Electronic cigarettes, also noted as e-cigs or E-cigarettes, are gaining popularity as many and many states and towns judge vapour bans in unexclusive places. Patch conventional cigarettes may be unlawful, according to the bans, whatsoever hard-core smokers score pioneer a way around these bans by enjoying these new electronic cigarettes, which are smokeless cigarettes that relieve hold nicotine and support the fancy of traditional smoking.

Electronic cigarettes are made of atomizers, which apply nicotine, whatever flavoring, and h2o. The vapor that appears after you involve a blow is actually the vapor of the nicotine and liquid, which enters the lungs and provides a scuffle related to an dispenser.

Electronic cigarettes do not release any second hand smoke, allowing you to smoke them in areas where other cigarettes are banned. They also lack most of the carcinogenic and other harmful additives that you will find in most regular cigarettes. These cigarettes will greatly reduce the probability that you will contract lung cancer, emphysema, or other diseases that are usually associated with tobacco smoking.

The new e-cigarettes aren’t lit, but each has a light at one end which looks like the cherry on regular cigarettes, making smoking them much more realistic. Each one retails for roughly $25.00. They have about the same number of puffs found in four or five traditional cigarette packs. Electronic cigars can be obtained as well.

More and more people are turning to these new electronic cigs as the price of a pack of cigarettes rises, especially in urban areas where taxes have increased to astronomical heights. In some places, the price of one pack has risen above ten dollars. Yet those who are addicted are still paying these prices, even to the detriment of their family’s financial situation. To these people, this product may be a viable answer.

These battery operated cigarettes may be the answer to many of the arguments against smoking. As a healthier way to smoke, and less expensive in many areas, your nicotine addiction will be satisfied without upsetting those around you. These cigarettes are currently available at many malls, and online.

The electronic cigarette is becoming very popular these days. Smoking is banned in many places, so people are turning instead to the e cigarette as an option; they are also known as an e-cig. They are smokeless but still have nicotine and give the illusion of actually smoking. They do not put any secondhand smoke into the environment, and they do not contain any harmful ingredients other than the nicotine. Each one costs about $25.00. They provide as many puffs as four or five packs of real cigarettes. They are cheaper in the long run.

If gum, the patch, and hypnosis don’t cut it, Chinavasion says smokers can kick their nicotine habit and look tech-savvy at the same time with the “E-Cigarette” anti-smoking gadget sold on its site.

While it has the appearance of a cigarette–albeit a stainless steel one–the gadget is loaded with nicotine cartridges, a different concept than the e-cigar, which uses liquid cartridges to produce the flavored vapor without the nicotine and smoke. The five atomized cartridges in the E-Cigarette contain high-purity liquid nicotine, and each cartridge has the lifespan of about 30 cigarettes.

The E-cigarette is sold with five cartridges ranging in levels from one-sixth the nicotine content of a normal cigarette to none at all. Based on nicotine replacement therapy, smokers can use the E-Cigarette to slowly wean themselves off the nicotine cartridges, ideally ending with the nicotine-free insert.

Additionally, Chinavasion claims the gadget’s lack of tobacco means it’s free of carcinogens and tar.

The smoking device is managed by a microchip and powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The tip of the E-Cigarette glows with an LED light that will blink rapidly to warn smokers they have taken too many inhales in one minute.

The device is sold for about $26, and if the average price of a 20-cigarette pack is around $5, the gadget could be a low-cost option for smokers trying to quit. A similar product by Ruyan runs for more than $100.

Chinavasion’s discount E-Cigarette and charger might fit in a purse or a pocket, but when a stressful day strikes, a dead E-Cigarette could push a smoker to visit the local convenience store instead.

One thing that every many women faces is “POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION” after delivery. usually women mix baby blues and postpartum depression. but i have jotted up postpartum depression information that women know the difference.

Postpartum Depression Overview

You’ve just had a baby, one of the most important and happiest events in your life. “What could make a woman happier than a new baby?” you wonder. So why are you so sad?

We don’t know for sure, but you are not alone. As many as 80% of women experience some mood disturbances after pregnancy (”postpartum”). They feel upset, alone, afraid, or unloving toward their baby, and guilt for having these feelings.

For most women, the symptoms are mild and go away on their own. But 10-20% of women develop a more disabling form of mood disorder called postpartum depression.

