Once the pregnancy test shows you are pregnant there are so many things that will run through your mind. Not only will you be excited and possibly stare at the stick in disbelief, but you will be overwhelmed with the fact that you have finally conceived. Once the excitement of conception begins to wear off a bit and you truly feel like you are pregnant for the following nine months you may begin to think about the baby’s gender. Some moms don’t care what they have as long as it’s a healthy baby, but it’s hard not to dream about that baby girl or baby boy that may be growing inside you. Because of this, many moms wonder about predicting their baby’s gender once they are pregnant. There is no study that has been conducted that proves certain symptoms during pregnancy mean you will have a specific gender, but many women believe otherwise. Of course, when you are closer to 20 weeks an ultrasound can clue you in on what you are having, but until then you will have to use the following symptoms to guess what you are having!

Cravings

One sign that you might be having a little girl is if you are craving chocolate. On the other hand, if you have cravings for things like lemons or other sour things you may be having a little boy. If you are craving both sweet and sour, like many women, this may be more difficult to determine what the sex of the baby is.

Acne

Acne is considered to be a pregnancy symptom, too. However, it is quite subjective because it is said that if you have mild acne then you are expecting a little boy but if you have severe acne then it’s more probable that you are expecting a little girl. This is definitely a confusing symptom!

Morning Sickness

Many women experience morning sickness and this symptom supposedly will help you determine what sex you will be having. For example, you will have a baby girl if you are sick at night but a boy if you are sick in the morning. However, if you are extremely sick it’s a boy and little to no morning sickness means you will have a girl!

Hair

Body hair growth during pregnancy could mean you are pregnant with a boy while you won’t grow any body hair if you are pregnant with a girl, or so says the prediction!

The first trimester is a time of excitement for the parents to be and it is a busy time for the fetus that is busy growing body systems and organs. Once the embryo has implanted in the uterine wall the amniotic sac begins to develop and fill with amniotic fluid. This fluid will protect the baby throughout the pregnancy and help in maintaining temperature. The placenta and umbilical cord also develop during this stage of pregnancy.

During the first trimester the fetus is sensitive to drugs, alcohol, medications, and some diseases. The mother’s body and fetus’ body will undergo significant changes during the first trimester.

The embryo will grow to three to four inches long and weigh ½ to 1 ounce during the first trimester. This seems really small, and it is, but rapid changes are taking place. Each fetus develops at his/her own rate and doctors will monitor the growth at each appointment. The first appointment your doctor will likely conduct an ultrasound to see the baby and its heartbeat. That is an experience that is worth all the pain and discomfort that comes from pregnancy because you can see your baby’s tiny heart pounding away.

During the first trimester women are usually exhausted and suffer from morning sickness. Some women have extremely sore breasts while others notice their sense of smell is stronger than ever. What’s important during the first trimester is to get as much rest as possible, take prenatal vitamins, and relax. The pregnancy should be an enjoyable time and memorable. The best way to do this is let others help you and realize all the changes your baby is going through in such a short period of time.

You are pregnant, congratulations! Now, when should you begin telling your family, friends, and co-workers? Each couple is different and while some may want to take some time to get used to the idea of pregnancy there are others that are interested in sharing the news with the world as quickly as possible. One thing is for sure and the support network you have will be there for you to support you throughout your pregnancy.

Early

One option is to share the news during the first trimester. Most women find out they are pregnant around the 4-6 week mark and take a couple weeks to relish in the news. Then, it’s fair game to let friends and family members in on the news. Of course, couples who have had problems with miscarriages may choose to wait longer than couples who have never been through a pregnancy.

After 3 Months

It is common for women to wait until after the first trimester to share the news. The reasoning behind this is that the risk of losing the baby is much lower after the 12 week mark and couples feel more comfortable sharing the news.

Surprise Everyone

Another option is to simply surprise everyone with the news. If you already have a child and people know you are thinking of having another it’s not uncommon for people to ask when you are thinking of the next one. So, to keep everyone off guard you may just dodge these questions and then one day post the news on your Facebook or announce the news in some other fun and exciting way.

