Light and Meter

Light and Meter

 

Here you can learn how to use a light meter, what the difference is between incident and reflected light, how to light a white background and much, much more. We are dedicated to helping you learn how to control light.

Getting a good exposure generally depends on understanding light and using a meter to measure the light in a scene.

Reflected light and incident light meters

Metering reflected light is exactly what it sounds like - you’re measuring the light bouncing off of the subject. Incident light is measuring the hitting the subject (before it bounces back to the camera.)

A meter helps to determine both the aperture and shutter speed. In some cases, the meter gives you a digital read out of the appropriate aperture at a given shutter speed. Some meters - especially older ones - uses a needle which you match to either a line or a second needle. Its a good idea to either get the sales person who sells you the camera or hand held meter to show you how to get the most out of it or can read the manual that comes with the meter or camera.

A camera’s internal meter always measures reflected light. In most cameras, this works very well for almost all the scenes most of us shoot. The problem comes when shooting a dark on dark subject or light on light subject. This is covered in other lessons, but the essential idea is that the meter thinks the whole world is 18 per cent grey. So, if you’re shooting a black cat on a dark chair, the meter will think it should be a lot lighter than that and will overexpose the image. Conversely, if you’re shooting snow on an overcast day, the meter will try to darken it to grey and it will underexpose the subject - even more than the usual grey of the day. Or an egg on a white table will come out muddy grays.

Understanding that, you can usually change the exposure to be more realistic.

Or, you can get a handheld meter which measures the light hitting the subject (incident light) and it doesn’t matter if the subject is white, grey, black, red or any other color.

On most new style hand held meters, there is a white dome covering the sensor which is used for measuring incident light.

As a rule, the best way to measure incident light is to stand beside the subject and point the white dome towards the camera. This gives a good overall exposure. You can also point the meter towards the light (or brightest light if there’s multiple light sources) to absolutely keep from over exposing the scene. This is especially good when doing a portrait. However, if the brightest light is coming from overhead and you’re shooting a portrait, point the meter at the camera or you’ll get deep dark shadows in the eye sockets which will make your subjects look like they have raccoon eyes.

If the subject is too far away to easily stand beside, you can find a spot with similar light to that hitting the subject, and measure the light the same way.

Spot meter

Another type of meter is the “spot meter” which can be hand held or built into many higher end cameras and is useful for more distant scenes you can’t just walk up to and use an incident meter. This measures reflected light, but only in a very small area - typically 1 to 3 degrees which is a small spot in an overall scene. The handheld meters tend to be the tighter 1 degree measurement. With a spot meter, you can determine the brightest point in a distant scene, as well as the darkest. Then, you can average the exposure between the two and hope to keep the highlights and shadows, or you can decide one is more important than the other. Those are choices you have to make yourself.

Flash meter

Many modern handheld meters include the ability to measure the light put out by a flash system - whether small portable flashes or big studio style flashes. Most photographers use light meters using incident light. Because flashes are very short exposure, the important part is the aperture. In most situations, especially using studio flashes, any other light - such as lamps, etc. - will be so under exposed you won’t see the light in the picture.

You can, however, also measure any ambient light and adjust the shutter speed to make any background light the same exposure as the flash or slightly under.

Diagonal Line

 

Diagonal Line

A nice dynamic method of composing a photo is to have a diagonal line running through the photo,  more or less from corner to corner. The line could be a street, a fence rail, a road or a shoreline. Anything which creates a line or division in the picture.

Of all the lines used in photography, diagonals are the most dynamic. You can use them to create a strong impression of movement or you can use them to create a tremendous sense of depth. All images are created with lines—some vertical, horizontal and others converging—but knowing how to place them affects the mood and composition of the final image.

A sense of order is created with vertical and horizontal lines, implying stability and strength. Diagonals are unbalanced and appear to be unstable. What they communicate is dynamic, yet precarious. They always appear to be falling over or not quite secure. This is what lends itself to a dramatic image.

The easiest way to create diagonals is simply by tilting your camera.

 Slanted views of horizontals and verticals and can easily be created by the photographer. I find that a bit of tilt to my camera adds a little slant to the image and creates a perfect diagonal line.

