Maternity Insurance|Maternity Care|Postpartum Care

Before you should choose a maternity care you should ask yourself:

o Would you prefer to receive most of your ante and postnatal care at your GP's surgery, and go to the hospital just once or twice during your pregnancy, and then to give birth to your baby in the Consultant Unit? (This is called 'shared care')

If you have a GP Unit at your local maternity hospital, your GP may be able to care for you there when your baby is born or you can be looked after by the hospital midwives.

Some GPs are willing to book you for a home birth and to provide all your maternity care before, during and after the birth of your baby. (However, you don't have to have a GP cover you for a home birth. A midwife has the legal right and practical skills to take sole responsibility for your maternity care provided no complications arise.)

o Would you prefer to receive most of your ante and postnatal care from a small team of midwives whom you can get to know and one of whom will help you give birth? (Most areas are now starting to organise midwives into teams so this should be a real option for you.)

o Would you prefer to receive care from a community midwife who will look after you during your pregnancy, go into hospital with you to help you give birth and then accompany you home with your baby a few hours afterwards?

This is called the Domino scheme. It's not available everywhere; you need to ask your midwife or the Director of Maternity Services at your local Maternity Unit about having this kind of care.

There are increasing numbers of hospital-based schemes running now which arrange for each mother to be cared for by just one midwife. Ask if such a scheme is running at your hospital.

o Would you prefer to receive most of your care from the obstetricians at the local maternity hospital and attend antenatal clinics there whilst receiving postnatal care from the community midwives?

o Would you like to employ an independent midwife to care for you throughout your pregnancy and labour until a few weeks after your baby is born?

After you discover that you are pregnant, you may be frightened and worried about having an unexpected baby. Depending on your situation, you may be unhappy to have a child because of age, finance, social, or emotionally reasons. You may be single and scared to face motherhood alone or at such a young age. You may be married, but do not want any more children. Whatever your situation, an unplanned pregnancy can occur when a condom breaks or birth control pills fail, or for a number of other reasons.

After you discover you are pregnant, try not to panic. Initially it will be quite a shock. Allow yourself to feel these emotions at first. Slowly, the shock will fade and you will be able to think about the decisions that lay ahead. After collecting your thoughts, research your options so you can make an informed decision. You have the options of abortion, keeping the baby, or giving the baby up for adoption. Decide what is best for you and the baby. Although you may have a decision in mind, remember that the male involved also has a role in the decision-making process and has rights and responsibilities to the child as well.

After you have had some time to think and collect your thoughts, you may want to confide in a family member, close friend, or religious clergy member. Find someone that can be supportive of your decision or who can offer you advice without unneeded pressure. Although your boyfriend, husband, or other male involved may be the first you tell, this doesn't always have to be the case.

Ultimately, it is your decision. If you decide to carry the baby to term, but would like to give it up for adoption, you have many resources available to you. Pregnancy clinics and adoption centers can offer support and information to help you make an informed decision. You can also receive pre- and post-natal care, legal assistance, housing, and maternity clothes through pregnancy and adoption services.

Unlike the horror stories of adoptions in the past, today adoptions use a very open process that offer you complete confidentiality. You can choose from a list of hopeful parents. If you desire an open adoption, you can meet with the couple and remain in contact with them after you give up the baby. This gives you the peace of mind that your baby is receiving the best care and love possible. A closed adoption gives you anonymity so you have no contact with the adoptive parents or your child after the adoptive process has been finalized.

Although an unplanned pregnancy may be an unhappy occurrence at first, it can turn into a happy experience for you. If you decide to keep the child, you will be blessed with the baby's happy smile, along with the memories that will last forever. If you give your baby up for adoption, you will be able to give the greatest gift to a hopeful couple who can give your baby the love and attention that every child deserves. Whatever you decide, make an informed decision so you can feel secure and happy about it in the years that follow.

New Jersey maternity leave benefits are quite rich when compared to most other state. Like any other government benefit, you need to know the different laws, how they work, and where to apply for benefits. NJ has three laws which impact maternity leave for workers in the state: temporary disability insurance, paid family leave, and family medical leave. Women can increase their level of maternity benefit by purchasing short term disability before getting pregnant.

NJ Temporary Disability Insurance

New Jersey temporary disability insurance is the first of three benefit programs you need to understand and utilize. The state disability plan replaces two thirds of your income, up to a weekly cap of $559 in 2011. Pregnancy is covered in the same manner as any other disabling condition. For normal pregnancy benefits are paid for up to four weeks prior to delivery, and six weeks after delivery. Benefits may be paid for a longer period of time if you deliver via c-section, or you experience a specific complication of pregnancy. Contact the state department of labor and workforce development for more information or to file a claim.

New Jersey Paid Family Leave

NJ paid family leave is funded and administered through the temporary disability insurance program. The benefit calculations of two thirds income replacement and a $559 cap apply here as well. You can claim paid family leave benefits to bond with your newborn baby during the first twelve months after the child's birth. A bonding leave must be at least seven days in length.

Keep in mind one very important point: 2/3 income replacement equals a 1/3 cut in pay. If your income exceeds $850 per week or $44,000 per year you hit the weekly cap and your pay cut will be more than one third. Make sure you budget properly.

NJ Family Medical Leave

The New Jersey family medical leave act supplements the federal law (FMLA), and provides an important distinction extremely relevant to maternity leave situations - particularly when pregnancy complications cause an extended leave from work prior to delivery. The federal FMLA applies to your own disability and/or the care of a sick family member and newborn child. The NJ law applies to the care of a sick family member and newborn child exclusively.

Examine a pregnancy complications scenario to understand why this distinction is so important. Let's say you experience complications during your pregnancy and miss twelve weeks of work prior to your delivery. The federal FMLA provides for up to twelve weeks of unpaid job protected leave during this time. Once you deliver your baby, the NJ law then provides an additional twelve weeks of job protected leave to care for your newborn. In this situation the two laws work in harmony to provide twenty four months of job protected leave.

Increase Your Maternity Benefit

Twenty four weeks of job protected leave with partial income replacement is far better than what most states provide. NJ is only one of five states with temporary disability coverage, only one of two states with paid leave to bond with your baby, and one of only ten states with a law supplementing the federal FMLA. But can you go twenty four weeks with at least a one-third pay cut?

If not, purchase short term disability insurance before getting pregnant. It will help increase your level of maternity leave income, and provide added protection in case complications of pregnancy cause you to miss additional time from work.

In today's health insurance market, the word affordable may soon have to be taken out of the equation because it is becoming less and less likely that you are going to be able to obtain an affordable health insurance policy that doesn't have numerous benefits carved out of it.

The skyrocketing costs of physician care and hospital care as well as tax paying consumers having to shoulder the extra costs of those who never pay their health care costs has increasingly added to the high rates we have to pay for our health insurance premiums.

Here are some options to obtaining affordable health insurance coverage:

Normally, the best way to obtain affordable health insurance has been historically through your employer and many employers are still able to offer good health insurance coverage.

