10 types of food to avoid during pregnancy:

It is important for people to take balanced meal at all times. It becomes even more for a pregnant woman since nutrients consumed by the mother are used by the baby for growth and development. Taking a balanced diet is advisable, however even in pursuit of this goal; some types of food should be avoided during pregnancy due to health problems they can lead to. Pregnant mothers must take care on foods and beverages taken since they can expose the unborn child to several dangers. Here are ten types of food a pregnant woman should avoid: 1. Fish and other sea foods. Fish and sea foods are safe for consumption during pregnancy. However, fish containing high levels of mercury should be avoided at all costs. Research shows that consumption of food containing mercury during pregnancy leads to delays in child body development and brain damage. Fish containing high mercury levels within their systems include sword fish and shark. Fish such as canned chunk tuna contain low volumes of mercury, if they must be consumed; it is advisable not to eat a lot. Fish used in making sushi (sushi is a Japanese dish of rice with sweet vinegar most of the time consumed with raw fish) should be avoided during pregnancy. This is due to high mercury content and risks related to consumption of raw and uncooked foods. Fish found in rivers and lakes might be exposed to compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyl should also be avoided. Examples of these fish include trout, salmon, walleye and blue fish. Always ensure fish you are consuming has been certified as suitable for human consumption. 2. Hot dogs and luncheon meats: Both hot dogs and luncheon meats have high chances of containing the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium is known to lead to pregnancy complications such as miscarriages, stillbirths and other serious problems likely to affect safety of both the mother and her unborn child. Example of luncheon meats include: salami, bologna and turkey meat. The probability of meat having the bacteria increases with refrigeration whether its meat spreads, pates, fish or other type of marine food. It is therefore important to understand the fact that, refrigerated food is good and safe for human consumption only when it is part of the cooked meal. For luncheon meat, it is advisable after refrigeration to warm until steaming hot. In relation to hotdog food packages, always make sure utensils used in food preparation are clean. Food surfaces and hands should be cleaned after handling these foods to decrease the potential of coming into contact with Listeria bacteria. 3. Raw eggs Consumption of raw eggs and any food that may contain raw eggs should be avoided. These foods when raw have high risk of containing salmonella. Food dressings such as mayonnaise, custards, and homemade Caesar and hollandaise sources are made of raw eggs. For a pregnant woman, it is advisable to take a well cooked egg reducing the chances of salmonella in the food. To ensure the eggs are cooked well, make sure the whites and the yolks are not moving. This reduced the risk the salmonella food poisoning. To avoid salmonella risk, commercially produced eggs are made using pasteurized liquid eggs. While salmonella food poisoning is unlikely to affect the child, the mother can suffer severe diarrhea and vomiting. This is not good because the baby’s comfort in the womb might be affected if the condition persists. If the pregnant mother has to take foods containing raw eggs, always ensure pasteurized liquid egg was used. 4. Unwashed fruits and vegetables. Vegetables and fruits are very good and safe to consume whether you are pregnant or not. In fact, there have not been reported health complications arising from over consumption of fruits and vegetables. Their importance in the body of both the mother and her pregnancy cannot be underestimated. They should thus be consumed continuously. The doctors advise consumption of fruits and vegetables after every meal. However, it is important to ensure fruits and vegetables consumed are clean and well washed to avoid exposure of the pregnant mother to dirt related illnesses such as diarrhea. Dirty, especially fruits and vegetables with soil are exposed t bacteria such as toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by presence of parasite found in the soil, untreated water and cat fecal matter. During pregnancy, toxoplasmosis can damage the pregnancy. To avoid this condition, surfaces, utensils, fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed before consuming especially bearing in mind most fruits and vegetables are consumed raw. 5. Unpasteurized milk and other dairy foods. Raw milk and other dairy products are prone to Listeria. Listeria as a bacterium is dangerous since it has the potential of crossing through the placenta to the baby and lead to blood poisoning. This condition is a threat to life of both the mother and the unborn child. It is advisable to make sure milk consumed is always pasteurized. If only raw milk is available, it should be boiled before consumption. It is advisable to avoid both unpasteurized goat and sheep milk. Yoghurt consumption is advisable during pregnancy; however, in case you are intending to take homemade yoghurt, the milk used for preparation should be pasteurized before. Ice cream another milk produce can be consumed since its preparation involves use of pasteurized milk. However, homemade creams just like the other milk products should be made using pasteurized milk. One can use a pasteurized egg substitute if a pasteurized egg is not available or opt to follow and egg free recipe when making the cream. 