SEOUL, South Korea – Public appearances by Ri Sol-ju, the wife of leader Kim Jong-un, were reported by North Korean state media for the first time in two months on Tuesday amid mounting speculation that she had been chastised for inappropriate conduct or that she may be pregnant.

Her once frequent appearances with her husband in public reported in state media had marked the starkest break by the North’s leadership from the dour image of Kim’s father, Kim Jong-il, who was rarely seen in public with any of his wives.

Ri attended football match and a musical concert with Kim Jong-un on Monday. Their appearance at the concert “drew a thunderous cheer from the audience”, the official KCNA news agency said on Tuesday.

Activities and public appearances in choreographed media reports give rare indications of events inside the reclusive state, which is locked in a stand-off with its neighbours and the West over its nuclear weapons programme.

Kim Jong-il, who died in December, had suffered a stroke in 2008 which was followed by a sudden disappearance from media until re-emerging in early 2009 appearing gaunt and ill.

Monday’s events in Pyongyang and his visit to a military college were also the first public appearance by the young new leader Kim Jong-un himself in about two weeks. He looked healthy and confident in photos accompanying reports over four pages in the Tuesday’s edition of the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper.

South Korea’s intelligence agency had joined the fray of speculation over the sudden disappearance of Ri from state media since early September saying state elders may have raised an issue over her casual and cheerful demeanour portrayed in media.

“The analysis has been that there was concern over breach of discipline [by Ri] among North Korean elders, plus the speculation of pregnancy,” South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo newspaper quoted the National Intelligence Service as reporting in a closed-door briefing to parliament.

North Korea broke the mystery surrounding a young woman who had been seen with Kim in July by saying she was the leader’s wife. The announcement itself was part of a trend that Kim has followed to break out of the secretive management style of his father.

North Korea’s state media have not disclosed when the two got married or whether they had any children.

Article taken from http://worldnews.nbcnews.com.

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Is your menstrual period late?

Just like the other systems of the body, a woman’s monthly period is controlled by our brain, which hypothalamus gland commands when an egg should be dispensed by the ovary, and send signal to uterus prompting uterus to thicken the walls in the event that conception happens. But in case the woman is not pregnant, the uterine lining and the eggs are consequently shed during her menstrual period.

Most women undergo between eleven and thirteen menstrual periods every year. However, for some reasons or another, there are women who experience more or fewer than these. Usually, menstrual periods come irregular during the first few months after the first menstruation. But unless a woman is pregnant, there are some factors that significantly cause irregular menstrual periods, or oligomenorrhea, such as:

Weight loss or gain.  A woman’s menstrual cycle is likely to be affected with sudden weight loss, especially when it is caused by anorexia or anxiety, as it disturbs the hormonal balance in the body.  Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstrual period, can also be caused by side effects of certain drugs, like those taken for chemotherapy, birth control, phenothiazines, and busulfan.

Meanwhile, overweight women may experience irregular periods due to overproduction of estrogen, which somehow sends wrong signal to the ovaries that the body is pregnant. Because of this, menstruation stops.

Stress. When our body is under some stress, our body will automatically secretes cortisol, a hormone that decreases the releases of progesterone and estrogen hormone which are responsible for regulating menstrual cycle. Stress can occur in many forms, like: poor nutrition, dangerous situation, relationship issues, difficult tasks, and other external factors.

Illness or physiological imbalance.  A sudden but short ailment, as well as longer periods of sickness can be contributing factors for delayed or irregular menstrual period.

Eating disorder. Since a woman suffering from eating disorder has consequently upset her vitamin and nutrient levels, she eventually puts many of her bodily functions and anatomical features on the line, including her menstrual cycle.

Increased exercise. Women endurance athletes are likely to suffer from irregular or missed periods because their hormone levels are significantly affected by intense forms of exercise.

Travel. Travel, particularly long-haul flights, can be stressful due to the frenzy and anticipation that precedes the trip, lack of sleep during flight, dehydration, airplane food, and change of routine.  Studies show that flying through different time zones alters the body’s biorhythms.

Medications and illegal drug use. There are some drugs that can cause a woman’s monthly period to stop or skip, like contraceptive pills and other birth control methods.  Illegal drug use can also upset her fertility.

