Baby names – Unique and popular baby names!

Oh, baby! No one ever said pregnancy was going to be easy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ride.

A few simple tips to help you enjoy your pregnancy can make a big difference while you wait for your little one to arrive. For many women, pregnancy is a joy and a wonderful experience, but more often than not, you don’t hear about the tough stuff.

Sure, you might hear about nasty morning sickness, annoying cravings, or the pain that comes with those final days when you are waiting to go into labor, but pregnancy can be downright uncomfortable for even the most chipper mommy-to-be.

There’s no shame in admitting that every mom benefits from a few simple tips in order to cope, so if you or someone you know is expecting soon, take the following into consideration for a less stressful, more enjoyable pregnancy.

1. Stop and Smell the Roses– You hear it all the time when they tell you to slow down and enjoy life. Well, the same applies when you’re pregnant. After all of the running around between doctor appointments and shopping for supplies, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of being pregnant. Don’t forget to take time out for the simple things, like taking a stroll in the park, reading a good book, or taking a bubble bath.

2. Sing to Your Baby– Whether you have pipes like Celine Dion or you can’t hit a note to save your life, singing to your baby while they’re in your belly is relaxing for both you and baby, and it can be a memorable experience that you smile at when you look back at your pregnancy. Settle into a cozy rocking chair in the nursery where you can have some peace and quiet, or plop into a relaxing porch swing while you sing.

3. Take up Scrapbooking– Even if you don’t intend on scrapbooking as a hobby, consider trying it out while you are pregnant. Relax after a nice lunch and put together a scrapbook for your new baby, with places for milestones and newborn pictures. When he or she finally arrives, you’ll have a nice keepsake that you can begin working on right away.

4. Keep Exercising– As if your doctors don’t drill this into you enough, exercise is still one of the best ways to manage stress. It is especially important during pregnancy, and you will benefit greatly from the endorphins. If you want to spike your good mood and sleep better at night, keep exercising. Talk to your doctor about how much exercise is appropriate depending on your specific health and needs. Stick with these simple tips to stress less and enjoy your pregnancy more.

Break out the cute baby favors and fun games, and throw your loved one a baby shower she will never forget!

Planning a baby shower for someone you love can be a big task to undertake, but it is also an extremely rewarding one. Nothing else says “I love you” more than a girlfriend or friend of the family taking the initiative to plan a baby shower for you. It is a time when a woman who is expecting will truly feel loved and supported. As emotional and as joyous of a time pregnancy can be, it is both a relief and an honor to have such a strong support system by your side—especially when that support system bans together to create an unforgettable baby shower for you. If you or someone you know is pregnant and you are considering throwing them a shower, keep these simple things in mind as you make your party plans.

Get a detailed list of her friends

Be sure to get a list of friend and family names, along with their contact information. If you want the shower to be a surprise and you don’t want to ask her for this information correctly, ask one of her other close friends or a direct family member who can get the information for you. She’ll appreciate you taking the time to round up everyone who is dear to her.

Stock up on fun favors

Baby showers need favors, too. You can find tons of adorable, affordable favors for the shower guests and mom-to-be, including key chains, candles, and bookmarks. Try the sweet Pink or Blue Baby Bottle Candle favors from WeddingFavors.org. You can also find precious bookmarks, coasters, and sweet baby theme photo frames that the girls are sure to love.

Don’t forget the games

Similar to the old-fashioned Pin the Tail on the Donkey game that is played at birthday parties, there is also a “Pin the Tail on the Mommy” game. Buy a pretty blindfold and blindfold each girl and let her pin the tail on the mommy’s belly. You can also have the guests fill out questionnaires about who they think the baby will look like, either the mother or the father. Whoever guesses as close to the mother’s guess can win a prize.

By inviting close friends, stocking up on cute favors, planning some games, and making yummy recipes, your friend’s baby shower will remain one of her fondest memories for years to come.

