But how do parents who may be less tech-savvy recognize and encourage this interest in their children?

What interests indicate an inclination towards programming?

A child’s curiosity can be a first clue. If they constantly ask how things work or want to solve problems, this shows a love of logic. Programming requires logical thinking and the ability to break problems down into manageable pieces. Children who demonstrate these skills often recognize complex relationships and draw conclusions.

An interest in mathematics can be helpful, but is not essential.

Solving programming problems also requires creativity, perseverance, and patience. Children who are motivated to find solutions are often willing to experiment multiple times and use setbacks as learning opportunities.

How do I support my child’s interest in programming?

Depending on the child’s age, there are various options. For younger children, puzzles and brain games that encourage logical thinking are suitable. There are many child-friendly programming languages ​​and tools that make learning fun.

If you’re able to code yourself, work with your child on small projects. Praise and positive feedback are crucial.

For older children, role models on social media or YouTube can be inspiring. Encourage them to participate in computer science programs in school. Technology like the Raspberry Pi or Arduino, combined with peripherals, power supplies, and small screens, as well as online tutorials, can also be helpful.

Fun is the priority

Even though programming is a key skill in our time, children should always have a choice about how intensively they want to engage with it. The most important thing is that they have fun.

However, if you notice that your child has an aptitude for programming, be sure to encourage them. This not only develops their cognitive abilities but also teaches valuable skills for the future.

The situation is different with the severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum , which can lead to serious health problems for both mother and child.

From annoying breast tenderness to hemorrhoids – the list is long.

1. Find a midwife

What sounds so trivial is one of the most important points at the beginning of pregnancy .

A midwife is a great companion throughout pregnancy and birth . She will also be a great help afterward, during the postpartum period.

Unfortunately, there are not many midwives available at the moment, so it is advisable to start looking as early as possible.

Once the baby arrives, it will be a huge help not to feel alone in this new situation. You’ll see your midwife regularly at first, and she’ll explain everything to you, which will likely be completely new territory for you.

If you can’t find a midwife near you, try birthing centers.

2. Birth preparation courses

Many pregnant women find security in preparing for the birth and knowing what to expect.

Of course, every birth is different, but it is certainly better to have a rough idea than to start the birth with a lot of uncertainty, right?!

If you already have a midwife supporting you, ask if she offers birth preparation classes or if she has a colleague who does. Midwives often lead these classes.

3. Home birth or delivery room?

This is a question you should definitely ask yourself early on. Here are a few points to consider:

• How has the pregnancy been going so far?
• Have there been any complications?
• Is it perhaps even a multiple pregnancy, i.e. twins or even triplets?

These are all indicators that would favor a hospital birth . Any midwife who still attends home births these days—which have become very rare, but more on that later—would opt for a hospital birth if these questions were answered. The risks are increased, thus making a home birth unfeasible.

So if you decide to go to a delivery room, you will need to register with the hospital of your choice.

Feel free to look at several delivery rooms. Hospitals usually offer viewing appointments for pregnant women. Ultimately, you have to feel comfortable there, and it’s your right to choose a hospital.

If you decide to have a home birth and there are no medical reasons against it, a midwife is even more important. She will accompany and monitor the birth and help you bring your child into the world.

She will also help you gradually prepare your home for childbirth. She will tell you what you might need to get and what the necessary preparations will be.

As mentioned above, it’s good to know that midwives who provide home birth care have become very rare. This is because insurance for home births has become very expensive, and many midwives can no longer afford it.

So, if you decide to have a home birth, start looking for a suitable midwife early on. Alternatively, you could consider a birth center. These offer a more intimate atmosphere than hospitals and are much more like a home birth.

4. For a hospital birth: Pack a hospital bag

What do you need in your hospital bag to make the birth and the time afterward in the hospital as pleasant as possible?

First of all, whatever you feel comfortable with!

Then there are a few important documents that should not be missing from your hospital bag.

• Maternity record
• insurance card
• Identity cards of both parents

Things that are useful during childbirth :

• Loose-fitting clothing, including clothes to change into during labor. Nothing should be constricting or make you feel uncomfortable. It’s not about beauty, it’s about comfort.
• Warm socks. Cold feet inhibit contractions, which isn’t exactly conducive to labor.
• Massage oil. A massage can help you get through labor more easily and generally promotes more relaxation.
• Hair clips or hair ties. Otherwise, your hair might get in the way.
• Food and fortifying snacks . Childbirth can be very strenuous, and your body will be grateful for some energy.
• Bring your phone or something similar that lets you play music. Many people find it relaxing and stress-relieving.

