13 Ways To Relieve Swelling During Pregnancy

Swollen ?hands and feet are very common during pregnancy. The medical term for this swelling is ‘edema’. Edema is nothing but excessive retention of water in the tissues.

During pregnancy the body tends to retain more water which gives rise to bloating or swelling of body parts. Sometimes certain changes in the composition of blood due to hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy also result in movement of fluids into the tissues.

Another reason for edema is the pressure exerted on the pelvis veins and the vena cava (the largest vein in the body that is located on the right side of the body and transports blood from the lower limbs to the heart and pressure on vena cava is also responsible for sciatica in some pregnant women) by the expanding uterus.

When pressure is applied on the veins they get compressed and take longer time to carry the blood back from the veins. As a result the blood gets accumulated in the veins and in turn pushes the other fluids in the veins into the surrounding tissues causing swelling.

Pregnant women suffering from edema will find their undergarments, ring fingers and even shoes becoming snug and tight due to swelling in the tissues.?The onset of edema is usually seen towards the end of the second trimester and by the third trimester it has fully set in. pregnant women who live in warm climate is more commonly affected with swollen hands and feet.

Fortunately, the swelling goes away within a week of your delivery. Once the body has delivered the baby it will rapidly start getting rid of the accumulated fluid. Therefore, women who suffer from edema during pregnancy often find themselves urinating and sweating in excess for a few days after giving birth.

Swollen hands and feet during pregnancy can be a very uncomfortable situation to be in. besides; edema makes the pregnant woman feel even worse about the physical changes taking place with her body. It is not always possible to avoid edema, however, there are successful ways in which edema can be prevented.

Keep your feet raised to the level of your heart when lying down. If working on a desk then simply rest your feet on a small stool or a stack of piles to prevent fluid accumulation. Don’t cross your legs or your ankles while sitting or standing because this will put pressure on the veins.

Don’t keep standing at one place for long. Take short walks after every hour to keep the fluid circulation going in your body. When going to sleep lie on your left side because the vena cava is located on the right side of the body. Resting on your right side will put added pressure on the vena cava resulting in swelling of hands and feet. Sleeping on your back or on your tummy is not recommended during pregnancy.

Do regular leg exercises especially if you spend most of your day seating at one place. Relieve the pressure from your veins by stretching the legs. First stretch your leg by pushing it away from your body and gently rotate the feet to give it some exercise. Now stretch your calf muscles. Move your ankles in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction to exercise them.

Do not give up on your regular walks in the morning or evening unless you have been put on bed rest. An increasing tummy often makes it impossible to walk. However, continue with the walking exercise by simply going for walks of shorter duration.

Do not wear heels at all. Heels are bad news for pregnant women not only because they hurt the back but also because they tend to aggravate the condition of edema. So avoid heels altogether. Instead wear comfortable shoes that can stretch easily to accommodate any swelling on the feet.

Avoid wearing socks or stockings that have tight bands. The tightness of the bands will cause the blood to pool in the particular area which will push the fluid into the tissues resulting in swelling. Get yourself a pair of waist-high maternity stockings for support. Wear them first thing in the morning so that the blood does not accumulate around your ankles and feet.

Ironically, the best way of preventing water retention is by drinking plenty of water. Water retention is often caused when the body feels it isn’t getting enough water. To avoid dehydration the body tends to stock up on the fluids. Water retention by the body causes swelling. So drink at least 12 glasses of water to keep up the proper circulation of fluids in the body.

Exercise regularly. Certain yoga postures are excellent for reducing water retention and swelling in the body. However, for pregnant women there is specific type of yoga called pre-natal yoga which effectively prevents and treats edema. If you cannot join pre-natal yoga classes then take up walking, swimming or cycling to give your body some exercise. Even water-aerobics is good for reducing the swelling caused by edema.

Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid junk foods and processed foods. Foods that contain high quantities or salt or oil are known to increase the condition of edema. Even food prepared using white flour contributes to causing swelling during pregnancy.

