Maternity Insurance|Maternity Care|Postpartum Care

Unlike the common notion that pregnancy is a breeze as proven by the high number of teenage pregnancies every year, many couples do not actually succeed after the first attempt at conception. Furthermore, the number of couples who are faced with conception problems is numerable with stories abounding the Internet.

If you have been trying for many months to have a baby to no avail, you can try these tips and tricks to increase chances of getting pregnant:

1) Mark your date of ovulation by using an ovulation prediction kit and calendar method.

2) Do not practice douching. Aside from decreasing your chances of getting pregnant, it can cause health problems such as overgrowth of harmful bacteria and fungi.

3) Take vitamins and minerals. Add herbal supplements to the mix such as ginseng and royal jelly. There are many supplements that can increase chances of getting pregnant.

4) Be physically active to keep your hormones at bay and to stay stress-free. However, do not overdo this as it will bring about negative effects instead.

5) Have sexual intercourse every other day; better if you time this to be at least one to two days before ovulation. Have fun when having sex and use positions which will facilitate the deposition of sperm as close to your cervix as possible, such as the missionary and doggie-style positions.

6) After having sex, you can also raise your hips and lie down for a bit to aid the sperm's travel toward the fallopian tube. It is quite normal to have the semen spill from your vagina, and this does not affect the outcome in any way.

Min pin pregnancy should be handled with care. For one, the small size of the min pin and its temperament may lead the dog to become overly playful. After all, the dog is curious and playful in its surroundings. The most ideal time for breeding is when the dog is already about 2 ½ years old. By this time, most, if not all of the necessary tests have been performed on the min pin.

The mini pincher is small. As such, you need to look after it very carefully. When you have consulted your vet about the min pin pregnancy and the due date has been set, you need to take the temperature at least once everyday. The reason behind this is that labor is usually preceded by a drop in the the dog's temperature. When the due date has arrived, choose a whelping are for her that is quiet and cannot be easily disturbed. If people came and went from this area, the delivery of a min pin may be severely affected. The puppies that will be delivered need heat because they do not have fat reserves yet and their coat can barely keep them warm. You need to heat the room for this purpose.

Inform your veterinary about the labor of the the dog's pregnancy so that if anything happens, the vet can come over right away. Because of the small size of the dog and their small pelvis, they may have to be brought to the caesarian section. Otherwise, the heads of the puppies may barely get out of the birth canal. If it is your first time to breed one, don't attempt the whelping by yourself as you might commit fatal mistakes. So call your friend or your vet who has experienced whelping before.

During pregnancy, make sure that your dog is not obese as this may cause complications during labor. It is important, however, that your min pin is a little fatter than they are that are not pregnant because she is also nourishing puppies inside her womb.

If everything goes well and the puppies shall have come out, you will have to secure food designed for breeding dogs. After min pin pregnancy, your dog will also need more meals everyday to compensate for the milk she gives for her puppies. If the number of puppies she has is more than three, then she needs help in feeding other pups. Every 24 hours, the pups should be fed to ensure that they grow healthy and strong.

You can consult your friends who also love min pins or better yet you can always visit your vet and consult about the pregnancy. You may have trouble in setting up the whelping area and in actually whelping your dog. But after all the trouble and difficulties you went through, when you see the pups as a result of the min pin pregnancy, you will realize that the efforts are all worth it.

Couples who need help getting pregnant can benefit from assisted reproductive technology (ART). ART is, in the broadest sense of the term, any Western medical treatment that uses artificial means to achieve pregnancy. ART procedures are used to treat male and female factor infertility including but not limited to ovulatory problems, tubal factor infertility, ejaculatory problems and unexplained infertility. Every year, ART is responsible for the successful birth of 200,000 babies in the United States, Europe, and North America. ART procedures are not for everyone. They can be financially, physically, and emotionally challenging and should only be considered after simpler forms of infertility treatment have failed. Have you been diagnosed with a serious fertility disorder? Are you feeling a lot of pressure as more and more time passes and your biological clock continues to tick without that baby you so desperately want in your arms? If you answered yes to either of these questions then this may be a good time to begin a discussion with your doctor about ART. Perhaps this is a way for you to become pregnant when natural techniques alone have, in your case, not been enough. Here is a brief rundown of some widely-used ART treatments:

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is among the least invasive ART procedures. Also known as artificial insemination, this procedure can be done two ways. The first approach is called an unstimulated cycle or natural cycle, where no fertility drugs are used. The second approach is called a stimulated cycle and involves giving the woman a fertility drug to stimulate the production of multiple follicles. In both approaches, the man submits a sperm sample to a lab, where a technician separates the sperm cells from the semen. The IUI procedure starts around the time of the woman's ovulation. During an unstimulated cycle, a woman will be asked to use an ovulation predictor kit to pinpoint the time of ovulation accurately. For stimulated cycles, a doctor will use an ultrasound to detect ovulation. The IUI will then take place once ovulation is confirmed. Sperm cells are introduced directly into the uterine cavity via a tube inserted through the vagina and cervix. Sometimes, the sperm cells may be mixed with a large amount of fluid to help carry it to the fallopian tube. This additional technique is known as fallopian sperm infusion. Like other methods of ART, the success rate of IUI depends on the couple's age, and mostly that of the female partner. Generally, a woman under the age of 35 has a 10-15% chance of conceiving with an IUI; however, the success rate of stimulated cycles is higher at 30%.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most popular and successful ART procedures. Every year, 48,000 IVF babies are born in the United States alone. IVF can help couples get pregnant by overcoming a diversity of fertility issues like severe endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, ovulatory problems, and even male factor infertility. During an IVF cycle, you will be closely monitored by your doctor during all phases. Treatment begins with a course of fertility drugs which are administered by injection prior to ovulation. The drugs contain hormones that stimulate the production of more than one egg. You will be scheduled for ultrasounds so that your doctor can determine when the follicles have matured to a stage when retrieval of your eggs can take place. At a very precise time, your doctor will instruct you to administer an injection of a specific hormone that will trigger ovulation. As soon as you ovulate, the retrieval procedure will take place. The eggs will then be combined with the partner's sperm with the hope that the sperm will fertilize at least some of the eggs. In a few days, the fertilized egg cells will start dividing and form embryos. The embryos will then be transferred inside your uterus by inserting a thin tube through the vagina and cervix. Normally, only two to three embryos are placed in the uterus; the rest, if any, may be cryo-preserved in case the eggs that were transferred fail to implant. In two weeks, you will take a blood test to determine if pregnancy has occurred. If the treatment is successful, the embryo will attach itself to the uterine wall and continue to develop normally.The success rate of IVF treatments varies according to the couple's age, general health issues and specific fertility challenges. Women younger than 35 have healthier eggs and generally have a 48-50% chance of conceiving with an IVF. Over 30% of IVF treatments result in a multiple pregnancy.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was first introduced in 1992 and is now the leading method of ART for male factor infertility. Every year, 24,000 babies are born in the United States through the assistance of ICSI. ICSI is the preferred treatment if the male has low sperm count, poor sperm motility, irreversible vasectomy, or a damaged vas deferens (the tube that brings the seminal fluid from the testicles to the penis). Unlike IVF, ICSI is not a stand-alone treatment; rather, it is a complimentary treatment that is only performed together with an IVF or ZIFT treatment. The man will have to provide a sperm sample by either masturbation, or if there is not enough healthy sperm in the ejaculate, the physician can obtain the sample surgically from the testicles or the passages that hold the sperm. The sperm sample may in some cases be collected in advance and frozen until the mature eggs are ready. Once the sperm and egg sample are obtained, the physician will inject a sperm cell into an egg cell using a microscopic needle to manipulate fertilization. (In an IVF without ICSI, the sperm are placed in close proximity to the egg in a petri dish without any medical intervention to stimulate fertilization.) When the fertilized eggs become an embryo, they are inserted into the woman's uterus through the same procedure used in a conventional IVF. In two weeks, the woman can take a pregnancy test to see if the procedure was a success. Some studies show that ICSI increases the pregnancy success rates of IVF procedures as opposed to IVF procedures without ICSI.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) is a less popular approach, making up less than 1% of ART treatments. GIFT is an option for women with cervical or ovulatory problems, or where male factor infertility is present. A woman must have at least one healthy fallopian tube for this technique to have a chance at being successful. The initial phase of the procedure is similar to IVF in that fertility drugs are used to stimulate egg production and a sperm sample is obtained from the male partner. The egg and sperm are then combined in a petri dish, but not long enough for fertilization to occur in that environment as it would in an IVF procedure. The combined egg and sperm are then inserted into the fallopian tube through a laproscopic technique. Some people are drawn to GIFT over IVF for ethical reasons because through this form of ART, fertilization is allowed to occur naturally inside the fallopian tube, rather than fertilization taking place outside the body in a petri dish as happens with IVF. The success rates vary but generally speaking, couples have a 21% chance of a successful pregnancy after a GIFT cycle. The risks of this procedure include multiple pregnancies and ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy where the egg implants itself onto the fallopian tube).

