While you may not think it is, deciding weather you should stay home with your baby or return to work is a very personal decision. Though it may seem like a non issue to some, it is a big chose other new moms need to make.

First thing to consider is the financial situation you and your family are in. If hubby’s income is enough, then you can make the choice not based on money, but for most people it is a big part of the decidion. And so it should. Can you make it on one income, how much do you need to change your lifestyle to make it on one income, and is it even feasible.

After you figured out the financial implications, think about your personality. Can you be a stay at home mom? Or do you like you job and cannot give it up? There is no right or wrong answer in general, but a personal preference. You may think being home with baby is easier, but may find out it was harder than you expected. At the same time, you may find it is harder than you anticipated to be away from your baby when you are at work.

Is there anyone you trust to care for your baby when you are at work? That can usuaslly make you feel more at ease if you return to work. Can you work shorter hours? This may be another solution if you have to return to work, but don’t want to be away from your child for too long.

Are you breastfeeding? If so, can you pump at work or is your baby close enough for you to go and nurse during your lunch break?

Think of all the considerations that will affect you, your baby and your family before you make this decision and make sure you have your husband’s support, whatever you decide to do. It really does affect him too.

The life you had before baby and the life you have after you become a mom are very different, there is no question about it. But you are still you, and you can choose, to a level, to maintain some parts of your pre-baby lifestyle. it’s not like you didn’t know before you got pregnant, that life as a mom will be different, but it is hard (if not impossible) to imagine the changes that take place when you have a baby.

Remember those long nights you spent with your life partner, watching a movie or going out parting? Well, now your long nights include feeding baby, changing diapers and trying everything you can to relieve colic. You’re still up half the night, but not always out of choice.

Suddenly (and somewhat miraculously) you understand your parents, and an appreciation that may have not been there before is instantly there. If you never asked for their advice, you may find you actually want it now. After all, they raised you, and you came out just fine.

Time that used to be yours is not in your hands any more. When baby needs you, you are there for him/her, no matter what you were in the middle of, or what you’d like to be doing right now. The tiny beautiful creature in your hands is 100% dependant on you.

You find strengths you did not know were in you. When you are doing it for your child, whatever ‘it’ is, childbirth, difficulties breastfeeding, etc. you find the way and motivation to overcome the greatest obstacles.

You learn to multi task like you never have before. With all the extra loads of laundry, feeding time, sleepless nights, doctor appointments, play time and more, you will learn how to get it all done, or prioritize and get some rest.

No one said life as a mom was easy, but it is full of accomplishments and joy, and is oh so worth it. And when your little one is not so little anymore, you may get a night out with your spouse, when baby is enjoying the night with the grandparents or a babysitter.

Think creating your baby registry will be a breeze? Don’t procrastinate; it can take longer than you think. Plus, you really never know when baby is coming and it’s better to be ready before she’s here.

Start putting together your baby registry or at least a list of things you need not later than week 32, especially if it is your first baby. You may find that you are not sure what you need, or which is the best kind, brand, size, etc.

Asking friends or family members with kids can be helpful. You can learn from other Moms’ experience what worked for them, what they used, and needed throughout the first months after childbirth. At the end, if it isn’t helpful, you don’t have to put it on your registry.

Your first visit to the store to create your registry can be overwhelming, but at the same time educating. Many stores have booklets with information about what you will need for the baby, divided by category and full of helpful tips. Look it over and try to get a feel for what you need.

At the end, if you are missing anything, you can always run to the store (or send Dad or another family member or friend) to the store after baby is here.

During pregnancy and while breastfeeding you have a one time opportunity to make a positive contribution to your baby’s development. The baby is completely dependent on what his mother is eating, since she is his only source of nutrition. But does she consume those important nutrients for baby’s development?

In this day and age, many people suffer significant deficiencies in key nutrients such as iron, folic acid, iodine and acid-rich omega-3 DHA. Those deficiencies are especially significant during pregnancy, because of their critical impact on the healthy development of the fetus.

It is recommended to start taking folic acid when you are trying to conceive through your pregnancy. Taking folic acid is proven to reduce the risk of developing abnormalities in the nervous system and the brain, due to the critical role of the acid in distribution and new construction of cells.

