Traveling While Pregnant

 

Travel during pregnancy shouldn’t be problematic providing you follow the advice in this article and plan well in advance. Consider the stage of your pregnancy, any issues or problems your doctor has indicated and your own physical and emotional condition so that you ensure your baby and you remain healthy.

 

Ensure you don’t miss any important physician visits or tests while away by scheduling them before you go. These can include Rh immunoglobulin injections (for Rh negative blood types), ultrasounds, glucose screening tests and regular prenatal, physician visits.

 

So, you’ve performed the above, your doctor says you can go, you need to compile a list of phone numbers and contacts to bring with you. Using this list other travelers or health care professionals can be guided should you encounter any pregnancy related health problems.

 

Included in the list should be the following:

Personal information, your medications, insurance details and blood type. List also what immunizations you have had, when your last prenatal visit occurred, your due date and any allergies you have

 

Names and telephone numbers for a family emergency contact

 

Name and telephone number of your doctor

 

Name and telephone number of the doctor you can use whilst traveling should you encounter any problems during your pregnancy

 

Take adequate pregnancy vitamins, medications (prescription or otherwise) so you are covered for the duration of your trip. Obtain health insurance that will cover all eventualities during travel including complications, your entire pregnancy and birth plus make sure there aren’t any small print clauses regarding travel in certain countries.

 

Your pregnancy could involve unforeseen health issues that may necessitate altering travel plans or could add extra expenses so make sure your travel insurance will cover these. Included in this cover should be any pregnancy and emergency transportation. Ensure you bring a cell phone and make any alterations required so it will work in all countries on your itinerary.

 

Make sure you incorporate plenty of rest in your day whilst traveling as you are more likely to become fatigued while pregnant and engaging in normal activities. Take advantage of the facilities and relax on the beach, get room service or watch a pay per view movie in your room. Anticipate culinary and schedule disruptions so carry healthy snacks such as nuts, crackers, dried fruit with you. Flying, traveling and pregnancy coupled with different climates will dehydrate so drink lots of water.

 

Toileting is an important factor to consider. Pregnancy usually necessitates frequent bathroom visits. Try to plan trips and activities that are close to bathrooms. Build these bathroom visits into your schedule so you have time to get from A to B. Plane travel means long periods of sitting so feet and legs will probably swell. Try to elevate your feet if possible and wear really comfortable, stretchy shoes and socks. Grab every opportunity to get up and walk around and use any pit stops to get some exercise in.

 

Discuss any necessary vaccines required for foreign trips with your doctor and ensure they are safe for you during your pregnancy. Varicella for measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox is a live vaccine and should be avoided. Information on these vaccines are limited and so they should be considered a risk even though the Centers for Disease Control report no fetal damage from live vaccines. Pregnant women at risk from getting Hepatitis B, tetanus and Hepatitis A should be vaccinated as these vaccines are considered safe.

 

There may be challenges obtaining quality water, food and healthcare in some developing countries. When pregnant you should try to avoid traveling to such regions. Yeast infections can be brought on in hot, humid areas so avoid same by wearing cotton undergarments and loose, lightweight clothes. Wet swimming suits should be removed as soon as possible and it might be an idea to suggest bringing some anti-fungal cream to your doctor.

 

Surfing, waterskiing, scuba diving, parasailing, horseback riding, skiing, water slides and extreme carnival rides should be avoided especially later in your pregnancy. You don’t want your body temperature elevated when pregnant so give hot tubs and saunas a wide berth. Exercising in a gym and jogging, if you have done it before and are following a pregnancy suitable regime, is ok as is walking and hiking at low altitudes, swimming in calm water and bike riding. Always discuss your plans for exercise with your doctor first.

 

Box clever. Don’t be afraid to take a rest if you feel you are overdoing it and feel dizzy, tired or overheated. Indigestion and bloating can be a huge problem when traveling due to changes in diet and eating patterns. Eat little and often. Never eat just before turning in allowing at least 2 hours for digestion. Prop yourself up on pillows in bed. Foods to avoid include spicy, chocolate, acidic foods, fruits and liquids, alcohol, caffeine and fizzy drinks such as pop. Keeping active will help keep things moving in your digestive region and fill up on high fiber foods to alleviate constipation etc.

