Pregnancy Stages
Discover Pregnancy
The earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period. If you have a regular monthly cycle, normally you get your period about 4 weeks from the start of your last period.
Take a home pregnancy test
To find out if you’re pregnant, you can do a pregnancy test from the first day you miss your period. Home pregnancy tests are very reliable, but see your GP to be sure and also to start your antenatal care.
Early signs and symptoms
Many women still feel fine at 4 weeks, but others may notice sore breasts, fatigue, frequent urination, and nausea (feeling sick).
Sometimes pregnant women have some very light bleeding, called “spotting”, at the time when their period would be due. This is also known as implantation bleeding, which is when the foetus plants itself into the wall of your womb. Spotting is completely normal and does not need any medical treatment.
You may be sick or feel sick – this is commonly known as morning sickness, but it can happen at any time of day. If you feel nauseous and can’t keep anything down, contact your GP. You may also notice changes in your breasts. They may become larger and feel tender, like they might do before your period. The veins may show up more and the nipples may darken and stand out.
Every woman is different and not all women will notice all these symptoms. If you’re eagerly looking out for any hints that you might be pregnant, other early signs of pregnancy include:
Yes! Although it may seem harmless to have a glass of wine at dinner or a mug of beer out with friends, no one knows what’s a “safe amount” of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is caused by drinking a lot of alcohol during pregnancy. What that amount is versus a safe amount is really not known. Because of the uncertainty, it’s always wise to be cautious and not drink any alcohol at all during pregnancy.
Alcohol is one of the most common causes of physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities. It can be even more harmful to a developing fetus than heroin, cocaine, or marijuana use.
Yes. It’s wise to cut down or stop caffeine intake. Studies show that caffeine consumption of more than 200–300 milligrams a day (about 2–3 cups of coffee, depending on the portion size, brewing method, and brand) might put a pregnancy at risk. Less than that amount is probably safe.
High caffeine consumption has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and, possibly, other pregnancy complications.
Yes. Foods that are more likely to be contaminated with bacteria or heavy metals are ones to try to avoid or limit your exposure to. Those you should steer clear of during pregnancy include:
Also, although fish and shellfish can be an extremely healthy part of your pregnancy diet (they contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and are high in protein and low in saturated fat), you should avoid eating certain kinds due to high levels of mercury, which can damage the brain of a developing fetus.
Fish to avoid:
Yes! You wouldn’t light a cigarette, put it in your baby’s mouth, and encourage your little one to puff away. As ridiculous as this sounds, pregnant women who continue to smoke are allowing their fetus to smoke too. The smoking mother passes nicotine, carbon monoxide, and many other chemicals to her growing baby.
Likewise, you should avoid people who are smoking, whether they’re coworkers, friends, family members, or people in public places.
If a pregnant woman smokes, it could cause:
And the risks to a fetus from regular exposure to second-hand smoke include low birth weight and slowed growth.
A prepregnancy care check-up is the first step in planning a healthy pregnancy. The goal of this check-up is to find things that could affect your pregnancy. Identifying these things is important because the first 8 weeks of pregnancy is the time when major organs develop in a fetus.
During this visit, you and your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) or other obstetric care provider will talk about:
Your ob-gyn or other obstetric care provider also will review your vaccination history to be sure that you have had all the vaccines that are recommended for your age group. You’ll also go over the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and discuss how to protect yourself.
Excess weight during pregnancy is associated with several pregnancy and childbirth complications, including:
Obesity during pregnancy also increases the risk of:
To stay healthy, you should keep your weight at the level that is best for your height.
STIs are infections passed through sexual contact. You are at higher risk of getting an STI if you have sex with more than one partner. You also are at higher risk if your partner has sex with someone else.
If you think you or your partner may have an STI, get tested and treated right away. Your partner also may need to be treated. Neither of you should have sex until you have both finished treatments.
Certain infections during pregnancy can cause birth defects or pregnancy complications. Many infections can be prevented with vaccination. It’s best to get all of the vaccines recommended for your age before you try to get pregnant because some cannot be given during pregnancy.
Two vaccines that are especially important for pregnant women are the influenza (flu) vaccine and the tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. The flu shot and the Tdap shot are safe during pregnancy.
Some pregnancy problems may increase the risk of having the same problem in a later pregnancy. These problems include preterm birth, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. But having a problem in a past pregnancy does not mean it will happen again—especially if you receive proper care before and during your pregnancy. Your ob-gyn or other obstetric care provider will ask you about any past pregnancy complications.
“PLEASE LORD GIVE ME A SIGN,” said almost every pregnant woman ever. Well just like no two babies are alike, no two pregnancies are alike, and the signs of labor might hit you square on the head or they might pass you by. If you were to experience any labor signs, these would be them:
Lightening: When your baby begins to settle into your pelvis just before labour, this is referred to as “lightening.” However, like with most indications, this can occur anywhere from a few weeks to a few hours before labour starts. You might not notice it, but if you do, it will feel like your belly is lighter, and you may need to urinate more frequently as the baby moves down your body, putting pressure on your bladder.
