Expecting Multiples

What is a multiple pregnancy?

A multiple pregnancy is the presence of two or more fetuses growing in the uterus. Being pregnant with multiples is considered high-risk because complications and premature birth are more common than in pregnancies of one fetus.

Taking care of yourself and your babies:

- reduce stress in your life
- talk to your health care provider about the amount of physical activity that is right for you
- eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water - When carrying more than one baby need more calories, protein, folic acid and other nutrients including iron
- maintain a healthy weight gain under the supervision of a health care provider
- ensure proper rest
- your body will be working twice as hard and it will need twice as much rest. Take regular breaks from your daily activities and get at least eight hours of sleep per day.
- visit your health care provider regularly to detect complications early enough for effective treatment
- connect with you local chapter of Parents of Multiple Birth Association (POMBA) for information and support

Resources:

Best start - www.beststart.org
POMBA - www.drpomba.com
March of Dimes - www.marchofdimes.com
Multiple Births Canada - www.multiplebirthscanada.org
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada - www.sogc.org

Article by Durham Health
www.region.durham.on.ca

Physical Activity During Pregnancy

It is recommended that you talk to your health care provider before you begin a physical activity program and on a regular basis throughout your pregnancy to ensure safety.

Regular Physical activity during pregnancy:
- improves mood and self -image
- helps ensure appropriate weight gain during pregnancy
- helps with relaxation and reducing stress
- promotes better sleep
- increases muscle tone, strength and endurance
- helps build stamina needed for labour and delivery
- promotes faster recover after labour and delivery
- heps increase energy levels

Physical activity tips for during pregnancy:
- check with your health care provider first about you level of physical activity
- always start easy and progress gradually
- drink lots of waster before, during and after physical activity
- don't push yourself too hard, - you should be able to carry on a normal conversation while you're being active
- listen to your body - rest for a day if your feeling tired
- avoid being active outdoors on overly hot or humid days
- avoid hot tubs and whirl pools
- avoid exercising on your back after your fourth month of pregnancy. Instead perform exercises while lying on you side , sitting or standing
- avoid physical contact sports, activities that involve a risk of falling and where lack of oxygen is a risk (e.g. skiing, scuba diving, hiking at high altitudes)

Call your doctor if you notice any changes, have any concerns or if you have any of the following symptoms:
- persistent contractions
- bleeding from the vagina
- increasing back pain, pubis pain or pain in the abdomen
- sudden swelling of the ankles, hands or face
- dizziness or shortness of breath
- difficulty walking
- changes in usual fetal movement
- swelling, pain and redness in the calf one one leg.

Article by Durham Health
www.region.durham.on.ca

Helplines and websites

DURHAM HEALTH CONNECTION LINE:

A line staffed by public health nurses who provide information about health issues and community services. Call for a free copy of a prenatal package.
905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729
9a.m. - 6p.m. Monday - Friday

MOTHERISK:
Provides information about the use of different products, chemicals, drugs/herbs, infectious agents and occupational hazards, when thinking of having a baby, when pregnant or when breastfeeding.
http://www.motherisk.org/ 416-813-6780

Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy:
1-800-436-8477

Alcohol and Drug use During Pregnancy:
1-877-327-4636

HIV/AIDS and Pregnancy:
1-800-246-5840

TELEHEALTH ONTARIO:
Speck to a registered nurse for information about health related concerns. 24 hours, 7 days a week:

1-866-797-0000

BREASTFEEDING INFORMATION:

http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/

HEALTHY BABIES/HEALTHY CHILDREN:

Services for pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy: women with newborns, and families wih children 0-6 years of age. Services by public health nurses include: telephone counselling and home visits to provide support and information.

Call Durham health Connection Line for information and referral :

1-800-841-2729

S.M.I.L.E.

Prenatal classes for young parents-to-e. Classes offered in: Ajax, Oshawa, Bowmanville and North Durham. Call for dates and registration.

1-800-841-2729
Register through Durham Health Connection Line

Exercise & Pregnancy Hotline:

Run by Women's College Ambulatory Care centre an Motherisk:

These professionals can help determine which exercises are safe for you during pregnancy.

1-866-937-7678

INTRODUCING THE TSIOBANOS BABY, Whitby Ontario

Congratulations to our April BabyView of the Month winners Jennifer and John Tsiobanos.

When Jennifer and John came to BabyView for a sneak peek at their third child, they were delighted to discover that they were having another baby girl. Daddy’s eyes filled with tears and mommy giggled as she watched her baby girl dance away in her tummy.

