Suggested Exercises for Pregnancy

Now that I am pregnant myself, I am enjoying doing more research and reminding myself about this stuff.  Exercise is something that I do not usually enjoy getting myself to do, but I know that it is beneficial, so this is a great reminder for me to get moving despite feeling icky.  Many times it can ultimately make you feel better (nudging myself).

www.babble.com

Exercises to Try

What type of exercise you do depends on what interests you and what your doctor advises.  Many women enjoy dancing, swimming, water aerobics, yoga, Pilates, biking, or walking.  Swimming can be especially appealing, as it gives you welcome buoyancy, relieving some of that extra weight you are carrying around.  Try bringing in a combination of cardio, strength and flexibility exercises, and avoid bouncing.

One of the most recommended forms of exercise is walking.  Anyone can do it, you can make it harder or easier by varying the pace or adding hills and distance.  If you are just starting, begin with a moderately brisk pace for a mile, 3 days a week.  Add a couple minutes every week, pick up the pace a bit, and eventually add hills to your route.  Whether you are a pro or a novice, go slowly for the first 5 minutes to warm up and use the last 5 minutes to cool down.

If you were a runner before you were pregnant, in many cases, you can continue running during your pregnancy, although you may have to modify your routine.

Whatever exercise you decide to pursue, the key is to listen to your body's warnings.  Many women, for example, become dizzy early in their pregnancy, and as the baby grows, their center of gravity changes.  So it may be easy for you to lose your balance, especially in the last trimester.

Your energy level may also vary greatly from day to day.  And as your baby grows and pushes up on your lungs, you will have more difficulty breathing in more air when exercising.  If your body says, "Stop!", stop!  This is not the time to push yourself to the max.

Your body is telling you that it's had enough if you feel:
-fatigue
-dizziness
-heart palpitations (your heart pounds in your chest)
-shortness of breath
-pain in your back or pelvis

And if you cannot talk while you are exercising, you are going too hard.

It can also be dangerous for your baby if you become overheated because temperatures greater than 102.6 degrees F (39 degrees C) could cause problems with the developing baby, especially in the first trimester, that can lead to birth defects.  So be careful to not overdo it on hot days.  When the weather is hot, try avoiding exercising outside during the hottest part of the day (from about 10am to 3pm) or exercise in an air-conditioned place.  Also remember that swimming makes it more difficult for you to notice your body heating up because the water makes you feel cooler.

Kegel Exercises

www.i-am-pregnant.com/encyclopedia

Kegel exercises are great exercises to do when pregnant.  Since you cannot see them being done from the outside, you can do them anywhere.  They are used to reduce incontinence (the leakage of urine) caused by the weight of the baby on the bladder.  Kegels help to strengthen the "pelvic floor muscles" (the muscles that aid in controlling urination and supports the weight of everything on the pelvic floor).

Kegels are easy, and you can do them any time you have a few seconds such as sitting in your car, at your desk, or standing in line at the store.  No one will even know you're doing them!  To find the correct muscles, pretend you are trying to stop urinating.  Squeeze those muscles for a few seconds, then relax.  You are using the correct muscles if you feel a pull.  Or place a finger inside your vagina and feel it tighten when you squeeze.  Your doctor can also help you identify the correct muscles.

When you perform Kegel exercises, do not tighten other muscles (stomach or legs) at the same time.  You want to focus on the muscles you are exercising.  Do not hold your breath while you do them because it is important that your body and muscles continue to receive oxygen while you do any type of exercise.  Do not practice doing Kegels while urinating, as this can lead to incomplete emptying of your bladder, which increases the risk for a urinary tract infection.

Exercises to Avoid

Most doctors recommend that pregnant women in second and third trimesters avoid any exercises that involve them lying flat on their backs.  Unless you receive other advice from your doctor, it is best to avoid any activities that include: bouncing, jarring (anything with a lot of up and down movement), leaping, a sudden change of direction, or a risk of abdominal injury.

www.momjunction.com

Some typical limitations include contact sports, downhill skiing, scuba diving, and horseback riding because of the risk of injury they pose.  Also, because your abdomen is stretched so much already, it is best to avoid crunches or sit-ups as well. 

