Maternity Insurance|Maternity Care|Postpartum Care

Personal health insurance provides you with financial coverage for medical expenses or lost income resulting from illness or injury. It can include:

* Health coverage

* Dental coverage

* Vision coverage

* Major medical/accident coverage

Typical expenses covered by such a plan include both preventive and diagnostic care such as :

* Physicians' fees

* Medical exams

* Laboratory tests and X-rays

* Hospitalization costs and surgical fees

* Maternity care

* Prescription drug costs

Unless you can buy this insurance through your employer, it can be quite expensive. However, you can save money by following these tips:

Build Healthy Habits

People who avoid tobacco, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight pay less for their health insurance.

Consider a PPO or HMO plan

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans cost less than traditional fee-for-service (indemnity) plans. You will be limited in your choice of doctors and hospitals, choosing from a list provided by the insurance company. In addition, with an HMO plan, you may need approval to see a specialist.

Consider Major Medical Insurance

Major medical plans cover larger expenses, such as surgery or injuries. You pay for smaller expenses such as routine office visits yourself. This type of plan saves money if you are in good health.

Choose a Plan with High Deductibles

The higher you set your deductibles, the lower your premiums will be.

Shop Around

Insurance rates vary dramatically from company to company, so you should comparison shop when you buy personal health insurance.

Fortunately, insurance comparison websites on the Internet make it easy for you to compare rates and companies. You just fill out the simple questionnaire on the website and you'll receive quotes from multiple A-rated health insurance companies.

On the best websites, you can even talk with insurance professionals, asking questions and getting quick, expert answers (see link below).

Congratulations, you're having a baby! If this is your first baby, you'll be spending some money for all the things your new addition will need but don't spend a lot of money on a maternity wardrobe. Here are a few tips that will help you save a lot of money on your clothes.

One of the most important things to remember about this time in your life is that you're really only going to need true maternity clothes for about four to five months. Be practical about your needs. Don't buy expensive maternity clothes for "just in case" events unless you know you'll really need it.

Don't assume that all you can purchase are clothes labeled 'maternity' especially in the first few months when you might need a bit more room but you're not looking really pregnant yet. Many styles, like the newer baby-doll shirts allow a generous bit of fabric in the front. The same applies to pants in that early on, you might need a bit of stretch in the waist but you won't fill out maternity pants yet. Pants with elastic waist bands will fit the bill.

Let me touch briefly on saving a bit of money on bras and undergarments while you're pregnant. Don't spend money on maternity underwear. They're designed to stretch out over your tummy but it's really more comfortable and easier to wear bikini underwear and let it sit under your tummy (trust me and lots of other women on this one). You'll find that early on, your breasts will get larger and you'll need to go up in cup-size. Later on, you'll notice that you might not need a larger cup size but you'll need a bit more room around. Don't go out and buy another new bra. You can find bra extenders at sewing centers. They don't require sewing and just connect to your current bra at the hook and loops. They are about $2 compared to $30+ for new bras.

Here are the other ideas to help you save a lot of money on maternity clothes:

1) Borrow clothes from friends - My girlfriend started her family before I did and she actually offered her maternity clothes to me to use during my pregnancy. In the same way, I offered her some of my own maternity clothes when she was pregnant after me. We actually exchanged the same clothes four times before I sent them onto my sister-in-law and she and her friends exchanged them several more times.

When borrowing maternity clothes, DO make sure to take care of the clothes and launder them properly. Make sure to return them when you're done using them unless you've been clearly told not to return them (I was a bit upset when a coworker gave away some of my maternity clothes without my okay because she thought we were done having children).

2) Thrift stores - So many women quickly get rid of their maternity clothes when they think they're done having kids. They don't want to look at the "fat clothes" any more. Although I wasn't in the market for business-type maternity clothes, I was amazed at how inexpensive some of those types of maternity clothes were (after having seen them for full-price in a maternity clothing store).

3) Consignment shops - Sometimes you might need a dress or outfit for a special occasion. My brother was getting married when I was VERY pregnant with our third and I chose to not be a bridesmaid but was going to do a reading and needed something special. I found some very nice maternity "special occasion" dresses at a local consignment shop for a fraction of their original cost.

4) eBay - If you do a search of "maternity clothes lot size ___", you'll find a large selection of maternity clothes available. You can find sellers looking to sell "lots" of clothing or individual pieces.

5) Craigslist.org - Craig list is a great place to find a lot of things, not just maternity clothes. You can search your area of the state and contact most sellers through the e-mails provided. Many sellers are looking to sell entire wardrobes for very little. For safety, never meet up with any seller alone and don't tell the seller your exact address.

6) Box Stores - Many of the large chain box stores now carry maternity clothes; Target, Wal-Mart, Kmart and Kohl's, just to name a few. These stores are much cheaper than the specialty maternity clothing stores I was mainly limited to when I was pregnant. Stores like Kohl's always offer up coupons that can help you stretch your maternity clothing budget even further. Don't forget to look outside of the maternity department for clothes that have a bit more fabric, stretch or style that doesn't limit it to just those of us who aren't pregnant.

7) Tag Sales - Some newspapers will advertise tag sales. Keep an eye out for tag sales that advertise maternity clothes. Although tag sale season may not time out with your pregnancy, it doesn't hurt to be open to the possibility of finding some great deals at them.

Trust me when I say that your little bundle of joy will help you find plenty of ways to part with your cash but it doesn't have to start before they even come into the world. With these tips, you can save a lot of money on your maternity clothes.

Most pregnant women, once discovering that they will give birth to a little bundle of joy after nine months, start following pregnancy advice and tips religiously. This could range from avoiding alcohol to opting for a healthy pregnancy diet, which is loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, many pregnant women are unaware of the fact that hidden factors, such as harmful chemicals present in beauty products can interfere with a healthy pregnancy. Andrew Healy, obstetrician, Baystate Medical Center opined that since any material that is touched by the skin could get absorbed into the bloodstream and cross the placenta, women should exercise caution in this regard, during pregnancy.

