How To Treat Heartburn During Pregnancy
Acid reflux is a common problem in pregnant women. In fact, a majority of these soon-to-be mothers complain of frequent heartburn during the later stage of their pregnancy. This is attributed to muscular weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that serves as the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach.
Improper function of LES can [...]
How To Have A Healthy Pregnancy
Many pregnant women grow impatient during the long months of pregnancy — you are anxious to start taking care of your baby. But caring for your baby begins long before childbirth. You need to be as healthy as possible to ensure your baby’s well-being. Good nutrition, exercise and prenatal care are important parts of a [...]
Tips for Avoiding a Cesarean
Cesarean sections are lifesavers in certain situations. For the most part, Cesareans are safe. However, they are major surgery, complete with the risks and after-effects of any major operation.
While the rate of C-sections has declined slightly in the last few years, more than 1 in 5 births is a Cesarean. Many authorities, including the U.S. [...]
How To Write A Pregnancy Birth Plan
You are nearing the home stretch of your pregnancy. The crib is assembled, diapers are on order, and your bag is packed. Is that everything? What about your birth plan?
A birth plan is a blueprint of your preferences and desires for your childbirth and hospital stay. Many couples do not bother with a birth plan [...]
Quitting Smoking for Your Baby
In the United States and Europe, cigarette smoking is the single largest preventable cause of stillbirth, birth defects (most commonly, low birth weight), premature delivery, and death of the newborn. In the United States alone, smoking was responsible for more than 40,000 infants with low birth weight in 1993.
Smoking exerts its ill effects on the [...]
How accurate are home pregnancy tests?
Home pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone called beta-HCG, which is an abbreviation for beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. Beta-HCG is only present if a woman is pregnant. Because some of the hormone enters the urine, home pregnancy tests can detect it there.
Manufacturers of home pregnancy tests advertise that their tests as being very accurate in [...]