The recommended dose is a minimum of 400 mcg. Most prenatal vitamin pills contain higher doses, which are great for your body during pregnancy.

Omega-3 fatty acid. 60% of brain weight is fat. The process of brain development during fetal time and the first year of life (when the brain is built rapidly) require adequate levels of omega 3 fatty acids. Sufficient consumption of omega 3 during embryonic period and first year of life may affect the child even in later life.

The fetus doesn’t produce omega-3 fatty acids for itself, and is completely dependent on the mother’s diet. Fatty acid DHA passes through the placenta and goes directly to the brain tissue and retina of the fetus.

The best dietary source for Omega 3 DHA is fish. Consumption of two servings of fish, such as salmon, herring and mackerel, a week provides the appropriate level of Omega 3.

Iron is an essential element for proper development of the fetus in the womb. Since mother’s levels of iron are the source of iron for baby, the natural and simplest way to enable a continuous supply of iron and normal embryo is to prevent iron deficiency in the mother.

The highest amounts of iron consumed by the embryo are used to construct the fetal hemoglobin. Iron atoms have an important role in the development of the fetal central nervous system, since many enzymes active in the metabolic processes in the brain contain iron atoms. The brain is the organ with the fastest growth rate in the fetus, and the supply of iron through the blood barrier – brain is continuous and productivity is high.

A deficiency in iron intake and the developing fetus brain may cause permanent damage to the central nervous system, including a negative cognitive impact manifested in potential intellect and behavior disorders in childhood.

Pregnant women are likely to suffer iron deficiency if not carful. anemia caused by iron deficiency, affects the growing fetus and the mother and can harm the supply of oxygen, and even cause premature birth or premature baby.

Iodine is essential for the creation of hormone binding globulin produced by the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). The thyroid hormone has a significant role during pregnancy and lack of iodine can lead to lack of activity in the hypothyroidism, which may cause miscarriage.

The fetus begins to produce this hormone only in the second half of pregnancy, until which point he is completely dependent on his mother for thyroxine. Many studies have shown that the sub – hypothyroidism and iodine deficiency can cause irreversible brain damage, attention deficit disorder, a decrease in IQ and in extreme cases, mental retardation.

Iodine-rich foods are fish, shellfish and seaweed. Another option for dealing with lack of iodine is taking supplements that contain it. The recommended dose of iodine supplements in recent years raised by the WHO from 150 mcg to -250-200 mcg. Added iodine intake can be achieved through Prenatal Nutrients (make sure the dose is in accordance with the updated recommendation).

Prenatal Nutrients is a general name for a multivitamin that contains a variety of elements that are essential during pregnancy for proper development of the fetus. The elements iron, iodine and folic acid mentioned above are Prenatal Nutrients, as well as vitamin D and calcium. These are the main components of Prenatal Nutrients vitamins, check their dose before buying.

Recent studies show that Prenatal Nutrients taken prior to and during pregnancy may help prevent complications such as low birth weight, Premature birth and birth defects.

Keep in mind that everything stated here does not diminish the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy. Dietary supplements are important, but they are no substitute for a balanced diet, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

When you reach the third trimester you start thinking about the upcoming labor and birth. Many women, especially ones in their first pregnancy, are concerned about how they will know labor has begun, and when they should rush to the hospital. Well, there is no one answer or one indication you are in labor, but different signs. According to the signs, you’ll know what to do and when it is time to go yourself to the hospital.

One of the clues you are in labor, is when your water breaks. If you fear you water will break in public, you may be relieved to know that usually labor does not start with your water breaking. When it does, it is more likely to happen while you are in bed. In fact, most women report they initially thought they had a urine leak. After your water breaks if you do not go into labor within 12 hours, you will likely be induced, for the health and safety of your baby.

You may not be sure you are having contractions when they begin, but ones you are experiencing constant, regular contractions that grow longer and more frequent, it is safe to assume labor has begun. If contractions do NOT grow stronger and more frequent, you are likely having Braxton hicks contractions, which are more like a practice run, but aren’t the real thing.