Jennifer and John have decided to name their baby girl Cheyenne Elizabeth Tsiobanos! A beautiful name, for a beautiful girl! A name that she will make unique in her own way.

Cheyenne doesn’t know it yet, but she is a lucky little lady. She has two siblings, Brendon and Makayla who are eagerly waiting her July arrival, as well as a HUGE extended family, which include Grammy and Granddad Tsiobanos, Grandma and Grandpa Hutchinson, Nanny Jones, Aunt Jen and Uncle Steve, Aunt Mich and Uncle Luke, Uncle Iden, Aunt Nancy and Uncle Bill and Poppa and GG Jones.

When asked whom Cheyenne resembles, Jennifer says Cheyenne is a complete carbon copy of her big sister, Makayla. They have the same eyes, nose and mouth, which is sure to make big sister proud!!

When asked about their hopes and dreams for their children, Jennifer replied…
Our Hopes: That she is always happyOur Dreams: That she is successful in everything she does

Our Prayers: That she is always healthy and safe Our Lives: That she is always part of them

Our Future: That’s what she is Our Love: Cheyenne Elizabeth Tsiobanos

I think the above statement says it all…

BabyView would like to offer you our warmest congratulations. We wish you and your new family a lifetime of happiness and love. Congratulations from all of us at BabyView, we are excited to see you and Cheyenne very soon.

Kegel exercises: How to strenghten your pelvic floor muscles

You lift weights to tone your arms and do crunches to flatten your stomach. That's great, but don't forget your Kegel exercises, too. Kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which support your uterus, bladder and bowel. If you do Kegel exercises regularly and keep your pelvic floor muscles toned, you may reduce your risk of incontinence and similar problems as you get older. Kegel exercises can also help you control urinary incontinence.

But learning how to perform Kegel exercises properly may be tricky. How do you know whether you're working the correct muscles? Here's a guide to perfecting Kegel exercises.

Kegel exercises: Who can benefit

Pregnancy, childbirth, excess weight, chronic coughing and just getting older can all take a toll on your pelvic floor muscles. So can a genetic predisposition to weak connective tissue. When your pelvic floor muscles weaken, your pelvic organs descend and bulge into your vagina, a condition known as uterine or vaginal prolapse. The effects of pelvic organ prolapse range from uncomfortable pelvic pressure to leakage of urine or feces. Fortunately, Kegel exercises can strengthen pelvic muscles and delay or maybe even prevent pelvic organ prolapse.

Kegel exercises are also recommended during pregnancy. Well-toned pelvic floor muscles may make you more comfortable as your due date approaches. You may be less likely to develop urine leakage and hemorrhoids — both common near the end of pregnancy and prone to persist long after you've given birth.

Finally, Kegel exercises — along with counseling and sex therapy — may be helpful to women who have persistent problems reaching orgasm.

How to do Kegel exercises

It may take diligence to identify your pelvic floor muscles and learn how to contract and relax them. Here are some pointers:

Find the right muscles
To make sure you know how to contract your pelvic floor muscles, try to stop the flow of urine while you're going to the bathroom. If you succeed, you've got the basic move. Or try another technique: Insert a finger inside your vagina and try to squeeze the surrounding muscles. You should be able to feel your vagina tighten and your pelvic floor move upward. Then relax your muscles and feel your pelvic floor move down to the starting position. As your muscles become stronger — and you become more experienced with the exercises — this movement will be more pronounced.

A cautionary note: Don't make a habit of starting and stopping your urine stream. Doing Kegel exercises with a full bladder or while emptying your bladder can actually weaken the muscles. It can also lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder, which increases your risk of a urinary tract infection.

If you're having trouble finding the right muscles, don't be embarrassed to ask your doctor for help. He or she can provide important feedback so that you learn to isolate and exercise the correct muscles.

Perfect your technique
Once you've identified your pelvic floor muscles, empty your bladder and get into a sitting or standing position. Then firmly tense your pelvic floor muscles. Try it at frequent intervals for five seconds at a time, four or five times in a row. Work up to keeping the muscles contracted for 10 seconds at a time, relaxing for 10 seconds between contractions.

Be careful not to flex the muscles in your abdomen, thighs or buttocks. To get the maximum benefit, focus on tightening only your pelvic floor muscles. Also, try not to hold your breath. Just relax, breathe freely and focus on tightening the muscles around your vagina and rectum.

