Planning and Preparation - Pregnancy

<h2>How to Confidently Announce Your Pregnancy to Key People in Your Life</h2><p>Expecting a new baby brings about significant physical and emotional changes for both parents. These emotions—joy, anxiety, and even concern—are often shared with loved ones, friends, and colleagues. Sharing these feelings also involves informing them about your pregnancy. Typically, a mom will start to show after the 4th or 5th month of pregnancy, but that timeline doesn't allow much preparation time for her employer to arrange a work replacement. So, when exactly is the right time to share your exciting news?</p><h2>How to Share Your Pregnancy News with Family and Friends</h2><p>There's no universally perfect timing to announce your pregnancy to family and friends. Some women feel at ease sharing the news as soon as they find out, while others prefer to wait until after the first trimester, particularly if they've experienced a miscarriage before. The best advice here is to trust your instincts. Should a miscarriage occur, having the support of family and friends can be incredibly beneficial.</p><p><a target="_self">Here’s a 12-step guide to announcing your pregnancy!</a></p><h2>Breaking the News to Your Employer</h2><p>While it's not a legal obligation in most states to inform your employer that you're pregnant, pregnancy is a federally protected condition. It cannot be used as a reason for job termination.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For those working in larger corporations, you might consider notifying the human resources department to help the business prepare for your maternity leave. Before discussing your pregnancy with your employer, familiarize yourself with your company's specific policies.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Several factors could influence the timing of your announcement to your employer:</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>the nature of your job</li><li>whether it's physically demanding or sedentary</li><li>whether you are exposed to potentially harmful conditions.</li></ul><p>If your job involves strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or exposure to hazardous materials like chemicals or paint, it’s advisable to inform your employer sooner rather than later. Many workplaces have policies in place to modify job responsibilities and expectations during pregnancy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If your pregnancy progresses smoothly and without complications, you could wait until the third trimester to inform your employer. Nevertheless, many employers appreciate knowing earlier to make necessary accommodations.</p>

A new baby comes with many physical and emotional changes for mom and dad. Often, these emotions are shared with family, friends and co-workers. Sharing the feelings of happiness, angst and even sadness are contingent upon telling people about the pregnancy.

Telling Family, Friends, and Your Boss About Your Pregnancy

<html><head></head><body><p>Babies, like any other new additions to the home, require certain special items to help daily life flow easier. With baby gear like car seats, cribs, onesies, bathing supplies and so much else on the list, how are you supposed to keep track of all the other things going on in your baby’s life?</p>
<p><em><strong>Here is a checklist to make sure you have everything your newborn needs!</strong></em></p>
<h2><strong>Birth</strong></h2>
<p style="margin-top: 0.6em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px;"><input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Car seat<br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stroller<br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Crib or bassinet<br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Layette of clothing basics<br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bottle feeding supplies, if applicable <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Breastfeeding supplies, if applicable <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hypoallergenic baby wash and detergent <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Baby diapers <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Infant ibuprofen or acetaminophen <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Infant gas drops <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Receiving blankets</p>
<h2><strong>Four months</strong></h2>
<p><input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; High chair if feeding food at 4 months<br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Baby Spoons<br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Baby Food<br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Crib toys<br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Musical mobile<br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Teething rings <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Numbing lotion for teething <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hypoallergenic lotion for baby massage <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Plenty of baby books <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Soft clothes to clean baby’s teeth</p>
<p class="p1"></p>
<h2><strong>Six months</strong></h2>
<p><input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sippy cups <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Baby food if the infant is just starting solid foods<br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Second stage formula if applicable<br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Toys created for older infants<br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lowered crib mattress – your baby may start standing or pulling up at any time</p>
<h2><strong>Twelve months</strong></h2>
<p><input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Baby vitamins if switching to whole milk <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Second stage baby foods <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Supportive baby shoes <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Age-appropriate toys <br> <input type="checkbox">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First dental appointment!</p>
</body></html>

Babies, like any other new additions to the home, require certain special items to help daily life flow easier. Here is a helpful checklist to make sure you have everything your newborn needs!

