Your contact lenses may have a recommended wear duration, depending on the type of contacts you purchased. If you're unsure about your contacts, check the packaging or call your eye doctor to inquire about how long you can continuously wear your lenses. Most contact lenses fall into one of the following categories: Daily wear These lenses are often the least expensive, and therefore may be one of the most prevalent types of lenses. Daily wear lenses must be removed each night to be cleaned and disinfected. Extended wear These lenses can be left in while you sleep and for several days in a row, but must be removed at least once every week for cleaning and disinfecting. Even with extended wear lenses, though, there is still a risk of eye infections if left in overnight or for too many days in a row. Thus, it is best to take your contacts out every night. Disposable lenses This type of lens does not need to be cleaned/disinfected, but must be thrown away after the prescribed length of time has passed. Depending on the type of disposable lens you purchase, your lenses may need to be removed and replaced every day, every week, or every month. One easy way to determine if you've been overwearing your contact lenses is to assess whether you've kept them in overnight. Some contact lenses are made for round-the-clock continuous use, but many need to be removed and soaked overnight. Only wear your contact lenses overnight if your eye doctor has told you it is safe to do so. If you can't remember whether it's safe to leave your contacts in overnight, call or visit your eye doctor to ask for clarification. If your eye doctor has advised against leaving your contacts in overnight, you need to take your contacts out every night before bed. If you've been leaving them in, there's a good chance you've been overwearing them. One of the most common results of overwearing contact lenses is eye irritation. This can develop suddenly or over time. Eye irritation is not usually a medically serious problem if you remove your contacts and care for your eyes right away, though it may indicate a more serious ailment. You may want to see your doctor if you experience any of the following: Pain/discomfort in the eyes, which may include itchy, burning, or a gritty sensation Excessive tearing or production and discharge of other fluids Abnormal sensitivity to light Excessive redness Swelling Blurred or unclear vision Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is a type of allergy-related eye infection. Though it has "conjunctivitis" in the name, it is not related to pink eye, and therefore is not contagious/infectious. GPC is caused by either an allergic reaction to the lens cleaner you use, the actual lens itself, the friction of a contact lens rubbing against your eyelid, or a buildup of debris on your contacts. It can occur with both soft and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses, although some studies suggest that you are more likely to contract GPC from wearing soft lenses. You should see your eye doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: Itching Burning Redness Blurred vision Swollen/droopy eyelids An increase in mucus draining from your eye The sensation that there is a foreign piece of debris in your eye If you've experienced any pain or discomfort, or if you've identified any of the above symptoms, you should take your contact lenses out immediately. Check the packaging to determine if you need to discard the lenses or simply take them out for cleaning/disinfecting. No matter what you decide to do with the lenses, it's a good idea to let your eyes rest without contacts for at least a few hours. Try wearing glasses or simply taking your lenses out at night before you sleep, and take care of your eyes if they're uncomfortable. Use a re-wetting solution or saline eye drops to lubricate your eyes. This can reduce redness and discomfort. Wash your hands with soap and water before handling contact lenses. Dry your hands with a disposable paper towel. Use a finger from your non-dominant hand to hold your upper eyelid open. Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to hold down your lower eyelid. Using the index finger of your dominant hand, slide the contact off the center of your eye and outward or downward onto the white of your eye. Once the contact is off the center of your eye, carefully use your index finger and thumb to pinch the contact lens and pull it off of your eye. Be sure to put the contact lenses into a proper storage container filled with clean saline solution immediately after removing them from your eyes. Avoid wearing contacts again until you've spoken with your eye doctor about the irritation you experienced. It may have been a simply aggravation, but it could be a sign of more serious problems. Even if your lenses are made to wear continuously, they can still cause discomfort to your eyes over time. Experts generally recommend that you avoid pushing the limits of what your contact lenses have been tested and approved for, as prolonged wear has been linked to discomfort and more serious vision problems. If you wear contact lenses, you may want to try limiting your extended use, if at all possible. Take your contact lenses out to sleep. This is the easiest way to reduce your use of contact lenses, and many eye professionals recommend it. Switch to glasses when you get home from work/school. Contacts are convenient for when you can't or don't want to wear glasses, but if you're just relaxing at home you may want to give your eyes a break.

Summary: Check your recommended wear time. Recall whether you slept with your contacts in. Assess whether your eyes are irritated. Check for symptoms of giant papillary conjunctivitis. Take out your contact lenses. Limit your use of contact lenses.

Parenting skills, like any other ability, can be learned. Taking parenting classes can help you learn what you'll need to know and do as you prepare for the arrival of a newborn. Most classes cover changing diapers, bathing, burping, and feeding your baby, among other skills. For a unique bonding experience, attend these classes with your partner. Books that offer advice to expectant parents (and, especially, books targeted specifically towards men) can offer valuable insights and information. Many of these books are available at your local library, though you could of course buy them, too. Focus on learning practical skills like how to calm a crying baby. When your partner goes to the doctor for checkups and ultrasounds, tag along. Listen to the doctor's advice. Write down information about what the birth process will entail and how you can prepare for the newborn's arrival. Talk to your partner about where they want you to be during labor. Some expectant mothers want their partners in the birthing room during labor. Others expect their partner to remain outside. There is no right way for a couple to plan this experience, but you should discuss the options together and come to an agreement. If you're invited into the birthing room, you'll probably just be there to squeeze your partner's hand and offer moral support.
Summary: Take parenting classes. Read parenting books. Attend prenatal care appointments. Plan for the actual birth process.