Top parenting stories this week

• 1.  Why Babies Smile
• 2.  Second Trimester Infant Development
• 3.  What Happens to Your Body After Childbirth
• 4.  Changing from Two Naps to One
• 5.  Baby's Development in the First Trimester

1. Expert: Andrea Grace August 31st, 2010
   	Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
   	If you followed a regular exercise program before getting pregnant, you should be able to maintain that program to some degree during your pregnancy. The key is to listen to your body as it changes. Here are some things to keep in mind when exercising during pregnancy: Your body will naturally give you signals that it's time to reduce your level of exercise. Never exercise to the point of exhaustion or breathlessness–this is a sign that your body (and your baby) can't get the oxygen supply they need. Wear comfortable footwear with strong ankle and arch support. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid exercise in extremely hot weather. Avoid rocky terrain or unstable ground when jogging. Contact sports and those with a potential for hard falls (such as horseback riding and skiing) should be avoided, while stationary cycling is recommend to reduce the risk of falls associated with regular cycling. Weight training should emphasize improving tone–so increase the repetitions and decrease the weight. Avoid lifting weights above your head and using weights that strain the lower back muscles. Due to the increase in your resting heart rate and decrease in maximal heart rate during pregnancy, don't use target heart rate to determine intensity of exercise. Great exercises for moms-to-be include: any form of swimming or water exercise, walking and yoga, which can help your body prepare for the birthing process. Precautions: See your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms during or after intense exercise: nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, vaginal bleeding, sudden swelling of hands, ankles or face, headache, high heart rate, amniotic fluid leaking, back or pelvic pain. Some information provided by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Meet our expert: Andrea Grace is the president and creator of Mommy and Baby Fitness, pre- and post-natal fitness programs with locations across North America. She is a CanFitPro and ACE certified fitness professional with 20 years of teaching experience and specialty certifications in pre-and post-natal and children's fitness. mommyandbabyfitness.com

   Permalinksafe pregnancy exercise, prenatal exercise, safe to exercise during pregnancy, pregnancy exercises

2. Expert: Jennifer Wise, B.H. Sc., D.C. May 24th, 2010
   	My baby is breech. Is it true she might flip with the Webster technique?
   	The Webster technique is a chiropractic method that was developed to help the fetus move freely–and it can be used to prevent and convert breech-birthing positions. The technique tends to be most effective when used earlier in pregnancy, but it’s never too late to try. (The Webster technique has been successful in turning a breech baby as late as 39 weeks.)   A chiropractor trained in the technique can assess your situation to determine whether there are imbalances in the bones, ligaments and muscles in your pelvis that may be causing a breech position. If these imbalances are found, your chiropractor will then use chiropractic adjustments to restore balance, which may give your baby the room she needs to flip. Visit www.icpa4kids.org to find a chiropractor trained in the Webster technique in your area.

   Permalinkchiropractic benefits during pregnancy, health, spine, chiropractic care, webster technique, breech baby, chiropractor, 37 weeks, pregnant

3. Expert: Dr. Peter Doubilet and Dr. Carol B. Benson May 10th, 2010
   	How early can a woman take a pregnancy test?
   	Pregnancy tests come in two varieties: urine and blood tests. Both of these check for the presence of a chemical called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) that is produced by the pregnancy and enters into the mother’s bloodstream and urine. HCG is first detectable in the woman’s blood or urine approximately two weeks after conception. Since conception occurs at the midpoint of the four-week menstrual cycle, pregnancy tests first become positive at about the time a woman misses her period and first suspects that she might be pregnant. A woman can take a pregnancy test to see if she is pregnant as soon as she misses her period. But it’s a little more complicated than that, for the following reasons: Not all women’s bodies are exactly the same, so pregnancy tests in some women may not become positive until about a week after the missed period. Blood tests are more accurate than urine tests, especially early in pregnancy. So, in the first few days after the missed period, a urine test might be negative when a blood test is already positive. A positive pregnancy test (blood or urine) means that a woman is pregnant, but does not tell where the pregnancy is located (in the uterus, where it should be, or an ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tube), or whether the pregnancy is developing normally. Ultrasound can provide this information one to two weeks after a missed period by showing where the pregnancy is developing and whether or not the embryo’s heart is beating.

