Many women are afraid of having a miscarriage. Though it does happen, you should know that most pregnancies end with healthy babies, and most miscarriages occur in the first weeks of pregnancy, sometimes before you even notice your missed period (in which case you don’t even know you miscarried).  You can lower your risk of miscarrying by avoiding smoking and alcohol, as well as cutting back on caffeine. Also avoid amusement park rides and ride a bicycle.

Fearing your baby will have birth defects is normal. It may help to know that the risk of your baby having birth defects is only 4%. Even if test results are abnormal, in many cases a follow up test result will return normal. If you have any general or specific concerns, speak to your healthcare provider. It is always helpful to be informed, and may reduce the stress and minimize your concerns.

Fearing childbirth is the most common fear, especially if it is your first pregnancy or if you have a difficult childbirth experience before. Taking childbirth preparation classes and learning about your options can help reduce the fear of the unknown.

An emergency cesarean section is something that many expecting moms fear. It may help to know that most cesarean sections are known in advance, even scheduled. If you will need a cesarean section due to breech baby, gestational diabetes or other complication, you will most likely know about it enough time in advance in order to get all the information you need.

Pregnancy is a miracle, though it can hold its share of fears. Knowledge is power, and will help you overcome some of the fears you may be facing. Speak to your spouse, your OBGYN and anyone else you feel can help relieve these fears. There is no shame in fearing the unknown or for your child’s well being, it only means you are realizing you are about to be a parent.

Congratulation!

To simplify things a bit, here are some known myths. Part of which have some truth to them, but most are untrue and are in fact just myths.

Sushi is banned during pregnancy. True. Since the fish in the sushi is raw, there is a high risk of catching bacteria such as salmonella and listeria, which may cause pregnancy complications, pre term contractions and even miscarriage. The seaweed is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as it did not touch the same kitchenware the raw fish did.

Vegetarian sushi is banned during pregnancy. Partially true. Vegetarian sushi made at home is allowed when pregnant, as long as it was not made with kitchenware that was used to make raw fish sushi. In a restaurant even vegetarian sushi is banned, since it is made with the same kitchenware as raw fish sushi, which are banned during pregnancy.

Don’t eat fish when pregnant. Partially true. Some fish have high levels of mercury, which can be transferred to the baby via the placenta. High levels of mercury may be harmful for the baby’s neurological development.

Avoid painkillers during pregnancy. Partially true. Discomfort, headaches, muscle pains and back aches are common during pregnancy, and women do take painkillers to relieve the discomfort. Ask your healthcare provider which painkillers are safe for you during pregnancy.

Avoid drinking coffee during pregnancy. Not true. It is OK to consume up to two cups of coffee a day during pregnancy. Through higher amounts of caffeine may lead to complications and even miscarriage. Decaf is OK to drink.

Diet products are prohibited during pregnancy. Not true. There is no proof that diet products containing artificial sweeteners are bad for the fetus.

When pregnant you are eating for two. Not true. Many women think they are eating for two when pregnant, and due to over eating, they end up with dramatic extra weight. There is no need to eat double amounts. A smart and healthy diet is what the fetus needs. More so, women with weight gain tendencies should be extra careful in order to maintain a healthy pregnancy without complications such as gestational diabetes.

Massage is prohibited during pregnancy. Partially true. Avoid massage around your abdomen. It is dangerous during pregnancy. But massage in other parts of the body, such as facial massage or reflexology, are allowed.

Lotions and oils are helpful for stretch marks. Not true. During pregnancy, your belly stretches with the growing uterus, which is the cause for stretch marks. After childbirth these marks remain due to high levels of estrogen in the body. There is no scientific proof that lotions or oils are helpful in avoiding or treating stretch marks.

Hair dyes absorb in the body and are harmful to the baby. Not true. Dying your hair during pregnancy is allowed. The amount of dye that’s absorbed in the body, if at all, is minimal.

Alcohol is completely forbidden during pregnancy. Not true.  Alcohol consumption may lead to serious harm to the fetus, brain damage and even lead to hyperactivity, but there is no harm in having a glass of wine on rare occasions, not more than once a months.

Second hand smoke harms the fetus. Not known. Smoking cigarettes can cause harm in itself and lead to small embryos, abortion, premature births and hyperactivity in older age, but there are still no extensive studies about second hand smoking.