Try capturing a simple image like a car or skyscraper by tilting the camera forty five degrees and see the effect you create. What happens to the image? The car looks as if it is going fast while skyscraper appears to be reaching for the sky. This effect is created simply by simply turning your camera

When shooting from high up from a bird’s eye view, you can really create some stunning images. Look for lines then tilt the camera. The bird’s eye vantage allows you great leeway, as there is no right way, no up or down; everything is two dimensional. Experiment with patterns and color and you will arrive at some dramatic compositions.

Don’t be afraid to use crazy angles and change your viewpoint when shooting with diagonals. They will help give you a sense of depth and perspective. They tend to lead the eye to whatever focal point you decide, to a place where they end or disappear into nothing. Diagonals encourage the eye of the viewer to follow, almost like the Judas goat at the abattoir that leads the livestock to the slaughter. A set of footprints, a curved hedge, or river can be used to guide the viewers to the point of focus. But you must lead them to something that has a strong interest otherwise the viewer is left feeling that the image is incomplete.

 

Curves Photography

Curves Photography

Do you want to make your images more dynamic and aesthetically pleasing? Try looking for curves when you are photographing!

Once you start looking for them, you will find them everywhere.

Curves make an image easy to look at by leading the viewer’s eye through the frame. It is almost as if the photographer takes the viewer by the hand, draws them into the landscape, and points the way. The viewer’s eyes are compelled to follow the line.

Curves are graceful, rhythmic, dynamic and add energy to an image. They can separate or connect elements or simply offer a balance.

Look for C Curves

C curves, or semi-circles, are probably the easiest curves to find since almost any curve qualifies. It can be anything from the gentle curve of a seashore, lakeshore, a rounded rock, or grasses blowing in the wind.

Arches

Arches are another form of curve. They can be found naturally in rock formations if you’re in the right part of the world, or you can find them commonly in architecture. I like to make images with multiple arches if possible and take advantage of repeating curves.

Circles

Circles can be found in nature from ripples in a pond or puddles of water, or in many man-made objects.

Often in architecture you can find compositions that combine multiple curves as well as some lines that add depth and variety to the image.

 

S Curves

Another dynamic composition tool is to include a "S" curve. As the name suggests, a major element of the composition would be an object such as a stream, path, railing, or other curved object that creates an "S."

If the S is right facing and starts in the lower left corner and exits the upper right corner - the feeling for most English speaking people is that the picture is moving away from the viewer.

Using an S Curve to create interest in the picture

If the "S" is reversed, and starts in the upper left corner coming down to the lower right, the picture seems to be coming towards the viewer. This effect is from, I believe, learning to read left to right.

Exercise: Go out and find an S Curve to photograph. Explore right facing and left facing curves and see how they feel to you.

Tips:

• Remember you are guiding the viewer’s eye so choose carefully where you want the eye to enter the frame and where it should go from there.
• Other compositional “rules” can also be applied. For example, you can have a symmetrical composition or follow the rule of thirds as well as having a curve shape in the frame for an effective and dynamic image.
• Make sure the image is well balanced with your curve not too close to the edges of the frame.

Give yourself a challenge and go on a photo shoot with the goal of finding curves and use them to add interest and beauty to your compositions.

 

 

Negative Space

 Negative Space

Negative space is the area between and around objects in a photo. Use it to see shapes and sizes more effectively, and produce better composed images.

 

One way of making sure your composition is strong is to pay attention to the positive and negative spaces.

The primary subject of your photo, a person, building, toy car, whatever, is the "positive space."

Negative space is everything else. Something you see in a lot of photography is things sticking out of heads, wires across the scene you didn't see when taking the picture, and so on. This is just from paying so much attention to the subject that photographers forget what is in the background or surrounding the subject.

Exercise: take pictures of three different subjects outside. Doesn't matter what they are, a person, a car, a building. While taking the picture, don't worry about the subject, just pay attention to what is around and behind the subject.

Use the background to compose the shot - for this exercise, the actual subject is not important. If the background is not working for you, move around until it is - zoom in or zoom out to change perspective, get low, or go higher. Whatever makes the background a pleasing photo.

