Top parenting stories this week
Is Prenatal Genetic Testing Right for You?
How to tell if your baby is at risk for birth defects and what tests you can take to find out for sure
by: Sydney Loney
Prenatal Genetic Testing
- About two to three percent of babies have some type of major birth defect.
- There are two types of prenatal testing used to detect potential fetal abnormalities: screening tests and diagnostic tests.
- If initial screening tests show your baby could be at risk for a birth defect, you may decide to have a more invasive diagnostic test, such as amniocentesis.
- The incidence of Down syndrome and other chromosomal problems increases with the mother’s age.
- An Integrated Screening test detects about 94 percent of babies with Down syndrome.
bout two to three percent of babies have some type of major birth defect, the most common is Down syndrome. Genetic screening and diagnostic tests can help you find out if your baby is at risk. Here’s what you need to know: To view the full story click here.
Kegel Exercises
Learn how to do Kegel exercises and why Kegels are important during and after pregnancy.
by: Nancy Ripton
Kegel exercises
- Kegel exercises condition the pelvic floor muscles.
- To do a Kegel exercise: Contract your pelvic floor muscles as if you are trying to stop peeing; then hold, and release.
- Do different Kegel exercises for strength, speed and endurance.
- Aim to do at least 100 Kegels a day.
- Start slowly with Kegel exercises after giving birth.
egel exercises are one of the best ways to get your body prepared for labor and help restore pelvic health after giving birth. Not sure how to do Kegel exercises? Here’s how to get started: To view the full story click here.
Your Guide to Prenatal Appointments
From blood tests to glucose screening, here’s what you need to know to prep for your next prenatal appointment.
by: Sydney Loney
Prenatal Care
- Pregnancy is a good time to put together a file of your family medical history.
- If blood tests reveal that you’re Rh-negative, your blood may be incompatible with your baby’s.
- Being pregnant makes you more susceptible to urinary tract infections that can increase the risk of premature labor.
- At around 18 weeks, you may be able to find out your baby’s sex during your anatomy scan ultrasound.
- Around 36 weeks, you’ll be given a group B streptococci test. If you test positive, you’ll need antibiotics during labor to protect your baby from infection.
ver the course of your pregnancy, you’ll routinely find yourself being poked, prodded and pricked with needles, but you may not always know why. Because it’s easy to lose track of what you’re being tested for, here’s what to expect from prenatal appointments throughout your pregnancy. To view the full story click here.
Acupuncture and Pregnancy
From morning sickness to breech babies, acupuncture may be the answer to your pregnancy problems.
by: Sydney Loney
Acupuncture and Pregnancy
- Look for a TCM practitioner or acupuncturist who has specialized training in obstetrical care.
- Acupuncture during pregnancy can help relieve everything from mild cases of morning sickness to severe nausea and vomiting.
- In the third trimester, research shows acupuncture can encourage babies to move so they're no longer in a breech position.
- Acupuncture pregnancy treatments can help prepare your body for labor and delivery and can also be used to induce labor once you've reached your due date.
hether you're vomiting your way through your first trimester or are plagued by pregnancy-related aches and pains in your second and third, acupuncture may be the key to relieving your discomfort. Here's how it can help you have a happier, healthier pregnancy in each trimester: To view the full story click here.
What Happens to Your Body During Pregnancy
From excess saliva to changing shoe sizes–five pregnancy side effects you may not know about.
by: Sydney Loney
Pregnancy Side Effects
- Sucking on hard candy can help you deal with the excess saliva common during early pregnancy.
- You may be more congested than usual, but just remember to blow your nose gently to avoid nosebleeds, which often occur during pregnancy because the blood vessels in your nose expand and rupture more easily.
- Many women experience round ligament pain near their abdomens, especially during the second trimester.
- Constipation is a common pregnancy problem as your hormones slow the process of food through your digestive tract.
ou may have expected the nausea, sore breasts and backache, but what about the nosebleeds, excess saliva and constipation? Here are five common pregnancy-related symptoms most new moms-to-be don't know about: To view the full story click here.
