Water Birth: The Benefits And Risks

Water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water. Some women choose to labor in the water and get out for delivery. Other women decide to stay in the water for the delivery as well. The theory behind water birth is that since the baby has already been in the amniotic fluid sac for nine months, birthing in a similar environment is gentler for the baby and less stressful for the mother.

Midwives, birthing centers, and a growing number of obstetricians believe that reducing the stress of labor and delivery will reduce fetal complications. Water birth should always occur under the supervision of a qualified health care provider.

What are the potential benefits of water birth?

Benefits for Mother:

1. Warm water is soothing, comforting, relaxing.
2. In the later stages of labor, the water has been shown to increase the woman’s energy.
3. The effect of buoyancy lessens a mother’s body weight, allowing free movement and new positioning.
4. Buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and improved blood circulation resulting in better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, less pain for the mother, and more oxygen for the baby.
5. Immersion in water often helps lower high blood pressure caused by anxiety.
6. The water seems to reduce stress-related hormones, allowing the mother’s body to produce endorphins which serve as pain-inhibitors.
7. Water causes the perineum to become more elastic and relaxed, reducing the incidence and severity of tearing and the need for an episiotomy and stitches.
8. As the laboring woman relaxes physically, she is able to relax mentally with greater ability to focus on the birth process.
9. Since the water provides a greater sense of privacy, it can reduce inhibitions, anxiety, and fears.

Benefits for Baby:

1. Provides an environment similar to the amniotic sac.
2. Eases the stress of birth, thus increasing reassurance and sense of security.

What are the risks to the mother and baby?

Over the last 30 years as water birth has grown in popularity, there has been very little research regarding the risks of water birth. Some studies in Europe have shown similar perinatal mortality rates between water births and conventional births.1

According to an article written by the Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists, there might be a theoretical risk of water embolism, which occurs when water enters the mother’s blood stream.2 Though the British Medical Journal is 95% confident in the safety of water births, they see a possible risk of water aspiration.

If the baby is experiencing stress in the birth canal or if the umbilical cord becomes kinked or twisted, the baby might gasp for air with the possibility of inhaling water.3

This would be a rare occurrence because babies do not normally inhale until they are exposed to air. They continue to receive oxygen through the umbilical cord until they start to breathe on their own or until the cord is cut. The final potential risk is that the umbilical cord could snap as the baby is brought to the surface of the water. This can be prevented by using caution when lifting the baby up to the mother’s chest.

What situations are not ideal for water birth?

• If you have Herpes: Herpes transfers easily in water, so you should discuss this risk thoroughly with your health care provider.
• If your baby is breech: Although water birth has been done with bottom or feet first presentations, you should discuss this risk thoroughly with your health care provider.
• If you have been diagnosed with one of the following: excessive bleeding or maternal infection.
• If you are having multiples: Although water births have been successful around the world with twin births, you should discuss this risk thoroughly with your doctor.
• If preterm labor is expected: If a baby is pre-term (two weeks or more prior to due date), water birth is not recommended.
• If there is severe meconium: Mild to moderate meconium is fairly normal. Since meconium floats to the surface in a tub, your health care provider will watch for it and remove it immediately, or help you out of the tub. Meconium usually washes off the face of the baby and even comes out of the nose and mouth while the baby is still under water. If the water is stained and birth is imminent, the woman can lift her pelvis out of the water to birth the infant.
•  If you have toxemia or preeclampsia: You should thoroughly discuss this risk with your health care provider.

I thought hot tubs and whirlpools could be dangerous during pregnancy?

The risk depends on the temperature. If the water is too hot, dehydration and overheating become risks to you and the baby. You should try to stay well hydrated and make sure the temperature of water stays at 97 degrees Fahrenheit. Birthing pools are specifically designed to prevent this problem.

How do I prepare for a water birth:

• First check with your health care provider. They may already be equipped for water birth with a special tub, or might know of a location in your area that is equipped for this.
• If you plan to give birth at a hospital, make sure their policies permit water birth. Increasing numbers of hospitals are welcoming parents who desire water birth.
• You can rent a birthing tub online for about $350. Be sure to ask if the cost includes shipping both ways and what extras they offer to make your birth experience more enjoyable. Check with your  insurance company to see if they will reimburse the cost of the rental.
• Contact a local birth center to see if they offer a water birth option.

http://americanpregnancy.org

'Birthing sling' used to make labor easier, shorter

A new option for new mothers is called the "birthing sling."

Some experts hope it can cut down on the number of C-sections.

Laura Harrison gave birth to her daughter, Harper, three weeks ago at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital and was excited to try it out.

"I had seen on my Facebook profile about this new sling they had," Harrison said. "It's such an amazing thing."

Carrie Neerland, a certified nurse midwife, says it makes contraction more effective and shortens labor.

"It gives them support and offers them a way to be upright during their labor," Neerland said. "This offers the opportunity for women to feel supported, yet it takes off some of the pressure."

Harrison said the sling helped her follow her plan for a natural delivery. She said she used the sling in several different ways.

"I did a lot of hanging from it, so putting my arms through it, wrapping around then just kind of sinking in when I was having those contractions, squatting and moving side to side," Harrison said. "That's the beauty of labor. There's right or wrong way to do it as long as you get a healthy mom and a healthy baby out of it, that's all that matters."

