Tips on Choosing Childbirth Options

This may be a good time during the pregnancy for your spouse to give a thought to the manner of delivery she wishes to opt for. The options-natural, induced, or cesarean-all have their pros and cons.

Natural delivery

• This is the most common method of childbirth.
• It does not involve an extended stay in a hospital.
• The risks associated with major surgery are avoided.
• This method of delivery makes breastfeeding easier.
• The mother can actively participate in the childbirth.

Induced delivery

• In this method, labor is artificially induced rather than spontaneous.
• It avoids complications in post-term babies.
• The pregnant mom, or her doctor, can decide when to go in for labor.
• Studies report that women who have induced labor are less likely to develop chorioamnionitis, an infection of the placental membranes.

Cesarean section

• In this method, delivery is surgically carried out through an incision made by the doctor in the abdomen and uterus.
• It is required if labor does not progress normally.
• It is also required in case of a complication in the pregnancy.
• It is useful in cases where the fetus has been diagnosed with a developmental problem.
• It is helpful in cases of women carrying twins, triplets, or multiples.
• Cesarean is also used in the cases where the mom has herpes or similar infections, to prevent the baby from contracting these infections.

Time to Show You Care for Your Expectant Spouse

With an expanding waistline and hormones going completely crazy, it is natural for the expectant mom to feel insecure. At a time like this it is up to you, as the partner, to step in and make her feel loved and adored. There are a number of ways to do this.

* Giving her a massage: Pregnancy is often attended by unpleasant sensations, stiff joints, and painful swellings. Giving her a gentle massage is one way you can make her feel better after a particularly hard day.

* Helping with the housework: At this stage in her life, your spouse will really appreciate the opportunity for some rest. Lightening her burden, by taking on some of her chores, will tell her how much you love her.

* Making her feel special: Your spouse's pregnancy may have completely unsettled the rhythm of her life. As the pregnancy advances, she may be forced to spend more time at home. You can make her feel special by buying her flowers or chocolates. Playing her favorite music or redecorating the bedroom are other ways in which you can lighten her spirits.

* Informing yourself on pregnancy and your new baby: Now is the time for you to show that you're more than just the reason she's pregnant; you're in it for the long haul. Buy or borrow books on pregnancy that you can read together, or read some dad-oriented books yourself, such as Pickles and Ice Cream: A Father's Guide to Pregnancy, or Every Guy's Guide as to What To Expect When She's Expecting, so you can speak intelligently on the subject.

* Complimenting her looks: It is quite natural for a woman to feel insecure about herself during her pregnancy. With her rapidly expanding figure, she may start having serious doubts about whether you, her husband, still love her just as much as before. Telling her that she looks great will reassure her and put her at ease. In fact this phase, when both of you are eagerly awaiting the birth of your child, can be a great time for bonding. Be aware that in her more vulnerable and less mobile condition, you owe her the constant reassurance that you're there for her. Jokes or statements to the contrary may bring tears or worse. Be doubly thankful at this time that you're not carrying a baby in your stomach.

* Taking her out: There are a number of ways in which you can break the routine of her life and her growing claustrophobia. Take her out to a movie or to a concert. Plan a shopping trip or treat her to a romantic dinner. One caveat: make sure you have a getaway plan if she gets uncomfortable and plan for easy bathroom breaks.

To really be a star husband, fathers-to-be can think of unique ways to show pregnancy care, such as purchasing her favorite flavor of ice cream or painting the nursery unprompted.

Pregnancy And Folic Acid

Planning a baby? If your wife is trying to get pregnant, getting plenty of folic acid is important to help lower the risk of a baby with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida or anencephaly.

What is Folic Acid and why should my spouse take it?

Folic acid is a B vitamin, which helps the body make healthy new cells. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, all women need folic acid. When a woman has enough folic acid before and during pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of her baby's brain or spine.

Be sure your spouse gets enough folic acid every day. She should start before she gets pregnant. Folic acid is needed during the first few weeks, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. And half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are not planned. That is why it's so important to start taking folic acid each day, even when she is not planning to get pregnant.

Folic acid might also have other benefits for men and women of any age. Some studies show that folic acid might help prevent heart disease, stroke, some cancers, and possibly Alzheimer's disease.

