Ladies! The storks have been working overtime, and the baby boom is upon us! As we all know, with great baby power comes great baby shower responsibility! Ha Ha! If you've been invited to a baby shower, chances are you're panicking about what to buy for the new mom and her little bundle of joy. Fear not ladies! We have you covered with our top 10 baby shower gift ideas. These ideas will not only make the new mama beam with happiness but also make the baby coo with delight (or so we'd like to think).
Here is a quick list of the Top 10 Baby Shower Gifts
Personalized Baby Blanket
Baby Carrier or Sling
Postpartum Care Package
Diaper Subscription
Meal Delivery Service
Baby Clothes
Memory Book or Baby Journal
Baby Toys and Books
Spa Day or Massage Gift Certificate
Professional Photography Session
Now let's dive into more details with the:
In the sea of baby blankets that our little hero will soon be swimming in, make sure yours stands out by adding a personal touch. A soft, cozy blanket embroidered with the baby's name or initials is not just a piece of fabric; it's a keepsake that will be cherished for years to come. Go the extra mile and choose a blanket made of organic or hypoallergenic materials to ensure the baby's delicate skin stays irritation-free.
When a new mom isn't trying to find a moment to shower, she's probably juggling household chores while holding her baby. Enter the baby carrier or sling, a gift that keeps on giving. A comfortable, ergonomic carrier will allow the mother to keep her baby close while having her hands free for other tasks. Plus, the baby will love being snuggled up to their favorite person in the world. Just make sure to choose a carrier that's suitable for newborns and supports proper hip development.
Let's face it; childbirth is a big deal. Show the new mom that you care about her well-being with a thoughtful postpartum care package. Include items like comfortable clothing (think stretchy pants and soft nursing tops), self-care products (bath salts, scented candles, or soothing creams), and nutritious snacks (energy bars, dried fruits, or lactation cookies). Throw in a heartfelt note, and you've got a gift that will make any new mama feel loved and appreciated. Great packages for mums who will be also breast feeding include, peri bottles, nipple pads, nipple shields, breast milk collectors and of course bandana style baby bibs to handle all the spills.
Diapers are the unsung heroes of parenthood, and they also happen to be a significant expense. Gift the new parents a monthly diaper delivery subscription to take one task off their to-do list and give them some much-needed peace of mind. Make sure to check the brand preference and size requirements before signing up. Add a touch of humor with a funny diaper-themed card to lighten the mood.
Sleep deprivation, diaper changes, and endless feedings can make preparing meals feel like an Olympic sport. Give the gift of food with a meal delivery subscription that caters to the new parents' tastes and dietary preferences. Nutritious, delicious, and easy to prepare meals will be a godsend during those first few hectic months.
Babies grow at an alarming rate, which means they always need new clothes. When shopping for baby outfits, consider different sizes to accommodate growth spurts, as well as the season and climate. Choose soft, breathable fabrics and easy-to-use closures. Don't be afraid to get creative with cute designs, patterns, or even funny slogans. Just be prepared for the onslaught of adorable baby pictures in return.
The saying "time flies" takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to babies. Help the new mom hold onto those precious memories with a beautifully designed memory book or baby journal. Opt for one that provides ample space for jotting down milestones, attaching photos, and even storing keepsakes like the baby's hospital bracelet or a lock of hair. Bonus points if you find a journal with prompts or sections for mom to record her thoughts and feelings during this remarkable journey.
Babies are like little sponges, ready to soak up new experiences and develop their skills. Gift the new mom and baby with age-appropriate toys and books to encourage learning and interaction. Look for toys that stimulate the senses, promote fine motor skills, and have an element of fun. Soft, cuddly toys, high-contrast black and white toys, or musical toys are excellent choices for newborns. Board books with colorful illustrations and simple stories will serve as a great introduction to the wonderful world of reading.
The new mom deserves a break, and what better way to give her some well-deserved relaxation than with a spa day or massage gift certificate? This thoughtful gift will allow her to recharge and take a breather from the demands of motherhood. Just make sure the spa or massage parlor offers postnatal treatments and that the new mom has someone to watch the baby while she indulges in some self-care.
Babies change so quickly, and those first few weeks and months can pass in a blur. A gift certificate for a professional photo session with a reputable newborn photographer will help the new parents capture these fleeting moments beautifully. This thoughtful gift will result in priceless keepsakes that will be cherished for years to come.
Now that we've got the top 10 baby shower gift ideas covered, let's dive into some additional tips and tricks to make your gift stand out and ensure you're the life of the party (or, at the very least, the baby shower gift-giving champ).
Yoga.
There are so many healthy exercises that you can try to relieve your back pain but doing yoga can have awesome outcomes when it comes to relieving back pain due to pregnancy.
Yoga is considered one of the most relaxing forms of exercise for a pregnant woman. Its soothing properties work incredibly to reduce pregnancy back pain.
This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide to some of the best and easy positions to get immediate and long-lasting relief from pregnancy back pain.
But before moving on to the steps let's discuss the reason for back pain during pregnancy.
As you know, pregnancy has many side effects. It can affect you both mentally and physically. It also causes a change in the ligaments of your body.
During pregnancy, your ligaments will naturally soften to prepare your body for labor. These changes put a strain on the joints of the lower back and pelvic region which leads to back pain.
There are many ways to ease back pain during pregnancy. Here is a list of some of the effective and proven tips that you can try to avoid this discomfort:
Talking about yoga, let's move on to pregnancy yoga positions.
Following are some of the easiest and simple yoga positions for pregnancy back pain:
This hip opener works well to relieve back pain. This position creates space for your belly and opens up your back which relieves tension in your glutes and muscles.
This video provides a bit of warm up before getting into the ankle-to-knee stretch
Any kind of side bend yoga can help to ease back pain during pregnancy. You can go with either crossed or open legs.
This is another great and simple pregnancy yoga position for back pain. The forward bend with your feet a little wider than hip distance also helps you feel so relaxed.
The goddess pose includes the opening of your hips. This is a great exercise if you spend most of your time sitting at a desk.
You can easily turn goddess poses into sumo squats.
It is one of the most recommended pregnancy yoga poses to ease back pain. It helps with opening your hips and stretching your legs.
In this pose, you need to stretch your back and open up your shoulders. It is one of the great balance exercises to practice while pregnant and also helps to relieve back pain.
The child's pose is a quite famous pose yoga for reducing both back and shoulder pain. Practice this pose and kick out your back pain immediately.
The pose provides extra support and creates a lengthening between your vertebrae and tips region which helps to relieve compression in your joints and prevents back pain.
Deep breathing is another relaxing pregnancy yoga for back pain. This position also helps to get a straight spine in your incubation period.
You will need to start with a neutral spine for this pose. It is very effective for back pain during pregnancy.
A low lunge is another great pose for easing your back pain. The position completely stretches your hip flexors which cause is a major cause of back pain when too tight.
12. SUPPORTED FISH POSE
This super amazing pose is the favorite one of many pregnant women because it is very simple and easy. Furthermore, it greatly helps to relieve back pain during pregnancy.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR FISH POSE
Pregnancy is filled with many unique experiences but if you stay active you can easily cope with any kind of situation. Moreover, an active body has several benefits for both the pregnant woman and her growing infant.
All of the above-mentioned yoga poses can help to ease back pain and also keeps you active. You can practice all the poses individually during your pregnancy.
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Having difficulty with breastfeeding is common, so you don’t need to worry about it. These days there are different means of support that can help you nurse your little ones effectively, and a breastfeeding nipple shield is one of them. However, be sure to avoid the NUMBER 1 REASON women have problems using breastfeeding nipple shields. NOT PLACING THEM ON YOUR BREAST CORRECTLY. See the CORRECT WAY to place our nipple shields onto your breast later in the blog.
Using a nipple shield during breastfeeding is quite effective. New moms and lactation consultants are using this product throughout the world.
A breastfeeding nipple shield is a soft and flexible nipple-shaped protector that is made of silicone. There is a hole on the tip of each shield which allows the continuous flow of milk and makes feeding your child easy.
You place it over your nipple and breast during breastfeeding and lets your baby latch easily.
Nipple shields have been designed to stay in the place during the feeding process. The design keeps mom comfortable even if worn for longer periods because of its soft texture.
Using a nipple shield during breastfeeding has proven to be beneficial in helping your little one during feeding.
It is specially made for moms with lactation problems. If your child is having trouble latching, then a nipple shield can be a good solution.
And as always, consult your lactation professional first before starting the use of a nipple shield.
Benefits of a Nipple Shield:
The following are some benefits of using breastfeeding nipple shields:
Premature babies are quite weak. So creating the suction for breastfeeding or position them properly for feeding can be difficult. Using a nipple shield for breastfeeding will help those little kiddos while feeding. The shield holds the nipple in such a position that your baby can feed easily. It also allows your baby to take a stop to breathe in the same position.
According to the research, premature babies consume more milk if fed through a breastfeeding nipple shield. You can stop wearing the nipple shield after your baby becomes strong enough to feed by himself effectively.
Your baby will find it difficult to breastfeed if you have flat or inverted nipples. Using a nipple shield during breastfeeding will help you here too.
The nipple shield is designed with an extended shape and provides a large surface area that makes it easy to latch onto your breast. The shield draws your nipple out and makes feeding easier for your baby.
Not every breastfeeding woman will need to use a nipple shield, but it can help the women who have problems getting your baby to latch.
A poor latch can be because of various many reasons:
Mothers can also use a nipple shield if they have cracked nipples or sore breasts. It will help to prevent the symptoms from getting worse.
Besides the great benefits that using nipple shields during breastfeeding offers, there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of:
There are some precautions when using a nipple shield as well. By following these precautions, you will reduce the chances of any compilation of using a nipple shield.
When you think you need to use a nipple shield during breastfeeding, then there is a need to learn how to use it correctly. Nipple shields look so simple but you need to know the tricks to use them correctly. You can get guidance from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding proficient.
You should ask your doctor or hospital to help you to find the best lactation consultant in your area. A lactation consultant can guide you in the best way. He can help you in the following ways:
Experts suggest talking with a certified lactation consultant before using a nipple shield. The lactation consultant can provide different options and tips. Using a different nursing position can also help.
If you need to use the nipple shield, the lactation consultant will help to guide how to place it correctly. Placing the nipple shield correctly is important to avoid further compilations.
Before feeding your baby with a nipple shield, you first need to fit it in place. If you are facing difficulty fitting it in place, use warm water. Apply warm water to the inner sides of the shield and then stick it in the place.
If you feel the nipple shield slipping off when your baby latches, you need to clean the nipple shield. You can clean the nipple shield with dish soap and water and simply rinse thoroughly.
Above all, experts also say, a nipple shield should only be temporarily and under the supervision of lactation consultants. A certified lactation consultant can guide you on how long you should use the nipple shield. You should stop using it once the problem that causes you to use nipple shields has been solved.
Also, ladies, no need to spend hours searching for nipple shields that work. Our nipple shields fit most breast sizes and shapes. And work just as well with flat or inverted nipples. And yes you can easily get them in the USA, CANADA and AUSTRALIA. Simply CLICK the image below
Making sure that you are using the nipple shield correctly is very important. If you used it incorrectly, you can damage your skin. It can also reduce enough supply of milk. Therefore, make sure that you are using it accurately.
There are some signs to know whether you are using the shield correctly or not.
The use of a nipple shield during breastfeeding is completely safe. If you think that you need to use a nipple shield during breastfeeding, you only have to consult your lactation consultant before starting to use it.
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This article is intended to explain how music can be helpful for the overall health of your baby.
Your baby can start hearing his/her very first sound as early as weeks 16 to 18 of pregnancy.
By the third trimester (weeks 23 and 24) your baby will be able to respond to sound and can move his/her head towards the noise. In the last months of pregnancy, babies are also able to recognize their mother's voice.
Listening to music during pregnancy does not only have a soothing effect on the mother. But it also has a positive influence on your unborn baby.
According to one study, babies who listen to music in the womb are more likely to have improved mental, physiological, emotional, and sensory development.
