The Effects of Stress during Pregnancy

Relaxed Mind = Relaxed Body

The effects of stress during pregnancy are inconsistent and inconclusive. There are some evidence suggesting that stress during pregnancy can cause lower birth-weight babies and children developing behavioral problems. On the flip side contrary views suggest that since the human productive system appears to be remarkably resilient in its ability to endure the vagaries of human emotions, no amount of stress can harm the fetus. In general premature births and low birth weight because of stress effects is extremely minimal in incidence, if at all. Since there is no conclusive evidence indicating possible harm to the baby, you still need to manage stress during pregnancy for your own well being.

• Stress is very much a part of most people's lives.
• Stress can be encountered in everyday hassles like bills to pay, long queues or traffic or poor time management.
Stress during pregnancy can be chronic as in situations of domestic abuse.
• Stress during pregnancy can be acute as in the death of a loved one.
• Stress during pregnancy can lead to harmful tendencies such as drinking.
• Stress during pregnancy can be constructive - you feel exhilaration and positively challenged.
• Too much stress during pregnancy though leads to mental and physical ailments. You will no longer feel charged but bogged down instead.
• Stressed out people often get angry quickly and fall sick easily

Often we can't tell if we are suffering from stress. The way you live and your reactions to everyday situations can affect your stress level. Do you sleep well or do you worry about your work and family, health, money and other everyday concerns. If yes you could be stressed.

The signs

• Reduced concentration or focus
• Irritation or feeling hassled easily
• Disturbed eating patterns i.e. loss of appetite or binging
• Insomnia and fatigue
• Feeling anxious all the time
• Withdrawal
• Body aches and headaches
• Inability to relax
• High blood pressure

Stress lowers the libido in both sexes and may affect infertility. A woman who is highly stressed may ovulate irregularly while in some men there is a decline in sperm production when unduly stressed. Stress can cause a cycle - not conceiving when you want to can stress out the couple and in turn make conception more tedious. Research has likened infertility related stress to life threatening illnesses such as heart disease and cancer!

Stress Busters

Today, managing your life means managing the stress that comes with it. During pregnancy it helps if you are relaxed. You will have to deal with fewer aches and ailments, get to sleep better and feel less tired, be less dependent on artificial stimulants and generally be more alert and efficient. Most importantly, you will enjoy your pregnancy more.

• If you feel stressed and find relief when you receive help or support, then by all means accept the help that is coming your way. Grab the offers from friends, family and colleagues and lessen your work load whether at home or at work. Delegate or eliminate some of your work responsibilities. List the number of tasks for the day and cross each task off your list as you finish it.

• Take time out. Spend time away from pressure and activity without feeling guilty. Steal moments and relax in a tub or under a shower, guilt-free. Devote some planned time to music or a book or magazine, TV or any other activity you enjoy.

• Share your worries with someone: your partner, a friend or a professional counselor. Talking helps; talk about how you feel. Talking with your doctor for instance will also help monitor your general well being.

• Exercising helps. Go for brisk walks in the fresh air. Exercise helps the body release endorphins, the natural 'feel good' chemicals, which also energizes you. You basically get a chance to unwind and reflect.

• Get a massage from your partner or arrange a masseur to come home. Massage helps to remove the knots from tensed muscles, especially those around the neck, shoulders, back and head. A good massage meant for pregnant women combined with aromatherapy if that can be arranged will help. (Check on aromatherapy oils which are safe during pregnancy first.)

• Finally don't ignore your diet. What you eat has an effect on how you feel. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid snacking on high energy foods such as biscuits and sweets. They are quick energy fixers, relieving you for 10 mins or so but when your sugar levels take a dip afterwards you are left feeling no better off, lethargic even. Energy levels that go yo-yoing worsen the mood swings you are more prone to now. It helps to have several small healthy meals to maintain your blood-sugar at steady levels. Eating smaller meals instead of three larger ones will also help control pregnancy sickness.

• If you are still working make it a practice to put some time aside for yourself. By doing this you will be able to cope with work, your partner and your daily routine without feeling hassled. If work situation gets stressful that you find it hard to handle, talk to your employer about part-time schedules or maternity options.

The Relax Technique

• Once a day for 10 minutes or more, focus on relaxation. Lie back in a chair or on your side on the bed with pillows supporting your neck and shoulders. Take slow deep breaths.

• Think about something pleasant with your eyes shut. Block out your surroundings, the world at large and just focus on pleasantries or your baby. Contract and relax every part of your body.

• Focus on how your body feels. Start with your toes first; squeeze your toes and then let go. Feel the tension seep out of your body. Do the same with your calves, thighs, pelvic floor, buttocks and so on until you reach your forehead. Stay in this state, ensuring all your muscles are relaxed and at the same time stay focused on your imagined thought. The aim is to prevent worrying thoughts from entering your mind. Surrender yourself to tranquility.

• It may not come easily but learning to relax is beneficial and it is something that requires practice and dedication. Make it a habit to spend quiet time away from everything else.


