We tested it. Industry leaders confirmed it. Our MOMobile program is effective, efficient and has lasting impact. An analysis of the MOMobile program was published in the journal, Zero to Three. This journal is the premier publication on maternal and child health. You can read the full article with pictures here or by clicking the image below. For more information about our MOMobile program, please visit our services to families page.
Every year during cold and flu season, parents head to the pediatrician’s office worried their child might have “daycare syndrome,” a nickname given to the series of daycare-related illnesses.
Often it means kids are kept at home and forces lots of parents to call in sick to work. The colds and stomach viruses are real, but retired pediatrician Susan Aronson said “daycare syndrome” isn’t really a thing.
Recently, our South Philadelphia Early Head Start shared with WHYY some tips on how to keep your children and self healthy during cold and flu season. You can read the full story here.
Knowledge is Power. Let us teach you about fertility and how to improve your chances getting pregnant.
Recently our partner Merck for Mother’s Priya Agrawal and Linda Blount wrote an article for ThinkProgress examining maternal mortality in the US and the higher risks associated with pregnant women of color.
At MCC, working to reduce maternal morbidity in Philadelphia. Below is a summary, but we recommend that you read the full article via ThinkProgress’ website:
The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination heard testimony this summer on severe inequities in maternal health outcomes. This is an important and longstanding conversation within the international reproductive health community. But there was something different this time — the discussion focused on the vast racial disparities in maternal health right here in the U.S.
The testimony was spurred by a new report, Reproductive Injustice, published by the Center for Reproductive Rights, the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, and the SisterSong Women of Color Collective. The report’s shocking statistics and the women’s voices behind them make clear that the U.S. has a long way to go when it comes to maternal health outcomes — especially for women of color.
It’s hard to believe that maternal mortality rates in the U.S. are greater than in 63 other countries, but it’s true. Here in the United States, the proportion of women who die during pregnancy and childbirth complications is worse than Libya, Iran, and Turkey — and it’s going up, even though the rates are declining in nearly every other country in the world. When it comes to racial disparities, the situation is even bleaker. Nationally, black women are almost four times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth compared to white women. Racial disparities in maternal mortality persist across all levels of income, age, and education.
Read The Full Article On ThinkProgress
Beginning on #GivingTuesday, Dec. 2 through December 31 every donation received will be matched by the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation. Help spread the word by sharing our new video below featuring stories from two families who were helped while enrolled in our Early Head Start program.
Not only are donations being matched until December 31, if you make a minimum donation of $50 you can be entered into a contest to attend a private event hosted by WILL SMITH! So what are you waiting for? Like, Share AND GIVE!
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We congratulate Tom Wolf on winning Pennsylvania’s gubernatorial race. We hope this election will usher in a new era of much needed progress on maternal and child health in Pennsylvania. We look forward to working with Mr. Wolf’s team and state lawmakers to promote legislation related to early childhood development, workplace support for breastfeeding mothers, access to the new health care marketplace, support for women before, during, and after pregnancy and ensuring a fair, livable wage for working Pennsylvanians.
For 35 years, MCC has dedicated itself to improving maternal and child health and wellbeing through the collaborative efforts of individuals, families, providers and communities. We focus our efforts on neighborhoods with high rates of poverty, infant mortality, health disparities, and changing immigration patterns. We submit the following call to action to Governor-elect Tom Wolf:
· Work with state legislators to pass the Pennsylvania Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (HB 1892 and SB 1209), introduced by Rep. Mark Painter (D-Montgomery), which would require certain employers to make reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
· Work with state legislators to pass the Workplace Accommodations for Nursing Mothers Act (HB 1895), introduced by Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery), which would require employers to provide break time and a private, sanitary space for employees who need to express breast milk.
· Support U.S. Senator Casey (D-PA) in his efforts to pass the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
· Work with state legislators to pass pay-equity legislation.
· Replace Corbett’s Healthy PA plan with a full expansion of Medicaid under the 2010 federal health care reform law.
