8 Unnecessary Expenses New Parents Should Avoid

Babies are not cheap. No matter how you parent or what your budget is like, your little bundle of joy is going to take a tremendous bite out of your bank account. However, many of the most significant expenses associated with parenting a baby are actually completely unnecessary. You can save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars by doing away with these frivolous parenting expenses.

1. Breastfeed if you can. There's no doubt that breastfeeding is what's best for the vast majority of moms and babies. Not only does it benefit your health and your child's, but it saves thousands of dollars. By breastfeeding for one year, you can cut save a whopping $3,163.86-- enough to buy a used car! If you can't breastfeed for whatever reason, there's no need to feel guilty about it -- but, if you can nurse your baby, it provides a tremendous financial benefit along with valuable benefits to your child's health.

2. Skip the expensive diapers. I used cloth diapers until my daughter was a year and a half old, and they saved us hundreds of dollars. Even if you're not willing to go this far, there are other sustainable, affordable options in the world of diapering. Whole Foods offers chlorine-free diapers for roughly the same price as Luvs. In my experience, expensive disposable diapers do not offer any more leak protection, rash prevention or odor masking than cheaper alternatives.

3. Avoid shoes. Your baby doesn't need shoes until he starts walking. In fact, putting your baby in shoes too early can actually hinder his ability to learn to walk. Those cutesy little crib shoes may look precious, but they're entirely unnecessary and can be expensive. Wait until your baby's closer to his toddler years before you foot the expense of a shoe purchase.

4. Your baby doesn't need bibs. Bibs are made for protecting a baby's clothes from the stains of solid food. But, at least during the first several months of his life, your baby won't be eating any solid foods. There's no real risk of staining from breast milk or spit-up. Hold off on the bibs until later in your baby's development.

5. Don't waste money on a changing table. Changing tables can cost hundreds of dollars, but they are not at all necessary. Ask any parent where she changes her baby. Odds are high that, even if she has a changing table, the baby gets his diaper changed on the floor, bed, or sofa. Simply spread a receiving blanket under your baby while you change him. There's really no advantage to doing it on a fancy table.

6. A baby monitor will not protect your child against SIDS.

Baby monitors are designed and advertised as effective prevention options for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), but there is no evidence whatsoever that they work, according to the California SIDS Program. There are many effective, free ways to minimize your baby's risk of SIDS -- nursing, not smoking, and placing your child on his back to sleep. Skip the expensive monitor and aim for more effective techniques.

7. Get a cheap stroller.

Is there really any reason to waste $200 on a huge, bulky jogging stroller that can't even fit through the door or in the car? Those pricey, fluffy strollers are difficult to steer and don't offer any benefit over cheap umbrella strollers (or infant carriers). Ditch this tremendous expense by choosing a more convenient and affordable option.

8. Don't buy baby DVDs. I once met a mom who had a $150 collection of Baby Einstein DVDs and similar videos. What a waste! These are one of the most controversial unnecessary expenses associated with parenting. All studies to date have demonstrated that they do nothing to enhance a baby's vocabulary or brain development, and may actually be detrimental. Spend your time, money, and energy on good parenting, and you'll save money and have a happier, healthier child.

Can you get your period while you're pregnant?

I've heard many mothers say, "I didn't know I was pregnant until I was a few months along because I got my period even when I was pregnant." Many women operate under the impression that it is possible, or even common, to menstruate during pregnancy. Although bleeding and spotting can happen during the early stages of pregnancy, it is by-definition biologically impossible to menstruate while pregnant.

If you believe that you may be pregnant and believe you may be menstruating, here are some points to consider.

1. Bleeding in pregnancy looks and feels different from menstruation.

During the early stages of pregnancy, many women do develop some spotting. This is usually caused by implantation, when an embryo embeds itself in the lining of the uterus. It may be a dark brown color or a neutral pink-red. Implantation bleeding is very light. Although it might be necessary to use a panty liner for a day, you are probably not pregnant -- or you are experiencing a miscarriage -- if you bleed enough to soak a tampon or pad.

2. Many women bleed during the first trimester.

Bleeding in early pregnancy isn't always a sign of a serious problem. If you have had a positive pregnancy test, you are almost certainly pregnant, even if you are experiencing some blood loss. Spotting in early pregnancy is not a sign that you should disregard a positive pregnancy result. Nearly one in three women will experience some spotting in early pregnancy, and about half of those women go on to have normal pregnancies.

3. Menstruation-like bleeding is a sign of more serious problems.

If you have had a positive pregnancy test and are bleeding as much as you do during your period, you are likely experiencing severe pregnancy complications and your unborn baby's life is in immediate danger. About half of the pregnant women who experience spotting will go on to have more significant bleeding, which is symptomatic of ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy or miscarriage. Call your doctor immediately or go to an emergency room if you are pregnant and experiencing more than a trace amount of bleeding.

