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8 Ways to Prep Your Body For Pregnancy

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:45:45 -0700

Labor Day makes me think of labor. No, not as in "work," but as in having a baby. Even if you are not trying to get pregnant, there are a few things you can do to help prepare your body for its journey to motherhood. Here are eight healthy habits to put into place to help you conceive and have a healthy pregnancy.

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Did You Exercise Today?

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 15:00:00 -0700

Happy Labor Day!

Labor Day, technically means a day of rest for the "working man or woman." I sincerely hope you had the opportunity to take the day off work, but did you exercise today or are you taking a workout vacation too?

P.L.O.W. - Work It Girl!

FitSugar — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 03:00:00 -0700

It is Labor Day weekend! Since we are having this three day weekend to celebrate the worker, I took the theme of work and ran with it for this week's play list...

This 'working' play list starts you out a little slow to warm you up, gets you working in the middle, then slows you down again for cool down and a little stretching.

"Working Class Hero" - John Lennon, 3:51
" 9 to 5" - Dolly Parton, 2:45
"Working for the Weekend" - Loverboy, 3:30
"Work It" - Missy Elliott, 4:53
"Minimum Wage" - They Might Be Giants, 0:47
'Welcome to the Working Week" - Elvis Costello, 1:47
"I Got My Mojo Working" - BB King, 4:36
"The Work Song" - Nellie McKay, 4:08
"Found A Job" - The Talking Heads, 4:59
"Take This Job and Shove It" - Johnny Paycheck, 2:41
"In Tall Buildings" - Gillian Welch, 3:59

Total P.L.O.W. = 37:16

Got any 'work' songs that you'd add the the play list? Share your ideas in the comments section below.

Source

Labor Day Weekend Barbecue Round Up

FitSugar — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:30:00 -0700

For most of us, Labor Day weekend means a lot of fun and a lot of barbecue. Unfortunately a lot of barbecue could mean a lot of unhealthy eating so check out the links below for making this Labor Day weekend as healthy as you want.

First and foremost, here are some tips on grilling safe for a healthy bbq.

Spice (and lighten) up the burger with this recipe for South Beach Diet Chimichurri Burgers -- My mouth's already watering. Oh, and since you're being healthy, you might as well put it on a whole grain bun.

You know I've broken down your favorite condiments.

...Add a side of grilled veggies and you're good to go.

Not doing the grilling? Here are some tips on cutting calories if you're attending a barbecue.

Of course you'll want some fun ways to get everyone moving. (I'm not going to lie, the link also contains some nice pics of Matthew McConaughey too).

Source

Did You Work Out on Labor Day?

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:00:57 -0700

Labor Day, technically means a day of rest for the "working man or woman." I sincerely hope you had the opportunity to take the day off work, but did you workout today or are you taking a vacation from exercise as well?

Is Running While Pregnant Safe?

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:52 -0700

It's not every day that you see a pregnant woman going for a run, like Miss Kourtney Kardashian here. On her hour-long jog, I'm sure she got some stares and whispers. Not just because she's famous, but because she's got a big bun in the oven. They're probably wondering, is this safe for her baby, and safe for mom?

Regular exercise is encouraged by doctors for those expecting, because it can help a woman stay healthy, and alleviate some of the discomforts like stiffness, back pain, leg cramping, or constipation. Working out can also prevent unnecessary weight gain, relieve stress, and get a woman ready to endure the physical challenges of labor.

With that said, there are some guidelines a pregnant woman should follow when working out.

Don't make any big changes to your exercise program once you become pregnant. If you were running regularly before you conceived, then it's safe to keep it up, as long as it feels good and you don't overdo it. If you want to start a new type of exercise, talk to your doc first.
Be OK with modifying your routine, especially as your pregnancy progresses. If you used to run four miles a day, you may find that you'll need to cut down in the beginning of your pregnancy. And once you're in the end of your second trimester, or third, walking may be best.
Don't do any types of exercise that put you or the baby at risk, like extreme sports that require balance, speed, or could result in you falling. Your doctor will probably recommend you save the surfing, skiing, horseback riding, biking outdoors, and rock climbing for after delivery.

For the rest keep reading

US Open News: Meet "Little Miss Upset"

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:00:45 -0700

American Melanie Oudin has been christened with the nickname "Little Miss Upset" and this is not because of whiny antics on the court.

The nickname is inspired by Oudin's unexpected wins. The unseeded 17-year-old beat champion Maria Sharapova earlier last week as well as many seeded players, most recently Nadia Petrova in three sets. Of her Labor Day match, Oudin remarked: "It was tough because she (Petrova) was all over me. I could have easily lost. I just kept fighting."

Melanie hails from Marietta, GA and learned the game, alongside her twin sister, from her grandmother. Sharapova and Serena Williams both gave high compliments to Oudin, who is considered short in stature reaching only five foot six inches. Williams, who won her first major title at the US Open at 17, said, "I love how she’s a real big fighter and she never gives up." I like that she is adding some excitement to the game. Are you watching the Open? Who are you rooting for?