 

Sitting in the front of the car and keeping the window open for fresh air will help with motion sickness. If traveling on a ship try to stay on deck focusing on the horizon and sit over the wing on an airplane. Acupuncture, pressure point bracelets are available to be worn on the wrist. Motion sickness and pregnancy morning sickness can be alleviated by these devices.

A comfortable and uneventful trip health wise is possible for a pregnant woman if she follows these tips. Listen to your doctor and if they recommend that you don’t travel..don’t. You can take the trip anytime, this is the time to consider the health of you and your new baby.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Prenatal Yoga is More than Classes for Pregnant Yoga Students

Lately, Prenatal Yoga classes have been catching on, within some hospitals, clinics, and Yoga studios, but there are a surprising number of Yoga teachers and students, who take risks due to a lack of awareness about potential hazards.

With what we now know about contraindications for postures during each trimester a pregnant Yoga student should not be practicing Yoga, without the guidance of a qualified Prenatal Yoga instructor. How can a Yoga teacher expect to address the needs of each student and then customize the lesson plan for a pregnant student’s particular trimester?

Pregnant students should be in a specialized Prenatal Yoga class, with a competent Prenatal Yoga teacher, and have their doctor’s permission to be in the class. Why should Yoga teachers be so cautious? As a Yoga instructor, your number one priority is student safety and you could set yourself up for a negligence lawsuit, if you do not have Prenatal Yoga teacher training.

Last year, we had a potential Yoga student, who had two previous miscarriages and wanted to practice Yoga. She had become pregnant again and decided to try Vinyasa Yoga during her first trimester. Upon asking her a few questions, it was discovered that both of her two previous miscarriages occurred during the first trimester.

Do you see any “red flags” with this situation? I hope so. Firstly, she should not think about participating in a Vinyasa style Yoga class, with her past medical history, but any jumping movements could possibly dislodge an embryo from her uterus. We did manage to place her in a Prenatal Yoga class, with her doctor’s permission, and later she did have a healthy baby.

Supervised Prenatal Yoga is a very good thing for expectant mothers, but many people are under the mistaken impression that because Hatha Yoga is a “low impact exercise class” in comparison to other forms of fitness; there is no risk.

Currently, there is some open debate as to whether a pregnant mother should be lying on her back during, and after, the second trimester. Compression on the inferior vena cava can slow the flow of blood to the uterus. Therefore, it would be prudent to use props in order to avoid conventional supine Yoga postures.

Am I too cautious? Maybe, but I would like a guarantee that the fetus is getting good blood circulation, if a pregnant Yoga student is lying in a supine asana. A few blankets, pillows, and bolsters will help insure safety in this case.

Lastly, I do not want to sound any false alarms, but it is wise for expectant mothers to seek out certified prenatal Yoga teachers and it is wise for Yoga teachers to know their “boundaries.”
When you are not sure, refer a student to a Yoga teacher who is.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

What’s The Best Absorbent Pad Or Pillow For Your Application?

1.Review your primary need

Fine fibre construction allows absorbent mat pads to trap and retain liquid making them very efficient for quickly soaking up leaks and spills in your facility from spills or general maintenance. As a result, less mess is created when cleaning up an unwanted oil spill or leaked machinery fluid when you use absorbent pads. If you are looking to cover a large surface area, mat pads are a cost effective way to catch and contain overspray. Absorbent pillows are great for large spills, repair jobs and leaving under a machine to catch oil leaks or hydraulic leaks for an extended time.

2.Consider additional versatility

If you are looking for a versatile product, absorbent pads can help you in various situations. Absorbent mat pads are typically used in and around the facility as bench liners to place tools; as a cloth to wipe oil from machinery; as added protection on walls to prevent against overspray and splashes; in loading bays during we weather and can be wrapped around leaky pipes and gearboxes to minimise drips. Absorbent pads are also in spill kits as the perfect spill containment product. Absorbent pillows prove popular in large spill clean up and under machines to soak up uwanted oil leaks and spills.

