PregnancyAndChildCare.org

Kate Ryan, mother of HPP Founder & Executive Director Martha Ryan, with her granddaughter

In a very touching presentation on Aug. 3, HPP’s staff celebrated Founder & Executive Director Martha Ryan in commemoration of the organization’s 20^th anniversary by establishing the Kate Ryan Fund, named in honor of one of HPP’s longest and strongest advocates– Martha’s mother. Supporters will have the opportunity to celebrate Martha and HPP’s work with a gift to the fund.

It will act as a discretionary fund to support those most in need during emergency situations, such as a homeless family with children who cannot get into a shelter due to overcrowded conditions, a pregnant woman fleeing a battered home, or children who need shoes because their families cannot afford them.

“The staff’s extremely thoughtful and kind act directly reflects who they are to me,” Martha said. “I am so touched that the staff have chosen to name this fund in honor of my mother. From the beginning of this program, she has been one of HPP’s strongest supporters. She not only raised a family of 13, but all her life she has helped the disadvantaged by volunteering. She has also taken special care to support friends and always thinks of others before herself.”

To celebrate Martha and HPP’s work and contribute to the Kate Ryan Fund, you may donate online or send a check made out to the Homeless Prenatal Program and designating the Kate Ryan Fund.

HPP is delighted that future generations of mothers and children will experience the wisdom and love of a very special mother and daughter. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and commitment to helping HPP make a difference in the lives of so many in our community.

Homeless Prenatal Program

During pregnancy, many people might have advised you to avoid the consumption of any kind of alcohol. Studies have shown that women who drink red wine or alcohol are putting their unborn child to suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome ( FAS ).Those baby’s suffering from this syndrome have problems related to central nervous system, facial deformities and poor growth, which can occur before and after the birth of the baby.
The problems include permanent damage, that can never be cured with treatment. This is why pregnant women are told not to consume red wine or any other alcoholic beverages. FAS occurs in those women who consume large amounts of alcohol, but if a woman takes in a moderately, then they do not cause any harm to the babies.

Drinking Red Wine During Pregnancy
There is no proper research study to claim that consuming red wine or alcohol during pregnancy can cause damage to the unborn baby. Drinking in large amounts can however have its harmful effects. Drinking red wine in a very mild manner like having 2-3 glasses in a week is found that it does not cause any harm to the baby. There are many women who drank red wine very lightly during their pregnancy and who have given birth to healthy and normal babies.
Many women have a question whether red wine is good for health, but this is found to be very controversial because it varies from place to place. In America, pregnant women are told not to have red wine, but in France, women are advised to drink red wine.

What are the Health Benefits of Red Wine

• Studies have shown that children born to those mothers who consume red wine during pregnancy, have less cognitive defects or any behavioral problems, when compared to those women who abstained from alcohol completely.
• Drinking red wine has also found to be of great help in the development of a child.
• Girls born to mothers who consume red wine are more emotionally stable when compared to those born to mothers who have not consumed red wine.
• Children born to these mothers are able to identify letters, colors, shapes, numbers etc.
• It is also seen that when a woman experiences preterm contractions, when they drink red wine, it helps in reducing the contractions.
• Children who are born prematurely have greater chances of survival if born to mothers who drink this red wine.

If red wine is taken moderately, then it has certain benefits, but that does not mean that you start drinking even when you are not used to drinking. If you were drinking before conceiving, then you may not be able to stop suddenly. Stop it slowly and if you have any doubt regarding the consumption of red wine, you can ask your gynecologist. However, never drink more than 2 glasses every day as it can cause mental damage to the unborn baby. Try to limit the take after consulting you doctor.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy hives are a kind of skin rashes that are characterized by itchy, raised and red welts that develop on the skin. They usually appear in clusters and groups, as they appear on the abdominal area and then slowly spread to the buttocks, neck, chest, back of the legs and arms. They are usually harmless, but severe itching with the rash is very discomforting. This is usually caused due to allergies.

