Tips How to Sleep in Pregnency ?

It’s a cruel reality that the time of your life when you need a decent night’s sleep the most – when you’re pregnancy and doing all the hard work of growing a baby – is also the time when sleeping well becomes harder and harder.

Recent research has found more reasons why mums-to-be need their sleep, linking higher blood pressure in the third trimester with poor sleeping habits in the first three months of pregnancy.

But it’s not just women not getting enough sleep who are at risk – mums-to-be who oversleep (i.e. more than 10 hours a night) are also risk.

High blood pressure in the last trimester carries certain risks with it including decreasing blood flow to the placenta and increasing the chance of a premature delivery. Pregnant women who develop high blood pressure may also require extra monitoring.

What’s the perfect amount of sleep?

For a healthy blood pressure, pregnant women need 9 hours a night, say researchers. Try these 7 tips to help you get a good night’s sleep.

Establish a routine

It’s not only little babies who thrive on a sleep routine. By following a similar nightly ritual, you are preparing your body and mind for sleep.

Cushion up

Even early in the pregnancy when the bump is teeny, it can be hard getting comfortable. Legs cramp up or are jumpy, and your pelvic area can feel unsupported. Extra cushions and pillows strategically placed between or under your legs can do wonders – and you’ll need them by the third trimester.

Power naps

Having a quick shut-eye of no more than 20-30 minutes during the day can lessen the pregnancy fatigue and make sure you’re not overtired. Just like with a baby, sleep promotes sleep, and being overtired can have a negative impact on the quality of sleep you get.

Late-night fasting

Avoid drinking a lot of fluids or eating a full meal within a few hours of going to bed at night. All those pregnancy hormones increase blood flow to the pelvic region from your first trimester on, putting pressure on your bladder and leading to the need to wee more frequently. Hormones are also to blame for a higher chance of getting heartburn, as they relax the sphincter valve at the entrance to your stomach.

Learn relaxation techniques

Practicing relaxation techniques before bed is a great way to wind down, calm the mind, and prepare for sleep. Some simple relaxation techniques include deep breathing, visualisation of a calm place and progressive muscle relaxation.

Get regular exercise…

…but not just before bed. Studies have found that we sleep more deeply if we build in some moderate daily exercise – just 20-30 minutes of walking should do it.

Keep your bedroom dark and cool

Especially at sleep time. Even dim lights—especially the flickering kind from a TV—can confuse the body clock. The temperature of your bedroom also affects sleep. Most people sleep best in a slightly cool and ventilated room (around 18°C).

8 Early Signs of Pregnancy

Wondering if you're pregnant? A pregnancy test is the way to know for sure. But what if it's too soon for accurate results? You may notice some subtle signs of pregnancy -- fatigue, nausea, frequent urination, and breast tenderness. Here's some expert advice on how to respond to these symptoms if you're trying to get pregnant.

1. Fatigue

"Extreme, unexplainable fatigue is probably the most common sign of early pregnancy," says Gil Gross, MD, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

"Don't treat fatigue with excessive caffeine if there is a chance you may be pregnant." Instead, "listen to your body, take it easy, and try to keep well-rested," says Donnica Moore, MD, a women's health expert in Far Hills, N.J.

2. Food Aversions

If opening the refrigerator makes you wince and you can't even walk past the local Chinese restaurant without gagging, you could be pregnant. Many women report that such intense food aversions are one of the first signs of early pregnancy. These can be caused by rising levels of beta-hCG hormone, Moore says. The best thing you can do to help yourself through this is to steer clear of triggers.

3. Sensitivity to Smells

Scents that were never pleasant (like cigarette smoke) and even ones that were pleasing (like your partner's cologne) can make you queasy during pregnancy's early stages. "For some women, this can be a tip-off that they are expecting," Moore says. This is likely a result of rising hormone levels. Unfortunately, "there is really nothing you can do except avoid them when you can," she says, "especially cigarette smoke, which is not good for you or the baby."

4. Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can be some of the first indications that you're pregnant. Blame it on rising hormones levels in early pregnancy.

One of the things that can help expectant moms get through their first trimester is the reassurance that the nausea and vomiting will likely pass by 19 weeks. "It also helps to know that morning sickness can be a good thing," Moore says, because rising levels of the beta-HCG hormone, which may cause morning sickness, indicate a growing pregnancy.

