Pregnancy terms for the dad to be

Glossary of Pregnancy terms for the dad to be

By: Enrico M. Claro

Does the words “We’re pregnant” sound familiar these days? More than ever, men are now actively involved throughout the pregnancy experience. The term “expectant father” really does fit, as men worry, support and plan together with their pregnant partners.  Most likely, Dads are bombarded with new and unfamiliar terms during the whole pregnancy without any notice!  This time we put some of the usual and not so usual terms in a glossary mode for easy search and reference.

Abortion:                   The termination of a pregnancy through the expulsion of the fetus from the uterus.  - A definite “red flag” for any expectant mother and father, this is what is sought to be avoided.

Amniotic fluid:         The fluid that surrounds a developing fetus.

Amniotic sac:           The bag in which the fetus and amniotic fluid are contained during pregnancy.  - This is the baby’s home for the coming 9 months.

Anesthesia:               Medically induced loss of sensation. General anesthesia involves the entire body; local anesthesia involves only a particular area.  - Also related to the term “anesthesiologist” which is expected to follow your OB-Gyne in the delivery of your bundle of joy… not to mention the bundled Professional fees! (Wink)

Breech:                      Fetal position in which the feet or buttocks of the baby are closest to the mother's cervix when labor begins.  - A term a parent doesn’t want to hear when nearing the expected date of delivery.

Cervix:                       The lower portion of the uterus which extends into the vagina.

Cesarean section:   Also known as “CS” is a delivery of an infant through an incision in the abdominal and uterine walls.  – Another term that is disliked for various reasons but most commonly is synonymous to “expensive” or “added professional fees”.  We all want a normal delivery but “CS” is becoming a more common delivery method there days with a ratio of 9/10 pregnancies to-date.

Colostrum:                The milk secreted shortly before and for a few days after childbirth.

Congenital:               Present at birth.

Crowning:                 The point in labor when the head of the baby can be seen at the vagina.

Doppler:                    A machine that uses ultrasound to detect the fetal heart. – quite a wonderful contraption used by your “OB” during monthly check-ups where the doctor places some kind of jelly on the mothers tummy and rolls the “Doppler” on it to target the baby’s heart to measure the heart rate.

Ectopic pregnancy: Pregnancy in which the embryo begins to grow outside the uterus, often in one of the fallopian tubes.

Epidural:                   A type of local anesthesia used to relieve pain during delivery.

Ectopic pregnancy:            Pregnancy in which the embryo begins to grow outside the uterus, often in one of the fallopian tubes.

Epidural:                   A type of local anesthesia used to relieve pain during delivery.

Fetus:                         The name given to the baby in the womb from eight weeks until birth

Hemorrhage:            Heavy bleeding – Not one term one wants to hear during pregnancy, if not properly addressed in time could lead to unintentional abortion of the fetus.

Jaundice:                   Inability of the body to break down excess red blood cells. – Usually shows yellowish skin tone in newborns as a result.

Labor:                        Childbirth, the aptly-named experience of delivering the baby and placenta from the uterus to the vagina to the outside world. There are two stages of labor. During the first stage (called the stage of dilatation), the cervix dilates fully to a diameter of about 10 cm. In the second stage (called the stage of expulsion), the baby moves out through the cervix and vagina to be born.

Lactation:                 Production of milk by the breasts.

Lightening:               The time when the baby descends into the pelvic cavity in preparation for birth.  Also known as engagement.

Linea nigra:              A dark line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy.

Lochia:                       The discharge of blood, mucus, and other fluids from the vagina after childbirth.

Meconium:               The bowel contents of a baby at birth. – Usually a dark brown to black discharge.

Morning sickness:  Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. 

Mucus:                       A sticky substance produced by glands.

Neonatal:                  Pertaining to a newborn infant.

Obstetrician:            A doctor who specializes in care of women during pregnancy and childbirth. – Also called “OB” or OB-GYNE”, they are the ones who will deliver your baby; On-call 24 hours a day.