Passing of the Mucus Plug: When you pee out the little glob of mucus and blood that used to be at your cervix, it could signify it’s time to depart. Or maybe not.
Contractions: Although this is the most common indication of labour, there is a difference between what is termed Braxton Hicks (false labour) and what is true labour.
Water Breaking: When the amniotic membrane (the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the baby) ruptures, you may experience a big burst like in the movies, or a small trickle of fluid pouring down your leg like pee. Relaxed to the max. If this occurs, make a note of when and how much fluid is released, then contact your doctor. Most women’s waters do not break before or during birth, but they are frequently ruptured in the hospital by the doctor. In any case, this is a pretty obvious clue!
There’s not much place for your babe to perform the flips, yoga positions, and karate techniques they’ve been practising over the last few months by the eighth month of pregnancy. They finally make the best of the space they have by lowering their heads and settling into the position they’ll be delivered in. They do, however, occasionally settle into the breech position, which means they’re lying on their backs, feet first.
Breech positions come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A “Frank Breech,” or bottom first with feet up near the head, is one example. “Complete Breech,” in which one or both feet are set up to exit first, and “Footling Breech,” in which one or both feet are set up to escape first.
Your doctor may be able to detect the location of your babe by feeling your belly by the beginning of your third trimester. It’s possible that your kid is breech at this point and will turn around.
If your baby is still breech by week 37, your caregiver can try an external cephalic version (ECV), which is a procedure in which your doctor or an experienced practitioner applies pressure on your abdomen and manually turns the baby into a head-down position. The success rate is around 58 percent, however there are certain hazards involved. An ECV can cause the placenta to separate from the uterus in a small percentage of cases, requiring your baby to be delivered as soon as possible. It may also cause your baby’s heart rate to decline. Women who are pregnant with twins or who are at a high risk for a variety of reasons are also ineligible for the surgery.
Just because you’re breech doesn’t necessarily indicate you’ll need a C-section. It’s long been regarded to be the safest way to deliver breech babies, but new research is calling that into doubt. You can attempt a few non-medical approaches. To see whether gravity can take hold, do some pelvic rises on your back, or look into acupuncture or even hypnosis! Just make sure to look for qualified practitioners who have been schooled in this field.
You’re simply jonesing for a sign of WHEN, OH WHEN you might go into labour during those last few weeks of pregnancy, and regrettably, there aren’t many until it’s time to leave. The passage of your mucus plug is one such symptom, but that is not always the case. Your mucus plug is a little plug of mucus that forms at the cervix throughout your pregnancy, just as it sounds. When your cervix starts to dilate, the plug may fall into your vaginal canal and look as a pink or slightly crimson glob. Isn’t it stylish? This “passing of” the plug (most likely into the toilet when you go to urinate) could be interpreted as an indication that labour is imminent, at the very least one to two weeks away, which is basically like next year. Don’t stress mama, it will happen one way or another!
Breech positions come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A “Frank Breech,” or bottom first with feet up near the head, is one example. “Complete Breech,” in which one or both feet are set up to exit first, and “Footling Breech,” in which one or both feet are set up to escape first.
Your doctor may be able to detect the location of your babe by feeling your belly by the beginning of your third trimester. It’s possible that your kid is breech at this point and will turn around.
If your baby is still breech by week 37, your caregiver can try an external cephalic version (ECV), which is a procedure in which your doctor or an experienced practitioner applies pressure on your abdomen and manually turns the baby into a head-down position. The success rate is around 58 percent, however there are certain hazards involved. An ECV can cause the placenta to separate from the uterus in a small percentage of cases, requiring your baby to be delivered as soon as possible. It may also cause your baby’s heart rate to decline. Women who are pregnant with twins or who are at a high risk for a variety of reasons are also ineligible for the surgery.
Just because you’re breech doesn’t necessarily indicate you’ll need a C-section. It’s long been regarded to be the safest way to deliver breech babies, but new research is calling that into doubt. You can attempt a few non-medical approaches. To see whether gravity can take hold, do some pelvic rises on your back, or look into acupuncture or even hypnosis! Just make sure to look for qualified practitioners who have been schooled in this field.
As you near the end of your pregnancy, you may want to start massaging your perineum, or the area around your vaginal opening, to help stretch it out. Isn’t it sensual? This type of daily massage may reduce tearing and reduce the need for an episiotomy. Grab a mirror and clean your hands (obviously). It’s time to get to know your surroundings.
To loosen everything up, take a warm bath and gently lubricate your fingers, thumbs, and perineal area with vitamin E oil or any other pure, all-natural oil (not baby oil or vaseline/aquaphor). Start pressing down towards your butt and stretching your thumbs into the sides of your vagina at approximately the first knuckle. Hold for two minutes after stretching the region until you feel a little pressure. The idea is to loosen and stretch your vagina in preparation for childbirth. Continue for a few minutes at a time. Just keep in mind, mama, that simple is best.
Isn’t it true that the last several weeks have been a complete mental whirlwind? It’s difficult enough to tell when you’re in true labour, less alone FAKE LABOR. You’ve certainly heard of Braxton Hicks, which is your body’s way of preparing for the big event, but you’re not in labour, and it doesn’t mean labour is about to start. It was a good time.