When you eat may make a difference, too. "The key is not to let your stomach get too empty," Moore says. "Keep crackers by your bedside and have them before you get out of bed in the morning."  It is also a good idea to eat small, more frequent meals throughout the day and a snack just before bed.  Lemon and peppermint flavored candies can also ease queasiness.

Prenatal vitamins can also trigger nausea for some expectant moms. "Don't take your vitamins on an empty stomach," Moore says. "A lot of women feel better if they take them at nighttime or with dinner."

If you are vomiting often, speak with your doctor about medication options.

5. Breast Swelling and Tenderness

Breast changes may be another early sign of pregnancy. "The best thing to do about breast tenderness is to get a better bra," Gross says.  A sports bra, for instance, can give you more support.

6. Frequent Urination

"In early pregnancy, the uterus grows and pushes on the bladder, triggering the urge to urinate more often," says Xavier Pombar, DO, an obstetrician at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago

There is no way to avoid this, but going to the bathroom right before bed may allow you to get a little more sleep. "You will probably still have to get up at least once in the night to use the bathroom," Pombar says.

7. Shortness of Breath

Some women feel mildly short of breath when they first become pregnant and sometimes throughout pregnancy. "This is because you need extra oxygen due to the growing embryo," Pombar says. "The further along you are, the worse this gets. Still, don't just brush this off as a 'normal' sign of pregnancy." Talk to your doctor if you are concerned or if any of the following are true for you:

These can be signs of something more serious.

-->You have a sudden onset of shortness of breath that is not associated with exercise.

-->Breathing is at all painful.

-->The breathless feeling is worse when you are lying down.

8. Physical Changes

If you think that you may be pregnant because you've been sexually active without contraception, make an appointment with your doctor. There are changes in the vagina's color and the softness of the cervix that an experienced clinician can identify during a pelvic exam, Pombar says.

"Remember that while these are early signs of pregnancy, these are also the symptoms of other things, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS)," Moore says. "The most reliable early sign of pregnancy is your first missed period if you have regular periods."

Check your baby breathing

How often should I check my baby's breathing?

As often as you feel you need to. If your baby is premature, has a chronic lung disease, or another condition such as central sleep apnea, it may help to monitor your baby's breathing. But even if your baby doesn't have a medical problem, you may worry that he could develop one, such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).If you feel compelled to check your baby's breathing all the time, you're not alone.

It may help to keep in mind that babies have various stages of slumber – sometimes deep and still, sometimes active, sometimes noisy and snuffly. Your comfort level should grow with your experience as a parent, but it's okay if you continue to make nightly forays into your child's bedroom, just to check on his breathing, for years to come.

Danielle Buckley-Werner remembers feeling panic-stricken every time she put her son to bed during his first months of life.

"I was sure that if I wasn't there to hear him breathe, then he couldn't take a breath," she says. "I was so tired all the time because when he slept, I would watch him. I finally collapsed on the floor of the nursery one afternoon and realized that something had to give if I was going to have the energy to be a good mom."

Buckley-Werner started using a baby monitor when she couldn't be with her son. For the first three months, she and her husband, Daniel, kept the crib in their room so they could easily respond to any coughs, cries, or breathing emergencies – which, thankfully, never arose.

"I can't tell new parents that they shouldn't worry and that constantly checking breathing is insane," says Buckley-Werner. "But depriving yourself of rest and waking your baby up all the time will exhaust everyone. For me, keeping my baby close helped me overcome my fears that he'd stop breathing."

SIDS Consideration 

Newborns and young babies normally have 'periodic breathing' patterns. They also breathe differently when in various stages of sleep. For example, sometimes being still when in a deep sleep, sometimes active and noticeable breathing and sometimes noisy and snuffly. The various stages of sleep are explained in class 11.

A normal breathing pattern for a young baby is to:

-->Breathe for a short period that is fast and deep, then

-->Breathe slower and shallower for a while, then

-->Pause for up to 5 seconds or so, before starting again with progressively fast, deep breaths.

This breathing cycle is normal and changes into more adult like breathing patterns (with occasional sighs), as they mature in the first few months.

Many new parents have concerns about SIDS, often checking their baby's breathing regularly in the early weeks and months. How often you check your baby's breathing is very personal and often comes down to whatever makes you feel comfortable. Try and remember that SIDS is rare and that 1,999 out 2,000 babies will not die from SIDS, with the risks dramatically decreasing after 6 months of age. If you are feeling anxious, take the recommended steps to reduce the risks and perhaps consider learning infant CPR.