However, because of the heavy burden of the expense of insuring employees only 60% of the United States employers are able to offer health insurance to their employees. Also, the health insurance benefits offered are being further and further reduced to help lower costs such as much higher deductibles and less coverage for prescriptions, etc. Employers are also requiring those employees who participate to pay a larger and larger portion of the monthly premium.

Individual policies are definitely an option and can at times be better than the health insurance coverage that your employer is offering if in fact he/she is offering health insurance coverage at all.
To help lower the cost of your monthly premium you can choose a higher deductible option. You can also choose a higher copay option or no copay at all and simply meet a specified deductible before your insurance begins covering your healthcare costs.

However, you then run into the problem of maternity care being covered only marginally at an additional cost, waiver of coverage for pre-existing conditions or no coverage at all if you have certain existing medical conditions.

There are also alternatives to health insurance such as discount health plans. These plans are definitely affordable and everyone is accepted regardless of any existing medical conditions. Discount health plans are comprehensive and provide savings for everything from hospitalization and specialists to dental care, prescriptions and alternative medicine.
Some discount health plan providers also offer low cost insured products such as Accident Medical, Hospital Indemnity plans that pay a cash benefit directly to the consumer and Long Term Disability plans. When choosing this type of health plan you should remember to check and see if there are sufficient providers in your area.

Every consumer has unique needs and with careful research and due diligence should yet be able to find the right affordable health insurance plan to meet their needs.

During the second trimester, you and your spouse should continue to see your doctor for prenatal care. Most pregnant women have monthly office visits with their doctor or midwife until the end of this trimester.

During the second trimester your doctor can use an ultrasound to see if the baby is developing in a healthy way and to find out your baby's sex. You will also be offered screening tests to look for genetic birth defects.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, birth defects result from problems with a baby's genes, inherited factors that are passed down from the mother and the father at conception. Genetic birth defects sometimes occur in people with no family history of that disorder. Women over the age of 35 have the greatest chances of having a baby with birth defects. Some of the diagnostic and screening tests the doctor might suggest in the second trimester include:

Amniocentesis

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, this test is performed in pregnancies of at least 16 weeks. It involves your doctor inserting a thin needle through your spouse's abdomen, into her uterus, and into the amniotic sac to take out a small amount of amniotic fluid for testing. The cells from the fluid are grown in a lab to look for problems with chromosomes. The fluid also can be tested for AFP. About 1 in 200 women have a miscarriage as a result of this test.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

This test is performed between 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. The doctor inserts a needle through your partner's abdomen or inserts a catheter through her cervix in order to reach the placenta. He then takes a sample of cells from the placenta. These cells are used in a lab to look for problems with chromosomes. This test cannot find out whether your baby has open neural tube defects. About 1 in 200 women have a miscarriage as a result of this test.

Maternal serum screening test

This blood test can be called by many different names including multiple marker screening test, triple test, quad screen, and others. This test is usually given between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. It checks for birth defects such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, or open neural tube defects. Doctors take a sample of your blood. They check the blood for 3 chemicals: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (made by the liver of the fetus), and two pregnancy hormones: estriol and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Sometimes, doctors test for a fourth substance in the blood called inhibin-A. Testing for inhibin-A may improve the ability to detect fetuses with a high risk of Down syndrome.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, higher levels of AFP are linked with open neural tube defects. In women age 35 and over, this test finds about 80% of fetuses with Down syndrome, trisomy 18, or an open neural tube defect. In this age group, there is a false positive rate (having a positive result without actually having a fetus with one of these health problems) of 22%. In women under age 35, this test finds about 65% of fetuses with Down syndrome, and there is a false positive rate of about 5%.

Targeted ultrasound

The best time to get a targeted ultrasound is between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. Most major problems with the way the baby is formed can be seen at this time. Some physical defects such as clubbed feet and heart defects may not be seen.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, your doctor can also use ultrasound on your pregnant wife to see if your baby has any neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. In most cases, if you want to find out the sex of your baby, you can ask your doctor during this test. This is not the most accurate test for Down syndrome. Only 1 in 3 babies with Down syndrome have an abnormal second trimester ultrasound.

What Are Some Drawbacks to Buying Insufficient Health Insurance?

Health insurance is necessary in order for people to afford health care. However, some people do not know anything about health insurance, which could lead to trouble when they are negotiating their policy with an insurance agent. There is a possibility of them endangering their health and finances, as well as not finding the right doctor in a participating health network.

People do not have to research health insurance the moment they receive their first quote from an agent. Instead, consumers should ask the right questions about their insurance coverage and follow these guidelines to receive the best coverage and service from insurance agents.

Know the difference between Indemnity Care and Managed Care

Indemnity Care allows patients to select their own hospital, physician and other care providers and services. With indemnity care, patients are reimbursed up to a percentage or maximum amount of medical costs.

However, managed care allows insurance companies to arrange doctors, hospitals and health care providers and services to patients. This is usually organized under three plans of patients' choosing:

" Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
" Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
" Point of Service (POS)

Know What The Insurer Is Responsible In Paying

There are four major expenses insurers cover:

" Physician Expense Insurance - Covers the expense of doctor or hospital visits.
" Hospital Expense Insurance - Covers the expense of hospitalization.
" Surgical Expense Insurance - Covers the expense of surgery.
" Major Medical Insurance - Protects losses from serious injury or great illness.

As part of the policy, patients are responsible for:

" Deductible - The cost a patient pays after service before the insurance company pays. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums and vice-versa
" Co-Payment - The cost required upon doctor or health care provider visits
" Coinsurance - The percentage of a medical bill required by the patient to pay after the applicable deductible.

Consumers should know that insurance agents should suggest additional health insurance coverage. These types of benefits include insurance on the following:

" Prescriptive drugs
" Maternity care
" Mental health
" Vision
" Dental
" Preventive care

More Advice About Health Insurance

Consumers should follow this guide for better health insurance and in finding the right health insurance agent. Normally, insurance companies should be able to tell them more than what is mentioned by this guide. However, it is a good idea for consumers to shop at different insurance agencies for the best coverage at affordable rates. Still, a health insurance agent can help them further if they ask them to.

Are you looking to buy your own health insurance and are in need of a free medical insurance quote? Then, unless you've been hiding under a rock for the past few years, you know that the cost of private health insurance has skyrocketed since the turn of the millennium. Premiums are going up and so are prescription drug prices.

The stark reality is that health insurance is a necessary evil that the majority of the population cannot do without. Unless you happen to be one of the fortunate people who rarely, if ever, falls ill, or has never been hospitalized, and has never been and never will get pregnant, then health insurance is a bill that you just cannot escape paying.

Even though we may not use all of our medical benefits, it's there for us when we may need it. If you think that health insurance is expensive, you should see how expensive getting emergency medical care without it can be!

