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.

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This short video clip shows the basic prenatal yoga positions including stretches, pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), strength building poses, standing poses and sitting poses.

This is an excerpt from Gaiam’s prenatal yoga DVD. You can follow along with these poses and if you decide you enjoy the poses you can sign up for a local pre-natal yoga class, get a book to follow along or buy a prenatal yoga DVD. Prenatal yoga is an excellent and safe way to maximize maternal and fetal health and prepare for childbirth.

Shop the Natural Pregnancy Store for natural pregnancy books, prenatal fitness DVDs, prenatal vitamins and supplements and organic pregnancy items. ]]> http://pregnancy.amuchbetterway.com/gaiam-prenatal-yoga-dvd/feed/ http://pregnancy.amuchbetterway.com/how-to-have-organic-pregnancy/ http://pregnancy.amuchbetterway.com/how-to-have-organic-pregnancy/#comments Tue, 01 May 2007 14:05:35 +0000 Natural Pregnancy http://amuchbetterway.com/pregnancy/2007/06/30/how-to-have-organic-pregnancy-2/ The miracle of pregnancy comes with an enormous responsibility for the healthy development of your unborn child. Some women are consumed by this responsibility. Others may have a total disregard for the health and well being of their fetus. Most women fall somewhere in between. If you are reading this then you probably fall somewhere closer to the serious side.

A developing fetus is highly susceptible to outside influences. Most people know for example, that smoking and drinking can have serious adverse effects on a fetus, some permanent. Unfortunately many women are not as aware of the effects of common household chemicals and how they can affect not only their baby but even their great, great grandchildren.

What can affect a fetus? There is very little that a pregnant women consumes, breathes, or slathers on her skin that will not affect her fetus in one way or another. Some chemicals are clearly dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. An excellent starting point for a pregnant woman is to consider how natural a substance is. If something grew out of the ground it is quite likely safer than something developed in a lab. There are obviously exceptions to this rule such as poisonous mushrooms and certain herbs but for the most part it holds true.

The hard part is not determining what is safe as much as what is unsafe during pregnancy. Many substances have never been tested on pregnant women and their unborn children so the truth is, you may never know what is safe and what is not. So as a conscientious mother you may choose to err on the side of caution and avoid substances that may potentially be harmful to your baby. This is not feasible all the time but it is certainly worth the attempt.

What is potentially harmful to a fetus?

DRUGS & CHEMICALS
First you should evaluate all drug use including prescription, OTC, and illegal. The FDA has Use-In-Pregnancy ratings for drugs based on their known or unknown dangers. Perinatology.com has a fairly comprehensive list of prescription drugs, vaccines and illegal drugs and includes the class and the potential effects on a fetus or newborn.

What chemicals should you avoid if you are pregnant? Honestly, all of them. Some are clearly more toxic to your fetus than others and some may be totally safe but nobody knows for sure. Some of the dangerous chemicals which are proven to cause miscarriage, birth defects, developmental problems, and stillbirth are:

Pesticides, phthalates (found in some plastics, cosmetics, and bath products), paint, carpet, nail polish, gasoline fumes, routine dental procedures, some household cleaning products, polyurethane foam, hair dyes, and tap water (which can contain fluoride & chlorine). Read Pollution in Newborns by the Environmental Working Group to learn more.

You shuold also research your skin and hair care products at skindeep.org. The almost 15,000 beauty products in the Skin Deep database will tell you not only the safety rating of your products but what questionable chemicals your favorite beauty products contain. Skin Deep provides brand by brand comparisons and safety ratings. Search by product name, product type, brand, or even look up the highest concern brands. They will even give you a personalized shopping list of the safest beauty products.

PRENATAL TESTING (prenatal “scare”)
Additionally, prenatal testing carries inherent risks and potential benefits which must be weighed by each couple. In many cases the testing is totally unnecessary and can even result in miscarriage. What is the answer? Educate yourself. Thoroughly research prenatal tests prior to agreeing to them. The Center for Unhindered Living has a number of articles explaining the pros and cons of Ultrasound, Dopplers, Alpha Fetoprotein Test, Glucose Tolerance Test, Amniocentesis, Chorionic Villus Sampling, and Prenatal Rhogam.

If the test is not absolutely necessary then you have the right to refuse to have it done because it could potentially jeopardize your unborn child. Only you can decide if a test is necessary or not based on your physician’s advice, your research, and your instincts. Please do not take a “medical professionals” word for it. As a responsible adult do some research first.