Newborn Baby Checklist

<html><head></head><body><p>Choosing an Ob-Gyn or midwife to deliver your baby and provide prenatal care can be one of the biggest decisions you make. Here are steps for finding a good&nbsp;Ob-Gyn or midwife.</p>
<h2><strong style="font-size: 0.9em;">Preventative care </strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">Choosing an Ob-Gyn is about more than just <a href="https://babymed.com/node/6437" target="_self">prenatal care</a>. You will also undergo many types of visits when not pregnant, such as Pap smears, breast exams, discussing birth control options, and other types of preventative care.</span></p>
<h2><strong style="font-size: 0.9em;">Insurance coverage</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">If there is an insurance plan covering the preventative and prenatal care, this could narrow down your choices. Some insurance companies require patients to choose doctors within a given list of approved healthcare providers.</span></p>
<h2><strong style="font-size: 0.9em;">Methods of delivery </strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">There are two options for delivering a baby: <a href="https://babymed.com/cesarean-section-and-delivery" target="_self">C-section</a> or vaginal. During the inter</span>view<span style="font-size: 0.9em;">, it is important to ask how the doctor/midwife chooses one birthing method over the other. While there is no way to predict the path a pregnancy will take, some doctors/midwives have different criteria for choosing when a C-section is the best option, and their view should align with yours.</span></p>
<h2><strong>High-risk pregnancy</strong></h2>
<p>Some Ob-Gyns, especially those trained and certified in maternal-fetal medicine, have more experience in <a href="https://babymed.com/high-risk-pregnancy-conditions-guide" target="_self">high-risk pregnancies</a> than others. Asking the Ob-Gyn or midwife about their previous experience helps ensure excellent prenatal care in the case a high-risk pregnancy occurs down the line.</p>
<h2><strong>Education/certification</strong></h2>
<p>Choosing an obstetrician that is board certified is essential. The patient should always ask to see the board certification and research a bit before choosing a doctor. Many certified obstetricians will also be a member of the Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (This is the FACOG after their name.) In the case of midwives, choose a certified nurse-midwife (CNM).</p>
<h2><strong>Breastfeeding</strong></h2>
<p>Not all mothers want to <a href="https://babymed.com/breastfeeding-guide" target="_self">breastfeed</a>, but some Ob-Gyns believe this is the only way to feed a newborn. It is very important to ask about breastfeeding beliefs so you will both be on the same page after delivery.</p>
<h2><strong>Circumcision</strong></h2>
<p>Along the same lines as breastfeeding, some Ob-Gyns have very set beliefs on circumcision. The family has the final say in whether or not the circumcision takes place, but choosing an Ob-Gyn with like beliefs makes the connection easier. When asking about circumcision beliefs, make sure to ask where the circumcision will take place. Some Ob-Gyns perform the circumcision in the hospital while others in the office and some parents elect to have their pediatrician perform it.</p>
<h2><strong>Birthing options</strong></h2>
<p>There are many options for birthing baby and you and your doctor/midwife should be completely on board with your birthing plan. If your choices conflict, there could be an unnecessary discord. This is one of the big reasons for finding the right person to deliver your baby is so important.</p>
<h2><strong>Hospital rights</strong></h2>
<p>The doctor/midwife you choose needs to have hospital rights in the hospital you choose to deliver. If this is not the case and there is an emergency, the doctor will not be able to attend the birth.</p>
<h2><strong>Delivery attendance</strong></h2>
<p>Do the doctors/midwives attend all deliveries even if they are in the middle of the night? Some doctors allow the on-call physician to care for the patient until morning. Some have a multi-practice and you may get the midwife or doctor who is on call when you go into <a href="https://babymed.com/labor-delivery-birth-guide" target="_self">labor</a>.</p>
<h2><strong>Emergency calls and appointments</strong></h2>
<p>How available is the Ob-Gyn or midwife on weekends and after hours? Can you email or text questions via a portal? Not all <a href="https://babymed.com/medical-problems/guide-to-common-complaints-during-pregnancy" target="_self">questions and concerns</a> occur during normal business hours and you need to know how to make contact during off-hours.</p>
<h2><strong>Hours of operation</strong></h2>
<p>Some doctors maintain multiple offices while others only work out of their office part-time. These factors need to be taken into consideration as you will likely want someone who is easy to reach.</p>
<p><span></span></p>
</body></html>

