How to Get Back in Shape After Having a Baby

Okay, if you are one of those women who only gained 15 pounds went you got pregnant, and then this isn't for you. See, I've been in pretty darn good shape my whole life - never overweight, worked out regularly and ate healthy. But damn! When I got pregnant I stayed on the regular exercise and healthy eating and still gained FIFTY POUNDS!!! I was shocked. I didn't feel fat, just pregnant. And I felt pretty darn sexy and womanly. And I thought for sure I would leave all that weight at the hospital. But I didn't. So here's some of what I learned about taking it off.

Things You’ll Need:
Patience
Self-discipline
Hope

Step1
Let your body heal. Whether a vaginal or c-section birth, your body needs to recuperate. This can be a heartbreaking time because you are really seeing your body for the first time without this awesome belly, and realizing UH OH, it is pretty far off from what you started from. That's okay. Give yourself time to heal and get into the rhythm of your baby.
Step2
Figure out the logistics of exercise. Everyone is different - you are staying at home, you are back at work, you have multiple kids. For each person, there is a plan. Trust me. It is just a matter of figuring out what works for you. A treadmill, a used jogging stroller, an old workout DVD.
Step3
Just 30 minutes. If you can give that to yourself everyday, that would be ideal. If you try for it everyday and wind up with 3-4 times a week, that's good. Finding time for you can feel impossible, but I promise, it's not. I come home from work and take my daughter for a walk for 20-30 minutes. It is my time to come down from the work day. 

Sometimes my husband will watch her in the morning so I exercise. I know you are exhausted. But here is the secret - exercising every day actually gives you more energy. Try it. You can live better on the 4-6 hours of sleep you are getting every night and the 10-12 hours your are working every day as a full time mom or working outside the home.
Step4
Take time to tone too. Burning off the fat is made all the easier by building muscle mass. And as much as we all wish we had the personal trainers and nannies of the Caleb moms, most of us don't. So to keep it simple. Start with 25 push ups and sit ups. Then tack on 5-10 more a week and work your way up to 100. If you can actually break away and take a yoga or toning class, the entire better.
Step5
Watch your eating. When you are pregnant, you are encouraged to indulge, and most of us do. But the good thing about eating during pregnancy is that you learn more about nutrition than ever before because you become hyper-aware of what you are putting into your body. Keep up this practice, because now you need to take care of you for YOU. Continuing to eat healthy, fresh foods without hydrogenated soybeans or refined sugar is great. Just cut the portions in HALF so you can ultimately burn more calories than you eat...the only sure-fire way to lose weight.
Step6
Give yourself time. Your body isn't going to look just like it did before you got pregnant right away. I've still got that last damn five pounds and my daughter is almost a year old. But I'm active, I'm healthy and I know I'll get there. You will too.

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Beauty Treatments During Pregnancy

It is a well-known fact that a pregnant woman's body undergoes many alterations, owing to hormonal changes. Are you pregnant, and have started noticing changes? Your skin has turned ever so sensitive, acne has suddenly become severe, there are more freckles on your face, your skin tone has darkened, your hair may have turned dry or frizzy. And finally, one good change - there seems to be a glow on your face! All these changes are normal during pregnancy, and go away after the baby arrives. As far as the safety of beauty treatments during pregnancy is concerned, not all procedures are believed to be safe, and some treatments should be avoided by the pregnant mother.

Various Beauty Treatments During Pregnancy

Body Massage
Massage has a soothing effect on the body and is totally safe for pregnant women. To be on the safer side, massage should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy; many massage centers don't offer massage services when a woman is in the first trimester of her pregnancy. On and all, special massage packs are available for pregnant women and you should consult a therapist to determine the best massage routine for you.

Tip: Massage can be a boon for pregnant women, as it actually relieves the body of unnecessary tension and prepares it for future stress and strain. So consult the best masseuse, discuss with him/her all your apprehensions before taking a massage.

Manicure and Pedicure
Some pregnant women experience that their nails grow faster than usual, this is observed because of the hormonal changes and other body changes, like increase in the mineral and vitamin concentration of the body. Manicure and pedicure treatments come in handy, and they are safe too. The chemicals in nail polish can cause some harm, especially formaldehyde and toluene in the nail polish. It is best if you use nail polish that contains the least amount of chemicals.

Tip: Make sure the room is well ventilated, as the fumes and chemicals can be harmful. Massaging the ankle and heel area should be avoided, as contractions can be triggered from these points.

Tanning
Women, no matter what age, whether pregnant or not, love tanning. But is tanning safe during pregnancy? The safety of tanning depends on what medium you are using. Tanning beds should be avoided during pregnancy, also tanning in the sun is something you should not prefer doing. This is because, exposing skin to UV rays can be unsafe for the already sensitive skin. Exposing the skin to UV rays increases the chances of developing chloasma, that is, sun blotches on the skin.

