Tips for Losing Weight After Pregnancy

Every woman gains weight when she 's pregnant, and many women lose all the extra pounds soon after the baby is born. For others, though, every new child adds an additional 10 to 25 pounds that seems almost impossible to get rid of.

If you know that you tend to put on weight during a pregnancy because you never really lot the extra pounds after your last baby was born, it 's a good idea to discuss the issue with your doctor during your prenatal visits.

She'll make sure you're getting the nutrition you need, and will help you avoid gaining more weight during the pregnancy than you should. However, with the various hormone changes, weird food urges, and the lower rate of exercise that most of us get when we're carrying a baby in the womb, it 's not always easy to follow the doctor 's advice. If you have "morning" sickness all day long, ice cream is sometimes the only thing you can get yourself to eat.

So, what do you do to get rid of the extra pounds after the baby is born?

First of all, have one more talk with your doctor. Make sure that you don't have any lingering nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia, that a diet could make worse.

If you find yourself eating "comfort food" to counteract unhappiness or stress, ask your doctor to check to see if you have post-partum depression. Depression is common after a child is born, and it often causes people to gain weight, but it 's treatable - so there 's no reason to let it drag you down. If it 's a problem for you, talk to your doctor.

If you're going to breastfeed, getting nutritional advice from your physician is particularly important. Fortunately, nursing your new baby may actually help you lose the extra weight - but under any circumstances you need to make sure you don't short-change the baby (or yourself!) by going on a crash diet.

With your doctor 's approval, you'll want to get back into normal daily routines as soon as you can. Don't over-do, of course, but start moving again if you tended to sit a lot during your pregnancy. Habits are easy to build, and difficult to break.

To help you get back into walking for exercise, think about getting a front carrier or sling so you can take your baby with you on short walks through the neighborhood instead of always putting him in the stroller. The baby will enjoy being close to mom (it 's a great way to put a fussy baby to sleep), and you'll have more fun, too. And you'll lose more weight when you walk because you're carrying the baby.

Since you now have a new family, it 's a good idea to learn as much as you can about healthy eating, so all of you can feel your best and be as healthy as possible. If you've slipped into sloppy eating habits during your pregnancy because cooking right just seemed like too much trouble, now is the time to snap out of it and put those veggies back on the menu.

Eat a big salad at the beginning of every meal, and make them fun - with lots of variety and taste - so it starts to become second nature. Be sure you always have more veggies on your plate than anything else, as well, because that way you'll be able to fill up and feel satisfied without being tempted to weigh yourself down with the calories that hide in bread, pasta, red meat and desserts.

The one thing that will be the most helpful to you is to remember that the way you eat now will influence your new baby 's health for many years to come. Many people have discovered that they have a hard time losing weight until they realize their own eating habits may be hurting their kids.

Doing something for yourself might feel like a bother and too much work, (especially if it means cooking a real meal instead of grabbing a pizza), but doing the same thing for people you love is fun and feels completely worthwhile. Of course, your baby wont be eating those veggies for a while, but you'll want to get in the habit now.

Like most people, you'll probably discover that it 's easier to stay committed to your baby 's health than your own. It 's just human nature. Fortunately, good eating habits help both of you stay healthy, and it will help you lose weight.

If your baby grows up in a household where good, wholesome food is always a high priority, and where sweets and other treats are only given only on special occasions, your child will grow up strong and healthy. If you take the time now to learn how to eat right, you'll naturally lose your extra weight while you eat those veggies, and the whole family will benefit from your efforts.

About the Author

Too tired to cook healthy meals every night? Cook once a month, fill your freezer with your own delicious, home-cooked meals, and eat good every day! Learn how at EasyDoesItDiet.com

Choosing a Good Mattress for Pregnancy

One of the symptoms of pregnancy is back pain. A woman is carrying a growing weight in her tummy and this puts a lot of strain on her back.

While some cases of back pain may only last for a few days or weeks, some people suffer recurring back pain for their entire pregnancy. This is due to day after day of strain on the muscles, ligaments and tendons around the lower spine. The strain can produce either sudden or gradual painful muscle spasm or tension.

