You’re pregnant – congratulations!

At Plantation General Hospital, we are dedicated to providing the most caring maternity experience possible. Our Maternity Services include special childbirth preparation classes, pediatrician referrals, pre-registration and around the clock Level III Neonatal Intensive Care services.

Good prenatal care is important to a healthy pregnancy and baby. Make sure you visit your doctor (if you need a referral, contact our Consult-A-Nurse® Healthcare Referral service – call toll-free 1-866-442-2362). It also helps to educate yourself about what is happening throughout the stages of your pregnancy.

Let’s take a brief look at what you can expect week by week in the first trimester, one of the most critical times for your baby’s development and the risk of miscarriage.

Weeks 1 and 2

Doctors calculate your due date from the beginning of your last cycle since it’s hard to know exactly when conception occurred. Women who are trying to get pregnant should take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid a day, which has been shown to dramatically reduce the likelihood of spina bifida.

Week 3

Your embryo is there, it’s just the size of a pin head. It’s a group of about 100 cells multiplying and growing rapidly.

Week 4

You’ll likely notice this week that you’ve missed your period – one of the first signs you’re pregnant. You may notice light spotting as the embryo implants itself in your uterus. A water-tight sac called the amniotic sac forms around the embryo. The placenta develops to transfer nutrients between mother and baby. The embryo is smaller than a grain of rice. An initial face takes form. Blood cells are taking shape. Cells are specializing by function:

Outer layer – the nervous system, skin and hair

Middle layer – skeleton, bones, cartilage, muscles, circulatory system, kidneys, and sex organs

Inner layer – breathing and digestive organs

Week 5

Heart, brain, spinal cord, muscle and bones are beginning to develop. You might suspect by now that you’re pregnant. Some early symptoms include: the need to urinate more, nausea, soreness in your breasts, feeling tired. As soon as you suspect you’re pregnant, visit your doctor. Prenatal care ensures a healthy baby.

Week 6

This is an extremely important time in the development of the embryo, when it’s susceptible to factors that can interfere with its normal growth. It’s about the size of a pea. The eyes and limb buds are forming. A heartbeat can sometimes be detected by ultrasound. The beginning of the central nervous system has formed. You notice weight gain; your clothes fit a little tighter. Eat a healthy diet and take prenatal vitamins. If you haven’t already, stop smoking and drinking.

Week 7

The embryo makes great strides in size, growing to half an inch from crown to rump. The heart and lungs are more developed, as are the eyes and intestines. The brain and spinal cord are growing.

Week 8

The embryo is about the size of a grape. Ears and the tip of the nose are visible. The arms have grown longer and bend at the elbows. You may feel some cramping or pain in your lower abdomen or sides. The uterus, now the size of a grapefruit, tightens or contracts throughout pregnancy.

Week 9

The embryo is about an inch from crown to rump. Your baby now moves its body and limbs, and this movement is visible during an ultrasound. You may be experiencing food aversions or cravings, bloating, and mood swings and weepiness.

Week 10

Your baby is now officially a fetus. It’s about an inch and a half from crown to rump. Eyes are covered by skin that will eventually split to form eyelids. You may continue to feel tired and moody. Schedule your chorionic villus sampling (CVS) test now if you plan to have one. It detects genetic defects, including Tay-Sachs, sickle cell anemia, most types of cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome.

Week 11

Your fetus measures about two inches from crown to rump. The heartbeat can be heard through a stethoscope. Fingernails and genitalia are showing, and the baby is swallowing and kicking. You may feel your growing uterus in your lower abdomen and see changes in your hair, skin and nails.

Week 12

By the end of the third month, your baby is fully formed. It has arms, hands, fingers, feet and toes, and it can open and close its fists and mouth. The circulatory and urinary systems are working. The most critical development is finished. Your baby will now grow larger and stronger. The chances of miscarriage have dropped significantly. Your energy improves; nausea goes away. The average weight gain is no more than five pounds.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy/pr00004

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prenatal-care/PR00112

Getting ready for the birth of a child can be challenging, but what about preparing for multiple births? Research shows during the past two decades the number of twin births increased by more than 70% and the number of births involving three or more babies quadrupled.