Tip: Any activity that considerably raises the temperature of the body should be avoided. This includes avoiding tanning beds, steam rooms, hot tubs, jacuzzis, and sauna treatments. A good remedy is using tanning lotions, but only if you are desperate for a tan. A good quality tan lotion is safe, and does no harm to the skin. On a final note, it is advisable to stay away from tanning during pregnancy.

Hair Treatments
So, what about the safety of hair treatments during pregnancy? Your hair might look dry and dull and you would be tempted to go treatments like curling, perming, dyeing or hair relaxing. A majority of these treatments involve the use of chemicals and harmful products to be avoided during pregnancy; chemicals can enter the blood stream through the scalp and create problems, in rare cases. Though the chemicals do not harm the baby or the mother, there is no guarantee on the safety of these hair procedures during pregnancy.

Tip: It is best not to take risks and avoid hair dyeing procedures. A better option is using hair coloring sprays, as they do not enter the skin and work on the surface. Any hair procedure that uses chemicals should be avoided during the first three months.

Botox
During pregnancy there are some procedures that should be avoided altogether. Though there is no concrete evidence to confirm the harmfulness of using botox during pregnancy, it is a general opinion that this procedure should be avoided during the entire nine months. In fact, any beauty procedure that uses syringes or injections should be avoided during pregnancy. It is due to the same reason, the injected matter enters the blood stream and can harm the baby.

Hair Removal Procedures
Electrolysis is a popular method that uses electric currents to remove hair from the body. There is no conclusive evidence to determine if electric currents are harmful for pregnant women and the fetus. So, it is advised that pregnant women should stay away from this procedure. If undertaken, certain precautions should be followed, like you should not carry out electrolysis on the bikini area, abdomen and breasts. The best option is to avoid electrolysis completely during the pregnancy. If you do wish to get rid of unwanted hair, you should consult a registered electrologist. Some pregnant women tend to be sensitive to waxing due to the pain accompanying it. Pregnant women should thus consult a doctor before waxing, as sometimes it may not suit the skin. Similar can be said for hair removal creams (that contain chemicals) and depilatories. Shaving off the hair is a good option for pregnant ladies.

Aromatherapy
The use of oils for body rejuvenation is called aromatherapy. Researchers have still not arrived on a general consensus to confirm the safety of use of certain oils during pregnancy. Some oils should be avoided during pregnancy. A pregnant woman can also develop sensitivity to some oils, and experience nausea on smelling some oils.

Tip: Aromatherapy is, as such, safe during pregnancy, and it all depends on the oils being used in the process. So, consult the best aromatherapist for a safe therapy during pregnancy.

So, these were some of the common beauty procedures during which you should be a little careful. Apart from these, your daily beauty regimen can be carried out as usual, with no harm coming from it. For complex beauty treatments, it would be best if you consulted an expert. Have a happy and safe pregnancy.

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How to increase a chance to have a baby Girl?

If you are not interested in genetic engineering or artificial insemination, there is no certain way of conceiving one gender versus the other. There are, however, various theories about how to increase your chances of a specific gender. Selecting Gender According to surveys more than 90% of expectant parents have a preference in regard to their unborn child’s gender. The reasons behind the preferences are varied, and when parents don’t get their wish, they adapt and are overjoyed to welcome any new baby to their home. But if you are ready for a girl and want to try to tip the scales, here’s how:  The Shettles Method Doctor Shettles penned the most popular method designed to increase the chances of a female. Before beginning the method, you must understand the rationale behind it. Women produce an egg every month during ovulation. The egg is always carrying an X chromosome. Two Xs make a girl and one X (the egg) plus one Y make a boy. Men are responsible for the second X or Y. Each sperm is assigned one chromosome. When a male ejaculates, he sends 200-400 million sperm into the vagina that immediately begin searching for the released egg. Out of those millions, only one sperm gets the prize, and the chromosome of that one unites with the X of the egg, and the miracle has begun. The Shettles method offers instruction on how to get more X-carrying sperm to the egg and beat out the Ys.  Conceiving a Girl To actively work at conceiving a girl, you must know your cycle. Chart your cycle for a couple of months to see what day you begin your period and what day you are ovulating. You can do this using an ovulation kit or basal temperature. Then, once you know the day you will ovulate, begin having sex immediately following the end of your period. Have sex at least once a day until two or three days before ovulation. Then stop. (Sorry, guys.) Y-carrying sperm swim faster than X-carrying sperm. The boy-makers also tend to die out more quickly. By stopping three days before ovulation, you are ensuring the only sperm left waiting around for the released egg are the longer-lasting, slow-swimming X-carriers. (Sperm can live up to 5-7 days inside a woman’s body.) When the remaining sperm meet up with the egg, it is far more likely an X sperm will get the honors.  Doctor Shettles also suggests having sex in the missionary position to deposit sperm as close to the entrance of the vagina as possible. He also suggests the woman not orgasm during sex (Sorry, girls.) An orgasm can make the vaginal environment alkaline which can kill off sperm more quickly preventing any pregnancy. Written By: Rebecca

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How to Tighten Pelvic Floor Muscles After Childbirth?

