First of all congratulations on your pregnancy!

One of the major changes is change with the hair like other parts of the bd. It could thin or fall out, or it could also thicken. Understanding why this happens during pregnancy and what you can do to help the problem will help you in fighting the thinning and loss of your hair or with extra hair growth.

Hormones have lot of effects on your hair. The main reason your hair will change during pregnancy is the change in hormones. Estrogen plays a large part in the way that your hair is shaped. If your hair begins to grow faster and becomes thicker, it is most likely because there is an increased amount of estrogen that is moving through your body. Estrogen moves to the hair follicles in your body to increase the growth rate. There will also be extra nutrients that are provided from the estrogen increase, which will also increase hair growth. This is usually a result of the estrogen allowing the metabolism to move faster, which then supplies extra nutrients throughout the body.

Another change that you may notice from pregnancy is a change in the style. Your hair may not only be fuller or thinner, but may also change from straight to curly, or have the opposite effect. This is usually attributed to the hormone changes as well. The hormone increase that you experience will automatically move into the cortex, where hair begins to grow and add the texture to it. Usually, this will not change back until the hormones return to normal after pregnancy.

These same changes also occur after your baby is born. You may realize that your hair is thinning or falling out. Usually, the first three to six months after pregnancy will cause a change in your hair. This should be expected and is normal after a pregnancy. This usually occurs because the estrogen levels are able to move back to normal and slow down the nutrients that are moving through your body.

If your hair falls out during pregnancy, it’s because of not receiving the nutrients your body needs. Without those essential nutrients, your body is unable to produce the amount of estrogen it needs. One of the things to be aware of is if your hair falls out during your pregnancy. If this occurs, it is most likely a result of not receiving enough nutrients for your body to produce the right amounts of estrogen. This is especially a problem within the first trimester because of morning sickness and nausea. It is important to make sure that you are getting the right amounts of nutrients during this time to allow your body to stay balanced.

Knowing what changes your body goes through during pregnancy will help you adjust your hair routine to keep it healthy. Additional vitamins and other supplements will help your hair and scalp healthy and your hair beautiful.

The toughest bit of the 1st trimester of pregnancy is morning sickness and any woman who has gone through or is going through it, knows the first signs usually develop during the month following the first missed menstrual period, when hormone levels increase. It may range from mild, occasional nausea to sever, continuous, debilitating nausea with bouts of vomiting. In most cases, symptoms may be worse in morning, albeit they can strike day or night.

Despite all advances in medicine, there is no way of predicting how long your morning sickness will last even if you have suffered it before. Generally, nausea and vomiting last till about 12 – 13 weeks of pregnancy. However, some women continue to feel ill beyond their 22nd week as well.

However, some studies show that mild to moderate sickness is a sign of a good pregnancy, and less risk of miscarriage.

There is no simple treatment. The best course of action is home treatment. The following tips work wonders not only when you wake up feeling nauseous but also work when you get that queasy feeling during the day.

Changing what, when and how much you eat coupled with certain changes to the way foods cooked helps.

During morning or for that matter all day sickness, you may find that eating five or six small meals, rather than the usual three large ones, is easier on the body. Make sure each meal contains some protein and carbohydrate, like whole wheat bread with grated cheese and a slice of tomato, rice or wheat preparation with some easily digestible / light cereals, orange juice and a whole wheat biscuit. Be creative; choose low fat health foods you know will tempt your appetite. Aversions to food because of nausea are perfectly normal and understandable.

Try not to kiss meals

Eat small, dry snacks.

Don’t jump up out of bed immediately. Lie quietly for a while and ask you husband to bring you a slice of fresh lemon or orange or a dry, bland biscuit.

Avoid large drinks, have frequent small one between meals.

Spicy, fried foods, and fatty foods like very rich sweets, are best avoided.

Avoid excessive consumption of pickles or chutney, which is rich in salt.

Don’t spend much time in the kitchen and avoid the strong smell of certain foods when shopping.

Prepare food when feeling least nauseous.

Taking lemon or orange juice in the morning and before meals relieves nausea of early pregnancy.

Suck an ice cube till the nausea passes off.

Sip on cool water.

However, if you have severe, persistent nausea and vomiting, see your doctor. This not so common complication of pregnancy can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, sometimes calling for prescribed medication and in some cases even hospitalization. Although drugs are best avoided in pregnancy, especially in the early months, there are some that have been in use for many years with no apparent danger to the developing baby.

It’s very important to watch what you eat. You are eating for two—which doesn’t mean that you eat more (so say goodbye to that second slice of cake), but that you eat smart. You are your baby’s only source of nutrients, and you need the proper balance of proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber and carbohydrates.

That being said, most prenatal dieticians strongly advise against adhering to a strict no-carb diet. Without sufficient carbs, your body will produce a by-product called ketones during your blood stream, which can put your baby at risk for brain damage.

But what about low carb diets? Aside from the risk of mental retardation, there are some aspects of low carb diets that can worsen the discomforts of pregnancy. For example, low carb diets tend to have low levels of dietary fiber, which exacerbate the constipation that many pregnant moms suffer because of the required iron supplements. Also, most prenatal dieticians recommend taking a lot of fruit because of its rich vitamin content, but most of the items you’ll find in a typical shake are banned by Atkins and South Beach because of the sugars.

But some doctors may recommend taking modified low-carb diets, especially if you are obese, suffer from gestational diabetes or low blood sugar. All three conditions have been proven to have adverse affects on the baby (including prematurity, birth defects, and early rupture of the membranes) so losing weight or controlling intake may actually be the best thing for your baby.

