Your Pregnancy

Are you thinking about using Pilates videos for pregnancy? Taking a class or would like to find out a little more information? Well I have written this article with you in mind. I hope that you find it useful.

Looking for an exercise program while you’re pregnant can be somewhat like choosing chocolates in a candy store. You don’t know if you’re going to like it once you buy it or if it’s going to satisfy your very individual needs and tastes. Pregnant women who are addicted to their weekly Pilates workouts don’t need to give them up, they just need to find a workout that takes their new status as a pregnant woman into consideration.

For the sake of convenience, many pregnant women choose to do their workouts at home with one of the many videos or books available on the subject. The question is which one? It’s important to choose a workout that will keep you in shape and yet not compromise the pregnancy when choosing Pilates videos for pregnancy. Remember to get a go ahead from your health care provider before beginning any workout program, even if you are used to physical exercise.

Pilates has become really very popular over the last 10 years and due to the fact that certain techniques are safe during pregnancy it is not surprising that many people are looking for the perfect Pilates videos for pregnancy to enable them to use this wonderful form of exercise in their own homes.

Pilates is often seen as a one size fits all program. Pilates takes the core strengthening, stomach flattening, muscle lengthening exercises that Joseph Pilates invented and group them together to target specific needs or are modified so that people who previously thought they couldn’t do Pilates can benefit from Joseph Pilates brilliant method.

Many women find Pilates to be one of best exercises to do, both during and after their pregancy. One the top reasons Pilates and pregnancy go together so well is that Pilates is great at building core strength. If your abdominals, back, and pelvic floor/Kegel muscles are toned, they will support a more comfortable pregnancy and delivery. Pilates is also famous for helping new moms get their figures back after baby is born!

When buying Pilates videos for pregnancy, first make sure that the instructor on the tape is an expert in the field. Also look for a section or introduction that addresses safety and posture. Posture is a constant challenge throughout pregnancy. Good posture and alignment can help pregnant women avoid the usual aches and pains. And, like any exercise program, enjoyment is a large part of wanting to work out regularly.

Lindsey Jackson’s Video ‘PILATES IN PREGNANCY’

This video claims that by doing these exercises women will gain more balance, control of their bodies, energy, self awareness, better posture, strength and flexibility and be able to relax. To a large extent this is true, if done regularly (2-3 times a week) and the workout would take about 30 minutes.

What Others Have to Say

The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women’s Health said “This video is endorsed by, and was produced in consultation with the Association . . . we were impressed at how thorough Lindsey was in making adaptations, based on the advice given by women’s health physiotherapists . . .”

“The video has helped me with a number of things. It has helped my back, which was a problem and has also helped me avoid the slight inconstancy I suffered following the birth of my first baby. I also regained the shape of my stomach far quicker following the birth of this child, than following the birth of my first child when I was not practicing Pilates” Susan Kinderlane

“seeing the effect I could have on my tummy muscles whilst pregnant was incredibly empowering.” Kirsty Maddocks

“Clear and correct instructions . . . appropriate modifications .. well selected exercises . . . well produced and well instructed” Lisa Westlake Australian Physio Association

“I would highly recommend this video to all pregnant/post-partum clients, especially those who are experiencing pelvic ring dysfunction. The instructor is knowledgeable, and the quality of the exercise routine is among the best I have seen for this patient population” Lauren Potach, PT Women’s Health Coordinator Rehab Partners- Methodist Hospital, Nebraska

There are many critics who say that you should never use any Essential oils during your pregnancy, while others say that it is perfectly safe. With so many different opinions on the subject, it is no wonder that pregnant women get confused. So is it safe to use aromatherapy when you are pregnant, or are the critics right?

The Negatives

The reason there are so many skeptics regarding the use of oils during pregnancy, is because there have been proven negative results. It has been proved that certain oils have caused spontaneous abortion and uterine contractions. Diabetics also should not use the oil and since many women become temporarily diabetic during their pregnancy, pregnant women are advised against it.

However, although the results are proven, it has not been discovered whether the oils in question were taken internally or externally. All oils should never be taken internally unless advised as they can be extremely harmful. Some oils to avoid during pregnancy include

Cinnamon

Cedar

Basil

Rosemary

Myrrh

Jasmine

Peppermint

Whilst it may be dangerous during pregnancy, Jasmine is Ok to use whilst giving birth.

Overall it is thought that you definitely should not use the oils for the first four months during pregnancy. Also, you should contact a professional practitioner before you even attempt to use any oils on yourself while you are pregnant.

The Positives

If you do decide to use aromatherapy during your pregnancy it is assumed that you have already sought advice from a practitioner. The practitioner should be able to tell you which oils to avoid and which ones are safe to use.

The great news is if you do choose the right oils, aromatherapy can really help to ease the symptoms of morning sickness. This is a problem suffered by most pregnant women so this will come as welcome news for them. Aromatherapy can also help with stretch marks, skin problems, indigestion and fatigue.

Gentle massage using essential oils can really help to soothe the mind and relax the body. During pregnancy a woman’s hormones are all over the place, and so the sweet aroma of essential oils can really help to calm them down and balance their emotions.

