Having said that, with everything there are risks. Let’s break down what some of those risks are and how doctors can treat them and ensure you have a healthy and happy pregnancy the best way that they can.
Spotting during pregnancy can be worrisome. But no need to worry because it is not always a sign that something is wrong. Spotting during pregnancy and bleeding during pregnancy are two separate things.
Spotting is inconsistent and may happen randomly with very light blood flow. This is maybe a few noticeable drops. It also can have a brownish color from it being dried up. It also may be a little pink or clearish but regardless of the color, it will be significantly lighter than a menstrual period.
Spotting in fact can be a sign of early pregnancy.
Aside from spotting sometimes be a sign of early pregnancy, it is a sign of something else during your pregnancy. There can be several reasons for having spotting during your pregnancy where most of them can be treated or shouldn’t cause alarm. Having said that you should always consult your doctor if you suspect something is wrong.
Let’s talk about some different causes of spotting during pregnancy.
Implantation bleeding is the first sign of pregnancy, which is why many women may actually get excited when they first have signs of spotting. Implantation bleeding is when the egg that has been fertilized by the sperm (embryo) starts to implant itself in the walls of the uterus. This can cause light bleeding.
Once implantation bleeding occurs, it lasts for a very short period. At max, you should have light spotting in no more than a few days. It also should not be heavy enough to need a tampon or pad.
Likely, implantation bleeding doesn’t occur until a week to two weeks after conception occurs.
In worst-case scenarios, spotting can be a result of a miscarriage. Because miscarriage usually produces bright red blood and may be a little heavier than spotting, it should be noticeable. Having said that, determining whether you are having a miscarriage or not is difficult, especially under high stress.
Signs that accompany a miscarriage are:
On the opposite end of implantation, there is ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy and when the fertilized egg actually implants itself on the outside of the uterus instead of the inside. To tell the difference between implantation and ectopic pregnancy is not in the spotting itself but instead in the other symptoms that accompany it.
You may feel pelvic pain or abdominal pain. You may start to feel weak and dizzy. It is critical to see a doctor if you suspect that you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancies are less common than miscarriages, with a ratio of 1 in 60 women experiencing them. The women who are more likely to experience an ectopic pregnancy are:
Sometimes when women are pregnant, and they have sexual intercourse, it can cause spotting due to aggregation and friction. This is due to the changes that occur to your cervix during the beginning stages of pregnancy.
We will discuss more later, but intercourse should be painless and if the pain is associated with spotting, call your doctor immediately.
Spotting has been found in 30 percent of women during their first trimester of pregnancy, so it is not unheard-of to experience. Having said that, when spotting happens, it is always safer to check with a doctor if you have any of the accompanying symptoms. This is to rule out any of the listed above occurrences or find out any other issues that may exist.
Spotting during pregnancy should look significantly different from your menstrual bleeding. While you are likely to use a tampon for your period because of a heavier flow, you should not need a tampon or pad for spotting. Only a few drops of blood should be visible on your underwear or toilet paper.
Light pink or brownish blood is what most likely you’ll see when you're spotting. This is because it will either be freshly mixed with fluid and diluted or brown from older blood. Bright red blood should not be what you are seeing.
Spotting is one of those things that can be a great sign because you are pregnant, or can be a bit more worrisome if you know you are pregnant and there are some other symptoms that accompany it.
Let’s go over some risks of spotting and why you should remain calm, but always treat it with caution.
As mentioned before, one of the highest risks of spotting during your pregnancy is having a miscarriage. About half the women who experience spotting do not have miscarriages. However, 15-20 percent of all pregnancies result in a miscarriage, with most of that number resulting in the first trimester.
Again, likely with miscarriages you will experience other symptoms and the spotting will likely turn into heavier bleeding. Cramping or any sort of pain is a sign to contact a doctor immediately.
Slightly different from ectopic pregnancies, molar pregnancies are when there is abnormal tissue growing instead of an embryo. This pregnancy has absent fetal heart tones. This means that it is a “false” pregnancy and sometimes even if there is an embryo it won’t be able to survive.
While there is no need to hit the panic button if you start spotting, it is never a bad idea to check in with your doctor and let them know you are experiencing spotting or other symptoms. There are, however, times when you should immediately call a doctor.
Anytime spotting requires a pad or a tampon to stop the bleeding; this is not spotting. This is more than spotting, and you should contact your doctor straight away. If you have severe pain with the bleeding, you can even go straight to an urgent care to get seen quicker than waiting for your doctor to return your call.
If the spotting persists over a week, you should still call your doctor, as spotting typically will go away after a few days. This can help them rule out any other causes that may be a risk to you or the baby.
Any sort of back pain, pelvic pain, or abdominal pain, should urge you to call your doctor. It can be sharp and sudden or dull and achy. While there are certainly times when the body experiences all different kinds of pains, it is good to get it checked up on and squared away with the doctor. This way you can have peace of mind and maybe even take something to help you with the aches.
Most of the spotting we have talked about is likely to occur in the first trimester or first half of your pregnancy. Having said that, no occasion there is bleeding in the second half of the pregnancy, and it can be due to more alarming things like placental abruption.
With more serious issues like these, it is important to contact your doctor right away. Luckily, you will be seeing your doctor more often for checkups as you near your pregnancy, so they will be monitoring you closely.
It’s normal to still feel worrisome when talking about any sort of bleeding during your pregnancy. This is especially true if it is your first pregnancy. That’s why we can take this section to talk about the most frequently asked questions that come up with spots.
Does a missed period and spotting after definitely mean I am pregnant?
No, definitely not! While spotting and a missed period can be a could tell if you are pregnant, it does not guarantee anything. There are several reasons for spotting when you are not pregnant, such as having an irregular period, to begin with. It’s also possible that some women will experience spotting after sex due to similar reasons when they are pregnant. Breakage in the tissue is one of them.
What are some second-half spotting reasons?
There are a few different reasons that women will experience bleeding or spotting in the second half of the pregnancy. These are likely more serious than anything that occurs in the first trimester and should be checked out immediately.
Placental Abruption: Only 1 percent of women experience placental abruption. This occurs when the placenta detaches itself from the uterus. This is more common for women who are 35 or older or who have already had children. The symptoms include pain in the stomach and bleeding.
Placenta Previa: This is when the placenta is partially or completely blocking the vaginal canal and opening. This can cause bleeding as well and usually results in a pregnant mother needing to have a c-section if it becomes too difficult for the baby to pass safely.
Preterm labor: Bleeding can occur when you lose your mucus plug too early and have a baby that is born preterm. In other words, you start to have your baby before your due date, which can result in spotting or bleeding.
Other causes can result in other issues during the second half of your pregnancy and bleeding, but these are some of the more common ones. Having said that, even the more common ones have lower percentage rates of occurring. If you think you may be experiencing any of the following, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.
Is it safe to have sexual intercourse when pregnant?
Unless told otherwise by your doctor or midwife, sex is completely safe to have during your pregnancy. Because the penis can not penetrate beyond the vaginal canal, the baby is safe. Even if spotting occurs after sex, it is likely just due to tissue breakage or the cervix experiencing changes.
Is it important to be careful to have safe sex in a way that you won’t put yourself in a position to fall or hurt yourself, which can be a danger to the baby? This can result in a miscarriage if a woman who is pregnant were to fall or hurt themselves.
It is always a good idea to continually monitor your health and situation when pregnant. This is why continual checkups, when scheduled and communicating with your doctor, is a great thing. It is perfectly normal to experience light bleeding or spotting in the first trimester of your pregnancy and even early on as a sign that you are pregnant.
If there are no accompanying symptoms, and you don’t feel pain, then likely everything is normal. If bleeding persists for a few days and any other pain symptoms are accompanied, this is when you should notify your doctor or head to an urgent care center.
Because spotting is usually light pink and brown rather than bright red, it is easy to spot and normally distinguishable from your period. If it is still a concern to you then feel free to call your doctor as they will be happy to go over this with you during your pregnancy.
]]>With a sudden sharp pain in your abdomen area, it is normal for a mother to panic. But since this is actually quite common in your second trimester, if you recognize it, there’s no reason to set off alarms quite yet.
Let’s talk more about what it really is and why it occurs.
Before understanding what round ligament pain is, we must first understand what round ligaments are. Round ligaments are what holds your uterus in place around your pelvis. When we are not pregnant, these ligaments typically don’t cause any issues. They are short and round, but when you become pregnant they may stretch and take on increased pressure. Think of it like a rubber band.
What round ligament pain is, is a response to these pressures and stretches of becoming pregnant. As our belly grows, the ligaments become stretched and produce a sharp pain in this area. If you move too quickly, it may cause your ligament to respond by tightening and pull on surrounding nerves nearby.
This is what causes the sensation of sharp pain, as our nerves are quite sensitive. The result: discomfort and sharp pains.
As mentioned above, the actual cause of round ligament pain is the expansion of the belly during pregnancy. This just puts a lot of pressure on the ligaments holding the uterus in place and causes them to overstretch like rubber bands.
When sudden movement occurs when these bands are overextended, the tense movement causes them to pull on the nearby nerve fibers, which are quite sensitive. This triggers the actual sensation of sharp pain the mothers may feel around their pelvis and abdomen.
Because it can be alarming to experience this sort of pain in that particular area, it is worth knowing some round ligament pain symptoms. That way we can feel a sort of calm in the immediate aftermath rather than panic that something has gone astray.
Here are some of the most common round ligament pain symptoms:
While these are the basic symptoms, it can also be worth recognizing some of the things that can trigger this sort of pain. Some are avoidable, while others really aren’t. These are some of the most common triggers:
Round ligament pain can really start around week 14 of your pregnancy. Typically, this is at the end of your first trimester and will last right until after delivery. This is because the ligaments will continue to stretch and have pressure on them in the pelvis and in the uterus all the way until they start shrinking again after delivery.
How long round ligament pain lasts completely depends on each individual person. Sometimes it can be a quick thing, and it doesn’t happen again, where other women experience it quite frequently. If someone is sneezing a lot, and it occurs every time, then it can become quite tiresome and frustrating for women to continually experience this while pregnant.
That’s why it can be important for women to try treating it as soon as possible. Because doctors typically just diagnose it based on the description, women can try alleviating pain symptoms once they start experiencing them.
Since round ligament treatment is experienced by many, there are quite a few tricks of the trade that women can try out to reduce their symptoms of pain and occurring.
Here are the best solutions for minimizing the pain:
No need to be quick and limber while pregnant. Take your time and move slowly to avoid the sudden movements that can affect the trigger of these painful symptoms.
Stretching, in general, is going to help reduce round ligament pain but also something worth considering is trying to stretch while in a coughing or sneezing position. This can sort of train the muscles to relax when this occurs.
Warm compresses are always a great idea when it comes to giving yourself some extra comfort in the lower abdomen/pelvis/ back area. It can help loosen things up and relieve some of that tension.
These also do the tricks by providing the warm compress all over. This can be really beneficial for soothing your body and loosening those areas up.
Belly bands are tools sussed by pregnant women to offer more support by taking off some pressure and pain that comes with a growing belly. They provide the support needed under your belly and work fantastic.
This should definitely be discussed with your doctor, as some medications can put you and the baby at risk. Even if it is not prescribed, it is important to talk this out with your doctor and ensure it is safe for you to take. Sometimes crossing medications can cause reactions.
If you aren’t sure about stretching on your own, prenatal yoga is a great option. This can really help loosen up your body at a great pace that is both safe for you and safe for the baby. Plus, it offers stress release among many other benefits.
Sometimes it is our workouts that are really putting the stress and strain on our bodies that trigger this. Toning it back a little so that your body can adjust and adapt is a great idea.
Round ligament pain is actually very common in pregnant women and is not a threat or risk to a mother or baby’s health. What becomes the risk is that sometimes women aren’t sure whether they are experiencing round ligament pain or they are experiencing abdominal pain.
Abdominal pain can be quite serious and pose greater risks for women, such as miscarriages. In general, the only known risk associated with round ligament pain is the stress it may cause a mother because of not understanding the differentiation between round ligament pain and abdominal pain.
Here are some of the key differences to tell if you are experiencing abdominal pain:
Round ligament pain just sounds so unpleasant. And it is. The good news is it is short-lived and there are some things that you can do about it. Having said that, there are always going to be some questions involving something that causes pain. That is why we have dedicated this section just for frequently asked questions to put your mind at ease.
Is round ligament pain a sign of pregnancy?
For those who are not pregnant and stumbled upon this article, you may be thinking, how am I pregnant? Round ligament pain can absolutely be a sign of pregnancy, as it is not so common in not pregnant women. The reason being is the anatomy of our ligaments and how they don’t experience the same pressures as they would once our belly begins to grow and put a strain on our pelvis and uterus.
If you are not pregnant but are experiencing round ligament pain, it is worth talking to your doctor. While not unheard of, women who are not pregnant and experience round ligament pain may have other signs of a healthy condition. In the most extreme cases, this could be endometriosis.
Is there an official way to diagnose round ligament pain?
There is no real testing that a doctor will do to confirm you have round ligament pain. The way the doctor diagnoses your condition is by simply listening to your description of the symptoms you have and how they occur. From here they can diagnose it because it is fairly common for pregnant women to have it.
It is basically self-diagnosable. This is why women can start treating themselves immediately twitch the listed above to try and alleviate some of these symptoms and painful occurrences. It doesn’t hurt however to still go in and check with a doctor. The reason being is that some women still have a hard time differentiating between this and abdominal pain. Take another look at the differences above to confirm you are not experiencing abdominal pain.
Is there cause for concern if it continues to occur after delivery?
Likely, women will stop experiencing these sensations after delivery because the body already starts shrinking and relieving pressure off of these designated areas. If it were to continue for many weeks after, it isn’t necessarily causing concern, but something that you should check back in with your doctor.
Something for a bit of comfort is that after delivering a baby, a doctor will monitor you and your body’s condition to ensure that your body is healing the way it should after delivery, and no major complications are present.
Pregnancy, especially for first-time moms, is a lot to take in. Our nervous systems and our bodies are constantly changing, and it feels like the learning curve is steep. Having said that, sometimes there are a few bumps on the road that really isn’t as big of a bump as they feel. Round ligament pain is certainly one of them. Round ligament pain can cause the stress of a mother feeling abdominal pain, but really it is quite common and naturally occurs at the end of the first trimester and beginning of the second.
The sharp pain sensation in the abdomen is triggered by sudden movements that cause tension on the nerve fibers nearby. This in turn is because there is a lot of pressure coming from the belly put on the ligaments that are stretched like rubber bands. They aren’t meant to take too much tension, which is why you suddenly feel this pain in your abdomen from time to time.
This is going to every different from abdomen cramping, which can cause serious complications. Round ligament pain has no risks really and can be cured with a number of methods like warm compresses, stretching, and limiting intense exercise. Abdominal cramping however lasts lower and should be followed up with a call to the doctor early on.
Round ligament pain is something that will go away shortly after delivery. This is because the belly is already shrinking and there is immediate relief of pressure on the ligaments. If you are really struggling with this experience, you can call your doctor, who can recommend over-the-counter medications that are safe for you and your baby to have.
]]>No need to be intimated! This is one of your routine checkups that will make sure everything is still going great, and you can be rest assured all is well. Let’s talk a little more about what it entails and what you can expect from your doctor.
The 20-week anatomy scan sounds a little scary, which is why a lot of women also refer to it as the 20-week ultrasound. That’s a concept we are all familiar with, and that is essentially what this particular scan is.
What’s different about this ultrasound and others is that it takes a closer look at you and the baby using high-frequency waves. When you first got still pictures of the baby, this will be an upgrade, providing you with a live image of the baby and its surroundings. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the image will be really clear, it can still be fuzzy for all sorts of reasons.
Through this imaging, a load of measurements will be taken for the baby or babies and some for the mother. This is to ensure everyone’s utmost health and safety at this time during the pregnancy.
With this specific appointment, you can be sure that a ton of measurements will be taken. One of the absolute best measurements that you will get to experience is your baby’s heartbeat. With the proper amount of amniotic fluid at this stage in time and an umbilical cord that is not interfering with the baby, likely the baby’s heartbeat will function just fine.
Other measurements that are taken at this time include:
You name it and it’s on the sheet. You may be thinking that this is a lot. But this is the perfect time to take a good look at the baby’s development and come up with a baseline to check on throughout the rest of the pregnancy.
The 20-week anatomy scan is an important milestone during your pregnancy that serves a lot of functions. Besides giving a baseline on the baby’s development and growth for future reference, it also will help detect any abnormalities if there are any present. More excitingly, this scan and ultrasound can also help identify the sex of the baby if the parents want to know.
Let’s go a little more in-depth about the importance of each function.
The main purpose of the 20-week anatomy scan is to look for abnormalities that pose a risk to the mother or the baby. Two of the major genetic abnormalities that are searched for in this process are Down Syndrome and Trisomy 18. Because the baby is more developed, it is a lot easier to physically see as well as use a combination of blood work to detect anything.
In the list above, you can also see that nearly everything about the baby is checked out. The organs are also looked at, including the four chambers of the baby’s heart. The reason being is that Congenital Heart Defects are the most common abnormalities doctors find and are also the number one leading cause of infant death. This is why it is important for doctors to have a thorough exam to rule out or become aware of any potential issues.
While those are the main points of research, other things like the spine, kidneys and other areas are looked over to rule anything else out.
Parents all have a very different approach to whether or not they want to identify the sex of the baby. Some couple’s goals in life are to throw big gender reveal parties, while others don’t want to know until the delivery day. One of the great benefits, should a parent or parents want to know the sex of their child, is being able to find out during this appointment.
The ultrasound should be able to detect when the baby is a girl or boy based on the high-frequency ultrasound. As long as the baby’s position cooperates, it’s not a problem. If the baby is hiding visibility from their genitalia, it becomes a little more difficult.
If you are not interested in knowing the sex of your baby right there, and then, it is super important to let the technician and doctor know at the very beginning of the appointment. They may say something early on and ruin the surprise otherwise.
Now that you really understand what the anatomy scan entails, you are probably wondering how to best prepare for it. This is something your doctor likely already gave you a heads-up on, but just in case you need some reminders, here are the best tips and pointers about being ready for the scan/ultrasound.
The 20-week scan is actually an optional scan that can be turned down. This is super rare because parents want to find out as soon as possible if there are any risks to the baby or to the mother. The scan itself has no safety issues or known risks.
There are, however, a few things that the mother and or parents should know that could be categorized as “risks”.
For those who are just hearing about this scan for the first time, you may be a little overwhelmed and still have tons of questions to ask. No worries because this section is dedicated to the most frequently asked questions when it comes to the 20-week anatomy scan.
Let’s dive in!
What happens if the sonographer sees something?
If something is detected during the scan, it does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Before confirming anything, a technician will likely ask the second opinion of another staff member. If they both think there is a possibility of something, they will suggest further testing to confirm or rule out the condition that is suspected.
What part of the mother’s anatomy is looked at and why?
While a lot of the focus becomes about measuring the baby’s organs and features, it is important for the mother to get checked out as well. Any risks that the mother may have can affect the pregnancy and labor. What specifically is looked at for the mother is the placenta. This is because doctors will be looking for placenta previa to make sure that the placenta is not covering or blocking the birth canal. This can eventually cause complications with a vaginal delivery and should it be a more prominent case, the doctor may suggest c-section delivery.
Is there a possibility of mistaking the sex of my baby?
One of the reasons that mothers and fathers do not want to know the sex of the baby at 20 weeks is because it is possible to misdiagnose whether it is a boy or girl. While not entirely common it is also not unheard of and has happened before. It should be noted that it is way more common to misdiagnose during the first ultrasounds than it is at 20. The reason for misdiagnosis at any level may be because the baby is not in a position that allows the technician to see well.
While the 20-week anatomy scan can be time-consuming for you and your choice of companion, it is an exciting appointment. For most women, it provides the heartbeat of the baby and a picture of their new family member who will be arriving before they know it. While the scan or ultrasound is optional, many doctors strongly recommended that mothers have this appointment so that if there are any abnormalities that have been undetected thus far, they can search for them now.
This may require the mother and the parents to make some decisions on the spot whether they need further testing. As far as risks go, this is the highest risk a mother faces and potentially leads to the stress of dealing with potential abnormalities or risks to the baby and mother. This is why it is important for a technician to measure nearly every single feature and aspect of the baby, as well as the mom’s placenta and umbilical cord.
With all this work to be done, a mother can expect to be there for at least an hour or so. This can heavily depend on the baby and how cooperative they are being. With a baby who is hiding, the mother may need to get involved by enduring positions or using methods to get the baby to move on their own.
That being said, everything you need to know about the 20-week anatomy scan is right there! Treat it as an exciting time and another milestone in your pregnancy!
]]>That’s why it is important to understand limits and boundaries as a new mother and knowing how to pace yourself. Postpartum exercise is important to keep in mind, and having the right knowledge and tips to support your journey back is key.
That’s why we have this ultimate guide of great fitness tips for new moms.
Postpartum exercise is often interchanged with postnatal exercise. Regardless of the name, postpartum exercise is incredibly important to start after having a baby. In general, exercise has many benefits, but learning to retrain the muscles in your body that haven’t been used in quite some time is important.
Also, because your fitness levels are decreasing, your heart rate may be higher than normal doing specific activities. To better regulate your body and heart rate through exercise makes for a healthier mom.
This directly can affect your endorphins and your energy levels. You may be thinking like a mom who just gave birth that you are way too tired to exercise, but the reality becomes that when you are exercising you give yourself the chance to redeem some of that energy.
The benefits that come from postpartum exercise seem to be endless. Anything that you would get from doing regular exercise will remain true for postpartum exercise. Having said that, there are numerous other benefits as you make your journey back to pre-[pregnancy.
Let’s talk about all the amazing benefits when you exercise postnatally.
We’ve already mentioned a few times about pacing yourself and not jumping full speed into exercising as if you are going to participate in spartan races. The reason being is that it can be dangerous to push yourself too far too soon. That’s why understanding even when to start postpartum exercises can be critical.
Some women are going to have different conditions and recovery times depending on how the labor and pregnancy went. Here are a few pointers and tips for when starting postpartum exercise is a good idea.
Keep in mind that these are general conditions for pregnancy, and they are subject to change based on unique circumstances and women based on their pregnancy.
The great news is that even if you are a gym junkie, there are so many different exercises that are approved for postpartum exercise that can benefit women. This is what keeps the motivation going to continue your weight loss and health journey after having a baby.
Really anything that gets your heart rate going a little and something that you enjoy is great. It’s important to remember that muscle-building activities are great.
Some women don’t know exactly where to start when it comes to exercises, which is why we piled together the best tips on moderating and starting your exercise. These tips can always be confirmed and checked with a health professional to ensure your utmost safety.
Some exercises shouldn’t be approached at first. This is because the risk of injury and other health complications could arise should you pursue certain sports and fitness. Here is what you should avoid after giving birth recently.
This can feel like a lot of overwhelming information at once, on top of having a newborn baby. It’s normal, which is why this section is strictly dedicated to the most frequently asked questions. If none of your questions appear here, then the next best solution is to speak with your doctor.
Are the risks really that bad if you start working out too soon after giving birth?
There are quite a few risks actually that can affect a mother’s health if they begin exercising too fast. Some on the injury side include hurting their muscles such as their abdominal and their back muscles from working out too aggressively. The back is stiff, and the abs are stretched, so they need time to heal.
On a more serious scale, the mother can also risk bleeding, infection, among other things that can send them back to the hospital if they are not careful. This is why low intensity is important in the beginning.
What are some of the best ways to get motivated for mothers who aren’t into exercise?
There are a variety of ways to get exercise back into your life, even if you don’t love it. The best way to stay motivated is to have an accountability partner. This means someone who is willing to work out with you and go through the same process to a degree. It may be another mom recovering through pregnancy, or it may be your significant other. Accountability partners keep us in check to make sure we are doing our workouts when we need to be.
Group workouts are another great thing. Many classes will offer group dance, group aerobics, and more, which keeps new mothers accountable as well.
How will I know to start increasing my intensity?
Working with a trainer or at least checking in with your doctor is a good thing to do when monitoring your intensity early on. Only you can listen to your body and understand if there are more aches and pain than usual. Because it is a gradual increase, you should feel comfortable for the first few weeks and not like you are training for a marathon.
Having said that, even getting out of bed some days may feel like a marathon, so listening to your body and understanding your mind is important in this process. From there you can gradually increase your load.