Staying healthy is important for any expectant mother, but the need is even more critical during a multiple pregnancy. Here are five important steps a multiples mom-to-be should take:

Seek intensive prenatal care: Because multiple pregnancies are automatically categorized as high-risk, the need for specialized healthcare is vital. A woman with a multiple pregnancy may be scheduled for more frequent appointments wither her obstetrician/gynecologist (OB-GYN) than women who are pregnant with a single fetus. It’s important to find a physician who has experience in multiple births and a hospital that offers a specialized neonatal intensive care (NICU) services in case the mother goes into early labor or if one of the babies is born with a health problem.

Eat properly: Women pregnant with multiples should follow general pregnancy guidelines including, increasing calcium, folic acid and iron intake. And if you’re expecting more than one baby, another dietary requirement that needs to be increased is protein. Proteins serve as the building materials of protein and also act as enzymes to regulate chemical reactions to keep a body growing and functioning.

Take daily prenatal vitamins: Additional babies also increase an expectant mother’s need for other nutrients including zinc, copper, vitamin C and vitamin D. And while it is important to take a prenatal vitamin supplement every day, carrying more than one baby does not mean you should take more than one vitamin. Too many can actually be harmful.

Watch your weight: Women carrying multiplesare expected to gain more weight, but how much depends on your pre-pregnancy weight and the number of fetuses so it’s important to talk to your doctor.

Get plenty of rest: All expectant mothers need plenty of rest, but expecting multiples often means experiencing the typical discomforts of pregnancy even more intensely. Nurturing yourself can help ease the stress as well as having a partner of family member who can help too.

At Plantation General Hospital, we are we are dedicated to providing the most caring and comfortable childbirth experience possible. The Women’s Maternity Services at PGH include special childbirth preparation classes, pediatrician referrals, pre-registration and around the clock Level III Neonatal Intensive Care services.

For more information, log onto our website at www.plantationgeneral.com or call 1-866-4HCA-DOCS.

Nearly one in three American children is overweight or obese. Childhood obesity rates have nearly tripled in the past three decades and research shows obese children and adolescents are likely to become obese adults.

Obese children and teenagers are also more likely to have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes, than those who maintain a healthy weight, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Contributing Factors

Childhood obesity is the result of an imbalance between the calories a child consumes through food and beverages and the calories a child needs to support normal growth and development, metabolism and physical activity. A number of factors can contribute including:

Genetics: Studies show certain genetic characteristics may increase a child’s susceptibility to gain excess body weight. Genetic factors alone can play a role in specific cases of obesity, including in rare genetic disorders such as Prader-Willi syndrome. However, childhood obesity usually exists in conjunction with behavioral and environmental factors.

Behavioral: Certain behaviors can contribute to an energy imbalance and consequently to obesity including poor dietary patterns which can consist of large portion sizes, eating meals away from home like fast food, frequent snacking or excessive intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. Sedentary behavior is also a major factor. Children tend to spend more time watching TV, DVDS, playing on the computer, etc. than participating in physical activities.

Environmental: Home, day care, school and community environments can impact a child’s behavior related to food intake and physical activity. Parents are role models for children who are likely to develop eating and physical activity habits similar to their parents. Child care providers and teachers share responsibility with parents during important developmental years- influencing access to physical activity opportunities and healthy food choices.

Tips for parents:

Encourage healthy eating habits: Provide plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products, include low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy products, choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils, and beans for protein, serve reasonably-sized portions, substitute water for sugar-sweetened beverages and limit consumption of sugar and saturated fat. Check out the www.mypyramid.gov for more information.

Make favorite dishes healthier: Regularly prepare healthier recipes your family enjoys. To get new ideas about how to add more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet check out tasty recipes from www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov.

Remove calorie-rich temptations: Reduce high-fat, salty and high-sugar snacks. Offer nutritious options that are 100 calories or less including: a medium size apple or banana, 1 cup blueberries or grapes, 1 cup carrots, broccoli or bell peppers with 2 tablespoons of hummus.

Help kids stay active: Encourage an appropriate amount of physical activity including brisk walking, playing soccer, swimming, dancing, etc. Also help children avoid too much sedentary time by limiting time they watch TV, play video games, surf the web to no more than 2 hours per day.