Neerland said the reason the sling is effective is because it allows for different positions that help the pelvis relax and open more easily for the baby to come out.

"In labor, the woman's pelvis is opening, and so being upright helps the woman's pelvis to open and it helps the baby to move more effectively, fit through the birth canal and come down," Neerland said.

Copyright 2016 KARE via NBC. All rights reserved.

http://www.msnewsnow.com

Top 10 alternative therapies for pregnancy and birth

What are the best complementary therapies to help you through pregnancy, birth and beyond

Complementary medicine is the blanket term for a number of holistic therapies that aim to treat the whole person, on physical, mental and emotional levels, rather than targeting specific symptoms. Therapies include acupuncture and reflexology.

How can it help?

"Treatments can be very helpful to use alongside conventional care," explains Denise Tiran, a midwife and honorary lecturer at the University of Greenwich, specialising in complementary therapies. "Therapies can be used for pregnancy discomforts, such as backache, for pain relief in labour and recovery after the birth."

Is it safe?

Yes, if used with appropriate advice and knowledge. It's important to find a qualified therapist who is aware of the specific implications of pregnancy, as all therapies have some risks. "If they are powerful enough to do something good when used correctly, they will also have the potential to be harmful when used incorrectly," says Tiran.

1. Acupuncture

One of the most widely researched therapies: studies have detailed the usefulness of acupuncture for relieving morning sickness and it can be used from as early as six weeks.

2. Alexander Technique

Learning the technique can help your body cope better with the stress and strain of carrying all that extra weight. The technique is also thought to have a calming effect and is good preparation for birth.

3. Aromatherapy

Many essential oils are contraindicated during pregnancy, but a qualified aromatherapist will know which ones are safe to use. Single or combination blends can help treat nausea, alleviate anxiety, reduce swelling, ease headaches and encourage a good night's sleep.

4. Flower Remedies

These are best used for maintaining emotional health throughout pregnancy, rather than treating physical ailments. Use them for challenging situations - if you are worrying about procedures, for instance, or if you are fearful of the birth. The most well-known flower therapy is Bach Rescue Remedy, used to bring calm in times of stress, but Bach has 38 others to choose from.

5. Herbs

Thought to be very useful, herbs can help to alleviate common and more complex pregnancy complaints. However, some herbs can put pregnancy at risk, so it is very important to seek a qualified medical herbalist.

6. Homeopathy

There are homeopathic remedies for every pregnancy eventuality covering pre-conceptual care, pregnancy-related ailments and recovery after the birth. You can self-prescribe for straightforward acute ailments, such as morning sickness and nausea. The Society of Homeopaths (www.homeopathy-soh.org) publishes a leaflet Homeopathy For Mother And Baby which will help you choose the right treatment.

7. Massage

Research shows that massage is an effective form of pain relief and some women find it very helpful during labour. Specific pregnancy massage can also help to ease discomforts such as backache, headache and constipation, as well as relieving anxiety and promoting wellbeing. Avoid deep, kneading massage in pregnancy.

8. Osteopathy

This can help your body adjust to the weight of your baby. Both osteopathy and chiropractic can relieve breathing difficulties and encourage the baby into a good position. Cranial osteopathy is recommended during pregnancy, as it is extremely gentle.

9. Reflexology

You can try reflexology after the three-month mark of your pregnancy, although it is not recommended for anyone with a history of recurrent miscarriage. Research shows that it boosts energy levels, relieves heartburn, reduces swelling and normalises hypertension.

10. Shiatsu

Literally translated shiatsu means 'finger pressure' and focuses on the same points and meridians that are used in acupuncture. Its aim is to re-establish energy flow and wellbeing. It is thought to be helpful in relieving aches and pains and morning sickness.

http://www.madeformums.com

Extreme temperatures could increase preterm birth risk

Extreme hot or cold temperature​s during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth, according to study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health.

The study authors found that extremes of hot and cold during the first seven weeks of pregnancy were associated with early delivery. Women exposed to extreme heat for the majority of their pregnancies also were more likely to deliver early.

The researchers found more consistent associations with early delivery after exposure to extreme heat than to extreme cold weather. They theorized that, during cold spells, people are more likely to seek shelter and so could more easily escape the cold's effects. But during extreme heatwaves, people are more likely to endure the temperature, particularly when the cost of or access to air conditioning is an impediment.

The study was published in Environmental Health Perspectives.

"Our findings indicate that it may well be prudent to minimize the exposure of pregnant women to extremes in temperature," said the study's senior author, Pauline Mendola, Ph.D., an epidemiologist in the Division of Intramural and Population Health Research at the NIH'sEunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

A pregnancy is considered full term at between 39 and 40 weeks.Preterm birth occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy and increases the risk for infant death and long term disability. It is unknown why extremes of hot or cold might influence preterm birth risk. However, the researchers theorize that the stress of temperature extremes could hinder the development of the placenta or alter blood flow to the uterus, both of which could potentially lead to early labor.