In our health care system here in the United States, there is no one-size-fits-all health insurance plan. What we have, instead, is a health care industry littered with literally thousands of different plans that offer varying "degrees" of coverage for prescription drugs, maternity care, preventative care, doctor visits, hospitalization, and a myriad of other variable costs. Each one differs with respect to how much you are willing to pay for on your own and how much you expect the health insurance company to pay on your behalf.

You can get a free medical insurance quote, without any cost or any obligation, at anytime, on the Internet twenty-four hours a day, seven-days a week, instantly, on-demand, on the Internet. In fact, you can compare multiple health insurance quotes simultaneously and see which one is the best fit for your particular situation.

Rectal bleeding during pregnancy is normally not dangerous but still it can elevate worry once first detected by mother as it can be confused with spotting. The best solution is to get you examined to rule out spotting or another serious condition.

The simplest form of anal blood loss is blood loss from a split or fissure within the anal sphincter. This form can be most times confused with spotting as the tears are generally not visible to the pregnant mother and can be further confused with spotting. Fissures sometimes happens due to the over straining caused by repeated constipation. Other most common case is the haemorrhoids caused by over straining during evacuation of stool, passing hard stool. Sometimes consistent itching through cleaning or wiping also can result in rectal blood loss.

You could yourself find whether you are dealing with rectal bleeding or not by self examining the bleeding area. Always make sure the blood is absolutely not coming from the vaginal areas. A fissure might feel as if a sharp, hurtful cut on the edge on the skin and the haemorrhoids would be a tender, lumpy swelled spot protruding from your anus. They are generally referred to as "haemorrhoids" since they resemble a group of small grapes.

Rectal blood loss is generally common in the 3 rd trimester of being pregnant and after giving birth to the child due to raised pressure on the veins of the internal pelvis during pregnancy together with delivery. Actually those women who produce by Caesarean section must be suffering from haemorrhoids throughout the pregnancy and even after carrying a child.

Some self-care things are there that can prevent you from rectal haemorrhage like:
繚 Cold compress

繚 Heating pad

繚 Ibuprofen or acetaminophen

繚 Witch hazel

繚 Over-the-counter haemorrhoid relief product

Always state any kind of odd bleeding to your doctor even if ensured that it is most certainly nothing at all to worry about. Your doctor only can make sure that there is not necessarily something other than haemorrhoids resulting in the blood loss.

The foremost side-effect connected with rectal haemorrhage in pregnancy is physical agony and pain. The most effective way to prevent or relieve the symptoms associated with rectal bleeding while being pregnant is always to maintain bowel regularity. Simple and easy solutions to do this can consist of:

繚 Take lot of water at least 10-12 glasses/day.

繚 Consume healthy, fibre-rich food such as fruits, greens and also wholemeal bread which will add roughage and ease out your bowels.

繚 Get your iron via food items and food-based dietary supplements rather than medicated ones.

繚 Cold compresses works extremely well that would sooth the pain from haemorrhoids.

繚 To aid & prevent them altogether make sure you do Kegel exercises everyday preferably early morning. These exercises help to strengthen the pelvic floor and rectal muscles. To carry out a Kegel bend your pelvic floor as if ceasing a stream of urine. Hold for many seconds and then liberate. Perform many sets during a period.

繚 Sitz bath is well accustomed concept to relieve haemorrhoids. It can be done with hot or cold water in tub and sitting there in at least for 15min. Suit the temperature as per you comfort.

繚 Genital hygiene with plain water and keeping it dry with soft toilet papers.

繚 If required your doc is going to prescribe a medicated suppository.

Quite rarely, rectal bleeding during pregnancy could be indication of a more serious condition like polyps or colon cancer. This kind of cancer only occurs in rare numbers and is also curable with a good prognosis in case detected early.

A lot of women are scared to put on weight during pregnancy. Actually its very natural to put on some weight when pregnant and almost all women gain weight in pregnancy. However the amount of weight gain is varied from person to person. But it is very much possible to stay in shape during and after pregnancy if you take care of your diet and do some exercises regularly. The intensity of exercise for pregnant women is not very high but it does help a lot in keeping the weight in control.

You have to take care in choosing any exercise during pregnancy as you do not want to discomfort yourself or the baby in any way. So what is the best exercise for pregnant women. The best exercise for pregnant women should be able to burn some calories while keeping the energy levels high.

Exercises for pregnant women can range from simple stretches to squats and lifts. However the techniques of these exercises vary from the way they are done normally so that they do not put any kind of pressure on the baby. The movements have to be softer; you can have a good workout even with soft movements. Any kind of jerky bouncy moves should be avoided. These exercise will also strengthen you for easy labor.

Using the right technique is very important here which not only will make safe exercise but also give you a full body workout. Such exercises will keep you fit and energetic throughout your period of pregnancy and even post pregnancy so that you do not have to worry about getting out of shape.

The link given below will give you the exact way to enjoy your exercise including diet tips and detailed techniques which you can follow easily to have a fit and a healthy pregnancy.

No advice is better than speaking directly with your doctor when you have a symptom in your pregnancy that concerns you, but there are plenty of physical changes you can prepare for and mild symptoms that you can handle on your own. Since your body will go through nine months of creating a new person, arm yourself with this brief guide for what to expect and what are common, over-the-counter-cures that your doctor would approve.

First Trimester - Weeks 1 through 12

In your First Trimester of pregnancy, you likely realized you were pregnant when you missed a menstrual period, showing hormonal changes. More hormonal changes will continue, creating such symptoms as fatigue, breast tenderness, increased urination, fullness or mild aching in your lower abdomen, nausea and vomiting (that is, typical "morning sickness").

While nausea and vomiting will be an early symptom, they can possibly continue throughout pregnancy. Suggested treatment is having small frequent meals in lieu of three large meals. Eat bland foods such as dry toast, bananas, rice, applesauce and plain tea. Cut out greasy, fatty and spicy foods. Room-temperature foods and drinks are easiest to tolerate. Drink as much water as possible and carbonated beverages are okay, especially as they are better tolerated when nauseous. The approved self-treatments for nausea are 50 mg of Vitamin B6, Mylanta, Maalox, Unisom, Pepcid, Tums and Zantac, and approved devices are Sea Bands.

Dizziness and a light-headed feeling are common during the First Trimester since your blood pressure normally lowers in pregnancy. The dizziness may also be due to low blood sugar which can occur in pregnancy. To alleviate your dizziness, eat small frequent meals and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Also, don't make any sudden moves, especially avoid bending your head down and lifting it quickly. In work or exercise, change your head positions carefully.

Headaches can show up in the First Trimester and they are usually produced by increase in circulation that is experienced during this phase. Unless you have a history of migraines which you should discuss with your doctor, most headaches can be prevented. The treatment is much the same as for nausea and dizziness, that is, eat small frequent meals and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water throughout the day. This avoids headaches from hunger and dehydration. Your doctor-approved self-medication for this symptom is Tylenol.

