Self Improvement Site
On The Internet! Take the Self Improvement Tour
On The Internet! Take the Self Improvement Tour
Articles from Debra Aspinall | Selfgrowth.com
- Which pregnancy test is best? - by Submitted on Jun 21, 2012 from Debra AspinallTo work out the answer that question you first have to know how home pregnancy tests work. Basically they detect the presence of the pregnancy hormone hCG (Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), in your urine. This pregnancy hormone is produced in your body when a fertilised egg implants in ...
Views: 1064 - Why to Join Baby Clubs? - by Submitted on Apr 18, 2012 from Debra AspinallOnline baby clubs are really useful not only as a source of free baby samples, but also for giving good advice on what you really need to buy for baby before she arrives. A useful list of essential and useful items includes:- - Clothes, including sleeping suits and vests, cardigans, ...
Views: 1063 - Prepare Yourself for Motherhood and Take Delight in Your Pregnancy Period - by Submitted on Apr 04, 2012 from Debra AspinallGiving birth to a child is undoubtedly the best pleasure in this world! Ask any women about the most memorable moment in her life, and it has to be the moment when she became a mother! If you are expecting a child soon, then you must have witnessed your body undergoing several changes in the ...
Views: 1042 - Having a Baby – How Important Is It To You? - by Submitted on Oct 18, 2012 from Debra AspinallWhen a couple is longing for a baby, every month that passes without that magical conception taking place can be painful and upsetting. But what if you’re not in a couple and still long for a baby? Whether you're childless because of biological reasons or it simply hasn’t happened yet ...
Views: 1032 - Baby health – Hay Fever - by Submitted on Sep 10, 2012 from Debra AspinallAround 20% of the British population is affected by hay fever. Basically it is an allergy to pollen which is released from plants into the air from March until early September. Hay fever in babies and children under five is rare, but not unheard of. Baby health is a priority so it’s hard ...
Views: 1017 - Ectopic Pregnancy - by Submitted on May 14, 2012 from Debra AspinallAn ectopic pregnancy – also known as a tubal pregnancy - is when a fertilised egg implants itself somewhere other than the womb, usually in the fallopian tube, but also sometimes in the cervix, in an ovary or in the abdomen. It is a fairly common condition, affecting two in every 100 ...
Views: 1017 - Taking Medicine During Pregnancy - by Submitted on Dec 20, 2012 from Debra AspinallThere will be times during your pregnancy that you are ill and want to take something to make you feel better, but it can be confusing knowing what medicine is safe and what should be avoided. Any medicines you take will not only enter your system, but will pass through your baby too, so you ...
Views: 1016 - Vaginal Discharge as an Early Sign and Symptom of Pregnancy - by Submitted on Dec 13, 2012 from Debra AspinallFor some women an increase in the amount of their vaginal mucoid discharge can be the first sign of pregnancy. The quantity of this discharge varies from woman to woman throughout their pregnancy, but a certain amount is considered normal. If the discharge becomes offensive, profuse causes ...
Views: 1008 - Fertility Problems and Possible Solutions - by Submitted on Jun 18, 2012 from Debra AspinallMaking a baby isn’t always easy. Even if neither of you have fertility problems, you have only a 25% chance of falling pregnant each cycle. Many doctors will not consider a couple has a fertility problem until they have been trying for a baby for at least one year. But one in every seven ...
Views: 1000(1 vote) - Top Ten Early Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms - by Submitted on Dec 19, 2012 from Debra AspinallSome women are so tuned in to their bodies, they know the minute they fall pregnant, while for others the early signs of pregnancy are not so obvious. If you think you might be pregnant but are unsure, here are the top ten signs to look out for... 1, Missed period One of the most obvious ...
Views: 995 - Stomach pain during pregnancy - by Submitted on May 04, 2012 from Debra AspinallSome abdominal discomfort is common in pregnancy, but any kind of stomach pain during pregnancy should be checked out by your GP to make sure it is nothing serious. It could be a pulled or stretched ligament, kidney stones, food poisoning, appendicitis, kidney stones, stomach virus, bowel ...
Views: 993 - Sleep during pregnancy: First Trimester - by Submitted on Jun 07, 2012 from Debra AspinallIn the first trimester your body will be getting used to the influx of pregnancy hormones and you may feel exhausted much of the day, but are unable to sleep well at night. There are several possible causes for this: Hormones and anxiety As well as the effect of the hormones you could be ...