To conduct the study, the researchers linked electronic medical records from 223,375 births at 12 clinical centers throughout the United States to hourly temperature records for the region surrounding each center. The researchers noted that what constitutes a hot or cold temperature varies from person to person and place to place. To compensate for local climate variability and personal susceptibility, the researchers evaluated temperatures in the surrounding regions. They defined extreme cold temperatures as below the 10 th percentile of average temperatures, and defined extreme heat as above the 90th percentile.

The researchers found that women who experienced extreme cold for the first seven weeks of their pregnancies had a 20 percent higher risk for delivering before 34 weeks of pregnancy, a nine percent increased risk for delivering from 34-36 weeks, and a three percent increased risk for delivering in weeks 37 and 38. Women whose first seven weeks of pregnancy coincided with extreme heatwaves had an 11 percent increase in risk before 34 weeks, and a four percent increased risk at 37 to 38 weeks.

Exposure to extreme heat during weeks 15-21 increased the risk for delivery at 34 weeks and at 34-36 weeks by 18 percent and for delivery from 37 to 39 weeks by four percent. Hot exposures during weeks 8-14 increased the risk for birth at 37 to 38 weeks by 4 percent.

Overall, exposure to extreme heat for the duration of pregnancy was associated with increases in risk for delivery at 34 weeks and 36-38 weeks by 6 to 21 percent.

An increase in the number of extreme hot days due to climate change could lead to increases in the preterm birth rate, the authors wrote. The authors added that their findings underscore the need for health professionals and policy makers to devise interventions for minimizing pregnant women's exposure to extreme temperatures. The authors also called for more research to understand how temperature extremes might increase preterm birth risk.

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/

Placenta praevia – low-lying placenta

Placenta praevia (aka. placenta previa) is a condition in pregnancy where the placenta is low-lying.

The placenta is your baby’s ‘life support’ system during pregnancy. It is shaped a bit like a pancake attached to the inside of your womb (uterus), and your baby’s umbilical cord emerges from the centre. The cord is like a lifeline with blood going in two directions.

What is a low-lying placenta?

A placenta is considered to be low-lying when it is lying in the lower part of the uterus near, or over, the opening of the womb (cervix). Most low-lying placentas are near but not covering the cervix. If your placenta is partially or completely blocking the womb opening at the end of pregnancy, this is known as known as ‘placenta praevia’ (pronounced ‘preev-ee-ah’). In these cases, your baby will need to be born by caesarean section. 

However, a low-lying placenta in early or mid-pregnancy will most often have moved out of the way by late pregnancy.

Why is placenta praevia at the end of pregnancy a problem?

During labour the cervix opens to let the baby move down into the vagina and be born. If the placenta overlaps the cervix, the placenta will begin to separate as the cervix opens, causing bleeding, usually from the mother. Bleeding can be extensive and can occasionally lead to shock if it is not treated promptly.

How is a low-lying placenta diagnosed?

At your 18-21-week ultrasound scan your placenta’s position will be recorded. If your placenta is significantly low, you’ll be offered an extra scan to check again, usually at about 32 weeks. 

If my placenta is low-lying at 20 weeks could this change?

The vast majority of women who have a low-lying placenta in the middle of pregnancy will not be affected in the later weeks. At the end of pregnancy, only a tiny percentage of women have the condition. One study of 6,428 women found that only around 1 in 600 had placenta praevia at the time of birth. In most cases the placenta, even if relatively low in the uterus, will not be affected by the cervix opening during labour.

Why does the position of the placenta change?

As your pregnancy progresses, the uterus grows, particularly the lower part of the uterus, so the placenta moves with the growing uterus away from the cervix.

How accurate are scans to identify a low-lying placenta?

It does seem that screening by ultrasound is often not very accurate and low-lying placenta may be over-diagnosed. 

First, if the placenta is not actually covering the cervix at 20 weeks of pregnancy, it is unlikely that there will be a problem at a later stage. Second, the report of evidence used to inform the Antenatal Care guideline for the NHS says, ‘Many placentas that appear to cover the cervical os (the opening in the cervix inside the womb) in the second trimester will not cover the os at term’. 

This is partly because as the weeks go by and the lower part of the uterus grows and stretches, the placenta appears to move away from the cervix.

In England and Wales, the Antenatal Care guideline recommends that as ‘most low-lying placentas detected at the anomaly scan will have resolved by the time the baby is born, only a woman whose placenta extends over the internal cervical os should be offered another transabdominal [from the abdomen] scan at 32 weeks.

If the transabdominal scan is unclear (at 32 weeks), you should be offered a scan via the vagina, according to these guidelines. An ultrasound scan through the vagina is more accurate in diagnosing the position than a scan taken from the abdomen.

More information at www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/low-lying-placenta

11 Things You Didn't Know About Twin Pregnancies

If you are expecting twins and don't know what to expect, you are not alone. Many women pregnant with twins have no idea what to expect, but that doesn't mean they -- and you -- can't learn. So here is some information to help you understand what's happening when you're expecting twins.

A twin pregnancy is a double blessing, but it can also carry greater risks than singleton pregnancies.

In the U.S, about three in every 100 pregnant women give birth to twins or triplets, according to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. And by many accounts, twin pregnancies are on the rise.

