Common Pregnancy Myths

As soon as you (or your belly) announce to the world that you are pregnant, the flow of unsolicited advice from everyone – even complete strangers – begins. As you are bombarded with this “information” on a daily basis, it can be hard to sort out what is true and what is not. It is also important to realize that much of what is said is based upon the opinion of the person saying it and that you are the best judge of what is right for you and your baby. Here are a couple of the more common pregnancy … Continue reading

Achieving a Low Risk Pregnancy

I am a type A personality. I like organization, structure, and well thought out plans. When I set a goal, I do everything in my power (within reason) to reach that goal. Before my husband and I began trying to achieve our first pregnancy, I began extensive research on pregnancy. I researched all the possible birthing options in my area. What I discovered from my research was the tools to have the best possible outcome for pregnancy and birth. While both of my pregnancy and birth experience were different, my goal for a low risk and (mostly) complication free (the … Continue reading

Continued Exercise During Pregnancy

It was my first pregnancy that convinced me that exercise should be a regular and consistent part of my daily and weekly routine. Having developed a firm commitment to exercise in the last three years, I find myself not only enjoying my workout routine during my second pregnancy but depending on it for relief from pregnancy aches and pains. I have discovered now more than ever before that consistency in a prenatal exercise is essential to a healthy pregnancy. In early pregnancy I continued to do my regular workouts without any need for modification. My goals at the beginning of … Continue reading

Overcoming the Obstacles to Exercise

Human beings need to exercise regularly. Regular exercise was not a big problem a century ago because the average person’s daily life required physical activity. Times have changed. Our survival no longer depends on the same physical demands of our ancestors, yet our bodies still require regular exercise to maintain optimal health. Numerous studies and years of research has revealed that it is equally important for pregnant women to remain active throughout their pregnancies and engage is regular exercise. Knowing that exercise should be an important part of every pregnant woman’s daily life is one thing. Committing to a regular … Continue reading

Why Exercise During Pregnancy

Our bodies were designed to be exercised. Our muscles are meant to be toned and our hormones depend on aerobic movement to stay in balance. Without exercise our metabolisms slow and our immune systems become weakened. Exercise is important and should play a significant role in our daily lives. The need for exercise does not go away with pregnancy, rather the need is increased. Countless studies have shown the health benefits of exercise for both mother and baby. Exercise relieves and prevents aches and pains that are common during pregnancy, which giving the mother a surge in endorphins giving her … Continue reading

Pregnancy and Baking

Baking is something I have not done in a long time. I absolutely love to bake and have been baking pretty regularly since I was eight years old. The only time I have not felt inclined to bake has been during my first trimesters. Of course there have been times when I really want to bake and choose not to given the amount of “empty calories” I tend to eat when I bake; and it is really hard to lose the baby weight with a dozen freshly baked chocolate chip cookies tempting me to indulge. Most recently, I gave up … Continue reading

Exercise in the First Trimester

Exercise is hard regardless if you are pregnant or not. It just is. It takes commitment, will-power, and education. For pregnant women exercise is absolutely imperative. Exercise along with diet can almost guarantee a pregnancy free of major complications, manageable labor, and natural delivery. Pregnant women are strongly encouraged to engage in some form of exercise daily during pregnancy. As to the intensity and type of exercise: this depends entirely on the individual pregnant woman. If she is active and has been exercising regularly before pregnancy, she can continue her regular exercise routine until it becomes uncomfortable at which point … Continue reading

Pregnancy Awareness Month (Part IV)

Our final topic for Pregnancy Awareness Months deals with what pregnant women need which is a topic that I am very passionate about. Meeting the genuine needs of pregnant women which in turn meets the needs of their babies. Five Things that Pregnant Women Need: Number One: Proper Nutrition You would think that this one is a no brainer, but it seems many people don’t understand what proper nutrition is and why it’s so important during pregnancy. A balance of nutrient dense foods plus a good prenatal are essential for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Pregnancy is not … Continue reading

Pregnancy Awareness Month (Part III)

As many of you know if you’re following this blog, May is Pregnancy Awareness Month. The advisory team at P.A.M. promote the initiatives of education, nutrition, exercise, and wellness/nurture. All of these initiatives are things that I have devoted a lot of time to researching and implementing in my daily life throughout my first pregnancy and beyond. It’s reaffirming to find an organization that is committed to informing women about how to attain the best possible outcomes for their pregnancies and their lives of raising their children well. Too often we take for granted the wealth of wisdom available to … Continue reading

Pregnancy Awareness Month (Part I)

May is pregnancy awareness month! In honor of the 4 million + babies born in the United States each year, P.A.M (Pregnancy Awareness Month) and O.N.E Coconut Water have teamed up to provide pregnant women with helpful tips for a healthy pregnancy. According to P.A.M., there are five things pregnant women want. Number One: Easy Uncomplicated Labor Easier said than done in some cases. I too desire and easy and uncomplicated labor. With my first pregnancy, I wouldn’t say labor was easy. Labor is hard and largely painful work. There are certainly factors that can make labor more difficult. For … Continue reading