Treating Hives during pregnancy
Pregnancy hives do not pose any danger to the mother or the baby, but if they occur on the genital area, then it is advised to consult a gynecologist. There are some ways to cure pregnancy hives and reduce the irritation caused by itching. The treatment include:

• Anti-histamine Medicines: Anti-histamines are of great help where histamine is the cause of rash. These medicines limits the histamine levels in the body and lessens the rash.
• Anti-itching Creams: A doctor may prescribe medicated ointments that soothes the hives rash. These ointments reduce the irritation and gives the skin a cool feeling.
• Moisturizing Creams or Calamine: Dry skin can lead to itching in many cases. Moisturizing creams or lotions hydrate the skin and prevents the dryness. Calamine lotion are known for their cooling qualities.
• Cold Compress: The best way to treat pregnancy hives is to apply cold compress as this procedure is considered to be the safest hives treatments. Take a bowl of water and one napkin, dip the napkin in the bowl of water and squeeze out the water and place the napkin over the affected area. This cools and soothes the rashes, reducing the itching sensation.

Home Remedies for Hives during Pregnancy
Some of the simple home remedies include:

• Aloe Vera can be applied over the affected area to cure the problem of hives.
• Consuming nettle tea is an efficient and an easy remedy for hives.
• Oatmeal paste made from 2 cups of oatmeal along with 3 teaspoons of cornstarch and little amount of water is taken. This paste is applied over the rashes and left for 1 to 1 ½ hour. This helps in curing the rash within 3 – 4 hours of application.
• Boil a few leaves of mint with brown sugar in a cup of water. Cool and drink this decoction as this relieves itching.
• Application of rose water over the affected area is another useful remedy.
• You can even take bath in cold water as this can provide relief from the hives rashes.
• Avoid scratching and rubbing the affected area as this can spread the rash.
• Follow a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruits.
• Regular exercise regimen as suggested by your doctor.

Pregnancy

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The best time in a woman’s life is when she is pregnant and the maternity clothes can make you look great. With so many famous celebrities showing off their curves, the maternity clothes that are available now-a-days are fashionable and funky, these are available at any place. Maternity clothes shopping can be fun as there are huge collections of clothes for pregnant women at every mall. Here are certain tips that can make you look great in your maternity clothes.

How to put your Wardrobe Together with the best Maternity Clothes
Follow these simple tips given here that include:

• Try creating a different wardrobe from season to season and while selecting clothes for the season of pregnancy see that they should be no different.
• Do not worry if you look a bit bigger than the normal.
• Never try to buy few outfits and then using them for the next nine months as this can make you feel unattractive and dowdy.
• When it is summer shop for your summer wardrobe, when it is winter,shop for your winter wardrobe that includes variety of maternity wardrobe.
• Try to buy maternity clothes for all occasions, but it is not needed to buy all of them at a time.
• Always remember that your body shape keeps changing and it continuous to grow in the coming months, so while buying select items with care.

How to Choose Outfits that make you Look Great
During the early days of pregnancy, you might have got away well by dressing yourself in regular clothes, but you cannot wear the same outfits for the nine months, because you may not want to squeeze yourself into clothes that are small. So, here are some useful tips to be followed to make you look like a celebrity mama.

• Maternity clothes are designed with extra space around the belly and the bust area, so buy an outfit that is of your size as you know you are getting bigger. It is not needed to look for extra large sizes as these maternity outfits are created with the maternal curves in mind.
• Try calling a friend who has had experience buying these outfits, but do not buy if you have not liked the outfit as it is worn by you.
• In case of a less formal social occasion, wear a pair of maternity jeans with a pretty shirt along with a funky jewelry, as this gives a great look.
• Buy fine and long sweaters and tops that gives a flow from the collar down the hips. These can be worn with a long skirt that gives a feminine look or evening pants.
• Soft looks that are feminine is found to be very fashionable which gives a versatile look, so shop well as some of the clothes can be worn post pregnancy.
• Wear clothes that show off your womanly curves and choose clothes that can draw the attention of others.

How to wear Maternity Clothes with Confidence

• Pregnancy is such a proud thing in your life, so show off those extra curves.
• Always stick to those clothes that make you comfortable and those outfits that creates no problem in making you step out with confidence.
• Wear clothes that enhances all of your body and makes you feel good.
• Maternity clothes can make you feel great whether it is a formal or casual wear, as they can be stylish and so you too look stylish.

Pregnancy

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Pregnant women should be extremely cautious of what foods to consume during the period of pregnancy. Everything a women drinks, eats or smokes can have an adverse effect on the unborn baby. This means that a woman should eat a healthy diet and must avoid the use of alcohol and other illicit drugs. Though marijuana is safer than the drugs, but a pregnant women must avoid smoking pot. There are a lot of things evident to prove the side effects of marijuana if used throughout pregnancy.