Second Trimester - Weeks 13 through 27

During the Second Trimester of pregnancy you start to look pregnant as the "baby bump" shows! For many women, the Second Trimester is the easiest period. Breast tenderness and morning sickness ease or disappear. Even the pressure on your bladder may ease as your uterus grows and moves up out of the pelvis.

Nonetheless, throughout the Second Trimester you may feel a great assortment of symptoms such as breast changes, leg cramps, back pain, pelvic ache and hip pain, hemorrhoids and constipation, heartburn from gastro-esophageal reflux disease, also called GERD, nosebleeds and bleeding gums, hand pain, numbness, or carpal tunnel syndrome. You may see stretch marks and some skin changes, and you may even have Braxton Hicks contractions which are called "warm-up" contractions that don't lead to labor.

Heartburn can be treated by avoiding greasy, spicy foods, caffeine and chocolate. Avoid eating from 4 to 6 hours before going to bed and sleep with your head propped up with pillows. Your doctor-approved medications for this symptom are Mylanta, Maalox, Tums, Pepcid AC and Zantac.

Hemorrhoids can be avoided by preventing constipation. Here again treatment is assuring that you are drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water per day and adding more fiber in your diet. Your approved self-treatments for hemorrhoids include Tucks, Preparation H and Annusol Cream or suppositories.

Third Trimester - Weeks 28 to Birth

Possible symptoms from the Second Trimester can continue into the Third Trimester, such as the Braxton Hicks contractions, fatigue, heartburn, hemorrhoids and constipation. However, many bodily stresses develop from expansion of your baby and swelling of your body from fluid building up in your body. You will experience swelling of your feet and ankles, called edema, due to the extra pressure that your uterus places on your legs. Also, since your uterus is now just below your rib cage, your lungs have less room to expand and you likely will experience shortness of breath. In addition, you will have to urinate frequently due to your enlarged uterus and the pressure of your baby's head on your bladder.

Discomfort comes from your belly getting bigger and the fluid build-up in your body. This discomfort manifests as an assortment of aches and pains, pelvic ache and hip pain. You may even have hand pain, numbness, or hand weakness such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Back pain is your most common pain. It may be experienced throughout your pregnancy but likely will be more noticeable during the Third Trimester. Whether lower back or upper back pain, self-treatment includes keeping yourself well hydrated. Stretching exercises are useful and there are pregnancy belts that can help support your back. Hot water bottles, heating pads and massages also provide comforting relief. Doctor-approved medications include Tylenol or any acetaminophen product, and approved devices for self-treatment include heating pads (used on low settings) and maternity belts.

Take care! Back pain that occurs every 5-10 minutes may indicate pre-term labor and you should call your doctor immediately. Or, if your back pain is accompanied by a 100.4 F fever and you have some burning when you urinate, you may have a urinary tract infection and should call your doctor.

Often Insomnia is a result of the discomfort and back pain from the Third Trimester swelling. You will have difficulty finding a comfortable position for sleeping. Lying on your back interferes with blood circulation and lying on your stomach isn't an option. You will have to sleep on your side and use pillows to support your belly and place between your knees. Doctors suggest that it is best to lie on your left side, since lying on your right side and on your back increases the weight of your uterus, and this increased weight can partly block the large blood vessel in front of your backbone. Your doctor-approved self-medications for Insomnia include Tylenol PM, Benadryl and Unisom.

How to Deal with Common Illnesses During Pregnancy

If you are one of those women who don't approve of taking any medications whatsoever while you are pregnant, none of the over-the-counter measures will do for you, even if "doctor approved." You will refuse to take anything even for a common cold during pregnancy. Nonetheless, here are common ailments and over-the-counter medications which most doctors easily approve, and most women will find tolerable for themselves and their unborn baby.

Allergies and Sinusitis

Doctor-approved medications for pregnant women having allergy problems include Benadryl, Claritin, Claritin D, Tylenol Sinus, Actifed, Sudafed, Chlortrimetron, Zyrtec and Zyrtec D. If your nasal problems are due to sinusitis, take Saline Mist Nasal Spray, Benadryl, Chlortrimetron, plain Sudafed, Actifed, Tylenol Sinus or Vicks Nasal Spray.

Cold or Flu

While pregnant, if you have a cold or flu with accompanying sore throat, stuffiness, congestion, aches and sniffles, your doctor-approved medications include any cough lozenges, Tylenol Cold and Flu, Mucinex, Robitussin DM, Sudafed, Actifed, Dimetapp and Vicks Nasal Spray. Keep your thermometer handy and take your temperature often. If your temperature goes over 100.4 F, call your doctor. Sore throats, colds and coughs are due to a virus and most of the approved medications will ease the symptoms. Antibiotics will not help cure a cold or flu. However, if your nasal discharge turns a greenish color, or you have a temperature of more than 100.4 F, these indicate a bacterial infection. You likely need to take an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor.

Constipation, Diarrhea or Gas

If you develop constipation, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. Eat fiber-rich foods like high-fiber cereals, crackers, beans, vegetables and fruits. Prunes and prune juice are always helpful. The doctor-approved supplements for pregnant women are Citracil, Metamucil, Colace, Konsul, Perdiem and Fiber-con. Approved medications are Milk of Magnesia and Ducolax pills or suppositories.

For diarrhea, it is important to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Diarrhea usually lasts less than 24 hours but if it persists or is accompanied by fever greater than 100.4 F, call your doctor. Approved medications are Imodium AD or Kaopectate, not Pepto-Bismo.

Excessive gas can be treated with Simethicon or Gas-Ex.

Medications not approved during pregnancy are Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Motrin and Pepto-Bismo. Also diabetic pregnant women need to consult their doctors before taking any medications and check for sugar-free products. While medications change and new ones come on the market, it is always good to check which ones are approved for pregnant women. As your body goes through its nine months of changes, it's excellent to know what to take and what not to take. Then anticipate and have common home cures and over-the-counter, doctor-approved medications ready for your aches and pains, common illnesses and bodily stresses that will accompany carrying your little bundle, or "bump," of joy.

(c) 2012 Elizabeth McMillian

Istanbul, historically known as Byzantium and Constaninople, is the former capital of Turkey and is a unique city as it is a part of both Europe and Asia. With population close to 13 million, the city is also a cultural, economic, and financial center of Turkey. Thus, it is no surprise to find that there are about 60 state hospitals and 100 private hospitals in the city, many of them have high technology equipment. Healthcare in the country is subsidized by the government.

These are some of the best hospitals available in Istanbul, Turkey.

The International Hospital is a private hospital with a 24 hours emergency department and it offers treatment in a wide range of medical branches like internal medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics and nuclear medicine. The hospital address is Cad. 82, Ye?Yilk繹y. The hospital has a reasonable number of English speaking doctors and some of them even have post graduate experience from America.