Another research study was conducted to see the effect of Indian classical music "Kalyani raga" on pregnant women. In this study, pregnant women were asked to listen to Kalyani raga for at least 20 minutes for 20 days. After these 20 days, researchers discovered a positive impact on both the babies and the pregnant women:
Listening to music also left a comforting, calming, and soothing impact on the mother.
During the third trimester, your baby’s hearing develops and he/she will hear the music and other sounds in the womb. So, you can play some songs for him.
The ears of the little infant are still weak so playing rock or hard music is not a good idea.
Instead, you can play some music that provides a calming, relaxing, and soothing effect to your baby. Whatever the music you pick, it must be soft, light, and smooth. You can play lullabies, classical music, or any other light music which sounds gentle.
Listening to music during pregnancy helps in alleviating common health symptoms that occur during the pregnancy.
How music exactly works as a therapy is still unclear but some studies suggest music therapy is advantageous during pregnancy. Music therapy benefits pregnant women in the following possible ways:
The music helps pregnant women improve their overall well-being by reducing stress levels. It also helps reduce prenatal anxiety.
Music during pregnancy can act as a pain reliever and helps to control pain.
According to the studies, music therapy helps to improve sleep quality. Many pregnant women experience pregnancy insomnia at some point during pregnancy. A pregnant woman can enjoy deeper and longer sleep when listening to music over a period, which helps with insomnia.
Listening to music also helps pregnant women with preeclampsia. It works by reducing their blood pressure.
According to the research, listening to music during labor also helps to reduce stress and anxiety which is common before the labor.
Along with reducing labor stress, music also proves beneficial in reducing prenatal depression.
Many women found music effective in reducing labor pain. It reduces labor pain by keeping you relax.
According to the studies, listening to music before a cesarean section helps women to deal with the stress and anxiety before they start surgery.
It is also suggested that music can help to increase birth satisfaction and the experience of planned cesarean section.
Good mental well-being is quite essential for pregnant women. It is especially important during the third trimester. Sound mental well-being helps to prevent low mood and mental disorders after childbirth.
The studies also suggest that listening to music during the third trimester helps women to reduce the chances of postnatal depression (PND).
According to the studies, music is not that important for your baby's hearing and brain development. Mainly it is the sound, not the music that contributes to the infant's brain development.
Inside a womb, many organs of yours become the source of sound for your baby. Your voice is another source of hearing for your baby. The voice of the mother especially helps the baby to build up an emotional relationship or connection with you.
Sounds including surrounding voice, music, your heartbeat, and the gurgle of your stomach collectively contribute to the improvement of hearing and the baby's brain development.
So, it becomes clear that music is just a way of contributing to your baby's hearing improvement.
Some studies also suggest that babies can move as a reaction when they hear sound. But there is not any research or clear information about their movement. It is quite complicated to examine babies inside the womb.
It's an amazing thing to enjoy the music with your baby during pregnancy. But, it does not make your baby smart. Some research shows that unborn babies do have the ability to recognize the same sounds after they are born.
According to one research study, babies whose mothers play melodic versions of twinkle twinkle little stars continuously during the third trimester can recognize this sound even after their birth.
But there is no study to prove the fact that listening to music in the womb can make your baby smarter.
According to the above research, listening to music in the womb can make your baby remember some sounds. But it cannot make him smarter.
However, some studies show that music does improve the mathematical skills of older kids. Kids can understand three-dimensional space concepts with the help of music.
In contrast with this study, some experts believe that music can also help babies and even unborn babies in learning. But there is no evidence to support this fact.
Music can also help make your baby sleep. Sleep has many health benefits. Playing music helps to develop a relaxing and soothing environment. If you want to pick the perfect music for your baby to sleep, then you should choose soft, calming, and gentle music.
A familiar sound is also important so the music must be played repetitively. This creates a comforting environment for your baby to go into a deep and peaceful sleep.
You can also sing lullabies for your baby. Your voice is familiar to your baby and there has an emotional connection. It will calm your baby and helps her/him to sleep.
Listening to music on normal days at a very high frequency is not good for your health and when you are pregnant it is surely not a good idea.
Playing extremely loud music during pregnancy can be harmful to both you the mother, and the baby. That is why playing music at a moderate level is recommended for your baby.
Many women directly put headphones on their bellies. This is very dangerous for your baby. The sound waves that pass through the amniotic fluid and can rise to a harmful level. This can damage your baby's delicate ears.
You should avoid listening to very loud music. If you listen to music regularly, keep the volume below 50 dB. Otherwise, you can also raise the volume to a maximum of 65 dB. These are the safest level for both of you.
Listening to music during pregnancy brings a bundle of advantages for you and your unborn child. You only need to select the soft one and keep the volume at the safest level to enjoy the healthy benefits of music.
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You might have noticed that most mothers don't take enough care of themselves after delivery. They turn their focus to their baby and neglect their health.
No doubt, a mother should take care of her baby but her body and mind also need her attention and care during postpartum.
One of the best ways to heal postpartum is to use massage oils and warm baths. These oils help your body and mind to relax after delivery. Massage oils can also help increase breast milk production
Essential massage oils help you to regain the strength that you lost during delivery.
Here we have created a list of some very useful oils for massaging. But first, when you start massage after delivery?
If you have had a normal delivery, you can begin postnatal massage 7 days after birth. For c–section, you may need to give yourself some time for your wound to heal. While this can be after 3 weeks, it’s important to consult with your gynecologist or therapist first.
To enjoy the maximum benefits of the massage, you need to do this for at least 30 days.
Oil massages relax your muscles, enhance blood circulation and ease the recovery period of postpartum. When choosing massage oils, you might want to consider the benefits of the ingredients to your body and skin. Other factors depending on your preference could be things like texture, consistency, absorption into the skin, and even the scent.
You can use any of the following massage oils after delivery depending on your preference and ease.
OUR RECOMMENDED POST PARTUM MASSAGE KIT?
CLICK PICTURE BELOW (AMAZON USA)
Mustard oil is popularly known for its warming characteristic. Heat is what a new mother needs to have a soothing effect on her tired body. It is an ideal massage oil during postpartum. The heat generated from the oil helps to speed up the healing process.
Mustard oil like other massage oils also increases blood circulation in addition to decreasing joint pain.
It is very cheap and can be easily bought from any local store.
Mustard oil is a very thick oil that makes it difficult to wash from clothes. It also has a very strong odor that can be irritating for you and your baby.
This is another massage oil that is very relaxing for your body and mind. It is also helpful in reducing blood pressure and stress.
Unlike mustard oil, sesame oil is a cooling oil. Therefore consult with your health care provider before use. They might not want you to use it for postpartum massage.
Coconut oil is very popular in South India, for its cooling properties. It is commonly used for head massage but you can also use it for body massage.
It has a pleasing smell and a very light texture. It can be easily absorbed in your skin and has hydrating properties that make it a good moisturizer.
Its cooling properties might not be recommended by your doctor.
Almond oil is also very light, moisturizing, and easily absorbable, with a very sweet smell.
It reduces stretch marks, muscle pains, and inflammation, and improves complexion.
Almond oil is more expensive than other massage oils.
Herbal oils or ayurvedic oils were used in India for postpartum recovery and this healing method is gaining popularity across the world.
These oils are helpful to strengthen joints, muscles, and ligaments and reduce pain. There are different types of oil to suit different body types, so you need to visit an Ayurvedic doctor to get the right prescription.
Lemongrass oil is a natural oil that helps in the treatment of sores, tiredness, and muscle cramps.
Lemongrass has warming characteristics that make it an ideal postpartum massage oil.
Ginger oil is another popular postpartum massage oil known for its soothing qualities. It is used for sore muscles and increases blood circulation.
Its spicy scent makes it suitable for topical application.
Grapeseed oil is great for a massage after delivery. It helps to improve the skin’s elasticity and make it softer. Its light consistency and silky texture make it easily absorbed by your skin and it won’t leave a greasy feel on your skin.
You can pretty much use this oil whether you had a normal delivery or C-section. The only difference is that after C-Section, you might need to wait for a little while before starting your massage.
Other than those mentioned above, many oils are famous in different parts of the world. Olive oil, sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, and grape seed oil are some other massage oils that can be used for postpartum recovery.
It is always recommended to consult with your health care provider before using any massage oil.
Your postnatal massage oil is not determined by your birth method. Every mother has her preference. We would recommend choosing an organic oil with benefits for your skin, and that feels comfortable for you as you will most likely be getting the massage on consecutive days.
For oil massages, you can contact postpartum care workers. They specialize in body massage for mothers and babies.
During postpartum, you cannot take complete care of yourself and your baby during your massage. So it is important to ask for help with your baby while massaging and bathing.
You need the support of a professional postpartum care worker because
To get the best results from the massage, you need to:
You can start using massage oils as soon as you go home from the hospital. But if you had a C-section, wait three to four weeks to your wound to heal.
It is highly recommended that you consult your doctor before you invest in and start using expensive massage oils.
]]>Similarly, aromatherapy used to promote relaxation can provide physiologic well-being can help to create a calm, peaceful environment during birth.
Today, let’s talk about the use of oils and their benefits during labor and delivery.
Many mothers say that essential oils help to relieve pain in childbirth while some researchers say that aromatherapy oils seem helpful during childbirth.
What we can say is that the essential oils used in aromatherapy and massage help with the relief from nausea, anxiety, and pain during labor and even postpartum.
It must be noted, however, that aromatherapy or massage are not alternatives to necessary medication of pain relief, and essential oils can’t induce labor, they can provide comfort during labor.
Essential oils are essentially mixtures of oils extracted from aromatic plants. The scents can trigger reactions in your body and brain that may help keep you calmer and more comfortable during labor.
The use of certain essential oil during labor is considered safe. Studies have revealed that it is not helpful to induce labor, except in some extreme cases.
Other studies have found that the use of essential oils helps to improve your labor experience. They provide a soothing effect during labor and help to relieve the pain. It is also helpful in reducing laboring time.
Labor can induce anxiety. According to research 80% of pregnant, women show severe anxiety before or during labor. This is normal. But anxiety can lead to more pain.
Using essential oils can help. They help calm your nerves and make you feel more comfortable. As a result, your anxiety levels fall and the process becomes easier.
The use of essential oils is completely safe as long as you are using them under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
The safest method to use essential oil is through an electric aromatherapy diffuser, where you can smell and inhale the aroma.
Some people also add essential oils to carrier oils for use in massages.
Many people use essential oil for massage. But we recommend avoiding applying essential oil directly onto your skin to prevent skin rash or allergic reaction.
You can apply it by diluting it to some carrier oil such as almond oil during massage.
The following are some other guidelines for using essential oils for aromatherapy:
Following are the side effects of using essential oils:
The following essential oils are helpful and completely safe to use during labor and delivery:
Citrus blossom (Neroli) oil is extracted from the flowers of bitter orange trees. Research was conducted to see the effect of citrus blossom oil (neroli) on women that are about to go into labor.
The research shows that the use of citrus blossom (neroli) oil seems effective in reducing the anxiety level in those women. As a result of it, the pain during labor was lower.
Citrus blossom (Neroli) oil calms and reassures as well as helps relax. It’s also a powerful anti-depressant.
Citrus oils are generally great for boosting energy, reducing nausea, and are safe to use.
Lemon essential oil is a nice choice because it is affordable and reduces pathogens. You could even just slice up a lemon to smell. Citrus oils are often used by many doulas and midwives.
Clary Sage oil is the most commonly used essential oil during labor.
In various regions of the world, It is a traditional practice to used this oil to reduce period pain and also symptoms of menopause. During menopause, sage oil helps to ease stress and pain level.
Researchers have found it safe to use for labor and delivery. It is used to strengthen contractions. (So avoid using it during pregnancy before the baby’s due date.) It’s also an excellent oil for reducing anxiety.
You can diffuse it around you during labor to stay calm and to soothe the pain.