How much folic acid should your spouse take?

Following are the conditions outlined by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services which will help you determine how much folic acid your spouse should take.

• She is able to get pregnant. She should take 400 mcg of folic acid every day
• She is pregnant. She should take 600mcg of folic acid every day.
• She is breastfeeding. She should take 500mcg of folic acid every day
• She has had a baby with spina bifida or anencephaly and wants to get pregnant again. She should talk with her doctor, and ask for a prescription for a higher dose of folic acid. She should take 4,000 micrograms (4,000 mcg) starting at least one to three months before getting pregnant and during the first 3 months of pregnancy. That's 10 times the normal amount! But don't let her try to get the larger amount by taking more than one multivitamin or prenatal vitamin a day. She could get too much of another vitamin that could harm her or the baby
• You spouse has had a baby with spina bifida or anencephaly. She is not planning to have another baby. She should take 400 mcg of folic acid every day.

If you are about to start a family with your spouse, you will often hear about family planning. But what really does it mean? Family planning is often understood as prevention of pregnancy.

Precautions with Pets during Pregnancy

If you have pets in the family, it is natural that you will have concerns regarding them during your spouse's pregnancy. Fortunately, you need not rush to offer your pet for adoption. Discuss with your vet any risks that your pet may pose for the baby and take adequate steps to eliminate them before bringing the baby home.

These are some of the precautions you might have to take with your pet:

Dogs

• Retrain your dog to modify any of its habits that could be a problem once the baby arrives.
• Teach it to distinguish between its own toys and those of the baby.
• Once the baby arrives, continue to show attention to your pet as before to avoid jealousy.
• Do not leave your dog alone with the child.

Cats

• Have your spouse tested for toxoplasmosis immunity to avoid infecting the baby.
• Do not let your spouse change your pet's litter box.
• Do not leave the cat alone with the baby.

Birds

• Inform your spouse's doctor about your bird and discuss precautions you may need to take.
• Have a pet bird examined beforehand to rule out the risk of infection to your baby.
• Make it a practice for both you and your spouse to wash your hands after handling your pet or its cage.

Exotic pets

• Inform your spouse's doctor about your pet and discuss precautions you may need to take.
• Make it a practice for both you and your spouse to wash your hands after handling your pet or its cage.
• Do not allow pets such as reptiles, amphibians, or tarantulas near the kitchen or area where you prepare your baby's food.
• Do not let your baby handle your exotic pet.

Problems in Digestion During Pregnancy

Constipation

Many pregnant women complain of constipation. According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, high levels of hormones in your spouse's pregnant body slow down digestion and relax muscles in the bowels leaving many women constipated. Plus, the pressure of the expanding uterus on the bowels boosts the chances for constipation.

Try these tips to help her stay more regular:

• Add fiber-rich foods like fresh or dried fruit, raw vegetables, and whole-grain cereals and breads daily to her diet
• Get her to drink eight to ten glasses of water everyday
• Tell her to avoid caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, colas, and some other sodas), since caffeine makes her body lose fluid needed for regular bowel movements
• Get her moving. Mild exercise like walking may also ease constipation.

Heartburn and Indigestion

Almost every pregnant woman experiences indigestion and heartburn. Hormones and the pressure of the growing uterus cause this discomfort. Pregnancy hormones slow down the muscles of the digestive tract. So food tends to move more slowly and digestion is sluggish. This causes many pregnant women to feel bloated.

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, hormones also relax the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. This allows food and acids to come back up from the stomach to the esophagus. The food and acid causes the burning feeling of heartburn. As the baby gets bigger, the uterus pushes on the stomach, making heartburn more common in later pregnancy.

Try these tips to help your partner prevent and ease indigestion and heartburn:

• Avoid greasy and fried foods in her diet
• Make sure she eats six to eight small meals instead of three large meals
• Take care she doesn't gain more than the recommended amount of weight
• Allow her to only take small sips of milk or eat small pieces of chipped ice to soothe burning
• Make sure she eats slowly
• Ask your doctor if she can take an antacid medicine

Dad's Participation in the Pregnancy

While they may not carry the baby in their wombs, most dads are keen to be as involved as possible with the new addition to the family. One way they can do this is to accompany their partners during their medical checkups.