· Support legislation related to the earliest years of childhood development (ages 0-3). Research shows that a child’s first years of life are critical in ensuring healthy mental, social, and physical growth needed for preschool and a lifetime of learning and wellbeing.
MCC is optimistic that Governor-elect Wolf will transform Pennsylvania into a national leader on maternal and child health matters. Pennsylvania can no longer afford to overlook women as leaders at home and in the workplace, as caregivers, educators, influencers, and economic contributors. We look forward to contributing our knowledge and energy to Mr. Wolf’s efforts to improve the lives of each and every Pennsylvanian.
The missionary position is among the best sex positions to get pregnant faster. The missionary position is considered optimal for conception — though, of course, you can get pregnant having intercourse in almost any sex position.
The missionary position got its name because missionaries reportedly insisted that all other sex positions were sinful because sex only serves one purpose — to get pregnant — and that this face-to-face coital arrangement was the only acceptable way to get pregnant.
In the traditional missionary position, the woman lies on her back with her legs spread, both of her knees bent, and her feet firm on the bed. The man is on top facing her. There are additional variations on the basic missionary position; for example, the woman can raise one or both of her legs while the man holds them or places them on his shoulders, or she can extend her knees.
This position is the best sex position to get pregnant when it comes to conception because as the woman lies on her back, the vagina is tilted downwards toward the cervix; this makes it easier for the sperm to get through the cervix and into the uterus. Also a plus for the missionary position is that it allows the penis to penetrate more deeply into the vagina, so sperm can enter the cervix more directly right after ejaculation.
Furthermore, the missionary position is a great position to get pregnant because it is very comfortable and allows for good body contact. Partners are facing each other and can kiss and hug while they're having intercourse. The woman is able to move relatively freely, and the man can keep some of his weight off of her body by lifting himself up with his hands or elevating his body using his knees.
If you are making love in the missionary position and want to further improve your chances of conceiving, take these steps after ejaculation:
It is normal for some of the ejaculate to flow out of the vagina when the woman gets up, and it won't lessen her chance of getting pregnant because at this point most sperm remaining in the vagina are no longer viable. For the same reason, staying on her back longer than 30 minutes won't improve a woman's chances of conception.
If you feel more adventuresome, consider these other sex positions to get pregnant and enhance your conception chances:
Needless to say, whichever sex positions to get pregnant you use, enjoy what you're doing and don't make it into a chore.
See all 100 Kamasutra Sex Positions HERE
Questions about getting pregnant after birth control are very common. Read here about 12 steps of what to do:
Not long ago, fertility issues were considered a female problem. Fertility is viewed differently today, with about 50% of all fertility issues being associated with male infertility. Many couples face fertility problems and when to have male fertility tested is a recurring question.
Fertility Problems: In the Beginning
Couples may want to jump into fertility help after just one or two months of trying to conceive. Typically there is a one-year waiting period between when couples start trying to conceive and when they need to start seeking help. This is a general recommendation, as couples trying to conceive a second or subsequent child after prior fertility problems may immediately seek fertility assistance based on previous medical interaction.
When Does Male Fertility Come into Question?
From the first appointment there will be questions about male fertility. A long-comprehensive medical history will be gathered during the interview process. This occurs for both the male and female partner. A semen analysis may be ordered after the first appointment to gauge male fertility. This test will be ordered simultaneously with tests pertaining to female fertility.
If the male partner is not a part of the initial appointment, female testing will still be ordered. If all female tests come back normal or inconclusive in terms of fertility, male fertility testing will be the next order of business.
Signs it is Time to Have Male Fertility Tested
Unlike females who have physical symptoms that could be considered precursors to fertility problems like irregular periods or a previous diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), men do not necessarily have physical symptoms to consider. A man can appear in perfect health with no known health issues or injuries that could cause infertility, but he could be sterile just the same. If all female fertility testing shows the female partner is fertile it is time for male fertility testing.
