Common Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy is defined as the period from conception to birth when a woman carries a developing fetus in her uterus.


Some of the most common signs and symptoms of pregnancy include the following:

1. Missing your menstrual cycle is the most common sign and indication of pregnancy. However a variety of other reasons such as stress, illness, and weight fluctuations and other reasons can cause a late or missed period. Missing periods normally can also be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition in which periods can occur months apart.

2. Change in the size and feel of your breast is another sign of pregnancy. The breasts begin to enlarge to get ready for breast feeding and some women experience their breasts becoming sensitive and they may also experience a sharp and twinkling sensation.

3. Nausea and vomiting are normal symptoms of most pregnant women. This is what is known as morning sickness. Morning sickness is a feeling of sickness experienced as early as 2 weeks of pregnancy. The degree of nausea and vomiting differs from woman to woman. This symptom may disappear after the period of 3 to 4 months.

4. Frequent urination and a drastic change in your taste and smell are also signs that can result in craving certain foods and also start hating other types of food. Sometimes your favorite food you enjoyed so much before you became pregnant can not be tolerated by smell or taste now.

One of the ways to confirm your pregnancy is by conducting a home pregnancy test. The home pregnancy test will detect the level of HCG in the urine and if the result is positive you will need to make an appointment with your doctor to confirm the pregnancy and to start your prenatal care.

A blood test can also be done that may give a positive or negative result. Blood test is normally conducted when there are apprehensions of miscarriage or unusual pregnancy. After a period 0f 4 to 6 weeks the obstetrician can confirm the pregnancy by a physical examination. The thickening of the vaginal tissues and softening uterus confirms the pregnancy.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice regarding pregnancy. Prior to beginning any treatment regimen or taking any medication, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.

Announcing Your Pregnancy

Sharing The Exciting News


When a woman finds out that she is pregnant it becomes difficult to think of anything else. This results in the woman being anxious to announce the exciting news of her pregnancy with other people, especially her partner. There has been a lot of controversy on the best time to make an announcement about pregnancy. While choosing how and when to make an announcement of pregnancy, it is necessary to take into consideration the advantages and disadvantages of your timing while choosing creative ways to reveal the secret.

Sharing News Early

If one shares the news early the main advantage is that there can be a lot of support from family and friends. This is the time when your mother and close friends and family can offer you helpful tips and advice as you go through your pregnancy. The main disadvantage of breaking the news early is that there may be overwhelming advice, both positive and negative. Some pregnant women choose not to share the news until after their first trimester because of fear of a miscarriage. For some women this may be their second or third pregnancy after a previous miscarriage and they would feel more comfortable with waiting for a few weeks or even months until they feel they can carry their baby. A lot of explanation needs to be done in case of miscarriage and the news of a miscarriage may reach friends and other family members before the mother is even ready to talk about it.

Announcement Decisions

It is the decision of the mother to whom else to announce the big news apart from spouse, parents and siblings. One should be careful of whom one tells. Telling you partner should be among the first on your list to announce your pregnancy to. When your spouse is able to share in the joy of your pregnancy, the news brings a sense of belonging and a bond with both you and your unborn child. After telling your spouse, maybe the next group of people you want to share the good news with is both your parents and your spouses parents. Your parents can also assist in future planning, offer advice and rejoice like no other person. Parents love to be called grandparents at some stage in their live.

Choosing the way you share the news of your pregnancy matters a lot. It is fun to share the good news in a more creative and memorable way. Arranging for a romantic dinner is a good way to surprise your spouse and make the news memorable. Even in case of the delicacies baby food can be served or serve baby green peas, baby carrots and very small portions on their plate. Now that will get the attention of any man. Another good way to announce your pregnancy to your spouse is to have a movie night with a line up of baby movies like three men and a baby, Nine Months and Junior. There are so many creative ways to announce your pregnancy to your spouse. Be creative and have fun.

Telling Family and Friends

The good news can be sent in a card with a name chosen and a sonogram. This depends on how close the friends are. The most popular way to announce your pregnancy is by sending out birth announcements. You can use birth announcements to both announce the coming of your baby and you can use birth announcements to tell announce the arrival of your baby. These will most likely include a picture of your baby, date of birth, weight and length of your royal arrival.

However and whenever you decide to announce the good news of your baby’s coming, be led by what you feel in your spirit as to who you tell, how you tell them and when you decide to let your family and friends know. This is one the most exciting and joyous times of your life. Have fun sharing your good news with others.