Studies have actually stated that direct medical costs for back pain reach approximately $24 Billion every year while indirect expenses total to roughly $35 Billion. With these staggering amounts, back pain is surely something that everyone should avoid.

What can a woman do during pregnancy to help her aching back? One of the most common contributors to this pregnancy back pain is sleeping on a bad or sagging mattress. Because people don't get a good night sleep, they can wake up mentally and physically distressed. Even if one would choose to ignore the pain and get on with her daily routine, the strain will still cause pain and may even lead to arthritis and many other conditions later in life.

To avoid this, one might want to purchase a better mattress for pregnancy. Besides, a good mattress can also bring about restful sleep, which is absolutely needed to replenish the used up psychological and physical energies.

The following are helpful tips on choosing the right mattress for you and your family:

Tip #1: Do initial research

Do you need a twin, single, double, full, king or queen mattress size? Choose one that can accommodate your entire body. Bear in mind that sizes sold in the United States may vary from those sold in the United Kingdom and other countries. Hence, compare the sizes and choose the most suitable one. Also, many home furnishing stores carry exclusive lines these days so do extensive comparison-shopping beforehand.

Tip #2: Take someone to go with you when you shop

This is important since you need to have a second opinion before you finally buy that mattress. Many people get swayed either because of the low price or design so it is better to bring someone along to give that helpful, honest opinion.

Tip #3: Consider the levels of comfort

As much as possible, ask for available mattress catalogues. These contain illustrations or cutawaysof the mattress interior. Check the layers and see if there are enough pads, toppers and foam. If you are in a home furnishings store, you can also try to ask if you could lie down on the mattress and give it a test Try various sleeping positions and see if your lower back, shoulders, legs and hips are supported well while lying on the mattress. Remember that there is no one ideal mattress. People have different perceptions of ease and comfort, hence, it is best that you try lying on the mattress first. Comfort does not mean that the mattress has to be stiff, though, just so you can be sure that it has the necessary support for your body. Which brings us to the next tip.

Tip #4: Consider the level of support

You would want your mattress to be firm yet still soft enough to conform to the curves of your spine and the rest of your body. The mattress has to help you maintain the same natural alignment of your body. This is important because you would not want to injure your bones especially your spine.

Tip #5: Give emphasis on value

There may be low priced mattresses available and these may seem nothing different compared to the more expensive ones but more often than not, there is a reason for the price discrepancy. More expensive mattresses guarantee good quality. Also, some cheap mattresses may initially do the trick, however, they may later sag and would need additional pads and toppers, hence, it comes out expensive as well.
There are a lot of mattresses available in the market today so you need to make the right choice. After all, you will be using the mattress every single day. Treat yourself to a good and informed choice.

Once you have a new mattress, add a large pregnancy pillow to curl up with and your comfort is assured.

About the Author

Monica Nelson writes about health topics, about womens health issues, and about early pregnancy symptoms and the benefits of omega 3 fish oil for healthy babies. Always talk to your doctor about health issues such as pregnancy.

Pregnancy Diet - 7 Effective Guidelines Of A Healthy Pregnancy Diet

Many expectant mothers often overlook the role diet can play in their baby 's overall health and nutrition. The popular adage "eating for two" isn't quite what is necessary, in fact, there is such a thing as gaining too much weight when it comes to pregnancy, (most physicians agree that 25-40lbs is optimum). An expectant mother should read up on prenatal health and diet and speak to her doctor about the foods she should eat, and those she should avoid to give her baby the best start in life.

A baby 's time in the uterus is the most important time it can have in regards to development; it will serve for the foundation for the rest of its life. Mothers oftentimes take this very seriously and change their diets drastically to benefit their unborn baby. This should, however, not be undertaken alone. A doctor should always be consulted when changing any diet while pregnant. There are many books also available that offer mothers information and guidelines for eating healthy for baby. Some guidelines to follow are:

1) The food pyramid. While small things may shift and change over time, it is still the best guideline for the different types of food to get throughout the day.

2) Know your colors. Varying the color of your vegetables, though it may be a simple guideline, works. The colors oftentimes represent the different types of nutrients in those vegetables, so eating a colorful palette will ensure a variety of nutrients are being attained. Dark green vegetables are rich in iron and should always be on the dinner plate.

