Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

Knowing which foods to avoid (or severely limit) during pregnancy is especially important. It's a time in a
woman's life when she should be especially careful to protect her developing baby. Some foods on this list are obvious, like alcohol, but others may come as a surprise.

1. Junks Foods

It will be challenging to find the time to burn off these extra dead calories. Plus they are full of detrimental non-foods that are bad for you and your baby.

"Junk food" includes the usual suspects: fried foods, margarine, soft drinks, sweets, anything made with white flour (crackers, cookies, bread, cereals) and most boxed foods. They contain synthetic vitamin A which is toxic, and best avoided while pregnant.

Do the "ingredient list test" - how long is the list and how many words look like something out of a chemistry text book?

2. Caffeine

It is best to avoid or at least reduce your caffeine intake to no more than 200mg per day. It reduces iron absorption, interferes with normal fetal growth and is associated with lower birth weight and an increased risk of miscarriage.

3. Alcohol

I'm sure it's not a big surprise to avoid alcohol while pregnant. It negatively affects the developing fetus. Enough said.

4. Trans Fats

Trans fats inhibit the conversion of fatty acids needed for fetal brain growth and decrease the fat content of breast milk. Also, it has been found to decrease sperm count.

Do not trust labels that claim products are trans fat free. If a food has half a gram or less per serving than it can be labeled "trans fat free". No big deal? Well, the Institute of Medicine even stated there is no safe intake level for trans fats.

It's not good for you and it's not good for your developing baby. If the ingredient list has the words "partially hydrogenated" it's got trans fat and it is a food to avoid during pregnancy.

5. Artificial and Refined Sweeteners

Artificial and refined sweeteners (like Splenda, Sweet-n-Low, Aspertame, Nutra-Sweet, etc.) are a source of empty calories and a great way to gain too much weight. They can also negatively affect your baby's ability to regulate blood sugar.

Artifical and refined sweeteners can increase your cravings for sugar (causing too much weight gain). So, the more you eat, the more you want to eat and this increases the demands on your body's insulin production (which is also the pathway to diabetes).

A study out of The University of Texas Science Center at San Antonio suggests that the more diet sodas a person drinks, the more likely they are to become over weight.

There's all kinds of information out there about how nasty artificial sweeteners are for you. It is a neurological toxin and can cause headaches and even seizures. Just say NO!

Stick to drinking water (filtered if you can), mineral water or lacto-fermented beverages to satisfy your thirst.

6. Commercial Fried Foods

It's no big surprise that fried foods aren't good for you or your baby. You are just consuming extra calories with out any nutrient benefits. They are also full of trans fat. (see #4 in Part 1 of this article)

7. Food Additives

Food additives (such as MSG) are neurotoxins (bad for the nervous system). I find it rather scary that a study found brain lesions on developing embryos assiciated with MSG intake.

MSG may appear in the ingredient list as: hydrolyzed protein, calcium, sodium casinate, textured protein, citric acid, soy foods, malt flavorings, flavorings, and natural flavorings - so CHECK YOUR LABELS!

As a side note, seasonings all usually contain MSG.

8. Soy

Soy food is a highly processed and refined food. It is also full of things that will block you and your developing baby from absorbing nutrients such as zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium. Consuming it also increases the mothers need for vitamin D.

Soy also contains phytoestrogens (a.k.a plant estrogen) which can negatively impact the fetal development of the reproductive organs and brain.

In recap, the eight foods to avoid during pregnancy are:

• 1. Junk Foods
• 2. Caffeine
• 3. Alcohol
• 4. Trans Fat
• 5. Artificial and Refined Sweetners
• 6. Commercial Fried Foods
• 7. Food Additives
• 8. Soy

Making at least some of these changes to your food intake will do wonders for your baby! And, if you can do them all, even better. For information you won't want to miss on eating and exercising for a healthy happy baby, check out our Fit and Healthy Pregnancy Guide.

