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!

Perhaps the best way to look at screening tests is to consider them a reasonable indicator as to whether or not further diagnostic tests should be considered.

If prenatal screening tests do throw up some potential problems, there are several points to consider. First off all, there are no 100% effective prenatal tests, it is impossible to check for every eventuality and a clear result on a prenatal diagnostic test does not ensure a healthy baby. In addition, with some diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis, the risk of miscarriage due to the test itself may well be higher than the risk of the baby having a birth defect. However if problems are identified during a diagnostic test then they can provide the parents with options. For example, with many defects there are treatments which can be carried out during pregnancy. Delivery options can be decided and in the worst case scenario, the pregnancy can be terminated.

Certain mothers are of course at higher risk than others of having children with birth defects and may well decide that they want to go the diagnostic prenatal testing route. High risk groups include mothers who have previously given birth to a baby with birth defects; a family history of birth defects; being exposed to any harmful or toxic substances during pregnancy; being exposed to a serious illness or infection during pregnancy and women over 40.

Before making any decisions you should discuss with your doctor at great length and make sure all aspects of the tests and possible outcomes are explained fully. A clear understanding of both the risks and the benefits of having the test performed are essential – Pregnancy and prenatal testing.

Pregnancy Without Pounds

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
• will greatly reduce the amount of time that it takes your body to recover from the birth.

Gentle exercise is the key here, in fact it has been shown that excessive exercise during pregnancy can increase your risk of giving birth to a low-birth weight baby. Good choices for exercise during pregnancy are walking, swimming, stationary bike riding, low impact aerobics and of course prenatal exercise classes. Kegel or pelvic floor exercises are also recommended as during pregnancy an enormous strain is placed on the pelvic floor which can lead to incontinence post pregnancy in addition to greatly reduced sexual sensitivity. Many Pilates classes offer specific exercises for strengthening the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, these are obviously the main muscle groups used during childbirth which has led many to dubbing Pilates the “wonder” exercise for pregnancy!

Warm up slowly with all exercise and don’t strain, if you are huffing and puffing you are probably trying too hard. You should aim to be slightly out of breath but still able to hold a conversation. Start small and build up gradually, always finish your workouts feeling energised. Aim to build up to 20-30 minutes, 2-3 times per week. If you feel drained or are shaking/trembling after exercise then you are definitely doing too much! Avoid the sauna or hot tub after a workout as this can harm your baby.

After the 28th week of pregnancy you should start to decrease both the length and exertion of you workouts, don’t stop altogether, just start a gentle wind down, start taking things a bit easier.

Obviously avoid all contact sports (football, basketball etc.) Or activities with a high risk of falling such as skiing, horse riding etc. Always consult your doctor or midwife before starting a
prenatal fitness program.

FIT and HEALTHY during PREGNANCY

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

How to strengthen your body and maintain good muscle tone whilst pregnant using safe and effective techniques using this UK physiotherapist endorsed DVD. If you are new to Pilates or exercise in general but want to undertake a simple but safe maintenance programme during pregnancy then this DVD is for you. It covers warm ups, workouts for early pregnancy and one for later stages of pregnancy, you can create a stronger body to cope with the physical changes and labour whilst developing safe posture and movement. Includes a fantastic section on immediate post birth exercises and also explains what you can do immediately after birth to regain muscle control and tone your abdominal muscles – specifically the pelvic floor region. The user feedback from this DVD is that it has eradicated back pain, prevented recurrences of pubic pain and aided control during labour!

Benefits of healthy exercise for pregnant women
1. Exercise has been shown to reduce the length of labour and recovery times. Exercise will increase the stamina needed for the delivery. Keeping fit will also help in coping with the actual physical demands of pregnancy as regular exercise promotes muscle tone, strength and endurance. Helping you to carry the additional weight during pregnancy and it makes getting back in to shape after the baby much easier. Exercise is also good for reducing stress which can be a problem for some during pregnancy.

2. Improve emotional well being – exercise lowers stress and improves emotional health and can make it easier for both the new mother and baby to get through the pregnancy experience.

3. Exercise can help with weight management. After baby is born a common concern with most new mothers is losing the weight gained during pregnancy. Exercising during pregnancy can make the weight loss easier.

4. Decreasing the risk of a premature birth – exercise has been shown in medical studies to decrease the risk of premature birth by around 50%. This factor alone should be enough to encourage mothers to be of the effectiveness of exercise!