Keep your blood pressure in control by eating right. High blood pressure often pushes excess water into the body tissues. If you have high blood pressure then your doctor might have to treat you for prevention of preeclampsia.

The condition of edema does not affect the health of your baby in any way. Edema is not a serious medical condition unless you notice swelling on your face or you have puffy eyes; in which case it is advisable to see your doctor immediately. If you experience sudden or excessive swelling in your hands and feet then you could be possibly suffering from serious condition called preeclampsia. Any pain or swelling in one leg should also be reported immediately to your health care provider.

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Weekend Fashion – Look Glamorous During Weekends

Weekends are perfect for catching up with your friends, bonding with family, going shopping and watching movies with your partner. But after dressing up for office all five days in a skinny pencil skirt and a crisp button-up shirt or executive suits, we feel too lazy to gussy up on Saturdays and Sundays.

But then, off-duty does not mean that we can spend time only in pajamas! Make those two days exciting with a fuss-free and off-beat styles— something which you wouldn’t normally wear to the workplace– and look absolutely fabulous yet casual.

Get Striped

Load up on stripes. Stripes suit almost everybody. Usher in a sunny Saturday morning with a striped tee, paired with a plain trouser. Style stripes with bright colours— such as teaming up an electric blue silk top with a pale yellow and white striped cardigan over a white trouser. Or a black striped mini-skirt will complement an orange top, delicately embroidered at the neckline.

Throw a maritime striped jacket over a casual tee while you are out on a yachting trip. A striped long-sleeved oversized knitted dress with pushed up sleeves will be perfect for a chic afternoon look. How about highlighting your sexy collarbones with a boat-neck striped top? For an effortless glam, choose a striped single shoulder dress and accentuate your slim waist with a broad leather belt.

A halter dress with v-neck and diagonal stripes will feature a flirty shape and is perfect for a lunch date, while a sexy sheer number in peach with multi-colored stripes with scalloped hemline in muted tones will definitely turn on the heat.

Lounge around in an orange and pink striped tunic at home or make a jersey knit shirt dress in multi-colored stripes a staple in your wardrobe. For a relaxed week-end style, a striped tee or top can be teamed up with jeans, capris, minis, cut-offs, skirts and jumper. Key to wearing stripes is not to overdo it. You can also pick up sneakers, wedges, pumps and sandals in bold stripes and build around this key piece with complementary solid colors.

Cut Offs

Cutoffs are hot again! Since weekends are the time to break fashion rules, flaunt a Daisy Duke (denim shorts) or mid-thigh lengths. Make your look with a roughed up denim and a nude woven top or add a French twist to your Boho style with high-waisted shorts and classic Breton striped top. Or style your cutoffs with boots for a relaxed chic. Revive the flower-child theme with love beads and a braided belt.

Broome wrap-front culottes are ideal for hot summer days. Wear them with a bright-white tank and sandals for playful style. Or showcase your feminine style with cherry-embroidered silk shorts in bright pink with a matching bikini top for a sun-soaked getaway. What about a paisley-print stretch cotton-canvas shorts for a retro feel? It will look great with an embroidered tee and wedge sandals. Finally, a Swarovski crystal-embellished flag-print leather shorts will add a serious punch to your luxe mini-style.

Maxi Dress

Whether you want to beat the summer heat or to show off your shape, a sheer maxi dress is perfect for a casually stylish look with a feminine twist. Whether you are off for a music festival or on a picnic with friends, give yourself a style update with an airy, lace maxidress.

Or to create an interest, a vintage patternedcrop top can be paired with a sheer maxi skirt. Or catch the sunrays in a loose, swirling caftan with bold graphic pattern or unleash your sex appeal in a silk calf-length dress at night. Accessorise with a bunch of long beaded necklaces.

Ponchos

Weekend is the time to unleash your personal style. This is also the time when you want to put on something comfortable and funky. Ponchos have returned and were featured strongly on the catwalks this season. But soft and delicate fabrics have replaced the heavy, horse-blanket style of the past. The best thing about the ponchos is that it can be flaunted on any body type.? For a classic weekend look, style it with cropped jeans and ankle-boots.

