Advertise Here

Home Workouts During Pregnancy

June 16, 2008 By

Along with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, one of the most important things you can do to benefit yourself and your baby during pregnancy is exercise. Women who exercise regularly while pregnant have easier labor, deliveries, and recovery time. The majority of pregnant women are able to exercise at a level appropriate to their stage of pregnancy, but you should always check with your doctor to make sure you have no risks or conditions that would prevent you from exercising safely.

Working out at home during pregnancy is fun and convenient when you use pregnancy workout videos as a part of your routine.

Through the use of one of the many excellent exercise videos that are available to you, you can exercise during all stages of your pregnancy in the comfort of your own home. The videos are fun and effective and you are sure to love the challenging yet pregnancy-oriented routines that will help keep you toned and fit throughout your pregnancy. Included in the many benefits of exercising during pregnancy are less fatigue, reduced lower back pain, stress relief, weight management, and a quicker return to your pre-pregnancy weight after delivery. Some forms of exercise are better than others for moms-to-be. Low-impact, low-risk exercises include walking, stretching, yoga, swimming, specialized prenatal aerobics, and Pilates.

Exercise during pregnancy is beneficial to both you and your baby. The wrong exercises however, can cause actually cause harm so it is important to do only those exercises that are known to be safe for both mom and baby. Pregnancy exercise videos will give you a safe, manageable workout routine that is appropriate for your stage of pregnancy. You can order pregnancy exercise videos featuring well-known exercise personalities or your favorite celebrities.

By exercising throughout your pregnancy you will help avoid many of the discomforts associated with pregnancy including constant feelings of exhaustion and lower back pain. An added bonus of regular exercise during your pregnancy is a faster recovery time after delivery and a quicker return to your pre-pregnancy weight.

Pregnancy exercise videos are a great way to keep fit and healthy during your pregnancy. Fun, easy to follow exercise routines designed especially for expectant mothers will give you to opportunity to keep your mind and body fit during your pregnancy and make it much easier for you to regain your pre-pregnancy shape after the birth of your child. You can be healthy and experience significantly less discomfort when you take the time to exercise regularly throughout your entire pregnancy. Pregnancy exercise videos can help you stay fit and will allow you to perform your workout in your own home at your convenience.

If you are an expectant mother or are planning to become pregnant, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. You will make labor and delivery easier for both you and your baby and the benefits will extend after the birth of your child. You will lose that extra pregnancy weight faster and your body will be considerably more resilient if you have a regular workout routine that you continue throughout your entire pregnancy.

Article by: Tina Titas is a columnist for Fun Exercise Videos. From pilates to yoga you’ll find an affordable option that you’ll enjoy.

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: , ,

Beating The Heat When You’re Pregnant In Summer

June 9, 2008 By

The heat in the summertime can be quite unbearable for the average person. When you are pregnant, the discomfort increases tenfold. Learn how to beat the heat and stay safe while you are pregnant.

The first thing to remember is to avoid overexertion. When the temperature rises, it takes less effort to make one tired. If a trip to the grocery store leaves you feeling drained, a few minutes on the couch with your feet propped up is well deserved.

Work or leisure activities out of doors should be kept to a minimum between the hours of ten o’clock in the morning and four o’clock in the afternoon. When the sun is at its highest point, the risk of heat related illnesses increase. If you must be out at these times, wear a wide brimmed hat to shade your face and light colored clothing.

The most common heat related illnesses are heat exhaustion and stroke. People don’t pay enough attention to their symptoms to realize that they are coming down with something that could be potentially life threatening. When you are pregnant, early warning signs are very important.

Extreme heat causes the body to sweat more in order to cool off. When there is not enough water taken in on a hot day, you can become dehydrated. Some symptoms are: constipation, thirst, fatigue, dizziness, and dry lips. Getting to a cool and shady place to rest is advised if any of these symptoms are noticed.

Heat exhaustion involves dehydration and exposure to high temperatures for a prolonged amount of time. Nausea and headaches can occur in this case. When symptoms like this occur, your body’s cooling system has begun to malfunction in some way. If your body can’t cool itself off then neither can your baby. Their organs are still developing and they lack the ability to sweat.

Heat stroke raises the body temperature to dangerous levels (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Fainting and convulsions could result. Medical attention is needed right away to avoid a fatal outcome.

Heat related illnesses could cause premature labor contractions. A baby’s heart rate will increase beyond the normal. Hyperthermia can cause birth defects in your developing baby if experienced during the first or third trimester.

Playing it safe when the weather gets hot will keep you and your baby safe from harm. Drink plenty of fluids, dress in cool fabrics, and take a break as often as you need it. Paying attention to your body will keep the warm weather from becoming dangerous.

Grab your free Pregnancy Tips that will help ease your mind..and body from moms who’ve been there and know what you’re going through, every step of the way.

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: , ,

Stylish Maternity Fashion

June 2, 2008 By

You’re pregnant! Your body is constantly growing and changing, and your fast running out of clothes that fit around your new bump.

You know, it’s time for some new maternity wear but you still want to look stylish and trendy.

Don’t worry, you do not need to wear the hideously old-fashioned tent style fashions that were once associated with maternity wear.

There is now a fantastic range of stylish and fashionable maternity clothing available in a wide range of colours and flattering styles for all body shapes and sizes.

For the first few months of your pregnancy you will probably be able to wear most of your usual clothing. Especially those select few items you love when you have put on an extra kilo or two.

Then will come the awkward in-between stage, when you are too big for your normal clothes but not quite big enough for your stunning new maternity outfits.

Great Ideas for the In-between Stage

* Pants and Skirts with elastic waists.

* Hipster jeans or pants that sit below your new belly.

* Loose fitting pants with a drawstring waist.

