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Not many people would disagree when I say that we now live in a very shallow world where image is everything. We see celebrities in the news that drop their babies, start pounding the pavements with a personal trainer and within weeks are back in their size zero jeans of pre-pregnancy fit. This often makes the rest of us, the normal women that can’t afford personal trainers, feel fat and inadequate when, in fact, it can take many months to get back to true health.

But you will get back there. Your body will go through many changes throughout your pregnancy and often it’s never quite the same. But we learn to live with these changes and we learn to embrace them. They are part of becoming a woman, a mother. Putting your body through a punishing routine straight after the major trauma of childbirth is not good for you physically or mentally. Rest is needed along with time and patience.

Of course, it is important that we have moved on from the days of old when pregnancy was considered an illness where women were virtually confined to bed for the duration. With research constantly going on into pregnancy and childbirth as well as general health and nutrition it is important that we take all the recommendations on board and do what we can for the health of us and our babies.

But can you take this too far?

Under the ruse of aiming for a quick and easy birth women are moving on from the curry and castor oil routines and putting themselves under much more harsh regimes of activity during pregnancy. Doctors are advocating this new move after the medical charity, The King’s Fund’ claimed half of all deaths during childbirth happened to women who were overweight or obese.

But surely a line has to be drawn. The mother and child both need the best nutrition possible and exclusion diets and protein counting could well do more damage. Is it possible that strict gym routines and self-hypnosis could lead to a pain-free labour? Is it worth considering them if there is a possibility they may work? But who, I want to know, has the energy for the gym during pregnancy? Personally speaking, whilst pregnant, it takes all my energy just to get out of bed in the morning.

The best thing to do is go straight to the horse’s mouth to find out what people think about alternative methods of looking after themselves during pregnancy and what results they had. A 39 year old mother went for the pure and natural approach. Taking advice from a natural pregnancy guru, she kept to a very healthy diet and cut our wheat, dairy and sugar. All her nutrients were derived from her diet and she claims she never felt as fit and healthy as when she was pregnant.

This mother learnt breathing and relaxation techniques along with an exercise regime and was swiftly back in her pre-pregnancy size 8 jeans shortly after the birth. On the advice of her obstetrician because of her age, a caesarean was performed at 39 weeks but, despite this, she did not experience the type of exhaustion that normally befits pregnancy so either there is something in it or she was very fortunate.

A 33 year old London mother tried the hypnosis route which involves learning how to hypnotise yourself during labour to control the pain and to avoid medicinal intervention. She continued with her pre-pregnancy gym routine, slightly modified to keep her heart rate at the optimum level for the safety of her baby. Unfortunately, in this case, it didn’t work and the birth was induced, painful and required an epidural. However, the new mum claims she was quickly back in shape after the birth.

Our last example comes from a pregnant Pilates instructor. Already fit and healthy, this mum not only carried on working but made time to fit in a specially adapted training programme to ensure she was in tip top condition with improved stamina in time for the birth of her daughter. A long labour ensued three weeks early although painkillers were not needed and once again, mum was quickly back in shape.

So, with several methods tried it would seem the only advantage was that the mums were back into their jeans quickly, thus meeting the shallow assumption that that is the way we should all be. It seems to me that if there was no benefit to be gained for the baby by dong all these things and it purely comes down to getting mum back to a certain size, it seems quite a punishing schedule when the rest of us could do it in six months anyway without all the extra pressure.

Childbirth expert Catherine Harvey looks at the ways mothers can care for themselves during pregnancy and childbirth to stay healthy. To find out more please visit http://www.babychanneltv.com/

Are you pregnant and suffering from skin problems? Pregnancy already comes with a set of common discomforts such as morning sickness, fatigue, heart burns and feeling bloated. To have skin problems in addition to that just completely takes the joy out of being pregnant. At this point, you probably scoff every time you see advertisements featuring pregnant women with glowing and flawless skin. Well, it’s unfortunate that pregnant skin problems are a common thing, no thanks to crazy hormones. So your skin problem is not unique to you alone.

Listed below are some common skin problems during pregnancy. See if you are experiencing any of them.

A Dark Line Down Your Belly

This is known as linea nigra. It runs from the lower chest to the navel and also extends to the pubic area. It begins to appear during the second trimester and slowly fades after you have given birth. Gently rub it a little to remove any dry skin. Dark skinned women will have a darker line.