4. Cramping occurs in both pregnancy and menstruation.

If you have cramping along with bleeding, this is not an indication that you are or aren't pregnant. Menstrual-like cramps are very common during early pregnancy, although severe pain is not normal. In pregnancy, cramping is the result of normal changes occurring inside the uterus, including the development or rupture of internal cysts. If you are experiencing unusually severe cramping along with bleeding, you may be dealing with a miscarriage.

5. Get expert help if you're concerned.

If you have mild spotting in pregnancy that goes away after a day or two, your baby is probably safe. However, you should tell your physician or midwife so she has a complete picture of the health of your pregnancy. If you have a significant amount of bleeding and do believe you are pregnant, emergency medical care is essential to protect your health and the baby's. Always defer to an expert's judgment if you are concerned about your health.

When Should You Feel Your Baby Move for the First Time?

I have a small build and I tend to be sensitive to physical changes in my body. Nevertheless, I was surprised when I began feeling my daughter's kicks and tumbles when I was just fourteen weeks pregnant. Many of my friends and family members hadn't felt their babies move-- a pregnancy milestone known as "quickening"-- until far later in pregnancy. The age at which a mother feels a baby's first kicks depends largely on her sensitivity to these unusual, exciting sensations. If you're wondering when you'll feel your baby kick for the first time, here are some facts you may need to know.

1. It usually occurs between 16 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. Your baby begins moving around in the womb at about 7 weeks from your last period (5 weeks from conception). However, she isn't large enough to feel until far later than that-- mostly commonly, the second trimester. Although it's most normal to feel your baby between the 16th week and the 22nd, there isn't necessarily anything wrong if you feel your baby during a different frame of time.

2. It depends partially on whether you've given birth before. If you've been pregnant before, you're likely to feel your baby's movements earlier than first-time moms. Veteran child-bearers have often learned to recognize the sensation of an unborn baby's kicks, and can discern them from gas bubbles and hunger pangs. If this is your first time feeling a baby's quickening, you'll feel your little one's acrobatics later on.

3. Thinner mamas feel quickening sooner. If you're petite, you're more likely to feel your baby's kicks and flutters earlier than average in pregnancy. Thin women don't have as much abdominal cushioning to soften the blows of a baby's knees, arms, Iand feet. Moms-to-be with a little extra fluff may not feel their babies kick until later in pregnancy, while very large women sometimes don't feel fetal movements until the third trimester.

4. Late quickening doesn't mean your baby is unhealthy. In general, there's no reason to be worried if you haven't felt your baby move yet. If you're keeping all of your prenatal appointments and everything seems to be fine with the baby, it's unlikely that late quickening is a sign of an undiagnosed problem. Perfectly healthy babies may begin moving at the same time as their peers, but their moms might not feel movements until far later. Odd are high that your baby is okay.

5. Talk to your prenatal care provider if you're worried. If you're concerned about your little one's health, it's always best to check with your obstetrician or midwife. If you did feel your baby's movements, but don't anymore, it's a good idea to get yourself checked by an expert. Your health care provider will also want to do an ultrasound if you haven't felt any fetal movements by your 22nd week of pregnancy. In the unlikely event that there is something wrong, quick medical care may help to save your baby's life.

5 Birth Control Methods That Work Better Than You Think

I'm surprised by how often I hear misconceptions about birth control from my female friends. Most commonly, I hear misconceptions about the effectiveness of certain birth control techniques. Here are a few contraceptive methods that are far more effective than you might think.

1. Breastfeeding is as effective as the Pill. When used correctly-- emphasis on "correctly"-- breastfeeding is one of the most effective birth control methods in the world. If you are breastfeeding on demand, your baby is under six months of age, and your child receives no formula or solid food, your odds of getting pregnant are about 2-9%-- the same as the shot, pill, ring, or patch. There is a common misconception that breastfeeding doesn't really work as a birth control method, but this stems primarily from the fact that most people mis-use the technique.

2. Withdrawal is as effective as condoms. Withdrawal-- also known by its scientific name coitus interruptus, or, more rudely, "pulling out"-- is actually a fairly effective contraceptive method when it's used properly. Conception rates among couples using withdrawal as a primary method are about the same as the rate among condom users and diaphragm users. The drawback: many men aren't particularly skilled at ending intercourse before orgasm. And, unfortunately, all of the responsibility must fall on the man for this technique to be effective.

3. Female condoms are as effective as male condoms. Female condoms have a bad reputation among birth control techniques. Although they aren't as useful for preventing the spread of STDs, their effectiveness is actually roughly equivalent to the effectiveness of male condoms. However, these awkward barriers can be unpleasant to use; they make an odd crinkly sound and tend to be uncomfortable.