Although some doctors say step aerobics workouts are acceptable if you can lower the height of your step as your pregnancy progresses, others caution that a changing center of gravity makes falls much more likely.  If you do choose to do aerobics, just make sure to avoid becoming extremely winded or exercising to the point of exhaustion.

You may want to contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms during exercise:
-vaginal bleeding
-unusual pain
-dizziness or lightheadedness
-unusual shortness of breath
-racing heartbeat or chest pain
-fluid leaking from your vagina
-uterine contractions

Exercise is great for your pregnant body.  There are a variety of things you can do to keep your body fit and healthy.  But it is also important to pay attention to your body and to not push yourself too hard.  Your body is different during this time and reacts to exercise differently because of that.  Get moving and talk to your doctor about safe exercise or concerns.  Thanks for reading!

Exercise During Pregnancy

Although you may not feel like running a marathon, most women benefit greatly from exercising throughout their pregnancies.  During that time, you will need to discuss your exercise plans with your healthcare provider to make sure it fits with your health status and with your pregnancy.  Your level of recommended exercise will depend somewhat on your level of fitness prior to pregnancy.

Benefits!

It's pretty common knowledge that exercise is good for you, and it is good for your baby too.  As long as complications do not limit your ability to exercise, please do!

*It can help you feel better when your body is acting all weird.  It can boost your energy level and increase your sense of control over your out-of-control body.  Just the endorphins (naturally occurring chemicals in the brain) can make you feel like a new woman.  But that's not all!

-Exercise can relieve backaches and improve your posture by strengthening and toning muscles in your back, butt, and thighs.

-Exercise can reduce constipation by accelerating movement in your intestine.

-Exercise can prevent wear and tear on your joints (which become loosened during pregnancy due to normal hormonal changes) by activating the lubricating fluid in your joints.

-Exercise can also help you sleep better because you are able to release the stress and anxiety that could make you restless at night.

*It can help you look better too!  Exercise increases the blood flow to your skin, which gives you a beautiful glow.

*It can help your body prepare for birth.  Strong muscles and a strong heart can greatly ease labor and delivery and lower risks.  The health of your lungs and practice controlling your breathing can help you manage pain.  And in the event of a long labor, the endurance from exercise can be a great help as well.

*It can help you regain your pre-pregnancy body more quickly.  If you are regularly exercising throughout your pregnancy, you will gain less fat weight.  But do not expect or try to lose weight by exercising while you are pregnant.  For most women, the goal should be to maintain their fitness level throughout their pregnancy.

* Studies have shown that by 5 years of age, the children of women who exercised during pregnancy remain leaner and continue to have slightly better neurodevelopment than children of non-exercisers (Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland).  They also found that sedentary women who began moderate weight-bearing exercise early in pregnancy had babies significantly bigger than those who didn't exercise.

What's a Safe Exercise Plan During Pregnancy?

It depends on when you start exercising and whether your pregnancy is complicated.  If you exercised prior to becoming pregnant, go ahead and keep doing what you were doing before, with modifications if you need them.

If you were not fit before pregnancy, don't be discouraged!  You can do it!  Begin slowly and build gradually as you become stronger.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes (that's 2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week for healthy women who are not already highly active or doing vigorous-intensity activity.  If you are healthy, the risks of moderate-intensity activity during pregnancy are very low, and do not increase risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery, or early pregnancy loss.

But it is good to remember that before you continue your old routine or begin something new, you should talk to your healthcare provider about exercising while you're pregnant.  Discuss concerns you may have and take some recommendations from them.

You may need to limit your exercise if you have/had:
-pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
-early contractions/preterm labor
-vaginal bleeding

Getting Started

If you are not sure where to start in an exercise routine, start with the above prenatal exercise suggestions.  These strengthen important muscles and are also tailored specifically for pregnancy.

1.  Start gradually.  Even 5 minutes a day is a good start if you have been inactive.  Add 5 minutes each week until you reach 30 minutes.

2.  Dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothing and wear a supportive bra.

3.  Drink plenty of water to avoid overheating (temperature above 102.6 degrees F could cause problems for the baby) and dehydration.