Tennis Anyone? Getting Into the US Open

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:30:25 -0700

Over Labor Day weekend, I tend to watch a lot of the US Open. It inspires me to head to the court and play a set or two. Here are some posts that might inspire you to pick up your racquet. Tennis anyone?

What to Expect From Your First Tennis Lesson	Warm Up Before You Play	Test Your US Open Knowledge
How to Keep Score	Tennis Etiquette 101	Do I Need Tennis Shoes?

The Signs Of True Labor

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:50 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

The Signs Of True Labor

If you've never given birth before, you may assume that you'll just "know" when the time has arrived to have your baby. In reality, onset of true labor isn't always easy to identify, and events leading up it can drag on for days. Remember, too, that your due date is simply a point of reference -- it's normal for labor to start any time between three weeks before and two weeks after this date.

So how will you know that labor is starting? First, you need to understand the birth process. In a nutshell, here's what happens during labor: The uterus repeatedly contracts (tightens and relaxes), causing the cervix to thin (efface) and open up (dilate) so you can push your baby into the world.

Labor May Be Nearing If You Notice One Or More Of These Signs:

Lightening: This happens when your baby's head "drops" down into your pelvis. Your belly will suddenly look lower and you'll have an easier time catching breath than you did when your baby was crowding your lungs. The downside, though, is that he's now pressing on bladder, increasing need to urinate. For first-time mothers, lightening usually occurs a few weeks before birth. For veteran moms, it may not happen until labor has begun.
Bloody show: If you have blood-tinged or brownish vaginal discharge, it means your cervix has dilated enough to expel the mucus plug that sealed it for the last nine months. This is a good sign, but active labor may still be days away.
Your baby moves less: Women often notice that their baby is less active the day before labor kicks in. No one is sure why this might be, but one theory is that the baby is simply saving his energy for the big event. If you notice decreased movement, contact your health care provider.
Your water breaks: When the amniotic sac ruptures, you'll feel fluid leak from your vagina in a trickle or a gush. For most women, contractions follow shortly thereafter. But even if they don't, let your caregiver know as soon as you think your water has broken. In about 1 in 10 women, contractions don't begin on their own within 24 hours. If this happens, your labor may need to be induced, since the likelihood of infection goes up once your baby's sterile bubble bursts. For other women, the amniotic sac doesn't rupture until labor is well underway.
Diarrhea: If you feel a frequent urge to empty your bowels and your stools are looser than normal, labor may be imminent.
Nesting: There's no scientific proof linking it to the onset of labor, but plenty of mothers-to-be are gripped by a sudden urge to "nest" -- to vacuum the entire house at 3 a.m., say, or put those last, finishing touches on the nursery -- right before labor begins.

False Labor

Most expectant mothers feel mild contractions before they're actually in labor. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. It can be hard to distinguish Braxton Hicks contractions from the real deal, especially if you're near your due date. If contractions aren't causing your cervix to dilate, though, it's known as "false" labor. While true labor contractions get longer, stronger, and closer together as time goes on, false labor contractions tend to be:

Irregular: Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic, have no predictable pattern, and usually stop if you rest or change positions.
Felt in your belly and your groin: True labor contractions, on the other hand, usually "wrap around" from your back to your belly. If Braxton Hicks contractions are making you uncomfortable, take a warm bath and drink plenty of fluids to ease discomfort.

Calling Your Caregiver

Alert your caregiver if you feel increasing pelvic pressure, have vaginal bleeding or heavy discharge, or notice a marked decrease in your baby's activity. She can talk you through these changes and decide if you need to come in for an exam.

And, of course, let your health care provider know when regular contractions begin. These may feel like your uterus is "knotting up" and be relatively painless at first, but gradually build in intensity, starting the top of your uterus radiating through your belly and lower back. Your caregiver will want to know what other symptoms you're feeling, how far apart your contractions are, and whether you can talk during them.

Once labor has started in earnest, when should you go to the hospital? Every situation is different, so talk to your caregiver well ahead of delivery day about the best plan for you. In general, though, expectant mothers should head to the hospital when their contractions are too painful to talk through, last 60 seconds or more, and have been coming three to five minutes apart for at least an hour. If you’re not sure, call your health care provider and talk with them about when to come in.

Preterm Labor

Sometimes contractions cause the cervix to efface and dilate before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This is called preterm labor. A uterine or vaginal infection or a host of other health problems can bring on preterm labor. For unknown reasons, some women are more prone to it than others.

The symptoms of preterm labor are similar to the symptoms of labor that begins at term. If you notice any of the pre-labor signs listed above or feel strong, regular contractions before 37 weeks, call your caregiver right away. After examining you to see if your cervix is effacing or dilating, she may recommend that you avoid intercourse, exertion, and stress and get as much rest as possible to stave off further contractions. See preterm labor for more information.

Review Date:
2/20/2007
Reviewed By:
Douglas A. Levine, MD, Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Pregnancy Center Links

Pain relief during labor and delivery

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:52 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Epidural - series

Pain Relief During Labor And Delivery

Childbirth classes can teach you breathing and relaxation techniques to help you cope with pain experienced during labor and delivery. The amount of pain felt during childbirth is different for every woman. For some women, the techniques learned in the childbirth classes are enough to relieve their pain, and medication is not necessary. For other women, the option of having pain relief medication available to them during labor and delivery is appealing and, when used, may help them experience a more comfortable childbirth.