Braxton Hicks is described by some women as a tightening in the abs that resembles menstrual pains. The key distinction between Braxton Hicks and genuine contractions is the severity (labour is more severe), irregularities (labour is more consistent), and the fact that they don’t get stronger or last longer over time (labor gets longer and more painful).
There’s not much you can do if you’re having Braxton Hicks contractions. If they’re really bothering you, consider taking a bath, napping, or getting a massage. Regrettably, you may have little choice but to wait it out and try to relax.
Check out our useful heat sheet below if you’re confused whether you’re experiencing genuine labour or Braxton Hicks:
How strong are your contractions?
Do your contractions change?
Where do you feel it most?
If you’re unclear as to what’s going on, and that you may be in labor, call your medical provider. Definitely call your doctor if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms during your contractions:
Isn’t pregnancy supposed to be this magical, wonderful time? When all of your love and hope for your unborn child is blinding you, when birds start chirping as soon as you walk out the door, when life feels #blessed, right?
WRONG. Pregnancy may be a period of stress, bewilderment, anxiety, and, yes, depression for many mothers. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, depression affects 14-23 percent of pregnant women. It’s frequently misdiagnosed, with professionals, spouses, or loved ones blaming your sentiments on “hormones” or a lack of sleep. While hormones can influence brain chemicals (which are a direct source of mood and anxiety), this is still a risky assumption.
If you’re curious about the signs of depression during pregnancy, it’s generally cited as the following symptoms going on longer than two weeks:
Despair can be caused by a number of factors, including interpersonal issues, infertility, a previous pregnancy loss, or a personal history of depression. If left untreated, pregnancy can result in poor nutrition, drinking, smoking, and suicidal behaviour in both the mother and the child. Babies born to depressive moms may be less energetic and anxious as a result of their mother’s depression.
Seek help if you think you could be depressed, or even if you’re not sure but suspect you might be. There are support groups, counselling choices, and medication may be an option if your depression is severe. Consult your doctor for advice on how to receive aid. Here are some all-natural methods to stay positive amid pregnancy’s roller coaster:
Just remember, however you’re feeling, you are not alone. We’ve all been through it, and we’re all going through it in one form or another. If you need some extra support, if you think you’re struggling with depression, please ask for help. And know that we are with you 100% of the way.
For a brief moment, we’re going to stand on our soapboxes to shatter the myth of what it means to have a “natural childbirth.” What could possible be more natural than giving birth to a child? At MYLAB, we think that every birthing experience is natural. Basically, it’s a hundred percent totes natch.
However, if you like, you can have an unmedicated delivery experience in a variety of ways. So, if it’s something you want to accomplish, we recommend that you plan beforehand. If you say to yourself, “Well, maybe I’ll do it, maybe I won’t,” you’re probably right. Labor is excruciating! Like, really unpleasant, and if you know what tools to utilise ahead of time, you can help yourself manage with the agony. If you want to try an unmedicated delivery, we recommend enrolling in a birthing class that focuses on as little intervention as possible, and possibly hiring a doula to advocate for your decisions and assist you during labour. Whatever you decide, giving birth is a natural, transcendent experience – drugs or no drugs, vaginal or c-section…. However it happens!
Hemorrhoids are one of those icky pregnant side symptoms that, on the surface, seems a little awkward to discuss, but they’re so frequent! Hemorrhoids occur when the veins surrounding your rectum grow varicose, or enlarged, and become extremely uncomfortable. It’s a sad time. They usually make their appearance in the third trimester.
Constipation, combined with increased pressure on the area from your growing babe and bod, is the most prevalent cause of haemorrhoids. The bright side to all of this heinousness is that once your baby is born, the situation should improve. The easiest method to avoid haemorrhoids is to prevent them from developing in the first place.
Preventative measures include eating a high fiber diet and drinking plenty of fluids so to ensure smooth moves. If ‘rrhoids got you down, here are a few ways to seek relief:
A glucose screening will most likely be recommended by your doctor between 24 and 28 weeks. What is the explanation for this? To rule out gestational diabetes, a type of elevated blood sugar that some women develop during pregnancy. (FYI, it’s incredibly common, not life threatening, and it doesn’t mean you’ll develop diabetes once the baby is born, so relax.)
The glucose screening, like all screens, won’t offer you a definitive diagnosis (fun, right?) but it will tell you if you’ll need additional testing in the future. Here’s how it works. Your doctor will give you a nasty, very sugary solution containing 50 grammes of glucose when you attend for the test. You’ll basically have to drink it. Your blood will be drawn from your arm an hour later to monitor your blood sugar level. The idea is to determine how well your body handles sugar. In a few days, the results should be accessible.
If it’s too high, it doesn’t necessarily indicate you have gestational diabetes; it only means you’ll need to return for the glucose tolerance test (GTT), which is when the real heinousness begins. The GTT is a three-hour test that begins with you being completely empty (so book that early). When you attend for the test, they’ll prick your arm to establish a baseline, then you’ll drink the syrup, they’ll poke you again, and so on for three hours. Wait, chug, arm prick. It’s a long and dreadful examination, so speak up and ask to lie down in an exam room if you start to feel nauseated or dizzy. You are free to go after the final blood sample and eat, nap, or cry.
