It seems strange to even read that someone can be practicing yoga while giving birth to a baby, but there are some poses that can actually help the delivery process and make child birth a less painful and traumatic time for many mothers.
However, the caveat is that you should try yoga even before you become pregnant so that your body is not trying something completely new with a baby growing inside. Of course, some people try yoga for the first time with a prenatal yoga DVD because of the aches and pains they feel with the first trimester nausea and bloating and the muscle cramps, swollen feet and heartburn that does not really make them feel like hitting the gym.
Yoga is a non-drug method of soothing the aches and pains based on thousands of years of ancient practices and time tested asanas or poses and breathing and relaxation techniques.
If you are expecting a baby and would like to stay fit for the next nine months of your life, it is a great deal to invest in a pregnancy yoga DVD as the whole family may join in and have some time to connect with one another.
The pelvic rock, the camel pose and tree pose are just a few of the moves in a pregnancy yoga DVD that can help energize and revitalize your system if you are feeling sluggish during the pregnancy days. Shoulder stretches and a queen dancer pose are also some asanas that the famous Lamaze institute recommends with prenatal yoga DVD as it can help strengthen the core muscles and make them ready for labor and delivery.
Speaking of which there are some yoga poses that you can use even while in the delivery room such as squats, downward facing dog pose (with support of course) and the cat or cow pose. They may seem to be Greek to the laywoman, but once you get a great pregnancy yoga DVD, it will become simpler with time and practice.
If you are suffering from even the mild baby blues or also known as postpartum depression, it is important to continue mild yoga poses with your doctor's permission. If you have had a cesarean section or if you had multiples or a complicate delivery and episiotomy, it might not be recommend for you until you are completely healed.
However, for those who went through a normal procedure, many doctors do give the go ahead for a some pregnancy yoga DVD poses to get back into shape. Feel better about yourself, look better and be a better role model for your family.
Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Taking Care of Your Health After Childbirth
Childbirth is one of the most wonderful things a woman can experience, and also one of the most painful. But the instant your baby appears, you will feel a kind of happiness that nothing can compare to. You'll be caught up in taking of your baby for some time to come, but it's still important that you take care of yourself. Keep in mind that your personal health is critical to keep both you and your baby protected from illness and disease. Here are a few tips on taking care of yourself once you have been discharged from the hospital.
Rest: Childbirth can be exhausting. You need to allow yourself some time to rest. As much as possible, limit the number of visitors because this will add to your exhaustion. When your baby is asleep, use that opportunity for a nap.
Lifting: You need to avoid lifting heavy objects following childbirth. Don't lift anything that’s heavier than your baby. This can lead to injuries particularly if you just left the hospital you’re your childbirth involved a surgical procedure to your perineum or abdomen.
Get help: Family, relatives and friends are all usually happy to help you out following the birth of a baby. Let them know that you need them to help you through the early days, particularly if your husband is at work. They can help you out with simple thinks such as cooking, laundry or babysitting older children.
Stay clean: Make sure to wash your hands after doing anything in order to lower the chances of infection that can be passed along to your child. It's important that you do this particularly after using the toilet or after changing a diaper.
Healthy diet: Continue to eat healthfully like you did while pregnant. Don't resume drinking alcohol or beverages high in caffeine. Your diet will affect your baby’s health if you’re breastfeeding. Also, take a vitamin supplement to make sure you're getting enough nutrition.
Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.
Exercise: Strenuous activities aren’t recommended immediately following childbirth. Start with moderate exercise like a short walk around your neighborhood. Exercise will give you the energy and strength you need to deal with your young baby.
Get a checkup: Visit your obstetrician about a week following delivery to make sure everything is healing properly.
Rest: Childbirth can be exhausting. You need to allow yourself some time to rest. As much as possible, limit the number of visitors because this will add to your exhaustion. When your baby is asleep, use that opportunity for a nap.
Lifting: You need to avoid lifting heavy objects following childbirth. Don't lift anything that’s heavier than your baby. This can lead to injuries particularly if you just left the hospital you’re your childbirth involved a surgical procedure to your perineum or abdomen.
Get help: Family, relatives and friends are all usually happy to help you out following the birth of a baby. Let them know that you need them to help you through the early days, particularly if your husband is at work. They can help you out with simple thinks such as cooking, laundry or babysitting older children.
Stay clean: Make sure to wash your hands after doing anything in order to lower the chances of infection that can be passed along to your child. It's important that you do this particularly after using the toilet or after changing a diaper.
Healthy diet: Continue to eat healthfully like you did while pregnant. Don't resume drinking alcohol or beverages high in caffeine. Your diet will affect your baby’s health if you’re breastfeeding. Also, take a vitamin supplement to make sure you're getting enough nutrition.
Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.
Exercise: Strenuous activities aren’t recommended immediately following childbirth. Start with moderate exercise like a short walk around your neighborhood. Exercise will give you the energy and strength you need to deal with your young baby.
Get a checkup: Visit your obstetrician about a week following delivery to make sure everything is healing properly.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Eating Right to Manage Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is actually quite common, with many pregnant women experiencing this condition. In fact, incidents of gestational diabetes are on the rise. Gestational diabetes is inclined to show up near the end of the second trimester or sometime in the third. There are some factors that may make some women more inclined to develop this ailment during pregnancy that you will want to be aware of, and you should also be aware of the symptoms of gestational diabetes.
Once you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes by a physician, he or she will give you some recommendations to manage the condition. One of the most important things you are going to have to pay attention to is what you are eating, and you will be given the guidelines for a proper gestational diabetes diet.
By following a gestational diabetes diet you will have to make some changes to the way you are currently eating in order to keep your blood sugar stable. The purpose of eating this way is to keep the problem manageable until your baby is delivered. This way both you and your new little one will be in good health and experience the least amount of risk.
As part of a gestational diabetes diet, the most important thing is to eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. These are critical in order to make sure your blood sugar levels remain stable. They're also important to ensure that both you and your fetus get the best nutrition in order to thrive. It's equally important to eat plenty of whole grain products. All of these foods are will keep your blood sugar from rising too quickly following a meal because they are unrefined, natural products. Of course, milk is essential to a healthy pregnancy because your body needs lots of calcium. Many women would normally choose skim milk, which is low in fat and less likely to cause you to gain weight during your pregnancy. However, you also need fat in your diet, so your doctor might recommend that you drink full fat milk.
Gestational diabetes isn't a permanent form of the illness so if you manage it carefully during your pregnancy you can be back to normal after you've delivered your baby. Make sure that are cautious and aware and that your obstetrician knows any symptoms you may be experiencing. Anything that seems unusual should be brought to his or her attention, not just for your health but that of your fetus.
Most often, if you are diagnosed as having gestational diabetes, you will have to learn to manage the condition for the remainder of your pregnancy. Following the birth of your baby, however, your blood sugar levels should go back to normal. Of course your doctor will examine you following delivery to make sure everything is ok, and will deal with any issues that may arise.
Once you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes by a physician, he or she will give you some recommendations to manage the condition. One of the most important things you are going to have to pay attention to is what you are eating, and you will be given the guidelines for a proper gestational diabetes diet.
By following a gestational diabetes diet you will have to make some changes to the way you are currently eating in order to keep your blood sugar stable. The purpose of eating this way is to keep the problem manageable until your baby is delivered. This way both you and your new little one will be in good health and experience the least amount of risk.
As part of a gestational diabetes diet, the most important thing is to eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. These are critical in order to make sure your blood sugar levels remain stable. They're also important to ensure that both you and your fetus get the best nutrition in order to thrive. It's equally important to eat plenty of whole grain products. All of these foods are will keep your blood sugar from rising too quickly following a meal because they are unrefined, natural products. Of course, milk is essential to a healthy pregnancy because your body needs lots of calcium. Many women would normally choose skim milk, which is low in fat and less likely to cause you to gain weight during your pregnancy. However, you also need fat in your diet, so your doctor might recommend that you drink full fat milk.
Gestational diabetes isn't a permanent form of the illness so if you manage it carefully during your pregnancy you can be back to normal after you've delivered your baby. Make sure that are cautious and aware and that your obstetrician knows any symptoms you may be experiencing. Anything that seems unusual should be brought to his or her attention, not just for your health but that of your fetus.
Most often, if you are diagnosed as having gestational diabetes, you will have to learn to manage the condition for the remainder of your pregnancy. Following the birth of your baby, however, your blood sugar levels should go back to normal. Of course your doctor will examine you following delivery to make sure everything is ok, and will deal with any issues that may arise.
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Pregnant Women
Expectant moms seem to experience more than their share of pain and discomfort while pregnant. It begins in the first trimester and doesn't let up until the delivery is over. Although it's perfectly normal for a pregnant woman to have aches and pains, there's nothing wrong with trying to get some relief from the discomfort. As the pregnancy progresses and the problems seem to mount up, including frequent back aches and joint pain, they need to find some way to ease their misery.
Luckily, massage therapy is the ideal solution. But not just any kind of massage. Pregnancy massage therapy is quite different from a regular massage provided at your spa. The massage therapist must be highly knowledgeable regarding the particular needs of a pregnant woman. Pregnancy massage therapy must be performed so that there is no harm done to the fetus. The pregnant woman's body must be carefully positioned and the proper intensity used in order to do the most good and not create more problems than she had to start with.