Exercise for pregnant women – safety tips
Avoid exercising at very high altitude or in hot, humid conditions. On very hot days try and exercise in the morning or evening when it’s a bit cooler. Don’t overdo it, lessen the intensity if you normally take vigorous workouts. Keep hydrated, as with all exercise programs you need to drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise. During pregnancy you become more flexible in preparation for childbirth, so it’s easier to accidentally overstretch and pull something, so don’t overstretch!

FIT and HEALTHY during PREGNANCY

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

Pampering gits and baskets make wonderful gifts for new mothers as they have such little time to themselves they will really appreciate the thoughtfulness of these gifts. Complete gift sets such as those including creams to help relieve aching feet, tired bodies and even stretch mark cream are ideal.

Gifts for mothers to be
A Mother’s Journal – one of the most appreciated expectant mothers gifts – A great way to get down the facts of the first year of baby’s life. Better than a simple baby book or diary, it celebrates the first year as a mother!

Expectant mother gifts
Baby Skin Care Pack – Dove Baby Bar: Made especially for your baby! It’s not a soap, it’s a gentle cleansing bar that contains 1/4 moisturizing cream. It won’t dry or irritate your baby’s skin. Dove baby wash: All natural glycerin soap. More parents trust Dove Baby Wash than any other baby cleanser also recommend by pediatricians more than any other baby wash. Mildness assured as it is 100% Soap Free, Hypoallergenic, Tear Free, gentle to baby’s eyes, Contains 1/4 moisturizing cream and protects against cradle cap & dryness. Baby Blanket SunBlankie Towelette: SPF 45+ Sunscreen Towelette is the convenient way to be sure that you always have the sun protection you need for your baby, where you need it, when you need it. Non-stinging, non-irritating it provides 45 times your baby’s natural sun protection in a towelette perfect for your bag.

Gifts for expectant mother
Gift bags or baskets designed for future mothers are available from many stores both on and off line nowadays. They are ieal for travel or for time spent in the maternity ward. These packs usually contain smaller versions of popular care and pampering products and are reusable, such as the AVENT Future Mother Skincare gift pack – this comes in a reusable cosmetic bag. Includes: 30ml Moisturising Light Oil, 100ml Relaxing Bath & Shower Essence, 50ml Indulgent Body Cream, 50ml Leg & Foot Reviver. Truly a practical and useful gift to show empathy and understanding.

Expecting mother gifts
Perfect Baby Shower Gifts for Expecting Mums! – how about a Birth & Beyond Delivery Kit: A Handy box full of items you need both pre and postnatal, including Nursing Gown, Fine Toiletries, Nipple Cream, Lip Balm, Headband: keeps hair away from your face during delivery and breastfeeding, Treaded Socks with non-slip bottom so safe for those shiny hospital floors,
Useful New Baby and Hospital Checklists, listing all the items you may need for your baby’s arrival and hospital stay.

Expectant mother gift
Expectant mothers usually experiences have to endure morning sickness, nausea, aching feet, stretch marks and sometimes bed rest. So go ahead, treat your loved one to a unique gift basket to show you care. Are you, or do you know, a new or expectant mother who needs a rest and some TLC? Do you want a great gift that shows you really care about them and waht they are going through? Do you believe motherhood really matters? If so try and make your gift unique and special, emotions during pregnancy and postnatal can run high – dont spoil what could be the most pefrect time of your life by buying a last minute thoughtless gift!

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.

PETHIDINE
A form of pain relief given by injection. Pethidine is quite strong, so you may feel sick or woozy afterwards. It can affect the baby’s breathing at delivery (thought his can be treated), and makes the baby drowsy, so it isn’t given late in labour.

EPIDURAL ANAESTHETIC
Anaesthetic is injected into the spinal column through a catheter via a hollow needle (a canula); it numbs the body fro the top of the abdomen down to the toes, but you remain awake and alert. A tube is attached to the needle and taped to your back so that the anaesthetic can be topped up. If you want an epidural, it’s best to let the hospital know in advance.

TENS
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) involves having electrodes taped to your back that connect to a stimulator. You give yourself small, safe amounts of electrical current to stimulate the production of endorphins or natural painkillers.

BIRTH POOL
Many hospitals now have birthing pools available for use during labour to help relieve the pain. Buoyancy helps reduce the pressure on the abdomen, making your contractions more efficient, and being in water enables you to move easily into different positions. If you want to use a birthing pool, check early on in your pregnancy to make sure that one will be available to you.

It’s important, however, to remember that your baby’s physical and mental development is individual to them, so never push them beyond their capabilities. Your baby mainly learns through play: they’ll love it if you’re their playmate and although you should show them how things work, it’s essential to their sense of self and independence that they find out how to do things for themselves. They also learn by watching others, so encourage their social skills; getting to know other people is crucial to their development.