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you will work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan to help you manage the disease. As previously said, this diagnosis should only persist as long as your pregnancy, but you should get another glucose test six to eight weeks after your baby is born just to be sure.
You are not alone if you feel like your legs can’t relax, that they’re itchy and burning, and that you have to move them continuously. Restless Leg Syndrome affects about a third of pregnant women. Experts aren’t sure why, although some speculate that it could be due to a dopamine imbalance, the hormone in your brain that keeps your muscles nice and smooth. You could be deficient in folic acid or iron, or you could be experiencing symptoms as a result of growing oestrogen levels during your pregnancy.
While there is no cure for Restless Leg Syndrome, you can try soaking in a warm bath and massaging your legs to relax the muscles. You can also try heat or cooling packs and light to moderate exercise. And rest assured, all of those weird feels should subside post-babe.
Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay To answer your question, you can absolutely engage in some sexual healing if you’re having a healthy pregnancy. Sex does not harm the baby (amniotic fluids prevent this), and as long as you use postures that keep you comfortable and supported, you should be fine. Some women even report an increase in sex drive when pregnant, so make the most of it! Please check in with your doctor if you have any pregnancy complications or have had them in the past, and if you experience any type of severe bleeding, uncomfortable cramping, or leaking amniotic fluid after having sex, call your physician right away.
By definition, birth plans are the last potential moment of your life that you can attempt to influence, with varied degrees of success. The bottom line is that making a birth plan is a terrific way to figure out how you want to give birth, such as vaginally versus by c-section, with or without pain medication, in a hospital versus in a bathtub with flickering candles and a sick Spotify playlist. But the reality is that when that babe is ready to make their debut, any pre-delivery smudge stick session might go out the window just as soon. What is our recommendation? Have a loose plan in mind and be willing to adjust it if necessary.
We’re really sorry if you can barely get to work without exploding in back agony, or if your heating pad has literally become your best friend. There are a slew of reasons why you might be suffering lower back pain when pregnant. Here are a few:
The good news is as follows, If you’re experiencing this pain for the first time throughout your pregnancy, it’ll most likely go away after you give birth. In the meantime, try to stay active. Acupuncture and administering heat and ice, as well as light to moderate exercise and stretching, can assist to reduce discomfort. Also, take off your heels and replace them with sturdy sneakers. If nothing else works, talk to your doctor about using some pain relievers.
Get out and see the world while you still can, as long as you’re feeling fantastic and babe is healthy! Experts and doctors have always recommended that you keep landlocked in terms of air travel around 28-30 weeks (some airlines even require it), and that as you approach the 36-week mark, you may want to stay local in case you go into labour early.
We adore the notion of a babymoon or trip around 14-28 weeks, also known as the second trimester. That’s usually when you’re at your best — no more morning sickness (ideally) and you’re still too huge to wriggle out of your coach seat. If you have preeclampsia or early rupture of membranes, or if your doctor believes your risks of preterm labour are higher for whatever reason, you may wish to stay closer to home. Also, consult your doctor about your travel plans, as Zika and malaria-affected areas are not suggested for pregnant women.
Also, if you’re travelling, remember to get up and move around the plane as often as possible, and wear compression socks. Pregnant women are more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis (a disorder in which blood clots form in the veins of the legs or elsewhere). Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water! Also, make sure your vaccinations are up to date, and bring any over-the-counter drugs you may require. Finally, look into medical choices at your final location, whether or not they are covered by your insurance plan. Good luck on your journey!
If you’re sick of having your blood pressure taken constantly, know that it’s for good reason. Your MD is likely checking for preeclampsia – a potentially dangerous pregnancy complication that causes high blood pressure, kidney damage, and LOTS of other problems. Preeclampsia is considered a life-threatening condition that impacts about 5% of pregnant women in the US. What makes it so scary is that you may not even experience any symptoms, but your doctor should be screening you for it at your prenatal visits.
Preeclampsia commonly starts in the last trimester, but it can happen at any time later in pregnancy, even during labor, or up to six weeks following delivery. It can become severe quickly or progress slowly. Left untreated, it can lead to dangerous health problems for you and your baby. Basically, the gist is that preeclampsia causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in high blood pressure and a reduced blood flow that can affect organs in the body, ie the liver, kidneys, and brain. These changes cause small blood vessels to “leak” fluid into tissues, which can result in swelling. When these tiny blood vessels in the kidneys leak, protein from the bloodstream spills into urine. Bottom line is it’s dangerous.
Most women who get preeclampsia develop it near their due date and are TOTALLY FINE. But the earlier you develop the condition, and the more severe it is, the greater the risk is for you and your babe, because preeclampsia raises the chance of serious complications. Not to stress it, but that’s why some women may need to deliver early if the condition is severe or getting worse.