For some of our fitness warriors, it can be exciting to finally be able to get out there and start working at it. For others, it may seem like the most dreadful thing on the planet. And that’s fine, postpartum exercise can be both. But understanding the benefits of incorporating it into your life to maintain being a healthy mom is important. No new mother should start right out the gates trying to conquer the world.
They should be in contact with their doctor, making sure they are cleared to take on light exercise and gradually increase. Remember to make it fun, whether it is through water aerobics, light dance class, or a simple walk with the baby.
It can be a mental reliever alongside physical relief. To reap full benefits, mothers should be super hydrated and trying to eat clean to double down. While the short-term Netflix and junk food may feel good, the long-term health benefits are what will keep you going.
]]>Prenatal care is so much more than just checking in with your doctor’s office throughout your terms. A lot of women also think that they can’t exercise but in reality, exercise can be really helpful during pregnancy for a lot of different reasons. Here is everything you need to know about prenatal care.
Prenatal care includes all the doctor’s visits and checkups that will help ensure both you and the baby are healthy. Prenatal care also includes all of the individual things you can do for yourself such as eating healthy, exercising, sleeping well, vitamins, and more! Most importantly this is a chance for doctors to explain to you the details and what to expect of going into labor.
Here is a more comprehensive list of prenatal care in terms of the doctor:
When you discover you're pregnant a bunch of routine checkups and testing needs to be done with your doctor. Often bloodwork to make sure everything is healthy as well as confirm the pregnancy is done at various different checkups. Here are some of the main things to expect at your check-up.
There is a lot that can be determined by blood tests but some of the more important information factors that a doctor wants to confirm are your blood type in case of need for blood transfusion and whether you run the risk of anemia. This is when you have low iron and can’t afford to lose much blood, especially during pregnancy.
Not only is this a special moment to see the baby and meet them for the first time but it’s also a way that the doctor measures the amniotic fluid in your amniotic sac. Because the amniotic fluid plays such a big role in development and nutrition.
Prenatal care is incredibly important because a healthy mother and pregnancy give the baby the best chance to have a healthy birth and life. Prenatal care constantly checks the health of both the mother and the fetus to ensure everyone is fine. Prenatal visits help with all of the following and more.
Being over or underweight as the mother can be an issue for the baby as they are not getting enough nutrients or the delivery may have complications. Prenatal care can help address and monitor weight issues.
This is all the advice that the doctor will give you in terms of healthy eating and exercise as well as avoiding harmful chemicals that can sometimes be found in the beauty industry and household cleaning supplies. Exposure to you means exposure to the baby. In terms of exercise, the terms are likely to change and develop as you approach the due date.
Sometimes a mother will have a condition that is not ideal for the baby. However, sometimes if something like blood pressure is controlled with safe medication that is not harmful to the baby, the doctor can help protect the baby and the mother from any complications. Going through a medication checklist, in general, is important as certain prescribed and over-the-counter drugs are not recommended while pregnant.
There are tons of benefits to having prenatal care as it sets you and your baby up in the best possible position for the safest and healthiest pregnancy. Below is a list that includes but is not limited to all the great benefits you can get from prenatal care.
Your first prenatal visit is likely going to fall around 6 weeks or sometime in the second month. This is going to be a very long appointment because many of the initial tests will need to be done to ensure you are starting with a healthy pregnancy.
When you get your first positive result from a pregnancy test you can go ahead and schedule your first appointment. It’s great to schedule as early as you can so that way you can guarantee that you will be seen sometime in the second month with your preferred person.
This also means that you should start your prenatal care immediately. You don’t need to wait for the doctor’s advice on good nutrition and healthy habits. You must take care of yourself from the very beginning till the very end of the pregnancy. This means no alcohol, no drugs, no exposure to bad substances.
While everyone has a different journey when it comes to how often they would like to and should see their doctor below is a normal timetable and schedule doctors recommend. This is for a healthy pregnancy as a complicated pregnancy may require a lot more visits.
The number of frequent visits per grouping may increase with twins or any kind of multiples to make sure that the amniotic sac and fluid are at the appropriate levels for development and growth.
Everything mentioned above is what you can expect at your prenatal care visits. The frequency of which you go increases as you approach your due date because the baby is developing quickly. This allows the doctor to make sure that everything is working out as planned. Any adjustments in the plan, as there usually are some, will be made with your doctor during these visits.
Some of the more common expectations at visits can be followed along here.
There is a lot of information that goes with prenatal care. While most of that will be individual between your doctor and you there are some common questions that doctors frequently get among expecting mothers. Here are some of those very questions below.
What kind of prenatal vitamins should I be taking?
Your doctor will have an individual answer for you based on all the testing that you have been doing. However, a good general rule of thumb is to increase your folic acid intake through prenatal care vitamins. In general, vitamins help the mother stay healthy through a relatively taxing time on her body. Vitamins are the only thing that is a part of prenatal care. Eating right as well as drinking plenty of fluids is important for you and the baby.
What if I don’t love the doctor I am seeing?
Working with a doctor pre-pregnancy is great because you know you like them. Often a woman will rely on her OB-GYN to either be the doctor themselves or recommend a doctor for delivery. If you have a change of heart you can always change your doctors as long as it is early enough. The reason why it’s great to stay with a doctor you know is that they know your medical history best and will have a better idea of what goes on with you. Sometimes it is too late to change to some doctors.
Can I be refused to be seen?
To go off the last question, an OB-GYN or doctor can refuse to take you on as a client if you are too far along. This is not a personal issue. What happens is that a doctor without knowing your medical history can feel liable because of their lack of understanding of the progression of pregnancy. Another reason a doctor may not be able to see you is because of an insurance change or if you are changing doctors they simply don’t take that insurance. These are more reasons why staying with a doctor from the beginning is a good idea.
As a pregnant mother, it may feel like you already need to control a lot to make sure the best is done for your baby. This is natural. The great thing about prenatal care is that your trusted doctor that you feel comfortable with can do all the work for you. The best part of prenatal visits is that they can constantly go over the plan and track your progress so you don’t have to stress about either.
Your doctor should be able to recommend to you what are some great vitamins and prenatal care tips. Having said that, you don’t need to wait until 6-8 weeks to start being healthy. You should start acting pregnant the second you find out to ensure the baby is healthy and safe. This means no drinking, smoking, or drug use. It’s also good to refrain from chemicals found in beauty products and household cleaning supplies. This is something that your doctor can reaffirm for you when you go in for the first time or even over the phone as you schedule your first appointment.
Having the information is great because you know what to expect but no reason to take notes or feel like you have to remember everything. That’s what your doctor is there for. To help you out and bring home a healthy and happy baby!
]]>Amniotic fluid is the fluid that develops inside to protect the baby and form the amniotic sac. This guide will help you understand what role it plays during your pregnancy and why it is so important.
Amniotic fluid is the fluid that develops around 12 days after conception and presents itself as a watery yellow clear substance inside the body. This watery substance stays within the amniotic sac and serves to protect the baby as well as provide nutrients to the baby. While it contains mostly water at first. Then later the baby’s urine starts to make up the amniotic fluid.
The body produces just enough to perform its function but if the body doesn’t produce enough or produces too much there can be risks and complications that develop during the pregnancy as the baby grows.
Amniotic fluid plays a vital role in keeping the baby safe while they are developing in the womb. Besides safety from being bumped around it also has antibodies and nutrients to assist the baby during growth. Let’s dive in a little more to each benefit and importance that comes from amniotic fluid.
Amniotic fluid functions so that the baby can move in the womb without injury. Think of it as a shock absorber from any outside pressure or bumps that may occur during pregnancy. Because the baby can move in the womb without fear or injury their bones can properly develop and grow. The following occurs from amniotic fluid.
Amniotic fluid works to provide roughly 10% to 14% of the nutrients to the fetus. These can contain some proteins as well as lactate and glucose. These are all important for the baby to consume as they grow.
While amniotic fluid begins as water produced by the mother it turns into mostly urine from the baby. This is because the baby uses the amniotic fluid as nourishment. If the baby passes their first bowel movement before birth this can lead to a problem called Meconium. This can often lead to breathing problems or infection.
Amniotic fluid protects the umbilical cord by providing a barrier between that and the fetus. It also helps protect the fetus from any infections as there are antibody properties.
Levels of amniotic fluid get measured through an index to make sure that there is just enough. As mentioned, if there is too little or too much it can become a problem. Here are the following levels on the index.
This is considered to be a low level of amniotic fluid and is often referred to as Oligohydramnios. This can happen if there is a rupture causing the amniotic fluid to leak. This can decrease urine and kidney function because the fetus is not getting enough.
This is what is considered to be normal levels of amniotic fluid. This is when the baby can urinate thus creating more fluid.
Polyhydramnios is when the baby is not able to take in the amniotic fluid needed and if there is too much being produced. This can result in issues like diabetes among others.
When the amniotic levels are too low this is an indicator that there is a leak. There are however a few additional signs of leaving amniotic fluid that mothers should be aware of so they can contact their doctor.
If you still aren’t sure you can always line your underwear with a panty liner after you pee. In the first 30 minutes to an hour, you check to see if it is saturated with a yellow tint or whether it has a clear color.
There are a few risks that are associated with your amniotic fluid. The two we have described above relate to having too low or too much amniotic fluid. While we will dive further in-depth with those it is also important to note that amniotic fluid embolisms can occur.
Having amniotic fluid embolism is a very rare condition. However, if you do have it it is serious and must be monitored very closely by your doctor. This condition happens when the amniotic fluid that is meant to protect the baby finds its way into the mother’s bloodstream.
This occurs most often during labor or postpartum. However as mentioned it is rare. While it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose there are a few related symptoms that can be a sign of this. However, they are also signs of other things which is what makes it difficult to diagnose.
Polyhydramnios is when there is too much amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac as mentioned. When the baby can’t take in as much as they need to this can result in a multitude of issues. This occurs in 1% to 2% making it also less common. This is most likely to happen in the second trimester of the pregnancy from the increased build-up of amniotic fluid production.
In situations where the condition transfers from mild to severe the mother experiences any of the following symptoms.
Some of the known causes for high amniotic fluid are birth defects, gestational diabetes, infection during pregnancy, blood incapabilities between mother and baby, and more.
Oligohydramnios is the opposite of having too much amniotic fluid. This is when there is not enough amniotic fluid and the baby will lack the nutrients the amniotic fluid brings to them. When low amniotic levels occur in the first half of the pregnancy this leaves a possibility for birth defects. This is because of the vital role it plays in nerve development as well as the growth of the bones and muscles.
Still, relatively rare oligohydramnios is only diagnosed in about 4 out of every 100 pregnancies. The other risk factors that can occur are placenta abnormalities and lead to uterine ruptures. This can be a very serious condition to develop and cause injury to both the mother and the baby.
While there are no long-term solutions, doctors can provide short-term solutions to help this condition.
Amniotic fluids are a very confusing subject matter within pregnancy. While it almost naturally works itself out and these conditions are rare it can still be concerning. This is why mothers like to minotaur their fluid secretions to make sure everything is OK. For the remaining questions, you have about amniotic fluid, we know you have them, here they are!
Can you increase your amniotic fluid levels?
There are a few different things that you and your doctor can do to help increase the amniotic fluid levels. One of the easiest and most simple things you can do is drink more water. This is an easy treatment for mild and less serious conditions. More specifically drinking water throughout your pregnancy has been thought to help produce more amniotic fluid between weeks 37-31 of pregnancy.
Something that your doctor can do for a short-term fix is to inject saltwater through your cervix and into your amniotic sac. This is often called amnioinfusion. This isn’t the only reason why doctors do this. It also helps see the baby better during the ultrasound. Other fixes happen more during delivery of the baby and more serious cases.
If you aren’t gaining enough weight is it safe to assume you’re low on amniotic fluid?
Not showing and gaining a ton of weight doesn’t mean that you are low on amniotic fluid. While it can certainly be a factor and cause for concern that you are leaking amniotic fluid or not producing enough, it doesn’t mean that is the answer. Many women start to show later in their pregnancies while others show right away.
If you are struggling to put on weight during your pregnancy it is important to consult your doctor because while it may not be amniotic fluid that is the factor, there could be other underlying health issues that are important to check out.
Just keep in mind it is sometimes within someone’s genetics to be a little underweight.
Are there ways to reduce excess amniotic fluid production?
Having too much amniotic fluid can be as dangerous as having too little. Doctors have found ways to release the amount of amniotic fluid through different methods. Amnioreduction is one of the methods to do this. Amnioreduction is when the doctor withdraws fluid from the womb. The tough part about this method is that the medical community has yet to agree on how to do this kind of procedure and how much should be taken at one time.
The more common route which may be less effective in some cases is for the mother to take medications. Sometimes expecting mothers don’t like taking medications because of the possible risks to the baby. These medications are generally safe and are often ones such as prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, or sulindac.
Amniotic fluid is one of those things that you don’t think about. You may have always just assumed the baby is protected in the womb but never really understood why. Amniotic fluid and the amniotic sac are to thank for the protection of the baby. But that’s not all. The amniotic fluid your body produces is also a key nutrient source for the baby and gives them lactate, proteins, and more to allow for bone growth and nerve development.
Something that may be not so pleasant to mothers is knowing that what first starts as water turns to the baby’s urine. This is because the baby is digesting the amniotic fluid that you produce to get those key nutrients. While mothers don’t monitor the amniotic fluid levels like crazy it is a good idea to check in. Some moms always feel like they’re leaking and if those leaks happen to be looking like urine then there is no issue at all. If the leakage starts to feel overly saturated or if it is green or brown you should call a doctor.
This could be a sign of health complications with the baby and needs to be looked at right away. Most of the risks and problems that are associated with amniotic fluid are rare within mothers. Sometimes cases are mild and don’t cause much concern. Just remember more information is better when learning about your body and pregnancy.
]]>The more knowledge you have about understanding pregnancy hormones and how your body responds to these changes the less nervous you’ll be. Let’s talk about these changes and what you can expect with pregnancy hormones.
There are many different hormones that you can blame for a lot of things during your pregnancy. When you understand that your “glow” comes from this and your mood swing is to blame for that, you actually can take comfort in knowing what’s going on.
Here is a comprehensive list of the main hormones and their functions during pregnancy.
Estrogen has a very important role as one of the main hormones. It deals with sexual development that contributes to the growth of the breasts as well as plays a massive role in your menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, it helps kick the party off with progesterone. It helps the Uterus grow as well as help breastfeeds by producing the tissue for milk.
Progesterone mainly sits in your ovaries and has the primary function of regulating your menstrual cycle once you have gone through your period. Progesterone in pregnancy helps the uterine lining become receptive to the egg so it can implant itself.
FSH has the main function of creating estrogens and eggs. It comes from your pituitary gland and during pregnancy contributes by making pregnancy possible. Without the development of eggs, there would be nothing for sperm to combine with.
Relaxin is a hormone that is directly related to the reproductive system. The reason being is that Relaxin helps by getting the uterine wall ready for pregnancy. Relaxin sounds exactly as it functions. It helps soften the uterus and the bones and muscles in the body when it is time to conceive.
Oxytocin is very important when it comes to delivering your baby. It is produced by the pituitary gland also and is what contracts your muscles when you start to go into labor. This is what pushes the baby along. Sometimes when women have weak contractions then doctors give them more oxytocin.
This hormone works so that the baby is getting enough blood flow. For this to happen your blood vessels need to pump more blood and become stronger. Thanks to the Placental Growth Factor they can do this function keeping both you and the baby healthy.
This is another hormone that helps prepare your body to feed the baby through breastfeeding and producing milk. It works with Prolactin which you can see below.
This hormone is what is responsible for helping you produce milk or lactate through the breasts for the baby. As you become pregnant and your breasts enlarge the prolactin revs up in your body.
You may have heard some of the other hormones on the list and am now confused as to what this one possibly is. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is responsible for letting you know you are pregnant. It is what a pregnancy test tests for and when the levels rise it indicates you’re pregnant.
The LH works with FSH to raise levels of hormones before ovulation. This actual hormone is responsible for triggering the release of the egg during your menstrual cycle. This happens after FSH produces the eggs.
Let’s break pregnancy into the three trimesters and talk specifically about the rise and drop and even the introduction of hormones during these different times. This helps us better understand why something happens when it happens.
In the first trimester, your body experiences a whole lot of different feelings that can be quite uncomfortable at times. You can expect during the trimester the following to happen.
Now we can look to some other hormones that start coming into play in the second trimester of a woman’s pregnancy.
Hitting the home stretch you may start to feel a lot of back pain as your baby continues to grow. A few more hormones will start kicking just like the baby to help you get through these final weeks.
While we have a long list of pregnancy hormones we don’t exactly need to go over where each comes into play. The main ones that every woman needs to focus on are estrogen and progesterone as these play a major role at the beginning of the pregnancy, labor, and even after pregnancy.
You may notice that your hair has become thicker and you have more of it. This in part is due to estrogen and progesterone. After you have the baby you will experience a rapid drop in both of these hormones which calls all that extra hair to shed. This is one way of being able to tell your hormones are rapidly changing.
Progesterone and estrogen can also be responsible for the “baby blues” because of the drop that occurs so quickly. Because they have the most impact these are the main pregnancy hormones.
Our body during pregnancy goes through many different changes from appearance to mood. Let’s talk about some of the physical changes that occur because of hormones and what you can expect.
One of the most obvious physical changes that will happen is your body will gain a lot of weight. This is because of the baby’s development but also because of fluid retention. This leads to some swelling of the joints because of the extra weight women have to bear. The best thing you can do is rest and get off your feet as well as take walks to loosen up muscles that may tighten while laying around.
A woman’s breast will continue to grow and feel swollen as the hormones like Prolactin and others produce tissue to prepare the mother for breastfeeding. Around the second trimester, the mother can expect small secretions of yellowish fluid from her breasts as they undergo these changes. This is normal as there is a lot of breastmilk pumping and getting ready to come out for the baby.
There are certain physical changes that women do desire. The glow is something that everyone talks about and this occurs along with getting thicker more full hair and strong nails. This is because of the estrogen levels rising and unfortunately, when they drop after pregnancy likely you will lease these desirable physical features. Some women complain that their hair is falling out but you are just shedding the new hair you grew during pregnancy.
Even though that was likely a lot to suggest you may still have some pregnancy hormones questions. Because everyone’s journey is both similar and incredibly unique it can be tempting to have wonders and questions about everything. Here are the most Frequently Asked Questions associated with pregnancy hormones.
Is it normal to feel increased sexual desires during pregnancy?
It is incredibly normal to feel an increased sexual desire because of your libido increasing. This is also due to hormones. This is most common during the first trimester and the second trimester. Many doctors will say that intercourse is a great way to deal with your hormones by releasing stress and connecting with yourself.
It is also possible that you may feel sexually disconnected from yourself. Because of the hormones increasing rapidly and causing nausea and tiredness, sex can be the last thing on your mind. One of the more common situations is that women flip flop between feeling a desire to have intercourse and wanting nothing to do with it because their bodies and emotions are flipping.
Is it normal to feel no noticeable changes emotionally?
Some women feel like from the second they conceive they know because they feel emotional, sick, tired, and all over the place. Other women will say that the pregnancy is a breeze and feel nothing but their bodies physically changing.
Since everyone is different it is tough to say what is normal and what is not. I think the only point of concern is that if you notice not a lot of physical changes then talk to your doctor. Some women show late so this is also not something to panic over.
What hormones continue to play a role post-pregnancy?
Besides estrogen and progesterone play a big role in the baby blues due to the drop, Prolactin and Oxytocin continue to uptick. Prolactin will help continue to produce breast milk to feed your baby. Oxytocin has a big uptick because it helps the mother prevent excessive bleeding and keeps her safe after delivering.
The baby blues are worth noting because 80% of new mothers experience this. Just like you may experience nausea due to a rapid increase in estrogen and progesterone, you will also experience a rapid drop the second you deliver. This can cause a mood drop that increases anxiety, depression, among other irritable emotions. Combined with tiredness and any difficulty in sleeping and this can further worsen baby blues feelings. This is completely normal.
Hormones are to blame for every happy and not-so-happy feeling you get both emotionally and physically. While there is a long list of hormones that play a role from pre-pregnancy to delivery and afterward, the two main ones that any pregnant mother needs to focus on are Estrogen and Progesterone. They affect several things from nausea to hair growth to baby blues.
When we understand how each of the hormones plays off each other throughout the first, second, and third trimester we can take some comfort in the physical changes we notice. Weight gain will be the most noticeable physical change as the baby grows and the body starts to swell.
Realizing that every woman's pregnancy journey is different from the next woman’s is the most important thing. While some women have higher sex drives some women will feel awful about their bodies. All are acceptable and a part of the process!
]]>Vaginal birth is the birth type that involves the passage of the baby through the birth canal(vagina) and is the most common type of birth.
Though the baby has to pass through the birth canal in a vaginal birth, the process involved could be different.
Also referred to as spontaneous vaginal birth, is the type of vaginal birth where the mother goes into labor and the baby is delivered without the use of drugs for pain or techniques to induce labor or assist in the birth. The term natural birth is used to describe this.
It’s the type where drugs or other techniques are used to initiate the labor process. An example is an amniotomy where the doctor cuts into the amniotic sac to release the amniotic fluid. Contractions can also be initiated by the doctor by giving Picotin- a synthesized version of oxytocin hormone.
This occurs when the mother goes into labor either initiated naturally, or medication and technique induced where special instruments like vacuum extractor or forceps are used to pull or guide the baby through the birth canal. It is also called Instrumental vaginal birth.
However, the way it happens, either natural, induced, or assisted, are all collectively referred to as Normal Vaginal Birth.
There are a couple of signs to indicate the start of labor. First is the onset of Contractions, this is the tightening and releasing of the uterus, a painful type of pressure on the wall of the uterus preparing the uterus for the detachment of the baby from the uterus. It is like having intense menstrual cramps, the pain starts from the back and moves around to the front of the stomach, although this can be false otherwise called Braxton Hicks Contractions. Doctors advise looking out for the 5-1-1 contractions before heading to the hospital. This is when each contraction occurs every five minutes, lasts for one minute, and has been happening for one hour.
The second sign to indicate that labor has begun is the rupturing of the amniotic sac and the amniotic fluid is drained, this phenomenon is referred to as “water-breaking”. Amniotic fluid is a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid. Usually, your water will break before the delivery of the baby, if this does not happen, the doctor will perform an amniotomy where the amniotic membrane is artificially ruptured by the doctor.
Another indication that labor has begun is “the bloody show” which occurs when the pregnant mother passes a thick mucus discharge with hints of blood from the vagina. There is no principle to which has to happen or occur first as this sign varies from woman to woman.
Also, a woman can experience all of these signs before birth while some will experience just one or two. But usually “The show” is the sign that finally confirms that the woman is ready for delivery as contractions could be false and an indicator that something is wrong especially when the baby is not up to term. There could also be situations where the water breaks as a result of trauma like a sudden movement or impact to the stomach. If you experience any of these signs while your baby is not up to term, it’s advised to get to the hospital as fast as you can.
Experiencing any of these signs at full term is when to decide if you are going to the hospital or call your midwife if you have a home birth planned.
On getting to the hospital, the doctor or midwife would check for the dilation and effacement of the cervix. Dilation simply means opening up and this refers to how many centimeters the cervix is open to allow the birth of a baby. The cervix is like a bottle that connects the uterus to the vagina. It has to be open up to 10 centimeters to allow the birth of the baby. As this cervix dilates, the wall stretches and it thins out. This process is called effacement and is measured in percentage. The vagina can be said to be fully dilated at 10cm.
Now the delivery can happen.
This stage is initiated when the cervix is fully dilated and the baby’s head can be seen, this process is referred to as “crowning”. This is the time to start pushing the baby through the birth canal. Now is the time you need the support of your birth coach to motivate you through this process. The baby’s head is first delivered, followed by the rotation and delivery of the shoulders, then passage of the baby’s lower body and umbilical cord.
The hard work is done, the placenta needs to be delivered. The placenta is responsible for nourishing the baby with nutrients through all nine months of pregnancy. First, the placenta will be detached from the uterine walls, you might feel contractions but not as severe as that of the baby birth. The placenta is also pushed out like the baby, mothers who are worn out in this stage can be assisted by the physician reaching in and pulling out the placenta. If the uterus is no longer contracting, Doctors also give oxytocin to initiate contractions again for the delivery of the placenta. And just like that, it’s over.
