Welcome to the Livewire Pregnancy topic! I hope all your questions will be answered here!

If you have some information to add please PM me or simply post it here and I will add it to the list/post if it is well done. You must include your sources if you want to add anything.

Also, tell us about your baby! If you have pictures, feel free to post them. However they cannot be hosted on Livewire, please host them on another site and then link them to Livewire. Let us know how the little things are growing!

Small Overview of How Conception Works

Early Signs Of Pregnancy

Getting a Pregnancy Test

Terminating A Pregnancy

Eating for Two

All About The First Trimester

All About The Second Trimester

All About The Third Trimester

Child Birth

Recovering With Your Baby

Typical New Born Routines

Tips on Caring for an Infant

Sex And Pregnancy

Breastfeeding Information

Contraceptive Topic

Thank you PiXiE and dunebug for helping provide information in this topic

Post edited at 9:35 am on Oct. 2, 2008 by audrey820

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If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all."

Conception, or getting pregnant, occurs by having sex, obviously.

Without using any protection, you have about a 20% chance of getting pregnant during your menstrual cycle. But remember, teenagers are very fertile usually and can get pregnant easier than most adults.

When a man ejaculates inside a woman, he releases sperm which travels past the cervix, to the uterus where it will meet an egg released by the woman. If they connect and are healthy enough to latch onto the walls of the uterus lining, pregnancy has occurred.

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Post edited at 5:15 pm on Jan. 13, 2007 by Artistic Drain

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If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all."

Tender, swollen breasts
-Breast tenderness and swelling is caused by hormonal changes your body under goes to prepare for breast feeding.

Fatigue
-Since your body is trying to help the fetus grow, you will find you are more tired and exhausted. Fatigue is seen mostly in the first trimester while your body is adjusting

Implantation bleeding
-When the embryo latches onto the uterus lining (about 6-12 days after conception) spotting will sometimes be present. Cramps are often found at this point as well.

Nausea or vomiting
-Occuring betwen 6-8weeks after conception. Nausea, or morning sickness, happens to some women all throughout their pregnancy, while other women are lucky enough to not experience it at all.

Frequent urination
-6-8weeks after conception urination increased. This is due to the new pressure against the bladder.

A missed period
-This is the key sign of pregnancy. If you are pregnant, you should not have a period after your conception. However, some women do get a very light and short period even when they are pregnant.

Source 1
Source 2

Post edited at 5:14 pm on Jan. 13, 2007 by Artistic Drain

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If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all."

There are two types of pregnancy tests.
1)Hormone urine tests (at home)
2)Hormone blood tests (doctor)

1.Hormone Urine Test (At Home Tests)

The tests search for a hormone in the woman's urine. This hormone is "human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)" and is only present when a woman is pregnant. This hormone begins to appear about 6 days after conception. However, most women take longer.

Urine Pregnancy tests are accurate around 19-27 days after intercourse. They are all around 98-99% accurate (when used correctly).

At home tests can be found in any drug store and most grocery stores. They usually range in cost from $8-$20.

2.Hormone Blood Test (Visit To The Doctor)

This test works in the same way as a urine test. However it can detect the pregnancy hormone much earlier than urine tests and will pick up the tiniest amount of the hormone. Where as a urine test may miss small traces of the hormone.

Blood pregnancy tests can be done as soon as 10 days after intercourse and are bascially 100% effective.

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Thank you dunebug for providing information and sources on this topic

Post edited at 3:39 pm on Jan. 18, 2007 by Artistic Drain

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If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all."

Whatever the reason is, some women are not able or reason to give birth. The two options are emergency contraception and abortion.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception, morning after pill, whatever you call it, it is a group of pills you can take 72 hours after conception (3 days). The pill prevents the egg from latching onto the walls of the uterus.

The EC is about 90% effective.

Source

Abortion

Abortions are when doctors remove the fetus from the womb. Abortions can only be preformed up to 24 weeks of pregnancy and are usually done when the mother is at risk of not surviving the labor.

It is a highly debated issue. If you wish to debate the issue, please use this topic.

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Post edited at 7:06 pm on Jan. 13, 2007 by Artistic Drain

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If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all."

It is extremely important to eat healthy when pregnant. You are helping another human grow and develop after all. You should gain 25-30pounds when pregnant. 500 extra calories a day is typical while pregnant.

I was going to write my own blurb, but I really liked one I found on another site, so I post it instead.

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During your pregnancy you will need extra food and nutrients. WHAT you eat, as well as HOW MUCH is important. The following nutrients are especially important.

IRON is needed for healthy blood, placenta development and growth of the baby.