How to Use Negative Space in Your Photography

Our brains are full of preconceived ideas about the way objects look, in terms of their size, shape, color, texture, and so on. Unfortunately these preconceptions distort the way we view a scene, and this can lead to photos which look good in our mind but not so good in reality.

The key to overcoming these problems is to ignore the objects in the scene altogether and instead concentrate on the gaps between and around them. This forces you to pay more attention to your composition, and helps you see shapes and sizes more accurately.

 

When framing your photo, adjust your composition until the positive and negative spaces in the shot feel well balanced against one another. Be generous with the amount of empty space you leave, and don't feel you have to cram something interesting into every square inch of the frame.

Something I love to do from time to time is go through my old pictures in Photoshop or Lightroom, experimenting with different crops to see how they affect the overall feel of the shot. This is a great way to learn how to use negative space, and it's amazing how a small change in composition can make a big difference to the effectiveness of a photo.

Mastering the use of negative space takes time. We're so used to focusing on the main subject in a scene that it can seem strange to treat it almost as an afterthought. However, doing so will make you consider each element in your scene more carefully, leading to much stronger compositions.

 

Pick a Subject

The absolute best way to improve as a photographer is to DO photography - get out and shoot. A great way to push yourself into better photos is by concentrating on one subject over a period of time. Each time you photograph your subject, whether its a person, plant, place or thing, find a new way to photograph it. It could be from a different angle, different time of day, different light - whatever you can do to see the subject in a new way.

For this lesson, pick something near by you can photograph on a regular basis. It could be: your car, your cat, your "significant other", your guitar, what you see while walking through the neighborhood, objects that look like numbers, rusty objects, etc.

Anything that you like to look at.

 

Sometimes photographers feel like they need to travel to exotic places or meet famous people to have a worthwhile subject for their photography. The reality is, there are great subjects all around for the creative photographer.

Here are six tips to get you thinking about how to choose your next photography subject:

1. Find something you are interested in

One of the things I love about photography is that it incorporates so many other fields. Most of the time, having knowledge of your subject allows you to take a better photo. The more you learn, the more powerful or insightful your photographs can be. For example, I love the beach and photographing at the beach. Having spent so much time there, I know the best spot to photograph surfers depending on the swell direction. I know based on the shape and spread of the clouds in the afternoon if there will be an amazing sunset in the evening. I know where the dolphins like to play on the beach I grew up at. I love the beach and it makes me a better photographer of beach stuff. You are more likely to get great photos of something you are already interested in or are in the process of learning about, whether you’re photographing landscapes, people or products.

2. Find something you have experience in

Most of us photographers either have a day job, previously worked in another field or studied something different in school. At the very least, we have parents and siblings with different careers that we know a lot about. Leverage this knowledge and experience to make great photos. Maybe you worked at a hotel and have access and knowledge that allows you to get a behind the scenes look at the hospitality industry. Maybe you took a class in cake decorating and know how to photograph a cake to show off the most complicated parts of a cake decoration. Whatever your experience is, use it.

3. Find someone with a specific interest

If you can’t think of your own specific interest, find someone else who has one. Maybe your best friend loves golfing. You can have he or she educate you on the game of golf and tell you what kind of photos would be interesting or compelling. Perhaps they can get you access to a course or a set of clubs to use in your photo. Once you find out what golf balls are made of you can cut one open and photograph what you find inside. And your friend will be much more likely to want to be photographed doing something they love than sitting for a plain portrait.

4. Find someone with a unique look

We all know somebody that looks just a little bit different from the crowd. Maybe it’s because they style their hair in a cool way. Maybe they have an interesting wardrobe. Maybe they have a unique mix of races. Something as simple as a one-of-a-kind look can make for an interesting photo.

5. Find something rarely photographed

Think about the objects around you. Have you ever seen a photograph of those things? Have you seen a photo of them from up close? From far away? Maybe the object you have chosen is photographed often, but rarely photographed with a macro lens for detail. People or animals that are rarely photographed are also great subjects because they give the viewer a glimpse of something they don’t always see.

6. Find something available

Finally, the very best subject is the one that is available. Find someone or something that is around you and easy to photograph. You may be surprised at how awesome of a photo you can make with something that seems ordinary to you, with just a little creative lighting. You’ll never know until you actually click that shutter.

