Ingredients:
4 cup low fat yogurts
2 tsp minced ginger
2 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
2 capsicum
1/2 tsp black salt
salt and pepper to taste
6-8 cubes ice crushed
Direction:
Place all ingredients in the blender except ice.
Blend until smooth.
Serve cool.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Recipes: Masala Dal
Ingredients :
2 tbsp oil
1 medium onion finely chopped
1 tsp garlic
1 tsp ginger
1 green chilly finely chopped
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp garam masala
2 tsp kastoori methi
2 tbsp chana dal
2 tbsp moong dal
2 tbsp masoor dal
2 tbsp soya granules
1 tsp mango powder
2 tsp lemon juice
150 gm paneer
Direction:
Heat oil and saute the onions till light brown.
Stir in garlic, ginger, green chillies and dry spices.
Add all dals, soya granules and water.
Let it boil, simmer until dals are tender.
Let it cool.
Place dal mixture and all balance ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth paste is formed.
Serve chilled with raw vegetable as a dip or with tandoori rotis.
2 tbsp oil
1 medium onion finely chopped
1 tsp garlic
1 tsp ginger
1 green chilly finely chopped
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp garam masala
2 tsp kastoori methi
2 tbsp chana dal
2 tbsp moong dal
2 tbsp masoor dal
2 tbsp soya granules
1 tsp mango powder
2 tsp lemon juice
150 gm paneer
Direction:
Heat oil and saute the onions till light brown.
Stir in garlic, ginger, green chillies and dry spices.
Add all dals, soya granules and water.
Let it boil, simmer until dals are tender.
Let it cool.
Place dal mixture and all balance ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth paste is formed.
Serve chilled with raw vegetable as a dip or with tandoori rotis.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
When is the Best Time to Have Sex to Get Pregnant?
There is a lot of misinformation out there on when you can get pregnant and when you can’t. In high school sex education classes, many of us remember being told you can get pregnant if you have sex at any time during your cycle. Telling teenagers that they can get pregnant at any time may be an effective way of encouraging them to wait to have sex, but the information is far from accurate.
To get pregnant, you need to have sex before you ovulate, with the two to three days prior to ovulation being your most fertile days.
Predicting Ovulation and the Day 14 Myth
Something else often heard, even from doctors, is that ovulation is on day 14 of the menstrual cycle (with day one being the day you get your period). Some women hear this and decide to plan to have sex on day 14. The problem is that many women don’t ovulate on day 14 of their cycle. Normal ovulation can occur as early as day 10 and as late as day 20 (or even later, especially if your cycles are irregular).
So how can you predict when you will ovulate?
But research says that the best day for sexual intercourse when trying to get pregnant is the day you notice the most fertile cervical mucus. Fertile cervical mucus is cervical discharge that resembles raw egg-white and typically appears on the days prior before ovulation.
Why Waiting for Ovulation Isn’t the Best Idea
Sometimes we get so obsessed about having sex at the right time, we neglect sex at other times during the cycle. Sex begins to feel more like a chore, becoming less about love and connection. This can put tremendous stress on a relationship.
Beyond that, though, there are other reasons not to wait that pertain to your fertility itself.
If you try to time sex only for ovulation, you’re more likely to miss your opportunity. If you’re waiting and waiting for ovulation signs, you could miss them or they could occur when sex just isn’t possible.
Research does say that sex during the six days prior to ovulation does indeed have the possibility of resulting in pregnancy. If you plan on having sex two to three times a week, regardless of fertility signs, you’re likely to have sex at least once during this six-day time period. This is less stressful than trying to time sex for a particular few days.
In addition, research studies have shown that after 10 days of abstinence, sperm quality and quantity is greatly diminished. Sperm quality and quantity peaks, however, after one or two days of abstinence.
If you’ve waited to have sex until you have signs of ovulation, and you haven’t had sex for several days before, the sperm your partner provides may not be as fertile. You may be at your most fertile time, but he won’t be at his peak fertility.