3.Hide the leaks & spills for Longer Mat Life

While absorbent pillows are ideal for deep spillages where maximum absorbency is needed; or for concentrated drips and leaks at a particular point, they are often dispensed after one application. Agreeably, some customers also throw out their absorbent pads before they are used to full capacity; however these customers are underestimating the life expectancy of their pads. It’s smart and economical to look at the colour of the pads to make sure they are fully saturated before they are thrown away. Dark coloured absorbent pads, such as grey or brown, hide dirt and grime for a cleaner appearance, so the pads can stay on the job longer. Another way to make sure that your company isn’t dispensing of absorbent pads too soon is to “Rummage in your Rubbish!” Look in your facilities bins to monitor if absorbents are being used to maximum absorbency.

Spill containment will be more efficient and you will save time and money on spill clean up in your facility when you select the right product for your application.

Additional Information

Need more information? New Pig Ltd offer more than 2600 solutions and products for leaks and spills in the workplace. Contact them on 0800 919 900 or visit their website at http://www.newpig.co.uk

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How to Get Pregnant Naturally

It can be frustrating when trying to conceive. You try month after month only to find –again– that you’re still not pregnant. Most people that do not conceive right away do not have fertility problems needing more invasive methods. Before you spend thousands on infertility tests and treatments, you can try many natural techniques to greatly improve your chances of becoming pregnant.

First, you’ll want to be sure to adopt as healthy a lifestyle as possible. Healthy eating habits can greatly improve fertility. Eat a well-balanced diet including plenty of whole grains and three to five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Many trying to conceive are found to be deficient in vitamins and minerals, the most likely deficiencies being vitamin B-12, iron, zinc, and folic acid. You may even want to take a multi-vitamin to improve overall nutrition.

Along with proper diet, you should engage in a regular exercise program to improve your circulation and the body’s natural regulation of your menstrual cycle. If you are already exercising, evaluate your program to be certain you’re not overdoing it, as over exercising will have the opposite of the intended affect by interfering with your cycle as well.

You should try to maintain or achieve a healthy weight for easier conception. Being overweight can cause a woman’s body to overproduce estrogen and can reduce the healthy sperm count in males while affecting their testosterone levels. Being underweight can also disrupt your normal cycle and reduce fertility in women.

Make sure you’re not only physically fit but mentally healthy as well. Depression and stress can affect fertility rates by affecting ovulation and reducing sperm count making it harder to become pregnant. Sperm count can also be affected by a man’s clothing. Men should avoid tighter clothing and stick to loose fighting undergarments and pants for optimal sperm count and to keep the testes cool.

Stay away from cigarettes, alcohol and caffeine as all can reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. Alcohol can also cause numerous medical problems in the fetus if drinking when unaware that you are pregnant. Smoking increases infertility rates and leads to egg loss in females and can cause earlier menopause. Caffeine has been found to disrupt pregnancy by making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.

Did you know there are certain positions that make it easier for you to conceive?

The best conception position is missionary with the best results obtained by placing the female’s hips on a pillow for elevation. Sex side by side or from rear entry are also other positions that may be effective. It is the most difficult to get pregnant if having intercourse while standing up or with the female on top, so avoid these positions if you’re trying to conceive. Also, the more you have sex, the lower the sperm count will be, so have sex less often and save intercourse for the time of your cycle that is most likely to result in conception.

To greatly enhance your chances of pregnancy, you’ll want to track your cycle to find out when you are ovulating. This usually happens around mid cycle. You can tell by regularly checking your temperature, which tends to be around a half a degree lower when ovulating. The cervix will also become thinner and move higher. If you have trouble detecting exactly when you are ovulating, you can purchase relatively inexpensive kits over the counter kits that will detect this for you.

