Baby shower recipes are everywhere. They can be found in many cook books or on online. It's importance to have a wide variety of snacks, drinks and desserts available when your hosting a baby shower. In most cases people only offer a few snacks and the basic drinks, like juice and pop. It's a good idea to have as much variety as possible and be creative. While it is a good idea to be creative you should also try to stick with the main theme of the baby shower.
Any book store should have a large selection of cook books available. It should be easy to find several recipes that would be suitable for any baby shower. Many times these cook books will not only provide you recipes, but they may be able to give you entertaining tips on how to through the perfect party. Punch is not only one of the tastiest treats, but it's easy to make too. Make sure it's alcohol free so the mother-to-be can enjoy it too. There are all kinds of punches you can make with orange juice, sprite and sorbet. By doing a search on the internet for "baby shower punch" you'll be able to find many recipes for free.
Cake is another treat that is a must for any baby shower. You can choose any type of cake you like, but the popular ones are chocolate or vanilla. Angle food, marble or black forest are also wonderful alternatives. There is also another type of cake that doesn't need to be baked and cannot be eaten. These are gift baskets that contain items for baby and expecting mother.
Don't forget the appetizers either. It's important to have many different types as well as vegetarian ones since it's common for some people to not eat meat. Remember there are many resources available that will help you find the perfect recipes for your next baby shower. For more information concerning baby showers, please visit: The Baby Shower Zone a website that specializes in baby showers and how to make baby shower punch
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Baby Shower Recipes - How to Find the Best Ones
Baby shower recipes are everywhere. They can be found in many cook books or on online. It's importance to have a wide variety of snacks, drinks and desserts available when your hosting a baby shower. In most cases people only offer a few snacks and the basic drinks, like juice and pop. It's a good idea to have as much variety as possible and be creative. While it is a good idea to be creative you should also try to stick with the main theme of the baby shower.
Any book store should have a large selection of cook books available. It should be easy to find several recipes that would be suitable for any baby shower. Many times these cook books will not only provide you recipes, but they may be able to give you entertaining tips on how to through the perfect party. Punch is not only one of the tastiest treats, but it's easy to make too. Make sure it's alcohol free so the mother-to-be can enjoy it too. There are all kinds of punches you can make with orange juice, sprite and sorbet. By doing a search on the internet for "baby shower punch" you'll be able to find many recipes for free. Cake is another treat that is a must for any baby shower. You can choose any type of cake you like, but the popular ones are chocolate or vanilla. Angle food, marble or black forest are also wonderful alternatives. There is also another type of cake that doesn't need to be baked and cannot be eaten. These are gift baskets that contain items for baby and expecting mother. Don't forget the appetizers either. It's important to have many different types as well as vegetarian ones since it's common for some people to not eat meat. Remember there are many resources available that will help you find the perfect recipes for your next baby shower. For more information concerning baby showers, please visit: The Baby Shower Zone a website that specializes in baby showers and how to make baby shower punch
Any book store should have a large selection of cook books available. It should be easy to find several recipes that would be suitable for any baby shower. Many times these cook books will not only provide you recipes, but they may be able to give you entertaining tips on how to through the perfect party. Punch is not only one of the tastiest treats, but it's easy to make too. Make sure it's alcohol free so the mother-to-be can enjoy it too. There are all kinds of punches you can make with orange juice, sprite and sorbet. By doing a search on the internet for "baby shower punch" you'll be able to find many recipes for free. Cake is another treat that is a must for any baby shower. You can choose any type of cake you like, but the popular ones are chocolate or vanilla. Angle food, marble or black forest are also wonderful alternatives. There is also another type of cake that doesn't need to be baked and cannot be eaten. These are gift baskets that contain items for baby and expecting mother. Don't forget the appetizers either. It's important to have many different types as well as vegetarian ones since it's common for some people to not eat meat. Remember there are many resources available that will help you find the perfect recipes for your next baby shower. For more information concerning baby showers, please visit: The Baby Shower Zone a website that specializes in baby showers and how to make baby shower punch
Inflatables adds up dramatic fun in Child's playroom
Pursue children's yaps of pleasure, and they would lead to big inflatables. There are several room-sized inflatables with the mixture of a ride, game, playroom, and trampoline. They are simply a dream come true for overexcited kids who desire to jump to their hearts comfortable without fear of banging their heads or getting in trouble. Carnivals, fairs, school activity, picnics, and other birthday parties usually provisionally install an inflatable bouncer for having a spectacularly fun time.
An inflatable ball such as bumpie skushi ball and skushi swirl is a great way to for kids to amuse themselves and get exercise either at a home pizza parlor or in their own garden. You an also have permanent installations at various parks, carnivals, fairs, restaurants, and other business areas, but could as well be rented for short-term, private parties or at some of the unique events. Even though this vigorous, some of the over-sized toy has all soft parts, always manage your bouncing children to take care no one gets unintentionally injured.
Characteristically, an inflatable bouncer begins out as a revolved up mass of PVC vinyl. A power-driven pump plugs into a common, outdoor electrical opening and begins satisfying the bouncer with compacted air. Soon, it is entirely straight and inflated on a plane surface, like a lawn. The pump would keep it vertical with sufficient pressure, which children could jump on the interior platform and get started on into the air. Tethers and stakes maintain the inflatable bouncer in the correct place. Mesh sides permit air movement without allowing tots bounce out of the enclosure.
There are as well many inventive themes for an inflatable balls and bouncers. One could remind you of a medieval castle, carousel, spacecraft, gingerbread house, Tropical Island, or even some of the firehouse. Some are even overflowing with trivial plastic inflatable balls. Another amazing scarf is a covering, which defends against rain and shields the sun. Their brilliant, primary colors, and explained painting total the thematic package, moving children to a world of their imagination.
Each inflatable bouncer is rated for mass, regularly with a suggested number of children and depends upon the age range. For security and maximum enthusiasm, most are frequently equipped to handle 4-9 children with a weight range from 200-500 lbs (90-225 kg). Toddlers to 12 year-olds could take pleasure in themselves, but ensure that children of unlike ages know how to play in the "bouncie" together cooperatively.
An inflatable ball such as bumpie skushi ball and skushi swirl is a great way to for kids to amuse themselves and get exercise either at a home pizza parlor or in their own garden. You an also have permanent installations at various parks, carnivals, fairs, restaurants, and other business areas, but could as well be rented for short-term, private parties or at some of the unique events. Even though this vigorous, some of the over-sized toy has all soft parts, always manage your bouncing children to take care no one gets unintentionally injured.
Characteristically, an inflatable bouncer begins out as a revolved up mass of PVC vinyl. A power-driven pump plugs into a common, outdoor electrical opening and begins satisfying the bouncer with compacted air. Soon, it is entirely straight and inflated on a plane surface, like a lawn. The pump would keep it vertical with sufficient pressure, which children could jump on the interior platform and get started on into the air. Tethers and stakes maintain the inflatable bouncer in the correct place. Mesh sides permit air movement without allowing tots bounce out of the enclosure.
There are as well many inventive themes for an inflatable balls and bouncers. One could remind you of a medieval castle, carousel, spacecraft, gingerbread house, Tropical Island, or even some of the firehouse. Some are even overflowing with trivial plastic inflatable balls. Another amazing scarf is a covering, which defends against rain and shields the sun. Their brilliant, primary colors, and explained painting total the thematic package, moving children to a world of their imagination.
Each inflatable bouncer is rated for mass, regularly with a suggested number of children and depends upon the age range. For security and maximum enthusiasm, most are frequently equipped to handle 4-9 children with a weight range from 200-500 lbs (90-225 kg). Toddlers to 12 year-olds could take pleasure in themselves, but ensure that children of unlike ages know how to play in the "bouncie" together cooperatively.
Children's Fun with Folk Toys
A child's playroom is a refuge for entertainment and should be an occasion for learning. A great selection of educational toys will guarantee your kid's playtime is always pleasureable and, always, educational. Old fashioned toys are generally children's toys that can be played with in a number of diverse ways, allowing the child to lead the playtime and inspiring creativity.
