J. Lo. Welcomes Twins

Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony welcomed their fraternal twins very early this morning in Long Island. via About.com

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Fertility Medications: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

If your doctor prescribes fertility medications, you may be given human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This medication is not used alone for the treatment of infertility. HCG is used in the same cycle as other fertility medication injections, such as gonadotropins.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Co-Parenting and Eating Cake

If you are considering open adoption and are being vocal with this consideration or doing any research, you may see (if you are reading online) and hear from others various myths about open adoption. One of those common myths is that open adoption is comparable to co-parenting. I’ve even heard some people go as far as to say that open adoption is a glorified form of baby sitting or that open adoption is “having your cake and eating it too.”First of all, let’s look at the definition for co=parenting. Co-parenting is defined as:An arrangement in which parents share... [...] Read more!

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[Source: Crisis Pregnancy Blog]

It’s not your Job to Make Others Happy

In my last post, I ranted about an adoption agency website that boasted their luxury living quarters complete with a swimming pool and twenty four hour state of the art exercise facility for expectant mothers making adoption plans.On that same agency website was a page that listed the “possible benefits of adoption for birthmothers.” Some of them were basic “benefits” that I’d read before like the ability to continue your educate without juggling a child and school.... [...] Read more!

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[Source: Crisis Pregnancy Blog]

Reading to Baby Before Birth

It may sound silly to begin reading to your baby before he or she is born, but it actually has numerous benefits. via About.com

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Managing Gestational Diabetes

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, you are not alone. About five percent of pregnant women will develop this condition. Nearly all pregnant women are screened for gestational diabetes in the second trimester, usually by the 28th week.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Agency Provided Housing during Pregnancy

In many states, expectant mothers making adoption plans can receive assistance with living expenses either through the adoption agency (which is usually paid for by the prospective adoptive parents anyways) they are working with or from the prospective adoptive parents they have chosen. I understand that living expenses are often needed by expectant mothers considering adoption. In fact, I needed them myself for a short time. Once I began having pregnancy complications and was put on bed rest, I could no longer work. Charlie’s adoptive parents were able to give me expenses... [...] Read more!

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[Source: Crisis Pregnancy Blog]

Pregnancy Complications Tied to Viral Infections

via HealthDay News at Washingtonpost.com

Exposure to viral infection -- especially herpes viruses -- may be associated with high blood pressure during pregnancy and preterm birth, Australian researchers report.

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PregnancyWeekly.com

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog - For All Your Pregnancy Things by PregnancyWeekly]

The Pregnancy Blog Review Feb 10 - 23

A wide range of topics related to infertility, pregnancy and birth have been covered recently in the pregnancy blog. Wherever you are on the road to parenthood, you will find something relevant in this review and the pregnancy blog archives.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Quick, Easy Tips For Morning Sickness Relief

Before you rush to your doctor for morning sickness medication, try some home remedies for morning sickness relief. via American Chronicle

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Choosing a Health Care Provider for VBAC

One of the biggest factors in the success of a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is your health care provider. In some cases, the choice of a health care provider can mean the difference between VBAC success and another c section.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Tips for Caring for Your Teeth

As you may know, pregnancy affects your whole body. What you may not realize is the effect being pregnant can have on your teeth. Without proper care, tooth loss or pregnancy induced gingivitis could be the result.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Epidurals and Interventions in Labor

Many women consider their epidurals the saving grace during labor. Women have varying beliefs; with some believing a natural birth is the safest thing for mom and baby. Others can't understand why anyone would ever give birth without the benefit of an epidural.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Are Lotions For Stretch Marks Really What They Claim To Be?

There is no concrete evidence that proves that lotions for stretch marks are the ultimate solution for pregnancy stretch marks. via American Chronicle

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Does Natural Birth Really Matter?

Proponents of natural child birth say natural birth is the safest option for both mothers and their babies. Some women swear by the epidural and will recommend one immediately upon hearing the news that you are expecting a baby.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

The Comforts Of A Snug Maternity Novelty T-Shirt

Millions of expecting women swear by the comfort of soft maternity novelty t-shirts. When you have to deal with various pregnancy symptoms, the last thing that you will want is to deal with ill-fitting clothes. via American Chronicle

Read More...

