My Baby This Week -- Your 2 month old, first week

Your baby may start gaining almost as much as 1kg - around 2lb - a month at this stage (although this will slow down as he gets closer to his first birthday). Your paediatrician will use standard growth charts to track your baby's weight gain but don't get too obsessive about these measurements. As long as your baby has a good appetite, is growing at a steady pace and your doctor says all is well, it doesn't matter what percentile she's on. If your baby has just started smiling, you can take advantage of her new ability to show joy by making her grin and giggle. Silly faces, funny noises and blowing bubbles are all tried-and-tested hits with tiny babies.

Find out more fascinating facts about your two-month-old's development

My Baby This Week - your 7 week old

Your baby's head is fairly steady now and she's able to exercise more control over her feet and hands instead of just swinging them wildly. To see this new skill in action, hold a toy or rattle up in front of her and see if she makes a grab for it. Don't forget to cheer her when she gets it. She'll thrive on your encouragement for the rest of her life! While babies have their own timetables, and some will do things earlier and some later, there is one major development around this stage that's irresistible - when your baby looks you straight in the eyes and gives her first true smile. Some experts believe that it's no accident that smiles appear just as the chaos of the early weeks is beginning to get everyone down - that smile gives parents renewed energy to go on caring for a baby who so obviously appreciates their efforts!

Find out more fascinating facts about what's coming up for your two-month-old's development.

My Baby This Week - your 6 week old

Does your baby coo at you when you pick him up from his pram or his cot? Researchers say 50 per cent of babies this age can recognise their own parents. Recognising mum and dad is just one sign that your baby is becoming more attuned to what's going on around him. He will have a six-week check around now and your paediatrician will assess his development. Take the opportunity to ask any questions about your baby that you may have.

Find out more fascinating facts about your six-week-old's development.

My Baby This Week - your 5 week old

This week, you may find that your baby discovers her hands and feet. As strange as it sounds, she's just beginning to realise they're part of her body. You can add to her fun by playing "This Little Piggy" with her, or giving her wrist and sock rattles to wear. Also, don't be surprised to hear more gurgles, coos and grunts as your baby gradually learns to express herself with sounds beyond crying. Soon you will have your six-week postnatal check. This is a good time to ask any questions about your body's healing and recovery, so you may like to think through your questions in advance.

Find out more fascinating facts about your five-week-old's development

4 week old (5 August - 12 August 2009)

Most babies can now track a moving object with their eyes for longer than a couple of seconds. Try passing a colourful rattle in front of your baby's face. You may be rewarded with coos and gurgles of pleasure. Her head is steadier now, too, and she may even be able to lift it up when lying flat on her stomach on the floor or a changing mat. Short periods of time on the floor will help her strengthen her neck muscle but stay close by, she can easily get tired.

Find out more fascinating facts about your four-week-old's development

3 week old (28 July - 4 August 2009)

Many babies love listening to the sound of human voices, especially high-pitched ones. You're probably using singsong baby talk to communicate with her without even thinking about it. Watch how she turns her head in your direction when you coo over her. Soft music and the sounds of a musical toy will also keep her engaged, but steer clear of very loud environments. Too much noise will either cause her to tune out sounds altogether or start wailing.

Find out more fascinating facts about your three-week-old's development

2 week old (20 July - 27 July 2009)

With each passing week, your newborn becomes more comfortable with his surroundings. But his vision is still blurred. In fact, a newborn's range of vision is only about 30cm or 12 inches, which helps explain why your face is the most interesting thing to him right now. While the rest of the world is a blur, he can clearly see who's holding him. So try keeping your face close to your baby's while you talk or sing to him.

Find out more fascinating facts about your two-week-old's development

1 week old (12 July - 19 July 2009)

How your baby's growing
Your newborn's still adjusting to his new world, which he may find a bit noisy and well-lit for his taste. But he's getting used to it. You'll notice his limbs move in a jerky, uncoordinated way. Soon, probably by the end of the month, his movements will become more fluid as his muscle control matures. Sucking and chewing on his hands are his main activities for the moment.

