Benefits of Water Birth

May 16th, 2011 Posted in Pregnancy
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Pregnant women may have the option to have water birth. They will have to undergo the delivery of their babies in tub or pool of warm water. There are some women who also choose to spend their labor at the water but would get out of it before delivery. But there are also other women who opt to deliver in the water as well. Water birth mimics the environment of the unborn inside the womb. The stress and the shock felt by babies as they come out are lessened because of the warm water. Mothers would not also feel so stressed if they deliver their babies this way.

There are other benefits of water birth as well aside from it being soothing, relaxing and comforting as well. Women who are on labor may feel to have more energy especially towards the final stages. Their weight on water is supported by the buoyant force thus they may be able to move freely on different positions. They may also benefit more because buoyancy helps in the uterine contractions and promotes more efficient circulation of the blood. Better blood circulation will deliver more oxygen that the baby needs. It also helps in lessening the pain that is felt by the mother in labor.

Women who also undergo water birth may feel relaxed. Their bodies may be able to produce more endorphins to relieve them of their pains. Their anxieties are reduced and their blood pressures are regulated as well. Women who choose to go for water birth may experience lesser tears of their perineum because it becomes more elastic when submerged in water. They are also able to concentrate more on their labor with lesser stress and anxiety. Mothers in labor may also have some sense of privacy if they are in the water.

Pregnant women who would like to choose water birth for their babies will have to consult with their doctors. There might be some instances or medical conditions that would make this procedure not possible. Water birth may be a wonderful experience for both mothers and babies but their health and their safety should be considered first. It is also important for pregnant women to check if the hospitals where they would deliver their babies have facilities for water birth. They will also select caregivers who have the proper training and experiences in helping pregnant women deliver through water birth. Pregnant women may undergo water birth if there are no health issues or other problems.

 

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Smoking and Pregnancy

April 3rd, 2011 Posted in Pregnancy
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Smoking and Pregnancy

There are countless people including pregnant women who smoke cigarettes at present. Some of these women may not be aware of the negative effects of their smoking habits on the unborn within their womb. The harmful substances may affect the growth and development of the fetus. Pregnant women who are heavy smokers have greater chances of experience abnormal conditions such as ectopic pregnancy. This usually occurs during their first trimester. The embryo may not grow as expected in its proper place. Instead it may develop along the fallopian tubes. When this happens, there is no chance for fetal survival. The life of the mother is also in danger as well.

Other studies also presents that pregnant women who smoke cigarettes also increase their risk of developing other health complications. They are more prone to problems in relation to the placenta. They may experience conditions where it blocks the entry point to the cervix. Cigarette smoking has degenerative effect on fetal growth and development. Babies may be born with weights below normal. They may likewise be affected by some diseases. Babies are more prone to suffer conditions such as cerebral palsy or mental deficiency as well as retardation too. At times, they may die because of weak bodies. Other babies may suffer from physical defects like cleft palate.

Pregnant women who smoke cigarettes may also affect the health of their babies after they are born. There have been some studies that present how nicotine can be absorbed by babies through breastfeeding. Nursing mothers may have some difficulty in controlling their urge to smoke. They may not also be aware that it is possible for their babies to be affected by their smoking habits right from the milk from their breasts. This may also be one of the causes for the babies to be smokers when they reach early adult life.

Pregnant women who smoke cigarettes have to make the right choices not only for themselves but for the unborn in their womb too. These unborn beings do not have to suffer the dangers and ill-effects of smoking cigarettes. It is the mothers’ responsibility to carry and bring out healthy babies into this world. Pregnant women who smoke cigarettes will have to decide. They will have to think about dragging the unborn beings into miserable lives that they did not choose. The ill-effects of cigarette smoking do not end in giving birth. Babies will be affected throughout their entire lives. Pregnant women have responsibilities towards themselves and to their babies as well.

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Discharges and Bleeding During Pregnancy

March 29th, 2011 Posted in Pregnancy
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Pregnant women may experience some discharges and bleeding during pregnancy. Though it may be a part of being in that condition, they still have to consult with their midwife or doctors about it.  They may have this condition because of several causes such as hormonal activity, some infection or irritation as well cervical erosion. It is normal for pregnant women to have higher levels of hormonal activity and as such, they may have more of the whitish discharges with a mild smell at this time. However, if discharges and bleeding during pregnancy occurs, they may have some infections that need to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Discharges and bleeding may occur because of infection from candidiasis. This is also known as yeast infection of which the emissions are described as whitish and lumpy. The discharge may also emit a yeasty smell that is similar to baking bread or to beer. Pregnant women may follow some home remedies but they have to consult with their doctors first. They may also check on their diet and avoid eating foods that contain much sugar. Another cause of infection may come from bacteria. The discharge is described as somewhat watery with a fishy smell. This may also be treated but pregnant women should see their doctors for proper medication.

Pregnant women may also acquire infections through sexual activities. At times they experience non-infective irritations because of the toiletries or the tight underwear that they use. Cervical erosion may happen as a shift in the cervical membranes occur. They may also experience more bleeding as the mucous plug becomes loose at the initial stages of labor. There are still other causes of discharges and bleeding during pregnancy. Pregnant women may have this condition during the time when they are supposed to have their regular menstrual cycle.

They may also experience these when the fertilized egg will be implanted and the same thing may happen as the placenta develops and is embedded in the uterus. Though at times, the discharges and bleeding during pregnancy may be due to ectopic pregnancy or to miscarriage. Sometimes pregnant women may experience bleeding at the later part of their pregnancy. They have to be brought immediately to the hospital and be given medical attention. At times, the placenta may block the entry part to the cervix. It may also be possible for the placenta to be dislodged from the wall inside the womb.

Discharges and bleeding during pregnancy may be considered as quite normal especially with the changes that occur. However, pregnant women need to consult with their doctor so that they may be diagnosed properly. They may also be advised on the proper and safe medication or treatment that they need to undergo. Pregnant women will have to seek immediate medical attention the soonest possible time especially when abnormal bleeding occurs in any stage of their pregnancy.

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