Or throw a silky or sheer poncho over a pair of jeans for a casual chic or use an embroidered poncho over a black number for an ethnic style. You can dress up a poncho with a brooch, tassels and beads. A poncho with cowl-neck over flayers would also project your young avatar. Or what about a cashmere poncho with sleeves or an insulated one to beat the chill?

At Your Feet

When you think of comfort during weekends, the keds are the first footwear that comes to mind. They are available in basic white, black and blues to wild reds, funky oranges to electric blues and yellows. Give flights to your imagination with these fun sneakers with neon laces and discover the versatility of this fashion item. You can team up a pair of sneakers with shorts, denims, cropped pants or even a maxi dress for cool comfort.

The yellow sneakers would add an unexpected twist to a bohemian romper. If you prefer, go for girly frocks with boyish sneakers for an edgy vibe.
For that uber chic at the girls’ night out on Friday, opt for the leopard loafers or give a Grecian touch to your Hawaiian print wrap dress with lace-up sandals. A pair of fluorescent orange wedges or green heels will keep you updated with the season’s color message.

Add Boho charm to your breezy floral sundress with metallic leather gladiators, cutout leather flat sandals or fringed suede sandals. If too much girlie is not your style, anchor your looks with rugged accessories like a chunky-heeled boot and slouchy bag.

Jackets

Flip your boyfriend’s jacket this Saturday and pair it with a fitted top and capris. Avoid denim on denim. Instead, a leather jacket with brass buttons will make you look cool. Throw a jacket over a long tee and complete the look with patterned leggings.

For an equestrian style, pair your jacket with rugged skinny jeans and boots. Touches of fur and chic jewellery will add some spunk and offset the harshness of the look. Or a blazer in pastel shade can be combined with floral pants and white shirt. Add polish to pastel denims for brunch with a jacket in sequined leather or beaded silk-georgette or may be an embellished cotton one as per your mood.

Sparkle

Weekend is the right time to up your glam quotient. And remember that glitz need not be highlighted just for the evenings; it also looks great during the day.
Balance out your blings with muted tones. Fashion a sequined top with basic jeans or white trousers, or decorate your neckline with bold necklaces for an off-duty look. If you wish, let your accessories do the glitzy job in the form of? belts, clutches and shiny bangles for a night time feel.

Pulling it Together

While your weekend look should be relaxed, it shouldn’t be sloppy. Work out the? free-spirited look while shopping, running errands, or even at the movies, with your outfits and accessories. A bold striped canvas bag is great for weekends; or the nautical-inspired tote bag in navy pinstripes and red details will be just right for shopping spree with the girls and? a multi-colored mini hobo with detachable handle and shoulder strap will take you from lunch with friends to museum visit with your mom to the movies at night.

A cognac-colored statement boot with leather-trimmed raffia tote will perk up a neutral outfit. Wear a more fitted top with baggier jeans or vice versa to avoid the messy look. Layered chains or statement necklaces will keep you trendy. If you are chucking the neck-piece, wear a cuff or a cocktail ring.

So let yourself shine, even on the most casual of days. When the strict suit or fancy frock comes off, your low-key, laid-back style can flourish. Whether you want to add a touch of punk for a cool-chick edge or highlight haute-hippie charms in worn-out jeans or be sweet and feminine with pretty pinks and flouncy florals, do not forget that the main idea behind weekend dressing is having fun!

Weekends are perfect for catching up with your friends, bonding with family, going shopping and watching movies with your partner. But after dressing up for office all five days in a skinny pencil skirt and a crisp button-up shirt or executive suits, we feel too lazy to gussy up on Saturdays and Sundays. But then, off-duty does not mean that we can spend time only in pajamas! Make those two days exciting with a fuss-free and off-beat styles— something which you wouldn’t normally wear to the workplace– and look absolutely fabulous yet casual.