Ovulation:                 Release of the egg from the ovary.

Placenta:                   The structure through which the fetus receives nourishment and oxygen during gestation.

Placenta previa:     A condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, hindering vaginal delivery. – Get ready to go “CS” when you hear this from your “OB” because this is most likely the procedure that will be done.

Postpartum:             After birth. – Usually followed by “depression” for mothers after giving birth.  Dads need to be supportive at this stage of pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia:        A disorder of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, edema, and kidney malfunction.

Quickening:              The first fetal movements felt by the mother.

Striae:                        Streaks or "stretch marks" seen on the abdomen of a pregnant woman. – Not a term that wants to be heard by any mother.  Usually gives rise to various myths on how to prevent such from happening; but medically is said that is not caused by scratching, but by the stretching of the skin.

Tubal pregnancy:   The most common form of ectopic pregnancy, in which a fertilized egg begins to develop in the fallopian tube.

Show:                         The blood-stained mucus from the vagina, indicating that labor is about to begin. – Literally a show you wouldn’t want to miss.

Sonography:             The use of ultrasound to form an image of the fetus. – One exiting moment for any expectant parent.  It’s also the time when the baby’s sex could be determined as well as the condition and estimated date of delivery.

Umbilical cord:        The structure through which the fetus draws blood from the placenta.

Vernix:                       A white, waxy substance that covers the fetus in the uterus.

Pregnancy is a wonderful stage to go through and cherish together hand-in-hand by mom and dad and preparation is always the key to success.

A perfect (healthy) Valentines date for little Miss Peggy

A perfect (healthy) Valentines date for little Miss Peggy

By: Enrico M. Claro

Just after the close of the hustle and bustle of the holidays comes another special occasion to celebrate with your loved one and baby to be…Valentine’s Day!  You want everything to be special, perfect and momentous on this day of love.  For years now you have celebrated it with the mindset to top off the previous year but now suddenly it’s going to be a bit different because in a few months time you would be expecting your newborn.  Added pressure indeed! But there’s still hope for loving spouses out there with a few tips you’ll sure to make this Valentine’s Date the best yet!

Good nutrition is always on the menu —though in some restaurants, you'll have to look a little more closely to find it. Whether it's a quick lunch or a five-course feast at a four-star restaurant, keep in mind that it’s your baby-nourishing duty to keep watch of your baby's nutritional best interests. 

If you have a wife, fiancée or girlfriend who is expecting, you can always customize your date to make this holiday even more special for her by tweaking her menu a bit.  Take a look at a few of these ideas for adding to your Valentine's Day date for a pregnant woman and show her not only that you love her, but that you care about her comfort, health and well being too!

·         Choose the restaurant.  Pick your restaurant of choice by experience or reputation.  Certain restaurants are better suited for the pregnant diner than others like a fish restaurant with a salad bar but never a sushi bar.  You may want to choose out of that spicy new Indian place or that eatery that is known for fried food.

·         Be proactive on the special requests. You're not the only picky eater these days.  Waiters, staff and chefs in most establishments are used to (if still not always particularly happy with) substitutions of all kinds.  Go ahead and hold the mayo, ask for your dressing and sauce on the side; skip the bacon and blue cheese on the Cobb, see if the steak can be served cooked through. By doing this you also show how you care about what she eats on this special day.

·         Watch your portions. Many restaurants serve meals with portions large enough to feed small villages. Resist the temptation to force finish your food for you might pay the price of indigestion later, not to mention added pounds.  An alternative is to leave over what you're too full to eat and doggie bag leftovers for tomorrow's lunch or dinner.  Half-portions could also be requested if desired.

·         Bread Talk.  Look for whole-grain options when you dig into the bread basket.  If you can't locate any, ask if the kitchen has some on hand.  An alternative would be whole-wheat bread.  No wheat in sight?  Have some white but try not to fill up on those empty calories.  Instead, quickly order a healthy appetizer.