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)

Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) is used even less than GIFT. ZIFT is a very similar procedure to GIFT, the difference being that the sperm and egg are allowed to fertilize outside the body in a petri dish before they are inserted into a fallopian tube. For this reason, the success rate of ZIFT at approximately 26% is slightly higher than that of GIFT. Thirty-five percent of ZIFT pregnancies result in a multiple pregnancy.

Increasing your chance of success with ART

Although factors beyond your control can affect the outcome, there are things that would be beneficial for you to do to help improve your odds of becoming pregnant with ART. These simple steps should be part of everyone's basic pre-natal care and can boost your chances of success, especially if started months before the procedure.

Stay well-nourished

A quality pre-natal vitamin contains nutrients that are essential to producing healthy eggs and a nutrient-rich uterine lining. But just because you take vitamins, doesn't mean that you should start neglecting your diet. A fertility diet filled with nutrient-dense organic foods can also really boost your fertility potential. Avoid refined carbohydrates, trans-fats, and caffeine. These foods consume a large number of nutrients before they get converted into bio-available energy.

Take supplements

Studies show that COQ10 and L-arginine can improve the pregnancy rates among IVF patients. COQ10 protects eggs from free radicals whereas the amino acid L-arginine improves ovarian response and endometrial receptivity. Ask your doctor's advice on the right dosage of these supplements.

Quit drinking and smoking

Researchers from Harvard Medical School discovered that women who drink at least two large glasses of wine a week have lowered chances of conceiving using IVF. Alcohol reduces the chances of an IVF pregnancy by 18%, where as men have a 14% reduced rate of successfully fathering a child using this procedure. Although the researchers could not determine exactly why alcohol consumption lowers the success rate of an IVF, these findings are strong enough to show that unhealthy lifestyle habits have a serious impact on fertility. If you are trying to conceive, your chances will increase if you quit drinking and smoking.

Try acupuncture

It may be an unconventional way to boost fertility, but research shows that acupuncture can increase the success rates of fertility treatment. A study by researchers from the University of Maryland and the VU University Amsterdam discovered that acupuncture increases the success rate of IVF by as much as 65%. Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the production of endogenous opioids to induce relaxation and make the body receptive to an embryo. The procedure is also known to increase the blood flow to the uterus. Consider starting acupuncture treatments as early as you can before your ART procedure. At the very least, get a treatment just before or right after the embryo gets transferred into your uterus.

If you've found this article, it's probably a pretty safe bet that you're trying to conceive a girl baby and are looking for tips to help you accomplish this. I'll offer these tips below, and I'll also tell you why they work.  Finally, I'll explain a few things that can make this process a bit easier.  

What's Required To Get A Girl Baby: If you want to conceive a daughter, there are a few variables that you will need to successfully manipulate for this to happen.  That's because the sperm chromosomes that will produce a girl and those that produce a boy are quite different.  Boy producing sperm are extremely fast, but is comparatively weak.  Girl producing sperm is extremely strong, but comparatively slow.  To get your baby girl, you'll need to take advantage of the girl sperm's hardiness, while downplaying their slow speed.

Briefly, you will need to send the sperm to the egg at precisely the right time and in the right way.  But, neither of these is a sure thing unless you first create the environment that is going to be friendly to the sperm you want to reach the egg (female), and will weed out the sperm that what produce the gender you'd rather not conceive at this time (male).

When To Send The Sperm To The Egg If You Want A Girl: Ovulation And Conception Timing: Most people know that every future mom to be has a "fertility window" in which you have the highest chances of becoming pregnant.  But, not every one knows that different days in this cycle will favor one gender over another. 

If you conceive early in the window (three days before ovulation), you will then up your odds of getting a girl.  If you conceive late in the window (the day of ovulation) you increase your chances of getting a boy.  The reason for this is that the female producing sperm can easily wait for the egg because of their strength.  But, due to the boy sperm's weakness, these little guys start to die off pretty quickly.  The clock begins to tick for them almost immediately.

This process is a bit easier if you use a reliable ovulation predictor.  I prefer the saliva models.

How To Send The Sperm To The Egg To Conceive A Girl: Intercourse Positions That Will Get A Daughter: We've already established that the girl sperm can easily wait to fertilize the egg.  We'll use the same idea here when we discuss sexual positions. The sperm that produces a daughter can easily navigate a long trip to your reproductive tract.  Son producing sperm can not.  So, it's best to use shallow penetration to ensure that the Y (boys) chromosomes have a long trip - at the end of which they likely won't make the destination.

Creating The Environment That Is Friendly To Girl Sperm And Hostile To Males: Raising Your PH:  So far, we've discussed how we can manipulate the sperm and the egg before they meet and before the sperm begins to make it's trip down the reproductive tract. Now, we'll discuss what happens when the sperm enters the vagina on their way to the egg.  Y (boy) sperm which meet with a high PH and a high amount of acidity will begin to deteriorate and weaken even quicker than normal.  (Luckily, this hostile environment doesn't affect the daughter producing sperm).