A sign labor can start anytime within the next few weeks is when you pass your mucus plug. This clear looking discharge is what closes the cervix during pregnancy, keep it infection away from baby. When your cervix starts to soften and dilate the mucus is released from its hold.

As unpleasant as it may sound, diarrhea is a sign labor is around the corner. It is caused by the release of prostaglandins, which are a group of hormones that cause the uterus to contract as well as cause your stool to soften.

If you think you may be in labor, call your healthcare provider or the hospital where are scheduled to deliver. Better get there and have to return home still pregnant than be too late to the hospital…

After forty long weeks of pregnancy and anticipation, you are most likely more than ready to meet your little one already. You may also be uncomfortable and anxious before childbirth, or in pain, or just over being pregnant. Even if labor is not showing any signs of starting soon, you may be more than ready to get things started, in any way possible.

If there is no medical condition requiring getting the baby out ahead of time, it is up to you to decide if you want to wait for labor to start on its own or help jump start it.

Some healthcare providers will suggest inducing if you reached 41 weeks and labor has not started on its own. If you prefer to wait the course of the pregnancy, speak to your doctor about it. Make sure whatever decision you make, it is an informed one. You don’t want to induce just because your doctor wants to, but you also don’t want to wait and end up having to have a cesarean section because baby is too large of a vaginal delivery.

When there is no medical emergency because of which there is a need to induce, it is a personal decision which way to go.

When pregnant, you may be concerned about weight gain. On one hand, you may fear that ‘eating for two’ will lead to excessive weight gain that will be hard to get rid of after childbirth. On the other hand, you don’t want to eat too little, so that your baby’s development will suffer.

During pregnancy, proper nutrition is extremely important. It not only affects the healthy development of your baby, but also keeps you healthy. Therefore, many women wander what is considered a healthy weight gain, can they be on a diet during pregnancy, and when can they start a diet to lose weight after childbirth.

Normal weight gain during pregnancy is about 25-35 pound for a single embryo pregnancy (more for multiples). Of course only a small portion of this weight is fat.  The baby weight 7-8 pounds, the placenta is 1-2 pounds and the amniotic fluid in which the baby is surrounded weigh about 2 pound. Total 10-12 pound, which ‘disappear’ after childbirth.

In addition, the uterus grows by 2 pounds, maternal breast tissue weigh about 2 pounds and blood volume increase by about 4 pounds. Some women suffer from water retention, which may add about 3 pounds.

So far 18-20 pounds increase total, which does not include the 7 pound of fat and nutrients you are storing for breastfeeding. Total 25-27 pounds.

It is important to stress that each women will gain weight at different speed and amount, so do not worry if your weight gain is different than another women. If you have any concerns speak to your healthcare provider.

A cesarean section is a surgery done to deliver a baby. There are different reasons why a cesarean section may be needed, or chosen. Speak to your OBGYN to determine whether you may need a cesarean section or if you have any concerns.

Here are some of the reasons why you may need a cesarean section:

Multiple births may end up in a cesarean, depending on weight and position. Twins may be born vaginally, but triplets or more will likely be born via cesarean section.

Gestational diabetes may lead to a large baby, in which case you may have to resort to a cesarean section.

Breech position is when the baby is positioned with its bottom down rather than its head down. While a vaginal delivery is possible in some cases, there is a decreasing number of obstetricians who are experienced in these types of births. A cesarean is performed when baby is in distress or has a cord prolapse.

Cord prolapsed is when the umbilical cord slips through the cervix and comes out before the baby is born. This condition is dangerous to baby because as the uterus contracts it causes pressure on the umbilical cord which diminishes the blood flow to the baby.

The most common fetal distress is when the baby is not getting oxygen. This type of fetal distress is detected by fetal monitoring and will lead to an emergency cesarean.

If you have active genital herpes (an outbreak of genital herpes), you will deliver by cesarean section in order to prevent the baby from being exposed to herpes when passing through the birth canal.

It is normal to develop different fears during pregnancy, especially if it is your first pregnancy. After all, it is the first time you are growing a tiny human in your uterus, and everything is new. Though it is normal, and somewhat expected, there are fears you can avoid with a little research, which will actually help your pregnancy go smoother. Remember, fear can lead to stress, and stress is never good for you.

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!

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.

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.