Pregnancy

A First-Time Mother's Guide To Things You Can And Cannot Do When You're Pregnant

We all know that you should not smoke, drink, or do drugs when you're pregnant. 

Beyond that, there are many myths and truths as to what you can and cannot do when you are pregnant. 

For instance, my superstitious mother-in-law would not allow me to stand on a balcony to watch fireworks or go to a funeral during my pregnancy.  Still, both of these things were certainly fine to do.

Following are some of the most important, fact-based things that you SHOULD NOT do when pregnant, as well as some of the questionable things that you CAN, in fact, do while pregnant...

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Tips For Dealing With The Blues Associated With Postnatal Depression & Postpartum Depression

Having a child is usually an occasion for great joy and celebration. 

After all, who can resist the sight of a newborn? Who doesn't want to hold that little one in their own arms? 

But, there can be another side to this occasion that is not such a happy one for the mother.  Sometimes after birth, the mother may develop a form of depression known as postnatal depression or postpartum depression.

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Pros & Cons Of Using Fetal Dopplers & Heartbeat Monitors To Track Your Baby's Growth At Home

In a world filled with technological devices, it shouldn't be surprising that parents are buying and renting devices that monitor the baby, including fetal heartbeat monitors and fetal dopplers.

Even 12 years ago when I was pregnant with my second child, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my doctor owned an ultrasound machine and treated me to a visual presentation of my child at every appointment.  I still never imagined being able to have listening devices at home just over a decade later. 

Today, parents are using fetal heartbeat monitors and fetal dopplers so they can monitor their newborn at will.  The purpose of having your own fetal monitor is to give peace of mind that your baby is doing well. 

This new trend cannot be without its drawbacks, though.  Following are the pros and cons of using a fetal doppler to monitor your baby at home.

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Pros & Cons of Baby Cord Blood Preservation

Most expectant families are faced with decisions like:

• What will we name the child? 

• Should we circumcise? 

• Are cloth diapers a good idea? 

• Should we use an epidural?

In recent years however, another major issue must be decided upon prior to the birth of the child.  That is: to preserve the baby's cord blood or not. 

Ever since a child was successfully treated with cord blood stem cells to cure his Fanconi anemia in 1988, the popularity of cord blood banking has increased.

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The Cost Of Having A Baby - See How Much It REALLY Costs

Sometimes, I think we must be crazy for having children, especially considering the cost. And I'm just referring to the monetary expense.

The cost of a normal vaginal delivery alone is enough to nearly bankrupt a family. That is, if they don't have their health care insurance needs met.

With marked regional variation, estimates of the cost of having a baby in the U.S. range from $6,000 to $8,000 for a normal vaginal delivery and $10,000 to $12,000 for a cesarean birth (on up to as much as $14,000 in certain parts of the country). If you are covered by insurance, it may take care of virtually all of the cost or only a fraction, depending on your plan and whether your doctor and hospital are preferred providers.
-- Dr. Spock

Fortunately, most new parents have these charges paid by insurance or other healthcare providers, so few people ever count the expense of the doctor and hospital. However, if you do not have insurance, you can expect to pay approximately $8,000.

If you do have insurance, realize that you and/or your employer are paying health care premiums which generally costs $273 a month for a family. If you paid only for individual insurance before having the baby, the cost of your health insurance should be added to the cost of having a baby.

View the survey: U.S. Health Insurance Costs Rise Nearly Twice As Fast As Pay

Continue reading: The REAL Cost Of Having A Baby

7 Natural Cures For Morning Sickness

While not every woman who is pregnant suffers from morning sickness, many do. Morning sickness can really be a problem for the pregnant woman, especially if she is trying to juggle a family and a job on top of being pregnant.

If you've ever been sitting at your desk at work and suddenly had to make a run for the restroom with your ungainly body trying to keep up, then you know what I mean.

Pregnancy is one of those times when you don't want to take many medications for fear of harming  the baby, so natural cures for common pregnancy related symptoms are always welcome.

Here are 7 natural cures for morning sickness...

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A Collection Of Frugal Pregnancy Ideas

Here are some things you can do to save money during your pregnancy...

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8 Great Gifts For The Dad-To-Be

So your best friend, brother or cousin's wife is pregnant with their first child.

I'll bet you're wondering what to get the dad-to-be, right?

When this happened to me 2 years ago, at first I wasn't even sure what I could get him that would relate to his becoming a father. I didn't know if there were good gifts geared towards dads-to-be.

Well, I'm here to tell you there are. But even if the gifts on the following list that are obviously geared towards the new dad-to-be don't strike your fancy, I've included some that are not so obvious as well.

Here are some gift ideas for the guy in your life that is about to become a father...

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8 Great Gifts For The Mom-To-Be

Do you have a friend or relative who is pregnant this holiday season?

While I don't this year, I have had this experience and I know that it can be difficult trying to figure out what to get her -- especially since you may not know what everyone else has already gotten her.

The first thing to do (if you can) is find out what others are getting her or have already given her, so that you don't duplicate what someone else has already done.

Here are some great gift ideas for the mom-to-be...

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10 Fun Ways To Make A Creative Pregnancy Announcement

The day has finally come, your pregnancy test was positive, you've double-checked with your doctor and you really are pregnant!

Now you're wondering how to let everyone know.

Well, there are several fun, creative ways you can let your husband, friends and family know that you are going to be adding a new baby to the family.

Here are some interesting ways to announce that you are pregnant...

Continue reading: 10 Fun Ways To Announce Pregnancy