Preeclampsia symptoms are hard to note, but if you’re experiencing any of the below symptoms, call you doctor asap:
Throughout your pregnancy and afterwards, your breasts will undergo a variety of changes. It’s a voyage when it comes to size, shape, and colour. They’ll definitely develop bigger and heavier in the second trimester, and the veins around your breast will become more visible beneath the skin. It’s possible that your nipples and areolas will grow and darken, with some really pleasant tiny bumps appearing on the surface. Before you panic, know that they should recover to their pre-pregnancy colour and size, however we can’t say the same for the rest of your breasts!
While your head hair may shed less during pregnancy, you may notice an increase in body and face hair. You can put the increase in the androgen hormone to blame. You can tweeze, wax, or shave to remove those annoying hairs. Bleach and depilatories are substances that can enter your bloodstream. Also postpone permanent hair removal procedures like laser or electrolysis until after the baby, as these may create pigmentation issues. Don’t worry, the additional hair will fall out three to six months after you give birth.
This is where the pregnancy symptoms truly kick in. You might find yourself with a large, gorgeous mane all of a sudden (cue our Strength and Shine hair oil for optimal moisture and retention). Contrary to popular misconception, you are not growing more hair; rather, you are losing it at a slower rate than usual. Higher amounts of oestrogen during pregnancy lengthen your hair development phase, resulting in less hair losing in a typical follicular cycle. So you’re not gaining any weight, but you’re losing less. Just remember that the growth/shed cycle returns to normal after giving birth, so you may notice more hair coming out in the shower. It’s all a part of the process, so take advantage of it while you can!
This is just another “don’t be concerned” scenario. During their pregnancy, about half of all pregnant women feel cramps or limb spasms, especially in the second and third trimesters. They could be the result of weight increase, which can alter the way your muscles work and your circulation. Your nerves and blood vessels may get irritated as a result of the pressure from your growing baby. Here are some techniques to relieve or treat leg cramps, and as always, if anything feels unusual or out of the ordinary, consult your doctor.
If your hands are numb, tingling, or have a dull discomfort across your fingers, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. During pregnancy, you retain a lot of extra fluid, which swells the tissues in your wrists and hands and compresses the nerve that extends from the bony tunnel in your wrist, causing pain.
Limit movements or activities that may aggravate your pain to relieve your discomfort. Yoga can help to enhance hand strength and alleviate discomfort. Also, try to prevent sleeping on your hands by using an ergonomic keyboard or mouse. Take short breaks to move your arms or hands, and if possible, avoid mindless texting or scrolling.
You’ve probably overheard your friends discussing “doing their kegels.” We’re currently working on ours! The pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, small intestine, and rectum, are strengthened with kegel exercises. Kegels can be done anytime + anywhere – on the train, in the vehicle, while watching TV. Nobody needs to know! Arnold Kegel, an American gynaecologist who devised the kegel workout as a non-surgical treatment for urinary stress, incontinence, and genital prolapse, was the inspiration for the exercise. Because delivery wreaks havoc on your pelvic floor muscles, exercising kegels will undoubtedly help, especially if you’re prone to leaking a few drips of pee when sneezing, laughing, doing jumping jacks, or simply existing.
Here’s how to do it:
Locate the muscle: To figure out where your pelvic floor muscles are, stop peeing midstream. Do you feel that muscle responsible for stopping your flow? Meet your kegels.
Squeeeeeze: Pretend you’ve got a marble, jade egg, whatever up there and you need to transport it somewhere (just go with us), squeeze that muscle for three seconds and release for three seconds.
Focus: Keep flexing + releasing that muscle (and not your abs, butt or anything else) in sets of three at 10-15 reps per set. Remember to breathe and have fun!
We totally support indulging in comfort foods and desires while pregnant, but if you’ve already reached your weight gain goal, you can still try to maintain or even limit it by taking a few steps. To begin, speak with your healthcare physician and devise a plan to help you feel your best. There will be no deprivation or hunger, just pleasant and healthy eating. Some of our tried-and-true recommendations? Avoid dieting, limit empty calories, and eat real food instead. Choose fresh fruit over dried fruit as a snack, sweet potatoes over fries, and white flesh chicken over a bucket of KFC. Also, eat a lot of nutrients and proteins, and keep track of your portions. Concentrate on healthy fats like salmon, nuts, and seeds while avoiding high trans fats like those found in cookies, baked goods, and frozen pizza. Finally, after your doctor has given you the go light, get moving! Whether it’s taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking instead of driving, or embracing your inner zen in a prenatal yoga class, make fitness a regular part of your day. Mama, everything in moderation.
Do not be alarmed if you haven’t felt any movement by 25 weeks or so. As your baby grows, you’ll be able to recognise those extremely delicate early movements. Some infants simply move less than others. (They’re spooky!) Also, as the baby grows larger, they will likely move less by the 32nd week because there isn’t as much room! If your baby was moving normally and you haven’t felt movement in the last two hours, or if the movements have slowed down drastically, contact your doctor.