Can hairspray and nail polish interfere with healthy pregnancy?

While few studies indicated that phthalates (present in many cosmetic products including hairspray and nail polish) could have a drastic impact on health pregnancy, FDA stated that these studies are not enough to establish the fact that phthalates can cause health hazards in humans. Judith Hellman, Professor, Mount Sinai School of Medicine says that for a healthy pregnancy, you can apply a small amount of hairspray and avoid breathing in the fumes.

Are tanning products and sun blocks safe?

While some think that using sunscreen can interfere with a safe pregnancy, experts opine that it is too early to draw such a conclusion. Dayna Salasche, who is associated with Northwestern University, says that wearing sunscreen, in fact, contributes to a healthy pregnancy. Salasche comments that pregnancy makes the skin even more sensitive and using a sunscreen can protect the skin from burning. As far as tanning products are concerned, experts agree that their role in healthy pregnancy is still not clear. However, to be on the safe side, avoid using a tanner regularly, or if you must, use it only occasionally.

Usage of acne medications

Many women, after discovering the first signs of pregnancy, realize that their face has become filled up with acne. Studies suggest that development of acne worsens during this phase because of constant hormonal fluctuations. Experts opine that if you are looking forward to a healthy pregnancy; avoid using creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, retinol or salicylic acid. Jeanie Leddon, Dermatologist says that for dealing with acne problems, while being pregnant, you can opt for topical medications containing clindamycin or azelaic acid. For good pregnancy care, you can consider using glycolic peels as well.

Avoid dyeing your hair during pregnancy

Though studies are yet to prove the impact of hair dye on women who are pregnant, experts recommends avoiding dyeing the hair, for a safe pregnancy. Jeannette Graf, dermatologist says that dyes may contain various types of ingredients, which could be dangerous. Therefore, if you are looking forward to good pregnancy care, avoid including them in your beauty regimen. If you want to highlight your hair, avoid applying anything to your scalp. Leddon provides the pregnancy advice that for a safe pregnancy, avoid any type of hair treatment during the first trimester pregnancy, since chances of miscarriage are maximum during this phase.

When it comes to getting maternity coverage in Pennsylvania's individual health insurance market it is tough to beat Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. Although most plans offered through your employer will pay for the costs associated with having a baby, things change when you have to purchase a policy as an individual. Many times insurance carriers will not cover maternity expenses outright or if they do they offer limited coverage for an additional premium.

As far as the different types of policies which will pay maternity expenses there are basically two kinds: PPO's and HMO's.

Most HMO's require you to go to a primary care physician first who will then refer you to a specialist. Allot of people chafe at this idea as they like the freedom of choosing their own doctor without having to get a referral. PPO's on the other hand will let you visit any physician in their network without the need of a referral.

This brings us to Highmark Blue Cross. Their PPO insurance plans (Direct Blue and PPO Blue) offer maternity at NO EXTRA COST and no limits on coverage. Unlike many other companies who might limit expenses to a few thousand dollars a year, Highmark will pay up to the yearly limit which, on most plans, is one million dollars. The rates are also very affordable and available throughout much of the state.

As always, it's a good idea to consult with a licensed broker before applying for insurance so you can compare your options and pick the plan that best fits your needs.

The present working conditions include long working hours which is one of the main causes of stress and other issues. Most of us sit for long hours which create several feet problems due to lack of leg movements and blood circulation. It is recommended to exercise on a daily basis but not all of us have enough time for exercising. This is one of the main reasons why foot care products are introduced these days.

Here are some details about few foot care products:

Compression stockings and support hosiery

Compression stockings and compression support hosiery are known to be one of the best remedies for foot problems. They help in regulating blood circulation in the lower part of the body. Nowadays, you will find that these stockings are available in different styles, colours and shapes. Thus, you can buy the one which suits your needs.

Compression stockings and compression support hosiery are designed in such a way that they apply appropriate pressure on the legs. This pressure helps the blood to circulate in your legs properly.

Diabetic socks for men and women

Nowadays, many people suffer from diabetes. And one of the common problems faced by diabetic patients is diabetic foot. To solve these conditions,diabetic socks have been introduced in the market. These socks are designed in such a way that they control the moisture in the foot area which decreases the risk of infection in the feet.

Maternity support hose

Wearing a maternity support hose is necessary to take care of your body during pregnancy. A maternity support hose helps in resolving blood circulation problems in your legs. In addition to this, it helps in reducing swellings and also prevents several future varicose veins.

Thus, the above mentioned foot products help in keeping you fit in several situations.

Big, Bold, and Beautiful: How to Look Hot During Pregnancy

If you think "looking hot during pregnancy" is slightly oxymoronic--save those insufferable summer months when you can't seem to cool down for the life of you--you're not alone.

Many a pregnant woman has felt awkward, unattractive, and, well, large. However, simply by learning a few tricks, and with just a little effort, you can look and feel like that hot mama-to-be that you are.

Looking hot during pregnancy starts with learning to take care of yourself. Although some women treat it as such, pregnancy should not be a license to "let yourself go," eat whatever you want, and stop caring what you look like. "But I'm taking my prenatal vitamins and avoiding my daily shot of vodka," you may protest. And while that's all well and good, there is so much more involved with self-care during pregnancy.

A few tips in this department include drinking lots of water, eating healthy as much as possible (with the odd treat here and there, of course), exercising moderately (walking, swimming, prenatal yoga), and maintaining your hair and makeup regimen. As your skin stretches during pregnancy, take good care of it with a good prenatal moisturizing lotion like cocoa butter.