Pregnancy and childbirth are almost sure to weaken that oh-so-important muscle group, the pelvic floor. The weight of a growing baby puts pressure on it, and with a vaginal delivery, you can experience bruising, stretching, and tears of the delicate tissues. The end result? Slack tone, and possibly, incontinence! No need to worry, though, because it's fairly easy to regain lost tone.   Step1 Everyone has heard of the Kegel exercise. It is the single most important thing you can do for your pelvic floor. You can do them before birth (it might even make delivery easier!) You can, and should, do them immediately after delivery. Because the tissues are so traumatized, you may have difficulty, or you may not be able to feel what you're doing. That's ok- do them anyway. If you have never done Kegels before, find the correct muscles by stopping and starting the flow of urine. Once you know what you're supposed to be contracting, do slow contractions several times a day. You may only be able to hold it for a few seconds at first, but as the muscles become stronger, you'll be able to hold the contraction longer. The biggest obstacle for most women is remembering to do them! Don't worry, no one will be able to tell you're Kegeling- do them in the car, at work, and while watching TV.  Step2 The Gyneflex is a device used to provide resistance while you're Kegeling. It is similar to the difference between doing a pushup, and doing a pushup while someone sits on your back! Using a Gyneflex can get you back to your old self (or better) much faster than simply doing Kegels. Choose the appropriate resistance ("light" is probably best immediately post-partum) and lubricate the device with KY Jelly or a similar lubricant. Proceed with your Kegel exercises as usual. Step3 Ben wa balls are weighted balls that can also be used to strengthen the pelvic floor. Lubricate and insert, then wear them around the house while you putter around. Wear a panti-liner (the lubricant can be messy). Just like when you wear a tampon, your vagina will contract to hold the balls in place. Eventually, you will be able to hold the balls inside all day, if you like! Step4 Another fun exercise can be done during intercourse. Squeeze the penis as tightly as possible with the vaginal muscles, then relax. Repeat and enjoy! Vary the depth and angle of penetration to ensure all the vaginal muscles get a good workout. Some women are able to bring their man to climax with just these contractions, no thrusting necessary! Step5 Don't stop exercising your pelvic floor once you achieve the desired tone. Like any muscle, it can atrophy with disuse.

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Your Chances of Having Twins

What factors predispose couples to have twins? Here are some interesting findings.

Genetics
If you are a woman whose mother, sister, maternal aunt or maternal grandmother had fraternal twins, this trait may have been passed to you. Fraternal twins can only be conceived if a woman releases two eggs at ovulation, and this trait has been genetically predetermined in some people.

Age
If you are a woman between the ages of 35 - 39, you are more likely to conceive twins. This likelihood increases more after 40, but mostly because women are using fertility treatments at that age. Women over 35 may release more than one egg at ovulation because their cycles are being disrupted by per menopause.

Previous Pregnancies
The more previous pregnancies and births a woman has experienced, the more likely twins will be in subsequent pregnancies. If a woman has conceived twins (especially fraternal twins) before, she is more likely to have them again.
Race/Ethnicity
In the United States, people of African descent have a higher incidence of twins than Caucasians, who have a higher rate of twinning than Asians. Native Americans have a slightly lower incidence than Asians, and Hispanics have the lowest rate of twinning.

Weight/Height
Obese women, especially those with a body mass index over 30, tend to conceive twins more often, but also have higher risk pregnancies because of the excess weight. Taller women are also more likely to conceive twins.

Diet/Nutrition
There is some scientific evidence that eating animal products, especially dairy, increases a woman's chances of conceiving twins. Vegan women who eat no dairy have a very low rate of twin conception. Women whose diets are high in folate seem to conceive twins more often, as do those who eat yams or other products high in natural estrogen-like compounds. Women in the Yoruba tribe in Africa have a phenomenal rate of twinning, and consume yams as a major part of their diet. Once twins have been conceived, consuming a healthy, adequate diet is essential for the proper development of the babies as well.

Environment
Strangely enough, some studies have found that living near a polluted area increases a woman's chances of having twins. Breastfeeding Women who are breastfeeding when they get pregnant again (often accidentally!) are more likely to conceive twins.

Infertility
As those who have been through the infertility process know, both infertility drugs and IVF increase a couple's chances of a multiple pregnancy

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Pregnant Beyonce And Tina Knowles

Tina Knowles and Beyonce Knowles at The Launch Of House Of Dereon By Beyonce And Tina Knowles at Selfridges on September 17, 2011 in London, England.

