Thanks

Best answer:

Answer by R. Eli….
I had PPD with my first child.
If you feel you are depressed you need to talk to your doctor NOW. This can spiral out of control quickly. And if you feel depressed while pregnant, the odds are it will get worse after the birth.

Please know that you are not alone. And the only thing to be ashamed of would be recognizing that you may have a problem, not getting help, and having something awful happen.

Add your own answer in the comments!

If you’re pregnant – or ever have been – you may have wondered about the benefit and safety involved with a prenatal massage. You’re aware that the extra weight you’re carrying creates major changes in your body, especially the added stress on your abdominal muscles, shoulders, neck and back. It also affects your ligaments by relaxing them, making your pelvic joints less stable and changing your posture by pulling your pelvis forward.

Before you consider including it in your pregnancy health routine, do some research to insure that the massage therapist you choose is trained in prenatal massage techniques, not just massage methods. A prenatal massage is effective because it involves the right amount of pressure… using the right technique… at the right stage in the pregnancy, so you need an expert.

With programs especially designed for stages in the pregnancy cycle, a prenatal massage can relieve discomfort where you need it and when you need it. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of a prenatal massage.

Provides a healthy alternative to reducing stress and promoting general well-being;Relieves discomfort associated with backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, joint pain and edema (swelling of the joints);Reduces nervous tension, helping promote a better night’s sleep;Increases immunity and removal of excess toxins;Stabilizes hormonal levels and balances the glandular system which results in fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight;Soothes inflamed nerves by reducing muscle tension and sciatic nerve pain;Relieves the effects of depression and anxiety brought on by pregnancy.As mentioned above, the person administering a prenatal massage must be trained to properly hone in on the area affected by pregnancy – at the right time – and combat the problem with the correct amount of pressure. This is not something that a regular massage therapist – without proper training – can do.

Here are a few of the symptoms a prenatal massage can relieve.

First Trimester:

Headache relief;Reduces incidences of morning sickness;Relieves tiredness by increasing energy level.In the second trimester, a prenatal massage will:

Reduce pain from backaches;Relieve pain associated with cramping in the legs.In the third and final trimester, a prenatal massage:

Reduce swelling/edema;Relieve pain from varicosities;Enhance sleep;Prepare pelvic muscles for birth process.During a prenatal massage, the massage therapist will gently position you on your side to keep you comfortable during the process. You may then be placed in a semi-reclining position while your therapist addresses the front of your body. It is acceptable – during the first trimester – for you to lie on your back with a slight elevation under one hip during your prenatal massage to alleviate the additional strain on your lower back and pelvic areas. Trained therapists use a special support cushion during your prenatal massage to ensure comfort and proper positioning and/or a pad with a hollowed-out area to accommodate your growing abdominal area.

Prenatal massage is not for every woman during pregnancy, but most find it to be a vital part of their healthy routine. If, however, you have any discomfort while your therapist is performing the massage, tell them immediately.

About the Author

Visit Prenatal Massage Irvine CA for more information or visit Prenatal Massage Irvine CA.

Newly updated in 2010, Beyond the Blues contains the current information about risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention of mood disorders in pregnancy and postpartum. Included is the most up-to-date research about medication use in pregnancy and in breast milk. Straightforward yet compassionate, it is required reading for all who work with pregnant and postpartum women, as well as for those suffering before or after the baby is born. This book is being used by the US Navy, Spec

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Best answer:

Answer by Freedom
Welcome to adulthood.

There has only been one man on the planet that was ever truly cared or was understanding of what a wife and mother goes through. The rest do not and never will.

P.S. I wonder if the depression has been caused by the subconscious knowledge that you married a man that is undeserving of you.

Add your own answer in the comments!

No doubt, there is a lot of fear and confusion on this topic. So let’s get right down to the truth of the matter. As usual, the truth is to be found in the middle of two opposite points of view. One point of view is that pregnant women should avoid taking any vitamin A. The other point of view is that pregnant women do not need to be concerned at all with their vitamin A consumption because the risks are minimal.

