Condition Spotlight
The decisions a woman and her partner make during preconception, pregnancy, and childbirth will shape the life of their child. As alternative medicine increases in popularity, future parents and caregivers are looking toward natural therapies such as nutritional supplementation, homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage, and aromatherapy in order to give birth to a healthier child.
It is important to the health of both mother and fetus that the mother eats a well-balanced and varied diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beans, and fish are essential. Limit refined sugars, processed foods, and saturated fats. Organically grown produce, meats, and poultry are preferable.
Gestational diabetes affects 5-9 percent of pregnant women in the United States each year–and its prevalence is on the rise. It often resolves on its own after childbirth. But recent research suggests it can have Read More
Pregnancy brings about a multitude of changes, from physical transformations to an array of unique cravings. When it comes to food, these cravings can be both a blessing and a challenge for expectant mothers as Read More
Welcoming a new life into the world is a monumental event filled with joy, anticipation, and a fair share of uncertainty. For expectant parents, crafting a birth plan offers a sense of direction through the Read More
Diet Eating a healthy diet is a great way to prepare your body for pregnancy. During pregnancy, so many important developments and body changes take place especially in the first month. Just by changing your Read More
You are expectant, and you are excited about the idea of welcoming your new baby. But even before you start thinking of how you will be taking care of your baby, you should start thinking Read More
Whether a pregnancy is planned or not, the act of bringing a new life into the world is a beautiful thing but the journey to get there is not always an easy one. Sure, the Read More
Millions of couples experience difficulties when trying to become pregnant. For 15 percent of these couples, infertility cannot be traced to a specific diagnosis or condition. In addition to lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, Read More
There are many great skills for new moms to learn and do in the Fourth Trimester (post partum). It is extremely important for someone in their fourth trimester to reach out to pelvic physical therapy Read More
According to the CDC, 12 percent of women and 10 percent of men ages 15 to 44 have reproduction issues. Fertility is a women’s health issue as well as a men’s health issue. As a Read More
The journey to parenthood can be an emotional and exciting time for many couples. However, the process of trying to conceive can also be challenging and stressful. In fact, research has shown that stress can Read More
There are many available choices surrounding pregnancy and childbirth—a hospital birth is no longer seen as the only safe option for delivery. Many couples are opting to have their babies at home or in birth centers that offer the kind of care that is tailored to each couple’s needs. Currently, holistic practitioners in the field of childbirth are addressing the need for dietary changes, abstinence from harmful substances, childbirth classes, and emotional support during the birth. Other options range from the modern technology of a hospital birth to water birth in the home; obstetric care to midwifery and doula care; and medical drug intervention to labor-inducing herbs.
Although each individual responds to pregnancy differently, and there is no such thing as a perfect pregnancy, there are many ways to contribute to a healthy one. Probably most important is that the woman realizes the physiological impact carrying a child has on her health and that she listens to her body’s needs. Adequate rest, including naps, ‘mental’ breaks, and sufficient sleep, is essential. Maintaining a positive outlook and keeping stress to a minimum are beneficial to both mother and baby. Comfortably paced, regular, non-jarring exercise, such as low-impact aerobics, walking, yoga, and swimming, can increase stamina for labor, strengthen muscles used during delivery, and may enhance the ability to cope better with labor.