So, if you want to produce a girl, it's a good idea to raise your PH and acidity.  You can do this by douching and through a high PH diet.  One tool that helps with this is PH test strips that you can get at most health food stores.  Using this will allow to see your baseline acidity and will give you an idea of how much work you need to do.  Then, you will begin to douche and / or use the diet until the continued testing shows the results that you want.  There are food lists and douche recipes that make this process easier.

I know this has given you a lot to think about, but there is no reason to become overwhelmed.  Just look at this as three things you need to master: the right timing; the optimal sexual positions; and the correct PH.  If you correctly address each of these, it's said that your chances of getting a girl can be over 94% - not bad for a little bit of tweaking what your probably already doing.

Yoga can not only help you stay fit through a pregnancy, but also boost mind and body, helping to keep your pregnancy hassle-free. As an ancient Indian practice, tracing its roots back almost 5000 years, yoga is a tried and true means of dealing with your overall well-being, both mind and body. Each yoga pose, or asana, is tied to breathing techniques, or pranayamas, and focuses on specific parts of the body to ensure a complete body effort. Specific to pregnant women, yoga asanas helps to open muscles of the pelvis, reducing pressure on ligaments and easing lower-back pain. Additionally, it promotes flexibility, strength and stamina, as it focuses the entire body on releasing and relaxing. No activity does better at centering the mind and relieving stress, while gently toning the body. Not only does the mother benefit from yoga, but the baby does as well by receiving increased levels of oxygen and endorphins. The benefits of yoga for pregnant women are described in detail below.

One of the most common benefits of yoga for pregnant women is to help stay in shape throughout the pregnancy. Regardless of your fitness level or skill level, yoga is a gentle, but highly effective way of toning the muscles throughout the pregnancy. Additionally, many yoga instructors are trained and certified in yoga for pre-natal women and can help to customize your yoga workout to ensure the greatest level of safely and the most effective workout possible. Yoga can help to target specific trouble areas for pregnant women during pregnancy, such as helping to strengthens abdomen muscles and pelvic floor.

One of the benefits of yoga for pregnant women is that it can help to boost circulation and help with fluid retention. This is extremely important as you are doing the work for two during pregnancy. Additionally, asanas help to relieve aches and pains. Working with your instructor, you can tailor your workout to focus on specific areas of pain and discomfort. As many asanas focus on proper alignment of the body, yoga will help to improve posture, helping to ease back pain, which is common in pregnant women.

Another one of the benefits of yoga for pregnant women, and for people in general, is that spending time focusing on the combination of body position and breathing, you begin to obtain an increased awareness of your body. Through this greater awareness, you are able to better understand what is happening to your body throughout pregnancy. Some aspects of pregnancy, such as weight gain, morning sickness and decreased sexuality, can bring about feelings of depression and low self-esteem. Yoga can help deal with these feelings by allowing you to refocus and balance your energy, helping to shift into a positive mindset.

As a safety precaution when starting yoga, always remember to check with your doctor if you are unsure of a safe level of physical exertion for yourself during the pregnancy. When looking for the right class, make sure to take both the style of yoga and instructor into consideration. Certain styles of yoga are better for pregnant women, such as Ananda, Hatha, Kundalini, and Iyengar, are better for pregnant women as they are more focused on proper alignment of the body and breathing than on a high intensity workout such as Power or Bikram yoga. If you are unfamiliar with yoga or the specific style of yoga you will be taking, make sure to take a supervised class, at least initially. Good instructors will be able to help you customize your workout to meet your unique needs. Additionally, make sure your instructor is certified in prenatal yoga though an accredited yoga institute.

Regardless of your skill level, make sure to start slow to best understand your bodies capability during this time of change. The best rule to follow when practicing yoga is, if it doesn't feel good, don't do it. As you get comfortable with the asanas, feel free to practice on your own, but again, talk to your instructor to discuss poses that will provide the greatest benefit and that are safe to practice alone. Many yoga books and videos are also available that are focused specifically for pregnant women.

Avoid strong back bends or asanas requiring strong use of stomach muscles as this can cause undo stress on the body. Use your best judgment when doing balancing poses, especially those done on one foot. If you want to perform these poses, make sure to use a chair, wall or another individual for support. Make sure to not to overstretch the body as the ligaments around the joints become loose and soft during pregnancy. Be care not to overheat when practicing yoga as it can be harmful to the fetus. For this reason forms of yoga that involve turning up the heat in the room should be avoided; this includes both Hot and Bikram Yoga. As stated above, make sure to listen to your body and stop if you begin to feel the slightest bit of pain or discomfort. A gentle approach over time yields the best results.

Outside of the workout element, one of the benefits of yoga for pregnant women is social atmosphere it provides for pregnant women. In yoga classes specifically tailored to pregnant women, mothers-to-be are able to share stories and discuss issues and concerns. Often, the relationships built during these yoga classes, build into playgroups for the children after birth and long term social groups.

Yoga can be practiced until late in the pregnancy. As your body changes, make sure to modify your workout to ensure personal comfort. Yoga can provide benefits even during labor. The focus and relaxation achieved during a yoga session can be mimicked during labor by using pranayama techniques to center yourself and helping to open musculature and quiet the mind. After child birth, yoga can help to maintain a proper body shape, as well as strengthen the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Additionally, the focusing techniques in yoga can be helpful for those facing post-partum depression. You can start practicing yoga six to seven weeks after delivering delivery.

With both physical and mental benefits that can last throughout the pregnancy, yoga can prove to be a valuable tool to pregnant mothers.

An estimated 14 to 20 percent of couples will suffer with some form of infertility. There are numerous causes for infertility in women including blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis or ovulation problems. In men, a low sperm count or low sperm motility could also contribute to difficulties in getting pregnant.

Here are 5 Natural tips that are often overlooked and provide you with effective herbal remedies and suggestions on how to get pregnant.

1. Organic Fertility Teas

There are delicious herbal teas designed especially for trying-to-conceive women. They are designed to support overall reproductive health, encourage hormonal balance, and optimize your chances of conceiving. Chasteberry (Vitex), Green Tea, Ladies Mantle, Nettle Leaf and many more natural remedies are often overlooked in western civilizations but are still very much practiced in eastern societies.

2. Sperm Friendly Lubricant

Some over the counter lubricants are not fertility-friendly. In many cases they act as a barrier and prevent sperm from reaching their destination for conception. There are now companies which offer lubricants specifically designed for trying-to-conceive couples. They work as well as other lubricants but actually mimic your natural fluids to create a helpful environment for sperm.

