Mother & Baby Care » Pregnancy Health http://luckyamaan.com An Easy Guide to Mother & Baby Care Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:36:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy http://luckyamaan.com/foods-to-avoid-in-pregnancy/35 http://luckyamaan.com/foods-to-avoid-in-pregnancy/35#comments Sat, 22 Sep 2007 11:42:39 +0000 Bina http://luckyamaan.com/foods-to-avoid-in-pregnancy/ Unfortunately food preparation is included in the list of cautions. However, with a few simple rules you can have a carefree and safe pregnancy. Most pregnant women know that they are to avoid or minimize things that have little or no nutritional value, like caffeine, sweets, processed foods, etc.. However, there are some things [...]]]>

Unfortunately food preparation is included in the list of cautions. However, with a few simple rules you can have a carefree and safe pregnancy. Most pregnant women know that they are to avoid or minimize things that have little or no nutritional value, like caffeine, sweets, processed foods, etc.. However, there are some things that also need to
be watched for in general:
Swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tile fish – These fish can contain potentially risky levels of mercury. Mercury can be transferred to the growing fetus and cause serious health problems. An expert panel of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has advised pregnant women to eat no more than 12 ounces of canned tuna per week. Also avoid eating any game fish without first checking its safety with your local health department.

Raw fish, especially shellfish (oysters, clams)

Undercooked meat, poultry, seafood and hot dogs – Cook all meat, poultry and seafood thoroughly to kill bacteria. Cook hot dogs until they are steaming hot. Deli meats (such as ham, salami, and bologna) are an occasional cause of food poisoning; pregnant women may choose to avoid them or reheat them before eating.

Avoid salmonella – This is usually traceable to eggs and chicken meat. This means no more licking the cake batter spoon! You should always ensure that your eggs and meats are cooked thoroughly. When using a cutting board for chicken be sure to wash it prior to using it for another food, particularly things like raw vegetables. Symptoms can include: headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, shivering or fever. Usually symptoms occur within 12-48 hours after infection and lasts about 2-3 days. Only if it is severe will treatment usually be necessary. Though if you’re vomiting and become dehydrated IV therapy may be beneficial.

Soft-scrambled eggs – and all foods made with raw or lightly cooked eggs

Soft cheeses - such as Brie, feta, Camembert, Roquefort and Mexican-style

Unpasteurized milk and any foods made from it – Food most likely to be infected by listeria are unpasteurized milk products, improperly cooked meats, cooked chilled food (luncheon meat being the most recent scare), soft cheese are some of the major players. Normally this bacteria is killed at the pasteurizing temperature, but if the food is refrigerated after being infected the bacteria is still present. Rarely, but still possible for some, is transmission through direct contact with live stock. General aches and pains accompanied by a fever are the main symptoms. Usually people think that they have the flu. Reports of miscarriage (including recurrent) and stillbirths have been linked to listeriosis infections spread by the mother to the unborn baby.

Unpasteurized juices

Raw sprouts, especially alfalfa sprouts

Herbal supplements and teas

Some studies indicate that your baby may be at increased risk of developing a food allergy in later life if you, your partner or a family member has a food allergy. You may wish to consult a food allergy specialist for help in planning your diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Here are some additional tips to ensure you have a healthy and nutritional pregnancy:

  • Always wash your hands after preparing food, between foods, and after the restroom. 

  • Avoid contaminating foods with each other 

  • Always use clean utensils and cooking equipment. Also, keep kitchen counters and sinks clean as they can harbor bacteria.

  • Avoid dented cans or jars that are leaky or don’t “pop” when you open them.

  • Wash raw vegetables thoroughly

  • Eat or drink only pasteurized products, including apple juice 

  • Completely defrost foods, especially meats, prior to cooking. Thaw foods in the refrigerator or if you’re in a rush, which in the microwave or in a watertight plastic bag submerged in cold water. Never thaw foods at room temperature.

  • Do not refreeze anything that has been defrosted 

  • Reheat food only once, then toss it 

  • When food shopping, avoid fish, meat and eggs that are not well refrigerated or kept on ice.

]]> http://luckyamaan.com/foods-to-avoid-in-pregnancy/35/feed 38 When To Stop Exercising and Conditions That May Make Exercise Risky http://luckyamaan.com/when-to-stop-exercising-and-conditions-that-may-make-exercise-risky/10 http://luckyamaan.com/when-to-stop-exercising-and-conditions-that-may-make-exercise-risky/10#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:13:30 +0000 Bina http://luckyamaan.com/blog/when-to-stop-exercising-and-conditions-that-may-make-exercise-risky/ If you experience any of the following symptoms stop exercising and call you doctor right away: – Bleeding from your vagina – Difficult or labored breathing before you exercise – Dizziness – Headache – Chest pains – Muscle weakness – Calf pain or swelling – Preterm labor – Decreased movement of the fetus – Leakage [...]]]> If you experience any of the following symptoms stop exercising and call you doctor right away: – Bleeding from your vagina – Difficult or labored breathing before you exercise – Dizziness – Headache – Chest pains – Muscle weakness – Calf pain or swelling – Preterm labor – Decreased movement of the fetus – Leakage of fluid from your vagina
If you have any of the conditions below, do not exercise. Check with your health care provider. – Heart disease – Lung disease – Incompetent cervix: The cervix is the narrow, outer end of the uterus. If it is weak, it cannot hold the fetus in the uterus – Preterm labour – Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets or more) at risk for preterm labor – Frequent bleeding from the vagina during months 4-9 of pregnancy – Placenta previa – Hypertension