To get pregnant, you need to have sex before you ovulate, with the two to three days prior to ovulation being your most fertile days.
Predicting Ovulation and the Day 14 Myth
Something else often heard, even from doctors, is that ovulation is on day 14 of the menstrual cycle (with day one being the day you get your period). Some women hear this and decide to plan to have sex on day 14. The problem is that many women don’t ovulate on day 14 of their cycle. Normal ovulation can occur as early as day 10 and as late as day 20 (or even later, especially if your cycles are irregular).
So how can you predict when you will ovulate?
But research says that the best day for sexual intercourse when trying to get pregnant is the day you notice the most fertile cervical mucus. Fertile cervical mucus is cervical discharge that resembles raw egg-white and typically appears on the days prior before ovulation.
Why Waiting for Ovulation Isn’t the Best Idea
Sometimes we get so obsessed about having sex at the right time, we neglect sex at other times during the cycle. Sex begins to feel more like a chore, becoming less about love and connection. This can put tremendous stress on a relationship.
Beyond that, though, there are other reasons not to wait that pertain to your fertility itself.
If you try to time sex only for ovulation, you’re more likely to miss your opportunity. If you’re waiting and waiting for ovulation signs, you could miss them or they could occur when sex just isn’t possible.
Research does say that sex during the six days prior to ovulation does indeed have the possibility of resulting in pregnancy. If you plan on having sex two to three times a week, regardless of fertility signs, you’re likely to have sex at least once during this six-day time period. This is less stressful than trying to time sex for a particular few days.
In addition, research studies have shown that after 10 days of abstinence, sperm quality and quantity is greatly diminished. Sperm quality and quantity peaks, however, after one or two days of abstinence.
If you’ve waited to have sex until you have signs of ovulation, and you haven’t had sex for several days before, the sperm your partner provides may not be as fertile. You may be at your most fertile time, but he won’t be at his peak fertility.
Why Do I Sometimes Feel Pregnant When I Am Not Pregnant?
Feeling pregnant? Maybe you have been trying to get pregnant for a while and have months when you think you’re pregnant, only to find out that, nope, you’re not. If yes, you are not alone.
The experience of feeling pregnant when trying to get pregnant isn’t uncommon. Spend any time on fertility message boards, and you’re bound to hear members refer to "imaginary pregnancy symptoms." You probably have experienced imaginary pregnancy symptoms yourself.
Imaginary Pregnancy Symptoms
Imaginary Pregnancy Symptoms (IPS) are exactly what they sound like — symptoms a woman experiences that make her think that she may be pregnant. Don’t expect to hear your doctor use the term IPS; it’s not a technical term. The phrase was invented on fertility message boards around the world as a loving way to refer to those “symptoms” that make us feel pregnant.
The time between ovulation and your expected period is when you’re most likely to be anxious about whether or not this month will be the month. It’s natural to assume that you may imagine some early pregnancy symptoms, such as tender breasts, fatigue, bloating, emotional sensitivity, light cramping and even food cravings. Much like an oasis in the desert, you want to be pregnant so much that you’re sure you can feel it.
Feeling Pregnant — Not Completely Imaginary?
What may surprise you is that these feelings aren’t all in your head. They’re real reactions to the hormones in your body that are preparing for possible pregnancy. Our bodies are optimistic when it comes to pregnancy potential, and as soon as ovulation occurs, the body prepares itself for new life, even if conception did not take place.
One of the hormones responsible for many imaginary pregnancy symptoms is progesterone, which increases just after ovulation and drops when your period comes (if you’re not pregnant). Also, if you’re taking fertility drugs, their side effects can sometimes be mistaken for early pregnancy symptoms.
It’d be nice if we could just feel whether we’re pregnant or not, and it sure would cut down the anxiety of the 2-week wait. The symptoms of early pregnancy, though, are practically indistinguishable from normal premenstrual symptoms.