   Permalinkpregnancy test, early, take, accurate

4. Expert: Dr. Peter Doubilet and Dr. Carol B. Benson February 16th, 2010
   	When can I hear my baby's heartbeat?
   	By the time you are about six weeks pregnant, your baby’s heartbeat will already be visible on ultrasound. Then, at around 10 weeks, a Doppler ultrasound will allow you to hear your baby's heartbeat. The first time you see or hear your baby’s heartbeat is a joyous and exciting moment–and also very reassuring as it is a sign that the pregnancy is going well and that the fetus is developing. When you first hear your baby's heartbeat, you may notice that it sounds very fast, but don’t worry because that is completely normal. At six weeks, your baby's heart beats at about 100 to 120 beats per minute, speeding up to about 160 to 180 beats per minute at 10 weeks, then slowing to 130 to160 beats per minute by the beginning of your second trimester.  Dr. Peter Doubilet and Dr. Carol B. Benson are Harvard Medical School professors of Radiology. They teach and see patients at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and are co-authors of Your Developing Baby (McGraw-Hill, 2008), a pregnancy guidebook that takes readers through every stage of a baby's development, using 2D and 3D ultrasound images, original explanatory diagrams and reader-friendly prose. Yourdevelopingbaby.com

   Permalinkbaby heartbeat, hear baby heartbeat, when see baby heartbeat, doppler ultrasound, fetal development

5. Expert: Renee Kaufman and Natalie Aston February 1st, 2010
   	How can I look good in maternity clothes?
   	Here’s how to flatter your pregnant form, with a few ideas to inspire you to spotlight your belly: 1. Trendy leggings paired with a lengthy, form-fitting top, blouse or cardigan are a great way to emphasize your pregnant silhouette. A loose, empire-line tunic will work beautifully with leggings too. 2. Try something more tailored–a blazer or cardigan with a tie closure above the belly. Matched with a trouser in the same color and fabric, it makes for a gorgeously clean, monochromatic look that stylishly accentuates your bump. 3. Every mom-to-be needs a LBD (little black dress, of course!). Buy one that is versatile, so you can sport it at work or to a cocktail party, and make sure it’s comfortable. Wear with great heels or a sleek pair of flat, knee-high boots. Renee Kaufman and Natalie Aston used their combined backgrounds in business and fashion to co-found Hatch Maternity after they recognized a distinct lack of stylish, comfortable and versatile maternity wear on the market. Their goal is to create the perfect maternity wardrobe solution with easy-to-wear, classic pieces in luxurious knits. Hatchmaternity.com

   Permalinkmaternity clothes, pregnancy work clothes, stylish maternity wear, stylish pregnant mom, look good pregnant, pregnancy wardrobe

6. Expert: Dr. William Camann November 16th, 2009
   	What is the difference between a spinal and epidural procedure?
   	Spinal and epidural procedures are both regional anesthetics that anesthetize a particular region of the body. (Under general anesthetic the patient is unconscious.) Spinal anesthetics are used primarily for elective cesarean sections, where the duration of the surgery is known. Spinal anesthetic involves a single injection of anesthetic medication directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Once the drug is injected, it is impossible to extend the duration of a spinal anesthetic. The effects of spinal anesthetic can last for one to 10 hours. An epidural is administered in a similar fashion but, in contrast to a spinal, an epidural involves placing a catheter into the epidural space (located near the spinal cord). Medication is injected through the catheter to numb the nerves. Due to the presence of the catheter, epidural anesthetic can be made to last as long as needed and the amount of medication can also be altered. Epidural is used for labor since delivery is unpredictable in length and intensity. If you are given an epidural for labor, and need to have an emergency cesarean section, a stronger medication can be injected through the epidural catheter to provide sufficient anesthesia for the surgery. Dr. William Camann is the director of obstetric anesthesia at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. He is also an associate professor of anesthesia at Harvard Medical School, and past-president of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology. An internationally recognized authority on obstetric anesthesia and pain control during childbirth Dr. Camann is the co-author of Easy Labor, Every Woman's Guide to Choosing Less Pain and More Joy During Childbirth (Random House/Ballantine Books, 2006). You can find out more about his book at easylabor.net

   Permalinkepidural procedure, spinal anesthetic, complications, william camann, difference, cesarean section, pain relief, child birth

7. Expert: Dr. Peter Doubilet and Dr. Carol B. Benson October 18th, 2009
   	How early can pregnancy be detected?
   	Pregnancy can be detected by three or four weeks gestational age (or one to two weeks after ovulation). If your period is late and you think you may be pregnant, you have two options. The first is to take an at-home urine test with a home pregnancy test. These tests are easy to use (just pee on a stick and wait) and have a 90 percent accuracy rating. Alternatively, you can have your doctor order a blood test (almost 100 percent accuracy). Both blood and urine pregnancy tests check for the presence of a chemical called human chorionic gonadotropin, which is produced during a pregnancy. Waiting two weeks post conception (one the first day of a missed period) is recommended, but positive results can be detected as early as one week after conception. After a pregnancy has been detected by a blood or urine test, your doctor will request an ultrasound to confirm that a live embryo is present. Ultrasounds can first be seen at five weeks pregnancy and an embryo and heart beat can be detected by six weeks. Pregnant women who aren’t experiencing any problems will usually have their first ultrasound around three months. Peter Doubilet and Carol Benson are a married couple with five grown children between them. They teach and see patients at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston where Peter is Senior Vice Chair of Radiology and Carol is Director of Ultrasound and Co-Director of High Risk Obstetrical Ultrasound. Together they have written Your Developing Baby (McGraw-Hill, 2008).