4.  Skip your exercises if you are sick.

5.  On hot, humid days, opt for a walk in an air-conditioned mall.

6.  Above all, listen to your body!!!

Next time, I am going to talk more specifically about different exercises to try and ones to avoid.  Let me know in the comments if there is something I am missing or something you are interested in hearing about in the future.  I'd love to get your feedback!  Thanks for reading!

What Should You Eat During Pregnancy?

retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food

It is important to eat a healthy diet while you are pregnant.  A healthy diet gives you what you need for all of the changes your body is going through.  Healthy food and good nutrition also helps your baby grow and develop. 

First, it is important to know that there is no magic formula for a healthy pregnancy diet.  In reality, the basic principles for a healthy diet remain the same while pregnant.  Get plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.  Drink lots of liquids too.  Liquids help your blood and body fluids to circulate well, helps you digest your food, helps prevent constipation, and helps to prevent urinary tract infections as well.  Be sure you are also supplementing your healthy diet with a prenatal vitamin.  This will help you make sure you are getting everything you and baby need.  Here is a food guide to help you get started 

Dairy Products (4-8 oz cups/day):  These calcium-rich foods are important for building bones and teeth for the baby.  They are a source of small amounts of protein, and can provide healthy gut bacteria for you.  Good sources include milk, cheese, and yogurt.

 Protein Foods (2-3 servings of 6-8 oz/day):  These foods help in the building and repairing of body tissues for the baby and can help maintain a more constant blood sugar level which gives you energy throughout the day.  Good sources include beef, poultry, pork, fish, other meats, cheese, beans, eggs, luncheon meat, nuts, peanut butter, peas, soybeans, and tofu.

Fruits (2-4 servings of 1/2 cup/day):  These foods contain many vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, which helps in the formation of connective tissue for the baby and boosts your immune system.  Good sources include apricots, cantaloupe, grapefruit, lemons, oranges, raw cabbage, strawberries, tangerines, and tomatoes.

Vegetables (3-5 servings of 1/2 cup/day):  These foods also contain many vitamins and minerals that you need.  Vitamin A is a major one that is important for healthy eyes and skin for both you and the baby.  Good sources include broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, chard, greens, kale, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and squash.

Grains (6-11 servings/day):  These foods contain B vitamins that are important for the nervous system, give energy, and help with digestion.  Good sources include enriched or whole grain varieties of bread, dry cereals, cooked cereals such as quinoa or oatmeal, crackers, pasta, rice, and tortillas.


Fluids (6-8 cups/day):  Fluids are important for kidney function, circulation of body fluids and blood, and help prevent constipation.  All beverages are acceptable sources of fluids except those with caffeine or alcohol.  Caffeine should be consumed in moderation, and alcohol should be avoided.

Fats (use sparingly):  Fats are needed for energy and vitamin metabolism and do a lot in the body.  They are important, especially those which contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, but should not be eaten in high amounts.  Good sources are butter, olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, nut butters, and fatty fish such as salmon.

retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food

While a basic healthy diet is the same pregnant or not, there are a few notable nutrients that deserve special attention. 

Folate and folic acid
Folate is a B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects in the baby, serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord.  The synthetic form of folate found in supplements and fortified foods is known as folic acid.  Folic acid supplementation has been shown to decrease the risk of preterm delivery.  Good sources include fortified cereals, leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and dried beans and peas.  Prenatal vitamins contain the correct amount of folic acid needed during pregnancy as well.

Calcium
Both you and your baby need calcium for strong bones and teeth.  Calcium also helps the circulatory, muscular, and nervous systems to run well.  Dairy products contain the best absorbed calcium.  Nondairy sources include broccoli and kale.  Many juices and breakfast cereals are also fortified with calcium.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D also helps you and your baby develop strong teeth and bones.  Good sources include fatty fish such as salmon and fortified milk and orange juice.

Protein
Protein is vital for the growth of your baby, especially during the second and third trimesters.  Good sources are listed above, but I will review a few here as well.  Lean meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are great sources of protein.  Some other options include peanut butter, dried beans and peas, tofu, and dairy products.  