Nutrition, exercise, and mental health.
Proper nutrition means avoiding processed foods, sugar, commercial meat and dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, among others. Soy, wheat, sugar, and caffeine should be avoided.

There are so many books available about pregnancy nutrition and if you need a bit of guidance then by all means get a book. Dr. William Sears has a great page on prenatal nutrition as well. In addition to avoiding negative food items, you need to accentuate the positive. Certain vitamins and minerals are vital to a healthy pregnancy. The RDA of most vitamins and minerals increases substantially during pregnancy. Folic Acid, calcium, and iron are essential. Organic produce should be your best friend. If this is all new to you then you are probably overwhelmed and confused. If you are committed though, making sensible food choices will be second nature in no time.

Lack of exercise generally will not result in direct harm to your baby but it will make your pregnancy and labor substantially more difficult. The increased blood flow from regular exercise will enhance your child’s development and some studies link prenatal fitness with increased apgar scores and mental development. A walking routine or prenatal yoga course is ideal. You certainly do not want to overdo and many fitness routines need to be modified for pregnancy. The key is to avoid inactivity and increase blood flow. So whatever you do, get off the couch and get moving.

Finally, if you are seeking a natural pregnancy, it is very important to avoid stress. Stress has been linked to miscarriage, autism, and other many other fetal developmental problems. Unfortunately it is unlikely you can quit your job and move to an island for nine months so you need to play the cards you have been dealt. In other word if you are prone to stress you can learn to identify your stress triggers and avoid stressful situations. You can also learn how to handle stressful situations once you are in them.

Both meditation and yoga are proven, fabulous ways of lowering stress levels. Counseling may also help with current stressors in your life. Even a ten minute walk has been proven to reduce stress levels considerably. In any event, please do not resort to drugs or alcohol which don’t reduce stress, they only numb you temporarily and they will certainly cause harm to your child.

You may also want to try other stress reducing techniques include biofeedback, EFT, or a mantra such as “This too will pass”. And never underestimate the value of a good friend or family member that you can call if things get rough.

If you are committed to an organic pregnancy you can certainly do it. Having a partner and family who support your decision will certainly help but even without their help you are certainly capable of trusting your instincts and standing your ground. Your body and your baby will thank you.

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“In addition to its many physical benefits, prenatal yoga helps women through the evolutionary process of pregnancy by connecting with other pregnant women, allowing the opportunity for inward reflection, providing a healthy physical and emotional outlet for one’s experiences, and ultimately preparing one for birth on a holistic level.” Source : Expectant Mother’s Guide

Author: Michelle Oberton
Prenatal yoga is an exercise that is designed to promote breathing exercises, posture and emotional relaxation. This approach is often sought by pregnant women who are preparing for a natural childbirth or who wish to stay physically and emotionally healthy during their pregnancy. One of the many benefits of prenatal yoga is the lack of physical exertion that is required, which makes it a safe practice for many moms-to-be.

Due to the pain that can be associated with childbirth, prenatal yoga attempts to promote proper breathing that will help to make the process an easier one. In addition, relaxation is essential during the childbirth process and although it can be difficult, prenatal yoga can help to teach women how to relax themselves and their pelvic floor as much as possible.

For some, prenatal yoga may be sought as part of a spiritual process that helps them to connect with their unborn child and/or prepare for the new arrival. In some cases, prenatal yoga may even be beneficial after the birth as it instills techniques that are associated with relaxation. As every new mom knows, there is a definite need for postpartum relaxation.

For some, prenatal yoga may help women to return to their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly than others. For most, this is a struggle that takes a lot of patience and determination. In general, yoga is an exercise that promotes physical fitness, relaxation, breathing, spiritual and emotional connections, etc.

“Benefits of Prenatal Yoga
· Increase energy
· Decrease anxiety
· Strengthen birthing muscles
· Quicken postpartum recovery
· Improve sleep
· Reduce backache
· Improve circulation
· Increase chance of a healthy birth”
Natural Family Online

If you are searching for a prenatal yoga class or instructor, the best place to start is through your physician. During your next visit, ask the doctor if prenatal yoga would be safe for you and, if so, who you could contact for instruction. Most physicians are aware of any local classes or instruction being given and will often be able to refer patients to a class that is most convenient for them.