Lavender is a famous essential oil with little to no side effects. Various countries of Europe use lavender oil in hospitals or homes to improve sleep and reduce insomnia.
Pregnant women use this oil to calm them self during pregnancy. You can add lavender oil to your bathtub or diffuse it in your bedroom for sleeping.
Lavender oil is also quite effective in keeping you relaxed and calm during labor and even after the delivery. After delivery, it helps to promote better and deeper sleep.
The flowery scent of jasmine essential oil alone can make you feel better.
According to studies, jasmine essential oil can be used as a massage oil during labor to ease pain and discomfort which helps lowers the pain and back pressure during labor. It is also known to strengthen contractions and can be used in a compress to aid in the delivery of the placenta. With reduced pain, the labor can become easier and faster.
The fresh smell of peppermint provides a refreshing feeling. Peppermint essential oil is an effective and common pain reliever. It is a natural remedy that is used by a large number of people for headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Studies show that diffusing peppermint essential oil around you during labor can have the same effect. It also keeps you more relaxed and comfortable during labor.
Ylang ylang is a feminine, floral scent that helps reduce stress, muscle tension, and pain. Ylang ylang also helps reduces anxiety.
It can be diffused during labor, or placed in a carrier oil for massage. Because it is a delicate flower oil, it is more costly than citrus or wood oils.
Geranium essential oil, a flower oil, helps promote relaxation and alleviate a depressive mood.
A clinical study of women in early labor found that inhaled geranium essential oil had a calming effect and was able to reduce the anxiety associated with first-stage labor.
Geranium oil also helps with breathing and boosts circulation.
Chamomile essential oil can be used for issues ranging from digestive to wound healing. Research has highlighted other potential benefits, like its ability to help with depression, anxiety, and sleep. It is soothing and calming and helps to reduce tensions and anxiety.
Bergamot, also known as bitter orange, essential oil is an uplifting and refreshing oil.
Bergamot oil (with other essential oils) has been shown to relieve depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders by signaling the brain to release dopamine and serotonin.
Marjoram is an essential oil that aids in breathing and can help to lower blood pressure.
Marjoram Oil helps reduce the pain that often comes with muscle tightness and spasms. It is also an effective pain reliever.
There is various other essential oil that is proven effective to use during labor or delivery. All of them help to keep you relaxed and lower the pain levels. Some of these include:
Essential oils are considered safe to use during labor and delivery. Aromatherapy help to make you feel more relaxed and comfortable during the challenging period of labor and delivery. The smell of essential oil is enough to get its benefits.
Consult your health care provider about using essential oil during labor and delivery.
]]>Natural birth is very beneficial for both mother and baby. That’s why some women prefer natural birth. But still, many are unsure whether they can manage or bear the pain or not.
You can reduce the pain of childbirth by adopting some natural methods.
In this article, we will tell you some of the best natural ways to reduce labor pain without the use of medicines.
But before we jump into the ways to relieve pain during labor, let’s answer some of the common questions.
Natural childbirth is indeed a very painful process. It is unlike any pain you would have experienced before, so its hard to anticipate what it feels like. Many describe the pain of natural childbirth as more intense than painful.
You will also feel many emotions during labor. Many women who gave natural childbirth say that, during labor, they think that they can't do it or that they will never choose natural childbirth again.
But these feelings are only felt during labor. After you give birth to your beautiful baby, the pain quickly changes to love and the emotions of becoming a mother.
There are many methods to help you bear the pain of childbirth and mostly have no side effects.
Here are 17 natural methods you can use to manage pain during labor:
When you’re in labor, it’s extremely uncomfortable and difficult to stay still through the contractions. Staying active and doing your regular daily activity is one of the best ways that will help you reduce the pain of labor and birth. The more you walk, move around, and are upright during labor, the more you encourage your baby to descend into the birth canal. So get up out of that bed and move!
Touch has an incredible effect on the human mind and body. Touch releases the love hormone, oxytocin, to help relieve the stress and fear associated with labor. It also helps turn off your pain receptors, so you don’t feel as much pain in childbirth as you would’ve without it.
So, getting a massage will help you to feel more relaxed, and will distract you from the pain of labor.
Counter Pressure is another technique that many women in labor enjoy since it relieves back and other area-specific discomforts associated with labor.
It is done by applying heavy pressure on painful areas of the lower back or area that is feeling the contraction.
Hydrotherapy is the use of water for its physical or psychological benefits. The shower and tub are fantastic for women in labor. Some of the physiological and psychological benefits include:
Taking a warm bath or shower keeps you relaxed and also helps you to bear the pain of the contractions.
Many hospitals will allow you to take a bath or shower during the first stage of labor, but not many will offer you a water delivery.
Generally, relaxation helps to ease the pain of labor. So, keeping your mind and body relaxed helps you a lot with relief from the pain of labor.
You can adapt different methods of meditation for relaxation to keep yourself relaxed.
Patterned breathing also helps you focus and work with your contraction. This steady rhythm is calming and provides a sense of well-being and control during labor.
Rhythmic breathing also increases oxygen supply which provides more strength and energy for the mother and baby.
The result is mom remains in a more relaxed state and will respond more positively to the onset of pain.
Some women find aromatherapy pleasant and helpful in getting them relief from labor pain despite the fact that there is limited evidence on how aromatherapy helps in reducing pain.
In case, if you are thinking of using the method of aromatherapy, discuss with your doctor, as it is important to choose aromatherapy oils that will be beneficial for you in labor or not harm you or your baby in any case.
Acupuncture is another method to get relief from the pain in labor and it can also help in reducing the use of forceps.
There are no known side effects of acupuncture; it is safe for both the mother and the baby.
But it is important to ensure that the person from which you are receiving the acupuncture treatment is an expert or trained.
The primary goal of acupressure is to relieve pain and discomfort. You can treat various conditions by applying pressure on specific points on the body with your fingers, elbows, palms, or blunt-tipped instruments. It is non-invasive and has no undesirable or harmful side effects.
You can use acupressure to relieve pain and increase contractions. It can also be used to help babies descend and engage, dilate the mother’s cervix, induce labor, and strengthen contractions in slow, non-progressive labors. Additionally, it can be used to alleviate nausea, combat fatigue in protracted labor, and assist posterior positioned babies to turn to an optimal anterior position for an easier birth.
A TENS machine has two electrodes attached to either side of your lower back. This machine transfers a light electric current through your body. It works on the concept that the electrical impulses will compete with the pain for your uterus, thereby reducing the pain felt.
There is conflicting evidence to prove that a TENS machine will help reduce pain in labor. But for some women, the use of a TENS machine was found to be helpful.
Sterile water injections, a relatively new treatment, can also help in reducing labor pain. It’s where sterile water is injected into your lower back around the sacrum just below the skin. These injections do not contain any medicine and are not harmful to your baby or you. The worst part is that you feel a little stinging at the injection site, but this soon subsides.
Some women, especially those experiencing severe back pain, find these sterile water injections helpful. You will have to find someone who is trained to administer the injections if you want to try this method of pain relief
You might still need other pain-relieving methods because early studies have shown that it works mainly on women with severe back pain. So may not work as well in early labor.
Taking a childbirth class before going for labor is very helpful. It might not reduce your pain but it helps you to handle or manage the labor pain. It also helps that you know what to expect on the day. Women who do not learn about natural childbirth get more nervous which results in higher anxiety.
Hiring a doula for your labor and delivery is another way to help with your pain management. You might not believe it, but having a doula during labor will indeed reduce the chances of up to 28 percent of asking for pain medication.
During labor, your body needs a lot of energy. That is another reason why you should take good care of your health and diet.
A healthy diet and regular exercise help make your body stronger in preparation for labor. The pain of labor will be less intense as a result of a strong body.
A study showed that most healthy women would benefit from a light meal during labor. They concluded that moms in labor need the same kind of energy and calories as marathon runners because of the amount of work they are doing. When you don’t have that fuel, it can reduce your contractions, leading to longer labor. So have a light snack and fluids to keep your energy up.
You can also include dates in your diet. Studies show that you will have easier labor if you include dates with your diet during your pregnancy.
Cold and hot packs can reduce pain and increase comfort during labor and childbirth. Here’s how:
Cold
Hot
Music helps distract mom from the labor pain and can create a relaxing experience. When music is playing, it helps her breathe rhythmically with the music. It also gives her something to focus on rather than focusing on the contractions. Distraction is key when in labor.
A birth ball is simply an exercise ball. The birth ball comforts and strengthens your lower back when sitting on it. Your pelvis is also better supported and symmetrical, which provides more comfort when in labor.
Women also become tired in labor and sometimes need to sit or lie down. A birth ball can help them do that and remain comfortable as the labor progresses.
Using the restroom and emptying your bladder will not only help you feel more comfortable, but it will also make sure that your bladder is not delaying dilation by holding your baby’s head up instead of pressing down on your cervix. Having an empty bladder will allow you to progress better.
Clearing everything out (number one and number two) is also a good thing. It makes room for the baby to get through. Also, squatting on a toilet and relaxing your bottom is a great thing for every mama in labor.
The majority of women go into labor in the middle of the night. This is not by accident. Our melatonin levels are increased at night and allow our bodies to relax and begin labor.
When we are exposed to light in labor, it has been shown to slow contractions or even stop them altogether. A study has shown that even staring at a phone screen or computer screen–will suppress contractions.
Turn the lights out, and you will be more comfortable, and it will help your labor progress.
Different positions can aid in the progress of labor and reduce pain sensations by increasing the pelvic opening. Staying in one position for too long can stall the labor progress and make the contractions more painful over time. Make sure that you change your position regularly, or at least every 30 minutes to an hour.
Every woman feels some degree of fear or anxiety about the pain of labor. But rest assured that labor pain can be reduced or managed by using some methods described above. Each of these natural pain relief options has advantages and disadvantages and differs from one mother to the next in terms of effectiveness.
You can select any or multiple methods to get relief from pain if you are going to have a natural birth.
]]>Parents often cuddle their kids at younger ages. But as children start to grow up the cuddling generally becomes less frequent. Some may even attribute that to not wanting to “spoil the child”. Cuddling or hugging however provide several benefits for your child at all stages of life.
In this article, we will explain how cuddling is beneficial for both you and your child, even as they grow older.
Cuddling means holding your child close in your arms to show your love, support, and understanding towards them.
Cuddling can also be any simple form of warm, heartfelt, and affectionate contact with your child.
Cuddling your baby is important to show your love and for bonding relationship with your child. Additionally, it also brings several positive health benefits.
According to psychologists, cuddling and hugging is great for your child’s development. Cuddling your baby is especially important in the first three months after birth. During this period, cuddling helps him/her to adjust to a new environment.
Your child will feel safe and warm in its new surroundings when you cuddle them. It also helps develop a strong bond and secure attachment between you and your child. And as a result, your child develops confidence, social relationship, empathy, and the ability to cope with challenges in the later stages of life
According to research, the children who don't experience cuddling have a lower level of oxytocin and vasopressin. Oxytocin and vasopressin are the two hormones that help to control stress and social behavior.
The lower level of oxytocin and vasopressin hormones makes your child less able to form attachments in adulthood.
Cuddling and hugging offer a large number of health benefits for both the parents and the children. According to studies, an affectionate touch provides is healthy for premature and newborn and older children, as well as their parents. Some of these benefits include:
Cuddling and hugging your child helps to develop a healthy and strong sense of personal relationship.
It helps to provide comfort by keeping your baby calm and relaxed, and by extension, you as the parent.
It also helps to improve muscles and the functioning of the circulatory system. Improves Immunity: Cuddles help to improve the pulmonary and immune functions.
It helps encourage better and deeper sleep patterns.
Cuddling promotes the production of the hormone oxytocin that directly helps to lower anxiety and stress level.
It helps to reduce the discomfort from teething, congestion, colic, stress, or various other conditions.
It helps to strengthen the digestive, circulatory, and gastrointestinal systems.
No, cuddling is not harmful, even if the baby or sick. Some parents are afraid that they might hurt their weak or sick baby while cuddling. But cuddling is healthy for all babies and is encouraged.