6. Caffeine. Caffeine intake in low volumes is not known to cause any pregnancy complications. However, research shows have been conducted which associated caffeine intake with cases of miscarriages. As a pregnant mother, one is advised to avoid consumption of caffeine containing products during the first trimester. Medics argue it can easily result to a miscarriage. Consumption of caffeine should be maintained at minimum levels of 200mg in a day. Caffeine is diuretic in nature. A diuretic substance makes the body increase waste production such as water resulting in the need to urinate more. As a result, high consumption of caffeine can lead to losses of both water and calcium. Water is essential for body metabolic processes while calcium is important for strong bone development. A pregnant woman is thus advised to consume high volumes of juices, water and milk and avoid caffeinated drinks. Consumption of large volumes of caffeine leads to miscarriages, low birth weights and premature births. 7. Cheese. Not all cheeses are bad to consume during pregnancy. However, the following cheeses should be avoided during pregnancy. Soft cheeses with white rinds; when pregnant, it is advisable to avoid mould ripened cheeses such as chevre. If you have to eat cheese, ensure it is well cooked. Soft blue-veined cheeses such as Gorgonzola and Danish blue are other type of cheeses to avoid. Pregnant mothers are advised to avoid soft cheeses since they contain less acid compared to hard cheeses. They are also moist in nature which makes it easier for bacteria to grow and thrive in compared to hard cheeses. Listeria is a good example of these bacteria. Listeria infections rarely occur, however, it is always advisable to take all precautions necessary during pregnancy since any form of illness that affects the mother affects the unborn child directly or indirectly. Complications during pregnancy can easily result to end of the pregnancy or death of both the mother and the unborn child. 8. Alcohol Whether when pregnant you want to enjoy life and feel high or not, alcohol consumption irrespective of volume taken is not good for pregnancy. Pregnant mothers are advised to avoid consumption of alcohol completely during pregnancy. Health development of a baby is affected negatively if exposed to alcohol during the prenatal stage. Depending on different factors such as volume consumed and drinking patterns, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to developmental disorders such as the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Alcohol consumption should be avoided even after birth during the breastfeeding period since alcohol consumed by a nursing mother is transferred to the baby through breast milk. In case one consumes alcohol before discovering that she is pregnant, further consumption should be stopped until the child is born and breastfed. This is important for the development process since children born from alcoholic mothers are known to be less alert compared to children conceived by non alcoholic mothers. 9. Raw and undercooked meat: Any type of food tracing its origins from an animal such as beef, mutton and pork bears the risk of containing viruses, bacteria and parasites. To reduce risk of food poisoning and other food related diseases, it is advisable to make sure the piece of meat you intend to consume is well cooked. The meat should whether beef or chicken should be cooked until there are no traces of pink meat or blood traces. Extra care should be taken when cooking chicken, pork, minced meat and sausages. Consumption of rare meat is not advisable due to the high risk of exposure to diseases such as toxoplasmosis. Cold meat such as chorizo, salami and pepperoni are not usually cooked, they undergo curing and fermentation processes before packaging. They should therefore be cooked before consumption. It is advisable to check the packet whether it should be cooked or its ‘ready to eat’. Ready to eat should be freeze for four days after buying before eating to kill parasites, however, if you are required to cook, freezing is not necessary. 10. Liver pate and fish liver oil supplements During pregnancy, one is advised to avoid liver and its products such as liver plate and sausages. Liver contains high volumes of retinol form of Vitamin A. when liver is consumed in large volumes, build up of retinol form of Vitamin A occurs. This is not advisable since it can harm the life of the unborn baby. That doesn’t negate importance of Vitamin A in the body; it is essential for maintenance of healthy eyes, immune system and skin. The pregnant mother can consume foods with Vitamin A such as butter, cheese and oily fish. In case one is taking Vitamin supplements, ensure they don’t contain retinol form of Vitamin A. A pregnant woman should take vitamin A supplements with beta-carotene form of vitamin A. Our bodies can successfully convert beta-carotene to Vitamin A. There is no limit in beta-carotene volume one can take. Foods containing beta-carotene include broccoli and carrots. It is essential for successful development of body organs and nervous, circulatory and respiratory systems.