Iron
Iron-rich foods should be included somewhere in your diet and are important since your circulating blood increases while pregnant.  Iron helps oxygen get to the tissues in your body which gives you energy and boosts your immune system.  It is also vital for the growth of your baby.  Good sources include liver, lentils, soybeans, sunflower seeds, almonds, clams, oysters, prune juice, liverwurst, dried peas and beans, tuna, salmon, mackerel, shrimp, sardines, veal, beef, pork, walnuts, and enriched grains such as flour and noodles.  Your prenatal vitamins will include iron, however, your healthcare provider may recommend you take a separate iron supplement.

Fiber (at least 1 serving/day):  Foods high in fiber help with digestion and prevent constipation when lots of fluids are also consumed.  Good sources include fresh fruits, raw vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans), and bran.

*Side note:  As encouragement to those who are sick throughout pregnancy and cannot keep as healthy of a diet as they would like.....

It may not look like you are getting what you need, but your body knows what to do.  Do what you can to take in food and make sure you are taking a prenatal vitamin.  Except in extreme cases, you should be getting what you need.  And stressing about it is not good for you or the baby either.  Do what you can to be healthy and then trust in God's control over all things.  He will take care of you and your little one.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) 

Preterm Labor

How is the due date calculated?
Your baby needs to continue to grow inside you for the full term of your pregnancy.  Your due date is calculated based on your menstrual cycle since most people do not know the day they conceived.  The human gestational period is 38 weeks from conception to birth.  During a normal cycle, a woman has her menstrual period starting 2 weeks before her fertile period.  So, that is why pregnancy is said to last 40 weeks.

What is preterm labor?
Labor earlier than three weeks before your due date can lead to the delivery of a premature baby with some associated risks.

Report to your Healthcare provider with any of the following symptoms:

• low, dull backache
• 6 or more contractions per hour, or every 10 minutes or less
• increased pelvic pressure (may include thigh cramps)
• something feeling different, such as sensation of baby dropping
• flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• increased vaginal discharge 
• vaginal bleeding

What do uterine contractions feel like?

• menstrual cramps
• sensation of the "baby rolling up in a ball"
• abdominal cramping (may include diarrhea)
• increased uterine activity compared to previous patterns 

What do I do if I have some of these symptoms?
Before calling your doctor, there may be things you can do at home to stop the increased contractions.  Having a full bladder or being dehydrated can cause these premature contractions, so once these problems are resolved, they may go away on their own. 

• Stop what you are doing and empty your bladder
• drink 3-4 glasses of water
• lie down on your left side for one hour while feeling for and counting contractions
• put your hand on your abdomen and feel for tightening and hardening of your uterus
• count how many contractions you have during the hour you are lying down
• if your contractions do not slow down after these actions, call either your doctor's office or Labor and Delivery at your hospital immediately, and they will give you directions from there 

 If you have any of these symptoms, report them to your doctor immediately:

• change in vaginal discharge, such as color or amount
• leaking clear fluid
• spotting or bleeding
• vaginal discharge with a fish-like odor immediately after intercourse 

 If you need to go to the hospital:
If you have some of these symptoms, and your doctor believes your are in preterm labor, you may be told to go to the hospital.  Once you arrive, your doctor, midwife, or nurse may:

• ask about your medical history, including medications and supplements you have been taking during your pregnancy
• check your pulse, blood pressure, and temperature
• put a monitor on your belly to check the baby's heart rate and your contractions
• swab your cervix for fetal fibronectin, which can help predict the risk of delivering early
• get a urine sample to check for UTI and signs of infection 
• check your cervix to see if it is opening

found on https://www.healthtap.com/user_questions/233264

What will happen if I am in preterm labor?
If you have been determined to be in preterm labor after all of these checks, they will first try to stop the labor, unless you are very late in pregnancy and have had a low-risk pregnancy.  If they are unable to stop labor or if your water has already broken, they may do other things to slow it down and improve the risks for you and the baby.  These are some things they may do once you are determined to be in preterm labor:

• give IV fluids
• give medicine to relax your uterus and stop labor
• give medicine to speed up the development of the baby's lungs 
• give antibiotics
• admit you to the hospital