Views: 986 - Travelling While Pregnant – Precautions You Should Take - by Submitted on Jun 13, 2012 from Debra AspinallGPs usually agree to reasonable travel plans for their pregnant patients unless they are already considered at risk from hypertension, diabetes, bleeding, or have a history of miscarriage. If you are not considered “high risk” it’s still a good idea to discuss your travel plans with your ...
Views: 980 - Baby Stages Week by Week: Weeks 19 and 20 - by Submitted on Jul 12, 2012 from Debra AspinallCongratulations, you have reached the halfway stage! If you’ve been following your baby development week by week you’ll know that at week 19 she is around 6.5 inches in length (17cm) and 9 ounces in weight (250gm). Her whole body will be covered in the greasy white substance known as ...
Views: 971 - Can You Get Pregnant During Your Period? - by Submitted on Jul 11, 2012 from Debra AspinallThe simple answer is yes, there is a possibility of getting pregnant when you are having your period. However, the chances are pretty slim and it all depends on the regularity of your periods and when you ovulate... Ovulating: Your menstrual cycle starts on the first day of your period and ...
Views: 966 - How to Conceive: Best Tips - by Submitted on Oct 04, 2012 from Debra AspinallOnce you have decided you are ready to have a baby, waiting for that all-important positive pregnancy test can seem both long and torturous. The disappointment of failure every month can be upsetting, especially if you feel you are doing everything right. But making a baby is not an easy ...
Views: 966 - What Are The Smoking Effects on Fertility? - by Submitted on Apr 27, 2012 from Debra AspinallEveryone should surely know by now that couples – both the male and female - should stop smoking if they are trying for a baby as smoking effects on fertility are well documented. Women who smoke have a higher risk of fertility problems than non-smokers. This risk increases for those who ...
Views: 966 - Dental hygiene in pregnancy - by Submitted on May 25, 2012 from Debra AspinallDental hygiene is important for everybody at all ages and stages of their lives, but during the first and second trimester of pregnancy it is even more important to look after your gums and teeth. This is because pregnancy hormones can affect your gums and make them more susceptible to ...
Views: 962 - Health Problems before Pregnancy and Their Effects - by Submitted on May 02, 2012 from Debra AspinallIdeally women should talk to their doctor about any existing health problems before pregnancy and their effects. If you are on medication your GP might want to change the way this is managed. Some medicines could be harmful to your unborn baby but don’t stop taking your usual medication without ...
Views: 962 - Points To Consider Before Getting Pregnant - by Submitted on Mar 07, 2013 from Debra AspinallHaving a baby is a major step in anyone’s life. In an ideal world, before you even think about getting pregnant, you should both consider these points before having a baby. Are you in a lasting, stable relationship? Of course most single parents manage perfectly well to bring up baby. Many ...
Views: 958 - Weekly Guide to Pregnancy - by Submitted on Dec 12, 2012 from Debra AspinallWEEK ONE TO WEEK 12 The first 12 weeks of pregnancy is known as the first trimester. While this is a time of major development for the foetus, many women do not even now they are pregnant for the first few weeks. Once all the pregnancy signs have been spotted, and a positive test reveals ...
Views: 954 - When Would Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy Show Up? - by Submitted on Aug 03, 2012 from Debra AspinallAn ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants itself outside the womb. The NHS records show that around 11,000 ectopic pregnancies occur in the UK each year, although the figure is probably much higher. Here are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy to look out for and when you ...
Views: 949 - Safe Exercise in pregnancy - by Submitted on Jan 11, 2013 from Debra AspinallWith so many conflicting reports on exercise and how much is good for us (and whether it could sometimes be doing more harm than good) it is confusing for a pregnant women to know what is for the best. Basically any woman who has been very fit and active before getting pregnant will find they ...
Views: 943(1 vote) - Choosing a Newborn Baby Nursery - by Submitted on Jan 22, 2013 from Debra AspinallMany mums want to return to work after their maternity leave. Some may want to stay home with their baby, but simply can’t afford the cut in the family income. Before you even start maternity leave it’s a good idea to do some research into the kind of child care you want , and can afford, for ...
Views: 942 - What is a High-Risk Pregnancy? - by Submitted on Dec 19, 2012 from Debra AspinallIt can be very scary to be told that you are classed as a high-risk pregnancy but this just means the doctors want to keep a closer eye on you to make sure you and the baby are happy and healthy every step of the way. So what makes you high risk? There are certain conditions that put you in ...