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Does an abortion raise my risk of breast cancer?

Question: Does an abortion raise my risk of breast cancer?

Answer:This is a controversial issue. The theory: When you become pregnant, your hormones, including estrogen, surge, which stimulates the cells in your breasts to prepare for lactation. When you have an abortion, your hormones drop, interrupting this process. Some anti-abortion experts claim that this increases your risk of breast cancer. But most scientists -- including those at the National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society -- say the interruption is harmless. They also consider the research that has suggested any connection flawed. And studies done in Scandinavia, which document every abortion there, failed to find any association.

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DOES Stress reduce your chances of having a baby?

High stress levels can damage a woman’s chances of getting pregnant, researchers warn.

Those who are anxious are 12 per cent less likely to conceive during their fertile time than those who stay calm.

It is the first proof that stress makes it less likely a woman will fall pregnant, despite long-standing anecdotal evidence that being relaxed can improve the chances.

Although the fall in success rates appears small, experts claim it can make a big difference to older women trying to have a baby when their fertility is naturally declining because of age.

In a study at Oxford University and the U.S. National Institutes of Health, blood levels of a marker for a stress hormone called alphaamylase were consistently higher in women who had trouble conceiving.

Dr Cecilia Pyper, from the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit at Oxford University, said: ‘This is the first study to find that a biological measure of stress is associated with a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant-that month.

‘We found that those women with high levels of a marker for stress were less likely to succeed in conceiving.

‘The findings support the idea that couples should aim to stay as relaxed as they can about trying for a baby.

‘In some people’s cases, it might be relevant to look at relaxation techniques, counselling and even approaches like yoga and meditation.

‘Many couples are very keen to know what they should do to improve their chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby, and this will help us provide the best advice.’

The researchers, who published their findings in the journal Fertility and Sterility, carried out saliva tests on 274 women aged 18 and 40 who were all planning pregnancy but not tried for more than three months.

They analysed levels of the stress hormone cortisol and the enzyme alpha-amylase, which is a marker for adrenalin – the ‘fight or flight’ hormone. Researchers carried out the tests on day six of each woman’s menstrual cycle for a total of six cycles or until the woman fell pregnant.

They used fertility monitors to identify ovulation and confirmed the pregnancies with testing kits.

The study found no effect from cortisol on the chances of falling pregnant.

But women in the group with the highest levels of alpha-amylase had a 12 per cent lower chance of becoming pregnant for each day of their most fertile days than those with the lowest levels of alpha-amylase.

The researchers said: ‘Irrespective of the day or frequency of sexual intercourse during the fertile window, women with higher concentrations of alpha-amylse were less likely to conceive than women with lower concentrations.

‘Stress significantly reduced the probability of conception each day during the fertile window.’

Dr Pyper said it was unclear how the stress hormone affected fertility, although it might reduce blood flow in the fallopian tubes which could affect transportation of the egg or sperm.

She said previous research appears to have focused on the stress hormone cortisol, rather than alpha-amylase, which may explain why it has been difficult to prove a link with fertility chances until now.

‘The difference in your chances of getting pregnant could be important to older women in their late 30s trying for a first baby, or even a second or third child, at a time when their fertility is declining because of their age and it all takes longer,’ she added.

Dr Pyper said women were highly likely to benefit from relaxation techniques, particularly as such therapies had been shown to improve IVF pregnancy rates.

Leading fertility specialist Dr Allan Pacey described the findings as ‘intriguing’.

‘It’s important for women to relax when they are trying to have a baby, but it’s easier said than done,’ he said. ‘My advice to couples is to throw away the fertility charts and don’t make trying for a baby a chore – it will stress you both out.’

source: dailymail.co.uk

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Just Rumors Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey and Ne-Yo’s Girlfriend Are All Expecting

A lot of rumors have been going around lately regarding R & B singers Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, and Neyo. What is really going on????

Less than a week since the divorce between Producer Swizz Beatz and R&B singer Mashonda was finalized, rumors have been circulating claiming that Alicia Keys is pregnant! Various reports on the web are saying that A. Keys is expecting her first child with her boyfriend Swizz Beatz. The couples have been dating for a year now and have received a lot of criticism and speculation over their relationship. And it’s quite ironic how this appears to come up right after the divorce was finalized. Great timing guys! 

In addition, singer Mariah Carey is also rumored to be having a baby on the way after recently being spotted leaving a fertility clinic in Los Angeles. Nick Cannon must be having him a grand ole time inside of that one!

And we guess singer/songwriter Ne-Yo decided to join the fun as well because his new girlfriend Monyetta (this dude seems to have a new check every month!) is rumored to be pregnant as well. Damn that R&B music! It seems like everyone is getting knocked up these days!!! 

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