Vaginal Birth is a natural birth process that has a couple of benefits compared to cesarean section.
Risks associated with a surgical process like a C-section are minimized or avoided in a vaginal birth. These risks include severe hemorrhaging, infections, reactions to anesthesia, amniotic fluid embolism, etc.
The passage of a baby through the birth canal causes it to ingest beneficial bacteria that boost its immune system and strengthens gut health. Research has shown that babies born through vaginal Birth are less likely to be susceptible to health problems later on in life like asthma, food allergies, etc.
Transient tachypnea in newborns is a breathing condition that occurs in newborns. In the womb, the baby’s lungs are filled with fluids, birth through the birth canal squeezes out most of these fluids. Failure to clear the lungs or slow clearing of these fluids usually results in TTN and is reduced with vaginal birth.
The process of vaginal birth releases hormones that enhance the flow of milk. The WHO recommends that babies should be breastfed within the first one hour of birth to enable them to derive colostrum. The feasibility of breastfeeding within the first one hour of birth is increased with vaginal birth. The ACOG also recommends that this is important for the mother and baby to bond.
Having a vaginal birth enables quick recovery and such mothers go home earlier than others. Also, the recovery period after vaginal delivery is shorter.
While your due date is approaching, it is important to create a birth plan and inform your medical team on certain preferences for your birth, birth postures, whether you want an epidural or not, who you want to present with you, etc. One should keep an open mind about a birth plan to accommodate changes if things do not go as planned.
This is so you’d be aware when labor starts and differentiate true labor from false labor to be able to get to the hospital on time.
Read and know about the birth position, the doctors and midwives would have explained these during ante-natal appointments, practice to decide which would be most comfortable with you. Although you can practice your choice of birth, it’s advised to be open to other methods if things do not happen as planned.
A hospital bag contains all the essentials you will be needing during your stay at the hospital for you and the baby. It should contain items for the mother such as nightgowns, toothbrushes, cosmetics, change of clothes, etc, and items for the baby like clothes, socks, diapers, etc. Some hospitals do provide all that is required but if you do have any personal items to take along, now is the time to pack.
While preparing for a vaginal birth it is important to be prepared for some risks that could come with this type of birth.
Vaginal Birth also has risks involved and they are:
A mother is at risk of getting the tissues of her vagina torn in a Vaginal birth especially if the baby is big. Doctors perform episiotomy when needed to prevent this tear. The risk of a vaginal tear is increased in first births.
A mother can experience urinary Incontinence for a few weeks after birth for forceps and vacuum-assisted births. Extreme tears to the vagina sometimes could lead up to the anus which could cause fecal Incontinence.
Vaginal birth increases the likelihood of serious Hemorrhaging which can lead to shock in the mother.
What do I do if labor does not begin past my due date?
The gestation period for humans is 36 weeks, anything from that period to the 42nd week, labor and delivery should be expected. Speak with your doctor. If after 42 weeks you are not going into labor, the birth would have to be induced.
What is the recovery period after a Vaginal Birth?
Healing and recovery after vaginal birth are dependent on several factors like the presence of perineal tears or if episiotomy was performed.
Recovery averagely takes three to five weeks for non-complicated vaginal births. Complicated vaginal births have longer recovery periods.
I’ve had a Cesarean section before, can I still have a Vaginal birth?
Vaginal birth after Cesarean section is possible although several factors would be considered like age, how many C-sections you have had, the reason behind the C-section you had, the type of incision that was made during the surgery. Options for a VBAC should be discussed with your doctor.
What are the pain management options for a Vaginal Birth?
An epidural can be given during vaginal birth. It is a pain control agent given to numb and relieves pain during vaginal birth. However, the pressure from contractions can still be felt with an epidural.
Childbirth is a beautiful experience and should be embraced with joy.
While you may want a vaginal part, the risks and your options should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor/midwife.
How long does a Vaginal birth take?
The duration of vaginal birth is dependent on factors like if the Mother is a first-time mom or has had previous birth(s) or an elderly primigravida. It takes about 12-16 hours in FTMs and 6-8 hours in moms who have experienced previous births.
The durational difference between the last birth and the current is also a factor that can influence the duration of a Vaginal birth.
Pre-birth hygiene before a Vaginal delivery is important. It is recommended that the public hair be shaved to prevent the baby from getting an infection or coming in contact with harmful bacteria.
Some women may feel lonely, withdrawn, and sad after birth, detachment from their baby, the aftermath of a complicated vaginal birth can lead to PTSD or post-partum depression.
Speak with your doctor if you are experiencing any of these feelings to get help from a professional.
]]>Let’s talk about what your mucus plug is and what you can expect once you lose it.
As your baby starts to grow and develop in your tummy, your cervix canal starts to make a barrier from the outside so that no infection or unwanted bacteria can get through. What happens is mucus in the form of a jelly substance starts to build up around the cervix walls and eventually gathers to the point where the mucus plugs up the cervix canal opening.
While the cervix begins to soften and swell, mucus will begin to line the walls and build up till there are no gaps left in the opening. This is all done because of the hormone progesterone that continues to keep the mucus fresh so that the antibodies that are inside the mucus can do their correct job of not letting any viruses inside the fetus.
As the baby becomes more developed in the womb, the hormones will change from progesterone to estrogen where the wall will then thin and release itself eventually through vaginal discharge. This is so that the baby can be delivered.
When women lose their mucus plugs and can be an indicator that labor is coming because this means that the cervix is opening and getting ready to deliver the baby. As the cervix dilates the mucus plug will become thin and eventually make its way out of the vaginal canal.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you are in labor. Women can go into labor hours after losing their mucus plug or even weeks after. Each situation is different. If any of the symptoms are accompanied by losing your mucus plug this is a better indicator it is time to start thinking about going to the hospital.
If contractions have begun, this is one of them for sure signs that you will be going into labor. As contractions begin to increase in frequency your cervix is likely dilating itself. At this point, you may have already lost your mucus plug or will soon because of the cervix softening and opening.
When your water breaks or your membranes erupt usually contractions follow. Your water breaking aside from contractions is the biggest sign of labor. This is when the cervix starts to dilate and open up as contractions become stronger and longer-lasting.
This is something that the doctor has to check as it would be difficult for you to tell yourself. But as your body prepares to give birth your cervix walls thin and become stretched to make room for the baby to pass through the canal and to be delivered. This check by the doctor is usually done closer to the due date to see how your body is preparing and transforming according to schedule.
Because losing your mucus plug is such a natural part of the process there is generally no concern when you do. You should look for other symptoms and signs and note the timing of the pregnancy. There are a few things you should look out for and contact your doctor if noticed.
If you have lost your mucus plug earlier than 36 weeks it’s good to try and take note of the size, shape, color, etc. and call your doctor. It isn’t unheard of to lose your mucus plug this early but it is also sometimes an indicator of labor which can be important if you go into labor earlier than expected. This can allow the doctor to keep an eye on things.
Likely the doctor will call you in to get an immediate evaluation of your cervix and your baby just to make sure things are running smoothly. If there are any signs that you may be headed towards early labor, they can start the preparations. Better to be aware of it than not. As mentioned though sometimes women lose their mucus plug early by a couple of weeks and they are still not ready to go into labor. It’s normal.
This is the typical range that a woman will start to lose her mucus plug. Having said that some women don’t even notice that they have lost their mucus plug. Because it may come out in the shower or while urinating some women may think it’s just vaginal discharge and not think twice about it. If you do notice that you have lost your mucus plug it’s never a bad idea to take note of it and let your doctor know the next time you come in for your scheduled appointment. If you experience some unseal symptoms with mucus plug then it is always best to call your doctor and let them know.
If you lose your mucus plug earlier than 36 weeks it does not necessarily mean that you have an unhealthy baby or have had a miscarriage. It is however important to talk to your doctor as they will need to evaluate as it can be a sign of preterm labor.
Because losing your mucus plug is when your cervix is preparing for labor it’s a possible indication that you will go into what is referred to as preterm labor. This means having the baby earlier than the set due date. Signs of preterm labor include.
While some women experience spotting leading up to pregnancy and still have healthy babies, bright red bleeding that is more than spotting can be a sign of preterm labor and you should contact your doctor immediately.
Labor contractions that pick up in frequency so that you are having five in one hour is a sign you are going into preterm labor if you are ahead of your due date.
Increased pelvic pressure can be a sign that the baby has dropped where the breathing has become easier but the pressure on your pelvic pain has increased. This is because the baby has gotten into position for delivery.
As noted, your water breaking is one of them for sure signs you are going into labor as contractions usually follow quickly after.
Understanding miscarriage is imperative here because sometimes women can’t tell if they are passing tissue or passing the mucus plug. The symptoms that come along with a miscarriage before the 20th week are significant to pay attention to.
While the mucus plug may have a little bit of spotting or blood on it, it is not the same as having vaginal bleeding like a period blow or passing tissue. This is why if you do see the mucus plug come out it is important to note what week you are at and the timing of the issue. If you feel more sudden pain in your stomach and back this can be an indicator of miscarriage coupled along with other symptoms. When you lose your mucus plug you may experience light cramping which is different from more severe symptoms.
While this information may seem alarming it is important to know that most doctors and hospitals know how to administer Pitocin correctly and safely. You may still have some questions so here are the most commonly asked questions about Pitocin
What is the difference between the Bloody Show and the Mucus Plug?
These two terms are used interchangeably for the most part. The reason being is that a mucus plug looks like a clear liquid and gel-like substance that is vaginally discharged. Some women refer to it as the bloody show because in other cases the mucus may have streaks of blood in and around it. This is not necessarily a cause to be concerned about as it happens quite a lot. Regardless of which terminology you use, a doctor will understand that you are referring to the mucus plug that is built up in your cervix canal.
Does the Mucus Plug always come out?
The mucus plug always falls out naturally. This is due to the thinning process we mentioned when the hormones change from progesterone to estrogen and the cervix begins to soften and dilate to allow the baby to come through the birth canal. Having said that, your mucus plug should always come out naturally, and trying to pull it out yourself is dangerous. It risks infection to your baby and does the main job of preventing unwanted viruses and disease to reach the fetus at any point. The mucus plug has a beneficial function for both the mother and the baby.
Does it hurt to pass the Mucus Plug?
In some cases, women don’t even realize they have lost their mucus plug because it can happen during urination and going to the bathroom. It isn’t unheard of to experience some mild symptoms around the time that you lose your mucus plug because it can be an indicator that you are going into labor soon. Some mild contractions and other sensations can be associated with the mucus plug if you are someone that is going into labor shortly after.
While everyone loses their mucus plug at some point during the end of the pregnancy, it is never a bad idea to keep a close eye on what you are doing. This will allow you to let your doctor know if you do lose it earlier than expected and if any accompanying symptoms may indicate you are going to have preterm labor.
Even if you don’t lose your mucus plug early if any unusual symptoms accompany it, losing it after 37 weeks is important to let your doctor know. Likely they will want to get a check-up on you and the baby as you approach your due date.
The mucus plug serves an important function in keeping your baby safe from any infections and viruses. It’s a natural process triggered by progesterone then later released and thinned out because of estrogen. Since this happens naturally you should never seek to remove the mucus plug itself. It always comes out when it is ready and indicates your cervix is becoming favorable for the birth of your baby.
]]>But you can’t just run a marathon when you’re pregnant. It’s important to know which exercises are good for you and which can be harmful to your health or the baby.
Staying healthy while pregnant is crucial to minimizing risks for something to go wrong. Exercising while pregnant can have so many benefits if done correctly. Staying sedentary or inactive during pregnancy is not just physical either. It has impacts on your mood and the recovery after your baby is born.
Let’s talk about the wide range of benefits you get from exercising while pregnant.
The list of benefits could go on forever! Mostly you will get a lot of physical benefits out of it but other things like the possibility of shortened labor, better post-recovery, and so many more are things to think about.
Let’s not waste any time! Here are your benefits.
Your feet/ankles and other parts of your body will naturally swell from the extra weight you will be carrying. This means that also your blood pressure will naturally go up to support the hard work you are doing and increase blood and oxygen flow. If you are in better shape and exercising you can bring your blood pressure down and find the workload to be easier in day-to-day activities.
Exercise in general releases good endorphins and can boost mood and energy. This can be particularly important for pregnant women because some women may experience pre-labor depression commonly referred to as a postpartum depression. This can help combat restlessness. When pregnant people lay around all day they have a lot of time to worry and stress out. They may feel lethargic or easily bored. Exercising gives a woman time to release their energy and step outside their thoughts.
The quality of sleep has been said to improve dramatically when women exercise while pregnant. Restlessness and trying to stay asleep can be difficult. This is especially true later on. When you get some of that energy out and your body needs to recover, you will likely stay asleep longer.
It’s normal and healthy to add on extra weight because of the little one growing inside you. You should be eating enough for two! However, it’s also common for women to experience a weight gain on top of the baby pounds. Exercising helps maintain a healthy weight that makes it easy to lose the baby weight after giving birth.
Certain exercises are better than others when it comes to pregnancy. Some may be slightly too rigorous at different stages in your term while others may allow you to push yourself just a little bit more. Here are the best pregnancy exercises that you can do!
Swimming is one of the best exercises you can do for cardio because it requires endurance and strength but doesn’t require any pounding of the joints. It’s also one of the safest exercises you can do at just about any time in your pregnancy.
Stairmaster offers a combination of cardio endurance and strength in your legs. It’s a two-for-one deal that is safe as long as you go at a comfortable pace. You don’t want to run the Stairmaster in the event of tripping.
Walking is always a relaxing and great choice to get exercise. This is encouraged later in your pregnancy whereas running is fine for the beginning of your term. You may want to be careful with your joints and the pounding you put on your body as the baby develops.
Barre is a wonderful strength class that has less to do with cardio and more to do with flexibility and working your muscles. Strength training is just as healthy and important as cardio and can help with recovery.
Yoga is something you can do till basically your due date. The nature of what yoga you practice will change as you don’t want to practice dangerous inversions. But pregnancy yoga can be something wonderful for your mind and your body.
Any kind of weightlifting class is going to strengthen your body. As you become more pregnant you will need to be careful about the weightlifting exercises you choose to do. Putting too much strain on yourself, later on, can be dangerous.
Aerobics and dance classes are a great way to get on your feet and keep yourself healthy. It’s also a fun way to exercise. The further your term is the less risk you will need to take with how aggressive the class is.
Indoor cycling is a lot safer than outdoor cycling because of the possibility of trauma. Spinning classes among other things is a comfort low-impact way to exercise.
The important question is not always what you need to do but how much of it you can do. This will change from the time you first get pregnant to when you approach your due date. Meanwhile, you will need to adjust and monitor how hard you push yourself.
The general number if there was one should be about 150 minutes of exercise per week at a moderate intensity. Everyone’s intensity will be different as some women’s heart rate will get up faster than others.
There are a lot of tips and advice out there when it comes to how to exercise, how much, and what kind. It can be overwhelming. Keep it simple by following an umbrella of advice listed below.
Being dehydrated in general is dangerous but especially if you’re pregnant. If you are exercising consistently then drinking more water than usual is important. If you exercise roughly 30 minutes a day, based on your intensity try drinking a full glass after working out. You should drink an extra glass well before your workout so you don’t feel sick while moving around.
Everyone’s level of intensity is different. This is why wearing a heart rate monitor can be particularly helpful to know how much strain you are taking on. Some women may be able to run for longer without pushing their heart rate into a dangerous range.
While exercise can relieve pain, it also sometimes can cause pain. If you are injured or feeling not well, it is important to listen to your body and not push yourself to the brink. All exercise should be in an incremental and immediately stopped if there is pain.
While there are many benefits to exercising there are also some risks that should always be considered. Some are more obvious than others. Here is what you should take into account when exercising.
While it is OK to sweat you should monitor your body temperature and not allow it to get to unsafe levels. While you may be unaware of your actual body temperature you can take note of hot climates. You shouldn’t exercise in the heat or expose yourself to excessive sweating, saunas, hot tubs, and more. This can be bad for both you and the baby.
Sometimes our bodies just don’t respond well to things. If you develop or have an underlying condition that increases the risk to your baby and your health, it may not be possible to participate in certain forms of exercise. This is something that should be discussed with your doctor to make sure you are not at risk.
Certain exercises carry a higher level of risk than others. Biking outside for example carries a higher risk of trauma. You could fall off the bike or have an accident that injures you and or the baby. Avoiding exercises like this is always a good idea especially as your pregnancy term nears your due date. This can even include dancing.
It’s understandable if there are still so many questions that need to be answered. There is a fine line between pushing it and overdoing it. And many questions arise individually because every woman’s body and response system is different. Here are the most frequently asked questions when it comes to exercising while pregnant.
What Should I Do If I Have Never Exercised Before?
Just because you have never exercised before doesn’t mean it’s not a good time to start. What needs to be remembered is that exercise can be difficult for anyone starting let alone starting while pregnant. Now more than ever is the time to take into account what you can handle and what is too much. It may be difficult to judge this which is why you can work with a health professional like a trainer or a class and measure your heart.
Whatever you do, you should start at the beginning level or some easier exercises like walking. Then you can walk on an incline or start swimming. These are easy ways to get involved while being able to take it easy. Even 10 minutes a day is better than no minutes!
What Should I Wear?
This is an important question. What you wear should neither be too constrictive or unsupportive. Finding the balance can be difficult but things like a supportive sports bra are really important. Other areas that can do well with moderate compression may be some of your legs and areas where joints may swell. You can’t however wear restrictive clothing to your stomach and overly restrictive clothing around your legs and other areas because if you cut off circulation you defeat the point.
Compression is meant to have increased circulation but something too tight can cause nerve damage by cutting off your blood supply. Any time you start to feel a tingle or numbing pain in an area this is likely due to cutting off your circulation and oxygen to a certain area.
What Exercises Should I Avoid?
Any exercises that involve contact should be avoided. While kickboxing is a great exercise in general the part where you fight someone else should be eliminated. Any recreational activity as well that can increase your risk for trauma should also be avoided. This would be something like skateboarding or skydiving, rock climbing, and more. These types of activities pose too much risk at any stage in the pregnancy to both the mother and the baby.
Exercising while pregnant is most importantly meant to be a time where you can enjoy yourself. While you should push your limits safely, you should also enjoy it. If you aren’t having some sort of reward or benefit that you likely will become resentful of doing it and quit. When you do something, you like, do remember that it should be at a moderate intensity. There are so many great benefits like better sleep, quicker recovery, among so many more, but if you put yourself at risk none of those things matter. Some simple things you can do to ensure your active safety include exercising in safe climates. This includes temperature control as well as safety. Any exercise that can result in falling or collision with anything is dangerous to both yourself and the baby.
If you have any further confusion or questions, it’s always a great idea to consult with your doctor. They know your medical history and will be able to adequately guide you through an appropriate amount of exercise.
]]>Your symptoms may start to change dramatically but it’s nothing to panic over. Here is what you can start to expect and understand around this time and shortly after.
But you can’t just run a marathon when you’re pregnant. It’s important to know which exercises are good for you and which can be harmful to your health or the baby.
At this point, you may start to get your baby bump. The baby starts to double its size and you have almost made it past your first trimester. This is when couples may choose to start telling people because the first trimester is said to be the most common for miscarriages. You can expect some of the following from baby development at 12 weeks pregnant.
Likely at this point, your baby will weigh half an ounce. Their fingers and toes will develop to 5 on each hand and foot at this point allowing their reflexes to start working. They may be able to move and clench their toes and fingers. Their eye muscles begin to clench and several key areas of moving to develop.
At this point in the pregnancy, you will likely be able to hear the fetal heartbeat. A doctor may be able to help you with a stethoscope at one of your next appointments. Because 12 weeks is such an important milestone you will likely have a doctor’s appointment around this time anyways. This is because the fetal heartbeat has become stronger and more pronounced.
The baby’s digestive tract will start to develop and contract to practice the functions that will be needed after birth. Other functions around the digestive tract are working hard to develop functions like being able to fight off infections and deal with illness in the gut.
At this stage, the baby’s bones are starting to harden as well. As they solidify and get more nutrients the baby will become less fragile as they continue to grow and develop in the mother’s womb.
At this point in the pregnancy term, the baby will also start to make their red blood cells which have to do with producing and carrying oxygen to the lungs.
12 weeks pregnant is just two weeks away from the end of your official first trimester! It is three months of pregnancy and now you will start to move towards the middle term of your pregnancy. This means you have six more months to go. A lot happens from 3 to 6 months and seems to be the time where the baby is developing at a rapid pace. It’s almost like once week 12 hits the baby has hit the ground running as they are developing key areas to the body and immune system.
While your baby may be going through some major development it is also good to take note that your body will be going through some major changes itself. Besides some of the obvious ones like you will begin to show, here is what you should expect at 12 weeks and going forward.
The baby will migrate its position from off your pelvis and to the front of your abdomen. You may think this doesn’t do much for you but it does! This will hopefully relieve your constant urge to pee. This takes the pressure of the bladder and is one of the symptoms that may end with the first trimester.
Your uterus will have grown so much that at this point your healthcare provider or doctor will be able to feel the top of it. It will sit low in your pelvic area and just on top of your pubic bone making it easy for the doctor to reach and access.
While it is exciting to be pregnant, it all starts to feel so real. There are stressors that start to come out with the mother and the father such as the baby’s future, financial situations, health, and more. It is normal to start thinking about these things as you approach the end of your first trimester and begin to show. This is when the doctor may recommend continuing going on walks and finding relaxing things to pass the time so you aren’t sitting around building up anxiety.
You can’t give something up without getting something in return. Unlucky for expecting mothers is that they may add the new symptom of feeling faint. Dizziness is one of the main symptoms that come with the second trimester because of the increased levels of progesterone. Progesterone causes your blood vessels to take it easy and widen out which results in lower blood pressure and circulation of blood and oxygen. In turn, you may feel tired and dizzy quite a lot.
This may be unusual news for you because you have heard of other people having increased sex drives. This is because hormones are different for everyone. If the progesterone hits your heart making you feel dizzy and tired a lot of time there is a good chance you will have a decreased sex drive as well. This is normal as a lot of women experience this to some degree. It is even possible for you to feel an increase in sex drive some days and low on others. Everyone’s path is a little different so it’s better not to compare.
At this stage, you will notice an increase in your discharge. You should know that the discharge is meant to be a clear liquid and any other color such as green, pink, or brown discharge should be followed up with an immediate call to your doctor. This could signal an infection or even a miscarriage in some cases. But clear discharge is the way your body starts protecting itself from having infections make their way up the cervix and to the baby.
Accompanied with dizziness and a change of hormones can be headaches. This is because your body is experiencing a lot and may be dehydrated. The hormonal shift from estrogen to progesterone is quite a hefty thing for your body to take on which is why you may have an increased intensity in your headaches. Increased stress can be something that adds to this which is why it’s important to spend some “me” time a little more often.
Because the baby is moving from your pelvic area to your front abdomen you will start to notice belly changes. This is when you will start to show just a little bit and feel like you have a solid round little tummy. This is because your baby is about the size of a plum or a grapefruit. Some women though show less than others at this stage depending on how their abdomen responds and the size of the baby. The general weight is 0.49 ounces and 2.1 inches long.
As you approach the end of your first trimester you will have an appointment with your doctor or OBGYN. They will perform an abdominal ultrasound like some of the other ones you likely have experienced before. This is when they take jelly and use an instrument to run over your abdomen area to see the baby. Likely you have had this before but if you had a transvaginal ultrasound before this is different.
You will be able to see on the monitor several differences from when you first saw the ultrasound.
The movement will be the first thing you can see. While it may be difficult to pick up on the growing fuzz on their body or their fingernails coming into place, you will be able to see the baby moving. This is the curling of the toes and clenching the firsts, wiggling the fingers, and such. They may even develop habits of sucking on their hands.
As mentioned, your baby has become the length of a plum or in some cases closer to the size of the grapefruit. You may be able to distinguish now certain features of the baby that were hard to depict before.
While you may want to eagerly know the sex of your baby an ultrasound won’t produce this yet. While results are not 100 percent accurate some couples try to find out at the end of week 14 by ultrasound. However, many doctors recommend waiting for weeks 18 and 21 because the baby is still growing at a rapid rate and has become much more pronounced at this stage in the baby’s development and the pregnancy term.