   * Good food sources of iron are red meat, liver, dried beans and peas, dried fruit and fortified cereals.
   * Iron from plant foods is best absorbed if eaten with foods rich in vitamin C.
   * Good VITAMIN C sources are broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, green pepper, tomatoes and tomato products, orange and grapefruit and their juices, strawberries and melons.  

FOLIC ACID or folate is necessary for healthy blood.

   * A folate supplement is recommended for all pregnant women.
   * Good food sources of folate are dark green lettuce, green peas, green beans, broccoli, dried peas and beans, oranges, and melons.  

CALCIUM and VITAMIN D are necessary for strong bones and teeth. In the summer, some vitamin D is made by your body when your bare skin is exposed to sun. In the winter you need to get vitamin D from foods. Fluid milk is fortified with vitamin D and rich in calcium. Cheese and yogurt are good sources of protein and calcium but not vitamin D. If you do not like to drink milk, try the following ideas:

   * Use milk in soups, puddings, sauces and casseroles.
   * Add skim milk powder to casseroles, puddings and soups for extra calcium and vitamin D.
   * Add cheese to casseroles, soups, salads and sandwiches.
   * Use plain yogurt as a vegetable dip and fruit yogurt as a fruit dip.
     Blend milk, yogurt and fruit together for a fruit shake.  

If you cannot digest lactose (milk sugar), lactose reduced milk is available in most grocery stores. Other food sources of calcium are canned salmon (with bones), sardines, tofu (made with calcium), and broccoli. Ask your doctor, community health nutritionist or registered dietitian for other suggestions.

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Post edited at 7:25 am on Jan. 15, 2007 by Artistic Drain

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If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all."

First trimester: Date of conception - 3months

During this time, the embryo begins to form and grow. By the end of the trimester it will have ears, eyes, kidneys and liver.

It is very typical to be tired and sick during this time because your body is adjusting to childbearing. Be sure to get lots of sleep and to sleep on your left side. This reduces the amount of pressure on the major blood vessels that feed the fetus.

Be sure you see your doctor lots. They should do full physicals, pap test, blood test, weigh you and answer any questions you may have. Be sure to keep your appointments and bring up any concerns you may have.

Fetus at end of 3months:

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Post edited at 6:24 pm on Jan. 14, 2007 by Artistic Drain

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If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all."

Second Trimester: Months 4-6

Your baby now is active, has a beating heart and you can find out what gender it is. As time moves on, your baby will be able to move, open it's eyes, react to sound and by the 24th week, an infant can live outside of the womb in intensive care.

End of 6months

Important things to do now:
-Walk around more to increase circulation
-Enroll in parenting classes
-Put your feel up to reduce swelling
-Get an Ultra Sound, figure out if you want to know the gender or not

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Post edited at 7:11 pm on Jan. 14, 2007 by Artistic Drain

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If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all."

You are almost there!

You will probably start seeing your doctor a lot more. They will make sure you do not develop Gestational diabetes (diabetes which is only present during pregnancy), anemia or other typical pregnancy illnesses.

Your body has been going through a lot, so you will probably be swollen, tired, irritable and waddling around like a duck. But don't worry, you baby will be in your arms soon!

Now would be a good time to start gathering a labor bag. It should have extra clothes, deodorant, tooth brush, comb, a book, baby clothes and any medical papers or medication you need. As well, write down a list of emergency contact numbers (family, spouse, etc etc).

Source

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If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all."

There are 3 stages in labour.
-the dilation of the cervix
-the delivery of the baby
-the delivery of the placenta

Dilation of the Cervix
Contractions will begin, your water will break. Cramps, diarrhoea, and head aches are also signs of pregnancy.

Your contractions will start to come closer and closer together as your cervix dilates.

Braxton Hicks is the term used for false contractions. These are very typical, but you should still go to the hospital or call your midwife to make sure they are actually fake.

Once the cervix is dilated to about 10cm, child birth will begin.

Delivering the Baby

Your contractions will now be steady and you will be able to feel them building. When the contraction peaks, your doctor/nurse will instruct you to push as hard as you can. Do not push between contractions.

Once the baby crowns (head appears), the doctors will turn it on it's side so the shoulders can easily come out. The baby will now simply pop out.

This usually takes anywhere from 15minutes to one hour. The longest part of pregnancy is the first stage.

Delivering the Placenta

Once your baby has been delivered, the placenta needs to be removed. Your uterus will begin to contract, which naturally separates the placenta. Your medical team will tell you to gently push to help get it out. It is generally not painful and fairly quick. Usually 10-15minutes.

And you are done!

Source
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If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all."

You will be exhausted. Both physically and emotionally after giving birth. Don't worry, you will feel better soon and your baby will be sleeping lots. So you can do the same.

