When can one feel baby move:

One..Two..Three..one more kick! Yay..
I have done it again :)
But momma has understood ..right? that i am doing all gymnastics here and trying my best to kick her with my little legs..

Sometimes i hear her telling pappa that she can feel some little little somethings inside her belly.
Must be..right?I am trying my best here to make her understand with all my efforts and she is saying that it is little something?
I am now more than 17weeks now and mom you should be feeling my presence inside you..that is what is normal.
Generally people can feel their babies inside any time between 17-22weeks. My mom must be real healthy and have lots of fat in her stomach ;) hee hee
It is said that thinner women can feel baby move earlier than healthier women.

Wait mom..i will make you tickle from inside if you still say that you cannot recognise that little something.

I have collected some data about this interesting episode(according to all first time moms) of feeling your baby move. If you want to know more read this full page ;)

Quickening:

Bubbles. Butterflies. Gas. These are all words used to describe what a baby's first movements feel like to a mother.

Quickening is defined as the first time you feel your baby move. This is a long anticipated event in every pregnancy.

If you are expecting your first baby you can expect to feel your baby for the first time between 18 and 24 weeks gestation. If this is not your first baby you can expect to feel your baby a bit sooner than you felt your first. This is usually said to happen because you know what you're feeling for and your uterus is more stretched out than it was the first time around.

taken from:http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/fetaldevelopment

When can you feel baby move:

You most likely will not feel the baby kick until sometime between 16 and 22 weeks. Even though the baby starts moving at the seven or eight-week mark and you may have already witnessed his aerobatics.

You most likely will not feel the baby kick until sometime between 16 and 22 weeks. Even though the baby starts moving at the seven or eight-week mark and you may have already witnessed his aerobatics.

If you've been a mom already you will have experience and may notice those first subtle kicks early, also known as quickening.

Being able to feel and tell that your baby is kicking also comes down to your build, some women can feel movement in and they are thinner then women, who may be carrying more weight.

So, question is, what does it feel like?

Some women have described the sensation as like popcorn popping or darting pain. You can sometimes get gentle taps, which may feel like gas or hunger pains. But as you start to get them more you recognize the difference. Most women get these very movements when they're sitting or lying quietly.

In the beginning the first kicks you notice may not even notice they will be few and far between. In fact, you may feel several kicks one day and may not even notice any for a few days.

Should you worry if you do not feel your baby move for sometime:
You may have noticed for yourself that your baby seems to move more on some days than others, and there may be certain times of day when you expect baby movements. There is great variation in the number of times women notice this: variation from woman to woman, and from pregnancy to pregnancy, as well as from week to week and day to day.

If you have a hectic lifestyle you are likely to be so involved in your work that you don't notice baby movements: it's not that there aren't any, just that you are too busy to consciously acknowledge them. If this applies to you, it may be useful to become aware of the times of day your baby is normally active, and to try to make space then to focus on the baby. The evening is often a good time, or when lying in bed or in the bath. This is perhaps because you are more relaxed at these times.

You will probably become familiar with your own baby's pattern of movements. You may feel worried if there is a sudden change in the pattern, but remember that as your baby grows, the patterns may change. As a general rule, you can expect to feel your baby moving several times a day. Some babies seem to be on the move much more often than that, and others seem to be relatively quiet.

If you are worried that you have not felt your baby move at all for a day or more, it is sensible to contact your doctor to ask if she can listen to your baby's heartbeat to reassure you. Worrying about whether or not your baby is well may cause more stress than having it checked out, and the doctor will understand your concern.


taken from:www.babycenter.in/pregnancy/

Fetal Movement :

Question:I have heard so many conflicting reports of when a pregnant woman will feel her baby move. Even the doctors seem to disagree. I am about 18 weeks pregnant and sometimes I think I feel something, but I also think I could be gassy. When do women normally first feel their baby move?

The reason that no one has the same information for you is that there is a wide range of normal. "Most" women feel fetal movement (quickening) at 18 weeks if it is their first baby (i.e. 18 weeks from your last menstrual period -- LMP). Some multiparas (those who have already carried a child to term) feel movement earlier, simply because they know what it feels like. The normal range is 16 to 20 weeks (LMP).

Fetal movement feels like "little mice tumbling around in your lower abdomen" or "little flutters that stop just as they started" or "gas bubbles" or any number of different ways women can describe it.

If your care provider has a doppler, he or she could tell you when they hear fetal movement and then you could decide if you feel something at the same time. Generally, if women think they feel something, it is usually fetal movement.