The age of blaming fertility problems on women have long passed. Men and women have nearly equal chances of facing fertility problems, but men tend to be more reluctant to seek help. Experts speculate that some men link fertility to manliness and therefore finding out they are infertile is seen as a great failure. However, fertility problems in men are common and fortunately many are treatable. Even in cases where male fertility cannot be treated directly, there are methods of conception using assisted reproduction that can help couples achieve pregnancy.
When trying to get pregnant how often should you have sex? Every day or every other day? Wait for the OPK to become positive? Or when the temperature goes up?
To improve your chances getting pregnant you need to make love on your fertile days. Once a day, every day during your 5-6 fertile days.
You only have 5-6 fertile days each cycle, the 4-5 fertile days before and the day of ovulation. Having sex more than 5 days before the day of ovulation or having sexual intercourse the day after ovulation will not get you pregnant.
Timing of intercourse is defined having sexual intercourse only within a day or two of ovulation. The problem with timing is that has never been shown to improve your pregnancy chances. In addition, many women often do not know the exact day that they will ovulate and studies have shown that even in women with regular cycles, ovulation can possibly happen any time.
You are probably not improving your chances of getting pregnant if you wait with sexual intercourse until the ovulation predictor kit the OPK has become positive. The problem with the OPK is that by the time it's positive you may already have ovulated, and sex after ovulation is unlikely to get you pregnant. Waiting until the BBT temperature has gone up is even worse, as the temperature goes up after ovulation.
Couples who tried to get pregnant were previously told to have sex once every other day during their fertile days. But studies have shown you can improve your chances if you have sex once a day every day (as long as his sperm are OK) during the fertile 4-5 days prior to, and the day of, ovulation. In those rare circumstances when the man does not have enough sperm (oligospermia), the old rule of once every other day still holds true.
In addition, researchers recommend that the average couple who is trying to conceive should make love regularly 2-3 times a week, every week because you don't know exactly when ovulation happens.
| Sex during fertile days | % Pregnancy |
| Sex every fertile day | 37% |
| Sex every other fertile day | 33% |
| Only once during fertile days | 15% |
From: The New England Journal of Medicine (December 7, 1995 -- Vol. 333, No. 23). Allen J. Wilcox, Clarice R. Weinberg, Donna D. Baird
The best time to get pregnant fast is to have sex or sexual intercourse once a day every day during the 4-5 days before and on the day of ovulation.
There is no single "best day" or best time to get pregnant and to make love if you want to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Studies have shown repeatedly that you can improve your chances of getting pregnant by:
Calculate the best time to get pregnant and your fertile days HERE
Making love the day after ovulation won't get you pregnant.
To improve your chances of getting pregnant, you need to have sex regularly throughout the menstrual cycle and especially during your fertile days. That requires that you first find out how to calculate your fertile days.
While there is no definitive proof that you always improve your chances of getting pregnant by timing sexual intercourse, it can help if you calculate ovulation and your fertile days by using our fertility calendar, doing BBT fertility charting, and using OPKs, or fertility monitors.
Studies have shown that in women with regular cycles, ovulation can happen on many days of the menstrual cycle and there could be many days not just a single best time to get pregnant. Even in women with a regular cycle, there is a 10% chance of ovulating each day after the menstrual period ends.
Because having sex after ovulation won't get you pregnant, it's generally suggested to have sex regularly two to three times a week, every week. That is your best time to get pregnant to improve your chances of getting pregnant.
In addition, you may still want to make love daily during the four to five "fertile" days prior to and during ovulation (if his sperm count is OK). But if that's all you do, then it won't probably increase your pregnancy chances.
Here is a look at the most common male infertility myths.
Can you figure out which one is true and which is not?
If pregnancy does not happen as expected, or there are are issues, both
male and female partners need to get tested for fertility.
The First Step: The Semen Analysis
The very first test to do is a Sperm Count (a.k.a. semen analysis). Only if this test is completed and the results are normal should the female partner undergo further fertility testing.
Medical History and Physical Examination
The first step in the female infertility work up is a complete medical history and physical examination and the following is reviewed:
The following steps are free or low-cost and can be helpful:
The next steps consist of several laboratory tests which may be used to detect the cause of infertility and monitor treatments:
Hormonal Levels
Blood and urine tests are taken to evaluate hormone levels. Hormonal tests for ovarian reserve (the number of follicles and quality of the eggs) are especially important for older women.
