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Ready for a Baby This Year? - Preconception Planning for a Healthy Pregnancy

2010-04-10T23:53:00.002+03:00

Not so many years ago, women trying to have a baby didn't think much about their health until they were pregnant. Today, that focus has shifted. More and more women are ensuring they're in good health before they start trying to conceive.

"Pregnant women now are a little bit of a different crowd," says Dr. Boris Petrikovsky. "As a group, they're older, more educated, more financially stable and more aware of how their preconception health can impact their pregnancy and their baby. Preconception planning is not only trendy, but also important to the health of mother and baby during the pregnancy and in the future."

Talking About Pregnancy The first thing women considering getting pregnant need to do is talk with their relatives and their partner's relatives about the family medical history. Ask if the parents or grandparents had a history of miscarriages or any genetic birth defects. Ask if diabetes runs in the family, or if there are any other potentially inheritable diseases. Consider your ethnicity. If you're African-American or Mediterranean, your doctor may want to test you for sickle cell disease. If you're Caucasian and have a family history of cystic fibrosis, your doctor may run a test for that disease.

Next, the couple should consider their own health and habits. Is the woman older than 35? If so, she needs to be aware of potential birth defects associated with having a baby at an older age. Are the woman's immunizations up-to-date and are they still effective?

"You want to be sure your vaccinations are current for rubella, chicken pox and tetanus," says Dr. Jill Powell, OB/GYN and professor at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. "If you're not sure, you should be tested for immunity prior to becoming pregnant. If a woman contracts rubella or chicken pox when she's pregnant, it can have serious consequences for her and the baby."

Postpartum Depression in Canada - More Than the Baby Blues

2010-04-10T23:23:00.002+03:00

After the birth of my first child eight years ago, I was seized by terrifying feelings of panic at the thought of being alone with him. When my husband dragged me out on a grocery expedition two weeks after he was born, I experienced heart palpitations and dizziness. It would be many months before I would be able to leave the house alone with him. I felt completely incapable of taking charge of this new life. Eventually, I found out that I was experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression.

Who Is at Risk?

Postpartum depression occurs in as many as one in five women, according to Ann Douglas, author of The Mother of All Baby Books and The Mother of All Pregnancy Books from Peterborough, Ontario. "It generally appears at some point during the first six to eight weeks after delivery, but it can show up at any time during the year after birth," she says.

Often symptoms of postpartum depression kick in with a vengeance after supportive family members go back to their normal lives.

A study published in the BioMed Central Family Practice Journal looked at a sample of 875 women who gave birth in five Ontario hospitals. Up to 15 percent of the otherwise healthy women who participated in this research had high scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression survey – an indicator that they were suffering from postpartum depression. The best predictors of a significantly high score on this survey were: lack of social support, lack of emotional support, a household income of less than $20,000, the desire to spend more time in hospital, self-identified care needs for a mental health problem and the mother's rating of her own and the baby's health as poor.

This study shows that there is a need to screen Canadian women for depression early in the postnatal period, as none of these women had been previously identified. In 1998, a hospital stay of less than 48 hours following an uncomplicated delivery had become normal practice in Ontario, which "reduced access to in-hospital identification and treatment of postpartum complications," according to the study. Now, Ontario policymakers have offered women the option of a 60-hour stay at the discretion of the mother.

How Soon After Birth Control Pills Can I Conceive?

2010-01-21T23:12:00.001+02:00

How Soon After Birth Control Pills Can I Conceive?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Eddy_R]Eddy R

A common contraceptive used by a lot of woman today is the birth control pill or also known as an oral contraceptive. They are aware that they need to stop using the pill so they can become pregnant when they have made the decision they are prepared to have a child. How long do they need to wait, after they have stopped using the pill, before attempting to conceive? This now becomes the question.

Even though it was never proven, doctors once felt a waiting period of two or three menstrual cycles was the acceptable time frame. This was they believed there was a higher probability of having a miscarriage if you became pregnant sooner.

One of the advantages of the birth control pill is the amount of time it becomes ineffective after you quit using it. In a matter of two to six weeks you could be ovulating again. It may be a bit more difficult to determine when you did ovulate which will then make your due date less accurate.