Most women prefer that the father of their child or a friend or family member attend prenatal yoga classes for support and guidance. Having someone familiar will also make the classes more enjoyable and relaxing for the mom-to-be. Before enrolling in prenatal yoga, it’s best to make sure that the instructor is licensed, certified or highly trained and experienced in teaching this type of relaxation method.

The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Anyone with questions regarding prenatal yoga must consult their physician for further information.

Sheryl’s comment: If you are looking for a prenatal yoga class in your area, you may not have much luck if you simply ask your doctor unless your doctor is a Naturopath or particularly young or open minded. You might have more luck if you are working with a midwife. If that fails, check your yellow pages, local YMCA or health club or bulletin board at your local health food store.

I love using yoga DVDs first thing in the morning. While you may miss out on the camaraderie that comes with meeting other pregnant women, many people find it is much easier to pop in a DVD in their pajamas, than to trek across town in full yoga gear.

About the Author:
Want to learn more about prenatal yoga? Make sure you visit our site at: http://www.prenatalyogaguide.info for access to additional prenatal yoga tips and information.

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“Some of the common blunders expectant moms make could increase their risk of developing serious consequences like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to the fetus.”- Fit Pregnancy

Author: Susan Hall
The decision to have a baby is a big one. You and your partner have decided the time is right or perhaps you became pregnant unintentionally and now you are trying to come to terms with the reality of pregnancy. Many things will enter your mind, but the one thing you might be overlooking is your own physical condition.

If you were to consider running a marathon you would ask yourself, “Can I run 26 miles? Unless you are already an athlete the answer will be a resounding, No! Marathon runners train constantly to stay fit enough to take part in a 26 mile 3-4 hour event. Pregnancy is like entering a marathon that takes 9 months to complete.

In an ideal situation you would go into training for pregnancy to ensure that you are fit enough to take on this wonderful marathon. Few people tackle pregnancy in such a manner. One very important thing to remember is to keep your weight within certain parameters. Underweight women may experience weight related infertility, as will those classified as obese. Aim for a body mass index (BMI) of between 20-25. Smoking has an even greater effect and can severely reduce your fertility. One vitally important measure you should take prior to and during pregnancy is to increase your daily intake of folic acid. The normal healthy diet will provide 200 micrograms, which should be increased to 600 micrograms with supplements. If taken prior to and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy it will reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as Spina Bifida.

The prospective father should also “go into training” by sticking to a health balanced diet and reducing his alcohol intake to aid his fertility. It has been found that a zinc deficiency can result in reduced male fertility, which can be caused by high levels of alcohol consumption. Selenium is also a very important nutrient for male fertility and is found in cereals, seafood, meat, mushrooms and Brazil nuts.

Being overweight during pregnancy can be dangerous for both mother and child with high blood pressure and gestational diabetes being just two of the problems encountered. If you have any consideration for the health and development of your child then you absolutely must stop smoking, along with the consumption of alcohol and the reduction of caffeine intake, which reduces the body’s ability to absorb iron and other nutrients. Ideally you will stop these vices prior to conception but many pregnancies are unplanned so simply stop as soon as you confirm you are pregnant.

“…by doing exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting the uterus, women stand to experience fewer complications like backaches, ankle swelling and fatigue during pregnancy, and their bodies will be better prepared for the rigors of childbirth, too.” -WebMD.com

Weight gain during pregnancy is perfectly natural, but never use the excuse “I’m eating for two.” A total weight gain of 27 lbs during the term of pregnancy is considered ideal. Increases above this figure will not necessarily increase the baby’s birth weight but will add additional fat to your body that you may find exceptionally difficult to take off after your pregnancy.

A healthy balanced diet is essential, and your daily intake should include high fiber in the form of fruit, vegetables, grains and pasta. You can also consider dairy products including milk, yogurt and cheese for the calcium but keep in mind that many people have difficulty digesting pasteurized dairy products (including your fetus and newborn). Dairy products are not the only source of calcium so do not feel obligated to eat dairy just because you are pregnant. You could be working on a terrible case of colic after the birth.

Oily fish should be eaten twice a week, including Salmon, Mackerel, Trout and Sardines. Try to stick with certified mercury free fish such as Wild Alaskan Salmon due to the fact that mercury is a potent neurotoxin and is implicated in autism among other childhood neurological disorders. Foods to avoid or seriously reduce include sugar rich and high saturated fat baked and processed foods like cakes, biscuits, carbonated beverages and chocolate.