Discuss The Options

In weighing your options about pain relief during labor and delivery, educate yourself on all the different types available by talking to your doctor or other health care professional. There may be one type that is recommended for you specifically over another. Many women make the decision before going into labor to have natural childbirth and later change their mind. Others plan to get pain medicine and then arrive at the hospital as the baby is about to be born, and birth happens before they have a chance to get medicine. It is always best to know your options before you go into labor.

Systemic Analgesics

A "systemic analgesic" is a pain-relieving medicine that is injected into your vein or muscle. This medicine acts on your entire nervous system rather than just a certain part of your body. The pain may be dulled, but may not be eliminated completely. These medicines usually do not slow down labor or interfere with contractions, but may cause drowsiness to you and baby. With analgesics, some women have an easier time coping with labor and it helps them to feel more relaxed. On the other hand, some women complain of an unnerving feeling of loss of control.

Epidural Block

An "epidural block" numbs or causes a loss of feeling in the lower half your body. A specialist physician or anesthesiologist injects the block into the lower back. The injection is made into a small space outside the spinal cord, and a small soft tube (catheter) is inserted into your back. The needle is withdrawn, and the numbing medicine can be given continuously or in small doses through the tube for as long desired. This lessens the pain of the uterine contractions and the delivery of the baby through the vagina. (View an illustrated presentation of an epidural.)

Usually, low doses are given because it is safer for you and the baby. Once the medicine takes effect (10-20 minutes), you should feel better, but you may still feel some back or rectal pressure during contractions.

The relative safety of an epidural block is attested to by many large clinical studies. There have been many recent reports indicating that an epidural block is not associated with excess cesarean deliveries.

While it is common practice not to initiate an epidural block prior to 3 to 5cm cervical dilatation, one study suggests that getting an epidural block at or before 3cm dilatation does not increase the risk of c-section, forceps, or vacuum delivery, when compared with later administration.

While rare, there are some risks associated with epidural blocks:

Blood pressure may drop temporarily, which might cause the baby's heart rate to slow down. Fluids are given intravenously through a vein to help keep your blood pressure stable. You also may need to lie on your side to help keep your blood circulating, and you may receive medication to bring up your blood pressure.
If you are very numb, the epidural may make it harder to bear down and push the baby through the birth canal.
Some women experience a short period of decreased uterine contractions, but many are comfortable and their labor progresses as expected -- or even faster. If labor slows, your care giver may give medication to speed up your contractions.
A headache may occur, but this is very rare.
Medicine could enter the spinal fluid and cause temporary dizziness, difficulty breathing, or a seizure, but this is unusual.
Shivering may occur, although shivering often occurs during labor even without an epidural.

Spinal Block

A spinal block is similar to an epidural and also provides good relief. The difference is that the medicine is only given one time in your back and it lasts only 1-2 hours. A spinal block is often used for women who are giving birth vaginally, and when the baby needs to be helped out of the vaginal canal with forceps or vacuum extraction. The possible side effects of a spinal block are the same as for an epidural. Both epidural and spinal blocks may be given for c-sections.

Another form of spinal block is a "saddle block", which is used to numb the area of buttocks, perineum, and vagina. This is more for actual delivery than labor.

Combined Spinal/Epidural Block

The spinal/epidural combines both a spinal and epidural block and may provide pain relief much faster. It’s often used when women are in very active labor and want relief right away.

“Walking“ Epidural Block

This type of epidural is designed to decrease pain sensation while allowing the mother to move her legs. Most women aren’t actually able to walk around with this type of epidural in place, but they do have more ability to move their legs.

Local Anesthesia (Pudendal Block)

Local anesthesia is a numbing medicine injected in the vaginal and rectal areas by your obstetrician at the time of delivery. This is usually done to lessen the pain as the baby is being delivered and numb the area for an episiotomy, if necessary.

The Best Choice

There is no medical “best choice” for how to manage pain during labor – instead, it’s a question of what makes the most sense for you and your partner. Natural childbirth is a little like running a marathon: it’s an awesome accomplishment, but you can travel the same 26 miles in a car with a lot less effort, and still end up in the same place. If you want to deliver without medication, take a childbirth class consider yoga or other meditation techniques, and give it your best shot. If all goes well, it’s an incredible experience. But know that you will have a baby regardless of what pain medication you choose, and don’t allow the journey to obscure your ultimate destination.

Whether you choose to use medication for pain relief or not, it is useful to prepare yourself for natural childbirth -- the breathing and relaxation techniques may be very helpful in addition to receiving any pain relief.

The key is to become educated on your choices. Remain flexible and open when you are planning for your labor and delivery, because often things change when the actual day arrives. It is important to know that you have NOT failed if you decide to seek pain relief instead of going through it "naturally." Women have different pain thresholds and sometimes the pain is worse than anticipated. Most importantly, your health and that of the baby should always come first.

Review Date:
2/19/2007
Reviewed By:
Douglas A. Levine, MD, Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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