For the period after birth :

• Nursing bras, preferably several.
• Comfortable underwear.
• Naturally the usual toiletries
• Soft toilet paper. Yes, you’ll actually be very glad you have it, because the paper in the hospital is usually not very comfortable after giving birth.
• If you have a birth injury, Calendula essence is recommended.

5. And the best part last: equipment for the baby

Of course, the baby also needs clothes, etc. So let’s get started! Pick out some nice items for the little one.

You can also decorate the nursery now. Go wild and make it as comfortable as possible for your baby.

Of the remaining 30 percent, half receive a positive pregnancy test in the second year. This represents only a small percentage of couples for whom family planning isn’t so straightforward.

For anyone who would like to become pregnant in the near future, we have a few valuable tips here.

Diet and lifestyle

A healthy diet with regular exercise should be standard for everyone. It’s even more important for expectant mothers and fathers. Statistically, women (and men!) of normal weight who only drink alcohol occasionally have the best chances of becoming pregnant . Smoking should be absolutely taboo, even before starting a family: nicotine reduces female fertility and sperm quality.

Important antibodies

It’s important for expectant mothers to be protected against rubella and chickenpox . An infection during pregnancy can harm the unborn child. Therefore, you should check beforehand whether antibodies against both diseases are present in your blood. If not, vaccination can help .

Caution : A woman should wait three months after vaccination before becoming pregnant. This is the only way to ensure comprehensive protection for mother and child.

Folic acid

Folic acid is a B vitamin. It is required for cell division and cell regeneration. Pregnant women and women trying to conceive have an increased need. The recommended daily intake is 800 micrograms of folic acid.

The vitamin is found in foods such as cabbage, lamb’s lettuce, almonds, green leafy vegetables, spinach, asparagus, whole grain products, and liver. However, it’s easier to meet your daily needs with tablets. These tablets are taken until at least the tenth week of pregnancy and, among other things, reduce the risk of the baby developing spina bifida (an open spine).

About the right moment

The female egg cell lives for about twelve hours after ovulation; sperm can survive in the woman’s body for three to four days. Therefore, there are approximately 72 hours each month in which pregnancy can occur. Having intercourse during this time naturally increases the chances of conception.

But how does the timing work? A very regular cycle lasts 28 days. Ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle. Under these conditions, sex 14 days after the start of the last period is optimal—if everything goes according to plan. In reality, however, the cycle length varies between 26 and 32 days.

However, women who closely monitor and know their bodies often have a good sense of their cycle and even ovulation. During the fertile days, a thick mucus can often be detected, which is supposed to help the sperm reach the egg.

Natural support for a regular cycle is provided by chasteberry , a plant from the verbena family. It is available over-the-counter at pharmacies.

Of course, there are also various tests that can be used to easily determine the time of ovulation, the quality of sperm or (hopefully) pregnancy at home.

At a glance

• The general rule is: Just try to take it easy. The less stressed couples are, the easier it often is to get pregnant. Calmness helps!
• Healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables, moderate amounts of meat and fish, whole grain products, and folic acid.
• Drink little alcohol but plenty of water.
• Keep your hands off cigarettes!
• Observe your own body and pay attention to your cycle. It can be helpful to keep a cycle diary for a few months. If you notice any significant irregularities, discuss them with your gynecologist.

In this context, it’s important to emphasize that there’s no one to blame if the desire to conceive doesn’t work out. It’s a complex matter involving many factors. This affects both the physical and mental health of both partners.

There are a variety of treatment options available to help couples who are unable to conceive . The following presents the most common methods and explains their advantages and disadvantages.

Definition of infertility and factors that can lead to infertility

Infertility refers to the inability to become pregnant despite regular unprotected sexual intercourse.

This can be due to various factors, including hormonal problems, anatomical abnormalities, age, unhealthy lifestyle, genetic disorders, certain diseases, or a combination of these factors.

Treatment options

There are various treatment options for infertility. Here are some of the most common methods recommended by experts:

Fertility drugs

Fertility drugs, also known as ovulation inducers, are used to stimulate egg production in women. These drugs increase the hormone levels necessary for egg maturation. They are usually taken orally or administered as an injection and are relatively inexpensive.

The chances of success of fertility drugs vary, but for many women they lead to a successful pregnancy .