One benefit of the increased fiber intake of a produce rich diet is reducing the problem of constipation that is often suffered during pregnancy. Do not forget to offset any increases of fiber in your diet by proportional increase in fluid intake in the form of water and natural fruit drinks.

“I see a lot of women who feel like they have a license to eat anything and everything when they become pregnant, but doing so can cause complications for the mother and the baby.” Dr. Trester, Iparenting.com

If a balanced diet is followed some believe that it is not necessary to take any other vitamin supplements, but it is extremely difficult to meet your nutritional requirements through food sources alone even when you are not pregnant, so using a food based prenatal vitamin is essential during pregnancy. Although vitamin A is generally good for you, pregnant women should avoid too much synthetic vitamin A, which is why we always recommend a food-based prenatal vitamin. Synthetic vitamin A can build up in the mother’s liver and affect the fetus.

It is important to engage in regular, gentle exercise during your pregnancy such as prenatal yoga, pilates and daily walking. With the correct guidance you can stay in shape, produce a health baby, enjoy a shorter labor and quickly regain your body tone. Following these guidelines you should enjoy a fit not fat pregnancy. If you would like to learn more about your exercise and dietary needs before, during and after childbirth, feel free to visit my web page for further advice. Susan Hall

About the author:
Susan Hall is a UK based freelance article writer. Her main areas of interest are health and the internet. http://www.usemyinfo.com/pregnant

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The first few weeks of a pregnancy are essential to a growing baby. During this time, the brain and other organs begin rapidly forming. Poor lifestyle decisions such as obesity, smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug use are not only bad for your own health; they can be extremely harmful to a growing baby. Certain chronic diseases and infections can also negatively affect a pregnancy.

The good news is that by having a healthy body and lifestyle before even trying to get pregnant, you can greatly improve your chances of having a trouble free pregnancy and a healthy baby. Before you begin trying to become pregnant, take this important health quiz, and follow the helpful tips that will guide you to a healthy pregnancy!

1.Is your weight in check?
Keeping your weight in the normal range is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Excess weight can cause a variety of problems during pregnancy including high blood pressure and diabetes. Being underweight can also lead to difficulties. Women who are too thin may have difficulty getting pregnant and are at greater risk of delivering low birth-weight babies.

2.Are you exercising?
Exercise is important for all women at every time in their lives. This is true even during pregnancy. The type and quantity of exercise that you can do safely during pregnancy depends on how healthy you are before you become pregnant. By starting an exercise program before pregnancy that improves heart and lung function and strengthens muscles, you will improve your body’s ability to handle the physical stresses of pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

3.Do you have a healthy diet?
You and your baby will have a healthy supply of the nutrients that you both will need if you begin eating right before you become pregnant. While important throughout all of a woman’s life, a balanced diet is crucial during pregnancy. The food that you eat will be the main source of nutrients and energy for your growing baby. Whatever you do not provide through your diet, your baby will steal from your own bones and nutrient stores.

One nutrient that is vital to the normal development of a baby is folic acid. Consumption of this B vitamin helps prevent neural tube defects (abnormalities of the brain, spine, and their coverings). Folic acid is also believed to help prevent cleft lip, congenital heart disease, and other birth defects. Also make sure to get adequate omega-3 through mercury free fish, flaxseed oil and walnuts. The safest bet is to start taking a food based prenatal supplement if you are trying to conceive or not actively preventing pregnancy.

4.Are you limiting caffeine?
While caffeine in small quantities (less than 3 cups of coffee per day) is considered to be safe during pregnancy, large quantities of the stimulant have been linked to increased risk of miscarriage. As well, some medical studies have shown that a womans fertility decreases with increased consumption of caffeine.

5.Have you stopped smoking and drinking?
Most women know that heavy use of alcohol or tobacco products can have very harmful effects on a baby’s health. But many women don’t know that these substances can also significantly lower fertility.

If you smoke or drink alcohol, the time to quit is before you try to become pregnant. Quitting these bad habits requires patience and plenty of support. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. The effort will certainly be worth it!

6.Have you discontinued any use of illegal drugs or non-prescribed medications?
Like smoking and drinking alcohol, drugs can be very dangerous during pregnancy. Make sure to consult with your doctor about all drugs and medications that you are taking.