[Source: Pregnancy News]

Judge: Pharmacists don't have to sell 'Plan B'

"That is the only drug that I refuse to dispense."

Pharmacists and drug store owners in Washington can still refuse to sell the "morning-after pill" if they have religious objections to the emergency contraceptives, a federal judge ruled Friday. via KOMOradio

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Yoga After Miscarriage

"Well, if this could happen, who knows what other terrible things could happen?"

One of the hardest parts about trying to get pregnant again after my miscarriages was learning to trust my body. via BellaOnline

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Open Adoption Advice

Are you considering an open adoption plan for your unborn baby? I remember when I first heard of open adoption. Charlie’s adoptive mother, A, was actually the person who explained open adoption to me. There was so much I didn’t know about open adoption and honestly, I’m still learning things about open adoption. We kind of figure it out as we go along. I’ve been living in an open adoption for over six years now. We’ve done some things correctly and we’ve made our share of mistakes too. Over the years, I’ve also gotten to know other birthmothers and adoptive parents who are... [...] Read more!

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[Source: Crisis Pregnancy Blog]

How You and Your Baby Grow

"Mommy, I heard the music and said, 'You're too loud mommy! Then I kicked a lot.'"

Being pregnant makes following the growth of your baby that much more exciting. It's also not bad to try and track your own "growth" via photos. via About.com

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Nursing Mothers & Postpartum Pain Relief

Postpartum pain is something that most people don't consider. If you've had an episiotomy or cesarean section then you will most likely need to prescribed pain medications. via About.com

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Unplanned Equals Unwanted and Unloved?

Society sometimes views adopted children as unwanted or unloved because the birth mother made an adoption plan and “gave her baby away” that she didn’t want or love her child. Do mothers who make adoption plans really not love for children or not want them? Of course not! Just because an expectant mother is considering adoption or actively making an adoption plan does not make her baby unwanted or any less loved than the woman painting her nursery pink down the street. I didn’t try to get pregnant with Charlie and I didn’t want to get pregnant at that time in my... [...] Read more!

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[Source: Crisis Pregnancy Blog]

Creating Pregnancy Calendars

When you get pregnant, you may decide to document this special time in your life. Although during pregnancy time can feel like it is passing very slowly, it will be over before you know it. Creating a pregnancy calendar is a special way to remember this time in your life.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

The “Perfect” Family

Are you searching for the perfect family for your child? Many times I have heard expectant mothers making adoption plans comment that they are searching for the perfect family to adopt their child. I have seen some mothers choose families pretty quickly as they find a family that meets what they are looking for easily while others may struggle, take a long time looking through profiles of prospective couples, interview and meet with multiple couples, and have a harder time finding a family that meets what they are looking for. What constitutes a perfect family? Is it two... [...] Read more!

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[Source: Crisis Pregnancy Blog]

Is Tanning Safe?

Whether you are thinking of escaping the frigid temperatures on an island paradise or just visiting your local tanning salon, you may be worried about the effect on your baby.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Giveaway of emergency contraception angers anti-abortion group

"This is all about Planned Parenthood gaining free advertising to build its customer base among sexually active teens"

A free giveaway of emergency contraception doses at Planned Parenthood health centers in Indiana cities with large college populations has angered an anti-abortion group, whose leader calls it "irresponsible." ... via WSBT

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Valentine's Day Baby Names

So you're due any day and you realized that Valentine's Day is around the corner. via About.com

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Is it possible to be pregnant (well into pregnancy) and not know it?

Is it possible to be pregnant and not know it? My period is almost 2 weeks past due. via Popsugar.com

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Judge refuses to stay Plan B injunction

"I would say if I were a pharmacist I would have no objection to dispensing Plan B"

A federal judge Friday refused to stay an injunction that allows Washington pharmacies to refuse to sell "morning after" birth control pills if their pharmacists have moral or religious objections. via Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Case Records of the Massachusetts General Hospital: Case 4-2008 -- a...