3) Small meals. Eating smaller portions more often throughout the day has proven to be much better than larger meals spread out. Overeating is a mistake often made by mothers and should be avoided.

4) No diets! In decades past doctors didn't know this was a big no-no, some even prescribed diet pills to expectant mothers! Not only will eating healthfully be best for your baby, but it is also the most healthful way for mommy to stay in shape when she 's pregnant.

5) Vitamins are supplements only. All too often people think that a good vitamin can replace healthy eating. This isn't at all the case; many nutrients can be attained only through certain foods, so it 's important to take prenatal vitamins regularly, and eat a healthy, balanced diet.

6) Watch the sweet stuff. If at all possible, desserts and sweets should be avoided, but in the rare instance of a bad day, sweets are permitted, but only at a minimum.

7) Water, water, water! Water helps to prevent early labor so drink up! The best way to get the amount of water needed for a healthy pregnancy is to invest in a large water bottle. Keeping it with you and sipping on it throughout the day will make it much easier to keep track of your progress.

While it may be difficult to follow a healthy eating regime, always remember that another person 's health is at stake. Some specifics to follow are:

- 2 servings of fruit
- 6 servings of water, juice, or milk
- Avoid foods with fat
- 3 servings of vegetables
- 6 servings of whole grains
- No sweets except as a rare treat
- 3 servings of proteins

Keep in mind that these are only general recommendations and no one can replace the suggestions of your doctor as every pregnancy is different and will require different things.

About the Author

Abhishek has seen many childbirths in his huge family! Visit www.Childbirth-Guru.com and Download Abhishek 's FREE Report "How To Dress And Look Your Best During Pregnancy!". If you are an expecting mother, or have just delivered, you can get some very valuable information about Pregnancy and Childbirth. But hurry, only limited Free copies available! www.Childbirth-Guru.com

Take An Online Pregnancy Test For Free

To take an online pregnancy test, you'll need to answer some questions. These questions are related to signs that indicate pregnancy. To take an online pregnancy test, answer the questions below. Please note - it will take about a week for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus after conception. Once implantation happens, you can begin to experience one or more of the signs that indicate you are pregnant. Are you experiencing any of these signs:

1. Light Spotting? Spotting can happen when implantation occurs before your next period begins. Light bleeding from implantation tends to be pinkish or brownish.

2. Urinating More Often? Frequent urination is one of the early signs of pregnancy. Many women experience more frequent urination about 7-12 days after the temperature rise at ovulation.

3. Elevated Body Temperature? A slight increase in body temperature at ovulation is normal. Your basal body temperature staying elevated after ovulation is completed and remaining elevated for the next two weeks can be one of the early signs of pregnancy.

4. Missing a Menstrual Period? A missed period is one of the obvious pregnancy signs when you take an online pregnancy test. However, you can miss periods for other reasons such as illness, stress and reactions to foods or medications.

5. Tiredness? A lack of energy as a pregnancy sign may be hard to distinguish from other kinds of exhaustion. Feeling tired is related to the change in hormones in the body, which usually disappears as the body adjusts to new hormone levels during pregnancy.

6. Feelings of Nausea? Feeling nauseated can happen any time, day or night, although 'morning sickness' is the name given to feeling nauseated when pregnant. Only about half of pregnant women will experience nausea.

7. Tender Nipples and Breasts? When you take an online pregnancy test, answering yes to this question can indicate pregnancy. These feelings of tenderness go away as the body becomes accustomed to new hormone levels.

8. Darker Areolas? If the area around the nipples becomes darker, this can be a pregnancy indicator. It can happen as early as one week after conception. The bumps on the areolas may also look more prominent.

If you are answering 'Yes' to one or more of the questions above as you take an online pregnancy test, you should confirm pregnancy by using one of the better home pregnancy tests. There are major differences in the reliability of the home tests for pregnancy. A blood pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 8 to 10 days after conception, and a urine pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 10 to 14 days following conception. If you feel you are pregnant but your pregnancy test result is negative, do the test again in a week or so and see your physician.

Becoming pregnant and enjoying a successful pregnancy is a complex but wonderful experience. Learn as much as you can about fertility, pregnancy and your health so your new baby will have the very best beginning to life that is possible.

