Phthalates are so dangerous because they either mimic or block our natural hormones and male fetuses are especially vulnerable.

According to “Theodore Schettler, a physician and science director of the Science and Environmental Health Network, an environmental advocacy group.

‘There’s a huge animal database showing how exposures to phthalates during development can have effects at levels hundreds of times lower than these needed to show any impact on an adult,’ he said.

Timing of the exposure matters, and the most harm may occur between the eighth and 15th weeks of pregnancy, when a fetus’ sexual differentiation starts, he said.

Timing of the exposure matters, and the most harm may occur between the eighth and 15th weeks of pregnancy

‘If my testosterone dropped by 20 or 30 percent for a couple of days, it wouldn’t matter,’ he said. ‘But for a developing fetus, it could matter a whole lot if there was a substantial drop in testosterone.’

Phthalates fall into a group of chemicals called endocrine disruptors because they either mimic or block the action of human hormones. Phthalates interfere with the synthesis of testosterone.

Bisphenol A, another controversial chemical that is found in plastics, can mimic female hormones. Consumers’ concerns about bisphenol A, which has been used for years to make plastics stiff, have prompted some producers and retailers to announce in recent months that they would stop using and selling it.” Physorg.com

Phthalates are found in nail polishes, hair sprays, perfumes, shampoos, deodorants, soft plastic toys and much more. There is no easy way to determine if your beauty or household product contains phthalates unless it clearly states “phthalate free”. During pregnancy, the safer the better so if you wont put it in your mouth, don’t put it on your skin.

More resources: Not Too Pretty (PDF)

Pregnancy is probably the most sensitive period in a woman’s life. You carry the responsibility of another life within you. This in itself can be the primary cause of anxiety during pregnancy and can be very difficult to avoid.

While pregnant, you undergo many inevitable biological and psychological changes, but the eternal anxiety is the undercurrent of all such changes. Headache can be one such ‘inevitable’ suffering. Pregnant women often suffer from severe headaches during pregnancy, as a matter of routine. In general terms some say that headache is a side effect of pregnancy.

What are the reasons for this type of headache? The main ones are hormonal changes, the general stresses related to pregnancy and increases in the your blood volume. In addition, the changes in the contours of your body help to contribute to poor posture. Naturally, poor posture creates stress on various parts of your body. Your brain will eventually get the signal of discomfort, often from the burden of carrying the extra weight.

The vast majority of pregnant women are very cautious about what they consume during pregnancy. Many women will avoid even a Tylenol during pregnancy to err on the side of caution. So what can you do if you are contending with a massive headache during pregnancy?

Try these steps to minimize your pregnancy headache:
Eliminate certain types of food, such as packaged and preserved foods, chocolate and spicy food. Understand your diet very well- what is good for you and for the baby growing within you. Don’t overeat. Eat several small meals in a day. Take lots of liquid diet, fruits and juices.

Improve your circulation and overall health by taking leisurely walks in the nearby park or on the lawns of your own garden. You can also improve your mental and physical state with a prenatal Yoga or Pilates DVD if you can’t find a class near you.

Try to adhere to nature’s schedule if at all possible. Wake up with the sun and get adequate sunlight during the day to regulate your circadian rhythms. Keep your bedroom as dark as possible and try not to stay up too late past dark with inactivity, packaged foods, and stressful news or TV shows. Keep electronics (especially the TV) out of your bedroom.

This is not the time to experiment with any type of strong medication to get relief from the headache. Try to understand the root cause of your headache. Try to control it with a natural process. Practice meditation or deep breathing.

Due to the fact that your symptoms may be related to poor posture or some other physical condition, you may find relief after a visit to the chiropractor or acupuncturist. You can also try your own acupressure or having your partner massage your neck, back and shoulders.

While many women avoid coffee during pregnancy, most experts do not see the harm in a pregnant woman having one to two cups of coffee a day. The caffeine in coffee is often shown to reduce or eliminate a headache. A healthier choice would be a cup or two of green tea.

If all else fails, try to remember that “this too shall pass”. Pregnancy is but a blip of time in your life and most women will put the discomforts of pregnancy and childbirth far behind them as they enjoy life with their new angel.