·         Green is the way to go! Make a habit of ordering a salad or grilled veggies as your first course, or a sautéed leafy green such as spinach, kang kong  or broccoli as a side.

·         Soup it up.  If there's bean or vegetable soup on the menu, order a bowlful.  Same goes for tomato-based broths and chowders (take Manhattan when it comes to clam). Avoid bisques and other cream soups unless they're made with milk or yogurt in lieu of heavy cream and butter.  The only way to know is to ask. Don't be shy; everybody's doing it these days.  Besides, you're date is pregnant and it's quite obvious why you're nutrition-conscious.

·         Super side dishes.  Even fast-food restaurants offer healthy side dishes.   Ask for steamed veggies or that baked potato instead of the fries or onion rings.  Brown or wild rice is also super side dishes.

·         Fill up before dessert.  Try not to save room for that dessert, but if you're still hungry or looking for something sweet after the main course, ask for fresh fruit, sorbet, or frozen yogurt rather than the traditional chocolate dessert oft valentine.

For food choices here are some guidelines:

Most restaurants have menu choices for pregnant women, but if you are unsure about any dish on the menu, don't be hesitate to ask exactly what they contain or how they have been cooked. If a waiter seems uncertain, you may ask him to double-check. Here are a few guidelines to help you decide what to order for her:

·         Entrée.  Avoid eating raw fish, such as sushi and oysters, and go for cooked dishes, such as grilled fish or prawns. Patés and terrines could contain listeria, so are best avoided. Chilled, savory soufflés and mousses may be made with raw egg whites, so ask before you order.

·         Buffets.  Avoid pre-prepared salads from a salad-bar or smorgasbord as they may contain listeria. Also avoid cooked meats such as ham, salami or cooked and cold chicken or ready-to-eat peeled prawns from a smorgasbord. Choose cooked vegetables or a salad made in the kitchen to your order. If you choose cooked meat dishes make sure they are steaming hot or ask them to be heated for you.

·         Main courses.  Steak tartare, sushi and other raw meat and fish dishes are potential danger areas.   Instead, opt for meat or fish that is cooked thoroughly, so that the juices run clear. If you are having steak, ask to have it well done. Again, ask about any sauces you are not sure about; freshly made hollandaise sauce contains raw eggs, and forms the basis for mousseline and Béarnaise sauces.

·         Desserts.  Soufflés and mousses may contain raw eggs. Tiramisu often contains raw egg white. Home-made ice creams may include uncooked egg, but crème brulée and caramel custard are fine, because the eggs are cooked.

·         Drinks.  Experts now recommend that there is no safe level at which you can drink alcohol during pregnancy so it's better to play it safe and order a fruit juice or mocktail (NHMRC 2009). After your meal, if you love coffee, bear in mind that you should limit your caffeine intake. You could have decaffeinated coffee, or a mint tea, which is a great digestive.

Pregnancy is an important time for her to feel as much love and support as you can give.  There are many ways to plan for a date for a pregnant woman on Valentine's Day to show your love.  The bottom-line is that the effort and preparation you did to make her feel special and cared for is what Valentine’s Day is all about.

Set the Christmas mood with good music – There is nothing like good Christmas music to experience the yuletide season with the family.  Look for old and new compilations familiar to you and set up your sound system or make a playlist in your portable media player for easy playback of songs.  There’s always a different and nostalgic feeling when you hear Christmas songs playing in the background when doing Christmas activities because it puts a cheer into anyone’s heart.

        A picture is worth a thousand words – To help preserve your Christmas memories you should be sure to take lots of pictures and videos.  Ready your trusty camera or video recorder so you’re sure not to miss those precious moments.  This way you’ll have something to pass down and share with other family members through the years, not to mention proof of your valiant efforts this holiday season!