Choosing an Ob-Gyn or midwife to deliver your baby and provide prenatal care can be one of the biggest decisions you make. Here are steps for finding a good Ob-Gyn or midwife.

How to Find a Good Ob-Gyn or Midwife

<html><head></head><body><p>Conducted between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy, the nuchal translucency screening is designed to assess the risk of Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and other chromosomal abnormalities, as well as to identify potential physical defects in the heart, abdominal wall, and skeleton. Beyond 13 weeks and 6 days, the test is no longer viable.</p>
<ol>
<li>The blood test evaluates the levels of two substances: Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG).</li>
<li>The transvaginal ultrasound component, known as nuchal translucency (NT) screening, measures the thickness of the space at the back of the fetus’s neck.</li>
</ol>

<h2>Diving into the Blood Test</h2>
<p>This blood screening measures pregnancy-specific substances in the mother’s blood: PAPP-A and HCG. These results are evaluated alongside the ultrasound findings and the mother’s age to establish a risk profile for chromosomal conditions, including Trisomy 21, 18, and 13.</p>
<p>Factors that may increase the <a href="https://babymed.com/tools/down-syndrome-risk-calculator"> risk for chromosomal abnormalities</a> include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Increased nuchal translucency measurement</li>
<li>Low levels of PAPP-A</li>
<li>Elevated HCG levels</li>
</ul>

<p></p>
<h2>Insights from the Nuchal Screening</h2>
<p>Nuchal screening provides a risk assessment rather than a definitive diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities. Impressively, it can detect up to 90% of Down syndrome cases in participants. The test's effectiveness improves when combined with other first-trimester screenings like the specific blood tests mentioned above.</p>

<p>Approximately 5% of tests may incorrectly indicate a high risk of Down syndrome or another chromosomal disorder. This phenomenon is known as a false positive.</p>
<h2>Next Steps After a Positive Result</h2>
<p>Should the screening indicate an elevated risk, further testing is advised to assess the presence and severity of any chromosomal disorders. Options include amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, which provide more conclusive insights.</p>
<p>Prenatal testing allows for informed preparation and peace of mind, giving parents and healthcare providers the information needed to handle any special health needs that might arise. Remember, participation in these tests is completely optional, and women should feel empowered to make decisions that best align with their values and preferences.</p>
</body></html>

The first-trimester screening also known as nuchal translucency screening, or NT, is a prenatal test, ultrasound and a blood test that can help determine the likelihood of having Down Syndrome.

First Trimester Tests: Nuchal Screening and Blood Test

<html><head></head><body><p>A childbirth class is not just a learning space; it's an empowering journey into understanding pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and building community with fellow parents-to-be. This knowledge equips you to confidently approach labor and the early days with your newborn. Here at babyMed, we're thrilled to offer a <a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-course-childbirth-class-guide" target="_blank">10-lesson Childbirth Course via email</a>, designed for your convenience to complement traditional classes. This course offers flexibility so that you can learn at your own pace, completely free of cost.</p>

<p>Traditional offline childbirth classes offer a wealth of information including CPR, labor techniques, postpartum care, and newborn care. These classes vary from weekend courses, intensive one-day workshops, to weekly sessions lasting a month or more. Many hospitals offer these classes as part of their maternity programs, or you might prefer a class facilitated by an independent instructor or organization.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Our enriching articles will further guide you through every element of pregnancy, comfort, and childbirth, ensuring you have every resource at your fingertips.</p>