Author: Javier Fuller
About the author: Many Headache articles are available at Headacheupdates.com for Headache During Pregnancy.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/itsallaboutmich/775941059/

HCG is a hormone, which is secreted by the embryo and creates progesterone. The level of HCG and progesterone are generally parallel to the symptoms you experience. The worst symptoms seem to go away once the placenta takes over, at which point cholecystokinin increases, and digestion becomes more efficient as it makes better metabolic of your food. In turn, this can contribute to things such as low blood sugar, nausea, dizziness, and after-meal sleepiness.

To help alleviate morning sickness, avoid smells which are unsettling or uncomfortable to you, such as coffee or fish. Small things that didn’t affect you before can now force one hand to your mouth and the other to your stomach, things such as left over food, garbage, or perfumes.

Try to pinpoint these scents and do your best to avoid producing or encountering them. Figure out what times of the day you feel worse, and spend it at home, then figure out what things make you feel both worse and better.

Starting the day off feeling sick is likely to result in spending the day sick. For this reason, try to eat before bed, and right when you get out of bed. If you get up in the middle of the night, try to eat then too. Nibble on foods throughout the day and you should feel at least better than you would, if not good.

As you are eating throughout the day, eat foods which are packed with nutrients (such as cheese, tofu, or brown rice). Try to avoid rich, spicy, acidic, fatty, fried foods when you are feeling nauseas, and avoid eating too much at once. Try to consume as much protein and as many high-energy foods as possible, and force yourself to continuously eat. The result of not eating will get you an acid-filled stomach and low blood sugar.

Drink as many liquids as possible! Anywhere from water, to sports drinks, to juicy fruits. If you have to leave the house to buy, get, or go something try driving instead of getting a ride, as many women feel waves of nausea if they are along for the ride, rather than driving themselves.

Wear loose, comfortable outfits. Make sure they are not pressing into your skin. Take the time to relax. If you’re having troubles relaxing, try acupuncture. It is important to relax for yourself and your baby. And, when all else fails, sleep it off. If you use these suggestions as a general guide throughout your pregnancy, you will be certain to expend comfort as much as possible.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Maternity Clothes and More at http://www.maternityandbabystore.com

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Pregnancy has always been a time when I have been so thankful for my knowledge of essential oils and aromatherapy. I am not one of those women who carry pregnancy beautifully. I gain tons of weight, have heartburn and gas, swell up and sleep all of the time. Even though I am not the perfect pregnancy specimen, I still feel like one with aromatherapy.

When I lived with midwives as a teen, I first saw the results of aromatherapy on pregnancy. For my own pregnancy, I expanded upon this knowledge. I discovered that a wonderful thing about aromatherapy when pregnant and after the babies are born is that it gives you a reason to take the time to heal and pamper yourself. What could be better than pampering “medicine”?

I originally formulated the following blends for myself in 1996. Pregnant women,midwives and doulas in the United States have since used them.

Leg Cramp Oil
This oil is so soothing and relaxing on tired muscles. It is not only great for leg cramps, but also for varicose veins, varicosities and sore backs. Put the following ingredients into a container and shake well before using:

• 2 ounces St. John’s Wort oil
• 5 drops neroli essential oil
• 5 drops grapefruit essential oil

Belly Balm or Stretch Mark Prevention Oil
This oil feels wonderful going on. It is smooth and moisturizing and can help with the itching that so often happens when the skin starts stretching. In a double boiler, melt the carrier oils listed below. Carrier oils are nut or seed oils, like almond oil, shea butter, coconut butter and olive oil, for example. These are pressed and not distilled.

• 1 cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup cocoa butter
• 1/8 cup apricot, almond or grapeseed oil
• 1/8 cup Kukui nut oil, shea butter or mango butter (I love using mango butter.)

When these oils have melted completely, remove the mixture from the heat. Allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes, then add the essential oils listed below. Essential oils are distilled from leaves, seeds, roots and flowers that are very concentrated and fragrant. Transfer the blend to a container and allow it to cool completely before using.

• 10-20 drops sandalwood (try to purchase from an ethical source*)
• 15 drops patchouli
• 15 drops sweet orange essential oil

There are additional options for essential oils. Use what you like and/or can find locally. You can also try rosewood, rose, lavender, tangerine and neroli. If you blend your own mixture, be sure to keep the amount of essential oils used at less than 50 drops total.

Massage the balm all over thighs, breasts, stomach and anywhere else that needs nourishing and moisturizing. I have also used this on my face. Living in the Green Mountains, I often need a protector from the frigid winds for my fair skin.