* The “baby blues” are a passing state of heightened emotions that occurs in about half of women who have recently given birth.

o This state peaks 3-5 days after delivery and lasts from several days to 2 weeks.

o A woman with the blues may cry more easily than usual and may have trouble sleeping or feel irritable, sad, and “on edge” emotionally.

o Because baby blues are so common and expected, they are not considered an illness.

o Postpartum blues do not interfere with a woman’s ability to care for her baby.

o The tendency to develop postpartum blues is unrelated to a previous mental illness and is not caused by stress. However, stress and a history of depression may influence whether the blues go on to become major depression.

* Postpartum depression is depression that occurs soon after having a baby. Some health professionals call it postpartum nonpsychotic depression.

o This condition occurs in about 10-20% of women, usually within a few months of delivery.

o Risk factors include previous major depression, psychosocial stress, inadequate social support, and previous premenstrual dysphoric disorder (see premenstrual syndrome for more information).

o Symptoms include depressed mood, tearfulness, inability to enjoy pleasurable activities, trouble sleeping, fatigue, appetite problems, suicidal thoughts, feelings of inadequacy as a parent, and impaired concentration.

o If you experience postpartum depression, you may worry about the baby’s health and well-being. You may have negative thoughts about the baby and fears about harming the infant (although women who have these thoughts rarely act on them).

o Postpartum depression interferes with a woman’s ability to care for her baby.

o When a woman with severe postpartum depression becomes suicidal, she may consider killing her infant and young children, not from anger, but from a desire not to abandon them.

* Postpartum (puerperal) psychosis is the most serious postpartum disorder. It requires immediate treatment.

o This condition is rare. A woman with this condition experiences psychotic symptoms within 3 weeks of giving birth. These include false beliefs (delusions), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), or both.

o This condition is associated with mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, or psychosis.

o Symptoms can include inability to sleep, agitation, and mood swings.

o A woman experiencing psychosis can appear well temporarily, fooling health professionals and caregivers into thinking that she has recovered, but she can continue to be severely depressed and ill even after brief periods of seeming well.

o Women who harbor thoughts of hurting their infants are more likely to act on them if they have postpartum psychosis.

o If untreated, postpartum psychotic depression has a high likelihood of coming back after the postpartum period and also after the birth of other children.

Postpartum Depression Causes

No specific cause of postpartum depression has been found.

* Hormone imbalance is thought to play a role.

o Levels of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol fall dramatically within 48 hours after delivery.

o Women who go on to develop postpartum depression may be more sensitive to these hormonal changes.

* Other known risk factors

o Mental illness before pregnancy

o Mental illness, including postpartum depression, in the family

o Postpartum mental disorder after an earlier pregnancy

o Conflict in the marriage, loss of employment, or poor social support from friends and family

o Pregnancy loss such as miscarriage or stillbirth

+ The risk of major depression after miscarriage is high for women who are childless. It occurs even in women who were unhappy about being pregnant.

+ The risk for developing depression after miscarriage is highest within the first few months after the loss.

* Childbirth is a time of great change for a woman. The adjustment to these changes can contribute to depression.

o Physical changes after delivery

+ Many changes occur after delivery, including changes in muscle tone and difficulty losing weight.

+ Many new mothers are very tired after giving birth and in the weeks afterwards.

+ Soreness and pain in your perineal area (area around the birth canal) makes many women uncomfortable. Physical recovery after cesarean delivery may take even longer than after vaginal delivery.

+ Changes in hormones can affect mood.

o Common emotional changes after delivery

+ Feelings of loss of an old identity, feeling trapped at home

+ Feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities of motherhood

+ Feeling stress from changes in routine

+ Feeling fatigue because of broken sleep patterns

+ Feeling less attractive physically and sexually

* A mother’s age and the number of children she has had do not relate to her likelihood of getting postpartum depression.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear any time from 24 hours to a few months after delivery.

* If you have these, it is important to see a health care provider, who will look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

o Sad mood, frequent crying

o Lack of pleasure or interest in activities that once gave pleasure

o Sleep disturbance

o Weight loss

o Loss of energy

o Agitation or anxiety

o Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

o Trouble concentrating or making decisions

o Thoughts of death or suicide

o Decreased interest in sex

o Feelings of rejection

* Physical symptoms such as frequent headaches, chest pain, rapid heart beat, numbness, shakiness or dizziness, and mild shortness of breath suggest anxiety. Postpartum anxiety disorder is a separate disorder from postpartum depression, but the two often occur together.