3. Folic Acid

Folic acid is important if you are planning to become pregnant. It has been observed that folic acid is one of the best stimulants of sex hormones in women. This will enhance your chances on a healthy pregnancy. Although folic acid can be found in many foods such as fortified cereals, citrus fruits, beans, spinach, broccoli and collard greens, it is difficult to achieve the 400 micrograms (mcg) or 0.4 milligrams (mg) per day which is usually recommended. A diet high in folic acid will not only help you conceive, it will also help you deliver a healthy baby.

4. Relaxation and Meditation

Many women are sceptical when advised to implement relaxation and meditation into their daily routines to improve their fertility. We all lead very busy lives and find it difficult if not impossible to carve out quiet time. Our body needs to relax and find peace within for everything to be in balance. This includes our reproductive organs and hormonal balance. The additional stress you are putting on yourself worrying about when you will conceive, or why you are not conceiving is working to your detriment, not your benefit. Make time to relax and meditate and you will find your mind and body will reward you.

5. Don't Wait Until The Day You Ovulate To Have Sex

Having sex before ovulation can greatly increase your chances of pregnancy. Many women wait until they are ovulating thinking they have a small window of opportunity each month to get pregnant. After a woman ovulates, the egg will survive approximately 24 hours. Sperm, on the other hand, will live for up to three to five days. This is why having sex two to three days before ovulation can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman's life. The baby inside you grows and develops and your body and mind go through amazing changes. During pregnancy the belly expands, the bones of the pelvis soften and widen, the organs shift, and there is weight gain. On an emotional level your brain is responding to radical shifts in hormones and is preparing you for the psychological changes necessary for motherhood.

Being pregnant can be challenging both physically and emotionally. Even an uncomplicated pregnancy can be disrupted by the changes created by your growing child. Some very common physical complaints during pregnancy include heartburn, constipation, and urinary frequency. Muscular and skeletal complaints are also common, for example

• Back pain caused by a change in your center of gravity


• Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by fluid retention


• Pelvic pain caused by hormonal softening of the skeleton and cartilage and weight of the baby


• Swollen feet and ankles, again caused by fluid retention

Feldenkrais for pregnant women can help reduce pain and discomfort while providing an overall healthier pregnancy. The Feldenkrais Method teaches simple movements that make everyday tasks such as getting up and down, sleeping, rolling over and breathing much easier. It is an innovative approach to movement that helps to alleviate your pain during pregnancy by teaching you to use and move your body in more effective and efficient ways. The movements you learn are completely safe for both you and your baby during all stages of pregnancy. In fact, it's been proven that reduced stress and pain can create a happier, healthier overall pregnancy experience.

When practicing the Feldenkrais Method, you should expect:

• Improved mobility, posture, sleep and comfort during pregnancy


• A deeper sense of trust in your ability to give birth


• A more rapid return to health after delivery

Feldenkrais increases your energy and improves your quality of life, while helping you adjust to the common side effects which occur through each stage of your pregnancy. And while pregnancy seems to become more challenging as it evolves, you will be amazed at how easily you'll be able to do everything from rolling over in bed, getting in and out of a chair or the car, and simply moving more freely throughout the day.

Want to find out more about how the Feldenkrais Method can help you move more easily through your pregnancy? Please check out Pregnancy and Feldenkrais for more information.

Back pain and pregnancy, tips on what you can do to make your pregnancy and lower back pain a little easier to deal with.

Normal weight gain in pregnancy is about 35 pounds, but lots of women I have met over my twenty-year midwifery career gained 35 pounds to 70 pounds during pregnancy. The stress of sudden weight gain during the short cycle of pregnancy can cause back pain and pregnancy misery.

Pregnancy posture change:

Pregnancy and lower back pain happens because of pregnancy weight gain and the automatic adjustments your body makes in posture to accommodate the growing womb. This change in posture is called pregnancy lordosis. Upper and lower back pain and pregnancy lordosis go hand in hand because your spine becomes super curved, elongated, and your breast and buttocks stick out pulling and stretching your back muscles.

Pregnancy hormones:

On top of this, back pain and pregnancy go hand in hand because of the higher levels of pregnancy hormones you produce. Pregnancy hormones have a relaxing effect on many of the muscles in your body to accommodate the muscle stretching that is required during pregnancy. Relaxed muscles are not as supportive to the spine and abdominal muscles, therefore many women complain of back pain and pregnancy shoulder stress.

Pregnancy pelvic changes:

The female pelvis is made up of many different bones. When you get towards the end of your pregnancy, a baby cannot fit to a normal-sized woman's pelvis without the pelvis opening and expanding. The pelvis has two major joints; one towards the right and one towards the left of your lower back along with a hinge joint at the very tail end of your spine.

Back pain and pregnancy ligament pulling and stretching is a direct result of your pelvis opening, which will allow your baby's head to engage or enter into the cavity of your pelvis. Pregnancy and lower back pain is also caused by the excess pressure felt deep within your pelvis as your baby sits and waits for labor to commence.

All of these factors taken together, it is not unusual for pregnant women to get backache. So if you get a backache straight away start doing things to prevent your backache from getting worse or getting out of control.

How to help minimize symptoms associated with pregnancy and lower back pain:

I definitely recommend having nice warm bath soaks, putting nice warm compresses on your back, or even better still having back massages to help with your pregnancy and lower back pain.

I would absolutely recommend that every pregnant woman go to see a chiropractor during pregnancy. A lot of traditional obstetrician, gynecologist and midwives are a little afraid of sending the women to a chiropractor because they are just not informed as to what chiropractors actually do. A chiropractor can help your spine accommodate easier to all the posture changes that happens during your pregnancy and relieve pain associated to pulled and stressed muscles associated to pregnancy and lower back pain

Apart from that, let us look at what things can you do to your own body to help minimize back pain and pregnancy. Wearing a good supporting bra during your pregnancy will support the increased breast weight and uplift your breasts so they do not feel so heavy. This will alleviate a lot of the upper back stress associated with pregnancy and lower back pain.

There are also a lot of pregnancy stomach binders that have been created to help support the weight of your growing womb which can help relieve back pain and pregnancy ligament discomfort.

Many women are focused on fashionable shoes and wear ridiculous footwear during pregnancies that do not support their posture and feet. I cannot believe how many pregnant women out there are wearing ridiculously high shoes or low shoes. Remember, as you become more and more pregnant all the bones and muscles within your feet are stressed.

Take a good look at the shoes you are wearing during your pregnancy and ask yourself these questions to evaluate the importance of your feet:

Do your shoes have a good supportive arch in them?

Are your shoes nice and wide to accommodate the increasing growth and widening of my foot associated to extra blood volume and swelling that occurs during pregnancy?

Can your foot easily slip out of your shoe? If so you could trip and fall and injure yourself or your baby.

The more informed you are about pregnancy the better choices you will make. Better choices mean a happier healthier mom and baby. Pregnancy can be an extraordinary experience for a woman. It is far more than growing a baby and understanding pregnancy and lower back pain.

Pregnancy has a huge emotional, mental, spiritual, and energetic side to it. The more you understand these aspects, the easier and less symptomatic your pregnancy will be. Learning how to connect with the emotions of your unborn child will allow you to enhance your pregnancy experience and surrender to its normal physiological process of pregnancy and lower back pain.

