Almost every woman knows the basic of what they should and should not do during pregnancy. They know that caffeine should be cut back; they should not smoke, drink alcohol or spend time in any hot tubs. However more and more studies are being done to see if pregnant women should avoid certain foods for the duration of their pregnancy.

It is essential that pregnant women eat a well balanced meal at all times to provide their growing baby with the vitamins, nutrients and minerals that the baby needs to grow. There are some foods though that needs to be avoided due to the risk they pose to not just to the mother, but also to the growing baby.

For starters, raw meat needs to be avoided due to the risk of toxoplasmosis and salmonella. This means no more rare steaks, or rare burgers. Pregnant women should take caution and make sure that all of the meat they eat is cooked well done. Cold deli meat should also be avoided because of the risk of listeria. Listeria can cross the placenta and can cause an infection or blood poisoning to the baby. Keep in mind though that deli meat can be reheated until it is steaming and this will help reduce the risk.

Speaking of listeria there are other foods that can contain this bacteria. Some soft cheeses such as brie, feta, and gorgonzola. These cheeses are commonly made with unpasterized milk. Unpasterized milk often contains listeria, so pregnant women need to make sure that any soft cheeses they are going to eat are made with pasteurized milk.

Fish has always been a subject of debate for pregnant women. While some forms of fish contain essential nutrients that are needed by the baby, others contain a high level of mercury. Any fish with a high level of mercury such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and fish used in sushi should be avoided through out pregnancy. Studies have linked mercury to developmental delays and in some cases brain damage. Tuna also contains a lot of mercury but canned, chunk light tuna has a lower amount of mercury and can be eaten in moderation. Raw shellfish also should be avoided through out pregnancy.

Raw eggs or anything containing raw eggs is a no no during pregnancy. There is a potential exposure to salmonella. This means no raw cookie dough, no brownie mix, and some homemade sauces such as hollandaise, Caesar dressing and blue cheese dressing. When dining in a restaurant, it would be wise to ask any sauces or dressings contain any raw eggs. Most restaurants should be using pasteurized eggs in any raw egg recipe but one should still double check.

There has never been a more important time to be careful what a woman eats then when she is pregnant. Some of the above foods have been linked to miscarriages and other birth defects. If you are pregnant and you have already indulged in a few of the foods you should not have, do not panic. Chances are, you and your baby are fine but take extra care to avoid these foods in the future.

There are a few women out there in this world who sail through their pregnancy without so much of glimpse of queasiness. The rest of us have no such luck. Chances are you are the type of women who the mere smell of what use to be your favorite food sends you running to the nearest toilet. The mere sight of steak can send you heaving and just thinking about eating that salad turns you greener than the romaine lettuce it contains. You probably curse the silly fool who named it “morning sickness” when all pregnant women know it is more like all day sickness.

There are different degrees of morning sickness. Each woman and each pregnancy is different. I spent the first three months of my first pregnancy over a toilet and unable to look at any sort of vegetable or meat. However I made it through my second pregnancy with only a few spurts to the bathroom and hardly any aversions. The good news is though, this is usually only temporary. Most women start feeling better between their 12th and 14th week of pregnancy. Even better news is that your baby is handling this much better than you are. As hard as it is to eat healthy during this period there are some things you can do to help ease your discomfort.

For starters, eat often. It has been shown that an empty stomach tends to make your morning sickness even worse. This is why so many of us feel so bad when we first wake up. We’ve had nothing in our system which means our stomach acids are going crazy since nothing is there to soak them up. The trick to this is to eat often. Try eating six mini meals a days and make sure you have plenty of snacks. Make sure you eat often in bed. Before you go to bed for the night have a snack that is high in protein and in carbs such as nuts and raisins, yogurt and bread stick or a cheese and crackers. Keep a stash of crackers or ginger cookies by your bed and make sure you have one before you even think about getting out of bed in the morning.

You will always want to eat mainly carbs and protein. Stick with crackers or fruit to give you some comfort during those first few months. Other good snacks are pretzels, saltines and whole grain toast. For fruits stick with melons and bananas. For your protein add a little cheese or some nuts to your snacks or any time you are feeling a little green. Yogurt is also an excellent choice when fighting morning sickness also.