The way you choose to tell family and friends the good news depends on your personality, and risk factors that may be present, and your general feeling about the pregnancy. Some people are more private while others are more open. There is no right or wrong way to share the news so do what feels good to you!

The second trimester is known as the honeymoon period of pregnancy. Most of the nausea has passed from the first trimester and the baby has not grown so much yet that mom is uncomfortable. This part of the pregnancy is when the baby begins to grow more and put on weight since it has finally developed all its organs.

During the second trimester your baby only weighs 2 to 3 pounds and is 13 to 16 inches in length. During the second trimester the new mom will feel fetal movement, fetal kicks, and even the baby turning from side to side. The fetus can also hear the mother’s voice, so talking to the baby is important. Sucking and swallowing reflexes develop during this stage and the placenta has developed fully. From the 5th month to delivery the baby’s brain will develop the most. The baby sleeps and wakes at this stage and has fingernails and toenails. Many babies even have hair at this stage.

Moms should expect a respite during the second trimester because they usually have more energy because their bodies have regulated the amount of hormones in the body and the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels have decreased. Women may find they have a bigger appetite and the pregnancy is usually fairly obvious by this stage. Some moms have bloody noses during this time due to the hormones progesterone and estrogen affected the mucosa membranes. For the same reason women may find their gums bleed more readily, too. Some women may experience hemorrhoids and varicose veins while backaches are common as a result of weight gain. Women frequently experience indigestion, heart burn, and constipation from this point on in the pregnancy.

Generally, the second trimester should be the calm period of your pregnancy. If you experience any strange symptoms, however, you should immediately call your doctor to find out if what you are experiencing is normal or not.

By the time the third trimester rolls around most women are accustomed to their pregnancy and excited and nervous about the impending delivery. During the last three months of pregnancy the baby will put on weight and continue growing. The baby’s lungs will mature more and prepare the baby for delivery. Moms at this stage will generally put on more weight and the stomach will distend even more. False labor contractions usually begin, which can be really scary for first time moms who aren’t sure whether they are the real thing or not.

Pregnant women in their third trimesters may want to take a childbirth and breastfeeding class to prepare for the birth and feeding the baby. Women usually become uncomfortable with their bodies during this stage and may find it difficult to sleep or find a comfortable position. Swelling feet and ankles are also more common during this stage as the baby puts more pressure on mom’s arteries.

At the end of the third trimester most babies have reached 19-21 inches in length and will weigh between six and nine pounds on average. During the third trimester the fetus develops sight and hearing and the lungs and kidneys finish maturing.

Many women experience what is referred to as “lightening” by the 36th week. This is when the baby’s head drops down into the pelvis to prepare for delivery. The baby’s skull bones are soft to make delivery easier. When the baby is 38 to 40 weeks he/she has matured and is ready to make an entrance into the world.

During this part of the pregnancy it is not uncommon for women to feel very hot because the baby is also producing body heat and increasing the mother’s body temperature. The baby’s growth has also resulted in more pressure being placed on the bladder, which increases the amount of bathroom trips necessary each day. This is a common part of the pregnancy when stretch marks begin to appear on the thighs, breasts, and abdomen.

There are many other symptoms that pregnant women may experience during the third trimester and these are just a few. Heartburn, indigestion, and varicose veins are also quite common. The most important thing is for women to rest and enjoy the last months of their pregnancy.

The first trimester is an exciting time and while women are getting used to the idea of being pregnant they are also worried about all of the changes taking place in their bodies. One cause for concern is bleeding in the first trimester. Any type of spotting or bleeding during the first three months of pregnancy should be followed up by your doctor. Serious bleeding is a good reason to see a doctor immediately or even visit the emergency room. Many women experience first trimester bleeding and in most cases it is something very minor that is causing the bleeding. However, there are situations that are dangerous that could be causing the bleeding and that’s why it is so important to see a doctor. Remember, first trimester bleeding does not signal an automatic miscarriage so as difficult as it is to sit back and relax that truly is the best thing you can do for your baby!