Your body will start to take on a lot at this stage in your pregnancy. The middle term is approaching and you may have some added and unwanted symptoms coming up. This is a good time to start preparing before that. Here are the tips and tricks you can follow to make the transition into the next term easier.
One of the first things expecting mothers forget to do is drink water. If you were bad at hydrating before it is critically important that you hydrate now more than ever. Because exercising is a good thing to do while pregnant you will need to add even more water intake after that. Hydrating can help relieve some of the symptoms like feeling lethargic and dealing with a lot of headaches from the hormone changes.
Taking time for yourself is the most important thing during the stage. The stress will begin to build up and something as simple as starting to show can both excite a mother one day and make her feel crazy the next. Taking time to relax with spa-like procedures or even exercising can do a lot for your mood and make your pregnancy a lot more enjoyable.
Part of the stress that starts to creep in towards the end of your first trimester is the “what if” questions. Money is one of the biggest things that starts to stress out your partner and if you have the time to sit down and plan it can actually be less stressful than not planning out at all. If you have time to make a budget spreadsheet for what you need and what you don't, this can be particularly useful for parents to refer back to when the craziness of labor and aftermath has started.
Pregnancy admittedly for some is tough. You don’t have to pretend that it’s always this magical experience that is the best time of your life. While it is a miracle and an undoubtedly amazing process it is tough and it is fine to admit that. It can be for some truly a breeze but taking the steps to ensure that you can have an easier pregnancy is always a good thing to do.
Starting with knowing you are almost done with your first trimester is a reason to treat yourself! Especially since you need to be aware that a few of the symptoms you get rid of (no more bathroom every five minutes) will be replaced with some equally difficult symptoms. Intense headaches may be one of them.
Something to look forward to in this stage of your pregnancy is the ability to see your baby moving and hear your baby’s heartbeat. This can be done with one of the checkups your doctor will have planned for you as you near week 14!
]]>This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about the stages of pregnancy.
The stages of pregnancy is divided into three called trimesters. As such, the first trimester lasts from week one to week twelve, the second trimester from week thirteen to week twenty-six, lastly the third trimester lasts from week twenty-seven to the end of pregnancy birth.
Each part of the trimester is marked by its peculiarities, as you will soon discover for both mother and baby.
Before we go further, we want to address a question that has stirred a lot of debate in recent times especially between the pro-life and pro-choicers side of the pregnancy termination.
When does pregnancy start? The truth is, there are a lot of variables that make answering this question tricky at best. For you to land a verdict that is somewhat accurate or satisfactory you will need to consider the events that gave rise to pregnancy in the first place conception and implantation.
After intercourse, 300 million sperm are released in the medium called semen. This is the story of an epic battle for one of the sperms to fertilize the egg in the face of incredible odds. For this fertilization to turn a success, the egg has to be first released in the process called "ovulation" aided by the interplay of the female hormones.
This number is cut short when a good number of sperm are flowing out of the vagina and some other millions die due to the acidity of the vagina.
Notwithstanding, a lot still survive, courtesy of the alkalinity of the semen. Those who survive swim towards the cervix. The cervix is a cylindrical tissue lower part of the tissue that connects the uterus to the vagina. The cervix is normally tightly closed to keep the pregnancy in place and only dilates when it is time to deliver. It also slightly opens when the woman ovulates letting her drain menstrual flow.
The sperms pass through the lumen of the cervix to get to their distinction to the egg in the fallopian tubes. Some millions are caught up in the cervical mucus and subsequently die off, others fall behind and in time will be the backup, while some keep the foot on the gas to get the destination.
The remainder swims towards the tubes, one-half swim towards the tube containing unfertilized egg while the other half swim towards the other tube containing fertilized egg.
In the fallopian tubes, the motion of sperm is facilitated by the female genital tract that also releases certain chemical factors that cause changes in the sperm and makes them swim faster.
The sperms reach their destination, the egg. The sperm later fuses with the egg in a process called conception or fertilization. This is when the life of a little one has started. It should also be remembered that it is now that the sex of the baby is determined.
Implantation is the aftermath of the events of fertilization. The fertilized egg stays in the fallopian tube and starts active exponential division. After 6-7 days after fertilization, the zygote, now embryo, moves to and implants on the lining of the uterus. The motion of the fertilized egg is aided by the motion of the cilia that directs it to the uterus. In a related development, the uterus gets thicker and the cervix is sealed off by a mucus plug.
This implantation is accompanied by spotty bleeding called implantation bleeding after 1 or 2 days And sometimes cramps that most women mistake for the usual menstrual cramps.
There is a lot that can happen between point A fertilization and point B implantation. The egg can be implanted in the wrong site ectopic pregnancy and cause serious complications in the mother if not medically addressed in the proper manner and time. As a rule of the thumb, any pregnancy that implants in the wrong site must be removed surgically. Hence, an egg may be fertilized by not implanting properly, and this sums up the argument. Fertilization is as important as implantation.
The best time to contact your doctor is when you start to notice the symptoms of pregnancy. The initial symptoms of pregnancy are not specific and can differ between mothers. Nevertheless, the most common ones include:
A good number of women experience spotty bleeding on the first day after implantation. This can be followed by mild cramps in the first few weeks post conception.
Missed menstrual flow: Most people believe that this is the telltale sign of pregnancy, it is entirely not true as other disease entities can manifest such symptoms. Nevertheless, if you miss your period, report to your doctor who should recommend relevant pregnancy tests.
The interplay and increases in hormones cause the breast to become fuller, heavier, and sometimes painful to touch. This is paralleled by the darkening of the areola
This feeling is commonplace with pregnant women. Funnily enough, unsuspectingly pregnant are alarmed at this point and may seek advice that may be futile at this stage of unknowns.
The hormones are also at play here as always. They lower blood sugar in pregnancy. And no blood sugar means no energy! Hence it is expected you may want to eat more than you used to.
This is the most known pregnancy symptoms, it is marked by nausea and incessant vomiting especially in the early hours of the morning, hence the name.
There is a related aversion to foodstuff that pregnant people used to eat before pregnancy. There is also what is known as pica, an unusual craving for non-nutritive substances such as paper, dirt, chalk, etc.
Around the sixth week of pregnancy, you may notice that you may start to urine more frequently. Just relax! It is probably the pregnancy.
The hormonal changes could also stifle bowel movements making it harder to poop at times. Try eating food that is rich in fiber and drinking enough water.
Other common symptoms include headaches and back pain. If you notice any of these Symptoms listed above, especially missed periods and morning sickness, consult your doctor. He should run relevant tests, if he confirms the pregnancy, then booking starts. Booking is a 4 or 5-weekly appointment with the doctor and midwives to monitor the progress of your pregnancy and administer necessary medications. As such making sure that you deliver safely at long last.
The period of pregnancy is largely divided into three sections each is approximately 13 weeks and is marked for important events that form and shape the baby's development. As for changes, the mother is not left out as diverse modifications are made to help her cope with the pregnancy and for what to come when she finally puts to bed. Keep in mind, that weeks are usually counted from the last date of your menstrual flow. The stages are:
The first trimester Usually starts from week one of pregnancy and ends at week 12.
Most mothers notice they are pregnant 4-6 weeks after fertilization. Common signs include:
The fertilized eggs start to actively divide into a mass of cells. Soon after, it implants to the walls of the uterus when it continues its division.
This is a time of rapid growth, as such you must avoid drinking alcoholics or smoking as that may, hopefully not, mess with the baby's development and culminate in serious complications in the baby. Try as much as possible to maintain a healthy diet. Your baby needs it!
In the first trimester, the primordial forms the foundations of all the organs are formed. As early as week six, these changes happen:
This period starts from week 13 to week 27.
Most mothers describe it as the most comfortable trimester of the three. Reason being that most symptoms of pregnancy start disappearing at this stage, plus there is a boost in your energy levels.
This is when you start putting on a few pounds, and finally, the baby bump appears.
However, symptoms like heartburn increased appetite, and leg cramps started. There are also varicose veins, backaches, nasal congestion. These symptoms are caused by the pressure the growing fetus applies on different organs in the body.
One of the most beautiful things in the second trimester is when the mother can feel the baby kicking. This beautiful event starts around the fifth month. In addition, the baby lengthens and gains more weight. Organs like the heart, the brain, kidney, the lungs continue their development.
The third trimester usually from week 28 till birth.
The D-day is finally approaching, hence the need to see the doctors more often. The doctors run series of tests to determine your urine protein levels to rule out kidney pathology, blood pressure to rule out hypertension.
They also check the competency of your cervix, the baby's position, etc. You must restrict traveling to the minimum. This helps the pregnancy.
Some changes in the baby at this stage include:
Can I Drink While Am Pregnant?
The FDA has not established a safe level of alcohol in pregnancy. This means that it is in you and your baby's best interests that you avoid alcohol completely.
Alcohol has been linked with fetal alcohol syndrome. Fetal alcohol syndrome is a spectrum of disorders caused by exposing the fetus to alcohol. The symptoms include poor coordination, low weight, hyperactivity, growth deficiency, learning disabilities, atypical face, mental retardation, difficulty in school, etc.
What Activities Should I Avoid While I'm Pregnant?
Activities like skydiving, skiing should be avoided. At the third traveling should be restricted. However, most other exercises like jogging, swimming are allowed.
Is Intercourse Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is. Sex has not to be linked with miscarriage. The only time to avoid is in cases of complications in the pregnancy like threatened abortion, premature rupture of membrane, preeclampsia, etc.
I Feel So Tired. Is It Normal?
Feeling tired is commonplace in pregnancy. There is a lot of shift in the hormones plus the demands of the growing baby results in low blood sugar.
Ears form, eyes form, mouth forms, nose, hands, everything. Pregnancy is an event-filled period in the life of A mother. This period is divided into trimesters, each of which bears its peculiarities.
Most pregnancies first manifest with the mom starting to feel weird with persistent vomiting, nausea, and missing periods. You should check in with your doctor at this point.
If—hopefully!—the pregnancy is confirmed, then your booking starts. This strong of appointments make certain everything checks out.
]]>While it may be difficult to imagine continuing, being prepared increases the odds of avoiding stillbirth altogether.
Stillbirth is the event in which you lose your baby during pregnancy or delivery. It differs from a miscarriage in the way that after a certain number of weeks in your pregnancy, the terminology changes from miscarriage to stillbirth.
After week 20 if a mother loses her child, it is considered to be a stillbirth. Stillbirth can be divided up into three different timeline categories.
Understanding the symptoms of stillbirth is different from the possible causes. These are the factors that indicate a stillbirth has occurred or there is an issue with your baby. Some symptoms may be similar to other potential health problems but do not mean you have had a stillbirth.
If symptoms arise at all it is best to immediately call your doctor or go to the emergency room.
You will start to feel your baby kicking and moving between 16 and 24 weeks. If you start to feel your baby move around and kick and suddenly don’t feel it anymore, this may be a symptom of stillbirth. You should check with your doctor after noticing this.
Bleeding and spotting is difficult because it can be linked to several other health complications like Placenta Previa. This is when the placenta is covering your cervix. However, any bleeding should be followed up with a call or visit to the emergency room because it is a symptom in some cases of stillbirth.
A doctor will use a stethoscope to check on the child’s heartbeat. If he cannot hear the child’s heartbeat, he may go right to an ultrasound to check for fetal movement and get a closer look at what is going on.
A stillbirth is diagnosed ultimately by ultrasound with the doctor checking for a fetal heartbeat and fetal movement.
While 1 in 3 stillbirths go unexplained several leading causes can be examined after a stillbirth occurs. Most revolve around health-related issues with the mother and/or baby.
Knowing the cause for a stillbirth is an important part of the grieving process for the parents but also from a medical standpoint important for the doctors.
The placenta and umbilical cord play a vital role in supplying your baby with oxygen, blood, and food. If anything were to go wrong with either of those and the baby wasn’t able to have access to any of the three suppliers this could lead to complications and stillbirth.
This is when the mother experiences high blood pressure and swelling. This is not good for the mother or baby and a doctor may prescribe medication to help your blood pressure in the process. If it goes untreated it could result in a stillbirth.
Mothers with Lupus have a very high risk of having a stillbirth.
Blood clotting disorders that a mother may have had in the past or currently are considered to be high-risk pregnancies and are much more likely to experience a stillbirth than a mother without these preexisting conditions.
Lifestyle choices that put risk to the mother and the baby can result in a stillbirth. Drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, experimenting with drugs and other lifestyle choices can cause birth defects or complications. Smoking for example has links to placenta previa which can cause complications of its own.
Birth defects as a result of a health complication that was preexisting or picked up during pregnancy can ultimately lead to the death of the baby. It is said If there are one or more birth defects present this can be the cause of 25 percent of stillbirths. This likely can’t be determined without an autopsy of the baby.
Infections can also be the result of a stillbirth especially if acquired between the 24th week and the 27th week. The happens if a bacterial infection travels vaginally and through to the womb. Usually, the mucus plug is meant to block this from happening.
Trauma such as falling or a car crash is a non-medical reason for the stillbirth of a baby.
Certain aspects such as health complications that exist before being pregnant must be managed by the doctor as this increases the baby’s chance of a stillbirth. Things such as lifestyle choices are always important to take seriously. This is controllable.
At the end of the day, a stillbirth may be inevitable but there are certain things you can do to lower your chances of experiencing one.
Going through the experience of stillbirth is both physically and mentally very hard for the mother and a partner if they are in the picture. The recovery can take some time and is dependent on each individual,
If you are far along in your pregnancy and are experiencing what is considered to be a term stillbirth the doctor may wait until you go into labor naturally or induce pregnancy. This is called induction which may mean the use of medication to start labor. If it is earlier than term stillbirth a doctor may dilate your cervix and perform an evacuation.
This is a devastating loss and can take quite a lot of time to recover from. It is normal to experience a range of emotions and each woman handles things differently and in her way.
You may experience:
If you experience these symptoms, it is important to call your doctor. Getting help through a therapist is an important process to go through for many people.
While stillbirth is sometimes not preventable there are certain factors and risks for women of a certain age and different characteristics.
Being overweight and not having a healthier lifestyle increases your chance of having a stillbirth. This doesn’t mean a few extra pounds over your ideal weight. This is being at a very unhealthy weight and considered to be obsessed. This increases the stress on the body when delivering.
There is a greater chance of having a stillbirth when you are carrying multiples. This is also because the stress is much higher on the body when delivering. It is extra important to maintain a lifestyle when feeding for two or more.
Even smoking pregnancy can increase your odds of having a stillbirth. Research shows those smoking cigarettes in the three months before becoming pregnant increases the chance of having a stillbirth by 1.5 percent.
Women with diabetes have a much riskier pregnancy. Their odds of having a stillbirth are five times more likely than women who don’t. While undetermined why AB blood type is also a high-risk quality for women who are pregnant.
Coping with stillbirth is very difficult and looks different for everyone. Some women experience short-term memory loss as a way of coping with the grief while others feel like they can’t make daily decisions.
Avenues that parents have taken to find comfort and deal with grief include:
Social workers are almost immediately provided to a family should they want one. They can help the family understand what the process looks like and normalize feelings. They may provide additional resources or lead you to some of the other options listed below. Social workers are different from counselors as counselors may specialize in one set of problems while a social worker has a much broader range of issues they may attack.
Right after labor if your family is religious a pastor/priest or other church officials of your denomination may come in and say a prayer and lead you through this difficult time. After this moment some couples continue to work with their pastor to understand and get through this very difficult time. This can be very comforting using the words of their God or spiritual understanding in coping with the loss of their child.
It’s important to note that you don’t have to be a member of a denomination or church to have spiritual or services be provided. Some parents discover religion and faith for the first time in these moments as a volunteer church official introduces himself to the family for the first time. While you may prefer to have someone you know, it’s not a necessity to receive help through this option.
A mother may move on from a social worker and start working with a therapist or a family therapist. Because the death of a stillborn is likely to affect both parents their coping mechanisms may not be conducive to healing together. Sometimes men bury their heads and go towards staying busy where women may need more comfort and emotional support from their partner. A specific grief counselor or a therapist is a more long-term solution that can dedicate more time to the healing of the mother or the family altogether.
Possibly right away or at a later time in the mother’s recovery, a therapist may suggest that a recovery group is a good idea. Recovery groups put those in a similar situation in the same boat together and allow them to listen to another and their process. It can be cathartic for women to relate to each other and let their stories be told.
One of the reasons this is such a great practice is because often a mother can feel isolated like no one understands what she just went through. It is partially true because her partner if male really can’t understand what her body went through. Other women who have gone through the same thing will have a better time relating and having a conversation about what happened. Groups like this provide comfort just from developing bonds over the healing process.
While these are some of the more common practices there are many more options that a provider can help navigate a grieving family through.
Even reading this is hard to think about or process. But it is important to always prepare for the worst without expecting it. Understanding certain risk factors and causes of stillbirth can help reduce the risk of experiencing one. It’s also important to note that some stillbirths are simply unavoidable and also not always understandable. Only 1 in 3 stillbirths can be determined by a cause.
It may be an important part of the grieving process for parents to determine the cause if they can. Others may not want to know. This is because the grieving process for every individual is different. This sometimes can cause rifts in relationships because it can be difficult to have a cohesive situation where both parents are grieving in ways that don’t work for one another. That’s why working with a counselor, therapist, or even attending recovery groups can be very useful in working through this very difficult time.
If you start feeling symptoms of a stillbirth it is important to content your doctor immediately. While everything may be fine it is important to get it checked out.
]]>This is referred to at either placenta previa or low-lying placenta. Here Is what you need to know.
Placenta Previa is often referred to as low-lying placenta because it blocks some or all of the cervix based on its low position. The placenta plays such an important role in the baby’s development as the baby gets its food through the placenta but also it secretes the waste from the baby.
When the cervix is blocked by the placenta it can cause bleeding pre-labor or during labor and complicate the delivery. In the early stages of pregnancy, the placenta usually remains low in the womb but as the baby develops it is meant to move to the top out of the way.
Placenta previa has different treatment plans for different levels of severity. A doctor may just order bed rest if there are no major signs of complications and reevaluate as the due date approaches.
There are essentially three types of Placenta Previa with a fourth subcategory if you will. While the names may imply their own characteristics, it’s worth breaking them down individually as they have different aftercare approaches.
This is where the cervix canal is completely blocked and covered up by the placenta. This is the most serious of the four different types and almost always the baby is delivered by C-section. In some cases, this may call for an early or premature delivery if there is heavy bleeding involved.
Only a part of the cervix is being covered and, in this event, normal delivery is still possible.
Some doctors like to classify this as its category separate from Marginal Placenta Previa. Low-Lying Placenta Previa is when in early or mid-pregnancy the placenta is just on the outside edge of the cervix but not covering it.
Similar to low-lying this is when the placenta is growing just outside the cervix or may have the small touching and overlapping of the cervix. This may cause minor bleeding.
The condition of Placenta Previa is likely diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy. This is because in the first trimester it may still be a low-lying placenta and is completely normal. During a routine check, a doctor will likely perform an ultrasound to see how things are going. An ultrasound is the easiest way for the doctor to see that the placenta is low-lying.
Three different ultrasounds can be performed either by routine checkup or after reporting vaginal bleeding.
One of the most accurate ways to see what is going on is by using a Transvaginal ultrasound. This is when a tube is inserted through your vagina to see a close-up image of the cervix canal and the baby to diagnose the low-lying placenta.
This is the standard ultrasound where the doctor may place gel on your stomach and move an instrument over your abdomen so that ultrasound waves can produce a picture on your screen to show you what’s going on.
This is a standard MRI like you would take if you needed clear imaging for a certain part of your body if it were broken or something else. This gives doctors clear views of the placenta.
Two main symptoms are often associated with Placenta Previa. Sometimes a mother may not experience anything at all or they may see bright red blood in vaginal bleeding. This may worry a mother because it can be a sign of miscarriage or other health complications. If you experience this symptom, you should call your doctor right away.
The other symptom is contractions. You may have some pain in your abdominal area or even tightening and pressure in your lower back. Because both of these symptoms can be easily interchanged with others, it’s best to go to your doctors and get treated while ruling out other health problems.
Placenta Previa poses the main risk of having to have a c-section and possibly preterm labor. The risks associated with that waterfall down because of the dangerous possibility of childbirth defects and death.
When your cervix is blocked by your placenta, this is because it hasn’t attached itself properly to the uterus. When the cervix starts to dilate and get ready to give birth it stretches out the placenta as well. This causes internal bleeding and can result in a hemorrhage. Because vaginal birth is too risky an emergency or planned c-section will need to happen. This can lead to preterm labor.
While preterm labor is common, the earlier a baby is delivered the more risk the baby will take on. Preterm deliveries result in low birth weight and can lead to slower development for your baby. Your doctor will determine how much bleeding you are experiencing and monitor your condition. The heavier the bleeding the more likely you are going to have an early c-section.
Because the placenta provides oxygen and blood flow to the baby it is possible that birth defects can stem from the dysfunction of the placenta. In worst-case scenarios, this can result in the death of a baby.
If the placenta can’t detach itself from the uterine lining, it’s possible that a hysterectomy can occur. This is where the mother will need to have surgery where her uterus is removed. This can be a partial removal or a full removal including the ovaries.
Certain factors are known to have possible links to placenta previa. While some may be avoidable others are not such as age. Let’s talk about the common factors that have possibly led to placenta previa.
Women who have babies at older ages in general risk more complications to themselves and the baby. Age has been a correlated factor showing that women in general over the age of 34 have a two to three times likelier chance of getting placenta previa.
If a woman had placenta previa in any of her past pregnancies a doctor may recommend alternatives if the mother is planning to have more children. This depends on the severity of the placenta previa and may recommend a surrogate if it becomes dangerous to the mother to continue to have children.
While the data is limited studies suggest that the chances for the mother who has “ever smoked” even just a little during pregnancy have elevated the risk significantly. The possible link comes from Carbon Monoxide Hypoxia which could result in compensatory placental hypertrophy. In other words, the possibility for an increased surface area of the placenta leading to the greater likelihood of covering the cervix opening. Cocaine use has also been linked with placenta previa.
Boys have been linked more commonly to low-lying placentas than girls have been. The placenta has been used as a prediction as to whether a woman is having a boy or a girl because ultrasounds weren’t 100 percent reliable.
Placenta Previa may sound deeply concerning to expecting mothers. It is not something to take lightly while at the same time unless the condition is severe and risks the mother’s health. Either way, it is good to understand all the information and most frequently asked questions.
How Common is Placenta Previa?
About 1 in 200 women experience some sort of Placenta Previa. This can be marginal or even low-lying placenta previa which means it is more common in early pregnancy. While some forms of placenta previa have light bleeding and no pain, more serious cases of placenta previa can cause internal bleeding among other side effects.
Regardless of how serious or non-serious the symptoms are it is always important that an expecting mother keeps in contact with her doctor to have routine checkups and monitoring of the situation in case things were to develop further.
If I Have Placenta Previa, Do I Need to Get Blood Transfusions?
If you are experiencing little to no bleeding most likely the doctor will recommend that you go home and stick to bed rest for a few days. However, as the symptoms become more severe the more treatment you will need to receive. Some doctors may order you to stay in a hospital bed for monitoring if the bleeding gets heavier. In worst-case scenarios, if you are losing quite a bit of blood you will need to undergo a blood transfusion. This is not a given if you have been diagnosed with placenta previa.
Between 36 and 37 weeks your doctor may have you return for some testing to ensure the baby is doing OK. They likely will perform an amniocentesis to take a closer look at the amniotic fluid in your baby. This will let the doctor know how your baby’s lungs are developing and how they are breathing.
When Will I Know if I Need to Have a C-Section?
Each woman's experience will be different based on a few of the factors discussed. If you have a marginal, partial, or low-lying placenta previa you may be able to go ahead and deliver at your normal due date through the cervix canal. This can change though if your situation changes. Your doctor may recommend at a different stage in your pregnancy that it is best to have a c-section for the health of the baby and for the mother.
In the event of an emergency c-section, this can happen inexpertly around your due date or in preterm labor as talked about. In this case, you won’t be able to prepare or plan for this as it is done as a medical emergency.
How Do I Know if it is Placenta Previa or a Miscarriage?
While it may be difficult for women to know the difference because of the stress of bleeding while pregnant, it's goodto note that there are a few small differences in some scenarios. Placenta previa will not have tissue and instead, it will be a bright red blood. Where the symptoms are more similar is the fact that you may experience abdominal cramping with both as well as lower back pain. Likely you are to experience more serious side effects from a miscarriage than you are with the less serious cases of placenta previa.