A 33-Year-Old Pregnant Woman with Swelling of the Left Breast and Shortness of Breath Lawrence N. Shulman, M.D., Rachel A. Hitt, M.D., and Judith A. Ferry, M.D. Presentation of Case A 33-year-old pregnant woman ... via New England Journal of Medicine

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

A New Risk Factor Related to Obesity in Pregnancy

There are a few known risk factors related to obesity in pregnancy. Past studies have shown that obesity results in an increased risk of complications in pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. There is also an increased chance the mother will need a c section.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Judge: Pharmacists don't have to sell 'Plan B'

"That is the only drug that I refuse to dispense."

Pharmacists and drug store owners in Washington can still refuse to sell the "morning-after pill" if they have religious objections to the emergency contraceptives, a federal judge ruled Friday. via KOMOradio

Read More...

[Source: Pregnancy News]

Giveaway of emergency contraception angers anti-abortion group

"This is all about Planned Parenthood gaining free advertising to build its customer base among sexually active teens"

A free giveaway of emergency contraception doses at Planned Parenthood health centers in Indiana cities with large college populations has angered an anti-abortion group, whose leader calls it "irresponsible." ... via WSBT

Read More...

[Source: Pregnancy News]

The Comforts Of A Snug Maternity Novelty T-Shirt

Millions of expecting women swear by the comfort of soft maternity novelty t-shirts. When you have to deal with various pregnancy symptoms, the last thing that you will want is to deal with ill-fitting clothes. via American Chronicle

Read More...

[Source: Pregnancy News]

Mixing and Injecting Fertility Medications

If you are trying to conceive, your doctor may prescribe injections of fertility medications. These medications are also used in conjunction with infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination. The drugs work by stimulating the ovaries to produce more follicles.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Infertility Medications: Progesterone Therapy

A variety of treatment options are available for infertility, depending on the nature of the problem. Progesterone therapy is one treatment which may be used if your body is not producing enough progesterone to support a pregnancy.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Pregnant Women Should Have Thyroid Checked

As if pregnant women weren't subject to enough tests during pregnancy, one more may soon be added to the line up. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists is recommending that all pregnant women be checked for low thyroid levels as part of comprehensive prenatal care.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

Fertility medications work by stimulating the ovaries. The medications given via injection are most successful at stimulating the ovaries. For the most part, this is a good thing and the desired result of the treatment. However, the ovaries can sometimes become overstimulated.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Unplanned Pregnancies and Birth Control

An interesting survey conducted in Australia by Marie Stopes International recently was featured in Australian newspapers. The survey revealed that nearly half of Australian women who became unexpectedly pregnant were either take the birth control pill or using condoms at the time of conception. If you look at the results further, it goes on to say that forty three percent of the women surveyed were on the pill during conception while twenty two percent... [...] Read more!

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[Source: Crisis Pregnancy Blog]

Affording Fertility Medications

Fertility medications are expensive, especially the injectibles. A prescription for pills such as Clomid will cost about $50 per cycle. If this doesn't work, your doctor will probably recommend one of the injectable medications. These are really expensive.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Acupuncture and Pregnancy - Promise In Improving Rates Following IVF

ScienceDaily (Feb. 11, 2008) A review of seven clinical trials of acupuncture given with embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) suggests that acupuncture may improve rates of pregnancy. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of couples experience reproductive difficulty and seek specialist fertility treatments, such as IVF.Full Article

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PregnancyWeekly.com

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog - For All Your Pregnancy Things by PregnancyWeekly]

The Pregnancy Blog Review for Jan 29 - Feb 9

The pregnancy blog has recently covered topics related to infertility, birth, VBAC and other health related topics. If you haven't been reading or missed something, the pregnancy blog review is a good place to catch up on the recent topics.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

How You and Your Baby Grow

"Mommy, I heard the music and said, 'You're too loud mommy! Then I kicked a lot.'"

Being pregnant makes following the growth of your baby that much more exciting. It's also not bad to try and track your own "growth" via photos. via About.com

Read More...