Pregnancy nausea can be both exhausting and stressing for a pregnant woman. There are no scientifically proven causes for nausea for pregnancy, although there have been speculations as to what can cause it. Therefore there are no known 100% pregnancy nausea remedies out there. Just some helpful tips on how to keep it under control. Some may work for you and some may not. The best thing to do is not give up and keep trying until you find one that works well for you. Here are some suggested pregnancy nausea remedies.

1. Frequently eat small meals containing protein and complex carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar levels even. Nausea can be attributed to a sudden rise and drop in blood sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates take longer to turn into blood sugar. They therefore are more efficient at keeping blood sugar levels balanced than simple sugars. A good example will be taking unsweetened fruit juice.

2. Make sure you eat before you go to bed. Again eat something with complex carbohydrates and high protein. This should keep your blood sugar levels balanced as you sleep.

3. Have a morning snack before you wake up. The snack should be high in carbohydrate and you should find what suits you best. After taking the snack stay in bed for a bout 20 to 30 minutes before getting out of bed. Do not rush into the days activities this could trigger a surge of nausea.

4. Eat before you are hungry. Hunger produces gastric juices in the stomach. This could trigger vomiting once food is eaten. Eating before hunger sets in allows the stomach to produce gastric juices gradually allowing for it to adapt to food consumption.

5. Take plenty of fluids during the day. Nausea usually dehydrates the pregnant woman. If this is severe, it might result in a dehydrated fetus. Taking in plenty of fluids which are high in nutrients and energy should be considered as a measure to control nausea for pregnancy.

6. Avoid foods which seem to trigger nausea and substitute them with high protein and complex carbohydrate foods. Nausea at times is triggered by some foods, be it their sight or smell. The pregnant woman should substitute them with others which seem to stay down in her stomach as well as provide the nutritional benefits required.

7. A deficiency of vitamin B6 is suspected to cause nausea in pregnancy. Getting B6 supplements is necessary. However, you should first consult your doctor to determine if you are deficient of the vitamin. The doctor will also recommend a daily dosage for you.

8. The sour taste left after vomiting usually triggers other spouts of nausea. It is important that you brush or rinse the taste off.

9. Taking your prenatal vitamins will also help a lot. If the one you take makes you nauseate try out other brands. In addition some women found that changing the time they took the vitamins helped quite a lot.

There are many suggested pregnancy nausea remedies which are not included here. The most important thing to note is that if anything helps you keep your meals down and is safe, it should be encouraged.

Want to discover more about pregnancy nausea remedies?

Pregnancy is a life altering time for any woman. And as such it comes with its joy, anxiety and fears. One way to alleviate this anxiety is by the use of pregnancy massage. Pregnancy massage encompasses prenatal and postnatal massage. It is done in a conducive setting with soft lighting and calming music. A specially made bed that fits you and comfortable pillows will be employed for comfort. Many therapists will advice you to lie on your side as you may already be big and uncomfortable with lying on your front or back. Some massage therapists light candles but if these affect you negatively be sure to tell them and they will be removed. Your clothing or lack of it should be what makes you comfortable. After all, it is all about you and your baby.

So when should you get a massage? This is done throughout your pregnancy but most therapists will not touch you during the first trimester. Swedish massage is recommended during pregnancy. It involves the use of light strokes to ease muscle tension and improve blood circulation. Deep tissue massage is ill advised. This is because of the enhanced sensitivity during pregnancy. Areas such as the abdomen are generally avoided but can be massaged very lightly. It is important to get a therapist who is aware of all that the massage entails and who knows the areas to avoid such as pressure points on wrists.

There are many benefits associated with pregnancy massage. First of all, it seeks to reassure the soon to be mother and lower her anxiety levels. Massaging of muscles relieves cramps and soothes back pain. A nicely done massage leads to the reduction of stress hormones thus your mood will improve. For those who experience swellings especially on their joints, massaging these places greatly minimizes the swellings.

Another benefit associated with massage is the improvement in the circulation of blood which has its own benefits such as keeping diseases away. And of course a good massage leads to a good sleep. After giving birth you can engage in postnatal pregnancy massage. This is done to help your body return to its former shape and to relieve the negative stress brought about by carrying a baby to term. It also helps in recovery and relieving sore muscles. At this point, your abdomen can be massaged to help in shrinking your uterus.

However, there are a number of factors you need to ensure before embarking on pregnancy massage. Talk to your doctor. Let him or her give you the go ahead to have a massage. There are high risk pregnancies and other conditions such as hypertension, high blood pressure or a history of pre-term pregnancies which can adversely affect a woman's body and lead to complications if the body is not treated delicately. A doctor should be able to answer your questions and advice you accordingly.

What is clear is that pregnancy massage can bring a lot of benefits if it is done in the right manner and within the right atmosphere.

If you are pregnant, you may be able to qualify for medical aid. It is very important to get prenatal care both for the mother and for the unborn fetus. Worrying about the cost of medical care during all of it is stressful. Studies show that women with medical care during a pregnancy are less likely to have problems and less likely to have children with serious health concerns.

If you don't have any type of insurance you should consider getting medical aid. There many clinics and physicians that accept it. This can also be used at the hospital to help pay for the mom and baby to stay when the birth takes place. There is an application that has to be completed. It asks lots of questions including income, about any other insurance, and more.

The application must be done in order to see if you qualify for medical aid while pregnant. You will also need a note from a doctor that verifies the pregnancy and the estimated due date. Make sure you take your time to find medical aid that is right for you. Some of the programs have limits that restrict where you can be seen and more. You want to have the freedom to make choices regarding your medical care during your pregnancy.

It is a good idea to get plenty of quotes so you can compare pricing and also compare how the coverage you get will fit into your budget. You don't want to miss coverage that you need. However, you also don't want to commit to a dollar amount for the cost that you can't afford to pay each month. By comparing different offers though you should be able to find a plan that works well for you.

If you are self employed, there are some organizations that offer medical aid for pregnancy specifically to them. Too often, plans won't cover those that are self employed. It just takes a bit more of looking around but you should be able to find an offer that is very good. The internet is a great tool because you can request quotes, compare coverage, and find out about the reputation of a program. It is important to get after finding medical aid as soon as you know that you are pregnant if you don't already have something in place. Your current coverage though may not include pregnancy so don't assume it does.

The cost of medical care when you are pregnant and for the birth of a child are extremely high. It is very important to do all you can to get help to cover the cost from the very start. There is a very good chance that you may qualify for medical aid for the duration of the pregnancy, the birth, and for a few months following for regular checkups. It certainly won't hurt to find out if you qualify so that you can use the money you do have to get items you will need for the baby.

A lot of women are forced to deal with agonizing back pain in early pregnancy. And it usually happens even before they start gaining extra weight.