Next, in order to claim that "big, bold, and beautiful" label as yours, you need to take advantage of what the pregnancy hormone gods have given you. Your fingernails will likely grow faster around month four--splurge on a manicure! You will also be the proud owner of a full and fabulous head of hair (since pregnancy hormones slow down hair loss), so work this to your advantage. And don't forget that wonderful, where-did-you-come-from cleavage that you now have to show off.

Finally, you must learn to dress the part. Stop dreading that inevitable maternity clothes shopping trip. By knowing what to look for--and, of course, what to avoid--you'll be on your way to looking pregnant and sexy. First, look at your assets, and what you (or your man) find most attractive--breasts? Belly? Arms? Legs? Back?--and find cute and trendy apparel that flaunts them accordingly.

It's best to avoid buying plus-size clothing. They won't fit or look right. Wear your regular clothes as long as possible and then head straight to the maternity department. If everything looks plain, out-of-style, frumpy, or huge, consider shopping online, where you'll find a ton of hot, attractive, and sexy clothes for the mom-to-be.

Depression during pregnancy refers to the stress or strain which is caused due to the increase of hormone level in a woman's body resulting in mood swings , in particular the two main female hormones-estrogen and progesterone causemood swings during pregnancy. This is not a disease but a normal problem which can be treated through extra love, care and protection.

Is depression more common in women than in men?
Yes. Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression. The reason for this is unknown, but changes in a woman's hormone levels may be related to depression.

What are the symptoms of depression in women during pregnancy ?

If you're depressed, you may have some of these symptoms nearly every day, all day, for 2 weeks or longer:
- Feeling sad, hopeless and having frequent crying spells
- Feeling guilty, helpless or worthless
- Thinking about death or suicide
- Sleeping too much, or having problems sleeping
- Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss or gain
- Feeling very tired all the time
- Having trouble paying attention and making decisions
- Having aches and pains that don't get better with treatment
- Feeling restless, irritated and easily annoyed
-
What causes depression in women during pregnancy ?
Depression seems to be related to a chemical imbalance in the brain that makes it hard for the cells to communicate with one another for example the improper level of serotonin in the brain can cause mood swings. Depression can also be hereditary, which means it runs in families.

In the days following the birth of a baby, it is common for some mothers to have mood swings. They may feel a little depressed, have a hard time concentrating, lose their appetite or find that they can't sleep well even when the baby is asleep.

How is depression during pregnancy is treated?
Depression can be treated with counseling, medicine or both. It's also important to take good care of yourself, to exercise regularly and to eat healthy foods. See the health tips below. Counseling alone may help if the depression isn't severe.

Some do's and don'ts when you're depressed
- Always ensure to talk with your loved ones, friends and family to avoid the feeling of isolation. Always seek the advice from your family doctor.
- Exercise balances the hormone and avoid mood swings. Example the level of serotonin in the brain can cause mood swings and can be balanced by doing yoga, aerobics etc.,
- Remember not to blame yourself for your depression. You didn't cause it.
- Suppress the discouraged feeling by keeping positive sign boards and try to do meditation to clear your depression.
- Do eat balanced meals and healthy food.
- Do get enough sleep. Some women sleep more during depression.
- Do take your medicine and/or go to counseling as often as your doctor tells you to. Avoid self medication.

Does depression affect my unborn baby?

Yes. It has been proved by many research that depression can affect the growth of the fetus. Mothers-to-be who are depressed during pregnancy are more likely to have babies sleep problem during their 18th month says O'Connor a research expert.

In his recent research, O'Connor says, follow others' research showing that mothers who report being stressed during pregnancy have children with higher rates of behavioral problems, as well as hyperactivity and anxiety.

Ones health is almost compared with weather, which is never predictable. The healthiest person may one-day cramp to such an extent that they pull an enormous demand of money and pose many economical problems to the family. So deciding on a well contributing insurance plan would always help at times of need. The two main categories of family health insurance would be as follows...

1. Indemnity family health insurance plans (reimbursement plans)-This would allow the user to choose their own medical practitioner


2. Managed care family health insurance plans -This applies to only selected medical practitioners and not mapped to every medications too.

• HMO-Health Maintenance Organizations


• PPO-Preferred Provider Organizations


• POS-Point of Service Plans.

The coverage would include medication, drugs, treatment, diagnosis, maternity care, vision care, audio aid, mental health benefits, Hospital expenses of room bed and other accessories, surgical expenses of surgeons fees, consultation expense. These health insurance plans also offer other allowances such as co-payment for consulting doctor regularly at least monthly once, deductible amount that are spent annually on medications, coinsurance. One must consider few issues before getting into this type of insurance,

• What is the waiting period of the plan you select?


• Does the insurance company has good reputation?


• What are the co-pay, co-insurance, deductibles on that plan?


• Does the health insurance plan offer full coverage to all the family members?

Decide whom you are about to add to your group health insurance policy and enroll after deciding. This would be helpful when you decide over offers and services they provide according to the members you chose. Remember one cannot add any member just in the middle of your investment scheme exception being a newborn kid in your family. This would pose lot of complications in your health insurance plan. If you want to move away from one plan to another be sure about your families financial status and check the coping up capability. Compare various health insurance quotes made free by many insurance providing companies. This would be the best way to analyze and check out the most feasible policy. Than individual insurance, health insurance would be better at cutting cost with the widest coverage for your entire family. Always keep in mind that individual insurance favors the company and group health insurance plan favors the insured. Hence it is better to rely on family health insurance rather than individual insurance. Some of the available options for you to choose would be,

1. Short term family health insurance


2. Private companies family health insurance


3. Group family health insurance

Have you seen a recent increase in your medical insurance rate? Medical insurance rate increases are under close scrutiny as health reform blossoms. The medical insurance rates are being examined closely by the department of health and human services. The DHHS has revealed the fact that health insurance companies have sought drastic premium rate increases in the past year. Legislation has been introduced in 2010 that would prevent health insurance providers from assessing unfair premium rate increases.

