Archive for the ‘During Pregnancy’ Category

Motherhood after 40

The professional development, personal space construction and economic growth are factors that lead women to choose motherhood later and later. In this note, risks, preventive measures and treatments to learn more about being mothers under 40.

The significant social changes have meant that, at present, women increasingly relegated the possibility of being mothers, for this is very important to be informed about what the possibilities and complications of that decision.

As the incidence of any disease increases with age, this also happens with a pregnant woman – regardless of whether the design was naturally or through treatment -. Logically, the risk in pregnancy of these characteristics depend on each individual case and the existence of previous pathologies.

Regarding the baby, what happens is that the impact of age causes a decrease of oocyte quality, which increases the possibility of having children with genetic diseases – such as Down syndrome – and a higher rate of abortions. There is also the possibility of preterm labor with premature or low birthweight. These pregnancies are called “large or high risk.”

It is important to note that fertility is declining with the passage of time. The woman is prepared to bear children since menarche – first menstruation – until menopause – ending the same -. However, most fertility occurs between adolescence and 35 years from the age of the woman’s fertility begins to decline in haste, decreasing the quality and quantity of eggs. This is why it is very important – when planning to motherhood – being aware of age, which also affects men, although a bit later – around age 45 -.

When a pregnancy predict arrivals of 40, it is important that women perform a clinical and complete gynecological checkup, to address the search in the best physical condition. If there was any condition or disease, to know beforehand favors better control and development during gestation. Taking folic acid at least one to three months before conception, helps prevent certain birth defects in babies.

A good follow-up care is essential to be alert to any signs that may alter a pregnancy at this age, so it is recommended to stay informed and under constant professional supervision to avoid disappointment.

Exercise and pregnancy

Many women to become pregnant are concerns regarding their state of pregnancy and sports, the most common questions that are often made sport I can do while pregnant? Should I? What kind of exercises should I do?.

Exercise and pregnancy

Past pregnancy was considered as a disease. In cases where family finances permitting, the woman was confined to an almost absolute rest. Now, with existing control techniques, the possibility of exercising during pregnancy, not only is not contraindicated, but is recommended.

There are women who have never done sports and being in this state really knows what to do and we are also women who do do sports regularly and want to be pregnant despite continuing to do so.

First of all, it is essential that pregnant women consult with your doctor whether the type of exercise you want to do is recommend as his physical condition and the conditions of pregnancy. Not in all cases it is possible to practice sports.

If you exercise longer before becoming pregnant, consultation with the coach or the doctor’s fitness center is designed to determine whether to change any habit or exercise.

It is important that the monitor of the class or the caretaker of the facilities (pool, weight room, etc), know that you’re pregnant, not only to advise to perform the exercise, but if something goes wrong succor.
Recommended physical activity during pregnancy

pregnancy and exercise

It is always advisable to start walking. 3 to 4 days a week for 30 minutes helps to have well toned legs. Even in the first 3 months you can take classes such as aerobics or activities for smooth steps. Later you should avoid any activity that involves jumping. The bike is also a good option.

Because hormones widen your ligaments and vary the behavior of your body, do not be brave. Your body will gradually be the one who was and will have to adapt to it.

If not exercised before being pregnant, now is the time to start practicing simple drills and regular. First, determine at what level you are and what exercises you think would like to accomplish. It is best to start with a few short sessions to gradually increase its frequency and duration.

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Pregnancy and drugs

The need to prescribe drugs to any young woman asks the doctor, be it clinical or specialist gynecologist, problems regarding the possibility of a pregnant woman found in front, who may or may not know your situation. What would obey such a problem?

Pregnancy and drugsDo not forget that when given a drug to a pregnant mother, it also acts, in a variable manner, on the embryo or fetus, who is a subject in active, continuous and dynamic change, physiological characteristics make it particularly sensitive to the action of all substances which cross the placenta. That is why it is essential to tell your physician the possibility or the certainty of a pregnancy, if he omitted question about it. We know today that many factors contribute to the negativity that the drugs administered to pregnant women can have on the unborn baby. Among them we must rank the anatomical and functional characteristics of it’s own time when you are given medicines whose chemical characteristics are also vital. It is based on the foregoing, the doctor will select the type, style, time and dose of therapy chosen. Only someone who is thoroughly familiar with the biological conditions of the mother-child unit can bring to conclusion this process which seeks the good health of the mother should not cause harm to unborn child. Must be inferred from this that the self-medication, which is always risky for anyone who carries out, this is doubly damaging, the possible effect on the mother, compounded by the harmful action of a being in training, who by this condition is highly sensitive activity against external agents.

We believe it may be useful for understanding the influence of drugs on being pregnant, analyze what happens at different stages of gestation, from conception until birth. The embryonic period encompasses the first eight weeks and is characterized by rapid differentiation to acquire most of the anatomical features of the human species. It is the stage of formation of: organ par excellence, hence the action of external agents, both chemical (drugs) and physical (X-rays) can cause birth defects. We had already found that the ability to produce such damage (teratogenicity), varied not only according to the type of drug, but also and especially in relation to the timing of development in which he played. Thus during the first two weeks, or until the implantation of the egg or zygote, there seems to be a low susceptibility to drug action, judging from the little evidence gathered in connection with the production of malformations, could it be because the action foreign agent can cause death of the zygote. It was noted, however, that mothers who consumed lysergic acid during the period immediately following conception, gave birth to babies with malformations in the limbs, this is due to the action that this drug has on the chromosomes (particles of the nucleus carry the genes of heredity). By nesting the embryo in the uterus, at the end of the second week begins the period of very rapid differentiation in the growth of many vital organs.