It makes sense this would happen once the mother starts gaining weight. But why does this happen before the size of the baby starts affecting the lower back? This is usually caused by the hormones that start preparing the spine for the changes that occur during pregnancy.

Don't be worried about gaining weight when you are pregnant. Added weight is normal, to account for both for the baby and your supporting the baby. But since most of this extra weight is in your midsection, it puts added stress on your back. You certainly don't want to avoid gaining any weight, as this may be dangerous for the baby. But there are ways to help reduce the stress on your lower back.

So, when changing position on bed, lying down, climbing the staircase or sitting on a chair, be careful! Move slowly. Get your entire body into a good position before moving. Otherwise you may may feel a sharp pain on one side that is often felt in the buttocks or hips. There are even moments when the ache just immediately vanishes but only for awhile and suddenly comes back when you do not even expect it!

Prevention is definitely the key to avoiding major back problems during pregnancy. Here are 5 tips to help you minimize the stress of carrying your baby:

- don't stay in the same position for too long
- go for short walks several times a day
- make sure to squat down when lifting anything (this is good advice even when you're not pregnant)
- use meditation or yoga to relax
- visit a chiropractor or massage therapist (it's a good idea to start before you get pregnant)

And try to avoid gaining any extra weight - a certain amount of weight gain is healthy for the baby. But too much is bad for your back!

The miracle of life truly is something special, but there are sometimes when getting pregnant naturally is a lot harder than one might expect. There are several reasons for a someone not getting pregnant. It could be some of your daily activities (or lack thereof), what you're eating, you're physical and mental state. Here are some reasons why you might not be getting pregnant.

It is suggested that if you aren't getting pregnant, you should make an appointment with the doctor so you can go through the proper tests to see if there's a bigger issue than the ones listed below.

Not Enough Sex

Sometimes in life there are things that just take precedent over another. That could be career or just focusing on daily life. If you find yourself having sex once a week, it's probably not enough to get pregnant. Take some time to making sex an enjoyable time. This shouldn't feel like a chore or a responsibility. A baby should be brought into this world with love and not as a duty or responsibility.

Not Having Sex At The Right Time

The best time to have sex is when ovulation happens. This is when the egg (ovum) is ready to meet the sperm of your spouse and get fertilized. It's best to have plenty of sex a week before and after you ovulate.

Smoking And 2nd Hand Smoke

Cigarettes are filled with tons of dangerous substances that cause cancer so it's no wonder that it doesn't help you to get pregnant. This may seem like an obvious answer, but there are some people out there who just can't kick the habit. Maybe knowing that smoking can be a deterrent to getting pregnant might help you quit.

Be aware of your surroundings and watch for the 2nd hand smoke as well. You might not be a smoker, but it doesn't help to be inhaling the smoke. Also for men, smoking lowers your sperm count.

Alcohol Consumption

Whenever you drink more than 4 drinks within a week this could reduce your chances of getting pregnant by 30%. Drinking causes you to lose your appetite and also lose your energy.

Unhealthy Eating

So much is tied into what we eat. You know how the saying goes. "You are what you eat". This doesn't mean that you should just eat nuts and berries and lose ton of weight. This just means to have a more balanced diet. Taking vitamins, minerals and some food supplements will you help with a healthy pregnancy as well.

Obesity / Too Skinny

If you happen to be overweight or obese, controlling your weight and taking it down to normal levels will significantly help increase your chances to get pregnant. The menstrual cycle is affected by obesity. Obesity can make the menstrual cycle unpredictable or irregular.

The same goes for being too skinny. A lack of a good appetite will cause a huge loss in energy which you will need for a healthy pregnancy. You're body will need lots of energy and will be going through a lot of changes physically. You need to be prepared to go through the changes. It will make the whole journey that much better if you are prepared.

Watch The Caffeine

Be careful to control how much coffee or tea you're drinking. 1 cup a day might be okay, but you should be careful not to have more than that. Studies have shown that caffeine causes infertility in women and lowers the sperm count for men. It has also been known to be the prime suspect in babies with low birth weight and also increases the chances of a miscarriage. Just be careful with the caffeine. The maximum daily recommended intake of caffeine is 200 mg while pregnant.

Exercise More

It's hard to stay in a routine of exercise even when you're not trying to get pregnant, but it's hard to deny the benefits of working out and staying in shape. You don't have to exercise, but an hour a day of simple exercising will do wonders for your energy level and will also improve on the quality of sex.

Don't Focus Too Much On Conceiving

It's human nature to be addicted to things. Everyone has their vice. For some it's gambling, cooking, working out, career and yes... getting pregnant. Focusing too much on getting pregnant is never good. You shouldn't be stressed thinking about and hoping to get pregnant. The more you think about it, the more pressure there is and the enjoyment of being pregnant is taken away.

The more you worry about not getting pregnant, the bigger addiction or obsession of wanting to get pregnant. Stress is never good for the mind or body. Obsessing over getting pregnant easily adds stress that you don't need. The unwanted stress will cause irregularities in your menstrual cycle and could also affect your ovulation process. And it could also affect the sex life you're having with your partner.

Wondering why you can't get pregnant or how to get pregnant easily sometimes can't be answered all in one shot. It could be a number of factors that will cause infertility in women and in men. While getting pregnant sometimes can be a lot harder than it seems these points should be taken note. It's also highly suggested that you go to your doctor and talk with them about your issues of not getting pregnant. After a meeting with the doctor you might be more educated on why you can't get pregnant or you might get some new ideas on ways to increase fertility so you can get eventually get pregnant.

Podiatrist's encounter many foot problems during and after pregnancy. From cramps and itchiness to swelling and aching, our feet can often feel very uncomfortable throughout pregnancy and following the birth. Hormonal changes and natural weight gain have a huge impact on the body and the feet bear the brunt of the major changes that a woman's body will go through.

Swollen feet, swollen ankles and arch and heel pain are the main causes of foot pain in pregnant women. Muscles and ligaments stretch and soften because of an increase in the ovarian hormone relaxin, which makes your feet more prone to ankle and ligament strains on a daily basis.

The choice of footwear can also be a factor in the cause of foot problems during pregnancy. A shoe with a heel of approximately 1.2in (3cm) is recommended as they will help to shift the weight further forward on the feet. This can help to reduce any pain or discomfort. Wide fitting and supportive shoes will minimise discomfort and help to avoid long term damage. Choosing a shoe with a strap can help the shoe to stay in place although fiddly straps can sometimes cause problems in later stages of the pregnancy when you may struggle to reach your feet.

If high heels are a must they should only be worn occasionally or when you know you will be able to sit down through the day. On a daily basis, a supportive shoe should be worn.

When shopping for shoes try to shop later in the day as feet can swell throughout the day. Ensure that the shoes fit well before you leave the shop as it is a common myth that you can break in a pair of shoes - this is not true. Shoes with a round or square toe are recommended. If you are buying boots, make sure that there is room in the calf area as they calves can swell. Choose a boot with a side zip fastening as they will be easier to take on and off - this will be much more appreciated towards the end of your pregnancy!