Some women worry after they cease taking birth control pills, because they do not become pregnant immediately. There is a possibility of becoming pregnant during every ovulation cycle; however healthy couples with no difficulties can take a long time to become pregnant. So this could be a needless concern.

To assist in becoming as healthy as possible and to quit using a birth control pill, a talk with a midwife or your doctor is advised. A pre-conception appointment is suggested when you have made the decision to become pregnant and have a child.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Soon-After-Birth-Control-Pills-Can-I-Conceive?&id=3608165] How Soon After Birth Control Pills Can I Conceive?

How to conceive twins naturally

2010-01-18T21:22:00.002+02:00

How to conceive twins naturally

Author: Eddyz R

There are many factors that influence the chance of you having twins, but it is advantageous to know that in the United States out of every 1,000 births 32 are twin births. Normally you cannot predict twin births, but there is the slight possibility than any woman can give birth to twins. Basically if your body, age, your genetics, the correct sperm and egg meet up there is a pretty good possibility of conceiving twins naturally.
In our society twins are more prevalent due to the use of fertility drugs. Multiple births are a result of this use in more cases than they are not. Most of the twin birth increase of 400% over the past twenty years can be attributed to the use of fertility drugs. The woman who do become pregnant with twins are many times astonished at the fact.
If you are concerned you may be pregnant with twins, you probably have nothing to be concerned about. To relieve your worry, look to your mother's side in the family history. The odds of you having twins are low if there is not an extended history of fraternal or identical twins. This is contingent on the fact you have not in the past had twins yourself.
If you are attempting to have twins, the chances increase as you get older as opposed to when you were younger. Hormones and the release of eggs become just a bit out of sync so this increases your chance of having twins later in your life.
It has been shown that your race can also influence the odds of your having twins naturally. Twin pregnancies occur more with African American woman than woman of the other races. This is not to say you will have twins, just the odds are better if you are an African American female.
Good signs that you have a chance to become pregnant with twins naturally are age, race, and genetics. Even without these indicators there is still a small chance of having twins. Ultimately the correct egg and sperm need to meet along with the right parents to make a twin pregnancy without the use of fertility drugs. If you truly wish to become pregnant with twins having sex further along in the ovulation cycle or by eating yams are methods that many doctors believe will make you more likely to have twins.
Identical and fraternal are the two kinds of twins you could give birth to. Growing in the same amniotic sac, identical twins arise from a single fertilized egg that separated into two pieces. Fraternal twins are produced by the fertilization of two separate eggs. Each egg then grows as if it was a single pregnancy. Normally the type of twin you are likely to have is determined by genetics. But the same as in a single pregnancy a woman may have fraternal or identical twins even with on past instances of twins in the family.

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Trying to Conceive Diet Tips

2010-01-18T15:44:00.001+02:00

Trying to Conceive Diet Tips

Author: Eddyz R

Are you engulfed by the ever changing diet, food and nutrition research and studies being done? If so, here are 6 simple lifestyle alterations to encourage and make your body ready for conception proactively. These top 6 recommendations are from Cynhthia Stadd, who is the Director of Nutrition Services at The Berkley Center.

Because it can reduce blood flow being a vasoconstrictor you should cut back drastically or take out caffeine and coffee from your diet.
Start a diet that is based on whole foods and easy to include with your particular lifestyle with very little animal protein. Seeds, nuts, grains and whole vegetables should be included. A appointment with a nutritionist can help you find out what whole foods you should pick. They can also help with the amounts you need, food preparation ideas and shopping help. This all done to maximize your digestion and health.
What may seem as a healthy substitution for water, such as the current high vitamin, high energy and natural food drinks for sale today, may not be as advantageous as you think. You want to drink a sufficient amount of water, but you want to avoid sugar laced liquids.
Get taught how to read a food label. Know the artificial sweeteners to keep away from. Get introduced to some natural sweeteners that you did not even know about. By using strong nutritional and dietary advice, you will commence adding to your fertility quotient.
Dairy intake should be restricted. Find the frightening association of reproductive health and cow's milk. Find current information on soy, organics and hormones seeing how they affect the reproductive health.
Control cravings that are unhealthy. Eat breakfast since bypassing this meal will only make the cravings worse. This easy solution can be implemented as soon as tomorrow. Emotion issues, unhealthy cravings may be keeping your body from conceiving. By teaming with a dietician you can learn solutions to these problems and any other problems you may be having.