Start Enjoying Your Pregnancy at 15 Weeks Pregnant

You are three weeks into your second trimester when you are 15 weeks pregnant. You will find that your energy is returning and you are able to stay up later at night. In spite of how energetic you feel, you still need to get a full nights sleep because the baby benefits from your rest just as much as you do. Your belly is also growing at this stage making you visibly pregnant. This could cause you some discomfort when you lie down. Adding extra pillows to the bed can help you feel more comfortable, especially a body pillow that you can wrap your arms and legs around. You may start to feel too warm at night and this can affect your internal body temperature. It is best to turn down the heat at night and add more blankets to the bed if your partner finds it cold. You will probably throw these off as you sleep and become warmer.

Although the baby is starting to move about inside the uterus, you do not have any fluttery feelings yet. This won’t happen for another few weeks. When you do start to feel the movements, they will feel quite similar to gas rumblings and you won’t notice them until they become more frequent.

The babys neck and shoulders are well formed at 15 weeks and the head is in the proper position in the body. Eyelashes and eyebrows will start to develop at this stage and some hair will start growing on the head. The eyes are also in the right spot but the baby cannot see yet because the eyes are shut. However, he/she can sense light through the shut lids.  If you shine a flashlight in your tummy and concentrate on what you feel, you may even feel the movement as the baby moves away from the light. The ears start to look human and less like those of an alien.

One thing you will be able to feel is the baby hiccoughing. Since the baby can suck and swallow at this stage of the pregnancy, there will be times when it swallows too much amniotic fluid. You will be able to feel a slight thumping sensation when this happens. By now the baby has grown to a length of about 4 inches and weighs about two ounces.

Since the baby will start to grow faster after the 15th week, you do need to make sure your diet is filled with healthy foods that will supply you and the baby with the nutrients you need for energy. Even though you may have unusual cravings, try to stay away from eating too much junk food because you may feel as if you are constantly hungry. You may be glad that morning sickness has passed, but it can still crop up when you least expect it, such as when you get a strong smell of certain foods.

Even though you have a little baby bump, you have only gained about five pounds. The baby is only about the size of an apple and the arms seem to be longer than the legs.

Guidelines for Maternity Massage Treatment

Pregnant women today have the choice of having regular pregnancy massage therapy through all three trimesters helping to minimize their aches and pains when preparing the body for the procedure of childbirth. Pregnancy massage therapy is available in the same professional therapeutic massage facilities that provide reflexology massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage therapy and Swedish massage. Moreover, because of the complicated nature of pregnancy, there are more measures to comply with for this massage method.

A San Diego massage professional advised that before enrolling in pregnancy massage a pregnant woman should certainly get clearance from her physician. All contraindications for pregnancy massage therapy should be cleared. The next thing, which is equally as important, is to ensure that the massage therapist performing the treatment has been specifically trained on prenatal massage. It would be smart to ask for proof of qualifications and licenses.

It is advisable for pregnant women to avoid excessive heat. Maternity massage therapy should, consequently, not include hot stone massage therapy, warm body wraps, saunas or heating blankets. Hydrotherapy which involves submersion under water also can be dangerous as the pregnant woman’s cervix can be open and this should also be avoided.

Leg and feet massage should be conducted only by experienced massage therapists who are also competent in acupuncture. This is important so they know what parts of the leg and foot to avoid so they don’t trigger uterine spasms and induce premature labor. In general terms, these areas are near the heel, the web of the largest toe, the ankle and the knee.

On the massage table, a pregnant woman shouldn’t be allowed to lie flat on her back. The position of her uterus will place added pressure on several veins, blocking the flow of blood to her heart, making her dizzy. In some instances it could cause her to faint. It is also not advised for her to lay face down on a massage table with a stomach section cut out. As advised by a San Diego massage expert, gravity can draw the uterus down causing unnecessary tension on the tissue connecting it to the sacrum.

The most helpful position for a pregnant woman during pregnancy massage is lying on her left side, leaning forward at a 45 degree angle. Very much the same as the standard first aid position. Special cushions and pillows are typically provided as additional support for the woman. For pregnancy massage, more so than for the other types of massage, it is critical to make sure that you get the services of a highly qualified and specially skilled massage therapist from a trusted therapeutic massage clinic.