]]> http://luckyamaan.com/when-to-stop-exercising-and-conditions-that-may-make-exercise-risky/10/feed 0 Herbal Supplements http://luckyamaan.com/herbal-supplements/7 http://luckyamaan.com/herbal-supplements/7#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:06:32 +0000 Bina http://luckyamaan.com/blog/herbal-supplements/ Today more than 60 million Americans are medicating themselves with herbal supplements. By assuming that ?natural? remedies are safe, your patients are probably not fully discussing the issue with you, if at all. Research shows that many do not see the need to inform their physicians of their use of alternative medicine including herbal supplements. [...]]]> Today more than 60 million Americans are medicating themselves with herbal supplements. By assuming that ?natural? remedies are safe, your patients are probably not fully discussing the issue with you, if at all. Research shows that many do not see the need to inform their physicians of their use of alternative medicine including herbal supplements. This is a serious issue, since ?natural? does not always mean ?safe,? Few studies have been conducted testing herbal preparations in pregnancy. Some of these products, including ingredients suspected of causing potential damage to you and your baby. While many of these dietary supplements are safe, there are some very hazardous ones


Since herbal products are considered dietary supplements, they are not regulated by that agency as are traditional drugs. The manufacturers of these products are not required to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of their products before they reach the market. In addition, they do not have to adhere to any of the standard quality controls used for drugs. As a result, the composition of herbal products may vary greatly from one batch to another. Some herbal products have been contaminated and could pose a risk in pregnancy. When a pregnant woman is suffering from pregnancy-related discomforts or other ills, she should not assume that it is safe to take an herbal remedy. She should discuss her symptoms with her health care provider who can recommend the safest possible treatment.

Useful Herbs in Pregnancy

The following herbs have been used traditionally for various reasons during pregnancy. Choosing which herbs to use depends on individual circumstances. It is not necessary to use all the herbs in the hopes of avoiding all possible problems that may occur during a pregnancy. Use only those herbs, singly or in combinations as teas or tinctures, which fit your needs. As always be in contact with your health practitioner if you are experiencing serious problems or discomfort. This information is taken from a medical website discussing the uses of various herbs in pregnancy. It is not meant to be used to diagnose a problem, and should be discussed with your doctor before taking. 

  • • Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) — rich in calcium, trace minerals and vitamins E, K, and carotene
    • Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) — tones uterus; regulates contractions at birth; use only during third trimester
    • Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) — helps relieve leg cramps; helps prevent possible miscarriage
    • Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) –tones uterus; regulates contractions at birth; use only during third trimester
    • Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) — reduces constipation with regular use; calming — 1-2 cups daily; avoid high doses
    • Cleavers (Galium aparine) — diuretic to reduce edema (fluid build up esp. in feet and wrists; helps decrease high blood pressure
    • Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) — antispasmodic (relieves muscle cramps); helps prevent possible miscarriage
    • Dandelion Root & Leaf (Taraxacum officinales) — rich mineral source; root tea or tincture decreases constipation; root & leaf tea are diuretic decreasing edema and raised blood pressure
    • False Unicorn Root, a.k.a. Helonias Root (Chamaelirium luteum) — helps prevent possible miscarriage; eases nausea
    • Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare) — reduces constipation, carminative (relieves excess gas)
    • Ginger (Zingibar officinalis) — relieves nausea; — very high amounts may lead to miscarriage
    • Hawthorn (Cratageus spp.) — improves circulation; decreases high blood pressure
    • Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) — rich mineral and silica content for strong bones; long-term use requires thiamine (vitamin B1) supplementation
    • Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) — calming; relieves nausea — 1-2 cups daily; avoid high doses
    • Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) — calming; relieves nausea; carminative
    • Nettles (Urtica dioica) — rich mineral source
    • Partridge Berry, a.k.a. Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens) — tones uterus to prepare for birth
    • Peppermint (Mentha piperita) — carminative
    • Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) — tones uterus; improves contractions; decreases constipation
    • Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) — calming
    • Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) — relieves contipation; nourishing
    • Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) — relieves uterine pains

Herbal Tea
Until more is known about the effect of herbs in pregnancy, the FDA has urged caution on the use of herbal teas during pregnancy and lactation. Thus it is probably safest to limit the amount of herbal teas you consumed, until more research is done on the topic. It is safest to stick with regular and caffeine free tea.

]]> http://luckyamaan.com/herbal-supplements/7/feed 3