If you have any questions about childhood obesity, call Plantation General Hospital’s Health Information Line at 1-866-442-2362 or visit www.plantationgeneral.com and click on the Health Library.

An estimated 67% of American adults 20 and older are overweight or obese. Obesity has taken center stage as one of the biggest health concerns in the U.S. with even First Lady Michelle Obama launching the “Let’s Move” campaign earlier this year to fight childhood obesity.

Research has shown being overweight or obese in late adolescence can increase the risk of death in adulthood. The higher risk is also found in obese people over the age of 65 and adults who have a high waist circumference or a high waist-to-hip ratio.

Meanwhile, a new National Cancer Institute study found women who had a normal body mass index (BMI) at age 20 and gained at least a pound through the decades, had nearly doubled the risk of developing breast cancer after menopause compared to women who kept their weight steady.

Other health conditions linked to untreated obesity include:

• Heart disease
• Increased risk of blood clots and stroke
• Increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood
• High blood pressure
• Pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes, complications during labor and deliver, malformations of the baby
• Type 2 diabetes
• Liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• Gallstones
• Worsening arthritis symptoms
• Joint problems, back pain
• Increased risk of certain cancers

Many of the complications linked to obesity are almost also preventable. But weight loss cannot be a gimmick or quick fix; it has to be part of a lifestyle change. Your physician may recommend:

• Diet
• Exercise program
• Behavior therapy
• Weight loss programs
• Medication
• Weight loss surgery

Before beginning any exercise or diet plan, you should consult a physician. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse hotline at 1-866-442-2362 for a doctor referral, or for more information about Plantation General Hospital log onto www.plantationgeneral.com.

It’s no secret swimsuit season starts early in Florida. But getting in shape to look good in a bathing suit shouldn’t be your only concern when it comes to weight loss. Approximately two thirds of U.S. adults and one fifth of children are obese or overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins predict if the obesity problem continues to climb at this rate, by 2015 75% of adults and nearly 24% of children and adolescents will be overweight or obese. It’s estimated obese Americans spend about 42% more than healthy-weight people on medical care each year.

Research shows obesity can increase the risk for several conditions including and not limited to:

· Coronary heart disease

· Stroke

· Type 2 diabetes

· Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

· Hypertension (high blood pressure)

· Liver and Gallbladder disease

· Sleep apnea and respiratory problems

· Osteoarthritis

So how can you fight back? Here are ten tips to get you in gear in the fight against obesity:

1. Watch your portion sizes. Most servings are larger than the standard portion size, so we’re all getting extra calories we don’t need. For example a serving size of meat, poultry or fish is 2-3 oz.- about the size of a deck of cards.

2. Cook with less fat. Use egg substitutes or egg whites instead of whole eggs, applesauce in place of oil or try plain nonfat yogurt in place of sour cream.

3. Don’t hit the drive-thru. Fast food may be quick and less expensive, but one meal at one of these chains is often enough calories and fat content for almost the entire day. If you do stop, avoid supersizing, skip the fries for a small side salad and skip the mayor or other sauces.

4. Never shop hungry. If you go grocery shopping while you’re hungry, you’ll wind up with foods in your cart you might not otherwise buy. Eat first, make a list and stick to it.

5. Don’t forget those fruits and veggies. Apples, oranges, bananas, baby carrots and beansare more nutritional snack choices and inexpensive too!

6. Drink plenty of water. Drinking water isn’t just good for you, but it gives the stomach a feeling of fullness- helping reduce the tendency to overeat.

7. Skip the soda. Carbonated beverages are loaded with sugars, which have calories you don’t need.

8. Avoid late night snacking. Don’t eat when you’re up late and bored, only snack on nutritious options during the day when you’re actually hungry.

9. Lace up those sneakers! Moderate exercise several times a week can help you lose weight, is good for your heart and reduces stress.

10. Get the whole family involved. It’s easier to follow all of these tips if you aren’t going it alone. Cook healthy meals together as a family and instead of hitting the movies on the weekend head out to the park.

Before beginning any exercise or diet plan, you should consult a physician. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse hotline at 1-866-442-2362 for a doctor referral.