Dolls, Accessories, and Pushchairs Girls and boys alike can take pleasure the friendship of dolls. Reserve an area in your playroom for dolls and include a range of furniture and similar accessories to stimulate your child's creativity. Dolls beds and cradles are fantastic additions to any playroom and wardrobes are a super way to keep track of dolls clothing, shoes, and other paraphonalia. Allow ample of space for your youngster to push her doll in a stroller or pram.
Role Play Toys in the Playroom Role play toys are important to any creative play room. Old fashioned toys that stimulate kids to copy and duplicate real life situations, as well as pretend scenarios, are essential building block of healthy development and growth. These toys can also be quite attractive additions to your play area, but they may use a considerable amount of space.
1) Miniature appliances, like kitchen or laundry equipment, are often favorites for youngsters. Youngsters can imitate mum and dad, manage their own restaurant, and create many other stories around these toys.
2) Pretend Tools and work benches not only enhance creative thinking and allow kids to emulate the grown-ups in their lives, these traditional playthings also create logic and help in fine motor development.
3) Wendy Houses can provide years of because there are so many different things to do. These can work as puppet theatres, general stores, houses, or whatever your little one may dream up.
Puzzles and Other Manipulatives Many wooden toys can be active, as well as rather loud, so it is a good idea to add to your play room with a assortment of peaceful toys that aid in mental development. Wooden jigsaws are peaceful, robust, and great. These traditional toys promote problem solving, hand and eye coordination, and a number of other mental skills. Place these toys in an area of the play room as far away as possible from busy areas that may be loud. A table or desk is a fantastic addition and shelves for storage are handy also. Other toys you can placeinclude in the quiet area of the play room are lego, reading materials, and writing supplies.
There are various types of traditional toys that are brilliant for educational playtime. A reserved corner of the bedroom or a playroom can be a wonderful opportunity for learning with the correct range of toys. For the most beneficial play time, provide your child with a variety of traditional toys, as well as educational toys, and lots of space and surfaces for play.
Dolls, Accessories, and Pushchairs Girls and boys alike can take pleasure the friendship of dolls. Reserve an area in your playroom for dolls and include a range of furniture and similar accessories to stimulate your child's creativity. Dolls beds and cradles are fantastic additions to any playroom and wardrobes are a super way to keep track of dolls clothing, shoes, and other paraphonalia. Allow ample of space for your youngster to push her doll in a stroller or pram.
Role Play Toys in the Playroom Role play toys are important to any creative play room. Old fashioned toys that stimulate kids to copy and duplicate real life situations, as well as pretend scenarios, are essential building block of healthy development and growth. These toys can also be quite attractive additions to your play area, but they may use a considerable amount of space.
1) Miniature appliances, like kitchen or laundry equipment, are often favorites for youngsters. Youngsters can imitate mum and dad, manage their own restaurant, and create many other stories around these toys.
2) Pretend Tools and work benches not only enhance creative thinking and allow kids to emulate the grown-ups in their lives, these traditional playthings also create logic and help in fine motor development.
3) Wendy Houses can provide years of because there are so many different things to do. These can work as puppet theatres, general stores, houses, or whatever your little one may dream up.
Puzzles and Other Manipulatives Many wooden toys can be active, as well as rather loud, so it is a good idea to add to your play room with a assortment of peaceful toys that aid in mental development. Wooden jigsaws are peaceful, robust, and great. These traditional toys promote problem solving, hand and eye coordination, and a number of other mental skills. Place these toys in an area of the play room as far away as possible from busy areas that may be loud. A table or desk is a fantastic addition and shelves for storage are handy also. Other toys you can placeinclude in the quiet area of the play room are lego, reading materials, and writing supplies.
There are various types of traditional toys that are brilliant for educational playtime. A reserved corner of the bedroom or a playroom can be a wonderful opportunity for learning with the correct range of toys. For the most beneficial play time, provide your child with a variety of traditional toys, as well as educational toys, and lots of space and surfaces for play.
Planning A Child Care Startup?
A person, thinking about child care startup may very well be looking forward to a profitable business in the form of a child care center.
Setting up a child care center, is a flourishing business but it also requires a lot of dedication. The certain factors involved may be the cost of starting it altogether, making a business plan and looking after legal requirements.
These centers can also be started in spaces that are otherwise unoccupied during the entire week or within a school that has surplus space. If a child care center is set up within a school, it brings the advantage of having well coordinated programs.
After the location is decided, child care insurance is the next essential step. This is very crucial for starting a child care business. These centers offer dedicated services to working parents. Hence, these should provide a safe environment to the children. And, insurance works as an added security measure.
As this is a very fast growing industry, proper management is very important. This is also required to give the center, better recognition. As there are a number of child care centers, people will generally prefer the one that has a better management system. Therefore, better management system results in a flourishing child care center and great profit.
A management application is especially designed for childcare management that could be obtained before starting up the child care center. This software is easily accessible at a number of online and offline resources. This software provides complete, user-friendly and integrated modules that help in managing child records, billing and various accounting operations, available city subsidies, payroll records, direct deposits and preauthorized payment records. Find out more about childcare management at http://www.childcare-management.com
The child care software that maintains the records updates automatically. This helps the parents and family members understand the child's progress. It also provides an opportunity to them to observe the activities of the child. For the various child care institutions, security is of utmost importance. This security can be protected by using this software.
Finally, a business broker can be a good source of information. He could provide detailed information regarding a child care center like the availability of the area, its price, current market requirements and so on. He could not only provide you information but also help you strike the best possible deal of the infrastructure. Information of the brokers regarding a child care startup may also be found through a search on the internet.
Setting up a child care center, is a flourishing business but it also requires a lot of dedication. The certain factors involved may be the cost of starting it altogether, making a business plan and looking after legal requirements.
These centers can also be started in spaces that are otherwise unoccupied during the entire week or within a school that has surplus space. If a child care center is set up within a school, it brings the advantage of having well coordinated programs.
After the location is decided, child care insurance is the next essential step. This is very crucial for starting a child care business. These centers offer dedicated services to working parents. Hence, these should provide a safe environment to the children. And, insurance works as an added security measure.
As this is a very fast growing industry, proper management is very important. This is also required to give the center, better recognition. As there are a number of child care centers, people will generally prefer the one that has a better management system. Therefore, better management system results in a flourishing child care center and great profit.
A management application is especially designed for childcare management that could be obtained before starting up the child care center. This software is easily accessible at a number of online and offline resources. This software provides complete, user-friendly and integrated modules that help in managing child records, billing and various accounting operations, available city subsidies, payroll records, direct deposits and preauthorized payment records. Find out more about childcare management at http://www.childcare-management.com
The child care software that maintains the records updates automatically. This helps the parents and family members understand the child's progress. It also provides an opportunity to them to observe the activities of the child. For the various child care institutions, security is of utmost importance. This security can be protected by using this software.
Finally, a business broker can be a good source of information. He could provide detailed information regarding a child care center like the availability of the area, its price, current market requirements and so on. He could not only provide you information but also help you strike the best possible deal of the infrastructure. Information of the brokers regarding a child care startup may also be found through a search on the internet.
Top Tips to Stop Babies Crying
However, through learning the unique quicks of your child, coupled with a basic understanding of your baby, you will have them drying up their tears in no time at all. It is fine and good when elders are in the house but what if they are not around and if you and your baby are alone. So, this is one of the funniest moments listed specially in baby care. Every one
has got all different results and ideas for their particular babies tear's solution. While keeping all this in mind, there are few different ideas may that work out well on others. You can go through all of them testing them on your babies and just mark up which will suit you and your child in more appropriate manner. It may happen that children from same family have different tips to stop baby's crying. It is important, first of all to confirm about that, is the child hungry? Or child may be crying because of dirty diaper. Baby crying can even be reason that you are always busy and are unable to pay attention towards your baby. There are many different tricks and ideas, which you can follow one at a time, unless and until you do not find solution for your baby's crying. Different children has got different feelings regarding their surroundings, like some babies feel more secure wrapped up because that makes them feel sheltered and warm. It even makes them feel more safer and good sounding. Another method to stop your baby's crying is to go for a walk and keep them in the front as and when you start your walk this will calm them and allows them to sleep. Next, you can introduce some changes in the immediate environment of the baby that is; you can go for walk or car ride that can even relax you for a while and even your baby. The reason why baby will stop crying is they will have movement and that will give pleasure and more stimulus to them. Walk can even make you feel good and will also stop your baby's crying. Well, there is another way to stop your baby's crying, you can pat them or swing them in your arms, this gentle movement will make them happy and feel pleasure, or you can even try by tapping in their back in good rhythm such taping sound stops your baby's crying which will change the mood of your baby. You can even give them warm bath.