Make sure you drink your water. If you are vomiting it is essential that you stay hydrated. Making sure you stay hydrated is probably more important that making sure you eat those first few months. Becoming dehydrated can cause a problem for you and your little one so make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water or juice through out the day. You can also suck on ice chips or fruit juice popsicles if you are having problems keeping liquids down.

The most important thing to keep in mind those first three months is not to beat yourself up if you can not eat as healthy as you would like to. You will still have plenty of time to make up for it after you get through this storm. Just make smart choices when it comes to what you eat and snack on and that will pave the way for when you can eat as a normal person.

It is Murphy’s law that just when you are able to get food into your body without having it come back up, that you suddenly find you can not get the food out of your body. Nearly half of all the women who are pregnant suffer from constipation during pregnancy.

As with all symptoms of pregnancy there is a reason for constipation. When you are pregnant your body creates progesterone which in turns relaxes the muscles of the bowels and causes your digestive tracks to work much slower. Your digestive track works slower to make sure your body absorbs the nutrients from your food for your baby. This can create constipation, which if it not kept under control, can lead to hemorrhoids.

There are some ways you can help avoid constipation throughout your pregnancy. Make sure you included plenty of fiber in your diet. Fiber absorbs water and can help to soften your stools and speed their passage. Eat plenty of high fiber foods like whole grain cereal and oatmeal. Instead of eating white bread with your sandwiches, eat whole grain breads. Add some oat bran to your cereals or yogurt.

Fresh fruits are also an excellent way to get your fiber in. Melons and plums have a high amount of fiber in them as wells as dried fruits like figs, raisins, apricots and of course the well known favorite prunes. Prunes and prune juice have a like laxative effect and will help keep things moving properly in your body. Aim to eat at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day. You can tell you are getting enough fiber if your stools are large and soft and you aren’t straining to pass them. Keep in mind though that too much fiber can lead to diarrhea which can lead to dehydration so do not over do the fiber in your diet.

Also, drinking plenty of fluid will help you combat constipation. Fluids help keep digestive products moving through your system so it is very important for you to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day. Keeping up with your fluids is important especially if you are increasing your intake of fiber. Your body needs to water to soak up the fiber otherwise it can cause more constipation.

Also, make sure you are eating your yogurt if you can. Yogurt has a bacteria called acidophilus that helps stimulate the intestinal bacteria to break down food better. Look at your prenatal. Some of the prenatal that women take contain a lot of iron and iron can play a big part in constipation. Talk to your doctor to see if you can switch for a while to a different prenatal that contains less iron or at least stay off of the prenatal for a while until your constipation is under control.

Avoid foods that can lead to constipation. White bread and some cereals such as corn flakes can lead to constipation as well as white rice and bananas. If all this fails, give your doctor a call to see if there is something you can take to help keep you regulated. Most doctors will allow you to take Metamucil to help keep things moving.

Constipation is never pleasant but during pregnancy it can be even extra uncomfortable. Make sure you take the steps to avoid constipation. It will help make your pregnancy that much more enjoyable.

A majority of plus sized women who are pregnant will experience a healthy pregnancy, but they are at a risk of having a more bumpy ride than someone who is not overweight.

Women who are overweight, or have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more are at a greater risk of certain pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. No knows for sure why weight matters so much, as far as most doctors are concerned it is just one piece of the puzzle. The truth is most plus size women go on to have completely uneventful pregnancies and deliver perfect healthy babies as long as they eat well, exercise and watch their weight throughout pregnancy. The biggest problem with being plus sized and pregnant is that you are at a greater for some of the following.

Studies have shown that overweight women have a higher rate of neural tube defects which are problems with how your baby’s brain and spinal cord develop. These studies are unable to pin point exactly why overweight women are at a higher risk and have a higher rate. Some studies have shown that overweight women have lower blood folate levels than a woman who is of normal weight. Folate is needed especially in the early stages of pregnancy to help avoid neaural tube defects. Because of this, if you are overweight your doctor may prescribe you a prenatal vitamin with 1000 micrograms of folic acid. In fact, if you are overweight and planning on becoming pregnant, you may want to start taking folic acid before you even conceive.