Constipation is one of those little-discussed pregnancy complaints that affects almost everyone. It’s supposed to be caused by hormones that relax the intestinal muscle and cause food and waste to pass more slowly through the system, as well as the pressure exerted on your intestines by a growing uterus. Here are a few suggestions for relieving constipation:
There are few things more thrilling than the first time you feel your baby move inside you. Between 16 and 25 weeks of pregnancy, you’ll experience “quickening,” or the first small movements that feel like a combination between butterflies and a nervous twitch, according to doctors. When you’re in a seated, relaxing position, you’re more likely to feel it, and new moms may feel it later in the pregnancy than 2nd, 3rd, or 4th timers. It may be difficult to tell at first, but if you stay still long enough, you’ll begin to recognise these small moments before they turn into full-fledged kicks!
As your baby grows, usually towards the end of the 2nd trimester, those little movements should escalate into stronger kicks. You’ll feel them more at certain times of day, like when you’re trying to sleep, as their surge in activity is generally due to your changing blood sugar levels.
It’s crucial to stay hydrated throughout pregnancy, so keep that Swell bottle or Poland Spring on hand. You require more water as a pregnant woman than the usual person since water is essential for your baby’s development. Did you know that water aids in the formation of the placenta? It’s also used to construct the amniotic sac later in pregnancy, and it keeps the blood hydrated, making the heart’s job easier. It also oxygenates the organs and muscles, lowering the risk of cramps, sprains, circulation issues, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). So, mama, do your job and drink at least 8 cups of water daily. Keep drinking even if you don’t feel thirsty, and remember to eat hydrating meals like fruits and vegetables.
An NT scan, also known as a nuchal translucency scan, is a frequent screening test performed during the first trimester of pregnancy. An abdominal ultrasound will be performed to determine the size of the transparent tissue (also known as nuchal translucency) at the back of your baby’s neck. Although a foetus may have fluid or even transparent tissue, too much of either can suggest Down syndrome or another genetic problem. (Down syndrome babies have an extra copy of chromosome 21.) Down syndrome is incurable, and it causes developmental delays and physical features.
Blood tests will be done as part of the NT test to determine your plasma protein levels as well as the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). A chromosomal abnormality could also be indicated by abnormal levels of either. The chance of your baby having an anomaly will then be calculated by your doctor. Just keep in mind that an NT scan will not reveal the presence of Down syndrome or any other chromosomal issue. Only the risk is predicted by the test. If your results require additional testing or explanation, speak with your provider.
When it comes to prenatal care, prenatal vitamins are a must. They’re packed of vitamins and nutrients that are critical for a healthy baby’ growth, including as folic acid, calcium, and iron – all at higher amounts than you can get from your diet. If rummaging around the vitamin aisle at CVS makes you nervous, keep in mind that prenatal vitamins vary widely in price, brand, and nutritional concentration. Consult your doctor for further information on the best course of action for you.
During pregnancy, your skin will change dramatically. Some are good, while others are, well, splotchy! You may have the “mask of pregnancy,” also known as melasma, if you see unexpected dark splotches all over your face. Increased pigmentation causes these patches, which most typically appear on the forehead and cheeks. When you become pregnant, your body produces more hormones, which causes you to become more pigmented. Don’t worry; over half of all pregnant women suffer from some form of pregnancy mask. Wear a sun hat and a strong sunscreen (that’s mama + baby-safe, of course) whenever you plan on being outside to help avoid it. Fortunately, after pregnancy, your skin won’t be nearly as sensitive to the sun, though you should still practice good sun prevention anyway.
“Warrior Marks” or “Mama Marks” are the terms we favour. After all, why hide your pregnancy stretch marks when you can flaunt them? But we understand. You’re just trying to keep that youthful, supple pre-pregnancy figure. Is that even possible?! Obviously not. The bad news is that stretch marks are largely hereditary, so if your mother has them, you’re likely to pass the genetic code down to your children. However, there are some defences for dealing with stretch marks along the journey.
Making ensuring your skin maintains full suppleness is one of the greatest stretch mark prevention measures. This can be accomplished by consuming vitamin-rich foods that aid in the formation of collagen. Vitamin C, in particular, protects tissue from injury, while riboflavin and niacin are known to support skin health. To help strengthen and regenerate skin, drink at least 2 litres of water per day.
Our best-selling Belly Oil is a nutrient-rich quick-dry oil that helps relieve itching and decreases the appearance of stretch marks when used in conjunction with a healthy diet. Its baby-safe botanical blend supports skin as it stretches while also providing deep hydration without leaving a greasy behind. It’s a one-two punch of hydration that works from the inside out AND the outside in.
Last but not least, begin moving! Working exercise promotes circulation, which helps with skin elasticity and offers more stretch as it grows, in addition to combating exhaustion, assisting with sleep, and lowering mood swings. Varicose veins are the same way! So go to the pilates studio, take a spin class, or go for a stroll.
You’re bloated, worried, and carrying the entire load of bringing new life into this world on your shoulders. You can be overjoyed one minute and then want to throw a chair at your partner the next. Welcome to the highs and lows of pregnancy (and, if we’re being completely honest, motherhood). While the stress of pregnancy can be blamed for these mood fluctuations, there’s more going on beneath the surface. Beyond the physical and metabolic changes (including weariness), your oestrogen and progesterone levels are out of whack in your body, potentially affecting your neurotransmitters, or mood-regulating brain chemicals. After 10 weeks, your hormones should have evened out, and your emotions should as well.