* See the introduction to this article for symptoms specific to each type of postpartum depression.

When to Seek Medical Care

Call your health care provider in any of the following situations:

* When you have mood swings or feel depressed for more than a few days after the birth of your baby

* When you feel you are unable to cope with the daily activities in your life, including caring for your newborn or your other children

* When you have strong feelings of depression or anger 1-2 months after childbirth

Call a neighbor, friend, or loved one who is nearby AND 911 right away if you are experiencing any of the following:

* Inability to sleep more than 2 hours per night

* Thoughts of hurting or killing yourself

* Thoughts of hurting your baby or other children

* Hearing voices or seeing things

* Thoughts that your baby is evil.

Postpartum Depression Treatment

While self-care cannot take the place of medical care in depression, there are things you can do to improve your mood and your ability to function at home.

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

since start i felt these cravings for eating chocolates. but i did not eat them as i have nose bleeding problem but then i asked my doctor and she said that it is not related to nose bleeding. so i can have them but of course not too much as excessive of anything is bad.

recently i was searching through net in regard to eating chocolate during pregnancy.
and i found a very interesting article on the BBC website. hope it will be very useful for everyone concerned about eating chocolate.

It could be the perfect excuse for mums-to-be everywhere, chocolate makes babies happy.

Scientists in Finland say eating chocolate during pregnancy may make for happier, livelier babies.

They questioned 300 women before and after they gave birth. They found those who ate chocolate daily were more likely to say they had happy babies.

According to a report in New Scientist magazine, the scientists believe mood-altering chemicals in chocolate may be responsible.

Katri Raikkonen and colleagues at the University of Helsinki questioned each of the women while they were pregnant.

The women were asked to rate their stress levels and the amount of chocolate they ate.

I wouldn’t advocate supplementing the diet during pregnancy with chocolate
Nigel Denby,
British Dietetic Association
The women were surveyed again six months after they had given birth. This time they were asked to rate their infants behaviour.

The scientists found that women who regularly ate chocolate while they were pregnant were more likely to say their babies smiled and laughed a lot. They were also more likely to say they were active.

The scientists also found apparent differences between the babies of stressed women who ate chocolate and stressed women who didn’t.

Stressed women who ate chocolate were more likely to say their babies were less fearful in new situations.

Stressed women who didn’t eat chocolate said their babies were quite fearful in new situations.

Chocolate chemicals

The scientists said that while they could not rule out other factors, they speculated that the results could be linked to chocolate consumption.

They said chemicals in chocolate could be passed from mothers to babies in the womb.

But chocolate manufacturer Cadbury’s played down the findings.

“The chemical in chocolate that is said to boost people’s mood is phenylethylamine,” a spokesman told BBC News Online.

“However, it is found in much smaller quantities in chocolate compared to other foods like tomatoes and fruit.

“We think the mood altering effects of chocolate are more to do with psychology rather than chemicals.

“When chocolate melts in the mouth, it has a soothing, pleasurable quality and people feel happy about it.”

Nigel Denby of the British Dietetic Association was also sceptical.

“While chocolate can stimulate the release of serotonin, the happy hormone, it is unlikely that this will cross the placenta and affect the baby,” he told BBC News Online.

He warned mums-to-be against over-indulging in chocolate.

“Women should only increase their weight in line with normal recommendations when they are pregnant.

“Chocolate is very high in calories and eating too much could lead to unsatisfactory weight gain.

“I wouldn’t advocate supplementing the diet during pregnancy with chocolate.”
it sure is an interesting article to read and i am sure moms after reading this would have a grin on their faces.

i just thought to put this article for dads to be as must also be concerned for the baby and they might be feeling weird for their changing feelings. here is a good article. this can help them sort out what to do.

HOW TO SHARE WITH YOUR PREGNANT WIFE:

Pregnancy is seen as mostly a mom thing. Few women believe that Dad really gets it. And the fact is, we mostly don’t. We talk about it. We show interest. We empathize (without going overboard). We even try to read about it, at least a little. But let’s face it, our experience of having a baby is fairly removed until we’re face to face with diapering and sleep deprivation. No dad can possibly relate to the minute-by-minute, close-to-the-heart, kick-in-the-gut reality of carrying a baby to term.

But we can participate. We can be there to listen to the first heartbeat, we can swear off our dinner wine, we can pore over the naming books together, and more. Here are some ways you can be there, too.