Anadolu Medical Centre at Istanbul is a multidisciplinary and modern hospital. The hospital is ISO 9001-2000 certified and has a JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation. The staff at the hospital is multi lingual and is trained by the John Hopkins faculty with whom the hospital has a strategic partnership. There are 8 operating rooms and an Intensive Care Unit at the hospital. The hospital provides diagnosis and treatment plan for cancer patients, clinical programs on back pain, diabetes, and breast health. A dedicated department is available to take care of international patients. It is located at the far eastern side of Istanbul in Gebze.

The Metropolitan Florence Nightingale Hospital at Istanbul is another hospital in the city that is equipped with the latest technology and is also ISO 9001 certified. The hospital offers therapeutic and diagnostic services along with the treatment in the fields of gynecology, neurosurgery, medical and radiation oncology, urology, ophthalmology, pediatrics, plastic surgery and nuclear medicine. The emergency services, laboratory and radiology services are available round the clock. The doctors at the hospital speak English and have postgraduate experience in either Europe or America.

Acibadem Hospital holds the distinction of being the first hospital in Turkey to achieve world class quality medical care. It is a multidisciplinary private hospital which offers high quality services that are at par with international standards. The hospital is most well known for its treatment in areas of organ transplant, IVF, genetics cardiology and cardiovascular surgery. The emergency services at the hospital are available round the clock. There are 11 operating rooms in the hospital and it also has a state-of-art diagnostic centre which has facilities for ultrasound, angiography and mammography.

Yeditepe University Hospital is amongst the few hospitals in Istanbul that provide reliable medical service around the clock. The hospital is committed to providing high quality services and is equipped with the latest technology. The hospital has an accreditation from JCI and has 8 operating rooms including ICUs dedicated to cardiology, neo-natal care and general surgery. Local and international patients are drawn to the hospital because of the services provided by their well trained staff and the sophisticated technology used by them.

The first hospital in Turkey that was awarded the ISO (quality management system) 9001 in 2000 was the Dogan Hospital. The hospital is privately owned, has state-of-art technology and offers treatment in a wide range of medical branches. The units at the hospital include a Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Surgery Department, Physical Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Departments, Sleep Disorders and Neurophysiology Unit. They offer treatment in the areas of internal medicine, ophthalmology, gynecology, urology, psychiatry, general surgery. The hospital is equipped with five surgery rooms, 24 hours ambulance and emergency services, a sophisticated laboratory, 4D ultrasound equipments and a dialysis centre which is supposed to be the best in the region. A separate unit to coordinate with international patients is available; the number for which is 90 212 6243434

Ko癟 American Hospital is a non-profit hospital run by a US based organization. The hospital offers treatment to medical, surgical and maternity patients and also to a few psychiatric and contagious disease patients. The facilities at the hospital include a 24 hours emergency room, an intensive care unit, diagnostic services that include ultrasound angiography, mammography etc. The hospital has general practitioners and specialist on its rolls. The hospital address is G羹zelbah癟e Sokak, Ni?Yanta?Y?簣, and telephone number is (212) 311-2000.

Congratulations! You are now on your way to have one of the greatest blessings the world may well over, giving birth to your child. One of the challenges you may face is lower-back pain in early pregnancy. The bump in your tummy may cause you to have a very bumpy ride.

Statistics show that about 50 % of pregnant women experience pain in lower parts of their back during their first trimester. Some experience it all throughout their pregnancy while some don't experience it at all. To learn how to treat this pain in early pregnancy, you must first know what causes it.

One of the major causes for back pain in early pregnancy is the growing of your uterus. You may not notice it, but the center of your body gravity changes. It shifts forward because you become heavier in front. Another reason for these pains is the hormonal changes that are happening within your body. Some hormones, such as Relaxin, cause your pelvic bones to soften and prepare you for the natural labor. In return these changes make your backache.

Of course, now that you are pregnant, you are no longer allowed to ingest pain relievers as it can potentially harm the normal development of the fetus. Here are few suggestions on how to treat lower-back pain in early pregnancy in a natural way.

1. You can combat the gravity issue by practicing your posture. The pain will worsen as your baby becomes bigger. You may start practicing good posture now to reduce further pain from lower parts of your back in the coming stages of your pregnancy.

2. Modify your wardrobe. Keep your pumps and skinny jeans away for now. Choose anything comfortable to wear especially for your feet. Don't worry you won't be jeopardizing your style because there are a lot of maternity clothes that are still fashionable and at the same time convenient.

3. When you need to lift something, make sure that you bend your knees instead of bending your upper body towards the floor. Most of all don't lift heavy things as this could lead to a miscarriage. You should learn when to ask for help. Even if you are excited to be a mom and care for everyone, this is the time that you should be well taken care off.

4. Don't sleep faced up. Sleeping on your side as well as bending your knees together will help relief the pain. There are special pillows made for pregnant women whom they can place in between their knees while sleeping in this position.

5. Be active. Being pregnant should not stop you from working out. Take long walks even when you are at work, just don't run. Stretch your body from time to time. Make sure though, that you do exercises that are allowed for the pregnant women. There are many DVDs you can watch or classes you can attend, to help you out.

There are many treatments for lower-back pain in early pregnancy. However, you must know a way to draw the line between treating yourself and seeking for help from a professional. Consult a doctor when needed.

Some of the most heartbreaking cases I've had are those of fathers not married to their child's mother and not realizing that they have to take steps to secure their legal rights to the child. In Georgia, an unmarried father has no rights to his child at all unless and until he either marries the mother and publicly claims the child as his own and gives the child his name or files a petition in court to legitimate the child. Until one of these two events happen, the mother has all parental control over the child and the father has no rights.

I have had several cases in which the unmarried parents of a child live together for a period of time as a family, and then the parents decide to separate. In Georgia, if the father has not legitimated his child, he has no rights and the mother legally can prevent the father from contact with the child. While this may seem morally wrong, it is legally permissible.

What can unmarried fathers in Georgia do in order to protect their rights? As soon as the child is born the father should file a petition to legitimate the child; he should do this regardless of whether he is living with the child's mother. If there is any doubt as to paternity, a DNA test should be completed prior to the filing of the legitimation petition.

Custody, parenting time (visitation), and child support can be addressed in a Georgia legitimation action. In Georgia an unmarried father of a child can secure his custodial rights (including parenting time) by filing a petition for legitimation; doing so will provide the father with custodial rights and a court-ordered parenting time schedule that the father may rely on even in periods of disagreement with the child's mother. Upon receiving an order of legitimation, the biological father of a child is recognized as the legal father and stands on the same legal footing as the mother in regard to custodial and parenting time rights.

In Georgia, there is a difference between being the biological father and the legal father of a child. Having the status of only the biological father does not provide the father with any rights. It does not matter if the father paid for the pregnancy and maternity care of the mother, was at the birth of the child, and signed the birth certificate. It does not matter if the parents lived together as a family with the child and the father supported the mother and child for several years. If the father does not marry the mother, the only means by which the father can have any legal rights to the child is to file a legitimation petition. A child who has been legitimated by his or her father may inherit from the father, whereas a child that has not been legitimated might not legally be able to inherit from the father; this is extremely important legal distinction that could have unintended or devastating consequences.

