Vitamin D prevents preeclampsia

Hot Mama Alert! Are you getting enough vitamin D? The amount in your prenatal vitamins may not be enough to prevent preeclampsia.

Women with a Vitamin D deficiency in the first trimester have a five fold greater risk of preeclampsia according to a university study recorded in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Stats on Preeclampsia:

- Effects up to 7% of first pregnancies

- Often results in necessary pre-term delivery

- Leading cause of premature delivery and maternal and fetal death worldwide

- Occurs late in second trimester or in third trimester

- Symptoms include the following: high blood pressure, high levels of protein in urine, swollen hands and feet, and sudden weight gain.

Researchers stressed that even slightly low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy may double the chance of having preeclampsia. Prenatal vitamins typically have 200-400I.U. of vitamin D. This amount may not be enough to protect a Hot Mama.

1000 I.U. of vitamin D may be a more protective dose, especially for pregnant women living in Northern climates where sun exposure is low and those with darker skin. For optimal absorption, take 500 I.U. twice a day.

Body Bugg vs. Go Wear Fit, Gadgets for Weight Loss

Hey Hot Mama! Need a little extra motivation to help you shed that baby weight? Out of all the pedometers, heart rate monitors, and calorie counters, these two devices win the top prize: the Body Bugg and Go Wear Fit. These devices are not pedometers, which only measure the amount of steps that one takes. Both these little gizmos measure the amount of calories burned by measuring motion from different perspectives so time on an elliptical trainer, a dance class, an aerobics class, or a boot camp class is more accurately accounted for. Both devices are worn on an arm- band (which is easily disguised under most short sleeve shirts). The premise is this: You wear your arm band all day, you then log on to their respective site to record your food intake for the day, you plug the device into your computer via a usb cable and the program lets you know if you are over or under your allotted daily calories dependent on information about yourself that you have uploaded. If you are at a calorie deficit for the day, you are on the road to weight loss. If not, it just may motivate you to take Fido for a few laps around the block or to get out for an early morning walk tomorrow. For an extra fee, both companies offer a wrist band that lets you know how many calories you have burned without having to plug your device into your computer.

Both devices cost about the same depending on which site you go on. Both look nearly the same and are the same size. Both offer a complementary session with a “coach” to help you get acquainted with your device. Both offer a few complementary months of membership to their site where you can keep track of your food intake. Here are the few differences that I have found:

1. The Body Bugg

This company’s site has a more diverse, easy to use, and comprehensive list of food. This makes food journaling more precise and user-friendly.

2. Go Wear Fit

This device has the unique feature of measuring quality of sleep. Research has confirmed that lack of adequate sleep inhibits weight loss.