Posted: 05 Dec 2009 06:54 AM PST

One of the most exciting times in a person's life is to find out that they are going to be bringing a new life into this world by expecting a baby. The main concern for anyone who is expecting is that they make the right choices during this critical time in their child's life which will have a positive impact on the child's health.

It is no secret that folic acid is very important for those who are expecting, or those who are hoping to become pregnant, and many find themselves asking the question what is the proper folic acid pregnancy dosage.

Why Folic Acid?

Before we answer the question of what the proper folic acid pregnancy dosage is, it's first to understand just how important this vitamin is. Folic acid (which is part of the B complex vitamins (B9), and also called foliate) is essential to reducing the possibilities of spina bifida.

Spina bifida is a birth defect that means the brain doesn't develop properly, nor does the spinal cord, where the complete closure of the spinal cord doesn't take place. Making sure that you consume enough of this essential vitamin can reduce the chances of your child being born with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida by as much as 70%

How Much Folic Acid Should I Take?

Many studies have shown that in the first 28 days of development of the fetus is when these defects usually occur, which is sometimes before some women realize they are pregnant. This is why it's important to make sure that you are consuming enough of this B complex vitamin even before you plan to get pregnant.

After all, at least 50% of pregnancies aren't planned and during early stages of pregnancy to reduce your chances of these birth defects. Studies have shown that 400 micrograms / 0.4 milligrams are the recommended dosage to help reduce the chances of spina bifida. One of the best ways to ensure that your body is free from nutritional deficiencies is to take the best multivitamin brand, which will ensure good health for you and your baby.

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Prenatal DVD - Benefits From Yoga

Posted: 04 Dec 2009 08:42 PM PST

As an expecting mom, you are very busy getting ready for the special day when your baby arrives. You spend hours reading relevant and helpful articles, shopping for clothes, bedding and accessories and listing potential names. Additionally, there is time spent attending doctor appointments and perhaps testing at a lab or hospital. With all the preparation involved for a new baby, there is a good chance there is little time left to take proper care of you which is crucial to a healthy pregnancy and delivery. A pregnant body constantly changes and you need to meet those changes with healthy and sound actions.

Eating Right, Getting Rest And Exercising

We all know the three keys to achieving and maintaining health: eating right, getting sufficient rest and exercising. These are important for everyone and even more so for expecting moms and their baby that is growing and developing inside their expanding bellies. Often times, if the expecting mom engaged in regular exercise prior to her pregnancy, that kind of exercise is no longer safe or recommended. Pregnancy is also not the time to try a new exercise. So what is a mom-to-be supposed to do?

Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga is an excellent form of exercise for pregnant women during every stage of her pregnancy and a lot of time or an expensive gym membership isn't required. There are many prenatal DVDs available online that allow you to exercise in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Some common benefits from yoga include:

1. Relaxing affect on mind, body and spirit which helps you to deal with stress more effectively
2. Improves circulation bringing more oxygen to you and your fetus
3. Reduces leg cramps which is common with pregnancy weight gain
4. Improves posture and alleviates lower back pain
5. Increases flexibility because a pregnant body's center of gravity shifts dramatically
6. Enhances muscle tone which will prove helpful in losing baby weight after delivery
7. Affords opportunity to practicing your focused breathing, which is essential during labor and delivery

Essential Prenatal DVD

A rather popular prenatal yoga DVD features experienced yoga instructor Shiva Rea. This prenatal DVD is available for purchase online from sources such as Amazon. Rea illustrates many different stretches, poses and exercises that can be done during any stage of your pregnancy. Of course, as your belly expands and your delivery date approaches, the types of stretches, poses and exercises will be quite different to accommodate the limitations of your body and the health of the fetus. In fact, yoga is an excellent form of exercise following your delivery, especially as your time away from home will be limited. When your baby is napping, simply pop in your prenatal DVD for a quick yoga class and you'll enjoy the benefits of a refreshed body, mind and spirit when your baby awakes. It might even be a fun activity to do with "daddy" because some dads gain sympathy weight with their expecting wives.

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Help Getting Pregnant Using Art

Posted: 04 Dec 2009 08:24 PM PST

Couples who need help getting pregnant can benefit from assisted reproductive technology (ART). ART is, in the broadest sense of the term, any Western medical treatment that uses artificial means to achieve pregnancy. ART procedures are used to treat male and female factor infertility including but not limited to ovulatory problems, tubal factor infertility, ejaculatory problems and unexplained infertility. Every year, ART is responsible for the successful birth of 200,000 babies in the United States, Europe, and North America. ART procedures are not for everyone. They can be financially, physically, and emotionally challenging and should only be considered after simpler forms of infertility treatment have failed. Have you been diagnosed with a serious fertility disorder? Are you feeling a lot of pressure as more and more time passes and your biological clock continues to tick without that baby you so desperately want in your arms? If you answered yes to either of these questions then this may be a good time to begin a discussion with your doctor about ART. Perhaps this is a way for you to become pregnant when natural techniques alone have, in your case, not been enough. Here is a brief rundown of some widely-used ART treatments:

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is among the least invasive ART procedures. Also known as artificial insemination, this procedure can be done two ways. The first approach is called an unstimulated cycle or natural cycle, where no fertility drugs are used. The second approach is called a stimulated cycle and involves giving the woman a fertility drug to stimulate the production of multiple follicles. In both approaches, the man submits a sperm sample to a lab, where a technician separates the sperm cells from the semen. The IUI procedure starts around the time of the woman's ovulation. During an unstimulated cycle, a woman will be asked to use an ovulation predictor kit to pinpoint the time of ovulation accurately. For stimulated cycles, a doctor will use an ultrasound to detect ovulation. The IUI will then take place once ovulation is confirmed. Sperm cells are introduced directly into the uterine cavity via a tube inserted through the vagina and cervix. Sometimes, the sperm cells may be mixed with a large amount of fluid to help carry it to the fallopian tube. This additional technique is known as fallopian sperm infusion. Like other methods of ART, the success rate of IUI depends on the couple's age, and mostly that of the female partner. Generally, a woman under the age of 35 has a 10-15% chance of conceiving with an IUI; however, the success rate of stimulated cycles is higher at 30%.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most popular and successful ART procedures. Every year, 48,000 IVF babies are born in the United States alone. IVF can help couples get pregnant by overcoming a diversity of fertility issues like severe endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, ovulatory problems, and even male factor infertility. During an IVF cycle, you will be closely monitored by your doctor during all phases. Treatment begins with a course of fertility drugs which are administered by injection prior to ovulation. The drugs contain hormones that stimulate the production of more than one egg. You will be scheduled for ultrasounds so that your doctor can determine when the follicles have matured to a stage when retrieval of your eggs can take place. At a very precise time, your doctor will instruct you to administer an injection of a specific hormone that will trigger ovulation. As soon as you ovulate, the retrieval procedure will take place. The eggs will then be combined with the partner's sperm with the hope that the sperm will fertilize at least some of the eggs. In a few days, the fertilized egg cells will start dividing and form embryos. The embryos will then be transferred inside your uterus by inserting a thin tube through the vagina and cervix. Normally, only two to three embryos are placed in the uterus; the rest, if any, may be cryo-preserved in case the eggs that were transferred fail to implant. In two weeks, you will take a blood test to determine if pregnancy has occurred. If the treatment is successful, the embryo will attach itself to the uterine wall and continue to develop normally.The success rate of IVF treatments varies according to the couple's age, general health issues and specific fertility challenges. Women younger than 35 have healthier eggs and generally have a 48-50% chance of conceiving with an IVF. Over 30% of IVF treatments result in a multiple pregnancy.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was first introduced in 1992 and is now the leading method of ART for male factor infertility. Every year, 24,000 babies are born in the United States through the assistance of ICSI. ICSI is the preferred treatment if the male has low sperm count, poor sperm motility, irreversible vasectomy, or a damaged vas deferens (the tube that brings the seminal fluid from the testicles to the penis). Unlike IVF, ICSI is not a stand-alone treatment; rather, it is a complimentary treatment that is only performed together with an IVF or ZIFT treatment. The man will have to provide a sperm sample by either masturbation, or if there is not enough healthy sperm in the ejaculate, the physician can obtain the sample surgically from the testicles or the passages that hold the sperm. The sperm sample may in some cases be collected in advance and frozen until the mature eggs are ready. Once the sperm and egg sample are obtained, the physician will inject a sperm cell into an egg cell using a microscopic needle to manipulate fertilization. (In an IVF without ICSI, the sperm are placed in close proximity to the egg in a petri dish without any medical intervention to stimulate fertilization.) When the fertilized eggs become an embryo, they are inserted into the woman's uterus through the same procedure used in a conventional IVF. In two weeks, the woman can take a pregnancy test to see if the procedure was a success. Some studies show that ICSI increases the pregnancy success rates of IVF procedures as opposed to IVF procedures without ICSI.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) is a less popular approach, making up less than 1% of ART treatments. GIFT is an option for women with cervical or ovulatory problems, or where male factor infertility is present. A woman must have at least one healthy fallopian tube for this technique to have a chance at being successful. The initial phase of the procedure is similar to IVF in that fertility drugs are used to stimulate egg production and a sperm sample is obtained from the male partner. The egg and sperm are then combined in a petri dish, but not long enough for fertilization to occur in that environment as it would in an IVF procedure. The combined egg and sperm are then inserted into the fallopian tube through a laproscopic technique. Some people are drawn to GIFT over IVF for ethical reasons because through this form of ART, fertilization is allowed to occur naturally inside the fallopian tube, rather than fertilization taking place outside the body in a petri dish as happens with IVF. The success rates vary but generally speaking, couples have a 21% chance of a successful pregnancy after a GIFT cycle. The risks of this procedure include multiple pregnancies and ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy where the egg implants itself onto the fallopian tube).

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)

Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) is used even less than GIFT. ZIFT is a very similar procedure to GIFT, the difference being that the sperm and egg are allowed to fertilize outside the body in a petri dish before they are inserted into a fallopian tube. For this reason, the success rate of ZIFT at approximately 26% is slightly higher than that of GIFT. Thirty-five percent of ZIFT pregnancies result in a multiple pregnancy.