About The Author

Olinda Rola

Read more at http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com/ovulation-tests.html about ovulation tests and fertility monitors. Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - a website of articles on health, ovulation, fertility, prenatal vitamins, pregnancy and caring for yourself naturally.

Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Accessories For The First Time Mom

Deciding which pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies are essential can be an stressful task, especially for new parents. Purchasing supplies that you later find you did not need is frustrating. Stores carry a multitude of different brands, options and styles of pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies.

How is a new mom to sort it out? Preparing a list of pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies that doesn't break the bank can be done with a little help. Here are a few pointers to get started.

When shopping for a back-saving pregnancy pillow, try to choose one that will serve as a nursing pillow later on. A nursing pillow can be a breastfeeding mother 's best friend. A nursing pillow is used to help position a mother 's arm and the baby comfortably during a feeding.

If you have a drowsy eater, you may grow weary before the baby is done nursing if you are not using a nursing pillow for support. Choose a pillow that is machine washable and be sure to purchase several well fitting slip covers.

Sore nipples can be a problem during pregnancy, but especially during breast feeding. Keeping a tube of lanolin on hand to apply on a regular basis is a must for breastfeeding mothers. Don't wait for sore nipple to become a painful problem. Prevention is always best. Applying lanolin twice a day will help prevent sore nipples and ensure pain free breast feeding sessions.

Breast feeding supplies like a breast pump, breast milk pads, nursing bras and burp cloths are staples in a nursing mother 's bag. The most expensive breast pump is not necessarily the best.

A manual breast pump is often all that is required and they are less expensive than electric or battery operated pumps. Models like the Advent Isis are ideal. They are gentle on the breast and mimic the suckling action of a baby.

Another necessary item on your list of breast feeding supplies is the breast milk pad. Sudden letdown can leave you with an embarrassingly wet front. Breast milk pads are designed to catch leaking milk and keep your bra dry.

Washable breast milk pads are more cost effective than disposable ones. A cloth or disposable diaper can even serve as milk catcher for the overachiever who produces mass quantities of milk.

One area to spend a little extra is the bra department. A good quality nursing bra can be worn during your pregnancy and will serve you well for months of breast feeding after the baby arrives. A nursing bra with adjustable cups is an excellent choice to prevent the bra from becoming ill fitting as you lose your pregnancy weight.

Your collection of breast feeding supplies is not complete without a bag of burp cloths. Breastfeeding can get messy at times, so tucking a burp cloth into the cup of your bra while nursing will help keep you and your baby dry. Cloth diapers with the padded center make the most durable and absorbent burp cloths.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding do not require a large quantity of supplies and high-tech gadgets. Your body prepares for pregnancy and breastfeeding naturally, leaving only a few convenient essentials for the new mother to collect.

You should not have to mortgage your home to prepare for a new baby. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and motherhood can be enjoyed without a shopping cart full of expensive supplies.

About the Author

Breast feeding is an important aspect of your new born baby. Mike Selvon 's portal has more information about pregnancy and breastfeeding accessories. Visit our portal and leave a comment at our breast feeding blog.

Eating Whilst Pregnant - A Guide Through the Minefield

When you are pregnant there is lots of advice on what you should and shouldn't be eating. This guide is designed to help you sift out the facts from the old wives tales.

It is important to eat a balanced diet whilst pregnant to make sure your baby gets all the nutrients it needs. It should also give you the energy you require to care for your growing baby.
You should try to eat:

* Plenty of fruit and vegetables (aim for 5 portions a day) these can be fresh, tinned, dried, frozen or in juice.
* Plenty of starchy foods such as bread, pasta, rice and potatoes - try to choose wholegrain options
* Foods rich in protein such as lean meat and chicken, fish (aim for at least two servings of fish a week, including one of oily fish), eggs and pulses (such as beans and lentils). These foods are also good sources of iron.
* Plenty of fibre. This helps prevent constipation and is found in wholegrain bread, pasta, rice, pulses and fruit and vegetables
* Dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt, which contain calcium to help growing bones


Vitamins and Minerals:

