but they were well worth it.

Friday, March 23, 2007

TopRated: Discomfort PREGNANCY

Every pregnant woman experiences some kind of discomfort during her pregnancy. Get an overview of the most common complaints during pregnancy and gain some helpful tips to help ease those discomforts.

Some are lucky and only have a few things to deal with, like breast tenderness, swelling, backaches, headaches, piles, bladder problems and indigestion and heartburn.

Other women aren’t so lucky and have to deal with constipation, frequent nose bleeds, and morning sickness that can even last all day! Not to mention sleepless nights of tossing and turning. Once you do get to sleep, though, you (and your partner) might have to deal with some pregnancy-induced snoring as well as vivid dreams! And if that isn’t enough, others have to deal with painful leg cramps, and a heavy vaginal discharge. Unfortunately, the list of common discomforts women deal with when they are pregnant doesn’t end here!

There are also detailed descriptions of other uncomfortable pregnancy ailments including information on a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, Braxton Hicks contractions, bleeding gums, rhinitis, stretch marks, piles or hemorrhoids and itchy, scratchy skin. Speaking of skin, have you noticed darkening skin or that dark line under you belly button?

If you’ve developed chicken pox or group B strep, you will want to read up on it. Both of these conditions can pose a serious threat to your baby’s health, so it is important you deal with them as soon as you can.

Sex during pregnancy is another common source of discomfort for many women, not only physically but mentally (is it safe for the baby?). Get the facts so you can decide what's right for you.

Pregnancy Health Centre: Life With a Newborn

Your most important job during the first few weeks of your baby's life is learning to be a parent. Successfully adapting to having a new baby will allow you to take the best care of your baby, but it will also mean you find the time to take care of yourself. The links below discuss many of the issues that may arise during the course of caring for yourself and your baby. The challenges of successful breastfeeding may be one of your most important concerns during the first weeks of your child's life.

New parents (especially first-time parents) may feel overwhelmed by the demands of having a new baby. If you are worried or scared that your baby is unwell, you should call your caregiver for direction. Here is a list of symptoms that should prompt you to call your baby's doctor.

Ideally you have arranged for someone to stay with you for the first week; someone you can trust and count on for advice and support. Try to have help nearby in the first three weeks for when you just need a break or someone to run to the store. Your family and friends are probably also excited about your new baby, so you may have lots of 'helpers.' For some women, too much attention can be a problem. Here are some tips for keeping visits manageable and helpful.

Despite this support, up to 80 percent of mothers have the 'baby blues' in the first three to five days after the birth. The new demands of parenting combined with the hormonal changes expected after the birth result in some predictable emotional valleys. Feeling irritable, helpless or teary may all be reasonable responses. If these feelings are not manageable, or if you feel unable to cope or disinterested in your well being and that of your child, these feelings may be signs of postpartum depression. Call your doctor or midwife to get help dealing with these feelings. This is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your baby.