If you dilute the oils a little more than you usually would, you should be ok, and the oils should be perfectly safe to use. Some oils which you can use during pregnancy include

Frankincense

Chamomile

Bergamot

Lavender

Ylang, Ylang

So, there are both negatives and positives for using aromatherapy whilst you are pregnant. However, the negatives are quite serious and the effects can be devastating. This means that it is essential to seek advice from a professional practitioner before you even think about using any essential oils.

The positives on the other hand can be great and so if you can find something safe for you, you should start to see the benefits straight away. Overall it all depends on whether or not you are willing to take the risk. Some women prefer simply not to bother with aromatherapy at all during pregnancy, whilst others use the oils after a certain amount of time. Always seek professional advice and make sure you have enough prior knowledge.

In 1968 French medical researchers identified a collection of abnormalities in children born to alcoholic mothers. These abnormalities came to be known collectively as the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). The defects associated with FAS are caused when alcohol drunk by the mother crosses the placenta, enters the unborn child’s bloodstream, and interferes with normal biological development.

Most FAS babies have distinct facial features. They usually have small heads, with small eyes, very thin upper lips, low, sunken nasal bridges, and flattened cheekbones. In addition to their distinctive facial features, FAS babies suffer a variety of other physical defects. They generally show growth retardation. They are shorter and lighter in weight, on average, than non-FAS babies. This growth lag tends to persist into childhood. FAS babies often have deformities in their bones and joints and may have certain heart defects. Motor coordination tends to be poor, also. The most devastating problems, however, center on their intellectual development.

The developing brain is especially sensitive to alcohol. Prenatal exposure to alcohol appears to cause faulty arrangement of brain cells. Hence, FAS babies have reduced potential for developing their thinking and reasoning. By the time they reach school age, FAS babies typically show signs of mental retardation. Throughout childhood they will have poor attention spans and impaired learning skills.

In addition to their many intellectual problems, FAS children have a range of behavioral problems. They tend to be restless, irritable, and aggressive. They are likely to have poor impulse control. Because they have difficulty interpreting and responding to social cues, FAS children often have few friends.

Today we know that a mother does not have to be an alcoholic to give birth to a child who shows signs of FAS. A mother’s consistent use of alcohol, even small amounts, throughout pregnancy can produce adverse effects on the unborn child. Occasional binge drinking during pregnancy can also have profound effects.

It is estimated that 1 infant in 750 suffers from FAS. Perhaps another 10 infants suffer from Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE). FAE refers to a condition that is somewhat less severe than FAS. The child with FAE does not show all the signs of full-blown FAS, but shares many of the same developmental defects. For example, children with FAE typically have intellectual impairments and behavioral problems that continue throughout childhood and beyond.

How much alcohol can a woman safely consume when she is pregnant? Occasionally a physician will tell a woman that a drink of wine now and then will not hurt her unborn child. However, the fact of the matter is, no one knows for sure how much alcohol is needed to harm the unborn child. The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has stated that “no amount of alcohol has been proven safe to consume during pregnancy”. The best advice for women, who are pregnant, or planning on becoming pregnant, is to abstain from all drinking. By following this advice, the wide range of birth defects associated with FAS and FAE can be prevented.

All pregnancies are filled with nine months of different feelings and emotions. Some days will be happy days, some days you may feel overwhelmed, sad, tired, or confused. Most days you will glow with excitement just knowing that your bundle of joy is on the way. It’s completely natural to have all of these feelings during your pregnancy.

There’s a lot of changes occurring in your body right now. Don’t be surprised and don’t think they’re abnormal. Especially if you notice acne during pregnancy. Don’t worry! When your baby is born and your hormones are back to normal, acne will go away.

What can you do in the meantime to keep acne at bay? First, it’s important to tell you that over the counter treatments are not recommended. Pregnant women should NEVER use any kind of pill, cream, product on their body unless directed by a doctor. Keep yourself and your baby safe. Run everything by a medical doctor prior to use. The safest acne remedy during pregnacny? Good ole’ water. It’s cheap, safe, and practical. It will hydrate your body and skin, keep you feeling fresh, and it’s good for your baby. By drinking water, you’re fighting acne during pregnancy. Water flushes impurities our of your body.

Right now is one of the most important times to watch your dietary intake. If you’re used to drink soda and coffee, now may be the time to ban them. Caffeine is known to promote acne during pregnancy, cause headaches, and excite your unborn baby.

Water and natural juices are the best option for you. This will aid you in your fight against acne during pregnancy. Stress too, is also a contributor of acne during pregnancy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed take a time-out for yourself. Whether you take a walk, read a book, or listen to some good music, these are all positive stimulations for you and your baby. Afterwards, you’ll feel more collected and your stress should dissipate some.

Pregnant women all vary in their food cravings. One woman may crave raw vegetables where another may want cheeseburgers every day. Pay attention to your food cravings and don’t give into your body every time! Especially if you’re craving fast foods, fried foods, and foods that are greasy in nature. These are providers of acne during pregnancy. If you’re looking for other advice from pregnant women, there are pregnancy books and pregnancy forums for women who experience such things as acne during pregnancy. You may make a friendship and find all the acne tips you need!

Once you pregnancy is over, and you have a lovely child, it would wise to search for an anti-DHT solution to address your skin. You see, once the hormonal change in your body are complete, you will still need to address the buildup of oils in the skin, which is caused by DHT in the skin.