Views: 937 - Risks for Teen Pregnancy - by Submitted on May 03, 2012 from Debra AspinallPregnant teenagers and their unborn babies can face problems which are directly related to the mum’s young age and lack of worldly experience as well as her physical condition. Here are just some of the highlighted risks for teen pregnancy :- Insufficient pre-natal care Many teenage ...
Views: 918 - Weight Gain During Pregnancy - by Submitted on Dec 19, 2012 from Debra AspinallMany mums struggle with post-baby fat and look enviously at slim-line celebrities who seemingly snap back into shape just weeks after giving birth. But the thing that most celebrities know is that if you don’t gain too much excess weight during pregnancy, you are not going to have a problem ...
Views: 908 - Ectopic pregnancy: what are its symptoms? - by Submitted on Sep 13, 2012 from Debra AspinallNormally, after an egg is fertilised at conception, it embeds itself in the inner lining of the womb. But sometimes – in about 1 in 80 pregnancies – it finds its way elsewhere. It is usually in the fallopian tube, or occasionally in the abdomen, cervix or ovaries. This is an ectopic pregnancy - ...
Views: 903 - Bleeding During Pregnancy - by Submitted on Jul 10, 2012 from Debra AspinallNo matter how many people tell you not to worry, or how many articles and books you read on the subject, you are bound to feel concerned if you find you are bleeding during pregnancy. But bleeding, or spotting (as small amounts of blood are called) can be due to many reasons and does not ...
Views: 888 - Ten Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy - by Submitted on Jul 03, 2013 from Debra AspinallYou are pregnant. Congratulations! Now you’ll want to do everything in your power to have a healthy and problem-free pregnancy culminating in a perfect baby. Here are 10 tips for a healthy pregnancy gathered from the best pregnancy advice around… Get early care Hopefully you took some ...
Views: 877 - Breast and Skin Changes in Pregnancy - by Submitted on Jul 19, 2012 from Debra AspinallYour body can change a great deal when you’re pregnant so it is a good idea to know what to expect and be prepared for what’s coming. Besides your growing bump, here are some pregnancy symptoms you might experience... Changes in your breasts: For some women, having tender breasts is one of ...
Views: 872 - First Signs of Pregnancy – Recognition of Becoming Mum - by Submitted on May 25, 2012 from Debra AspinallMany women say they knew they were pregnant even before taking a pregnancy test. If you are in tune with your body then that’s very likely. But others say they had no early signs of pregnancy and went into their second trimester before noticing something was happening. So what are the ...
Views: 867 - Pregnancy and Labour Anxiety Effects on Fetal Development - by Submitted on Jun 04, 2012 from Debra AspinallThere is some evidence that if a woman is anxious or depressed during pregnancy this can negatively affect a baby’s birth weight and fetal brain development. So there’s one more thing to be anxious about! Nobody wants to feel stressed or anxious at what should be one of the happiest times of ...
Views: 867 - Pregnancy Forum - Meet Like-Minded Pals - by Submitted on Jul 26, 2012 from Debra AspinallThey didn’t exist when our mums were having us, but pregnancy forums are now so popular many women are making life-long pals through them, and getting answers to their week by week pregnancy questions. For mums-to-be chatting on an online pregnancy forum via a pregnancy or baby club website ...
Views: 863 - Calculating your baby’s due date - by Submitted on Dec 31, 1969 from Debra AspinallThe first question a woman often gets asks when she announces she’s pregnant is when her due date is. While it’s good to have a rough idea, it is also important to remember that this date is only an estimate and, as all babies are different, they come when they are ready and not on the day you ...
Views: 856 - Baby Feeding Myths Every Parent Should Know - by Submitted on Mar 06, 2013 from Debra Aspinall“Breastfed babies need to drink water too” False Breastfed babies do not need to be given water, or any other fluid. The consistency of breast milk acts as a perfect feed and thirst quencher. Giving a baby water can affect her sodium levels and dampen her appetite. A breastfed baby should ...
Views: 853 - How dads can help a pregnant partner - by Submitted on May 31, 2012 from Debra AspinallThroughout a woman’s pregnancy week by week dads-to-be can sometimes feel left out or surplus to requirements. You may wrongly feel like once you have successfully impregnated your partner there isn’t much for you to do for the next nine months. But there are lots of things you can do to ...
Views: 852(1 vote) - Free baby samples from the baby clubs - by Submitted on May 16, 2012 from Debra AspinallYour baby – joining a baby club before she’s even born? Why yes, it makes sense. There are lots of people out there who are keen to enrol your baby in their club. It’s smart for them to get her on board. And it’s smart for parents to take every advantage. What’s it all about? On-line baby ...