Melasma

Some people also call it chloasma or pregnancy mask. You might find dark patches appearing either on the forehead, nose, upper cheeks or chin. You might even have it above your lip, appearing like a moustache. This problem of uneven pigmentation may also appear as dark circles around the eyes. Melasma may appear on your arms as well, and not just your face. Dark skinned women are more prone to having this skin condition. The good news is the problem goes away after you’ve given birth. However, I’m guessing you don’t want to wait that long. So, the best thing you can do is to protect yourself from the sun. Limit your time in the sun, use sun screen with SPF 30 or higher, wear a brimmed hat and stay away from tanning salons. These steps may not get rid of your skin problem entirely but it will sure minimize the effects. Taking folic acid has also been known to help. There is a scientific evidence that suggests a relation between low levels of folic acid and increased uneven skin tones. Get sufficient doses of folic acid through supplements and folate rich foods such as whole grains and green leafy vegetables.

Skin Darkening

Natural dark parts of your body such as your breast’s areola, nipples, freckles, scars, moles, around your genitals and birthmarks will turn even darker. Even your inner thighs and underarms may not be spared. During pregnancy, there is increased melanin production and this leads to the darker than usual skin condition you see happening.

Stretch Marks

Statistic say 75-90 percent of all pregnant women develop those unsightly stretch marks. These red or purple streaks not only appear on your growing abdomen, but can also show up on your hips, breasts, buttocks, hips and arms. Can you escape from getting it? Yes. You would need to utilize an effective moisturizer that sinks deep into your skin’s dermis (2nd layer) and not one that just treats the epidermis (top layer). Highly recommended are products that are rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, emu oil, collagen, glycolic acid, elastin, liposomes and aloe vera.

Skin problems are unwanted banes to pregnancy but don’t let it get you down. Prepare yourself for the changes at hand and know that there are others going through the same thing as you. Pregnancy skin problems usually fade after your baby comes out. Meanwhile, minimize the damage and do your best to live out the days.

Trilastin is a recommended skin care products for pregnant women. Find out how to get rid of stretch marks without surgery at http://www.stretchmarksbuster.com/trilastin-sr-review.php

You’re getting close to the end and the arrival of your precious bundle when you’re 36 weeks pregnant. If you go right to the end you only have four or five weeks left, but it is likely that you doctor has told you that you could go into labor at any time. You might be feeling a bit overwhelmed at this point and finding it hard to get comfortable when you lie down. You might also be anxious that you don’t have enough things bought for the baby or that the nursery is not exactly in shape.

It is at this time that you start to get a nesting feeling. You want everything to be clean when the baby arrives so you may find yourself cleaning the house or apartment more. This is one way of keeping busy and active. Your belly is very big at this stage, making it difficult for you to sit in a chair or to get up when you want to stand. You probably can’t see your feet when you look down once you are in a standing position. At the same time, you will probably be a bit uncomfortable due to the itchiness of the stretch marks on your abdomen. The best thing to do about this is to apply lots of lotion on your stomach to help relieve the itchy feeling.

The baby probably weighs about 6 pounds by now and is about 13 inches long. At this time, the baby will start to move down into the birthing position. You may notice, or someone may tell you, that your stomach ahs dropped. This is one of the signs tat the birth is very close. You may feel the dropping or you may feel nothing at all. It is also called lightening and once this happens you will feel more comfortable because there will be less pressure on your lungs and ribs. You may also feel urges to eat more and at unusual times.

Other changes that will start to occur at 36 weeks include changes to your bladder. You may have to urinate a lot more often and may not be able to hold the water as you once could. This is because the baby in the lower position is now pressing against the bladder. You can try to cut down on the amount of fluids you drink and lean forward as you urinate to ensure that you do empty the bladder completely.

Some of the other changes could include:
* Constipation
* Hemorrhoids
* Backache
* Pain in the buttocks
* An increased feeling of heaviness

By now, there is no danger to the baby if he/she were to be born at this stage. All the organs have developed and the baby would be able to breathe outside the uterus. Baby fat is developing on the arms and legs and there are dimples on the cheeks, knees and elbows. The sucking movements have developed so that the baby will suck the milk as soon as it is born. The gums have also hardened and the brain is rapidly developing. The baby is also blinking its eyes at this stage

For more information on what to expect at 36 weeks pregnant, 26 weeks pregnant and 30 weeks pregnant visit http://www.PregnancyHut.com

Now that you’re 30 weeks pregnant, your belly is much bigger than it once was. It may actually be getting in your way when you want to sit down or look at the floor. The extra size may also make it more difficult for you to get up from the sofa and you may find that you have to wiggle your way to the edge before you can stand up. Along with your belly getting bigger, at this stage of your pregnancy, you may get tired more quickly and have to take a nap in the middle of the day. If you are working, you will certainly be going to bed much earlier than you once did.

At this stage of your pregnancy, you have to be careful when standing on a stool or stepladder. In fact it is advisable not to engage in any activity that would require you to do this. This is because as your body starts to get larger, your sense of balance may be a bit off and it is easier for you to fall or twist your ankle. However, it is a good idea to take walks on a frequent basis to keep your bones strong.

