Right now, exercise and nutrition are important topics. If you are constantly on the go then you may have to slow down. If you eat on the run and you eat a lot of fast food you may have to cutback a bit. Taking care of yourself and the baby should be a number 1 priority. Age will play a factor in the way that you regard your pregnancy. Most medical doctors will say that women over the age of 36 years old are considered to be high risk. This doesn’t mean that there is something that will go wrong; it means that extra attention will be paid to you during the pregnancy.

Baby’s Development

The baby will start to develop quickly at least for the first 5 months. You can help with the development by eating right and taking your prenatal vitamins. The best chance that you have to aid in your baby’s development is to follow the doctor’s orders and take the prenatal vitamins everyday. By now you will have made a doctor’s appointment. You will have a confirmation pregnancy test as well as an internal exam to determine the birth date of the baby. This will be the first of many doctor appointments that you will have in the next 9 months or so.

You won’t be able to see or hear the heartbeat yet; the baby is too small yet. But as the weeks and months go by, the baby’s organs, brains, spinal cords etc all start to form. As the months go by these developments will continue to grow. Every day the baby’s development will be enhanced. That it is why it is important to eat right, get plenty of rest and stop smoking or drinking if you still do so.

Changes In Your Body

Changes to your body will continue to happen but your mental state will vary during the course of the pregnancy. You will feel elated at first and then it may turn to panic or worrisome. Don ‘t panic, changes in your mood is perfectly normal. As your body adjusts to the hormones everything will so level off. You will soon be feeling tired as the pregnancy progresses. This will wear off as you enter into the second d trimester.

You may be experiencing morning sickness, this will continue into the 4th month. You can help ease the discomfort of morning sickness by eating smaller meals throughout the day. Keep some crackers on hand; chewing peppermint gum can help keep the nausea away. Do not take any over the counter medication without speaking to your doctor first.

What to Expect

The fourth week of pregnancy is the week where pregnancy can be confirmed without a doubt. You can expect to feel happy and you want to shout it to the world. There are some that say that you should wait until the third trimester before you tell anyone. This should be left directly up to the new parents to be. You will soon be hearing the baby’s heartbeat as well as knowing the sex of the baby. This is a very exciting time. You can expect to feel tired in the coming weeks. You will expect to take your prenatal vitamins and feel great. You should also take the time to rest and eat right.

Tips/Advice

Right now there is not much to do yet. The only thing you can do for yourself and the baby is to rest and enjoy it. There are so many women who have so much going on during their pregnancy that they don’t take the time to enjoy it. Have a nice cup of decaffeinated tea or a warm cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream. Keep your feet up and watch your favorite movie. You don’t have to set up the nursery, buy the baby furniture or choose a name for the baby all at once. You have plenty of time. Now is the time to make a list of any questions that you may have with your doctor. Remember there is no such thing as a silly question.

Now would be a good time to make a list of questions that you and your partner may have. Your first doctor’s appointment will be routine, they will take blood pressure, possibly perform a pelvic exam and they will ask many questions as it pertains to history of both families. You will also receive prenatal vitamins; these are a very important part of your pregnancy. You should take them every day; they can help with the baby’s growth and development as well as give you all of the vitamins and minerals that you need.

Baby’s Development

By the third week of pregnancy you won’t feel it but the baby will be going through a spurt of development. The baby is made up of cells and these cells are quickly forming. At this stage of your pregnancy the baby is called a Blastocycle, which will be protected by the placenta, and the baby will soon start to produce HCG, which are more commonly called pregnancy hormones. The amniotic fluid will start to form and this is where the baby will be protected and fed throughout the pregnancy.

In the first weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s heart, gastrointestinal tract and spinal cord are developing. You won’t be able to see the baby yet on a sonogram. By the third week the embryo will be fixed to the uterine wall and the backbone and brain will soon start to form. This is where the prenatal vitamins are essential. They will help in the development. The baby is about .2 to .5 mm in size.

Changes In Your Body

You won’t be able to feel any changes to the baby but you will soon notice some changes to your body. In the first few weeks you may or may not experience morning sickness. Every woman is different and will experience pregnancy their own way. Morning Sickness can last up until 4 months of pregnancy. The baby now has 46 chromosomes, the baby’s skin color is established as well as fingers and toes can be seen. There are some women who may have a bit of vaginal discharge. Please don’t panic, it is normal. You can call your doctor if you are really worried about it. You have to remember that every woman is different and some discharge may be more than others or less. Don’t ever feel embarrassed to call your doctor. Some women may have some spotting. If these symptoms persist then your doctor may want to do an exam. You may start to feel some weight gain as the pregnancy goes on. This is also normal, a normal or safe amount of weight would be anywhere from 25 to 35 pounds. Your doctor will explain what is a safe weight loss. Some women may gain more and others may not.

