• Last updated 9/29/10 by Mothering Editorial

Swimming can be done throughout pregnancy. It provides aerobic exercise, strengthens and tones the entire body, and is at once both relaxing and invigorating. If you already have a swimming routine, you should still be able to use it during pregnancy. Just adjust to your new energy level. Here are some simple ways to relax in the pool. Use a flotation vest if you like. Go the deep end of the pool. Do flutter kicks as fast as you can for about 30 seconds. Then do them as slowly as you can for another 30 seconds. Repeat this three to five ... read more

• Last updated 9/29/10 by Mothering Editorial

When you see photos of indigenous women, they are often squatting to cook a meal or to grind grain. As modern women, we’re not as used to squatting, but it increases the mobility of the pelvic joints and strengthens the muscles of the inner thighs and Achilles tendons. Squatting is also a great position in which to give birth, but it can be uncomfortable unless you get some practice. Stand with your feet about hip width apart and your heels on the floor. Keeping your back straight and your weight equally distributed between your heels and toes, squat... read more

• Last updated 9/29/10 by Mothering Editorial

The subject of testing in pregnancy is one that often causes women anxiety, sometimes in ways they are not even consciously aware of. The information that follows is provided because many health practitioners emphasize testing in pregnancy, and therefore it is helpful for women to know the facts about these tests. As always, though, it is best to keep reminding yourself that the conditions these tests screen for are rare, and even when the conditions are present, they are treatable. Maintaining your own serenity is the most important gift of health that you can give... read more

• Last updated 9/29/10 by Mothering Editorial

By Naomi Goldberg Web Exclusive I was drowning in waves of nausea. I felt lousy, and then some. My stomach wasn't cooperating, but my appetite was, an irony that I felt too ill to appreciate. I figured there was nothing I could do but mope hungrily about, watching as my family scarfed down the bounty that a Sunday night barbeque had to offer. "Don't you want anything to eat?" my sister asked me, noticing my empty plate. "It's really good." "No thanks, I'm just here as a spectator," I replied. "Perhaps I'll eat later." Perhaps! My mind said bitterly. "Perhaps"-yeah... read more

• Last updated 9/29/10 by Mothering Editorial

Change the microbial population in your body from bad to good by eating a probiotic diet, rich in fermented foods and beverages like kefir and cultured veggies. They are loaded with beneficial microflora that help conquer infections long before your baby is born. Fermented or probiotic foods are much more potent than probiotic supplements like acidophilus. Not a valued part of the American diet, has been traditionally eaten for thousands of years in various cultures around the world.When a mother includes fermented foods daily in her diet both before and during her... read more

• Last updated 9/29/10 by Mothering Editorial

What is your emergency procedure? Under what circumstances do you transport to the hospital? What hospital back-up or doctor back-up do you use or recommend? Are you trained in CPR? What emergency drugs do you have on hand, and for what purposes? What emergencies have you handled? What equipment and supplies do you bring to a birth? What is the procedure for checking progress during labor? blood pressure? fetal heart rate? Do you have preferences for position at birth? How do you feel about having older children attend the birth? Is a newborn exam done at... read more

• Last updated 9/29/10 by Mothering Editorial

Part of this early time of celebration of your new pregnant state includes taking stock of your lifestyle. Are you living a life that is compatible with the growth of a new human being? Are there changes you need to make? Most women start by questioning their health practices. Many worry about what they may have done in the weeks just prior to finding out they were pregnant. It's important not to get too hung up on what you've done before this moment. You can't change the past, but you can start to take care of yourself and your baby now. It is best to approach this... read more

• Last updated 9/29/10 by Mothering Editorial

Almost three-quarters of women will experience some form of morning sickness or nausea during pregnancy. Some women will experience just a bit of queasiness when they first wake up. Others might experience it at a different time of the day. Some women will feel sick enough to vomit at times. Still others will notice that they have very marked food likes and dislikes during this time. Despite its prevalence, the causes of morning sickness are not known for certain. Some possible reasons for it include: Increased level of hormones. In early pregnancy estrogen and hCG... read more

• Last updated 9/29/10 by Mothering Editorial

Amniocentesis is a procedure in which some of the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby is removed from the mother’s uterus. The amniotic fluid has passed in and out of the baby’s body, and therefore contains some of the baby’s cells. These cells can be read to see if a disease such as Down syndrome, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs, sickle cell anemia, or anencephaly is present.Why is Amniocenteses Used? This test is used to obtain information about the baby’s genetic makeup and the potential for genetically inherited diseases. It can also determine the gender of... read more

• Last updated 9/29/10 by Mothering Editorial

Many women report a strong urge to get ready for the baby as they approach the third trimester. This is the ideal time to think about what you will need to buy, or ask to be given.You are likely to find that you don’t need as much as advertisers might like you to believe. You may want to have fun decorating a room for the baby, buying beautiful furniture, soft carpets, and an army of stuffed animals. This is not a requirement, however, and many of us will find it easier to hold off on too many purchases until we have had the baby and know more about what works best for... read more