The Bottom Line on Feeling Pregnant
While your "pregnant feelings" aren't 100% imagined, you can feel worse the more you focus on the feelings. It helps to remind yourself that whether you feel pregnant or not, it doesn’t mean anything. Some women are sure they are pregnant, complete with throwing up in the morning, and then find out they’re not. Some women feel absolutely nothing and find out they’re pregnant after all.
The only way to know if you’re pregnant is to wait out the 2-week wait and take a pregnancy test when your period is overdue.
The experience of feeling pregnant when trying to get pregnant isn’t uncommon. Spend any time on fertility message boards, and you’re bound to hear members refer to "imaginary pregnancy symptoms." You probably have experienced imaginary pregnancy symptoms yourself.
Imaginary Pregnancy Symptoms
Imaginary Pregnancy Symptoms (IPS) are exactly what they sound like — symptoms a woman experiences that make her think that she may be pregnant. Don’t expect to hear your doctor use the term IPS; it’s not a technical term. The phrase was invented on fertility message boards around the world as a loving way to refer to those “symptoms” that make us feel pregnant.
The time between ovulation and your expected period is when you’re most likely to be anxious about whether or not this month will be the month. It’s natural to assume that you may imagine some early pregnancy symptoms, such as tender breasts, fatigue, bloating, emotional sensitivity, light cramping and even food cravings. Much like an oasis in the desert, you want to be pregnant so much that you’re sure you can feel it.
Feeling Pregnant — Not Completely Imaginary?
What may surprise you is that these feelings aren’t all in your head. They’re real reactions to the hormones in your body that are preparing for possible pregnancy. Our bodies are optimistic when it comes to pregnancy potential, and as soon as ovulation occurs, the body prepares itself for new life, even if conception did not take place.
One of the hormones responsible for many imaginary pregnancy symptoms is progesterone, which increases just after ovulation and drops when your period comes (if you’re not pregnant). Also, if you’re taking fertility drugs, their side effects can sometimes be mistaken for early pregnancy symptoms.
It’d be nice if we could just feel whether we’re pregnant or not, and it sure would cut down the anxiety of the 2-week wait. The symptoms of early pregnancy, though, are practically indistinguishable from normal premenstrual symptoms.
The Bottom Line on Feeling Pregnant
While your "pregnant feelings" aren't 100% imagined, you can feel worse the more you focus on the feelings. It helps to remind yourself that whether you feel pregnant or not, it doesn’t mean anything. Some women are sure they are pregnant, complete with throwing up in the morning, and then find out they’re not. Some women feel absolutely nothing and find out they’re pregnant after all.
The only way to know if you’re pregnant is to wait out the 2-week wait and take a pregnancy test when your period is overdue.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Is It Safe to Have Sex During Pregnancy?
If you're having a normal pregnancy, sex is considered safe during all stages of the pregnancy.
So what's a "normal pregnancy"? It's one that's considered low-risk for complications such as miscarriage or pre-term labor. Talk to your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider if you're uncertain about whether you fall into this category.
Of course, just because sex is safe during pregnancy doesn't mean you'll necessarily want to have it! Many expectant mothers find that their desire for sex fluctuates during certain stages in the pregnancy. Also, many women find that sex becomes uncomfortable as their bodies get larger.
You and your partner need to keep the lines of communication open regarding your sexual relationship. Talk about other ways to satisfy your need for intimacy, such as kissing, caressing, and holding each other. You also may need to experiment with other positions for sex to find those that are the most comfortable.
Many women find that they lose their desire and motivation for sex late in the pregnancy - not only because of their size but also because they're preoccupied with the impending delivery and the excitement of becoming a new parent.
When It's Not Safe
There are two types of sexual behavior that aren't safe for any pregnant woman:
If you engage in oral sex, your partner should not blow air into your vagina.
Blowing air can cause an air embolism (a blockage of a blood vessel by an air bubble), which can be potentially fatal for mother and child.
