cataler blog

Are you scared to death about the impending birth of your baby?
It’s completely natural to be frightened. There are many things that could go wrong.
But there is something you can do to relieve some of the anxiety. Be informed. Be prepared. Be ready for anything.
Caesarian Sections are performed when it may be impossible or unsafe to deliver the baby vaginally, and are very common. To help you to be prepared in the event of a caesarian section, I’ve compiled this short list of important questions.
What is a Caesarian Section?
A Caesarian section, or c-section, is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the pregnant mother’s abdomen and uterus in order to deliver a baby. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 1 in 5 babies is delivered in this way. Since the majority of these caesarian sections are unexpected, it’s a good idea to know a little bit about them, even if you are not having a high-risk pregnancy.
Why might I need a Caesarian Section?
Caesarian sections are performed when the health of the mother or baby is in jeopardy. Sometimes the necessity of a caesarian section can be anticipated, but most of the time the decision is made on the spot. You might need a Caesarian Section if:
* The cervix stops dilating or the baby stops progressing down the birth canal and all attempts to stimulate uterine contractions to get things moving have failed.
* The baby’s heart rate becomes irregular and he may not be able to withstand continued labor and vaginal delivery.
* The baby’s body is in an abnormal position, such as breech position where the baby’s buttocks is coming out first, or if the baby is lying horizontally across the birth canal.
* The baby’s head is face-up, instead of face-down, it may not be able to be delivered vaginally.
* There is a problem with your placenta, such as placental abruption, where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before labor begins, or placenta previa, where the placenta is born first, cutting off your baby’s oxygen supply.
* You have had a previous caesarian section birth.
* Your baby has a health problem, and will need immediate medical attention after birth.
* You have a serious health problem, like diabetes, heart or lung disease, or high blood pressure, and need induced labor, which can have adverse affects.
* Your baby is very large, or if you have a small or abnormal pelvis.
* You have a primary herpes simplex infection in your genital tract, since the infection could be passed to your baby, leading to serious disease.
* A loop in the umbilical cord comes through the cervix, or prolapses, and becomes compressed, decreasing the baby’s oxygen supply.
* You are carrying twins or multiples, since there is a higher possibility that on of the babies will be in an abnormal position.
What’s the down side?
As with any major surgery, there are several risks involved with caesarian section births. The estimated risk of a mother dying after a Caesarian birth is less than one in 2,500. As a comparison, the estimated risk of a mother dying after a vaginal birth is less than one in 10,000.
* There is a risk of infecting other, nearby organs, such as the bladder or kidneys.
* Blood loss for caesarian sections is, on average, twice as much as with vaginal births. Even so, transfusions are only needed in about 1%-6% of cases.
* Surgery of any kind often causes the bowels to slow down for several days, resulting in distention, bloating, and discomfort.
* Both hospital stay and recovery time are longer for Caesarian Section births.
* In any situation where general anesthesia is used, there is a risk of pneumonia or unexpected reactions to the anesthetics.
* If the baby’s due date was incorrectly calculated, it could result in premature delivery.
* Babies born by caesarian section are more likely to develop breathing problems during the first few days of life.
* There is a slight possibility that the surgeon could make a mistake and nick the baby while making the incision in the uterus.
Caesarian sections are more dangerous than vaginal births, and should only be performed when absolutely necessary. Since the decision to have a caesarian section is often unanticipated, it is important that you are familiar with the procedure, and discuss all of the possible scenarios with your doctor.

Technorati tags: caesarian baby section birth sections

Pregnant women can and should exercise in moderation unless there are health factors or risks that prevent them from participating in a fitness program. This should consist of intervals of no more than thirty minutes at a time, several days each week if not every day of the week. Exercising has been proven to help pregnant women feel and look better, and also will help in minimizing the amount of weight gained during pregnancy.
Keep fit during pregnancy can help prevent or avoid problems such as gestational diabetes, a common form of diabetes that sometimes develops during pregnancy. It will also help increase stamina, which will be needed for labor delivery and increase your physical and emotional well being before and after delivery. Staying in shape will also help speed your recovery after the birth of your baby. Always be sure to consult with your physician before beginning any type of fitness program while you are pregnant.
Fitness programs that are appropriate for pregnant women include walking, swimming, low or no-impact aerobics (done at a mild pace), yoga, and Pilates for as long as you are able to complete the required moves. You should always avoid activities that can put you at a high risk for injury. Forms of sports or exercise that may cause you to be hit in the abdomen or are performed lying flat on your back are considered high risk. This is extremely important after the third month. Another sport you will need to avoid during pregnancy is scuba diving. While this may seem completely harmless, especially since being in the water makes you feel lighter and more agile, it can cause dangerous gas bubbles to form in an unborn child’s circulatory system.
There are numerous benefits that exercise can bring to a pregnant woman. You will burn calories, which will help prevent any excessive weight gain. If you work out on a regular basis, you will improve the condition of your joints and muscles, which will be very helpful during the birth of your baby. The long-term effects will also continue after giving birth and will also help you lower your risk of heart disease and many other serious illnesses.
Staying in shape will help to relieve any anxiety and stress you may feel. It will also help to prevent the “baby blues” that many new mothers experience after the birth of their child. This is valuable information since so many new mothers worry if postpartum depression will affect their lives and the lives of their family. Participating in fitness programs while pregnant gives many emotional as well as physical benefits.
Once your doctor give you the go ahead to begin a fitness program, decide on a program that fits both your likes and schedule. Keep in mind that it is best if you do not exceed a 30-minute period of time while exercising. If you are finding it difficult to pick a program, try several different types of exercises that are appropriate for pregnant women then decide which you enjoy the most. You may want to incorporate a variety of exercises into your routine to help prevent boredom and discouragement. Exercising while you are pregnant is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your unborn child.

Technorati tags: help pregnant prevent fitness during