by Amy B. Tuteur, MD Ask Dr. Amy.comHas the baby dropped yet? Friends and complete strangers are asking the same question. What are they talking about? How will you know?

By the end of pregnancy, the baby is likely to take a position that will be favorable for the coming journey. Over 95% of all babies will be facing head down, with their chins tucked on to their chest. Some babies, particularly those of first time mothers, will literally drop into the pelvic opening. The cervix may not have dilated, and the baby is still totally within the uterus, but the head is now nestled within the pelvic opening instead of abovdrop, e it. Doctors and midwives refer to this process as engagement.

Engagement is also known as lightening, probably because it provides some relief from common pregnancy symptoms. When your baby drops, pressure on your stomach and diaphragm drops, too. You will probably have less heartburn and shortness of breath. Of course, these symptoms may merely be exchanged for new ones. You may feel increased pelvic pressure, and some women complain that it’s hard to walk because it feels like the baby’s head is between their legs. However, it’s important to remember that many women have no change in their symptoms and never even notice when the baby’s head engages. It is also possible that the baby will not drop until labor begins.

There are other signs that the time for labor may be drawing near. For example, the mucous plug, which has kept the inside of the uterus sealed off from the vagina, falls out as the cervix begins to to soften and thin in preparation for labor. The mucous plug may fall out hours or even days before labor begins. Sometimes the membranes of the amniotic sac rupture (”breaking your water”) minutes or hours before labor begins. If your membranes rupture, you should call your practitioner. Some doctors and midwives prefer that you come in for examination right away. Others will advise you to wait at home to see if labor begins spontaneously.

Many women have other physical symptoms that signal labor is approaching, including diarrhea, low backache, or abdominal cramping. It seems that impending labor may cause psychological changes as well. A few women are seized with the nesting instinct in the hours and days before labor begins. They are suddenly consumed by the urge to clean and arrange things, when just a few days before they were too exhausted to move.

Can you do anything to deliberately start your own labor? There are a lot of old (and new) wives’ tales that you can consider. Some women insist that spicy food started their labors, and others claim it was because they dosed themselves with castor oil. Then there are those who swear by sex, reasoning that even if it doesn’t work, at least they’ll have a good time. Unfortunately, it’s not likely that any of these home remedies are effective. Labor starts when the baby is ready and not one second before.

About the Author
This article was adapted from the book How Your Baby is Born, by Amy B. Tuteur, MD. Dr. Tuteur runs the website Ask Dr. Amy.com where you can ask her your questions.

During pregnancy a woman experiences many aches and pains. During the first trimester she often has fatigue and nausea. There is normally also some cramping as the uterus starts to expand and grow. There is also the constant urge to go to the bathroom as the uterus puts extra pressure on the bladder that the bladder.

During the second trimester, most of the first trimester pregnancy symptoms go away, although a new one tends to pop up. It is generally referred to as round ligament pain. But what is round ligament pain exactly?

The round ligaments are the ligaments at the bottom of your belly, which are positioned under the uterus, and expand and grow to help support your uterus as it gets bigger. As these ligaments stretch some women find it painful and are concerned. Most doctors and midwives will reassure you that these pains are a normal part of pregnancy.

During the third trimester this pain can increase as your uterus grows even bigger and the ligaments have to stretch more to support the weight of the baby, amniotic fluid, placenta and extra blood that your body is carrying in your belly. If the pain becomes unbearable, ask your provider what pain medication is safe to take while pregnant.

Some women are concerned because they don’t have round ligament pain, or they don’t seem to suffer from it as much as other women. Not every woman will experience a large amount of pain. Generally, in a first pregnancy, the pain won’t start as early or be as severe as it is in a woman’s second, third and subsequent pregnancies. This is normal and to be expected.

After you deliver the baby, remember that your body has “memory” so after your pregnancy is over, and as your belly shrinks and your body returns to normal, these round ligaments will return to their former, pre-pregnancy shape and size. This shrinking may also cause some pain, but it shouldn’t be as severe as when the ligaments originally stretched to make room for your baby.