Is your newborn a noisy breather? Lots of air passing through very small airways clogged with lint from blankets, clothing and dust could be the culprit. You probably don't need to worry; he isn't likely to have a cold at this young age. He's just trying his best to breathe. Ask your paediatrician if you're concerned and don't hesitate to call her if you're really worried. Doctors know that tiny babies need extra care.

37 weeks pregnant

Only two weeks or so to go! This week, your baby is busy shedding his downy coating of fine hair (called lanugo) and his coat of vernix caseosa - the cheesy substance that protects his developing skin. Your baby swallows both of these secretions, which stay in the bowels until birth. Then your baby will excrete a blackish waste called meconium that becomes his first bowel movement. Meanwhile, you may be feeling huge - and increasingly impatient. But try to get as much rest as possible - even if sleep is difficult, you'll appreciate it after the birth.

How your life's changing

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The next couple of weeks are a waiting game. Try to enjoy this time before the baby arrives - eat well and get plenty of rest. If you need help to conquer the late pregnancy blues, you can always look ahead and find out what your newborn will be like.

Be prepared

Are you sure you've packed everything you need for the hospital? Take a look at the hospital packing checklist. It's a good idea to sort out the clothes you want your baby to wear after birth and for the journey home. Don't forget your own "going home" outfit - you'll probably be in your maternity clothes for a little while longer as you'll still have a bit of a bump after the birth.

This is also your labour partner's last chance to brush up on how to help you. There's plenty of advice in our top tips for labour coaches and a Dad's birth story to read. While you still have time, why not buy a few books for your baby's first year or some toys specially designed for newborns? Finally, make sure you know how to fit your baby's car seat for the journey back from the hospital.

Week 37 - Third Trimester Your Week By Week Pregnancy Calendar

Your Baby

Your baby is continuing to grow and gain weight during these last few weeks. Also, he is practicing breathing movements in preparation for the outside world. Your baby will also turn his head toward light and sound just as a newborn would. Around this time your baby's head must be down, but if not, he could be in a breech position (the baby's bottom or legs come into the pelvis first). By the end of this week, your pregnancy would have come full term. Your baby can be born any day now. Your baby is anywhere from 19 to 20 inches long and weighs approximately 6.5 pounds.

Your Body

Your pregnancy is considered a term pregnancy at this point and nothing will be done to stop labor in most circumstances. Any vaginal discharge you may have been having will have more cervical mucus in it as your body begins to prepare for labor. You should plan to take a tour of your birth facility if you have not previously. If you are having a homebirth try to invite everyone over for a quick run through of what you expect.

If you have not given any thought to whether you will breastfeed or bottle feed, now would be the time to do so. There are lots of great books, pamphlets and literature out there about both methods, so be sure to adopt the one that is right for you, your baby and your family.

Pregnancy Symptoms You May Experience

• Breast Changes: tenderness, fullness, darkening of the areola
• Frequent Urination
• Constipation
• Heartburn or Indigestion
• Headaches
• Stretch Marks
• Itching
• Round Ligament Pain
• Hemorrhoids

Week 36 - Third Trimester My Week By Week Pregnancy Calendar

Your Baby

Your baby continues to put on weight by about 1/2 pound each week. Its no wonder the womb is becoming very cramped. Your baby is gaining weight quickly because layers of fat pile on and help in both body temperature regulation and developing his immunity in preparation for life in the outside world. You may find you are carrying your baby much lower now (or soon will be) as the baby drops into the birth canal, readying himself for birth. Your baby is about 19 inches long and weighs from 5.5 to 6.0 pounds. The vast majority of babies born now will live with little need for intensive medical treatment.

Your Body

You will probably begin to see your healthcare provider every week now until you give birth. The average weight gain to this point is approximately 25 to 30 pounds. However, based on your body type, height and your baby's size (or even how many babies you are carrying) your weight gain may be more or less. You should be consuming about 2400-2500 calories a day, but be sure to make them count by eating healthy, nutritious foods as your body is working very hard now getting ready for delivery and needs the fuel.

Most babies will be in a head down position at this point. However, about 4 percent of the babies will be breech (meaning the buttocks or feet descend into the birth canal first). If your baby is breech, don't panic. There are plenty of things that you can do to encourage the baby to turn, including special exercises that you can learn from your healthcare provider.