        Lastly, Enjoy each others company – There is nothing more heartwarming this Christmas than being with your loved ones and spreading joy and laughter together.  After all you have done to make things perfect it’s always nice to have someone to share it with.  Whatever the outcome it may be the spirit of Christmas is love and giving the whole year through.

With this in hand, you are now prepared to face the holiday season with confidence. With the help of family and friends there is no doubt that this Christmas will be a night to remember for everyone. It is also the time to give back to all the moms that have gone through all the pains and pangs of childbirth by taking charge of the household once in a while in this glorious occasion.  Let us always remember that the emphasis of the season is not by material gifts, elaborate parties or exorbitant spending but is centered to Jesus Christ and selfless love to others.  Happy holidays!

DADDY’S CHRISTMAS CHECKLIST

Daddy’s Christmas checklist

By: Enrico Macaraig Claro

Imagine having just weeks to go before the celebration of the birth of Christ and your wife has just given birth to your own little bundle of joy, now it is up to you to make a perfect Christmas for everyone in the house.  Up to the task? Stop imagining, this looks like a job for Super Dad! With a few days to go before Christmas let’s make things easier for every dad by making daddy’s checklist for Christmas to survive the holidays with some flair.

Though mommy is recuperating from childbirth and your newborn baby is mainly sleeping all the time, a new baby definitely changes the Christmas celebration for mom and dad.  It is just different (and better) to sit by the tree together with your child... And for babies even just a few months old, the tree, the lights, the beautiful presents, food, the music and much more can be very exciting! Here is a quick checklist to help out dads out there to make Christmas special.

So to start off, here are some points to consider:

        Look for those old Christmas decors and start decorating with family! –Decorating is always a great and enjoyable moment to do with the family. There is nothing like a decorated Christmas tree and the twinkle of Christmas lights to set the mood right.  This is one event the family will cherish for years to come.

        Make a Christmas wish list for your children and wife and post it in a conspicuous place! – Looking for Christmas presents at this stage could be frustrating.  But by making a wish list you hit two birds with one stone with this idea… first you won’t need to think of what to buy and save time in the process and second is you will be assured that they will love your presents!

        Plan a quick and easy yuletide meal taken from past events and occasions – Now that Mom can’t do the cooking tasks, then it’s up Dad to hold the fort.  Looking for good take-out food for the holidays isn’t a bad idea nowadays because some restaurants offer good bang for the buck meals without the hassles of preparation. Cooking is definitely not a specialty of all dads but there is always a saying that men cook better than women… well now is the time to put it to the test! Here is a simple dish and dessert that you could easily prepare in no time.

Paprika Pork Spareribs with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

14 to 16 pieces                  pork spareribs, about 3 kilo grams.Can substitute for pork chops

2/3 cup                                 Tomato Ketchup

2 tablespoons                    Worcestershire sauce

3 tablespoons                    White or Apple Cider Vinegar

1/2 teaspoon                     Hot Pepper Sauce or more

1/2 cup                                 Mayonnaise

4 tablespoons                    Garlic, minced

1 large                                   Onion, chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons            Sweet Spanish paprika

2 tablespoons                    Soy sauce or more

2 tablespoons                    Sugar or more

3 cups                                   water

Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

1. Place pork spareribs, Worcestershire Sauce, Tomato Ketchup, Hot Pepper   Sauce, White or Apple Cider Vinegar and the rest of the ingredients in a pot. Place over high heat and bring to a boil.

2. Cover pot with a lid and lower heat to a simmer.

3. Cook for 40 to 50 minutes, or until meat is fork-tender.

4. Remove lid and simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce is slightly thickened.   Season with salt and pepper

3. Transfer the spareribs to a serving platter. Serve hot.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
cooking time: 40 to 50 minutes

Tip: The dish can be prepared 1 day in advance and tastes better when served the next day!