has got all different results and ideas for their particular babies tear's solution. While keeping all this in mind, there are few different ideas may that work out well on others. You can go through all of them testing them on your babies and just mark up which will suit you and your child in more appropriate manner. It may happen that children from same family have different tips to stop baby's crying. It is important, first of all to confirm about that, is the child hungry? Or child may be crying because of dirty diaper. Baby crying can even be reason that you are always busy and are unable to pay attention towards your baby. There are many different tricks and ideas, which you can follow one at a time, unless and until you do not find solution for your baby's crying. Different children has got different feelings regarding their surroundings, like some babies feel more secure wrapped up because that makes them feel sheltered and warm. It even makes them feel more safer and good sounding. Another method to stop your baby's crying is to go for a walk and keep them in the front as and when you start your walk this will calm them and allows them to sleep. Next, you can introduce some changes in the immediate environment of the baby that is; you can go for walk or car ride that can even relax you for a while and even your baby. The reason why baby will stop crying is they will have movement and that will give pleasure and more stimulus to them. Walk can even make you feel good and will also stop your baby's crying. Well, there is another way to stop your baby's crying, you can pat them or swing them in your arms, this gentle movement will make them happy and feel pleasure, or you can even try by tapping in their back in good rhythm such taping sound stops your baby's crying which will change the mood of your baby. You can even give them warm bath.
How Long Should My Baby Be Sleeping?
Your baby's sleep patters definitely don't match up with yours. Because of this, many new parents wonder exactly how much sleep their baby should be getting. In the early weeks after birth, your baby will seem to sleep any time that you're not sleeping, waking up just as you drift off to sleep. Fortunately, that doesn't last forever. As your baby grows and changes, she needs less and less sleep. For many children, by the time they are 6 or 7 weeks old, they will be sleeping through the night. For other babies, they may not sleep through the night until they are 3 or 4 months old. Here is how their sleep needs generally progress:
- birth to 6 or 7 weeks. Newborns sleep between 16 and 20 hours a day.
- 1 month to 3 months. Babies at this stage will need to sleep around 8 hours at night, and another 8 hours during the day, for a total of around 16 hours.
- 3 months to 6 months. During this stage, nighttime sleep increases and daytime sleep decreases. Your baby will probably sleep for about 10 hours at night, and need between 3 and 5 hours during the day.
- 6 months to 9 months. Babies at this age will sleep even more at night. Nighttime sleep will be around 11 hours. Daytime sleep will drop down to between 2 and 3 1/2 hours.
- 9 months to 1 year. Nighttime sleep stays steady at 11 hours. Daytime sleep may drop off slightly, from 2 to 3 hours.
- 1 year to 18 months. Here, they may add a little time sleeping at night, around 11 1/2 hours total. Daytime sleep drops to between 1 and 2 hours, where it will stay until after they are around 4 years old (or whenever they stop taking naps).
- 18 months to 3 years. Nighttime sleep will drop around half an hour every six months, so that at 3 years your baby will be sleeping around 10 1/2 hours a night. Daytime sleep will stay around the same.
If your baby seems to be getting too much sleep (more than an hour or more beyond the guide above) it could be indicative of another problem. If your baby refuses to sleep, this too can be indicative of a problem. If you have any concerns, you should speak with your pediatric health care provider
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Calculating BMI
The best way to determine your BMI is to have your doctor do it for you. That way, you'll know the number is accurate and your doctor can discuss the result with you. If you're interested, you also can figure out your BMI on your own.
Once you have calculated your BMI, you'll learn that you are in one of four categories:
Underweight: Less than the 5th percentile
Healthy weight: greater than or equal to 5th but less than 85th percentiles (in other words: 5th to 84th percentile)
Overweight: greater than or equal to 85th but less than 95th percentiles (85th to 94th percentile)
Obese: Greater than or equal to the 95th percentile
A kid whose BMI is at the 50th percentile is close to average compared with the kids of the same age and gender who were measured to make the chart. A kid at the 85th to 94th percentiles is considered overweight. And a kid who measures at or above the 95th percentile is considered obese, a term doctors use that means very overweight.
How BMI Can Change
It's important to remember that BMI is interpreted differently for adults. There are separate charts for men and women, but they don't use percentiles at all — just number ranges that are considered underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese (which means very overweight). That's because adults have stopped growing and their age is no longer a major consideration when it comes to weight.
Kids, on the other hand, are growing. And it's common for kids to gain weight during certain times in childhood, such as puberty. The charts take growth into account.
The following example shows that in action: Here's a look at a boy as he grows yet stays in the 50th percentile for BMI, which means he's average. Notice that his BMI goes up and down, but he continues to stay at the same percentile.
Where BMI Can Fall Short
BMI is not the whole story when it comes to someone's weight. A more muscular kid may have a higher weight and BMI but not have too much body fat. A smaller kid could have an ideal BMI, but might have less muscle and too much body fat.
Also, it's very common for kids to gain weight quickly — and see the BMI go up — during puberty. Because of these and other considerations, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have questions about whether you are at your ideal weight.
If your doctor tells you your BMI is high, don't let it get you down. Instead, talk to your doctor about what you should do to lower your BMI. Unlike adults, kids don't usually need to diet. But by eating healthier and getting more exercise, a kid can improve his or her BMI.
Controlling a weight problem while you're still a kid can help you avoid becoming an overweight adult and developing health problems like diabetes and heart disease. With a little effort, your BMI will be JWIOTB — just where it ought to be!
Once you have calculated your BMI, you'll learn that you are in one of four categories:
Underweight: Less than the 5th percentile
Healthy weight: greater than or equal to 5th but less than 85th percentiles (in other words: 5th to 84th percentile)
Overweight: greater than or equal to 85th but less than 95th percentiles (85th to 94th percentile)
Obese: Greater than or equal to the 95th percentile
A kid whose BMI is at the 50th percentile is close to average compared with the kids of the same age and gender who were measured to make the chart. A kid at the 85th to 94th percentiles is considered overweight. And a kid who measures at or above the 95th percentile is considered obese, a term doctors use that means very overweight.
How BMI Can Change
It's important to remember that BMI is interpreted differently for adults. There are separate charts for men and women, but they don't use percentiles at all — just number ranges that are considered underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese (which means very overweight). That's because adults have stopped growing and their age is no longer a major consideration when it comes to weight.
Kids, on the other hand, are growing. And it's common for kids to gain weight during certain times in childhood, such as puberty. The charts take growth into account.
The following example shows that in action: Here's a look at a boy as he grows yet stays in the 50th percentile for BMI, which means he's average. Notice that his BMI goes up and down, but he continues to stay at the same percentile.
Where BMI Can Fall Short
BMI is not the whole story when it comes to someone's weight. A more muscular kid may have a higher weight and BMI but not have too much body fat. A smaller kid could have an ideal BMI, but might have less muscle and too much body fat.
Also, it's very common for kids to gain weight quickly — and see the BMI go up — during puberty. Because of these and other considerations, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have questions about whether you are at your ideal weight.
If your doctor tells you your BMI is high, don't let it get you down. Instead, talk to your doctor about what you should do to lower your BMI. Unlike adults, kids don't usually need to diet. But by eating healthier and getting more exercise, a kid can improve his or her BMI.
Controlling a weight problem while you're still a kid can help you avoid becoming an overweight adult and developing health problems like diabetes and heart disease. With a little effort, your BMI will be JWIOTB — just where it ought to be!
FYI, your BMI is PDI.
Huh? Would you like a translation? Here it is: For your information (FYI), your body mass index (BMI) is pretty darn important (PDI).
Did you know you had a BMI? Body mass index is a calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate how much body fat you have. Too much body fat is a problem because it can lead to illnesses and other health problems. BMI, although not a perfect method for judging someone's weight, is often a good way to check on how a kid is growing.
Did you know you had a BMI? Body mass index is a calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate how much body fat you have. Too much body fat is a problem because it can lead to illnesses and other health problems. BMI, although not a perfect method for judging someone's weight, is often a good way to check on how a kid is growing.