Extremely important from a reproductive health stand point is proper nutrition. You can obtain a list of food and drinks that you should not take and also a list that be part of your daily nutritional intake from a registered nutritionist. They will guide you point to point with a fitness and nutrition plan that is customized personally to you and your situation. It is important for you to follow their guidelines and suggestions, as they have a great impact on your general and reproductive health overall.

A nutritionist will assist you in reaching your healthy and ideal weight. Help you to see that your ability to conceive is influenced by your lifestyle choices. They will implement a manageable, exercise workout, help to reduce your daily stress levels and assist in you developing a balance in your life. They are there to support you on your road to conception and the getting ready for parenthood.

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If periods come then also any chances to conceive?

2010-01-15T15:41:00.002+02:00

If periods come then also any chances to conceive?

Can you get pregnant while on your period? This is a question that is frequently asked by females in their reproductive years. The answer depends on the situation of each individual woman. There are women who ovulate very predictably on a certain day of their menstrual cycles, and there are women whose cycles are much more erratic. Ultimately, it is very difficult to tell if you personally can get pregnant while on your period.

Some studies suggest that women with menstrual cycles shorter than twenty-eight days have a greater chance of getting pregnant while on their period. This is not the norm for the majority of women. If you have a relatively short cycle, then this could be the case for you.

Whether it is possible for to get pregnant while on your period or not, it certainly does not maximize your chances. If you engage in intercourse only while on your period, you may find it very difficult to conceive. You will have to have relations at varying times to increase the chances of having had relations while your body was ready to conceive.

Most women are the most fertile about one to two weeks after the end of their last menstrual period. This is about the time it takes for your body to rebuild the uterine lining in preparation for a possible pregnancy and release an egg through ovulation. If you are trying to get pregnant, be sure to have sexual relations at various times throughout your cycle in order to hit ovulation, but concentrate your efforts on the week or two after your period. This will increase your chances for conception.

If you are not sure how long your menstrual cycles typically are, you may want to keep track of the time from the first day of one period to the first day of your next period. You can make little marks on your daily calendar and no one will suspect a thing! If your cycles are less than twenty-eight days long on average, then it may be possible for you to get pregnant while you are on your period.

Ultimately, getting pregnant is a very unpredictable thing. If you are looking to start your family, be sure to engage in regular sexual intercourse throughout the entire month. This will increase your chances of having intercourse during your ovulation period and getting pregnant. If you have been having regular intercourse for at least a year or two, with no pregnancy, you may want to get more information on your menstrual cycle. There are many methods available to assist you in determining whether or not you are fertile at any given time, including if you can get pregnant while you are on your period.

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Can a healthy 40 year old woman conceive ?

2010-01-13T12:24:00.002+02:00

Can a healthy 40 year old woman conceive ?

You can overcome infertility after 40 by applying certain natural fertility methods correctly. Many older women failed to get pregnant just simply because they can't find the right time when they can fall pregnant.

And there is a biological basis for it. The ability of women to fall pregnant decreases with age. That means the older you are there are fewer days in a month you can fall pregnant. And after 35 - 40 you may only have 1-2 days in a few months you are able to conceive.

So what time of the month are you fertile?

You are most fertile 12 to 14 days before the beginning of your next period. But this time can vary depending on many factors: stress level, illness, changing your environment and the like.

If your ovulation does not come every month (like for many women after 35-40), it is very difficult to pinpoint the time when you are fertile. So, checking on your ovulation time gets more important the older you get.

Secondly, a healthy baby doesn't result just because 'egg meets sperm'. It is necessary to have a freshly released egg and new sperm to conceive at an older age. To avoid old sperm you should stop having intercourse a couple of days before ovulation, as sperm can last up to 3 days inside the body.

