Am I pregnant?
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:
- needing to pee more often – you may find you have to get up in the night
- being constipated
- increased vaginal discharge without any soreness or irritation
- feeling tired
- having a strange taste in your mouth – many women describe it as metallic
- “going off” some things, such as tea, coffee, tobacco smoke or fatty food
Alcohol Should I avoid it?
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.
Caffeine should I avoid and/or limit it?
High caffeine consumption has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and, possibly, other pregnancy complications.
Are there some I should avoid?
- soft, unpasteurized cheeses (often advertised as “fresh”) such as feta, goat, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses, and Mexican queso fresco
- unpasteurized milk, juices, and apple cider
- raw eggs or foods containing raw eggs, including mousse, tiramisu, raw cookie dough, eggnog, homemade ice cream, and Caesar dressing
- raw or undercooked fish (sushi), shellfish, or meats
- paté and meat spreads
- processed meats like hot dogs and deli meats (these should be very well cooked before eating)
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:
- shark
- swordfish
- king mackerel
- tilefish
- tuna steak (limited amounts of canned, preferably light, tuna is OK)
Smoking, should I avoid it?
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:
- miscarriage or stillbirth
- prematurity
- low birth weight
- sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- asthma and other respiratory problems
And the risks to a fetus from regular exposure to second-hand smoke include low birth weight and slowed growth.
What is a prepregnancy care checkup?
During this visit, you and your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) or other obstetric care provider will talk about:
- Your diet and lifestyle
- Your medical and family history
- Medications you take
- Past pregnancies
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.
How can being overweight or obese cause problems during pregnancy?
- High blood pressure
- Preeclampsia
- Preterm birth
- Gestational diabetes
Obesity during pregnancy also increases the risk of:
- Macrosomia
- Birth injury
- Cesarean birth
- Birth defects, especially neural tube defects (NTDs)
To stay healthy, you should keep your weight at the level that is best for your height.
Who is at risk of STIs?
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.
What should I know about vaccination before pregnancy?
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.
I had a problem in a past pregnancy—will I have the same problem again?
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.
What are the signs of labor?
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!
What does it mean if my baby is breech?
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.
What's the mucus plug?
What's Perineal Massage? (And should I do it?)
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.
Am I experiencing Braxton Hicks or actual labor?
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 often are your contractions coming on?
- Braxton Hicks: Irregular and far apart
- The Real Deal: Regular intervals at around 30 seconds to a minute and getting closer together.
How strong are your contractions?
- Braxton Hicks: Not super strong but they haven’t gotten any worse
- The Real Deal: Kinda strong and they’re getting stronger!
Do your contractions change?
- Braxton Hicks: They sort of stop and start, especially when I change positions
- Real Deal: They’re pretty full-on with no signs of stopping!
Where do you feel it most?
- Braxton Hicks: In the front of my abs
- The Real Deal: They started in my lower back and moved around to my front.
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:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Leaking fluid
- Incredibly strong contractions
- Fewer movements from your baby
How do I know if I have prenatal depression?
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:
- Constant sadness
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Thoughts of death, suicide, hopelessness or worthlessness
- Persistent anxiety
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:
- Exercise: Movement increases happy serotonin hormones and decreases stressful cortisol levels
- Sleep: Cause not sleeping can majorly affect your ability to handle everyday challenges. Simpler tasks and worries are totally magnified on little sleep.
- Proper Diet: Cause eating well feels good, plus diets high in sugar, caffeine and carbs can affect your mental and physical health.
- Herbs: Certain herbal supplements and vitamins are known to boost serotonin. Talk to your doc about taking vitamin B6, magnesium and St. John’s Wort.
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.
What's a natural childbirth and should I have one?
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!
What are the best sleeping positions for late pregnancy?
When it’s normal to switch positions while sleeping, avoid sleeping on your back because your tummy resting on your intestines and blood arteries might cause backaches, low blood pressure, and decreased blood supply to your heart and baby. Also, as your pregnancy progresses, avoid sleeping on your stomach because, well, DUH.
How can I help my hemorrhoids?