Repeat three times a day
Perform a set of 10 Kegel exercises at least three times a day. The exercises will get easier the more often you do them. You might make a practice of fitting in a set every time you do a routine task, such as checking e-mail or commuting to work.

You can also vary your technique. Try doing sets of mini-Kegels. Count quickly to 10 or 20, contracting and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles each time you say a number. Or slow it down, gradually contracting and releasing your pelvic floor muscles one time. As you contract, visualize an elevator traveling up four floors. At each floor, contract your muscles a little more until you reach maximum contraction at the fourth floor. Hold the contraction and then slowly release the tension as you visualize the elevator traveling back down. Repeat 10 times.

Some doctors recommend exercising the pelvic floor muscles with weighted vaginal cones about the size of tampons. By contracting your pelvic floor muscles, you hold the weight in place in your vagina. Start with a light weight and gradually work up to a heavier one.

www.mayoclinic.com

Is dental work safe during pregnancy?

Generally, yes. Local anesthesia isn't thought to have any negative effect on the fetus. If possible, postpone x-rays or surgeries requiring general anesthesia until after your baby is born. If an x-ray is necessary, be sure that the dentist knows you're pregnant so he can shield your abdomen to minimize the radiation that reaches the fetus.

Article by Discovery Health.

What is the difference between 2D, 3D and 4D Ultrasound?

2D is a classic black and white image used for diagnostic scans to evaluate the internal organs and assess for abnormalities. These scans are very helpful medically because a trained sonographer can evaluate the growth of the baby.

3D and 4D ultrasounds render a surface image only which is much more realistic to the inexperienced eye. The only difference between 3D and 4D is that the 3D scan is a still image and the 4D scan captures the baby in live movement.

Can I dye my hair during pregnancy?

It is okay to dye or highlight your hair while pregnant, because the exposure to the baby from the solutions is not significant. However, hair may not take to the solution during pregnancy.

Is it safe to have sex while I am pregnant?

Sex during pregnancy.

Yes, it is safe to have sex during pregnancy as long as there are no complications of pregnancy. If you are experiencing bleeding, signs of premature labor or ruptured membranes you should refrain from sex and call your physician immediately. If you are healthy and physically comfortable there is no reason you should not be able to enjoy sexual relations with your partner.

Should I sleep in a certain position?

It is fine to sleep in whatever position you are comfortable in until the 24th week. After that, don’t sleep on your back, because your uterus may compress arteries and affect your blood pressure.

Fetal Heart Rate for Gender Prediction

Gender Heart Rates

As the old wives' tale has it, if your unborn baby's heart rate is higher, above 140 beats per minute, that means you're carrying a girl. A lower heart rate below 140 bpm means you're having a boy.

It's hard to resist such an easy test, and ever so tempting to over-analyze the pitter patter of that tiny heart. In early pregnancy, the reassuring sound of that heartbeat is just about the only thing we've got to show a baby's even there.

But don't get your hopes up, or have your hopes dashed, based on your baby's heart rate, because it has absolutely nothing to do with what your baby has between its legs. This particular old wives' tale was found to be completely false by a medical study which confirms that fetal heart rate has nothing to do with the baby's sex.

The study did find a relationship between the baby's heart rate and gestational age (weeks of pregnancy).


www.in-gender.com

Emotional Health

When you are pregnant, the thoughts and feelings
you experience can range from happiness and
contentment—“I can’t wait to hold my new baby”,
“I’m going to be a great mother”—to worry and
stress—“Will I ever lose all this weight?”, “Can
I really support a baby on this pay cheque?”
It’s normal to experience these types of feelings.
Your moods are changing right along with
your hormones and your body. That’s why your
emotional health is more important than ever!

IMPORTANT FACTS
One in ten women suffers from bouts of
depression during pregnancy. Learn the signs
and symptoms of depression (see bottom of the article)
and contact your doctor if you feel you may
be depressed.

You need your rest. Your body is busy 24 hours
a day as your baby develops and it’s hard work.
If you’re tired, don’t skip sleep. Put your feet up,
take a nap or just slow down. You’ll feel better
physically and mentally.

Staying active and eating well can help keep
your moods in check. Make sure you are eating
enough to nourish your baby. Eat regularly—don’t
skip meals—and make sure you drink plenty of
water. You also need physical activity. A walk
outside or swimming at the pool can leave you
feeling refreshed.

Stay away from stress. If certain people or
situations cause you stress, avoid them as much as
possible. And don’t take on added responsibilities
at work or in your community. Having too much
to do can be stressful at the best of times. Learn to
say “no!”