Right now, you should be aware of something called Gestational Diabetes. This happens to women when they are pregnant and it clears up once the baby is born. You should speak to your doctor about this and ask any questions that you may have about it.

What To Expect

Week three of pregnancy is just the beginning. There isn’t much that you can do at this point. You may be experiencing morning sickness, talk to your doctor about taking any over the counter medication. Even in the earliest stages of pregnancy, there is nothing like the present to start taking care of yourself. You will also start to feel a variety of emotions, sometimes all at once. You may feel depressed, tired, happy or overly sensitive. This is normal, as the pregnancy hormones level out; they will wreak havoc on your body for the first three months.

Tips/Advice

Now is a great time for you to stop smoking if you are a smoker. If you want to adjust the way you eat, now is a great time to talk to adjust your diet. Exercise is a great way to stay in shape while pregnant as well as help your body bounce back after child birth. Strenuous activity is not recommended, low impact workouts are good. You can look online for other ways to stay in shape or ask your doctor. You should also never feel like you are asking a lot of questions, if this is your first pregnancy then it is understandable that you have many, many questions.

There are changes to the baby as well in the second week. The embryo is made up of about 150 cells and the cells will soon be divided into three layers, each layer will have its own function. The layers will determine your baby’s personality, looks and their overall development too.
Baby’s Development

The inner layer as we mentioned is called the Endoderm, this layer will help develop the respiratory track and the baby’s digestive system. Other major organs such as the liver, pancreas and the thyroid also come from the inner layer. The middle layer is known as Mesoderm. This layer will help the development of the bones, muscles, genitalia and the skin. The third layer is called the Ectoderm, this layer aids in the development of the nervous system, brain, nails and hair.

The baby at this stage will be float inside the uterus and he or she will be protected completely by the uterine lining. The size of the baby is about .1 to .2 mm in the second week of pregnancy. Once you have confirmed the pregnancy by a doctor the appointments will soon start to fill your days. In the future you have things like hearing the baby’s first heartbeat, the first sonogram picture and the growth of your child to look forward to.

Changes In Your Body

You will have already had the last menstrual cycle until after the baby is born. Your body’s levels of estrogen will start to increase because without your period there is no release. During the first few weeks of pregnancy you will experience a higher level of energy but hold to it as much as you can because once you get more into the first trimester, you will become more and more tired.

The uterus will continue to put up new levels that will help the baby feed and be more protected. Your baby will begin to develop their immune system. At this stage of pregnancy if you will be attending your first doctor visit, you will be asked about your family history and the baby’s father’s family’s father’s history. You may start to feel some changes to your body, as the changes increase you may start to feel nausea, which is called morning sickness. If you have any questions about what you should be feeling, talk to your doctor. Don’t be embarrassed to ask your doctor anything.
What to Expect

As we mentioned, the embryo is small but everyday it is growing more and more. In the coming weeks you will see some morning sickness as well as some soreness in the breasts. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor. If you are experiencing any problems call your doctor. Only you know what you are feeling and if this is your first baby, you will not really know what to expect.

Tips/Advice

The best advice for women who are expecting is to enjoy it. Don’t stress out or panic about every little thing. You have 9 months to choose a name, to buy things for the nursery. Do everything in moderation; take it easy even though you may feel great, you will soon figure out what your limits ar

The Graco LiteRider Stroller is a lightweight stroller that is easy to handle and easy to maneuver. The stroller can close within seconds just by using one free hand, which is so important to new moms. The LiteRider has a 3 point harness designed to help keep your baby safely strapped in. This stroller has lockable front wheel with a smooth suspension, giving your baby a smooth and pleasant ride. This stroller is easy to clean and easy to maintain. You can actually use this stroller with the Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat and the Infant SafeSeat Car Seat. You can find this stroller at Babies R US, Target and Wal-Mart. The cost sis approximately $ 60.00 depending on where you purchase the stroller from.

The Graco Vie 4 Betsey Stroller is a one hand, self-standing folding stroller. It is height adjustable and has a multi position with a flat reclining seat. This stroller comes with a 3 and 5-point combination harness. There is an extra large storage basket on the bottom and it has an automatic storage latch. This stroller is designed to be used on children 40 pounds or less. Like the LiteRider it will work in conjunction with the SnugRide and SafeSeat Infant Car Seat. This stroller is available in Wal-Mart for $ 89.98. It is one of the safest and prettiest strollers in the Graco line.