Sex harms the fetus. Not true. Intercourse is allowed during pregnancy. There are, though, cases such as high risk pregnancy, when sex is prohibited. Otherwise it is safe to have sex up until childbirth.

During second trimester libido is heighten. Not true. There are no studies that proof the connection between the two.

Eating strawberries causes birth marks on the baby. Not true. There is no connection between foods you eat during pregnancy and the baby’s skin conditions.

The Truth Behind Pregnancy Myths

Tough “pregnancy is not an illness”, there is nothing like a pregnancy to drive a perfectly happy couple out of their minds for long months. Every opinion, a scare, or other information can stress you out and make you wander and worry.

To simplify things a bit, here are some known myths. Part of which have some truth to them, but most are untrue and are in fact just myths.

Sushi is banned during pregnancy. True. Since the fish in the sushi is raw, there is a high risk of catching bacteria such as salmonella and listeria, which may cause pregnancy complications, pre term contractions and even miscarriage. The seaweed is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as it did not touch the same kitchenware the raw fish did.

Vegetarian sushi is banned during pregnancy. Partially true. Vegetarian sushi made at home is allowed when pregnant, as long as it was not made with kitchenware that was used to make raw fish sushi. In a restaurant even vegetarian sushi is banned, since it is made with the same kitchenware as raw fish sushi, which are banned during pregnancy.

Don’t eat fish when pregnant. Partially true. Some fish have high levels of mercury, which can be transferred to the baby via the placenta. High levels of mercury may be harmful for the baby’s neurological development.

Avoid painkillers during pregnancy. Partially true. Discomfort, headaches, muscle pains and back aches are common during pregnancy, and women do take painkillers to relieve the discomfort. Ask your healthcare provider which painkillers are safe for you during pregnancy.

Avoid drinking coffee during pregnancy. Not true. It is OK to consume up to two cups of coffee a day during pregnancy. Through higher amounts of caffeine may lead to complications and even miscarriage. Decaf is OK to drink.

Diet products are prohibited during pregnancy. Not true. There is no proof that diet products containing artificial sweeteners are bad for the fetus.

When pregnant you are eating for two. Not true. Many women think they are eating for two when pregnant, and due to over eating, they end up with dramatic extra weight. There is no need to eat double amounts. A smart and healthy diet is what the fetus needs. More so, women with weight gain tendencies should be extra careful in order to maintain a healthy pregnancy without complications such as gestational diabetes.

Massage is prohibited during pregnancy. Partially true. Avoid massage around your abdomen. It is dangerous during pregnancy. But massage in other parts of the body, such as facial massage or reflexology, are allowed.

Lotions and oils are helpful for stretch marks. Not true. During pregnancy, your belly stretches with the growing uterus, which is the cause for stretch marks. After childbirth these marks remain due to high levels of estrogen in the body. There is no scientific proof that lotions or oils are helpful in avoiding or treating stretch marks.

Hair dyes absorb in the body and are harmful to the baby. Not true. Dying your hair during pregnancy is allowed. The amount of dye that’s absorbed in the body, if at all, is minimal.

Alcohol is completely forbidden during pregnancy. Not true.  Alcohol consumption may lead to serious harm to the fetus, brain damage and even lead to hyperactivity, but there is no harm in having a glass of wine on rare occasions, not more than once a months.

Second hand smoke harms the fetus. Not known. Smoking cigarettes can cause harm in itself and lead to small embryos, abortion, premature births and hyperactivity in older age, but there are still no extensive studies about second hand smoking.

Sex harms the fetus. Not true. Intercourse is allowed during pregnancy. There are, though, cases such as high risk pregnancy, when sex is prohibited. Otherwise it is safe to have sex up until childbirth.

During second trimester libido is heighten. Not true. There are no studies that proof the connection between the two.

Eating strawberries causes birth marks on the baby. Not true. There is no connection between foods you eat during pregnancy and the baby’s skin conditions.

Some pregnancy journals includes information regarding what you can/should expect each week, month or trimester, others leave space for you to write your personal experience.

Regardless of the type of Pregnancy Journal you receive, it is always nice to keep a record as a souvenir for you and later for your child, add your pregnancy photos and ultrasounds. You may use some of the information you documented in this journal in your first baby album, share it with your family and friends, ven use it as a reminder when you are ready for your next pregnancy.