Source : http://www.welcomebabyhome.com/

Travel with Baby

Car Journeys With Baby

- A good car seat is, of course, essential. Make sure the seat is the correct model for your baby's age-group and weight and ensure that all straps are securely fastened.

- Always place baby's seat in the rear of the car and NEVER in the front seat where the passenger air-bag is located.

- Always operate the child locking system for the car doors - a curious baby on a long journey will find the door handle very tempting!

- Attach removeable window shades to your car's window - your baby will become very hot and uncomfortable if not protected from the sun on a long journey.

- Dress baby in light layers of clothing - temperatures may fluctuate, so it's important to be able to easily adjust his clothing and keep him cool and comfortable.

- DO NOT GIVE YOUR BABY FINGER FOODS IN THE CAR UNLESS AN ADULT IS SITTING BESIDE HIM - this is to avoid the risk of choking.

- Always carry a baby first aid kit in your car.

- Decide to travel day/night - For long car journeys with baby, travelling at night is often the best option, as he is more likely to sleep until you've arrived!

- Feeding your baby - make sure you prepare disposable bibs, baby's bowl and feeding utensils,

- Alway entertained your baby - brings toys, baby music CDs and anything that work.

- Brings enough nappy, plastic bag & wet tissue. Also consider to stop every 2-3 hours if driving in a day. This gives you a chance to re-vitalise and gives baby some time out of the car seat


Air Travel with Baby

Before you fly, contact your airline (tel/visit website) to know the facilities they offer for parent traveling with baby. Such as:
- if you can pre-book a sky cot/bassinet and the maximum age/weight that it will accommodate.
- If possible, choose where on the aircraft you would like to sit.
- Take note the rules about baby food & milk
- Consider booking an extra seat for air travel with baby - if not, you will be expected to sit with an infant under 2 years of age on your lap. Depending on the length of your flight, this can be very hard work, particularly with an older baby.

Always allow yourself plenty of time at the airport when travelling with your baby - remember that everything will take longer and you may have last minute nappy/diaper or clothing changes to contend with!

Some airports offer fast-track customs or immigration points for families with very young children - definitely worth looking out for!

A baby sling/carrier can be really useful, as it leaves your hands free for carrying other things!

If you have not booked an extra seat for baby, ask if the flight is full. If not - and if you are lucky - the airline assistant may keep the seat beside you empty, or offer a seat next to a vacant seat.

The changes in pressure on take-off and landing can cause ear pain, so breastfeed your baby or offer a bottle at these times to encourage sucking. This has never been a problem for any of our children - in fact, my ears seem to hurt more than theirs! Beware of existing ear infections, however - flying can increase the pain quite significantly and air travel with baby should really be avoided in this situation.

Change your baby's nappy immediately before the flight - if you are lucky, he may not need changing again until you arrive. Instead of hauling all your hand luggage to the bathroom with you every time baby's nappy needs changing, pack yourself separate little "changing bags" - just put one nappy and a few wipes into individual nappy sacks so you have all you need for each change.

Make sure you bring spare clothing for yourself too - its maybe useful if anything happen.

Make sure you offer your baby plenty of drinks throughout the flight as air travel can be quite dehydrating.


Sources : http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/

Your baby’s temperature and fever

A true fever is particularly worrying in the first few months of a baby’s life. That’s because the infant's immune system is immature and not as effective in fighting off infections as it will be after three or four months of living outside the womb.

So it’s important to learn how to correctly take your baby’s temperature and understand what signifies a true fever.

What is considered a fever for my baby?
Doctors usually say a baby has a fever if the temperature rises to 38C (100.4F), or above. Learn what your baby’s normal temperature is by taking it a few times when he or she is well.

What causes a fever in babies?
There can be many causes for a baby’s fever. Dehydration is one. Or the infant might be over-bundled with clothes in a relatively warm environment­ - the rule of thumb is to dress your baby in just one more layer of clothing than you are comfortable in.

Most commonly, fever is caused by an infection. The body’s immune system senses the “foreign invader” - such as bacteria or a virus - and sends a chemical message to the brain’s temperature centre instructing it to crank up the heat inside the body. This has many advantages:

Some bacteria and viruses don’t like the higher temperature and are then more easily destroyed by the immune system.
The higher body temperature helps the body to ward off the infection.
In this way, fever is actually our friend: it lets us know that an infection may be brewing and it helps to fight off the infection.

When to worry about your baby’s fever?
Any fever in the first months could indicate a significant infection requiring immediate attention. All children under two months old with a true fever need a medical evaluation. Call your doctor to check up on fevers for at least the first four to six months of your baby’s life.

But fever is only part of the story. An even more important question is: does your newborn look unwell? If your baby appears to be sick in any way - irritability, listlessness, lethargy, poor feeding, respiratory distress, rash, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc - contact your doctor, even if the temperature is not high enough to be called a fever.

Source : www.webmd.com/parenting/