Placenta Previa is not something to be stressing about as an expecting mother. The odds are low and even if you are that one in a couple hundred, there are many instances where it is only a partial, marginal, or low-lying placenta previa. Through these cases, you still may be able to have the baby normal and will likely experience little to no bleeding.
Your doctor will be able to monitor the placenta while you continue to come in for checkups to ensure the baby and your health is doing alright. If the doctor wants to take a closer look they may surpass the traditional abdomen ultrasound and opt for a transvaginal ultrasound or even an MRI.
From this point on your doctor may continue monitoring you at either the hospital or just ask you to commit to bed rest until things further develop if they should. If it is not safe to deliver a baby vaginally then a doctor will schedule a c-section.
]]>That said, expecting mothers should be well-schooled on the nitty-gritty of bearing twins, they should be closely monitored, and evaluated from time to time by the health care professionals to ensure the babies and mother are safe at the end of the road. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know on twin pregnancy.
A twin pregnancy is a pregnancy that results in two babies–twins. It is by far the commonest type of multiple pregnancies. In recent times, there has been an uptick in the incidence of twinning the world over, thanks to assisted reproduction techniques and other artificial fertility products.
Based on appearance, twins can be classified into identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic twins). Identical twins like the name imply, have the same sex, face, and genetic makeup. On the other hand, dizygotic twins are not facially alike, they have different genetic makeup, and sometimes even different sexes.
Generally speaking, twinning is more common in African-Americans than in Caucasians (where it is about 1:80).
Broadly speaking, twins can be divided into fraternal (dizygotic) and identical (monozygotic). Essentially, the two types of twins develop differently.
Identical or monozygotic twins develop from one zygote which is one egg fertilized by a spermatozoon. The zygote divides quite early in development. As such, the duo has the same genetic makeup hence the same sex, face, and like. It is quite rare.
Note: Siamese twins (conjoined twins) develop when something goes wrong and the splitting of the zygote is incomplete hence they can share organs like the brain, heart, etc.
Contrastly, fraternal twins develop from two separate ova that were developed from two different ova fertilized by two separate spermatozoa. As such the twins could be of two different sex, appearance and the like. It is more common than identical twins.
Though twinning is firstly genetically enabled, there are extrinsic factors that can trigger it. They include:
The gold standard in diagnosing twinning is an Ultrasound scan. The instrument sends sound waves to the abdomen and shoots images, videos that the doctor interprets. It can diagnose twin pregnancy quite early.
Because of the significantly higher risk of giving birth to twins, the mother-to-be should be given adequate attention to make sure she and her little duo are fine at the end of the pregnancy. The medical care is tailor-made to suit her demands and the peculiarities of her babies.
The first step of meaningfully managing twin gestation is by making a diagnosis of twin gestation:
The mother should know early enough that she is pregnant with twins, she also needs to be well informed on what to expect, possible complications, and warning signs of the complications from the pregnancy and the dos and don'ts in twin pregnancy. Complaints such as fever, vaginal discharge, abdominal tightness should be properly investigated and treated.
There are increased demands of calories, carbohydrates, iron, and folates for the mothers to keep up. This is not only important for the mother to keep the babies and herself nourished but also to maintain the adequate weight gain that will support the babies. The Institute of Medicine (2009) recommends that gaining weight of 16.8–24.5 kg (37–54lb), 14.1–22.7 kg(31–50lb), 11.3–19.1 kg (25–42 lb) for normal weight, overweight and obese mothers respectively.
The twin pregnancy is a high-risk pregnancy and should be treated as such. The twin-baby mothers should engage in more frequent antenatal visits (usually every two to four weekly visits are highly recommended) than their singleton mother counterparts. The main aim of frequent antenatal visits helps medical personnel to pick up complications very early which can go a long way in helping the health care professionals prevent and manage the complications effectively.
The importance of bed rest in twin-baby mothers cannot be overemphasized. The mothers should be well-schooled on ways to have refreshing bed rest. She should also learn to restrict her activities for the good of herself and the babies. It could prove to be very important in carrying her duo to term.
The medical team consisting of the nutritionist, the perinatologist, the obstetrician, the midwives/nurses, the pediatrician, etc should be fully involved from the get-go. The perinatologist carries out ultrasound investigations to ascertain the health wellbeing of the baby.
the babies and mothers should be closely monitored by the medical team for complications. As such, they need to carry out several tests, especially ultrasound scans to monitor the baby's growth regularly.
In some, the doctor may request both blood work and genetic profiling to rule out congenital abnormalities.
By the second trimester, the ultrasound scan is repeated to demonstrate all the structures of the baby and make sure there is no problem.
Keeping in mind that premature contraction of the uterus is a possible complication, tocolytics are employed to abort or to slow down the contractions if it occurs. Tocolytics can be administered orally, intravenously. Common tocolytics include magnesium sulfate, indomethacin, and nifedipine.
there should be a steady intake of supplemental folate, iron, and drugs to treat diseases endemic in that area like malaria.
One of the unique challenges of twin pregnancy is lung immaturity. Corticosteroid is given to help the lungs of the babies mature.
Because there is a good possibility of the mother developing an incompetent weak down the road most mothers may need cerclage (shutting the cervix with suture) to keep the pregnancy in.
You must report the mother develops complications like preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, and slow baby growth, she should be admitted for bed rest and direct observation.
Before the doctors determine which medical course to start for the pregnancy, they would take some particular things into considerations including:
There are two birth options–vaginal delivery and cesarean section. The mode of delivery would depend on a lot of factors like maternal health, type of twins, fetal lie, complications during the gestation period, gestational age, etc.
For a mother to deliver a set of twins vaginally they have to be in the cephalic presentation (I.e the vertices of their heads pointing down). But in the case that the first fetus is presenting cephalic and the other is not, the doctor can first deliver the cephalic presenting baby and then maneuver the other baby to position him cephalic and then deliver him/her via the vagina.
But these maneuvers pose a lot of risks for both the mothers and babies, hence most doctors would want to play the 'safe card' and deliver the duo via cesarean section.
The fact that you have a twin, does not necessarily mean that you need a c-section to deliver them. But there are peculiar settings where the doctors and midwives usually opt for cesarean section, such as:
Eating a well-balanced meal is very important in twin pregnancy, your body has extra nutritional needs. More so, your body has needs for some specific nutrients like folic acid and iron to shore up the increased demands.
You need calories, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, etc. Try sticking to fresh sources and avoid processed and chemically preserved food. You can have small frequent snacks that are protein-rich.
You must maintain a balanced diet, here is a list you can pick up from since it contains food from the 4 main food groups:
You can also seek the doctor's advice on the exact proportion of nutrients and calories to support your twin pregnancy.
Needless to say that twin pregnancy comes with a lot of risks. Mothers must be made to understand these risks or complications and know when to raise the red flag. They include:
The baby or babies that have restricted growth are not getting adequate nutrients. This, therefore, puts a cap on the growth of fetuses prematurely.
The prospect of receiving a set of twins is indeed a cheery one, but it has its risks. The high risk of complication is perhaps the nerviest element of the story, but most twins pull through without any issues.
There is a multi-faceted approach to this condition and includes a wide range of medical professionals. It entails having frequent monitoring, checkups, and feeding adequately to forestall the adverse effects of nutritional deficiencies. These can pave the way for safely delivering your healthy little duo while avoiding issues in the mother–a win-win.
]]>The normal breath you take each time is shallow, this is because the full capacity of the lung is not in use. However, breathing can get shallower than ever. This is where diaphragmatic breathing comes in, which is, in essence, a form of deep breathing that utilizes the full capacity of the lungs and the diaphragm. This form of breathing has a lot in store for everyone, especially pregnant mothers as they face stressful conditions. In addition, it is a safe and excellent means for most women to exercise while pregnant.
The diaphragm is the main muscle of respiration. This dome-shaped muscle lies directly below the lungs and separates the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity. It contracts rhythmically–and non-stop–flattening when you breathe in (thus enlarging your chest cavity by creating negative pressure that lets air get sucked in) and doming as you breathe out which forces air out of the lungs.
Diaphragmatic breathing ( also known as belly breathing or deep breathing or abdominal breathing) is a stronger deep inhalation. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, "Deep breathing involves slow and deep inhalation through the nose, usually to a count of 10, followed by slow and complete exhalation for a similar count. The process may be repeated 5 to 10 times, several times a day."
At its core, diaphragmatic breathing is a technique used to reduce the overwhelming anxiety that comes with pregnancy, it also helps in relaxation and pain management. In addition, it goes a long way in the postpartum period to help you recover the lost body physique
Happy pregnant mothers that experimented on this have described it as an excellent way of winding down after a stressful day and breaking the never-ending cycle of fight or flight.
Don't overthink it, diaphragmatic breathing is simply breathing as you know it, except that this time it is the only the abdomen that does the moving instead of your chest
Essentially, belly breathing is a conscious attempt to connect with your core–including your abdominals and pelvic muscles. Think of it as repatterning your breathing to come from your belly rather than your chest. As you breathe in, you create room for the lung to expand to full capacity. All these are geared towards taking steps from breathing shallowly–and unsatisfactory –to breathing deeply.
In inhalation, you keep the abdominals engaged to make sure the belly doesn't balloon out by much. This ensures the diaphragm doesn't descend–and flattens–and also expands the lower ribcage. The intercostal–the muscles between two adjacent play key roles in belly breathing.
As you inhale you aim to direct the air from the ribcage down into the abdomen and then finally to the pelvis. This maneuver softens not only the pelvic floor but also the abdomen
In exhalation, the opposite is the case, you push the pelvic floor up–rebounds– back to its default state, then the belly falls back towards the spine and the ribcage collapses to its default state as well.
Once you get the hang of it, you can start to belly breathe away anytime and anywhere you wish.
When practiced correctly and regularly, you stand to enjoy loads of health benefits from deep breathing. The benefits of belly breathing are deeply rooted in its ability to switch the body from the sympathetic–which tenses up the body–to the parasympathetic–which helps the mother take things easy and soft.
Deep breathing goes a long way to tackle stress-related symptoms like headaches, backaches, anxiety, depression. This is because stress causes the cortisol levels in your system to peak in keeping the fight or flight mode–increased heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. But because belly breathing can modulate the functions of the autonomic nervous system, it can reset all that. As such, it could help you tune into the normal rhythm of your core which means normal heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate
Some studies have suggested that belly breathing can play a role in helping mothers recover from irritable bowel syndrome. IBS is a chronic condition associated with gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, belly cramps and pain, diarrhea in response to triggers in the food or others in the environment. It increases blood flow through the intestines and soothe the pain and can help you relax.
It can boost pulmonary functions for those who have a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease–a condition where the pulmonary functions dwindle. As such, this type of breathing is essential to asthmatics patients whose mode of breathing is majorly thoracic. It also improves cardiopulmonary fitness and respiratory muscle length.
Abdominal breathing can help to strengthen the muscles of your abdomen and pelvic muscles hence can help in rehabilitation during the postpartum period.
It can help you avoid mirage of discomfort that are pregnancy-related like backache and pelvic pain.
It ensures that as the woman goes into labor, her healing process isn't going to be a 'U' shaped but 'V' shaped with quick recovery, healing of pregnancy-related injuries, and restoration of the displaced internal organs–thanks to the growing fetus–to their natural positions.
Information is evolving, as more researches are currently underway to uncover more goodies from belly breathing.
Diaphragmatic breathing is simple and efficient. If you follow the advice below step by step within 5–10 tries you should get the hang of it.
Belly breathing can be done in any position such as kneeling, sitting, standing postures. Different women have their preferences, but it is good to understand how to perform the process in any position so that you won't be limited by unfavorable circumstances.
To cash in on the benefits, you should repeat it at least 10 times in a row and can be repeated as off as you like. The sitting method is particularly helpful for a mother that is always on the 'go'. You could just take out a little time from your busy schedule, sit quietly and belly breathe.
For starters, you should learn this exercise by sitting. Subsequently, you can do it standing up or lying down with a pillow under your knees to make you feel comfier.
Note: Belly breathing lying down is not ideal for mothers who are heavily pregnant–i.e. second half of second trimester and third trimester–because the growing fetus can compress underlying structures.
How much risks could you get into while belly breathing? Not much, if you are careful.
I hate to break it to you, but belly breathing is a breathing technique that holds a significant amount of risks especially when done incorrectly.
The first mistake you should watch out for is taking a big breath. There is a huge difference between breathing deep and breathing big–the amount of air inhaled differs.
Breathing big can distort the oxygen-carbon dioxide balance in the body. This leads to hyperventilation or over-breathing, which is dangerous. It is dangerous because you expel a whole lot of carbon dioxide in the process, and carbon dioxide is an integral part of breathing. Think of it this way, if you can't get carbon dioxide out then you can't get oxygen in. But what happens if there is no carbon dioxide to get out? It means you might have a hard time getting oxygen in.
That said, the blood is consequently under oxygenated, and that in turn can make you feel light-headed, drowsy, unable to concentrate, and experience a tingling sensation. It could get worse, it could offset anxiety, panic attacks, and hyperventilation.
To be on the safe side of things, we recommend you belly breathe at most 6 times in a minute.
Hence the need to perform diaphragmatic needs under strict guidance and surveillance for the learning phase. This low state of blood oxygen not only affects the brain but also other organs, can leave you feeling fatigued, tired. If continued–hopefully not–it could snowball into organs of your body.
If you notice any of these, try not to panic. Stop the process and get in touch with your doctor right away for advice. Although deep breathing was said to improve pulmonary function, it could backfire if one with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease tries it.
In the end, the major takeaway from this: breathe deep but do not overdo it. Despite these backdrops of risks, deep breathing is a very efficient and effective way to relax.
What is Diaphragmatic Breathing?
It is breathing in and out slowly and deeply through the nose with a minimum rise or fall of the chest with one hand placed on the chest and the other on the tummy.
How does diaphragmatic breathing help to calm the nervous system?
The motion of the diaphragm up and down sends a message through the phrenic nerve that innervates it to the vagus nerve then to the central nervous system. It automatically sets the body to the parasympathetic mode. The parasympathetic mode is involved in rest, relaxation, safety, and calmness which is superb for both you and the baby.
How can I tell if my ribs are expanding when I am deep breathing?
First of all, it is hard to know when your ribs are moving at first. However, you can take note of this by placing your hands lightly by your ribs about two inches above your navel. Then breath in and out again you will notice that your hands move about an inch outwards.
Is deep breathing safe?
If done correctly, yes. However, when not applied correctly it can cause harm including–lightheadedness, drowsiness, etc.
How can I use deep breathing when I’m stressed?
The beauty of deep breathing is that it does not necessarily require an instructor, special equipment, place, or time to it. You can deep breathe almost everywhere–under a stop street light, in a queue, at home, office anywhere. Just put one hand on your belly and the other on your chest, and breathe! Feel your belly rise and fall nicely. It works like magic when you are stressed out, you should try it out.
Belly breathing is a superb breathing technique that can help you tune the body into parasympathetically driven mode. It has been proven to help pregnant women relax in the face of stressful conditions. But belly breathing is only beneficial as long as it is performed correctly. In other words, when belly breathing is done without the right technique and vigor, they do nothing! Or worse! It could cause harm to the mother.
The preceding paragraphs have described means to channel your efforts to a more impactful and productive end. The benefits that could be derived from belly breathing are legion ranging from relief from anxiety-producing and nerve-racking stress, helps with digestion, immune functions, headaches, and so on.
Take out time today and belly breathe, you will be surprised by what 'just breathing' can do.
]]>The importance of a healthy pregnancy diet cannot be overemphasized. The mother is the source of the baby’s nutrition, it is important to select carefully what will be included in her pregnancy diet.
As a pregnant woman, you are no longer eating for one but also eating to provide the nutritional needs of the baby as well, appetite can be greatly increased and may be accompanied by cravings of all sorts as the case may be. Therefore, your pregnancy diet needs to be rich and contain all the nutrients essential for the smooth growth and development of the baby. When it comes to pregnancy diet, the baby’s needs come first, followed by the mothers.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, an average of 300-450 extra calories are required daily to maintain a healthy pregnancy. A healthy pregnancy diet is a great source of energy for the mother and sustenance for the baby.
This guide will help you understand the dos and don'ts of a pregnancy diet.
A nutritious pregnancy diet can reduce the risk of birth defects in the baby by supplying it with the necessary nutrients for growth. It also aids the brain development of the baby and leads to healthy birth weight. In the mother, a healthy pregnancy diet reduces the prevalence of nausea and fatigue, It also reduces the risk of anemia.
Due to lots of hormonal changes during pregnancy, the body requires more macronutrients and micronutrients.
Macronutrients are nutrients required in large amounts. They include carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, water, and fluids. They provide energy for both mother and baby. You want to get more calories from your diet and not just increase the quantity of food.
Micronutrients are nutrients required in small amounts but still very essential in the pregnancy diet. Examples of micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. One very important micronutrient that’s necessary for a pregnancy diet is folic acid.
Protein is responsible for the proper growth of a baby’s tissue and organs. It increases blood supply from the mother to the baby and promotes uterine tissue growth. A daily amount of 70-100g of diet is needed per day. It is important to note that protein needs in a pregnancy diet are also dependent on the trimester as the quantity required increases with each trimester.
Foods rich in protein include; lean meat, chicken, cheese, salmon, legumes, nuts, eggs, etc.
Carbohydrates provide energy for the mother and are an excellent source of fiber. Carbohydrates include whole grains such as brown rice, oatmeal, wheat, and fibers. Processed carbohydrates such as pasta and bread are usually fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
Fruits and vegetables make available vitamins and minerals required for the growth of the baby. Fruits to eat in a pregnancy diet include carrots, grapes, oranges, and vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and leafy greens like spinach, pumpkin, etc. Citrus fruits and bell peppers are especially rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron.
Not every form of fat is healthy, especially for a pregnant woman. It is important to know what type of fat to include in a pregnancy diet for the best results. Consumption of saturated fats should be reduced or replaced with unsaturated fats and foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids should be consumed. Fatty fish and walnuts are a source of omega-3.
Dairy products like cheese, yogurt especially Greek yogurt contains probiotic bacteria that support digestive health.
Staying hydrated during pregnancy is very important, the mother's body supplies the baby with water. Proper hydration reduces the risks of UTIs, which are common in Consult and helps relieve constipation. It also helps to prevent preterm labor. Tea, juices, smoothies, and soups are all sources of hydration in a pregnancy diet. Pregnant women are required to drink at least 2.3litres of water daily.
Dietary needs in pregnancy vary from person to person, therefore, you must consult with your doctor when planning your pregnancy diet.
There are a couple of foods though that should be avoided if possible or consumed in limited quantities for the safety of the baby. These foods include:
Caffeine is found in many other foods and drinks and not just coffee. Health bodies say that coffee consumption can lead to low birth weight and slow growth of the baby. Although this relationship has not been established it is advised to completely cut out coffee if you can do so or limit your daily caffeine intake to about 200mg of coffee a day which is equivalent to the amount of caffeine found in a cup(340g) of coffee.
Processed carbs and carbonated drinks like French fries, crackers, chips, and soda should be significantly limited in a pregnancy diet. They contain empty calories, unsaturated fats and have no nutritional benefits, excessive consumption of these could lead to obesity in the unborn baby. Understandably, one might crave junks during pregnancy but the intake should be minimized.
You might have heard people say pregnant women should not take alcohol and wonder why.
Alcohol can be passed through the umbilical cord to the baby from the mother’s blood. A baby’s liver is not developed enough to process alcohol, consumption of alcohol during pregnancy puts the baby at risk of developing fetal alcohol syndrome. This can interfere with the baby’s health in the womb and even after delivery.
Nicotine is the addictive substance found in tobacco used in making cigarettes. Nicotine can damage the brain and lungs of the baby, increases the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. The risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is increased with smoking during pregnancy.
Smoking can also during pregnancy leads to the weakening of the uterine walls and can cause miscarriage. Inhalation of secondhand smoke is also dangerous to the baby and can cause Cancer.
Seafood is recommended for pregnant women but not those with high levels of mercury in them. Mercury is heavily present in some fishes as a result of water pollution. Consuming high mercury fish can accumulate mercury in the bloodstream of a pregnant woman and can damage the fetus’s brain and nervous system. Fishes like sharks, swordfish, mackerel, etc should be avoided in a pregnancy diet.
Pasteurization is the use of heat to kill harmful bacteria. Unpasteurized milk and its products should be avoided in the pregnancy diet. Unpasteurized dairy products include cottage cheese and blue cheese. Consuming unpasteurized dairy can cause food poisoning, especially in a pregnant woman.
Processed meat such as sausages and salami should be avoided in a pregnancy diet.
Raw fish like sushi and sashimi should be avoided during pregnancy. If you would have sushi then you can eat the cooked sushi. Consumption of shellfish like oysters and scallops should also not be included in a pregnancy diet.
Raw and undercooked meats, poultry, and eggs put you and your baby at risk of infection such as listeriosis and E Coli Infection. These infections can lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, or stillbirth. E Coli infection might not cause a miscarriage but causes diarrhea which makes the pregnant woman loses bodily fluids and get dehydrated.
Foods especially like fruits and vegetables consumed in a pregnancy diet should be grown organically without fertilizers. Food items to be consumed raw should not be sprayed with pesticides and insecticides. Residues from chemicals used are harmful to the baby.
Weight gain during pregnancy is dependent on the mother’s age, weight before pregnancy, fetal development, type of pregnancy, and mother’s health. Weight gain is an unavoidable part of pregnancy. Weight gain however should be proportional to the woman’s weight before pregnancy (pre-pregnancy weight), whether she’s carrying one or more babies and pregnancy diet.
For a normal BMI before pregnancy, a weight gain of 25-35 pounds during pregnancy is considered normal. Consumption of junk foods during pregnancy can lead to more serious weight gain than normal. It is important to speak with your doctor to know whether you need to shed weight or you have the appropriate weight for your pregnancy.
A pregnant woman requires certain supplements in her diet. Some of these supplements can not be easily gotten from natural food sources and have to be derived from other sources. The need for these trace nutrients is increased during pregnancy. These supplements include:
This is probably the most important of all supplements needed during pregnancy. Folic acid is advised to be taken by women even before conception as it is most helpful in the first four weeks after conception because this is when most Neural Tube Defects,(NTDs) like anencephaly and spina bifida occur. Foods rich in folate are eggs, legumes, beef liver, fruits, and leafy green vegetables. A pregnant woman requires 600mcg of folic acid daily in her pregnancy diet. Folic acid tablets can also be taken.
Calcium primarily helps in the formation of your baby’s bones. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends 1000mg of daily calcium intake. Sources of calcium include low-fat milk, tofu, yogurt, cheese, etc.
Iron in a pregnancy diet increases blood flow by producing red blood cells which help in the circulation of oxygen in both the mother and baby. Vitamin C is required for better absorption of Iron. Foods rich in iron are; eggs, legumes, and nuts. ACOG recommends a daily intake of 27mg of Iron. Iron should be prescribed if the pregnant woman is anemic or has a history of anemia.
It is important to speak with your doctor about which supplements you should take.
Is it ok to crave non-food items during pregnancy?
Craving non-food items or substances with no nutritional value during pregnancy is a form of the disorder called pica. It usually indicates a lack of certain vitamins or minerals.
Speak with your doctor if you crave strange items like clay or dust as consuming such substances is harmful to you and the baby.
I only crave junk food during pregnancy, how do I not gain too much weight and still satisfy my cravings?
Junk food cravings can be substituted with healthy versions of junk foods. French fries can be substituted with oven-roasted sweet potatoes. Triple deck beef burgers can be replaced with crab/chicken patties and whole wheat bread. Carbonated drinks can be replaced with fresh fruit juice and ice cream with yogurt. It is important to not load your diet with too much-refined sugar and saturated fats.
How do I achieve a healthy and balanced pregnancy diet?
Your pregnancy diet should contain all five classes of macronutrients in one meal. Ensure your plate is loaded with at least an item from the classes of food required for your pregnancy diet.
Consult with your doctor and dietitian about your nutritional needs and also required supplements for your pregnancy diet.