The major therapeutic benefit of massage therapy during pregnancy is that it stimulates the joints and muscles to function more efficiently and improves the blood circulation. As well, a professional massage can do amazing things to ease the fatigue, both mental and physical, that an expectant mother frequently suffers with.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, it's perfectly safe to get a normal massage at the day spa or regular massage therapist. But once you're into the fourth month it's important that only pregnancy massage therapy be utilized, and make sure it's done by a professionally trained massage therapist.
Actually, many obstetricians will recommend that their pregnant patients have pregnancy massage therapy once a month. This can help to relax their bodies and their minds, and the improved flexibility will be helpful when it comes time to deliver the baby.
Pregnancy massage therapy is useful both during pregnancy as well as following the birth of the baby. In the end, the benefits of pregnancy massage therapy make it an ideal activity to get the new mom ready for the big event at the end of nine months.
Luckily, massage therapy is the ideal solution. But not just any kind of massage. Pregnancy massage therapy is quite different from a regular massage provided at your spa. The massage therapist must be highly knowledgeable regarding the particular needs of a pregnant woman. Pregnancy massage therapy must be performed so that there is no harm done to the fetus. The pregnant woman's body must be carefully positioned and the proper intensity used in order to do the most good and not create more problems than she had to start with.
The major therapeutic benefit of massage therapy during pregnancy is that it stimulates the joints and muscles to function more efficiently and improves the blood circulation. As well, a professional massage can do amazing things to ease the fatigue, both mental and physical, that an expectant mother frequently suffers with.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, it's perfectly safe to get a normal massage at the day spa or regular massage therapist. But once you're into the fourth month it's important that only pregnancy massage therapy be utilized, and make sure it's done by a professionally trained massage therapist.
Actually, many obstetricians will recommend that their pregnant patients have pregnancy massage therapy once a month. This can help to relax their bodies and their minds, and the improved flexibility will be helpful when it comes time to deliver the baby.
Pregnancy massage therapy is useful both during pregnancy as well as following the birth of the baby. In the end, the benefits of pregnancy massage therapy make it an ideal activity to get the new mom ready for the big event at the end of nine months.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Pregnancy and Lower Back Pain is a Popular Combination
Just about everyone has observed a pregnant woman holding a hand to her lower back as she stands or walks. If she isn't doing that, she's probably massaging her tummy. When you're protruding to the extent that you are in the later months of pregnancy, you just can't seem to help yourself from trying to soothe the pain in your back.
There are a number of reasons why you experience more lower back pain during pregnancy. First of all, your body is manufacturing hormones in quantities that are generally higher than normal. One of the primary hormones produced by your system is known as relaxin. This is the hormone that assists your pelvic joints and ligaments to relax so that your baby can fit through the birth canal. However, it doesn’t only loosen things up during childbirth. It's also doing its thing right through your pregnancy, which is what produces the awkward waddle that is so common among expectant mothers.
As well, since your uterus is growing ever larger, it shifts your center of gravity. Your have to be more cautious when exercising, even going for a walk, and become accustomed to balancing your body in a new way. While you go about your daily routine, the ligaments that keep your uterus in place are becoming more relaxed, and they will pull on your spine and back muscles. Since these muscles weren't really created to handle the extra weight of your uterus, your spine and the muscles in your back have to do their part. And that's why you get lower back pain when you're pregnant.
You need to make sure you get regular, moderate exercise when you're pregnant. This will help protect your from lower back pain and make you generally more comfortable. Do some pelvic tilts, either standing or on the floor. These are often recommended as a good exercise to do when pregnant in order to help ease your lower back pain.
You can also get some relief for pregnancy back pain by maintaining good posture. Of course, that bulge on the front of your body makes it difficult to maintain your balance sometimes, but you can still focus on remaining upright with your shoulders back.
If you already have a child in the house, be extra careful about not picking her up using your back for leverage. Don't bend at the waist, and use your legs to lower and lift your body. If you have to pick something up off the floor, squat and then use your legs to get back up. This will protect your back and reduce the chances of suffering from lower back pain during pregnancy.
There are a number of reasons why you experience more lower back pain during pregnancy. First of all, your body is manufacturing hormones in quantities that are generally higher than normal. One of the primary hormones produced by your system is known as relaxin. This is the hormone that assists your pelvic joints and ligaments to relax so that your baby can fit through the birth canal. However, it doesn’t only loosen things up during childbirth. It's also doing its thing right through your pregnancy, which is what produces the awkward waddle that is so common among expectant mothers.