Nausea Spray
Add the following to four ounces of distilled water and use in a spray bottle:

• 20 drops spearmint essential oil
• 15 drops lemon essential oil
• 5 drops sweet orange essential oil

Shake the mixture well and mist the air with it when a woman feels nauseous. You may find that different women prefer other types of scents, so you can also try ginger, neroli and rosewood. Experiment to find the mixture that works best. When making an alternative blend, keep the amount of essential oils used at less than 60 drops.

Labor Mists
The point of using mists during labor is to be as noninvasive as possible. Every person is different and has individual needs. Make sure that you understand and know the person you are making a blend for because the wrong blend can assault the senses. In our need to help, we do not want to create something not so beautiful for a mother.

Relax and Focus
This is a relaxing blend to promote clarity and focus. Fill a four-ounce spray bottle almost full with distilled water and add:

• 20 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 15 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 10 drops spearmint essential oil

Shake well and mist labor room. You can also make a compress by misting a wet cloth with the blend and applying it to the laboring mother’s forehead or back. This mist is great for fathers, too.

Uplift
Transition can be a trying and tiring time for the mother. We want to support her and use a mist blend that will ground and calm her and help lift her spirits. Add water to spray bottle as
above and add:

• 15 drops mandarin essential oil
• 10 drops bergamot essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops Clary sage essential oil

This is a strong blend and it should be used away from the mother. Never spray the mother directly. Always remember to use essential oils with education and care. Research each oil before use, especially in regard to pregnancy and labor.

* Companies that are ethical sources try to use plants that are sown and harvested for essential oil use specifically. When plants are taken from the wild, these companies insist that they be taken from a sustainable source only.

Author: Demetria Clark
About the author: Demetria Clark is a childbirth doula and runs Heart of Herbs Herbal School in Vermont (see her Web site at Heart of Herbs ). She lives with her husband and two sons, and is currently writing an herbal sourcebook for mothers. Originally printed in BirthKit www.midwiferytoday.com

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/cafemama/2112984619/

Source www.PRWeb.com
Morning sickness, which can be debilitating at times, is drawing more attention and greater concern from pregnant women looking for safe and effective remedies.

New York, NY (PRWEB) — From Angelina Jolie to Jane Doe, women around the world have suffered the debilitating effects of morning sickness during pregnancy, and many women are beginning to grow increasingly more concerned about the remedies available.

“I was so sick during the first few months of my pregnancy that I couldn’t eat, couldn’t go to work. I could hardly function,” Anita Rubio, 25, Island Heights, NJ explains. “I was afraid to take any of the over-the-counter or other medicines because all you read about is how dangerous they wind up being,” she continues.

With many over-the-counter and prescription medications for pain, weight loss and other common conditions being removed from the market, pregnant women are becoming more reluctant to take any medication for morning sickness.

“I thought about taking the herbal remedies but then I read that even ginger could be bad for you and the baby,” Lisa Custodio, 33, Brooklyn, NY states. “I really just felt like I didn’t want to put anything harmful into my body while I was pregnant,” Custodio added.

Custodio, like many pregnant women around the world are discovering that acupressure technology found in BioBands alleviates nausea without the risk of harmful effects for the mother or her unborn child.

“BioBands are great, they are easy to wear, completely stopped my feeling sick and I didn’t have to worry about hurting my baby,” Custodio explains.

The acupressure technology used by BioBands disrupts the transmission of nausea signals to the brain thereby eliminating the nausea associated with morning sickness without the need to take anything orally or topically that is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Pregnant women are becoming increasingly more aware of everything they take into their body, including topical treatments absorbed through the skin. The use of BioBands wristbands for nausea is proving to be safer and more effective than many of the medications and home remedies that have turned out ineffective or potentially harmful.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/rich_childs/1065217906/

“For many parents, pregnancy and childbirth are an awakening to the organic world. Suddenly, vague or distant-seeming concerns about health and the environment become focused on the new baby in the home. Studies have shown repeatedly that contaminants in the blood can pass from mother to fetus with alarming ease, and that the developing organs and tissues of infants, children and teenagers are more susceptible to damage from chemical toxins.”

The Complete Organic Pregnancy, was published by HarperCollins in October. The book is a user-friendly guidebook for the busy mom or dad whose bookshelf is already over-stuffed with baby advice manuals, but who - like Zissu - found themselves sitting awake at night worried about invisible threats in the home environment.