If you do feel compelled to check your baby's breathing all the time, this is normal and your comfort level should increase as your child grows. If you suspect your baby has stopped breathing, or simply want to reassure yourself that they are still breathing, you can:

-->Listen, by putting your ear next to your baby's mouth and nose to hear breath sounds.

-->Look at your baby's chest and watch for up and down movements.

-->Feel your baby's chest, by gently placing the palm of your hand on their chest to feel the up and down movements.

-->Feel your baby's breath on your cheek by placing your face close to your baby's mouth and nose (this may be difficult to detect).

If after 5 seconds or so you can't detect any signs of breathing and your baby is limp and unable to be roused or woken (their skin and lips may also look a dusky grey or purple-blue colour, especially if they are fair-skinned), you will need to call an ambulance (dial 000 in Australia) and commence CPR (if you know how to perform CPR).

NOTE: Reading about how to perform infant CPR is not enough to teach you how to do it correctly. The following information is guide only. You should attend an approved course to learn CPR. For example, through St. John's Ambulance, their website is:

This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.

When will my baby be ready to shower instead of bath?

When your child can stand in a shower stall and tolerate the feeling of water hitting his body from above, he can start taking showers. But most young children would rather sit and play in a tub than stand and scrub in the shower. Wait until he shows an interest. When he does, I would encourage you to get him used to the process first.

To get your child used to showering, start by holding him in your arms. The security you offer will help make the transition smoother. You can also get him used to the feeling in steps. Start by having him stand in the shower without the water running. For extra security, your child can sit on a plastic chair or a mat. When he feels comfortable there, have him stand outside the shower with the water on to get used to the sound. Then, allow him to watch a parent or older sibling taking a shower. This will help him put it together and understand the process. Also, it can be hard — even for adults — to stand in a wet bathtub without slipping. A non-slip mat will make it easier for your little one to stay upright.

It may take a while for your child to enjoy taking a shower; don't be surprised if the noise and spray are too much for him at first. If he doesn't like it, go back to the bath. In time he will desire showers, but until then, let him be a kid. Around age 6, your child can shower alone, as long as you are nearby in case he needs help. Until then, make sure you keep an eye on him when he is in the shower.

How to bathe your baby

Be sure to read our article on safe bathing before you get started. The most important safety tip

is never to leave your baby alone in the bath – not even for a minute.

How often should I bathe my baby?

Although some parents bathe their babies every day, until yours is crawling around and getting into messes, a bath isn't really necessary more than a few times a week. Just wash his face frequently, clean anywhere there are skin folds, and thoroughly clean his genital area after each diaper change.

When you do bathe him, you may find it a little scary to handle your wiggly little one when he's all soapy and slippery, so keep a good grip.

Where should I bathe my baby?

It makes sense to use the kitchen sink or a small plastic baby tub. A standard bathtub requires you to kneel or lean awkwardly over your baby and gives you less control over his movements.

What's the best way to give my baby a bath?

Here's how to do it and what you'll need to make baby-bathing easy. With any luck, bath time will become one of the most enjoyable parts of your days together:

1. Gather all necessary bath supplies, and lay out a towel, a clean diaper, and clothes. Make sure the room is comfortably warm so your baby doesn't get chilled.

2. Fill the tub with about 3 inches of water that feelswarm but not hot, to the inside of your wrist – about 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) or a few degrees warmer.

3. Bring your baby to the bath area and undress her completely.

4. Gradually slip your baby into the tub feet first, using one hand to support her neck and head. Pour cupfuls of bath water over her regularly during the bath so she doesn't get too cold.

5. Use mild soap sparingly (too much dries out your baby's skin). Wash her with your hand or a washcloth from top to bottom, front and back. Start by washing her scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. Rinse the soap from the cloth and use it to gently clean her eyes and face. If dried mucus has collected in the corner of your baby's nostrils or eyes, dab it several times with a small section of a moistened washcloth to soften it before you wipe it out. As for your baby's genitals, a routine washing is all that's needed.

6. Rinse your baby thoroughly with cupfuls of clean water, and wipe her with a clean washcloth.

7. Wrap your baby in a hooded towel and pat her dry. If her skin is dry, or if she has a bit ofdiaper rash, you may want to apply a mild lotion after her bath

.

