Unfolding Dreams

Educate yourself if you develop a pregnancy complication and know your options. Don't be afraid to ask your health care privoder questions on what it means and what their game plan for treatment is. If necessary, ask for another professional opinion. Low Amniotic Fluid

Your doctor or health care provider may suspect or check you for Low Amniotic Fluid, if you have any of the following conditions: Leaking amniotic fluid Chronic blood pressure Preeclampsia Diabetes Lupus Passed your due date Possible causes of Low Amniotic Fluid: Experts do not always know the reason for Low Aminiotic Fluid.  Leaky or ruptured membranes Placenta problems Certain medical problems, such as preeclampsia and high blood pressure Carrying twins or multiples Fetal abnormalities  How will they check if I have Low Amniotic Fluid?  Through an Ultrasound. What happens if I have low amniotic fluid, but near or close to full term? Your health care provider may want to induce you. Your health care provider may want to deliver you via c-section. How can I increase amniotic fluid? Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day Eat fruits that have water contents Avoid herbal supplements that could dehydrate you Bib...

Decide on IVs during labor

The birth of my first child was in a labor and delivery unit in my local hospital. I arrived at the hospital after doing 2 hours of pre-labor with the bloody show at home. I began actively labor shortly during my time in the triage room where they observing the change in my cervix in an hour before determine whether to admit me. I was admitted because labor was starting. At 3 cm, I requested an epidural. I was given 1.5-2 bags of IV before I could receive an epidural. After 5 hours of active labor, I pushed out an 8 lb. 2 oz. baby. My last appointment with my 2 nd pregnancy, I was 4 cm dilated, 100% effaced and my obstetrician stripped my membranes saying he would see me soon. It was my first unmedicated birth, in the waiting room of labor and delivery. I delivered unassisted as I waited to be admitted into labor and delivery doors  with my spouse and our toddler. I was in active labor for a total of 1.5 hours and had another 8 lb. and 2 oz. baby. Both of my labor and del...

Grapes According to Only My Health.com, "Medical professionals encourage pregnant women to avoid grapes during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, because of their heat content. The heat content in the stomach is said to lead to loose motions and diarrhea. Raisins, which are dried grapes, have also been encouraged to be avoided during pregnancy as well. The reason is because grapes have high amounts of resveratrol - a chemical that can cause toxicity in the expecting mother. For this condition to occur, you have to consume alot of grapes. Sour grapes are acidic and can lead to heartburn in pregnant women who are more prone to it.  They do note that eating grapes during pregnancy can also give nutrients like vitamin A and C" (Khaliq). According to Bold Sky, "There is controversy over eating grapes during pregnancy. Black grapes are said to be problematic for pregnant women, because the skin is said to become non-digestable by the weaken digestive syst...

Bagel Sandwich This is one of my favorite sandwiches, which may not taste yummy to every mommy, pregnant or not. I know my spouse first thought it was some odd pregnancy craving. I eat it whether I am pregnant or not and to me it's tastes good and even more interesting my kids and my husband eat it now too. It's a Cinamon Raisin bagel with veggie cream cheese and sandwich ham and cheddar cheese. I prefer to toast my bagel as well. Be careful with deli meats and cheese though during pregnancy. If you're feeling well enough and a little brave, you should try it, even if you decide to forgo the ham and cheese. Crescent Roll Sandwich This has recently become one of my favorites since my 3rd pregnancy when I discovered it. Of course, this will be eaten outside of pregnancy too. I know again, not all mommies will find this yummy.  I got this quick meal idea from a family member. It's pretty affordable and doesn't take long to make. You need large crescent r...

~ Eat in moderation ~  According to San Fransico Gate's Healthy Eating, "The exact amount of fruit you need depends on your age, weight, height, and how far along you are in the pregnancy. They recommend consulting a doctor or nutritionist about your pregnancy diet" (Coila). 1. String Cheese Low-fat mozzarella string cheese is a great source of calcium. According to Baby Center.com, "One string cheese has the same amount of calcium as an 8-ounce glass of milk (10 Fast Foods A Pregnant Woman Could Love)." 2. Eggs According to dietitian Elizabeth Ward, "One egg has about 90 calories and contains quality protein that is essential for pregnancy. It is rich in choline, which is good for baby's growth and brain development and helps prevent neural tube defects. Eggs are high in cholesterol, but somewhat low in saturated fat with 1.5 grams per egg. Healthy women with normal blood cholesterol levels can eat one to two eggs a day" (Lack). ...

This is something I like to do even before I am pregnant: find a health care provider I like. There are a few options out there, the most common is using an obstetrician or a midwife. Below are my experiences on how I choose some of my health care providers.  I definetely recommend having a first appointment or consult and see how good of a fit your healthcare provider is with you. You don't want to end up delivering your baby with someone you don't like or trust. OB/GYN If you’re choosing to use an obstetrician, developing a relationship with your obstetrician / gynecologist during gynecology visits and fertility help when you’re trying to conceive maybe a great place to start, if the doctor provides care for both gynecology and obstetrics. Also what kind of practice your obstetrician works at. Some maybe large and rotate doctors, so you would not be guaranteed to have the same doctor for every prenatal visit. The obstetrician that I have used for my previous 2 pregn...