Tips For Getting Pregnant

If you're like most women, you have probably spent a good portion of your adult life trying not to get pregnant. And you have probably received lots of information from various sources (friends, family, school) on just how to accomplish this. I'm sure you imagined that when the time came that you actually wanted to get pregnant, it would be quite an easy task. That tips on getting pregnant would be the last thing you would need. Simply stop using any precautions, ie. birth control, and that should do it!

Well, as it turns out, it is not always so simple. Yet most women have much more knowledge about how to avoid getting pregnant than how to actually get pregnant. You probably never thought you would need any tips on getting pregnant, but the truth is it might not "just happen" unless you get some good information first.

If you ask your friends for tips on getting pregnant, most will just tell you to have a lot of sex. This is definitely a good start, but the number one mistake that couples make when trying to get pregnant is improper timing of intercourse. One of the biggest reasons that occurs is because many women have the mistaken idea that they ovulate on day 14. This is a myth that has been perpetuated because most examples of an ideal menstrual cycle use a model of 28 days, in which case it is likely you would ovulate around day 14--but not definitely. However, many women do not have a perfect 28 day cycle, it can range from 24 days to 35 days or even a bit more or less. So you must never assume that you ovulate on day 14--that is one of the best tips on getting pregnant that you could ever get.

So how do you figure out when you do actually ovulate? Well, there are several methods that can help you accomplish this. One way is using a basal body thermometer and take your temperature each morning upon waking and keep a record for several months. You will start to see a pattern that shows a slight shift up in the temperatures each month. At the point that your temperature shifts up, you have just ovulated. Keeping this chart for a few months will give you a very good idea as to the approximate time of month that you in fact ovulate.

Another thing you can do is check your cervical mucus throughout your cycle to notice any changes. You will start to notice that your cervical fluid changes in consistency as you get towards the middle of the cycle. When the cervical fluid becomes clear and stretchy (like raw eggwhites), you are approaching ovulation.

If you are more interested in a scientific method, you can purchase ovulation test kits, a saliva test kit or a fertility monitor. Each of these note changes in your hormones that indicate when ovulation is approaching. These methods are more expensive, but can be very reliable.

Once you have pinpointed when you will be ovulating, you need to time intercourse so that you can have the maximum number of sperm "waiting" when your egg is released. One of the best tips on getting pregnant would be to have intercourse every day up through the day of ovulation as soon as you discover your ovulation is approaching through one of the methods outlined above. The reason is that the sperm can live for about 5 days inside a woman's body while waiting for the egg to drop. Once ovulation occurs the egg only lives for a short time. So having intercourse after you have already ovulated is probably too late! The egg will start to disintegrate within 12-24 hours of ovulation.

So in conclusion, if you are searching for tips on getting pregnant, concentrate your efforts on figuring out when you ovulate so that you do not waste the small window of opportunity to get pregnant that arrives each month. Once you have that figured out, you can time intercourse to maximize your chances of having the most sperm available and "waiting" when the day of ovulation arrives. Good luck!

Beth Kiley is the author of the international best-selling e-book, Personal Path to Pregnancy. For more tips on getting pregnant, get her FREE report, “The 7 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid”, by going here

Baby Colic – When Is The Right Time to Seek Medical Help?

However frustrating and stressful baby colic may appear to be, it is not usually regarded as a major concern by pediatricians. In fact, the majority of parents will simply be advised to do their best to cope with the situation until it disappears of its own accord.

Nonetheless, even though you think your baby is crying because of colic or colic like symptoms you should contact the baby's doctor for a second opinion if any of the following signs appear.

• A loss of appetite or lack of interest at feeding time. This may be an indication of digestive problems
• Bowel changes and in particular diarrhea. This is often caused by dehydration and can be dangerous, and on occasion, fatal in babies and small children
• Fever can cause brain damage of a permanent nature so a high temperature accompanied with crying requires the baby to be examined by a doctor
• Vomiting is another cause of dehydration and is often a sign of infection
• Rashes are usually indicative of an allergy of some description
• A change in breathing can mean your baby is suffering with an allergy and this can be particularly dangerous amongst young children and babies

All baby crying should not simply be put down to colic even if your baby has already been diagnosed as colic suffering in the past. Any unusual crying sessions which don’t appear to fit in with the typical crying pattern of your baby or small child should be assessed individually and medical help needs to be sought as soon as possible especially when crying is accompanied by any of the above mentioned symptoms.