To avoid old eggs you should not have intercourse just after your peak ovulation day. Although the egg is still viable (up to 24 hours after release), the problem is aging and potential defects that can occur to the egg especially in older women. Remember that a woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have, so an egg when you are 40 has been around as long as you have.

The right time to conceive would be at the peak day of ovulation. It is the time when you should have frequent intercourse and when a fresh released egg can meet fresh released sperm.

Thirdly, it is important to build up the sperm count prior to intercourse. There are techniques that men can use to build up their sperm count, so that the day before you ovulate they are able to deliver the maximum number of healthy sperm.

One of the simple strategies to build up sperm account is abstain from sex 3-4 days before the woman's ovulation time. But no longer, because any longer than this you will risk sperm ageing prior to ejaculation.

To conclude, these simple strategies (pinpointing your ovulation, avoiding old eggs and sperm and building up sperm prior to conception) can be a number one strategy you can use to fall pregnant at an older age. These techniques are natural, non-invasive, harmless and very effective. Applying them correctly may save you from having to have IVF or other surgical procedures to get pregnant.

This article is based on the book, "Pregnancy Miracle" by Lisa Olson. Lisa is an author, researcher, nutritionist and health consultant who dedicated her life to creating the ultimate pregnancy solution guaranteed to permanently reverse the root of infertility, help you get pregnant quickly and naturally and dramatically improve the overall quality of your life, without the use prescription medication and without any surgical procedures. Learn more by visiting her website here

Predetermining The Sex of Your Child

2009-11-30T12:56:00.001+02:00

Is it really possible to pre-determine or, more accurately, to select, the gender of your child? Several medical experts say that it is.

These are a few methods currently used for gender selection.

The Ericsson Method – This medical procedure can be pricey, but it is effective about 75% of the time when selecting a boy and about 70% to 72% of the time if the couple is trying for a girl. The use of the fertility drug Clomid increases the odds of bearing a girl if sperm bearing the X chromosome are used for insemination.

The Ericsson Method entails artificial insemination, where the sperm are first separated and those bearing the male (Y) chromosome or bearing the female (X) chromosome only are used to fertilize the eggs, depending on the patient’s choice.

PGD (Preimplantation genetic diagnosis) – PGD combines in vitro fertilization with the Ericsson Method of sperm selection, so that only embryos fertilized with sperm bearing either the X or Y chromosome, depending on the patient’s choice, get implanted into the mother. Because the embryos are first fertilized with selected sperm and then checked for gender prior to implantation, this combination yields even higher success rates than the Ericsson Method alone.

If you are using gender selection to avoid passing on gender-related genetic diseases, or if you feel you absolutely could not accept a child of the gender not of your choosing, this medical method has the most proven track record, according to many accounts.

Intercourse -Timed Gender Selection – In the 1970s, two doctors released two different books offering directions on how to conceive a baby with the gender of your choice. In 1971, Dr. Landrum Shettles and David Rorvik wrote “How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby,” and revealed that sperm with male (Y) chromosomes move faster than sperm with X (female) chromosomes but do not live as long.

To conceive a boy, have intercourse on the day of ovulation or one day after. To conceive a girl, have sex two to four days prior to ovulation.

Use any number of methods, such as:

* tracking your natural fertility signs such as: basal body temperature, your cervical mucus, and your cervical position

* using an ovulation predictor kit

* using an ovulation tracker/calculator

Shettles offers other tips for tipping the scales when it comes to conceiving a baby boy, too.

* Have sex in a position that encourages deep penetration to deposit the weaker “boy” sperm closer to the cervix

* When a woman orgasms, it changes the pH level in the vagina to be more alkaline, an environment where the Y-chromosome sperm thrive

* Create an alkaline or acidic environment for the sperm by douching with a special solution prior to intercourse

* The prospective father-to-be should drink coffee prior to intercourse

Elizabeth Whelan’s method – outlined in her mid-seventies book “Boy or Girl,” contradicts the Shettles Method. She says that biochemical changes in a woman’s body prior to ovulation make the environment more friendly to Y-chromosome sperm. To conceive a boy, she says, have sex six to four days prior to ovulation, and to have a girl, wait until two or three days prior to ovulation.