Hormone problems. Hormone imbalance caused by many diseases and conditions can greatly affect a woman’s monthly period.

Breast-feeding.  Some nursing mothers may have altered periods until they stop breast feeding.

Pelvic organ conditions. Imperforate hymen, polycystic ovary syndrome, or Asherman’s syndrome can also contribute to a woman’s irregular period.

It should be noted, however, that even if a woman is not menstruating, she can still become pregnant. She might just need to restore her emotional and physical balance by relaxing in order to have a regular monthly period. n

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The birth of a child is a life changing event.  While it is a happy and exciting time, it can also bring nervous feelings for many.  Fortunately, there are steps an expectant mother can take to make the transition a little smoother and a lot less worrisome, freeing up time to enjoy the precious new addition to the family.

Before Baby Arrives

1. Baby proofing—There are many household items that could potentially harm a baby and it’s best to take care of them as soon as possible. Practice good habits before the baby begins to explore the home.

2. Stock up—Stock up on things such as diapers and formula before the baby arrives.  Don’t forget about things the new mother will need as well, such as food, comfort items and sanitary napkins.

3. Resources—There are many resources available to assist new parents and children.  Some, such as Women, Infants, and Children (W.I.C.) not only provide important nutrition education, but also provide valuable vouchers participants can use to purchase a variety of food items.

Leaving the Hospital

1. Ask and Practice—This is the time for new parents to practice things such as diapering and feeding while hospital staff is around to help.  Parents should also take advantage of this opportunity to ask any questions they may have, including securing the number of a local hotline they may call in case of future questions or concerns.

2. Safety First—Having a properly installed infant car seat is required before a hospital will discharge baby. Be sure to research brands available to make sure that it is federally approved for safety and be sure to have it installed properly.

Bringing Baby Home

1. Enjoy the baby—This can be a very overwhelming time for a new mother.  There are a million things to do, but it’s important to slow down and take time to enjoy the baby.

2. Lighten up—It’s important for a new mother to give themselves permission to slack off a little on housework or other household tasks.  While it’s necessary to maintain a clean home for good health, it’s important to strike a balance between chores and family life.

3. Join a group—Joining a mother’s group is an excellent opportunity for socialization as well as an opportunity to learn from other mothers.

Other Things to Consider

1. Documentation is key—Baby’s progress very quickly.  Keeping a traditional or virtual baby book, complete with lots of pictures and video, will help document the rapid changes.

2. Cord blood banking—Some parents choose to store or “bank” the baby’s umbilical cord blood.  Stem cells from cord blood may be used to help treat certain medical conditions that may arise in the future for the child or possibly a sibling

3. Minimize caregiver fatigue—Mothers must take time to exercise, eat properly and allow at least a small amount of leisure time.

Caring for a newborn is not an easy task, but following the tips listed above can help.  Planning ahead, taking advantage of existing resources and taking good care of themselves will help new mothers navigate this rewarding experience.

This article was written by Katie Moore. Katie is an active writer within the blogging community who discusses maternity, motherhood, prenatal health, childbirth and other topics within this niche.  If you have any questions or would like to connect with Katie please contact by visiting her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter @moorekm26.

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For the superstitious, pregnancy entails a seemingly endless of do’s and don’ts, many of which are even unfounded.  There are beliefs that a pregnant woman should not be allowed to work, lift anything, or walk around much, let alone doing exercise or pregnancy workout, because she might have miscarriage.

Strenuous activities may affect pregnancy, but then, working out during a pregnancy term does not necessarily have to be laborious.  There are varied forms and levels of exercises designed especially for the expectant one. All she needs to do prior to planning a regimen is to consult with her doctor on which one(s) fit her.  Unless it is hampered by complications or ailment, exercise or pregnancy workout should be a healthy activity, for both mother and fetus, providing all the benefits of a regular regimen and some more, such as:

Benefits of Pregnancy Workout:

Improved mood and reduced fatigue. Expectant women usually experience low-level tiredness during their first trimester, but a little push of simple routine can help a lot in overcoming fatigue and fighting nausea, stiff muscles, stress, and weight gain. A good workout can also reduce mood swings, prevent depression, enhance self-image, and provide a sense of control.