One problem that many women experience is cervicitis. The cells in the cervix become extremely sensitive and anything from intercourse to a Pap smear can cause bleeding. It’s not normal to bleed during pregnancy, but this type of bleeding is nothing to be concerned about. Of course, bleeding due to sexually transmitted diseases are more worrisome and worth treatment so talk to your doctor about this. All women will receive STD testing.

Other times there may be some passing of tissue along with bleeding or spotting. This could be random tissue that is released due to the changes in hormones and is no cause for concern. If it is tissue from the placenta or fetus then this is cause for concern and could signal a miscarriage. Because of this any passing of tissue requires immediate care from a doctor.

Although bleeding during pregnancy is scary many times it is not a cause for concern. However, when there is bleeding or spotting it is important to call your OB/GYN to find out if you need to be seen. Most of the time you will need to make a visit to the doctor’s office to ensure that all is well. Bleeding in early pregnancy is not something any woman wants to go through, but many do without any big problems.

When a women finds out she is pregnant she immediately begins worrying about the fetus she is carrying. As a result, when there is any bleeding or spotting it is enough to scare mom-to-bes into thinking they are experiencing a miscarriage. Luckily, spotting during pregnancy does not always mean a miscarriage is about to happen. Of course, it can be a sign of a serious problem so it is always important to call your doctor or make a visit to your local emergency room just to make sure all is well. Many times something minor will be causing the spotting and all will be well with mom and baby. However, there are serious problems that could be causing the spotting.

Keep in mind that spotting is different than bleeding. Spotting is a light amount of blood that is comparable to the beginning of your period. It might be a pink or red color or a dark brown color. Note what the blood looks like and how much there is so you can really this information to your doctor.

Sometimes, it’s impossible to determine the cause of spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy. In fact, since the blood supply to the cervix has increased significantly it’s possible for bleeding to occur after sex, a Pap smear, or other exam. Of course, there are other potential causes of prenatal spotting or bleeding. These include implantation bleeding, which usually occurs when the fertilized egg attaches implants into the uterus wall. When this happens you would have no idea that you were pregnant so you probably would assume it to be the beginning of your period.

Of course, spotting or bleeding could mean a miscarriage is imminent. It could also signal an ectopic pregnancy. If there is any cramping that accompanies the spotting or bleeding it is important to see a doctor immediately.

Keep in mind that approximately 25% of pregnant women experience bleeding or spotting in the early weeks of pregnancy. Of these women, about half of them will have a miscarriage. This may sound disheartening, but if you have had an ultrasound and seen a normal heartbeat between seven and 11 weeks then the odds that the pregnancy will continue successfully are close to 90%!

If you are pregnant it is very likely you will experience morning sickness at some point. Most women do, but the interesting thing is that morning sickness can happen any time! It is common in the morning, but women find themselves with morning sickness morning, noon, and night. In fact, some women experience morning sickness 24 hours per day and simply can’t get rid of that queasy feeling. There are plenty of tips to help you keep morning sickness to a minimum, but some women just can’t seem to get past it. Try these tips to see if they help take the edge off.

Tip #1 Protein before Bed

Many women feel nauseous when they wake up in the morning because they have low blood sugar and have nothing on their stomach. Eating protein will help keep blood sugar level until breakfast.

Tip #2 Eat in Bed

Before getting up each morning have a couple crackers. Eating just a little bit may be enough to settle your stomach and allow you to get up and get moving.

Tip #3 Cold Water

When you feel like you will lose your lunch it’s a good idea to drink some very cold water. Many women who have battled morning sickness say this is the best way to combat the urge to vomit.

Tip #4 Ginger Ale

Ginger ale naturally combats nausea, so women may consider drinking or eating foods and drinks that contain ginger.