Also known as the linea nigra, the linea negra is a dark line that forms down the middle of some women’s bellies as their pregnancy progresses. The line is normally about a centimeter in width, and can run from the pubic bone to the bottom of the rib cage in some women.

Linea negra is more commonly found in women who already have darker skin pigmentation. It is caused by an increased production of the pigment melanin during pregnancy. Prior to a dark line, some women might see a lighter, white line called “linea alba”.

Linea negra normally starts appearing during the second trimester, and may last for several months after your baby is born. For some women the line will never completely go away. Some doctors believe that there may be a connection between a woman’s insulin level and her getting linea negra, or even not getting enough folic acid.

Linea negra has a myth associated with it as well. It is an oldwives’ tale that if the linea negra stops at the belly button, the woman is having a girl, and if it goes all the way to the bottom of the rib cage then the woman is having a boy.

There is no danger to mom or baby from the linea negra; however it does bother some women. There are a few things you can do to help reduce the color and site of the line.

• Stay out of the sun
• Increase your intake of folic acid
• Try using makeup to cover up the line

Pregnancy itching can range from a slight to severe, can be caused by many different things, and can affect many different areas on a woman’s body.

Itching during pregnancy is quite normal. The most common cause is dry skin, also known as xerosis, which can be caused by not staying well hydrated. Xerosis can be treated by increasing daily water intake and rubbing lotion on the itchy areas.

Other causes of itchy skin include a liver abnormality called intrahepatic (within the liver) cholestasis (pooling of bile salts) of pregnancy, chicken pox, Fifth’s disease, or even a possible reaction to prenatal vitamins or a new medication. If you have a rash that will not go away, or is accompanied by a fever, you should consult your doctor.

Some women may experience some vaginal itching during pregnancy. This itching can be caused by a sexually transmitted disease, or an infection, but is more commonly caused by the change in your vaginal PH level. Yeast infections during pregnancy are also very common and can be the cause of moderate to severe itching.

What Can You Do?
Before trying to treat vaginal itching with over the counter or home remedies, you should consult your doctor or midwife to rule out the possibility of any STDs. If it is determined that your itching is being caused by a change in your PH level, there are several things you can do to try to relieve the itch.

• Run a bath and add baking soda to it
• Make a paste of baking soda and water to put on the itchy areas
• Place a cold compress on the itchy area

Preventing Vaginal Itching
There are many things you can try to do to help prevent the vaginal itching from starting or returning during your pregnancy.

• Keep yourself clean and dry
• Always wipe from front to back to keep bacteria away from your vagina
• Refrain from douching
• Use scentless detergents
• Wear loose clothing and cotton panties
• Take warm baths free of perfumed bubble bath, and use soap for sensitive skin to wash

If you still experience recurrent itching, whether on your belly, arms, legs or vaginal, consult your doctor to discuss other causes of itchy skin and what you can do about it.

What exactly is your fundal height, why is it important and how does your doctor or midwife measure it? Many first time moms hear this phrase and wonder what it means, if it is normal, and if their baby is ok.

The fundal height is the measurement from the top of your pubic bone to the top of your fundus. Your doctor or midwife will normally start measuring this during your second trimester, possibly around the 20 week mark, or when you start showing if it is later in pregnancy.

The fundal height is used to assess your baby’s health while in the womb. Your fundal height should be equal to the number of weeks you have preogresses in your pregnancy. So if you are 30 weeks pregnant, your fundal height should measure around 30 centimeters. A couple of centimeters in either direction normally isn’t much of a worry. However, if you are measuring quite a bit different it could be a sign of a problem.

If you are measuring bigger than normal, it could be a sign of a baby that is also bigger than normal, or a sign that you are having twins if it was not previously discovered. If you are measuring smaller than normal, it could be a sign that your baby is not growing properly, or has perhaps stopped growing. If either of these is the case your doctor or midwife will most likely order an ultrasound to further check the health and development of your unborn baby.