Under the Legislation, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services would be able to review, deny or approve rate increases that are deemed unreasonable. The Health Insurance Rate Authority Act was introduced in part to protect the consumer from premium increases that are not justified by the insurer. Unfortunately, this does not mean that there will not be premium increases. Alternatively, the act would insure that those increases that are assessed would need justification.

Health care reform has been a hot topic since the days prior to the presidential election. One of President Obama's top priorities has been health care reform and much has blossomed as a result. The Health Insurance Rate Authority Act is likely one of many acts to come in order to protect the consumer and regulate insurance premium hikes. Authorities state that there is likely a need for some premium increases due to health care reform mandates. Reform mandates such as policies covering maternity care, substance abuse, mental health and mandates against exclusions due to pre-existing conditions will cause insurers to take risk that they have not traditionally had to take. The additional risk will result in insurers contributing more dollars to the health pool than they have in the past. Ultimately, the affect on the bottom line for insurers result in premium increases for the consumer.

It is important to remember that there are several factors that contribute to an individual's premium and that certain features may be tweaked in order to realize a lower premium. Though we have seen an overall hike in premiums, an individual still has some control over the monthly premium that he or she pays. For instance, deductibles, co-pays, Coinsurance percentages, amount of coinsurance out of pocket and lifetime maximum coverage by the insurer all combine to determine the amount of monthly medical insurance rates. The insurance seeker could adjust any one of these factors and see a change in their monthly premium. However, in the near future the consumer may still see increased overall premiums for certain policies. Illinois, California and Colorado have already seen drastic premium increases by certain insurers. The Health Insurance Rate Authority Act would give the secretary of health and Human Services the power to deny or adjust rate increases that are found to be unjustifiable.

Affordable health insurance has been made a priority by the current administration. Although the health reform legislation is now a reality, many of the elements of the legislation will not be realized for years to come. The Health Insurance Rate Authority Act is just one step towards protecting the consumer and maintaining the "affordable" health insurance initiative. For more information regarding affordable health insurance and medical insurance rates, see the Texas Low Cost Health Insurance website.

Bleeding Or Spotting In Early Pregnancy-Some Statistics And Facts

Bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy can be very worrying, although it is often not a signal of a problem. However bleeding can be the sign of a miscarriage, yet on the other hand it doesn't mean that one is imminent.

20% to 30% of women do experience some type of spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy, of which approximately 50% result in miscarriages and the other 50% don't. These facts and stats have been proven in studies.

The two other potential reasons for bleeding during the first trimester are ectopic pregnancies or molar pregnancies. More detailed information is included in the sections below about miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy.

What You Should Do If You Experience Bleeding Or Spotting

• Use a pad or panty liner so that you can be aware of the level and type of bleeding you are experiencing

• Do not use a tampon, or have intercourse, have a douche, or introduce anything into the vagina while bleeding

• Contact your health care provider immediately.

Possible Reasons For Bleeding Or Spotting In Early Pregnancy/First Trimester

Apart from the possible complications mentioned previously, other reasons for bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy are:

Breakthrough bleeding - happens when the pregnancy hormones cover up the menstrual cycle but the cycle still continues for a short while. So it could be that you do get what appears to be your period around the same time it was due but it could be breakthrough bleeding.

Implantation bleeding - this can happen between six and twelve days after a potential conception. Different women will have different variations of implantation bleeding; some will have light spotting for a few hours whereas others will have this for up to a few days.

After intercourse - bleeding may be experienced by some women as the cervix can be sensitive and tender. Do not have intercourse until you have seen your doctor.

Infection in the pelvic cavity or urinary tract - can cause bleeding.

Early Pregnancy/First Trimester Possible Complications Signalled By Bleeding

MISCARRIAGE

Miscarriage - is experience by 50% of the women who have spotting or bleeding during the first trimester.

Why Does A Miscarriage Occur?

Miscarriage is nature's way or your body's way of dealing with a pregnancy which was not continuing as it should. The majority of miscarriages occur during the first 12 gestational weeks of pregnancy. (Gestational weeks date from the first day of your last period.) There is normally nothing that can be done to prevent a miscarriage. Somewhere between 15% and 20% of pregnancies will result in miscarriage.

Miscarriage Signs/Miscarriage Symptoms

• Vaginal spotting or bleeding

• Passing tissue via the vagina

• Cramps which are generally stronger than menstrual cramps, felt in the lower stomach area

Miscarriage Support

Experiencing miscarriage can be extremely distressing for many women and can bring up undeserved feelings of being a failure and this mixed with grief, as well as dealing with a possible flux of hormones can make this a difficult time. Do get support if you ever experience a miscarriage.

For support in Ireland go to The Miscarriage Association of Ireland and in the UK it is the Miscarriage Assocation.

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

An Ectopic Pregnancy - is when the pregnancy implants somewhere outside the uterus, such as one of the fallopian tubes. In rare cases it can occur in the ovary, cervix or stomach area. Approximately one in sixty pregnancies will be an ectopic pregnancy.

Why Does An Ectopic Pregnancy Occur?

Ectopic pregnancies can occur due to a condition that blocks or slows down the fertilised egg moving through the fallopian tube to the uterus; such as a previous ectopic pregnancy, previous pelvic surgery or an infection in the tubes. Sometimes the cause is not known.

Ectopic Pregnancy Signs/Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms

• Vaginal spotting or bleeding

• Sharp pain in the abdominal area

• Cramps which are usually stronger than menstrual cramps, felt in the lower stomach area

• Low levels of hCG (pregnancy hormone)

• Shoulder tip pain

• Collapse

• Bladder or bower problems

Ectopic Pregnancy Support

An ectopic pregnancy is not only a very tough physical condition to experience but it affects our emotions hugely. It is good to get support if you are either going through the experience or after you have had an ectopic pregnancy.