Some hospitals even have volunteer huggers to cuddle babies when a parent or guardian is not able to be there, because the health benefits are so important.
According to a psychologist, parents of sick and weak children should cuddle their children often to interact with them and show their love and support. It will help your child to decrease their sense of helplessness.
Safety Tip: Avoid cuddling your baby while you are sleeping even if your baby is healthy.
To cuddle a newborn, you can employ a technique called Kangaroo Care.
Kangaroo care is skin-to-skin contact between your baby's front and your chest. This technique is also safe to do with a pre-mature, weak and small-sized baby.
Using this method, your baby can learn your scent, feel your touch and recognize the rhythms of your speech, and breathing.
Additional benefits of cuddling during breastfeeding are:
Cuddling your newborn brings a lot of benefits. It helps to produce oxytocin hormones in both you and your baby which helps to lower stress levels.
Following are some reasons why cuddling is important for a baby:
Whenever a newborn child is hurt he/she wants to be picked up and comforted. Cuddling your baby helps to make them feel better and also helps to ease their pain.
When a baby is born he/she can only see objects at a distance of 25 cm. Cuddling your baby help to maintain eye contact as your baby can see your eyes when you hold them close. Experts say that eye contact is important and helps to maintain brain development and bonding.
When you hold your baby close, he/she can observe the movement of your mouth. In this way, they start to wiggle their mouth and try to move their tongue. This helps to encourage your child to speak faster.
Bonding is a close and emotional relationship. Some mothers develop a bond with their infant during pregnancy, while some parents develop the bond after birth.
Cuddling helps to develop a strong bonding relationship with your newborn.
Cuddling and hugging promote the production of the oxytocin hormone, which also aids in building strong and long-lasting relationships. This hormone also helps to reduce anxiety.
According to research, cuddling promotes breastfeeding, which directly benefits your baby.
Breastfeeding lowers the risk of infections, diarrhea and vomiting, type 2 diabetes, and various other childhood diseases. It also lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
Not only in childhood, but breast milk also provides benefits later on in life, such as reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Breastfeeding also provides benefits to the mother. It lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
Cuddling is healthy for the brain. It will help to keep your child's mind relaxed and positive as it helps build trust and encourages the development of secure relationships..
Responding to your child at a younger age leaves a long-lasting impact. This helps to develop self-confidence in your child and makes them ready to face the world bravely. Cuddling also helps to make your child trusting and more resilient as they grow older.
Cuddling and hugging your child is healthy and is great both for you and your little kiddo. It brings positive health benefits and builds your child's personality. So no matter what anyone says, hold your child close to you.
]]>In the midst of it all, you still have to take care of yourself AND your little one. So maintaining your health is vitally important.
Enter the “miracle plant” Moringa.
Moringa is a nutrient-dense crop with anti-inflammatory properties. The economically most valuable species, Moringa oleifera, is native to South Asia, where it grows in the Himalayan foothills. It is also cultivated across many other tropical areas such as Africa, the Caribbean and South America.
Also called the “drumstick tree” because of its appearance, this nutrient-rich blessing of nature can be used by almost anyone. All parts of the plant can be used.
Moringa contains a rich amount of iron, calcium, protein, fiber, B, vitamins, and antioxidants. It is richer in nutrients than spinach or kale. And is considered a solution to a vast number of health problems.
Moringa is not only a solution to your ailments but is also a health-booster. Many celebrities across the world have been known to use Moringa for its positive effects on their overall health.
And it’s because of all of its great properties, that Moringa is also beneficial to a new mother's health in general, and to assist in nursing.
The following are the 17 amazing reasons for new mothers to use Moringa:
So new mommys, let's dig into each of these in detail. We've even included some tasty options to give you some ideas on how you can use it.
We know that pregnancy is a challenging time. A pregnant woman needs a sufficient amount of energy both during and after pregnancy, and also to feed her infant.
Calcium, iron, and folic acid are the most essential nutrients that are needed in the later stages of pregnancy. Many pregnant women receive these nutrients through prenatal vitamins. But these pregnancy vitamins are readily available only in a small part of the world.
So, what do the rest of the world’s mothers do? Here comes nature with the answer...
Moringa is a global solution for both pregnant women and new mothers.
According to studies, one tablespoon of pure Moringa vegetable powder contains important nutrients and minerals: (RDV = recommended daily value)
You can enjoy a healthy serving of Moringa powder by adding it to casseroles and by mixing it in your smoothies.
Moringa comes with a rich amount of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants and is healthy food to consume at every stage of motherhood.
According to one study, mothers with premature infants benefit greatly from the use of Moringa. You know that a premature infant lacks several essential nutrients and the infant gets them through her mother's milk.
The use of Moringa 4-5 days after giving birth can help a new mother enhance milk production. Women who consumed around 350 mg of pure Moringa experienced a significant increase in lactation.
Moringa leaf curry has been used in the postnatal diet of Eastern cultures to boost the milk supply in mothers. This curry is made by mixing pepper powder, salts, and turmeric powder along with Moringa leaves. This curry is quite effective and can become a tasty booster of your breast milk supply.
Fatigue is one of the conditions that a new mother goes through after the pregnancy.
Moringa is nutrient-dense that helps to fight fatigue. It helps the new mother reduce fatigue by providing her with energy.
Add Moringa to your daily diet and you too will see promising results.
Whatever a mother eats, passes to her little one through her breastmilk. Therefore, new moms are encouraged to eat healthy foods and limit/avoid unhealthy foods so that the baby can be healthy.
Moringa is good for both you and your breastfeeding infant. If you consume this nourishing plant, your baby can also get its benefits. Moringa helps to provide your little kiddo with nutrition by increasing the amount of nutrients in your breast milk.
If a breastfeeding mother consumes moringa, she is supplied with beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A. beta-carotene is quite significant for newborns. Vitamin A is good for newborns with blindness and infectious diseases.
Postpartum use of moringa helps to increase the Vitamin A in breast milk for up to 6 months. Therefore, it is good to add moringa to your daily diet for a healthy life.
In developing countries, moringa has been used by new mothers for thousands of years. This practice of taking moringa after birth is carried on from generation to generation.
💡 Women mostly mix it in their smoothies. You can also add it to guacamole to enjoy a more savory treat.
Moringa leaves are quite effective on colds. Moringa is widely used and known for its high effectiveness to stop running and itchy nose in babies.
If your baby has a runny nose, you can use Moringa’s tender leaves: Make a solution by adding the leaves along with the stem to pure coconut oil and boiling it. Cool until lukewarm and now you can apply this oil to your baby’s scalp at regular intervals for effective results.
This solution oil is only safe to use for babies older than 6 months.
Pure Moringa is very effective in controlling the sugar level in the new mother. The daily use of Moringa leaves helps to balance the sugar levels in the body of new mothers.
You can use Moringa even if you have a diabetic patient.
As we know that Moringa is nutrient-dense and helps to boost energy. Many mothers have been known to give Moringa to their children because of its nutritional value and to other family members as an energy supplement.
One benefit of using Moringa is that you can add its powder to almost every food that your child eats. You can mix Moringa powder into the smoothie, savory dishes, and even mashed bananas.
Handling and maintaining your home with a newborn can be quite a challenging task that can even lead to stress. Mothers, especially new mothers, can get easily stressed while handling a newborn with the demands of daily life. But this stress is not good for your body. Cortisol the hormone that is released when we are under stress is extremely harmful and long-term elevated levels can cause damage to your overall health.
Taking Moringa leaves helps to regulate a moderate level of cortisol after pregnancy. It also helps new mothers in reducing and managing their stress levels.
One of the symptoms of pregnancy can be constipation. Moringa leaves are high in fiber. This helps to clear the bowels easily.
During pregnancy or just after birth, your body is prone to infection. Moringa leaves are rich in antioxidants, which can help the body fight off germs and infections.
Because of their high fiber content, Moringa leaves are very good for digestion. Moringa also helps in the proper metabolism of food.
The juice of the Moringa leaves is a perfect remedy for acne and other skin ailments.
Moringa is rich in iron and zinc. Compared to spinach, Moringa has 25 times more iron which is beneficial if you are anemic. Iron absorption of the body is increased with the usage of Moringa leaves.
Consult with your doctor first though to make sure you balance your iron levels.
Helps to control blood pressure if your are prone to be hypertensive.
Data from a new placebo-controlled clinical study indicate that the leaves may actually reduce blood pressure.
Check with your doctor first as you don’t want your blood pressure to get too low.
Since the calcium present in Moringa leaves is lactose-free, even lactose intolerant mothers or moms-to-be can use it.
The use of Moringa leaves helps increase blood circulation while also decreasing blood pressure. This is good for anemic moms or moms-to-be.
A baby requires a lot of calcium from the mother for the development of its bones and teeth. The baby gets its calcium from its mom, so, the pregnant mother needs to take a lot of calcium to replenish her body as well as provide for her baby. Moringa is one of the superfoods rich in calcium.
Moringa holds nutritional and medicinal values for the new mother. There are so many amazing reasons for new mothers to use Moringa.
As with any new supplement, before starting always consult with your health care professional.
Once you have the OK, begin slowly and as directed adding Moringa to your daily diet and experience of its amazing effect in your life and well-being.
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In this article you will learn about the benefits of taking Moringa before, during and after pregnancy.
But before going to the benefits, let's have a brief overview of moringa.
Moringa is a native plant of several countries of Africa and Asia. Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are the major producers of this plant. The plant is also grown in many other tropical areas of the world including Africa and the Caribbean.
The Moringa plant holds medicinal value -- every part of this plant is used to produce a range of medicines.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform you about the benefits of taking Moringa before, during and after pregnancy. We are providing information for your educational benefit only. We are not offering medical advice or instructions. And always suggest you discuss any health or diet related plans, or changes with your medical doctor.
Moringa is used to treat anemia and arthritis. It is also very effective for joint pains. Some diseases that Moringa can treat successfully are asthma, cancer, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, seizures and stomach pain, intestinal ulcer and intestinal spasms, headache, heart problems, high blood pressure kidney stones, menopause symptoms,thyroid disorders, and several infections.
The benefits of using moringa during pregnancy include:
Organic moringa is quite beneficial and used as a medication for high blood pressure. Some studies also suggest that people with lower blood pressure should use moringa.
Moringa also helps pregnant women to maintain their blood pressure. However, if you are taking any medication, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor before consuming moringa. This is because it can cause complications if you combine moringa with specific medications.
Experts conducted research on the use of moringa leaf powder, and moringa leaf extract on the growth of newborns. Through this research, it was found that the use of moringa supplements gives effective results on baby growth.
In that research study, supplements were given to two groups of pregnant women. One included women at 7 months of pregnancy and the other group included women in the last month of their pregnancy.
The result showed that the newborns of both groups show lower levels of malnutrition, stunting, and wasting. Another research project showed that the use of moringa leaf extract promotes healthy growth in newborns, who were born weak.
All these experiments reveal the effective benefits of moringa leaves on the growth of a newborn.
Digestive problems are very common during pregnancy. Many women report constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and cramping, during their pregnancy.
Moringa contains 9%fiber which helps to improve digestion. It also helps in the absorption of nutrients. The improved digestion level eliminates the harmful substances from your body.
Moringa also contains vitamin B which prevents future digestive problems. Pregnant women also experience higher levels of cholesterol during their pregnancy. This problem can also be solved by the use of moringa leaves.
Pregnant women are also at risk of developing gestational diabetes. The use of moringa helps to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes by improving digestion. Moringa also regulates the hormonal level that controls appetite and metabolism. And also promotes better sleep.
All these functions help to maintain the blood glucose level that prevents diabetes. It also helps women with weight loss management after delivery.
Moringa helps to increase the energy level of pregnant women. It holds nutritious value as it contains several essential vitamins and nutrients which boost energy. The quantity and percentage of the essential supplements in the moringa depends on the type of moringa. And, whether it is capsulated or in powdered form.