Healthy Kids
There's a lot of discussion these days about fit kids. People who care (parents, doctors, teachers, and others) want to know how to help kids be more fit.
Being fit is a way of saying a person eats well, gets a lot of physical activity (exercise), and has a healthy weight. If you're fit, your body works well, feels good, and can do all the things you want to do, like run around with your friends.
Some steps only parents can take — such as serving healthy meals or deciding to take the family on a nature hike. But kids can take charge, too, when it comes to health.
Here are five rules to live by, if you're a kid who wants to be fit. The trick is to follow these rules most of the time, knowing that some days (like your birthday) might call for cake and ice cream.
1. Eat a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables.
You may have a favorite food, but the best choice is to eat a variety. If you eat different foods, you're more likely to get the nutrients your body needs. Taste new foods and old ones you haven't tried for a while. Some foods, such as green veggies, are more pleasing the older you get. Shoot for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day — two fruits and three vegetables. Here's one combination that might work for you:
Being fit is a way of saying a person eats well, gets a lot of physical activity (exercise), and has a healthy weight. If you're fit, your body works well, feels good, and can do all the things you want to do, like run around with your friends.
Some steps only parents can take — such as serving healthy meals or deciding to take the family on a nature hike. But kids can take charge, too, when it comes to health.
Here are five rules to live by, if you're a kid who wants to be fit. The trick is to follow these rules most of the time, knowing that some days (like your birthday) might call for cake and ice cream.
1. Eat a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables.
You may have a favorite food, but the best choice is to eat a variety. If you eat different foods, you're more likely to get the nutrients your body needs. Taste new foods and old ones you haven't tried for a while. Some foods, such as green veggies, are more pleasing the older you get. Shoot for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day — two fruits and three vegetables. Here's one combination that might work for you:
- at breakfast: ½ cup (about 4 large) strawberries on your cereal
- with lunch: 6 baby carrots
- for a snack: an apple
- with dinner: ½ cup broccoli (about 2 big spears) and 1 cup of salad
2. Drink water and milk most often.
When you're really thirsty, cold water is the No. 1 thirst-quencher. And there's a reason your school cafeteria offers cartons of milk. Kids need calcium to grow strong bones, and milk is a great source of this mineral. How much do kids need? Aim for 3 cups of milk per day, or its equivalent. You can mix it up by having milk and some other calcium-rich dairy foods. Here's one combination:
- 2 cups (about half a liter) of low-fat or nonfat milk
- 1 slice cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (small container) of yogurt
You probably will want something other than milk or water once in a while, so it's OK to have 100% juice, too. But try to limit sugary drinks, like sodas, juice cocktails, and fruit punches. They contain a lot of added sugar. Sugar just adds calories, not important nutrients.
3. Listen to your body.
What does it feel like to be full? When you're eating, notice how your body feels and when your stomach feels comfortably full. Sometimes, people eat too much because they don't notice when they need to stop eating. Eating too much can make you feel uncomfortable and, over a period of time, can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
4. Limit screen time.
Limit screen time. What's screen time? It's the amount of time you spend watching TV or DVDs, playing video games (console systems or handheld games), and using the computer. The more time you spend on these sitting-down activities, the less time available for active stuff, like basketball, bike riding, and swimming. Try to spend no more than 2 hours a day on screen time, not counting computer use related to school.
5. Be active.
One job you have as a kid — and it's a fun one — is that you get to figure out which activities you like best. Not everyone loves baseball or soccer. Maybe your passion is karate, or kickball, or dancing. Ask your parents to help you do your favorite activities regularly. Find ways to be active every day. You might even write down a list of fun stuff to do, so you can refer to it when your mom or dad says it's time to stop watching TV or playing computer games!
Speaking of parents, they can be a big help if you want to be a fit kid. For instance, they can stock the house with healthy foods and plan physical activities for the family. Tell your parents about these five steps you want to take and maybe you can teach them a thing or two. If you're a fit kid, why shouldn't you have a fit mom and a fit dad?
Friday, February 13, 2009
Trying for a baby? Being healthy before, during and after pregnancy involves so many different aspects of your life. So, I've compiled a quick list to
1. See your practitioner before becoming pregnant.
2. Start changing your food habits to include a healthy variety of foods.
3. Exercise! Starting now will help you stay in shape during pregnancy, can lower your risk of miscarriage, and has been proven to help reduce labor complications and length.
4. Educate yourself!
5. Eat a new vegetable you've never tried.
6. Check out a book on pregnancy.
7. Figure out what to do about chemical birth control, like the birth control pill.
8. Stop smoking. There are many programs to help you.
9. Take a prenatal vitamin. They can be prescribed by your practitioner or you can buy them over the counter. Ensure it contains 0.4 mg of folic acid.
10. Ask your partner to join you on your new healthy habit changes.
11. Track your cycles. Learning what you can about your cycles will help determine when you ovulate and when you conceived. These make for more accurate due dates.
12. If you need a new practitioner, interview before you become pregnant.
13. Ask your friends about pregnancy and parenthood.
14. Avoid chemicals that could possibly harm your baby. You can find these at work, in your home, and just about anywhere, be environmentally sensitive.
15. See your dentist before you get pregnant and brush your teeth daily.
16. Tell any medical professional that you may be pregnant if you are trying to get pregnant. This can prevent exposure to harmful tests and chemicals if you are pregnant and don't know it yet.
17. Stop changing cat litter.
18. Remember, it can take up to a year to become pregnant. If you have been actively trying for a year or more than six months if you are over 35, see your practitioner.
19. Act pregnant. This includes not drinking alcohol, even while trying to conceive. There is no known safe level during pregnancy and alcohol can cause birth defects.
20. Announce your pregnancy when you are ready.
21. Talk to your parents, what do you want to take from their experiences? How do you want to be different?
22. Rest when you can. Nap!
23. Start a journal.
24. Use non-medicinal remedies for problems like nausea, heartburn, and constipation.
25. Drink six - eight eight ounce glasses of water a day.
26. Read yet another book!
27. Join a prenatal yoga or exercise class.
28. Keep your prenatal appointments with your midwife or doctor. This will help ensure that if you have any problems that they are caught early and kept to a minimum.
29. Take an early pregnancy class.
30. Remember to add 300 - 500 calories a day while pregnant.
31. Tour your selection of birth facilities before making a choice if you are not having a home birth.
32. Review the signs of premature labor and warnings signs for when to call your practitioner.
33. Talk to local doulas and start interviewing. Doulas can help you have a shorter, safer and more satisfying birth.
34. Keep a food diary to ensure that you are keeping up with your daily requirements.
35. If you are decorating your house or a nursery remember to avoid fumes often associated with paint and wall paper. Perhaps have friends do the heavy work while you help make snacks for them. Keep the windows open!
36. Baby sit a friend's baby and learn a bit about caring for a newborn.
37. Take a childbirth class. Sign up early to ensure you get the class and dates that you want.
38. Swimming is great in late pregnancy. It can help relieve a lot of aches and pains and makes you feel weightless.
39. Take a breastfeeding class to help prepare you for the realities of breastfeeding.
40. Stretch before bed to help prevent leg cramps.
41. Continue to exercise, even if you have to slow down. This will help you recover more quickly.
42. Write a birth plan. Something to help you clarify what you want or need for your birth experience. Share this with your practitioners and those you have invited to your birth.
43. Have film and cameras ready!
44. Practice relaxation whenever you can. Try for at least once a day.
45. Do pelvic tilts to help with late pregnancy back pain. It will help relieve your pain and even encourage the baby to assume a good birth position.
46. Pack your bags if you are going to a birth center or hospital. Don't forget your insurance cards, pre-registration forms, camera, birth plan, etc.
47. Review the signs of labor and warning signs.
48. Take a picture of yourself before the baby comes!
49. Read birth stories.
50. Kiss the baby!
2. Start changing your food habits to include a healthy variety of foods.
3. Exercise! Starting now will help you stay in shape during pregnancy, can lower your risk of miscarriage, and has been proven to help reduce labor complications and length.
4. Educate yourself!
5. Eat a new vegetable you've never tried.
6. Check out a book on pregnancy.
7. Figure out what to do about chemical birth control, like the birth control pill.
8. Stop smoking. There are many programs to help you.
9. Take a prenatal vitamin. They can be prescribed by your practitioner or you can buy them over the counter. Ensure it contains 0.4 mg of folic acid.