Examples of possible results include:
Blood tests for prolactin levels and thyroid function are also measured. These are hormones that may indirectly affect fertility.
Clomiphene Challenge Test.
Clomiphene citrate (Clomid, Serophene), a standard fertility drug, may be used to test for ovarian reserve. With the CCCT the clomiphene citrate challenge test, the doctor measures FSH on day 3 of the cycle. The woman takes clomiphene orally on days 5 and 9 of the cycle. The doctor measures FSH on the tenth day. High levels of FSH either on day 3 or day 10 indicate a poor chance for a successful outcome.
Tissue Samples
To rule out luteal phase defect, premature ovarian failure, and absence of ovulation, the doctor may take tissue samples of the uterus 1 - 2 days before a period to determine if the corpus luteum is adequately producing progesterone. Tissue samples taken from the cervix may be cultured to rule out infection.
Tests for Autoimmune Disease
Tests for autoimmune disease, such as hypothyroidism and diabetes, should be considered in women with recent ovarian failure that is not caused by genetic abnormalities.
Imaging and Other Procedures
If an initial fertility work-up does not reveal abnormalities, as happens in about 40% of cases, more extensive tests will reveal abnormal tubal or uterine findings. The three major approaches for examining the uterus are:
Although combinations of these diagnostic approaches are often used to confirm diagnoses, one study indicated that with the introduction of saline-infusion sonohysterography, all are equally accurate and combinations do not increase accuracy. Furthermore, the ultrasound procedure is significantly less painful than the other two, suggesting that this should be the procedure of choice, if available.
Ultrasound and Sonohysterography
Ultrasound is the standard imaging technique for evaluating the uterus and ovaries, detecting fibroids, ovarian cysts and tumors, and also obstructions in the urinary tract. It uses sound waves to produce an image of the organs and entails no risk and very little discomfort.
Transvaginal sonohysterography uses ultrasound along with saline infused into the uterus, which enhances the visualization of the uterus. This technique is proving to be more accurate than standard ultrasound in identifying potential problems. It is currently the gold standard for diagnosing polycystic ovaries.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gives a better image of any fibroids that might be causing bleeding, but it is expensive and not usually necessary.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is a procedure that may be used to detect the presence of endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, pelvic scar tissue, and blockage at the ends of the fallopian tubes. Some of these conditions can be corrected during the procedure by cutting away any scar tissue that may be binding organs together or by destroying endometrial implants. (It may miss cases of uterine cancer, however, and is not a substitute for more invasive procedures, such as dilation and curettage ( D&C) or endometrial biopsy, if cancer is suspected.)
It is done in the office setting and requires no incisions. The procedure uses a long flexible or rigid tube called a hysteroscope, which is inserted into the vagina and through the cervix to reach the uterus. A fiber optic light source and a tiny camera in the tube allow the doctor to view the cavity. The uterus is filled with saline or carbon dioxide to inflate the cavity and provide better viewing. This frequently causes cramping.
There are small risks of bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia. Many patients experience temporary discomfort in the shoulders after the operation due to residual carbon dioxide that puts pressure on the diaphragm. The wound itself is minimally painful.
Hysterosalpingography
Hysterosalpingography is performed to discover possible blockage in the fallopian tubes and abnormalities in the uterus:
Investigative Tests to Determine Remaining Eggs
As women age, the number of follicles (and therefore their egg supply) declines. Researchers are developing tests that may help determine how many are left. Such tests include the following:
Eventually these markers may be useful for determining which women need more aggressive treatments.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing may be warranted in cases of male infertility or when genetic factors may be causing pregnancy failure in the woman. If genetic abnormalities are suspected in either partner, counseling is recommended.
A technique called preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is now available in some centers that can examine all the chromosomes in a human embryo. It helps identify abnormalities that increase the risk for infertility, treatment failures, or genetic defects in the offspring.