Other things to ask your healthcare provider about (if you have not yet done so) include breastfeeding, Group B Strep and a hospital/birth facility tour.

Week 35 - Third Trimester My Pregnancy Week By Week

My Baby

My baby is getting plump. The fat deposits are now beginning to offer form and fullness to my baby's legs and arms. My baby is taking up most of the room in my uterus, so there is a lot less room to move around. Also, my baby's lungs are now completely developed and producing what is called surfactant, a substance that helps in the exchange of oxygen in the lungs. My baby is now approximately 18 inches long and weighs about five pounds. If you were to have your premature baby now, you'd be happy to know that there is a 99 percent chance of the baby surviving.

Your Body

35 week ultrasound my routine visits to my healthcare provider may start to include the checking of my cervix now. Your doctor is checking your cervix for signs of effacement and dilation, the indication that labor is not far off. You may be having trouble sleeping now and there are also numerous physical reasons that sleep may be difficult. For instance, the baby may be putting extra pressure on your bladder and going the bathroom every 45 minutes isn't conducive to sleep. You may also have a backache, swollen feet or may not be able to find a comfortable position. You may want to try doing pelvic tilts before bed, limiting fluids after a certain time, and being tired when you go to bed can also help you in falling asleep.

Advice for Active Living During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time when women can make beneficial changes in their health habits to protect and promote the healthy development of their unborn babies. These changes include adopting improved eating habits, abstinence from smoking and alcohol intake, and participating in regular moderate physical activity. Since all of these changes can be carried over into the postnatal period and beyond, pregnancy is a very good time to adopt healthy lifestyle habits that are permanent by integrating physical activity with enjoyable healthy eating and a positive self and body image.

Active Living:
- see your doctor before increasing your activity level during pregnancy
- exercise regularly but don't overexert
- exercise with a pregnant friend or join a prenatal exercise program
- follow FITT principles modified for pregnant women
- know safety considerations for exercise in pregnancy

Healthy Eating:
- the need for calories is higher (about 300 more per day) than before pregnancy
- follow Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating and choose healthy foods from the following groups: whole grain or enriched bread or cereal, fruits and vegetables, milk and milk products, meat, fish, poultry and alternatives
- drink 6-8 glasses of fluid, including water, each day
- salt intake should not be restricted
- limit caffeine intake i.e., coffee, tea, chocolate, and cola drinks
- dieting to lose weight is not recommended during pregnancy

Positive Self and Body Image:
- remember that it is normal to gain weight during pregnancy
- accept that your body shape will change during pregnancy
- enjoy your pregnancy as a unique and meaningful experience

Check-up for today

Today 27th May 2009, result of my pregnancy check-up, I'm not MPP (Marginal Placenta Previa) again. Alhamdulillah, thanks god. ;)

And today, I'm entering the 33nd week of my pregnancy. I feel my baby in my womb so heavy and that make I'm a little tired.

“Methods To Avoid Stretch Marks On My Belly During Pregnancy?”

This is my first pregnancy so I'm baking most of my information on what I have heard from other women who have gone through the same thing. I'm 33 weeks pregnant and I have been experiencing itchines all over my stomach and chest area, but I've been hearing a lot lately that you are not supposed to scratch because it can cause some sort of marks all over your skin. although I dont' really like to believe in myths I am worried if I do scratch I will end up regreting it. See article from http://www.divas-blog.com

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A serious concern for all women during pregnancy is how to avoid stretch marks on their belly. In some women these marks can be seen around the thighs as well. During pregnancy the body undergoes a lot of changes especially in the abdominal region. These changes are caused by fluctuating hormone levels that are preparing the body to accommodate the growing fetus. Stretch marks in pregnancy and post partum are a natural result of the large amount of stretching that takes place in the abdominal area. These marks especially become visible at the end of the second trimester that is around the 5th or 6th month when the fetus reaches a considerable size. The stretch marks become most prominent during the third trimester that is the 7th month onwards when the fetus gains maximum weight.

Applying Stretch Marks Cream Regularly Softens The Marks

Precautions to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy should be taken from the beginning of pregnancy itself so that the skin is softer and better equipped to undergo all the stretching. Pregnancy stretch marks cream is a widely used method to prevent and avoid stretch marks. Such creams contain ingredients which intensely moisturize the skin and make stretch marks softer and lighter.