Be prepared. Familiarize yourself with the top 11 things you didn't know about your twin pregnancy from conception through delivery.

No. 1: You are more likely to become pregnant with twins naturally when you are in your 30s and 40s.

We all hear that the older we get, the harder it is to conceive, but advancing age may actually increase the likelihood of a twin pregnancy, says Abdulla Al-Khan, MD, the director and chief of maternal and fetal medicine and surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. "Once you are 25 or into your 30s and 40s, ovulatory cycles are not regular anymore. If you are not regular and do ovulate, you could be ovulating two follicles at the same time." Voila! A twin pregnancy -- without assisted reproductive technologies.

No. 2: If you have two buns in the oven, you may need extra folic acid.

Women pregnant with twins may need more folic acid to help stave off birth defects, says Manju Monga, MD, the Berel Held Professor and the division director of maternal-fetal medicine at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston.

"We recommend 1 milligram of folic acid per day for twin pregnancies and 0.4 milligrams for singleton pregnancies," says Monga, who has twins. Folic acid is known to reduce risk of neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida.

No.3: Women pregnant with twins clock in more time at the obstetrician.

Twin pregnancies require more monitoring than single pregnancies, Monga says. "We tend to do more frequent ultrasounds for growth in twin pregnancies, compared with one anatomy scan and one growth scan in a singleton pregnancy."

But along with additional testing comes risk. For example, the chance of miscarriage after amniocentesis is higher in twin pregnancies, Al-Khan says. "You are sticking the mother twice, so if the risk of miscarriage is one of 1,000 in singleton pregnancies, it would increase it to one in 500 for twins."

No. 4: Morning sickness may be worse with twin pregnancies.

"One of the things that is postulated as causing morning sickness is high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin, and we know that levels of this hormone are higher in twin pregnancies, so women carrying twins have a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting in the first trimester," says Al-Khan. The good news? Most morning sickness abates within 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy -- even in twin pregnancies.

That's not all, Monga says. Moms pregnant with twins complain of more back pain, sleeping difficulties, and heartburn than moms who are carrying one child. Moms pregnant with twins also have a higher rate of maternal anemia and a higher rate of postpartum hemorrhage (bleeding) after delivery.

No. 5: Spotting may be more common during twin pregnancies.

"When you spot in the first trimester, you could be undergoing a miscarriage, and miscarriages are more common in mothers of twins, triplets, and quadruplets -- so we see more spotting in first trimester with multiples," Al-Khan says.

But a little spotting is no reason to hit the panic button even in twin pregnancies. "A little spotting in the absence of cramps is reassuring, but when you are cramping, passing clots, and actively bleeding, that is a sign that's something is happening and you should seek medical advice."

No. 6: You don't feel the babies kicking any earlier with twin pregnancies.

"Generally when you are pregnant with twins, fetal movements become more noticeable at weeks 18 through 20 of pregnancy, and the same is true in singleton pregnancies," Al-Khan says. When a woman begins to feel fetal movements actually depends on whether she has been pregnant before. "If you have been pregnant before, you know what fetal movement is, but if you are pregnant for the first time, you really can't distinguish the movement from gastrointestinal activity."

No. 7: Moms pregnant with twins may gain more weight than moms carrying one child.

"With twins, mothers gain more weight as there are two babies, two placentas, and more amniotic fluid," says Al-Khan. "You also need more calories for twin pregnancies."

Still, there is not a well-established formula for weight gain during twin pregnancies, says Monga. "The average weight gain is 25 pounds for singleton pregnancy and 30-35 pounds for twins. We don't want moms pregnant with twins to gain more than 40 [pounds] or less than 15 pounds."

The Institute of Medicine's provisional guidelines for weight gain in women expecting twins say:

Women of normal weight should aim to gain 37-54 pounds

Overweight women should aim to gain 31-50 pounds

Obese women should aim to gain 25-42 pounds

Exactly how much weight should you gain? The IOM recommends that you talk to your health care provider about that, because every pregnancy is unique.

No. 8: Risk of developing gestational diabetes is higher in twin pregnancies.

"The gestational diabetes risk is higher in twin pregnancy," says Monga. That said, the biggest risk of gestational diabetes is having larger babies and requiring a C-section delivery, she says.

"While gestational diabetes is more common, the morbidity associated with it is less common because twin babies are not big babies."

Still, moms who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life, she says.

No. 9: Risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy is higher in twin pregnancies.

"People really don't know what causes preeclampsia to start, but we know it occurs more frequently in twin pregnancies," Monga says. Preeclampsia is marked by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and sometimes swelling in the feet, legs, and hands. It is the precursor to the more serious, potentially fatal eclampsia.

No. 10: Labor (and delivery) may come early with twin pregnancies.

Most moms carrying twins go into labor at 36 to 37 weeks, as opposed to 40 in a single pregnancy, Al-Khan says, and some may go even earlier. "Generally, if the twins are born after 34 weeks, there should not be a major concern, but a premature baby is still a premature baby," he says. "Twins are at higher risk of preterm labor and delivery and have higher degree of respiratory issues." As a result of being born too early, twins may be born at low birth weights, and such babies tend to have more health problems than babies born weighing more than 5.5 pounds.