As you reach the end of your pregnancy, the fundal height can become less accurate. As your baby grows and fills out your uterus, his position can change and the measurement of your fundal height can change as well. If your doctor or midwife shows no concern over your fundal height, it isn’t something that should concern you either.

by Anne Cavicchi

Some people think that the word sexy and pregnancy do not belong together. I have to disagree. In fact, I have heard many men say that a woman is her sexiest and most beautiful when she is pregnant!

So, how do you go about feeling sexy when your belly is expanding and your body is going through so many changes? So many women tell me they feel unattractive when they are pregnant, but they don’t have to!

The good news is that the days of the maternity tent dress are over! Today’s maternity wear is hip, trendy and yes, even sexy! http://maternitycorner.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=M The designers have brilliantly combined comfort and fashion in clothing that you can start wearing as soon as you discover you are pregnant right on through post-partum and beyond.

Just wearing your husband clothes may be economical – and they may fit fine over your expanding belly — but they will not have a good fit everywhere else! Buying bigger sizes in regular clothes is also never a great idea if you want to feel good about yourself. I’m sorry to say you will just look bigger and feel frumpy.

There are several “basics” that every woman should have when she is pregnant. For your first pieces, try to stick with basics that will go with everything. A couple of good pairs of pants, jeans or skirts are a good place to start (your lifestyle will determine which is best for you). Add a top or two and you are on your way! Then, as you “grow”, add tops in fashionable prints and colors that will mix and match with your basics, giving you fresh new looks, as well an occasional, much needed, psychological boost. If you are really keen, splurge on some “not-so-practical” tops or bottoms to round out your maternity wardrobe. Remember, many of today’s styles can be worn after baby too! If you cannot afford a whole new wardrobe, or even if you can and don’t want to spend the money, you need to get yourself at least a couple of basics and one outfit that makes you feel beautiful and sexy — there is no price for the way an outfit like this will make you feel!

Don’t forget your underwear! If your underwear binds you are not going to feel comfortable. There are so many great styles available now! And if you’re a thong wearer, there’s no reason to stop now. Maternity thongs, as well as the bikinis and briefs, are available in a wide variety of fabrics and colors.

Chances are you will probably require several different bra sizes throughout your pregnancy. No matter which type of bra you choose, fit is important. There should be room for expansion around the rib cage and room for expansion in the cup, but not so much that the bra does not provide adequate support. Have fun with your maternity and nursing bras — there are so many options available!

There are also some great skin care products available now. Pamper yourself with some luxurious creams or body wash! Take some time out for you — you deserve it!

Remember, when you feel good, you look great — even sexy!

About The Author
Anne Cavicchi is a mom and owner of Annie’s Maternity Corner — dedicated to providing a large collection of fashionable maternity and nursing wear to allow you to express your own style comfortably during and after pregnancy. We also carry all the products you will need for after your child is born. Accessories, diapers, sleepwear, breast pumps, playwear, and everything in between! http://www.maternitycorner.com.

When you first get pregnant you think of all the things that you will want to do during your pregnancy. Have a baby shower (or maybe more than one!), set up a baby registry and decorate your baby’s nursery. Have you thought about how you can keep track of the physical aspects of your pregnancy?

Taking pictures of your growing belly is a great way to keep track of your pregnancy. It will also be a great beginning to your baby’s scrapbook or photo album. Before you start however there are several things to think of.

1. Pick the perfect outfit.
If you want to showcase your growing belly and how it makes a certain shirt or skirt change shape on your body, wear that outfit for the first picture you take and for all the pictures following. Be sure to get an outfit that will still fit your belly when you are nine months along.

2. Bikini’s.
Some women will chose to wear their bikini or a bra and panties in order to take pictures of their belly. Side by side the naked belly pictures will show every inch, as well as every stretch mark you might get.

3. Decide how much you want to remember.
Because belly pics will show every aspect of your belly, decide how much you want to remember ahead of time. Do you want to see all the stretch marks in 10 years, or would you rather your belly be covered by clothes? Early on the blemishes won’t be there, but by the end the blemishes may be more than noticeable.