10. Ask your partner to join you on your new healthy habit changes.
11. Track your cycles. Learning what you can about your cycles will help determine when you ovulate and when you conceived. These make for more accurate due dates.
12. If you need a new practitioner, interview before you become pregnant.
13. Ask your friends about pregnancy and parenthood.
14. Avoid chemicals that could possibly harm your baby. You can find these at work, in your home, and just about anywhere, be environmentally sensitive.
15. See your dentist before you get pregnant and brush your teeth daily.
16. Tell any medical professional that you may be pregnant if you are trying to get pregnant. This can prevent exposure to harmful tests and chemicals if you are pregnant and don't know it yet.
17. Stop changing cat litter.
18. Remember, it can take up to a year to become pregnant. If you have been actively trying for a year or more than six months if you are over 35, see your practitioner.
19. Act pregnant. This includes not drinking alcohol, even while trying to conceive. There is no known safe level during pregnancy and alcohol can cause birth defects.
20. Announce your pregnancy when you are ready.
21. Talk to your parents, what do you want to take from their experiences? How do you want to be different?
22. Rest when you can. Nap!
23. Start a journal.
24. Use non-medicinal remedies for problems like nausea, heartburn, and constipation.
25. Drink six - eight eight ounce glasses of water a day.
26. Read yet another book!
27. Join a prenatal yoga or exercise class.
28. Keep your prenatal appointments with your midwife or doctor. This will help ensure that if you have any problems that they are caught early and kept to a minimum.
29. Take an early pregnancy class.
30. Remember to add 300 - 500 calories a day while pregnant.
31. Tour your selection of birth facilities before making a choice if you are not having a home birth.
32. Review the signs of premature labor and warnings signs for when to call your practitioner.
33. Talk to local doulas and start interviewing. Doulas can help you have a shorter, safer and more satisfying birth.
34. Keep a food diary to ensure that you are keeping up with your daily requirements.
35. If you are decorating your house or a nursery remember to avoid fumes often associated with paint and wall paper. Perhaps have friends do the heavy work while you help make snacks for them. Keep the windows open!
36. Baby sit a friend's baby and learn a bit about caring for a newborn.
37. Take a childbirth class. Sign up early to ensure you get the class and dates that you want.
38. Swimming is great in late pregnancy. It can help relieve a lot of aches and pains and makes you feel weightless.
39. Take a breastfeeding class to help prepare you for the realities of breastfeeding.
40. Stretch before bed to help prevent leg cramps.
41. Continue to exercise, even if you have to slow down. This will help you recover more quickly.
42. Write a birth plan. Something to help you clarify what you want or need for your birth experience. Share this with your practitioners and those you have invited to your birth.
43. Have film and cameras ready!
44. Practice relaxation whenever you can. Try for at least once a day.
45. Do pelvic tilts to help with late pregnancy back pain. It will help relieve your pain and even encourage the baby to assume a good birth position.
46. Pack your bags if you are going to a birth center or hospital. Don't forget your insurance cards, pre-registration forms, camera, birth plan, etc.
47. Review the signs of labor and warning signs.
48. Take a picture of yourself before the baby comes!
49. Read birth stories.
50. Kiss the baby!
Things to Avoid
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs when you are pregnant put you and your baby at risk for a number of serious problems.
Alcohol
Doctors now believe that it's not safe to drink any amount of alcohol when you are pregnant. Drinking can harm a developing fetus, putting a baby at risk for birth defects and mental problems.
Smoking
The risks of smoking during pregnancy include stillbirths (when a baby dies while inside the mother), low birth weight (which increases a baby's risk for health problems), prematurity (when babies are born earlier than 37 weeks), and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of an infant who is younger than 1 year old.
Drugs
Using illegal drugs such as cocaine or marijuana during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, prematurity, and other medical problems. Babies can also be born addicted to certain drugs.
Ask your doctor for help if you are having trouble quitting smoking, drinking, or drugs. Check with your doctor before taking any medication while you are pregnant, including over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies and supplements, and vitamins.
Unsafe Sex
Talk to your doctor about sex during pregnancy. If your doctor says it's OK to have sex while you're pregnant, you must use a condom to help prevent getting an STD. Some STDs can cause blindness, pneumonia, or meningitis in newborns, so it's important to protect yourself and your baby.
Alcohol
Doctors now believe that it's not safe to drink any amount of alcohol when you are pregnant. Drinking can harm a developing fetus, putting a baby at risk for birth defects and mental problems.
Smoking
The risks of smoking during pregnancy include stillbirths (when a baby dies while inside the mother), low birth weight (which increases a baby's risk for health problems), prematurity (when babies are born earlier than 37 weeks), and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of an infant who is younger than 1 year old.
Drugs
Using illegal drugs such as cocaine or marijuana during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, prematurity, and other medical problems. Babies can also be born addicted to certain drugs.
Ask your doctor for help if you are having trouble quitting smoking, drinking, or drugs. Check with your doctor before taking any medication while you are pregnant, including over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies and supplements, and vitamins.
Unsafe Sex
Talk to your doctor about sex during pregnancy. If your doctor says it's OK to have sex while you're pregnant, you must use a condom to help prevent getting an STD. Some STDs can cause blindness, pneumonia, or meningitis in newborns, so it's important to protect yourself and your baby.
Prenatal Care
See a doctor as soon as possible after you find out you're pregnant to begin getting prenatal care (medical care during pregnancy). The sooner you start to get medical care, the better your chances that you and your baby will be healthy.
If you can't afford to go to a doctor or clinic for prenatal care, social service organizations can help you. Ask your parent, school counselor, or another trusted adult to help you locate resources in your community.
During your first visit, the doctor will ask you lots of questions, including the date of your last period. This helps the doctor estimate how long you have been pregnant and your due date.
Doctors measure pregnancies in weeks. A baby's due date is only an estimate, though: Most babies are born between 38 and 42 weeks after the first day of a woman's last menstrual period, or 36 to 40 weeks after conception (when the sperm fertilizes the egg). Only a small percentage of women actually deliver exactly on their due dates.
A pregnancy is divided into three phases, or trimesters. The first trimester is from conception to the end of week 13. The second trimester is from week 14 to the end of week 26. The third trimester is from week 27 to the end of the pregnancy.
The doctor will examine you and perform a pelvic exam. He or she may also perform blood tests, a urine test, and tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including a test for HIV, which is on the rise in teens. (Some STDs can cause serious medical problems in newborns, so it's important to get treatment to protect the baby.)
The doctor will explain the types of physical and emotional changes you can expect during pregnancy. He or she will also teach you to how to recognize the signs of possible problems during pregnancy (called complications). This is especially important because teens are more at risk for certain complications, such as anemia, high blood pressure, and delivering a baby earlier than usual (called premature delivery).
Your doctor will want you to start taking prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid, calcium, and iron as soon as possible. The doctor may prescribe the vitamins or recommend a brand that you can buy over the counter. These vitamins and minerals help ensure the baby's and mother's health as well as prevent some types of birth defects.
Ideally, you should see your doctor once each month for the first 28 weeks of your pregnancy, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then once a week until you deliver the baby. If you have a medical condition such as diabetes that needs careful monitoring during your pregnancy, your doctor will probably want to see you more often.
During visits, your doctor will check your weight, blood pressure, and urine, and will measure your abdomen to keep track of the baby's growth. Once the baby's heartbeat can be heard with a special device, the doctor will listen for it at each visit. Your doctor will probably also send you for some other tests during the pregnancy, such as an ultrasound, to make sure that everything is OK with your baby.
One part of prenatal care is attending classes where expectant mothers can learn about having a healthy pregnancy and delivery and the basics of caring for a new baby. These classes may be offered at hospitals, medical centers, schools, and colleges in your area.
It can be difficult for adults to talk to their doctors about their bodies and even more difficult for teens to do so. Your doctor is there to help you stay healthy during pregnancy and have a healthy baby — and there's probably not much he or she hasn't heard from expectant mothers! So don't be afraid to ask questions.Be upfront when your doctor asks questions, even if they seem embarrassing. A lot of the issues the doctor brings up could affect your baby's health. Think of your doctor both as a resource and a friend who you can confide in about what's happening to you.