Next Steps
Take care of yourself by eating well, staying
active and fi nding time to relax and rest when
you need it.

Accept offers of help from friends and family.

Share your thoughts and feelings with others.
If you are worried, upset, sad or anxious, talking
about it can help. Confi de in your partner, a
trusted friend or a family member.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT
EMOTIONAL HEALTH

I’m fi ne one minute and in tears the next.
Why am I so moody?

Mood swings are a normal part of pregnancy.
Pregnancy triggers an outpouring of various
hormones. These hormones can change the level
of brain chemicals (called neurotransmitters)
that, in turn, regulate mood. Some women may
be moody all through pregnancy, but it’s most
common around the sixth to tenth week and
then again in the third trimester when your body
is getting ready for labour and delivery.

Is it safe to have sex?

Unless your doctor specifi cally advises you
otherwise, sex during pregnancy is safe for both
you and your baby. Intercourse can’t hurt your
baby or cause a miscarriage. You may fi nd you
want to have sex more than you did before you
became pregnant. On the other hand, wanting sex
less is perfectly normal too. Most couples resume
an active sex life sometime during the fi rst year of
their baby’s life.

Could I be depressed?

It’s possible. Check with your health care provider
if you have four or more of these symptoms for
at least two weeks or if any of these symptoms
particularly concern you:

• inability to concentrate
• anxiety
• extreme irritability
• frequent mood swings
• sleep problems
• extreme fatigue
• persistent sadness
• a lack of interest in things you used to care about
• a sense that nothing is fun or enjoyable anymore
• a dramatic change in appetite (up or down)


Article by Government of Canada.

INTRODUCING THE PITTER BABY, Bowmanville, ON

Congratulations to Chantal and Jermain Pitter our new BabyView of the Month winners.

Chantal and Jermain are going to be first time parents! We were thrilled when they chose BabyView to help them celebrate their joy and excitement during this wonderful time.

The proud parents-to-be were delighted to discover, they are expecting a beautiful baby boy! Both Jermain and Chantal were surprised at how clear and detailed their BabyView ultrasound was. They were in awe, watching their baby grab his tiny feet and wave his hands as if trying to say hello to his happy parents. “We were overwhelmed with joy and anticipation. Feeling him move around and at the same time being able to watch it on the monitor was a surreal feeling that is indescribable with words.”

The couple had hoped for a name that was unique as the baby himself, and we at BabyView are extremely proud to announce that Chantal and Jermain will name their sweet baby boy Jaivien Jermain Januch Pitter. Jaivien is a Sanskrit name which means: Victorious, and the name is thought to be one only suitable enough for handsome little boys. When we asked who baby Jaivien looks like they both agreed that he gets his rugged good looks from his father, however Chantal says Jaivien is lucky to be blessed with his mother’s chin.

Jaivien will make his long awaited debut at Oshawa Lake Ridge Health in May 2008 and when he is ready to go home he will be greeted by a large loving family, which includes grandparents Tracey and George Januch and Helia and Curtis Pitter, as well as great grandparents Kathy and Wilfred Ross. This is an especially exciting time for Heila and Curtis as this is their first grandchild. After the big introduction to home, Javien will settle into a colorful designer Disney themed room stuffed with toys and treasures fit for a prince.

Baby Showers: Throw the Perfect Baby Shower

Baby Shower Planning: When planning a baby shower you need to keep a few things in mind:

• the mother-to-be's preferences
• time of day of the party
• location of the party
• party plans

If this is a second shower you may choose to do your baby shower differently than if it is a first baby shower. Overall, good planning will help your baby shower go more smoothly.

Baby Shower Food: Your menu will depend on when you are holding the shower. If you are holding the baby shower during lunch or dinner, you will be expected to provide a full meal. Currently brunch baby showers are very popular. If the baby shower is at another time of the day or night, most still choose to serve some sort of appetizers and dessert.

Baby Shower Games: The baby shower game has gotten a bad rap. Yes, there are the exceedingly silly and somewhat crazy baby shower games, but these do not have to be the ones that you choose to play. Many baby shower games are taking an educational bend these days, or at least a safer turn.

Baby Shower Presents: Ah the baby gifts! These are the things to ooo and ahh over at the shower. It is certainly fun to shop for and watch the mother open all of these presents. Some people try to choose practical gifts while others prefer to choose fun gifts that the family may not buy for themselves. Many mothers register during their pregnancy for gift lists at various stores.