By now, you have likely felt strange tightening sensations in your stomach. These are slight contractions that are just a preamble for what is to come. It is your body’s way of getting ready for birth and to prepare you for it as well. The contractions are so mild that you may only notice them when you relax. Since the ligaments are also stretching you may have aching pains down the sides of your stomach. Many young mothers often contact their doctors when this happens because they think there is something wrong with the baby. However, there is nothing to worry about and your doctor will tell you that although it is a bit uncomfortable, there is nothing to worry about.

At 30 weeks the baby weighs about 3 pounds and is about 15 inches long. The features of the face are starting to develop and all the fingers and toes are in place. If you have a 3D ultrasound done around this time, you will see the baby moving about and even smiling. As you see the hands and feet moving about, you will understand where those kicks have been coming from that sometimes make parts of your stomach stick out. In ultrasound pictures at this stage, you may even see the baby sucking its thumb. It is also possible to determine for sure the sex of the baby. If you don’t want to know if you’re going to have a boy or a girl, the technician can make sure that you don’t see that part of the pictures.

Morning sickness has passed by the time you are thirty weeks into your pregnancy. However, it has probably been replaced by an urge to eat. At this time you should be careful of what you eat because it could add weight to your body that will be very hard to get off after the baby is born. Stick to healthy foods and follow the food guide to make sure you are getting the right amounts of nutrients the growing baby needs.

For more information on what to expect at 30 weeks pregnant, 26 weeks pregnant and 36 weeks pregnant visit http://www.PregnancyHut.com

When you are 26 weeks pregnant, you are in the second trimester of the pregnancy and almost at the third trimester stage. By this time, you are noticeably pregnant and your normal clothes no longer fit properly. Your stomach is starting to protrude and you may even be having slight contractions in your uterus. These contractions are called Braxton-Hicks contractions, sometimes referred to as false labor, but you are nowhere near going into labor yet. You probably don’t even notice the contractions unless you are sitting or lying down and are feeling relaxed.

Some of the other sensations that accompany this stage of the pregnancy include:
* Heartburn when you eat certain foods or you eat late at night
* Weight gain
* Cramps as your muscles start to stretch
You will likely feel an uncomfortable sensation under your ribs or you may have some pain. This is because at this stage the uterus is about 2.5 inches above your belly button.

You will be seeing your doctor on a regular basis every month. At this time, you may have to have an anti-tetanus shot or another vaccine. The doctor may also request another ultrasound just to see how the baby is progressing. You will also need to have blood tests to determine whether you have prenatal diabetes or to determine if there are any detectable genetic defects in the baby.

You will need to start relaxing more at 26 weeks. You can still engage in light workouts and you should continue to take walks on a regular basis. These activities will help prepare your body for labor and birth.

At 26 weeks into the pregnancy, the baby is about 9 or 10 inches long from the top of the head to the rump. It doesn’t include the length of the legs. At this stage the baby weighs about 2 pounds. Although the eyelids have been developed prior to this, it is now that the baby will start to open and shut the eyes. All babies have blue eyes when they are in the womb and will change when the baby is born. The baby may look skinny, but from now on it will start putting on layers of fat.

It is at 26 weeks that the fetus starts to look like a baby. The heart is completely developed and is pumping blood throughout the body and the baby starts to make breathing movements. The lungs have not fully developed yet, but they are well along in the process. The umbilical cord starts to thicken as it fills with the nutrients the growing baby needs from now on. Fingernails and toenails are evident by this time and if the baby is a boy, the testicles will start to move down.

By this stage of the pregnancy, you may feel bloated on times due to water retention. You may even start to notice stretch marks across your abdomen. There are very good creams on the market that will help with this by making the skin soft and supple as the stomach gradually expands.

For more information on what to expect at 26 weeks pregnant, 30 weeks pregnant and 36 weeks pregnant visit http://www.PregnancyHut.com

This is a relatively new debate. Up until a few years ago the done thing was to go the way nature intended and push like you’ve never done before. You puff and pant your way through the most excruciating pain of your life, stretch parts of your body that it seems the world and his wife want to look at and then experience the sensation of your body ripping in half to get that tiny soft baby into your arms at last.

If you are a normal woman, you will then find yourself with the dreaded jelly belly. This is like a pouch that hangs over your knickers in a most unsightly manner, white and pasty with stretch marks. Grow to love it girls because unless you are inundated with the money for plastic surgery it’s with you for life.

If you’re not normal, if you’re some oft photographed celebrity, you will have this amazing ability to not suffer a single stretch mark, to look toned and tanned two hours after childbirth and ping back into shape quicker than you can decide on a name for the child. I would like to stress this is not a normal reaction - this is for the strange women that make the rest of us sick.