You should not have sex with a partner whose sexual history is unknown to you or who may have a sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, or HIV. If you become infected, the disease may be transmitted to your baby, with potentially dangerous consequences.
If your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider anticipates or detects certain significant complications with your pregnancy, he or she is likely to advise against sexual intercourse. The most common risk factors include:
-a history or threat of miscarriage
-a history of pre-term labor (you've previously delivered a baby before 37 weeks) or signs indicating the risk of pre-term labor (such as premature uterine contractions)
-unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping
-leakage of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby)
-placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta (the blood-rich structure that nourishes the baby) is situated down so low that it covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus)
-incompetent cervix, a condition in which the cervix is weakened and dilates (opens) prematurely, raising the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery
-multiple fetuses (you're having twins, triplets, etc.)
So what's a "normal pregnancy"? It's one that's considered low-risk for complications such as miscarriage or pre-term labor. Talk to your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider if you're uncertain about whether you fall into this category.
Of course, just because sex is safe during pregnancy doesn't mean you'll necessarily want to have it! Many expectant mothers find that their desire for sex fluctuates during certain stages in the pregnancy. Also, many women find that sex becomes uncomfortable as their bodies get larger.
You and your partner need to keep the lines of communication open regarding your sexual relationship. Talk about other ways to satisfy your need for intimacy, such as kissing, caressing, and holding each other. You also may need to experiment with other positions for sex to find those that are the most comfortable.
Many women find that they lose their desire and motivation for sex late in the pregnancy - not only because of their size but also because they're preoccupied with the impending delivery and the excitement of becoming a new parent.
When It's Not Safe
There are two types of sexual behavior that aren't safe for any pregnant woman:
If you engage in oral sex, your partner should not blow air into your vagina.
Blowing air can cause an air embolism (a blockage of a blood vessel by an air bubble), which can be potentially fatal for mother and child.
You should not have sex with a partner whose sexual history is unknown to you or who may have a sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, or HIV. If you become infected, the disease may be transmitted to your baby, with potentially dangerous consequences.
If your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider anticipates or detects certain significant complications with your pregnancy, he or she is likely to advise against sexual intercourse. The most common risk factors include:
-a history or threat of miscarriage
-a history of pre-term labor (you've previously delivered a baby before 37 weeks) or signs indicating the risk of pre-term labor (such as premature uterine contractions)
-unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping
-leakage of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby)
-placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta (the blood-rich structure that nourishes the baby) is situated down so low that it covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus)
-incompetent cervix, a condition in which the cervix is weakened and dilates (opens) prematurely, raising the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery
-multiple fetuses (you're having twins, triplets, etc.)
Common Pregnancy Myths
Pregnancy myths may vary from generation to generation and from region to region. Myths your grandmother in Texas claims are true might be different from what your uncle in Alaska believes. Here are a few of the most common pregnancy myths:
Myth: Standing on your head after sex can increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
Truth: Although some experts say that lying down after sex for 20 to 30 minutes can boost your chances of conception because it keeps the sperm inside you, standing on your head has not been proven to aid in conception (and you might hurt your neck while trying to do it!).
Myth: The shape and height of your belly can indicate your baby's sex.
Truth: The popular belief that women carrying boys carry low and that women carrying girls carry high just isn't true. The shape and height of your belly is determined by your muscle tone, uterine tone, and the position the baby is in. That's why someone may think you're having a boy because you're carrying low, when actually the baby just dropped lower into the pelvis because you're closer to delivery. So, what's the most accurate way to determine your baby's sex? Talk to your doctor about getting an ultrasound.
Myth: Fetal heart rate can indicate your baby's sex.