Experiencing Abdominal Cramps During Pregnancy

Experiencing Abdominal Cramps During Pregnancy

It is not uncommon to have abdominal cramps during early pregnancy. Many women become frightened and fear that they may be having a miscarriage, but this is normally not the reason for abdominal cramps during early pregnancy. The embryo is embedding itself in the lining of the uterus. This is what makes you feel cramps similar to those felt when you’re having your period. The cramps may last for several days and you may suffer the way you did when having a period on a normal basis. Please do not be afraid of those cramps as they are a normal part of the pregnancy.

Abdominal cramps during early pregnancy are a normal happening that all women experience. A more serious problem is when you are suffering from lower abdominal pain. If you are experiencing this kind of pain, then it is best that you consult your physician. It is not uncommon for many women to suffer the lower cramps which are referred to as sporadic abdominal discomfort. These sporadic abdominal cramps are similar to the pain felt during a normal period. It is a sign that your uterus is preparing to carry your baby through the next nine months. If you are suffering these pains with other abnormal symptoms then you will need to immediately contact your physician.

Women, who suffer from chills, fever, spotting along with abdominal cramps during early pregnancy, may be suffering from other more harmful conditions. When a fertilized egg attaches outside of a woman’s uterus then this condition is referred to as an ectopic pregnancy. The egg usually will attach itself to the fallopian tube. Normally this condition is caught in the first few weeks and treated right away. If for some reason it does not get noticed and treated it could be very dangerous as the fallopian tube may result in rupture. The signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include spotting, abdominal pain and tenderness. These signs are accompanied with lower back pain, shoulder pain, dizziness or faintness. If you suspect an ectopic pregnancy please contact your physician right away.

Abdominal cramps during early pregnancy unfortunately can occasionally mean that you are about to have a miscarriage. Typically, the symptoms for a miscarriage are bleeding that might be light or heavy, menstrual cramps that gradually increase in intensity. Some women suffer from back pain. If any of these symptoms arise, again please contact your physician immediately. Remain calm because it does not necessarily mean that you are in the process of having a miscarriage as other things maybe going on that are lesser by nature. Some women suffer from lower back pain due to kidney stones, gallbladder disease or even pancreatitis. When you suffer from one of these diseases it is debilitating and in some cases warrants surgery. An abdominal cramp during early pregnancy usually happens to just about all women who are pregnant therefore please do not panic. It is always for the best to contact your physicians.

There is good news, however, women who have abdominal cramps during early pregnancy find it occurs from uterus stretching, from gas or even constipation. It is true that you might be suffering from round ligament pain which may result in short stabbing and sharp aches in one or both sides of the abdomen. This pain can be relieved very quickly simply by changing your position or simply just relaxing. When you do feel abdominal cramps during your early pregnancy the best thing for you to do is sit down, put your feet up, and relax.

Normal abdominal pain may be caused by the simplest of things. Some of them may include:


* Gas pains and bloating caused by hormones that slow your digestion process down.

* The pressure of your growing uterus.

* Constipation *note contact a doctor before taking any type of laxative.

* Heartburn caused by something that you ate that did not agree with you or the baby.


A lot of women do have abdominal cramps during early pregnancy which is normal as the embryo is embedding itself in the lining of the uterus. Cramping in the last weeks of the pregnancy is a sign that labor is almost ready to start. At the start of your labor you will have very strong cramps that are severe in nature and about five to ten minutes apart. This is time to contact your physician and go immediately to the hospital for the delivery. The early part of your pregnancy these cramps can be mild to severe so it is up to you to check with your physician and make sure that it is just the natural part of your pregnancy and not anything to worry about.

Pregnancy Video Weeks 21-24

Pregnancy Video Month 6

Around your 21st  week of  pregnancy, your belly is still small enough to allow you to move around pretty freely. You should enjoy this time of pregnancy, because as you approach your third trimester you will find your belly expanding to unbelievable proportions.

Pregnancy Video Weeks 17-20

Pregnancy Video Month 5

By week 17 of your pregnancy, most babies can hear outside of the womb. Now is a good time to start reading to your baby. Reading scriptures of the bible to your baby have also been known to give both you and baby peace.  Also, putting on nice soothing music during the day can help...

Royal Baby Shower Treats

Angel Lush Cupcakes

Treat the guest at your baby shower to these cupcake cuties.  This is truly a royal treat.  Enjoy... and don't forget to save some for me!



What You Need!

1 pkg. (16 oz.) angel food cake mix

1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding

2 cans (8 oz. each) DOLE Crushed Pineapple in Juice, undrained

1 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

2 cups assorted fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries and sliced strawberries)

Make It!

HEAT oven to 375ºF.

PREPARE cake batter as directed on package; pour into 30 paper-lined muffin cups, filling each cup 2/3 full. Bake 12 to 15 min. or until tops are golden brown and cracks feel dry. (Note: If baking in batches, refrigerate remaining batter in bowl until ready to pour into lined muffin cups and bake.) Cool cupcakes in pans 10 min.; remove to wire racks. Cool completely.