An analyzed study revealed that moringa leaf contains 30% proteins. Additionally, it is low in fats, which means it is good and healthy for the heart.
Moringa includes essential proteins, iron, fiber, potassium, calcium, magnesium and, vitamin D. All of these nutrients are essential and necessary for an active healthy lifestyle. Not only for pregnant women, but for everyone. Pregnant women especially benefited from the Moringa administered in the study.
Free radicals are extremely harmful during pregnancy. The free radicals are unstable cells that cause large-scale damage to the body.
Recent research suggests that the use of certain foods and some supplements can help to fight free radicals. The use of moringa leaves is also effective in this regard. This natural herb contains antioxidants that remove free radicals.
Moringa has been shown to contain high levels of antioxidants and antibacterial properties: vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and fiber. These nutrients help maintain good health and prevent diseases such as cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease. All of these severe diseases are connected with the presence of free radicals.
Nutrients such as iron and folate, are very essential for pregnancy. The leaves of the moringa plant contain high levels of iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin A, B6, C, E, K, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamin B12. These nutrients help support healthy blood cells and prevent anemia.. Therefore, pregnant women can take iron and folate by consuming the moringa.
Another research study shows the positive influence of moringa on the hemoglobin level. A moderate level of hemoglobin is important for pregnant women. And, moringa leaves directly increase the level of hemoglobin. Studies even show that it is a more impactful supplement than iron supplements.
Not only the hemoglobin level, but conditions such as anemia, muscle format, and a healthy weight can also benefit.
Most people drink coffee to boost their energy. But caffeine is not safe for pregnant women. It can increase the blood pressure as well as the heart rate of a pregnant lady. Doctors also recommend avoiding the uptake of caffeine during pregnancy.
So, what do pregnant women do to boost their energy?
The answer is Moringa!
The moringa is a healthy alternative to coffee. Moreover, the little infant is incapable of metabolizing caffeine. This is especially beneficial during the first and third trimesters
Shifting from coffee to moringa will bring various positive changes to your life. You will also feel a good difference in your physical well-being after consuming moringa regularly.
Following are the three essential nutrients that pregnant women need during the later stages of pregnancy:
Unfortunately, these prenatal vitamins are not available in every part of the world. But nature provides the solution! One tablespoon of pure organic moringa powder or regular consumption of Moringa tea, provides all three essential nutrients.
Daily consumption of moringa leaves or moringa tea will help pregnant women maintain a daily, demanding routine with lots of energy. It is a power-booster for working women. Pregnancy would not result in prolonged fatigue if you use moringa regularly or add moringa tea to your daily regimen.
Constipation, bowel movements, and stool irregularity concerns are some pregnancy-related problems. All of these concerns can be easily solved by taking moringa.
Moringa contains a good amount of fiber that allows pregnant women to prevent these pregnancy-related symptoms and aids in weight gain control
Keep on reading and learn about the amazing benefits of using moringa after pregnancy
Moringa is not only helpful during pregnancy. It is also very helpful after pregnancy. It is a super-food that assists the new mothers in nursing their new guests. Moringa also helps moms in increasing their breast milk.
Various studies have been conducted to research the effects of moringa on milk production. This research generated good results in the experiment using dairy cows and pregnant rats.
Similar research was also conducted to see the impacts of moringa on milk production in women. The results of this research are also satisfactory.
Research shows that mothers who took moringa leaves in the postpartum period experience an enhanced production of milk. The milk production is most increased in case of taking moringa leaves on a daily offering.
Cortisol is the hormone that our body releases when we are under stress. This hormone is extremely harmful and hurts human health. It affects the nervous system.
Moringa tea has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in women (as well as men). The use of moringa helps in regulating cortisol levels after pregnancy. It also helps pregnant women reduce and manage stress levels. It contains antioxidants that protect against free radical damage and inflammation, which can lead to premature aging and other diseases.
Studies show a decrease in cortisol levels in pregnant women who drink moringa tea regularly.
Moringa is not just for pregnant and nursing women; the tea also benefits women before pregnancy by preventing menopause symptoms
Moringa is a super-food to use during and after pregnancy. It also plays a key role in keeping you and your baby healthy before and after pregnancy.
You should also start to consume it but as a reminder, it is better to consult your doctor first. And, then enjoy the daily consumption of moringa.
The easiest way to safely consume Moringa?
Simply add Organic Moringa Tea to your daily diet.
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Achieving a healthy weight after childbirth is quite a challenging and time-consuming task. You now have to look after your little one – the center of your attention. Adjusting with a new routine, taking care of your kiddo, and recovering from childbirth. All these things can make you even busier.
Healthy eating accompanied with regular exercise can help to achieve a healthy level of weight. The experts also suggest various postpartum diets for women to lose weight, especially when they are breastfeeding.
After childbirth, your body needs time to recover. If you try to lose weight too quickly after giving birth, your body will need even more time to lose weight. Therefore, give yourself a break until 6 weeks after delivery.
The time between 6 to 12 months is considered best to start dieting after delivery.
You should add the following items to your daily consumption to safely lose weight after pregnancy:
These whole food are healthy for both the mother and the baby.
Along with eating a healthy diet, there are also some foods to avoid. In this article, we will guide you through diet plans to help you lose weight after childbirth while identifying foods that you should avoid.
A crash diet is a low-calorie diet that aims at losing a large amount of weight in the shortest period.
But it is not a good idea as you have just given birth to a baby. Your body is too weak and needs a sufficient amount of nutrition to overcome the lost energy and to heal. Your body will need even more calories than normal if you are breastfeeding.
A low-calorie diet lacks and therefore cannot provide sufficient amounts of the important nutrition that your body needs to recover.
You can decrease your caloric intake by about 500 calories per day which is about 1.1-pounds (0.5 kg) per week of weight loss. This amount of weight loss is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Healthy grains and veggies can be your best friend in the struggle of losing weight after childbirth.
All whole grains and vegetables that are rich in fiber are very effective are with weight loss. This is because eating soluble fiber foods helps to feel fuller for a longer period.
The studies also show that eating soluble fibers slows downs the digestion process which reduces hunger hormones levels in your body. And helps to lower your calories intake.
Proteins are an essential and healthy part of our diet. The consumption of proteins helps to boost your metabolism. It also helps in suppressing your appetite which reduces your intake of calories.
According to studies, proteins hold the largest thermic effect than any other nutrient. It means that our body uses more energy to digest it. As a result, more calories are burned.
Additionally, proteins also reduce hunger hormones.
Following are some of the healthy protein sources to help you lose weight:
Keeping healthy snack handy will also help to reduce caloric uptake. Therefore, you should always choose a healthy snack for munching.
Following are some healthy snacks to keep handy:
According to researchers, keeping fruits nearby or in your line of sight is associated with lower body mass index. On the other hand, keeping unhealthy food items readily available in your home increase your weight.
The research shows that a large intake of added sugar and refined carbs increases weight. All the sugary products and refined carbs are high in calories. These foods are also low in nutrients.
Furthermore, the uptake of such foods can also lead to several health problems including diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer.
The following are some common sources of added sugars that you should avoid:
Sugar consumption can also be decreased by avoiding processed foods and by sticking only to whole foods.
Furthermore, whenever you go grocery, avoid buying foods that are rich in sugar or contain sugar as an ingredients.
Here is a list of some whole foods:
Unprocessed foods are rich in proteins, fiber and contain less sugar.
On the other hand, processed foods are rich in sugar, unhealthy fats, salts, and calories. All these foods add to your body mass and increase your weight.
Processed foods include:
You should replace these processed foods with healthy, fresh, whole, and nutrient-dense foods.
Studies suggest avoiding alcohol completely if you want to lose weight. Alcohol is a rich source of calories. The consumption of alcohol leads to more fats in your body and increases belly fat specifically.
Alcohol is also not safe for your newborn if you are a breastfeeding mother. Instead use healthy alternatives, such as low sugar drinks.
Drinking enough water is an essential part of losing weight. Drinking sufficient amounts of water helps to keep your body hydrated and gives you a sensation of fullness.
You can burn almost 240 calories by drinking water. It also helps to stimulate your metabolism that directly leads to weight loss.
Achieving a healthy weight after pregnancy is beneficial. It can be a struggle at times, but it is possible. Besides helping you feel good about yourself, it is also good for your overall body health and well-being, especially if you plan to have another child in the future. Make small changes every day towards a better diet and you will surely see the results.
]]>A healthy body weight is beneficial especially if you wants to get pregnant again in the future.
In this article, you will explain everything you need to know about healthy postpartum weight.
Carrying some extra weight after delivering your baby is common and to be expected..
According to studies, women carrying a healthy baby can gain 25 to 35 pounds of weight which counts for 11.5 to 16kg during pregnancy.
The recommended weight gains for pregnant women can be vary dependent upon various factors such as being underweight, overweight, or carrying multiple babies.
Your healthcare provider might also have a different recommendation based on your health and body needs.
Experts say that women gain extra body weight during pregnancy because of the following additions to their body:
The extra fats provide energy for baby’s delivery and breastfeeding. Too many fats result in a large increase in weight which people refer to as baby weight.
Generally you lose about 13 pounds (or 5.9 kilograms) during childbirth. During the first few weeks after delivery, you also loses additional weight due to fluid loss. But the stored fats in your body don’t go as easily on their own.
This is where diet and exercise come in. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you to lose up to 1 pound a week. It might take from 6 months to 1 year to get you to your previous body weight.
So how do you lose this extra weight? Keep on reading and learn about post-natal weight loss.
After the delivery of your baby your body even weaker than it was during pregnancy. You’ll need a sufficient amount of nutrients to recover and to heal.
If you start to lose weight too soon after childbirth, your body will need even more time to recover. Therefore, give yourself a break until 6 weeks after delivery before, you start trying to lose weight.
If you are a breastfeeding mom wait until your baby turns 2 months. Over this period, you will need the fats and energy for your milk supply to normalize.
The time between six to 12 months after childbirth is recommended to start losing weight but also depends on the mode of your delivery. You should contact your health care provider to guide you based on your overall health conditions.
Weight loss after pregnancy is time-consuming and challenging but it is possible. You might not go back to your pre-baby weight but can achieve a slim physique and healthy weight.
A healthy diet along with regular physical activity will help you shed the pounds from your body.
During the initial months of breastfeeding, you might see no weight loss or even gain some extra weight. This is because of the increased calories that your body needs for milk production. Being less physically activity also contributes to the weight gain.
Yes, it is completely normal to lose weight rapidly after delivery. Pregnant women can lose up to 13 pounds of weight just after childbirth.
After giving birth to your child, the areas surrounding your pelvis and stomach need time to heal especially if you have had a cesarean delivery.
Several women think that weight loss after pregnancy can be harmful or not possible after a caesarian section. But it is not true.
Losing weight after c -section is possible but the key is to be patient. It can take you a few more months to achieve your.
Following are some useful tips to lose weight after a regular or c-section delivery:
Breastfeeding is considered a great tip for losing post-delivery weight. Breastfeeding uses lots of energy and thus result in burning a large number of calories.
Therefore, it is good to continue breastfeeding to lose lots of fats.
Another tip is to add whole foods to your diet. The following guideline on healthy whole foods will help in weight loss:
Fiber can be very effective in losing weight. It is an indigestible carbohydrate that helps regulate the digestive process.
Some sources of fiber include:
Protein is another essential nutrient to help with weight loss. It helps your body build and maintain lean muscles.
Protein helps you lose more fats from your body by utilizing energy in bulking the lean muscles. It also helps to delay appétite. Some of the best protein-rich foods include:
You should minimize your fluid calorie intake as the calorie tend to be higher in liquid source. Soda and juices are rich sources of calories therefore you should reduce or cut them from your diet completely.
Drinking water is the best option for losing weight for after childbirth. Water helps to keep your body hydrated and energized and also helps in burning fats.
You should drink at least 3 glasses of water daily. Do your best to drink at least 3 tall glasses of water every single day.
How much water you need to drink can also be determined by looking at the color of your urine. If your urine is dark and not pale yellow then it means you need to drink more water.