So let’s clarify the issue so you can make the most informed choice for yourself and your baby:

In 1995, the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine published a study that showed strong evidence that approximately 1.7% of pregnant women in the U.S. consuming greater than 10,000 International Units (IUs) of vitamin A (retinol) per day during the first 7 weeks of their pregnancy gave birth to children afflicted with some form of birth defect. This was one out of every 57 women. This created a wave of fear in obstetricians and their pregnant patients that continues to this day.

The good news about this study is that it alerted doctors to strongly caution their pregnant patients that consuming over 10,000 IUs of vitamin A per day for the first 7 weeks of her pregnancy can be risky. To my way of thinking this should also hold true for women of childbearing age who are actively trying to become pregnant.  Women who are given very high dosages of vitamin A for acne treatments should avoid becoming pregnant until their blood levels of vitamin A are well within the normal range.

The bad news about the effects the NEJM vitamin A study is that it made far too many obstetricians and obstetrical nurses overly cautious, even paranoid, about women taking anyform of vitamin A, even supplements containing beta-carotene. Obviously no pregnant woman wants to put her developing baby at risk, so when their obstetrician tells them to avoid taking all vitamin A they listen.

The other side of the truth is that developing babies need somevitamin A.  Vitamin A deficiency can cause fetal and infant growth retardation.  It is well known that plant scientists have been trying to perfect modified strains of rice to contain beta-carotene (orange in color) for third world countries. Why? To help prevent the large amount of infants born blind every year because their mother’s bodies did not have enough vitamin A to donate an adequate amount to their developing eyes!

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 250,000 and 500,000 children are born blind every year. WHO also estimates that 13.8 million children have some degree of visual loss related to vitamin A deficiency.

Carotenes and carotenoids are natural pigments that give colored fruits and vegetables their bright colors. Carrots are a good example because their orange color is reflective of an abundance of carotenoids and carotenes. There are over 600 carotenoids/carotenes and less than 50 seem to be able to be converted into vitamin A. This conversion is essential, however, because the human vision is dependent upon these pigments.

The conversion of carotenes to vitamin A depends upon a number of factors including adequate zinc, vitamin C, protein status, bile salts, pancreatic enzymes and optimal thyroid gland health. So women with inadequate levels of these necessary co-factors have more difficulty converting high pigment foods into vitamin A.

One International Unit (IU) of vitamin A (retinol) does not equal one IU of beta-carotene because only between 40%-60% of beta-carotene is absorbed and converted into vitamin A. Also, the absorption of beta-carotene is self-limiting. This means that beyond a healthy level, the more you take the less you absorb. Beta-carotene taken in supplement form absorbs better than beta-carotene from foods. Betacarotene is safe and necessary.

On average, a healthy daily intake of vitamin A for pregnant women is approx. 4000 IUs. This means that if you have been told by your obstetrician to avoid taking all vitamin A and you are receiving less than about 8000 IUs of carotenes from your prenatal vitamin and your diet combined, there is increased risk that your child may suffer some degree of visual loss or growth retardation. The risk of pregnant women receiving too little vitamin A is just as unacceptable as too much vitamin.

As previously stated, the truth tends to be found right in the middle of the two opposite points of view. Too much vitamin A brings a small but significant risk of birth defects. Too little vitamin A brings a risk of visual loss or growth retardation.

So what do you do when you become pregnant?

Here are some guidelines:

(1)            To be on the safe side, it is best to avoid prenatal vitamins that contain any of the retinol form of vitamin A.

(2)            Try to make sure that your daily intake of vitamin A does not exceed 6000 IUs during the first 2 months of your pregnancy.

(3)            Avoid eating foods very high in the retinol form of vitamin A on a daily basis, especially beef liver (43,900 IUs/3.5 oz serving) and calves liver (22,500 IUs/3.5 oz. serving).

(4)             Make sure that your prenatal vitamin contains at least 3500 IUs of betacarotene.

(5)            Try to obtain 4000-5000 IUs of carotenes and carotenoids from your diet. You can do this by eating lots of colored vegetables like carrots and green leafy vegetables.

(6)            Eat brightly colored fruits.

(7)            If you cannot eat enough colored vegetables, find a good tasting vegetable powder that can provide you with 4000-5000 IUs of these essential precursors to vitamin A.

(8)            Do your best to take this middle ground and try not to worry.

please help
i very miserable helen

Pregnancy massage or prenatal massage are generic terms used to describe a variety of conditions and treatments performed to help alleviate the signs and symptoms associated with pregnancy.