The baby is not the only one to suffer when experiencing colic. More often than not the parents or those looking after the baby become exhausted from lack of sleep and this is when other more serious symptoms are sometimes overlooked. For this reason it is essential to keep a close eye on what you assume to be your baby's colic to ensure no other more serious conditions are affecting your child. The rule of thumb is to always consult your baby's doctor if you think there are other symptoms present.

For more info on baby colic relief, click here

How to find support for postpartum depression?

It becomes very difficult to explain to people that you are depressed right after having a baby. People would be shocked and might even wonder what is wrong with you. You, yourself, might wonder what is happening. But every fourth new mother has reported suffering from 'baby blues' or postpartum depression. Finding support in such a situation could be difficult. But it is not that only women suffer postpartum depression. Few men too have reported to have got the 'baby blues'.

Postpartum depression strikes usually when least expected – just a few days after having the baby. On the one side parents are just so thrilled to have a new person in their family. On the other, postpartum depression makes them develop a dislike for themselves, even the baby and everything around. Feelings of inadequacy and extreme dullness during this period are normal. Patients might begin with simple feelings of depression and frustration. Dismissing these symptoms could make the feelings get worse leading to even thoughts of suicide. This is when new mothers need the most support. If untreated, the condition could worsen and last for several months or even years. It could become postpartum psychosis requiring urgent medical help.

For more info, visit www.PPDMiracle.com

As of now, doctors are able to support women suffering from postpartum depression only with muscle relaxants, anti-depressants and hormonal therapy. Neither of these seems to be a very good idea with the patient in the process of breastfeeding the baby.

True support and cure for patients of postpartum depression comes from natural healing options. These should be combined with a holistic approach including family support.

There are several nice support groups and blogs online too. You could connect with women from across America who have suffered from postpartum depression and even make friends. Finding solutions, help with holistic and natural cures for the symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) is all quite easy if you go online. Interacting with other new mothers in special blogs and discussion groups could be way more helpful than sitting back and wondering.

Try and involve your spouse too in the healing process. Your spouse's support is vital when it comes to postpartum depression. Do not wait for others to help you but reach out for support from family members also.

Even though you might not try the regular drugs prescribed for postpartum depression, do not forget to discuss the situation with your doctor. Also discuss with your doctor the herbal or natural cure that you want to try for your postpartum depression. If you check online groups you would also find other women who have used similar natural remedies and you would be able to discuss your fears with them also.

Doctors do recommend psychiatric therapy for postpartum depression. You might not take the drugs but if you feel comfortable about therapy sessions you could try some for support. But remember the key to handling postpartum depression is a natural remedy along with a properly designed diet and exercise routine. That's all the support you really need to beat the 'baby blues'.
For more info, click here

IVF Day One - Get Started on the Right Foot

The decision to do an IVF cycle is never easy to make, especially when you consider the financial cost and average margin for success. Here’s a little secret that will increase your chances of conceiving: before IVF day one comes around, start priming your mind and body to produce healthy eggs and receive the embryos. The medication and procedures involved in the cycle can be physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging, and studies show that stress can affect fertility and IVF outcomes. By educating yourself and preparing for what lies ahead, you’ll be able to lessen the impact of stress, boost your body’s fertility, and go through your cycle calm with a sense of calm that will increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Eat well

A well-nourished body is a healthy body. Eliminate junk food, trans-fats, and refined sugar from your diet and replace them with organic vegetables, fruits, and lean meats. It’s important that you eat organic food as much as possible in order to avoid contaminating your body with pesticides, which can be passed on to babies and affect their development. Two months before the cycle starts, take a daily pre-natal vitamin to make up for any missed nutrients.