Other useful tips to lose weight after a c-section are:
According to studies, a woman’s average weight loss after a cesarean section would be approximately 10 – 15 lbs.
How long does it take to lose weight after c section depends on the amount of weight that you carry?
For instance, if you gained 20-30 lbs during your pregnancy then the expected period to lose weight is over 3 months. It can even take longer if you gained more than 20-30 lbs,
Having a tummy after a c-section is common which makes you feel like you are still pregnant. This is because your uterus is still really big and can grow even bigger.
But you don't need to worry because it will return to normal. size in 4 - 6 weeks.
In some cases a cesarean can increase your risk of gaining and storing fat But it is not always true and can be a common misconception.
This happens because many women become are less active after surgery and need to eat more nutrients to get recover.
During the 6th week, avoid any exercise such as planks and heavy lifting that can apply direct pressure on your abdomen. You should also avoid jumping, twisting, and sprinting.
Yes, c-section pouch can be gone but you need to put in the effort to lose the excess baby fat.
Related: Exercise Routines To Get Fit After Childbirth
A healthy weight means enjoying a healthy life. Carrying some extra weight after pregnancy is common and there is nothing wrong with it. But getting back into your previous weight is both necessary and beneficial.
A healthy diet along with regular exercise is the best way to lose weight after delivery. For further details, tips, and advice you should talk to your health care provider.
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But do you know that there are bundles of other benefits of it too? This type of therapy can even help you to recover faster after child's birth.
Today we will dive into some significant benefits of postnatal massage therapy.
But first, what exactly is postnatal massage therapy?
Postnatal Massage Therapy, also known as Postpartum Massage Therapy, is a full body massage. As a new mom you can receive it immediately after birth, to encourage the full expulsion of the placenta; and on an ongoing basis to help ease the physical and emotional stresses associated with postpartum recovery including backache, fatigue, headaches and postpartum depression. But most popularly, postpartum massage therapy starts 12 weeks after the birth of your baby.
In traditional societies, the pregnant, labouring and postpartum mom is supported with massage. Application however, is most important during the postpartum recovery period, to ensure that all remnants of the placenta are expelled and to encourage uterine involution (the return of the uterus to its pre-pregnant shape and size).
Postpartum Massage Therapy might sound like a simple massage but once you’ve experienced it, you will notice several changes in your body and mood which helps you in healing quickly after delivery.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of postpartum massage therapy now.
Some of the common benefits of Postpartum Massage Therapy include:
Labor brings many changes to your body including body swelling. Many moms experience from body swelling during their labor. Postpartum massage therapy is very effective in reducing swelling.
Postpartum massage therapy is helpful for breastfeeding mothers. The massage helps speed up the flow of your breast milk and also increases milk production.
Getting a postnatal massage not only benefits you physically but also has lots of positive effects on your mental health. It helps in maintaining hormonal balance in your body and in boosting your mood.
As mood improves, feelings of depression and anxiety are reduced. Many mothers suffer from the baby blues and become depressed after delivery. If you feel like that, getting a postnatal massage can help you feel better. Postpartum Massage is helpful in the relief of anxiety and depression.
Becoming a parent is an amazing experience, but sometimes it can make you feel tired. Getting a relaxing or deep sleep with your newborn is also difficult. but postpartum massage can help you to get a better, deeper, and more relaxing sleep.
Other benefits:
Some of the other common benefits of massage include:
With all of the benefits postnatal massage therapy has on your body and soul, who wouldn’t want to get one?
But there are also some careful considerations you need to take into account..
Precaution:
Always consult with a registered massage therapist who is certified in pre-, peri- and post-natal massage therapy before getting a massage. This is especially important if you have had surgery. Some therapists do not give massages to people who had surgery recently. Before getting a massage, discuss everything with the therapist to ensure the health and safety of your body. Make sure they are trained to work with postpartum moms.
Women who had complicated delivery or C-section delivery should also talk with their doctor before getting a postpartum massage.
Consulting your doctor is necessary because many massage therapists use essential oils in addition to physical massage. These essential oils might be not good for you at this time of your recovery. Therefore, ask your doctor if the use of these oils is safe or not.
Your doctor knows your health and body best, and will properly guide you on whether getting a massage is safe or not. Make sure you speak with your doctor before getting a massage and do as your doctor recommends.
You may have also heard about uterine massage. This type of massage helps in the contracting of the uterus to its original size.
You also have to be careful here too, if you have had a caesarian-section delivery. Abdominal massage is not recommended for up to 6 weeks after the surgery. This is because applying too much pressure can be dangerous for your body – disrupting suttres as you’ve begun to heal.
Therefore, before getting a massage talk to your massage therapist and/or doctor first
Getting a massage in a healthy and pleasing environment is an essential part of postpartum massage. The pleasing environment helps improve your mood.
If you are getting a massage at your home make sure that it’s is clean and quiet. You can also play some of your favorite light music and light candles. It will enhance your mood, encourage a positive mind and you feel relaxed.
Newborns cry often and they require a lot of your attention. Because of this, you will not be able to concentrate on your massage and your mind will not be fully relaxed.
Therefore, ask someone to look after your baby whenever you are getting a massage. In this way, you need not worry about the little one and you will enjoy and experience of a peaceful and relaxing massage.
The best time for the postpartum massage depends only on your mood or your health. If you want to get a massage every week, or just two to three times, it is all up to you.
According to research, getting a back massage the day after delivery will help to reduce anxiety and stress. You can get the postpartum massage whenever you feel ready.
You can also check nearby hospitals if you are not comfortable getting it at home. Many hospitals offer postpartum massages services in hospitals for women.
Any position is safe after the delivery of your baby, but may need to be adjusted according to your comfort or specific treatment.
Some moms crave being able to lie face-down again after lying on their sides for most of the nine months. Others may be uncomfortable face-down because of breast discomfort or the distraction of leaking milk. The side-lying position can be comfortable and very effective to treat specific issues of the shoulders, pelvis or legs.
A side-lying or seated positioning is usually advised for women who have had a C-section or are experiencing soreness at the epidural site. Make sure you have the support of extra pillows where she needed, such as breasts and abdomen.
Sometimes, you’re not able to get to the masseuse, or you’re not comfortable leaving your baby with someone else. So can you try the massage yourself? Absolutely!
As a new mother, you can perform the massage, on yourself, once you have the OK from your doctor. It is done on the abdomen by moving the hands in a clockwise direction using small, circular kneading strokes. The uterus should harden and contract with this treatment and the massage should be applied as frequently as every four hours until the discharge is pale, for about 2-3 weeks.
You may be able to feel your uterus contract off and on for several days after giving birth. To help ease the discomfort, gently massage your lower abdomen or uterus in the same way.
As you have read that postpartum massage therapy is very beneficial for your physical and mental health.
Massage itself is well known for relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief, and other health benefits. Getting a postpartum massage can increase your milk production, regulate hormones, and help in reducing swelling. More advanced postpartum massage therapy helps restore your body to its pre-pregnancy condition, speeds healing and assists with C-section recovery. So adding massage to your healing routine, will help your body to heal faster and benefits both your body and mind.
First however, you should consult your doctor and confirm that your body is healed enough to receive the message.
The next step is yours. Are you going to add massage therapy into your postpartum recovery routine? Let us know in the comments below.
]]>The birth of your child is a wonderful moment in your life. And it would be more beautiful if you are fully prepared for it.
Let’s look at the hospital bags.
The hospital bags should contain all the essentials that you, your partner, and your newborn will need on that day.
Your little one might arrive sooner than the expected day. Therefore, it would be great if you pack and organize your hospital bag during the eight months of your pregnancy.
It is better if you prepare two bags. One bag for the labor, and the one bag for after delivery.
Ask your partner to help you with bag packing. In this way, you can double-check the checklist. Once you have packed your bag, keep it in your car or near your door.
Here’s our hospital bag checklist:
Pack all the hospital paperwork, ID card, and insurance card. Have copies of your medical records for emergencies.
Some hospitals also require medical cards or insurance documents so pack those too.
Have copies of the birth plan that your doctor has worked out with you. Just in case, you can provide a copy to any other medical personnel, if your doctor is not available.
Pack a soft bathrobe for the labor. Bathrobe are very useful when pacing during or after the labor.
During labor, your feet might get cold. You should pack two pairs of socks.
Pack slippers that are comfortable and easy to wear. Also, pack a pair of flip-flops for shower time.
During labor, your lips might get chapped. You can apply lip balm on your lips to make them comfortable and hydrated.
Some women find massage relaxing during labor so pack lotion or massage oil too.
Your body may get warm during the time of labor. You can use water spray on your neck and face. You can also sponge some cool water on your forehead.
You might find pillows that the hospital provides uncomfortable. So, bring a pillow that is comfortable and soft.
Pack your favorite book or a magazine in the hospital bag. You can read it to help pass the time waiting. A movie, a series, or relaxing music will also help to entertain yourself.
Eye masks and earplugs give you a break from the bright and busy maternity ward.
Good sleep is essential, especially after the delivery. Your sleep quality will be better when you are in comfortable. Therefore, pack a comfortable, soft loose, and easy-to-wear nightgown.
After the birth, the flow of blood increases and you might have to change your pad every two to three hours. Therefore, you should pack numerous maternity pads for yourself.
Don't be too alarmed about the amount of bleeding as it is normal. The rate of blood flow will decrease over time. Note: If you continue bleeding heavily after a couple weeks, talk to your doctor immediately.
Maternity pads are more absorbent than regular pads. Therefore, you should pack a few heavy-duty maternity pads.
The hospital will provide you with pads, but you should take your own.
You should take several pairs of underwear with you. Make sure that they are comfortable and large enough to wear over heavy-duty maternity pads.
You should also pack a few well-fitting bras with you. The bras should be comfortable, loose, and easy to wear.
Prepare a list of toiletries that you need during your stay in hospital. Pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, hairbrush, and hair clips.
Also, have a bag to put your dirty clothes.
After giving birth your skin might feel dry. Therefore, don't forget to take some skin moisture with you.
You can also take other cosmetics that you think you might need.
If you use lenses or glasses then make sure you take them with you.
Your lens case, contact lens solution, or glasses may seem to be less important than other items. But sometimes we forget to pack the little things, that we need the most.
Don't forget your phone as they are extremely important in times like this. You can stay in touch with your loved one.
You can take memorable pictures with your baby on his/her first day in this world. And don't forget to take your phone’s charger with you.
You need to wear comfortable and loose-fitted clothes during your stay at the hospital and when leaving the hospital. So, pack a bag of your comfortable clothes and clothes that have elastic waist.
You might need some nursing books about newborn babies that have guidelines to deal with your newborn. Therefore, keep them with you.
Doctors and nurses are also available to guide you with your newborn baby. But you may find these books more useful once you have your baby, so carry them with you.
You may not know how long you will have to stay in the hospital. Therefore, pack some of your favorite snacks and drinks with you.
Labor is surely a difficult time in every woman's life. Therefore, after this challenging period, you can enjoy your favorite snacks.
But ask your healthcare provider or medical team first whether you are allowed to eat or drink anything.
Related: How To Prepare Your Home For Your New Baby
Your birth partner will also get restless during your hospital stay. Therefore, you have to pack for your birth partner to give her/him a bit of comfort.
As you know labor is a very challenging time for you. But it is also tough for your support person. Therefore, pack some snacks and drinks for your support person as well.
Don't forget to take a camera or phone for your partner. Your supportive partner can use it for entertainment in their spare time.
The camera can also capture some of the most beautiful and memorable moments. Therefore, take a camera or phone with you.
You also have to remember to pack some clothes for your partner. As you never know how long you have to stay in the hospital.
Your partner can become exhausted during the stay at the hospital. That is why you have to pack some toiletries for them to freshen up.
Carry small pillows or cushions with you so your partner can rest comfortably too.
During your stay at the hospital, you can easily get bored. Therefore, you can take some entertaining stuff with you to the hospital such as books, magazines, and video games.