Whelan’s technique, however, has lost validity over the years, while many people still rely on the Shettles Method. The Shettles Method, when done correctly, offers a 75% success rate for both genders, making the technique as reliable as medically-assisted methods. The Whelan’s method offers only a 68% success rate for boys and 56% for girls; only 6% higher than the natural 50% odds of having a girl without doing anything prior to or during conception to influence the gender.

GenSelect Gender Selection Kit – Kits such as the Genselect Gender Selection Kit also consider the pH level of the vagina, and offer special douching solutions to create an acidic or alkaline environment, friendly to x- or y-chromosome sperm, respectively.

This kit, which touts a 96% success rate, combines intercourse timing with diet and all-natural nutriceutical supplements with douches to adjust the acidity of the vagina.

Diet – A recent study suggests that women who eat a high-calorie diet tend to conceive boys more frequently – specifically, in a sampling of 740 women, 56% of the women who ate a diet high in carbohydrates and who consumed more calories conceived a boy, compared with 45% who ate a lower calorie diet. Additionally, starting the day with a bowl of cereal increased the odds of having a boy. 59% of women who ate cereal daily had boys, compared to 43% who ate cereal less frequently than once a week.

Experts attribute the increase in males conceived by women who eat a healthier, heartier diet to an increase in blood sugar levels. Also, the study seems to lend credence to the old belief that a diet high in salt increases the odds of conceiving a boy. In the study sample, a higher intake of sodium, potassium and calcium seemed to favor conceiving a boy.

It’s important to note, however, that a change in diet alone only increased the odds by a mere 9% (at best) over the natural 50-50 chance of having a boy.

Many people view the ideal family as “one boy, one girl.” And parents with two children of the same gender often get the question “Are you going to try for a boy/girl?”

These ideas may help you conceive your gender of choice. But let’s be honest: When all is said and done, most people don’t really care whether they have a boy or girl, so long as the baby is healthy. Even if you are hoping against hope for one or the other, as soon as you see that wonderful baby you created, the gender probably won’t matter.

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Smart Baby

2009-11-29T20:39:00.001+02:00

Such a smart babe who knows exactly where each state of United States are located and celebrates it, dancing!! So cute!

Smart Babe - Click here for the most popular videos

Baby scare by snoring

2009-11-26T23:15:00.001+02:00

Scared Baby - The top video clips of the week are here

boy sees lobster for the first time

2009-10-19T23:18:00.000+03:00

lobster boy goes wow wow

Sweet and Sour Baby

2009-10-04T20:03:00.000+03:00

Sweet and Sour Baby - The funniest bloopers are right here

Very smart baby,- baby sign language

2009-10-03T16:48:00.000+03:00

Ever wondered what happens if you give lemon to your baby?

2009-10-02T23:26:00.001+03:00

Take a lemon and enjoy.

The cutest belly laugh ever!

2009-10-01T22:33:00.000+03:00

Baby Massage Techniques

2009-10-01T15:00:00.000+03:00

Learn to give a soothing massage with this simple, step-by-step video. Massage is a great way to bond with your baby, and it's also a calming way to help him relax as part of a nightly, before-bed routine.

Birth options

2009-10-01T12:46:00.000+03:00

You can use your pregnancy as time to research your options for the birth. Talk to other women to find out about their experiences, discuss the issues with your midwife and read about them, too.
Place of birth

You'll usually have a choice of location for the birth. There may be a number of maternity units in your area, or a birth centre, or you may choose to have your baby at home.

You can get any information you need from your doctor, midwife, other mothers and organisations such as the National Childbirth Trust, BirthChoiceUK and the Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services.

You should consider:

* Whether this is your first baby
* Whether you're having one baby, twins, or more
* How any previous pregnancies and births went
* How your pregnancy is going at the moment
* Any special health needs
* Where you'd prefer to give birth

If you're over 40, some doctors and midwives might underline your age in discussions, but age in itself needn't change your decision.