Buco Pandan Jelly

Ingredients:
7 pieces                                                Pandan leaves
5 pieces                                                Buko young coconut grated
8 cups                                                   Water from 5 Buko
2 bars                                                    Green Gulaman
3 small cans                                        All purpose Cream
1 medium can                                    Condensed Milk
1 1/2 Cups                                           Sugar (adjust to taste)

Directions

1. Boil buko water with the 7 pandan leaves. Twist each pandan leaf so juice can   easily be extracted. Simmer for 20 minutes.

2. When you smell the aromatic pandan, remove from fire and discard leaves.

3. Check if the remaining coconut water is equal to 8 cups since 1 bar of gulaman is good for 4 cups of liquid.

4. Add gulaman to the remaining coconut water and stir well to dissolve the gulaman. Add sugar while mixing. Continue doing so for at least 5 minutes.

5. Strain the mixture and place in cooling tray so gulaman mixture can cool and set. When cool, refrigerate.

6. Mix the cream, sugar and condensed milk with the grated buko. Set aside.

7. Get chilled gulaman from the refrigerator and cut into 1 cm cubes.

8. Mix well with buko mixture. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

        Set the Christmas mood with good music – There is nothing like good Christmas music to experience the yuletide season with the family.  Look for old and new compilations familiar to you and set up your sound system or make a playlist in your portable media player for easy playback of songs.  There’s always a different and nostalgic feeling when you hear Christmas songs playing in the background when doing Christmas activities because it puts a cheer into anyone’s heart.

        A picture is worth a thousand words – To help preserve your Christmas memories you should be sure to take lots of pictures and videos.  Ready your trusty camera or video recorder so you’re sure not to miss those precious moments.  This way you’ll have something to pass down and share with other family members through the years, not to mention proof of your valiant efforts this holiday season!

        Lastly, Enjoy each others company – There is nothing more heartwarming this Christmas than being with your loved ones and spreading joy and laughter together.  After all you have done to make things perfect it’s always nice to have someone to share it with.  Whatever the outcome it may be the spirit of Christmas is love and giving the whole year through.

With this in hand, you are now prepared to face the holiday season with confidence. With the help of family and friends there is no doubt that this Christmas will be a night to remember for everyone. It is also the time to give back to all the moms that have gone through all the pains and pangs of childbirth by taking charge of the household once in a while in this glorious occasion.  Let us always remember that the emphasis of the season is not by material gifts, elaborate parties or exorbitant spending but is centered to Jesus Christ and selfless love to others.  Happy holidays!

Time to take the Cut! (Getting ready for circumcision myths and facts)

Time to take the Cut! (Getting ready for circumcision myths and facts)

By: Enrico Macaraig Claro

As the saying goes “this is what separates the men from the boys!”  Circumcision in the Philippines is more than just a clinical process or traditional custom to boys, but also a “Rite of Passage” to manhood.  The moment is usually when summer time approaches, that is the time when adolescent boys prepare themselves to be circumcised.

Circumcision or “Pagtuli” as it is known in the local language is the surgical removal of some or all of the foreskin (prepuce) from the penis. The word "circumcision" comes from Latin circum (meaning "around") and cædere (meaning "to cut").

Wikipilipinas explains Pukpok as a crude method of circumcision practised in the Philippines. It is performed mostly in barrios (rural villages) by a local surgeon called manunuli. On the Holy Saturday of the Lenten Season, groups of uncircumcised boys traditionally go to the manunuli to take the rites of passage. After bathing in a river or a lake, the boys are asked to chew guava leaves. They are then asked to sit on a lukaw, a wooden tool with pointed ends carved from a branch of guava tree. While the boy is seated, one end of the lukaw is staked on the ground while his penis is set on the other end. 