Whichever species you are, natural childbirth is going to be a difficult time. It will be painful and it will be scary. But at the end of it you will have that beautiful healthy baby in your arms to bond with. And having experienced it three times, I can vouch for the fact that it is definitely true when they say the minute the baby is born the pain is forgotten. At least, that is, until you find you are pregnant again and then it has this cruel way of flooding back to you.

If your childbirth experience culminates in a C-Section it will be a little different. It will probably be scary but your pain will come afterwards. Sometimes bonding is harder as you will have difficulty holding your baby due to your abdominal muscles having been sliced open recently. Recovery time is a lot longer for a c-section than natural childbirth and more women suffer post natal depression after a c-section than those that take the natural route.

There are circumstances that mean a c-section is vital for the good of mother and baby and these should always be listened to. If a baby is in the breach position (bottom first) then a c-section is recommended. If the baby is in distress or showing signs of illness then a c-section will be performed to get the baby out in as quick a time as possible. Sometimes a mother will opt for a natural birth but the labour will be difficult and she will become overly tired - too tired to push. To avoid the risk of the baby becoming stuck in the birth canal a c-section will be carried out. The same applies if you are expecting an overly large baby.

A c-section is often a life saving operation for mother and/or baby. Many years ago the amount of deaths that occurred during childbirth was a great deal higher than it is today and this is thanks to the medical intervention that means a baby can be brought into the world in a swifter, safer fashion.

What has caused concern over recent years is the trend for celebrities to opt for c-sections when there is no need. The ‘too posh to push’ era was brought about by shallow people who did not want to lose their figure by going through natural childbirth or who didn’t want the uncertainty of when their baby would arrive. They would schedule their child’s birth around their routine and this is what is considered so wrong.

Childbirth is a distressing time for the baby and should not be forced upon it for no reason other than convenience. It is also a little delusional to think that a c-section helps you to keep your figure. It is pregnancy that does the damage there, not the birth itself. The orifice for extracting a baby has the remarkable ability to spring back into shape much more so than the skin over the stomach. Your doctor will also provide a set of simple exercises that can be performed anywhere, while you are washing up, sitting on the bus, anywhere, that will assist the pelvic floor to a speedy recovery.

Whether you are in the camp of natural childbirth or personal choice of a c-section, the choice should be made on what is best for the baby or the mothers health - not on what will get you back into your jeans the fastest.

Parenting expert Catherine Harvey looks at the different methods of childbirth and whether opting for a c-section is easier than natural birth. To find out more please visit http://www.babychanneltv.com/

It’s fairly common knowledge that women, while going through pregnancy, deal with many physical and emotional changes, but what is less understood, is why these things happen. From morning sickness, back aches, fatigue, as well as riding the proverbial emotional roller coaster as her hormones change. Of course, most mothers would be quick to point out that the joys of motherhood far exceed the temporary discomforts and emotional distress of the pregnancy process.

Nevertheless, all the pain and frustration, capped off by the pain of labor can make any woman a little wary of the experience.

In addition to pain, discomfort and unstable emotions, many women also deal with a great deal of fear and uncertainty during pregnancy. Will my birth be painful? What if something goes wrong? What if I don’t know how to care for my baby? These questions are typical and are good indicators of a normal level of fear and uncertainty.

Consequently, the more understanding that a woman has about her body and the pregnancy process, the more confidence they will have. Understanding the reasons that changes take place is comforting, but knowing what is forthcoming will help women prepare themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Couples should take time to learn, not only about the changes that take place during pregnancy, but also during labor, and early parent as well. After all, by the time you bring a life into this world, for all intents and purposes, the time for preparation is over - it’s go time!

The Lamaze method, which is pretty much synonymous with birthing at this point, is one of the most well-known and popular birthing aids and education programs. Through an understanding of basic anatomy, pain reduction exercises, and Lamaze breathing, the method prepares mothers-to-be by helping them build confidence and decreasing their fears about the labor process. Lamaze classes are available throughout the country.

Another option that can help expecting parents to relax, relieve stress, and gain confidence, is a second honeymoon of sorts, called a babymoon. A babymoon, in short , is a trip or vacation taken by a couple before giving birth. This vacation can help them relax and enjoy each other’s company before beginning the journey of parenthood with sleepless nights and busy days.

So, for any soon-to-be mothers (especially first timers)it would be a great idea to take some classes, enjoy a babymoon in California, Hawaii, or wherever your adventurous spirit guides you. Because having a baby is a great blessing, and should not be a burden.

Art Gib is a freelance writer, Joyful Birth (http://joyfulbirthclasses.com) is a motherhood group offering Lamaze classes, motherhood planning resources, and babymoon in California.