9 Tips for Beginner Photographers

1. Hold the camera steady with your elbows close to your body, or propped on something stable (table, bench, etc.) OR use a tripod.

2. Don’t be afraid of angles or changing your orientation (portrait or landscape).

3. Before pressing the shutter button, check your focus points. Is your photo focused on the subject or on something in the foreground or background?

4. Check your camera settings before shooting photos…Are they correct for the current conditions? ie: ISO, Shutter Speed, White Balance, etc.

5. Listen to experienced photographers. Also, view and study works of other photographers. This helps provide different perspectives and inspiration.

6. Learn how to use the Macro settings (or Macro lens) for your camera. Give the smallest details of nature great importance!

7. Use the continuous shooting mode to capture movement.

8. Take LOTS and LOTS of pictures!

 Have FUN!

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Weight Gain

WEIGHT GAIN

                Being thin is a national fixation. Consequently, one of the most difficult adjustments for many pregnant women is that they are going to gain weight and that this weight gain (within reason) is a good thing.

                You know, on an intellectual level, that you are growing a baby inside of you and that is why you are gaining weight. But many women feel devastated with every additional pound, so conditioned are they by what “fashion” dictates. You may feel ugly, unfeminine, and unloved. The result is that you’ll feel guilty. Resentful, and Constantly Worried. This is hard on you, hard on your baby, and hard on your partner, who must listen to your unending complaints and constantly try to reassure you.

                The weight you gain is good. It provides protection and nurturance for your baby. This doesn’t mean you can comfort yourself every day with a huge ice cream sundae: you’re eating for two in terms of nutrition, not quantity. You have to consume more calories to feed the developing fetus, but this doesn’t entitle you to munch away happily on anything and everything- empty calories such as potato chips benefit no one.

                Theories as to how much weight pregnant women should gain change with the years. Currently, 25 to 35 pounds is the accepted figure. That how much the baby and the placenta weigh, so that’s about how much you’ll lose easily right after the baby is born

                “The growth of the uterus at 12, 25 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Weight gain is most marked during the fifth and sixth month, and by the end of the third trimester the baby and placenta weight, on average, 25 to 35 pounds. Following a well-balanced diet will ensure that surplus weight gain is kept to a minimum.”

                (You’ll lose approximately 12 pounds as an immediate result of the delivery). Anything more than that, says the conventional wisdom, and you’ll have to work hard to get it off. And dieting is never, ever, anything more than a bore.

                However, don’t be dominated or bullied about your weight. Certainly gross obesity or scrawny thinness is not good for you or for your baby, but if you gain more than 25 pounds, don’t feel guilty. Everybody is different; every pregnancy is different. The important thing is the rate at which you gain weight: it should be steady and consistent, with the most gain taking place in the fifth and sixth month. You should keep a weekly weigh-in record, and report any weight loss or change in the pattern of weight gain to your doctor.

                And don’t starve yourself on the day before your regular visit to the doctor. This may make your chart look good, but you are depriving your baby of food, and that is not a very good idea.

               

                “Keep a weekly record of your weight gain and report any change in the pattern to your doctor.”

Indigestion and Gas

INDIGESTION AND GAS

INDIGESTION

                Indigestion, which most manifests itself as heartburn, in pregnant women is caused by food remaining longer than usual in the stomach. The good thing about this is that the nutrients in the food are absorbed better. But the bad thing is that you may feel awfully uncomfortable, especially toward the end of your pregnancy.

                Most pregnant woman get heartburn at some time or other usually in the final trimester. Don’t eat spicy or greasy foods, the most common cause of heartburn. Toward the end of their pregnancy many women find themselves eating nothing but plane rice and flavor gelatin. If the problem gets really uncomfortable, talk to your doctor or midwife about it.

                Try drinking milk with your meal, since it coasts your stomach. You could also try eating several small meals a day. Large meals will make you feel bloated and aggravate your indigestion.

GAS

                Gas (flatulence) is another embarrassing problem of pregnancy. You’ll notice you feel like an urpy, burpy, gassy lady almost as soon as you get pregnant.

