Nowadays the sheer amount of prenatal testing available along with all the associated information, can seem overwhelming for some couples. However, basically all prenatal testing falls into one of two categories – screening tests or diagnostic tests.
Prenatal screening tests are done for a large number of women in order to identify those who have a higher-than-average risk of giving birth to a child with a serious or life-threatening health problem. Screening tests do not state that there definitely is a problem. Just a higher likelihood that there MAY be a problem.
Diagnostic tests, are specifically designed to determine whether there is, in fact, something wrong with the baby.
It is important to stress that screening tests, due their design, are created to ensure as many potential problems are identified as possible. This means that many pregnant women despite having been identified as at risk of having a problem, find that in fact both mother and baby are perfectly healthy. In some positive screening tests up to 95% of women and their babies are found to be totally healthy! READ MORE
The benefits of exercise during pregnancy are so substantial that even if you were a total couch potato prior to pregnancy it is now time to make an effort.
Prenatal exercise has been shown to
- keep energy levels high
- keeps your pregnancy weight gain within the target range
- help to regulate your blood sugar levels (which may reduce your chances of developing gestational diabetes)
- help to lower your blood pressure, which can reduce your risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension
- can prevent or alleviate common problems such as backache, soreness, cramps, and constipation
- helps to regulate your sleep preventing pregnancy insomnia
- helps to prepare your body for the rigours of childbirth, physically fit women have shorter labour times and fewer birth complications
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Exercise during pregnancy
As we all know exercise is good for our health. But exercising during pregnancy can have some great additional benefits. Long gone are the days when midwives would tell patients just to take it easy for 9 months and get as much rest as possible, there are now sound medical reasons to endorse pregnant women exercise.
Exercise early pregnancy
As a rule of thumb, exercise should always be light in nature, particularly during the initial few weeks of pregnancy while your is still adjusting. Women that exercise regularly particularly doing strenous workouts with heavy weights should try and tone this down.
Pregnancy exercise dvd
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Mother to be gifts
Maternity products including gifts for pregnant mothers or mom to be, such as cool maternity shirts, personalised jewellry, Belli Soothers for morning sickness relief during pregnancy, maternity comfort air bed, tee shirt collections just for expecting mothers. Gifts for mom-to-be and baby too!
Show mums to be how much you care with a range of both useful, practical and fun gift options. Pregnancy Journals & Organizers, maternity Shirts, Pregnancy Pillows, Pregnancy Gift Set Ideas, A Daily Pregnancy Calendar Keepsake, Pregnancy Journal, Dr. Watters Maternity Air Beds and other gifts for mother to be.
Mother to be gift
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Relief of pain during pregnancy, back pain, pain relief and options
Pain during pregnancy – It’s sensible to consider options for pain relief before labour starts; discuss what is available a few weeks in advance with your midwife and out your wishes in a birth plan. Many women like the idea of a birth without the need for drugs, but it’s good to be prepared, as you can’t predict how you’ll react when you’re in labour.
GAS AND AIR (ENTONOX)
A mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide is breathed in through a mask or mouthpiece during a contraction so that is deadens the pain at its height. You start using it as soon as you feel a contraction starting as it takes about 20 seconds to work. The baby is not affected.
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