First of all, let’s acknowledge something important: you’re probably doing okay. And you are not alone in feeling the pressure on new parents to get a baby sleeping through the night as early as possible. The upshot: that’s very unlikely to happen before 4 to 6 months. It takes months for babies to learn night is night and day is day, and that we sleep at night.
There are two things’ parents can do to help that process along:
When breastfeeding is part of the routine, babies may occasionally fall asleep because of the soothing nature of nursing. Learning to fall asleep on their own, or to self-soothe, is a skill that babies must learn, and you can help teach them by putting them into their crib or bassinet drowsy but awake. It’s sweet to cuddle with your baby, but you don’t want your baby to learn that they require cuddling to fall asleep.
Until then, it helps to expect to be very tired. Getting up every few hours is just part of having an infant, and it helps, if you can, to try to get some sleep when the baby sleeps. Don’t be afraid to loosen your tidiness standards a little, back out of commitments and ask for extra help during these early months. Ask the grandparents or family members to come over and take a shift. Ask a friend to come watch the baby while you take a nap or shower. You can always pay it forward for someone else.
And remember, babies do cry, and that can be frustrating and sometimes even discouraging, especially if your baby wakes up crying during the night. If you want to put the baby in a safe place like a bassinet or crib, it is perfectly OK to leave the room for a few minutes to take a breather and calm down.
After birth, the umbilical cord will generally look brown, black, or gray, and it might feel somewhat damp. It’s important to keep this area clean and dry so that the normal healing process can take place. In most cases, the umbilical cord stump will fall off in two weeks or less, often falling off within the first week after birth. Once the umbilical cord does fall off, there might be a raw-looking spot left behind, and fluid containing a small amount of blood may be emitted from the navel. It’s perfectly normal for this to last for up to two weeks following the umbilical cord drop-off.
Babies, especially infants, don’t have a lot of ways to communicate what they want and how they’re feeling. Until they have enough words — which typically takes a few years — they express their thoughts and feelings through their behaviours.
Every parent knows the fussy baby checklist: hungry, tired, dirty diaper, something hurts. But every parent knows, too, that sometimes nothing works. Sometimes a baby is just really, really upset, and there’s nothing you or anyone else can do about it. At those times, it can be tempting to do everything possible to stop the crying and make the distress go away.
No parent or caregiver ever thinks they could intentionally harm a child. But it happens. An adult loses patience, just for an instant, and shakes a crying baby. That momentary lapse in judgment can bring a lifetime of sorrow. Shaking a baby can cause serious — and sometimes fatal — head injuries or permanent disabilities called shaken baby syndrome (SBS). You can prevent SBS by educating everyone who cares for your child about the dangers of shaking a baby, and how to appropriately respond to crying.
Most of the time, a parent’s best bet is to keep calmly soothing the baby and wait it out — the baby will probably calm down on their own pretty soon. A baby unhinged can be frustrating, though. If you’re getting upset, it’s always okay to set the baby down in a safe place like a bassinet or crib, leave the room for a few minutes, take a break and calm yourself down.
Generally speaking, breast-fed babies will have more bowel movements than formula-fed babies. While there might only be one dirty diaper a day for the first several days, by the time they are five or six days old, there are likely to be as many as five dirty diapers to change with every day. Don’t be alarmed if a day or two is skipped, but if they have no bowel movements for several days in a row, you should contact your pediatrician.
Every parent knows the fussy baby checklist: hungry, tired, dirty diaper, something hurts. But every parent knows, too, that sometimes nothing works. Sometimes a baby is just really, really upset, and there’s nothing you or anyone else can do about it. At those times, it can be tempting to do everything possible to stop the crying and make the distress go away.
No parent or caregiver ever thinks they could intentionally harm a child. But it happens. An adult loses patience, just for an instant, and shakes a crying baby. That momentary lapse in judgment can bring a lifetime of sorrow. Shaking a baby can cause serious — and sometimes fatal — head injuries or permanent disabilities called shaken baby syndrome (SBS). You can prevent SBS by educating everyone who cares for your child about the dangers of shaking a baby, and how to appropriately respond to crying.
Most of the time, a parent’s best bet is to keep calmly soothing the baby and wait it out — the baby will probably calm down on their own pretty soon. A baby unhinged can be frustrating, though. If you’re getting upset, it’s always okay to set the baby down in a safe place like a bassinet or crib, leave the room for a few minutes, take a break and calm yourself down.
It is recommended breastfeeding for about the first six months of a baby’s life, followed by breastfeeding in combination with complementary foods until at least 12 months of age. Moms can continue breastfeeding for as long as she and her baby prefer. The benefits of breastfeeding are dose-responsive, which means that the health benefits babies get from breastfeeding is related to the amount of breast milk they receive. This is supported by the positive health outcomes of exclusively breastfed infants when compared to infants who never or only partially breastfed.
Breastfeeding provides a protective effect against respiratory illnesses, ear infections, gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes and allergies including asthma and atopic dermatitis. The rate of SIDS is reduced by over a third in breastfed babies, and there is a reduction in later obesity in breastfed versus non-breastfed infants.