Did you know that eating a certain diet PLUS Timing Sex can improve gender selection?
Read more about the "Girl Diet" HERE. Make sure you know whether your menstrual cycles are regular HERE.
This free Fertility Calculator Calendar and Ovulation Calculator Calendar calculates the day you ovulate, your fertile days for sexual intercourse, and helps improve your fertility. It will also show you when to expect the first pregnancy signs and symptoms.
If you don't know the length of your menstrual cycle or your luteal phase, you can leave these at their default values (menstrual cycle: 28 days, luteal phase: 14 days). However, it is recommended that you record these as they will help you to more accurately predict your likely ovulatory date.
Want a boy or a girl? Then choose "boy" or "girl" and follow the instructions. Our calendar follows exactly the Shettles Methods of Choosing the Sex of the Baby.
Note : This calendar works best if you have a regular 21 to 35-day menstrual cycle. This calendar cannot and should not be used for contraception or to prevent pregnancy. Registering and Logging In may improve the tools experience.
In addition to this calendar, there are a variety of ways to help predict ovulation such as with LH ovulation tests (OPKs) or Fertility Monitors. Or, for an off-line version of the fertility calendar, many women have benefitted from the Ovulation Calendar Wheel, a unique and affordable tool that predicts the ovulation date and is adjustable for short or long cycles.
The best time to get pregnant fast is to have sex or sexual intercourse once a day every day during the 4-5 days before and on the day of ovulation.
There is no single "best day" or best time to get pregnant and to make love if you want to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Studies have shown repeatedly that you can improve your chances of getting pregnant by:
Calculate the best time to get pregnant and your fertile days HERE
Making love the day after ovulation won't get you pregnant.
To improve your chances of getting pregnant, you need to have sex regularly throughout the menstrual cycle and especially during your fertile days. That requires that you first find out how to calculate your fertile days.
While there is no definitive proof that you always improve your chances of getting pregnant by timing sexual intercourse, it can help if you calculate ovulation and your fertile days by using our fertility calendar, doing BBT fertility charting, and using OPKs, or fertility monitors.
Studies have shown that in women with regular cycles, ovulation can happen on many days of the menstrual cycle and there could be many days not just a single best time to get pregnant. Even in women with a regular cycle, there is a 10% chance of ovulating each day after the menstrual period ends.
Because having sex after ovulation won't get you pregnant, it's generally suggested to have sex regularly two to three times a week, every week. That is your best time to get pregnant to improve your chances of getting pregnant.
In addition, you may still want to make love daily during the four to five "fertile" days prior to and during ovulation (if his sperm count is OK). But if that's all you do, then it won't probably increase your pregnancy chances.
It is with great excitement that I pen my first blog post as MCC’s newly appointed Director of EHS. And what a time to take up this honor – during Head Start Awareness Month, a time set aside to recognize the strides that Head Start and EHS programs across the country have taken in educating, shaping communities, and preparing children from low income families for school.
Our celebration of Head Start Awareness Month culminated in a Family Appreciation Day – where families from our sites in South Philadelphia, Norristown and Pottstown attended Mermaid Lake in Blue Bell, PA. They enjoyed food, family fun and an awards ceremony honoring parents who have made an extraordinary commitment to MCC, EHS and their child’s education.
It was an inspiration to meet our dedicated EHS parents. With a consistent emphasis on parent engagement, we provide opportunities for parents to volunteer, receive free trainings and the chance to take a governance role at MCC through the Parent Policy Council. Many of our parents have grasped these opportunities by becoming site volunteers, who give their time to read and play with children, to linguists who help us translate our materials into other languages, to members of our Policy Council and parent committees who help us improve our program.