One of the difficulties with normal times to feel first movement is that we don't all have 28 day cycles, even though certain pregnancy landmarks, including due dates, are calculated as if we all did.

taken from:http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy

What is my baby doing in there?

Ultrasound scans can show us what babies do and when. Most of your baby's movements start long before you become aware of them:

• At seven to eight weeks, your baby starts general movements, such as bending sideways, and startling.


• At about nine weeks, your baby hiccups, moves an arm or leg on its own, and sucks and swallows.


• At 10 weeks, he can flex and rotate his head, bring his hands up to touch his face, open his jaw and stretch.


• At 11 weeks he can yawn.


• At 14 weeks, he can move his eyes.

Gradually, your baby's movements become strong enough for you to feel them. Before long, you'll be used to him thumping or kicking as he stretches out his limbs.

Your baby won't be on the move constantly. Like you, there will be times when he just wants rest and sleep. Towards the end of your pregnancy, he'll rest for about 45 minutes at a time (de Vries and Fong 2006). The rests might feel longer than this, because you won't feel every movement.

How will my baby's movements feel week by week?

You won't be aware of all your baby's movements. Some of them won't last long enough for you to feel them. You're likely to feel most movements that last longer than a few seconds (Hijazi and East 2009, de Vries and Fong 2006). Here's a guide to what you can expect to feel and when:

From 20 to 24 weeks

As the weeks go by, your baby's activity will gradually increase. You'll notice your baby becoming more lively during the day (Hijazi and East 2009, de Vries and Fong 2006), with lots of kicking and somersaults.

From 24 to 28 weeks

You may start to notice when your baby gets hiccups. It'll feel like a jerking movement. The amniotic sac now contains up to 750ml (26floz) of fluid. This gives your baby plenty of space to move around freely. You may notice him jumping at sudden noises.

At 29 weeks

Your baby will begin to make smaller, more definite movements, as he becomes more cramped inside your uterus (womb).

At 32 weeks

You're likely to notice a peak in movements. After this week, the number of movements you notice will tail off (Hijazi and East 2009). This is quite normal, as your baby has less space to move in.

From around 36 weeks

Your baby could take up his final, usually head-down, position. This is more likely to happen at this stage if this is your first baby. The firm muscles of your uterus and tummy will help to keep him in place. The main movements you are likely to feel now are jabs from his arms and legs, and possibly painful kicks to your ribs.

If you've had a baby before, your tummy muscles are likely to be weaker. Your baby might keep changing his position right up to your due date.

From 36 to 40 weeks

Your baby will be getting larger and roll-over movements happen less often. By now, your baby may have learned to suck his thumb. If his thumb pops out of his mouth, you may feel his head darting from side to side as he tries to find it again.

During the final two weeks of your pregnancy, the movements are likely to slow down (de Vries and Fong 2006). Instead, you may notice an insistent kicking underneath your ribs on one side or the other. This slowing down is normal, but if you're worried about your baby's movements, always see your doctor or midwife.

By now, your baby should be nestled in your pelvis, ready to make his journey into the world. His head can feel like a melon pressing on your pelvic floor. If your baby isn't head-down, find out how to get him into the best position for birth.

There will be times when your baby is sleeping and other times when he's active. He may liven up in the evenings or when you're lying in bed trying to get to sleep (Hijazi and East 2009). Your baby may keep the same pattern of activity into his first few weeks of life (de Vries and Fong 2006), until he learns to tell day from night.

How many kicks should I feel each day?

There isn't a set number of kicks you should feel. You probably won't be advised to keep a written record or chart of your baby's movements, as used to happen (NCCWCH 2008:276). These sorts of charts are not really helpful for telling whether or not a baby has a problem (Heazell and Froen 2008, Mangesi and Hofmeyr 2007). It's easy to forget to fill them in. Then the results are inaccurate and can end up worrying you unnecessarily (Mangesi and Hofmeyr 2007).

Instead, you'll be asked to get used to your baby's pattern of movements during waking hours. As your pregnancy goes on, it gets easier to learn this rhythm. Every baby has a different pattern of waking and sleeping (de Vries and Fong 2006), but you'll come to know what is normal for him (Hijazi and East 2009, Heazell and Froen 2008). If you notice a change in his pattern, always tell your midwife or doctor straight away (NCCWCH 2008:276).

I haven't felt my baby kick today, should I be worried?