Changes to Expect in Your Body
Pregnancy causes lots of physical changes in the body. Here are some common ones:
Breast Growth
An increase in breast size is one of the first signs of pregnancy, and the breasts may continue to grow throughout the pregnancy. You may go up several bra sizes during the course of your pregnancy.
Skin Changes
Don't be surprised if people tell you your skin is "glowing" when you are pregnant — pregnancy causes an increase in blood volume, which can make your cheeks a little pinker than usual. And hormonal changes increase oil gland secretion, which can give your skin a shinier appearance. Acne is also common during pregnancy for the same reason.
Other skin changes caused by pregnancy hormones may include brownish or yellowish patches on the face called chloasma and a dark line on the midline of the lower abdomen, known as the linea nigra.
Also, moles or freckles that you had prior to pregnancy may become bigger and darker. Even the areola, the area around the nipples, becomes darker. Stretch marks are thin pink or purplish lines that can appear on your abdomen, breasts, or thighs.
Except for the darkening of the areola, which can last, these skin changes will usually disappear after you give birth.
Mood Swings
It's very common to have mood swings during pregnancy. Some girls may also experience depression during pregnancy or after delivery. If you have symptoms of depression such as sadness, changes in sleep patterns, thoughts of hurting yourself, or bad feelings about yourself or your life, tell your doctor so he or she can help you to get treatment.
Pregnancy Discomforts
Pregnancy can cause some uncomfortable side effects. These include:
nausea and vomiting (especially early in the pregnancy)
leg swelling
varicose veins in the legs and the area around the vaginal opening
hemorrhoids
heartburn and constipation
backache
fatigue
sleep loss
If you have one or more of these side effects, keep in mind that you're not alone! Ask your doctor for advice on how to deal with these common problems.
If you are pregnant and have bleeding or pain, call the doctor immediately, even if you are not planning to continue the pregnancy.
If you can't afford to go to a doctor or clinic for prenatal care, social service organizations can help you. Ask your parent, school counselor, or another trusted adult to help you locate resources in your community.
During your first visit, the doctor will ask you lots of questions, including the date of your last period. This helps the doctor estimate how long you have been pregnant and your due date.
Doctors measure pregnancies in weeks. A baby's due date is only an estimate, though: Most babies are born between 38 and 42 weeks after the first day of a woman's last menstrual period, or 36 to 40 weeks after conception (when the sperm fertilizes the egg). Only a small percentage of women actually deliver exactly on their due dates.
A pregnancy is divided into three phases, or trimesters. The first trimester is from conception to the end of week 13. The second trimester is from week 14 to the end of week 26. The third trimester is from week 27 to the end of the pregnancy.
The doctor will examine you and perform a pelvic exam. He or she may also perform blood tests, a urine test, and tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including a test for HIV, which is on the rise in teens. (Some STDs can cause serious medical problems in newborns, so it's important to get treatment to protect the baby.)
The doctor will explain the types of physical and emotional changes you can expect during pregnancy. He or she will also teach you to how to recognize the signs of possible problems during pregnancy (called complications). This is especially important because teens are more at risk for certain complications, such as anemia, high blood pressure, and delivering a baby earlier than usual (called premature delivery).
Your doctor will want you to start taking prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid, calcium, and iron as soon as possible. The doctor may prescribe the vitamins or recommend a brand that you can buy over the counter. These vitamins and minerals help ensure the baby's and mother's health as well as prevent some types of birth defects.
Ideally, you should see your doctor once each month for the first 28 weeks of your pregnancy, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then once a week until you deliver the baby. If you have a medical condition such as diabetes that needs careful monitoring during your pregnancy, your doctor will probably want to see you more often.
During visits, your doctor will check your weight, blood pressure, and urine, and will measure your abdomen to keep track of the baby's growth. Once the baby's heartbeat can be heard with a special device, the doctor will listen for it at each visit. Your doctor will probably also send you for some other tests during the pregnancy, such as an ultrasound, to make sure that everything is OK with your baby.
One part of prenatal care is attending classes where expectant mothers can learn about having a healthy pregnancy and delivery and the basics of caring for a new baby. These classes may be offered at hospitals, medical centers, schools, and colleges in your area.
It can be difficult for adults to talk to their doctors about their bodies and even more difficult for teens to do so. Your doctor is there to help you stay healthy during pregnancy and have a healthy baby — and there's probably not much he or she hasn't heard from expectant mothers! So don't be afraid to ask questions.Be upfront when your doctor asks questions, even if they seem embarrassing. A lot of the issues the doctor brings up could affect your baby's health. Think of your doctor both as a resource and a friend who you can confide in about what's happening to you.
Changes to Expect in Your Body
Pregnancy causes lots of physical changes in the body. Here are some common ones:
Breast Growth
An increase in breast size is one of the first signs of pregnancy, and the breasts may continue to grow throughout the pregnancy. You may go up several bra sizes during the course of your pregnancy.
Skin Changes
Don't be surprised if people tell you your skin is "glowing" when you are pregnant — pregnancy causes an increase in blood volume, which can make your cheeks a little pinker than usual. And hormonal changes increase oil gland secretion, which can give your skin a shinier appearance. Acne is also common during pregnancy for the same reason.
Other skin changes caused by pregnancy hormones may include brownish or yellowish patches on the face called chloasma and a dark line on the midline of the lower abdomen, known as the linea nigra.
Also, moles or freckles that you had prior to pregnancy may become bigger and darker. Even the areola, the area around the nipples, becomes darker. Stretch marks are thin pink or purplish lines that can appear on your abdomen, breasts, or thighs.
Except for the darkening of the areola, which can last, these skin changes will usually disappear after you give birth.
Mood Swings
It's very common to have mood swings during pregnancy. Some girls may also experience depression during pregnancy or after delivery. If you have symptoms of depression such as sadness, changes in sleep patterns, thoughts of hurting yourself, or bad feelings about yourself or your life, tell your doctor so he or she can help you to get treatment.
Pregnancy Discomforts
Pregnancy can cause some uncomfortable side effects. These include:
nausea and vomiting (especially early in the pregnancy)
leg swelling
varicose veins in the legs and the area around the vaginal opening
hemorrhoids
heartburn and constipation
backache
fatigue
sleep loss
If you have one or more of these side effects, keep in mind that you're not alone! Ask your doctor for advice on how to deal with these common problems.
If you are pregnant and have bleeding or pain, call the doctor immediately, even if you are not planning to continue the pregnancy.
Exercise
There's increasing medical evidence to show that exercise, even a vigorous workout, is healthy during pregnancy. An October 1998 study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that exercise is usually safe during pregnancy, and that women who exercised vigorously were more likely to carry their babies to full term compared with women who exercised less or not at all.
A pregnant woman should check with her doctor before exercising, however. If she gets the OK to work out, she should do so at least three times a week for 20 minutes each time, recommends the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Walking, swimming, riding a stationary bicycle, and joining a prenatal aerobics class are all excellent exercise choices for a pregnant woman. Exercises that require jerky, bouncy movements and being outside in hot weather are not good choices. Don't try deep knee bends, sit-ups (or any exercise that requires you to lie on your back after the first trimester), and toe touches. Other sports to avoid include downhill skiing, rock climbing, and horseback riding.
Wear a supportive bra and properly fitting athletic shoes while exercising. Stop if you feel dizzy, faint, overheated, or in pain. Drink plenty of water.
A pregnant woman should check with her doctor before exercising, however. If she gets the OK to work out, she should do so at least three times a week for 20 minutes each time, recommends the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Walking, swimming, riding a stationary bicycle, and joining a prenatal aerobics class are all excellent exercise choices for a pregnant woman. Exercises that require jerky, bouncy movements and being outside in hot weather are not good choices. Don't try deep knee bends, sit-ups (or any exercise that requires you to lie on your back after the first trimester), and toe touches. Other sports to avoid include downhill skiing, rock climbing, and horseback riding.
Wear a supportive bra and properly fitting athletic shoes while exercising. Stop if you feel dizzy, faint, overheated, or in pain. Drink plenty of water.