They are to be applied generously on the belly so that the cream gets well absorbed. You should apply the cream as often possible everyday. Use a popular brand which is easily available. You can ask your relatives or friends for suggestions. Your gynecologist could also advise you on the most effective pregnancy stretch marks cream and other solutions. Often belly stretch marks left unattended cause a lot of itching due to excessive dryness. Remember never to scratch them as this might lead to sores which will further darken the marks. Instead use a stretch marks cream frequently and liberally to avoid the uneasiness.
Practically speaking, no treatment can help to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy. However using an appropriate cream can prevent the marks from becoming darker. If the stretch marks are light, later on they will diminish more quickly than unattended stretch marks.

Apply The Cream After Pregnancy Also

One thing that pregnant women should remember is that they should not stop applying the stretch marks cream even after their delivery. Post delivery the skin around the belly sags and needs to be properly moisturized. Though as a new mother you will get busy with your newborn, take out time to apply the cream at least twice a day.

A good idea is to keep it close at hand and at a place where you will surely see and remember to use it. After your pregnancy depending on your gynecologist’s advice you can start light abdominal exercises to make the muscles around your abdomen firm. This will help to tone the skin and reduce stretch marks. You can look out for effective post pregnancy exercises in popular women’s magazines or check out a good post pregnancy care book.

You can effectively avoid stretch marks on the belly during pregnancy by treating them at the right time.

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Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Nobody wants to develop stretch marks, but when you're pregnant you know that, along with nausea, fatigue, backaches and frequent urination, stretch marks are another distinct, unpleasant possibility. In truth, between 75 and 90 percent of all pregnant women (90 percent of white women) develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Look for the angry red lines to appear on your bulging abdomen, usually during the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. But don't stop there - there are a few other places you might want to check, too. Unfortunately, stretch marks also can show up on other areas that tend to get larger during pregnancy. These include the upper thighs, buttocks, breasts and even arms, depending on the amount of weight gain, your genetic history, and whether or not you make a concerted effort to prevent stretch marks.

So what can you do to beat the odds and prevent stretch marks? Scientists argue about just what you can do for prevention, but one thing is fairly certain: genetics do appear to play a role in whether or not you are predisposed to getting stretch marks. This means that if your mother got stretch marks during pregnancy, you may be more likely to get them yourself. However, there are some things you can do to limit the possibility of getting stretch marks. Following these guidelines, all of which are good for your overall health and the condition of your skin, will go a long way toward putting the odds in your favor.

1. Eat a healthy, diverse and balanced diet that keeps your weight gain within the recommended range of 25 to 35 pounds. Excellent nutritional status is vital for your developing baby, but it also contributes to the strength and health of the body's largest organ: the skin. What's more, a controlled and steady weight gain, without any wild upward swings, will let your skin stretch at a steady rate without any unexpected jolts.
2. Use a body brush or wash cloth to massage the areas where you have stretch marks, or want to prevent stretch marks from appearing - this will increase circulation to the area, which may be helpful.
3. Drink plenty of water. Hydration is important for your overall health and well-being as well as that of your growing baby, and it is critical to healthy skin.
4. Take your vitamins. This is one more way to ensure proper nutritional status, which is critical for your overall health and well-being, as well as beautiful skin and a healthy baby!
5. Keep skin liberally and effectively moisturized beginning in the first or second trimester and through your recovery to your pre-pregnancy weight, perhaps with one of the many oils and creams marketed especially for stretch mark prevention. These moisturizers will help keep your skin supple and elastic plus serve as "food" (and vitamin supplements) for your skin. The various vitamins and oils used to create these formulas are designed to help enhance collagen production and support the dermis, to keep skin intact despite the rigorous stretching.
   

Remember that it is important to take care of yourself during the postpartum period as well. The dramatic weight loss makes your skin susceptible to stretch marks once again. In addition, you certainly need to keep your whole body strong to cope with the stresses of recovery from childbirth and the demanding duties of motherhood.