Unfortunately, there is no evidence that bed rest alone prevents preterm labor or delivery in twin pregnancies, and the use of agents to stop preterm labor have not been proven to be effective either, he says. "Stopping premature labor is challenging in multiple gestations."

No. 11: Cesarean section deliveries may be more common in twin pregnancies.

"The likelihood of having a C-section is absolutely higher in twin pregnancies," he says. "There is also a higher incidence of the baby being in breech position among twins than singletons." When the baby is in a breech position, a C-section delivery is usually required.

http://www.webmd.com

12 Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

We’re sure you’ve got the basic pregnancy no-nos covered—you forgo wine with dinner, you check with your doc before taking any medication, you've said sayonara to sushi—but when it comes to the ingredients in your skincare and makeup, you’re probably more than a little lost. We don’t blame you. Ingredient lists can be daunting, so we did the research and simplified it for you. Skip these for the next nine months (and a little longer if you’re breastfeeding) to avoid potential risks.

1. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate: Found in antiperspirant; check for aluminum chloride hexahydrate and aluminium chlorohydrate.
2. Beta hydroxy acids: Salicylic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, trethocanic acid and tropic acid.
3. Chemical sunscreens: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, oxtinoxate, menthyl anthranilate and oxtocrylene.
4. Diethanolamine (DEA): Found in hair and body products; stay clear of diethanolamine, oleamide DEA, lauramide DEA and cocamide DEA.
5. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): Found in spray self-tanners; could be harmful if inhaled.
6. Formaldehyde: Found in hair straightening treatments, nail polishes and eyelash glue; look for formaldehyde, quaternium-15, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM), hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol).
7. Hydroquinone: A lightening agent; abstain from hydroquinone, idrochinone and quinol/1-4 dihydroxy benzene/1-4 hydroxy benzene.
8. Parabens: Keep away from propyl, butyl, isopropyl, isobutyl and methyl parabens.
9. Phthalates: Found in products with synthetic fragrances and nail polishes; avoid diethyl and dibutyl especially.
10. Retinol: Vitamin A, retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene and isotretinoin. (Here are some retinol alternatives.)
11. Thioglycolic acid: Found in chemical hair removers; can also be labeled acetyl mercaptan, mercaptoacetate, mercaptoacetic acid and thiovanic acid.
12. Toluene: Found in nail polishes; skip methylbenzene, toluol and antisal 1a.

fitpregnancy.com

Itchy Skin During Pregnancy

Itchy skin can be more than just another pregnancy symptom. We've got the deets on how to figure out whether your itch is because of something scary (but totally treatable) or just a matter of your skin being stretched thin. Plus, how to make it go away!

What is itchy skin during pregnancy?

Does it seem like as your bump gets bigger, your skin gets itchier? You might feel the urge to scratch all over, but especially around your belly and breasts. This is totally common and normally happens around the second and third trimesters.

What could be causing my itchy skin during pregnancy?

As it stretches and tightens from your growing belly, your skin may feel dry and itchy. Your changing hormones may be causing the itching as well. If you have severe itching that spreads to your arms and legs, it could be pruritic urticarial papules and plaques during pregnancy (PUPPP). If you have PUPPP, you have itchy red spots on your skin. But it’s nothing to be worried about; it’ll go away after you give birth. Itchy skin can also be a symptom of allergies or cholestasis of pregnancy.

When should I go to the doctor with my itchy skin during pregnancy?

While itchy skin comes with the pregnancy territory, if you have severe itching — particularly on your hands and feet — late in pregnancy that’s accompanied by dark-colored urine, light-colored bowel movements, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and fatigue, talk to your doctor. They could be signs of cholestasis, a disease that affects the liver and that could also affect baby’s health.

What should I do to treat my itchy skin during pregnancy?

Avoid hot showers and baths because they dry out your skin. You should moisturize a lot and go for unscented stuff, since it's less likely to irritate. You can also take colloidal oatmeal baths. Colloidal oatmeal is extremely fine-ground whole oats, which can relieve itches and soothe skin. You can make your own if you grind the heck out of oats with a coffee grinder (essentially to powder form) and drop a couple of cups’ worth into a warm bath. But you can just as easily buy Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment from your local drugstore. For optimum relief, make sure the bath is warm, not hot, and gently pat yourself dry afterward. Also, wearing loose-fitting cotton gear won’t irritate your skin as much.

http://www.thebump.com

Yale study: Cellphone use in pregnancy may be bad for babies’ health

Yale study says unborn mice exposed to cellphone radiation experienced changes in part of the brain responsible for hyperactivity.

Pregnant women may have something new to worry about: a new study suggests keeping a cellphone close to the belly could affect the unborn baby’s health.

Researchers from the Yale School of Medicine studying mice found that exposure to cellphone radiation during pregnancy affected the offspring’s brain development and could cause hyperactivity and memory problems.

“It’s probably safer for a pregnant woman not to carry their cell phone clipped to their belt or sleep with the phone near their abdomen unless it’s turned off,” said study author Dr. Hugh Taylor.

“Fetuses’ developing brains are fragile and more vulnerable than adults, so it is prudent to keep the phone at a distance.”

