Question:
Are there any exercises to help relieve my carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer:
Do these three moves every day. (You may want to do them several times daily if you do a lot of computer work.) If possible, ice your wrists for 20 minutes after each session. If you feel any discomfort or pain, stop and consult your physician.

1) Wrist Extension Stretch - Hold your left hand out in front of you wrist up, palm facing out. With your right hand, gently press against your left fingers, pushing them back toward your chest. Stop when you feel tension (but not pain) and hold for 15-20 seconds. Repeat twice on each hand.

2) Wrist Flexion Stretch - Hold your left hand up with your palm facing you. Place your right hand on the backs of your left fingers and gently push your fingers forward, toward your forearm. Stop when you feel tension, hold for 15-20 seconds. Repeat twice on each hand.

Question:
How can I prevent stretch marks?

Answer:
Inherit fabulous genes. Barring that, your prospects aren't so hot. As you put on weight, your skin stretches and the connective tissue tears, reports or expert. So unless you don't gain weight - an unlikely scenario during pregnancy - you can't do much to stop the stretch marks [if they're in your genes]. Still, if you want to try a stretch-mark prevention cream/lotion/serum, go ahead. European women (even scientific types) swear by the stuff. But know that the American medical establishment says the products claims aren't backed by sufficient data. The good news: You may be able to get rid of stretch marks postpartum. Ask your dermatologist about using alpha hydroxy acid products, prescription vitamin A creams, microdermabrasion or a pulsed dye laser.

Question:
How do I calm a crying baby?

Answer:
Before long you'll be able to distinguish your baby's hunger cry from her fatigue cry. In the meantime, first make sure the baby is not wet, hungry, or overly hot or cold. Then try these methods of soothing her:

1) Nurse the baby

2) Rock, sway or walk with the baby in your arms or in a sling or front carrier.

3) Stroke the baby's head or tummy, or give the baby a gentle full-body massage. Patting him or her on their back may release a trapped burp.

4) Take the baby outside for a short time. Fresh air and new distractions often do the trick.

5) Swaddle the baby snuggly in a "security blanket."

6) Sing or talk to the baby.

7) Remember that too much stimulation can overwhelm your baby and make her cry more. Lower your voice, move more slowly, stop whatever hasn't been working and simply cuddle your baby in a dimly lit room.

Question:
How do I care for the baby's cord stump?

Answer:
The indigo-blue dye that is used to paint your baby's umbilical cord stump helps prevents infection, but it also keeps the cord from detaching as quickly as it used to - in most cases it takes two or three weeks. As a result, you'll spend more time cleaning the area than your mother did in her day. Don't let this fact scare you off. The cord stump has no pain endings. It's basically dead tissue, like a scab that needs to fall off. Until that happens, keep your baby's umbilical cord stump dry and stick to sponge baths. Also, use newborn diapers with a specially designed cutout, or simply fold the diaper below the stump. Cleaning the area with alcohol at every diaper change also will help dry up the stump. Pull the skin away from the base and clean all the way around it using a Q-tip, rather than a cotton ball, for easier access and more precision.

Question:
How do I bathe my baby?

Answer:
As long as you're doing a good job of cleaning your baby's diaper area during changes, two or three baths a week probably are plenty. A sponge bath with water usually will do the trick, especially until the umbilical cord stump falls off. In the winter months, when skin is likely to become dry or flaky, you may want to bathe her even less. Whether you're giving a sponge or tub bath, always test the water temperature using your elbow or the inside of your wrist (the water should be lukewarm), and have all your supplies - towel, washcloth, baby soap with mild, unscented products formulated for babies. Encircle your baby with your arm and hold firmly under the armpit. Wash her face with plain water only, then move from the cleanest to the dirtiest parts (do the diaper area last). Pay special attention to the folds in the neck, under the arms and the creases in joints, which are especially prone to rashes. To keep your baby from getting cold, shampoo her hair at the end of the bath. Although some little ones enjoy a post-bath massage, oils and lotions are not necessary, and many experts caution against using powders, which are easily inhaled.

Question:
How can I relieve my itchy belly?

Answer:
There are over-the-counter remedies for that very problem. If the product you buy doesn't work within a week or two, your doctor may prescribe oral Benadryl or a low-dose, prescription-strength cortisone cream. Or she may give you a blood test to see whether your condition is really an internal one (and not a rash), then treat the itch accordingly.

Question:
My eyesight seems to have deteriorated during my pregnancy. Is this normal? Will it get better after I give birth?

Answer:
Vision changes are normal during pregnancy, according to our expert from the department of ophthalmology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.

During pregnancy, your cornea - the clear tissue that covers the front of the iris, the colored part of the eye - is likely to thicken as progesterone levels rise. This can distort your vision. But don't spend a lot of money on a new pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses just yet. Chances are that if your eyesight changed during your pregnancy, it will return to normal after you deliver.

If you are a diabetic however, vision changes can be a sign of a much more significant problem. Diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness, sometimes tends to progress during pregnancy, although this is less of an issue for women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. It is suggested that women who are diabetic should undergo a preconception eye examination and a comprehensive exam during the first trimester.

Question:
How can I prevent stretch marks?

Answer:
Inherit fabulous genes. Barring that, your prospects aren't so hot. As you put on weight, your skin stretches and the connective tissue tears, reports or expert. So unless you don't gain weight - an unlikely scenario during pregnancy - you can't do much to stop the stretch marks [if they're in your genes].

Still, if you want to try a stretch-mark prevention cream/lotion/serum, go ahead. European women (even scientific types) swear by the stuff. But know that the American medical establishment says the products claims aren't backed by sufficient data. The good news: You may be able to get rid of stretch marks postpartum. Ask your dermatologist about using alpha hydroxy acid products, prescription vitamin A creams, microdermabrasion or a pulsed dye laser.

Question:
When trying to conceive, is it necessary to cut down on exercise schedules?

Answer:
Not at all. Several women on the U.S. Soccer team are moms to young kids. Something tells me they didn’t cut down on their exercise before they got pregnant. The only reason to cut down would be if you’re exercising so much and eating so little that you’re not menstruating. If this is the case you should consult with your Ob/Gyn anyway.

Question:
I have been having anxiety attacks and have become very claustrophobic. I talked with my doctor and he said this is normal. It’s has made it very hard to sleep. It has been too hot in my area too. Do you know how long this might last? I am 29 weeks and dreading having this for the rest of my pregnancy. I feel out of control. I never had this problem before. Help.

Answer:
Pregnancy is an overwhelming experience, physically and emotionally, and becoming a mother is a huge transition. Gayle Peterson, M.S.S.W, Ph.D., a therapist in Berkeley, California, says a lot of family issues come up during pregnancy. According to Peterson, there could be several causes for your anxiety: You might be remembering some early trauma or loss related to your own mother, you might be wary of how motherhood will change your life, especially if you have work you enjoy that may be disrupted and you may be fearful of what having a family means. If your parents were divorced or unhappily married, you may be worrying that the same will happen to your marriage. Take care of yourself. Get some help. This is a perfect time to see a trained counselor or therapist to resolve deeper problems that may be surfacing. And check out Dr. Peterson’s book, An Easier Childbirth (Shadow and Light, $18).