Ultrasound Examinations During Pregnancy

Ultrasound & Pregnancy

Images obtained after ultrasound scans during maternity are a resource of pleasure for the anticipating mom and dad. The regularity of audio surf is used to illustrate the foetus in the uterus. Physicians need it to observe foetal growth but you get to see your child. You should know how this devices is beneficial in assessing the growth of your child.

 

Uses of Ultrasound exam examination in Pregnancy

·         Crown-rump Duration (CRL) Statistic – It is required for identifying gestational age when women cannot keep in mind the end of their last period. It is useful for perseverance of perception. This measurement is taken between the 7th and Thirteenth weeks time and it can approximated due time frame quite beginning in maternity.

·         Femur Duration (FL) Statistic – Femur is the name given to the upper leg cuboid, the greatest cuboid in the body. The growth of this cuboid in the foetus is a very very good of its longitudinal growth. It is noticed after 13 several weeks of maternity and actions 1.5 centimeters at the preliminary level of its growth.

·         Biparietal Dimension (BPD) Statistic – The gap between two temples of foetus is calculated after 13 several weeks. Usually, the foetus size is around 2.4 centimeters. It can be used to find gestational age but only in the preliminary phases of maternity.

·         Stomach Area (AC) Statistic – This is done in the later level of maternity to decide about the dimensions and weight of the child. It is important for tracking the child's growth.

Uses of Ultrasound exam examination in Pregnancy

Ultrasound is required to observe foetal growth and identify opportunities of problems for the mom.

·         In the first trimester, center health of the child is supervised after verifying maternity.

·         In the second trimester, the overall growth of the foetus is under assessment to check for irregular growth or penile deformation. Sex can also be identified at this level. It has been made unlawful in Indian because of widespread women foeticide.

·         In the third trimester, the place of the child for regular distribution and the place of the placenta are supervised to make sure regular beginning.

Some side results of ultrasound in maternity and the foetus have also been scary of delayed. The audio surf that are used in ultrasound can improve the circulation of system to the uterus resulting in development of heat range. Gas can also type which locations the lady at a chance of losing the unborn baby, early beginning or having a stillborn child. However, the advantages of having an ultrasound over-shadow the chance of loss.

Fetal Beats

T. 587-777-4222

F. 1 866-655-6346

Address: Unit A,

9066 14th Ave. SW,

Calgary, Alberta

T3H 4A5

Email: support@fetalbeats.com

Website: www.fetalbeats.com

Significance of Family Assistance During Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy Cure

Family support can serve as the groundwork of protection and growth for a mom and child. Expert indicates that family support has a positive impact on the mind-set of mothers-to-be, such as females with an unwanted maternity.

Women go through many psychological and physical changes during maternity. Since she has to face new obligations and difficulties, you should have someone by her side on which she can psychologically depend upon. Family associates support can help lower down the stresses associated with maternity and offer a feeling of protection for herself and her child.

Today doctors motivate the household's contribution during the whole course of maternity. Preferably one or two associates must go along with a expectant mom during every prenatal trips to her doctor. This will even help the close relatives hook up with child and also offer some help to the mom. Simple actions of family support and connection are worth focusing on during and after maternity. Here are some of the methods in which children can offer support to females during their maternity.

o   Originally you should recognize a relative who can be available throughout the whole maternity. It can be the to-be father, in-laws, mother and father or even a friend. This person must be dedicated and be with her from the very start of maternity i.e. as soon as the maternity is established.

o   If possible, assign one other friend to take care of her when the primary partner is away.

o   Expecting moms must be associated for prenatal trips to gynecologist's or midwife's office, prenatal sessions, assessments during maternity and lastly, for labor and distribution.

o   Make sure to be with her during ‘big events’. For example, when the first ultrasound exam examination comes or at the time when the unborn child's first heartbeat is recognized. The miracle of these prenatal events becomes even more unforgettable when distributed to loved ones.

o   Being actually present is not enough. Family associates members must try to know about maternity and of possible methods to back up a mom and also appear participative in characteristics.

Remember that adoring support from family associates can considerably give rise to a healthy maternity, giving birth and being a parent experience.

Fetal Beats

T. 587-777-4222

F. 1 866-655-6346

Address: Unit A,

9066 14th Ave. SW,

Calgary, Alberta

T3H 4A5

Email: support@fetalbeats.com

Website: www.fetalbeats.com