The study, published Thursday in Scientific Reports, found the cellphone exposure affected the development of neurons in the same region of the brain responsible for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Taylor cautioned that further testing is needed in humans to better understand the mechanisms behind the findings and to establish safe exposure limits during pregnancy.

Nevertheless, he and other experts said it would be smart for expectant moms to keep the cellphone far from their baby bump.

“I also ask my pregnant patients not to stand in front of their microwaves directly, and when they carry their phones not to carry them on their waist,” said Dr. JillRabin, head of urogynecology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

 “It’s not that we have absolute proof, but these studies are being done and we may end up finding out there are issues with these exposures.”

HaixiaWang, who is expecting her first child in two weeks, said she has held her phone to her baby to play classical music and wasn’t alarmed by the latest research.

“You see so many studies,” said Wang, 39, director of forecasting for a Wall Street marketing firm. “It’s good to be cautious, but you can go overboard with worry. At night and when I’m sitting at my desk, I do put it far away from me.”

Dr.Howard Minkoff, chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, where more than 7,000 babies are born every year, said the developing science in this field is worth watching.

An 2010 study on humans found that exposure to cell phones before birth and afterward may increase a child’s risk for developing hyperactivity, inattention, and problems getting along with peers.

“In the absence of definitive data for our patients, we fall back on old aphorisms — everything in moderation,” said Minkoff.

BY HEIDI EVANS 

http://www.nydailynews.com

20 Reasons Why Now Is the Best Time to Be Pregnant

Congratulations! You’re pregnant. And a hearty congrats to us as well—Fit Pregnancy turns 20 this year and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate with you. Why? Well, we think it’s an amazing time to be pregnant.

For starters, as an expectant mom you can choose an OB-GYN or midwife—or both; there’s an abundance of well-researched information to help you have the healthiest, most positive pregnancy possible; and you’ve got plenty of great-looking baby gear to pick from.

It’s an incredible time to be sporting a baby bump, and to prove it, we’ve compiled 20 reasons why now is the best time ever to be a mom-to-be.

1. Baby bumps on spin bikes are commonplace

Just because you’re expecting doesn’t mean you should expect to stop exercising. “When it comes to exercise during pregnancy, there are no longer any ‘one size fits all’ prescriptions,” says Michelle Mottola, Ph.D., director of the exercise and pregnancy laboratory at University of Western Ontario, Canada.

Sure, you need to steer clear of risky activities like Rollerblading and horseback riding, and you should avoid lying on your back after 16 weeks to avoid compromising uterine blood flow, but jogging, Pilates, weight lifting, Spinning and Zumba are all fair game for women with uncomplicated pregnancies who’ve received an OB’s go-ahead.

The payoffs: loads more energy, a reduced risk of gestational diabetes and constipation, healthier body image, a speedier labor and delivery, and a quicker bounce back to your preconception weight. Your mini gym bunny will benefit, too: Babies born to fit moms have healthier hearts and a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns, always make sure you can carry on a conversation while exercising and stop if you feel any pain or discomfort. —Leslie Goldman

2. Dads are full-time parents, too

A recent study from the Pew Research Center finds that most men are struggling to juggle work and family, just like moms. But believe it or not, that’s a sign of progress. Our grandfathers’ generation showed their love by going to work every day and providing for their families—and woe to the man who dared change a diaper, for he’d be told he was doing woman’s work. Today, more men than ever have access to paid or unpaid parental leave, thanks to policies like the Family and Medical Leave Act. Better, over the past two generations, women went to school and went to work, and many gained the ability to support families. That put new demands on men— your turn to make dinner, buddy!—but it also created new possibilities.

Enter the stay-at-home dad. Most men won’t become one, but we’ve all gained the opportunity to train on skills like patience, empathy and peeing while holding a crying infant. We have to succeed on the job and at home—and the mothers of our children are often struggling with the exact same problem. But we’re doing great. We spend more time with our kids than any previous generation of fathers, and we’re embracing our new identities as competent parents. We’re also learning to practice kindness, compassion and forgiveness for ourselves and for our wives. That’s good, and good for our kids.
—Jeremy Adam Smith is the author of The Daddy Shift

3. Breastfeeding is getting the attention it deserves

When Time magazine put a photo of a mother breastfeeding her 3-year-old son on its cover, it not only ignited a tempest of controversy, it got people talking about a taboo topic. The image was just one of a flurry of nursing-related news highlights (see also: Facebook yanks breastfeeding pics; military moms chastised for nursing in uniform; women’s studies professor feeds baby while lecturing) that have fueled a national dialogue and led to enhanced awareness and greater support for moms who want or need it. Lactation consulting is now covered by insurance under the Affordable Care Act, online communities like the Leaky Boob (theleakyboob.com) offer a sense of sore-nippled camaraderie and the U.S. surgeon general has called on employers, health providers and family members to support nursing women as best they can.