Search for the term Ectopic Pregnancy Support and in whichever country you are in the organisation should show up.

MOLAR PREGNANCY

Molar Pregnancies - are a very rare reason for early pregnancy spotting or bleeding and the "mole" or molar pregnancy is when abnormal tissue has grown instead of an embryo. A molar pregnancy occurs 1 in 1000 pregnancies.

This is also known as GTD - gestational trophoblastic disease.

Why Does A Molar Pregnancy Occur?

It is the result of a genetic error; an abnormality of the placenta which occurs when the egg and sperm joined during fertilisation.

Molar Pregnancy Signs/ Molar Pregnancy Symptoms

• Spotting or bleeding

• Increased hCG (pregnancy hormone)

• Vomiting and nausea

• High blood pressure

• No heart tone or fetal movement can be detected

• Sometimes a rare complication such as thyroid disease can occur

Molar Pregnancy Support

At the time of writing there does not appear to be an Irish support organisation.

In the UK the name of the website is simply Molar Pregnancy, just search for this.

There is a website called My Molar Pregnancy. I mention this one as it is quite a personal website set up by someone called Jennifer Wood that has experienced a molar pregnancy. On this website there is also a link to a Facebook Group.

This information is meant only as a guideline and always be sure to contact your healthcare provider as soon as you have any concerns.

Healthy pregnancy is the first and for most thing which the every mother desire for. This could only be achieved through proper regimes. This is very much required to sustain a fetus growth properly and to nourish the mother's body during the time of pregnancy. It is quite simple to follow these regimes if you are a bit cautious. A mother should be educated and aware of the tips needed to be followed during pregnancy. The tips for the healthy pregnancy are as follows.

• Pregnancy plan organization: One must ensure to make daily check ups with gynecologist during this time. As through this you would get aware of the necessary vaccinations required. Moreover you must clear all the doubts and questions you have on your mind regarding child's birth and pregnancy. This would help you to get more confidence.


• Nourishment through food: For a healthy pregnancy a proper nourished diet is always recommended by the doctors. One must include folic acid into the diet. As this reduces the risk of neural tube defect on the fetus. Other than this fish oil could be another essential food. This helps effective brain development of the baby as it contains omega fatty acids.


• Balanced diet: A complete balanced diet is also required apart from some chosen nutrient food. Your diet must comprise of nutritious foods. Always ensure to have a well maintained balanced diet comprised of fibers, and green vegetables. In order to hydrate drink adequate water. Junk foods, sugar, salt and high fats should be avoided as this might contribute as unhealthy additive for the body.


• Restriction on alcohol and smoking: Alcohol and smoking both are two injurious for mother and baby's health. The consumption of tobacco or alcohol might lead to several complications of the fetus like physical or mental disability. The health of the mother can also have adverse effect and complications due to this.


• Fitness through exercise: Exercise is one of the key for healthy pregnancy as well. This reduces the stress from mother's body and makes delivery easier during the time of child's birth. But one might be aware of the exercises that are needed o be done during pregnancy. Consult gynecologist before beginning any exercise regime. Yoga is another way through which you can heal your pregnancy pains and could have relaxed mind and soul. Meditation could also be a better way to combat against fear or anxiety during the time of pregnancy.


• Proper care and good rest: Sleeping is a better way to heal your pregnancy pain and helps the baby to grow. Adequate sleep is very much essential in order to fulfill the requirement of your body. Proper care is also needed to be taken so that it does not affect the baby or mother.


• Happy lifestyle: Stress or anxiety could affect the healthy pregnancy and can cause low birth weight of the baby. It is very much essential for a mother to stay cheerful and stress free. For this a pleasant lifestyle has to be maintained by the family members.

A midwife is a health care professional whose main role is to offer care throughout the childbearing process, with an emphasis on the health and well-being of mother, child, and family. This includes the stages from early pregnancy all the way through assisting with the first several weeks of postpartum care and initial breastfeeding. Some practitioners may also offer general reproductive care to women, such as annual gynecological exams and assistance with family planning, although this is not the primary aspect of a midwife. Midwives may consult with other health care providers such as an OB, or have a practice agreement to provide referrals in case of complications beyond their scope. They keep medical records throughout the pregnancy and delivery, and follow state laws for providing medical care.

Throughout the pregnancy, a midwife assists in determining a woman's individual health needs, both mental and physical. This can include suggestions related to diet, supplements, and exercise, as well as lifestyle changes and emotional support. A Certified Nurse-Midwife Practitioner can write prescriptions as well, if necessary.

Midwives also encourage women to follow their own instincts and educate themselves on options for their pregnancy and delivery. Midwifery supports a greater focus on the psychological aspects of the pregnancy and birthing process, considering mental wellness a significant factor in a successful pregnancy as well as physical wellness.

A midwife's training emphasizes the natural, biological process of birth as a normal event, and not as one of crisis management. Most midwives consider their place to be one of support rather than that of ringleader, letting the natural birthing process progress while using procedures that are minimally invasive. These methods can include encouraging the laboring mother to walk, adjust sitting positions, practice certain breathing exercises, and even eat and drink through her labor as needed.

Depending on state and licensing requirements, midwives can assist in a hospital setting, birthing center, or even a home birth. A certified nurse-midwife may be trained to use electronic fetal monitoring or pain medications if they feel it is necessary. However, other classifications of midwife may require a supervising doctor to use these techniques.

Midwives are trained to recognize any signs that labor or pregnancy are not going as they should, and also have training in newborn life support procedures, although they cannot perform a c-section. Most midwives will have a contingency plan that should be discussed well before term if this is a concern. If the labor does result in a hospital visit, a midwife will continue to assist and support throughout the process.