Is there really a surefire way to know when to have a baby? If so, does the timing even matter? These can be tricky questions for the 21^st Century woman.

The right time to have a baby varies from person to person. Everyone has their own opinions, and the answer to the question really does depend on the circumstances. Although many pregnancies occur when we least expect them, many are thoughtfully planned, right down to the date of conception and the desirable delivery date. Some women plan for months or even years for the exact moment they believe they should be a mother. Whether you have been quietly stashing baby goods under the bed to prepare for motherhood or your pregnancy was a complete surprise, the question remains—is there a more “appropriate” time to have a baby? Or is the “right” time simply relative?

This tends to be a touchy subject for some women, but many say it boils down to money, free time, and personal identity. Ideally, who wouldn’t want to have more money to raise a child on? The reality is we all have to get by with what we can, and since we don’t always have loads of cash set aside when a little one comes along, it’s hard to base when you should have baby simply on your financial state. There will always be more money, and you’ll always need more— so try to make do with what you have and take advantage of the help that is available if you find yourself struggling. What your child will need most is love and nurturing of course, not the trendiest crib sheets on the block.

Oh, the many myths that are attached to motherhood. Does the one that claims your free time will be nonexistent once you have a baby sound familiar? While there is a shred of truth in this, you can always find a good support system to help you ensure you have some free time after your baby is born. Or if you’re concerned about your career in this busy high-tech world we live in, try to be realistic. Yes, you may have to make sacrifices. But there is no rule that says you cannot have both. It just takes a lot of heart and a lot of footwork. While your career very much coincides with your personal identity, remember that what you do is not who you are.

If you feel you may lose some of that identity by having a baby, keep in mind that your work role is only part of what makes you who you are. Whether or not you consider yourself to be in the right stage of your life to have a baby may not make a very big difference. Once you are pregnant, timing can often be irrelevant. What will matter is the attitude you decide to adopt and the perspective you choose to take. Focusing on the reasons why it is a good time to have a little one can help drown out any doubts or concerns.

Although it may be tempting, be careful not to assume the worst when it comes to your pregnancy symptoms and experiences.

You’ve been told over and over again what to expect while you are pregnant, but what about what not to expect when you are expecting? From the moment you share the news of your pregnancy with family, friends, and strangers, you immediately become bombarded with personal advice and loads of opinions—and plenty of unwanted opinions. While you may appreciate other women trying to share their wisdom with you, not all of that wisdom will apply to you. Every pregnancy is different, and every woman is different. What may work for someone else may not work for you. You may have heard all of this before. Most of us have. Still, you are bound to receive tons of warnings and suggestions from women everywhere about what your pregnancy will be like.

When you go to the gym, the grocery store, or really any public place where someone will see your belly, you are bound to get comments. Most of them sweet, many of them condescending. Although most comments are made with the best intentions, surely it can get old hearing the “it will happen to you” spiel. The truth is, “it” may happen to you. Don’t be surprised if you experience common morning sickness, back and neck pains, crazy cravings, or serious mood swings. And when it comes to the delivery, maybe you’ll hate the drugs or maybe you’ll love the drugs. Perhaps you’ll have a preemie, perhaps you won’t. Bottom line is whatever the word on the street is, it is best to let it in one ear and out the other. Not only will you save yourself some stress during your pregnancy, but you will be glad you didn’t listen to everyone after you’ve delivered your baby only to find you didn’t experience half of what they said you would.

Something to keep in mind—although it may sound shocking considering all of the horror stories you may hear—is that you have a very good chance of having a perfectly happy, healthy pregnancy. And although delivery isn’t the most wonderful feeling in the world, it may go much smoother than you anticipated. Take care of yourself the best you can during your pregnancy, keep your stress levels as low as possible, and don’t be swayed by everyone else’s opinion. Enjoy this special time in your life and remember to count your blessings. It helps to consider focusing on what not to expect when you are expecting. It may possibly be the healthiest attitude you can adopt during your pregnancy!