MIX dry pudding mix and pineapple in medium bowl. Gently stir in COOL WHIP; spread onto cupcakes.

TOP with berries.

STORE  in refrigerator.

Note:

*If you can't bake all the cupcakes at once, store remaining batter in refrigerator between batches and bake up as quickly as possible so cupcakes are light and fluffy.

*Substitute 15 fresh strawberries, halved, for the 2 cups assorted fresh berries.

Recipe by: Kraft

Pregnancy Video Weeks 13-16

Pregnancy Video Month 4

By week 13 of your pregnancy, your uterus is expanding even further. This will sometimes cause some discomfort or mild cramping. Some women experience what is referred to as round ligament pain around this time...

Baby Royalty Books-The Toddler Cafe Cookbook

Cooking with your children can be not only a learning experience, it can also be fun and interactive.
The benefits of cooking with your child includes:

Cooking  provides quality bonding time with your child

Cooking builds a positive self image in your child

Cooking encourages self-discipline in your child at a young age

Cooking rewards your child for their hard work and diligence

Cooking promotes excellent eye-hand coordination in your child

Cooking cultivates a love of learning

Cooking promotes cooperation with others

Cooking encourages your child's imagination

These children's cookbooks encourage parents to cook, eat and clean up with their children.  Who knows you could be developing a gourmet chef.

The Toddler Cafe 11 Good Books for Young Cooks - iVillage

Pregnancy Video Weeks 9-12

Pregnancy Video Month 3

By week 9 of your pregnant your baby is working diligently to grow organs and limbs. Your baby now has all it's primary physical features in place including her arms, legs, torso and head...

Royalty Recipes- Banana Split Pancakes

Banana Split Pancakes


Sunday breakfast is a fun meal for kids to help prepare. The mood is bright and everyone is relaxed and ready to pitch in. These sweet, fragrant pancakes are a festive choice, piled high with fresh strawberries and sliced bananas and smothered in gooey, chocolaty Nutella or Buttery Brown Sugar Syrup. The kids can help mash the banana and measure out the simple ingredients for the batter before an adult cooks the pancakes on the hot griddle.

Enjoy!

Banana Split Pancakes - iVillage

Maternity Bridal

Maternity Bridal


Congratulations! Being pregnant before you say "I Do" is not uncommon these days. Even with your baby bump, our wedding day can be just as fabulous as ever. Isabella Oliver is the perfect store to select your maternity bridal gown. Show off your beautiful pregnancy curves in a stunning Isabella Oliver wedding dress in oyster  We hope you have a day to remember in any of these stunning maternity gowns. Each bridal gown is designed so you will look and feel fabulous for your special day.
 

Isabella Oliver Maternity Dresses

I just wanted to share a special offer with you that just came across my desk. Isabelle Oliver, the leading name in maternity clothing for celebrities and stars is having a sale today that I didn't think you wanted to miss.

Isabella Oliver dresses are the easiest one-piece solution for work, meeting for lunch, special events, weddings and weekend breaks. You can enjoy 20% off our Flutter Sleeve Wrap maternity dress and the Bella Maxi Dress until midnight tonight when you order online at www.IsabellaOliver.com.


Click on the link below and purchase your dress today
Isabella Oliver Maternity Flutter Sleeve Wrap Dress

Eating for Pregnancy

Nutrition is a very important part of pregnancy before, during and after the delivery of your baby.  It's not enough to just take your prenatal pills everyday.  It is also important to eat right and exercise daily. Eating for Pregnancy is an essential nutrition guide and cookbook for mothers-to-be written by Catherine Jones and Rose Ann Hudson. 

It includes 150 nutrient packed recipes designed to encourage healthy eating during your pregnancy. Eating for Pregnancy is the Baby Royalty book of the month.  You can purchase your book today in either paperback or the kindle edition and start enjoying delicious and healthy meals today.

Pregnancy Video Weeks 5-8

Pregnancy Video Month 2

During week 5 of your pregnancy, your baby is still very tiny but his/her vital organs are growing at a very rapid pace. Your baby's heart, central nervous system and even bones and muscles will start forming quickly from this point on...

Pregnancy Video Weeks 1-4

Pregnancy Video Month 1

Congratulations on your decision to have a baby! During the first weeks of your pregnancy you will probably be like most mothers to be and want to start measuring your pregnancy week by week. Most women begin calculating their pregnancy weeks as soon as they make the decision to conceive. During the first two weeks of pregnancy most women will experience few if any signs and symptoms of pregnancy...