Newborn babies are very sensitive, they can easily get cold. Therefore, you should take some socks, caps, and gloves with you for your baby. It will minimize the risk of your baby getting cold.
You will need to pack clothes for your baby to wear after delivery.
According to the weather condition, pack a beautiful homegoing outfit for your newborn. Choose an outfit that seems perfect for your baby to say hello to the family for the very first time.
Take a blanket with you for your newborn. Hospitals probably provide you with a blanket. But you should take a blanket of your own.
You will need to pack diapers for your baby to wear after delivery and change as needed - between six to twelve diapers for the normal after delivery stay.
The above-mentioned hospital bag checklist includes all the essential stuff that you need. Pack your bag and prepare yourself well.
After you are done with your bag, stay relaxed and wait for signs of labor such as water breaking or experiencing mucus plug discharge. Stronger, longer, and more frequent contraction is another sign that the time for labor has arrived.
Once you've begun experiencing the signs of labor, contact your health care provider immediately.
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Naturally, during pregnancy, you become more sensitive to, and careful about everything that’s happening in and around you. Some pregnant women, especially women who are experiencing pregnancy for the first time, tend to become extremely worried about gestational diabetes.
If you have gestational diabetes, you may have many questions on your mind as well.
Today, we are going to get answers those questions and details on gestational diabetes.
Diabetes is defined as high blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes is the type of diabetes (high blood sugar) that develops only during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
Some of the tell tale signs of gestational diabetes include:
In some cases, the symptoms of gestational diabetes are not recognized. Therefore, a screening test is required to diagnose it.
Following are the common causes for gestational diabetes:
Also known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes, it is a generic condition where the pancreas either produces very little or no insulin. Insulin is the hormone that allows the glucose (sugar) to enter your cells for energy production.
Type 2 diabetes is mostly diet related and develops over time. It is when the pancreas produce less insulin than the body needs and the body stops reacting to insulin.
A type of diabetes where the blood sugar levels are elevated, but not high enough to be called diabetes
A condition of being overweight or an excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.
This happens to approximately 15% of new moms. After having a baby, you may feel moody and fatigued. This is normal. Postpartum depression is a much more severe case of these symptoms where it affects your ability to function day to day.
Certain factors can increase the risk of a pregnant woman to get gestational diabetes. These factors are as follows:
In addition to these risk factors, women can also get gestational diabetes because of the changes in placental hormones.
Gestational diabetes only occurs in pregnant women. This means that this condition is only a pregnancy-related disease.
When you are pregnant, your body goes through several hormonal changes. As a consequence of these fluctuating hormones, the level of insulin (a hormone) fluctuates at greater levels.
Insulin is the hormone that allows our body cells to use and control sugar or glucose for energy. When you are pregnant you need more glucose and your body naturally resists more insulin.
In some cases, this process is reversed. In this condition, our body does not produce enough insulin and as a result, your body will not get the necessary amount of glucose.
This results in an increase in the level of sugar in your blood which leads to gestational diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes is usually not a harmful condition and poses no threat to your pregnancy. It can be easily managed through diet or exercise.
Usually, gestational diabetes goes away right away after childbirth. However, some women report as having type 2 diabetes after childbirth.
As mentioned earlier, you can control gestational diabetes. This is usually done through healthy diet and exercise. Keep reading for foods that help specifically with gestational diabetes.
Eating a balanced diet can help you successfully overcome the symptoms of gestational diabetes.
We have prepared a list of suitable foods that you should take when diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Research shows that snacks help to keep blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. But you also need to choose healthy snacks.
Here is a list of some healthy snacks that you can enjoy with gestational diabetes.
Fresh vegetables prove very helpful with gestational diabetes. Veggies can be eaten in a variety of ways. You can eat veggies roasted, raw, or steamed.
You can also include protein sources such as hummus and cheese. In this way, you can make your meal more interesting.
A veggie omelet is a delicious choice. Make a tasty vegetable omelet with whole vegetables or egg whites.
Whole eggs are a rich source of various nutrients and white eggs provide proteins.
During pregnancy, carbohydrates tolerance varies among pregnant women. According to studies, a diet containing less than 40 percent of total calories from carbs is considered ideal. This amount of carbohydrate intake can help to promote optimal blood sugar levels control.
Related: Which Foods And How Much To Eat When Pregnant
Sometimes you may have a heavy craving for junk food during the pregnancy. But you don't need to worry because we have the solution for it too.
When you are craving carbohydrates, choose foods like legumes, whole grains, starchy veggies such as sweet potatoes and butternut squash.
Sometimes you are craving fried foods - the craving for french fries can be so hard to resist. But you should try to find a healthy alternative.
There can be a number of complications with gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Here are some:
Healthy food accompanied with exercise will help to treat gestational diabetes. Regular exercise for 30 minutes 5 days a week is ideal to get rid of gestational diabetes. It is better to consult your doctor before starting any kind of exercise.
Related: Exercises To Do During Pregnancy
Some women might need special medication or injectable insulin that helps to lower blood sugar.
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes or at risk of developing gestational diabetes talk to your doctor . Ask your doctor for a registered dietitian who specializes in gestational diabetes or nutrition in pregnancy.
A dietitian will help you with meal planning after observing you. (S)he will provide you with a diet plan that is healthy for your pregnancy with the foods you like.
You don’t need to be worry if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes during your pregnancy. A healthy diet accompanied by exercise will help to promote a healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Talk to your health care provider about the right food and physical activity. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment that helps to keep you and your baby safe in the long term.
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Diastasis Recti (also known as abdominal separation) is a partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominis. Rectus abdominis muscles are also known as six-pack muscles.
In general conditions, these sets of rectus abdominal muscles assemble at the midline of your stomach.
Diastasis Recti is a common condition during pregnancy. According to several studies, 60 percent of women experience Diastasis Recti during pregnancy or postpartum.
Diastasis Recti happens when the uterus begins to stretch the muscles to make space for your growing baby.
This stretching of muscles in the abdomen region results in the separation of muscles and causes Diastasis Recti.
Diastasis Recti are not just a pregnancy-related condition and can affect anyone. Newborn babies and even men can get it.
Several newborns are born with this condition, especially if they are premature. This is because the abdominal muscles of that premature or newborn child are not fully developed. The muscles of that child are not even connected yet and there is a gap between them.
But there is no need to worry as the condition usually fixes itself over time.
There are so many possible reasons for Diastasis Recti. It can be caused by lifting heavy weights inadequately or performing some excessive or unsafe abdominal exercises.
The most common symptom of Diastasis Recti is the development of a pouch or budge in your stomach region. You will feel it especially when you contract your abdominal muscles. The other symptoms are as follows:
The symptoms of Diastasis recti are not very noticeable during pregnancy. But you can feel a bulge or ridge developing on your belly. in your second or third trimester,
You can feel a bulge or a ridge around your belly button. It would be more noticeable when you use your abs muscles to sit down, stand up, or lie down.
If you experience severe abdominal, back or pelvic pain talks to your doctor immediately.
The most noticeable symptom of diastasis recti after your delivery is the appearance of a bulge. Your belly will look like that you are still pregnant.
The symptoms of Diastasis Recti during the postpartum period are hard to find and you can follow some tips to confirm it.
The following are some useful tips to check for symptoms of Diastasis Recti after childbirth :
A few weeks after postpartum, the gaps might start to narrow as your muscles regain strength.
You should consult your doctor to confirm. The doctors and physical therapists used a special measuring tool called a caliper (or digital caliper) or an ultrasound.
This special medical tool can give an accurate measurement and also helps to find gaps if greater than two finger lengths.
The following are some causes of diastasis recti from pregnancy:
The foremost cause of Diastasis Recti is excessive inner-abdominal pressure.
During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles and connective tissues start to stretch out from the expanding uterus. This stretching causes excessive pressure on the abdominal muscle which leads to diastasis recti.
Pushing during delivery is another cause of Diastasis recti.
In past, people used to consider certain conditions as a risk factor for Diastasis recti. These conditions include:
But newer research finds this to be incorrect. According to a 2015 study, there is no connection between the above-mentioned risk factors with Diastasis Recti.
In some cases, Diastasis Recti can be healed on its own or improved through exercise after the delivery. But if you are still experiencing Diastasis Recti even after childbirth, then exercise will help you to get rid of it.
You can perform a simple exercise at home or can also get help from a physical therapist or postpartum fitness specialist.
The separation between your abdominal muscles can weaken your core and even lead to back or pelvic pain. Because of this condition, you may have to wear an abdominal binder or a Tubigrip for support during the daytime.
There are certain tips that you can follow to be more careful with Diastasis Recti. Have a look at the instruction:
Postpartum treatment for diastasis recti involves two kinds of exercises.
Always consult your doctor and get their approval before starting any workout.
There are some things that you should avoid to prevent worse conditions. Things like traditional crunches, sit-ups, and planks postpartum should be strictly restricted until your abdomen is completely healed from diastasis recti.
Certain other things also need to be avoided:
Although Diastasis Recti is not a big concern in some cases, it can lead to compilation and side effects. Following are some compilations related to this condition:
Diastasis recti can be prevented by using certain things. Begins your practice to strengthening your core during your pre-pregnancy,
You should consult a physical therapist who is specialized in postpartum recovery. He/she can recommend the most accurate exercise that helps with diastasis recti symptoms.
If the pain is severe and you are feeling discomfort while performing life’s daily tasks, surgery can be an option for you.
Talk to your health care provider about the relevant treatment that is best for you.
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In this weird kind of emotional ride, you have to face unexpected changes in your emotion that you cannot understand – at one moment, you are feeling sad and in the very next moment, you're smiling.
You become extremely sensitive about small things. You can even become angry at little things occasionally, and sometimes small things like a TV commercial can cause you to shed tears.
Sometimes, you laugh over silly things and the other time you might get angry over the pettiest problem. This continuous flow of emotions can spoil your mood.
Mood swings are common in pregnancy but not every pregnant woman may experience this emotional change. Moreover, it is not a long-term condition and the affected person will be normal in no time because mood swing is temporary.
Mood swings are unpredictable. There is no fixed time for experiencing mood swings. You can get it at any point in your pregnancy. Some women report the changes in emotions early in their pregnancy while others have this experience later.
You might feel excited, impatient, and scared at the same time. But you don’t need to be worried as it is completely normal to have this feeling. This is only because your life and your body are changed in a very big way.
Mood swings can be a sign of pregnancy but not always. In pregnancy, hormonal level can changes quickly which makes it harder for you to control your emotions. In some cases, women also experience these changing emotions before the arrival of their period.
So, if you think that you are pregnant only because of experiencing mood swings then it is better to take the pregnancy test first.
Different women experience different kinds of mood swings. According to research, a woman can experience different kinds of moods during each of her pregnancies.
No one can tell exactly the pattern of mood swings during pregnancy. At one time, you might experience dramatic mood swings. But next time, you might feel stable during your whole pregnancy.
Continue to read and learn more about pregnancy mood swings.
Experiencing mood swings in your pregnancy doesn’t mean that you are being dramatic. These emotional changes are the result of hormonal changes that are happening throughout your body. These physical and chemical body changes affect your mood.
Following are the factors that contribute to mood swings during pregnancy.
As discussed above, there are several possible reasons for mood swings during pregnancy. But the foremost reason is the increased amount of hormones in your body. What hormones case mood swings in pregnancy? The answer is estrogen and progesterone. These hormones affect your mental health - especially during pregnancy.
Estrogen is present throughout your body. It is most active in that part of the brain which controls the mood. So, it is obvious that an increased amount of estrogen results in depression and anxiety.
Progesterone is another hormone that helps to loosen your joints and muscles. The increased amount of this hormone causes sadness and fatigue.
So, you can say that the sudden increase of estrogen and progesterone hormone is the main reason for mood swings during pregnancy.
While dealing with your mood swings, you also have to face fatigue and sleep deprivation.