Improved sleep. One of the most common complaints of pregnant women is that they have difficulty sleeping through the night. But studies and other mothers who worked out on a regular basis during their pregnancy said that exercise allowed them to get rid of excess energy that consequently made them so tired and induced them to sleep and make them rest well.  However, exercise should be done at least three hours before going to bed; otherwise, it could be too energizing.

Manage pregnancy constipation and hemorrhoids. Some pregnant women also complain about having constipation and hemorrhoids.  This is because their bodies as well as their eating habits undergo many changes.  But then again, this problem can be remedied by doing some exercises. Women who have tried it affirm that even a 30-minute brisk walk or a 10-minute stroll considerably improved their bowel movement.

Increased energy level. Appropriate exercise makes the joints strong, relieves backaches by strengthening the muscles, improves posture, and boosts the cardiovascular system. Besides, it enhances the brain to release endorphins, those hormone-like substances that are responsible in producing a natural feeling of elation and well being.  An improved circulation considerably alleviates certain conditions like constipation, hemorrhoids, leg cramps, varicose veins, and swelling of the ankles.

Prevent gestational diabetes. Proper pregnancy workout is a helpful therapy for those who are prone to develop gestational diabetes, a condition that appears only during pregnancy and which usually starts between the twenty-fourth and twenty-eighth weeks of pregnancy.

Facilitate childbirth and healthy baby. Studies have shown that mothers who did regular workouts are more likely to have shorter and less exhaustive labor and delivery, and require lesser medical interventions during labor. They also tend to recover from the strains of childbirth quickly. Likewise, their babies have healthier weights at birth.

Quick post-partum recovery.  Exercise promotes faster physical recovery after childbirth and helps them get back into shape quick.

It should be noted, however, that not all pregnant women are naturally fit to do workouts. There are women who have high-risk pregnancy, or are prone to pre-term labor.  Therefore, their regimen should be closely monitored by their respective physicians or health care provider.

So now you know that there’s tons of benefits from pregnancy workout, I believe every pregnant woman should pick up a simple pregnancy workout and start doing it gently one at a time.

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The primary purpose of pregnancy vaccination is to strengthen one’s immune system against serious infectious diseases, as well as to prevent communicable diseases from spreading.  Particularly, women who intend to get pregnant should all the more be encouraged to get vaccinated against certain ailments to protect not only themselves but also the fetus they are going to conceive.

Pregnancy Vaccination

There has been no conclusive evidence yet regarding risks to a developing fetus from vaccination – either inactivated virus or live vaccines – of the mother during pregnancy. Rather, its benefits far exceed potential risks.  Nevertheless, as precautionary measure, women should avoid getting pregnant for at least 28 days after she receives any of the vaccines.

Measles, mumps, and rubella live virus vaccines, which are usually grouped together as MMR, should only be given at least three months before getting pregnant, and not during pregnancy.  This is a standard procedure to ascertain a woman’s immunity to rubella.  If in case the initial rubella test indicates that the woman is vulnerable to it, she will then receive the vaccine post-partum.

Measles can greatly affect a pregnant woman, especially if she has not been vaccinated before because it exposes her to the risk of spontaneous abortion or of not carrying the pregnancy to term.  In this case, she needs to see her doctor immediately.  However, if she had been vaccinated or had experienced measles before, she need not worry at all. Meanwhile, although there is no evidence that mumps virus has been associated with defects in the unborn a pregnant woman who acquires mumps during her first 12 to 16 weeks of pregnancy can be prone to miscarriage.  There is also a lingering concern that attenuated rubella vaccine virus might cause abnormalities in the fetus, but experts maintain that this is hypothetical risk only.  There have been incidents where rubella vaccine, either monovalent or as MMR, was inadvertently administered to pregnant women, but without harmful effects to the fetus.

On the other hand, varicella vaccine, which is used to prevent chicken pox, should be administered at least one month prior to pregnancy.  A pregnant woman who acquires chicken pox is likely to be in greater risk of having severe illness, and her child may be born with congenital varicella syndrome, a very rare disorder where the affected newborn shows distinctive abnormalities like low birth weight, defects of the skin, upper and lower extremities, brain, eyes, and other parts of the body.

Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine. Tetanus, which is frequently called lock-jaw, is a serious condition of the central nervous system caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani.  Tetanus, now a rare condition, can be fatal to a newborn, but is preventable if the mother is vaccinated.

Diphtheria, a dangerous respiratory infection, is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria, which produces toxin that runs into the bloodstream.  It is a communicable and fatal disease that usually attacks the throat, nose, and in serious cases, the heart and nerves.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a widespread and potentially life-threatening respiratory infection that has been the culprit of morbidity and mortality in infants less than 6 months old.  It has an incubation period of 7 to 20 days.

Hepatitis B, also known as serum hepatitis, is a communicable disease of the liver caused by a DNA virus that can be acquired through a contaminated blood or blood derivatives, sexual contact with an infected individual, or through used and unclean needles and instruments.  It has a long incubation period with symptoms that can develop into severe or chronic ailment and even poses a risk to the liver.

All pregnant women must submit to a Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test during their initial prenatal visit for immunity.  If, however, they are vulnerable to it and if there is likelihood for them to be a risk factor, they should be vaccinated immediately.  Hepatitis B in pregnant women may cause severe conditions to the mother, the fetus, and the newborn.

Meanwhile, human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common type of sexually transmitted disease that can cause genital warts and cervical cancer. It is passed on either through genital contact, oral sex, and also between straight and same-sex partners.  And, although it is a rare occurrence, a mother may also transmit the disease to her baby during childbirth.  The disease can be avoided by an HPV vaccine, but the most effective way to prevent or reduce it from spreading is by safe sex practices and limiting sexual partners.

At least two drug companies have developed and tested HPV vaccine. However, it created controversies among conservative groups, who claim that such vaccine may promote promiscuity.  While in another note, some sectors and even medical professionals claim that the HPV virus does not cause cervical cancer, at all.  They accuse certain drug companies of disseminating this fallacy in order to promote its product. Remember also to discuss about pregnancy vaccination with your doctor.

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Deciding to have a baby is something worth thoroughly discussing about between couples because it involves life and responsibilities.  Aside from physical preparations, there are salient points that couples need to be considered in planning for a family.

Physical and mental health

One of the top priorities, if not the first, to consider before getting pregnant, is to determine whether or not both would-be parents are physically fit to have a baby, because this factor has a bearing on the future offspring. It could be that the mother is not fit to be pregnant due to some health conditions. It would also be a futile attempt to forego medical consultation when, in the first place, the man has a problem with his sperm fertility. Likewise, both parents should avoid unnecessary stress because it can affect both their physical and emotional health. Studies also show that women suffering from depression tend to have fertility problems.  Besides, a clinically depressed woman is generally unable to take care of herself, so much less can she be expected to look after her baby.

Lifestyle

Couples who smoke, drink excessively, and take illegal drugs must decide on quitting these vices if they want to have a baby because these can remarkably lessen the possibility of getting pregnant, and most likely to cause premature birth, miscarriage, and low birth weight babies. Besides, smoking adversely affects the fertility of both male and female. The would-be mother should also minimize her caffeine consumption because her body might not be able to absorb iron needed in pregnancy.

Financial status of the couple

Parents, who already have a child, or children, should consider whether or not they can still afford to have one more addition to the family.  Likewise, new couples must answer the question “Are we ready yet?” since it is the parents’ responsibilities to provide for the basic needs of their offspring, such as food, clothing, shelter, and education. In other words, adding a new member to the family involves budget until that member would be capable of living on his own.

Child-rearing and child care

Couples, especially first time parents, should be prepared to enter into the family life.  It is natural for them to have different views on child-rearing considering that they, too, have been brought up in different manners; but as a couple, they must agree and maintain a common ground on how to rear their own child. Issues that are necessary to discuss about should include discipline, values, nutrition, and physical activity. Religion is also worth discussing about, especially if the couple come from different faith denominations, because this might become an issue of contention if not yet agreed upon. Moreover, if both parents are working, they should discuss about who will take the full time duty in looking after the baby, and they should arrange for it before the baby comes.