Pay attention

You can’t be pregnant, but you can participate by being an active observer. Let your wife know you’re enjoying seeing her belly grow. Feel the baby kick. Play music and read to your baby. Keep a father’s journal both as a way to record your inner thoughts and to help you think about what you’d like to discuss with your spouse or partner. Keep track of your baby’s development during pregnancy — no doubt you’ll be amazed.

Be there

Try to make it to at least some of your partner’s many prenatal care appointments, and ask questions. (It shows you’re involved, not just a bystander.) Also, don’t miss the chance to get a glimpse of your baby during an ultrasound. If your partner has an amniocentesis or other procedure to test for genetic defects, make sure you’re there. (One dad we know missed the appointment, and he still hears about it five years later.) And, of course, attend childbirth classes, so you can participate with your partner in your child’s birth.

Get healthier, too

As your wife tries to modify her diet, give up alcohol, and drink more fluids, you can support her by sharing these lifestyle changes. Eliminate bad-for-baby foods that might tempt her. Cut down on or cut out alcohol yourself. Don’t smoke. Spend time walking or exercising together. And try to find ways to cut back on the hours you spend at your workplace, so you have more time at home together.

Love her changing body

Take a photo of your sweetie in profile at each month of pregnancy to record how her body changes. Understand, too, that as her pregnancy progresses, she may feel unattractive at times. Even if you think that she is, don’t let on. Tell her she’s beautiful. Meanwhile, you may also find that your sex life gets a PG rating for a while. What with hormone changes, back pain, morning sickness, and an understandable preoccupation with the stirrings of life, sex can take a hit.

Go the extra mile

Your wife may be intensely demanding. Go with it. She’s doing all the heavy lifting. The least you can do is shop for groceries, send her flowers, and indulge her 11 p.m. demands for cottage cheese and strawberry jam.

Memorize the route to the hospital

This may seem obvious, but unless you’re on a business trip when your partner’s water breaks, you’ll be making that drive to the hospital for delivery. This is when your memory cells go dim. So do a dry run; make sure you know the route cold. Your partner will appreciate it, since it will be one less thing she needs to worry about.

Be a partner in labor

Be ready to minister to your wife. Record music she wants to hear during labor; prepare some distractions that you can bring to the hospital; and be ready to embrace her and coach her, soothe her and massage her, feed her ice chips and offer her liquids. If you’re up for it, ask your doctor or midwife if you can “catch” the baby, that is, support him as he emerges from the birth canal, and cut the umbilical cord.

Shop, talk, and make lots of decisions together

By the time your baby arrives, you and your partner should have bought a newborn wardrobe; prepared the nursery; bought and safely installed a car seat (hospitals won’t let you drive baby home without one), settled on boy and girl options for your child’s name; and determined whether to circumcise, breast- or bottle- feed, and use cloth or disposable diapers. And you thought you had nothing to do. Even if you change your minds later, at least you’ll have started the discussion.

Prepare for your new life as a family

Get life insurance, and make out a will if you haven’t already. Start a college savings fund. Arrange for paternity leave, so you’ll be able to participate in your baby’s care during the first days and weeks after birth. Childproof the house. Install a smoke detector in your baby’s nursery and in other key rooms in your home. And don’t forget the little things, either: Collect take-out menus from all your favorite restaurants and put them in a handy folder. (You’ll be surprised how often you’ll use them.) And buy your partner a gift she’ll always remember. After all, she’s about to give you a pretty incredible gift herself.

One of my cousin had gained a lot of weight after pregnancy and she went on GM diet and amazingly she lost weight very quick. it was not that easy on first day but later she enjoyed and was very happy with the results.

I thought to upload this diet plan here so that women who are worried about their weight can get some help.

General Motors: Weight Loss Diet Program

The following diet and health program was developed for employees and dependents of General Motors, Inc. and is intended for their exclusive use. This program was developed in conjunction with a grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. It was field tested at the Johns Hopkins Research Centre and was approved for distribution by the Board of Directors, General Motors Corp. at a general meeting on August 15, 1985. General Motors Corp. wholly endorses this program and is making it available to all employees and families. This program will be available at all General Motors Food Service Facilities. It is management’s intention to facilitate a wellness and fitness program for everyone.

This program is designed for a target weight loss of 10-17 lbs per week. It will also improve your attitudes and emotions because of its cleansing systematic effects.