4. How much of your body do you want to show?
Remember that as your pregnancy progresses and you gain weight, most of the time you don’t only gain it in your belly. Many times you will gain it in your face, your behind, your legs and your thighs. Some people will want to see the full change, others will want to forget. Whatever you decide, go with it for your first picture and follow through with it for the rest.

5. Use props.
Maybe you go out immediately and buy the baby’s first stuffed animal or you want to detail your progress with a tape measure. Knowing that some of your baby’s first pictures will be with that stuffed animal, you can take pictures of yourself holding the animal, or as your belly gets bigger you can have the animal “holding” the belly. You can also get a picture of the tape measure around your belly so that you can record the inches you grow not only on paper but on film.

Use your imagination when it comes to photographing your pregnancy and your belly growth! The sky is the limit and nothing is out of line. After all, you will only be pregnant THIS time once, and all pregnancies are different so you will never be able to get these exact shots again. And with all the FREE print offers these days that include free shipping and free online storage, be sure to take as many shots as you can.

by Armin Brott

Dear Mr. Dad: I’m pregnant and my husband and I find ourselves talking to our baby a lot. Sometimes we’re sure he or she is responding to what we say. Are we imagining things?

Armin answers:
Not at all. Although the very idea may sound a bit far fetched, fetuses are extremely responsive to sounds from the outside world. In one study, newborns whose mothers had regularly watched a popular soap opera while they were pregnant stopped crying when the show’s theme song was played. Infants whose mothers hadn’t watched the show had no reaction when they heard the music.

But why would mature grown-ups want to spend time trying to communicate with a fetus when he could be doing something else (in your husband’s case, that could be out playing pool with his friends)? Simple. It’s fun. Plus, it may be able to help you establish a bond with your baby even before he’s born.

It might work the other way too, helping the baby establish a bond with you. This could be particularly important to your husband. Lots of fathers get jealous of the immediate connections their infants have with their mothers. But a good part of that connection might have more to do with the mother’s voice (which the baby has heard every day for nine months) than anything else. If he spends some time “conversing” with your baby before she’s born, she’ll recognize and be more responsive to his voice.

Some researchers believe that prenatal communication (which, by the way, doesn’t have to be limited to words), stimulates babies’ brains, triggering nerve cell development, helping them process information more efficiently. In other words, they believe it may make babies smarter. They also contend (though not everyone agrees) that prenatally stimulated babies tend to cry less at birth, have longer attention spans, sleep better, are less likely to develop learning disabilities, turn out to be more creative and musical.

There’s a lot of disagreement about the effects of prenatal stimulation or whether it even works at all (although no one says it can do any harm). So if you’re thinking about giving it a try, here are few things to consider:

• Take it easy. Remind your husband that while it’s great that he wants to communicate with the baby, but you’ve got a right to a little peace and quiet once in a while. On the other hand, keep in mind that some researchers have found that women whose babies are stimulated before birth have shorter labors and a lower rate of c-sections.
• Speak up. So speak loudly enough so that someone across the room can hear you.
• Keep it regular. Put yourself on a schedule so that the baby will get know that something’s going to happen. Ease into it by patting your belly before you start. And don’t go overboard. Half an hour twice a day is plenty. Fetuses need down time, just like regular people.
• Mix it up. Playing the same piece of music or reading the same haiku every day is great but throw in some variety too. Fetuses block out stuff that bores them.
• Don’t get your expectations too high. There’s no guarantee that anything you do will affect your baby in any way. But at the very least, have fun.

