A growing amount of scientific evidence indicates that how much weight women gain during pregnancy and their starting weight at conception can affect their health and that of their babies, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council. The report recommends new pregnancy weight gain guidelines for American women that aim to balance the benefits and risks associated with pregnancy weight change. Noting that entering pregnancy with a normal body mass index (BMI) as well as gaining within the recommended levels during gestation are the best ways to minimize the risks, the report calls for increased diet and exercise counseling and programs to help women attain a normal BMI.

The new guidelines update recommendations the Institute of Medicine made in 1990 and reflect changing U.S. demographics, particularly the surge in the number of Americans who are overweight or obese. Healthy American women at a normal weight for their height (BMI of 18.5 to 24.9) should gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy, the new guidelines state. Underweight women (BMI less than 18.5) should gain more, 28 to 40 pounds, and overweight women (BMI of 25 to 29.9) should gain less, 15 to 25 pounds. These ranges match the 1990 guidelines, but the report also specifies a new range for obese women (BMI greater than 30) that limits their gain to 11 to 20 pounds. BMI is based on a person’s weight and height; for example, a 5-foot-6-inch woman weighing between 115 and 154 pounds has a normal BMI. Individuals can determine their BMI using this online calculator: www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.

The ranges for each BMI category reflect that many factors besides maternal weight and gestational weight gain affect outcomes and the reality that healthy babies are born to women across a spectrum of pregnancy weight changes. Studies consistently show that gaining within the guidelines lowers health risks for mothers and children, though this does not mean that every woman who exceeds or falls short of the guidelines or that the babies born to these women will have problems.

“This report gives women and their health care providers an evidence-based answer to the question of how much weight women should gain during pregnancy,” said Kathleen M. Rasmussen, professor of nutrition, division of nutritional sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., and chair of the committee that wrote the report. “We call on health professionals to adopt these guidelines and help women follow them so that mothers and their children will have the best health outcomes possible.”

Expectant mothers and their care providers need to balance the benefits of pregnancy weight gain for the fetus with the risks of too much or too little increase, which can result in consequences for both mothers and children. For mothers, the ramifications of excess weight gain include increased chances of retaining extra pounds after birth or needing a Caesarean section; for children the risks include being born preterm or larger than normal with extra fat. Each of these consequences increases the chances for subsequent health problems — such as heart disease and diabetes in the case of extra weight, and impaired development in the case of premature birth. At the same time, adding too few pounds during pregnancy increases risks for stunted fetal growth and preterm delivery.

The report focuses on weight changes during pregnancy, but it also notes that women’s weight at conception affects infants and mothers, too. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. women of childbearing age are overweight or obese. To minimize the risks, women should aim to conceive while at a normal BMI and gain within the guidelines during pregnancy, the committee concluded.

Helping women achieve these goals will require health care providers to increase the counseling they give their patients on weight, diet, and exercise. This counseling should occur not just during pregnancy, but well before women plan to conceive, given that many should lose weight to begin pregnancy closer to or at a normal BMI. Women’s doctors should record their patients’ weight, height, and BMI as a routine practice prior to conception, throughout pregnancy, and in the post-partum period. Prenatal care providers and expectant mothers should work together to set pregnancy weight gain goals based on the guidelines and other factors relevant to each patient’s individual needs.

Guidelines do no good if women do not know about them and care providers do not follow and promote them. Studies published after the 1990 guidelines were released found that a high proportion of women were either given no advice on how much weight to gain or were advised to gain outside of their recommended range. The committee called on medical professional societies, federal health agencies, and other influential groups to adopt the new guidelines and help educate women on their importance for achieving healthy outcomes for their children and themselves.

The guidelines are intended for American women, the report notes. They may be applicable to women in other developed countries, but they are not intended for use in areas of the world where women are substantially shorter or thinner than American women or where adequate obstetric services are not available.

source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-05/naos-rug052809.php

This week started off well and my hopes regarding my eyes was that nothing would be serious and everything will be great. I had prayed all from my heart that everything goes good and our baby stays healthy and my hubby does not have to go from any sort of much trouble. All I just wished for that my hubby also enjoys the period of my pregnancy.

I believe that my moods in my pregnancy has not been bad at all by Grace of God. By his Grace I have been very calm and peaceful during every up and down. I did had worries but it never affected my moods that I feel irritated and end up having tears in my eyes or anything like that. And I am happy that I was able to have control over my nerves.

Anyway, things were over all good. I went worrying about that baby was kicking a little too much all the time. I just did not know that if it was normal to feel baby kick so much. But I was happy too that she is active after I consulted on ivillage forum. All women were great help. At times I believe getting opinions is great idea. It is great help. And I would suggest ivillage the best in it. It made me think in positive way that it is sign of active and healthy baby.

Apart from that that day came when I had my test I mean angiography, and I was so relaxed that I could not believe it myself. We went and I had to get drops four times in gap of 15 minutes, and I told them I was pregnant so that they are careful in every possible way. And they were and my test was done by injecting the die and the injection was safe as I called my gynecologist before I got the injection and she said it was perfectly fine. And then some pictures were taken and I was done in two for whole procedure.