If you do follow all of these guidelines yet still develop stretch marks, don't despair. They will fade in time to small silvery lines, and become much less noticeable. Yet for the relatively small price of a few minor imperfections in your skin (and perhaps a few lingering bulges around your midsection), you will have the overwhelming privilege of serving as mother to the tiny, helpless little bundle of joy you hold so gently in your arms. Congratulations on your pregnancy, and best wishes for a healthy baby!

http://www.expectantmothersguide.com

Low Hemoglobin During Pregnancy

Every time I go to my check-up, my hemoglobin always low but its still under control. (My hemoglobin 9.0 - 10.5). Doctor said the normal of hemoglobin during pregnancy must over 11.5, I'm so worry but I need to eat more iron like spinach, suppliment like USANA. ;)


Anemia during Pregnancy

Anemia is a serious problem for women of child bearing age, because it can have devastating effects on their babies. Anemia usually is caused by deficiencies of iron and, rarely, of folic acid (folate).

Anemia can also be caused by a deficiency in red blood cell production.

Iron Deficiency Anemia develops slowly after normal stores of iron have been depleted. Women, in general, have smaller stores of iron than men and experience blood loss through menstruation. Therefore, anemia is more common in women than in men. During pregnancy, iron stores need to support the needs of mother and her growing fetus, who needs iron for the development of red blood cells, blood vessels, and muscle.

Approximately 95% of anemia cases during pregnancy are caused by iron deficiency. Inadequate dietary intake, normal menstrual blood loss, or recent pregnancy are the most common reasons for low iron reserves in pregnant women. During late pregnancy, especially during the last trimester, the rapidly-growing placenta and fetus increase maternal iron requirements. The mother’s body is designed to meet this higher demand for iron with a natural boost in red blood cell production. However, an even more pronounced increase in plasma volume leads to hemodilution, or hydremia of pregnancy. Hemodilution causes a drop in hematocrit (Hct) values from the normal range between 38% and 45% in non-pregnant women to between 30% and 34% in late pregnancy3. This drop in red blood cell count makes it nearly impossible for women to build up their iron reserves during that time, especially with conventional prenatal vitamins that contain low amounts of poorly-absorbed iron.

Effects of Anemia during Pregnancy on Mother and Child

If you are anemic, you may have no symptoms at all. You may feel weak and fatigued, especially when your baby’s weight becomes more significant towards the end of your pregnancy. Iron deficiency anemia sometimes leads to light-headedness and to mild dyspnea with activities such as climbing stairs. More severe anemia can cause tachycardia and hypotension and requires the attention of a qualified medical professional.

Maternal iron deficiency can have significant consequences for the development of your child. A retrospective analysis conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found an increased risk of preterm birth in mothers with low hemoglobin levels during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.In non-African American women, moderately low maternal hemoglobin, defined as 9.0<10.0 g/dL during the first trimester and as 8.5<9.5 g/dL during the second trimester, also was associated with a higher risk of still birth. In addition, women with hemoglobin <10 g/dL during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy had a three-fold greater risk than their non-anemic counterparts of giving birth to an infant with low birth weight.21

Babies born to mothers with iron deficiency anemia usually present with low total iron stores and require dietary iron supplements.3 Iron supplementation of newborns is undesirable because iron can cause serious intestinal discomfort in their immature digestive systems. Iron deficiency during gestation and lactation also is associated with changes in nervous system development and functioning.23 For many children, iron deficiency remains a problem for years. According to the CDC, 7% of one-to-two-year-olds in the United States are iron deficient and 2% present with iron deficiency anemia.17 Children with iron deficiency anemia perform more poorly in cognitive and motor skills tests and show delayed social and emotional development.23

Iron Supplementation

To avoid iron deficiency during pregnancy, a woman should have an iron reserve of approximately 300 mg prior to conception.18 However, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 52% of women of child-bearing age did not meet that requirement. Therefore, even though there is some concern about possible overdose from daily iron supplementation, iron is an important component included in almost all prenatal dietary supplements.