A healthy package for you: for all the information you need: A Guide to the C Vitamin

A healthy package for you: for all the information you need: A Guide to the C Vitamin: A Guide to the C Vitamin The c vitamin has got to be the most widely known vitamin these days. It is not surprising because the body needs ...

Prenatal Vitamin Supplements

Prenatal Vitamin Supplements Prenatal vitamin supplements are vitamin supplements that a woman can take on a daily basis to ensure that she is obtaining appropriate quantities of essential nutrients during pregnancy. It is important for a woman to discuss with her medical practitioner which prenatal supplements, if any, she should take and which she should avoid. It is essential that all prenatal vitamin supplements are only taken under the advisement of a medical professional. There are some prenatal vitamin supplements that can prove dangerous for a pregnant woman to take and she has to be especially cautious. The most important point to consider when deciding which prenatal vitamin supplements to take is which one contains certain nutrients that are beneficial to the woman and her developing baby. The majority of adults do not need additional vitamins as they receive sufficient from a balanced diet but a pregnant woman often needs prenatal vitamin supplements, especially for folic acid and iron. However, it is essential that she ensures that the prenatal vitamin supplements that she takes to provide one particular nutrient do not contain potentially harmful amounts of another. One of the most toxic types of prenatal vitamin that a pregnant woman has to be extremely cautious of is vitamin A. For this reason the most suitable prenatal vitamins for pregnant women who require extra vitamin A are those which contain vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a nutrient that is found in fruits and vegetables and is converted into vitamin A in the body. Prenatal vitamin supplements that contain vitamin A from animal products can cause birth defects when taken in high doses during pregnancy but beta-carotene is a much safer prenatal vitamin as it is not toxic in high doses. It is essential that a woman discusses prenatal vitamin supplements with her health practitioner at her first prenatal check-up. They can examine her current dietary requirements and assess whether prenatal vitamin supplements are necessary to increase the amount of nutrients that she has available for her baby. Often a doctor will recommend that a pregnant woman takes a course of a folic acid vitamin supplement during the first trimester of her pregnancy. Folic acid is the most commonly prescribed prenatal supplement for the months prior to becoming pregnant as well and it is essential for the health and growth of the baby, especially the brain functions. Iron is another prenatal vitamin supplement that is recommended to prevent the mother suffering from anaemia due to the demands that the baby puts on her iron consumption.

Fitness for Women- Stay Fit and Healthy!

Fitness for Women- Stay Fit and Healthy! Here are 10 tips for women to stay fit and healthy: 1. Staying fit and healthy starts with a balanced diet. Know and monitor the right weight for your age. Consult your doctor to learn what food you should avoid and follow your eating discipline routines. If you are trying to lose some weight, foods with high calories should be omitted from your meals. Food with high fiber and low fat should be included a priority in your grocery list instead of red meat, sugars and fats. 2. Drink plenty of water. Drinking at least eight glasses of water everyday. This cleanses the body from impurities. It is also advised for lactating women to increase water intake to keep the body hydrated. 3. Take Vitamins and Supplements. Do not forget your Calcium supplement. Sufficient Calcium intake is beneficial for women of all ages. This has been proven to prevent having cramps and Pre-Menstrual Period (PMS) Symptoms. It also prevents Osteoporosis especially for menopausal women. Vitamin E boosts strong immune system. Women who undergo menopausal period should take Vitamin E-400 as it stops night sweats and hot flashes. Also, Vitamin E is said to be best in avoiding wrinkles when aging. 4. Quit smoking. If you are smoking, stop. It is also a big “NO” for pregnant women, as this will affect the health of the baby. Pregnant women who smoke may pass the harmful content of cigarettes to babies through the bloodstream. Recent studies have shown that women smokers are more prone to diseases than men smokers. Women who smoke have a high risk of getting breast cancer. Also limit your alcohol intake. 5. Incorporate exercises in your daily routine. Take a walk after work, use stairs instead of elevator or play with your kids when you are at home. Home exercises are also effective especially when you do not have time to go to the gym and would like to lose some weight. Yoga and Pilates are only a few of the many effective exercises you can do at home. Exercises help in limiting the risk of cardiovascular diseases. 6. Avoid stress. Many women are prone to too much stress. Stress has been known as cause to many sicknesses. As much as possible take time to relax. Read a good book, hang out with friends and engage into sports. Pamper yourself by going to parlors or you can do some shopping. And do not forget to get enough sleep to revive your energy. 7. Use sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Wear hats when under the sun to protect your skin. Too much sun is bad for your skin. The skin is prone to cancer when exposed to too much sunlight. It also speeds up the aging of skin cells, which causes wrinkles to women. 8. Make sure to visit your dentist to keep that beautiful smile. Always have it cleaned to prevent cavities and bad breath. 9. Visit your Gynecologist. Women who are eighteen and above should have their Physical Examination annually especially for the Pap Smear test. Women who are forty and up should have their mammograms and the Breast self-exam is encouraged once puberty has been reached and should be a habit as they mature 10. Safe sex is strongly recommended. Use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