Family time

This factor is very essential in building a wholesome family. The couple, especially if both have careers, should make room for quality time with their child and with each other.  It is a different story to just leave all childcare to a crèche or a baby sitter because a child needs more than economic comfort.

Since the family is the basic unit of society, it is vital that couples work together at setting a stable and loving environment for their children to produce good and responsible citizens.You may also consider finding out on pregnancy signs in more details.

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Pregnancy may be an exciting and important event to a couple, particularly to a woman. But many times, it also brings with it so much ado – from hormonal changes, morning sickness, exercise, to food and dieting.  And so is preparation for getting pregnant.  It requires tremendous effort to set the body, the food she eats, the mood, and, to a certain extent, including the environment itself, just to prepare for pregnancy.  A woman’s nutrition, for example, is a very important factor to consider when one is bent on getting a boost to fertility because it does not only involve the mother, but also the well being of the baby she conceives. Having a healthy diet during pregnancy spells a healthier, happier, and smarter baby.

Experts have identified particular foods that boost fertility and ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Cod liver oil.  This is found to be a powerful fertility food that boosts energy, libido, muscle growth, brain power, and general health. It is an abundant source of Vitamins A, B, and D, arachidonic acid, and DHA that are essential to reproduction and for preventing birth defects.

Vitamin A is known to promote healthy fertility in men and women, and an essential micronutrient during pregnancy and also in early childhood because of its role in visual function. It is involved in the cell to cell communication, ensuring that the cells and tissues develop normally as the foetus progresses, and promotes healthy hair and skin. The effective way to get Vitamin A is through animal sources, such as, liver, milk, butter, cheese, and whole eggs. It can also be found in dark green and yellow vegetables, like broccoli, spinach, carrots, squash and others.

Vitamin D, on the other hand, is vital in pregnancy because it promotes growth and development of the baby’s teeth and bones, aid in the absorption of calcium and phosphate, and lowers the risk of preeclampsia, rickets, and other musculoskeletal and health problems, lower bone density, and smaller babies.

Maca.  Scientifically known as Lepidium Meyenii, maca is a tuberous perennial plant that can be found in the high altitudes of the Andean Mountains. Its root is found to be a potent food that increases libido and enhances hormonal balance vital in maintaining fertility. Maca is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids; it is also an effective immune system booster.

Royal jelly. This is a thick, very nutritious substance secreted by the hypo-pharyngeal glands of the working bees that serve as food for the young larvae and the larvae that transform into queen bees.  It is found to be very rich in proteins and 8 essential amino acids, important fatty acids, sterol, sugars, phosphorous compounds, and acetylcholine.

Studies show that royal jelly contains a complex compound that activates the gland, stabilizes the reproductive systems of men and women, and is an effective supplement for people who want to get pregnant, as it triggers an increase in libido, and maintains the health of sperm and eggs. Besides, royal jelly is a beneficial food supplement to fight against impotency, infertility, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalance, and other health conditions.

Eggs and Fish Eggs. These are considered fertility foods as they provide superior nutrition and protein. Eggs and wild fish eggs or caviar are high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Eating two eggs daily can help in having a healthy placenta, healthy baby, at the same time strengthening the bag of waters around the baby to avoid premature rupture of the membranes. Eggs and fish, like salmon and tuna, are high in calcium, thus ensuring strong bones, especially during pregnancy.

Organ meats, such as liver, heart, and kidney are seen as potent fertility foods that stimulate blood flow to the reproductive organs because of its blood-building power.

Tea. Research has found that women who regularly drink tea have a greater chance of getting pregnant. Green tea and orange pekoe tea enhance fertility because they contain a high level of antioxidants that boost a healthy immune system.

Nevertheless, what is most important is that a couple should maintain a nutrient-packed diet and also fertility foods to have a healthy and successful pregnancy.

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For some reasons or another, it is inevitable for many parents to be thrust into situations, either by choice or by circumstances, where they have to raise their children single-handedly. Broken marriages, death of a spouse, and personal choice to remain single parents without entering into the bond of marriage are common reasons for single parenthood. Statistics reveal that the number of single parents worldwide is constantly on the rise. For example, in a census conducted in 2010, Korea showed that over a million of households were run by single parents. While in the United Kingdom, 26 percent of all families are led by people of the same status, and; in the United States, more than 13 million are single parents. Of these single parents, 83 percent are women.  Furthermore, statistics show that 80 percent of the single mothers are employed, of whom 50 percent work full-time and 30 percent work part-time.