The four steps recommended in the article are: (You should read the full article for a more detailed explanation)

1.Don’t renovate your home during pregnancy or early childhood
2.Switch to non-toxic cleaning products
3.Choose certified organic foods whenever possible
4.Pamper yourself with products that are not loaded with chemicals

A couple of other ideas that I am going to throw in are:

Try making your own cleaning products. Vinegar and water in a spray bottle works as well as Windex for example. This will give save you a lot of childproofing hassle in the future and also allow your little one to help you clean. Take it from me, they wont spray themselves in the mouth twice with vinegar and water. The look on their face in priceless and there is no need to call poison control.

You can also try making your own cosmetics, skin and hair care products from items in your kitchen. This will not only be substantially better for your body but will have the same benefits as home made cleaning products. You will not have to call poison control if your toddler drinks your homemade olive oil body “lotion”.

Lastly, make sure to avoid toxic people. Something about pregnancy makes the non-pregnant people act stupid and weird. People say preposterous things and of course think it is perfectly OK to tell you how to handle your pregnancy and birth. It is a personal, intimate, magical and beautiful time so if the toxic people are getting to you and you are finding the bad vibes hard to shake then avoid the people if you can. The precious nine months goes by so quickly and you want to enjoy this magical time with your little one.

Click here to read the full story at www.thedailygreen.com

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She was suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum which afflicts approximately 5 out of 1000 pregnancies. Her doctor told her that she was “pregnant, not sick”.

This story is simply beyond tragic. This is just another example of medical doctors causing more harm than good. This poor woman must have gone through hell. I have a few friends who have endured Hyperemesis Gravidarum and from what they have told me, they would not wish it on their worst enemy. If your doctor tells you that you are “pregnant, not sick” then find yourself a new doctor or midwife. If you are really sufering from this debilitating condition then I do not recommend doing your own prenatal care because you may need intravenous hydration or nutrition.

If you are diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum some of the treatment options are: (and they do not include abortion)

• Hydration and anti-nausea medications
• Nutrition by vein
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin K
• Ginger
• Chamomile
• Anti-nausea bands

Click on the following links to learn more about hyperemesis gravidarum:
www.med.nyu.edu
www.pharmasave.com

Click here to see full CNN report

If you’re apprehensive about your pregnancy transformation, remember the changes are happening for a good reason: You are creating a new human being! Bearing that in mind, here are a few pointers to help you revel in your nine-month metamorphosis while not totally losing sight of your non-pregnant self.

Don’t neglect your skin

Pregnancy hormones can wreak havoc on your skin. Your complexion may look great, with that pregnancy glow, break out like it hasn’t since you were a teen or it may become drier and look splotchy. However, this is not the time to change products keep to your usual regime but maybe just add a good organic moisturizer or olive oil which can work wonders anywhere skin feels dry including over that expanding belly!

Don’t underestimate the power of organic makeup

Makeup can do wonders during pregnancy (just make sure it is organic). It can be used as a tool to feel pretty and in control. This is particularly important during a time when many women feel they have lost control of their body. So go ahead and have some fun: Try a new shade of lipstick or eye shadow. Makeup can be washed off, it isn’t permanent, and its a great way to give yourself a quick pick-me-up.

Avoid hair-raising hairstyle changes

One big pregnancy perk due to hormone changes is thicker, more lustrous locks. Some women also notice that the texture of their hair changes or their locks become shinier. If you normally have a thick head of hair and fear that any more will be unmanageable, you may find a shorter cut easier to wear while you’re pregnant. But, it is not advisable to go for a dramatic change as your body is going through enough changes as it is. Work with your stylist to find a cut that suits you. Use clips, combs and other hair accessories to enhance your style, but don’t overdo it, less is more and you may regret an emotionally driven drastic change.

Enhance your inner fashion

Today there are so many hip maternity clothes available that your biggest challenge will be sticking to your budget. With so many great choices, you should have no trouble finding something that suits your style. Unlike in the past when there were only a couple of specialized places to find maternity wear now many department stores carry their own lines at reasonable prices.

Here is a tip for your maternity wardrobe. Buy a few basics you can mix and match, for example a pair of black, denim and beige trousers, Capris or shorts (depending on the season). These can then be rotated with various colored tunics, shirts and cardigans and also used for various occasions. Accessorizing can also make you feel better or give an outfit that little extra. Just by adding some chunky jewelry or a pretty scarf can make all the difference.