4. IUDs work as well as getting your tubes tied-- or even better. The pregnancy rate among women using progestin IUDs, such as Mirena, is actually lower than the pregnancy rate among women who have had tubal ligations (or "tubes tied"). Although unplanned pregnancies do happen to IUD users, they are actually incredibly rare, and only occur at a slim fraction of the rate seen in women using the Pill.

5. Fertility awareness works as well as spermicide. To be fair, most "fertility awareness" techniques are actually pretty ineffective. Your odds of getting pregnant while charting your fertile days are about 25% per year. While this may be an acceptable figure for people who are okay with the idea of getting pregnant, it's a percentage that's far too high for many couples. Nevertheless, it is definitely more effective than chance alone. In fact, fertility awareness methods are about as useful for preventing pregnancy as the use of spermicides.

4 Pregnancy Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

It's no secret that pregnant moms tend to worry. For many expectant moms-- especially the first time around-- even slightly out-of-whack symptoms can feel very scary. While it's acceptable to ignore those mild, everyday complaints like nausea and backache, there are some pregnancy-related discomforts that you should never ignore. These symptoms can be signs of very serious conditions that could, if left unchecked, be fatal to you or your unborn baby.

Always defer to your obstetrician's or midwife's judgment when you are experiencing worrisome pregnancy symptoms. If you notice any of these problems, consult your practitioner promptly to protect your health and your baby's safety.

Severe Vomiting

What it is: Severe vomiting during pregnancy is known as hyperemesis gravidarum. It exceeds the typical symptoms of morning sickness, such as nausea and occasional vomiting. Women with this condition are unable to keep down fluids and may vomit blood or bile. Dizziness, rapid heart rate and faintness are all tell-tale symptoms of hyperemesis.

What it can lead to: If left unchecked, hyperemesis gravidarum can lead to dehydration, which can itself trigger fainting, preterm labor, or miscarriage. In very severe, untreated cases, hyperemesis gravidarum can actually cause fatal consequences for the mother. If you are unable to keep down sips of water or are experiencing weight loss in pregnancy, contact your health care provider promptly.

Vaginal Bleeding

What it is: Vaginal bleeding is the expulsion of blood through the vagina, usually coming from the uterus and cervix. In some cases, especially in the first trimester, vaginal bleeding is not cause for serious concern. However, in other cases, it can signal the onset of several very serious conditions. Bleeding in pregnancy always requires medical evaluation; don't ignore this symptom.

What it can lead to: In the first trimester, vaginal bleeding is regarded as a threatened miscarriage. Without treatment, it may signal or lead to the death of the unborn baby. Later in pregnancy, vaginal bleeding can signal other serious pregnancy complications like placenta previa and preterm birth. These can all be fatal to the unborn baby if they are not treated.

Severe Pain 
What it is: Severe pain can occur in almost any part of the body, and it should never be ignored-- particularly during pregnancy. It might include intense headaches, severe backache, or strong, cramping uterine contractions. In any case, it requires evaluation from an obstetrician or midwife. In many cases, severe pain is the first sign of a life-threatening pregnancy complication.

What it can lead to: Severe cramping or backache before the 37th week of pregnancy is a sign of preterm labor, especially if it occurs at regular intervals. If you do not get treatment to slow or stop your impending labor, your baby could suffer dire consequences. In other situations, severe headaches or leg pains could be a sign of a cardiovascular or circulatory problem, which needs prompt treatment-- especially during pregnancy.

Dizziness

What it is: Dizziness, faintness and vertigo are related pregnancy symptoms often related to circulatory and cardiovascular problems. They might include sudden collapse, feeling faint or "woozy," a feeling of spinning, or seeing stars. While brief, transient episode of dizziness aren't anything to panic about, lasting or severe episodes need immediate attention.

What it can lead to: Preeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced hypertension, often shows few symptoms early on. However, late in the disease's progression, it leads to significant dizziness and feelings of faintness. Without treatment, preeclampsia can kill the mother or child. In other cases, dizzness is a sign of other serious but treatable conditions, such as gestational diabetes, dehydration and anemia. Prompt intervention can deflect the complications caused by these conditions.

Pregnancy is a joyful time, and there's generally no need to spend your pregnancy in a state of panic or worry. However, when you are showing frightening symptoms, it is critical that you take action quickly to protect your health and your unborn baby. Fast help can improve your chances of defeating frightening pregnancy symptoms and complications.

Is White Willow Bark Safe During Pregnancy?