If you are concentrating on something else, you may not have noticed your baby's movements. If you want some reassurance, here are ways to encourage your baby to move:

• Put your feet up and relax. Babies are sometimes rocked to sleep while you are moving around and may wake up when you stop.


• Lie down on your side (with support under your bump) and stay still. This will help you focus on your baby's movements.


• Have a really cold drink. Your baby may feel the change in temperature and try to move away from it.


• Make some noise. Play loud music or slam a door to see if he responds.

If your baby starts to move around then all is probably well, but keep an eye on his movements from now on. Never put off seeking help until tomorrow, if you haven't felt your baby move as normal today.

When should I see a midwife or doctor?

Contact your midwife or doctor:

• your baby doesn't start to move in response to noise or some other stimulus
  
• there's a big decrease in your baby's movements, or a gradual one over several days

A decrease in your baby's movements could be a sign that he's not getting enough nutrients or oxygen through the placenta (Holm Tveit et al 2009, Hijazi and East 2009, Tveit et al 2009, O'Sullivan et al 2009). If this is suspected, you're likely to be referred to a maternal or fetal assessment unit in hospital. Here, you and your baby will receive care from an expert team of midwives and doctors.

There are several ways they can check your baby to see how he's doing. They will monitor his heartbeat. You may have a scan to measure his size and the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding him.

taken from:http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/

Remedies for cold in pregnancy:

I am very sick and tired today!
My mom is suffering from common cold and flu..yesterday night she was sneezing and sneezing..
Poor mom..she could not sleep only.was tired to the extreme!
I was feeling bad from inside and was just feel her sneezing and coughing..i was counting too how many times she sneezed!! I had nothing to do but jump and swim whenever she sneezed!

As you all must be knowing taking any medicines during pregnancy is not at all desired.hence the main concern here is how to get remedy through natural ways.

I am feeling tired today to write a full story now..hope you all will be able to understand my situation and feel for me..I am trying to give you some basic remedies for common cold and flu.

Here goes the list for the same:

Coughs and Colds

Pregnancy can cause the mucous membranes to swell. This can make it more difficult to get rid of coughs, colds, etc. Prevention is key here. Eat well, and get plenty of rest and exercise. Also avoid people who are contagious if possible.

Suggestions: Well balanced diet Increase Vitamin C foods Eating garlic or onions can help with infections Zinc and Vitamin C supplements will help increase your resistance B vitamins help if you are under stress Use a humidifier Eucalyptus, lavender, lemon and tea tree: 2 drops pf each oil into a bowl of water, inhale steam for 10 minutes Do not use in conjunction with homeopathic remedies. Recipes: Herbal Decoction for colds: 4 Cloves 1 teaspoon coriander seeds a few slices of fresh ger 1 pints of water a slice of lemon honey Add the spices to the water, bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the lemon and simmer for a further 5 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey. Drink a hot cup of this every 2 hours. Cold Tea: Peppermint Chickweed Echinacea Blackberry leaves Mix equal parts of the herbs in a container and take a heaping teaspoon into a tea bag. Steep in boiling water for 10 minutes. Sweeten with honey. You can drink this as often as needed for cold symptoms. Taken from:www.childbirth.org/articles

Colds During Pregnancy

Colds are quite common during pregnancy. Pregnant women tend to be more susceptible as their immune systems are lowered and their mucous membranes tend to swell during pregnancy. This can make breathing easy a challenge. Your best measure for treating colds is preventing them from happening. This means religiously washing your hands, eating a healthy diet and getting as much rest as possible.

If you do catch a cold you can increase your consumption of vitamin C rich foods including fruits and fruit juices. Many women find that eating foods high in garlic can help reduce the length of their cold. Sipping teas including lemon and honey tea can help alleviate a sore and uncomfortable throat. If you have trouble breathing at night try using a humidifier to help create more moisture in your atmosphere. This can reduce nasal irritation and help breathe more easily.

taken from:http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com

Cold Remedies when Pregnant:

Pregnant women are as likely as anyone else to catch a cold. In fact, the slightly sluggish immune system and enlarged mucus membranes during pregnancy sometimes make it difficult to get over a cold quickly. During pregnancy cold remedies should be chosen carefully.
The one cardinal rule with cold remedies when pregnant (as with any other illness) is DO NOT self medicate - not even with over the counter medication that you're otherwise used to taking. Always, always check with your physician or gynaecologist before taking any cold remedies while pregnant at all as it may affect the foetus.