About the Author:
Armin Brott, hailed by Time as “the superdad’s superdad,” has written or co-written six critically acclaimed books on fatherhood, including the newly released second edition of Fathering Your Toddler: A Dad’s Guide to the Second and Third Years. His articles have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, American Baby, Parenting, Child, Men’s Health, The Washington Post among others. Armin is an experienced radio and TV guest, and has appeared on Today, CBS Overnight, Fox News, and Politically Incorrect. He’s the host of “Positive Parenting,” a weekly radio program in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit Armin at www.mrdad.com.

by Roni MacLean

It can sometimes be difficult for a parent to understand whether the baby has colic or reflux (and even GERD) since some of the symptoms (eg. poor sleep, constant crying) can be similiar. It’s also extremely important to rule out reflux as a cause of this crying, as it’s becoming widely acknowledged that many cases of colic are actually undiagnosed and untreated cases of reflux. In these cases, simply treating the reflux may eliminate the colicky behavior.

The easiest way to determine whether a baby has colic or reflux is to look at the definitions and symptoms of each. Then compare them to your child’s symptoms.

Colic
Colic can be defined as uncontrollable, extended crying in babies who are otherwise healthy and well-fed. All babies cry, but when they cry for more than three hours a day, three to four days a week, they are said to have colic.

Symptoms of Colic
The main symptom is continuous crying for long periods of time. This crying can occur at any time of day but it usually gets worse at night. It’s not believed that colic is caused by pain although a colicky baby may look uncomfortable or appear to be in pain. They may lift their head, draw their legs up to their abdomen, pass gas and become red-faced. Poor sleep habits is also common.

Reflux
The term reflux is a shorter way of referring to GER (Gastro Esophageal Reflux) and is simply defined as the backward flow of stomach contents up the esophagus. GER is a physiological process that happens to everyone—young and old—from time to time, particularly after meals and many times we are not even aware it is happening. In babies it generally occurs from immaturity of the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) which is the muscle between the stomach and esophagus.

Some common symptoms of uncomplicated reflux can include:

While breastfeeding is best, some women can not breastfeed and turn to formula to feed their babies. With both breastfeeding and formula feeding however a baby can suffer from reflux causing belly aches, arching of the back, and painful cries from your baby. There are several things you can do to help your baby feel better, or help the reflux not hit your baby as bad.

Slow Down
Don’t rush your baby with his eating. Let him take little breaks and have adequate time to eat his “food”. It may mean that you need to nurse for a shorter amount of time but more often in order to give your baby a chance to digest some of his food.

Don’t Overfeed
Don’t try to force feed your baby. If he acts full stop feeding him. Overfeeding your baby can cause a back up of gas leading to painful reflux before the food is properly digested.

Consider What Your Baby Is Wearing
Tight clothing can make reflux worse, so make sure your baby’s clothing is loose. Change your baby’s diaper before feeding him and leave it a little loose so that there is room for his belly to expand. Check his diaper afterwards to make sure it isn’t too tight.

Feed In a Comfortable Position
Try feeding your baby in an upright position and when possible hold you baby upright for at least thirty minutes after feeds to help reduce reflux. If this is not possible try setting him in his swing or a seat on the floor that allows him to sit upright. This allows gravity to work at holding the food in their tummies.

Try Thickening Foods
Ask your pediatrician about thickening your baby’s formula with cereal. Depending on your baby’s weight and age, his doctor may say it is safe to start this. Always consult your pediatrician prior to starting solid foods though with your baby as you don’t want to cause any other problems.

Avoid Foods That Cause Problems
If your baby has a milk allergy then soy based or hypoallergenic will likely help the reflux improve. It may mean cutting certain foods out of your diet in order to help your baby process breast milk easier. Avoid the known allergens such as whole milk, chocolate milk, tomatoes, and citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit and pineapple. You can also try to stay away from fatty foods.

Burp Frequently
Try to stop during your feedings to burp your baby. Getting rid of access air can help the food digest faster. Always remember to burp your baby for a last time after he is done eating.

Change Formula Brand
If you are using formula you may find that changing the brand helps. If your baby has a milk allergy or sensitivity then soy based or hypoallergenic will likely help the reflux improve. Only change formula however after talking to your doctor about the problems you are having.

Babies will normally get over reflux on their own eventually. In some cases of severe reflux damage can be done to your baby’s stomach and esophagus. If you are concerned about your baby be sure to speak to his doctor at your next well-check.