Category archives: Health & Personal Care

Best Way to Reduce Stress before Pregnancy

We have such high expectations for ourselves and for others. We have too little time. Our lives are spent rushing from one commitment to another. And that’s just the stress we put on ourselves. Add to that family problems, economic uncertainty, and world events, and stress becomes a heavy burden… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Reduce Pain in Hospital Birth with Epidural Block

Epidural anesthesia is the most commonly used pain relief in hospital births. An epidural injection numbs the lower half of the body from just below the waist to just below the knees, but particularly the per-meal area. This is the pelvic area from the pubic bone in front to the… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Recover from a Miscarriage

Immediately after a miscarriage, you will probably be primarily con­cerned with how you are feeling physically. You will feel sore and may be very tired. After taking something for your discomfort and getting some sleep, what has happened will begin to sink in. You have lost your pregnancy, your plans… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Recognize the Symptoms of Preterm Labor

Recognizing the symptoms of preterm labor can be difficult because they’re often quite subtle and mild and can be easily dismissed as the common discomforts of pregnancy. If you have never been preg­nant before, you may be unsure about what a contraction feels like.

You may feel something different but… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Recognize Preterm Labor Contractions

Labor—both pre- and full-term—occurs when the uterus, which is essentially a very large muscle that contains the baby, begins to con­tract or tighten up. You cannot control the tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscle in the same way you can control the muscles in your hand or arm.

The… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Prepare for Your Pregnancy

Your health care provider may provide you with some instructions on how to pre­pare for your pregnancy.

  • Eliminate poor habits. Your preconceptual health care provider will offer you a weight loss program if you’re overweight or may offer you other programs to help you stop smoking or using alco­hol

Continue Reading…

Best Way to Prepare for Pregnancy Physically

Pregnancy is not just a physical event—it’s a journey. And before embarking on any journey, any adventure, you should feel your best, so you can savor every moment of a totally new experience. Imagine planning a two-week hike along theAppalachian trailand not having exercised in months. You may have just… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Prepare for Pregnancy Mentally

The first step in having a baby is examining your current situation with your partner and then taking a look at how your life might change with pregnancy. The following exercise may help both of you clarify your feelings about having a baby. Don’t be afraid if you find that… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Play with Your Toddler While You Are on Bed Rest

You may not be able to arrange full-time child care while you’re on bed rest. If you find yourself alone with your toddler for a short time, how can you stick to your bed rest restrictions and keep an active tod­dler happy?

Here are some suggestions from mothers who were… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Physically and Mentally Prepare for Birth

Your attitude about labor and delivery is very important. Think of yourself as an athlete getting ready for a race or contest. You want to condition your body and your mind for this event.

Childbirth Preparation Classes

A childbirth preparation class will provide you and your partner tools and information… Continue Reading…