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Nutrition during pregnancy is a big topic of discussion between an expectant mother and her prenatal caregiver from the very beginning of pregnancy. What we eat while pregnant has a direct impact on the baby developing inside. Our growing baby relies on us for the nutrients necessary for healthy development. Very early in your pregnancy your prenatal caregiver will discuss what your pregnancy diet should be and what things need to be added or taken away as the case maybe. If you are unsure about something, or have questions about your diet be sure to address those with your doctor.
Often there are misconceptions about nutrition during pregnancy. Here are a few common myths about “eating for two” and the truth behind the myths.
I’m eating for two, so I can eat twice as much food.
Although it is true you need to consider your growing baby when developing your pregnancy diet, and theoretically you are “eating for two”, remember that the second person is very tiny (only an average of 7 pounds when born). During pregnancy you do need to increase your calorie intake, but only by 300 calories. To put that in perspective there about 300 calories in 12oz of skim milk or half a tuna sandwich. Also, remember to try to get those extra 300 calories through healthy foods so they are of the most benefit.
I don’t need to take vitamins until I know that I’m pregnant.
As we know from my article on folic acid vitamins often play a vital role very early in fetal develop, long before we even know we are pregnant. Doctors often recommend that women trying to get pregnant begin taking a prenatal vitamin as soon as they discontinue their birth control. This will ensure adequate stores of the vitamins necessary in early fetal development. Also, health professionals recommend that at the very least all women of child bearing age consume 600 micrograms of folic acid daily even if they are not trying to get pregnant.
Food cravings indicate nutritional deficiencies.
Food cravings and aversions are a fact of pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. There is no evidence to support the claim that you will crave what your body needs. Hormones are thought to be responsible for both food cravings and aversions. Just because you are craving something does not mean that your body is trying to tell you that you need it. Often food cravings are for things like ice cream or chocolate, which have little or no nutritional value. Also, some women crave things that are not even food, like laundry detergent. Do not consume nonfood items if you crave them. Consult your prenatal caregiver about these types of cravings.
One little drink won’t hurt my baby.
At this time experts agree that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Of course, the larger the consumption the greater the risk, however, the best thing for the baby is the stay away from alcohol entirely.
Those are just a few of the myths out there about pregnancy nutrition. If you have others you would like to share, please do. We can all learn from each other.
Consult your prenatal caregiver about what nutritional needs you and your developing baby have during pregnancy and work with them to develop a diet plan that will ensure adequate consumption of all the necessary nutrients. If you have concerns about your diet be sure to discuss those with your prenatal caregiver.
(source: Mayo Clinic)
What is a birth plan and do I really need one?
A birth plan is a written document that details your preferences, fears, and wishes surrounding the birth of your baby. This document will tell all caregivers you encounter during the birth of your baby how you would like your birth to go (if possible).
A birth plan is certainly not necessary, but is a good way to learn about all the options that are available and also to begin a detailed discussion with both your partner and your prenatal caregiver about your preferences, wishes and fears surrounding the birth of your baby. During the actual labor and delivery, when you probably aren’t thinking with the clearest mind, may not be the best time to make decisions about what care you want. By having a written birth plan that was created when you were of sound mind can make the labor and delivery run a lot more smoothly, and can alleviate some of the need to make decisions under pressure.
What should be included in a birth plan?
A birth plan should begin with a brief paragraph about you and your partner. This section could include such things as whether or not you have other children, if your pregnancy has been healthy, if you have suffered from any complications and what they were, and information about your culture or religious beliefs that will impact the delivery. This would also be a good place to give any special details about the people who will accompany you to the birth. For example my husband is terrified of needles and does not handle hospital settings very well. I would include this information in my birth plan so the nurses and doctors can be aware of the issue and keep that in mind during our stay in the hospital. Remember to keep this section brief and too the point so that any caregiver reviewing the document can get all the key facts quickly.
The next section of the birth plan should detail any important wishes, fears, or concerns you and your partner have about the labor and delivery. If you have had any prior miscarriages, stillbirths, or a child born with an illness or birth defect in the past that will affect your emotional state during the labor this is the place to disclose that. By knowing ahead of time what issues may come up your caregivers can be conscious of the special care your may require. You should also include in this section if your partner will want to cut the umbilical cord and who exactly you want in the delivery room with you besides your partner.
A very important, probably the most important part of the birth plan, is the outline of how you want to manage your labor pain. If you have any specific wishes regarding the use of medical intervention during your labor for pain management this is the place to detail those preferences. When you are in the midst of painful contractions you may make decisions regarding your pain management that differ from your wishes earlier in your pregnancy. By writing your wishes down early you can help ensure your caregivers are aware of your feelings toward the use of pain management and can help you stay on course.