While we celebrate parent involvement in the program, we also support parents in their role as their children’s first teachers. Those who attended the Family Appreciation Day were invited to take part in a “story corner”, where they were encouraged to read their favorite children’s books aloud to their kids. Parents joined in wholeheartedly, reading aloud from the books that were voted as their favorites, including Clifford the Big Red Dog and Goodnight Moon, as well as moving and inspiring books penned and donated by MCC supporters, Will and Jada Smith. The importance of reading to children can’t be overstated. Researchers frequently refer to the “language gap” – a finding from a groundbreaking study which showed by age 3, children from wealthiest families have heard 30 million more words than children from the poorest. This translates that children from low-income families have slower vocabulary development, decreased language comprehension, and an overall smaller vocabulary size.
A 2013 report by The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) showed that 77% of low-income elementary students in Pennsylvania do not read at grade level. Such differences only increase as children ascend through school, leading to decreased high school and college graduates. Through our emphasis on working with parents so they can become their children’s first teachers, and providing children with a curriculum that ensures they are ready for school, EHS is a critical partner in closing the language gap.
Through the emphasis on cooperation between parents and Advocates or teachers, EHS really works. For example, last year 88% of enrolled children demonstrated improved communication, language and emergent literary skills, 90% demonstrated improved general cognitive skills and 97% demonstrated improved and positive approaches toward learning and increased attention skills. If that’s not cause for celebration, then I don’t know what is!
Unless you have a high risk pregnancy most doctors feel it's safe to travel during the first 8 months of pregnancy. The main concerns with travel during pregnancy are
If you have any medical or obstetric complications, such as poorly controlled diabetes, placental problems, or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, your provider may recommend that you not travel at any time during your pregnancy.
If you plan to travel, discuss the trip with your health care provider. Talk about:
Generally, the safest time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester (13 to 28 weeks). At this time you probably feel your best and you are in the least danger of having a miscarriage or premature labor. While traveling in and by itself is unlikely to increase your risks, there is always a possibility of complications, especially premature labor and delivery. So you need to ask yourself whether you feels safe having a baby wherever you are traveling to.
Avoid traveling any long distance during the last 2 or 3 weeks before your due date. If labor starts early, you will want to be close to home.
What are the general guidelines for travel during pregnancy?
What if I am traveling by bus or train?
You may have less opportunity to walk every couple of hours when you travel by bus. Take advantage of any stops the bus makes to get some exercise.
When you are traveling by train, get up and walk every hour or two.
Remember that there are fewer bathrooms on a bus than a train.
The motion of a train ride will not cause any problems with the pregnancy, such as starting labor.
Are there special concerns for traveling by air?
Flying is usually a safe way to travel. Most domestic airlines will allow a pregnant woman to fly up to the 36th week of pregnancy if there are no problems with the pregnancy. Each airline has policies regarding pregnancy and flying. Check with your airline when you reserve your tickets to see if you need to complete any medical forms.
Suggested guidelines for traveling by air are:
Are there any problems with traveling by sea or ship?
Seasickness is a concern for many people traveling by sea. Your health care provider may recommend medicine that helps prevent motion sickness and is safe during pregnancy. You might also consider trying acupressure wristbands.
Be aware that the medical services on a ship are very limited.
What are the guidelines for traveling internationally?
You should not travel out of the country without discussing it first with your health care provider. Your provider may decide foreign travel is not safe for you. If it is safe, your provider will let you know what should be done before you leave and when you arrive at your destination. You may want to register with an American Embassy or Consulate after you arrive. It is important to make sure you have had all the shots you need for the countries you are planning to visit. Some immunizations cannot be given to pregnant women.
Make sure your health insurance is valid abroad and during pregnancy. Also check that the policy covers a newborn if you were to give birth during your travels.
Be especially cautious about what you eat in countries where traveler's diarrhea might be a problem. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which reduces the blood flow to the placenta and your baby.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an International Travelers Hotline for information on disease and world travel. The phone number is (404) 332-4559. The CDC travelers' health Web site is http://www.cdc.gov/travel.
Read here more about what is safe and what is not in pregnancy and while trying to conceive. Which activities and sports, which foods, which exposures can potentially harm your developing baby?
Are you concerned and worried about what is safe when you TTC and during pregnancy? Being safe is often your main concern when you're pregnant. Find out what's safe and what's not during pregnancy. We can help you get informed. Then relax, because knowing more helps you make the right choices.