Mood swings, food runs, hot flashes—when your friend is expecting, you are next in the line of fire after her significant other. Buckle up, enjoy the ride, and be the best support system you can be during her time of need.

Being there for a friend who is expecting is a joyous experience. It can also be intimidating if you do not know how to handle it. You can often feel helpless, especially toward the end of the pregnancy when emotions and anxiety are running high. If you have given birth before, then you have been there, done that. You are aware that not every pregnancy is the same, but you at least understand what your friend is going through and you can empathize. If have never been pregnant however, it is an entirely different ball game. I was in those shoes not too long ago, and it certainly isn’t easy—especially when you are there with your friend every step of the way and through the actual delivery.

With the hopes of encouraging someone who is trying to be there for a good friend who is expecting, I can share my two cents. If it’s anything I learned throughout my experience, I learned to be completely objective. Do not assume that your preferences or opinions hold any weight, and do not take it personally when they don’t. Instead, try to understand your friend’s needs or concerns without your own personal bias. Something else that helped me to be a good support system was to listen, listen, and listen some more. If she wants to talk about anything, even something petty, let her talk. Ask her what you can do to make her comfortable. It can something as simple as running to the store for her or propping a pillow.

Aside from offering comfort and a listening ear, it is very important to tell her “it’s all going to be okay”. I can’t stress it enough, but even though your friend is thrilled to be a mom and may be enjoying her pregnancy, towards the end of the pregnancy that joy can temporarily become bittersweet. She may begin to worry about her performance as a mother or the regular responsibilities of motherhood. It may seem simple, but we all need to hear that everything is going to be okay, especially during times like these. Finally, never underestimate the power of those same encouraging words after the baby has arrived. Your friend’s life becomes overwhelmingly different very quickly, which requires a lot of adjustment. Continue to encourage and assure her that she is going to be a wonderful mother and that everything is going to be alright. Listen, comfort, and encourage, just as you would want your friend to do for you.

There are a few foods to avoid during pregnancy as they carry the risk of causing spontaneous miscarriage or birth defects, these include:

1. Liver and Liver products
   These contain vitamin A in the form of retinal, which is linked to birth defects. Don’t take supplements containing vitamin A unless advised by your GP.
2. Foods containing unpasteurised milk.
   These contain high levels of listeria which can cause miscarriage and stillbirth. Ready-cooked meals and pies can also contain listeria unless properly reheated.
3. Raw egg products
   Such as homemade mayonnaise (shop-bought is fine), may contain salmonella.
4. Raw meat and unpasteurised milk.
   Can contain toxoplasma gondii that causes blindness. It’s also found in cat litter and soil. Wash fruit and veg and avoid handling litter trays.
5. Peanuts and other nuts
   These are best avoided by women with a family history of allergies.
6. Fish high in Mercury
   Avoid shark, marlin and swordfish; eat no more than 140g of cooked tuna per week.

The moment you know that you’re expecting a baby, food can become a major concern. What should you be eating and how much? Lurking at the back of your mind may be the worry you might put on too much weight, but of course, pregnancy most definitely isn’t a time for slimming.

Research shows that if you restrict what you eat not only will you be depriving your growing baby of vital nutrients, preventing him from growing properly, there’s also an increased risk of miscarriage and neonatal death. Studies also show that underweight women have three times more chance of having a low birthweight baby. It can be hard following this advice if you’ve spent most of your pre-pregnancy being careful about what you eat. But the big difference is that now you’re eating not just to sustain your own life, butthat of your unborn baby, so it’s vital to eat healthily to ensure your body has all the important vitamins and minerals it needs.

Every day, make sure that you eat something from the major food groups: carbohydrates (bread, pasta, rice), fresh fruit and vegetables, protein-rich foods (meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, pulses) and fats.You’ll need to eat at least five portions a day of fruit and vegetables and this can include fruit juices or smoothies. Protein is essential for energy and it’s also a good source of iron. You’ll find it in lean red meat,chicken, fish, eggs and pulses such as beans and lentils. Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines is rich in essential fatty acids, which help your baby to grow and develop properly.