Alternatives to a Baby Shower: There may be reasons that you do not want to hold a baby shower, but do want to honor the mother and the baby. This may be because this is not the first baby for the mother-to-be. Though second pregnancies don't always mean no baby shower, that is a personal decision. There are some people who do not like how a baby shower typically goes, some claim that there is a negative energy towards birth and parenting as scary stories are circulated. Others believe that the baby shower is simply too commerical.

Other ideas include a simple meal without the presents or a Blessingway.

Article by About.com

Sensible Weight Gain

Gaining the right amount of weight during pregnancy by eating a healthy, balanced diet is a good sign that your baby is getting all the nutrients he or she needs and is growing at a healthy rate.

It is not necessary to "eat for two" during pregnancy. It's true that you need extra calories from nutrient-rich foods to help your baby grow, but you generally need to consume only 100 to 300 more calories than you did before you became pregnant to meet the needs of your growing baby.


Ask your health care provider how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. A woman of average weight before pregnancy should gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy. Underweight women should gain 28-40 pounds during pregnancy. Overweight women may need to gain only 15-25 pounds during pregnancy. You may need to gain more or less weight, depending on what your health care provider recommends.

In general, you should gain about 2 to 4 pounds during your first three months of pregnancy and 1 pound a week for the remainder of your pregnancy. If you are expecting twins you should gain 35 to 45 pounds during your pregnancy. This would be an average of 1 pounds per week after the usual weight gain in the first three months.

Where Does the Extra Weight Go?

Baby 8 pounds
Placenta 2-3 pounds
Amniotic fluid 2-3 pounds
Breast tissue 2-3 pounds
Blood supply 4 pounds
Fat stores for delivery and breastfeeding 5-9 pounds
Uterus increase 2-5 pounds
Total 25 to 35 pounds

Is It Safe to Lose Weight During Pregnancy?

No. It is never safe to lose weight during pregnancy -- both you and your baby need the proper nutrients in order to be healthy.

How Can I Gain the Appropriate Amount of Weight During Pregnancy

If your health care provider recommends gaining more weight during pregnancy, here are some suggestions:

Eat five to six small, frequent meals every day.

Keep quick, easy snacks on hand, such as nuts, raisins, cheese and crackers, dried fruit, and ice cream/yogurt.

Spread peanut butter on toast, crackers, apples, bananas, or celery. One tablespoon of creamy peanut butter will provide about 100 calories and seven grams of protein.

Add nonfat powdered milk to foods such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and hot cereal.

Add condiments to your meal, such as butter or margarine, cream cheese, gravy, sour cream and cheese.

What Should I Do If I Gain Too Much Weight?

If you have gained more weight than recommended during the beginning of your pregnancy, DO NOT try to lose weight. It is never safe to lose weight during pregnancy -- both you and your baby need the proper nutrients in order to be healthy.

Be sure to eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you and your baby need. Here are some tips to slow your weight gain:

When eating out at a fast food restaurant, choose lower fat items such as broiled chicken breast sandwich with tomato and lettuce (no sauce or mayonnaise), side salad with low-fat dressing, plain bagels or a plain baked potato.

Avoid fried foods such as French fries, mozzarella sticks or breaded chicken patties.
Avoid whole milk products. You need at least four servings of milk products every day. However, using skim, 1% or 2% milk will greatly reduce the amount of calories and fat you eat. Also choose low-fat or fat-free cheese or yogurt.

Limit sweet or sugary drinks. Sweetened drinks such as soft drinks, fruit punch, fruit drinks, iced tea, lemonade or powdered drink mixes provide many calories with little nutrients. Choose water, club soda, or mineral water to avoid extra calories.

Do not add salt to foods when cooking. Salt causes your body to retain water.

Limit sweets and high calorie snacks. Cookies, candies, donuts, cakes, syrup, honey and potato chips provide many calories with little nutrition. Try not to eat these types of foods every day. Instead, try fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt, angel food cake with strawberries, or pretzels as lower calorie snack and dessert choices.

Use fats in moderation. Fats include cooking oils, margarine, butter, gravy, sauces, mayonnaise, regular salad dressings, sauces, lard, sour cream and cream cheese. Try the lower fat substitutes that are available for these foods.

Prepare meals using low-fat cooking methods. Frying foods in oil or butter will increase the calories and fat of that meal. Baking, broiling or boiling are healthier, lower fat methods of cooking.


Article by WebMD.