Expected ultrasound measurements (mm) based on weeks gestation.
Hadlock Formulas: Haddlock Radiology 1984; 152: 497-501
| Weeks | BPD (mm) | HC (mm) | AC (mm) | FL (mm) |
| 16 | 32.3 | 124.4 | 99.1 | 20.5 |
| 16.5 | 34.2 | 131.2 | 105.5 | 22.1 |
| 17 | 36.0 | 137.9 | 111.9 | 23.7 |
| 17.5 | 37.7 | 144.5 | 118.2 | 25.2 |
| 18 | 39.5 | 151.1 | 124.5 | 26.7 |
| 18.5 | 41.3 | 157.7 | 130.7 | 28.3 |
| 19 | 43.0 | 164.1 | 136.9 | 29.8 |
| 19.5 | 44.7 | 170.5 | 143.0 | 31.2 |
| 20 | 46.4 | 176.8 | 149.1 | 32.7 |
| 20.5 | 48.1 | 183.0 | 155.1 | 34.1 |
| 21 | 49.7 | 189.2 | 161.1 | 35.6 |
| 21.5 | 51.4 | 195.3 | 167.0 | 37.0 |
| 22 | 53.0 | 201.3 | 172.9 | 38.4 |
| 22.5 | 54.6 | 207.2 | 178.7 | 39.8 |
| 23 | 56.2 | 213.0 | 184.5 | 41.1 |
| 23.5 | 57.8 | 218.7 | 190.2 | 42.5 |
| 24 | 59.3 | 224.4 | 195.9 | 43.8 |
| 24.5 | 60.8 | 229.9 | 201.5 | 45.1 |
| 25 | 62.3 | 235.4 | 207.1 | 46.4 |
| 25.5 | 63.8 | 240.8 | 212.7 | 47.7 |
| 26 | 65.3 | 246.0 | 218.1 | 48.9 |
| 26.5 | 66.7 | 251.2 | 223.6 | 50.2 |
| 27 | 68.1 | 256.2 | 228.9 | 51.4 |
| 27.5 | 69.5 | 261.2 | 234.3 | 52.6 |
| 28 | 70.8 | 266.1 | 239.6 | 53.8 |
| 28.5 | 72.2 | 270.8 | 244.8 | 55.0 |
| 29 | 73.5 | 275.5 | 250.0 | 56.1 |
| 29.5 | 74.7 | 280.0 | 255.1 | 57.3 |
| 30 | 76.0 | 284.4 | 260.2 | 58.4 |
| 30.5 | 77.2 | 288.7 | 265.2 | 59.5 |
| 31 | 78.4 | 292.9 | 270.2 | 60.6 |
| 31.5 | 79.6 | 297.0 | 275.1 | 61.7 |
| 32 | 80.7 | 300.9 | 280.0 | 62.7 |
| 32.5 | 81.9 | 304.7 | 284.8 | 63.8 |
| 33 | 82.9 | 308.4 | 289.6 | 64.8 |
| 33.5 | 84.0 | 312.0 | 294.3 | 65.8 |
| 34 | 85.0 | 315.5 | 299.0 | 66.8 |
| 34.5 | 86.0 | 318.8 | 303.7 | 67.7 |
| 35 | 87.0 | 322.0 | 308.2 | 68.7 |
| 35.5 | 87.9 | 325.0 | 312.8 | 69.6 |
| 36 | 88.8 | 327.9 | 317.3 | 70.6 |
| 36.5 | 89.7 | 330.7 | 321.7 | 71.5 |
| 37 | 90.5 | 333.3 | 326.1 | 72.3 |
| 37.5 | 91.3 | 335.8 | 330.4 | 73.2 |
| 38 | 92.1 | 338.2 | 334.7 | 74.1 |
| 38.5 | 92.8 | 340.4 | 338.9 | 74.9 |
| 39 | 93.5 | 342.5 | 343.1 | 75.7 |
| 39.5 | 94.2 | 344.4 | 347.2 | 76.5 |
| 40 | 94.8 | 346.1 | 351.3 | 77.3 |
| 40.5 | 95.4 | 347.7 | 355.4 | 78.1 |
| 41 | 95.9 | 349.2 | 359.3 | 78.8 |
| 41.5 | 96.5 | 350.5 | 363.3 | 79.5 |
| 42 | 96.9 | 351.6 | 367.2 | 80.3 |
Pregnant women are often advised to be on bed rest during pregnancy to treat certain pregnancy complications even there is not much solid scientific evidence that it works in most cases.