                There is a very real reason for gas in pregnant women: your stomach and intestines are distended, so that bloated feeling is very real.

                There is unfortunately no cure for gas. Try to have a sense of humor about it. There are, however, several things you can do to try to lessen gas: have regular bowel movements, eat pureed vegetables to increase intestinal activity, and avoid foods that produce gas like beans, cabbage, fried foods, and so on.

”Pulses may aggravate a tendency toward flatulence and should be avoided if gas is a problem. Greasy foods, such as hamburger and French fries or fried eggs and bacon, are a common cause of heartburn.”

Constipation

CONSTIPATION

                Constipation is a very common complaint of pregnant women. It’s not very funny and it’s not very pleasant. During pregnancy bowels are more sluggish, and less efficient. The iron supplement your doctor may prescribe as part of your prenatal vitamins intake might also cause constipation.

                Being “regular” doesn’t necessarily mean a bowel movement every day. And don’t strain—you’ll only end up with hemorrhoids, which aren’t very pleasant either.  The definition of constipation is the passing of a hard stool—and if you do this all day long. You’re still technically constipated.

                There are remedies however: eat fresh fruit and green vegetables, and drink lots of fluids. Some people swear by hot lemon water three times a day, others say little licorice candy can help. Exercise, even if it’s just walking, will also help stimulate the bowel. All of the above (with the exception of the licorice candy) are also good for you, pregnant or not.

                Metamucil is a natural bulk laxative with no chemical additives. You can use it as often as you need to. Establishing a regular time for moving your bowels, and elevating your feet on a footstool while sitting on the toilet, may also help.

 

“Fresh fruit and Vegetables, which are high in fiber, are a natural remedy for constipation.”

Stretch Marks

Stretch Marks

                You may notice red, angry-looking stretch marks on various parts of your skin stretches to fit your blossoming dimensions.  The most common area for stretch marks is the stomach, since that is doing the most stretching as the baby grows. Your breasts, buttocks, and thighs may also get stretch marks.

                The good news is that stretch marks will eventually fade to become white, silvery lines. When tanned they will not be as noticeable. The bad news is that the jury is still out regarding the prevention of stretch marks.

                There are various theories and remedies for the “cure” of stretch marks. The most common is that rubbing cream, particularly coconut-oil-based concoctions, into the skin will help it become more elastic and thus resistant to marks. Some medical opinion scoffs at this remedy, however, arguing that there’s nothing you can put on the surface of the skin to lessen a function that is going on below the top layer.

                In any case, applying cream to the area will help ease the itching caused by your stretching skin. Your partner, who may quite often feel helpless in the face of your discomfort, can also assist by applying the cream for you.

                                                                                   

“About one third of pregnant women develop stretch marks as their body expands with the growing fetus. A part from the lower stomach, stretch marks may also appear on the breasts, buttocks and thighs.”

Varicose Veins

VARICOSE VEINS

                The bad news is that varicose veins are ugly, bluish, worm-like veins on your legs, and are characteristic of pregnancy. The good news is that they fade after the baby is born. If your mother had them, you probably will too.

                Varicose veins have two general causes (besides being hereditary): your circulation has to deal with an increased amount of fluid in your body, and your growing uterus is putting more pressure on the veins in your legs.

                There are steps you can take a minimize varicose veins. Don’t were “knee high”-stockings with elastic bands along the top which stop just below your knee. In fact, don’t any kind of stocking that cuts off circulation along any part of your leg. Support hose are expensive compared to regular pantyhose, but worth it if you tend toward varicose veins.

                Elevate your legs whenever possible, and don’t sit in any one position for too long. Walk and exercise as much as possible. You should also rig up a way to elevate your legs while you’re sleeping, such as a raising the foot of your bed slightly by placing wooden blocks underneath.

 

”Support stockings may be advisable to help ease the symptoms of varicose veins-a common problem of pregnancy, but one that usually lessens after the baby is born.”

Aches and Pains

ACHES AND PAINS

                Pregnancy is a wonderful time, and you will experience marvelous periods of tremendous well-being. However, your body is also changing accommodate a rapidly growing baby, and you will experience some normal aches and pains.

