Boy, girl — or big surprise? Should you find out? For some people, it is not at all a question. For others, it may be a bit of a challenge to decide if they want to know the sex of the baby in advance. It is a personal preference and should be left for you and your partner to decide, not decided for you.

Some parents to be want to know the gender as soon as the ultrasound and baby’s position allows the technician to take a peak, if not sooner. These parents may be curious, excited, or have a number of other reasons why they want to know the sex of their baby in advance.

Other parents prefer to wait till the birth to find out. They may feel it is more appropriate or special this way, or may have had a bad experience with an incorrect ultrasound read in the past, and do not want to give it another go and get the wrong gender colors.

The reason why you choose to know your baby’s gender in advance or wait till the birth is less important than you being happy with whatever it is you have decided. Remember, if you chose not to know, you can change your mind later, but if you chose to find out ahead of time, you can not turn back the wheel.

If you are still on the fence, ask yourself if you are the curious type. Can you wait till the birth to find out or do you just ‘have to know already’? Do you wish to prepare for your baby in advance and are gender specific clothing and baby room décor important to you? Even if the answer is yes and yes, you can always get neutral basics and add to them after the birth.

Benefits of finding out:
• Some women say they feel a deeper bond with the baby once they know the sex and can imagine holding their little boy or girl.
• It may be easier to prepare an older sibling for the arrival of a new little brother or sister.
• You can start / continue thinking of baby names, looking only at one gender.
• You can pick out a gender-specific nursery theme or baby clothes.

Benefits of waiting:
• You and your family will have a delightful surprise on the day you give birth.
• Your desire to know whether your baby is a boy or a girl might motivate you during the toughest parts of labor.
• You’ll be following in the tradition of your parents, your parents’ parents, etc.
• There will be no mistakes — what you see is what you get!

An ultrasound, or sonogram as it is sometimes called, is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create a visual image of your baby, placenta, and uterus prior to birth. It allows your doctor to collect important information about the progress of your pregnancy and your baby’s health.

During the test, an ultrasound technologist, also called a sonographer, transmits high-frequency sound waves through your uterus that bounce off your baby. A computer then translates the echoing sounds into video images that reveal your baby’s shape, position, and movements.

Early on, an ultrasound may be used to estimate the age of your pregnancy, especially if your menstrual cycle is abnormal or much grater than 28 days. You may have an appointment for Nuchal Translucency, which is also done by ultrasound, checking your baby’s risk for Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities.

Between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, you will be scheduled for a level 2 ultrasound exam. During this hour long ultrasound exam, the baby is measured from head to toe, to check if the gestation age of the baby is within a normal range. The functioning and development of the vital organs is also monitored during this ultrasound. The sex of the baby can be determined during level 2 ultrasound, so if you wish NOT to know the sex of your baby pre-delivery, tell the technician right from the start.

Depending on the development of your pregnancy, your doctor may decide whether or not you need more ultrasounds. You may have one towards the end of your pregnancy to determine if there is a need to induce labor.

Whether you’re trying to get pregnant or just planning for the future, it is important to identify your health-related risk factors and talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you may have. Early detection and treatment of problems that may affect fertility are often critical in achieving successful pregnancy outcomes later.

Here are factors that may affect your ability to ovulate, conceive, or carry a pregnancy to term:

Body fat – excessive or very low body fat can be a factor in conception problems or pregnancy complications.
A Chronic diseases such as lupus, diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, or asthma, and/or the drugs used to treat them can lead to a harder time conceiving and may affect your pregnancy and need to be closely monitored by your healthcare provider.
Abnormal Pap smears that have resulted in surgical treatment such as cryosurgery or cone biopsy should be discussed with your doctor, preferably prior to becoming pregnant.
If your mother took DES while she was pregnant with you, speak to your doctor, this fact may affect size or shape of your uterus.
Hormonal imbalance such as periods exceeding six days, unusually short or long cycles, irregular cycles, very heavy periods, excessive facial hair, breast discharge, or acne on face, neck, and back should all be discussed with your OBGYN to pinpoint and / or eliminate possible risks.
History of multiple miscarriages is information your doctor most likely already knows about unless it is a new doctor to you, in which case you should discuss your history in full and plan together for a successful pregnancy in the future.
Environmental factors such as cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, or exposure to workplace hazards or toxins are all known as potential risks before and during pregnancy. Do your best to eliminate or at the very least minimize your exposure.