The effectiveness of this seven day plan is that the food eaten burn more calories than they give to the body in caloric value.

This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition.

During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcohol
You must drink 10 glasses of water each day

Day one: All fruits except bananas. Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.

Day Two: All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.

Day Three: A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.

Day Four: Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.

Day Five: Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.

Day Six: Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.

Day Seven: Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.

Tomorrow morning you will be 10-17 lbs. lighter than one week ago. If you desire further weight loss, repeat the program again. You may repeat this program as often as you like, however, it is suggested that you are allowed two glasses of white wine in addition to the instructions on the program. You may substitute champagne for white wine. Under no circumstances are you to drink any other alcoholic beverages with the exception of beer which is allowed. Any liquor (bourbon,vodka, rum) is forbidden. Cream drinks are especially forbidden. You may have an occasional cordial such as creme de menthe or schnapps, but you must always limit yourself to two drinks. If you wine, drink only wine that day. If you have beer, drink only beer that day, etc. Alcohol adds empty calories to your diet. However, after the first week it will help your digestion and settle your stomach.

G.M.’S Wonder Soup

The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. It can be eaten any time of the day in virtually unlimited quantities. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup.

28 oz, Water, 6 Large Onions, 2 Green Peppers, Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1 Head Cabbage, 1 Bunch Celery, 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Herbs and Flavouring as desired.

Additional Comments

Vegetables as may be taken in the form of a salad if desired. No dressing except malt, white or wine vinegar, squeezed lemon, garlic, herbs. No more than one tea spoon of oil.

You have been given a recipe for the WONDER SOUP which can be eaten in unlimited quantities. This soup is a supplement while you are on the program and it should be a pleasure to eat. Not everyone likes cabbage, green peppers, calory etc. This recipe is not inflexible. You may substitute vegetables according to your taste. You may add any vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, etc. Try to stay away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories even though they are very good for you.

Beverages you may consume while on the program :

1. Water (flavoured with lemon/lime if desired).
2. Club Soda is OK.
3. Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness.
4. Black Tea = Herb or Leaf.
5. Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven.

How and Why It Works

Day One: you are preparing your system for the upcoming programme. Your only source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature’s perfect food. They provide everything you could possibly want to sustain life except total balance and variety.

Day Two: starts with a fix of complex carbo-hydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fibre.

Day Three: eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. You system is now prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day four.

Day Four:, bananas, milk and soup sound the strangest and least desirable. You’re in for a surprise. You probably will not eat all the bananas allowed. But they are there for the potassium you have lost and the sodium you may have missed the past three days. You will notice a definite loss of desire for sweets. You will be surprised how easy this day will go.

Day Five, Beef and tomatoes. The beef is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fibre. Lots and lots of water purifies your system. You should notice colourless urine today. Your allowance calls for the equivalent of five “quarter ponders”. Do not feel you have to eat all this beef. You must eat the six tomatoes.

Day Six is similar to day five, Iron and proteins from beef, Vitamins and fibre from vegetables. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you look today, compared to day one.

Day Seven finished off the program like a good cigar used to finish off Victorian meals, except much healthier. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you just gave it.

Why are my breasts so sore now that I’m pregnant?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause increased blood flow and changes in the breast tissue, which may make your breasts feel swollen, sore, tingly, and unusually sensitive to touch. Some women describe the sensation as an exaggerated version of how their breasts feel before their period.

Breast tenderness is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. It usually starts around 4 to 6 weeks and lasts through the first trimester.

What other changes can I expect?

Starting at around 8 weeks, your breasts also begin to get bigger, and they’ll continue to grow throughout your pregnancy. It’s common to go up a cup size or two, especially if it’s your first baby. Your breasts may feel itchy as the skin stretches, and you may even develop stretch marks on them.

You may be able to see veins under the skin of your breasts, and you may find that your nipples are getting bigger and darker. After the first few months, your areolas — the pigmented circles around your nipples — will also be bigger and darker.

You may not have noticed the little bumps on your areolas before. But now these bumps, which are a type of oil-producing gland called Montgomery’s tubercles, may become much more pronounced. Your breasts go through these changes in preparation for nursing your baby.

Around your third month of pregnancy, your breasts start producing colostrum, the special milk your baby will get when he first starts nursing. During the last few months of pregnancy, you may begin to leak a small amount of this thick yellowish substance, although some women start to leak earlier and some never leak at all.