Saline nose drops, which are completely drug-free and easily available also help with blocked noses and are a suitable cold remedy during pregnancy. Steam inhalation, with plain steam or a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil helps relieve a blocked nose and headache.

Pregnant women are usually advised to increase fluid intake, especially during an illness to prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of water as well as juices rich in vitamin C, which helps in fighting colds. Check with your doctor or healthcare worker about zinc and vitamin supplements which are not only essential for your growing baby, but also help you to fight and prevent colds. Drinking hot water with lemon and honey will soothe a sore throat and stuffy nose and is a safe cold remedy when pregnant. Saltwater water gargles are also extremely effective in treating the same. Consuming garlic and onions is also said to help one get over a cold faster (if the flavours don't make you sick).

Finally, remember that prevention is better than cure; particularly when pregnant cold remedies are not as effective as taking some precautionary measures. Colds spread through contact, so your best bet is to keep away from people who are infected. Women who are most at risk are school teachers and health care workers. If you belong to these professions, keep in mind simple rules of hygiene such as washing your hands frequently and especially after handling an individual with a contagious infection. However, most pregnant women do usually come down with a cold at least once, so don't worry about it. If any pregnancy cold remedies do not work for over a week, do consult your doctor to rule out allergies, sinusitis, bronchial infections etc.

taken from:www.home-remedies-for-you.com


Cold comfort:

Of all the things that can slow you down when you’re pregnant, few can be more miserable than having a cold or the flu. Most mothers are uneasy about taking any medicines when they’re
expecting and, as we all know, there’s nothing your doctor can give you to ‘cure’ a cold or flu.

Antibiotics aren’t an effective treatment because colds and flu are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Also, there is a question mark over using antibiotics in pregnancy since it has been associated with a higher rate of low-birth-weight babies.

Equally frustrating is the fact that most cold remedies simply don’t work all that well. That was the conclusion of one of the largest scientific reviews of over the counter cold remedies, covering more than 40 years research.

There is also the largely unanswered question of the safety of antihistamines and decongestants in pregnancy. Even if such medications do not harm your baby, they can make you feel pretty awful. No fewer than 97 side effects have been ascribed to antihistamines, including constipation, blurred vision, and the inability to urinate. And as many as 30 per cent of decongestant users experience side effects such as raised pulse rate and blood pressure, palpitations, dizziness and fatigue.

What can you do to relieve the symptoms of a cold or flu safely?

The good news is that colds and flu are self-limiting illnesses. This means that they run their course fairly quickly whether you take medications or not.

Interestingly, while the symptoms of cold or flu can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, they are also signs that your own immune system is functioning well. Fever is a good example. Viruses are sensitive to heat. A raised temperature stops the virus from spreading and causes the release of natural antiviral chemicals.

taken from:http://www.ivillage.co.uk/pregnancyandbaby

Home Remedies for colds during Pregnancy:

Most natural remedies for colds, such as Zinc lozenges and herbal drops, have not been tested extensively in pregnant women. It is best to avoid medications, both natural and not, as much as possible while pregnant. However, there are non-medical ways to alleviate cold symptoms that are safe for pregnant women.

To Do

1. Take warm, not hot, showers to alleviate stuffiness. Make sure showers do not last more than 10 minutes so that you don't get tired or dizzy.
   
   Sleep or nap in a recliner or propped up by pillows. Being at least partially upright will help mucus drain out of your nose and not down your throat. This will make breathing easier.
   
   Get extra rest. Your body is already working to grow a human life so taking good care of it by getting enough rest should be a priority anyway. Add in the fact that you have a cold and the importance of rest doubles, especially if you are avoiding medications that alleviate symptoms and give you a false sense of rest.

To Drink

2. Keep your body moisturized by drinking lots of fluids. Water is always a good choice, but orange or apple juice can provide extra Vitamin C. Chicken soup and decaffeinated tea are more filling options. Their heat may also help with nasal stuffiness.
   
   A sore throat can be soothed by a salt water gargle. The salt draws out mucus and reduces swelling. Dissolve one-quarter teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm water.

To Use

3. Use a humidifier to keep the air around you moist. This will prevent dry coughs and may help with stuffiness. Another way to help stuffiness is to use saline (salt water) drops or spray. Follow directions on the bottle, which will say exactly how many sprays or drops to use in each nostril and how long to wait before blowing your nose.
   
   Help sinus pressure by using a warm, wet wash cloth. Pressing the cloth to your face may help release congestion and thus relieve pressure or pain.

taken from:http://www.ehow.com