how the baby reacts to sex during pregnancy

Here is how your baby responds to sex during pregnancy: Stop the gossip, rumors or hearsay you have heard that sex affects the bay negatively. As a matter of fact, parental lovemaking and achieving orgasm affects the body in quite interesting ways. Some babies are usually very quit after their parents engages in sex, some claim rocked to sleep by the rhythmic movements while others become frisky and it’s like they are asking “ buddies out there, where is the party tonight? The two responses are very normal and they are a true indicator that your baby is aware of what is happening. Thus don’t worry just keep yourself enjoying sex as long and as much as you can. One can even have sex up to delivery date; after all, after the child is born and growing, having sex in the house won’t be that easy either. Don’t give excuses, enjoy sex if you can and if the doctor allows. The myth that the baby will get poked during lovemaking is a big lie. One thing you should understand is the fact that the baby while in your womb is usually covered with layers of strong muscle, tissue, membrane and fluid and will not be moved-- literally or otherwise-- by intercourse. Occasionally, there's an issue with the placenta or cervix-- the muscular opening of the uterus, which is firm and closed during pregnancy—if a doctor has not advised you against, hit the road and let the game start

best sex positions during pregnancy

So somebody may ask, since we have the benefits of having sex while pregnant, how do we do it? It does not matter the size of the pregnancy, you will just have to change the styles or positions to make it better. Assuming that your doctor has not advised you against sex during pregnancy, the following sex positions will be both comfortable and fun also. Side lying position: lying on your sides, either front to front or back to back are among the best and most comfortable sex styles during pregnancy. Both options ensure the pregnant woman’s back is not strained, in addition to having not to worry about holding the weight of your pregnant belly, you will neither feel like your partner is supposed to support your weight either. Since both of you are able to lie down, the two of you can get busy slowly and relaxed. Woman on Top: this is a great sex position since it does not put any pressure on the woman’s belly. It enables the pregnant woman to control both the depth of penetration as well clitoral simulation. However, it is important to understand that in the latter stages of your pregnancy, the size of your belly might be so big for this sex position to be tedious in a way. Man on top: also referred to as the missionary, it is a very good style for quickies as long as the man keeps his weight off your belly by supporting himself with his arms. However, if the man likes to be hands free during the occasion, you can both try to d it on the edge of the bed with legs dangling down. The man can kneel or stand in front of you. Sometimes propping some pillows behind your back makes it more comfortable Rear entry: there are several ways in which this position can be utilized. It is favorite among men since it allows him to access the important areas without having to deal with the belly. Different scenarios which the two of you can use include: The policeman:- in this position, the woman leans on the wall with hands spread, while he “searches” for the important parts from behind. The lap pose:-in this position, the man sits on the chair and the pregnant woman sits on him facing away from him. The mattress hold:- this is a variation of you of you on all fours and then your partner enters from behind. Give some of these positions a try and enjoy yourself

sex benefits during pregnancy

Sex benefits during pregnancy: Many people argue for or against sex when a woman is pregnant, is it advisable to engage in sex when one is pregnant? Yes, it’s okay to have sex during pregnancy. With little creativity it can even be much better. The following are just but several health benefits sex adds to a pregnant woman. Improving orgasms: blood flow within one’s body increases during sexual activity. It has been discovered women who never reach orgasm, having good sex during pregnancy can lead to their achieving a real orgasm. Burn calories: sex is the most fun and exciting way to remain fit. A single session of love making can help you in burning 50 calories or more Lowers blood pressure: with high blood pressure being linked to pregnancy complications, sex has been found to lower the blood pressure and this is very important to the whole family Reduces pain: achieving of an orgasm in the body leads to release of the hormone, oxytocin or the love hormone. This hormone is known to increase pain tolerance. Sex during pregnancy also improves sleep for both the baby and the mother. To the mother, sex is relaxing and thus helps one sleep better. To the baby, the rocking motion of a sex session makes the bay to sleep easily. Boosts immunity: sex boosts levels of a compound known as IgA, it is an antibody which helps the body in keeping at bay colds and other forms of infection. Sex also helps in speeding up postpartum recovery. Orgasms achieved during the pregnancy prepare the pelvic floor for childbirth and which in turn, increases the speed of postpartum recovery. So people, what are you wait for, grab your partner and get down tonight.