It is important to do your best to lead a healthy lifestyle for a good quality of life throughout your entire life, but when trying to conceive/planning a pregnancy, it is even more important to care for your body properly for it is going to be where your baby grows for nine months.

After an active period of having lots of sex in pursuit of conception, now that you have achieved the goal, you must be wondering if it is safe to continue sexual activity, for how long, is there anything you should avoid doing and other questions.

The good news is you don’t need to make any adjustments to your sex life as long as your pregnancy is low risk, with no complications. This is true up until your water breaks. As for your sexual drive, that is a different question.

Some women find that they are aroused more than usual, while others are so consumed with the excitement of the pregnancy, or affected by fatigue to such an extent that sex finds its way to the back burner.

Don’t be surprised if your partner’s sex drive is affected as well. You may find that he is more aroused by your growing belly, or that he has reservations and fears of hurting the baby or even you. While your baby is safe and is not involved in any way in your sexual activity, you will want to resolve these issues if they interrupt your sexual relations. Talking about both your fears and feelings is a good way to do just that.

With the development of your baby and your growing belly, you will have to adjust your sex life and find the right positions for the both of you. Missionary position will be an impossible one for a while, but instead of being discouraged, experiment and try new positions that will be more comfortable and doable.

If you are not interested in sex, that is OK too. Speak to your partner about how you are feeling and find other ways to show affection. Cuddling, kissing, trading massages, or even just spending the evening together in or out, can be a temporary solution. If you have concerns about your lack of sexual desire, you can always consult your doctor.

Remember your hormones levels are different and things can get back to the way they were after childbirth. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and make sure to keep communications between you and your partner open and honest. Together you will find the right path for you.

One of the highlights of pregnancy is when you feel your baby move. It is unlike anything else and can certainly be described as one of the miracles of creating life. So when will it happen? Will it be a full on kick the first time you feel it? Or will it be more subtle?

You baby started moving around at about week 7 or 8, and you may have even got to see her acrobatics in an ultrasound if you had one. However, it will take a little while longer before you will feel these movements where they will be readily apparent. Most women feel those first flutters and kicks sometime between 16 and 22 weeks. This also depends on your size. Slimmer woman may feel baby movement earlier.

If this is not your first pregnancy, you may feel your baby earlier than first time moms, mainly because you know what to expect and can recognize them as baby movement, something that the first time mom may not recognize yet.

When you first feel your baby move, women describe it being like a fish swimming around, popcorn popping, butterfly flutters and bubbles. You may mistake these first movements to be gas, or hunger pangs in the beginning, but will soon learn the difference once they become more frequent. You are more likely to feel these first movements when you are resting, as opposed to when you are active (say when you are walking) and your hips movement put baby to sleep.

Later in your second trimester, your baby’s gentle movements will become stronger, and you will feel them more frequently. At that point you will need to pay closer attention to his kicks and let your healthcare provider know if movement has decreased. During the third trimester your doctor may ask that you devote up to an hour a day to monitor your baby’s movement (usually after a meal).

Your baby’s movement will change in character and intensity over time with your baby growing bigger and the space in your uterus growing smaller. Later on in your pregnancy you may even see a small hand or foot pushing your belly in his attempt to stretch or move.

Enjoy this amazing experience while it lasts. There is no feeling like it!

Pregnancy is an exciting time in every woman’s life, especially the first time around when everything is new and you are going through it for the first time. At the same time, it can be a confusing time with many questions such as, can I continue the exercise? How many cups of coffee can I have a day? What should I eat? And many other questions and concerns.

Make a list of all your questions for your first visit at your OBGYN or Midwife so you get the information you are seeking. In the meantime, you can get a book, research the net, or speak to friends and family about any question you may have.

The basics of nutrition during pregnancy include:

Make sure there is enough calcium in your diet. Low-fat or nonfat milk, processed cheeses, and yogurt, even tofu, sardines, canned salmon and dark-green leafy vegetables are all great sources of calcium. You need to make sure you intake enough calcium because it is vital for the development of your baby’s bones and teeth. If your diet is not rich in calcium, the fetus will draw calcium from your bones, putting you at risk for osteoporosis later in life. You need a minimum of 1,000 mg a day.