Make sure you get plenty of fibre from wholegrain breads, cereals, rice, pasta and pulses (as well as fruit and veg) – it helps prevent constipation. Calcium is essential for moms-to-be and vital for your baby’s teeth and bones. You can get this from dairy products: milk, cheese and yoghurt (but not butter).

Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids – eight to 12 glasses is about right -water milk, juice and soup all count, but not tea, coffee or drinks with caffeine. Be careful of your caffeine intake as it is a stimulant: it increases your heart rate, which in turn affects your developing baby. Caffeine is also a diuretic and can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients. Research is inconsistent about the effects of drinking more than five cups of coffee a day, but most experts agree that pregnant women shouldn’t drink more than 300mg of caffeine daily -four cups of coffee or six cups of tea, while many suggest women limit their intake to one or two cups of coffee daily. But remember caffeine is also in chocolate and some “energy” drinks. If you’re a caffeine addict, try switching to herbal teas or fresh fruit juices.

The Department of Health advice on alcohol is to drink no more than one to two units (a unit is one glass of wine or 300m1 of beer) once or twice a week, although some experts recommend abstaining completely. Excessive alcohol – more than 10 units a day – is associated with poor mental and physical health in babies.
If you aren’t eating properly, it may be worth taking a pregnancy supplement but avoid standard supplements as these may contain too much Vitamin A, which can be harmful to your baby. If you’re a vegetarian, a well-balanced diet should give you all the nutrients you need, but if you’re a vegan, you may need to take calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 supplements.

Don’t forget folic acid, an essential B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. The Department of Health recommends that women who are trying to become pregnant or who are pregnant should take a 400mg folic acid supplement daily from at least three months before conception and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It’s also important to eat folate-rich foods – oranges, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, green beans and sprouts, milk and dairy products.

You may need to take an iron supplement, but sometimes iron tablets can cause constipation, so a liquid iron drink may be better. Ask your doctor or carer for advice.
Eat to satisfy your appetite – never go hungry or skip meals. But you don’t need to eat for two – you don’t actually need much more until late pregnancy, and then only an extra 1,200 kilojoules a day – the equivalent of about two to three slices of bread.

A steady weight gain in pregnancy is healthy. If you eat according to your hunger, your weight will probably increase by about 3.5kg during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and then by about 0.5kg a week until the end. This makes a total gain of around 12.5kg. But you can gain anything from almost nothing to up to 23kg and still have a perfectly healthy baby.

A lot depends on your metabolism and how active you are. If you’re underweight you’ll probably put on more weight, and if you’re overweight you should put on less.
If you were overweight at the start of your pregnancy, then try and put on as little weight as possible until the last three months. Putting on too much weight during pregnancy puts you at an increased risk of complications such as high blood pressure, pregnancy‑ related diabetes or pre-eclampsia.

If you’re overweight, you’re also unfortunately more likely to develop varicose veins and to suffer from breathlessness and heartburn. But this is not the time to go on a diet. Eating properly is vital now and even overweight moms should aim to put on around 6kg while they’re expecting a baby.

If you were underweight before you became pregnant, eating properly is just as crucial to you, particularly during the first 12 weeks, when your baby’s body and major organs are formed. And if you smoke, it’s important to cut down on that, too, as smoking is a major contributor to low birthweight.If you have any worries about your weight, talk to your GP or carer. They can arrange for you to see a dietitian who can advise on healthy eating in pregnancy.

You’ll be weighed at your first antenatal or booking-in appointment, and usually at each subsequent appointment, as it’s important to keep an eye on any sudden weight changes. If you particularly notice you’re putting on weight rapidly in the last three months of pregnancy, alert your carer or doctor as it may indicate acute fluid retention, a possible symptom of pre-eclampsia, a life-threatening condition unique to pregnancy.