<h2 class="box-title">Pregnancy Basics</h2>
<ol>
<li><a title="Adjusting to Being Pregnant – Changes in the Body" href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-classes/painful-body-changes-in-pregnancy-and-how-cope">Adjusting To Being Pregnant: Painful Body Changes And How To Cope</a></li>
<li><a title="Getting Dad Prepared for Fatherhood" href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/getting-dad-prepared-fatherhood">Getting Dad Prepared For Fatherhood</a></li>
<li><a title="Healthy Exercise and Supplementation" href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/healthy-exercise-and-supplementation">Healthy Exercise And Supplementation</a></li>
<li><a title="Proper Pregnancy Nutrition" href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/proper-pregnancy-nutrition">Proper Pregnancy Nutrition</a></li>
<li><a title="Pregnancy Announcement" href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/telling-family-friends-and-boss-about-pregnancy">Telling Family, Friends And Your Boss</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class-maternity-fashion/clothing-and-fetal-safety">Clothing And Fetal Safety</a></li>
</ol>

<h2>Pregnancy Changes</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/dealing-expanding-tummy">Dealing With An Expanding Tummy</a></li>
<li><a title="Where Did These Breasts Come From?" href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/where-did-these-breasts-come">Where Did These Breasts Come From?</a></li>
<li><a title="Swelling, Swelling Everywhere" href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/swelling-swelling-everywhere">Swelling, Swelling Everywhere</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/cervical-dilation-and-effacement" target="_self">Cervical Dilation And Effacement</a></li>
</ol>

<h2 class="styled-box">Pregnancy Comfort and Practice</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/breathing-exercises">Breathing Exercises</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/kegel-exercises">Kegel Exercises</a></li>
<li><a title="Prelabor Preparation" href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/prelabor-preparation">Prelabor Prep</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/warm-water-and-fetal-safety">Warm Water And Fetal Safety</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/switching-from-high-heels-to-flats-during-pregnancy">Switching From High Heels To Flats<br></a></li>
<li><a title="Most Common Discomforts And Pains During Pregnancy" href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/most-common-pains-during-pregnancy">Most Common Pains During Pregnancy</a></li>
</ol>

<h2 class="styled-box">Food: You and Your Baby Are What You Eat</h2>
<ol>
<li><a title="Food To Avoid In Pregnancy" href="https://babymed.com/food-to-avoid-during-pregnancy">Foods To Avoid</a></li>
<li><a title="Healthy Food" href="https://babymed.com/tag/healthy-food">Healthy Food Suggestions</a></li>
<li><a title="Sushi and Pregnancy" href="https://babymed.com/food-and-nutrition/how-safe-it-eat-sushi-or-raw-fish-during-pregnancy">Sushi</a></li>
<li><a title="Caffeinated sodas pregnancy" href="https://babymed.com/caffeinated-sodas-pregnancy">Caffeinated Sodas</a></li>
<li><a title="Vitamins In Pregnancy" href="https://babymed.com/all-about-prenatal-vitamins-and-supplements">Vitamins</a></li>
<li><a title="Coffee" href="https://babymed.com/tag/coffee-and-pregnancy">Coffee</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/can-i-have-tea-with-caffeine-during-pregnancy" target="_self">Tea</a></li>
<li><a title="Diet Sodas" href="https://babymed.com/diet-soda-and-pregnancy-saccharin-caffeine">Diet Sodas</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/food-and-nutrition/are-artificial-sweeteners-safe-pregnancy" target="_self">Artificial Sweeteners</a></li>
<li><a title="Caffeine" href="https://babymed.com/tag/caffeine">Caffeine</a></li>
</ol>