At a minimum, a biological father in Georgia should list his name on the putative father registry with the Department of Human Resources/Vital Records. By taking that act, the biological father can at least ensure that no legal action such as adoption can be taken by another party without notice to the father. A listing on the putative father registry does not provide legal rights as far as custody and parenting time, but it does prevent legal action regarding the child to be taken without notice to the father. In order to successfully object to any such legal action once he has notice, the father would likely have to follow through with a legitimation petition, but at least he will have the opportunity to protect his rights.

A biological fatherin Georgia does not have an absolute right to legitimate his child. It is possible for a father to lose his right to legitimate his child if he waits too long in order to procure his legal rights. There is no set time limit after which a father automatically loses his rights, but the longer the father goes without legitimating the child the higher the risk that he has abandoned his opportunity interest to develop a relationship with the child, and his legitimation petition could be denied.

An unmarried father in Georgia who wishes to have legal rights to his child and to stand on the same legal ground with the mother regarding custody and parenting time must file a legitimation petition, and should do so immediately after the child's birth regardless of his relationship with the mother or the fact that he might be living with and/or supporting the child. Biological fathers of children born out of wedlock should seek legal advice as soon as possible in order to protect their rights and make sure that they are legally able to maintain their relationship with the child.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has a number of top notch health care solutions for Arizona residents. Perhaps one of the most famous health insurance companies in the United States is Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The company itself was found in the year 1929 in the state of Texas. Nowadays it is estimated that 99 million Americans are members of a Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

This means that one out of three Americans s covered by perhaps the biggest insurance company in the entire country. Today the company has access to all 50 states of the nation with its well developed plans and services. Since Blue Cross and Blue Shield is comprised of 39 independent, community-based and local Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies they each operate individually within their own state. It is known that the 39 independent entities represent the oldest and largest family of health benefit companies.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona is no different than all the other states independent agencies. The entity on this state was founded on 1939, just ten years after the first independent BCBS was founded in the state of Texas. The company has main offices in the cities of Phoenix (headquarters), Tucson, Tempe and Flagstaff and is the place of work of an estimated 1500 employers. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona is given the A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent) because it provides great quality health care at an accessible price for their members and because it provides different plans that will perfectly meet the diverse population within the state. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona is one of the first options for the residents of the state because not only does it do business, but it volunteers with about 200 organizations through out the state.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona as said before offers excellent plans that can be purchased by anyone. From high deductibles with low monthly premiums to no deductible and low out-of-pocket expenses which can guarantee you a little higher premiums BCBS has it all. Because they are independent health insurance agencies they make up their own health insurance plans that they think will be liked by the consumer.

Below you will find a detailed description of the six plans offered within the state with the rates you should expect to pay when using the services. It is also worth mentioning that the plans offer different deductible and different copays for each deductible so you can basically choose whichever deductible option you wish from within the plan itself.

1. BluePreferred Copay: This plan works within the Arizona Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network with a choice of you to visit providers of different networks. If you choose to follow the out of network path however, you will end up paying much higher than if you stick with the large PPO network. This plan offers deductibles of $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000 for an individual per calendar year with the family deductible being double those prices. The co-insurance for this plan is 20%, which means you will have to pay 20% of what the bill is in case you use a service which requires co-insurance.

The doctor visits are different for each deductible category, but they range from $15 if you choose the plan with a $500 deductible; to $35 if you choose the $5,000 deductible. Pharmacy coverage is a little different within this state because instead of dividing the drugs into three tiers, BCBS of Arizona divides them into four levels. Level one drugs will cost you $15, level two will be $34, level three $65 and the with a level four drug you will have to pay $120.

Inpatient and outpatient hospital care is subject to the deductible first and then to the 20% co-insurance and the emergency room fee if you happen to go and are not admitted in is $150. Other inpatient care such as maternity care, behavioral and mental health, rehabilitation and home care would be 20% co-insurance after you pay the deductible and it's important to mention that preventive eye exams are covered by the plan and range from $15 to $35 depending on your deductible choice.

2. BluePreferred Saver: This plan also is part of the Arizona Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network and gives you the choice to go out-of-network for a higher rate. With these plan you will have the choice of three deductible options that will double if you have a family coverage; those options are $1.500, $2,600, and $5,000. The co-insurance of this plan once you meet your deductible is of 0%, which means that you will be able to go use the services for no cost at all. BCBS of Arizona will pay 100% of the bill in selected services if you meet your deductible.

This plan is pretty much self explanatory because for doctor visits, preventive care, lab services, prescription coverage, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, inpatient mental health, inpatient rehabilitation services, ambulance services and urgent care you won't have to pay a single dollar once you meet your deductible. You will pay $150 if you happen to go to the emergency room and are not admitted in before you pay your deductible, after you meet the deductible dollar amount however, this too is covered 100%. It is also worth mentioning that this plan is one of the two that BCBS of Arizona offers that is compatible with Health Savings Accounts.

3. BluePreferred Basic: This is another plan that operates within the Arizona PPO network but will give the member a chance to go out-of-network for a higher price. They have choices of $1,500, $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 deductibles for individuals with family deductibles doubling those costs. For most covered services you will have to pay a 20% co-insurance after you meet the deductible option you selected, although a few services give you copay prices. For doctor visits they you will pay based on the deductible you selected, this means that if you selected a $1,500 dollar deductible you will pay $25, if you picked a $2,500 deductible your cost will be $30, for a $5000 deductible your rate will be $35 and for a person selecting the $10,000 deductible their doctor visits cost would be $40. Preventive services will not be counted towards the deductible so you will be allowed to pay 20% co-insurance from the start.

Prescription medications in this plan are divided only into generic drugs which you will pay $30 and brand name which you will pay $125. Other than those services all the other coverage which includes inpatient and inpatient care such as mental health services, rehabilitation services, skilled nursing facility and home care you will have to pay 20% co-insurance after meeting your deductible. The emergency room fee in this plan is $150 if you are not admitted and after meeting your deductible you will only have to pay 20% co-insurance.

4. BlueClassic: This type of coverage doesn't follow any network because it is an indemnity plan. This means that the plan gives the member more freedom to go use services under any other network, but the plan is a little bit more expensive. It gives choices of $250, $500, $750, $1;250, $2;500 and $5;000 for individuals, with family deductibles being double the individual levels. The co-insurance for most services is 20% after you meet the deductible of choice if the service involves a co-insurance. For doctor visits and preventive care you will have to pay full price until you meet your deductible and then the company will pay 80% while you pay 20%.

Prescription medications once again are divided into four levels with level one being $15, level two being $35, level three $65 and the most expensive is level four which will require you to pay $120. Lab services, inpatient care, outpatient care and urgent services are all subject to deductible and co-insurance, as well as maternity care, behavioral and mental services, rehab services, skilled nursing facility services and home health services. For an emergency room fee you will have to pay $150 at first and then its subject to deductible and co-insurance.