Gestational diabetes is another complication that overweight women are at a greater risk of developing. Gestational diabetes is elevated blood-sugar level during pregnancy. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development estimate that women with normal BMI which is between 19 and 24 have a 2% chance of developing gestational diabetes. Overweight women have a 6% chance of developing this condition and obese women or women who have a BMI of 30 or more have a 9% chance of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Remember though that if you are diagnosed with this, you can still go on and have a healthy pregnancy with a modified eating plan.

Almost 10% of obese and overweight women develop a condition called gestational hypertension. This is when your blood pressure becomes high with a reading of 140 over 90 or higher after your 20th week of pregnancy but you do not have any protein in your urine.

Gestational hypertension is usually a small concern but can put you at a higher risk for preeclampsia (which is indicated by high blood pressure AND protein in your urine), intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, placental abruption and still birth. If you do go on to develop preeclampsia, your weight is probably not that big of a factor. In fact if you are under 35 and overweight you have LESS of a chance of developing preeclampsia that a woman over 35 and a healthy weight.

Perhaps the most common complication for overweight women is longer labors and the possible risk of a cesarean section. Nearly 26-35% of deliveries are cesarean delivery. You are at a bigger risk if you have been diagnosed with preeclampsia or gestational hypertension or have a large baby.
Eating healthy throughout your pregnancy and working with your doctor to manage your weight will help reduce these risks and increase your already high chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Prenatal vitamins are one of the most important vitamins that you take through out your pregnancy. Ideally, you should start taking prenatal vitamins when you are trying to conceive a baby. By taking prenatal while you are trying to conceive, you are preparing your body for the challenging task that lies ahead. Some experts believe that taking prenatal before you are pregnant might actually reduce your risk of a miscarriage after you become pregnant.

Taking prenatal before pregnancy is not always possible for some people, but taking them during pregnancy is essential. Prenatal vitamins contain one of the most important nutrients that a new mother needs and that are folic acid or folate. By taking in extra folic acid, you lower your chances of your baby being born with an incomplete spinal column which is known as spina bifida. In order for your baby to be protected, it is imperative that folic acid is taken in the first four weeks of fetal development.

This can be a problem for women who do not take prenatals before they are pregnant. Most of the time, most women do not know they are pregnant until after they missed their period which is about two weeks after conception. This is why if you are of child bearing age, you should make it a habit of taking folic acid even if you are not planning to become pregnant and we all know that not all pregnancies are planned.

You can still get your folic acid in food. Folic acid is added to many breads and pastas and is found in dark green and orange fruits as well as vegetables. Keep in mind though that taking a daily supplement of folic acid offers more protection from spina bifida then eating the same amount of folic acid in food.

While you are pregnant you should aim to take at least 600mcg of folic acid a day. If you have had a baby with a neural tube defect, you will have to take 4000 mcg or 4 milligrams of folic acid every day, starting at least a month before you get pregnant.

Some women report that they can not take their prenatals especially in their first trimester. Women who suffer from morning sickness and food aversions find that they can not eat much food. Taking a prenatal on an empty stomach can leave you feeling sick and queasy which is why so many women in the first trimester do not take them. Another reason some women report upset stomachs is due to the high iron level that some prenatals have. Not only could this cause an upset stomach, this can also lead to constipation which can already be a problem for some pregnant women.

If you find that you can not take your prenatal, talk to your doctor to see if he can give you a prenatal with less iron or give you a folic acid supplement also. The worst thing you could do is not take anything, especially during those first few weeks.

Most doctors will tell you that you should gain anywhere between 25-30 pounds through out your pregnancy. You should aim to gain about 3.5 pounds during your first trimester, although more often than not most women find that they lose weight their first trimester. The culprit to this is morning sickness. Some women suffer from such a severe case of morning sickness they can not keep anything down. Chances are your doctor will not be too concerned if you lose a few pounds that first trimester as long as you gain steady throughout the next two trimesters.