* Folic Acid - Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Ideally you should take a daily 400 microgram (mcg) Folic Acid Supplement from the time you start trying to conceive until the end of your first trimester (12 weeks). However if you haven’t been taking it start when you find out you are pregnant. You should also eat foods containing folate - the natural form of folic acid - such as green vegetables and brown rice, fortified bread and breakfast cereals.
* Iron - Pregnant women can become deficient in Iron so make sure you eat lots of iron rich foods such as red meat, pulses, green vegetables, bread and fortified breakfast cereals. Try to have some Vitamin C (found in fruit juices, and fruit and vegetables) at the same time to help your body absorb the Iron. If your blood iron levels become low your midwife will recommend some iron supplements. (Note: Although liver contains Iron it is best avoided during pregnancy - see below - What to Avoid)
* Vitamin D - Vitamin D is found is a small number of foods but we get most of out Vitamin D from the summer sunlight. If you are not spending much time out in the sun it is worth taking a 10mcg supplement daily. (Note: If you are out in the sun take care not to burn)
* Vitamin A - Avoid supplements containing Vitamin A as too much is harmful to your unborn baby. (See below – What to Avoid.)

What to Avoid:

There are some foods is best to avoid during pregnancy because they may make you ill or could harm your baby.

* Some Cheeses - You should avoid soft, ripened cheeses such as Brie, Camembert and blue veined cheese such as Stilton. You should also avoid cheeses marked as ‘unpasteurised’. These cheese may contain a bacteria called Listeria which may harm your unborn baby.
* Pate - Pate could also contain Listeria so should be avoided
* Eggs - Avoid raw egg and food containing raw or partially cooked eggs. This is because of the risk of salmonella which can cause food poisoning. It is OK to eat eggs which are cooked through so both the white and yolk of the egg is solid.
* Meat - Avoid raw or undercooked meat. Make sure all meat you eat is cooked right through so it is piping hot and no pink meat is left. This is especially important with poultry and food containing minced meat like burgers and sausages. This is because raw and undercooked meat might contain bacteria which could cause food poisoning. Also make sure you wash your hands after dealing with raw meat and all raw meat is kept away from food ready to eat.
* Liver and Vitamin A supplements - You need some vitamin A, but having too much means that levels could build up and may harm your unborn baby. Ask your GP or midwife if you want more information.
* Some types of Fish - Fish is good for you and your baby and shouldn't be avoided all together however it is not recommend you eat Shark, Marlin and Swordfish because the high levels of mercury they contain could damage the baby’s nervous system. For this reason also you should limit your Tuna intake to a maximum of 2 tuna steaks of 2 medium sized cans per week. Also have no more than two portions of oily fish a week. Oily fish includes fresh tuna (not canned tuna, which does not count as oily fish), mackerel, sardines and trout.
* Raw Shellfish - Avoid raw and undercooked shellfish as it may contain bacteria which may cause food poisoning.

Peanuts:

Serious allergies to nuts and nut products and some seeds affect about 1 to 2% of people in the UK. Your baby may be at higher risk of developing a nut allergy if you, the baby 's father, brothers or sisters have certain allergic conditions such as hay-fever, asthma and/or eczema.

If your baby is in this higher-risk group, you may wish to avoid eating peanuts and peanut products when you're pregnant and breastfeeding.

Alcohol and Caffeine:

Opinions vary on how much, if any, alcohol is safe to drink whilst pregnant. The Food Standards Agency recommend you limit your alcohol intake to 1-2 units once of twice a week.

Caffeine should also be limited although it isn’t necessary to cut it out completely. It is important not to drink more that 300mg a day as high levels of Caffeine can cause babies with low birth rates and even miscarriage.