You will also want to include a brief section regarding your wishes should complications arise during your birth. We all hope for and expect our labor and delivery to go smoothly, but deep down we also know that there is a very real possibility that something could go wrong. By including this section in your birth plan you will force yourself to consider what might go wrong and how you would like to approach those situations should they arise. This would be a great opportunity for you to address your concerns with your partner and with your caregiver. Often decisions are made quickly when complications arise, by having your wishes in writing and read early on by those caring for you during your labor and delivery you can better ensure your involvement in the decision making process. Plus you will have educated yourself about what can go wrong and what happens as a result so you will better understand what is going on.
The bottom line:
A birth plan is by no means a necessary part of preparing for your labor and delivery. It is, however, a great way to force yourself to become familiar with the various aspects of labor and delivery as well as what complications can arise. If you decide that a birth plan is right for you here are a few books that might help you in the development of your birth plan. Your prenatal caregiver can also provide you with some resources that can help in the development of your plan.
- Creating Your Birth Plan
by Marsden Wagner & Stephanie Gunning
- The Birth That’s Right For You by Amen Ness, Lisa Gould Rubin & Jackie Frederick Berner
- The Birth Book by William & Martha Sears
Be sure to involve both your partner and your caregiver in the process as both will be key players in the birth of your baby. The birth plan can only work if everyone is aware of the plan, knows their role, and understands your position on the key aspects of your labor and delivery.
Hi Everyone, I am participating in this month’s Pregnancy Carnival being hosted by Nerd Family. The carnival features my article, Telling Your Boss That You’re Pregnant along with some other great articles. Be sure to stop by and check it out.
According to a new study released by the National Center for Health Statistics (a part of the Center for Disease Control) there is a higher risk of infant death for those babies born via caesarean section when there is no medical need for it.
Caesarean sections are increasing being performed on woman who have no medical need for the such a delivery, however, they have opted to have the procedure. According to the study c-sections currently account for 20.6 percent of first time births, up from 14.6 percent in 1996. So while c-sections performed for medical necessary reasons continue to save the lives of both mother and child there has been a rise in infant mortality when the procedure is performed as an elective procedures.
What researchers found in this study was that babies born by c-section, with no noted medical necessity for the procedure, had a risk of death in the first 28 days of life of 1.77 out of 1000 births. Compared with a risk if death among those babies born vaginally of 0.62 out of 1000 births. Although the difference it not significant it is enough of a difference to warrant further investigation.
Researchers are still trying to determine what the cause behind the increased mortality rate is. They are looking into the possibility that the procedure itself may have some impact but much more research is necessary before any final determination can be made. So research will continue until the medical community can determine what is behind these numbers.
It would appear from this research that women should avoid opting for a caesarean section when there is no medical necessity. At the very least women who are considering this option should be sure that they are aware of all the risks involved, and discuss the pros and cons with their doctor prior to making a decision.
(source: MSNBC)
A big question faced by many expectant moms is when to broach the subject of their pregnancy and impending maternity leave with their employer. There is no perfect time to tell your employer, and of course your growing belly will likely be a big factor in your decision, you need to make a decision that best suits your situation.
An important thing to consider when making your decision is how your job will impact your pregnancy, or how your pregnancy will impact your ability to perform certain job duties. If you are in a position where your are required to lift heavy objects, or are exposed to hazardous materials you will want to tell your employer about your pregnancy immediately so you can be transferred to a different position for the duration of your pregnancy.
If your job doesn’t pose any threats to your pregnancy than you have more freedom in your decision on when to tell your employer you are pregnant. You will want to be careful to review your company’s policy regarding maternity leave and pregnancy prior to your conversation with your boss so you are well aware of your rights within the company guidelines. Also, be sure to review all the state and federal laws regarding maternity leave, pregnancy, and discrimination prior to your conversation as well. You will want to be sure that you are aware of all your rights and prepared to discuss anything that might come up.
The news of your pregnancy, although joyous for your and your family, is likely not going to be the best news to your employers. On a personal level your co-workers and managers will be happy for you, however, they will also worry and wonder about the extra work this means for them. It is probably a good idea to write down a few key points regarding how your work will not suffer while you are still working, and what steps you will take to ensure a smooth transition into your maternity leave. Your boss will likely very much appreciate your dedication to your job, and that your job is important to you.
If you do not plan to return to work after the arrival of your baby, be sure to review all laws and company policies to ensure you receive the right benefits. Don’t mention your intentions until you know what your rights are and you make sure you don’t affect your opportunity to receive maternity leave benefits.
If you do plan on returning to work after the arrival of you baby, be sure to review your companies policies regarding maternity leave, for example are any paid benefits available, how much time can you take. Also review the language in the Family Medical Leave Act to ensure you are aware of your rights.
Knowing your rights is the most important thing to remember. Be sure to educate yourself before you begin the discussion with your employer.