Tip #5 Small Meals

Eating small meals allows the body to digest the food better and reduces the risk of eating too much, which can trigger nausea.

Tip #6 Aromatherapy

Sometimes aromatherapy can help settle a churning stomach. Try peppermint or another soothing smell that might help you relax and combat nausea.

Tip #7 Avoid Triggers

Another good tip is to avoid all trigger foods when possible. If pickles make your stomach roll simply keep them out of the house altogether until you get your morning sickness under control.

Many women who are pregnant for the first time wonder what they should expect and what is normal during pregnancy. The truth of the matter is that every woman and indeed every pregnancy is different. It’s not uncommon for some women to feel the same as usual while other women will be exhausted and experience a whole host of problems. The following are some symptoms that are completely normal during pregnancy and that should be expected.

Always remember, though, that if you are worried a symptom is out of the ordinary you should contact your doctor. Sometimes intuition is stronger than any list of what’s “normal” during pregnancy!

A missed period is to be expected in early pregnancy, but many women confuse implantation bleeding with their period. As a result, some women do not realize they are pregnant until they miss their second period. Many women will feel tired, queasy, moody, and lightheaded. It’s not uncommon to have a strong sense of smell, cravings, heartburn, constipation, and increased urination. Some women have extremely sensitive breasts and others feel extremely sleepy. Still others just feel “off” and aren’t sure why.

While these are all very normal symptoms during pregnancy there are some other symptoms women don’t usually expect that may be normal, too. For example, fainting and dizziness are quite common as well as developing a dark line on the belly. Some women’s nipples will darken and just the thought of some foods or smells may make you nauseous. Lots of people assume morning sickness only applies to the morning, but it can occur all day long. Also, it may last only a few weeks, or it could last the entire pregnancy.

Do some research to find out if specific symptoms you are experiencing are normal for pregnancy? Also, talk with your doctor about how you feel and what you should anticipate. Every woman will experience pregnancy in a different way and it’s not uncommon for women to have different symptoms with each pregnancy.

It can be scary to have diabetes and be pregnant. However diabetic women have healthy pregnancies all the time as long as they know how to care for themselves properly. Most diabetic women will have a team of doctors helping her throughout her pregnancy. This usually includes an obstetrician, endocrinologist, nutritionist, and other doctors as needed. Diabetic women will want to choose an obstetrician knowledgeable of high risk pregnancies and experienced with diabetic pregnant women. Diabetic women should also see their eye specialist throughout the pregnancy to ensure the blood vessels in the eyes are not being damaged.

Controlling Blood Sugar

The most important thing a diabetic expectant mom can do is control her blood sugar very tightly. This will help prevent many potential problems and it is even more important during pregnancy to ensure tight blood sugar control. By controlling blood sugar women will be able to reduce the risk of birth defects, stillbirth, miscarriage, and excess growth. Complications for both mom and baby will also be reduced when diabetes is well managed.

Women with diabetes who are pregnant will need to check their blood sugar levels more often than usual. This is important because it helps ward off both high and low blood sugar. Taking insulin as directed is also very important because it will help regulate blood sugar and keep the mom-to-be and baby as healthy as possible.

The amount of insulin needed will change throughout pregnancy and there are many factors that can affect it. For example, women who vomit frequently throughout their pregnancies may have different insulin requirements. Also, as the placenta grows and the fetus matures the body will need considerably more insulin than normal because the placenta’s hormones can block how the body manages insulin.

Pregnant women with diabetes must eat healthy foods, too, to help regulate their disease. Plenty of fruits and vegetables are needed in addition to whole grains and complex carbohydrates. Getting some exercise is also recommended.

Finally, pregnant diabetic women should see their doctor regularly and make an appointment for any concern or problem that seems out of the ordinary. It can be stressful for diabetic women to go through pregnancy because they are worried about something happening to the baby. However, if the woman works hard at managing her diabetes there is no reason there won’t be a positive outcome.