Reasons Why CPAP Nasal Pillows Are Better

When it comes to CPAP therapy, you have many choices in terms of choosing between CPAP full-face masks and CPAP nasal pillows. Needless to say, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and medical needs. Nonetheless, you might find that nasal pillows are better especially when you consider the following benefits.

Minimalist Design

With their minimalist designs, CPAP nasal pillows appeal to most sleep apnea sufferers precisely because they have lesser material to deal with. After all, sleeping should be a time when you have lesser baggage on your person!

Plus, you won’t look like an alien who landed beside your partner in the middle of the night. With the added emotional stress that sleep apnea can bring to a marriage, you definitely don’t want your vanity, or what’s left of it during sleep, to say goodbye for good.

Lesser Weight

And because a nasal pillow contains lesser material, it is to be expected that it is lighter, too. Just imagine how easier it will be carrying it with you on your travels and wearing it in your sleep. Without a doubt, you can have more freedom of movement while sleeping when you are using nasal pillows.

Clear Field of Vision

CPAP nasal pillows are ideal for two types of sleep apnea sufferers – first, those who are claustrophobic and, second, those who like to engage in their normal bedtime activities.

With a full-face mask, your sense of claustrophobia becomes heightened precisely because it encloses most of your face. Maybe instead of breathing more easily, you might even hyperventilate at the thought of an enclosed space right in your face.

In contrast, CPAP nasal pillows allow for more liberty in enjoying bedtime activities like reading books, watching television and talking with your partner. Your field of vision is clear and you can be heard clearly, too, because the nasal pillow only covers your nostrils, not most of your face.

Lesser Skin Irritations

Since a full-face mask covers almost the whole face, you are more prone to skin irritations and allergies. You have to look out for painful pressure points, which can be very difficult to deal with in addition to your sleep apnea.

Now, contrast that with a nasal pillow that fits only over your nose. You will have lesser problems with skin irritations and allergies, which can only be good for you. Who wants added expenses for dermatologist visits, anyway? Definitely not you who may be burdened with sleep apnea costs as it is!

And then there’s also the matter of full-face masks leaking air into your eyes that the leads to dry albeit teary eyes. It might sound contradictory, yes, but it’s painful, nonetheless. With CPAP nasal pillows, this problem is often avoided.

In closing, it bears repeating that the choice between CPAP full-face masks and CPAP nasal pillows must be based on your personal preferences and medical needs. You might have to experiment with various CPAP masks and pillows before you can find the right one for you.

It’s a quest that will be worth it when you start to enjoy a good night’s sleep and wake up more refreshed and ready to take on the day, sleep apnea notwithstanding.

CPAP Clinic – healthcare at your home
We serve Greater Toronto Area in Canada.
Contact: 1-877-430-CPAP(2727) or info@CPAPClinic.ca

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18 Weeks Pregnant

You’re just about 50% through your pregnancy at 18 weeks pregnant. If you were experiencing morning sickness, it should be just about gone and you\’ll be feeling better. At this particular point of your pregnancy you’ll probably be feeling quite energetic.

At this time of pregnancy, most women feel quite good in fact. They are still feeling quite comfortable and are rejoicing in showing off the pregnancy. Your belly should be showing to some extent now and you may need to switch to maternity clothes if you haven\’t done so yet.

By 18 weeks pregnant you’ll be experiencing the baby’s movements as small kicks and fluttering movements. As your pregnancy progresses these will be getting stronger. You can use this as experience in making an assessment of your baby’s general wellbeing by the amount of movements you experience.

Eat healthy and don\’t stress too much about gaining weight. About ten pounds is what most women will gain by this stage of the pregnancy. The better your food intake selections are, the lower the weight that you gain will be.

Make every calorie count because you are building a person! Take it easy on high sugar content desserts and be sure to eat fruit, vegetables and protein. Be sure to drink enough water to stay well-hydrated, dehydration will cause contractions.

Instead of eating three large meals per day you will find it better to eat several smaller meals each day. You\’ll maintain a good blood sugar level without overeating. As the baby grows bigger, this approach works well and also because as your uterus grows, your stomach gets squeezed.