Each of these contains roughly 300mg of caffeine:
- 3 mugs of instant coffee (100mg each)
- 4 cups of instant coffee (75mg each)
- 3 cups of brewed coffee (100mg each)
- 6 cups of tea (50mg each)
- 8 cans of cola (up to 40mg each)
- 4 cans of 'energy' drink (up to 80mg each)
- 8 (50g) bars of plain chocolate (up to 50mg each). Caffeine in milk chocolate is about half that of plain chocolate

Remember Caffeine is also found is some cold and flu remedies so always check with your GP or pharmacist before taking anything.
Foods you DON’T have to avoid (dispelling the myths):

It is OK to eat the following:

* Shellfish, including prawns - as long as they are part of a hot meal and have been properly cooked
* Live or bio yogurt
* Pro-biotic drinks
* Fromage frais
* Crème fraîche
* Soured cream
* Spicy food
* Mayonnaise, ice cream, salad dressing - as long as they haven’t been made using raw egg. Generally, mayonnaise, ice cream and salad dressing you buy in shops will have been made with pasteurised egg, which means it’s safe to eat. But it’s better to avoid home-made versions if they contain raw egg. You should also avoid soft ice-cream (more commonly known as Mr Whippy) from machines as it 's possible that the pipes in the machine can harbour bacteria if not cleaned correctly. If you're not sure about any of these foods when you're eating out, ask staff for more information
* Honey - it’s fine for pregnant women but honey isn’t suitable for babies under a year old
* Many types of cheese including:
- Hard cheese, such as Cheddar and Parmesan
- Feta
- Ricotta
- Mascarpone
- Cream cheese
- Mozzarella
- Cottage cheese
- Processed cheese, such as cheese spreads

About the Author

Eating whilst Pregnant was brought to you by Madmums

8 Early Pregnancy Symptoms - How To Find Out If You Are Pregnant

You feel queasy. You're experiencing a headache. You just don't feel too good. Blame it on yesterday 's seafood? Or are you catching a cold? Or could it be that you're pregnant? How can you tell the difference?

This article will hope fully lead on the right path. We will discuss early pregnancy symptoms and signs that you should keep an eye out for.

One of the most telling sign of being pregnant is a delay in your menstruation. If you miss your period and have been sexually active, then you should take a pregnancy test kit. Keep in mind that many women still get bleeding, but it will be lighter and for shorter days.

Besides missing your period, you could also experience some spotting or light bleeding. This normally takes place very early in the pregnancy stages, somewhere between 6 to 12 days after the conception. This happens when the tiny embryo clings itself onto the wall of your uterus.

Once you are pregnant, there will be changes to your body. One significant change is the swelling of breasts. Women tend to get swollen breasts as early as 1 - 2 weeks into the pregnancy. The breasts are sore and tender and can be a discomforting experience for women. Besides breasts tenderness, women could also experience the darkening of the areolas. The nipples tend to grow darker when you are pregnant.

One thing that sends shivers down the spine of soon-to-be mothers is the morning sickness or nausea. Nausea is experienced by many pregnant women anytime between weeks 2 - 8 after conception. And even though it 's called morning sickness, you can get it at anytime of the day. You might not have to throw up, but the queasy feeling is still there. The good news, it will not last forever. Some women are very fortunate in the sense that they never have to go through morning sickness. However there are some unlucky women who go through morning sickness right through their pregnancy.

When you're pregnant, you could experience extreme tiredness or fatigue. This can keep you in bed, as you're often sleepy or just don't want to get out of bed. This is normal for an expecting woman.

And if that 's not hard enough, another symptom of pregnancy is the frequent urination. You may feel like you just want to sit near the bathroom all day, or that your bladder just can't hold it in any longer. Pregnant women have to put up with this and make extra trips to the bathroom every day.

Expecting women also experience aches - backaches and headaches. Early in the pregnancy, you may experience lower backaches. Backaches are also common throughout the entire time you are pregnant. Your body has to cope with a growing belly and this can strain your back, thus you may experience a dull backache all this time. As your body changes, so do your hormones. As a result of this, you may find yourself experiencing headaches early in your pregnancy.

And of course, who can forget the food cravings of the pregnant woman. Of course it might not be a longing to eat odd combinations of food like sardines and chips, but many pregnant women feel a craving for some types of food. This craving could also last for the entire pregnancy.

The above are the most common symptoms that a woman may go through in the early stages (and some till the end) of pregnancy. Should you experience these symptoms, get a pregnancy test kit or meet with your doctor. Do remember that the symptoms might vary, as everyone is unique and that each woman is different.

About the Author

Juzaily Ramli owns a pregnancy website that discusses everything related to getting pregnant and how to know all the different pregnancy signs so you won't get confused.