Well, your due date is actually called you ESTIMATED due date, so don’t go buying your family’s plane tickets to come for the birth according to it. Though you may actually deliver on your estimated due date, there is only 6% chance it will happen.

Your estimated due date is first established according to the first day of your last menstrual period. That is, if you know it. Otherwise it will be calculated at your first ultrasound.

Your estimated due date may change throughout your pregnancy depending on the size and development of the fetus, established in an ultrasound examination.

While it gives you a rough idea when to expect your baby, you may deliver before or after that day. Some physicians will suggest induction if you have passed your estimated due date by a week. Others may even recommend inducing the day of or before if there is a medical reason (risk to baby, size of baby, etc.).

So remember, it’s an ESTIMATED due date, not an absolute one…

What changes does your body go through during pregnancy?

Other than your belly growing, which is one thing you must have expected will change (…), you may find that your body is behaving differently than before, reacting in new ways (such as morning sickness, sensitivity to smells) to just about anything, and aching or developing sensitivities you were not used to before the pregnancy.

You may notice changes to your skin. While pregnancy glow is the more common skin change during pregnancy, other, less attractive skin changes during pregnancy include acne in earlier stages and stretch marks in later stages.

In earlier stages of the pregnancy, before the belly starts to grow and the pregnancy is apparent, most women experience their waist widening and breasts growing. Some women notice their keep waist and breasts keep changing throughout the pregnancy, while other may experience these change in the beginning, and then after childbirth again, when the milk comes in.

Another unpleasant, but usually temporary change is swollen feet and sometimes varicose veins. Some women find that their shoe size grows during pregnancy. That may or may not change back after childbirth.

Though you may not welcome the affects of pregnancy on your body, remember it is temporary, and when you hold your baby in your hands you will feel it was all worth it.

Something to consider is the type of work you do. If it may affect your pregnancy, you may need to inform your employer about your pregnancy right away. You may also need to either refrain from your job or parts of it, or change your activity.

If you work with hazardous materials such as paint fumes, some cleaning products, cigarettes and/or secondhand smoke, carbon monoxide, leaded water or paint, mercury and/or products containing benzene or formaldehyde, it will be best for you to inform your employer and avoid the above toxins, especially during first trimester.

Also, if you are an X ray technician, nurses, doctors or other healthcare workers, work at a laboratory, clean homes or offices, a hairdresser or hold a factory job, speak to your healthcare provider about the possible risks (radiation, chemicals and fumes, exposure to viruses, lead and other risks) and how they can be avoided or minimized.

If your pregnancy affects your health, you will find it very difficult, sometimes even impossible to keep it from your employer, especially if you miss work a lot because of morning sickness or other symptoms. Sometimes it is best to share your news in order to let your employer know you are not missing work with no real excuse.

You know your employer and work environment best to make the decision when to share your news. If you are not sure, you can consult your healthcare provider or your significant other for advice. Remember, once you share the news, you cannot undo it. At the same time, you may have an easier time in the work environment after your pregnancy is made known.

While she is the one carrying your growing baby, you are a part of this miracle of life, too. Whether you can grasp it or not, your life is already changing, so get on board. You may not be suffering from morning sickness or experiencing bodily changes, but her pregnancy is bound to affect you, at some point.

From now until you cut the cord, there is a lot to learn and to get done. It used to be that men were in the dark about their wives’ pregnancies, but you can be there as well and be a part of the pregnancy.

Though there is not much you can do with regard to the actual pregnancy (after all you cannot switch places with her and carry the baby), but there are quite a few other things you can do, to feel a part of the pregnancy.

To be a part of the pregnancy from the start, you can accompany her on her prenatal visits. The doctor / midwife are there to answer both of your questions, not just hers. Seeing your growing baby in an ultrasound exam is an experience that can help you better connect with this pregnancy, which may not feel completely real to you. As her belly grows and the pregnancy becomes more tangible, you can talk to your unborn baby or try to feel his kicks. It may be a while before you can feel this, but it is exciting when you do get to feel those movements, from within.

Reading about the stages and development of pregnancy will help you understand what she is going through, and prepare you for what is to come. You can never be certain of how the pregnancy will develop and how it will affect her. Try to help her with the chores that she may now be having difficulty with.