Your second trimester is where you will probably put on most of your weight. Most women put on about a pound a week, so roughly four or five pounds a month which brings their second trimester weight gain to about 12-15 pounds. Some women put on more while others put on less. Do not be surprised if you put on a lot of weight one month and not so much your next.

For the 7th and 8th month you will should probably continue about a pound each week or so. Look to gain between 8 and 10 pounds those months. Most women find that their weight gain slows down in the 9th month. You might find your weight gain coming to a end as your due date draws nearer. This can be a sign that labor is on the horizon. Or, you may find that your weight gain continues especially if you are retaining a lot of water.

So where does all this weight go? It doesn’t really make sense that you should gain between 25-30 pounds if your baby is only going to weigh between 7 and 8 pounds. Let’s break down where the extra weight goes.

First, you have your baby. A average baby weights about 7 1/2 pounds. Some can weigh more and some weigh less. That amniotic fluid that your baby has been swimming in for the past nine months weighs about 2 pounds. Figure in about 2 pounds for your breast enlargement and 1 1/2 pounds for your placenta. Your uterus, which started off about the size of a golf ball has grown to weigh about 2 pounds. Your body should be producing about 4 pounds of extra blood by the end of your pregnancy and about 7 extra pounds of fat. Let’s not forget the extra fluid of about 4 pounds that your body might be holding on to. All this equals to the grand total of about 30 pounds.

Now keep in mind this is just a estimate and not a guarantee of how your weight will fall. There are women who wind up having a 10 pound baby and others who have a 5 pound baby. The key is to maintain a healthy weight gain throughout your pregnancy. Your body needs extra calories and it is best for you and your baby if those extra calories come from food that has a lot of nutritional value such as fruits, vegetables or protein. Staying away from junk for will help you curb your weight gain.

When it comes to taking the weight off, do not be surprise if your body hangs on to it especially those first days after delivery. Once you are home keep this in mind that it took nine months to gain that weight so gives yourself at least a good nine months to take it off.

Pregnancy is a very delicate period in a woman’s life. She notices she is getting weight, she feels nausea, she is nervous due to the unbalanced hormones and she finds out every month that her clothes do not fit her any more. And all this for nine months!

Luckily nowadays pregnancy clothing is not a problem any more. Now there are specialized stores in every city that are willing to satisfy any mood of a pregnant woman when talking about pregnancy clothing. The industry of clothing has developed so much that any regular woman can order anything she wants including pregnancy clothes resembling the clothes that were worn by pregnant movie stars.

Buying pregnancy clothing should not be a problem for the future mother as these clothes are specially designed so that you can request for the same size of clothes as you did before getting pregnant. This does not mean that the clothes won’t fit you because they are modified to make sure your belly, chest and hips will fit in.

From T-shirts that show off the future mother’s belly to swimsuits for pregnant women, anything is possible. But are they healthy to the mother and the baby?

Specialists recommend the pregnant woman to choose loose-fitting cotton pregnancy clothes and stay away from tight clothes because they block the skin from breathing. As the body temperature rises easily during pregnancy, the pregnant woman should wear layers that can be easily removed. Natural fibers are recommended as perspiration is increased during the 9 months. Shoes must be comfortable and flat if possible as the feet might be swelling and in the last months of pregnancy a little bit on unbalance in walking might occur.

Bras are also an important part of pregnancy clothing. They need to be changed quite frequent as the breasts are growing and must be comfortable, wired, so that it will not dig in and cause pain, and supportive for the breasts.

For plus-sized pregnancy women until now there have not been too many options of pregnancy clothing. They could only choose from T-shirts with teddy bears on them or strange inscriptions like: Baby on board or Baby to come. Some of them might not even have to buy new maternity clothes as they generally do not gain too much weight during pregnancy. They could even wear the clothes they have been wearing before getting pregnant or if their budget does not allow them to buy the expensive maternity clothes they can opt for one size bigger regular clothes. It is true that over sized pregnancy clothes are not easy to find and they are quite expensive and this is why some fashion specialists advise pregnant women to invest money in a few key pieces that can also be used in the post-pregnancy phases. These clothes can be combined in different ways and so the pregnant woman will always look like wearing something new.