Medications
Many drugs are appropriate for use in pregnancy, if really needed. But a pregnant woman shouldn't take any medication, even an over-the-counter one, unless she checks with her doctor first. If possible, she should avoid taking drugs in the first trimester or taking more than one medication at a time. She can also ask for the lowest dose possible to treat her condition.
Some medications have a long history of being used in pregnancy without problems. A pregnant woman shouldn't be deprived of drug therapy she really needs, says Sandra Kweder, M.D., the co-chair of FDA's task force on pregnancy labeling. She adds that women with pre-existing medical conditions such as epilepsy, lupus, asthma, or high blood pressure shouldn't quit their drugs because of pregnancy. Safer drugs can be used if necessary, but those medical conditions still need to be treated.
Kweder explains, "A common thing with patients is that they'll say, 'I know I'm supposed to take medication, but I'm worried about my baby, so I'll take less of it instead.' They'll take it every other day, or half as much. That's not wise."
The risks of a drug have to be weighed against its benefits. For example, some epilepsy drugs are known to cause birth defects, but an epileptic seizure can cause brain damage to the fetus. Most experts agree that the benefits of medication in such cases outweigh the risks.
Other drugs, however, are not so clear-cut. "It's really hard because there aren't easy answers," says Kweder. "For a baby to be healthy, it needs a mother who's healthy." However, most drugs have not been tested scientifically in pregnant women. Reliable scientific information about medication use in pregnancy is often incomplete or nonexistent. FDA is trying to change that.
The agency has begun a comprehensive review about how it regulates drugs for pregnant women and how safety information is communicated on the label. The present system is not as helpful as the agency would like. "The system has been criticized, and rightly so," says Kweder. "It is complicated to interpret data for medications used in pregnancy. We're making progress, but it's slow."
A new system is needed, she says, but it will be difficult to create. Drugs can't be tested in pregnant women the same as in other groups of people. Animal studies, while helpful, don't necessarily show what a drug will do to a woman and developing fetus.
In the meantime, a woman who has taken a drug and discovers she is pregnant should consult her doctor and avoid making decisions about her pregnancy in panic. While about 80 percent of approved drugs lack adequate scientific evidence about use in pregnancy, that doesn't necessarily mean they can harm the fetus or are harmful in the doses prescribed.
Only a very few drugs definitely known to be extremely bad for a human fetus are clearly labeled or, in one case, have special requirements attached to their approval. The drug thalidomide, which was recently approved by FDA to treat leprosy and is being explored for other uses, is devastating to developing fetuses and causes severe deformities of the arms and legs. FDA is requiring that patients who take the drug enroll in a national registry that will track their progress monthly and record the occurrence of any pregnancy. The hope is that this process will discourage physicians from prescribing the drug to women who might become pregnant and keep patients from "sharing" the drug with a woman of childbearing age.
Some medications have a long history of being used in pregnancy without problems. A pregnant woman shouldn't be deprived of drug therapy she really needs, says Sandra Kweder, M.D., the co-chair of FDA's task force on pregnancy labeling. She adds that women with pre-existing medical conditions such as epilepsy, lupus, asthma, or high blood pressure shouldn't quit their drugs because of pregnancy. Safer drugs can be used if necessary, but those medical conditions still need to be treated.
Kweder explains, "A common thing with patients is that they'll say, 'I know I'm supposed to take medication, but I'm worried about my baby, so I'll take less of it instead.' They'll take it every other day, or half as much. That's not wise."
The risks of a drug have to be weighed against its benefits. For example, some epilepsy drugs are known to cause birth defects, but an epileptic seizure can cause brain damage to the fetus. Most experts agree that the benefits of medication in such cases outweigh the risks.
Other drugs, however, are not so clear-cut. "It's really hard because there aren't easy answers," says Kweder. "For a baby to be healthy, it needs a mother who's healthy." However, most drugs have not been tested scientifically in pregnant women. Reliable scientific information about medication use in pregnancy is often incomplete or nonexistent. FDA is trying to change that.
The agency has begun a comprehensive review about how it regulates drugs for pregnant women and how safety information is communicated on the label. The present system is not as helpful as the agency would like. "The system has been criticized, and rightly so," says Kweder. "It is complicated to interpret data for medications used in pregnancy. We're making progress, but it's slow."
A new system is needed, she says, but it will be difficult to create. Drugs can't be tested in pregnant women the same as in other groups of people. Animal studies, while helpful, don't necessarily show what a drug will do to a woman and developing fetus.
In the meantime, a woman who has taken a drug and discovers she is pregnant should consult her doctor and avoid making decisions about her pregnancy in panic. While about 80 percent of approved drugs lack adequate scientific evidence about use in pregnancy, that doesn't necessarily mean they can harm the fetus or are harmful in the doses prescribed.
Only a very few drugs definitely known to be extremely bad for a human fetus are clearly labeled or, in one case, have special requirements attached to their approval. The drug thalidomide, which was recently approved by FDA to treat leprosy and is being explored for other uses, is devastating to developing fetuses and causes severe deformities of the arms and legs. FDA is requiring that patients who take the drug enroll in a national registry that will track their progress monthly and record the occurrence of any pregnancy. The hope is that this process will discourage physicians from prescribing the drug to women who might become pregnant and keep patients from "sharing" the drug with a woman of childbearing age.
The 'Naughty' Stuff
Nearly everyone knows pregnant women shouldn't take illicit drugs, but it's the legal ones--alcohol and tobacco--that are more commonly the source of pregnancy problems.
"I think if women truly understood the adverse impact smoking and drinking have on their babies, they would quit," says Jeffrey King, M.D., the director of the division of maternal and fetal medicine at Wright State University School of Medicine, and the author of a recent study on substance abuse in pregnancy.
Smokers put their babies at a significantly higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth compared with nonsmokers. After birth, the babies of mothers who smoked during pregnancy are more likely to have poor lung development, asthma and respiratory infections, and to die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
If a woman quits smoking early in pregnancy, however, she can still improve her chances of having a healthy baby. Expectant fathers or other members of the family should quit, too, because studies suggest breathing second-hand smoke may be dangerous as well.
Alcohol, too, can damage a developing fetus. Alcohol travels rapidly to the bloodstream, so when an expectant mother drinks, her baby drinks also.
Alcohol is known to cause mental retardation and facial abnormalities in babies, a condition called fetal alcohol syndrome. The Institute of Medicine estimates some 12,000 children with fetal alcohol syndrome are born in the United States each year. No one knows what amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy; therefore, the U.S. Surgeon General recommends pregnant women avoid alcohol altogether.
A few other activities are known to be dangerous during pregnancy. X-rays can expose the fetus to radiation and potentially cause birth defects. Hot tubs and saunas can raise the core temperature of a pregnant woman's body and could potentially harm the fetus. Warm baths, however, are fine if the water is kept at body temperature.
"I think if women truly understood the adverse impact smoking and drinking have on their babies, they would quit," says Jeffrey King, M.D., the director of the division of maternal and fetal medicine at Wright State University School of Medicine, and the author of a recent study on substance abuse in pregnancy.
Smokers put their babies at a significantly higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth compared with nonsmokers. After birth, the babies of mothers who smoked during pregnancy are more likely to have poor lung development, asthma and respiratory infections, and to die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
If a woman quits smoking early in pregnancy, however, she can still improve her chances of having a healthy baby. Expectant fathers or other members of the family should quit, too, because studies suggest breathing second-hand smoke may be dangerous as well.
Alcohol, too, can damage a developing fetus. Alcohol travels rapidly to the bloodstream, so when an expectant mother drinks, her baby drinks also.
Alcohol is known to cause mental retardation and facial abnormalities in babies, a condition called fetal alcohol syndrome. The Institute of Medicine estimates some 12,000 children with fetal alcohol syndrome are born in the United States each year. No one knows what amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy; therefore, the U.S. Surgeon General recommends pregnant women avoid alcohol altogether.
A few other activities are known to be dangerous during pregnancy. X-rays can expose the fetus to radiation and potentially cause birth defects. Hot tubs and saunas can raise the core temperature of a pregnant woman's body and could potentially harm the fetus. Warm baths, however, are fine if the water is kept at body temperature.
Avoid Infections
Many infections during pregnancy can be dangerous to an unborn child. Urinary tract infections and any sexually transmitted diseases need to be treated immediately.