It is important to maintain strict hygiene in a pregnancy diet. The following are hygiene practices to follow during pregnancy:
When creating a pregnancy diet, the special nutritional needs of the mother, age, BMI, health condition, and allergies should be taken into consideration. For example, the pregnancy diet of a diabetic obese woman would be different from that of a normal non-diabetic woman. Although a healthy pregnancy diet is recommended for the growth and development of the baby, a pregnant mother should always discuss the components of her diet with her doctor.
]]>Gestational diabetes occurs in two classes, class type A1 and class type A2. While class A1 can be managed through food and exercise, class A2 women will need to take insulin and other medication to control it. Critical to mention also is that gestational diabetes develops in women during pregnancy and constitutes a huge risk especially to the baby if not properly managed.
If you are a woman about to get pregnant, or you are already pregnant but you have not been diagnosed, or even if you have already been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, this article covers everything you need to know about gestational diabetes including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
Gestational diabetes is also known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). It is a condition that develops in pregnant women in which your blood sugar levels become high during pregnancy. It often affects women who have no prior history of diabetes. Medical complications are never good news but here’s the thing about this particular condition, if properly managed, you can go on to have healthy babies and the condition doesn’t affect the woman after the pregnancy but also, the fetus can get affected thereby having increased glucose level and increasing the size of the fetus as well as the risk of the baby having hypoglycemia. Gestational diabetes also increases your risk of getting type 2 diabetes later in your life.
Several risk factors can increase the risk of having gestational diabetes, some of which includes:
Medically the exact causes of gestational diabetes are yet unknown with medical experts yet to pinpoint the causes although understanding the medical condition gives us a likely clue as to the cause which is your hormones.
Normally, your pancreas releases the hormone insulin when you eat which helps to move glucose (sugar) from your blood to your cells which requires energy.
During pregnancy though, your body goes through some changes including producing special hormones that help through the pregnancy process. The increased production of these hormones may cause your body to become insulin resistant as they block insulin and when this resistance becomes too strong, your glucose level starts to rise at an abnormal rate and you begin to gain weight which can cause gestational diabetes.
It is safe to say that most pregnant women don’t usually notice signs of having gestational diabetes hence the important need for screening tests to be carried out during pregnancy. In some cases, you may have:
But these are signs that could mistakenly be put down to expected signs as a result of being pregnant.
The diagnosis test to be carried out for gestational diabetes is crucial especially because the symptoms are less likely to surface for a pregnant woman. For a pregnant woman without a prior history, the test is usually carried out when you are 24 to 28 weeks pregnant.
Depending on your doctor, blood tests are usually used to diagnose gestational diabetes. These tests could be the glucose challenge test, the oral glucose test, or in some cases both of them to show your body’s response to glucose.
Also called the glucose screening test, your doctor may decide to begin with this test first. You will be given a sweet liquid to drink which contains glucose and your blood will be taken after 1 hour of taking the liquid. If your result turns out to be about 140 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or above, that means that your glucose is too high and you will need to return to take the oral test. If your result returns 200 mg/dL or more, it may mean that you have type 2 diabetes. For this test, you do not have to stay away from food or drink.
For the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), you will need to stay without food or drink for at least 8 hours before taking the test. Your doctor will take your blood after which you will be given the glucose-containing liquid to drink. Your doctor will need to take your blood repeatedly for the next 3 hours to be able to diagnose gestational diabetes.
If at least two or more points of your blood sample being taken your glucose level is high, which means that you have gestational diabetes.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you skip the glucose challenge test and take the oral glucose tolerance test.
When it comes to preventing gestational diabetes, there are no guarantees but having and cultivating more healthy habits before pregnancy can help you stay healthier and better. If you have a prior history of gestational diabetes, maintaining these habits may as well reduce the risks of recurrence in the future.
This is probably a critical point that cannot be overemphasized because of its importance. Maintaining while appearing seemingly simple is one of the most difficult for some women to keep up with especially with cravings, junks, food aversions during pregnancy. Unknown to many, having a balanced pregnancy diet can help you to gain a healthy amount of weight.
Foods that have high fiber content and low fat and calorie content are the right type of foods to be eaten. Foods such as legumes, whole grain (bread, oatmeal, brown rice), poultry, fish, beans, vegetables, fruits. It is best to avoid fatty foods, sugary beverages (energy drinks, sodas, juices) and try to limit your intake of processed foods in your meals. Foods such as processed meat, cheese, palm, and coconut oils have no place being in your meal.
Finally, on this particular point, learn to try to eat in small portions instead of eating heavy portions at a time.
It is important to stay active and try to do exercises to protect your body from gestational diabetes. Before you get pregnant is the best time to start keeping a regular fitness schedule. It is very vital as exercising can help the body stay active and regulate the blood sugar levels of the body.
You don’t necessarily need to do long and strenuous exercises but you can be consistent with simple ones such as taking short walks, doing fun leisure activities like cycling, swimming. You can also do some running from time to time, taking the stairs at times, parking at a distance from work, and walking the rest of the way. The idea is basically to expend energy to ensure that you keep your sugar levels in check.
Do ensure you keep your doctor updated with developments as you get closer to your EDD. See a gynecologist and get an ultrasound examination to monitor the developments and changes to the fetus. Regularly check your weight to be sure you are not adding too much weight more than is normal and expected.
If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, well it’s not a death sentence at all. While a lot of questions and worry may have beclouded you, there’s the good news; it can be controlled and you can go on to have a healthy baby. Yes, you can!
There are a few things your doctor would probably recommend you do after you’ve been diagnosed:
You will be required to make changes to your diet to help control your sugar levels. Seeking the help of a dietician will not be out of place if you find it a little difficult so that you can plan on healthy meals to eat. Include more protein-based foods in your meal and also, fresh fruits and vegetables are a must to have included in your meal as well. They can also be very handy for you when you have cravings for something to snack on.
Eat balanced diet meals in small portions with legumes, whole grains, fiber, healthy fats constituting a large percentage of your meal. Your intake of fried food, alcoholic beverages, processed foods should be at best limited just as should your intake of sugary beverages.
There are safe ways to exercise and simple exercises you can engage in regularly when pregnant to help lower your blood glucose level. Speak with your doctor to know the exercises that are safe to engage in and how long is advisable to spend doing those exercises.
Usually, a change of diet and exercise should be able to help control gestational diabetes but if after doing these for a while and there are no changes, your doctor could recommend that you be given medication that you can stop using after you give birth.
Metformin, a tablet is usually prescribed with side effects including loss of appetite, stomach cramps, and feeling sick. Insulin injection is another medication you may be given if you have too much fluid in your womb, your blood sugar is very high or you are severely affected by metformin.
What are the risks my baby could be subjected to if I’m diagnosed with gestational diabetes?
If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your baby can start to grow in size leading to macrosomia, a condition where your baby is too big which can lead to difficulties while trying to deliver your baby. Also, it can lead to medical complications for your child upon birth and later in life such as jaundice, obesity, low blood sugar levels, and type 2 diabetes.
It is right to say that if properly controlled, a woman will not have gestational diabetes after delivery but research has shown that there is a possibility that women who have a prior history of gestational diabetes have a chance of developing type 2 diabetes which is why it is important to continue to maintain healthy habits even after delivery of your baby. Stay fit and healthy, eat balanced diet meals, breastfeed your baby for as long as possible as recommended by your doctor and keep up regular check-ups to ensure regular testing.
Although the source of gestational diabetes is not definitively known and there are no completely guaranteed prevention methods, ensure you do your bit to keep you and your baby healthy. It is very normal to gain some weight when you are pregnant but be conscious not to gain too much weight too quickly and also don’t try to lose too much weight when you’re pregnant. Talk to your doctor and dietician about how much weight you should gain.
]]>Such is the importance of folic acid for women that when taken in the right amounts and at the right time, the effects on pregnant women are amazing. For example, Spina bifida and Anencephaly are the two most common neural tube defects (NTDs), birth defects of the brain and spinal cord that statistically happen in about 3,000 pregnancies every year in the United States with folic acid proving to be medically necessary to prevent NTDs.
As important as eating the right quantity and quality of food, exercising, getting the right amount of sleep is, equally important is the daily intake of folic acid for a woman. This article will clearly explain why folic acid is a necessity and the benefits it has for women who take it before and during pregnancy.
Folic acid, also known as pteroylmonoglutamic acid is the synthetic form of folate (a naturally occurring vitamin in certain foods) is a B vitamin that is necessary for the body. The body uses folic acid to produce healthy new red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body and the B9 vitamin helps in DNA formation, growth, and development of the body.
Folic acid which is water-soluble and is used in supplements and fortified foods has an absorbability of 85% while folate which is naturally occurring has an absorbability of 50%.
Folate is a naturally occurring vitamin and can be found in large quantities in particular foods while folic acid which is the man-made form of the vitamin can be gotten from the intake of certain foods that have been fortified with it. Example of such foods that folate can be found in includes;
Green vegetables contain folate in a high quantity as they contain vitamins and minerals in a large proportion. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, arugula not just contain vitamins but are also low in calories but also have a high fiber content.
Lentils, beans, peas are legumes that are excellent sources of folate. While the quantity of folate may vary, legumes not only contain folate but also protein, micronutrients, fiber.
“Eat at least one egg per day”; while this has not been proven medically to have any direct relation to the risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke, it is surely a great way to increase your intake of folate and the amount of folate in your body. Eggs contain a high quantity of protein, folate, vitamin B12, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
A rich source of folate, beetroots which are commonly known as beets is an excellent addition to any food as it also contains high portions of potassium, vitamin C, nitrates which are nutrients necessary for the body. They are also incredibly delicious so it’s a win-win situation for you.
Have you ever eaten brussels sprouts? Well, if it wasn’t well cooked you probably won’t want to try it again but hey guess what the brussels sprouts are one of the most nutritious vegetables high in folate, minerals, and kaempferol.
The beef liver has one of the highest amounts of folate. In addition to folate, it is an excellent source of vitamin B, C, Iron, Potassium with a single serving providing as much as 100% of vitamin A required for a day.
Bananas and Avocados are fruits that are rich in their quantity of folate concentration. Both contain excellent amounts of folate as well as other nutrients such as potassium, manganese, vitamins and are very available and refreshing.
The nutritional content of broccoli is so impressed with the variety of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber. Either eaten raw or cooked, broccoli provides a healthy dose of folate as well as vitamin C.
Folic acid can be found in certain fortified foods with their level of folic acid content boosted to provide vitamin B. Foods such as grains, pasta, bread.
Folic acid can also be gotten as a multivitamin with vitamin supplements being made available in the required amount and proportion.
Folic acid is necessary for everyone as the benefits are essential for just about everyone. The red blood cells are vital in the human body as they carry oxygen throughout the human body. Shortage of oxygen is detrimental to the body with its consequences ranging from the paleness of complexion, fatigue to folate deficiency anemia hence the need for the red blood cells to continue to supply blood around the body. Folate helps the body in making new red blood cells and also helps with DNA repair, synthesis, and other genetic material.
Folate is also critical for cellular division and several metabolic processes as well as being useful in the treatment of folate deficiency.
The risk of heart diseases occurring can also be reduced by taking folic acid supplements. Folate helps in the metabolic process of homocysteine (an amino acid that is associated with the risk of heart disease.)
Medically, research has shown that folic acid can be used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease as low levels of folate have been linked to mental impairment in older adults and poor brain function. Medical-related health issues such as diabetes, inflammation, kidney disease have shown signs of improvement when taking folic acid supplements.
Folate supplements also help raise the rate of possible live births for women who are undergoing assisted reproductive technology.
Folic acid is essential for women before and during pregnancy with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all women get into the habit of taking folic acid daily even if they are not planning for pregnancy.
Some people may have an issue with this and ask why do you have to take it every day even when you’re not planning to get pregnant right? Well, here are a few reasons:
Neural tube defects spina bifida and anencephaly are birth defects of the brain and spinal cord that are present at birth and cause health problems and affect the proper functioning of the body. In the United States, about 1500 babies are affected with spina bifida with about 1000 babies affected by anencephaly every year. Folic acid may also help to reduce the risk of autism spectrum disorders and also help to increase neurodevelopment and brain function in children.
There is a recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of folic acid dosage which should be taken daily for dietary folate equivalent (DFE):
There are tolerable intake levels (UL) of folic acid which refer to the maximum dose that can be taken daily and is unlikely to cause harm to the body;
The daily amount of folate that the body requires can be attained by eating foods that contain folate nutrients but then again, it may be difficult to get the right amount from the diet eaten daily that’s why one way to be sure that you are taking the required amount is to take a vitamin that has folic acid. Folic acid can be taken in several ways; they exist as multivitamins or in fortified foods such as cereals.
While folate in its natural form hasn’t been known to have any side effects when taken from foods and fruits, folic acid on the other hand has negative side effects when taken in high doses. A high intake of folic acid leaves unmetabolized folic acid in the system which cannot be broken down by the body.
Some common side effects include:
Is it possible to require a higher dose of folic acid than is normally required?
There are instances when it will be okay to take higher doses of folic acid. Some of such situations include:
After menopause do I still need to take folic acid?
Even after reaching menopause, you still need to take 400 mcg of folic acid to enjoy the other health benefits of the vitamin.
Are there medications I can’t use while taking folic acid?
Folic acid interacts with some medications and it would be advisable to consult with your doctor before using these medications; Cholestyramine, Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Dilantin, Daraprim.
Is it safe to take folic acid while breastfeeding?
Nursing mothers need to maintain any adequate intake of folate even while breastfeeding but it is advisable to speak to your doctor or pediatrician.
Folic acid has been in use for a very long time with the benefits of taking the vitamin evident in children, adults, and pregnant women alike. Though, nothing can take the place of eating food in a balanced form because as a matter of fact, the necessary nutrients needed are available in food, fruits, vegetables. Folic acid should not take the place of eating properly but should only serve to enhance the amount of folate already taken into the body.
Whenever you purchase folic acid supplements, always ensure to check the body of the container to be sure of the dosage of supplements and how they should be used. More importantly though, always speak with your doctor to inform him or her especially before and during pregnancy.
]]>Sometimes you need the punch that caffeine gives to sail through your day – quite frankly, it's completely understandable. Now you are pregnant, and you wonder if it's safe for you to continue chugging cups of warm caffeine drinks every mother with hopes that your baby's health and yours aren't at risk.
We are here to help you through this journey. We understand that you might need a little pick-me-up on some mornings during your pregnancy, which is completely normal as your energy levels won't always be top-notch. In this article, we would explore all about caffeine during pregnancy, how safe it is for you, the foods to eat, and possible effects on your body.
Ready for it? Here's everything you need to know about caffeine during pregnancy – how much of the daily dose of magic is allowed and safe.
You could call it wonderful morning jazz, a cuppa, or even a cup of joe, but we all are in on the secret! Caffeine is a central nervous stimulant that many of us rely on for a quick jolt to get us through the day. According to the Food and Drug Administration, about 80 percent of adults in the United States take a form of caffeine, whether in drinks or bars, every day for the extra burst of energy. The truth about this substance is that it does more than just keeping us awake and energized. Scientists have recorded that caffeine affects the body in numerous ways.
Nutritionally, caffeine has no benefits on the body and is equally tasteless. Therefore, you might not know that it's in some foods and drugs. Although you might feel more energized after consuming a cup or more of caffeine, you may soon become highly lethargic due to withdrawal symptoms. Like most stimulants, your body adjusts and soon develops a tolerance level to caffeine, thus increasing the quantity you need to consume before feeling the energy rush. If you know some of the effects caffeine has on your organs, you might think twice before taking the fifth cup next time.
That isn't to say that caffeine is completely bad for your body. Studies have shown that caffeine reduces the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia by 45 percent. However, this result was found only in those who consumed high-octane coffee and not decaf.
The amount of caffeine in beverages, soft drinks, coffee, teas, and certain foods widely varies. Some of the standard beverages that you consume contain a sizable amount of content. Check this list to ascertain the content of your favorite drinks:
As you'd have guessed, caffeine is naturally occurring in coffee and cocoa beans, and therefore is present in large quantities in chocolate. As a thumb rule, the darker the chocolate, the higher the caffeine content. Other coffee-flavored confections like ice creams and granola bars also contain a high amount of caffeine. Kombucha, granola bars, some cereals, iced tea, non-cola soft drinks, Oreos, and even certain puddings contain caffeine, although in trace amounts. Healthily eating any of these foods will not cause a heavy load of caffeine in your body, resulting in withdrawal symptoms.
Aside from several drinks and foods containing caffeine, some medications you may use during your pregnancy may also include a portion of caffeine. Some drugs use caffeine as a base component for their formulation. Although these drugs are generally considered safe, they are not recommended for anyone trying to reduce the risk of caffeine withdrawal symptoms.
A study conducted recently revealed that consuming medications with high caffeine content increases the risk of developing a stroke by about 15 to 30 percent. Seeing as findings from this research negate earlier reports claiming that caffeine has protective effects on the body's major systems, it is advised that you tread cautiously.
Interestingly, caffeine pills are available for purchase in most local stores. Still, it is advised that you limit your consumption of other substances that contain caffeine or eliminate them while taking the pills. In pregnancy, these pills should not be an option because they have high amounts of caffeine in dosages considered unsafe. Although some factions in the medical field are wary of the research results on caffeine's effects on a growing fetus, we advise that you tread this path carefully.
Some common over-the-counter medication that contains caffeine include:
Some of these medications can sometimes have a moderate to severe reaction with other drugs that you may be on. Drug interaction is essential in pregnancy because of the likely passage of some of these materials into the growing fetus and the delicate nature of the mother's health.
Ensure to consult your doctor before taking any medication for cold and flu when you are pregnant. Aside from caffeine, some medicines might contain chemicals and substances that are harmful to you and your baby. This also applies to regular painkillers.
You don't have to ditch your caffeine habit once you get pregnant completely. However, it was advised in the past that pregnant women stay away from caffeine due to the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms and the unknown effects on the growing fetus. Nonetheless, recent studies have revealed that moderate consumption is safe, as long as you are committed to sticking with available information on precautions.
We know that it might seem a lot to ditch your extra cup of morning magic juice, but one cup of coffee is not too much a sacrifice for your health and that of your baby. Although the direct mechanism of action is pretty unclear, experts are confident that caffeine can cross through the placental barrier to reach your child. Imagine a baby high on caffeine for a minute – it sounds like a scene from a horror movie! Furthermore, experts have reported that high caffeine consumption, especially in the first and second trimester, is linked to increased pregnancy loss chances.
Often, most pregnant women report that they do not feel any different, and for some, they have an extra punch of energy after consuming their regular amount of caffeine. This is likely due to new reactions formed by your body to other substances resulting from an increase in several hormonal levels. Hence, this could equally mask some of caffeine's debilitating effects in pregnancy until it is too late.
One of the significant side effects of caffeine is the increase in gastrointestinal movement. While pregnant, if you are already experiencing an increase in the amount of time you spend visiting the toilet per day, you should include caffeine on the list of things to avoid till the 'little one' shows up. Additionally, caffeine consumption may worsen your heartburns and jitters, which are some of the pregnancy symptoms that show up in the late second trimester until the baby arrives.
Furthermore, caffeine might increase your risk for anemia in pregnancy. Usually, iron levels are continually monitored throughout pregnancy. This is because low iron absorption can result in anemia which is dangerous to both mother and child at any stage of the pregnancy. In case you suffer from low iron levels, you might need to completely cut out caffeine or reduce the amount you consume regularly. This is because caffeine reduces the absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract.
On the flip side, caffeine can come in handy to perk you up after a night of tossing and turning. Difficulty in sleeping is often observed in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester. While caffeine might help you get through the day, you should not make a habit of consuming large amounts of it.
Concerning caffeine consumption when pregnant, you are best advised to stick on the side of conservatives. Suppose you are a coffee fan, and can't do without your cup of morning glory. In that case, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) advises that you consume no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day. This value is equivalent to a 12-ounce cup of coffee. According to experts, exceeding this limit regularly could increase your risk of a miscarriage by almost 45 percent. However, results from this report are inconclusive. We would advise that you tread cautiously.
Additionally, it is vital to remember that aside from coffee, some other foods and drinks contain caffeine in varying quantities. Regular beverages like soda, chocolate milk, energy drinks, and brewed tea contain at least 50 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the product you buy. It will help if you read the labels and nutritional data on most products before consuming them. Remember, the goal here is to stay safe all through the period of your pregnancy.
How does caffeine affect early pregnancy?
Large amounts of caffeine, especially in the early months of pregnancy, increases the risk of miscarriage by about 45 percent. It is therefore advised that pregnant women stick to the recommendations and guidelines provided by health experts.
Is it safe to drink decaf coffee during pregnancy?
Although there are no official reports and guidelines that relate decaf to pregnancy, it is considered safe to take it in moderation. Nonetheless, it is generally advised that the same caution exercised with caffeine should be applied to decaf.
What is an example of a suitable substitute for caffeine in pregnancy?
You can try out chicory coffee. Asides from being tasty, it also contains several nutrients that are beneficial for optimal health in pregnancy.
While we can generally agree that caffeine might be needed to get your juices flowing for the day’s work, extreme caution is required to preserve the health of both mother and child. Asides from the regular drinks that contain caffeine note that some foods, medications, and flavored confections equally contain trace amounts of caffeine. In all, you are allowed to take caffeine during pregnancy, albeit within the boundaries of provided recommendations.
]]>When you can pick up on early pregnancy you can start planning the path you are about to take and consult a medical professional. It can be exciting for a trying couple and here is what you can expect.
The early signs of pregnancy are any of the symptoms that you may feel after getting pregnant. Typically, you won’t start seeing or feeling symptoms until the first few weeks as it takes time for the embryo to travel to the uterus and attach itself.
One of the earlier signs that can be attributed to pregnancy is implantation bleeding. However, implantation bleeding can often be confused as period spotting because of the similarities. Timing can be really important so if you pay attention to your menstrual cycle, you can see that implantation bleeding usually falls between 10-14.
Like implantation bleeding many of the earliest signs of pregnancy can be misinterpreted for a period or other causes.
The earliest sign of pregnancy will be most likely implantation bleeding. This is because the embryo travels down to implant itself on the uterus wall. You may get bleeding from it popping some vessels on its way or during the implantation itself to the wall.
The tricky part of this is while you can experience implantation bleeding 10-14 days it is hard to tell whether it is period spotting or from being pregnant.
Early signs of pregnancy can essentially be classified into different stages and the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In other words, your first trimester is going to give you hints and clues that you are pregnant starting from week one to week 12. While you may know that you’re pregnant early on, you should still be aware of some of these early pregnancy symptoms.
Let’s break things down into three stages in order.
The first stage will have a few of the early symptoms that can sometimes be mistaken for other causes.
Week 1-4: Mostly likely between 10-14 days will be the first possible sign of pregnancy. This is called implantation bleeding and often looks like spotting and light bleeding. Some women may interpret this as period spotting or light
How implantation bleeding looks different from a period:
You may also experience light to moderate cramping from weeks one to four. This can be harder to separate from period cramps if you have them more often. There’s no real differential.
This stage will include a lot more symptoms related to pregnancy. Women may find it easier to notice the symptoms because it all starts with a missed period.
Week 4-6: The first clue you will get is the missed period. If you have an irregular period maybe this won’t be alarming to you but you may also be accompanied by several other undesirable symptoms that can be a sure giveaway of pregnancy.
You may expect:
These symptoms are very common in weeks four through six. The next stage includes symptoms six and beyond. However, any symptoms from earlier may stick around through a lot of your pregnancy.
The last stage of the early signs of pregnancy includes some of the most noticeable symptoms.
Week 6-12: These are when more of the bodily changes and feels will occur. Moodiness, hot temperatures, etc., will be apparent as hormone levels continue to increase.
Here are the additions you can expect to the previous six weeks:
The Glow! – Around week 12 is when you start to experience that pregnancy glow everyone talks about. This is when your skin naturally has a little more oil because of increased blood flow
Truth be told the difference between early pregnancy symptoms and PMS is not much. Besides trying to follow along with implantation bleeding and the schedule, it is really easy to mistake a headache, or moodiness with not feeling well due to PMS.
The earlier it is in your pregnancy the harder it is going to be for you to distinguish between the two. Having said that there are a few things you can try to pinpoint.
Even when we try to put on our detective goggles and look for early signs of pregnancy it can be difficult. It can even raise more concerns and questions due to stress and anxiety. This is normal and while sometimes less is more, knowing some of the important things and having answers can put a woman’s mind at ease.