Pregnancy clothing should not become a source of stress for the mother. If the woman was used to wearing jeans before getting pregnant then she should continue to wear such clothes even though she is pregnant. Changing clothing style is not a good idea during pregnancy especially if it is made just because you are pregnant. Having a good body image is essential during pregnancy so try not to make big changes just because people around you ask you to wear something they believe you might like. Just be yourself and then you and the baby will be happy and relaxed.

1. Early Pregnancy Bleeding
2. Late Pregnancy Bleeding

Early Pregnancy Bleeding

Bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy is quite common and may be due to the following:

1. Miscarriage (pregnancy loss)
2. Ectopic pregnancy or Tubal pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian tube)
3. Gestational trophoblastic disease (a rare condition that may be cancerous in which a grape-like mass of fetal and placental tissues develops)
4. Implantation of the placenta in the uterus
5. Infection

Late Pregnancy Bleeding

Bleeding in late pregnancy (after about 20 weeks) may be due to the following:

1. Placenta previa (placenta is near or covers the cervical opening)
2. Placental abruption (placenta detaches prematurely from the uterus)
3. Unknown causes

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is always scary for the expectant mother. There are many causes of vaginal bleeding and often the bleeding will stop on its own. You should always alert your doctor or midwife when you have vaginal bleeding since the bleeding may pose a risk to you or the fetus.

Bleeding in Early Pregnancy

Many women have vaginal spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy. This bleeding may be as a result of implantation - when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall. Early in pregnancy your doctor or midwife may order a series of blood pregnancy tests. These tests measure the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your bloodstream. HCG is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Following the increasing levels of hCG in the blood can help your doctor or midwife to monitor the progress of your pregnancy in the early weeks. An ultrasound, or sonogram, may be performed to help locate the reason for the bleeding. Your doctor or midwife may wish to do a pelvic exam. Sometimes the cause of the bleeding is never found.

Miscarriage

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy in the early stages. Although a miscarriage can occur any time during the first half of a pregnancy, it is most common during the first twelve weeks. Although 15 to 20% of all known pregnancies end in miscarriage, approximately ½ of those with bleeding in pregnancy do not miscarry. Most miscarriages cannot be prevented. This is nature’s way of dealing with a pregnancy that is not developing normally. Although a woman may first notice the bleeding after sex, having sexual intercourse in early pregnancy will not cause a miscarriage. Most women who miscarry will go on to deliver healthy babies with future pregnancies.

There is a possibility of miscarriage if you notice vaginal bleeding, the passage of tissue, and cramping pain in the lower abdomen. Many women with bleeding have little or no cramping. The bleeding may stop and the pregnancy progresses. Other times, though, the bleeding will continue to get heavier and miscarriage occurs. Generally the cramping experienced with a miscarriage is stronger than normal menstrual cramps.

If you think you may be having a miscarriage, call your doctor or midwife. If you have passed any tissue, you will be asked to bring it to the office with you. It will be sent to a pathologist for examination. If you have had a miscarriage, but tissue remains in your uterus, you will continue to bleed. You will need a D&C to remove the tissue. This procedure is performed by dilating (widening) the cervix and either suctioning or wiping the tissue away from the lining of the uterus.

Having a miscarriage does not mean you will not be able to carry a child to term in the future. If you have two or three miscarriages in a row, your doctor or midwife may want to perform tests to look for a possible cause for the miscarriages.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is one that occurs outside the uterus. Because the pregnancy is not in the uterus, it cannot progress normally and must be removed. About 1 in 60 pregnancies are ectopic. Usually the pregancy is in a fallopian tube. A ruptured tubal pregnancy will cause major bleeding into the abdomen and can even cause death. The symptoms are typically pelvic pain (usually a sharp pain on one side) and vaginal bleeding. If the tube has ruptured, there may be shoulder pain, dizziness, or fainting. Since there may not be much warning, you should call your doctor or midwife if you have pain or bleeding.