Obesity and overweight have grown into a serious health concern worldwide. Just as the condition has affected people in all parts of the world, it also affects adults in children in virtually every age bracket. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that at least 1.6 billion people age 15 or over are overweight, and of those, approximately 400 million are obese. Meanwhile consumers hear daily about new miracle diets and rapid weight-loss plans. Yet doctors note that these quick fixes rarely lead to long-term weight loss. Instead patients can remember some simple rules that will help them maintain perspective on diet and nutrition-and reach a healthy weight the right way.

• Remember the “weight-loss formula.” To lose weight, it is necessary to eat less calories than you burn. Reduce portion sizes, decrease fat intake, and increase physical activity. Diet plans that are based on any other formula may provide immediate results, but won’t be sustainable in the long run.
• Get the right kinds of calories. Some foods make people feel more full and have greater dietary value than others. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps reduce cravings for fatty foods and improves nutrition. Furthermore, these healthy foods often have other medical benefits, such as reducing risk of other diseases like colon cancer.
• Make the switch to fish. The fat found in skinless fish and chicken is easier on the body than the fat in beef, lamb, and pork. In countries where seafood is a dietary staple, obesity rates tend to be much lower. If it is too difficult to remove red meat from the diet altogether, consider using it in dishes like stir fry, which contains lots of vegetables and uses the meat only as an accent.
• Work it out! Most people need about 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day to maintain their weight. Doctors often recommend 60 minutes for patients who need aggressive weight loss. The key is finding a fitness activity that is both satisfying and effective. Some families choose to walk or cycle together, while other people may prefer swimming laps or hitting the treadmill.
• Don’t let the gimmicks fool you. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Any diet that requires eliminating entire food groups or limiting fluid intake can deprive the body of vital nutrients. On the other hand any diet that allows participants to “eat anything” can also be nutritionally unsound.

The benefits of healthy weight loss go far beyond looking good. Patients who maintain a healthy weight reduce their risk for countless health conditions, from cardiovascular disease to colon cancer. The best weight loss strategies are about long-term lifestyle choices that are sustainable and healthy for the whole body.

Diabetes has recently gained attention as a growing health concern in the United States. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) estimates that over 23 million people have the disease-and approximately 25% are unaware that they have it. Despite public awareness campaigns and initiatives like this week’s National Diabetes Alert Day, many myths persist about diabetes.

Myth #1: Getting diabetes is unavoidable for people who are overweight or obese.

Truth: Being overweight or obese significantly raises a person’s risk for diabetes, but it is certainly not the only risk factor. Furthermore, most people who are overweight will never get diabetes. People who belong to certain ethnic groups or have a family history of diabetes are more likely to get the disease, even if they are at normal weight.

Myth #2: People get diabetes from eating too much sugar.

Truth: People with diabetes do have trouble processing glucose, a form of sugar. However, sugar consumption-in any quantity–does not result in diabetes. Type I diabetes arises from an abnormal autoimmune response, which may occur due to genetic factors or exposure to certain viruses. Meanwhile Type II diabetes originates from a combination of lifestyle choices and genetic factors. Being overweight or obese contributes to a person’s risk for diabetes, and eating anything in excess (including sugar) contributes to obesity.

Myth #3: Diabetes patients on insulin aren’t controlling their diabetes enough with diet and exercise.

Truth: Diabetes is a progressive disease. Eventually diet, exercise, and oral medication will not be sufficient, and patients will have to start insulin injections. This is because over time the body naturally slows insulin production. However, it is necessary to maintain blood glucose levels steady, even if that requires insulin injections.

Myth #4: People with diabetes must follow a restricted diet or eat special foods.

Truth: Many people believe that diabetics must eat special “dietetic” foods, avoid starchy foods, or give up sugar entirely. However, people with diabetes can usually follow normal guidelines for a healthy diet and consume these foods in appropriate portions, just like everyone else. Diabetic patients should discuss nutritional or dietary concerns with a health care provider before making any drastic changes to their dietary habits.

Myth #5: Having diabetes makes people more vulnerable to other disease and illnesses.

Truth: Diabetes does not weaken a person’s immune system. However, other illnesses like the flu can make it more challenging to control diabetes symptoms. That’s why physicians generally advise patients with diabetes to get flu shots each year. Meanwhile diabetes can increase patients’ risk for more serious health complications when they get sick.

For more information about diabetes, visit Plantation’s online Health Library or the ADA’s website.