Get Striped
Load up on stripes. Stripes suit almost everybody. Usher in a sunny Saturday morning with a striped tee, paired with a plain trouser. Style stripes with bright colours— such as teaming up an electric blue silk top with a pale yellow and white striped cardigan over a white trouser. Or a black striped mini-skirt will complement an orange top, delicately embroidered at the neckline. Throw a maritime striped jacket over a casual tee while you are out on a yachting trip. A striped long-sleeved oversized knitted dress with pushed up sleeves will be perfect for a chic afternoon look. How about highlighting your sexy collarbones with a boat-neck striped top?
For an effortless glam, choose a striped single shoulder dress and accentuate your slim waist with a broad leather belt.
A halter dress with v-neck and diagonal stripes will feature a flirty shape and is perfect for a lunch date, while a sexy sheer number in peach with multi-colored stripes with scalloped hemline in muted tones will definitely turn on the heat.
Lounge around in an orange and pink striped tunic at home or make a jersey knit shirt dress in multi-colored stripes a staple in your wardrobe. For a relaxed week-end style, a striped tee or top can be teamed up with jeans, capris, minis, cut-offs, skirts and jumper.
Key to wearing stripes is not to overdo it. You can also pick up sneakers, wedges, pumps and sandals in bold stripes and build around this key piece with complementary solid colors.

Cut Offs

Cutoffs are hot again! Since weekends are the time to break fashion rules, flaunt a Daisy Duke (denim shorts) or mid-thigh lengths. Make your look with a roughed up denim and a nude woven top or add a French twist to your Boho style with high-waisted shorts and classic Breton striped top. Or style your cutoffs with boots for a relaxed chic. Revive the flower-child theme with love beads and a braided belt.
Broome wrap-front culottes are ideal for hot summer days. Wear them with a bright-white tank and sandals for playful style.
Or showcase your feminine style with cherry-embroidered silk shorts in bright pink with a matching bikini top for a sun-soaked getaway.
What about a paisley-print stretch cotton-canvas shorts for a retro feel? It will look great with an embroidered tee and wedge sandals.
Finally, a Swarovski crystal-embellished flag-print leather shorts will add a serious punch to your luxe mini-style.

Maxi Dress

Whether you want to beat the summer heat or to show off your shape, a sheer maxidress is perfect for a casually stylish look with a feminine twist. Whether you are off for a music festival or on a picnic with friends, give yourself a style update with an airy, lace maxidress.
Or to create an interest, a vintage patterned crop top can be paired with a sheer maxi skirt.
Or catch the sunrays in a loose, swirling caftan with bold graphic pattern or unleash your sex appeal in a silk calf-length dress at night. Accessorise with a bunch of long beaded necklaces.

Ponchos

Weekend is the time to unleash your personal style. This is also the time when you want to put on something comfortable and funky. Ponchos have returned and were featured strongly on the catwalks this season. But soft and delicate fabrics have replaced the heavy, horse-blanket style of the past. The best thing about the ponchos is that it can be flaunted on any body type.? For a classic weekend look, style it with cropped jeans and ankle-boots.
Or throw a silky or sheer poncho over a pair of jeans for a casual chic or use an embroidered poncho over a black number for an ethnic style. You can dress up a poncho with a brooch, tassels and beads. A poncho with cowl-neck over flayers would also project your young avatar. Or what about a cashmere poncho with sleeves or an insulated one to beat the chill?

At Your Feet

When you think of comfort during weekends, the keds are the first footwear that comes to mind. They are available in basic white, black and blues to wild reds, funky oranges to electric blues and yellows. Give flights to your imagination with these fun sneakers with neon laces and discover the versatility of this fashion item. You can team up a pair of sneakers with shorts, denims, cropped pants or even a maxi dress for cool comfort.
The yellow sneakers would add an unexpected twist to a bohemian romper. If you prefer, go for girly frocks with boyish sneakers for an edgy vibe.
For that uber chic at the girls’ night out on Friday, opt for the leopard loafers or give a Grecian touch to your Hawaiian print wrap dress with lace-up sandals. A pair of fluorescent orange wedges or green heels will keep you updated with the season’s color message.
Add Boho charm to your breezy floral sundress with metallic leather gladiators, cutout leather flat sandals or fringed suede sandals.
If too much girlie is not your style, anchor your looks with rugged accessories like a chunky-heeled boot and slouchy bag.