A manunulithen uses a labaha (barber's blade) to cut the foreskin off of the penis. The manunuli then instructs the boy to spit the chewed guava leaves directly on the wound to aid healing and to prevent infection. After the operation, a piece of cloth is wrapped around the wound to be changed daily. Although the traditional or pukpok type of circumcision has been chiefly replaced by the modern surgical method, some areas in the provinces still practice the old method. http://en.wikipilipinas.org

Being a parent (and a lot more pressure on the Dad), support should always be readily available at this important stage in your son’s life. Being ready to answer the why, what, when, where and how questions are of utmost importance.  Giving the real truth amidst the myths should clear our little man’s thinking of circumcision. Here are some myths that should be busted:

1.         Myth: “Having their children circumcised could make them taller or bigger”

Fact: What could a piece of skin in the penis do to stimulate growth? The truth of the matter is, no matter how long the prepuce is cut you will not be a six foot nine behemoth if your father and mother are short. This is because most circumcision is done at the age when boys grow in spurts; fast growth would be attributed to the circumcision.

2.         Myth: "Circumcision improves hygiene."

Fact: Circumcision was once believed to improve male hygiene, but latest medical information shows this is not true. Circumcision does not make the penis any cleaner or healthier. Normal bathing and healthy hygiene are advised for all men, circumcised or not. http://www.nocircmn.org

3.         Myth: "Almost all men are circumcised."

Fact: The vast majority of men are intact (not circumcised). About 85% of men in the world are not circumcised, because America is the only country in the world that routinely circumcised for non-religious reasons. In places like Canada and Europe, circumcision is very rare (approximately 5% or less). In the US, circumcision rates were very high (90%) during the 1970s, but since then, circumcision rates have been decreasing. http://www.nocircmn.org

4.         Myth: "Babies don't feel pain during circumcision."

Fact: Babies feel extreme pain during circumcision, according to studies referenced by the American Medical Association and others like this one referenced on CNN: Circumcision study halted due to trauma. In fact, some doctors have used circumcision as the definition of the most severe pain a baby can feel. Studies show that circumcision is intensely painful, and other studies show that babies are very sensitive to pain. Lastly, in 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strenuously recommended that pain relief be administered during circumcision. http://www.nocircmn.org

5.         Myth: "Circumcision is a religious right."

Fact: The religious beliefs of the parents are not necessarily the same as the beliefs of the child once he becomes an adult. Parents should always keep in mind that their baby boy will one day be a grown man, with his own faith and spiritual beliefs. http://www.nocircmn.org

6.         Myth:  “Infant circumcision is ordered by a doctor.”

Fact:  Infant circumcision is a non-therapeutic, cosmetic surgery; therefore, it is not ordered by a doctor to treat a medical condition.  It is done by parental request or consent for religious or cultural reasons, not medical reasons.  http://www.nocircmn.org

7.         Myth:  The claim that the intact penis is "dirty" is highly offensive to intact men.

Fact:  It is not the penis that is dirty. It is the smegma (a pasty substance that is made up of shed skin cells, skin oils, and a relatively small amount of bacteria that accumulates at the neck of the glans penis).

Generally there are two styles of circumcision practiced here in the Philippines: the dorsal slit and the German cut. The dorsal slit is just a simple cut on the prepuce, while the German cut is a cut made around the prepuce area that will result in a longer bleeding period but a cleaner cut is produced with lesser foreskin.

You could be asking when is the best age and time to undergo circumcision? Usual practice indicates that it can be administered to boys at any age or at any time, but preferably 7 years old and above, during the summer when kids have more free time out of school. It’s also an option if the parents want it at birth.  The difference lies only in the anesthesia, for babies or infants, general anesthesia will be given. For 7-year-olds, a local anesthesia will be used. The recovery period is usually about a week.

Ultimately, here in the Philippines peer pressure and teen influence to conform to our norms are very high compared to the rest of the world.  The worldwide ratio is 80 to 20 uncut versus circumcised which is the reversed here in our local setting.  All that needs to be done as a parent is emotional preparation, information and support for our growing son to achieve a smooth transition to adulthood.