Your doctor will let you know when you should be able to start exorcising again. Walking is the best way to start off exorcising and you can take your baby in a stroller with you.

Recovery can take up to 6 weeks. Having your partner or grandparents stay for a few weeks is a great idea so you can have a little help while you are getting your energy levels back up.

Foods to Eat

You should still be eating a bit more than normal to help your body produce milk. 500 extra calories a day is typical. If you are breast feeding, you need to make sure you have a low-fat, high fiber diet. Eating lots of fruit and vegetables is very important. Also, milk and whole grain breads have been found to help new mothers lose weight. Weight loss is slow after pregnancy. Expect to lose about 1 pound a month.

It is also important to have a high calcium intake. While your baby was growing in you, it robbed your body of a lot of calcium. Now is the time to build that calcium back up. It also helps aid in breast milk production.

Source


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If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all."

Each newborn will develop their own routine. Babies, toddlers and children all are happier when they have a set routine. Keep these routines will make life easier for you.

Typical routines are:

-Feed, play, sleep. Repeat.

Feed

Feed your baby about every 2-4hours to ensure they will sleep well. Watch your baby's facial expressions and bodily movements to know when they are done.

Play

It is time to connect with your baby! Play with them and hold them. This is when you should be checking their diaper as well. Do not be surprised if their stool is rather watery and messy. They are on an all liquid diet,  so until they start eating baby food, they wont have the prettiest gifts left you in their diapers.

Sleep

Babies sleep a lot! If your baby starts crying, check on it. Make sure it isn't too warm or cold. Hold it and cuddle it. Your baby needs to learn that you are there for it and that it can trust you. They will sleep for long periods of time. However, during the day, do not let them sleep for more than 4 hours because they need to be fed. Your baby will also need to be fed during the night. Most infants do not sleep through the night until they are about 6months old. Some, take longer to sleep all night.

If you let your baby set the routine, you will find it will be fairly easy to follow.  

Source

Post edited at 7:41 am on Jan. 15, 2007 by Artistic Drain

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If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all."

How to wrap a baby

Do not wrap your baby too tightly! They like being in soft cottons. They do not need to wear heavy clothes while wrapped like this. It will make them overly warm.

Playing

Making faces, laughing and tickling your baby are all great ways to interact with them. Babies also love hearing your voice. While you are making dinner, talk to them or sing. It doesn't matter that they can't understand you. Just be sure to use a happy voice.

Hunger

Babies will let you know when they are hungry. Typical signals are crying, moving head around with an open mouth, smacking their mouth or sucking on their fingers.

Burping Babies

Babies need to be burped because they tend to swallow a lot of air when feeding. If not burped, it can lead to discomforting gas later in the day.

Babies do not need to be burped after every feeding. Breastfed babies usually swallow less air than bottle fed babies. You only need to burp them if they show signs of discomfort.

Over the Sholder

http://www.ehow.com/images/ehows/steps/Burpbaby_1L.jpg

Be sure to have a burping blanket over your shoulder in case they spit up milk. Rub and pat their back starting at the bottom and moving up.

Lap Burping

http://www.ehow.com/images/ehows/steps/burpbaby_4L.jpg

Sit the baby on your lap and support their neck from the front. Rub and pat their back, starting from the base and going upwards to their head.

Laying Burping

http://www.ehow.com/images/ehows/steps/burpbaby_7L.jpg

Lay the infant on their tummy over your legs. Rub and pat their back starting from the bottom and working your way up.

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Post edited at 11:12 am on April 9, 2008 by Periwinkle

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If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all."

Most woman are able to have sex with no problems during their pregnancy. However, if you are in a high risk pregnancy, be sure to talk to your doctor first.

High risk pregnancy are:

-Past miscarriages
-Past premature pregnancy
-Low placenta (placenta previa)
-Leaking amniotic fluid
-Unexplainable vaginal bleeding or odd discharge

If your partner has or is at risk of having an STD it is very important that you do not have sex. If you do, you will be putting your infant at risk of developing the disease they have.

However, in the end. Only your doctor will be able to tell you if it is safe or not.

After Pregnancy

The vaginal opening needs time to recover. Most doctors suggest waiting at least 6weeks, however others say you can have sex once you feel better. It is really up to you. Just be sure to let yourself heal fully to ensure a proper healing.

Source

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If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: "That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all."

I have a two year old son, Hunter Kai. He just had his second birthday on the 19th of last month. I've written my story in the member story section here and I have a picture of Hunter up here.

Post edited at 10:35 pm on Jan. 16, 2007 by dunebug

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Holly.
Mama to Hunter Kai
Still missing you, LML. (1941-2007). ♥
"Nothing is worth more than this day."