* Dresses or skirts in a stretchy fabric to accommodate your new bump.

* To continue wearing your pre-pregnancy jeans thread an elastic hair tie through the button hole and loop each end over the button.

* Tummy Bands and Belly Belts are great at this stage.

* Long line t-shirts and singlets worn in layers look great and cover up well.

This summer maternity designers are following mainstream fashion with tops, dresses and skirts in lovely floaty fabrics and gorgeous feminine prints.

You will also find fabulous fashion staples in lovely maternity styles including crisp linen shirts, classic capri pants and chic jackets.

Add your own individual style and taste to outfits with colourful scarves, necklaces, beads, earrings and trendy comfortable shoes.

This is a very special time in your life, relax and enjoy the way your unborn baby is growing and constantly changing and enhancing your figure. Most new Mums have a lovely glowing complexion and truly relish the changes that baby makes to their body.

In fact many expectant Mums love to flaunt their new ripe figures and there are lots of lovely fashions available top show off your new baby belly.

Maternity Must-Haves

* A pair of denim maternity jeans – denim is always fashionable and really versatile.

* Black pants – a well-fitting comfortable pair of black pants can always be dressed up or down.

* A comfortable maternity bra – as your bust increases a comfortable maternity bra is a godsend.

* One fabulous outfit – it’s great to have at least one outfit you always feel fabulous in, with ever changing hormones and busy lives it helps if you can look and feel great.

There is no excuse to look daggy or frumpy when your expecting as Today’s maternity fashions are both chic and comfortable and available in a sensational range of gorgeous colours and fabrics.

Article by: Sandy Prosdocimo, Editor of Smart-Mums everything Mums need….

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: ,

Lose 10 Postpartum Pounds in 5 Weeks

May 26, 2008 By

You’ve seen the teaser ads, “Lose 50 pounds in 5 days!” Some diets claim you can lose a ridiculous amount of weight in a short period of time. But the truth is if you want to sustain weight loss, the “slowly but surely” approach works best. If you gradually shed your pounds while practicing good eating and exercise habits, you will lose the weight for life and get off the diet roller coaster once and for all.

After having a baby, the extra pounds can seem almost impossible to shed with the demands of caring for a little one. So I recommend you set a doable goal like losing 2 pounds a week. In just 5 weeks, you’ll be 10 pounds lighter and well on your way to your pre-pregnancy weight. Losing 2 pounds a week takes discipline but it can be done by following these simple guidelines.

1. Do the math. To lose one pound, you need a 3,500 calorie deficit per week. So to lose 2 pounds a week, you need to cut 7,000 calories, or 1,000 calories a day. This can be done by shaving off 500 calories from your food intake (skip that cookie snack and café mocha) and by exercising. Switching between cardio and strength training on different days, or combining the two, will help you burn 500 calories a day.

2. Put your weight loss goals in your calendar. Start your five week push on a Monday and weigh in. Let’s say you’re 150 pounds. Put the goal weight of 148 in your calendar for the following Monday and so on. Check it off on your calendar as you meet your weekly goals and plan something special for the end of the 5 weeks when you’re 10 pounds lighter.

3. Practice the essentials. There’s really no quick fix or trick to losing weight. Fitness legend Jack La Lanne says it best, “Exercise is king, diet is queen, put them together and you’ve got a kingdom.” Eat healthy and exercise every day and the weight will come off.

Today’s Action Step: Are you ready to lose 10 pounds in 5 weeks? Put your weight loss goals in the calendar, buy healthy food for your refrigerator and pantry, and start exercising today!

Article by: Arlene Pellicane, mother of a toddler and infant, helps women lose their baby weight and thrive as wives and mothers. Her weekly podcast “Losing Weight After Baby” is full of practical ideas that work for busy moms. Visit Arlene’s website for free articles and exercises at or her blog .

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: , ,

Pregnancy: Are You Getting Enough Vitamins and Nutrients?

May 19, 2008 By

Every vitamin, every mineral, every nutrient has an important job to do now, for you and your growing baby. Unless otherwise noted, the function of the nutrients can be found in The RDA 10th Edition 1989.

Vitamin A
• Supports healthy skin, eyesight, bone growth, and immune system

Vitamins B1, B2, and Niacin
• Play a central role in the release of energy from food
• Help the nervous system function properly
• Help keep appetite and digestion normal

Vitamin B6
• Helps reduce nausea in pregnant women (Sahakian 1991)
• Helps form red blood cells

Vitamin B12
• Maintains nervous system
• Helps form red blood cells

Vitamin C
• Helps body resist infection and heal wounds
• Helps body absorb iron
• Provides antioxidant protection

Vitamin D
• Helps the body absorb calcium from the digestive tract
• Helps build baby’s bones and teeth

Vitamin E
• Provides antioxidant protection

Folic Acid
• Helps protect against birth defects of the brain or spinal cord (March of Dimes 2005)
• Helps prevent certain kinds of anemia

Calcium
• Helps build strong bones and teeth
• Is needed for blood clotting processes
• Is needed for muscle contraction

Copper
• Helps the body transport and use iron

Iron
• Helps red blood cells carry oxygen to the cells and to the developing fetus
• Helps prevent anemia

Zinc
• Supports growth, healthy immune functioning and wound healing

Magnesium
• Helps nerves and muscles function
• Energy

DHA & EPA
• Provides important omega-3 long chain fatty acids (DHA & EPA) for healthy brain and eye development in babies (Hornstra 2000; Uauy 2001)
• Benefits adult heart health (Kris-Etherton 2002; Hibblen 2006)

Article by: Sunnie Southern is a representative of DuetDHA specializing in prenatal vitamin supplements.

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: , , , ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »

Come Get To Know Us :)

We're Very Social!