Can I do anything to reduce the soreness?

Your best bet is to find a few good, supportive bras. Take the time to get fitted by a knowledgeable salesperson in a large department store or maternity shop.

You may find that bras with underwires are less comfortable now. To prevent chafing, look for soft material with no seams near the nipple. Cotton bras will be more comfortable and breathable than synthetic.

For extra support during the day, try a maternity bra. (During your third trimester, you might want to invest in a nursing bra, since you’ll need one anyway if you’ll be breastfeeding.) For nighttime, try a pregnancy sleep bra — a soft, nonrestrictive cotton bra available at maternity stores.

It’s especially important to wear a supportive bra that fits properly while you exercise, because your breasts are heavier. A bra designed for exercise will provide the additional support you need and minimize discomfort.

Consider buying your bras with a bit of room to grow, since you may go up a size or two (both in cup size and chest circumference) as your breasts grow and your belly expands. Choose the ones that fit when the clasp is on the tightest setting, so you’ll have some room to let them out. This is definitely a good idea if you end up buying a nursing bra before you deliver.

source:http://www.babycenter.com/0_breast-changes-during-pregnancy_262.bc

The information in this article is derived from information published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Is swine flu more dangerous for pregnant women?

The swine flu virus now spreading in Mexico, the United States, and elsewhere is so new that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) doesn’t have a lot of data yet. The agency says it doesn’t have enough even to determine for sure who is at higher risk for complications from the illness.

In 1988, however, a previously healthy pregnant woman died after infection with another type of swine influenza virus. Moms-to-be are also known to be at higher risk for complications for the types of flu that arrive every year during “flu season” (called “seasonal flu”), and they’ve been more prone to complications during previous pandemics. So, the CDC says, it’s reasonable to assume that pregnant women are also at higher risk for complications from this swine flu.

What sorts of complications can happen?

Keep in mind that catching the flu when you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you or your baby is in danger. Many moms-to-be who get the flu have no complications. But statistically, pregnant women are more likely to develop a severe case of the flu. The illness can get bad very quickly and be complicated by infections such as pneumonia or by fetal distress.

Evidence that influenza can be more severe in pregnant women comes from observations during previous pandemics and from studies of pregnant women who come down with seasonal flu. For example, higher rates of flu-related deaths, miscarriage, and premature birth were reported for pregnant women during the pandemics of 1918–1919 and 1957–1958.

How can I avoid catching swine flu?

Unfortunately, there’s no vaccine against swine flu, but good-hygiene measures can help you stay well. For more details, click on “How can we avoid getting infected?” at the top of our article, “Swine Flu and Your Child.”

What symptoms should I watch for?

For a description of telltale swine flu symptoms, click on “How does swine flu affect humans?” at the top of our article, “Swine Flu and Your Child.”

What should I do if I think I might have swine flu?

Call your doctor immediately. The CDC recommends that pregnant women who might have swine flu be tested for the virus. If it’s confirmed, you’ll consult with your doctor to determine next steps and the best course of treatment.

How is swine flu treated in pregnant women?

Two antiviral medications, zanamivir and oseltamivir, seem to be effective against the swine flu virus. The CDC recommends that pregnant women who have “confirmed, probable or suspected swine influenza A (H1N1) infection” take one of those drugs.

Treatment with antiviral drugs should be started as soon as possible after symptoms appear, ideally within 48 hours. However, some studies on seasonal flu have shown benefits even if treatment is started more than 48 hours after symptoms begin.

Pregnant women should know that these are “category C” drugs. This means that no clinical studies have been done to determine whether they’re safe for pregnant women. Moms-to-be have taken oseltamivir and zanamivir to prevent or treat flu in the past, before swine flu came along, and no bad effects were reported for them or their babies. But because the effects have not been studied, the CDC says, “Oseltamivir or zanamivir should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the embryo or fetus.”

The CDC goes on to say that in this case, the benefits probably do outweigh the risks. “Pregnant women might be at higher risk for severe complications from swine influenza, and the benefits of treatment … with zanamivir or oseltamivir likely outweigh the theoretical risks of antiviral use.” The agency also cautions that its recommendations for use of antivirals by pregnant women might change as additional information on the benefits and risks for pregnant women becomes available.

What if I’ve been exposed to swine flu?