5. BlueClassic Saver: This is another indemnity plan that gives the customer more freedom when deciding to use the services. With these plan you will only have the choice of a $5,000 deductible for an individual, $10,000 for a family. This plan is also easy to describe because the co-insurance that BCBS of Arizona pays is 100% after you meet the deductible. This means that after you pay the $5,000 your services such as doctor visits, preventive care, lab services, inpatient care, outpatient care, urgent care, maternity care, behavioral and mental care, home health care, rehabilitation care and skilled nursing facility care will all be covered 100%. It is important to mention that this is the other plan that BCBS of Arizona has for people that want a plan compatible with their Health Savings Account.

6. BlueSelect: The BlueSelect plan is an Arizona Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) network plan in which the person will be asked to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and will need referrals in case they want to go ask for a second opinion or see a specialist. With Plan 2 you will not have a deductible and you will pay $25 to go see your PCP and $40 for other doctors. Pharmacy coverage is divided once again into four levels for which you will pay $15, $35, $65 and $120 respectively. You will pay $750 for admission to inpatient surgery and $200 for outpatient. The only difference with Plan 3 is that you are required to have a deductible of $1,000, doctor visits will be $30 for a PCP and $40 for specialist and inpatient care would be subject to deductible while outpatient would be $300.

Lima is the capital of the South American country called Peru (which lies in the northwestern region of the continent). The city is located in a valley that had been created by several rivers on a desert coast, meanwhile overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. Peru attracts a large amount of tourists with its tropical forests in the Amazon Basin, its arid plains, and tall mountains peaks in the Andes range. Lima has a number of private clinics that offer high quality services and treatment.

The Clinic Javier Prado has been serving the people of the city since February of 1965. The hospital is situated at Ave. Javier Prade Este 499, San Isidro and the phone number for the hospital is 211-4141. It has an ISO 9001 accreditation, so you can expect good and reliable services at the hospital. In addition to this, it has professionals from 45 medical specialties as well as it also has other facilities (such as emergency care, intensive care units, inpatient care, and operating rooms). Also, the infrastructure at the hospital is quite modern.

Hospital Nacional General Arzobispo Loayza was founded by the very first archbishop of Peru in the 16th Century. The hospital was set up to provide medical care to the underprivileged; in the case that one has limited resources, this hospital is a good option for recieving medical aid. The hospital was modernized in the early 1900s and is now the biggest hospital in the country. It receives patients from all over Peru for treatment and diagnoses. The hospital has nice surroundings, modern infrastructure and continues to carry out research in various medical fields.

The Stella Maris Clinic is run by a congregation of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It started operations in the year 1938. The clinic provides facilities for child and maternal care as well as surgical procedures - like advanced surgery for the heart and brain, kidney transplants, and others. The hospital's medical and paramedical staffs are highly qualified, the infrastructure is contemporary and the hospital also has a 24-hour/day emergency room.

Clinica El Golf is a private-run hospital; this group runs a number of clinics across the country. You can find qualified doctors and nurses at this hospital, many of whom have conducted their training in the United States and the United Kingdom. The clinic is outfitted with diagnostic facilities, maternity care, the newest medical equipment, and it offers outpatient care in nearly 130 specialties. Additional amenities at the hospital are round-the-clock emergency services, an intensive care unit, and advanced cardiac care. The address for this clinic is Ave. Aurelio Miro Quesada 1030, San Isidro.

Led by Dr. Jos矇 ?lvarez Blas, a group of doctors set up the St. Paul Clinic in August of 1991. The hospital was initially set up with the objective to provide specialized cardiac care; however, the hospital also has facilities for other medical treatments. The hospital is reputed to be one of the best private hospitals in the country, with six centers across Lima. This hospital provides high-quality services at reasonable prices. The hospital may be contacted at this number: 610-3222.?

Being a new parent is one of the best things in life and with this bundle of joy, there comes a whole bundle of bills such as legal fees, doctor visits, and nursery and so on. The beginning of being parents also means turning over a new leaf and you want the best for your new family.

When a baby comes along, there are so many things to worry about such as the basic need in life, health, childcare and education. Having children means sacrificing everything including eating at home, changing into a family car and the balance in your account is low.

Before committing anymore bills, consider your budget and change your will when your children are off to college. You can start by buying insurance for your child when you know that you are going to be a parent. In order to avoid over-spending list out on the things your family needs. Then, you will know where most of the money goes and how to save up bit by bit.

Plan years ahead about having children as health insurance with maternity care has only two years coverage. So, you would not want to have kids after those two years. Some employer provides a 20% of maternity benefits. With this the burden of cost will not be as bad.

The first thing to save up is not for college as there are other expenses such as emergency fund for half a year. Only after that plan how much money you need for your child's education and your retirement. The best way to save for a college fund is to reach at least 60% of the amount and this can be done by investing in stocks and so on.

Other than that, choose a guardian who will look after your children when you die. This is because that guardian will be managing the assets and you would not want someone who dislikes children raising them. Or worse come to worse is stranger raising your children. This should be put down in a will so that, your will is the law for your children.

You can also create a trust to hold your children's inheritance. Thus, you can let your children use this inheritance for what purposes and at what age can they use it. But, check with your state to see if it is allowed to give a large amount of money to a minority? Maybe at the age of 18 or an adult but it is sure that your children will get the inheritance if there was a law claiming that it is yours and is passed down to them.

Before you plan to get pregnant, it is necessary to bring some essential changes in your lifestyle and food habits. You need to consult your doctor to know exactly what foods you must avoid when you are trying to get pregnant and during the period of pregnancy.

You need to plan and prepare before you get pregnant. The couple needs to prepare themselves physically, emotionally and psychologically. The lifestyle needs to be changed in order to have a safe pregnancy.

A lot care and attention has to be given to what you eat as whatever you shall consume will be going in a direct or indirect manner to the baby before you conceive and while you are pregnant. So here you will know about what foods to avoid when trying to get pregnant and other such important things.

A baby's organs start forming about 17 days after you have conceived. Before a woman decides to get pregnant, it is essential that she meet a doctor and discuss her physical and emotional health with the doctor. The doctor might prescribe certain lifestyle changes and food habits before you become pregnant. Pregnancy is no child's play and must be handled with complete care and attention so that you have a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Some of the foods that must be totally avoided when you are trying to get pregnant are mentioned below.

Avoid soybeans and foods that contain soy. Estrogen that is present in soybeans can lead to a hormone imbalance which could in turn affect the production of egg and ovulation. Hence, it is important to decrease the use of soybeans few months before you are trying to get pregnant.

Stay away from frankfurters, bologna and lunch meats as they contain nitrates and nitrites that are not good for women who are trying to conceive. One must not consume peanut butter as well as spinach as they deplete the level of calcium in the body which is essential for the development of the baby.

Refrain from soda, sugary foods and drinks as it can lead to decrease in blood sugar that can in turn upset the level of reproductive hormones. Caffeine must be strictly avoided. Caffeine is present in coffee, tea, chocolate and many other products. Having caffeine may prevent you from getting pregnant.