Truth: A normal fetal heart rate is between 120 and 160 beats per minute (bpm), although some people think if it's faster (usually above the 140 bpm range) it's a girl and if it's slower it's a boy. But there have been no studies that conclusively show that heart rate is a predictor for a baby's gender. Your baby's heart rate will probably differ from prenatal visit to prenatal visit anyway - depending on the age of the fetus and activity level at the time of the visit.
Myth: The shape and fullness of your face during pregnancy can indicate your baby's sex.
Truth: Every woman gains weight differently during pregnancy, and every woman experiences different skin changes. If people tell you that because your face is round and rosy you're having a girl, they might be right - but it's just as likely that they're wrong!
Myth: Standing on your head after sex can increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
Truth: Although some experts say that lying down after sex for 20 to 30 minutes can boost your chances of conception because it keeps the sperm inside you, standing on your head has not been proven to aid in conception (and you might hurt your neck while trying to do it!).
Myth: The shape and height of your belly can indicate your baby's sex.
Truth: The popular belief that women carrying boys carry low and that women carrying girls carry high just isn't true. The shape and height of your belly is determined by your muscle tone, uterine tone, and the position the baby is in. That's why someone may think you're having a boy because you're carrying low, when actually the baby just dropped lower into the pelvis because you're closer to delivery. So, what's the most accurate way to determine your baby's sex? Talk to your doctor about getting an ultrasound.
Myth: Fetal heart rate can indicate your baby's sex.
Truth: A normal fetal heart rate is between 120 and 160 beats per minute (bpm), although some people think if it's faster (usually above the 140 bpm range) it's a girl and if it's slower it's a boy. But there have been no studies that conclusively show that heart rate is a predictor for a baby's gender. Your baby's heart rate will probably differ from prenatal visit to prenatal visit anyway - depending on the age of the fetus and activity level at the time of the visit.
Myth: The shape and fullness of your face during pregnancy can indicate your baby's sex.
Truth: Every woman gains weight differently during pregnancy, and every woman experiences different skin changes. If people tell you that because your face is round and rosy you're having a girl, they might be right - but it's just as likely that they're wrong!
Recipes: Creamy Broccoli Soup
Prep time: 30 to 45 minutes (includes cooking time)
Ingredients:
1 c. onion, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 clove garlic, chopped
6 c. broccoli, chopped (about 2 crowns)
2 c. low sodium chicken broth
2 c. skim milk
ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
In a large soup pot, combine onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
Add the broccoli, cover the pot, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
Allow the soup to cool and transfer the soup to a blender. Add skim milk and blend until smooth.
Transfer soup back to the pot and reheat the mixture slowly until heated through.
Serves: 6
Serving size: about 1 cup
Nutritional analysis (per serving):
101 calories
8 g protein
1 g fat
0.5 g sat. fat
17 g carbohydrate
6 g fiber
3 mg cholesterol
142 mg sodium
169 mg calcium
1 mg iron
183 mcg folic acid
Nutritional analysis may vary depending on ingredient brands used.
This soup is high in folic acid because of the amount of broccoli used. Adequate folic acid intake is important, especially during the early weeks of pregnancy, to help prevent birth defects.
Ingredients:
1 c. onion, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 clove garlic, chopped
6 c. broccoli, chopped (about 2 crowns)
2 c. low sodium chicken broth
2 c. skim milk
ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
In a large soup pot, combine onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
Add the broccoli, cover the pot, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
Allow the soup to cool and transfer the soup to a blender. Add skim milk and blend until smooth.
Transfer soup back to the pot and reheat the mixture slowly until heated through.
Serves: 6
Serving size: about 1 cup
Nutritional analysis (per serving):
101 calories
8 g protein
1 g fat
0.5 g sat. fat
17 g carbohydrate
6 g fiber
3 mg cholesterol
142 mg sodium
169 mg calcium
1 mg iron
183 mcg folic acid
Nutritional analysis may vary depending on ingredient brands used.
This soup is high in folic acid because of the amount of broccoli used. Adequate folic acid intake is important, especially during the early weeks of pregnancy, to help prevent birth defects.
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