“We are moving away from pressuring moms to breastfeed and putting the emphasis on removing barriers, setting women up to succeed and improving access to information,” says Danielle Rigg, co-founder of the Best for Babes Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating institutional and cultural obstacles to nursing. And women do need support: Eighty-five percent of those who want to breastfeed exclusively intend to do so for at least three months, but only 32 percent reach their goal. Whether you’re a diehard lactivist, a shy hooter hider-type or an exclusive pumper, the point is this: options exist, and you deserve to have the tools you need for success. —Leslie Goldman

4. The media loves baby bumps

The “preggorazzi” are on constant bump watch, letting fans know who’s got a bun in the oven, who’s sporting 5-inch heels in her third trimester and who named her kid Rosalind Arusha Arkadina Altalune Florence Thurman-Busson (Mazel tov, Uma Thurman!). Thanks to movies like Juno, Knocked Up and What To Expect When You’re Expecting, we’re exposed to a rainbow of possibilities when it comes to welcoming a little one, and such belly-centric TV shows as Call the Midwife, A Baby Story and Pregnant in Heels let us live vicariously while we prepare for what’s to come. Famous bumps … they’re just like US!
—Leslie Goldman

5. OB-GYN, midwife, doula or all three? The choice is yours.

Armed with information about the pros and cons of various childbirth practices (thank you, Internet), women have more control over where, how and with whom they experience childbirth. Documentaries, such as Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein’s The Business of Being Born and stories from the Farm Midwifery Center run by legendary midwife Ina May Gaskinin Tennessee, have opened many women’s minds to a less medicalized delivery; in 2009, a record-high 11 percent of all vaginal births in the U.S. were assisted by certified nurse-midwives.

Like the idea of continuous labor support from a midwife, but want an epidural? Many hospital-based midwives will accommodate you. Crave a homey atmosphere and natural childbirth, but want to be near a hospital “just in case”? A birth center located nearby or even on the same grounds as a hospital could be a good fit. The best part? Your birth plan can include what feels right to you. —Kim Schworm Acosta

6. There’s a parenting style made just for you

Attachment parenting. Tiger Mom. Dolphin. Bringing up Bébé. No matter how you decide to raise your baby, there’s a movement out there that will work for your family. The best part? If your first choice fizzles, you can always try another.
—Jennifer Carofano

7. Need a baby name? No problem.

The name of the baby moniker game: individuality. You could blame celebs for the boom. Ever since Bob Geldof named his daughter Peaches, even fruit is fair game (and you thought Gwyneth started it). And there’s no shortage of inspiration. Yep, there’s an app for that (Kick to Pick lets baby’s movements make the call), plus professional baby-name consultants, online databases, way out-of-the-box celeb names (remember Moxie Crimefighter?), lists of hipster baby names,  and pop-up polls. One couple even let a Facebook poll decide their baby’s name. The winner: Madelyn Rae. —Allison Young

8. Folic acid rocks!

The Beyoncé of pregnancy nutrients, folic acid is more than a triple threat. The B vitamin helps prevent birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine, produces new cells and guards against breast cancer in mom. Studies also show that taking folic acid supplements a year before conception can cut the chance of preterm birth by 50 percent (wowsa!), plus recent research has linked it to a 40 percent lower risk of having children with an autistic disorder. And folic acid’s not alone— calcium, iron, omega-3s and protein are all proven powerhouses for prenatal nutrition, making menu planning for moms-to-be easier than ever. 

10. Baby gear is beautiful

Clunky stroller, be gone! Baby gear has gone from cumbersome to überchic— and practical, too! Space-age strollers transform faster than Lady Gaga, and even come with bragging rights. Highchairs look avant-garde, nurseries are haute couture and trendy messenger-style diaper bags mean hipster dads can look cool while on diaper duty. Even eco-friendly is more sassy than earthy due to design-driven organic toys and sustainably stylish cribs. —Allison Young

11. SIDS is on the decline

Since the American Academy of Pediatrics began its Back to Sleep campaign almost 20 years ago, the rates of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in the U.S. have declined by 50 percent. Parents now know the ins and outs of crib safety: to place infants on their backs for naps and at bedtime (as well as to use a firm mattress, a snug-fitting sheet and to take all toys and pillows out of the crib).
—Nancy Gottesman

12. Getting pregnant is getting easier

With 1 in 8 couples experiencing difficulty conceiving, infertility is at an all-time high, and that’s nothing to celebrate. But what is worth cheering is the abundance of possibilities and resources—some high-tech, some old-school—that now exist to turn wannabe moms and dads into parents. From Clomid to IVF, adoption to surrogacy, frozen eggs to donor sperm, fertility patients have options, and that can be comforting during what is typically an emotionally painful and physically draining process. —Leslie Goldman

13. You can find out what your baby’s made of—in the first trimester

Eager couples can learn “it’s a girl!” long before delivery day, thanks to impressive strides in prenatal testing. More importantly, developmental issues can be detected (and sometimes remedied) in utero via advanced ultrasound machines, blood tests and surgical techniques. The latest breakthrough? A screening that gleans precise fetal chromosomal abnormalities with a simple prick of mom’s finger as early as nine or 10 weeks’ gestation. So long, amnio! —Kim Schworm Acosta