You may not be as enthusiastic as her about shopping, in preparation for the baby, but your help does count, more than you can imagine, usually. Try to join her while shopping, putting together the crib and installing the car seat. She will appreciate it greatly.

Your sex life will change now that she is pregnant. It will change over the course of the pregnancy and if you are not sure what to expect, ask her. She may be too exhausted or uncomfortable during the first and third trimesters for intercourse. On the other hand, that is not always the case. Your best bet is to talk to her about it. The baby does not know or feel anything; therefore, it should be a reason to refrain from intercourse. If you are concerned, you can also consult her healthcare provider.

Will you be in the delivery room? Discuss your thoughts and expectations from each other for the big day. Some Dads to be want to be in the room, while others prefer to stay in the waiting room. There is no right or wrong way, but what is right for you two. Just remember that whatever you have planned should remain open to last minute changes, depending on how things progress medically.

Happy Fatherhood!

If he is having a hard time connecting with your belly, and the changes that have come with your pregnancy, try to interest him in coming to your doctor visits with you. Seeing your baby’s development in an ultrasound exam can be extremely exciting for both of you. Seeing the baby will also help make it more real and tangible.

While hubby is not the one carrying the extra physical weight of the baby, you can involve him in couple’s exercises for pregnancy. That way he can take part in more aspects of the pregnancy. Sharing your feelings and the changes you are going through is another way to include him in the experience. You know your partner best and will know what type of details will catch his attention.

Some dads-to-be may be interested in reading or talking to their unborn child, playing music to him or just stroking your belly. Whatever your partner is comfortable with, roll with it. Later in your pregnancy ask your partner to join you for prenatal classes. Talk about whether or not he wants to be in the delivery room.

Getting your partner to connect with your growing belly is important for both, your pregnancy, and your relationship with your partner. Since he is the one who has to deal with you and your pregnancy hormones, it is better to have him on board and participating. It will also keep you closer while on this challenging journey into parenthood.

Labor contractions are the periodic tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscle. They are often described as a cramping or a tightening sensation that starts in the back and moves around to the front in a wave-like manner. Some women report that contractions feel like pressure in the back. During a contraction, the abdomen becomes hard to the touch.

Many expecting mothers describe early labor contractions as similar to menstrual cramps or as severe gas pains, which may be confused with flu symptoms or intestinal disorders. Imagine your contractions as a wave. Each contraction will gradually increase in intensity until the contraction peaks, then slowly subside and disappear. As your body does the work, during labor, the time between contractions will decrease.

As the strength of each contraction increases, the peaks will happen sooner and last longer. There should be some regularity or pattern when you time your contractions. Persistent contractions that have no rhythm, but are five-to-seven minutes apart or less should be reported to your physician or midwife.

A typical labor for a first time mother is eight-to-fourteen hours, and is usually shorter for a second or subsequent birth. For many women, rocking in a chair or swaying back and forth, during a contraction, assists them with this relaxation.

You can check for contractions by feeling your uterus tightening and softening. Lie down and use your fingertips to feel the uterus. During a contraction your abdomen harden, then become soft again.

Some women report tenderness and hypersensitivity so early, that this was the first clue to their pregnancy. Other women suspected they were pregnant due to a darkening of their nipples and areolas (the skin around the nipple.) This change in color is caused by hormones which effect the skin’s pigmentation. At the same time, many women notice these types of changes to their breasts much later in the pregnancy or not at all.

Other changes to your breasts, other than their growing size, may include the appearance of green or darkened veins (due to the larger volume of blood in your body during pregnancy.) You may find that your nipples are leaking. This clear/yellow thick liquid is called colostrums and is extremely nutritious for your baby. You may also notice that your nipples stick out more and/or the areolas and nipple areas are larger in size.

These changes are caused by hormonal changes due to the pregnancy and effect different women differently. To handle some of these changes better and avoid being uncomfortable, get a good supportive bra, with an adjustable closure and no underwire.  Do not get a nursing bra before you give birth, as you will not know your final cup size. It is better to wait with this purchase, until about a week after childbirth, when your milk comes in and your breast size has reached its maximum.

After childbirth, if you choose to nurse, you will experience more breast related changes including the difficulties and challenges of breastfeeding, as well as, the joys and satisfactions like giving your baby the best, most suitable nutrition. You should know and accept, now, that your breasts will most likely NEVER return to their original shape. Who said being a mother is easy?