Conditions like: Sciatica, headaches, low back pain, swelling in the extremities, muscle tension and sleep disturbances can all be part of being pregnant. An RMT can work to address all these conditions.

Why use an RMT for pregnancy massage or prenatal massage?

A BC RMT has 3000 hours of training. They have specific training in the physiology and anatomy of pregnancy. There are specific techniques that are used for different stages of the pregnancy cycle.

The bigger question is, “What RMT is a specialist in pregnancy massage?” Technically, RMTs cannot say they specialize in any one treatment or technique. This is a regulatory requirement of our governing body, the CMTBC.  

To work with this regulation you will see RMTs use words like: “focus”, “area of treatment” or “training in”. To find an RMT that works best for you I suggest looking for a personal referral and research that RMT online.

Here are some questions I suggest asking:

1. Do you do pregnancy massage or prenatal massage?
2. Do you have body pillows, electric table, etc…?
3. Can I read more about you on the web?
4. How many pregnancy or prenatal treatments did you do last week?
5. Can I talk to any of the women you treated for pregnancy?
6. Are you a Dr. Voder licensed Manual Lymph drainage therapist? (These RMTs have post graduate training and should be used if you have swelling in the extremities)

The answers to these questions will give you enough information to make a decision.

What are the benefits of a pregnancy massage?

There are so many benefits to having a pregnancy massage. At no time in your life will you undergo so much change in your body over such a short period of time. Aches, pains and body changes can be greatly decreased when you consult an RMT.

Treatments that respond well to pregnancy massage are: Sciatica , headaches, muscle tension, swelling in the extremities and low back pain .

Clients report better sleep patterns and over all feeling of being relaxed and more connected to their body.

When receiving a pregnancy massage, how should I be positioned?

Positioning is the most important part of a treatment. You want to take in account how far along the pregnancy is, the further along it is the more you will need to look at supporting the body.

In general, sideline is best. This is because it allows the most amount of modification to the body position.

Resting on your stomach puts too much pressure on your abdomen and breasts. There are pregnancy tables that have a hole cut where the abdomen is and this is replaced with a stretchy fabric that makes a hammock for your growing belly to rest on.

There is some controversy about these tables because depending on the tension on the hammock it can lead to not enough support for your belly. This can put undue stress on your abdominal and pelvic ligaments. This can be very serious depending on how far you’re a long and if it has been a difficult pregnancy or not. I highly suggest consulting with your massage therapist to discuss this issue.

Resting on your back can position your uterus to put pressure on the returning veins from the lower extremity. This again needs to be discussed as your pregnancy progresses.

Precautions for pregnancy massage.

Make sure the RMT does a thorough history and assessment before the treatment begins. Clients tend to want to rush to the treatment and they sometime over look very serious contraindications for treatment. Please make sure to discuss everything about your pregnancy with your RMT.
 
Some precautions for pregnancy massage are: Diabetes, miscarriages and varicosities in the lower extremity.

 For more information go please see:

http://everesttherapeutics.com/downtown-vancouver/pregnancy-massage-vancouver/pregnancy-massage-and-prenatal-massage.html#precautionsforpregnancymassage.

Many Massage therapy techniques, one of technique is called Swedish Massage, which purposes to rest muscle tension and blood circulation and improve lymphatic through mild pressure applied to the muscle groups of the body. It is the advised or recommended prenatal massage way during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy.

The 3 worth of prenatal massage

1. Hormone regulation

Ten years ago for studies that have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are essentially adjusted, leading to humor regulation and enhanced cardiovascular health, when massage therapy was suggested to women’s prenatal care. Hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol or stress hormones were abated and dopamine and serotonin levels (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression) were added in ladies who obtained two weekly massages for only five weeks. These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of infant complexity, such as low weight. The proof point strongly to motherly and newborn health advantages when relaxing, therapeutic massage is unites into regular prenatal care. 

2. Reduction of swelling

Swelling of the skeletal nodes (joints) during pregnancy is oftentimes reasoned by reduced circulation and increased stress or pressure on the main blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage supports to encourage soft tissues to abate collection of fluids in swollen joints, which also enhances the extraction of tissue waste, carried by the body’s lymph system.