That’s why these Frequently Asked Questions may be of use to you.
What Is A Healthy Amount Of Weight To Gain During Pregnancy?
Because one of the early symptoms of pregnancy is good cravings, it is both normal and healthy to gain weight during your pregnancy. You are now feeding for two people so eating extra is encouraged. However, some women don’t know what a normal healthy weight should be. It is possible to be underweight and overweight that could pose risks and complications for yourself or the baby down the road.
There is a CDC chart BMI Guideline that states:
Keep in mind that your healthcare provider will know what’s best for you as each woman's experience is different due to health and medical history.
When and What Prenatal Vitamins Should I Take?
You should start taking prenatal vitamins in either of the two events.
This is because prenatal vitamins are such an important source of nutrients to help your baby grow and keep you feeling good and healthy.
The prenatal vitamins you want to be taking should have the following key ingredients that are essential for you and your baby’s health.
There are other great nutrients in prenatal vitamins but these are the ones you want to look out for.
Are There Specific Immunizations That I Should Take?
Your doctor is ultimately going to be the person to tell you what you should and shouldn’t take. Most of the time the flu shot and now the COVID vaccines are recommended because it protects you from getting sick while being pregnant and also protects the baby. But before scheduling any of these vaccines you need to check in with your doctor.
If you have a reactive history or any medical things that could complicate getting any vaccinations they will know and ultimately decide if it is safe for you to take.
How exciting or sometimes frustrating it can be to try and track down any of the early pregnancy symptoms. The best thing you can do is if you're actively trying is to make a checklist and the more things you check off your list, the more encouraged you should be to get a pregnancy test.
Sometimes pregnancy tests don’t accurately tell you if it is too soon. That’s why paying attention to implantation bleeding and its timing can be particularly useful. However, this can be commonly confused with spotting for an irregular period.
That’s why when the other symptoms start to show it can be a good sign that you may be in the earliest stages of pregnancy. It’s never too early to start taking prenatal vitamins if you know you will be trying for a baby and your doctor can be the one to recommend what brands may be the best fit for you.
In general, planning with your doctor when it comes to getting pregnant can be particularly useful and they can help guide you through some of the early stages all the way to the end.
]]>Although some women do not experience morning sickness symptoms in any way, you must have the necessary information to guide you through the process. This is vital because some extreme form of it could leave the expecting mother disoriented and unproductive.
In this article, we would explore all that you need to know about morning sickness symptoms.
Morning sickness is one of the first tell-tale signs of pregnancy which occurs in the first few months, usually diminishing in the second trimester. It is characterized by nausea and occasional vomiting. Since this is a common occurrence in most pregnant women, it's no surprise that there are several ways to reduce the effects of the body's symptoms. Interestingly, there are little to no complications from its symptoms.
That said, a similar condition, referred to as Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), causes severe nausea and vomiting, which could leave the expectant mothers feeling tired and weak. Although they present with the same symptoms, HG and morning sickness are not the same thing despite differences in severity. Both of these conditions have different side effects and present with a varying spectrum of complications and risks.
It is important to properly differentiate and diagnose these conditions to necessitate appropriate treatment procedures. If left untreated, HG could eventually harm the unborn baby because it causes electrolyte imbalance and unexpected weight loss.
HER Foundation reported that some women might progress from morning sickness to Hyperemesis, which requires hospitalization and treatment with intravenous fluids. To a large extent, that feels like too much to bear with regarding pregnancy. Notwithstanding, the joy of motherhood sufficiently trumps the stress that pregnancy puts on the mother – No wonder women are ready to go at it again, despite the challenges.
One of the foremost things to understand about morning sickness is that it is incredibly common and quite varied. A study carried out by HER Foundation reported that several women form support groups through the period of pregnancy to share tips and general ideas on how to address possible challenges. While this may help provide emotional help for the amazing yet stressful period, it does not necessarily address the expectant mothers' individuality. It is generally believed that every woman experiences morning sickness symptoms earlier in the day, hence the name.
However, studies have shown that some might be sick all day, while a ratio experiences the symptoms later in the evening or when they have not had enough rest. About 70% of women who participated in the research reported experiencing nausea, while the remaining 30% experienced vomiting.
Morning sickness usually starts around the sixth week of pregnancy and extends to the twelfth week or late into the second trimester in rare cases. In any case, morning sickness symptoms clear off once the body gets used to new hormonal changes and physiological adjustments necessary to sustain both mother and fetus throughout the entire gestation period and beyond. According to a theoretical graph plotted by Dr. Marjorie Greenfield, morning sickness symptoms usually peak around the eighth and ninth week of pregnancy and wanes after that. Generally, the symptoms completely disappear after the fourteenth week.
Although nausea and vomiting are the primary symptoms of morning sickness, there are other associated symptoms, most of which are individualized and may be observed in an expectant mother. Most first-time mothers confuse morning sickness with seasickness, especially in the first week. Some describe it as a queasy hangover feeling. Often, morning sickness symptoms are exacerbated due to the keen sense of smell in most pregnant women. This heightened smell causes an aversion to certain food groups that could precipitate nausea and vomiting.
Except in cases of Hyperemesis gravidarum, the typical presentation of morning sickness include:
While morning sickness will not have any harmful effect on the developing child, it is important to consult the doctor if you have difficulty keeping down fluids or food. Hyperemesis gravidarum and severe morning sickness will need to be diagnosed by a medical practitioner and properly managed.
Is there a definitive cause of morning sickness? Not exactly. Although there are several postulations on the causes of morning sickness, there is no practical evidence supporting any of them. Nonetheless, several physiological changes occur in the body during pregnancy that could factor into causing morning sickness. Some of these include:
Reports have shown those morning sickness symptoms usually peak around periods of high hCG production until the body adjusts to the new changes.
Both of these hormones have direct effects on smooth muscles and thus reduce the digestive tract's effectiveness. This often precipitates feelings of nausea and queasiness.
This causes a rapid stretching of muscles and ligaments, especially those of the uterine region, to make room for the developing fetus.
Results in an increase in the incidences of queasiness and nausea.
These increase the chance of vomiting and nausea.
As earlier discussed, several factors come into play for the development of morning sickness. While a number of these factors are individualistic and could sometimes be a result of external circumstances. Other general causes of morning sickness include:
This is regarded as the principal reason for developing morning sickness. Due to physiological changes in the body, there is a surge in certain hormone production, leading to an imbalance. On average, there is an estimated level of hormone balance expected at every stage of pregnancy. A slight increase or decrease beyond this estimated value could either increase the chances of morning sickness or decrease it, depending on the individual.
However, you could have an average hormonal balance level and still experience some minimal morning sickness symptoms, most of which abate once the body adjusts.
Quite frankly, stress is terrible for your body, more so when you are growing another human in you. Increased stress levels predispose the body to several health risks and increase the chances of developing severe morning sickness symptoms.
With most people, emotional stress and edginess trigger stomach upset, worsening nausea, and vomiting associated with morning sickness. Asides from this effect, it is generally advised that every expectant mother stay away from any stress factors, as they could impair their health status.
As it is with the effects of stress, fatigue, in any of its varied forms, could worsen or even trigger morning sickness. Furthermore, it is important to note that one of the side effects of morning sickness, especially when severe, is fatigue.
First-time mothers usually experience more morning sickness symptoms than those who have gone through the process before. This can be easily explained in the light that the body is new to the physiologic changes. Additionally, the anxious pregnancy jitters experienced by first-time mothers increase their chance of developing morning sickness.
This is one of the most debated causes of morning sickness. Hot weather has been said to trigger morning sickness symptoms, but researchers have linked that to personal opinions and individual tendencies. Nonetheless, extremes of weather should be looked out for in preventing the occurrence of morning sickness.
The human composition differs, and so does sensitivity. In some pregnant women, the brain reacts faster to hormonal surges, and pregnancy triggers faster than others. There is a high chance of developing morning sickness for this group of women, sometimes with severe symptoms. Those who get carsick or seasick easily have a higher chance of developing morning sickness than others who are rarely nauseous or queasy.
When science says “family is everything”, you'd soon realize that many things in the medical domain can be traced to the effects of genetics. If any one of your close relatives had to deal with morning sickness symptoms, there is a high chance you will go through the same. However, the severity might differ due to the individualistic variableness of the condition. Regardless, a publication from HER organization reported that remedies that work for a woman could also work for other close relations. Now may be the time to give your sister a call to discuss her pregnancy journey. In any, this is just speculation, and you could end up sailing through the journey without any morning sickness symptoms.
Except in rare cases, there are no known risks of morning sickness unless it results in electrolyte imbalance and severe dehydration. Morning sickness does not cause any harm to the mother or child. In cases where the mother experiences severe symptoms, a medical practitioner should make a diagnosis to diagnose and treat Hyperemesis gravidarum.
You should call your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
Due to pregnancy's delicate nature, it is important to consult with your doctor if you opt for a drug approach treatment to prevent morning sickness.
Try out any of these simple steps to reduce your chance of developing morning sickness or reducing its severity
It is advised that you give morning sickness enough time to diminish on its own. Nonetheless, there are few tricks that you can try to treat the symptoms. Some of these include:
Is my pregnancy healthy if I don't have morning sickness?
Absolutely. Morning sickness is not a metric to measure the healthiness of a pregnancy. Several women go through the entire nine months of pregnancy without showing any common morning sickness symptoms.
How do I take care of morning sickness emergencies?
Pregnant women are always advised to be prepared for any situation. If you are experiencing severe morning sickness symptoms, it is recommended that you have some medications at hand. Additionally, have some backup plans if you need to vomit when you have no access to a bathroom.
What medications can I take for my morning sickness?
It is advised that pregnant women consult their doctor before taking any medication throughout the pregnancy. Usually, antihistamine drugs are prescribed to control nausea and vomiting. Also, prenatal vitamins come in handy in treating morning sickness symptoms.
Remember, you might not be able to do much in ultimately preventing morning sickness, as it is a response of your body to its new state. It is best advised that you welcome it and find your way around managing the symptoms rather than outrightly fighting it. This article has provided you with enough information to manage this condition effectively.
Morning sickness symptoms could show up in various forms, but the standard way to prevent and treat them remains the same across different individuals. Nonetheless, it is more vital that you remember to consult your doctor before adopting any treatment procedure. Your health and that of your unborn child matter!
]]>Ectopic pregnancies are generally not safe for the mother and as such it is therefore very important to be able to identify the signs of ectopic pregnancy early especially for the mother’s immediate health and long-term fertility with the risk of further complications or reoccurrence greatly reduced when it is discovered and treated early.
In the occurrence of an ectopic pregnancy, there can be different complications ranging from internal abdominal bleeding, blood loss, and bursting of the fallopian tube which is particularly very serious and can be life-threatening.
An ectopic pregnancy, also called extrauterine pregnancy, occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself to the fallopian tube, abdominal cavity, or cervix instead of the uterus as it should in the normal pregnant process which affects the development of the egg.
For a normal pregnancy process, fertilization takes place in the fallopian tube with the sperm cell and egg or ovum meeting together to fertilize. The fertilized egg then moves into the uterus developing into a fetus upon implantation along the womb lining and the egg remains in the uterus until childbirth. Unfortunately, ectopic pregnancies are not viable and cannot result in a baby.
While taking a pregnancy test would reveal if a woman is pregnant, physical examination can’t diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. Transvaginal ultrasound which involves the insertion of a wand-like instrument into the vaginal to determine if a gestational sac is in the uterus and a blood test which will be used to determine levels of hCG and progesterone are possible methods of diagnosing if a pregnancy is ectopic.
It is not in every case that prediction and prevention will be possible in every case to prevent ectopic pregnancy but good reproductive health hygiene, quitting smoking, a regular visit to the gynecologist, and a limit on the number of sexual partners are a few ways to prevent the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy occurring.
It is necessary to mention that in most occurrences, ectopic pregnancy happens within the first few weeks of pregnancy and as such, it’s possible that someone may not realize that she is pregnant or has any complication regarding the pregnancy. Even after a positive pregnancy test, the pregnant woman may not realize it because an ectopic pregnancy appears similar to a normal pregnancy but there are still some early signs of an ectopic pregnancy that if detected should be reported to your doctor. Here are some of the signs:
These signs may not definitively mean that a case of an ectopic pregnancy, but emergency symptoms like major pain, severe bleeding, or belly pain can be signs of rupture to the fallopian tube and should immediately be reported to a doctor or emergency health service.
The cause of an ectopic pregnancy is not always certain but in some cases, it is often caused by damage to the fallopian tube which blocks the passage of fertilized egg through it, and some other conditions which include:
Conditions that may have affected the condition of the fallopian tube and other reproductive organs of the body such as infection, surgery, inflation, etc.
Some women may have pre-existing genetic abnormalities which could affect the pregnancy process leading to an ectopic pregnancy.
Hormones play an important role in our bodies and can cause medical issues when they’re not balanced.
Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus.
Smoking can also be a likely cause of an ectopic pregnancy because it increases the odds of such complications and not just smoking by the woman but also the spouse.
Medical treatments such as in vitro fertilization which is a fertility treatment can be a likely cause of ectopic pregnancy in women who have gone through the treatment.
In reality, every sexually active woman is at some risk of an ectopic pregnancy. Various factors increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy occurring:
Women aged 35 and above run the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. Simply put, the older a woman is when she gets pregnant from that age, the higher the risk of an occurrence.
The risk of an ectopic pregnancy reoccurring is almost 17 times higher for women who have had a prior case of an ectopic pregnancy.
Some sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea increase the risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which can lead to an ectopic pregnancy.
Conception taken in despite the use of this contraceptive method increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy by 4-5-fold. IUD-induced inflammation, the pelvic pain after the insertion of the IUD increases the risk in IUD users.
Undergoing surgeries including pelvic surgery, abdominal surgery, tubal surgery increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
Before conception, if you have any of the risk factors listed above, it is advisable to speak to your doctor to understand the risks and minimize the risks for subsequent pregnancies. However, there is still the possibility that a woman has an ectopic pregnancy without any of these risk factors.
Knowing that the fertilized egg cannot develop properly into a child, it is dangerous for the mother and safe to remove the pregnancy before it grows too large. While the mother can decide to carefully manage and monitor the pregnancy in the hope that a natural miscarriage would happen, it is very dangerous and may lead to rupturing of the fallopian tube.
Depending on how early the pregnancy is determined and the location and development of the fetus, treatment may be recommended.
If detected early, the immediate complications are not as fatal as there would be little risk of rupture. Medication is recommended and methotrexate is the most common drug mostly used for the treatment. Methotrexate stops the rapidly growing cells and dissolves the existing cells. Usually, one shot of the drug is given and regular blood tests will be carried out to ascertain the effectiveness of the drug. A second dose of the drug may be needed in some cases.
Usage of this medication has some side effects which include:
It is important to take reliable contraception for a minimum of three months after taking this treatment because methotrexate can be harmful to a baby. It is also advisable to stay away from alcohol as drinking alcohol after receiving the medication can damage the liver.
In the case where the pregnancy is far gone, surgery is recommended. Keyhole surgery which is also known as laparoscopy is performed to remove the ectopic tissue.
For a laparoscopy, a small incision is made through which a small camera called a laparoscope is inserted to view the area. Surgeons may attempt to repair the fallopian tube if it is deemed to be damaged and remove the ectopic tissue. In a case where that cannot be done, a laparotomy which requires a larger incision to remove the damaged fallopian tube will be carried out.
After the successful surgery, you must keep your incisions clean and dry to prevent infection while it heals up. Some signs which would help you know if your incision has been infected include excessive bleeding, swelling, redness, foul smell. It is equally important to drink plenty of fluids to replace lost fluids and avoid constipation, reduce carrying out strenuous activities especially activities that can strain the pelvis region including heaving lifting, sexual intercourse, exercise.
Whatever treatment process you undergo to remove an ectopic pregnancy, it is important to give your body enough time to undergo a recovery period, rest and heal. Depending on the treatment process undergone, you will feel a varying amount of pain which may continue for several days or weeks after the process. Aches, pains, soreness in the back, hip, neck, and leg are not uncommon in the days following surgery.
Abdominal adhesion which is a scar tissue that binds two parts of your tissue that should be separated together is also a common complication of surgery and it occurs in 93% of women who undergo pelvic surgery. In the few weeks after surgery, it is possible that you feel tired easily after carrying out light work or exercise and it is a sign that you need to give your body more rest.
Most importantly though is how you feel emotionally after an ectopic pregnancy. Everyone would not have the same reaction after an ectopic pregnancy and most women tend to feel emotionally weighed down and that is perfectly normal considering it involves the loss of a child but it is important to remember that the child may not likely have survived as she cannot grow adequately outside the uterus. Support from family, friends, and loved ones will help through the emotional process. Counseling may also be helpful as well as online forums as there is a risk of depression after an ectopic pregnancy.
What is the best timing for me to try again after an ectopic pregnancy?
While there is no clear researched answer, doctors advise you to wait for 3 months or at least two full menstrual cycles before trying to conceive to allow your menstrual cycle to return to its usual flow and for you to be able to determine your Last Menstrual Period (LMP) date.
What is assisted conception?
This involves the use of clomiphene which is an extremely powerful medication that is prescribed to help persons trying to get pregnant. It is used if the menstrual cycle is irregular which would not allow them to be sure of their ovulation period. Usually taken over 5 days, the drug blocks estrogen receptors in the brain, therefore, stimulating them to release naturally occurring stimulants during ovulation in a normal cycle.
Is there anything I can do to improve my chances of a normal pregnancy?
There are no specific concerns regarding ensuring you have a normal pregnancy next time but after an ectopic pregnancy, if you have persistent abdominal pain after an ectopic pregnancy, see your doctor just to be sure there is no infection that might increase your chances of ectopic pregnancy in future.
Do supplements and alternative therapies work?
There is no medically approved assurance that the use of supplements from the internet or varying therapies will reduce the chances of an ectopic pregnancy.
Having an ectopic pregnancy does not necessarily mean that you may not have a healthy pregnancy again as most people who have had such pregnancy do go on to have healthy pregnancies after depending on the physical damage caused. If even just one of the fallopian tubes is still intact, an egg can still be fertilized normally. This is why it is important to detect suspicious signs of an ectopic pregnancy early as early detection can be treated with medication instead of surgery.
It is also important that you speak with your doctor before trying again or a fertility specialist especially if a fallopian tube has been removed and in the case that you get pregnant, early and regular testing in the first few weeks of your pregnancy can let you know if the pregnancy is normal or not.
]]>Preeclampsia is a common complication with the pregnancy. Again, it is not something people want to think about, but learning to recognize preeclampsia is the best way to take steps to deal with it. Most women will get through their pregnancy and delivery without anything out of the ordinary. But it is simply best to be informed about issues such as preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia is a frightening topic for many women. The risks inherent with preeclampsia are serious. But is of utmost importance that you understand complications that come with pregnancy including things like preeclampsia.
What is preeclampsia? What causes preeclampsia? And what are the risk factors for preeclampsia? The more you know the better prepared you will be if you happen to experience preeclampsia. Getting the information on preeclampsia is the best way to prepare yourself.
Preeclampsia is a condition in which you have high blood pressure during your pregnancy. Preeclampsia can occur after delivery and it can also cause protein to appear in your urine. Low blood clotting factors are another result of preeclampsia. Protein in urine and low blood-clotting factors (platelets) are symptoms of kidney and liver problems that come with preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia generally happens around the second trimester of pregnancy. However, it can set in earlier, during the third trimester of pregnancy or occur after labor.
Another condition called eclampsia is a severe form and progression of preeclampsia. With eclampsia, there is a real danger of seizures as a result of the severely high blood pressure that comes with eclampsia.
In the past, preeclampsia was not diagnosed unless blood pressure became elevated and there were signs of protein in the urine. Doctors now know that preeclampsia can occur without these symptoms. Approximately 5 percent of pregnant women experience preeclampsia.
Before listing the most common symptoms of preeclampsia, we should note that some people notice no symptoms at all of preeclampsia. It is important to keep seeing your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy to monitor things like blood pressure.
Should you develop symptoms, the most important things to watch out for include:
During a routine physical exam, your doctor may find your blood pressure at 140/90 or higher. At which point your doctor may order urine and blood tests to determine protein in your urine, abnormal liver enzymes, and low platelets.
If these indicators lead to a diagnosis of preeclampsia, your doctor may do a nonstress test on your baby. A nonstress test involves measuring fetal heart rate and changes in the movement of the baby. An ultrasound may reveal more information about fluid levels and the health of your baby.
There is no single known cause of preeclampsia. Some of the causes under consideration by researchers include:
There is no certain way to prevent the development of preeclampsia. Some doctors recommend women take baby aspirin after the first trimester to help prevent preeclampsia.
Most physicians say that early and consistent prenatal care is the best way to prevent preeclampsia and to deal with it effectively if it does occur. Having preeclampsia properly diagnosed as early as possible is the best way for your doctor to monitor the health of you and your baby.
Preeclampsia can be broken into varying degrees of severity. Since preeclampsia is marked by hypertension or high blood pressure, it is usually diagnosed as the following.
Women with gestational hypertension have high blood pressure but no excess protein in their urine or other signs of organ damage. Some women with gestational hypertension eventually develop preeclampsia.
Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that was present before pregnancy or that occurs before 20 weeks of pregnancy. But because high blood pressure usually doesn't have symptoms, it may be hard to determine when it began.
This condition occurs in women who have been diagnosed with chronic high blood pressure before pregnancy, but then develop worsening high blood pressure and protein in the urine or other health complications during pregnancy.
There is also severe eclampsia. This is severe preeclampsia. It is rare but quite serious. With eclampsia, blood pressure becomes so high that there is a danger of seizures. Eclampsia affects 1 in 200 women.
Preeclampsia develops only as a complication of pregnancy. Risk factors include:
A personal or family history of preeclampsia significantly raises your risk of preeclampsia.
If you already have chronic hypertension, you have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia.
The risk of developing preeclampsia is highest during your first pregnancy.
Each pregnancy with a new partner increases the risk of preeclampsia more than does a second or third pregnancy with the same partner.
The risk of preeclampsia is higher for very young pregnant women as well as pregnant women older than 35.
Black women have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia than women of other races.
The risk of preeclampsia is higher if you're obese.
Preeclampsia is more common in women who are carrying twins, triplets, or other multiples.
Having babies less than two years or more than 10 years apart leads to a higher risk of preeclampsia.
Having certain conditions before you become pregnant, such as chronic high blood pressure, migraines, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, a tendency to develop blood clots, or lupus increases your risk of preeclampsia.
Your risk of preeclampsia is increased if your baby was conceived with in vitro fertilization. There are several complications that can arise as a result of preeclampsia. These complications include:
Since preeclampsia affects the arteries that carry blood to the placenta, the blood supply to the fetus can be restricted. This means the baby will not get enough blood for adequate oxygen and nutrients. This can result in low fetal birth weight and preterm birth.
Preeclampsia, particularly when it is severe, can endanger the life of the baby. This means the baby may need to be delivered early. Premature birth can lead to breathing problems and other issues.
Preeclampsia increases the risk of placental abruption. This is a condition in which the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery. Severe abruption can lead to heavy bleeding and may endanger your life and the life of your baby.
HELLP is an acronym for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells. HELLP occurs mainly in cases of severe eclampsia. It can become life-threatening to you and your baby. Symptoms of HELLP include nausea, vomiting, headache, and upper right abdominal pain. HELLP is especially dangerous since it can lead to damage to organ systems.
The best treatment for preeclampsia is delivery. While you are carrying the baby, you remain at high risk for seizures, placental abruption, stroke, and severe bleeding. If you are not far enough along in your term to safely deliver the baby, you will need other strategies.
If you are diagnosed with preeclampsia you will need to see your doctor more frequently to monitor your blood pressure. Your doctor may also prescribe blood and urine tests to monitor the severity of preeclampsia. You may also need ultrasounds and nonstress tests to check on the health and safety of your baby.
There are some medications that can help with preeclampsia. These include:
Blood pressure medications:These are called antihypertensives. These kinds of medications may be prescribed if your blood pressure is above 140/90. There are many kinds of hypertensive medications. Some of them are safe to take during pregnancy.