Jackets

Flip your boyfriend’s jacket this Saturday and pair it with a fitted top and capris. Avoid denim on denim. Instead, a leather jacket with brass buttons will make you look cool. Throw a jacket over a long tee and complete the look with patterned leggings.
For an equestrian style, pair your jacket with rugged skinny jeans and boots. Touches of fur and chic jewellery will add some spunk and offset the harshness of the look. Or a??????????? blazer in pastel shade can be combined with floral pants and white shirt.
Add polish to pastel denims for brunch with a jacket in sequined leather or beaded silk-georgette or may be an embellished cotton one as per your mood.

Sparkle

Weekend is the right time to up your glam quotient. And remember that glitz need not be highlighted just for the evenings; it also looks great during the day.
Balance out your blings with muted tones. Fashion a sequined top with basic jeans or white trousers, or decorate your neckline with bold necklaces for an off-duty look.
If you wish, let your accessories do the glitzy job in the form of? belts, clutches and shiny bangles for a night time feel.

Pulling it Together

While your weekend look should be relaxed, it shouldn’t be sloppy. Work out the? free-spirited look while shopping, running errands, or even at the movies, with your outfits and accessories.
A bold striped canvas bag is great for weekends; or the nautical-inspired tote bag in navy pinstripes and red details will be just right for shopping spree with the girls and? a multi-colored mini hobo with detachable handle and shoulder strap will take you from lunch with friends to museum visit with your mom to the movies at night.
A cognac-colored statement boot with leather-trimmed raffia tote will perk up a neutral outfit.
Wear a more fitted top with baggier jeans or vice versa to avoid the messy look.
Layered chains or statement necklaces will keep you trendy. If you are chucking the neck-piece, wear a cuff or a cocktail ring.

So let yourself shine, even on the most casual of days. When the strict suit or fancy frock comes off, your low-key, laid-back style can flourish. Whether you want to add a touch of punk for a cool-chick edge or highlight haute-hippie charms in worn-out jeans or be sweet and feminine with pretty pinks and flouncy florals, do not forget that the main idea behind weekend dressing is having fun!

View the original article here

9 Easy Ways To Remain Fit During Pregnancy

Many women feel that on becoming pregnant they should give up on exercising completely. The truth is that women who exercise during pregnancy are fit and their bodies are better prepared to deal with labor at the end of the nine months.

Exercising during pregnancy also helps women regain their pre-pregnancy weight faster. However, there are exercises like cycling and long distance running which should be avoided during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important that you change your exercises as the pregnancy progresses.

While exercising during pregnancy is healthy, it is also important that you exercise carefully. Leading an active lifestyle will ensure you a fit and healthy pregnancy but you must be careful on where to draw the line when it comes to exercising while being pregnant. You should not overexert yourself and end up becoming tired and sick.

Carrying a baby as it is takes toll on the body and you definitely don’t want to add anything else on to it. Many women see this as an excuse to not exercise at all during pregnancy. These women find it harder to shed baby weight post pregnancy than women who do light to moderate exercises throughout the nine months.

Before you begin any exercise routine it is important t check with your doctor whether you are physically fit to do so. Some women are advised complete bed rest during their pregnancy. Such women should not even attempt light exercises like walking as it can cause harm to fetus and the pregnancy can end up in miscarriage. Your doctor is your best guide and it is wise to seek his/her opinion when it comes to physical activity during pregnancy.

Photo Credit: Glamour.com

Try and perform the same physical activities that you were doing before you became pregnant. This might include your household chores like cleaning, washing utensils, shopping for groceries and cooking. However, now that you are pregnant you should also listen to your body and not push yourself to perform tasks if you body does not permit you to do so. You will be harming yourself and your unborn child.