Indications for Bed Rest
Types of bed rest
Bed rest will differ from woman to woman and from one indication to the other and also how many weeks along the pregnancy is. Bed rest recommendations may range from just simply "taking it easy," to periodic resting at home to full bed rest and monitoring in a hospital.
Some women will discover that their doctor places them on bed rest for a brief period to help a complication stabilize, whereas other women may be placed on bed rest through most of their pregnancy. Bed rest can be anything from confinement to bed to just taking it easy around the house.
It is important to find out what your doctor means by "bed rest."
Level 1: Taking it easy, taking a break, decreasing your activities.
This might mean taking a break from exercising or sex from a few weeks to the rest of the pregnancy. With this type of bed rest, women need to be able to sit down and rest. This might involve taking a leave from work or getting backup help with the care of children at home.
Level 2: A few hours of bed rest each day.
This level may mean part-time work or taking off work completely, no shopping or carrying groceries. This kind of rest may be recommended for women with mild hypertension or other complications and it may be beneficial if a baby isn't growing well or if there are multiples (e.g. twins, triplets) with a risk of preterm birth.
Level 3: "House Arrest"
This requires taking off work completely, no shopping or carrying groceries. No standing for more than 5 minutes. It's a stricter type of bed rest, where women are essentially confined to the home, and activities are limited to moving around, taking showers, puttering around and mostly resting.
Level 4: Complete Bed Rest
Strict bed rest is prescribed in some cases, which essentially means lying down all day. Sometimes this can be done at home, other times in the hospital getting up might be limited to going to the bathroom, taking a shower, and preparing a simple meal. The strictest forms of bed rest are usually done in the hospital, with a bedpan instead of bathroom privileges and all personal care provided by the hospital staff.
How does bed rest help?
In most cases, bed rest is used to help the body have the best chance to quiet down. Bed rest will be used with women who have conditions related to high blood pressure in order to decrease stress and lower blood pressure. Work, activity, lifting, or exercise may worsen or provoke certain situations, so bed rest may be prescribed to reduce vaginal bleeding or decrease the chance of premature labor. Bed rest may also be necessary (often on your side) to help increase blood flow to the placenta.
What is the best position for bed rest?
The best position for bed rest will depend on your situation and what complication your health care provider is trying to address or prevent. In most cases, your healthcare provider will request that you sleep or rest on your side, usually with your knees or hips bent, and maybe a pillow between your knees. You may be asked to lie on your back while being propped up with pillows or to lie on your back with your hips or legs elevated higher than your shoulders.
How can I deal with bed rest discomforts?
Bed rest will tend to cause your muscles to lose tone and make some of your joints ache. Lying down for long periods of time can also reduce your blood circulation. Changing from side to side will help stimulate your muscles and relieve pressure. Exercise is important for your blood circulation, but make sure that you visit with your health care provider before you begin any exercises. Below are common exercises that may be used:
Consult with your doctor about the best ways for you to get exercise in your situation.
"Do's" and "Don'ts" during bed rest:
The "do's" and "don'ts" during bed rest will vary from woman to woman, depending on your situation and the reasons that bed rest is prescribed by your health care provider. It is important to get a clear understanding of what is allowed during your bed rest period. In most cases, bed rest will require that you avoid lifting, exercise, or any strenuous activity. Here is a list of activities to discuss with your doctorr:
If your bed rest occurs for a long period of time, it is important to discuss exercises or activities that you are allowed to do to keep your blood circulating.
Continue: How to make the very best of bed rest during pregnancy