My personal experience
I personally experienced preterm labor with my first baby.  I was around 26 or 27 weeks pregnant, and I noticed I was having a lot more Braxton-Hicks contractions than normal.  I laid down on the couch and drank some water, but felt no relief.  I laid on the couch for over an hour with contractions that were every 6-8 minutes apart, but they were not regular nor painful.  So, I hesitantly called my doctor, and he told me to go ahead and come to the hospital.  They took my vital signs and my urine and hooked me up to the monitor to find that I was in fact in labor with some strong contractions.  My urine came back from the lab as positive for a urinary tract infection, so the doctor determined that the UTI was the reason my body went into labor.  They gave me magnesium to stop my labor, which was an unpleasant experience because my blood pressure bottomed out, and they had to give me something else to raise my pressure.  Once my labor stopped, and my blood pressure was normal, I was sent home with antibiotics for my UTI.

I was so thankful that everything worked out, and that I was able to have my big (9lbs, 2oz) healthy baby boy at 39 weeks.  I pray that none of you have to experience preterm labor or delivery of a preterm baby as it can be a scary experience.  But you can use this post as a reference if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Thanks for reading!
 

Becoming a Mother, part 2

from www.elizabethyarnell.com

When you become pregnant, you expect the big belly, the battle of the stretch marks, and the glow, but you don't always realize how many other things can come with the growing of a baby.  There are so many changes to a woman's body when they conceive that it can become a little disconcerting to have so many odd symptoms pop up.  If you are a worrier, this can be an extremely anxious time for you.  However, if you know the physiological changes going on in your body, you can then understand why certain symptoms are showing up.  I believe many women struggle with the lack of control you have of your own body when you become pregnant.  But I think it helps to understand what is happening in the background.  Here I would like to summarize a few common discomforts pregnancy can bring and give a little physiology as to why this could be a symptom you experience.

Constipation can be caused by changes in the digestive tract due to hormones slowing the movement of food through the system.  The iron in prenatal vitamins can also cause constipation.  To avoid this discomfort, drink plenty of liquids and eat fruits and vegetables with a high fiber content.  It also helps to stay active and not to sit for long periods of time.

Hemorrhoids can be caused by strained bowel movements and from the extra pressure on the veins of the intestine from the uterus which is growing heavier as the pregnancy progresses.  This can make it difficult for these veins to drain.  Do not push hard during a bowel movement as this can cause even more pressure on those veins.  It also helps to try to avoid constipation in order to prevent hemorrhoids as well.  Drink lots of water!

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that are also caused by hormonal and metabolic changes.  The cause of these symptoms are not completely understood, but tend to come with the increase of pregnancy hormones.  Before rising in the morning, eat crackers or something bland and do not get up too quickly.  It helps to sit at the side of the bed for a bit first.  Try to eat small meals every 3 hours and eat protein-rich food about an hour before going to bed at night.  Do not lay down right after eating.  Since your sense of smell is elevated, it also helps to avoid foods that trigger your nausea and eat foods cold or room temperature since aromas are stronger when hot.

Heartburn occurs when digested food from your stomach is pushed into your esophagus.  This can happen, again, because of hormonal changes in the digestive tract or because of pressure put on your stomach from your growing uterus.  Try eating smaller quantities of food, several times a day.  Avoid spicy and greasy foods, and try not to eat right before bed.  Sometimes sleeping with your head elevated by two or three pillows will help.

Fatigue occurs because your body is doing a lot of different things while pregnant, and hormone changes can leave you feeling exhausted.  My husband says, "Well, yeah, you're tired!  You're growing a person!"  It can also be caused by your sleep being interrupted by getting up during the night to use the bathroom and from feeling uncomfortable when trying to sleep.  It helps to try to get eight hours of sleep at night and to eat a balanced diet.  Take naps if you are able.

Headaches may occur because there is more blood in your body to share with the baby.  It may take some time for your body to adjust to this increase in blood volume.  Usually headaches go away after the first trimester.  If you experience headaches, take some acetaminophen and apply a warm or cold compress to your head or neck.  Try to find out what triggers the headache.  Dehydration, certain foods, stress, fatigue, excessive heat or cold, or tobacco smoke are some common triggers.

Frequent urination occurs because of hormone changes that have your kidneys working harder to filter out things in your blood stream, and because your blood volume increases, there is more fluid for your kidneys to filter into your bladder.  It also occurs because of the extra pressure on your bladder from your growing uterus.  Continue to drink plenty of water and do not resist the urge to urinate.