Exercise is important in staying healthy. Simply taking a walking around the neighborhood or local park a few times each week will result in an easier labor and general better feeling than if you don’t do any exercise at all.

You may also become aware that at about 18 weeks pregnant it is harder to be comfortable when sleeping. Experimenting with different positions may be necessary. It may be helpful to use extra pillows or a body pillow made for pregnant women.

Enjoy your pregnancy and your changing body. Pregnancy is only for a short time, so relish it if you can.

Tempurpedic Pillow: Three Types of Tempurpedic Pillows

For an incredibly good night’s sleep your head must be resting on a Tempurpedic pillow! You may try others and may already have, but no other pillow compares to Tempurpedic.

While you have style choices, let’s first look into what Tempurpedic pillows have in common. All are made of the same material originally researched and developed by Swedish scientists for NASA astronauts. Your pillow has ‘memory’ so will always return to its original shape, no fluffing necessary. All removable velour covers are hypoallergenic, mite resistant, and machine washable. To put the icing on a cushy cake, these pillows come with a three-year limited warranty.

There are several pillow styles to choose from depending on personal preference. We’ll take a look at three of the most popular Tempurpedic pillows.

The NeckPillow:
The NeckPillow may be the style that comes to mind when you think Tempurpedic. A pillow style offering not only a restful night’s sleep but also a more therapeutic experience. This formation supports your head, neck, and shoulder curve to keep your spine in alignment. This pillow is offered in a variety of sizes because fit is critical to your comfort; the resting position of your head determines stress on your spine. If the alignment of your spine remains a concern, consider the NeckPillow by Tempurpedic.

The ClassicPillow:
A Tempurpedic ClassicPillow in appearance is similar to a traditional pillow. We might say that in appearance only is there a similarity to one made of other materials. This model is now made with a slightly softer, yet supportive, filling that will conform whether you sleep on your back, front or side. Because of the universal appeal of the ClassicPillow you will frequently see it used by fine hotels and resorts.

The BodyPillow:
Sleeping fabulousness! The Tempurpedic BodyPillow equates to 48 inches of
sleeping bliss! If you are a side-sleeper or an expectant mom, do yourself a huge favor and sleep along side one of these pillows. This style also has a removable, hypoallergenic, mite resistant, and machine washable cover; the difference here is that this one’s made with a blend of silk and bamboo: Going Green with Tempurpedic!

If you are looking for a good night’s sleep, you have just found it with Tempurpedic pillows. Sweet dreams!

How to Use Monogram Pillows to Give a Personalized Look

The few months just after you hear the news about expecting a baby are full of excitement and fun. In a way, it signals the phase of shopping too as would-be parents are keen to create a nursery for their baby. Just as crib bedding and sheets are picked out with considerable care, using monogram pillows takes you many steps ahead in defining the feel and theme of your baby’s nursery.

Monogram Pillows: Tips to Choose Themes

Monogrammed pillow cases are great to decorate, using themes that are relevant to the room’s décor or the parents’ vision of how their newborn needs to be welcomed. Planning a decorating scheme can be done by using monogrammed pillows.

Themes for baby girls are usually in soft colors that are soothing and feminine. Pink is an all time favorite color for most themes.

Some more tips to consider in choosing monogram pillows for girls are:

* A trendy option is always suitable for baby girls.

* Vibrant colors and delicate colors suit baby girls.

* A season of spring with colors that are bright can add cheer to the nursery room.

* Plush minky fur is always ‘in’ for the little princess.

* Premium or durable bedding and monogrammed baby pillows will accentuate the overall effect.

* Pink monogrammed pillows are ideal for girls.

Recommended themes for a baby boy’s nursery are:

A one color theme may include:

* Painting the entire nursery in blues or other neutral colors.

* Use monogram pillows, bed covers and curtains.

* Find the initials of your baby monogrammed on all bedding items to add a personal touch to the room.

* A soft green monogram baby pillow adds an element of refreshing.

* A chocolate monogrammed pillow infuses a solid, warm feel to the nursery.