Qualities of a Mother According to Their Zodiac Signs

While the debate on who is the champion Zodiac sign is something that has no end, it is definitely a good thought exercise for people who want to know how exactly they would fare as a person. This time, we’re taking a closer look at the qualities specifically for mothers depending on their Zodiac signs. Without further adieu, let's check them out. 

How to Have a Smart Baby

How to Have a Smart Baby: Three simple things you can do for your child’s brain development during pregnancy

By: Ms. Mary Jude Icasiano, Nutritionist

Makati City—September 3, 2018— As an expectant mom, you want the best for your baby. That is why you do everything you can to ensure your baby’s health. But did you know that you could do a lot of things that can help give your baby a bright tomorrow?

While your child is yet to be born, your pregnancy is a crucial time in his or her life. In fact, the World Health Organization says that the first 1000 days of your baby’s life, starting with the 270 days of pregnancy and first two years of a child’s life, is an optimum period to building a strong foundation for their health, growth, and ability to learn in the future.

Take these three simple steps to help promote proper brain growth and development of your baby while in the womb.

Stay fit and active

Exercising during pregnancy may not only improve your health but also, the brain development of your baby. The University of Montreal conducted a study where 18 expectant moms and their babies found out that after 10 days of exercising, their unborn children have a faster brain development.

This finding also suggests that being physically active during pregnancy can help increase your body’s blood flow, which can stimulate your baby’s overall development.

Talk to your baby

It may seem like a silly thing to do but, talking to your unborn child can help create and establish a bond between you and your baby. In a 2013 study by Eino Partanen, et al., expectant women were given a recording that they will play towards the end of their pregnancy, which included a made-up word. The babies who heard the recording most frequently had the strongest response, suggesting that language learning begins in the womb.

Playing music is also beneficial to your baby since it helps trigger happy chemicals like serotonin, an important neuromodulator of brain development and the structure and function of neuronal circuits. These chemicals also encourage your baby to feel calm and even increase concentration power.

Eat healthily

Every food you eat during pregnancy has a direct effect on your baby. Take this as an opportunity to eat healthy meals that will help with your baby’s growth and development.

There are certain foods that have been proven to effectively help your baby’s memory and ability to learn. For example, a study led by a researcher from Cornell University found that expectant moms who consumed nearly twice the recommended amount of choline each day during their last trimester gave birth to babies who showed better brain function.

Similarly, consuming foods rich in DHA, Folic Acid, and Iodine, are essential for a healthy brain development.

It is also critical to provide your baby with the nutrients that will support your baby’s brain development. In addition to following a healthy diet, you also need a maternal milk to supplement you and your baby with essential nutrients.

ProMama^® is a delicious tasting nutritional milk drink, scientifically formulated with key nutrients designed to support you during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation. It is rich in brain-building nutrients such as DHA, Folic Acid, Choline, and Iodine. Proper growth and development early on can lead to better health outcomes later in life.

Caring for yourself is essential during pregnancy since it supports all parts of your child’s brain growth and development. Creating a strong foundation built on healthy environment and diet can ensure that your baby will have a bright tomorrow.

What I Did to Achieve a Normal Delivery

My kids are already 9 and 4 years old respectively and both of them were born through normal or vaginal delivery. Other mothers said I was lucky because I was able to undergo a normal delivery. They tried to do the same, but circumstances during delivery are very different to each and every mom, and if the doctor thinks the mother is in danger, he/she has the final say if the mom has to undergo a cesarean section.

Me and the kids

At first, when I became pregnant, I also thought of having a c-section because it’s fast, effortless, or even painless compared to normal delivery. But when I asked my mom, who had a C-section with my younger brother 20 years ago, she said that it hurts like hell when the anesthesia wears off and recovery time takes longer.  That’s when I decided to have a normal delivery instead. It’s cheaper,  offers fast recovery time, and has benefits for the baby.

So when I was set on having a normal delivery, I thought of reducing my carbohydrates intake such as rice.  I replaced it when wheat bread and then ate any viand I want. During breakfast, I ate cereals, bananas, and milk. I really had a craving for milk and cereals during my first pregnancy so this change of diet was a piece of cake for me.

I may be dieting, but I also made sure that I monitor my baby’s weight if it’s within normal range by visiting my OB-Gynecologist every 2 weeks. I also made sure to take prescribed vitamins such as Iron capsules and one of those vitamin-fortified mommy milk such as Anmum, which I really loved the taste.

At the start of the 3rd trimester, I got rashes on my tummy's skin. My doctor said it was probably the weather because it was hot (summer time). She advised me not to use any strong soaps to wash it. Water or hypoallergenic soaps would be enough and it did disappear eventually.I also experienced some slight itching on the nipples and it was really irritating. Sometimes I no longer wear a bra because it somehow lessened the itching. Some mommies were asking me what I did to make it go away, but personally, I didn't do anything but didn't wear a bra. It just went away on its own in my case. ( Click this link for more info on how to relieve itchy nipples: http://www.checkpregnancy.com/itchy-nipples-early- pregnancy/)

Then D-day came and I was already feeling the contractions. At first, they were just mild ones and then every hour from then on, the contractions became more painful so I told my husband that it’s time to go to the hospital. I waited 2 hours in the emergency room while my husband was trying to get a room for my admission. Then I was sent to the delivery room (not a private one) where I was also with 2 other moms who were about to give birth.

Me after giving birth

While I was in pain, a doctor, whom I didn’t get the name, whispered to me if I wanted to have an epidural or a painless delivery for P10,000.  I declined because we didn’t have the money, so I simply pushed real hard when the doctor said it was time to push. After several excruciating pushes, I heard my baby cry. Unfortunately, right after that, I fainted and fell asleep. I woke up in their recovery room which was a major bummer for me because I didn't get to see my child right away. I saw my baby the day after.

The very next day, we checked out because I was already strong enough to go home. 3 days later, it was like nothing happened. I fully recovered physically and my baby is healthy.

So that’s that, my dear readers.  Simply reduce your carbs, replace them with fiber, and don’t forget to take vitamins. Oh, and do some minor exercises if you can and always visit your ob-gyn for regular check ups. For more pregnancy tips, visit Check Pregnancy and you might get some interesting tidbits.