<h2 class="box-title">Labor Facts</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/all-about-breech">All About The Breech</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/love/does-sex-pregnancy-cause-labor">Does Sex Cause Labor?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/natural-methods-induce-labor">Natural Methods To Induce Labor</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/labor-delivery/early-signs-of-labor">How Do You Know You Are In Labor?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/how-long-do-i-have-until-baby-born">How Long Do I Have Until The Baby Is Born?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/braxton-hicks/when-should-i-head-hospital">When Should I Head to the Hospital?</a></li>
</ol>

<h2>Pain Relief and Labor Options</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/breathing-exercises">Breathing Exercises</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/12-steps/-find-good-obgyn-midwife" target="_self">Midwives</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/labor-delivery/epidural-and-spinal-anesthesia-and-pregnancy">Epidural And Pregnancy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/general-anesthesia">General Anesthesia</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/natural-childbirth">Natural Childbirth</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/spinal-anesthesia">Spinal Anesthesia</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/when-it-too-late-pain-medication">When Is It Too Late for Pain Medication?</a></li>
</ol>

<h2 class="styled-box">Labor & Delivery Issues</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/episiotomy">Episiotomy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/cesarean-section-and-delivery">Cesarean Birth</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/vacuum-assisted-birth-and-forceps">Vacuum Assisted Birth And Forceps</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/vaginal-tearing">Vaginal Tearing</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/labor-induction">Labor Induction</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/unproductive-labor">Unproductive Labor</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/assisted-breathing">Assisted Breathing</a></li>
</ol>

<h2 class="styled-box">Dad's Role</h2>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/caring-baby-when-mom-breastfeeds">Caring For The Baby When Mom Breastfeeds</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/basic-diapering-skills-101">Basic Diapering Skills 101</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/giving-mom-hand-after-birth">Giving Mom A Hand After Birth</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/helping-when-time-right">Helping When the Time Is Right</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/me-time-replaced-daddy-time">Me Time Replaced By Daddy Time</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/preparing-new-baby-home">Preparing For A New Baby</a></li>
</ol>

<h2 class="styled-box">Postpartum Feeding</h2>
<div class="styled-box"><ol>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/breastfeeding-benefits-baby">Breast Feeding: Benefits For Baby</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/breastfeeding-tips-and-tricks">Breast Feeding: Tips And Tricks</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/bottle-feeding-it-healthy">Bottle Feeding: Is It Healthy?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/bottlefeeding-sanitary-choices-and-formula-selection">Bottle Feeding: Sanitary Choices And Formula Selection</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/alternative-feeding-methods">Alternative Feeding Choices</a></li>
</ol>

<h2 class="styled-box">Postpartum Well-being</h2>
<div class="styled-box"><ol>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/adjusting-sleep-deprivation">Adjusting To Sleep Deprivation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/baby-blues-and-postpartum-depression">Baby Blues Or Postpartum Depression</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/co-bedding-safety-issues">Co-Bedding Safety And Concerns</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/where-did-my-period-go">Here Come The Periods Again</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/losing-baby-weight">Losing The Baby Weight</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/tips-preventing-sids">Tips For Preventing SIDS</a></li>
</ol></div>
</div></body></html>

Everything you need to know from conception to postpartum!