   Permalinkpregnancy detection, see pregnancy on ultrasound, late period, pregnancy tests, pregnancy testing, first ultrasound

8. Expert: Dr. Marjorie Greenfield July 13th, 2009
   	Is it safe to fly during pregnancy?
   	For women with normal, low-risk pregnancies, air travel is usually perfectly safe. That said, there are a few things you should be aware of before you pick up your boarding pass. First of all, it’s important to check in with your doctor or midwife so that they can give you the all-clear. (You don’t want to book a flight if you're showing any signs of preterm labor or have any risk factors for early delivery.) Then, once you’re airborne, don’t forget to get up from your seat every couple of hours and walk up and down the aisle for five to 10 minutes to reduce the risk of blood clots in your legs. Finally, if you’re travelling in your third trimester, be sure to contact the airline regarding its cutoff policy. (For instance, all American Airlines and Air Canada flights allow pregnant women to fly up to and including 36 weeks, after which air travel is only allowed for short flights, under special circumstances and must be cleared by the airline's medical desk with a note from your doctor saying that you're fit to travel.) Dr. Marjorie Greenfield is a practicing board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). She is currently associate professor on the full-time faculty at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She is also the author of The Working Woman's Pregnancy Book. marjoriegreenfield.com

   Permalinkis it safe to fly during pregnancy, third trimester flying, pregnancy airplane, pregnancy air travel

9. Expert: Stephanie Curran, R.TCM.P June 15th, 2009
   	Can acupressure help during labor?
   	Acupressure is a safe, effective, hands-on tool you can use during labor with the help of your partner or support person. Acupressure can keep the momentum of labor going and also helps with the release of endorphins to reduce the pain of contractions. It's best to take an acupressure workshop before you deliver so you know how to find the right acupoints once you're in labor. Pressure should be applied to acupoints as each contraction begins, then held with steady pressure until the end of the contraction. If you begin using acupressure in the early stages of labor right through to delivery, the treatment can increase the efficiency of each contraction, help the cervix dilate and encourage your baby to descend into the birth canal. To find out more and to see a demonstration of how acupressure can help during labor, click here. Stephanie Curran has been practicing as an Acupuncturist and registered Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner since 2000 and founded the Elements of Health Centre in 2006. She has completed many specialized courses in the application of TCM for treating reproductive and obstetric conditions. Passionate about working with women throughout their pregnancies, Stephanie has completed doula training and has integrated acupuncture and labor support in both home and hospital settings. elementscentre.ca

   Permalinkacupressure labor, labour, acupressure contractions, labor delivery, labor pain, pregnancy

10. Expert: Debbie Young, CD(DONA), PCD(DONA), LCCE February 9th, 2009
    	I'm pregnant with my second baby and I'm exhausted. What can I do?
    	A second baby is a challenge and a blessing. Whenever possible during your pregnancy, sleep while your toddler naps. Once your new baby is born, you may not be so lucky. It would be lovely if your children got on a similar schedule, but don't count on it. Newborns need to be cared for on cue, and that often does not coincide with any regular pattern for the first few months. You might find as time goes by your baby may be willing to nurse and rest while your toddler naps, allowing you a bit of time to relax. Many families choose to have a postpartum doula assist them in the first few weeks to help ease the transition of adding a new baby to the family. A doula can help establish good sleeping patterns. She can also help with newborn questions, provide breastfeeding or infant feeding information, help with bath time, do light household organization, and ease the transition of integrating the new baby into the family with older children. Another good resource into understanding your newborn's zones (including her sleep zones) is hugyourbaby.com. It provides information to help you understand how to help your baby sleep effectively so that you can get more rest as well.   Debbie Young, CD (DONA), PCD (DONA), LCCE is the president of DONA International and a childbirth educator at Genesis Medical Center in Davenport, IA. Young is also the owner of BabyMatters, a women's resource center for pregnant, birthing and postpartum families and has been a doula for over 20 years and a childbirth educator for over 21 years.

    Permalinktired, pregnancy, exhausted, how to get sleep after baby, dona, debbie young, newborns, sleep