Bear in mind circumstances that may have an impact on your choices. If you go into labour early, for example, or if it becomes clear your baby isn't growing well, you may be better off at a consultant-led maternity unit as small babies may need immediate paediatric care.
Hospital birth

Normally, you 'book' your birth at your chosen hospital near the beginning of your pregnancy, although you can change your mind later if you want. This booking appointment may happen with a midwife, at your doctor's surgery or at the hospital.

If you have a choice of hospitals, think about the distance of the hospital from your home, not just for the birth but also for any antenatal clinic appointments you may have there. Ask other mums about their experiences.

Do some research on the policies and practices of hospitals in your area. The BirthChoiceUK website might help if you're keen to avoid a particular type of birth.
Home birth

If you're not expected to have any problems with your pregnancy or birth, there's no evidence to suggest that a planned home birth is any less safe than a hospital one.

You can book a home birth with your doctor, a community midwife or an independent midwife. You'll have to pay for the latter, although the fee may be on a sliding scale according to ability to pay.

If you find you're having problems arranging a home birth, or are being pressured to choose a hospital birth, talk it over with your health professional.
Birth centres

There are a few birth centres in the UK that aim for a home-style birth but with medical technology on hand if necessary. They aim for a more personal level of care than can usually be achieved in a large maternity unit.

Some birth centres work within the NHS, others are private. Check with your midwife for details.
Birth plans

Writing a birth plan helps you to focus on the different aspects of your care during labour and birth. Your midwife might ask you about your plan as you get towards the end of your pregnancy, and she might be able to help with any information and advice you need. Ask as many questions as you want to work out what you'd like.

A copy should be kept with your notes. Take your own copy to hospital when the time comes.

Nothing in your plan has to be fixed. You can change your mind at any time, even at the very last minute. Circumstances might change, too, which could make you see things differently or change your needs.

It's best to think of the plan as a guide for you and the people caring for you, rather than a blueprint of what has to happen.

Think about:

* How you feel about the induction or acceleration of labour
* Who you want with you during labour
* Whether you'd like the option of a birthing pool for labour and/or birth, for some of the time or all the time
* How you want your baby's heart rate to be monitored
* Your pain relief options
* For a hospital birth, how long you want to be in for (although you may not get the choice)

Having someone who can support you emotionally throughout your labour and birth is very helpful.

Research has found that mothers who have continuous support during labour have less need for pain relief, fewer interventions (including a caesarean section), shorter labours and high levels of satisfaction. Their babies were less likely to be born distressed, too.
Special situations

If you have any potential difficulties with your labour - an underlying medical condition, you become ill or your baby develops a problem - you may be advised to go to a hospital where there's more specialist care on offer.
Questions to ask

Antenatal care:

* What are my choices for antenatal appointments? Are they all at the hospital clinic or just some?
* Does the antenatal clinic run an appointments system?
* If I decide to take antenatal classes, where and when are they held?
* How likely is it that I'll have met the midwife who will help me in labour?
* Will I be shown around the labour and postnatal wards before the birth?
* Is there a chance for me to discuss and work out a birth plan?
* Can I be seen by a doctor of my choice if I prefer - for example, a woman?

Labour and delivery:

* Who can I have with me in labour?
* Will I be helped and encouraged to move around in labour?
* Can I choose my own position for the birth?
* Will my partner be able to cut the cord?
* Are we allowed to take photos/film of the birth?
* What's hospital policy on induction, pain relief, routine monitoring (or any other aspect than concerns me)?
* Will I be supported if I don't want to follow the routine policy?

Postnatal care:

* Are babies given every opportunity to enjoy skin-to-skin contact after the birth and throughout the hospital stay?
* What services are there for babies who have to be separated from their mothers because of illness?
* Who'll help me breastfeed my baby?
* How long can I expect to stay in hospital?
* What are the visiting hours?
* Are there any special rules about who can visit?

