Pregnancy is such an exciting and scary time for a woman. When that plus sign shows up on the stick, a woman's life will be forever changed. Get the facts you need to stay calm and happy throughout your pregnancy, so you'll feel confident that you're going to be a great mom.
Yipee, I'm Pregnant! Now What?
- > Am I Really Pregnant? Normal Symptoms
- > Common Pregnancy Check-ups and Tests
- > Healthy Pregnancy Exercises
- > Feeling Icky? Sooth that Morning Sickness
- > Special Section for Mothers Over 35
- > Typical Pregnancy Discomforts
Fun Pregnancy Moments
- > Fun Myths: Predicting a Baby's Gender
- > Tips for Picking a Baby Name
- > Top 10 Baby Boy Names
- > Top 10 Baby Girl Names
- > Top 10 Pregnancy Myths
- > Sex During Pregnancy
Pregnancy "No No's" & Warning Signs
- > Activities to Avoid During Pregnancy
- > Food During Pregnancy - List of No No's
- > These Medicines and Pregnancy Don't Mix
- > Should I Call a Doctor? Warning Signs
- > Signs and Risk Factors for Miscarriages
- > Signs and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes
Getting Prepared for Baby's Arrival
What to Consider for Your Birth Plan
Here's some good news. You get to do it your way. You can choose how you want your baby to be born. Do you want music playing? Do you want your partner and friends in the room? Do you want an epidural or natural birth? You can plan out your special day, write it down on paper and the hospital will grant your birth plan wishes. Here are some things to consider when creating your birth plan.
- Support System - Decide who you want in the room during the delivery. Ask your doctor how many people can be present and make your list of supporters.
- Pain Relief Before Drugs - When you go into labor there's always pain involved, so it's a good idea to figure out some ways you can ease your soreness before the epidural. If going the natural way, you'll definitely want to figure out natural pain relief options. Here are a few ideas: massage, hot and cold packs, positions, relaxation exercises, tub or Jacuzzi or meditation.
- Extra Pain Relief - Decide if you want pain meds when labor gets bad or if you want to deliver naturally.
- Episiotomy or No Episiotomy - Decide if you want an Episiotomy (a surgical incision made to enlarge the vagina during birth) or would you like the doctors to take all measures to avoid one?
- Music or No Music - Decide if you'd like to have your favorite music playing as your baby is born or if you'd rather have it quiet. You can even pick a specific song you want playing at the exact moment that your baby enters the world.
- Special Requests - If you need a cesarean do you have any requests? Discuss your options with your doctor. Write down your wishes.
- Umbilical Cord - Will your partner cut the umbilical cord?
- Baby Sleeping Arrangements - Would you prefer that your baby stays in your hospital room after delivery and through the night or would you rather your baby stay in the hospital nursery?
- Breast Feeding or Bottle Feeding - Decide if you're going to breast feed or bottle feed.
- Umbilical Cord Blood - Would you like to save your baby's cord blood? If yes, look into your options before delivery.
