A rush of emotions. A little stick. Will it be pink! Or blue? Who should you tell first? What do you do now?

Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience that is full of excitement and love and anxiety and tension. There are a lot of decisions to be made and you must face the realization (whether it’s your first or your 12th) that life will never be the same.

Once you have the details of the actual delivery, the who (midwife or doctor), what (your baby), where (home birth, birthing clinic or hospital) and when (determining your due date) down, you can get on with making sure that baby has the best possible beginning even before you give birth.

Nutrition will be one of the keys to help you to keep your growing baby healthy and safe while still in your womb. And an extra bonus will be helping you to keep up your energy and minimizing the unpleasant effects of carrying your little one inside of you.

If you have a craving, indulge it. If you can’t eat something, don’t worry about it. The body has different needs during this time and those needs show themselves in various ways. It’s a temporary situation and nothing to be concerned about.

Prenatal Vitamins - While many multiple vitamins have the necessary quantities of vitamins and minerals for an average adult, prenatal vitamins have the increased quantities of those vitamins most important during this precious time. In addition, some prenatal vitamins have added the herb Ginger to help with morning sickness.

Calcium and Magnesium - These minerals are important during pregnancy for a number of reasons. If you don’t have enough calcium to provide to your baby as he begins to form bones and teeth, your body will naturally compensate by pulling these critical minerals from your own teeth and hair. This is why many women get more cavities and have brittle, dull hair during pregnancy. In addition, adequate levels of calcium may prevent preeclampsia during late pregnancy. Of course, there is the added benefit of avoiding excess leg or muscle cramps, common in pregnant women.

Red Raspberry - This herb is commonly known as the woman’s herb and can be taken throughout pregnancy. It has been used traditionally to strengthen the uterus and help women carry full-term reducing the chances of premature birth.

5-W - This is an herbal combination by Nature’s Sunshine Products. Many mothers and midwife’s insist they would not deliver without it. 5-W (five weeks) should be taken during the last five weeks before the scheduled due date. This product will help to tone the uterus and shorten the duration of labor.

Common ailments and natural alternatives

Sometimes our best efforts aren’t enough and we end up getting sick or having other problems that need to be addressed during this delicate time. Because anything that you take will also affect your growing baby, it’s best to use safe, natural alternatives whenever possible.

For almost all of the following, the best natural prevention is water. Pregnant women need far more of it than the average adult. Be sure you have water with you every where you go and drink it by the gallon.

Allergies and sinus congestion - Fenugreek may assist by acting as a mild laxative (opening the bowels to flush the irritants and mucus) and by reducing mucus secretions. A side benefit of fenugreek is that it promotes lactation in nursing women.

Back pain - See a good chiropractor and use rice pillows to ease the pain.

Bladder Infections - Use cranberry supplements daily as a preventative if you are prone to bladder infections. Should you contract a bladder infection during pregnancy, you could increase your dosage of cranberry and add colloidal silver, a natural antibiotic. Be sure to do this at the very first sign of the infection as bladder infections that reach the kidneys may increase the risk of preterm labor.

Colds - Echinacea is a safe alternative that can be used during pregnancy. Sip on Echinacea tea or take a few capsules several times a day. Another herb that may be effective is Olive Leaf. Of course, don’t forget to increase your vitamin C.

Constipation and hemorrhoids - This sometimes occurs due to the extra iron in prenatal vitamins. While it is generally not safe to take a laxative during pregnancy, there are some things you can do. Increase magnesium. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant and will help to relax the sphincter muscle that allows for proper elimination. Increase fiber. Often, due to cravings or specific food aversions during pregnancy, women don’t get enough fiber. Supplement if needed. Exercise may also help.

Insomnia - Valerian root acts as a natural sedative and may be just enough to help induce sleep.

Nausea - Ginger or peppermint tea can be very helpful here. Also try aloe vera juice.

This is a time of joy but it may take a little extra strength and willpower to stick to your desire to stay natural. Just remember, the less toxins you put into your body, the healthier your baby will be.

Nicole Bandes is a Certified Herb Specialist that has been helping others to regain their health and vitality since 1999. Nicole uses and recommends Nature’s Sunshine Products for her family and friends. Read more articles by Nicole at http://www.naturallyherbs.com.

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There are two systems used in calculating when a women is about to ovulate. The American System which dates back to early times and the Ovulation System. The Ovulation Calculator is the most accepted and considered the most accurate. The accuracy of this method of course will depend on you. The Ovulation Calculator often helps determine when it is a good time to have sex if you are wanting to conceive in order to have a baby. The most effective way is when a woman becomes fertile.

The simple method is the best method. It is predicted that about 50% of couples conceive during their first three months. The first six months about 75% of couples conceive. Within the first year it is predicted that about 90% of couples conceive giving birth to a beautiful baby. The ovulation calculator for married couples is essential in planning a family. Family planning is vital to most couples because of today’s economy and the fact that both mom and dad work leaving little time for a large family.