Pregnancy takes your body through several transformations; the most prominent is the increasing belly and excessive weight gain. And transformation in physique is consequently followed by changes in your wardrobe. Here comes the utility of maternal clothes, especially from your 4th month. Maternity clothes vary highly in length and size to accommodate various body types as expecting moms come in different sizes and shapes before pregnancy. Thus, you can get them in a broad range of tall, petite, regular lengths as well as in large, medium, small sizes. There are even extra large maternity clothes for plus size women. It is recommended to opt for your pre-expecting size while shopping for the maternity clothes. The rule suits for everything from dresses to tops to bottoms to hosiery.

Maternity clothes are designed with utmost care to ensure comfort and sufficient room for the expanding belly without compromising on style. The maternity tops are fitted with in built panels to provide the required space for your increasing bulge. The maternity bottoms (pants, skirts, capris, crops or shorts) come with elastic, drawstrings and also a in built panel (made of spandex) for your expanding midsection. However, the cuts of these maternity cloths are quite like the conventional clothes to a stylish fashion statement. The sole difference is the stretchy portion near the waist to assure that the growing belly gets maximum comfort. Maternity undergarments must be opted since they provide a strong back-up for your growing uterus and heavy breasts. As the little one inside starts growing, a lot of strain and pressure are placed over your back that can be remedied with the help of a tummy sleeve or maternity belts. You also have the supportive panties which rise up to the stomach.

Historically speaking, in the ancient days, the attires were basically the flowy ones without focusing on a woman's curves. But the medieval era brought form fitting beautiful dresses equipped with seams. And in case of pregnant women, the seams were unfolded to accommodate the increasing body growth. The highly popular maternal cloth of the middle ages was the famous "Baroque Adrienne". It was a waistless maternal gown with numerous folds. Aprons were also a regular choice for expecting mothers. Pinafores were the most prominent pick in the 20th century. However, in those days, maternity wears were considered highly unprofitable as many women did not want to get a whole new wardrobe for just a few months. But, the scenario started changing since the 1990's with high media coverage on celebrity pregnancies.

There are several ways to obtain degree in nursing. It can be done through online, full-time, part-time or by distance. Here, the full time nursing degree will then be discussed. Full-time program simply means the particular student will be occupied by the nursing studies and the duration is shorter compared to the others. Nursing degree courses comprise four branches of nursing. They are adult, child, mental and also learning disabilities. In all the higher level institutions in England, a nursing student has to undergo a three years degree program for full time degree course.

Pre registration nursing degree programs provide theoretical studies and supervised practical training which enable nurses to acquire both academic and professional qualification. The pre registration nurse education programs are now available in higher education institutions. For the degree program, it is started with a general introduction of nursing called common foundation program (CFP). The introduction is very vital to develop your communication, caring and also observation skills. In addition to that, the CFP do also provide introduction for those four branches in nursing and in maternity care.

For the practical training, it covers 50% of the overall grade of the program. This training is carried out in both hospital and community locations, with the aim of preparing nurse to face different challenges in different circumstances. The program, as mentioned earlier, is a three years program with the first year or one and a half year allocated for CFP. The rest of the duration is allocated for the four branches of nursing. Students can choose to only specialize in one of the branches, or even to study the combinations of these branches. Upon completion of the three years program, the student can now receive the degree in nursing and start serving the community, in both public places and hospitals

An article posted on fairinvestment.co.uk showed the current confusion over travel insurance. It highlighted that over the last year three and a half million British holidaymakers have travelled to Europe without travel cover, under the assumption that the European Health Insurance Card alone provides adequate cover. So what exactly is the European Health Insurance Card and how does it compare to travel insurance?

The European Health Insurance Card was introduced in 2006 to replace the E111. The card allows you to have access to state healthcare in European Economic Area countries, such as Iceland, France and Spain, for a reduced fee and sometimes even for free. It costs nothing and needs to be renewed after five years, but it cannot be used by those who go abroad with the sole intention of receiving medical treatment.

The EHIC covers you if you need medical treatment while you are on holiday, this can include maternity care, dialysis, and conditions that may arise from illness or an accident whilst you are abroad. Also, if you do pay for treatment, an EHIC means you might be able to claim back the cost when you return to the UK.

Despite the obvious benefits of an EHIC, it cannot replace travel insurance. The EHIC does not cover you if you need private healthcare, or attention that is not provided by the state healthcare system. It will also not cover any travel costs, including rescue from a mountaintop via helicopter, or if you need to be brought back to the UK after an accident. It is also important to note that not all regions in the EEA necessarily have state healthcare, subsequently the EHIC will not be of much use in these areas.

Consequently, it is recommended that the European Health Insurance Card is used in conjunction with travel insurance, in fact some insurance companies only give travel insurance to customers who already have an EHIC. This is particularly important with the upcoming ski season, and many travellers hoping to hit the pistes at Christmas, whilst hoping to save as much money as possible.

The truth is that in the great scheme of going on holiday, travel cover shouldn't be too expensive. Many companies, including Post Office, offer a 10 per cent discount online, and there are deals to suit every kind of traveller, whether you need single trip or annual cover - with the optional extras of customizing your package if you're planning on skiing or snowboarding.

During pregnancy, you would get to observe and go through a lot of things that you have never experienced before in your whole lifetime. Although you are excited and ready to welcome the new member of your family, you should know that gaining weight is the most important thing you would be curious and cautious about. However, the major concern would surely be weight gain during pregnancy, but there is one more concern which you might go through during pregnancy as well.

