Bebe MagicoInformation about: Pregnancy, Newborn, Baby and Toddler |
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August 20th, 2009
Filed under:
Pregnancy
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The common questions include whether sexual intercourse will harm the foetus or cause infection and whether it can lead to miscarriage or premature labour. Another common question in the last trimester of pregnancy is what position to use and if any position is safer than others.
Bodily Changes
There are many bodily changes in pregnancy that affects a woman’s sex life. Some women feel sexier. Others are not in the mood, especially when they have nausea and vomiting in the first trimester. Some women report an increase in libido in the second trimester. When the third trimester comes along, many women report a decrease in libido. The variation in feelings and experiences are normal. It is important to remember that there is no norm. The feelings and experiences may also vary in the same woman in different pregnancies. Sex Feeling Changes There is an increase in the blood flow to the reproductive organs during pregnancy, causing them to engorge. This increases sensation in some women but is uncomfortable in other women, to the extent that sexual intercourse may be painful. An orgasm can cause an increase in uterine activity with contractions felt especially in the third trimester. The contractions last a few minutes and then go away, just like the Braxton Hicks contractions. There may also be changes in the spouse or partner. His interest may wane in the third trimester because of a variety of reasons. It may be because of concern about the health of the pregnant woman and/or fear of harming the pregnant woman and/or the foetus. There may also be anxiety about impending parenthood. Normal Pregnancy The developing foetus lies in a fluid-filled sac within the uterus. The sac and the uterine muscles protect the foetus from harm. There is a plug of mucus in the cervix that prevents infection from ascending from the vagina into the uterus. Orgasm may cause some uterine activity which, however, does not harm the foetus. This increased uterine activity is not the same as the contractions that one gets in early labour. So it is safe for women with a normal pregnancy to have sexual intercourse during pregnancy even right up to the time when labour starts. Miscarriage and Premature Labour There is no relationship between sexual intercourse and miscarriage and premature labour in women with a normal pregnancy. In fact, there are reports that women who had regular sex during pregnancy were less likely to go into premature labour. Sex during pregnancy may also enhance the relationship with the spouse or partner during the pregnancy and after childbirth. It is important to confirm with the doctor on a regular basis that there are no pregnancy problems and that the pregnancy is normal. No Intercourse There are certain conditions which, if present, would result in the doctor advising to refrain from sexual intercourse. The doctor should be consulted without delay if there is bleeding and/or pain during pregnancy, whether associated with sexual intercourse or not. An obstetric examination and an ultrasound will usually be done to elucidate the cause of the bleeding and/or pain and reassure that the foetus is all right.
The placenta may sometimes lie on the cervix (placenta praevia). In such a situation, the doctor will advise refraining from vaginal intercourse altogether.
If there is recurrent bleeding and there is no placenta praevia, the doctor may advise a reduction in the frequency of sex. This does not mean that one cannot partake of other forms of sexual activity. The risk of infection to the foetus is not increased if the man does not have a sexually transmitted infection. If he does, it should be treated and once cured, sexual intercourse can be resumed. However, if the man has herpes, it would be advisable to refrain from sexual intercourse. If a pregnant woman gets genital herpes for the first time, there is a small likelihood that the foetus would be infected. The doctor would also advise the pregnant woman to refrain from sexual intercourse if there is leakage of the fluid in the sac (liquor) surrounding the foetus because of the risk of infection of the liquor and through it, the foetus, as well. If there is a history of weakness of the cervix, it would also be advisable to refrain from sexual intercourse.
As the abdomen increases in size with advancing pregnancy, the woman may be uncomfortable with the traditional man on top position. It is advisable to find alternative positions. By trying out various other positions, the couple will find one that they are both comfortable with. It is safe to have sexual intercourse in a normal pregnancy. It is important to check with the doctor on a regular basis that there are no pregnancy problems. The doctor may advise refraining from sexual intercourse when certain conditions are present. One would need to adapt as pregnancy advances. |
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August 8th, 2009
Filed under:
Toddler
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What can you do to prevent or at least handle these tantrums? Of course, the simplest solution is to try and prevent the tantrums from beginning. Try not to set extreme limits on your child. Even young toddlers respond well to choices. Instead of saying, “Get ready for bed”, you could say, “Do you want to brush your teeth first, or would you rather put on your pajamas?” The end result will be the same, but you have given your child the opportunity to participate in decisions. Pay attention to your child’s physical and emotional state. Is she extremely tired? Did she miss her naptime? Has she been sick? Are there changes occurring in your home, such as a move, divorce, or death in the family? All of these factors can lead to the onset of a tantrum. Of course, you won’t always be able to stop a tantrum before it starts. So, how do you handle it? Some children respond well to touch. If your child is in the midst of a major fit, hold her close to your body. As her tantrum starts to recede, she may feel comforted to feel the warmth of your body against hers. Maybe all she needs is that extra cuddle from you, but she is too young to put that into words. You could also kneel down and take her hands in yours. Try to make eye contact with her, and tell her quietly to calm down and breathe deeply with you. Speak softly, maybe even in a whisper, so that she has to be quiet to hear you. Contact can have the opposite effect on some children, though. You may find that your child becomes even angrier if you try to hold her against you. She may fight you and become fully enraged. If this is the case, you will need to try a different approach. You don’t want to make her feel confined. If you have an older child, you can tell her that you are leaving the room, and she can come to you when she has finished throwing her tantrum. This will only work, however, if you are sure she will not hurt herself in the process. When you take away her audience, many times you are taking away her reason for having a fit. Try not to react loudly to your child’s tantrums. It is better to pull away from the situation emotionally. You can still remain with your child, but if you yell or talk loudly and angrily, you will only be magnifying the situation. Your child doesn’t need to feel that she has the power to make you lose control. Don’t let her harm herself or you, either. Once she realizes that she has this type of influence, she may be even more prone to throw fits. Often, parents give into their child’s tantrums in public places because it is easier than handling them. Again, you are giving the child a harmful feeling of power that will be difficult to undo. If you and your child are in a public area when she has one of her tantrums, you could tell her that you will take her home, or tell her that you will take away a privilege or a toy unless she stops. You still want to remain as calm as possible, but you do want to speak to her in a no-nonsense manner. Try to keep in mind that toddlers do not consciously plan to throw tantrums. They just haven’t matured enough to properly handle their emotions. It is up to you to show them how to handle themselves in stressful situations. You can do this partly by example. It is perfectly acceptable to teach your child that her tantrum could have consequences such as a loss of privilege or a timeout. You do need to be sure that the consequence is age appropriate for your child. Even though tantrums are unpleasant, parents need to remember that children eventually outgrow the need to throw them. As your child matures, she will learn to handle her emotional outbursts in a different and calmer manner. Until then, try to remain calm as you handle each of your child’s tantrums. |
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