Narrator: In the weeks before birth, your body slows down production of the hormone progesterone while increasing production of other hormones – including prostaglandins, which soften the cervix, and oxytocin, which triggers the uterine muscles to contract. True labor contractions are rhythmic and painful, and grow consistently stronger. As the long vertical muscle bands of the uterus tighten, they pull the cervix open. The strong muscles at the top of the uterus push down and release, guiding your baby toward the cervix. The mucus plug, a collection of thickened cervical mucus that's sealed your cervix shut for nine months, may be expelled days before or in the midst of labor. When the amniotic sac ruptures, your water has broken. It can feel like a trickle or a gush of fluid. Your cervix will begin opening and thinning, known as dilation and effacement. Once you reach about 4 centimeters, your body will move into active labor. In active labor, contractions become stronger and...
Taking care of your baby's skin The baby care market is HUGH and is continuing to grow, as people (mothers) become more health conscious. In North America, baby care is projected to be approximately 7.5 billion dollars annually. For the first time ever, consumers are becoming better educated and are seeing the need to buy products that are specifically made to meet the needs of young (newborn) skin. The fact is that your baby's skin in much different than adult skin... but to what extreme, that would require different care? At the moment the skin is formed, it exists in a very dark atmosphere - submerged in liquid. It is a major adjustment to be out in the real world, and as such, we need to care for it to ensure its health. Skin thickens as we age, and for babies, this means very thin, fine textured skin. Your baby's skin has many challenges to protect itself from the environment to retaining moisture. Yes, these are issues we all face, however they are greatly...