Stretch marks can result when your body grows faster than your skin can keep up with, and the elastic fibers just under the skin's surface break.  In pregnancy, it can happen on the abdomen, the sides, and on the breasts.  These brightly colored marks fade after pregnancy.  Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent these marks because they tend to be genetically determined, but keeping your skin moisturized and your body hydrated are good ways to keep away the itchiness that also happens with the stretching.

Varicose veins are swollen veins that bulge near the surface of the skin and appear blue or purple.  They are produced by the pressure of the uterus on the pelvic area, which makes circulation difficult during pregnancy.  Usually, they appear in the legs, but can also occur in the vulva area.  It can be painful or uncomfortable because blood is backed up in that area.  Move frequently to improve circulation and elevate your legs when possible.  Support stockings may also help you if this becomes a big problem.

Breathing can become difficult at times during pregnancy, especially towards the end.  This can happen as the baby grows larger and takes up more space in the abdomen.  There is less space for your lungs to expand.  Breathe deeply several times a day to ease discomfort.  Sleeping propped up on pillows may help at night.

Backaches can occur as the body's weight increases and its center of gravity moves forward.  The natural curves of the spine become much more pronounced.  This can occur as early as the end of the first trimester.  To help prevent strain, wear low-heeled supportive shoes.  There are also maternity girdles and other supportive clothing that can be purchased.  Make sure that any supportive clothing used is not binding.

Swelling can occur due to retention of water in the tissues of your body.  Mild swelling is related to the normal and necessary increase in body fluids in pregnancy and the difficulty of circulation of the lower extremities.  Some swelling of the ankles and legs is considered completely normal.  Swelling of the hands and face can be signs of blood pressure issues, however.  Try to elevate your legs whenever possible and avoid binding clothing and jewelry.

That is all I have for tonight!  If you have any questions or ideas for me to write about, please comment below.  Also, stay tuned for more about safe medications during pregnancy and a word from my friend about bringing home a new baby to a family of many small children.  I'm looking forward to hearing her tips and advice for that time in life!  

Becoming a Mother, Part 1

There are so many questions around pregnancy and then there are even more questions once the baby comes.  I started thinking about this subject a few months ago when I started receiving questions from my sister, who is pregnant with her first baby.  There is so much information thrown at pregnant women these days from information given at the doctor's office to information found (or should I say stumbled upon) on the internet to unsolicited advice from seasoned mothers.  How does one sift through it all and know what is true?  

I was going through papers I came across while unpacking boxes in our new house and found some information packets given to me when I was pregnant with my second baby.  Because it was my second, and I was too busy chasing around my 2 year old and traveling around the world, I didn't actually read the information.  I had decided I would send some of it on to my sister who would appreciate good information.  But as I read it, I realized that a lot of the information was either a little off or completely wrong.  They were just information sheets the Japanese nurse had typed up to hand out to all the obstetrics patients seeing her at the Navy base clinic where I was being seen the first half of my pregnancy.  

I decided then and there that I would type up my own information based on my experience and on my research on the subject.  I typed up some basic information for the first sheet to send to my sister, and then decided that I should make up a whole packet and share it on the internet.  I am not sure if I am just adding to the problem of information overload for these women, but I want to make sure there is good information out there for those who would trust a registered nurse with two babies of her own.  This is the latest information and research I could find, and there really is ongoing research and new information coming out all the time. 

40 Weeks of Pregnancy: General Guidelines to Get Started

Normal Discomforts 

• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Urinary frequency
• Stretch marks
• Varicose veins
• Strenuous breathing
• Backaches
• Swelling in lower extremities 

 Over-the-counter Medications to Avoid (unless approved by your doctor):  

• Aspirin
• Motrin/ibuprofen
• Aleve/naproxen
• Dayquil/phenylephrine
• Nyquil/doxylamine
• Pepto-Bismol/bismuth subsalicylate

Over-the-counter Medications that are Safe (unless contraindicated by your doctor):

• Tylenol/acetaminophen  
• Sudafed/pseudoephedrine
• Robitussin DM/dextromethorphan and guaifenesin
• Mylanta/aluminum and magnesium antacid 
• Tums/calcium carbinate

*If unsure, ask your doctor for approval of medications.