All About Childbirth Classes

<html><head></head><body><p><img class="img-right" style="float: right; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px;" title="kangaroo-care.jpg" src="https://babymed.com/sites/default/files/u160962/newborn-mother-skin-contact-small-2.jpg" alt="kangaroo care" height="226" width="151">There is nothing more important than skin to skin contact between mother and child, according to the March of Dimes and other supporters of pregnancy and infant health. Kangaroo care is a method of personal contact between mother and child or father and child. The practice is encouraged in many hospital <a title="Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)" href="http://www.babymed.com/prematurity/neonatal-intensive-care-unit-nicu">neonatal intensive care units (NICU)</a> as means of improving infant health and supporting a closer bond between parent and child. <strong><br></strong></p>
<h2><strong>How to Practice Kangaroo Care</strong></h2>
<p>Kangaroo care requires skin to skin contact; your baby will be dressed in only a diaper and you will need to bare a portion of your chest. <a title="button down shirt" href="http://www.babymed.com/maternity-wear/pregnancy-fashion-button-down-and-go">Button-up shirts </a>or robes are perfect as they provide some coverage while allowing the infant to nestle directly on your skin. Mothers need to remove their bra and any under-clothing. Fathers need to remove undershirts of all kinds. Your nurse helps position baby between the breasts, for mothers, or directly on the bare chest, for fathers. A blanket is draped over baby’s back for warmth and privacy. <strong><br></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Benefits of Kangaroo Care for Baby</strong></h2>
<p>Kangaroo care is an excellent means of supporting infant body temperature and regulating breathing and heart rates. Doctors have also noticed improvements in weight gain, deep sleep patterns and reduced crying times in infants who participate in <a title="kangaroo care" href="http://www.babymed.com/pregnancy-news/baby-friendly-nicu-support-kangaroo-care">kangaroo care</a>. Skin contact between the breasts helps stimulate milk production making it easier for mothers to <a title="breastfeeding" href="http://www.babymed.com/breastfeeding">breastfeed</a> or pump milk until baby is able to breastfeed on his own. <strong><br></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Benefits of Kangaroo Care for Mom</strong></h2>
<p>Kangaroo care provides wonderful health and calming benefits for baby, but mom also gains from the experience. Mothers who practice skin to skin contact care tend to feel more comfortable caring for baby with improved confidence and emotional healing. This is especially important for parents of infants in NICU as personal contact may be limited due to health concerns and treatments. <strong><br></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Who to Ask About Kangaroo Care </strong></h2>
<p>Mothers and fathers interested in kangaroo care should speak with the NICU nurse or attending pediatrician. Not all hospitals are educated in the benefits of kangaroo care, but that does not mean you will be denied skin to skin contact. Some mothers complain of a lack of privacy, something extremely important for proper kangaroo care. Find a nurse or doctor you are comfortable with and ask for assistance holding baby to your skin in a private setting. <br><br>Kangaroo care is about more than decreasing the space between you and baby. Skin to skin contact is proven to improve overall infant health and give new parents a sense of confidence.</p></body></html>

There is nothing more important than skin to skin contact between mother and child, according to the March of Dimes and other supporters of pregnancy and infant health.

Importance of Kangaroo Care

There has been a groundbreaking study from Italy that reveals new insights into first trimester pregnancy screening—a tool that could empower you and your healthcare provider to tailor your health plan during pregnancy. Let’s dive in!

**Understanding PAPP-A Testing**

PAPP-A, or pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, is emerging as an instrumental player in first trimester screening. Recent research published in the journal *Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice* highlights PAPP-A's potential to predict the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) long before symptoms appear.


This study gathered data from 307 women in their first trimester of pregnancy. A control group consisted of 306 women from a pre-existing medical database. The research aimed to determine if there was a noticeable correlation between PAPP-A levels early in pregnancy and the likelihood of developing GDM later on.


What they uncovered was a significant link: low PAPP-A levels in the first trimester were associated with a heightened risk of GDM. Imagine having this knowledge proactively guiding you and your healthcare team—the ability to act early and place preventive measures can make a world of difference to your health and the health of your baby.

**What This Means for You: Proactive Health Management**

Adding the PAPP-A test to typical pregnancy screenings is a simple and effective way to gain insights into your potential risk. If PAPP-A levels are low, this could denote a high-risk pregnancy, prompting a more tailored and vigilant care approach. This provides the opportunity for those who are at higher risk to adapt their lifestyle and medical management sooner, drastically reducing potential complications.

**What’s Next?**

If you're currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consider discussing PAPP-A testing with your healthcare provider. This tool offers a chance to potentially customize your prenatal care, ensuring you and your healthcare team are well-equipped with the information necessary to manage or even prevent complications such as GDM.

**Stay Informed, Stay Prepared**

Access further insights and details from the study through [PubMed](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23642968). Knowledge is power—arming yourself with the right information allows you to take control of your pregnancy health.