                Groin Pains

                A mild, achy feeling on one or both sides of your stomach is most likely due to the stretching of the ligaments around your growing uterus. As long as these pains are mild, they are nothing to worry about. They usually occur during the first three to five months of pregnancy. However, any pains that are several in any way or feel like menstrual cramps should be reported to your doctor or midwife at once.

                Braxton Hicks Contractions

                Toward the end of your second trimester you will probably start having occasional contractions of the uterus. These are called Braxton hicks contractions, and they are perfectly normal part of pregnancy they are a sort of warm-up for the real thing, and they strengthen the uterus. Some woman barely feel Braxton hicks contractions, and other may have the cramps every ten minutes for an hour at a time. The contraction feels exactly like labor pains, but they do not get more intense, frequent, or closer together. To relieve the discomfort, try shifting your position or walking around a bit. The breathing techniques you learn in childbirth class will also help.

                Hemorrhoids

                Hemorrhoids are a common complaint of pregnancy and are the equivalent of varicose veins in your legs: they are caused by increased pressure on your veins, in this case the veins in your anus. Constipation is the most frequent reason for the development of hemorrhoids. If you have hemorrhoids you should sit on hard, firm surfaces. Cold compresses with witch hazel may also relieve the itching and pain.

                Body Temperature

                While you are pregnant your body temperature should not go too high. if you get sick and have a fever, and your temperature goes up, call the doctor or midwife immediately. He or she may prescribe acetaminophen, fluids, and bed rest.

 

 

“It is important to check your temperature if you suspect that you may have a fever. If it is high, contact the doctor or midwife at once. Remember to sterilize the thermometer after use.”

Morning Sickness

MORNING SICKNESS

Morning sickness may be the first indication that you are pregnant. There are lots of jokes about it, but if you suffering, there’s nothing funny about it. Morning sickness is sudden nausea and can occur at any time of the day, although most commonly it occurs in the morning hours. Unless it becomes very severe, morning sickness has no effect on your baby.

                Get plenty of fresh air in the room where you sleep and as you cook breakfast. Odor may upset your stomach. Have some dry bread or cereal by your bedside to eat before you lift your head from the pillow. Do not use butter or margarine (fats and greasy foods tend to upset the stomach). Get up very slowly, taking five or six minutes. Avoid sudden movements when you’re feeling nauseated.

                Eat several small meals a day, instead of three large ones, because you are more likely to feel nauseated when your stomach empty. Carbonated beverages and grapefruits, orange, or grapes juice may help settle your stomach. Lying down after eating may also help.

                If you haven’t quit smoking by now, morning sickness may the incentive you need. Giving up cigarettes will ease your  nausea and increase the chance of having a healthy baby

                And remember, morning sickness usually passes with the end of the first trimester.

 

“If you suffer from morning sickness, keep some dry toaster cereal by your bedside to eat before you raise your head from the pillow. A carbonated drink or fruit juice may also help to alleviate feeling of nausea.”

Month by Month Countdown

MONTH-BY-MONTH COUNTDOWN

First Month

It’s time to start doing your homework. Buy or borrow some good, recent books on Pregnancy and Childbirth, and read them carefully.

Base on your reading, your Personal preferences, and your medical situation, consider the childbirth options available to you.

Second Month

Check out your benefits. What does your company health insurance cover? Are you entitled to maternity leave, and what are the details? And what about paternity leave? What other health insurance coverage do you have, either through company or private policies or though government assistance?

If you work, think about how and when to tell your superior and co-workers about your Pregnancy.

Third Month

Start doing your Kegel exercises every day.

Enroll in an exercise class designed for pregnant women.

Fourth Month

Now’s the time to look into childbirth classes, even though you won’t start attending until your seventh month.

Now’s also the time to start shopping for maternity clothes, you probably won’t need them for another month or so, but it’s easier and less fatiguing to do the shopping now.

Keep doing your Exercises!

Fifth Month

Keep doing your Exercises!

You’ll start to notice real weight gain now. It’s normal so don’t try to slim, but continue to eat a well-balanced diet.

Sixth Month

Keep doing your exercises!

Keep eating! a well-balanced diet is essential for the baby’s development and your own health.