The Graco DuoGlider Stroller is for Mom’s with 2 small children that you need to transport together. This stroller works in conjunction with the SnugRide and the Infant SafeSeat.  It is easy to maneuver and it offers a smooth and relaxing ride. Both of the seats recline and the second seat is elevated slightly so you can view both children easily. Both seats have a canopy for complete sun blockage. The DuoGlider has a storage compartment and cup holders for the parents. The DuoGlider is available in Babies R US and costs about $ 139.99. You can shop around for a better price, these stroller are available online and in Wal-Mart and Target.

Let’s begin with Pampers Swaddlers as an example, if you take a look at stores like Target and Wal-Mart, you will find the price about $ 17.99 approximately. Now if look at the local CVS store you will find the same pack of diapers for the same thing you will find a great price of about the same $ 17.99. Try shopping at Babies R US, the cost ranges from $ 19.99 to $ 23.99. Local supermarkets will vary but an average price for Pampers is about $ 22.00 or higher. Sometimes their own store brand is expensive so a name brand like Pampers would surely be more money.

If we want to buy a larger box like a case then the price will be about $ 40.00, but this box would have to last more than 2 weeks to make it cost effective. You don’t have to use a cheaper brand just to save money. You can use HUGGIES, LUVS and Pampers you just need to take some time to find out the best place to buy these diapers for less. You can try shopping in bulk stores like BJ’s or Sam’s Club. They offer larger boxes for less money. The same concept applies if you are using cloth diapers, these especially can be a great expense, so why not shop around and get the most for your money. Let’s face it; the cost for our kids isn’t going to get any cheaper. So why not start shopping smart and spending less.

One of the best is A+D Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Cream with Aloe. This cream is pediatric recommended and it will soothe your baby’s rash and keep them comfortable. The aloe will keep your baby’s skin smooth and hydrated. In order to prevent diaper rash follow the instruction we mentioned and add A+D every time you change your baby. This cream is easy to put on, as it goes on smooth and it is easy to take off. This cream is very affordably priced around $ 4.99 and it can be found any place that sells baby products.

Another up and coming diaper rash cream is the Boudreaux’ Butt Paste Diaper Rash Ointment. This product comes recommended by doctors. It has even been said to be a great product by actor Brad Pitt. That is actually where I first heard of it. This product has zinc oxide and was specifically made by a pharmacist with help from well know pediatricians. This product comes highly recommended by pediatricians everywhere. The best part about this product is that babies, children and even adults can use it. You will find Boudreaux’ Butt Paste Diaper Rash Ointment at any retail location that sells baby products.

Desitin Diaper Rash Cream has been helping Moms fight off diaper rash for over 40 years. There are three different types of Desitin, Rapid Relief, Maximum Strength and Multi Purpose Ointment. Each product was created with the original formula. The thick, smooth paste goes on easy and wipes off easy too. This product starts working right after the very first application. Desitin contains zinc oxide, this product is not recommended by doctors but by millions of satisfied parents. You can find this product at your local Supermarket, Target, Wal-Mart and drug stores.

HUGGIES Natural Care Wipes are one of the best in the industry. These wipes are gentle enough that they can be used all over your baby’s skin. These wipes have Aloe Vera and Vitamin E that help keep the moisture in your baby’s skin and they won’t cause diaper rash. You can buy these wipes in any local Wal-Mart, Target, Supermarket and drug stores. You can buy them in individual packets or in a bulk as a refill box. They also come in scented and non-scented.

Pampers Baby Fresh Wipes does not use any chemicals to clean your baby just pure water with a great baby fresh scent. Pampers has a great reputation and is the leader in baby diapers and wipes. Pampers offers many great styles of wipes but this one works best on your baby’s skin. These wipes are similar to wash cloths and they are gentle enough to be used on your babies skin. These are available as individual packages or in boxes of refills with 700 plus wipes. These wipes can be found anywhere that you find diapers.

Earth’s Best Tender Care Chlorine Free Wipes are from the same company that brings you the best natural baby food on the market. These baby wipes are hypoallergenic and they won’t hurt your baby’s skin or not matter how sensitive your baby’s skin is. These wipes do not contain any alcohol and they do have the smooth Aloe Vera and soothing Vitamin E. These wipes are thick so they won’t fall apart. They are gentle enough to use on your baby’s face and bottom. The best part is that these wipes won’t dry out like some of the others do. These wipes can be found in Babies R Us and in your local supermarkets and Target Stores.