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:
- Take a warm bath with baking soda
- Use said baking soda around the area to reduce itching
- Apply witch hazel to relieve swelling
- Use medicated pads from your pharmacy
- Try not to sit for long periods
What's the glucose screening test?
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.
Why are my legs so restless?
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.
Can I have sex during pregnancy and will ``IT`` hurt the baby?
Should I make a birth plan?
Why do I have lower back pain?
- You’re gaining weight:We hate to state the obvious here, but those extra pounds can be hard on your spine, not to mention the weight of a growing baby AND your uterus can wreak havoc on the nerves in your back.
- Your walking/standing/sitting differently:These postural changes and the shifting of your center of gravity can totally add extra strain.
- Your hormones are surging:The hormone your body makes during pregnancy known as relaxin lets your ligaments open up and loosen to prep for birth. Sounds great, right? Totes, yet that same hormone can cause ligaments supporting the spine to free up and cause lower back pain.
- Stress:Oh yeahhhh. That old thing. The emotional journey of bringing new life into this world can increase back pain during pregnancy.
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.
Can I travel internationally during pregnancy?
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!
How do I know if I'm experiencing preclampsia?
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:
- Unusual swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes
- Significant swelling in your hands
- Sudden or excessive swelling of your feet or ankles
- If you’re experiencing severe water retention
Why are my nipples larger?
Why do I suddenly have more body hair?
Why is my hair thicker during pregnancy?
Why are my legs cramping?
- Exercise regularly
- Rest with your legs up
- Wear compression socks or supportive stockings
- Get prenatal massages (go on, treat yourself)
- Apply heat directly to the sore spot
Why are my hands tingling?
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.
What are ``kegels`` and how do I do them?
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!
What if I'm gaining too much weight?
When should I worry about my baby's movements?
Why am I constipated?
- Eat A High Fiber Diet: We’re talking 25-30 grams per day. Fruits, veggies, bran, prunes. You know it.
- Drink Fluids, Lots of Them: 10-12 cups per day!
- Get Moving: Walk, swim and do anything moderately to keep everything flowing.
- Use Certain OTC Remedies: Metamucil is Category B and Colace, a stool softener, is also safe to use. Laxatives + Mineral Oil are pregnancy no-no’s.
When will I feel my baby move + what will it feel like?
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.
How do I stay hydrated during pregnancy?
What's the NT scan?
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.
How do I choose prenatal vitamins?
What are these dark splotches on my face?
How do I prevent stretch marks?
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.
Why am I having such mood swings?
Why are my breasts leaking?
How do I get my baby to sleep through the night?
There are two things’ parents can do to help that process along:
- First, develop a routine and schedule that gets them used to falling asleep at the desired times. Having dinner, taking a bath, reading a story, singing a lullaby, getting pajamas on — every family has a different routine, but going through those motions at consistent times will help a baby learn when to expect to sleep.
- Second, help your child learn to fall back to sleep on their own if they wake up during the night.
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.
When will the umbilical cord fall?
I can’t get my baby to stop crying! What can I do?
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.
How many dirty diapers should I be changing in a day?
How long should I breastfeed my Baby?
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.
How often should I bathe my baby?
Is my baby getting enough to eat?
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.
How many dirty diapers should I be changing in a day?
How can I keep my baby from getting diaper rash?
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 and Soothing
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:
- Spread out the receiving blanket, with one corner folded over slightly.
- Lay the baby face-up on the blanket with his or her head above the folded corner.
- Wrap the left corner over the body and tuck it beneath the back of the baby, going under the right arm.
- Bring the bottom corner up over the baby’s feet and pull it toward the head, folding the fabric down if it gets close to the face. Be sure not to wrap too tightly around the hips. Hips and knees should be slightly bent and turned out. Wrapping your baby too tightly may increase the chance of hip dysplasia.
- Wrap the right corner around the baby, and tuck it under the baby’s back on the left side, leaving only the neck and head exposed. To make sure your baby is not wrapped too tight, make sure you can slip a hand between the blanket and your baby’s chest, which will allow comfortable breathing. Make sure, however, that the blanket is not so loose that it could become undone.
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)