Join pre-natal yoga classes where you will learn about the importance of correct breathing. This will be of use to you when you go into labor. During your first trimester go for fifteen minutes walk in the morning and ten minutes walk in the evening every day without fail. Increase the duration of the walks to twenty minutes in the morning and fifteen minutes in the evening during second trimester.

With the start of the third and last trimester of your pregnancy make it a conscious effort to walk for ten to fifteen minutes after every hour. This will keep you active and make labor less stressful. Unless you have been advised complete bed rest by your doctor don’t lead an inactive life or your pregnancy will be unhealthy and there will be increased chances of acquiring gestational diabetes.

Many people will recommend that you now have to eat for two. Don’t take it literally. Pregnant women don’t have to overstuff themselves to keep the fetus healthy. Pregnancy should also not be seen as a chance of eating calorie-rich and unhealthy food. Eat foods rich in vitamins, proteins, nutrients and carbohydrates. Don’t indulge too much in your pregnancy cravings unless they are of the healthy types. Stick to a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables and grains. Instead of eating three heavy meals eat six small meals through the day. This will keep your cravings under check.

Drink plenty of water. Increase your intake of water to 10-12 glasses each day. This will keep the digestive system working smoothly as many women complain of constipation during pregnancy. Drinking water will also help you avoid water retention which is one main cause of swelling of hands and feet.

Photo Credit: Duringpregnancy.info

Join a gym. Talk to your trainer about your pregnancy so that he/she can design a set of exercises suitable for your condition. Do not indulge in vigorous exercising or lifting heavy weights. The idea is not to lose weight but to remain slim. You can use the cross trainer, treadmill and the cycling machine safely right till the day you deliver; but remember not to overdo any of the cardio-vascular exercises.

Crunches can be performed throughout the first trimester. However, once your belly starts expanding you will find it difficult to perform crunches. Take up other exercises that involve squatting. Squatting will help you during labor as well making your delivery smooth. Swimming is another way of remaining fit throughout the nine months of pregnancy. It is a low-impact cardio-vascular exercise and hence will not tire you out easily.

Join a class of Pilates. This new form of toning the body is an excellent way of keeping fit during pregnancy. The exercise also helps you drop weight easily post pregnancy. If there are no classes of Pilates around your locality then you can even but DVDs of Pilates and follow the instruction given in the DVD.

Join pregnancy classes and take your partner along. The classes are a great way of knowing everything about pregnancy right from pregnancy related exercises, pregnancy diet and what to expect during labor and how to prepare for delivery. Besides, the classes are also a good way of getting to meet other pregnant women and exchange notes.

It is necessary that you do not lead a physically inactive pregnancy. This can be harmful for both the mother and the unborn child. You doctor will let you know when he/she feels that you are pushing yourself too hard and that your body needs to rest.

Studies have also shown that children born to mothers who do not live healthy during pregnancy often end up becoming obese during their childhood and adult years. As a mother it is in your hands to give your child a healthy and disease-free life. Besides, remaining fit during pregnancy will help you shed off the extra pounds faster post delivery.

Photo Credit: Thepregnancyzone.com

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Easy Tips To Ease Out Labour Pains During Delivery

This is a well known fact that giving birth to a child is a rebirth for a woman. The pain both physical and mental pain which a woman goes through during delivery is just like taking a second birth yourself.

Be it the first pregnancy of the fourth pregnancy every time there is the same excitement and the same pain which the mother has to go through. But all these traumatic pains can be taken care of with few easy tips which will make you sail smoothly through the whole delivery process. Just like you cannot rum for marathon without earlier practice same way you cannot make delivery easier if you are not making yourself prepared for it in advance.

It is very important for pregnant mothers to be mentally and p0hysiclaly prepared for delivery and this will really help them to overcome the task in much easier way. But before we learn some ways to make the delivery easy we should be well aware of the fact that there is no magical formula or therapy which will be applicable on all pregnant women, there might be some implications on some women and some might get great benefit form these tips. The reason being that no two women have same kind of pregnancy experiences and delivery pains in the same way.