Your body needs more fluids during your pregnancy. Increase your fluid intake and try to resort to water more than anything else. Water also cools your body, moves nutrients and waste, prevents constipation, and provides a cushion for your baby. Drink at least eight 8-ounce cups of fluid a day. One cup of caffeinated drink a day will not hurt your baby, but try to decrease your soda and coffee intake to a minimum.

Caffeinated drinks can dehydrate you, so be aware and choose your drink accordingly. You will know if you are hydrated enough by the color of your urine. Light yellow – hydrated; dark yellow – need more fluids in your body.

Foods to avoid during pregnancy include soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, blue, and feta. These cheeses may harbor Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which can lead to dangerous form of food poisoning called listeriosis. Hard, processed, cream, and cottage cheeses are safe to eat. Also avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs, as well as unpasteurized milk and juice. All can cause food-borne illness.

If you are still confused or have any questions, speak to your healthcare provider about your diet and any changes you may need to make for a healthy pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a miraculous time in a woman‘s life, but that does not mean only bells and giggles. It can be uncomfortable at times, and you may find yourself longing for pleasures from your pre pregnancy life you may not have appreciated before. Some you will get back after childbirth, others you will get back with time, and a few you may never see again, depending on different variables.

Here is a select list of things you can kiss goodbye for a while…

Alcohol is off limits for the expecting mom. While it is not the end of the world to give up booze for nine months or so, it can be frustrating for some. There is no way around it other than childbirth. The good news is that it is temporary and your ‘dry’ spell will be over soon.

With pregnancy comes a list of forbidden foods, like sushi, raw meats, soft cheeses and more. It is interesting how our cravings can be for just what we cannot have. Every expecting mom misses one type of food or another. It is important to curb your crabbings and avoid those forbidden foods for the health of your baby. Keep telling yourself it is only for nine months or so…

During the first and third trimesters, you will most likely miss having a good night sleep.

During the first trimester, you will find that you wake up a few times a night to go empty your bladder, or are awakened by leg cramps. Even if you do get a good night sleep, you may find that you are tired ‘for no good reason’. Well, there is a good reason growing inside you that makes your body work around the clock helping your baby develop.

During your second trimester, when you may get some better night sleep, but in the third trimester you will find it even harder than the first trimester to get good night’s rest again. Now you cannot sleep on your back or belly, and it is harder to find a comfortable position to sleep in. Night time trips to the bathroom are back and you may also have strange dreams that will interrupt your sleep.

It may be unpleasant, but there are ways to help you get comfortable and help you get the rest you need. A maternity pillow can help you find a comfortable position. Not drinking right before bed will minimize your need to urinate. And talking to your partner about your dreams, fears and concerns as well as other feelings will help resolve them so they don’t take over your dreams. You will still not get the sleep you used to pre-pregnancy, but at least you will get the rest your body needs.

A normal sense of smell is not something you will enjoy during your pregnancy. Most woman experience a heightened sense of smell due to elevated level of hormones while pregnant. Thankfully, this sensitivity to smells is temporary and will subside after the delivery. In the meantime try to avoid smells that bother you, especially ones that lead to nausea.

Weather you dreamed of being pregnant since you can remember or it caught you by surprise, at some point during these nine months, you will find yourself looking at other women and missing your pre pregnancy body. Some of the changes to your body, other than your growing belly, may surprise you. Expecting moms find that their body is changing in ways they did not expect. Swollen feet, larger breasts, and changing belly button are just a few changes you can expect.

To feel better about yourself and your changing body, make sure to exercise. You will be surprised what a moderate workout can do to both your body and feeling. Dress the part, and enjoy the wanders of makeup. Maternity clothes can make you look sexy, believe it or not. Don’t hide your bump, show it off. Use whatever makes you feel good about yourself.

What are some things / activities you miss now that you are pregnant?

Pregnancy is not an illness, yet your first trimester may feel more like an illness than not. While there are no known ways to eliminating or avoiding morning sickness, vomiting and fatigue, there are ways you can help your body feel more refreshed as well as some tricks to feeling better overall.

No method is full proof or guaranteed. But if you feel yourself struggling to stay awake and alert throughout the day or morning sickness is lingering past the A.M., these tips may help you regain some control over your body and will hopefully make you feel better, even if it is a little bit.

So what can you do?