Other than that, it can also cause miscarriage. One must strictly refrain from smoking, alcohol and drugs. Do not take Vitamins A, C and D in high quantity. Do not eat raw meat or meat that is undercooked. Similarly do not consume raw eggs or eggs that are undercooked. Soft cheese should also not be consumed.

The holistic development of a baby inside a mother's womb is probably one of the greatest responsibilities ever to befall on any woman. It is a task that entails a lot of sacrifices and hardships that promises a great reward at the end. Yes, being a pregnant mom could be the most exhilarating as well as the most daunting task a woman has to face and it is not one that comes without worries and fears. This is because it is always a mother's fear to bear a child that could come out with serious defects to its physical appearance as well as to mental capabilities. Mothers always dread having a child born with the worst defects of all, which are the defects of the brain.

Because of this fear, most mothers take care in avoiding things that could bring about brain defects in their children and the time that they do this is when these babies are still inside the womb. They take great care in seeing to it that they follow doctor's instructions when it comes to the proper diet and the prenatal vitamins that they must take. These mothers see to it that they take in the proper amounts of vitamin and minerals as well as other nutrients that are very essential for their babies to avoid getting brain defects.

One of the most essential nutrient that an expectant mother should take, which plays a great role in the development of an unborn baby's brain as well as his spinal cord, is the folic acid. While this nutrient could be sourced from a variety of foods, pregnant moms are always advised to take prenatal vitamins containing the prescribed amount of this vitamin. This is to ensure that the risk of acquiring neural tube defects can be avoided. These defects, which are due to the underdevelopment of the brain and the spine, can result in paralysis as well as mental retardation, which is one of the worst cases of brain defects.

Aside from the proper intake of folic acid, there are also other things that an expectant mother could do to make sure that her child is born without brain defects. One of these is to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages. This, as studies have shown that alcoholic drinking during pregnancy, heightens the risk of brain defects on babies. A baby could also develop brain damage if his or her mother use illegal drugs when she was pregnant. This brain defect could be experienced by the baby on top of other birth defects.

Genetic counseling is a procedure whereby medical experts perform genetic tests and get a record of family history of disease. This is done to analyze the possibility of the mother passing any genetic disorder to the new baby. It is one of the very important step in pregnancy care. Genetic disorders are caused by a flaw in any of the parent's genes. Few of the genetic disorders that can be identified on the basis of tests are Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, Tay-Sachs disease and spina bifida.

The main aim of genetic counseling is to educate the parents about the genetic disorder, provide counseling and psychological support, and also give important information on support groups and services. Your health care provider may suggest genetic counseling when either of the parents has somebody in the family with an inherited disease or birth defect. Genetic counseling is also recommended parents are over the age of 35, when a couple already has children with birth defects or genetic disorders, history of miscarriage or when a prenatal testing gives an abnormal result. Ideally the best time to get a genetic counseling is before getting pregnant especially if there is possibility of either of the first two risks. It is also sought by couples who consider it to be a part of pregnancy planning. This helps in deciding whether to start a family and warns you against any problems that may affect the new born infant. If the counselor feels the necessity of tests like carrier tests and screening tests, it may be performed. Carrier test checks for conditions such as Thalassemia which is a blood disorder primarily affecting those of the Mediterranean, African and Southern Asian descent.

Screening tests eliminates the need to perform intrusive diagnostic tests during pregnancy. Couples are also referred for genetic counseling during the pre pregnancy stage to alert them about the health problems due to exposure to teratogens such as harmful chemicals, heavy metals, radiations, drug, and alcohol/substance abuse. Some of the genetic screening tests performed during pregnancy are the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test which detects birth defects such as neural tube defect, spina bifida and anencephaly. Ultrasound tests are performed to check the possibility of spina bifida, heart defects, and malformations of the head, face, body, and limbs. Amniocentesis is used to detect genetic and developmental disorders. Sampling of Chorionic villus helps in detecting Down's syndrome.

The cost of such genetic counseling dissuades many couples from going for it. But there are many agencies that offer financial aid. Many health insurance policies cover the costs. Genetic counseling services are becoming popular in India and are available at around 40 centers spread all over the country. This service is usually obtainable from some reputed hospitals in cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. One should think about genetic counseling sessions in a positive way and as significant part of pregnancy care. This is part of the process of giving to your child the right environment to grow.

Self-hypnosis can be defined as a self-induced trance state. Hypnosis induced by yourself, focusing your mind in a positive way, affirmations, and relaxation. This concept is closely related to autosuggestion, which is used for physical symptoms explained, at least in part, by the thoughts and beliefs of a person. These techniques have been used in reducing pain in labor for a century and nowadays are being applied more extensively than ever. This is a consequence of the increasing number of scientific research demonstrating the benefits of the use of hypnotherapy in the clinical setting. The aim of this paper is to review existing and published evidence on the effectiveness of hypnosis for childbirth.

Hypnosis has been used in obstetrics for many years. In 1922, Shultze-Rhonhof reported an 89.5% success rate in a series of 79 cases. He came to the conclusion that hypnosis was a useful and harmless anesthetic agent. But not everyone thought that hypnosis was a completely safe technique for the mother and the child. Regarding the safety of the technique, in 1949, a leading article in the British Medical Journal states that there is no evidence that in capable and conscientious hands hypnotism, repeated as many times as is desired, carries with it any physical or psychological danger to the patient. Later in 1952, an investigation carried out by A.M. Michael and published under the title of Hypnosis and Childbirth, the author concludes that there is evidence to show that the duration of labor is shortened. He also concludes that the nursing staff can be easily trained to deal with the hypnotic patient, and that the method is both practicable and safe for the mother and infant.

Today, more than 50 years after those studies were conducted, in the era of powerful study designs like the randomized clinical trial, hypnosis has been recognized as a proven method to avoid pharmacological or invasive interventions for pain management. In a systematic review conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration (Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006; 4: CD003521), the joint results of five clinical trials comparing self-hypnosis with the treatment of reference showed that women taught self-hypnosis had decreased requirements for pharmacological analgesia by 47%, including epidural analgesia by 70%. These women were significantly more satisfied with their pain management during labor compared with controls.

Hypnobirthing

Hypnobirthing, or birth without fears, is a hypnotherapy program specifically designed for birth, using the principles and techniques of hypnosis and self-relaxation. It teaches simple but specific self-hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques for a better birth. Their advocates tell us that hypnobirthing is much more than simple hypnosis. It is based on the notion of learning how to put yourself back in control of your birth, rather than blindly turning your birthing experience over to your doctor or midwife.

Results from scientific studies show without any doubt that hypnosis is an effective technique. The use of antenatal training in self-hypnosis as a tool to provide analgesia, relaxation and anxiety relief in labor is not uncommon. Hypnosis is a simple, inexpensive way to improve the childbirth experience, reduce complications associated with pharmacological interventions, along with costs in maternity care.