Willow bark extract is one of the most time-honored medicinal herbs used in holistic health care. TheUniversity of Maryland Medical Center traces the use of this medicinal herb to as far back as 400 B.C., when the famed Greek physician Hippocrates recommended it to his patients. In modern pharmaceutical medicine, willow bark's derivative, acetylsalicylic acid, is still sold in the form of aspirin. Despite its medicinal value and relative safety, willow bark extract is generally not recommended during pregnancy.

Properties and Benefits

Willow bark extract's primary active constituent is salicin, a potent medicinal compound. When the human body metabolizes salicin, it converts it into salicylic acid, a compound that is very similar to modern aspirin. The UMMC regards white willow extract as an anti-inflammatory medicine, a pain reliever and a fever reducer. It may relieve common discomforts associated with pregnancy, including headache, back pain and cramping. However, there is no evidence that its use in pregnancy is worth its significant dangers.

Bleeding Concerns

Like aspirin, white willow extract has powerful anticoagulant effects, meaning that it inhibits blood clotting. These effects pose a serious concern during pregnancy, when issues such as vaginal bleeding can threaten the viability of the pregnancy. Additionally, the use of white willow extract close to the end of pregnancy could lead to hemorrhage before, during or after labor. Women using white willow extract may also experience unusual bleeding of the gums, nose or other thin tissues.

Effect on Prostaglandins

Mayo Clinic obstetrician Roger W. Harms expresses significant concern regarding the safety of aspirin, which is chemically similar to white willow bark, in pregnant women. He notes that the compound disrupts the production of hormones known as prostaglandins, which are essential for re-routing a newborn baby's circulatory system after childbirth. When these hormones are disrupted, a baby's blood flow does not shift to accommodate the lungs, rather than the placenta, as the source of oxygen in the body. This can lead to fatal consequences.

Alternative

White willow extract's theoretical benefits are not worth the serious risks to an unborn baby or an expectant mother. Although many pregnant women believe that medicinal herbs are safe alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs, many can cause serious side effects comparable to their conventional counterparts. Safer pain relievers during pregnancy include acetaminophen, or Tylenol, and drug-free treatments such as relaxation and massage. Consult a licensed midwife or obstetrician before using any drug or supplement during pregnancy.

Dangers of Dong Quai During Pregnancy

Practitioners of Chinese traditional medicine, or TCM, have long recommended dong quai (Chinese angelica) as a catch-all solution to women's health problems. Midwives in ancient China believed that dong quai was helpful during all stages of pregnancy. According to tradition, it could improve the female sex drive, enhance fertility, ease pregnancy-related discomforts, prevent preterm labor, induce post-term labor, reduce childbirth pains, and stimulate the flow of breast milk.

If the idea of a safe,natural pregnancy panacea sounds too good to believe, your assessment is ultimately correct. Although I have known many women who have used dong quai during pregnancy, and although I know midwives who recommend it, dong quai's safety during pregnancy is questionable. While it may be worth the risks for some women, here are some potential problems associated with the use of dong quai during gestation.

Bleeding

Dong quai is a powerful anticoagulant, or blood-thinner, so it dramatically increases the risk of bleeding and bruising-- even in people who are not pregnant. Many women report excessive menstrual bleeding while using dong quai. These effects could be even more pronounced during pregnancy, and may lead to uterine bleeding that harms the developing baby. It can also mimic symptoms of pregnancy complications like miscarriage, preterm labor, ectopic pregnancy, and molar pregnancy.

Miscarriage

Although some midwives recommend dong quai for the prevention of miscarriage, evidence of its efficacy is contradictory. Some evidence suggests that dong quai can prevent miscarriage by relaxing the uterus and preventing contractions, but other evidence demonstrates that it contracts the uterus and may expel a developing embryo. Compounds in dong quai could also, in theory, poison an unborn baby and lead to its death. It's best to use safer techniques to treat threatened miscarriages.

Preterm Labor

Because of speculation that dong quai can trigger contractions in the uterus, it's quite possible that it increases the risk of preterm labor. Historically, TCM midwives have used dong quai to induce labor in women with post-term pregnancies. Although some midwives still approve of dong quai during the third trimester or the final two weeks of gestation, almost all health care providers urge women to avoid dong quai during the second trimester, since it could cause preterm delivery.

Birth Defects

There is scant evidence linking dong quai to birth defects, but one unsettling case report suggests that it increases the risk of serious congenital defects in the baby, particularly when used early in pregnancy. One woman used a combination of medicinal herbs during her first trimester. The baby was later born with serious birth defects, and experts believed that the herbs were to blame. Although this does not necessarily mean that dong quai is inherently dangerous, it does urge caution for pregnant mothers using medicinal herbs. Consult your obstetrician or midwife before using any herb, drug or supplement during pregnancy.