As you approach the start of the third and final trimester, try to get all major tasks for example, painting the nursery—out of the way. If you’re planning to move, do it now.

Seventh Month

It’s time to start childbirth classes.

Keep doing your exercises and eating properly!

Many women plan to leave their jobs during this moth. If you do, make a list of all the people to notify and steps to take regarding maternity leave and so on.

Eighth Month

Keep doing your exercises and eating properly!

Visit the place where you will give birth, including the delivery and after care areas. Introduce yourself to the staff and get to know where everything is—including the payphones and men’s rest-rooms. When you’re in labor is not the time to be exploring.

Choose a pediatrician.

If at all possible, arrange for help at home for the first week or so after the baby is born. A friend, relative, or professional baby nurse can really make a difference during that exhausting but important first week.

Do you still need things for the baby or the baby’s room? Get them now.

If you plan to breast-feed, begin preparing your breasts .

Ninth Month

Pack your hospital bag.

Pick the baby’s godparents.

Make a list of everyone you’ll want to call from the Hospital and start saving change for the pay phones.

Cook and freeze some meals in advance this can be a big help to you and your family while you’re at the hospital and just after you come home.

Relax!

Keeping a Pregnancy Diary

KEEPING A PREGNANCY DIARY

                Pregnancy is a marvelous, unique experience. Keeping a diary during your Pregnancy will help you record all the elation and joy of those nine months. A diary can serve several valuable purposes. By recording the changes in your body, your emotions, and your relationships it will help you remember the happy times and come to terms with your moments of doubt. If you become Pregnant again later, you may find it helpful to look back through the pages of your diary some time in the future, you will relive the joy of that special time.

                An easy way to keep a Pregnancy diary is to buy a small, inexpensive, pretty notebook with at least fifty pages. Simply start each month with a new page, and then start another new page for each week of the month. Of course, you should write just as much or as little as you want—spill over onto the next page, the page after that, and even a new notebook if you like!

Determining Your Due date

DETERMINING YOUR DUE DATE

                When determining your due date, it is helpful if you have been keeping a record of the date your periods begin each month. Then, when you find you are PREGNANT, it will help eliminate some of the guesswork about your due date if you have this information handy on your calendar.

                The average time of gestation (from conception to full term) is 266 days, although it may be as short as 240 days or as long as 300 days. Officially, that’s 40 weeks, but nature rarely obeys official rules—in fact, less than five percent of all babies arrive promptly at 40 weeks.

                To figure out your due date, take the first day of your last period, count back three months and add seven days. This equals nine months and seven days, or 280 days. For example, if the starting date of your last period was June 25, your baby will probably arrive a little earlier than your official due date. If your periods are on a 28- day cycle, your baby may make its appearance a little later than expected.

Pregnant

PREGNANT

 

YOU’RE PREGNANT?The news that you’re PREGNANT can be the most joyous you’ll ever receive. It means you’re about to enter a nine-month period of tremendous change and growth- both for you and your partner. And at the end of it, you’ll embark of lifelong voyage as parent, with all the special joys that brings as you watch your child grow.

    The news that you’re PREGNANT also brings a flood of emotions. The chief feeling is utter delight, mixed with a lot of eager anticipation. But you also feel a little frightened and have a lot of questions. The more you know about what to expect as your baby develops, the more confident you will feel, and the more you can enjoy your Pregnancy. This blog will answer many of your questions, but you are sure to have many more.  Never hesitate to ask your Doctor or Midwife any question you may have—he or she will be only too happy to answer.  After all, the more secure and happy you are about your pregnancy, the better for everyone.

   As your pregnancy advances, you will have to cope with your changing body and your changing emotions. It’s a time that requires a lot of understanding from your partner’ but don’t forget that he too is experiencing a lot of emotional change. Be open with each other, be patient, and remember that your love for each other has led you to create a baby together.

“Pregnancy is not only a time of great physical change, but also of delight, anxiety, anticipation and worry over your new parental responsibilities may follow each other with bewildering speed. Careful reading and preparation for the birth will help allay fears and keep you in touch with what is happening to your body, leaving you free to enjoy the coming months to the full.”