14. Depression is no longer a dark secret

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, out of control, angry or all of the above? “A pregnant or postpartum woman who is depressed can find specialized help and expect a total recovery,” says Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D., author of Postpartum Depression for Dummies (For Dummies). That’s a far cry from the prognosis Bennett faced in the early 1980s, when the condition was largely dismissed. Help yourself and your family by talking to your doctor or a therapist, Download Bennett’s free PPD Gone app or visit Postpartum Support International (postpartum.net) for info and local resources. A variety of treatments exist, including medication, support groups, individual therapy and lifestyle changes. “Women are still tempted to wait too long to get help,” says Bennett. “But the most responsible and loving thing a mom can do is make sure she’s well.” —Kim Schworm Acosta

15. Need trusted information? These five mom and baby-centered organizations have got you covered

American Academy of Pediatrics
Founded in 1930 by 35 pediatricians, the AAP now boasts 60,000 members, the largest pediatric publishing program in the world and a fervent belief in access to health care for all children. aap.org

Childbirth Connection
Dedicated to promoting safe, evidence-based maternity care practices long before it was de rigueur—since 1918—this nonprofit is a voice for pregnant, laboring and postpartum women nationwide. childbirthconnection.com

Every Mother Counts
Moved by the shocking number of largely preventable deaths worldwide due to pregnancy and childbirth complications, model-turned- advocate Christy Turlington Burns formed this nonprofit in 2010. everymothercounts.org

La Leche League
With its international network of mom-to-mom breastfeeding support groups and active online forums, La Leche League International is the go-to resource for those seeking nursing advice or camaraderie. lalecheleague.org

March of Dimes
The largest nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing birth defects, prematurity and infant death, March of Dimes’ education efforts and funding for research have saved untold lives. marchofdimes.com
—Kim Schworm Acosta

16. Toxins are getting the ol’ heave-ho

Lead. Mercury. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Phthalates. Parabens. Formaldehyde. Bisphenol A (BPA). A mama bear knows her environmental toxins and goes to great lengths to protect her cubs from potential harm (think birth defects, developmental delays, lowered IQ and cancer). All this awareness has sparked industry-wide change and safer products for baby and mom. BPA has been banned from baby bottles and cups, and brands such as Graco have pledged to remove flameretardants linked to cancer from all their products. No, we can’t live in a contaminant-free world, but avoiding toxins is easier than ever, thanks to organic crib mattresses, chemical-free bath products and nontoxic cleaning products. I am mother, hear me roar! —Allison Young

17. Corporate America is finally recognizing the needs of working moms

Companies are starting to make important changes in policy for moms-to-be and working mothers, but there’s still room for improvement, says Jennifer Owens, director of the Working Mother Research Institute (workingmother.com). Here, Owens reveals the best ways to support all working parents.

Q: What are companies getting right when it comes to maternity leave?
A: The best practices start with fully paid maternity leave. But another great practice we’ve seen increasing is phase-back returns from maternity leave: a small but growing number of companies are making these temporary part-time, phase-back work schedules automatic for all returning moms, which is a great way to help them make the transition back to work.

Q: What are companies doing well for working moms?
A: The best companies are all about flexibility, giving employees the power to control how and when work gets done. Flexibility can come in many forms, from flextime to compressed workweeks, all the way to career flexibility, where you can step on and off the fast track without stigma. Secondly, companies are offering backup childcare, often in home as well as at child care centers. This is a great safety net for parents who juggle a two-career family. The third top practice is support and transparency for working parents. Some of the worst stress that new working parents face comes from feeling isolated, like they’re the only person facing work and home challenges. More companies are not only offering flexibility and other benefits to their working parents, but also talking about these benefits openly to help dispel any stigma that might have once been attached to them.

Q: What is the most important thing that companies need to do better for expectant and working moms?
A: Manager training, whether on how to work with flexible schedules, how to give and receive feedback, or how to advance women. Managers are the ones who put policies into action. Executives who support flexibility, for example, make it possible for all employees to be more productive, more engaged and more loyal, all the while finding work-life satisfaction.
—Jennifer Carofano

18. Facebook is the new baby book

Thanks to social media, you can instantly share pics of your growing belly, tout your baby’s arrival and celebrate every milestone—from first smiles to first steps—with family and friends. Or, start a mom blog, craft a tweet or post your favorite pic to Instagram or Tumblr.
—Katy Elliott

19. Fashion is for moms-to-be, too

Goodbye muumuu. Hello skinny jeans. Gaining a baby bump no longer means you have to lose your sense of style. No matter if you’re haute couture or on a budget, you can show off your fashion sense and those newfound curves. —Jennifer Carofano

20. Holistic has gone mainstream

Remember when having a midwife or doula was fringe? Now they’re as common as Kardashian references. Ditto for prenatal yoga, meditation, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, eating organic and avoiding toxins. That’s because holistic mamas-to-be aren’t hippy dippy, they’re just plain hip—and more mainstream than ever. “A holistic pregnancy is about awareness,” says OB-GYN Joel Evans, M.D., author of The Whole Pregnancy Handbook (Gotham) . “Women now realize they have input into the quality of the pregnancy and the health of the baby.” Taking a mind-body-spirit approach to pregnancy can empower your body, your birth and your baby. “Plus,” adds Evans, “you’re cultivating healthy habits that can help you as a parent—and for the rest of your life.”
—Allison Young

www.fitpregnancy.com