  

Activities:

• Try to minimize caffeine consumption to 1-2 servings a day (up to 1 cup of coffee).
• Avoid x-rays unless your doctor finds it absolutely necessary.
• Normal weight gain during pregnancy is 25-25 lbs.
• Regular exercise is recommended.  Do not lift more than 20-25 lbs.  Brisk walking, swimming, and stationary bicycling are recommended forms of exercise.  You may continue whatever form of exercise prior to pregnancy.

Contact Your Doctor If:

• You have vaginal bleeding that looks like a period.
• You have severe abdominal pain or cramping.
• You have a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit not lowered by Tylenol/acetaminophen.

*This is just the very first and basic information pregnant women should receive.  Please use this information as a reference.  Stay tuned for part 2 with more pregnancy information and some advice from a friend who has 4 children and lots of good experience.

Jonathan "Bronson" Scripture

So after much anxious anticipation, our little (and by little I mean, relatively huge) package has finally arrived. Would you like to meet him?

 "Hello. My name is Jonathan Bronson, but Mom and Dad usually just call me Bronson...or maybe Jon Bron. I was born on April 29th at 9:35 a.m.  Everybody kept talking about how big I was. I only weighed 9lbs 2oz and was just 21" long, but I guess that's pretty big considering I wasn't supposed to be here for another week.

 "Mom and Dad were SO happy to see me. I was pretty glad to finally be here, weird as this place is. I was especially glad to meet Mommy; she is so beautiful...and she feeds me. She was pretty tired afterwards, but the Doctor said that she and I were really healthy

 "It was quite a trip to get here, so I was pretty tired...and hungry, and then tired again, then hungry.

 "I've been hanging out with Dad some too. He doesn't quite seem to totally know what he's doing, but he sure seems to be trying hard, and he does seem to be pretty fond of me. I think he'll be alright.

 "At least I know I'll be rolling in style. Some volunteers at the hospital made me this awesome beanie to wear. It's cool. Handmade for me...no big deal.
I'm sure you'd like to see some more of me...who wouldn't? But Mom and Dad forgot to bring the camera cord, so the rest of the pictures will come later. Looking forward to meeting you all soon."
 -JBS

Big Belly

Tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment in which I will be having a procedure done called "stripping the membrane".  The doctor is hoping to begin labor with this very low risk procedure.  It is supposed to trigger the hormones that induce labor naturally.  He is nervous about letting me carry the baby much longer because of how big the baby is.  I'm really grateful for this type of attitude because I am SO anxious to have the baby.  I feel like I'm physically falling apart.  I'm so uncomfortable!  The doctor says that this procedure works for his patients about 50 percent of the time, so I'm hoping that it works for me.  If not, I may have to be induced within the next week.  I would of course rather go into labor by myself, but am definitely okay with being induced if it means getting a baby at the end.  How crazy to think that we will have another member of the family within a week!

Here are some pictures from about a week and a half ago that I haven't gotten up on the blog yet.

37 weeks

Luke drew henna on my belly.

 

Big Baby

I had another ultrasound at my doctor's appointment yesterday because last week I was measuring 3 weeks farther along again.  The doctor wanted to see if the baby was just really big or if maybe my due date was wrong.  It turns out that the baby is big.  According to the ultrasound, he's measuring 7 lbs 3 or 4 oz already.  I'm 37 weeks tomorrow, so I'm considered full term, but I technically have 3 more weeks until my due date.  The doctor said that the baby is in the 80th percentile, so he's definitely larger than normal but not "too big".  He also said that if the baby does get to be "too big", he will want to induce me at 39 weeks (2 WEEKS!!!).  I'm not sure when a baby is too big, but I'm pretty sure that the doctor is worried about my build birthing a "Luke baby".  :)  Until then, I'm supposed to cut down on sweets because the sugar goes straight to the baby.  We don't want to encourage the baby to keep growing too quickly. 