The Diaper Genie comes in two different styles, Diaper Genie II the Advanced Disposal System and the Diaper Genie Elite. Each one of these systems costs around $ 25.00. When you make the initial purchase it comes with a complimentary roll of the twist away film. Normally the refill film costs about $ 7.00 as an average for each time you need a refill. Stores like Wal-Mart and Target sell 3 pack refills for approximately $ 17.00. This may not sound so expensive to you but a simple garbage can with lid costs about $ 12.00 if you don’t go all fancy.

Garbage bags cost about $ 3.00 for 30 bags. If you would judge solely on cost then the garbage can would win hands down. Some new moms like the idea of the diaper genie since they believe that they don’t have to throw the film out on a daily basis and the odor would be contained better. Some downsides in my opinion of the Diaper Genie are that they are great for preemies and newborns; the reason is that the diapers are smaller. When your child moves up to Size 1 and Size 2 the diapers get larger and not so many fit in the diaper genie anymore. You start spending more money on film because you are using it up faster.

Another downside is when you clean out the diaper genie. The film becomes twisted with the diaper enclosed like a sucking candy in plastic. The twist of the lid will ensure that effect. The problem is when you remove the film from the bottom of the genie, they become unraveled and it becomes one big giant plastic bag. The garbage can is easy, throw away the diaper tie up the bag when it becomes full and put a new bag in. It will save you time and most of all money.

Operation Smile started back in 1982, they are world-renowned children’s medical charity that helps children of all ages improve their health and physical appearance. Since the day the company started they have helped over 130,000 children from all over the world. The children that have been treated by Operation Smile were born with physical deformities such as Cleft Lips, Cleft Palates and other facial deformities. Operation Smile works their magic in over 51 countries. This organization has had some celebrity supporters from Roma Downey Diedra Hall from Days of Our Lives, Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter to Jessica Simpson.

The way the program is designed, for a low cost Operation Smile can perform the necessary surgery that your child needs. To perform a cleft lip surgery, it would take an Operation Smile’s doctor 45 minutes to change a child’s life for the better.  The organization has created their own Medical Missions, these Missions offers medical professionals to travel to another country and treat children with deformities during a two-week stay. During this two weeks in one country, the medical professionals can perform anywhere from 300 to 500 surgeries. That is a wonderful thing, can you imagine changing 300 lives for the better in just 2 weeks.

Operation Smile is not just about repairing clefts for the sake that they will look good when the surgery is done. Operation Smiles, by providing these surgeries offers babies and children the chance to eat better and anyone who has a baby with a cleft lip and palate knows that there are other problems that arise from these deformities. Untreated lips and palates can have difficulties in eating, breathing, and dental care, hearing and speaking. There are still delays even after the child has the surgery but the risk has been reduced greatly.

Operation Smile is a great organization that brings hope and love to every child that they help. I am the mother of a cleft lip and cleft palate child and I know that if I did not have the medical attention I received, I would feel better knowing that Operation Smile would be there to help my child. These are the organizations that are out there to do good for the children of the world. If you want more information, please check out their website OperationSmile.com.

What makes Dr.Brown’s Bottles good at getting rid of baby’s gas? The design of the bottle was specifically designed to help reduce the risk of your baby getting gas. The bottle contains a patented two-piece venting system that fits right into the bottle. There is a tube with what looks like a cup on top and a rubber insert designed with holes to keep the milk or formula going through to the nipple. There is less air in the bottle that can travel through the nipple and this will greatly reduce the amount of gas that your baby has. These bottles are very affordable they often come in packs of 3 and they are priced at $ 14.88 depending on where you purchase them. You can find these bottles in Target, Wal-Mart and anyplace that sells baby items.

Playtex Bottles have been around for many years; one of their most advanced products is the VentAire. These bottles are designed to help reduce your baby’s Colic and Gas. These are reusable bottles that use what they call a micro channel vent technology. The air vents back into the back of the bottle and not through the nipple like other brands. These bottles are angled bottles and the design will also help reduce gas and colic in newborns. These bottles come in two sizes and they also come in packs of 3, the price for these bottles is $ 17.97,depending on where you shop they could be more or less money.

If your baby has a problem with gas, it could be type of bottle that you are using. By using these bottles you can start to see how much less your baby fusses about gas and gas pains. Do your self a favor, if you are a new mom to be, start using these bottles right from the start. Why have your baby go through unnecessary discomfort when they don’t have to.