Corticosteroids: In the case of severe preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, you may need to take corticosteroids. These will help temporarily improve your liver function and platelet count during the length of your pregnancy. Corticosteroids can also help speed the maturity of your baby’s lungs. Corticosteroids can bring a baby’s lungs to maturity in as little as 48 hours. This will be essential if you need to deliver prematurely.
Anticonvulsant medications: If preeclampsia is severe, your doctor may prescribe an anticonvulsant medication like magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures.
Another common and less intrusive treatment for preeclampsia is bed rest. This is not often recommended anymore because it is not known to be all that effective and bed rest can increase your chance of developing blood clots. It is also known that bed rest is not good for the mental well-being of expectant mothers.
If a case of preeclampsia becomes severe enough, you may be hospitalized. This will allow doctors to do around-the-clock monitoring of blood pressure. They will also be able to continuously monitor the health and well-being of your baby.
If you are already toward the end of your pregnancy, your doctor may simply decide to end your pregnancy and induce labor. This will in part be determined by the readiness of your cervix for birth.
If birth is not possible due to the readiness of the cervix or because of the baby’s stage of fetal development, the doctor may schedule a cesarean section. You may be given anticonvulsant medications during these processes.
After the birth of your baby, you will need to continue to take precautions with blood pressure until it returns to normal. Preeclampsia and the symptoms generally resolved themselves in the months following delivery. Most women return to normal blood pressure within 48 hours of delivery.
Normal kidney and liver functions will ordinarily return to healthy levels within a few months.
In some cases, blood pressure can become elevated again after delivery. It is important to continue seeing your doctor after delivery to monitor your blood pressure after you have experienced preeclampsia.
In rare cases, preeclampsia can occur following the birth of a baby. It is possible to have a pregnancy with no complications and still develop preeclampsia. Pay attention to any symptoms that may develop after your baby is born. It is always important to continue proper postpartum care.
Preeclampsia is an unfortunate complication that can occur during pregnancy. While most women will carry their baby to term without a hitch, there are some who will run into problems along the way. The best way to get through these difficulties is to be informed.
Since much is known about preeclampsia, doctors are able to treat it and deal with the complications that come with it effectively. From spikes in blood pressure to preterm birth methods, medical science is able to deal with the problems associated with preeclampsia quite well.
If you experience any of the symptoms described in this guide, or if you are in any of the risk categories in this guide, make sure you talk to your doctor about these things. Being prepared for the risk of preeclampsia is one way to head off problems before they arise.
Again, prevention is the best way to deal with any complications during your pregnancy. Taking precautions and keeping your doctor informed will help minimize the possibility of developing severe problems from preeclampsia.
]]>While the first trimester of pregnancy may be a time of mixed feelings, a time in which the excitement of a new baby is mixed with the physical and emotional changes of a new mother, the second trimester of pregnancy is a time of taking stock of what is to come.
After the heady days of the first trimester that move from finding out you are pregnant to the often dramatic physical changes and symptoms that come with this phase, the second trimester of pregnancy brings the more pronounced development of the baby. Many women will begin to outwardly show that they are pregnant.
What can you expect during the second trimester of pregnancy? What does the second trimester of pregnancy entail? What do you need to know about the growth of your baby during the second trimester of pregnancy? This guide will give you the information necessary to be informed as you enter the second trimester of pregnancy.
The second trimester of pregnancy is the stage between 14 -27 weeks. This is an extremely busy time for the development of your baby. By week eighteen your baby takes on some real weight, several ounces. A developing baby at this point can yawn and hiccup. By week 21 you may feel the newly developed and coordinated arms and legs moving around and even give you a kick. By the end of the second trimester of pregnancy, your baby can weigh as much as two pounds.
As we said, a lot of things happen during the second trimester of pregnancy because this is a time of major fetal development. Because the baby is going through so much change, your body will respond in kind, and you will see some noticeable symptoms. For many women, things like nausea and fatigue lessen during the second trimester, and they begin to enjoy their pregnancy but remember that your body and the body of the baby are rapidly developing. Your uterus, for example, continues to expand to accommodate the developing baby, and this will lead to outward symptoms.
Some of the common changes and symptoms during the second trimester include:
You may feel mild but irregular contractions in the form of a slight tightness in your belly. Braxton Hicks are more common in the afternoons and evenings. They are also common after sex. Some women describe these as feeling like mild menstrual cramps. These are normal but if they persist you should contact your doctor to make sure they are a sign of premature labor.
Pregnancy causes major hormone changes, and it increases the amount of blood in your body. This combination of things can cause your mucous membranes to swell which can lead to stuffiness, congestion, and even nosebleeds. Saline drops and saline rinses are helpful for these symptoms. Make sure you stay hydrated. Using a humidifier can also help alleviate these symptoms.
During the second trimester, your gums may become more sensitive. You may see some minor bleeding when you brush and floss your teeth. Rinse with warm salt water and use a soft bristle brush to reduce this problem. Also, vomiting as a result of “morning sickness” can weaken the enamel of your teeth leading to tooth decay.
The major changes to your circulation may make you dizzy or light-headed. Make sure you stay properly hydrated and avoid standing for long periods. Stand up slowly or when you change positions. If you need to lie down, make sure you lay on your side.
Leg cramps are common during the second trimester. Unfortunately, these often hit at night. To prevent leg cramps, try stretching your calf muscles before bed. Staying physically active can help alleviate cramps. Drink plenty of fluids. Hot showers and baths also help with leg cramps.
A sticky clear or white vaginal discharge is normal during the second trimester of pregnancy. If you notice a strong odor or if the discharge has an unusual color contact your doctor. Also, call your doctor if this discharge is accompanied by pain or discomfort to make sure you do not have a vaginal infection.
Unfortunately, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy. You should call your doctor if you experience pain while urinating, if you have difficulty urinating, or if your urine is cloudy or has a strong smell. You want to make sure a urinary tract infection has not led to a kidney infection.
Other symptoms to expect include:
These are all normal symptoms during the second trimester of pregnancy. You should always stay in contact with your doctor to discuss these symptoms just to make sure everything is within the normal range.
In all likelihood, you will sail through your second trimester without a hitch, and the final trimester will be a breeze.
However, there are some symptoms to look for that require immediate attention. These include:
Also, pay attention to symptoms of gestational diabetes. These include extreme thirst, frequent and heavy urination, extreme fatigue, and snoring. Gestational diabetes is a reason for concern, but it can be controlled by eating healthy foods and exercising. Some medications can control gestational diabetes.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience sudden weight gain, severe swelling of the face and hands, and changes in your vision. These are symptoms of preeclampsia, a complication in which high blood pressure can lead to damage to other organs.
During the second trimester, your uterus continues to expand to accommodate your growing baby. At the same time, your breasts will likely expand. These changes in your breasts are from enlarging milk glands and deposits of fat as your body prepares to breastfeed your baby.
Your ankles and hands may swell. Fluid retention is common during pregnancy.
The hormone changes during pregnancy can stimulate melanocytes in your skin. These are the cells that contain skin pigment. As a result, you may notice dark patches on your face. You may also see a dark line down your belly. This is called a linea nigra. These are quite common, and they usually fade after you have your baby. You can reduce the severity of these changes by avoiding too much sunlight and by using sunscreen. Stretch marks may also appear on your breasts, belly, buttocks, and thighs. These can be reddish-brown, black, silver, or purple. These marks will also likely fade after delivery.
Your baby continues to grow during the second trimester of pregnancy. There are exciting changes that happen at this time.
By 22 weeks your baby has eyelashes and eyebrows. It is during this time that a developing baby grows a coat of hair on their skin. This keeps the baby warm until the third trimester.
By the end of the first trimester, your baby has a fully developed digestive system. This means your baby begins to suck and swallow during the second trimester. There is evidence that a developing baby can actually taste the foods you eat during pregnancy and this has an effect on food preferences later in life. The baby’s system of waste elimination is also working. While your baby gets nutrition from the placenta, your baby is swallowing, and that means your baby is peeing.
Moving into the second trimester the baby’s ears and eyes are aligning properly. This means your baby can see, hear, and smell. During the second trimester, your baby continually opens and closes his or her eyes.
The early heartbeats we hear are from the spontaneous beating of the heart cells. By the second trimester, the heart is synchronized with and controlled by the brain. By week 25 your baby has a system of capillaries that carry oxygenated to blood through his or her body.
With so many changes for you and your baby, you will want to make a plan for how to progress through the second trimester. Here are some suggestions for a to-do list.
Women typically see either their OB/GYN or their midwife once every four weeks just to monitor for any complications as they may arise. During the second trimester, you may be screened for gestational diabetes. Some women opt for an amniocentesis to test for Down Syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities. This is also a time when you may get an ultrasound and see your baby.
This is the time to make decisions regarding a doula or professional labor coach. Not everyone goes this route, and you will want to weigh your options after looking into these possibilities. But you do want to have this in order by the time you reach your third trimester.
Childbirth classes differ depending on how you want to proceed through your pregnancy. The second trimester is the time to narrow your options and make some decisions. Some doctors work with groups that offer childbirth classes. If you are using a midwife, they will likely offer childbirth classes. You can research this topic with the International Childbirth Education Association.
You are getting close to having an addition to your family. The second trimester is a great time to start thinking about how your baby is going to affect things like your tax status. This is also a good time to start thinking about savings accounts for your child. Holidays, birthdays, and even college come faster than you think.
Other things to do:
The second trimester of pregnancy is the stage between 14 -27 weeks.
First, you will begin to show as your uterus expands for your growing baby but you will also likely experience things like fatigue and dizziness, frequent urination, and Braxton Hicks Contractions. You may also begin to feel your baby kick.
You will want to be tested for gestational diabetes. Also, watch for signs of preeclampsia.
Your baby develops a fully functioning digestive system, heart, brain, sense, and moving arms and legs.
The second trimester of pregnancy ushers in even more exciting developments for you and your baby. This is a big phase in your pregnancy as the fetus begins to look and act like a baby. Eyes, ears, and noses begin to work, and your baby will start to give you little kicks and pokes.
The second trimester is also a time to take things seriously. With so much development going on inside, your body will be going through many things as well. The majority of symptoms that come with the second trimester are perfectly normal and generally not that bad as the first trimester of pregnancy. Some things, like nausea, may even go away during this phase of things.
You need to be aware of the changes going on in your body. There are things to look out for such as blood pressure spikes and signs of gestational diabetes. With proper attention, you will be fine but, like the entirety of your pregnancy, you want to be informed and prepared.
The second trimester is just as exciting as the first. With information on your side, you will be prepared for anything.
]]>On the one hand, the third trimester means you are about to meet your new baby. On the other hand, the process of giving birth and the weight of new responsibility is on the horizon. The third trimester of pregnancy is a time filled with all kinds of feelings.
There are still things to look forward to in the third trimester of pregnancy. More changes are on the way, and of course, the big day is in sight. Your baby is still developing and making his or her way of being a person in the world. There are some things you will notice during the third trimester of pregnancy.
What is the third trimester of pregnancy and what can you expect during this exciting time? This guide will give you the facts on the third trimester of pregnancy so you can be ready to meet your new baby.
The third trimester of pregnancy officially begins at 28 weeks. This extends until you give birth. Ideally, the third trimester goes through 40 weeks. Labor will likely begin about a week before you give birth. Some pregnancies go beyond the 40-week mark. About 30 percent of pregnancies last a little longer than 40 weeks. At 42 weeks you will be determined to be overdue, and doctors will induce labor at that point.
The third trimester is bringing you close to the end of things, but there are still big changes going on with your baby and your body. Your body is undergoing the final changes that will make it possible to bring your baby into the world. Some of the things you can expect during the third trimester include:
The ligaments in your lower abdomen will stretch during the third trimester. This is to make room for the growing baby. This can cause pain in your abdomen. The best thing to do for this is to simply take it easy.
There is a good chance you will be extremely tired during this phase. Make sure you get plenty of good sleep. Stay active as much as possible. And eat a healthy diet.
In the final weeks of your pregnancy, your uterus expands and puts pressure on your stomach. This will cause the contents to move upward and can lead to persistent heartburn. There are some medications you can get that are safe during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if this problem becomes unmanageable.
These irregular contractions are your body's way of getting ready for the big day. Braxton Hicks contractions are not labor contractions.
All the extra blood in your body can lead to varicose veins in your lower extremities. These can include hemorrhoids which are a type of varicose vein. The good news in this is that if you did not have varicose veins before pregnancy, these varicose veins will most likely fade.
Small tears in the skin can form as a result of the expansion of your belly, breasts, and buttocks. The severity of stretch marks is largely due to genetics. You can moisturize to help minimize stretch marks.
The pregnancy hormone relaxin relaxes the ligaments in the pelvis and softens and widens the cervix. This will cause your center of gravity to move forward and this can lead to back pain. Honestly, the only thing you can do for this is to lay down as much as possible. If the back pain becomes persistent and unbearable, this may be a sign of sciatica.
The weight on your pelvic floor can put pressure on your bladder. You may find that even the smallest exertion can cause you to urinate. Even a sneeze may make you urinate.
This is simply your body getting ready to breastfeed.
All of this may sound daunting, and some of it may be embarrassing. Just keep in mind that all of these things are your body's ways of making way for your baby.
There are a few other bodily changes you can expect during the third trimester of pregnancy. As your body shifts toward birth and delivery, you can expect to experience some of the following:
The developing baby radiates body heat and this will cause your own body to heat up.
The growing baby may put pressure on the main vein to your heart, and this may cause a decrease in blood pressure.
You may experience swelling of your legs, face, and ankles as the result of fluid retention.
The increases in hormones for the developing baby can sometimes cause hair follicles to be stimulated. This can cause hair growth on your arms, legs, and face. Your hair may begin to feel coarser.
Some women may experience a decrease in their libido during this trimester due to all other symptoms affecting their bodies at this stage.
You may notice dark patches on the skin of your face.
Most of these changes will abate after your baby is born. These are changes that are almost entirely dependent upon hormone and physical shifts during pregnancy.
Your baby is going to get a lot bigger during the third trimester. Your baby will grow from an average size of 2.5 pounds and 16 inches long to somewhere between 6 and 9 pounds and as much as 22 inches long. Many rapid developmental changes occur in the final phase of your pregnancy.
The baby’s skeletal system is turning from cartilage to bone. This means your baby needs a great supply of calcium.
The baby’s skin is developing a layer of fat that will make it more opaque. He or she is losing the layer that protects the skin from amniotic fluid. Your baby will also lose the coat of hair that keeps him or her warm.
In the final weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s intestines will form his or her first poop. This is called meconium and is made up of blood cells, vernix, and lanugo (the layer of hair and cells that cover the body in the womb).
Your baby will fully develop a sense of touch at week 29 or 30. They will be able to sense light and dark, they can taste what you eat, and your baby can hear your voice.
The third trimester will see the brain fully develop. Your baby will be trying out new things like blinking, dreaming, and regulating his or her body temperature.
By around week 34 your baby will begin to move downward and move into a position with his or her bottom upward and head down. This will put the baby in position for birth. In some cases, the baby will not turn and remain in what is called the breech position. Your doctor can attempt to move the baby manually at around week 37.
These will likely go from once every two weeks to once a week until your baby comes. You can expect a mix of routine exams and possibly some late-term testing.
It is time to think about taking your newborn baby to a doctor. The third trimester is a good time to start planning for a pediatrician. Research what your insurance will cover. Schedule visits with some doctors to see how things work.
This is the last time you have to get all the things you need for your baby. Cribs, strollers, monitors, blankets, and of course, baby clothes.
Get your baby's space finalized by making sure everything is safe. You will want your baby monitors in place and learn about safety guidelines to prevent SIDS.
Your baby can hear you now. Take these final weeks of just the two of you to talk to them and even sing to them.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to how you choose to deliver your baby. This is a personal decision that you make. Learn what you can about managing labor pains with and without medications and make the decision that is best for you.
A first-time mother takes an average of 15 hours of labor to deliver. That said, labor can last for more than 20 hours. There are three main stages to labor, and the better you understand these stages the more prepared you will be when the big day comes.
Childbirth is pretty routine, but it is also unpredictable. Even though most people’s experience will be close to the statistical average, the truth is, anything can happen. Be ready for labor and delivery and have a plan in place for when that day comes. Have your preferences for pain management worked out ahead of time and make your delivery preferences known in advance. You do not want to let circumstances make decisions for you.
The third trimester of pregnancy officially begins at 28 weeks. This extends until you give birth. Ideally, the third trimester goes through 40 weeks. Labor will likely begin about a week before you give birth. Some pregnancies go beyond the 40-week mark, About 30 percent of pregnancies last a little longer than 40 weeks. At 42 weeks you will be determined to be overdue, and doctors will induce labor at that point.
You may experience back pain, heartburn, Braxton Hicks contractions, and selling in your legs and ankles.
You will continue to get a larger belly as the baby grows. You may also see stretch marks and varicose veins from the high blood flow. Some women experience skin color changes during the third trimester.
Your baby will develop a complete skeletal system that is all bone instead of cartilage. He or she will begin to hear, smell, and taste things. Your baby will turn around and move into a lower position to prepare for birth.
Perhaps the most exciting thing to say about the third trimester of pregnancy is that this is the final phase before your baby is born. The third trimester is the point at which you can finally get ready to meet your baby.
There are still developmental changes going on with your baby. Your baby is going through the final changes before coming into the world. His or her brain and bones develop completely. They begin to hear your voice and even taste the foods you eat. This is a time to talk and sing to your baby.
Your body will also go through more changes during the third trimester of pregnancy. Your belly will continue to grow to make room for a baby that will grow to about 6-9 ounces. There are still some hormone changes to go through, and your body needs to get ready for labor and birth.
The third trimester of pregnancy is an exciting time. This is the time for making ready for baby by setting up his or her space, contacting a pediatrician, and buying baby gear. It is a fun time even if there are still some changes for a pregnant mother to endure.
Prepared with the right information, you will sail through the third trimester of pregnancy without a hitch. Being informed is part of how you will get through this final leg of your pregnancy.
]]>Especially for first-time mothers, the first trimester of pregnancy is a time of great uncertainty and a period filled with expectations and hopes. The first trimester of pregnancy includes the moment of surprise to find that you are pregnant followed by the quite serious reality of how to carry the pregnancy to term.
What exactly is the first trimester of pregnancy? What symptoms should you be aware of? What happens to your baby during the first trimester of pregnancy? What should you do during the first trimester of pregnancy to take care of your health and the health of your baby? This guide will give you the information you need to understand your first trimester of pregnancy.
The first trimester of pregnancy is the first 12 weeks. The first trimester includes the moment of conception up through the 12th week in which the earliest changes for the baby and to a woman’s body happen quickly.
A woman’s body goes through many changes during the first trimester, and these changes often raise many serious questions. The areas of most concern during the first trimester include:
Since the changes that occur in the first trimester can be dramatic, it can be a time of uncertainty for many women. A woman’s body begins to change in order to accommodate the development of a baby and these changes produce some pronounced symptoms.
Much of what happens during the first trimester of pregnancy is invisible, but the changes that occur can produce some dramatic symptoms. A woman's body goes through some major changes. Some of these changes affect a woman's body and her emotional state. Knowing what is going on takes the mystery out of things and helps you understand what is happening.
The first trimester can produce physical symptoms:
Hormone changes can make your breasts feel sore and tender. This discomfort usually lessens after a few weeks after your body adjusts to the hormone changes.
This is the so-called morning sickness that many women experience. Nausea can begin within the first month and it is generally due to the hormone changes that come with pregnancy. Avoid having an empty stomach during this time. Eat foods that are low in fat. Also, ginger has been known to help alleviate morning sickness.
You may experience an increase in urination. This is due to the increased blood in your body to accommodate the baby, and this causes your liver and kidneys to process extra water.
In the first trimester, there is a surge of the hormone progesterone which can put you to sleep. It is important to rest as much as you need to during this time.
The hormone changes during the first trimester can cause you to crave certain foods. These hormone surges may also produce some serious food aversions.
The hormones that come with pregnancy can relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus. This causes heartburn for many women. Eat small meals and avoid fried foods, acidic citrus fruits, and spicy foods.
The increased levels of the hormone progesterone can slow down the movement of food through your digestive system. This leads to constipation for some women. If you are taking iron supplements, this can exacerbate the problem. Make sure to eat plenty of fiber. Drink plenty of fluids. Prune juice and other fruit juices can also help.
Your emotions can go through some tumbles during the first trimester of pregnancy. Some of the emotional symptoms can include the following:
Your body changes fast during the first trimester of pregnancy. A woman's body goes through a rapid transformation to nourish and protect a developing baby. Some of the most notable changes during the first trimester include:
The breasts begin to swell and become tender as estrogen and progesterone levels undergo changes to accommodate the developing baby.
The area surrounding your nipples will likely darken and enlarge.
Veins in your breasts will become more pronounced and noticeable.
The uterus grows to accommodate the growing baby. This can put pressure on your balder causing you to urinate more frequently.
Mood swings that are similar to those experienced during premenstrual syndrome.
Hormone levels increase to sustain the pregnancy. These are also the main cause of nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness.
About 40 to 50 percent of the beginning and end of pregnancy. This causes an increase in cardiac function. All of this is due to the increased blood volume necessary for blood flow to the developing fetus.
The first trimester is the most dramatic period for the growth of the baby. During the first 8 weeks, a fetus grows from an embryo into a fully formed fetus weighing about ½ ounce to 1 ounce and 3 to 4 inches long.
The stages of growth for a baby during the first trimester include:
It is during the first trimester that the embryo is transformed from a group of cells into a fully formed fetus.
From the moment you discover that you are pregnant to the series of changes that unfold during this time, the first trimester is a period to take stock of some things.
There are many practical things that lay ahead. But first, give yourself time to take some stock of your feelings at this time. This is a life-changing time, and you need to allow yourself some time to think about how you feel.
This may not be the most fun thing to think about, but it is crucial to the health of your developing baby that you stop drinking all alcohol. Alcohol causes serious health problems in a developing fetus. If you smoke, you should stop smoking anyway, but this is a crucial time to stop smoking.
Schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN. Get the initial information on your pregnancy and your baby. This is a time to discuss ideas about homebirth vs hospital birth, natural childbirth, and general medical care.
With the help of your doctor or midwife, start working out a diet that is healthy for you and your baby.
You do not need to become an exercise fanatic during your first trimester. But you can alleviate some of your symptoms by staying active. Talk to your doctor about the kinds of exercises that will be best for you.
Do the research on your health insurance. Find out what is covered and what is not. You do not want financial surprises. Check to see if pre- and post-natal care is covered by your insurance and make arrangements for what is not fully covered.
This is the time to begin thinking about the financial realities of having a baby. The first trimester is still early in the process and it is a great time to begin budgeting for your new addition to the family.
The first trimester brings morning sickness and other forms of discomfort. Learn how to manage these things to minimize your own discomfort.
This list could go on and on, but the important things are to look after your health and the health of your developing baby.
The first trimester of pregnancy is the first 12 weeks. The first trimester includes the moment of conception up through the 12th week in which the earliest changes for the baby and to a woman’s body happen quickly.
The first trimester can bring nausea and vomiting—the so-called morning sickness. Your breasts may swell and become tender. You may experience mood swings. And you can expect to be more tired.
You will undergo increased hormone levels, breasts will become larger, you may experience nausea and vomiting, and your cardiac volume will increase by as much as 50 percent to accommodate the increased blood flow to your developing baby.
The first trimester is the most dramatic period for the growth of the baby. During the first 8 weeks, a fetus grows from an embryo into a fully formed fetus weighing about ½ ounce to 1 ounce and 3 to 4 inches long. During the first trimester, your baby will develop arms, legs, bones, all the major organ systems, and begin to move around.
Pregnancy is a serious and exciting time. The first trimester is perhaps the most exciting time. From going through the first days of knowing you are going to have a baby, to the initial changes your body goes through, the first trimester is an intense time.
The fetus goes through some of the most dramatic development during the first trimester. It is during these phases that an embryo is transformed into a baby. From a cluster of cells to bones, arms and legs, and a full face your baby takes on the first stages of life.
You will go through some intense changes also. Everything from the well-known morning sickness to some fairly dramatic changes in how you look, the first trimester transforms a woman’s body into a mother’s body.
But ultimately, the first trimester is exciting. There are plans to make both practical and fun. Doctor’s appointments and shopping for baby things all become realities during the first trimester. With some knowledge of what is coming and with a little planning, you can make the most of your first trimester of pregnancy and prepare for your second trimester of pregnancy.
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