Cat litter and raw meat may contain the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause toxoplasmosis infection. It's rare for a pregnant woman to get the infection, but if she does, her baby could be at risk for serious illness or death. Get someone else to change the kitty litter if possible, or wear a face mask and rubber gloves for protection.
Problems also may arise when a pregnant woman eats undercooked or raw foods, or cooked foods that have been cross-contaminated with bacteria from raw food nearby. Food poisoning can cause meningitis, pneumonia, or even death to an unborn child, plus the vomiting and diarrhea involved leave the mother exhausted and dehydrated. (See "On the Home Front" in the November-December 1997 FDA Consumer.)
Cat litter and raw meat may contain the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause toxoplasmosis infection. It's rare for a pregnant woman to get the infection, but if she does, her baby could be at risk for serious illness or death. Get someone else to change the kitty litter if possible, or wear a face mask and rubber gloves for protection.
Problems also may arise when a pregnant woman eats undercooked or raw foods, or cooked foods that have been cross-contaminated with bacteria from raw food nearby. Food poisoning can cause meningitis, pneumonia, or even death to an unborn child, plus the vomiting and diarrhea involved leave the mother exhausted and dehydrated. (See "On the Home Front" in the November-December 1997 FDA Consumer.)
Eating for Two
Good nutrition is another crucial step in having a healthy baby. A pregnancy takes about 300 extra calories a day to maintain, and an average-sized woman can expect to gain between 25 and 35 pounds overall.
Those extra calories should be nutritious ones, however. A pregnant woman needs a balanced diet complete with protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and a minimum of sweets and fats.
"Good nutrition is extremely important even before a pregnancy," says Shirley Blakely, Ph.D., a registered dietitian with the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. "If nature favors the growing fetus, the mother will suffer if she hasn't had a good diet."
According to the March of Dimes, a pregnant woman should increase her daily food portions to include:
6 to 11 servings of breads and other whole grains
3 to 5 servings of vegetables
2 to 4 servings of fruits
4 to 6 servings of milk and milk products
3 to 4 servings of meat and protein foods
6 to 8 glasses of water, and no more than one soft drink or cup of coffee per day to limit caffeine.
Some nutrients have been found to provide specific benefit to mother or child. For example, the B vitamins have been found to be especially important. One of them, folate, or its synthetic form, folic acid, can reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, called the "neural tube." (See "Folic Acid Awareness.")
Each year, an estimated 2,500 babies are born with neural tube defects. The most common of these is spina bifida, in which the spine is not closed. The exposed nerves are damaged, leaving the child with varying degrees of paralysis, incontinence, and sometimes mental retardation.
Because neural tube defects develop in the first 28 days after conception, "Once you know you're pregnant it's too late to do anything about [them]," says Blakely.
Because half of all pregnancies are unplanned, the U.S. Public Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age get 400 micrograms of folic acid each day. If all women received that amount daily, the incidence of neural tube defects might be reduced by an estimated 45 percent, studies suggest. To help reach this goal, FDA now requires that all flour products, such as breads, buns and bagels, be fortified with extra folic acid.
Natural sources of folic acid include green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, and citrus fruits. It's also in many fortified breakfast cereals and some vitamin supplements.
Calcium and iron are also especially important during pregnancy. Getting enough calcium will help prevent a new mother from losing her own bone density as the fetus uses the mineral for bone growth. Iron helps both the mother and baby's blood carry oxygen. Most women need supplements to maintain adequate levels of these minerals. A daily vitamin supplement, while not an adequate substitute for a healthy diet, helps fill in the gaps on days when a woman's diet is less than perfect.
Those extra calories should be nutritious ones, however. A pregnant woman needs a balanced diet complete with protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and a minimum of sweets and fats.
"Good nutrition is extremely important even before a pregnancy," says Shirley Blakely, Ph.D., a registered dietitian with the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. "If nature favors the growing fetus, the mother will suffer if she hasn't had a good diet."
According to the March of Dimes, a pregnant woman should increase her daily food portions to include:
6 to 11 servings of breads and other whole grains
3 to 5 servings of vegetables
2 to 4 servings of fruits
4 to 6 servings of milk and milk products
3 to 4 servings of meat and protein foods
6 to 8 glasses of water, and no more than one soft drink or cup of coffee per day to limit caffeine.
Some nutrients have been found to provide specific benefit to mother or child. For example, the B vitamins have been found to be especially important. One of them, folate, or its synthetic form, folic acid, can reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, called the "neural tube." (See "Folic Acid Awareness.")
Each year, an estimated 2,500 babies are born with neural tube defects. The most common of these is spina bifida, in which the spine is not closed. The exposed nerves are damaged, leaving the child with varying degrees of paralysis, incontinence, and sometimes mental retardation.
Because neural tube defects develop in the first 28 days after conception, "Once you know you're pregnant it's too late to do anything about [them]," says Blakely.
Because half of all pregnancies are unplanned, the U.S. Public Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age get 400 micrograms of folic acid each day. If all women received that amount daily, the incidence of neural tube defects might be reduced by an estimated 45 percent, studies suggest. To help reach this goal, FDA now requires that all flour products, such as breads, buns and bagels, be fortified with extra folic acid.
Natural sources of folic acid include green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, and citrus fruits. It's also in many fortified breakfast cereals and some vitamin supplements.
Calcium and iron are also especially important during pregnancy. Getting enough calcium will help prevent a new mother from losing her own bone density as the fetus uses the mineral for bone growth. Iron helps both the mother and baby's blood carry oxygen. Most women need supplements to maintain adequate levels of these minerals. A daily vitamin supplement, while not an adequate substitute for a healthy diet, helps fill in the gaps on days when a woman's diet is less than perfect.
Getting Good Care
When it comes to medical care and pregnancy, you can never start too early.
"The best start to having a healthy baby is to see your health-care provider before you conceive," says Richard Schwarz, M.D., an obstetrician and national consultant for the March of Dimes.
"There are lots of things you can do ahead of time," Schwarz adds. "You can make sure you're immune to rubella [German measles], you can know your blood type, you can stop smoking and make sure your diet is healthy, and you can get any illnesses you might have under control."
Once you're pregnant, your health professional--either an obstetrician, family practitioner, nurse-practitioner, or nurse-midwife--will have you begin with monthly visits that increase to once a week or more at the end.
At each visit, the physician or nurse will perform a series of examinations and tests to determine the health of the mother and baby. These include measuring the growth of the uterus, listening to the baby's heartbeat, taking the mother's blood pressure and weight, and checking her urine for evidence of protein or sugar, which could be symptoms of complications. The care provider will ask the mother if she has any concerns or problems such as blurred vision, leg cramps, abdominal cramps, or unusual headaches. The mother may also undergo ultrasound and genetic tests during the pregnancy.
Although prenatal visits may seem simple and even mundane, their importance can't be overestimated. Years of research have shown that pregnant women who get adequate prenatal care are more likely to have healthy babies and fewer complications during labor and recovery. Says Schwarz, "We know that pregnancy outcomes are better in women with early prenatal care."
"The best start to having a healthy baby is to see your health-care provider before you conceive," says Richard Schwarz, M.D., an obstetrician and national consultant for the March of Dimes.
"There are lots of things you can do ahead of time," Schwarz adds. "You can make sure you're immune to rubella [German measles], you can know your blood type, you can stop smoking and make sure your diet is healthy, and you can get any illnesses you might have under control."
Once you're pregnant, your health professional--either an obstetrician, family practitioner, nurse-practitioner, or nurse-midwife--will have you begin with monthly visits that increase to once a week or more at the end.
At each visit, the physician or nurse will perform a series of examinations and tests to determine the health of the mother and baby. These include measuring the growth of the uterus, listening to the baby's heartbeat, taking the mother's blood pressure and weight, and checking her urine for evidence of protein or sugar, which could be symptoms of complications. The care provider will ask the mother if she has any concerns or problems such as blurred vision, leg cramps, abdominal cramps, or unusual headaches. The mother may also undergo ultrasound and genetic tests during the pregnancy.
Although prenatal visits may seem simple and even mundane, their importance can't be overestimated. Years of research have shown that pregnant women who get adequate prenatal care are more likely to have healthy babies and fewer complications during labor and recovery. Says Schwarz, "We know that pregnancy outcomes are better in women with early prenatal care."
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