[Source: Pregnancy News]

Factors that Can Affect the Glucose Tolerance Test

I have failed the glucose tolerance test in half of my pregnancies. In the first and fourth, I failed the one hour test and had to go for the three hour. As anyone who has gone though this can attest, it is not an enjoyable experience.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Valentine's Day Baby Names

So you're due any day and you realized that Valentine's Day is around the corner. via About.com

Read More...

[Source: Pregnancy News]

Nursing Mothers & Postpartum Pain Relief

Postpartum pain is something that most people don't consider. If you've had an episiotomy or cesarean section then you will most likely need to prescribed pain medications. via About.com

Read More...

[Source: Pregnancy News]

Is it possible to be pregnant (well into pregnancy) and not know it?

Is it possible to be pregnant and not know it? My period is almost 2 weeks past due. via Popsugar.com

Read More...

[Source: Pregnancy News]

Case Records of the Massachusetts General Hospital: Case 4-2008 -- a...

A 33-Year-Old Pregnant Woman with Swelling of the Left Breast and Shortness of Breath Lawrence N. Shulman, M.D., Rachel A. Hitt, M.D., and Judith A. Ferry, M.D. Presentation of Case A 33-year-old pregnant woman ... via New England Journal of Medicine

Read More...

[Source: Pregnancy News]

Different drugs wrongly linked

In the Jan. 30 AP story 'Nurse's trial postponed,' the reporter mistakenly equated medication abortions and the morning-after pill. via Montgomery Advertiser

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Caesareans and The Fear of Pushing

via Times Online (UK)Far from being too posh to push, it is the psychological fear of childbirth among first-time mothers that is behind the high rate of elective Caesarean sections, a significant study says. The findings showed that almost 44 per cent of women who requested a Caesarean had a clinically significant fear of childbirth as a result of negative feedback from friends and family who have had natural deliveries. The report, published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, revealed that despite medical advances in pain relief, fear of normal deliveries remained high. It urged more compassion and less criticism of women who avoid going through labour. Full Article

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PregnancyWeekly.com

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog - For All Your Pregnancy Things by PregnancyWeekly]

Challenges in being a Good Mother

In my recent post, You Can be a Good Mother, I discussed how just about any woman can be a good mother if she puts her mind to it, applies herself, and is determined. However, after thinking about it, I forgot to mention two major challenges that one might deal with, that could prevent someone from being a good mother, if they are not dealt with. If a woman has some forms of mental illness, it doesn’t necessarily mean that she will not be a good mother, however if she does not receive... [...] Read more!

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[Source: Crisis Pregnancy Blog]

Fertility Medications: Gonadotropins

Gonadotropins are medications that are used in combination with infertility treatments. They work by stimulating follicle development. This increases the number of follicles that will develop. Gonadotropins are used in nearly every method of infertility treatment.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Epsom Salts to Ease Delivery ; AMERICA

"It's cheap, it's readily available, it doesn't harm anybody. I think it will be widely adopted"

Doctors can cut the risk of cerebral palsy in half for very premature babies by giving their mothers magnesium sulphate just before they give birth, according to new US research. via RedOrbit

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Taking magnesium sulfate by pregnant moms helps preventing cerebral palsy

Moms could reduce the risk of cerebral palsy by eating magnesium sulfate just before they give birth, a new research showed. via Pravda

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Fertility Medications: Clomid

If your doctor has discussed infertility drugs as a possibility, you have probably heard the name Clomid. This drug is the most popular brand name of the drug clomiphene citrate. Another popular name is Serophene. Both are the same medication and are used for infertility.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]

Another View: Abortions in the U.S.

The number of abortions in the United States is down again, to its lowest level since 1976. via Statesman Journal

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[Source: Pregnancy News]

Pregnancy Advice on Cord Blood Banking from ACOG

Balanced information should be provided to pregnant patients who are considering cord blood banking, according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in a revised Committee Opinion published today in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

> Read Full Article

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PregnancyWeekly.com

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[Source: Pregnancy Weekly Blog - Pregnancy, Baby, and Family]

Writing a Birth Plan for VBAC Delivery

All women should write a birth plan. Your plan expresses your wishes for your labor, birth and the time immediately following the birth. Having a well written plan makes it easier for your support people and medical personnel to carry out your wishes.

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[Source: Pregnancy Blog]