Do not buy loads in advance, wait and see how you change and buy your clothes accordingly, otherwise you could end up with items you never wear but you thought looked cute in the shop.

Talk yourself into a good mood

If all else fails, remind yourself that even though you cant squeeze into a slinky dress or your favorite jeans right now, you are still fabulous. Beauty is a state of mind and not a certain look, size, or weight. You are glowing, you are pregnant, and you are beautiful!

About the author:
Julian Hall of GiftBabies.co.uk - The Baby Gifts Company - The Most Unique, Innovative Gift Ideas for Babies, Christening Gifts, Newborn Gifts, Personalized Gifts, Organic Clothing, Nappies, Blankets, New Baby Gifts

Shop for organic makeup, personal care, bath and beauty items at http://amuchbetterstore.com

Shop for natural and organic pregnancy items at http://amuchbetterstore.com

Check how toxic your cosmetics are at Skin Deep’s database of safety ratings for nearly 25,000 personal care products for people wanting to avoid ingredients such as mercury, lead and human placenta extract.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/misocrazy/68152880/

ST LOUIS, MO — (MARKET WIRE) — A study by researchers from three of America’s top universities suggests U.S. women aren’t getting adequate amounts of a nutrient thought to promote normal fetal brain development.

Sponsored by the National Institute of Health, researchers found the average American consumes just 314 milligrams of choline each day — much less than the 425 milligrams (women) and 550 milligrams (men) recommended by government health officials.

Choline is a nutrient essential for human brain development, normal memory function and fertility, and is thought to be particularly important during pregnancy. Foods rich in choline include soy lecithin, beef liver and egg yolks, although soy lecithin delivers one of the most bioactive and natural sources of the nutrient without cholesterol or saturated fat.

A new study by researchers from three of America’s top universities suggests U.S. women aren’t getting adequate amounts of choline thought to promote normal fetal brain development.Taking egg yolks or soy lecithin while pregnant can provide the choline that your fetus needs for proper brain development.

Click here to read full story at www.marketwire.com

Find choline and soy lecithin at http://naturalpregnancy.amuchbetterstore.com

Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese method of using tiny needles to stimulate specific areas or “meridians” of the body and to rebalance the body’s energy, or chi. Because acupuncture is especially effective for chronic conditions, many pregnant women are turning to acupuncture to provide drug-free relief from many of the unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy.

An Australian study showed that women who received acupuncture treatments regularly before their 14th week of pregnancy had less nausea and shorter bouts of morning sickness than women who did not receive the treatment. Acupuncture has also been used to treat the more serious condition hyperemesis gravidarum, which causes serious vomiting that persists throughout pregnancy.

During the second trimester, acupuncture has been used to successfully treat heartburn and hemorrhoids. In the third trimester, acupuncture can provide relief from sciatica, joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome, which many women develop late in pregnancy. Acupuncture has even been used to relieve pain during labor and delivery.

Pregnant women seeking to use acupuncture to treat conditions developed during pregnancy should be sure to visit a licensed and experienced acupuncturist. For example, although acupuncture can be used to treat edema, or swelling of the ankles, edema can be an indicator of a serious problem. An acupuncturist experienced in treating pregnant women would be more likely to recognize this problem and refer the patient back to her obstetrician.

The most serious risk of using acupuncture during pregnancy is that it may stimulate labor if it is improperly applied. Choosing an experienced practitioner reduces this risk to almost negligible levels. In fact, many women have turned to acupuncture to purposefully stimulate labor when their baby is overdue. Some women have found that labor induced by acupuncture is gentler than labor induced by drugs such as Pitocin.

In addition to benefits during pregnancy, labor and delivery, acupuncture has been used to promote fertility and to treat infertility . In a small German study, women who used acupuncture in conjunction with in vitro fertilization had a 42.5% success rate compared to 26.3% in women who used in vitro fertilization alone. Fertility specialists attribute this to the overall improvement of health that comes from receiving regular acupuncture treatments.

Finally, acupuncture may have some benefits in treating post-partum depression. Although no research has been done to support the efficacy of acupuncture treatments on post-partum depression, anecdotal evidence shows that some women do benefit from its use. Because acupuncture does not cause harmful drug interactions, it can be a useful complementary therapy.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://4alternativehealthinfo.com/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://thenursingcenter.com/ and http://letsdropsomeweight.com/