Dietary iron supplements need to be taken over the course of several months to be effective. In pregnant women, iron supplementation through the use of a daily multivitamin during the first two trimesters resulted in significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of serum iron (ferritin) levels at Week 28 of pregnancy when compared with non-use. A review of literature indicated that prenatal iron supplementation resulted in higher maternal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy but also after birth. Iron supplementation during late pregnancy usually does not affect maternal prenatal health or delivery, but it does improve iron status throughout the first year of life.

How to Sleep Comfortably during Pregnancy

I am now having difficulty to sleep with my big belly. sometimes its hard even to breath. I bet most of pregnant women are too. For those sharing my problem, check out this info that i had taken from babycenter.com ;) SLEEP TIGHT & SWEET DREAM ;)

In early pregnancy, most women find that any sleeping position will do. But at about seven months, finding a comfortable arrangement that supports a big belly gets tricky. (Comfort aside, the safest position for sleep in late pregnancy is on your left side.) Of course, even when you do find a comfortable position, you're still subject to being awakened by a few well-placed abdominal kicks from your baby, or by any number of other things, from queasiness to leg cramps. Though you can't ask Junior to cool it just yet, a specialty pillow might provide some relief. Here are some options:

• Maternity pillow. This is actually two pillows, attached with fabric and adjustable Velcro tabs, that provide simultaneous support in front and in back. You can also use one of the pillows on your belly as a prop for a book. Available in pregnancy specialty stores and Web sites and through catalogs.

• Pregnancy wedge. This wedge-shaped pillow supports your belly when you lie on your side. You can also use it to prop yourself up to a semi-recline when you're lying on your back.

• Full-length body pillow. These pillows are at least five feet long and are designed to support the back and cradle the belly.

• Sleeping Bean. You wrap your body around this column-shaped pillow, which then supports your belly and your back. It's also good for nursing support after the baby arrives, and can be used as a bolster or bumper to protect your baby in his crib. Available from Bean Products (800/726-8365) for $49 to $59.

FYI: If you don't want to spend extra money on special pillows, just use regular ones. Many women find that tucking a pillow between their legs near the knees makes them more comfortable.

And if all else fails, find someplace else to sleep. Some women find it easier to nod off in an armchair or chaise lounge.
Which sleeping position is best?

The best sleeping position for a pregnant woman after midpregnancy is on her left side. This position ensures unobstructed blood flow through the body because the major blood vessels — the aorta, which delivers blood from your heart to the other organs, and the vena cava, the vein that returns blood to your heart from the lower extremities — are slightly to the right of the center of your back. Of course, we all shift position many times during the night, so don't worry if you wake to find yourself flat on your back — but do turn back on your side.

Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

On the 32nd week of my pregnancy, my baby had grown bigger than ever and so is my belly and my weight. After a while i started to notice that both of my feet is swollen. Is this normal? Thank god it is.. check it out at AHealthyme.com ;)

Perhaps you've noticed that your belly isn't the only thing getting bigger right now. Your feet also are particularly vulnerable to swelling during pregnancy. While pregnant, you have more blood and other fluids circulating in your body -- as much as six to eight extra quarts. And because of gravity, some of that fluid settles in your feet, says Jane Andersen, a podiatrist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and a spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Many women notice the swelling throughout pregnancy, but especially during the third trimester. It seems to be worse during the summer months, presumably because of the heat.

What do I do about swollen feet?

Because gravity plays a big role in swelling, elevate your feet at least three to four times a day. When lying on a sofa or in bed, prop your feet up on pillows; when sitting in a chair, place your feet on a footstool. (This also helps prevent back pain.) Here are some more tips:

• Don't sit for long periods of time. Make it a point to get up and walk for a few minutes of every hour.
• Wear full-length support stockings as often as possible, and avoid socks with tight bands around the calf or ankle.
• Exercise helps. Water aerobics are ideal because the "hydrostatic" pressure helps distribute fluids that have pooled in your feet.
• Ask your partner, if you have one, to give you a foot massage. It will increase circulation and help disperse the edema.
• Increase your fluid intake. It seems counterintuitive, but the more water you drink, the less swelling and water retention you'll experience.
• Don't squeeze your feet into ill-fitting shoes.
  

Will my feet go back to their "normal" size after pregnancy?