The CDC recommends that pregnant women in close contact with people who have suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) receive antiviral drugs as a preventive measure.

source: www.babycenter.com/0_swine-flu-during-pregnancy_10313151.bc

New York, NY - With the swine flu now holding the potential for a worldwide pandemic, there is perhaps no one more worried about getting sick than women who are pregnant.

This is particularly true for those of you over 35 who may already be struggling with fertility issues - or maybe undergoing fertility treatments right now.

The good news is that pregnancy doesn’t necessarily increase your risk for getting the swine flu - or any other type of flu. However, it is important to note that if you do get the flu while you are pregnant, studies show you are up to five times more likely to suffer serious complications - such as pneumonia. And that is often where most of the flu fatalities lie.

In terms of risks to your baby, the greatest threat from illnesses such as the flu occur from high fevers in the mother during pregnancy. Sustained body temperature over 101 degrees, and particularly over 102 degrees can increase the risk of miscarriage and lead to an increased risk of neural tube defects in your baby - which include life-threatening malformations of the brain and spine.

The good news is there are things you can do to prevent these problems even if you get the flu.

The first is to control your fever.The March of Dimes recommends acetaminophen (Tylenol) but talk to your doctor first to make certain it’s okay for you. You should also try to keep your body as cool as possible with cold compresses, and drink plenty of fluids. Pregnancy is not the time to “sweat out ” a fever.

Second is continue to take your prenatal vitamins - particularly 1000 mcg of folic acid. Studies conducted at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities in England, found that women who took a multi vitamin high in folic acid during pregnancy decreased their baby’s risk of birth defects, even if they ran a fever while pregnant.

In terms of the the two medications used to treat swine flu - Tamiflu and Relenza - like other flu medications they are ranked by the FDA as “Category C ” drugs - meaning they have not been tested for use during pregnancy. That said, it’s important to note that there have not been any cases of birth defects or other serious health concerns linked to the use of these drugs in pregnant women who have used them.

So, if symptoms are severe, your doctor might suggest a course of either drug, and if this is the case, experts say don’t be fearful.

Finally, relax and don’t worry! Right now, the stress and anxiety of worrying about getting sick is likely to cause you more harm than the risk of actually getting the flu, which at this point is still quite small.

Source: www.nowpublic.com/health/special-alert-swine-flu-pregnancy-and-fertility.

During pregnancy it is generally recommended that you try to avoid all medications as much as possible, including over-the-counter and herbal remedies. However, your immune system does not work as well as usual during pregnancy. This makes you more vulnerable to infections and illness, so try to avoid close contact with people with flu-like symptoms whenever possible.

If you do get a cold or flu, there are some measures you can take safely to ease the discomfort:

• Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, which contain vitamin C, will help fight infections.
• Drink plenty of water and juice.
• Don’t get overheated - it is important to remain at a normal temperature wherever possible. Paracetamol is safe to take in the recommended dosage.
• Get plenty of rest and make sure you are properly recovered before picking up your usual daily routine.
• Ask your pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicines, as they are not always suitable for use in pregnancy. Cold remedies and cough medicines often contain decongestants and/or antihistamines. These should in general be avoided, as sufficient research on the effects of these types of medicine in pregnancy has not been completed.
• The flu jab is not usually recommended unless you are in a particularly high-risk group for developing complications, for example, if you have asthma. Your doctor will be able to advise whether you should take it but if you have a serious allergy to hens’ eggs, it should be avoided.

Source: http://www.nhs.uk/

No doubt you’ve heard about the recent outbreaks of Swine Flu in several countries, including the United States. While I’m not ready to panic yet, I do want you to think about somethings if you are pregnant:

• Use precautions to avoid all illness when pregnant. Wash hands, avoid sick people, stay away from hospitals unless necessary, etc.
• If you think you are sick, take care of yourself. Talk to your regular doctor or nurse practitioner as well as your midwife or OB.
• If you do have the flu, see your practitioner. Doctors are saying that the general population should be treated with Tamiflu and Relenza, where appropriate. It is recommended that pregnant women understand that it is a pregnancy class C medication. This means “there are either no adequate studies, either animal or human, or there are adverse fetal effects in animal studies but no available human data.” Talk to your practitioner about it’s appropriateness for you.
• The flu vaccine is recommended in pregnancy but does not protect against the Swine Flu.

Source: http://pregnancy.about.com/b/2009/04/27/swine-flu-and-pregnancy.htm