No matter how one gets into this situation, single parenting, specifically for first timers, is definitely an arduous and physically and emotionally-draining reality. It is no trivial matter to be juggling two major tasks, that of a caring, gentle mother and a providing father, all at the same time.  Not only that. It could also take a heavy toll on the single parent’s professional as well as personal life. Going through the situation is most difficult during the first few months or years because of the unprecedented activities and decisions a single parent has to undertake.  Since parenting alone can be so demanding and stressful, it is during this period, therefore, that a single mother or single father needs support the most.

Fortunately, there are organizations and fora that are particularly set up for the purpose of providing moral, emotional, financial, psychological, and other forms of support to single parents.  These organizations are usually composed of single parents themselves, family members, friends, and supporters who decide to group together, either formally or informally. Support groups play very important role in a single parent’s life because it is where a single mother or single father can obtain encouragement and understanding from members. Group members volunteer to provide baby-sitting service when necessary, share their own experiences for others to learn from, and ultimately help each other get back on their feet again.  Besides, these groups open avenues where new single parents may gain or expand their social circles, obtain assistance, or gather vital information in getting government support, employment arrangements, and other services.

It is advisable that new single parents joined any of these particular groups to somehow ease their burden and gain helpful insights about coping up and effective child rearing in a new set-up. Talking with fellow single parents can somehow give them a feeling of assurance that they are not alone; that they can raise their children properly without a partner, and; that they merit respect as parents and as individual persons.

Moreover, joining any of these support groups benefits not only the single parents themselves, but it also allows their children the chance to interact with their peers so that they eventually boost their own morale knowing that they are not alone.

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Studies show that around 50 to 90 percent of pregnant women experience discomfort brought about by morning sickness, especially during their first trimester.  One in five women, may even carry this discomfort through to her second trimester, and fewer do have it during the entire duration of pregnancy.

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness, which is alternately referred to as nausea, vomiting, or pregnancy sickness, is a condition that, although no one has yet established its exact cause, is believed to be due to a combination of physical and metabolic factors, such as rapid increase in oestrogen and progesterone levels, alterations in blood pressure, and changes in carbohydrate metabolism. Some experts believe that psychological stress, such as depression and anxiety, loss of appetite and fatigue usually go with morning sickness.  Even as morning sickness is typically severe during the early part of the morning, it should not be a cause for alarm as it neither harms the pregnant woman nor her unborn baby because the fetus is properly secured in its sac of amniotic fluid.

However, she should not put up with unrelenting morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum or HG, because this can considerably affect her daily routine and eventually lead to dehydration and weight loss, and therefore, requires hospitalization and application of intravenous nutrition. Although studies reveal that only a negligible one in every 1,000 pregnant women is affected by hyperemesis gravidarum, it is still best to be vigilant about it since HG can cause electrolyte instability, too much depression and anxiety, malnourishment of the fetus, and even weaken vital organs like the liver, heart, kidneys, and brain.

Pregnant women, who suffer from morning sickness, are therefore, advised to take some measures to cope with such a discomfort, such as:

Eating some dry, salty crackers before getting out of bed in the morning to reduce nausea;

Taking small but frequent meals throughout the day, preferably those which are high in carbohydrates and protein; but she should neither be too full nor empty.  She should also refrain from eating fatty and spicy foods;

Eating cold food.  Since morning sickness is usually worsened by the strong smell of food emitted by cooking, a pregnant woman may have to refrain from cooking or preparing food and go for cold foods instead, which produce less odour;

Drinking enough fluids throughout the day, especially in between meals rather than during meal time, works for many pregnant women.  Ginger – either prepared as ginger ale, adding freshly grated ginger into a cup of hot water, or as gingersnaps – is found to be an effective relief from nausea;

Food supplements.  Unless it is prescribed by her physician, a pregnant woman should not take any kind of drugs. Although Vitamin B6 supplements have been found to be effective in reducing morning sickness, taking a dosage of more than 200 milligrams per day may cause adverse effects.