7.When was your last visit to the doctor?
A pre pregnancy checkup is a very smart idea. Your doctor will ask about your medical and family history, medications, past pregnancies, diet and lifestyle. Be honest when answering these questions, as your answers will help determine if you need special care during pregnancy. You will also be able to seek advice or discuss any concerns that you may have.

8.Are you under stress?
While almost every woman is under a certain level of stress with day-to-day life, its important to minimize unnecessary tension and conflict before becoming pregnant. High levels of stress are linked to infertility, pre-term labor, and low birth weight babies.

9.How is your environment?
Certain substances found in the home or on in the workplace can make it more difficult to conceive or could harm a fetus. If you are planning a pregnancy, take a look at what is around you. Certain chemicals used in the home or garden or for hobbies might expose you to harmful substances. Ask your employer whether you might be exposed at work to toxic substances such as solvents, lead, or radiation. Discuss your level of exposure to these substances with your doctor.

10.Is your partner healthy?
There has been growing evidence that if your partner smokes, drinks, or uses drugs, it can lower his fertility, damage his sperm, and have a harmful effect on a fetus. As well, secondhand smoke is harmful to a developing baby before and after he or she is born. Before a pregnancy is the time for both you and your partner to quit these bad habits.

Author: Julian Hall
About the author: Julian Hall of The Baby Gifts Company - The Most Unique, Innovative Gift Ideas for Babies, Christening Gifts, Newborn Gifts, Personalised Gifts, Organic Clothing, Nappies, Blankets, New Baby Gifts

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Many women enjoy a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a good diet. It can be tough to maintain that lifestyle after you become pregnant, especially during the later stages. But it is possible, and in fact preferable, to maintain an exercise regime as long as possible, even through your ninth month.

Pregnancy brings many changes. Hormone levels go wild, you gain weight and eventually movement becomes increasingly difficult. Changes in the level of progesterone, estrogen and other hormones produce softening of the ligaments around joints. Strain on your internal organs, your back and your legs is inevitable because you are carrying around an extra thirty pounds or more.

Sometimes a general malaise sets in. Regular, appropriate exercise can help relieve much of that and help put your body in the best shape possible for pregnancy labor. That optimizes your comfort and your growing baby’s health.

The first step is to adopt a kind of Hippocratic Oath of Pregnancy: First, Do No Harm. That ancient principle from the Greeks is still valid, more so during pregnancy. Some women are used to running five miles, doing every station at the weight machine or performing Pilates an hour a day. That will have to change fairly quickly.

Maintaining a good exercise regimen is still possible, just change your workout to fit your changing body. Eliminate crunches or any other form of exercise that stresses the abdominals or back. Go with lighter weights. Avoid jerky movements and forgo squats which can separate the placenta from the uterus.

Breathing properly during exercises performed while pregnant is essential. Correct breathing technique anytime is important, but you’re now breathing for two. The baby receives oxygen through the umbilical cord and keeping your blood fully oxygenated is imperative. Keep in mind that your resting heartbeat will increase by about 8 beats per minute during the first few weeks of your pregnancy. Blood volume increases substantially as you progress. Factor that in when you consider any cardio exercise.

Hydrate at an appropriate amount throughout the day. That means you should take small sips over a longer time frame, rather than large intake at a given time. Eating should follow the same pattern - four to five small meals per day is preferable to three larger ones. Before beginning a workout, warm up gently. Perform easy stretches and be prepared to rest often for a few minutes at a time. Light cardio is the key to a healthy circulatory system which is vital during these months.

Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity forward, stressing the spine and back muscles. To ease that aching back, swimming is one of the best forms of exercises. It also gives a very low stress but active cardio workout.
Prenatal yogais a favorite for many. It helps achieve peace of mind and provides gentle movements that provide the needed stretching, while building good leg and arm strength. With a good program, you’ll reduce cramps, improve circulation and increase energy. You’ll lower your resting heart rate and keep fit.

If you feel any dizziness, swelling or experience any kind of vaginal bleeding or discharge discontinue at once and consult a medical professional.Before beginning any exercise regimen it’s vital that you talk with your physician. It’s great to get more than one opinion, but your OB/GYN (obstetrician/gynecologist) can help you devise a program that is great for you and your baby.

Author: Kenneth Elliott
About the Author: Visit First Symptom Of Pregnancy to learn more about your first steps. Also visit Coach Outlet Store and Designer Fashion Outlet. Come by and visit today.

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