Keeping active is also recommended to help reduce the risk of cramps and swelling. Do check with your midwife or GP before starting an exercise program.

If you do experience arch pain or general foot pain make an appointment with your Podiatrist to see how he or she could help you. If necessary an orthotic device can be prescribed to make your feet feel much more comfortable - as any pregnant woman will know, this may provide much needed relief.

With frequent unprotected sex, most healthy couples conceive within one year. Others need a bit of help - help to become pregnant. Are you frustrated that you are not pregnant yet? Especially when it seems like getting pregnant is easy for everyone else but you?

Things to help get pregnant:

1. Have sex regularly.

If you consistently have sex two or three times a week, you're almost certain to hit a fertile period at some point. For healthy couples who want to conceive, there's no such thing as too much sex. For many couples, this may be all it takes.

2. Have sex once a day near the time of ovulation.

Daily intercourse during the days leading up to ovulation may increase the odds of conception. Although your partner's sperm concentration will drop slightly each time you have sex, the reduction isn't usually an issue for healthy men.

3. Foods to help get pregnant.

Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat healthy foods and keep stress under control. The same good habits will serve you and your baby well during pregnancy.

4. Consider preconception planning.

Your doctor can assess your overall health and help you identify lifestyle changes that may improve your chances for a healthy pregnancy. Preconception planning is especially helpful if you or your partner have any health issues.

5. Vitamins help to get pregnant.

Folic acid (vitamin B-9) plays an essential role in a baby's development. Taking a prenatal vitamin or folic acid supplement beginning at least one month before conception through the first trimester of pregnancy can reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects by up to 70 percent.

6. Quit smoking and do not drink alcohol!

Tobacco changes the cervical mucus, which may keep sperm from reaching the egg. Smoking may also increase the risk of miscarriage and deprive your developing baby of oxygen and nutrients. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit before conception. For your family's sake, vow to quit for good.

Alcohol is off-limits if you're pregnant - or hope to be.

7. Certain medications and pills - even those available without a prescription - can make it difficult to conceive. Others may not be safe once you are pregnant.

So you're struggling to get pregnant - and you want to know if the pregnancy miracle course works? Well, I have the answer for you in a minute but first, here is my story. I am 42 and me and my husband have been trying to have a child for about ten years now.

You see we went to the fertility clinic and I was told that I had an inhospitable environment basically my uterus was rejecting my husband's sperm for some reason. We kept on trying anyway but sadly it just never seemed to happen for us. But then a friend of my husbands recommended the pregnancy miracle course to us and as we were willing to try anything we thought we would give it a go.

I am happy to say that 18 months later we have a wonderful baby boy!

This pregnancy miracle course is based on using ancient Chinese holistic therapies which allows the pregnancy to be as natural as possible.

It's a fact that getting pregnant naturally and reversing Infertility can never be achieved by attempting each problem one at a time.

If you've ever tried to tackle your Infertility by using a one-dimensional treatment like hormone pills, sexual positions, or even changing your foods and failed it's probably because you've attempted only one aspect of your condition the key is to target your infertility by every possible angle.

I finally understood why I was struggling to get pregnant!

- I had an ovary cyst which was interfering with my fertility and preventing me from getting pregnant. You see since my reproductive system was intelligent enough to know that my internal was unsafe for a baby. It was making it nearly impossible for me to get pregnant.
- The natural approach has taught us how to reverse the infertility the holistic way. Which I must say was a very pleasant and relaxing experience from the beginning of my pregnancy right through to the very end when I gave birth to my beautiful baby boy Jake.

So I guess the only question left is will pregnancy miracle work for you?

My journey with infertility began like many women I've met through the years.

For my husband and me, we just thought that our difficulties getting pregnant was something that would "go away" on its own. So we kept trying to conceive, and as the months went by, nothing was happening. After about 10 months without result, I started to panic.

When I talked to my OB/GYN doctor about my concerns, she agreed we should both be tested to see if our problems had to do with either my husband's low-sperm count (potentially), or maybe my ovulation schedule.

We did some testing, determining that both of us were functioning normally--which pretty much was depressing!

Something was wrong, it seemed to me, and to be told that nothing was wrong got us pretty frustrated.

Well, like a lot of women I know, I kept turning up the intensity of the procedures my doctor could offer. I had tests to see that my tubes weren't blocked, we moved to IUI (Intra-Uterine Insemination) with hormonal shots to start, stop and force my ovulation and menstrual cycle. And at some point, as the months of unsuccessful attempts added up, I started feeling like a guinea pig.

Plus, my hormones were out-of-whack and I was just feeling terrible. Depressed one day, crabby the next. It was getting rough, and stressful (both emotionally and financially).

So, one day I was talking to another girlfriend of mine, and she told me about acupuncture, and said it helped her get pregnant.

Since our next option was going to be to try IVF (which is very expensive!) my husband and I agreed to try acupuncture for a while, just to give it a try and see if something new wouldn't be better than what we'd been trying.

Through a clinic near me, Acupuncture & Natural Health in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, I started working with a Licensed Acupuncturist by the name of John Miley (L.Ac.). who specializes in infertility and fertility issues, as well as women's health imbalances.

To make a long story short, Mr. Miley started me out with a program designed to restore my body's natural ability to conceive. In his way of looking at things, which is the Traditional Chinese Medicine way of looking at the body, I had various imbalances in my system that were blocking my ability to conceive.

He had me start on a nutritional program, mind-body relaxation techniques that I could practice each night at home, and scheduled me for acupuncture one to two times per week.

I can't even tell you how much better this program made me feel!

First of all, John listened to what was going on, and had been going on in my life since we started trying to conceive. We talked about my stress levels, my diet, my pattern of "stuffing" my emotions, and the overall depression that I'd been feeling since we realized we were not conceiving a child as "planned".

Within a few weeks, I noticed I felt more emotionally balanced. I was actually feeling "calm" for the first time in over a year! And my body started to change--no more menstrual headaches, and I was ovulating on time, which was huge for me.

And then it happened...five months after I started working with Mr. Miley's infertility program, we conceived. Just out of the blue, it "happened". And I remember one time talking to John and he said, "Our main objective is to get your mind-body balance back where it needs to be, so your entire body can work as one unit, to conceive. When we get to that point, you'll be much more likely to conceive" ( --he said something close to that, anyway).

Sure enough, it was true for us.

Looking back, I am grateful for the testing we did with our OB/GYN because it told us that things were working. However, I am even more grateful that I explored an alternative approach to infertility and found someone who specialized in natural alternatives to conventional infertility treatments like IVF.

I'd encourage any couple to investigate this type of fertility support program if they're having trouble getting pregnant. It is cost effective and can be life-changing. Just make sure the person you are seeing is a licensed acupuncturist, with Nationally recognized training in acupuncture and natural medicine (look for the initials L.Ac. behind that person's name).