Views: 851 - Find mother and baby offers and free baby stuff - by Submitted on Jun 04, 2012 from Debra AspinallPram, car seat, changing table, baby grows, toys, sterilising equipment, thousands of muslin squares - it is amazing how many things one small child needs, so when a baby comes along, it can be an expensive business. That’s why getting hold of free baby stuff can really help out and there ...
Views: 850 - Weight Gain Through The Stages of Pregnancy - by Submitted on Nov 14, 2012 from Debra AspinallOne of the biggest concerns among mums-to-be is whether or not they are gaining the right amount of weight during pregnancy. Throughout your stages of pregnancy you are weighed by your medical team to help you keep on track. It’s an important issue. Gain too much weight and you’ll not only ...
Views: 849 - Pregnancy Tips: What Food Should Be in Your Meal? - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2012 from Debra AspinallIt is very important to watch what you eat and drink when you are pregnant, particularly in those critical first three months. Here are some top pregnancy tips on what food and drink to avoid and the extra measures you should take when it comes to hygiene... Food in pregnancy: If you know ...
Views: 835 - Am I Pregnant? Recognising the first signs of pregnancy - by Submitted on Feb 21, 2012 from Debra AspinallSome women are so in tune with their bodies that they can tell within days that they are pregnant. But what are the very early indications we can get from our bodies that this miraculous change is underway? Missed period Light bleeding, which seems to be a period, can still happen ...
Views: 833 - Pregnancy Stretch Marks – Side Effects of Pregnancy - by Submitted on Sep 28, 2012 from Debra AspinallAs a side effect of pregnancy, stretch marks top many women’s most hated list! Mainly because they can last so long and are so visible. Most other effects (weight gain, discharge, aches and pains, uncomfortable stitches) are not as long lasting or can at least be hidden away or disguised. ...
Views: 832 - Pregnancy Tips to improve your fitness – Avoiding Backache - by Submitted on May 14, 2012 from Debra AspinallUp to 75% of all pregnant women suffer from backache. But here are some pregnancy tips to prevent it happening, or worsening, and stop it turning into a life-long problem. Exercise: Women who do some exercise and are relatively flexible before getting pregnant usually suffer less from ...
Views: 830 - Checkups You Must Do in Pregnancy - by Submitted on Oct 17, 2012 from Debra AspinallExaminations and checkups quickly become a way of life when you are pregnant. While it can sometimes feel like you are constantly being prodded and poked, these tests are an important way of monitoring your health, as well as your baby’s. Antenatal appointments are also an ideal opportunity ...
Views: 829 - Pregnancy and You –Weeks 15 and 16 Information - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2012 from Debra AspinallAt week 15 pregnant your baby is now around 4 inches in length (10cm) and will weigh about 2.5 ounces (75g). Although absolutely tiny, she will have working joints in her little limbs. Her legs will be longer than her arms – giving her a more finished shape. Her flexible limbs will be ...
Views: 823 - How You Should Strategize Your Pregnancy Weeks - by Submitted on Oct 09, 2012 from Debra AspinallAny working mum-to-be needs to plan or strategize her working life to ensure she gets the maternity benefits she is entitled to and is given the right amount of time off work at the right pay level. If you are pregnant and work full or part-time in the UK, you are entitled to time off before ...
Views: 813 - Tips To Follow When You Start In Labour - by Submitted on Dec 07, 2012 from Debra AspinallYou’ve almost made it. You have almost reached full term and now you have a mixture of feelings as your labour approaches. You’ll be feeling excited but possibly also a little worried. But one thing all pregnant women should be feeling at this stage is “prepared”. Here are some tips for labour ...
Views: 806 - Your maternity wardrobe - by Submitted on May 14, 2012 from Debra AspinallThanks to the images of stylish pregnant celebrities, and fashion designers realising that expectant mums still like to look good throughout their pregnancy weeks, there is a world of fashion just waiting to be explored by mums-to-be. There was a time when it was a choice between baggy ...
Views: 803 - Pregnancy Infections to Avoid - by Submitted on Sep 28, 2012 from Debra AspinallYour main concern when you are pregnant is to keep both you and your baby safe and healthy, which is why it can be scary if you do fall ill. Fortunately, common ailments such as a cold won’t harm the baby. However, there are some pregnancy infections that can be more serious and that you need ...
Views: 796