The average family of today normally consists of two children and the parents. Spacing the child births at least two or three years apart. The mom can then have time to enjoy both babies regain her health and of course increase the family income. The dad has time to improve his career farther making it easier to support his family. Most responsible couples prefer using the ovulation calculator in order to help them with this important event. The event of having a new life added to the family is one of the most important part of life. Most couples are very anxious about having a baby represents the future of their own family links. Dads usually want a boy so they can have a son that is like him who perhaps will be a great person. A women often prefers the daughter so she can be a little lady that mamma can watch grow to a beautiful young lady. The ironic thing is that the boy normally clings to his mother while the girl becomes daddy’s little girl. Both parents usually love both children and are proud of each child as they grow into adulthood.

In order to better understand how a ovulation calculator works the following example will show you.

10/01/06 First day of your cycle
10/12/06 A little bit fertile
10/13/06 Fertile
10/14/06 Very fertile
10/15/06 Time to ovulate

*A home pregnancy test may work now.
10/29/06 End of cycle
11/01/06 No period? Maybe you are pregnant!
07/08/07 If you are pregnant, this is the approximate due date.

I know this seems very easy after you have seen the above demonstration; however, it is not always so simple. It does not always work the first time you use it. You will need to repeat the procedure the following month and hopefully you will have success. Do not dismay some couples have had to use the Ovulation Calculator system for six months to year before conception. Remember about 90% of couples normally do conceive within a year. I do suggest that if you are not able to conceive within the first three months to see your doctor for a physical exam to make sure both mom and dad are in good health.

The fact is the average couple who have sex once a day has the best chance of getting pregnant within the first month. It does help to follow the ovulation calendar especially for a couple that is very active. A lot of couples today both work some even travel as part of the work requirements which leaves them with no valuable time to be together. It is often only certain evenings or days that they are able to relax for this reason a couple should keep the ovulation calendar to help set aside special day to be together. It is recommended that after your partner ejaculates to lay on your back with your hips elevated for 20-30 minutes. You may see your doctor for more information. Enjoy each other and your times together you should conceive and I believe it will be a welcome event.

Author - Kitty Barker who often writes for and with Pregnancy Information where there is far more information, news and resources. She also writes for Pregnancy Weight Gain If that link is inactive, you can paste this link into your browser - http://pregnancy-and-baby-tips.com/

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There is a good chance your Great-Grandmother gave birth surrounded by women
knowledgeable in the birthing experience. Over time it became more common for
women to labour alone in a hospital tended to by staff. Fortunately these days it is
likely you will have your partner with you throughout labour and birth, and now the
element of a knowledgeable woman being present has reemerged.

A Birth Doula is a woman who provides continuous emotional and physical support
for you
during your labour. She visits with you and your partner during pregnancy to build a
rapport, answer questions, and help prepare you for the birth. Once you are in
labour, you can count on your Doula coming to you when you need her and staying
until after the birth of your baby. She will stay at home with you in early labour,
keeping you comfortable and offering reassurance. Once labour is well established,
she accompanies you to the hospital and continues her support. This continuity has
been proven through research to shorten labours and reduce the likelihood of
interventions including medication and cesarean sections. Because each labour is
unique, your Doula will adapt to your birth and your needs. She can offer a
combination of massage techniques, position changes, and verbal reassurance that
can help you throughout your experience. After the birth your Doula can help you
establish breastfeeding and encourage bonding with your infant.

A Doula also
permits your partner to participate in the experience without feeling entirely
responsible for your emotional and physical needs. Birth can be a transformational
experience for a couple, and a Doula helps to eliminate the fear of the unknown and
unforeseeable. Her commitment is to you and your partner and helping you obtain
the birth experience you want. She supports all decisions you make and offers
suggestions and information based on your needs.

In the days or weeks
following birth, many women are now using the services of a Postpartum Doula.
These women are trained in the care of new moms and babies and offer services
including infant care, light housekeeping, and breastfeeding support. Mothers with
additional children, twins, or partners who have returned to work, benefit
particularly. Some Birth Doulas offer both services.

When choosing a Birth
Doula it is important to select someone with whom you are very comfortable. She
should be familiar with the birthing process, but not necessarily need to have given
birth herself. The number of births she has attended may be less important to you
then the confidence you feel in her presence. You should ask about her education
and most importantly her philosophy on birth. Postpartum Doulas are trained in
infant-mother care and may have other skills and certifications that you would
value. Fees for Doulas vary according to experience, skills, and services offered. In
any case, interviewing 2-3 women will help you determine the type of Doula you are
looking for.

Stacelynn Caughlan is a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Herbalist who
specializes in pregnancy, birth and childhood. She is currently the editor of
http://www.motherandchildhealth.com an online source of advice on nutrition,
herbs, and natural healing for pregnancy, birth, and childhood. It includes
parenting advice, articles, experts, and a variety of resources that help
support natural lifestyle choices.

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