LilSugar

10 Foods to Curb Pregnancy Cravings

LilSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:13 -0700

Move over pickles and ice cream, the pregnancy craving cops are onto you. The foods women crave may evolve as they make their way through their expectant days, but at the heart of it all are nutrients that the mama-to-be and her baby need as they continue on their journey. Keeping a fridge well-stocked with foods that fulfill these cravings will help eliminate the need for late night grocery runs and odd mixtures on mommy's plate.

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Does Chocolate Ward Off Pregnancy Complications?

LilSugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:00:49 -0700

Give in to that chocolate craving, the dark decadent sweet may be more than just a treat!

New research suggests that it may ward off preeclampsia, a pregnancy condition that is characterized by a sudden rise in blood pressure, excessive weight gain, protein in urine and other symptoms.

According to a Reuters article about the findings:

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is rich in a chemical called theobromine, which stimulates the heart, relaxes smooth muscle and dilates blood vessels, and has been used to treat chest pain, high blood pressure, and hardening of the arteries, Dr. Elizabeth W. Triche of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut and colleagues write.

To learn about the specifics, read more.

Of the 2,291 moms who delivered babies, those who ate the most chocolate were the least likely to develop preeclampsia. It also said:

Women who ate five or more servings of chocolate each week in their third trimester of pregnancy were 40 percent less likely to develop preeclampsia than those who ate chocolate less than once a week.

Source

Did Your Spouse Gain Sympathy Weight?

LilSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:00:38 -0700

Expectant women crave everything from pickles to chili peppers and sometimes their better halves become partners in crime.

While pregnant with me, my mom couldn't get enough French vanilla ice cream covered in fudge. And, my dad was the one who drove out and bought it. Naturally slim, the excursions packed close to twenty pounds on him.

Did your cravings affect your companion?

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Giada's Babymama Cravings

babysugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:00:52 -0800

One of the perks of being pregnant is being able to eat till your heart's content without anyone giving you the old stink eye.

Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis is expecting her first child and chatted about her cravings at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami.

She told People:

I used to crave sweets before I got pregnant. You know, chocolate, cookies, cake. I've normally got a really big sweet tooth, but not now this baby just wants meat.

I craved fruit. What did you crave?
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Will You Do Pumpkin Carving With Your Kiddos?

babysugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:30:10 -0700

Whether the faces are spooky and scary or goofy and giddy, children love to carve out their pumpkins for the Halloween season. Everyone benefits from the fun family time, some even make it a team event. Decorating tools and and creative stencils have allowed wee ones to go wild with the gourds while some keep it simple with a knife and spoon. And while the cut-out mugs may be the end goal, many mamas don't mind the innards that can make for delish pumpkin bread and toasted pumpkin seeds.

Does your family crave carving time? Join our The Mommy Club over in our LilSugar community and share your carving tips! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.

Photo courtesy of sara.atkins

For the Childless, Womb Transplants Are on the Horizon

babysugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:30:28 -0700

Some women have known all their lives that they were meant to be mothers. When nature does not allow for a man and woman to procreate on their own, people can take alternative routes to building their families: adoption, surrogacy, and in vitro fertilization. But for some ladies, it's not enough to take in an orphaned child or even have another woman carry her own flesh and blood. In that case, a womb transplant could be a dream come true and is very likely to become a reality sooner than later.

Scientists in London successfully performed a womb transplant in rabbits, giving hope to the future of human womb transplants. While there are medical issues to be conquered and experiments yet to be performed, the researchers believe the technique will be tested on women within two years. The topic of human reproduction always proves to be a volatile one. Some will argue the world is already overpopulated and there are plenty of children starving for homes. But for those women who crave the desire to be pregnant, the medical procedure could be the answer to their prayers.

What are your thoughts on the scientific advancement?

Padma Lakshmi Dishes on Her Bump With Anderson and Kelly

babysugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:30:15 -0700

Instead of talking about food dishes, Padma Lakshmi was caught dishing on her own personal life as she sat down and discussed her pregnancy with Kelly Ripa and Anderson Cooper on Live With Regis and Kelly. Guest host Anderson congratulated the vision in purple on her recently announced pregnancy, which got the mom-to-be talking about the wee baby bump of hers. The celebrity foodie said:

Now that I've told everyone, I think my body has relaxed and my stomach has just said all right, that's it. I really wasn't showing that much . . . in the last four days, I've just really got this buddha belly, but so far, so good.

A veteran of pregnancies, Kelly said, "It's true, once you tell people about it, it pronounces itself." Did you feel like you popped out when you told people you were pregnant?

To see Padma talk about her age, food cravings, lack of morning sickness, and even eating bull testicles, just read more.

Look Out... Pregnancy Can Be Contagious!

babysugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:00:00 -0700

So pregnancy isn't really contagious, but it can certainly stir up the idea for wanna-be-moms. Women who love the expectant time may be green with envy when they see a bump struttin' down the street. When a best friend, sister or co-worker is blessed with a baby, it can make her closest bud wish they were growing one, too. Reality star Kourtney Kardashian recently announced her surprise pregnancy and has her family stirring with excitement. Even lil sister Kim recently gushed about her sister's condition while out shopping at Bel-Bambini. She said:

Who would have thought a day of baby shopping could be so emotional?... I want a baby!!!! OK, so maybe not right now, but I can't wait to be an aunt!

Surrounded by a bevy of close bumpalicious pals, I've had a pregnancy craving of late. Do you find yourself swaying with the wind when those close to you are growing tummies?

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Don't Let Daddy's Laptop Lead to Infertility

babysugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:00:48 -0700

I bet the Duggars don't use laptops. 'Cause if they did, they might not be at 18 and Counting. I crave the heat my laptop emits on a chilly night at home, but there is reason to believe it may not be worth the warmth it provides...especially in men. Studies have shown that a man's scrotal temperature can rise about five degrees when balancing a computer on his lap. That may not sound like a reason to get up in arms but other studies found, "Sperm concentration dropped by 40% when median daytime scrotal temperature rose by one to two degrees Fahrenheit (or one degree Celsius)."

Ladies who want more babies better tell daddy to take it easy on the laptop or use one of these nifty lap desks to protect their family jewels.

Target Lapdesk ($40)	Pyramat Notebook Computer Cooler ($30)
IKEA Brada ($18)	Belkin Cushtop II Laptop Cushion
Bevel Laptop Stand ($25)	IKEA Dave ($18)

10 Sassy Slings

babysugar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Slings are by no means a new invention - women have been strapping their children to their sides for ages as it provides closeness, comfort and ease. Straight out of the womb, most wee ones crave being held tight or swaddled as it reminds them of their embryonic stage. Aside from the encircled fabrics providing a place for baby, they offer a mother support to go about her business while keeping an eye on her offspring. A popular new mom "must have," there are loads of options in a plethora of styles and colors. Check them out!

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