Getting plenty of rest, wearing loose clothes and acupressure wrist bands may also be of help.  Studies reveal that an acupressure wrist band activates the acupressure point on the inner portion of the wrist and causes to lessen the degree of nausea.

Nevertheless, if these measures do not alleviate the discomfort of morning sickness, the pregnant woman needs to consult with her physician for other remedies and also the symptoms of pregnancy.

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May it be for personal preferences, cultural beliefs, or social pressures, parents always have varied reasons for deciding on their upcoming babies’ gender. Perhaps the most ancient technique to determine a baby’s gender is the Chinese birth calendar.

Ever since, the Chinese culture has always preferred a male gender because he can carry the family’s surname throughout his lifetime, while a girl cannot. When a girl marries, she is considered to be her husband’s family member. Besides, a boy is much stronger and can be expected to work harder than a girl. In the ancient times, it was believed that a boy’s ancestors were hunters. And, because of this particular preference, the ancient Chinese devised a birth calendar or gender prediction chart to guide couples who want to have a baby. The chart works by finding the mother’s age based on the Chinese lunar calendar and the month of her conception; wherever the intersection of these two points fall shows the gender of the baby. The mother’s age is computed as her current age plus one more extra year, which represents the time she was in her own mother’s womb.

This birth calendar was formed after many years of collected data and is said to be a hundred percent accurate. Evidence of such a calendar, which was discovered on a scroll more than seven centuries ago, is now kept at the Beijing Institute of Science. Even up to the present, the Chinese birth calendar is used by many. Not a few non-Chinese couples also use this calendar because some people testified to its accuracy.

Aside from the Chinese gender prediction chart, there are the age-old tales and myths that have been passed on from one generation to the next. One of the prevailing myths says that the baby’s gender depends on the amount of morning sickness a woman suffers during pregnancy. Accuracy of these tales, however, still remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, a couple can do some practical methods of deciding on their baby’s gender by scheduling their sexual intercourse according to the woman’s ovulation period. If they want a boy, it is advisable to engage in sexual intercourse as early as 24 hours before ovulation to no more than 12 hours after ovulation because during this period the Y chromosomes, which are smaller, weaker, but faster, tend to get to the egg first. If the couple, however, decides for a girl, they must have their sexual intercourse three days or more before ovulation because the X chromosomes, which are bigger, stronger, but slower, will now have accumulated when the egg is released, while the Y chromosomes will have died, considering its weak characteristic. Learn more about pregnancy symptoms as well to assist you in the future.

Other possible method that a couple may try is douching the vaginal environment with water and vinegar shortly before intercourse to make it more acidic and kill the weaker Y chromosomes first, leaving a plentiful amount of the X chromosomes, and thus, favoring a baby girl; or, they may douche it with water and baking soda to make the environment more alkaline and favor for a baby boy.

In addition, position in sexual intercourse and depth of penetration matter in determining the baby’s gender. If the couple wants to have a boy, a deep penetration is advisable because it deposits the sperm closer to the egg, allowing the faster chromosomes the advantage of fertilizing the egg first. A shallow penetration favors for a baby girl. Also, a high sperm counts is more likely to favor for a boy.

Having orgasms during sexual intercourse would likely produce a baby boy because the contraction that goes with an orgasm pushes the sperm up and into the cervix, allowing the male chromosomes the advantage of fertilizing the egg first. Besides, orgasms stimulate the body to produce substances that make the vaginal environment more alkaline. No orgasm is likely to produce a baby girl.

On the other hand, couples may also submit themselves to medical tests for safe and surer results. Perhaps there is nothing more accurate than the medical experts’ advice or findings. Ultrasound is seen to be one of the most frequently used, safe, and precise computerized technique that can be done at any stage of pregnancy to find out a baby’s gender. It would be most accurate, however, when the ultrasound is done between the eighteenth and twenty-sixth week of pregnancy.

A couple may also try amniocentesis, a prenatal diagnostic test done on a pregnant woman, particularly on one who is at higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. Through the same test, a baby’s gender can also be determined.

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