Yes, I am talking about skin concerns and disorders which are very common to observe during pregnancy for a woman. However, for pregnancy skin care, there are lots of different products and remedies available but in order to observe best possible outcomes, you must apply products or remedies on your skin considering the concern or disorder you are confronting while being pregnant.

Skin getting dry or skin getting oily are common during pregnancy, and for getting rid of such concerns, you have to apply right kind of products over you skin. In order to get rid of such skin related concerns, you should consider applying facial cleanser, toner and face wash in accordance with the type of skin you have. There products are over the counter products and you can easily purchase them cosmetic stores.

For pregnancy skin care, you should know that washing your face twice every once in a while will safeguard your skin from getting exposed to skin disorders which are caused by external factors such as pollutants, facial bacteria and etc. Along with face wash, you should also apply a branded moisturizer over your skin in order to keep it moist. If you keep you skin moist during pregnancy, you would not observe the consequences of your skin getting dry or itchy.

When we talk about pregnancy skin care, make up is something which must be avoided at all costs as you might get allergic to some reagents or compounds during pregnancy. However, if you still want to apply make up over you skin, then you must apply mineral make up as this type of make up is free from synthetic reagents and compounds which can be fatal for the health of your skin.

Above mentioned was some important information about pregnancy skin care. If you want to make sure that your skin remains healthy and attractive while you are pregnant then you have to make sure that you are taking suitable measures in order to safeguard you skin from getting exposed to several fatal disorders.

Many females possess strange cravings in the course of pregnancy. These pregnancy food cravings may appear and move to the different levels throughout the process of carrying a child and can vary from being salty meals in a trimester to sweet in another. Pickles or ice cream? Pineapple pizza and anchovy? Ketchup on... almost everything? Late evening candy binges.

Some adjustments in the food choices can be anticipated and will be triggered because of the hormonal alterations in the human body. For some females, sometimes the faint stench of a once most liked meal or beverage is adequate to make them hungry, while for some, food items that were once fended off are desired with an eagerness.

Fact is, no one is confident why a number of females possess food cravings. For instance, you might not feel like alcohol consumption when expecting, which is helpful since preventing dark beer, wines, along with spirits fosters the infant's psychological and bodily growth.

Others believe an expecting female's desire food items for instance salt-laden chips can be nature's means of aiding her fulfill her everyday sodium quota. Nonetheless, it's extremely improbable that cells turn so-called nutritional shortfalls in food urges. Desiring a specific meal will differentiate pregnancy meals urges from cravings females own if they aren't expecting.

This is how to take care of pregnancy food cravings:

1. Attempt to fulfill a snack craving with a small-size bar rather than the full size. Must have potato chips? Select a munch size of cooked chips to confine fat ingestion and general intake.

2. Give attention to low-calorie meals. Yogurt and ice bars low on fats could work when you wish super-king size ice cream.

3. Consume balanced diet, which includes thin sources regarding protein, grains, reduced-fat milk foods, veggies, fruits as well as legumes. If your diet plan is nicely balanced, a portion of not-so-healthy meals will not crowd out the food intake the child needs.

4. Consume repeatedly for avoiding reduction in the blood sugar that can induce food urges. Dividing meals into 6 little gratifying meals will help.

5. Include frequent physical exercise (as authorized by the doctor). This will help you stay active throughout the pregnancy and to avoid any food cravings.

6. In the event the cravings for brownie sundaes are always on your mind, get your brain off by turning your attention to something else(if you have acquired a balanced food or munch in the last 2 hours); by taking a quick walk; going to an errand (but please stay away from the market! ); leaving the kitchen area; phoning a friend; or studying.

Pica in the course of carrying a child is a situation during which a female has pregnancy food cravings and takes in contents without any nutritional value. Affected females have urges for non-food products for example ice, washing starch, the baking soda/powder, grime, clay-based, ashes as well as chalk. Should you find you've this sort of strange urges, speak to your physician immediately.

This article is for information purposes only. Please consult with your physician on any dietary changes during your pregnancy.

A very common complain in women is back pain during pregnancy. If you have history of back pain, then the risk elevates. But still there are many ways to prevent it.

1. Take Care Of Yourself

• While sleeping use pillows for support between your legs.


• When getting out of bed, roll onto one side, push yourself up to a sitting position and then slowly stand up.


• Avoid carrying heavy things and babies.


• Get help with housework for a few months.


• Adjust the position of your computer screen and mouse if necessary.


• Make yourself comfortable while driving by adjusting seat and the rear view mirror.

Pelvic floor exercises, lower abdominal exercises and stretching can help to reduce the back pain during pregnancy. These will also lead to easier labor, delivery and recovery after childbirth. Walking, cycling and swimming are also safe during pregnancy.

But if you find any discomfort or abnormal changes during exercises, stop immediately and consult your doctor.

3. Eat Healthy

• It will keep you from gaining extra weight and hence help your back.


• It wards off general illness and actually helps in back pain during pregnancy.


• Drink plenty of water to keep your kidneys in good health.

Lifting

While lifting anything, hold it close to your body; bend your knees rather than back and try not to twist.

Walking

Pelvis position is important. While sitting, standing or walking consider your pelvis as a bowl full of liquid and take care to hold the liquid within the bowl.

Standing

If you have to stand for a long time keep shifting your weight from one foot to the other.

Sitting

Don't sit in low, deep chairs; choose an upright and firm chair to sit. Place your feet on the ground or on a foot stool. Never sit with your legs crossed at the knees.

Sleeping

Sleep on your side, not your back, keeping knees bent. Place a pillow between your knees and under your abdomen.

5. Do Special Shopping

Shoes

These should be comfortable and flat, with adequate straps to prevent your feet from slipping about and twisting.

Maternity Bra

Get some well-fitting supportive maternity bra with wide straps and adequately sized cups, to avoid extra strain on your shoulders and rib cage.