These are some of the benefits you gain by accompanying your spouse to the obstetrician:

• It will make your spouse feel better. Always remember that she's making a huge sacrifice that we guys would never want to make. The least you can do is make time for a few appointments so she feels you are in the game with her.

• For the average guy, pregnancy is one big mystery. Going along to meet the doctor will give you the opportunity to ask questions and clarify your doubts.

• It will help you understand your partner's state. Visiting her doctor will also enable you to update yourself on your baby's progress.

• Unlike your spouse, who is bringing up the baby inside her, you may not feel equally excited about the pregnancy. Being able to see the baby's ultrasound image and hearing those tiny heartbeats will help you connect to your unborn baby.

• As the pregnancy advances, the obstetrician will play an increasingly important role in your life as a couple. It is important that you establish a rapport with the doctor and the other hospital staff so that you are more comfortable in dealing with them later when you need to do so. You don't want to be meeting the obstetrician for the first time when your baby is being born.

• Bring a video recorder or a camera phone and with your finger clearly over the lens the entire time, record the first sounds of your baby's heartbeat. This may come in handy later on if you ever find time to make a birth video.

Travel During Spouse's Pregnancy - Tips For Men

If you intend to travel with your spouse during her pregnancy, the second trimester is a good time to plan the trip. As her pregnancy advances, and later once your child is born, it will be more difficult to do so.

Here are some tips on traveling with your pregnant spouse:

• Discuss your travel plans with your spouse's doctor.

• Check to see if your travel insurance policy includes pregnancy.

• Find out whether your chosen destination requires compliance with any immunization procedures, and if so, whether these are safe during pregnancy.

• Carry medications for pregnancy related problems such as heartburn, constipation, or skin complaints in your medical kit. Include this in your carry-on luggage while flying.

• Always carry drinking water with you. Ensure that your spouse drinks adequate amount of water to prevent dehydration.

• If your holiday involves any strenuous or sporting activity, check with your doctor about whether these are safe during pregnancy.

These are some tips specific to flying with your pregnant spouse:

• Check with her doctor if there are any flying risks specific to your spouse's pregnancy.

• Find out if the airline has any special requirements for pregnant travelers, for instance, a doctor's note.

• Try to book a seat with some extra leg space, especially if it is a long flight.

• Ask your partner to wear the seat belt under her abdomen, across the lap.

• Remind her to stretch and move her legs frequently while seated during a long flight.

Top 5 Signs of Pregnancy

It is commonly believed that women instinctively know when they are pregnant. That's only part of the truth. The onset of pregnancy is marked by a series of changes in their bodies. Women who are sensitive to these symptoms-especially if they have been pregnant before-correctly interpret them as signs of pregnancy.

# 1. Nausea. Symptoms of nausea are a very common sign of pregnancy. Popularly termed 'morning sickness,' the symptoms may be felt at all times of the day. Many women also develop an intense aversion to certain smells or tastes, of food items for instance, that they liked earlier. Symptoms of nausea may continue to be felt even into the second semester.

# 2. Abdominal bloat. Soon after conception, hormonal changes cause the abdomen to feel distended. Your spouse may complain that her clothes are getting tighter. This pregnancy sign is similar to the feeling of bloat she experiences when she has her periods.

# 3. Tender breasts. If your spouse complains that her breasts pain when you touch them, you may have reason to rejoice. Tenderness or soreness of the breasts is another obvious sign of pregnancy. The pain is similar to, but usually more intense than, what women experience during periods. A related pregnancy symptom is a feeling of fullness in the breasts. The appearance of the breasts may also change with veins becoming visible under the skin.

# 4. Montgomery's tubercules. Somber as the phrase sounds, it simply refers to the wart like projections that form around the areolas-the dark area surrounding the nipples- of the breasts.

# 5. Missed periods. A very likely sign of pregnancy is when your spouse misses a period. The scanty menstrual-like flow that sometimes appears at the time of implantation-around ten days after conception-is not a period, and, in fact, indicates a pregnancy.