So it did not seem much of a problem but yes as I had vision blurred in right eye so I was concerned that what would the doctor say. And the meeting with my doctor was after four days and also, I was looking forward for ultra sound as I wanted to be sure that the baby was doing good. Doctor examination really counted and I wanted to just get over it as I was a worry back in my head and I was tired of thinking over it.

Anyway, the worrying part was over and I shopped for baby stuff. It was simply enjoyable. Yes, the nerves started to feel tense as baby is great responsibility but then I thought over it and relaxed that the more I will worry the more things will get complicated and I would in the end get really frustrated and would not enjoy the parent hood. It is important that one enjoys every thing that life gives him/her. And they should be happy and make things positive from there end and rest is up to God that whatever is written in for the one.

Thus, the week ended off well and I saw myself really big and getting fat now. But it was good feeling as the baby is healthy and thats what is most important. Also, the vomits were the worst in this week as it seemed that any moment i would pass out. it was reallt frustrating and i just did not know how to handle all this. but then i had no way out so went on with the way it was leading me. i have been taking mucane syrup and yes vitamins of seven-seas, pegnovet tablets, and caltrate 600 as doctor had told me too.

The week started off not that well as I was worried of my eyes. As I mentioned before as well in order to stay out of tension just thought to get myself buy with baby shopping. My hubby was equally excited and we decided to get the crib first and I went looking around many many shops that which place would be the best to buy for our little one.

All the I kept thinking one thing that by Grace Of God everything has been very good and I am really thankful to God but I just have this slight fear that it does not change and this peace always stays in our life and that God keeps helping us always in every way.

Also, sleeping position has been little difficult as I have grown, as my tummy is big and also the hips. So far I have gained 11 pounds 5kgs that makes it. My doctor before was worried but as long as I am gaining by even 2kgs a month she is happy. Also I thought to search over Internet regarding regarding sleeping position and sex during second trimester and I found a good piece of article:

“Sleep Positions and Sex”

“You’re feeling great now and probably don’t spend much time thinking about what you can’t do. This energetic time is all about what you can do, especially if it seemed like you were limited by your body last trimester. So, in the spirit of keeping positive, here are some things you can do to help yourself this trimester.

Sleep positions matter

Okay, I know you’ve heard that sleep positioning is important during pregnancy. We even discussed it in the last chapter. If you didn’t heed my advice then, be sure to do so now. The time has come; sleep on your left side with pillow support. If you wake up on lying on your belly, flip your self back over and try again. You need to keep your blood flowing and this position is heart (and all over circulation) happy.

Sex

That’s what got you here, but it’s not just a means to an end. Your sex life can be as fulfilling now as it was before you even thought about making this baby. Maybe more fulfilling, now that the pressures of contraception and/or conception no longer apply. Add to that the fact that you’ve got energy to burn and maybe even an increased sex drive and you have a lot to look forward to in the area of sexuality.
A small percentage of expectant parents are uncomfortable with sexual intimacy during pregnancy. The primary reason for this is fear of hurting the baby. Unless you’ve been told otherwise (due to spotting or cramping), sex is perfectly safe for you, your spouse, and your baby. Not only is it safe, it is recommended. Why? Happy couples make happy parents. Happy parents make happy babies.
Some fathers-to-be have admitted that they are hesitant to have sex with their pregnant partners because they don’t want to disturb the baby (the noise, the movement, etc.). Baby will not be disturbed, I assure them and I now assure you.
For some couples, the issue is positional. As a women grows, the positions she and her partner used to enjoy may become less than ideal. Well, if variety is the spice of life, this is the time to spice things up a little. While the missionary position (face to face with woman on bottom) may leave a pregnant mom a little breathless (and not in a good way), other positions are bound to be more comfortable and will keep love life interesting.
Sexual intimacy is a very important part of a fulfilling life, even during pregnancy. Now more than ever you want to know how cherished you are, how desirable, how loved and appreciated.”

And this was great reading at least it helped a lot. The shopping part through out has been great till now but I have not bought any clothes as yet as I have to take care of my health too till I am done with my eyes test. And that day is not so far away either. But I am worried too.

Hey! My birthday is also coming up and I really have strong belief in occasions. It is at times important to have these occasions and let the beloved ones know that they are loved and there presence is very precious. It is not important to have big celebration but to just be with loved ones and have good time. In daily routine one does not see special times with them or get to know that how special they are and these birthdays or anniversary or valentines gives people chance to show next person their importance to higher extent. to be honest I have always looked forward that who remembers my birthday and thats what I look forward to because gifts are not important just remembering is important. And I am not fan of gifts as I do not like people spending on my birthday.

Anyway, this week got over nicely and have things coming up next week, hoping for best.

The first day started on my vacations and till second last I was on trip. And the trip was wonderful. We roamed around in the beauty of nature and it was fabulous to be in forests and walk and take pictures and capture beauty of all kinds. The flowers, birds and butterflies were extremely beautiful. I took pictures as much as I could and I remember my hubby was as lost in the beauty as I was. We enjoyed every moment of peace. It was good and relaxing to be with your partner 24/7 with no work and tension and just spending time totally free from everything. We played board games and enjoyed whole night. We had become kids, we fought over the game and it was fun being up all night and playing. The weather was cold a bit at night and we were completely lost in the wonderful surroundings.