And if you live near St. Cloud MN, be sure to check out John Miley's site! He also has programs that he develops for people who don't live close to him. I'm sure he could help you out. He' been very good to us.

Good luck finding your path to pregnancy. Keep the faith. You'll get your answers.

After having spent a good part of one's life attempting to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, it seems a cruel trick by Mother Nature when an individual or couple discovers that they are unable to conceive.

There are many reasons why a couple may be unable to get pregnant; some are simple fixes, while others are more complex and may lead to the need for medical assistance.

The Timing Is Off

The average woman with a normal menstrual cycle is only fertile for a few days out of each month, in the period around ovulation. This occurs roughly two weeks after the end of menstruation, but can be earlier or later than this.

In order to pinpoint the time of ovulation, it is vital to keep a chart of BBTs, or Basal Body Temperatures. It may take two to three months to be able to anticipate the correct time of ovulation. Over-the-counter Ovulation Predictor Kits can also aid in determining ovulation.

Diet Dilemmas

Some foods can cause a couple to have difficulty conceiving. Caffeine and alcohol are the most common culprits, as is an excess of body weight. Women who are over- or underweight have a tendency to have more difficulty conceiving than those who are of a healthy weight.

Check your BMI (body mass index) and attempt to fall within what is considered a healthy range. Smoking tobacco and the use of illegal drugs can also inhibit fertility.

The Stress Test

Nothing is more infuriating than hearing someone say, "Just relax and you'll get pregnant," but for some, that is true. Occasionally the hormones triggered by the stress of trying to get pregnant can affect the ability to conceive.

Taking some time off from "the baby dance" can provide much needed relief that can sometimes lead to a much wanted pregnancy.

If you have made the decision to have a baby, you want to make sure you are in the best possible health prior to conception. In addition to moderate exercise and a healthy diet, taking vitamins to help get pregnant is a very effective way to make sure both you and your baby will get the proper nutrition needed right from the start. There are several vitamins and minerals can assist you in becoming more fertile and speed conception.

Folic Acid- This is probably one of the most important supplements to take both before conception and during pregnancy. Folic acid is used to prevent birth defects of the spinal cord. The spinal cord develops in the first 28 days after conception, often before a woman even realizes she is pregnant. Doctors commonly recommend 800mcg of folic acid daily. In addition to supplements, you can find this vitamin in dark green leafy vegetable (like spinach) whole grains, fortified breads and cereals. In addition, using these vitamins to help get pregnant boosts your own fertility.

Zinc- Studies have shown that using zinc vitamins to help get pregnant can be very effective. By getting 15-30mg total a day; zinc helps a woman's body use estrogen and progesterone more effectively. Make sure not to overdo it though- high levels of zinc can be toxic. So check your prenatal vitamin for dosage amounts. Zinc can be found naturally in meat and seafood.

Vitamin E- Often prescribed for couples undergoing invitro fertilization, vitamin E is well known for boosting fertility for both men and women. This is one of the most commonly used vitamins to help get pregnant. Taking the recommended dosage of 400-800 IU can help increase egg quality in a women. Studies where both partners have taken this vitamin showed a significant increase in fertility for both sexes. Vitamin E can be found in wheat germ, sunflower seeds (and oil) as well as broccoli and spinach.

Other vitamins and nutrients- Studies have shown that simply taking a prenatal supplement can help you become more fertile. In addition to providing you with the nutrients needed for your own health, and your baby's development, several vitamins are also well known for boosting fertility. Make sure your prenatal has the following: calcium, vitamin c, vitamins b6 and b12, selenium, Omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamin A. Taking these vitamins to help get pregnant will ensure well balanced reproductive health.

Us Labrador Retrievers do require a lot of care, even more so if you have the wonderful opportunity to care for a mother-to-be of Labrador Retriever puppies! However, it's very important not to forget that caring for a pregnant Labrador Retriever is a huge responsibility, since you are responsible for the well-being of the unborn puppies as well. A Labrador Retriever will be very appreciative of your care, and we will do much better if you research the best care methods. If you learn about how to care for a pregnant Labrador Retriever, you will be able to dramatically improve the quality of life for her future puppy litter.

Female Labrador Retrievers are very similar to human females, as they will give many key signs that signal they are pregnant. Your Labrador Retriever may seem listless, and she might not show as much enthusiasm at mealtimes. Decreased appetite is a common sign that a female Labrador is experiencing the early stages of her pregnancy. Of course, this will make you worry, so it should be a good opportunity to visit the veterinarian! This is the equivalent of "morning sickness" in a pregnant female dog, and normally will disappear some time after the first trimester. During this time, it is highly recommended to start giving your pregnant Labrador Retriever some prenatal vitamins.

Swelling of the tummy is another key sign that your female Labrador is pregnant. This seems like a fairly obvious sign, but many people mistake it for their dog becoming overweight. During this time, some dog owners even stop feeding their female Labradors their normal food, or begin a weight loss program. This can harm the unborn puppies! Even if your female Labrador Retriever has been spayed, it's still possible for her to become pregnant. The spaying operation is usually very successful, but should not be assumed to protect your dog 100% against pregnancy. If your female Labrador Retriever is beginning to become a bit chubby around the middle, be sure to take her to the veterinarian first, before making any assumptions of whether or not she is pregnant.

During the second and third trimester of your Labrador's pregnancy, she may begin to engage in a behavior commonly known as "nesting". This is the same type of behavior that some human mothers experience before giving birth. With this behavior, your female Labrador Retriever may begin to constantly rearrange or paw at her bedding. She may also carry some of her favorite toys or treats over to her bed area. It's best to let her alone when she does this, as she is simply preparing her sleeping area for giving birth to her puppies. Most female Labradors will display nesting behavior soon before giving birth.

When you have confirmed your female Labrador Retriever's pregnancy with your veterinarian, there are many important prenatal care steps that should be followed. Since your Labrador is now also supplying nutrients for her unborn puppies, it's highly recommended to start giving her a prenatal vitamin. Try to give her the best prenatal vitamin that you can find, since cheap or poorly formulated prenatal vitamins can actually be deficient in important vitamins needed by your dog and her puppies. A good prenatal vitamin can be purchased online, from a pet supply store, or prescribed by your veterinarian.

After your female Labrador Retriever has gotten over her "morning sickness" of the first trimester, she'll begin to eat... a LOT! The average pregnant female Labrador will consume from two to three times her normal food amount. It's much better to divide her meals throughout the day, to ensure the maximum absorption of the nutrients found in the food. At this time, it is also wise to switch to a premium high-nutrient dog food, of the best quality that you can comfortably afford. Remember, your female Labrador is supplying nutrients for the proper development of her puppies, and it's your job to help her get all of the nutrition she needs.

Since Labrador Retrievers are very affectionate, we will need additional attention when going through a situation such as pregnancy. Try to keep your female Labrador as comfortable as possible, and don't forget to schedule regular check-ups during her pregnancy with your veterinarian.