If you are asked to go on a low-carb diet during pregnancy, you will probably be told to go on the maintenance phase of the Atkins Diet, or the second phase of the South Beach Diet. Here, you are allowed a controlled number of carbohydrates, usually from whole grains and fruits, while minimizing white bread, white rice, and pasta. That is fine, as you are still giving your baby the adequate nutrients, while removing processed foods.

If you are not allowed to go low-carb, but still need to control your weight, there are some options open to you. First of all, eat small but frequent meals. If you want a snack, instead of taking junk food or processed meats (which have a lot of calories, but significantly less nutrients), take salads, fruits, nuts and crackers. Choose lean cuts of meat, and minimize salt and rich sauces during cooking. And while you do need carbohydrates, take in moderation. One plate of pasta is good, three servings of it smothered in white sauce is not.

But the most important thing to remember is that before you go on any diet during pregnancy consult your obstetrician-gynaecologist. She or he can properly determine the best course of action given your particular medical history and the condition of your baby. Do not go on any weight management program without the advice and the approval of your doctor. Whether it’s low carb or Zone or the Mediterranean Diet, the point is that there is a proven link between prenatal nutrition and the baby’s health. Complications can include low birth weight, birth defects, and early delivery.

Motherhood is a wonderful experience of a woman. Nature ensures the continuance of living beings through their progenies, human beings being no exception to this universal rule. The development of human consciousness and scientific advancement though has put some restrictions or exceptions to the very purpose and end of a man woman relationship, it is the nature’s design for obtaining progeny and thereby ensuring the continuance of the human race.

Diet is an important factor to be taken care of during the pregnancy. One has to bear mind that one has to eat for two during pregnancy though overeating is not the remedy for this. One has to take sufficient quantity of proteins, vitamins and minerals since the mother is the only source of al these essential items for the baby.

Pre natal diet do not recommend complete non carbohydrate diet since it may result in production of ketones in the blood stream in the absence of carbohydrates, that may result in the risk of brain damage for the baby. Besides this also may lead to constipation in pregnant women since they are supplied with additional doses of iron required for the baby.

The pre natal food need include enough fruits to ensure vitamins in required quantity. One need be careful not to over eat that may lead to obesity especially those who suffer from diabetics or low B.P. or over weight.

Normally low carbohydrate diet includes whole grains and fruits with minimum white rice and pasta. If one take high carbohydrate diet it is better to go for frequent meals. One may avoid processed meat as it contains less nutrients and more calories. Sufficient quantity of nuts salads and fruits   are to be taken.  Large doses of salt and sauces are to be avoided. One is best advised to consult the gynecologist to get a balanced diet prescribed. There is definitely a connection with the pre natal food and the baby’s health.

One has to prepare oneself to be a good mother by enriching the knowledge of baby care, and the post delivery health care. One needs to be emotionally prepared to keep adjusted with the physical, and emotional  changes one is subject to during this period. The role of a loving husband during the period cannot be over emphasized. It is he who has to give her the care, comfort, and the confidence to prepare herself to become a matured, healthy and loving mother.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only.  The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice regarding pregnancy.  Prior to beginning any diet or taking any medication, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.

A lot of women may think they should stay off their feet for their entire pregnancy or may feel too sore or tired to continue an exercise program. However, just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you have to give up on fitness for the next nine months. There are some things to keep in mind to ensure you give yourself a safe workout, but staying active can be very beneficial to many aspects of your pregnancy.

Relieve Stress

As a pregnant woman you are being bombarded with a flood of hormones, changes in your body, and a slew of aches and pains. There are times that you will feel frustrated, stressed out, and out of control. Sticking to an exercise routine can alleviate a lot of those extra negative feelings. Pre-natal yoga can have a very calming affect while mild cardio will release endorphins that provide a sense of well being. Exercise will also help to increase your blood flow and can prevent you from getting too stiff and sore from inactivity.

Easier Pregnancy and Delivery

The more muscle strength and flexibility you have, the easier your delivery will be. Not only will your added muscle tone help to support the weight of your growing baby, it can reduce your delivery time if you’ve strengthened your back, pelvic, and abdominal muscles.

The increased lung capacity you can gain from cardio will also help with your breathing throughout labour. The better the shape your body is in, the less pain and discomfort you’ll feel from a more intensive or extended labour.

Feel Fit and Beautiful

The hormones your body produces while you’re pregnant are already playing with your emotions, but gaining that extra baby weight can be very depressing for some women. The endorphins your body releases while you exercise can make you feel great and the look and feel of a healthy body will go the extra mile in boosting your self-esteem. Preventing too much weight gain during pregnancy will make it easier to get back to your original weight and will also reduce the severity of potential stretch marks.

Types of Exercise to Try

Water aerobics is an extra exercise routine for pregnant women because much of that new weight you aren’t used to is supported by the buoyancy of the water. If you prefer a drier routine, pre-natal yoga is perfect for expecting mothers because it focuses on strengthening the muscles you’ll need most during your pregnancy and delivery. Practicing kegel exercises will also be very helpful once your labour starts.

If you already have a fitness routine you’ve been sticking to you should be able to continue on with it through your first trimester. However, the further along you get, the easier you should take it. For avid joggers, slowing your workout to a brisk walk will reduce unwanted bouncing in your abdominal section. For any pregnant women just starting out a new routine, it’s very important to start slow and possibly even consult your doctor before beginning a new activity.

Gaining excessive weight during your pregnancy is unnecessary and can be avoided by staying active and eating healthy. Joining pre-natal fitness classes can also be an excellent opportunity to meet other expecting mothers and hear their tips and exercise advice. It’s important not to overdo your workout routine, but staying in shape is good for you as well as your baby.