The same is continued until the eighth week and is characterized by a high sensitivity on the part of the embryo to the action of drugs administered to pregnant women, who often ignores his status. Numerous and important organs may be affected in their development, thus giving rise to congenital malformations. Such is the case of central nervous system, some organs of the senses (sight and hearing), heart, limbs and external genitalia. The negative action can affect several organs are fully developed at that time: the case of rubella virus that can affect both the heart, eyes and ears. In other situations the action is specific to particular organs, as with thalidomide (nervous system depressant), which interferes with the development of arms and legs, while respecting the overall growth and the nervous system and circulatory system. We recall that in the 60s in Germany alone, were born more than seven thousand children with malformations due to consumption of this drug by their mothers in the first two months of pregnancy. In the fetal period, which extends from the eighth week until birth, to complete the development of structures, differentiating the various functions of many organs, which highlights the nervous system and genital tract, which adopts and characteristics of each sex. External agents can then further affect the growth and function of organs, systems and devices, with less chance of malformation.

As you can see, the period of greatest risk in relation to the possibilities of actions harmful to the child in his gestation period corresponds to the first weeks of a pregnancy can still be ignored. We reiterate therefore that it is absolutely essential to avoid any potential self-medication by pregnant as a result to be all women of childbearing age. Confirmed pregnancy should only be used prescription medications by physicians, which should always be advised of this situation when radiological studies indicate start drug treatments. These tips are part of the Childcare antenatal, ie that branch of medicine that deals with the child from conception until birth, always keeping in mind that no values above life itself and health, considered both as biological, such as affective, social and spiritual.

Oral hygiene of pregnancy to early childhood

Oral hygiene of pregnancy to early childhoodColgate

It is very important for the mother to take care of both their oral health and that of your baby. This care starts even before the baby is born. This guide brings important messages about oral health from pregnancy through two years of age.

Prenatal

* Control tooth.
Make a cleaning and evaluation of their teeth. Rest assured that whatever your dentist says is fact. The germs that cause decay can happen to her baby during pregnancy.

* Brush three times a day.
Brush teeth at least three times a day using a soft toothbrush. Be sure to place the bristles at the meeting point between the gums and teeth: this is where gingivitis starts.

* Floss daily.
Use dental floss daily to get to where the brush does not reach.

* Limit foods containing starches and sugars.
Starchy foods and sugars can cause your teeth suffer from “acid attacks”. Sweets and soft drinks may be the cause, eat more fruits and vegetables.

* Prenatal testing.
Follow the advice of your doctor. It is important for both you and your baby.

* Get adequate amounts of calcium.
You need calcium to form their baby teeth. Milk, cheese, vegetables and leafy greens are good sources of calcium.

Vaccines during pregnancy, their pros and cons

Vaccines during pregnancy, their pros and consVaccines during pregnancy are indications and contraindications. The first is based especially on preventing diseases that can damage the baby is in gestation. Contraindications, however, are based on the potential damage that has any drug or drug administered during pregnancy. There is desirable to conduct a first: the appropriate vaccinations should be done before pregnancy.

Insist and fulfill this preventive strategy is the role of clinicians and paediatricians. The obstetrician should usually opt for plans, a high number of patients are not ideal because the query is usually performed during pregnancy. The vaccine is given routinely to pregnant women is a tetanus shot. Adequate handling eliminates the possibility of this serious condition for both mother and newborn. Its application is made after the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

In special situations, contact risk, vaccines can be used to avoid severe consequences in pregnancy. Each of these situations are the subject of consultation and individual considerations.

Also before pregnancy should know the situation against rubella (dosage of antibodies). The consequences of this disease are often serious and preventable with proper vaccination. In general, side effects caused by administration of vaccines are not high risk. However, for safety, it is advisable not to apply a vaccine containing live viruses (measles, chickenpox, measles, mumps).

In short, women of childbearing age should receive appropriate vaccinations prior to pregnancy, since this is the most proactive.

Weight gain during pregnancy: How many kilos is expected to increase?

Weight gain in pregnancy is not the same throughout pregnancy and depends on various factors, such as pre-pregnancy weight (weight in early pregnancy), fluid retention and type of food. All these factors are evaluated by doctors and nutritionists who according to each woman’s personal history will say how many kilos should increase.

Weight gain during pregnancy

So taking into account guidance and pregestational factor we can say that women with:

* Normal prepregnancy weight, should increase 12 kg. (between 10 – 13kg).

* Prepregnancy weight in overweight or obese, should increase at least 7lbs (between 7 – 10kg).
* Low prepregnancy weight should increase more than 13kg (entre15-17Kg).

If we consider quarterly gain weight for a woman with normal prepregnancy weight is:

* 1st Quarter: 0 – 12th week: 0-1 Kg increase
* 2nd Quarter: 13 – 24 th week: 3-4 kg of increase
* 3rd Quarter: 25 º – 40 º week: 8lbs increase

During pregnancy is extremely important to have good food and the nutritional status of pregnant women affects pregnancy and the child’s weight at birth.

Undoubtedly, to have a healthy baby, the safest way is to choose a complete diet by limiting the consumption of fast foods (hamburgers, hot dog), simple sugars (candy, ice cream, soft drinks, cakes, etc..) And increase protein and fibers. To attend regular medical checks, be active, remove the cigarette, alcohol and limit caffeine.

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