Increasing your chance of success with ART

Although factors beyond your control can affect the outcome, there are things that would be beneficial for you to do to help improve your odds of becoming pregnant with ART. These simple steps should be part of everyone's basic pre-natal care and can boost your chances of success, especially if started months before the procedure.

Stay well-nourished

A quality pre-natal vitamin contains nutrients that are essential to producing healthy eggs and a nutrient-rich uterine lining. But just because you take vitamins, doesn't mean that you should start neglecting your diet. A fertility diet filled with nutrient-dense organic foods can also really boost your fertility potential. Avoid refined carbohydrates, trans-fats, and caffeine. These foods consume a large number of nutrients before they get converted into bio-available energy.

Take supplements

Studies show that COQ10 and L-arginine can improve the pregnancy rates among IVF patients. COQ10 protects eggs from free radicals whereas the amino acid L-arginine improves ovarian response and endometrial receptivity. Ask your doctor's advice on the right dosage of these supplements.

Quit drinking and smoking

Researchers from Harvard Medical School discovered that women who drink at least two large glasses of wine a week have lowered chances of conceiving using IVF. Alcohol reduces the chances of an IVF pregnancy by 18%, where as men have a 14% reduced rate of successfully fathering a child using this procedure. Although the researchers could not determine exactly why alcohol consumption lowers the success rate of an IVF, these findings are strong enough to show that unhealthy lifestyle habits have a serious impact on fertility. If you are trying to conceive, your chances will increase if you quit drinking and smoking.

Try acupuncture

It may be an unconventional way to boost fertility, but research shows that acupuncture can increase the success rates of fertility treatment. A study by researchers from the University of Maryland and the VU University Amsterdam discovered that acupuncture increases the success rate of IVF by as much as 65%. Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the production of endogenous opioids to induce relaxation and make the body receptive to an embryo. The procedure is also known to increase the blood flow to the uterus. Consider starting acupuncture treatments as early as you can before your ART procedure. At the very least, get a treatment just before or right after the embryo gets transferred into your uterus.

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Pregnancy Stretch Mark Cream - Tips to Finding the Right Product For You

Posted: 04 Dec 2009 07:59 PM PST

Pregnancy stretch mark cream is necessary for pregnant women and even to those who already have given birth. A pregnant woman often gets unwanted stretchmarks which lowers her self confidence that will go on years after giving birth. Believe it or not, it is possible to remove these stretch marks.

Determining where to purchase the best creams is the most difficult part of the process. Pregnancy is really an important milestone in life, but stretch marks are just one of many concerns that a woman faces when she gets pregnant. While every woman with children anticipates pain during labor, most women overlook the possibility of having stretchmarks that scar the growing belly.

If you are facing these issues, I can understand how you are feeling now. Some creams that you can purchase can be just as efficient as going through a surgical operation. I am not an advocate of plastic surgeries. These methods do not always produce the desired results. In additions, surgical treatments cost are expensive compared to other solutions.

You can still look great again! You can look better than before you were pregnant, and even your spouse will notice these beautiful changes in your body. Many people don't consider stretchmark cremes as an effective solution; however, the best stretchmark cream can fix your skin problems. You will be happy with the results.

In many instances, women will search for special pregnancy stretch mark cream to get rid of these white and red lines. I have realized that all effective stretchmark creams work regardless of how you got the stretchmarks. The good news is that many ointments offer free trials or 30 to 60 day money back guarantees to make sure you are satisfied with their products. I encourage you to check out products that come with free trials or money back guarantees.

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What is a Birth Plan?

Posted: 04 Dec 2009 07:57 PM PST

A birth plan is a way to communicate your wishes to your doctor while in labor. It tells them what you want to happen, and what you want to avoid. A birth plan is a great tool for expectant dads as you will learn about your spouse's labor and birthing options. It will also means that she won't have to explain her preferences in-between contractions while catching her breath at the same time. Birth plans should not be considered a binding agreement. Sometimes labor does not go according to plan, and your doctor may need to recommend a course of action that is not what she had originally hoped for.

Below is a list of questions that will help you draw up a birth plan:

Will you, as the dad, be the one cutting the umbilical cord?
Do you want a pacifier for your baby after birth?
If your baby is a boy, do you want him circumcised?
How would you prefer the baby's heartbeat to be monitored?
Will delivery be taking place in a hospital, at home, or a birth center?
Whom would she prefer to have with her in the delivery room?
Would she prefer pain medication or none at all? If so, Which?
Would she prefer to take pain medication or fluids orally, or intravenously?
Does she want to have a mirror position for her to see the baby being born?
If Breastfeeding, would she prefer to nurse immediately after delivery?
In an unexpected situation, is your spouse prepared for a cesarean section?

If you find yourself stuck, there are birth plan generators available online that will draw up a plan with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Because labor involves so many variables, a birth plan is like a list of preferences then an exact plan. Doctors may have to intervene if the health of baby and mom become an issue.

With a birth plan in your hand you will be able to communicate more efficiently with the hospital staff ensuring that you and your spouses' preferences and expectations are followed as close as possible.

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