Usually. Even though the fluid-related swelling will disappear within a few days of delivering your baby, some women find that their feet are as much as a size larger following a pregnancy. For that you can blame the hormone relaxin. Relaxin helps loosen your pelvic joints in preparation for your baby's journey down the birth canal.

Can swollen feet ever be a sign that something is wrong?

Some swelling in your feet during pregnancy is normal, but if it appears abruptly or if you notice that you are also getting swelling in your hands at the same time, call your health-care provider immediately: These could be signs of preeclampsia, a type of pregnancy-related high blood pressure than can be very dangerous. You should be aware, too, that diuretics to reduce water retention are considered unsafe for pregnant women, unless they are advised by a physician to treat preeclampsia.

Colostrum

On the sixth month of my pregnancy, my nipple started to produce yellowish secretion when squeezed. I started to search on the web to find out what is really going on in me. Luckily I found an article regarding colostrum in babiesonline.com.my. Now I know what & why ;)


Colostrum
During pregnancy your body starts creating colostrum as your breasts prepare to nurse your unborn baby. Some women begin leaking colostrum weeks or months before delivery. For first-time moms who are unaware of this process, it can be a bit frightening or worrisome until their doctor or midwife assure them it is normal. First-time moms may start leaking colostrum during the third trimester, while previous mothers may start leaking as early as the second trimester.

Colostrum is a thick, sticky, yellow-to-orange colored milk that is created by your breasts to give your baby the nutrition he needs immediately after birth. It is low in fat, high in carbohydrates and has a laxative effect on the baby which helps him pass the first stools that are sitting in his intestines. Colostrum also helps get rid of the baby’s excess bile and helps lessen the chance of jaundice in your newborn.

Colostrum not only provides nutrition, but it also protects the infant from harmful viruses and bacteria. It also introduces beneficial bacteria in the baby’s digestive tract. The concentration of immune factors is much higher in colostrum than it is in the later mature milk that your baby will receive when your milk comes in.

It is important, if you plan on nursing to nurse frequently and often during the first few days of your baby’s life so that your baby not only gets all the colostrum and antibodies he needs, but also so that your milk comes in strong.

Colostrum is also a 100% safe vaccine for your baby. Many parents refuse to have the eye drops given by hospitals to babies after birth, and instead prefer to use the mother’s colostrum to rub on the baby’s eyes in hopes of killing bacteria and preventing infection. This natural vaccine is referred to as immunoglobulin A (IgA) and is different from the immunoglobulin G (IgG) that baby received from the placenta while in the uterus. IgG worked through the baby’s circulatory system, but IgA protects the baby in the places most likely to come under attack from germs, namely the mucous membranes in the throat, lungs, and intestines.

If you do not start leaking colostrum during your pregnancy, it is not a cause for concern. Not all pregnant women leak before their baby is born, and not producing colostrums has no effect on the success or failure of a mother nursing her newborn.

I'm Worry about my pregnancy

Why I'm worry about my pregnancy?

Last 2 weeks, I had gone for a pregnancy check-up. After having my womb scanned, the doctor told me that I have Marginal Placenta Previa (MPP). I am worried because I am already in the week 28 of my pregnancy. Next week I will have another check-up to know if the problem will still be there or not.


What is PP? - see this article from babycenter.com.my

What is placenta previa?

If you have placenta previa, it means that your placenta is lying unusually low in your uterus, next to or covering your cervix. The placenta is the pancake-shaped organ — normally located near the top of the uterus — that supplies your baby with nutrients through the umbilical cord.

Placenta previa is not usually a problem early in pregnancy. But if it persists into later pregnancy, it can cause bleeding, which may require you to deliver early and can lead to other complications. If you have placenta previa when it's time to deliver your baby, you'll need to have a c-section.

If the placenta covers the cervix completely, it's called a complete or total previa. If it's right on the border of the cervix, it's called a marginal previa. (You may also hear the term "partial previa," which refers to a placenta that covers part of the cervical opening once the cervix starts to dilate.) If the edge of the placenta is within 2 centimeters of the cervix but not bordering it, it's called a low-lying placenta. The location of your placenta will be checked during your midpregnancy ultrasound exam.

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Hopefully result of my next scan I'm not MPP again.. Please pray for me.. Thanks
Next scan date : 27th May 2009