Negative Effects of Smoking Marijuana
Some Of the side effects include:

• Miscarriage: The consumption of marijuana can lead to miscarriage according to the American Pregnancy Association. This is the worst effect that can occur to an unborn baby. The extreme use of marijuana can result in giving birth to a premature baby or to a dead fetus.
• Premature labor: If a woman smokes excessive amount of marijuana, then this may lead to a premature labor. The survival of the baby depends upon the duration of the pregnancy and if the baby dies then it is called as miscarriage. Even if the baby survives, there may be significant damage that occurs to the baby and a premature birth may often result in mental or physical retardation.
• Low Birth Weight: One of the most common adverse effects are giving birth to an infant who has a very low birth weight. Marijuana has some toxins that stops the fetus from getting the needed oxygen that is required for it to grow. Smoking marijuana can increase the carbon-dioxide levels which reduces the oxygen levels in the baby. This can stop the growth in the womb which results in a low birth weight baby.
• Low Intelligence: According to a research study by the Drug Watch International, a child born to mothers who have used marijuana excessively, tend to be less intelligent when compared to those children born to mothers who do not smoke marijuana, as the brain does not develop properly. This may lead to lowered mental capacity.
• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hypersensitivity Disorder): The effects of smoking marijuana while pregnant are that they are likely to develop ADHD. The Guardian UK has reported a study that showed a great risk among those children born to mothers who smoke marijuana.
• Nerve Damage: The effect of marijuana can impair the development of the brain as this restricts the normal functioning of the natural compounds in the embryonic nervous system of a fetus. This disturbs the formation of the brain and various networks of nerves.

These are the side effects of smoking marijuana during pregnancy, if you have smoked unknowingly, you cannot reverse the side effects but you can prevent further damage that is going to occur by smoking Marijuana. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and visit your doctor for regular prenatal visits.

Pregnancy

The ninth month is also called as the labor month because you will spend most of the time in labor. This extended labor will not be as powerful as the labor you will experience on the day of delivery. Throughout the weeks before delivery, your body and mind is getting ready for one of the most memorable events in your life that is the birth of the baby. Your baby is ready to be born and can be born any time in this month, so pack your bags ready to go to the hospital.

Week by Week Changes in Ninth Month

Week-36: Pregnancy in 36th week may make you experience an increase in the amount of Braxton Hick’s contractions which is later followed by the labor pain. Many women have complained that they feel a false alarm and this is called a false labor. Choose outfits that are very comfortable.

Week-37: Pregnancy in the 37th week reaches the final stages of child birth. This stage shows significant changes like the mother may feel anxious and excited about the whole matter. In this week, the bodily structures change quite a lot. The colostrum is secreted and the breasts are heavy and tender. This is a crucial time in the life of a expectant mother and both the parents are excited, but few things like keeping the bag ready or making hospital arrangements are important.

Week-38: Pregnancy in 38th week brings lot of changes in the mother’s body. The swelling on the feet is one of the most common things, but in some women, the swelling is very severe and painful also, then you must contact your doctor immediately. Avoid stress and take complete rest during this time. There is also a decrease in the movement of the baby because as the baby grows, the space in the womb is less for the baby to move.

Week-39: This week is considered as the arrival time of the baby. This week has to carefully observed for labor pains. Signs of labor can be experienced and the baby is ready to function outside.Many of the women experience leg cramps and the thighs are swollen and heavy. Be alert all the time because the water may break any time. Eat a healthy diet and take good rest for a healthy delivery.

Week-40: This week of pregnancy is very important and is considered to be the concluding week of pregnancy. There are lot of uneasiness that women face during pregnancy in 40th week. Drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water daily and increase the intake of vitamin and iron rich foods. Take adequate test and get good amount of sleep.

Signs of labor
Some of the signs that labor is near include:

• Frequent urination
• Severe low backache
• Stronger Braxton Hick’s contractions
• Diarrhea
• Increased vaginal discharges
• Bloody show where you can see bloody mucus discharge from the vagina
• The last sign is the bag of waters breaking.
• When You find the above symptoms, visit your doctor immediately as these are the signs of labor. Be calm and do not get tensed.

Pregnancy

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