Support Belt

A support belt or a maternity pant with a low, supportive waistband will take some weight off your tummy muscles and back.

Pillows

Support your back on chairs, car seat and bed.

These minor ways of care can greatly help you to prevent back pain during pregnancy.

There will be times during your pregnancy when looking your best becomes a lower priority than normal. This is especially true as you enter the third trimester. Your body may start to feel unwieldy and cumbersome; your balance will be less the perfect; your energy levels may flirt with new lows. Given this, healthy-looking hair can do wonders for your mood.

Moms-to-be can expect to see dramatic changes in their hair while pregnant. Unfortunately, the hormonal changes taking place inside your body make these changes slightly unpredictable. In this article, we'll explain why pregnancy influences the appearance and texture of your hair. You'll also learn whether using chemicals for coloring and perms is safe for you and your baby. Lastly, we'll describe what you can expect from your hair after welcoming your little one into the world.

What's Behind The Changes?

Estrogen is the main culprit. While you're expecting, this hormone helps to regulate your body. But its levels can fluctuate, which is the reason your hair begins to change.

Typically, every strand of hair on your head goes through a predictable growth cycle. The strand will grow approximately one-half inch each month for a few years. Following this period, it stops growing (or, does so very slowly) for a few months before falling out. Once the strand falls out, a new strand takes its place within the follicle.

Most women see two changes in their hair during their pregnancy. First, it grows thicker than normal. This is likely due to a spike in estrogen, which results in each strand growing faster and lasting longer (i.e. falling out less frequently). Second, hair becomes either oily or dry. This, too, is due to an increase in estrogen, which causes the oil glands on your head to produce oil more quickly or slowly than normal.

For many moms-to-be, this change in their hair's appearance and texture can be startling. Some venture to the salon to explore their options.

Are Chemicals (Colors And Perms) Safe During Pregnancy?

The general rule is that pregnant women should avoid any type of chemicals during the first three months. It is during this period that doctors believe unborn babies are most susceptible to side effects.

A lot of expecting women opt to use temporary solutions as an alternative to chemicals for coloring their hair (henna is a popular choice). Keep in mind similar chemicals may potentially be found in these solutions. The safest route is to simply eschew colors until your second trimester.

Receiving a perm following your first trimester can produce unpredictable results. For example, if your hair is especially dry because your oil glands are producing less oil, you may experience breakage or frizziness. Ask the salon if you can do a test on an isolated lock of your hair prior to having a full perm done. That will give you a good idea regarding what to expect from the chemicals.

Your Hair After Childbirth

After you give birth to your baby, you might experience significant hair loss. Even though this is common for new mothers, watching clumps fall out can be shocking. The reason, again, can be traced to estrogen; instead of levels rising, they're falling. Fortunately, the effect is temporary and usually passes after a few months.

During your pregnancy and following childbirth, you can help preserve your hair's health by watching your diet and hormone levels. Also, if your hair is excessively dry, consider shampooing it once every two days rather than daily. Treat it with care when it's wet since this is when breakage is most likely to occur.

The takeaway is this: your hair is going to change while you're pregnant. The nature of these changes is anyone's guess. With a little extra care and attention, you can help your hair retain its original health and luster.

Being pregnant is one of those points in your life when you need to follow your practitioner's advice, take extra special care of yourself, keep healthy and put you and your baby first. Check out these pregnancy tips to help you enjoy this special period of your life.

· Good prenatal care is important for the health of your unborn child. Make an appointment as soon as you know you are pregnant and don't skip any of your prenatal appointments. If there are to be any problems with your pregnancy the sooner they are detected the better!

· One of the best pregnancy tips I can give you is - stop smoking, preferably before you get pregnant but certainly once you are pregnant. Smoking is bad for the baby's health, even secondary smoke so avoid smoky environments and ask people not to smoke around you.

· Stop drinking. No level of alcohol during pregnancy has been proven safe so stay off the alcohol throughout your pregnancy and while nursing.

· Exercise. Always check with your health care practitioner to make sure you get the amount of exercise that is right for you (in some circumstances exercise is not advisable) but as a general rule exercise is beneficial. It has been shown that exercising while you are pregnant can help reduce the time you spend in labour, aid your recovery following the birth, reduce the need for cesarean, help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight quicker and improve your overall health.

· Swimming is an excellent source of exercise which can help ease your aches and pains.

· Another top pregnancy tip is to change your eating habits as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Eat foods that are high in fibre, eat plenty of vegetables and include foods rich in iron, calcium, protein and folate in your diet.

· Talk to your health care provider about what you should eat and how much weight you should gain. If your diet is unlikely to contain sufficient folate, iron and calcium your practitioner is likely to recommend that you take supplements.

· Eat foods that are high in fibre, eat plenty of vegetables and include foods rich in iron, calcium, protein and folate in your diet.

· Eat a balanced diet and eat regularly. Don't skip meals and don't try and diet during pregnancy. Remember you are eating for two so you need to add 300 - 500 (healthy) calories a day to your diet.

· Limit your caffeine intake (tea, coffee, chocolate and soft drinks).

· Drink plenty of water, six - eight glasses a day.

· Join a prenatal class.

· First hand experience with babies is invaluable experience. If you have any friends or family with a baby offer to baby sit, get some experience and learn the ropes.

· When the nursery is being prepared remember, you as the expectant mum, must avoid all harmful fumes such paint stripper, paint and wall paper glue and delegate the heavy work.

· Don't forget to baby proof your home.

· If you don't have life insurance then now is the time to take out a policy.

· Make sure you have a Family Health Insurance Plan.

· Get your bags packed well in advance, you might have a due date but that doesn't mean that your baby intends to stick to it!

· Pregnancy tip number 1. If you ever have any concerns over the way your pregnancy is developing, or what you can or cannot do, always seek the help and advice of your health care provider.