It was not that we only roamed around at times we preferred being at home, the apartment we were living in and just sleep and relax. The whole concept of the vacation was to relax. Relaxation was very important for us. It was not that we were not having good time at home but at times it is good to be away from and chill and know no one, and it makes one feel great too.

We did not eat much from out in fact only thrice that was because I was pregnant and I did not want to be ill. Usually eating out and all can cause hepatitis and it is very important to be very careful. In pregnancy I believe one easily catches some disease as body becomes sensitive and also it is two lives that you have to take care of. Mother has to take care of so many things because her one mistake can lead to problems for her baby and she will be responsible for it if she is careless.

Trip was over and when I came back it was second last day of this week. I reached early morning at 12:30 am and that day in morning I had to go to my eye doctor as my right eye was troubling in vision. I was not the one who noticed honestly I did not feel it but my hubby observation was really good and he said the way I watch television it could be that my eye-sight was weak. I went to doctor and through all dilation and minor test and he said I have problem in my retina of right eye and it pricked my heart because eyes are most important part and that I did not want to go through angiography because it scared me in pregnancy. But doctor assured that it would not affect so I am ready and in a week all most I will be going through it. And I have decided to have ultra sound after four days of this test to be assured of baby growth. By Grace of God everything seemed fine and not that bad because I was so worried on hearing it but doctor did not say something serious thats why I was okay, but the test that was asked to be done I wanted it after pregnancy but he said that only test I should do now and rest surgery if needed would be later.

I am hoping for good. Though I will say no matter how hard I am trying to let go it from my mind but I cant, it is there in back of my mind and my all expectations from God that He will help. This week ended and next to next week another though day is waiting up for me.

This week started off well. I was simply excited as I had my ultra sound for the gender and to know the growth of the baby. My husband was equally excited. Honestly we have been waiting a lot as we wanted to start imagining who it would be and being clear about gender is a lot good as one divides the happiness in two portions and becomes well prepared.

The very first day in this week I remember we had food from out and that time I knew I was not hungry but I still had it for the baby, that it would not be good for the baby if I do not take food for long. So I had it and I remember I was not feeling good after that and then that night I had thrown up badly and rite after I felt totally empty and I remember I was just craving for something sweet and I opted for mango. It was so great having fruit has my throat had been burning and so did my eyes and my nose. I just wanted that baby stays full and does not feel that mama has not eaten anything. And I was really excited because the next day I had my ultra sound. Also, I remember chatting up on “ivillage” and getting to know about throwing up problems in the second trimester. And it had really helped me in certain things.
I remember how excited we were that Monday that we were to know about the gender of our baby. I remember how long me and my hubby waited for the scan and our luck was that, day doctor was late and we were so on time but we waited for two hours and finally she came. My hubby thought it was a boy but he wanted a girl and so did I but I knew it was a girl. And when I went in scan room and laid and me and my hubby was so excited to know about the baby. Well the lady said that it was baby girl and we both were really happy.

I remember I was really worried of the fact that my weight was not that gained and everyone talked about it that how come I am 20 weeks and my stomach is not that prominent. The very first thing I asked was this that “is the baby doing well? Is her growth normal?” and my doctor was like that she is very happy with the growth of our baby and that if vomits have not stopped yet then I might be one of those who come in labor and are throwing up and she said it happens to few mothers and there Is not any rule set. Well by Grace of God everything was great and we left very happy.

Everyone was very happy when we announced to them it was a baby girl and it was so exciting that God gifted us with what was best for us. My mother wanted that I have a baby boy first because she thought baby girls come without asking but baby boys come after a lot of prayers. And on her she was right but for me both are important and who ever comes first is all up to God and I did not mind it.

The other day I was reading articles regarding 20th week this was really:

What your baby’s up to

“Over the last four weeks, your baby has grown an incredible amount, and has just about quadrupled his weight. He’s big enough that you should be feeling “fluttering” or “quickening” quite regularly now. In fact, from his movements you may be able to tell if your baby is awake or asleep. Your baby is anywhere from 25 - 28 cm or 6.5 inches long and weighs 285-300 grams or 10-11 ounces.
Your baby has started to practice breathing motions, even though his lungs are not yet mature enough to breathe enough air to allow him to survive outside your body. Lanugo (the fine hair) covers your baby’s whole body, and hair on the scalp is beginning to grow. Your baby’s ears are fully functional now and he enjoys the sound of uterine noise. All the organs and structures of your baby are formed and your baby is now entering a period of simple growth. And you may be getting ready to be a grandma already: If your baby is a girl, her uterus is beginning to develop!

Well, this week I had vomits as well also it was really busy as on the last day I was going to travel for my one week vacation and I had to pack and it was so much of a work as we were going to stay on mountains and we were to take everything possible needed as I was pregnant as well and I had to be very careful that I don’t have upset stomach. My hubby was more concerned than I was. The packing was done and we slept late and enjoyed watching movie that night. We were excited about the trip and the next was going to be great as we were to travel and enjoy the week.