To get over fatigue, exercise is the name of the game. You’ll be surprised what a 30 minute daily workout can do. Besides it being healthy, working out will help get your body stronger to carry the weight of your growing baby thoughout your pregnancy. Exercising stimulates your energy, as well as strengthens your cardiovascular system which in turn helps you feel less tired.  Exercise also releases endorphins, which can help you feel relaxed. Working out can also help with body aches (like the ones that keep you from sleeping) and it can actually help with falling asleep if you frequently experience discomfort throughout the night hours.

Overcoming morning sickness may be a bit trickier than minimizing fatigue. Still, there are things you can do. For starters, eat five smaller meals though the day, rather than the typical three meals a day. Drink plenty of water (about 8 glasses a day) and avoid caffeinated drinks such as soda, tea and coffee. If you are not too keen on water, try adding a slice of lemon or orange to your water for flavor, or try carbonated water.

Keep crackers handy. Eating something first thing in the morning can help prevent nausea caused from an empty stomach.  Avoid greasy and spicy foods, which are more likely to cause nausea. Eat foods that are high in protein and carbohydrates. Also avoid strong odors or any familiar smells that induce your nausea.

If you find that you are vomiting excessively, speak to your doctor about it. Sometimes morning sickness can turn into a severe condition that poses a risk to both you and your baby. If you experience a combined lack of appetite and excessive vomiting, you should be monitored by your healthcare provider, since it can result in malnourishment and dehydration. A short hospital stay may be required.

And remember, at about 13-14 weeks, you should be feeling much better!

How is your partner dealing with your pregnancy?

When you are expecting your first baby, especially in the beginning, excitement levels (or any emotional reaction) can be intense and your partners’ feelings can be pushed aside in the chaos of your emotional rollercoaster. You may want to check in with your partner to see how he is dealing with the pregnancy as well. It is true he is not physically pregnant, but emotionally, he is impacted almost as much as you are. After all, both your lives are changing.

Pay attention to see how your partner is reacting to the upcoming change in your lives. If he is concerned about what type of a Dad he will be, reassure him that when the time comes, he will be a wonderful Dad and he will know what to do. You may also be sharing similar fears. If that is the case, discuss them openly. It can be easier to overcome them together.

Throughout the 9 months, your baby will take up most of your time and attention.  But this is a great opportunity to devote time to just the two of you. Go out on dates, watch a movie together on the sofa, and just spend time together. You both need it, even if it is for slightly different reasons.

While you are growing with the development of your baby, make sure to include your hubby in the loop. While he is not the one physically carrying the baby, he is certainly a part of the miracle growing inside you. Help him take part in the pregnancy by taking him to doctor appointments, especially ones that include an ultrasound. This is a great way to help Dad-to-be to bond with your unborn child.

When the time arrives, go to birth preparation courses and other classes together to get ready for your baby and learn the basics. When you start feeling you baby kicking, make sure to include your partner in this exciting experience.

This is a special time in your lives, don’t forget to share and enjoy it with your partner!

“Birth preparation course” sounds like the most impossible combination of words, doesn’t it?! In other words, how can you prepare for something when you have no idea what to expect? How can you prepare for an event you can’t control, or foresee how it will start and develop? And if it is such a natural process then all you need to do is listen to your body, right?  What else is there to prepare for?

Well, even though you really cannot foresee how and what your birth experience will be like, learning about your options and possibilities is the greatest variable in the mystery of what is to come. Simply stated, knowledge is power.

When you conceive, there is an excitement of anticipation and not much thought is given to the child birth experience that is unavoidably to come. However with time, thoughts, wonders and fears may start to creep in.

If you have already researched your options, you are ahead of the game. Otherwise you may find it helpful to know what types of childbirth methods are available to you today.

No matter what type of birth experience you are planning, you should know the basic facts about other options in case you will be forced to abandon your original plan for medical reasons such as risk to the health of yourself or your baby. Try to stay open minded about the possibility that your birth plan will not be executed as you dreamed. If you remain flexible, the disappointment you may experience could be lessened.

Birth preparation courses usually take place at the hospital where you plan to give birth. In most courses, you will take a tour of the hospital and get familiarized with procedures and facilities available to you.

You will learn about types of childbirth and techniques to help yourself handle labor and the process of childbirth. Most courses should cover: signs of labor, the normal progress of labor and birth, techniques for coping with pain, ways your partner can help you during labor and recognizing when to call your doctor or midwife.

For more information about birth preparation courses, contact your hospital for scheduling.