Guided imagery and visualization

When the IVF cycle starts, it is possible that you can become your own worst enemy. What do I mean by this? There will be times when you can drive yourself crazy with all sorts of many negative thoughts and what ifs. It’s perfectly normal to worry about the outcome of the cycle, but giving into negative thinking will cause unnecessary emotional strain – not to mention that it may serve as a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Guided imagery and visualization can help keep you optimistic, relaxed, and sane. This approach involves using your imagination and mental imagery to picture a desired outcome – the swelling of your follicles, the fertilization of several eggs, and the implantation of at least one embryo into your uterus. Studies show that using imagery releases neurotransmitters that tranquilize the body, lowering blood pressure and anxiety levels. Imagery has such a potent effect over the body that researchers noted that IVF patients who used visualization during the embryo transfer felt better prepared and more optimistic about the outcome.

Doing guided imagery is so simple –just imagine what it would feel like to hold your son or daughter in your arms. If you don’t know where to start, you can purchase DVDs with a guide who can direct your thoughts in a more streamlined manner. Whatever approach you choose, be your own best friend by spending at least 15 minutes a day engaging in guided imagery to keep your thoughts and emotions in check.

Acupuncture

Among all the alternative treatments for infertility, acupuncture is perhaps the most highly recommended. This technique involves inserting needles into certain points in your body to improve the flow of qi, or life energy. According to acupuncturists, infertility is caused by blockages in the meridians or pathways to the reproductive organs. Stimulating certain points will get rid of the blocks and restore fertility. Acupuncture has been found to minimize the side effects of the fertility drug Lupron, prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and improve the blood flow to the uterus. It has also been found to increase pregnancy rates; studies show that women who receive acupuncture treatments on the day of the embryo transfer are more likely to get pregnant. Try not to be intimidated by the treatment’s use of needles; fans of acupuncture say that it’s just as relaxing as a full body massage.

This article is based on the book “The Full Embrace™ IVF Success Program by Diana Farrell, M.A. Diana’s books on enhancing IVF success have been sold all over the world, and she has helped many couples overcome their infertility with IVF and realize their dream of parenthood. Find out more by visiting her website: IVF Sucess Program

Selecting the Gender of Your Future Child

While there are many debates over how ethical it is to choose the gender of your child before they are born, the fact remains that there are some natural methods you can use that will increase the likelihood of having a child of a specific gender. The ethics of it are up to you and while no method is 100% accurate, there are a few things that you can try that will help you increase your chances for having either a boy or a girl.

These methods are centered around the fact that the sperm who carry Y chromosomes (which are necessary for a boy) are very different from the sperm that carry the X chromosome (which are necessary for a girl). By understanding these differences, and choosing the right methods, you are creating an environment where one type of sperm can outshine the other and reach the main destination first. Let's take a look at what you can do.

The Right Diet

Y sperm require an enivornment that is alkalai in nature, while X sperm need more acid. The PH levels of your body determine how thick the cervical discharge is and whether or not the desired sperm will be able to get through successfully. In order to have a girl, you need to eat a diet that is rich in calcium and magnesium. In order to have a boy, a diet rich in potassium and sodium is required.

The Right Time

The timing of when you have intercourse can greatly affect the gender of your child. Because the Y sperm need to reach the egg as quickly as possible, it is necessary to time intercourse to the day that you ovulate to increase your chances of having a boy. They will be able to reach the egg while it and they are still viable.

But in order to have a girl, you need to give the Y sperm time to die off, leaving the more durable X sperm behind. This means that you will need to time intercourse to approximately two to three days before ovulation. This gives the X sperm more than enough time to reach the egg.

The Right Position

The position you choose for intercourse can also determine the sex of your child. Once again, we fall back to the differences between sperm. The Y sperm need to reach their destination in as little time as possible. This means that they need to be released as close to the cervix as possible, shortening the trip they must take to the egg. Positions that allow for deep penetration are ideal. In order to have a girl, you need to make it more difficult for the Y sperm to reach their target on time. This means that positions where shallow penetration is achieved are necessary. The sperm will be deposited further away from the cervix, giving the X sperm the chance they need to reach the egg, and allowing the Y sperm to die off.

 To learn more about selecting the gender of your child, click here