The main factors which influence the delivery pains are
Body build up
Hormonal level during pregnancy
Position of the baby in the womb

The most important factor amongst all these is the position of the baby in the womb, because if the position is not normal then the delivery will be very painful.

The sitting posture of the pregnant women should be right during pregnancy it helps a lot. Instead of lying all the time on the bed they should sit on straight chair with their tummy a bit moved towards the front of the chair. This position helps in bringing the child in the correct position in the womb. This also helps in engaging the head of the child in the pelvis in the right way.

Light massage is the key ayurvedic tip which eases the delivery pains or what we call labour pains. There is a especial Perineum Massage for pregnant women where essential oils like rose oil is mixed with almond or olive oil and massaged with very light hands below the navel and above the vaginal area. This massage can be started 15 days before the expected delivery date given by the doctor. This perineum massage makes the tissues soft so this reduces the wear and tear of the tissues during the delivery.

Foot massage is very effective in making the labour period shorter. You can do foot massage with light hands for 6 weeks.

The area below the waist can be massages with these essential oils mixed with olive oil or almond oil and the massage should be done with medium pressure. It helps in two ways firstly our mind gets diverted because our body reacts to one sensation only at a time so if we are putting pressure in this area our mind will start responding to it only and this way we will forget the labour pains. Secondly massage in this area helps in releasing hormone called endomorphin which are natural pain killers and are 200 times more effective than the artificial sedatives like morphine.

Research has established that women who practice pranayam which is another form of breathing exercise under the care of a yoga trainer have an easier delivery than the ones who do not do pranayam. But remember it is important to do the yoga under a professional trainer only.

This is an effective breathing exercise which helps a lot in easing out the delivery pains. First inhale while counting from one to four and stop for few seconds and then start exhaling by counting from one to eight. This helps in increasing oxygen content in the blood which keeps our mind stress free and the feeling of pain is also reduced. You should practise this breathing exercise through the whole pregnancy periods and try to follow it between the two cycles of the labour pain.

Try to imagine your delivery in your mind like a movie and visualise your uterus just like a lotus flower. Imagine that the lotus leaves are opening from the head of your baby and slowly your baby is coming out of the flower without any pain. Now the smiling baby is in your arms. It might sound a bit silly but if you keep on imagining this way this idea will get in your sub conscious mind and when you are in labour pains it will help in relaxing your uterus and pelvis muscles.

Stay away from the people who tell you about their painful and traumatic experiences about delivery, because such people will only scare you in advance about the whole labour pains. The more you feel? horrified there will be more secretion of adrenaline which is a tress hormone and this way the stress level will rise in your body .This will slow down the blood circulation to the uterus and thus will make the labour process more complicated and slower.

Choose very wisely that who would stay with you in the labour room whether your mother, husband or friend. The person should be the one who will keep you calm and should be able to support you at every step.

The word expressing the labour pains and delivery should be full of positivity like they should never be called labour pains rather we should referrer them as Pressure or tightening. The more positively you take and talk about labour the easier it will be for you.

When in the stage of labour pain always talk to yourself on a positive note that every stage is bringing you closer to your baby and finally you would be able to hold your baby in your arms. The optimistic attitude will help you to sail through the whole process smoothly and nicely and the bundle of joy will be near you soon.

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Safe Exercises During Pregnancy Which Keep Your Baby Safe

Many women are quite worried about increased weight during pregnancy. Though pregnancy is a very beautiful phase in the life of a woman, yet a rise in weight every day can put a lady into great stress.

Being overweight is what is not at all accepted by the modern woman! Women are tremendously cautious about their appearance and feel very awkward during the pregnancy phase because of extra body weight.? It is true that in order to keep in good physical condition, people follow various kinds of workout plans and diet plans.