One of the most highly effective preventives measures a mother can take to protect the health of her infant is to breastfeed.
Up until the umbilical cord stump falls off, sponge-bathing your newborn should suffice. (After all, they don’t do much to get that dirty in those first few weeks.) Babies can generally be kept completely clean by bathing them two or three times in any given week. Some babies enjoy being bathed more than others, and if this is the case with your child, there’s no problem with bathing your child every day. However, if you do this, you should be on the alert for dry skin, and consider using a moisturizer.
Babies don’t come with fuel gauges, and, unlike bottles, neither do breasts. In many ways, it’s a leap of faith to decide there’s enough milk in the breasts to feed a baby, especially considering how difficult it can be to interpret an infant’s feeding cues. Is your baby hungry, or just gassy? It can be hard to tell.
The upshot: the vast majority of women — about 95% — make enough milk if they receive early support because milk supply is established in the first 3 to 4 weeks. Most babies only need between 1.5 and 2 ounces of milk in the early months, and even as they get older, not more than 4 ounces at a time. What makes it tricky is that a fussy baby isn’t always hungry, but most babies like to suck and will suck as long as you let them. That doesn’t mean that they need or even necessarily want to eat, and it is possible to get sore nipples and even overfeed.
Some babies tend to fall asleep during nursing. Tickling or holding their hand during a feeding session can keep them on task. Getting a weight check can be reassuring if there are doubts about intake.
Unless your baby seems to be losing weight, though, it’s probably safe to say they’re getting enough, especially if they are pooping and peeing regularly.
Generally speaking, breast-fed babies will have more bowel movements than formula-fed babies. While there might only be one dirty diaper a day for the first several days, by the time they are five or six days old, there are likely to be as many as five dirty diapers to change with every day. Don’t be alarmed if a day or two is skipped, but if they have no bowel movements for several days in a row, you should contact your pediatrician. A good of rule of thumb is that your baby should have one wet diaper for each day of life. For example, one pee diaper on day one, two pee diapers on day two, etc. Then, once you start breastfeeding or formula feeding more regularly—usually by day three or once your milk supply comes in—you should expect at least five to six wet diapers and three to four poop diapers every 24 hours
Diaper rash is a common problem for most babies, but there are some steps you can take to avoid it. Changing diapers frequently will help, as well as rinsing their bottom with warm water whenever diaper changes are made. It can be very helpful to expose your baby’s bottom to the fresh air with no diaper so that it has adequate time to dry. If a rash does appear, use a moisturizer or ointment regularly so that skin doesn’t become irritated or raw.
Frequent diaper changes, applying a barrier of ointment like A&D regularly, and making sure the skin is dry and the diaper is fastened securely, but not overly tight, can all help minimize the appearance of diaper rash.
Bonding, probably one of the most pleasurable parts of infant care, happens during the sensitive time in the first hours and days after birth when parents make a deep connection with their infant. Physical closeness can promote an emotional connection.
For infants, the attachment contributes to their emotional growth, which also affects their development in other areas, such as physical growth. Another way to think of bonding is “falling in love” with your baby. Children thrive from having a parent or other adult in their life who loves them unconditionally.
Begin bonding by cradling your baby and gently stroking him or her in different patterns. Both you and your partner can also take the opportunity to be “skin-to-skin,” holding your newborn against your own skin while feeding or cradling.
Babies, especially premature babies and those with medical problems, may respond to infant massage. Certain types of massage may enhance bonding and help with infant growth and development. Many books and videos cover infant massage — ask your doctor for recommendations. Be careful, however — babies are not as strong as adults, so massage your baby gently.
Babies usually love vocal sounds, such as talking, babbling, singing, and cooing. Your baby will probably also love listening to music. Baby rattles and musical mobiles are other good ways to stimulate your infant’s hearing. If your little one is being fussy, try singing, reciting poetry and nursery rhymes, or reading aloud as you sway or rock your baby gently in a chair.
Some babies can be unusually sensitive to touch, light, or sound, and might startle and cry easily, sleep less than expected, or turn their faces away when someone speaks or sings to them. If that’s the case with your baby, keep noise and light levels low to moderate.
Swaddling, which works well for some babies during their first few weeks, is another soothing technique first-time parents should learn. Proper swaddling keeps a baby’s arms close to the body while allowing for some movement of the legs. Not only does swaddling keep a baby warm, but it seems to give most newborns a sense of security and comfort. Swaddling also may help limit the startle reflex, which can wake a baby.
Here’s how to swaddle a baby:
Babies should not be swaddled after they’re 2 months old. At this age, some babies can roll over while swaddled, which increases their risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
If you suddenly look down and see two dark splotches staining your favourite maternity top (and directly over your nipples), don’t stress it. It’s totally normal to start leaking colostrum, aka liquid gold, before you start producing actual milk. In fact, you’ve been making it since you were about 14 weeks into your pregnancy. Some gals leak a ton, some don’t leak at all, and it makes no difference in terms of how much you’ll produce once your babe is born. Pro-tip: grab some breast pads and place them inside your bra for maximum leakage care.