Swine Flu Prevention Tips For Pregnant Women

2009-10-01T12:33:00.001+03:00

Click Here for The Swine Flu Safety Handbook

By Megan Boatwright, Local News 8 Reporter

We know the swine flu is alive and well in Eastern Idaho, so what can we do to protect ourselves? Since the virus first hit in April we've heard the same message over and over again, wash your hands! What are some other tips? Since pregnant women are at higher risk what do they need to know? Local News 8 talked to two doctors's to find the answers to those questions and more.

If you thought the swine flu hype was over guess again, two confirmed cases in Bonneville District 93 means more than ever we need to be taking every precaution.

"I wouldn't say worry," said Mountain View Redicare Doctor, Tom Sunshine. "Parents should definitely be concerned, the virus is transmittable."

We know pregnant women are more at risk, but why? "As a pregnancy progresses the baby pushes on the mother's diaphragm which causes less lungs capacity," said OB-GYN, Barbara Nelson with Rosemark Clinic in Idaho Falls. "Most of the deaths have been due to respiratory failure, but no one knows for sure."

Pregnant women have a much higher chance of hospitalization and death, that's why Nelson says starting treatment early is a must. "There are recommendations that pregnant woman be treated aggressively with Tamiflu even before you know it's swine flu," she said.

We all know what flu like symptoms are, and now we know they don't change in the H1N1 virus. So how is swine flu different from the seasonal flu?

"Swine flu is different in some of the genes of the virus," said Dr. Sunshine. "It's a strain that has mutated. In a way it shares similar genes to a flu strain we see in swine."

Even though people are tired of the ‘wash your hands' message, Dr. Sunshine says it's the best way to keep the virus from spreading.

"Have your children practice sneezing into their arm, or tissue," he said. "Be very careful about contact, and have kids keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth. That's probably the best prevention."

You can only catch the flu if you come in direct contact with someone carrying the H1N1 virus. If you have children in school watch them closely for flu symptoms, and especially if you're pregnant call the doctor as soon as you see something unusual.

The Eastern Idaho Public Health District is publishing regular updates. You can learn about the number of swine flu cases and what regions they appear in by visiting www.idaho.gov/phd7.

Localnews8

Health Tips for Pregnant Women

2009-10-01T10:49:00.000+03:00

Pregnant women have special health and nutrition needs. They are eating for two people, for themselves and for the new baby that is growing inside their womb. So they want to be sure they are eating healthy foods. It is important for pregnant women to watch what they eat and drink. For example, doctors advise the strict avoidance of all alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.

It is also recommended to take a folic acid supplement. Folic acid is included in any good quality brand of prenatal vitamins, as are other important nutrients such as B vitamins, minerals like calcium, etc.

If you are trying to conceive, experiencing some symptoms of pregnancy, or are now pregnant, you will want to eat a balanced and healthy diet. Your body will experience many changes as the months go by. Be sure to get plenty of rest. Fatigue is a common complaint of pregnant women. Your body is going through a lot of stressful work to create a human life. You are doing something totally amazing. And you deserve a rest, don’t you think? Of course you do. So take plenty of breaks, sit down, even take a nap every day if you can.

You and your baby will need more calories during the pregnancy stages. Some doctors estimate that you will consume round 300 additional calories each day. Just make sure the added calories come from healthy foods, not junk food. It is normal to have some cravings, because you need extra nutrients, but these cravings can be lessened by taking prenatal vitamins. You body wants and needs added nutrition, to help your baby grow, so eat plenty of health foods such as yogurt, fruit, bran muffins, veggies, etc.

Stay away from cigarettes and from people who smoke them. Second hand smoke can be bad for you and for your developing baby. Also avoid chemicals of all kinds. Don’t use, inhale or be around any paint, harsh cleaning compounds, bug sprays and pesticides, weed killers, or any serious chemicals such as those.

Get some mild exercise every day. Going for a walk is the best form of exercise. This gets your blood flowing and increases oxygen levels in your body. Don’t do any sit ups or crunches or tummy exercises. And avoid doing any heavy lifting.

Talk to your nurse or doctor on a regular basis. Pregnant women are going through a special time in their lives and they have special needs, special eating habits, special vitamins, etc. Take extra special good care of yourself so you will have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.