The same rule can be applied during pregnancy too! Exercising during pregnancy can be of massive support in keeping the weight under control. However, most of the pregnant ladies are worried about the fact that doing exercises during pregnancy can prove to be risky for the baby.? This concern of the mothers regarding their unborn child is quite natural.

But, there are certain safe exercises for pregnancy, which can be followed on regular basis, so that extra body weight is not put on. Here we are going to discuss about certain tips which a pregnant woman should keep into mind with respect to exercises. Also, we shall throw some light on a few safe exercises which can be carried out during pregnancy.

Here follows some of the precautionary steps that a pregnant lady should take during the pregnancy period.

Before going in for any exercises during pregnancy, the lady should first seek the advice of her gynecologist or healthy care practitioner to determine the suitability of exercises, taking into consideration her health.

It is recommended for pregnant ladies to avoid indulging themselves into dangerous sport activities, so as to prevent any kind of risk for the baby.

Pregnant women should wear lose fitting clothes in order to provide adequate space for the baby to grow properly.

For preventing excess weight during pregnancy, it is essential that all the toxins are flushed out properly from the body. In this case, ladies should make it a point to consume ample water on daily basis to keep their digestive system healthy and fit.

Moving all the time and doing small works on their own would keep the lady in good health. , A few examples include getting up and taking water, turning on and turning off the TV, and opening the door if the door bell rings.

It is advised to be very slow and careful while getting up from floor. Any kind of wrong movement may be risky for baby’s health.

Lying flat on the back should be avoided. By keeping in mind the tips given above, pregnant ladies would be able to prevent weight gain and live a healthy and safe pregnancy.

Apart from keeping in mind the tips given above, the following workouts have been considered to be beneficial in preventing excess weight gain, except the weight of the baby, among pregnant ladies.

One of the most beneficial exercises during pregnancy is walking. Pregnant women ought to make walking as a habit in their daily routine. They should go for a walk daily for half an hour in the morning and in the evening, so that their metabolism level remains enhanced, and they are capable of carrying their baby healthily. Also, regular walking would help in maintaining optimum body weight, and prevent excessive weight gain.

The benefits of yoga with respect to pregnant women cannot be denied. Yoga has been into limelight for several years and has been proven to be quite effective for pregnant ladies with regard to maintaining their energy level and optimum weight of the body. So, a yoga practitioner should be consulted to learn about the yoga positions which can be of colossal help in keeping the pregnant ladies in good physical health.

Pilates is also considered to be a good choice for pregnant women. In this fitness technique, mind is used in a skillful way to keep the muscles and body in good health. The flexibility, control and strength of the body would be significantly improved with the aid of Pilates as a crucial form of exercise during pregnancy. Also, this form of exercise assists in maintaining appropriate coordination between arms, legs, abdominals and back.

Swimming

Swimming is one of the most ideal forms of exercises during pregnancy, as it not only helps in providing cardiovascular benefits to the pregnant lady, but also assists in improving the muscles of a woman. The lady would feel extremely light weight while doing swimming in spite of the weight of the baby that she carries.

Aerobics is a fun way of remaining in good body shape. An interesting fact about low impact aerobic exercises is that they follow a consistent and steady time slot, with each and every movement being quite safe.

Women really love to dance. There is no harm in dancing during pregnancy. A few women believe that dancing can be risky. However, you can enjoy dancing as long as there are no lifts and jumps. So, you can enjoy the steps and music of dancing during pregnancy and stay fit.

This is a safe form of pregnancy exercise which should be carried out for ten to fifteen minutes on daily basis as it would assist in keeping you relaxed and fit. Also, this exercise would help in preventing strain in muscles and would keep the body healthy. By exercising appropriately during pregnancy, you would notice immense improvement in your health and would also be able to deliver the baby safely.

The delivery of the baby would be facilitated if a woman continues exercising during pregnancy. Also, labor pain at the time of delivery would be significantly reduced and the baby would be born without much pain. So, pregnant women ought to follow the exercises for pregnancy as discussed in this article, to ensure safe birth of the baby and to prevent extra weight gain.

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