As well, since your uterus is growing ever larger, it shifts your center of gravity. Your have to be more cautious when exercising, even going for a walk, and become accustomed to balancing your body in a new way. While you go about your daily routine, the ligaments that keep your uterus in place are becoming more relaxed, and they will pull on your spine and back muscles. Since these muscles weren't really created to handle the extra weight of your uterus, your spine and the muscles in your back have to do their part. And that's why you get lower back pain when you're pregnant.
You need to make sure you get regular, moderate exercise when you're pregnant. This will help protect your from lower back pain and make you generally more comfortable. Do some pelvic tilts, either standing or on the floor. These are often recommended as a good exercise to do when pregnant in order to help ease your lower back pain.
You can also get some relief for pregnancy back pain by maintaining good posture. Of course, that bulge on the front of your body makes it difficult to maintain your balance sometimes, but you can still focus on remaining upright with your shoulders back.
If you already have a child in the house, be extra careful about not picking her up using your back for leverage. Don't bend at the waist, and use your legs to lower and lift your body. If you have to pick something up off the floor, squat and then use your legs to get back up. This will protect your back and reduce the chances of suffering from lower back pain during pregnancy.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Finding Heartburn Relief During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings a whole host of symptoms along with it, and some are less pleasant than others. Heartburn is a common complaint, especially during the later months of pregnancy when an inflated tummy can put additional pressure on the base of the esophagus. Even during the early months, pregnancy hormones can send your digestive system off track and even those who have never experienced heartburn before may begin to recognize the all two familiar burning and bitter taste in the mouth. The good news is that heartburn doesn't have to be a constant companion during those nine months. There are a number of options in heartburn relief during pregnancy that can keep those uncomfortable symptoms at bay so you can enjoy more restful days and nights.
One of the easiest methods of relieving heartburn during pregnancy is a few simple lifestyle changes that will make it more difficult for those symptoms to rear their heads. First, cut back on the amount of food you eat at a sitting, since fuller stomachs can mean a greater chance of heartburn. Instead of eating three big meals a day, try eating five or six smaller ones. It is also a good idea to avoid eating too close to bedtime, since lying down with a full stomach can also increase your risk for heartburn. If you find the painful burning sensation keeping you up at night, try raising the head of your bed a few inches for overnight heartburn relief during pregnancy. If these simple lifestyle changes do not work, there are some over the counter medications you can try as well.
Most doctors agree that antacids are safe to take for heartburn relief during pregnancy, but it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before taking any type of medication. Antacids provide immediate heartburn relief by neutralizing the acid in the stomach so that it doesn't create the painful burning sensation. The best heartburn relief during pregnancy is an antacid made from calcium carbonate that also contains magnesium. Stay away from antacids that contain aluminum during pregnancy, since this ingredient can be constipating.
If antacids don't seem to do the trick, there are other over the counter medications available. Some of these will block acid production to bring heartburn relief and prevent symptoms from coming back. However, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before trying any of these methods of heartburn relief during pregnancy to ensure the medication you choose will be safe for both you and your baby.
Heartburn is a typical problem during those nine months, but you don't have to suffer through it. There are many options in heartburn relief during pregnancy that will keep those painful symptoms at bay so you can rest easier.
One of the easiest methods of relieving heartburn during pregnancy is a few simple lifestyle changes that will make it more difficult for those symptoms to rear their heads. First, cut back on the amount of food you eat at a sitting, since fuller stomachs can mean a greater chance of heartburn. Instead of eating three big meals a day, try eating five or six smaller ones. It is also a good idea to avoid eating too close to bedtime, since lying down with a full stomach can also increase your risk for heartburn. If you find the painful burning sensation keeping you up at night, try raising the head of your bed a few inches for overnight heartburn relief during pregnancy. If these simple lifestyle changes do not work, there are some over the counter medications you can try as well.
Most doctors agree that antacids are safe to take for heartburn relief during pregnancy, but it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before taking any type of medication. Antacids provide immediate heartburn relief by neutralizing the acid in the stomach so that it doesn't create the painful burning sensation. The best heartburn relief during pregnancy is an antacid made from calcium carbonate that also contains magnesium. Stay away from antacids that contain aluminum during pregnancy, since this ingredient can be constipating.
If antacids don't seem to do the trick, there are other over the counter medications available. Some of these will block acid production to bring heartburn relief and prevent symptoms from coming back. However, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before trying any of these methods of heartburn relief during pregnancy to ensure the medication you choose will be safe for both you and your baby.
Heartburn is a typical problem during those nine months, but you don't have to suffer through it. There are many options in heartburn relief during pregnancy that will keep those painful symptoms at bay so you can rest easier.
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