Remember, the goal is not only to provide care but to enhance it through innovation and understanding. You're an active participant in your health, and tools like PAPP-A testing invite you to take center stage in anticipating and mitigating potential risks. Feel encouraged to engage in dialogue with your healthcare providers, equipped with the latest research in mind, to optimize your pregnancy journey.

According to a study from researchers in Italy, PAPP-A testing may be a valuable addition to<a href="/pregnancy-tests/first-trimester-screening-nuchal-translucency" title="first trimester pregnancy screening" rel="nofollow"> first trimester pregnancy screening</a>.  PAPP-A or pregnancy-associated plasma protein testing may hold the key for pregnant women at  increased risk of GDM.

Gestational Diabetes Testing in First Trimester Pregnancy

<html><head></head><body><div data-rte-type="old"><h2>What is premature ovarian aging or insufficiency or failure (POI, POF, or POA)?</h2>
<p>Premature ovarian insufficiency, failure, or aging (POF or POA) is a loss of ovarian function in younger women, usually below the age of 35. Women with POI/POF/POA have eggs that don't fertilize easily and may even be incapable of becoming fertilized. Women with premature ovarian aging may still have regular menstrual periods along with <a href="https://babymed.com/fertility-problems/top-reasons-causes-infertility">difficulties getting pregnant</a>&nbsp;and this is seen in about 10% of younger women with fertility problems.</p>
<p></p>
<p>POI/POF/POA is associated with:</p>
<ul>
<li>Normal but shorter menstrual cycles (usually less than 26 days apart)</li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/menstrual-period/amenorrhea-missing-your-period-pregnancy-diagnosis">Amenorrhea</a> (no menstrual period)</li>
<li>More frequent menstrual periods (bleeding)</li>
<li>Low anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)</li>
<li>Low estrogen</li>
<li>Elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Low antral follicle count on sonogram</li>
</ul>
<h2>How is&nbsp;premature ovarian aging&nbsp;diagnosed?</h2>
<p class="p1">In general, the diagnosis requires at least three to four months of amenorrhea as well as two <a href="https://babymed.com/fertility-tests/follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh-test">FSH tests</a>, taken at least one month apart, that are greater than 40 mIU/ML.</p>
<p>Another test, the <a title="amh anti mullerian hormone" href="http://www.babymed.com/fertility-tests/antimullerian-hormone-amh">AMH or anti-Mullerian hormone</a>&nbsp;can detect whether there are any more follicles left. An elevated or normal (as compared to an absent) AMH may indicate that some follicles are left.</p>
<p>A while back it was thought that POI/POF/POA, like menopause, meant a total lack of eggs. It was called "premature" to signify that it started at an earlier-than-normal age. However, menopause appears to be permanent with a loss of ovarian activity, while POI/POF is not always permanent.</p>
<p>When the ovaries of women with POF are looked at on pelvic ultrasound, approximately 40% of the women have structures that appear to be ovarian follicles. Today, we know that women with premature ovarian failure intermittently produce estrogen and ovulate. This is why the term premature ovarian failure is preferred to premature <a href="https://babymed.com/prime-womens-health">menopause</a>. Menopause means complete cessation of periods.</p>
<p>In some cases, premature ovarian failure may be reversible. POF can be temporary or periodic and there can be residual ovarian function. Even with high FSH levels women may intermittently produce estrogen and ovulate.</p>
<h2>Primary or premature ovarian aging or failure vs. premature menopause</h2>
<p><span>Primary ovarian insufficiency — also called premature ovarian failure — occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40. and is often confused with premature menopause, but they are different. In premature ovarian failure, the ovaries don't produce normal amounts of the hormone estrogen or release eggs regularly. This condition often leads to infertility.</span><br><span>Women with primary ovarian insufficiency can have irregular or occasional periods for years and might even get pregnant, but women with premature menopause stop having periods and can't become pregnant.</span></p>
</div></body></html>