A potential disadvantage of fertility drugs is that they can lead to multiple pregnancies in some women, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a method in which the partner’s sperm is injected into the woman’s uterus. This increases the number of sperm that can reach the egg.

The chances of success of IUI vary depending on the woman’s age, the duration of infertility, and the partner’s sperm quality. One advantage of IUI is that it is a less invasive and relatively inexpensive method.

However, there are also some disadvantages, such as the lower success rate compared to other methods.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most well-known fertility treatments. It involves combining eggs and sperm in the laboratory to create embryos, which are then implanted into the woman’s uterus. IVF can help couples with various fertility problems, including low sperm count, blocked fallopian tubes, and endometriosis.

IVF is a more invasive treatment than IUI, but it has a higher chance of success. These depend on several factors, such as the woman’s age, the number of embryos being implanted, and the quality of the eggs and sperm.

A disadvantage of IVF is that it is expensive and may require multiple treatments before pregnancy is achieved. It can also lead to multiple pregnancies, which carries risks.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a form of in vitro fertilization (IVF) used in cases of male infertility. This procedure involves inserting a single sperm directly into the egg. This allows couples with limited sperm quality or quantity to achieve pregnancy.

The chances of success of ICSI depend on various factors, such as the woman’s age, the quality of the eggs and sperm, and the experience of the treating physician. The success rate is typically between 30 and 50 percent per cycle.

Although ICSI can be an effective treatment method, it is not without risks and side effects. Possible complications include multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancies, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and miscarriages. Sperm retrieval can also lead to pain, infection, or bleeding.

Risks and side effects of fertility treatments

Fertility treatments can be stressful for many couples. In addition to the potential physical risks, there are also emotional and financial aspects to consider.

Physical risks

Most fertility treatments are relatively safe, but as with any medical intervention, there is some risk of complications.

Some women may develop an infection or bleeding during or after treatment. The risk of multiple pregnancies is also increased, as multiple eggs can be fertilized at the same time.

Emotional stress

Fertility treatments can be emotionally draining for couples, especially if they are unsuccessful. The constant hope and disappointment can be stressful and lead to anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems.

The treatment can also put a strain on the relationship between partners.

We have described 3 tips for dealing with these psychological stresses here:

Financial burdens

Fertility treatments are generally expensive and are not covered by health insurance in many countries .

Costs can quickly run into the thousands, depending on the treatment method chosen. A failed course of treatment can lead to financial hardship, especially if multiple cycles are required.

It’s important for couples considering fertility treatments to consider these risks and prepare accordingly. Good preparation can help reduce emotional and financial stress.

Advice and support options

There are many counseling and support options available for couples who are faced with an unfulfilled desire to have children.

One option is psychological support from a professional experienced in working with couples experiencing fertility problems. Such support can help manage the emotional stress associated with treatment.

There are also many support groups where couples with similar experiences can meet and support each other. These groups offer the opportunity to share experiences, give advice, and encourage each other.

It may also be helpful to attend fertility workshops or classes to learn more about fertility treatments and prepare for treatment.

Legal aspects of fertility treatments

Fertility treatments can also raise legal issues, particularly regarding parenthood.

In some countries, unmarried or same-sex couples may have difficulty legally recognizing the child, especially if they have used surrogacy or sperm donation.

Questions may also arise regarding the Embryo Protection Act or the use of donor sperm or eggs. Couples are usually required to sign a written consent form for the use of donor sperm or eggs or for surrogacy to define their rights and responsibilities.

Legal regulations vary from country to country and can be very complex. It is therefore important to clarify the legal framework in advance and, if necessary, seek professional assistance.

Ways to fulfill the desire to have children: Weighing up the opportunities and risks

An unfulfilled desire to have children can be a huge emotional burden for affected couples. Fortunately, there are now a variety of treatment options that can help fulfill the dream of having one’s own child.

Fertility medications, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are some of the most common methods. Each treatment has its own success rates, limitations, and side effects that should be carefully considered.

It’s important to be aware that fertility treatments can also involve physical, emotional, and financial stress. Therefore, it’s important to be fully informed to make informed decisions.

In addition, there are support and counseling options for couples who are struggling with their desire to have children. The legal aspects of fertility treatments, especially regarding parenthood, should also be carefully considered.

Ultimately, couples should take the time to carefully consider all available options and seek advice from experienced professionals to make the best possible decision.

There are several ways to relieve labor pain and make it more bearable. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at labor pain and give you some tips on how to cope with the pain.