The treatment for an ectopic pregnancy varies according to how early the problem is found. Sometimes the pregnancy can be removed from the tube using a laproscope. This will preserve the tube for later use.

If the pregnancy is larger, or the tube has ruptured, a larger incision will need to be made. This is called a laparotomy. The pregnancy may be removed from the tube, or the tube may need to be removed.

Sometimes a drug (methotrexate) may be given to stop the growth of the pregnancy. Your body will absorb the tissue over time. The progression of the treatment is monitored by blood tests.

Women who have already had an ectopic pregnancy, who have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or pelvic infections, have a history of infertility, or pelvic surgeries are at an increased risk for an ectopic pregnancy.

Bleeding in Late Pregnancy

The causes of bleeding the second half of pregnancy are different from in early pregnancy. The most common causes of heavy vaginal bleeding are related to the placenta. Bleeding can be heavy and may pose a serious threat to the mother or the fetus. The two most common culprits are placenta previa and placental abruption. If you have any bleeding in the second half of pregnancy, you should alert your doctor or midwife.

Placenta Previa

During pregnancy, the baby receives nourishment from you through the placenta. The placenta usually develops in the top part of the uterus. When the placenta lies low in the uterus, partically or completely covering the cervix (uterine opening), it is referred to as a placenta previa. In late pregnancy, this may result in painless vaginal bleeding. Placenta previa is diagnosed by ultrasound. The doctor or midwife may prescribe bed rest to prevent heavy bleeding. The baby should not be delivered vaginally if the placenta previa persists at term.

Placenta previa occurs in 1 in 200 pregnancies. It is most common in women who have had a previous cesarean section, have had placenta previa in the past, are over the age of 35, have had previous uterine infections or surgery (such as a D&C), or are pregnant with more than one baby.

Placental Abruption - When the placenta detaches from the side of the uterus either partically or completely before or during labor, this is called placental abruption. This is a life threatening complication for the mother and the baby. The mother can hemorrhage, while the baby will have its oxygen supply decreased or cut off. The symptoms include vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, and nausea and vomiting. Placental abruption occurs in 1 in 100 pregnancies. Placental abruption is associated with high blood pressure, smoking, cocaine use (even once), and blows or injuries to the abdomen. Women are at a higher risk for placental abruption if they are over the age of 35, have had a previous placental abruption, have had several pregnancies or have sickle cell anemia.

Labor

Vaginal bleeding can be a sign of labor. When the mucous plug that covers the opening of the uterus is passed, this is called “show”. The mucous is mixed with a little blood. If this happens within a few weeks of your due date, it is not a problem. It means your cervix is beginning to shorten and thin out (”effacing”), it is getting ready for labor. If it occurs earlier, you should call your doctor or midwife as it may be a sign of premature labor. Other signs of labor include:

1. A change in vaginal discharge (watery, mucous, or bloody, an increase in the amount.
2. Lower abdominal or pelvic pressure.
3. A low, dull backache.
4. Abdominal cramps, with or without diarrhea.
5. Regular contractions or cramping of the uterus.

What should I do if I notice spotting or bleeding when I’m pregnant?

Call your doctor or midwife right away, even if the bleeding seems to have stopped. While it may turn out to be something minor, it could also be a sign of a serious problem. You’ll probably need an exam to rule out any complications and to make sure you and your baby are fine.

How is spotting different from bleeding?

Spotting is very light bleeding, similar to what you may have at the very beginning or end of your period. It can vary in color from pink to red to brown (the color of dried blood).

You are twenty eight weeks pregnant! Congratulations, you have made it to your third trimester with a picture perfect pregnancy. You go in to see your obgyn for your appointment and the bomb drops. You have gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is one of the most common pregnancy complications that women face. It is when pregnant women have high blood sugar levels during their pregnancy. It is not really known what can cause gestational diabetes. Some experts say that overweight women have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, but there is not much evidence to support this.