3. Improvement and Development of nerve pain

Sciatic nerve pain is felt by many women in late pregnancy as the womb rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. The stress or pressure of the uterus extends tension to the muscles of the higher and lower leg, causing them to swell and put force on nearby nerves. Massage therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping to liberate the tension on nearby muscles. Many women have felt important reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through regular massage. Moreover, other benefits of prenatal massage are reduced back pain, joint pain, and better sleep.

Dr. Tiffany Field of the University of Miami School of Medicine stated that the series of soothing touches experienced by the mother adds to her physical and emotional well-being since she is in the process of adapting to her new body image. Thus, pregnant women experienced less morning sickness and mood swings after undergoing such a therapy because it helped stabilize their hormone levels. Headaches are also less frequent and the usual soreness on their backs have died down.

But how is this special massage done exactly? Well, an initial requirement for anyone who wishes to get a massage during pregnancy, is clearance from their doctor, especially for high-risk pregnancies. Specific positions are only allowed for this therapy and certain areas are restricted to avoid any complications. Clinics who offer this service have specialized beds that can be adjusted to certain angles in to keep the woman more comfortable. Lying on her stomach is, of course, a no no. During a pregnancy massage, the mother could either be positioned sitting up, with her knees on the floor (support with cushion) and her chest and arms resting on a low bed. She could lie on her side with a few pillows supporting her hips and back. Again, it all depends on where she is in her pregnancy.

Special attention is given on her back, head, and feet because these are the common areas that experience pain and soreness. Some clinics couple this massage with aroma therapy, as long as it has a go signal from the doctor. Mild lotions and oils are also used for this treatment.

Mothers-to-be should take caution not to get this treatment if she has diabetes, or has experienced mild bleeding, abdominal pain, preeclampsia, fever, or unusual pain. Skin rashes, open sores, and varicose veins are also to be left alone during the massage.

Setting appointments for a prenatal or pregnancy massage sometimes has a prerequisite of a visit to your obstetrician for added precaution. This is because other symptoms of pregnancy like vomiting and nausea may be signs of complication and getting this treatment may worsen your condition. An important thing to remember is to not mistake this massage for reflexology or deep tissue massages. So make sure to know the services offered by the spa or clinic to avoid premature labor or any other accidents.

Check out other services offered by your nearest spa or clinic such as sports massage, Swedish massage, trigger point, hot stone massage, and geriatric massage. Call to set an appointment and feel the soothing relief of a good massage.

That’s why while you still have the capacity to get pregnant, you should start looking into prenatal DHA care.

Okay, what do we mean by this? Your body requires a lot of vitamins and minerals to ensure that it remains healthy. If you’re trying to get pregnant, your body should be more than ready to cater to another human being.

Keep in mind that your baby will be dependent on you for nutrition and basically for survival. You have then to know what types of nutrients you need to take to fulfill your role as a mom.

DHA is one of these essential nutrients. It’s a type of omega3 fatty acid that is responsible for the development of your baby. Going into prenatal DHA care can help you enjoy the following benefits:

1. You can encourage the better development of your baby’s brain and vision. Your baby requires a lot of DHA even when he or she is still in your womb. It will make up at least 1/3 of his or her brain.

If you take in supplements or foods that are already rich in DHA such as walnuts, you already have a good head start. The DHA will also be responsible for the development of your baby’s vision.

2. You can also reduce the amount of iron in your blood. We’re going to make this clear. You definitely need iron in your body, especially when you have a baby.

Without it, you cannot provide enough oxygen supply to your unborn kid. However, too much of it too can be pretty bad for you as it always introduces nausea during the first three months. With a DHA supplement, you can bring down the iron level to something that’s normal.

3. You can ensure yourself that you don’t have to go through post-partum blues. Post-natal blues, or after-birth depression, is very common among mothers. However, it’s not enough reason for you to just let it get into you.

The emotional and psychological issue can prevent you from taking care of yourself and your baby well. It could also develop to severe depression, if you ignore it.

When you have high level of DHA in your body, you can expect to not go through such harrowing ordeal. This is because it can already control your hormonal changes and mood swings. It can also improve the symptoms of depression because of its therapeutic effects.