Glammor Shots with Baby

These pictures were taken by my friend Heather Clement when I was 34 weeks.  Here is the link to see the rest of the pictures.  Pictures 

A Little Excitment at 33 weeks

I had a little scare last week and had to go to the hospital.  Before you get all worried, the baby and I are both fine.  Here's what happened: 
Luke and I had a date night and were watching the basketball tourny at the end of the night when I started noticing that I was having a lot of Braxton-Hicks contractions.  I got a glass of water, laid down, and started watching the clock while watching Notre Dame lose.  I counted about 8-9 contractions in one hour.  I had recalled that the doctor had told me to call if I had 8 or more contractions in an hour, but decided that I was just dehydrated and needed another glass of water.  I watched the clock some more and found that I was having pretty regular contractions that got a little uncomfortable.  Luke timed a couple for me and said that my contractions were pretty regular at 2-3 minutes apart.  I didn't want to freak out too soon, but Luke convinced me to call the doctor anyway.  The doctor told me to come to the hospital to get it checked out.
I'm glad I did.  It turns out that I had a urinary tract infection that the doctor thinks was causing these contractions.  I was not dilating and the contractions were not progressing.  They tested me for a hormone that would show if I was going into preterm labor and gave me a medication to stop the contractions.  My contractions were stopped, and I tested positive for preterm labor, but was told that there are women who test positive and still go full term. 
I am fine now.  I do have more contractions than I used to, but have not had any very regularly.  The doctor told me this week that he will probably not do anything aggressive to keep me from going into labor now that I am 34 weeks.  I guess I am out of the woods for big complications with the baby.  But please pray that I can keep the baby in me for another couple of weeks and that he will be ready when he comes.  I honestly am okay with having the baby early because I'm getting very uncomfortable and anxious, but I don't want him too early that he may have problems.  I appreciate your prayers.

29 weeks

I went to the doctor the other day and found out that I gained 8 pounds in 4 weeks and am measuring 4 cm bigger than I should at 29 weeks.  The doctor said I should be exercising more and scheduled another ultrasound to see if I have extra fluid, the baby is just really big, or if he was positioned weird.  It made me a little nervous and explained why I have been so uncomfortable, but I'm excited to be able to see the baby again.  I may get some really cool pictures since he's so much bigger now.  And since the appointment, I have been making sure I'm not eating a ton of fatty or sugary foods and have been doing my prenatal yoga/walking everyday.  Hopefully it was just a growth spurt.

23 weeks

I'm having fun being pregnant.  I'm feeling the baby move around a lot.  Luke has even been able to feel him.  It's so weird to see my belly move around when the baby moves.  It's made the whole thing much more real to me.  I've been anxious to get started on the nursery.  My first step is to clean out the room, which is full of boxes of books right now.  I'm having Luke make me some shelves to put up on the walls to display childrens' books.  I also started a baby registry at Babies R Us.  It's not finished, and there are some things on it that I'm not sure if I really want before we go to Japan.  I thought it would be good to start organizing what the baby is going to need.  My next step is to find a half dresser that I can use as a changing table.  I'm hoping to find something on Craig's List.

20 Weeks! Halfway there!

These are probably my last ultrasound pictures of the baby.  The top picture is a profile of his face.  It's kind of hard to see because he was stubbornly lying on his belly during the ultrasound.  She couldn't get a very good picture of his face, but you can kind of see his nose and mouth.

This is his cute little foot!

 

This is another picture confirming that he's a boy!  You can see his little butt cheeks.  :)

 20 weeks!  

I think this is 18 weeks.  I wanted to post it to show another one of my maternity outfits.

Clothes, Clothes, Clothes

I finally went maternity clothes shopping on Monday!  Yay!  Clothes that actually fit!  I was surprised how great I looked in maternity clothes.  Instead of feeling big and fat, I felt very cute.  I realized that I just had to find the right size, which is slightly difficult with my build.  My friend, Heather, and I went to Motherhood Maternity and figured out that I just have to find the smallest size available.  Once we found my size (especially in jeans), it was great.  It seemed like I was trying on everything in the store.
I was very thankful to have Heather along with me.  I would have been really overwhelmed.  She helped me figure out what I needed, what I wouldn't wear, and what would fit up until the birth.  It was nice to have experienced input.

 This is me after my shopping experience.

Then....this morning I get a big package in the mail from my mom (Thanks Mom!).  I got MORE cute clothes.  I'm excited to wear them all.