What is known about gestational diabetes is that one of the only cures is to deliver the baby. After delivery your blood sugar level will go back down to normal. The common treatment for gestational diabetes has been insulin shots. Just as if you had diabetes when you were not pregnant, you would have to take shots each day. Some women find though that by changing their diet, they are able to manage their gestational diabetes without having to give themselves a shot of insulin.

If you are looking to make dietary changes your doctor will probably refer you to a nutritionist. They will look at several factors when designing a meal plan for you. First they will look at your weight before you got pregnant and how much you have gained since them. Next they will look at your activity level and your blood level. Then they will work with you to design an eating plan that has just the right amount of carbohydrates.

Some of the guidelines you should follow are to spread your carbs out through out the day by eating three small meals and two to four snacks. Breakfast might be a meal where you will want to eat less carbs since they can cause your blood sugar to rise quickly. Instead eat a protein filled breakfast with eggs, or even meat. Giving up sweets is one of the best things you can do if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and will make your meal plan easier to follow.

It is also important to that you do not skip meals or try going on a low carb diet. This is going to cause your blood levels to fall to low levels and can leave you exhausted and legatheric. Chances are you will have to test your blood sugar levels regularly to make sure you are at a safe level. Some women are so sensitive that they can tell when their levels are low and know what steps to take to correct it.

Not taking the steps to keep your gestational diabetes under control not only puts you at a risk of developing type 2 diabetes’s later in life, but you are also putting the life of your baby at risk. Babies born from moms who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes tend to be larger than those who aren’t. Most doctors will not let a women go past her due date if she has gestational diabetes and a few will not even let them go as far as their due date before inducting them. Larger babies could mean more delivery complications and increase your chance of a c- section.

Gestational diabetes is so common these days that no one bats an eye if you say you have it. By eating a healthy diet and watching your sugar level, you will be able to control your blood sugar level and continue with your perfect pregnancy.

Numerous scientific studies indicate that smoking by pregnant women, or their regular exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, also known as secondhand smoke, dramatically increases the risk of a range of health problems both to themselves and their babies, including the following:

1. spontaneous abortions
2. ectopic pregnancies
3. other birth and delivery problems
4. fetal brain damage
5. growth retardation/low birth weight
6. lower or higher than normal infant blood pressure
7. problems requiring neonatal intensive care
8. infant death from perinatal disorders
9. sudden infant death syndrome
10. mental retardation
11. respiratory disorders during childhood
12. Attention Deficit Disorder
13. other learning and developmental problems
14. behavioral problems, violence, and criminality
15. smoking during adolescence
16. various adult health problems
17. cancer-causing agents in infants’ blood: potentially carcinogenic mutations; and childhood leukemia

Effects of smoking while pregnant

Smoking in pregnancy can affect your baby, not just before birth, but also in the future. Here are some of the effects of smoking while pregnant.

Smoking raises the levels of carbon monoxide in your bloodstream. This reduces the amount of oxygen available to your baby.

When you smoke, harmful chemicals reach your baby.

Nicotine constricts the blood vessels on your side of the placenta, which means oxygen is passed over less effectively to the baby.

The result is the baby grows less well than he might have done, and he’ll be born lighter than otherwise. This might make a great difference to his health at birth.

There are also effects on brain development and on the general health of your baby, which have been shown to last into childhood, and even beyond. There is also a great deal of evidence that men who smoke when their partners are pregnant also affect the baby’s health - whether or not the woman smokes herself.

What do I need to know about Smoking and Breastfeeding?

1. Smoking can cause problems if the mother breastfeeds her baby. Nicotine is a drug that is passed to the baby in her breastmilk, and can cause nausea, colic, cramping and diarrhea in the baby.
2. Smoking may reduce milk supply and interfere with the let-down response
3. Even formula-fed infants of mothers who smoke excrete nicotine and cotinine (a nicotine by-product) in their urine.
4. For mothers who smoke, it is recommended that they abstain from smoking for two hours before nursing. This means quitting for mothers of newborns.
5. Mothers who smoke should smoke outside, away from the baby.
6. Absorption of nicotine by infants is greater from the respiratory tract than from breast milk.
7. The benefits of breastfeeding may outweigh the risk of some nicotine exposure.