In the early days of your pregnancy, you feel exhausted. You will continue to feel sleepy no matter how much sleep you get. This feeling of tiredness and not getting enough sleep will affect your mind and body.
In the last days of your pregnancy, you will experience pains or aches and feel uncomfortable on the bed. And therefore, you cannot get enough sleep.
Related: Try these Sleep Positions During Pregnancy for some relief.
Morning sickness is a physical action. But it also affects you mentally and psychologically. You always have a fear that at any moment conditions like nausea might strike you.
You always have to get ready for an unexpected moment where you need to rush to the toilet for vomit.
Say Goodbye to Morning Sickness with these Anti-Nausea Acupressure Bands.
It is not easy for everyone to accept the physical changes that are happening during pregnancy. The physical and life changes that occur during pregnancy can impact one's mind.
Some mothers become extremely happy to experience such changes while others might get sad.
It is no doubt that giving birth to a baby is an incredible feeling. But women also had to face body image issues during pregnancy. A woman can even get depressed because of their physical appearance and figure.
Stress and anxiety in pregnancy are also normal. You will experience mixed emotions in your mind. You are happy and excited about your coming baby and the feeling that you are becoming a mother is priceless.
On the other hand, you also feel stressed because of the new responsibilities and financial affairs.
Delivery or labor is another big challenge for women. Thinking about the pain of contractions and the fear of having any complication during your delivery or labor will surely tense you.
If you are going to have your first baby then it will become more difficult for you. It will be even difficult for those women who had any complications during delivery or had any miscarriages in past. This is because their fear and anxiety are related to their past emotions.
Related: Early Signs of Pregnancy and How to Manage Them
Many women don’t realize that getting depressed in pregnancy is normal. But, it is important to realize the difference between the normal mood swings of pregnancy and prenatal depression.
If you are feeling perpetually hopeless and sad, then contact your doctor immediately. It is important both for you and your baby’s safety.
For the sake of the tiny life inside of you, it is best that you try to manage your mood swings. But sometimes, it is easier said, than done. Mood swings may becomes worse, affecting your personal or work life.
Here are some tips for you to handle these mood swings.
Eating well is the key factor to losing your temper. Healthy eating and the consumption of nutritious meals are not only good for your baby but also boost your energy level. This energy will help you to keep your body and soul calm and refreshed.
Performing daily exercise during your pregnancy will boost your mood and help to relieve your stress level. You can simply walk, swim or do some light exercise if you are feeling down.
Outdoor exercise will help you more. Breathing fresh air helps to make your mind refresh and also brings positivity and happiness.
Yoga and meditation are also helpful to give your body and soul a soothing effect.
Make sure to get enough sleep during your pregnancy. Not getting enough sleep will directly affect your mood.
During the first trimester, you might not feel rested at all. But you can try to get enough rest and make a routine for your bedtime.
You can perform some breathing exercises before going to bed and use comfortable pillows. Side sleeping is best for you, especially in the third trimester.
To help you enjoy a peaceful and comfortable sleep, try our 100% Blackout Sleep Mask
Talk with your partner, your friends, and your family about the feeling you are going through. They will know how to make you feel good. You have to share everything with them. Tell them about your problem or thoughts that disturb you. They will understand and help to sort out your issue.
After talking with your loved ones and describing your problem to them, you will feel a lot better.
You can also talk with your other relatives that are expecting to and share your current status with them. Joining a local community–based group is also a great idea.
We know that pregnancy is a challenging time. It becomes even harder when you start to lose control of your emotions. You are already dealing with alot of changes. Therefore, do not be hard on yourself – show yourself grace and kindness to overcome this uncontrollable flow of emotions.
Try to stay relaxed. You will be alright because this temper is just temporary so try to be generous with yourself.
If you feel like your emotions are taking on a life of their own, if your anxiety is hampering your ability to function, and/or if you are perpetually depressed, you should seek help.
Talk to your obstetrician or a psychologist. Prenatal depression and anxiety are common, and it’s nothing to feel shame over. You should be enjoying this exciting time of life, so take a step to reclaim your happiness by reaching out to a professional.
If your emotions start affecting your all-day work and you feel perpetually depressed. Then you should talk with your therapist.
You don’t have to worry or shame on having prenatal anxiety and depression because they are common. Try to reach out to a professional and enjoy the happiness and enjoyment of this unique time.
Mood swings are one of the common pregnancy symptoms. The flow of different emotions is just a small part of this whole journey. You just need to relax and get yourself ready to experience the most wonderful feeling of this world.
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Where ever it is, you should not ignore it.
Pregnant women experience upper back pain in their thoracic spine. Sometimes it might be accompanied by vaginal bleeding, fever, or burning during urination.
In some cases, it can be a sign of pre-term labor or urinary tract infection.
Upper back pain can occur at any point in your pregnancy. But mostly women reported it in their third trimester.
Upper back pain can be caused by several possible reasons. Following are some of the causes of upper back pain:
The growing size of your baby increases pressure on your back muscles. This increasing pressure leads to upper back pain.
When you are pregnant, there is a rapid increase in body weight in a short period.
This increase in body weight causes your back muscles to stress. As a result of which upper back pain happens.
During the later stages of pregnancy, the hormones of your body begin to fluctuate. Your body releases several hormones to get prepared for delivery.
These released hormones start to make difference in your body and also loosen the ligaments and muscles of your body. This causes your muscles to work harder and leads to muscle spasms.
As we mentioned above that with the progress in your pregnancy you will experience an increase in weight. And this will happen in almost every part of your body.
Your breast will also enlarge which alters your posture and increases the strain on your neck, your shoulders, and your thoracic spine. All of these conditions cause upper back pain to happen.
Related: Check out Simple Tips to Reduce Back Pain During Pregnancy
Upper back pain should never be ignored and needs attention, especially during pregnancy. Therefore we have made a list of some steps which help to prevent upper back pain from happening.
Consider the following 7 ways and get relief from back pain during pregnancy:
Following are the fundamental standing postures to get relief from upper back pain:
A good sitting posture is very essential to get relief from upper back pain. Make sure you have a comfortable place (chair or sofa) to sit.
You should choose a chair that provides support. You can also use a lumbar soft pillow or cushion to put behind your lower back to prevent back pain.
Put a footstool under your feet if putting your feet on the floor creates an uncomfortable sitting position.
It is recommended for pregnant women to sleep on their side. You can use a U- Shaped Pregnancy Pillow specially made for side sleep, especially during the second and third trimesters.
You can place a pillow between your knees and under the abdomen area to maintain a neutral spine while sleeping.
Several pillows can also be used to ensure a neutral neck or cervical spine position.
Wearing a supportive bra and comfortable clothes are found to be very helpful with upper back pain. In addition, you can also wear supportive shoes to prevent back discomfort at all.
Practice simple stretching and other physical activities such as walking or swimming. This will help to keep your back strong and prevent back discomfort.
Always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise routine.
You should try to avoid lifting or carrying heavy objects. Follow the instructions while lifting objects:
You can use ice, heat pads, or massage on your back. There is little evidence about their effectiveness but applying them might help relieve some upper back pain.
Upper back pain is not an unusual thing and following the above tips can help you to prevent it. Consult your healthcare provider, if it is severe.
Your doctor will suggest proper treatment and medication by examining your condition. This would help improve the quality of your pregnancy experience.
]]>If you are also trying for a baby then you are at the right place. We are going to discuss every possible way to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
It is also very important to remember that as you age, your chance of conceiving minimizes. A 30 years old woman only has a 20 percent chance of getting pregnant every month.
Try these steps to make the conceiving procedure more effective.
You might have heard that you can get pregnant anytime you have sex. But that's not the case. Getting pregnant is a very complicated process. Every woman has a different menstrual cycle that can vary from 28 to 40 days.
Every month, a woman's body undergoes certain hormonal changes. This series of hormonal changes result in the growth and development of an immature egg in the ovary.
When the egg gets mature, it is released from the ovary, a process known as ovulation. The mature egg then travels down to the fallopian tube that ends into the uterus. Once the egg is released, it can only be fertilized in the next twenty-four hours.
If the egg successfully fertilizes, it keeps traveling down to the uterus where it implants.
With the help of experts, we've come up with the following tips to help you increase your fertility quickly and safely.
If you want to optimize your fertility, you should also take care of your health.
The most important advice for a woman who is trying to conceive is to get to know her body, specifically her reproductive system.
To make conceiving easy for you, follow these tips and consult a medical professional.
Let's dive into the steps on how to get pregnant:
If you want to have a baby, you should monitor your menstrual cycle. If your period comes the same number of days every month it means your cycle is regular. However, some women have irregular menstrual cycles, which means their cycle lengths vary every month.
Tracking your menstrual cycle helps you to predict your ovulation days (it's the time when your ovaries release an egg so it's best to try these days.)
A healthy woman with regular cycles ovulates about two weeks before her periods start. Women with irregular cycles usually ovulate 12 to 16 days before the start of their next period.
You can use a home ovulation-prediction kit to determine the most fertile days every month.
• More Sex During Your Fertility Window
We are living in the modern age where technology owns everything. Advanced technology has made everything easier. Similarly, with the help of medical science, we can find the most fertile days of the month.
There are several fertility apps and websites available that people use to track their fertility days. But who knows if they give accurate results?
To see how accurate these apps are, scientists have recently analyzed over 50 popular fertility-tracking apps and websites. The results are varied so the result is not satisfactory.
Still, there are some apps with high Acceptable Quality Standards (AQS ) scores:
1. Glow Ovulation, Period Tracker
2. Fertility Friend FF App
3. Clue; Health & Period Tracker
You can simply find out your fertile days if you identify your fertility window span. The fertile window is six days. It is a time when your chances of getting pregnant are the highest.
There is not a huge difference but having sex during the days of your fertile window can increase the chances of fertilization of the egg.
Many women eat anything they want during pregnancy. But eating specifically healthy foods will help you to prepare your body for pregnancy.
Before trying to get pregnant, make sure your body should have an adequate amount of essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and iron.
Therefore you should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and healthy sources of fat in your diet.
It is also recommended to consume vitamins directly from the food instead of taking supplements. For instance; you can take your folic acid dose by eating dark green leafy vegetables, fortified pieces of bread and cereals, beans, and citrus fruits.
You should also avoid eating high-mercury fish such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish. The high toxic metal mercury affects fertility in both men and women. Moreover, it can accumulate in the bloodstream of pregnant women which affects the development of the baby. The albacore, also known as white tuna fish, contains this toxic metal too.
You should also avoid the excessive use of caffeine when trying to conceive. According to new research conducted in 2020, there is no safe level of caffeine for pregnant women and for women who are trying to conceive.
A physically active body plays a key role in getting pregnant. But heavy and strict exercise in the days you are trying to conceiving can affect your ovulation cycle.
Frequent strenuous workouts can cause menstrual disturbance in women. Therefore, you should try to cut off from heavy exercise when you are trying to conceive.
When a woman is trying to conceive she should stop using birth control pills. Similarly, women should also stop consuming alcohol if she is trying to get pregnant. According to research, drinking alcohol has a bad impact on the reproductive system in men and women. Therefore, both partners should quit their drinking habits as soon as possible.
Similarly, smoking can cause fertility problems in both males and females. The harmful chemicals that are found in cigarette smoke such as nicotine and carbon monoxide are very toxic, especially for women. These chemicals can cause the loss of women’s eggs.
Moreover, smoking ages the women's ovaries. As a result of which the functioning of egg production reduces.
Not only direct smoking but secondhand smoking which is also known as passive smoking should also be avoided. Passive smoking can reduce your chances of getting pregnant. So, when you are trying to get pregnant it is better to avoid marijuana and recreational drugs.
You might be aware of age-related fertility declines. When women get older, their fertility starts decreasing. With the growing age of women, age-related changes happen in the ovary. These changes cause a decline in the number of eggs.
The increasing women’s age also leads to several other health issues which cause fertility loss. Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and blocked fallopian tubes are some disorders that reduce fertility in women. Here is an age-vise list of fertility loss of women.
As discussed above that after the age of 30, the fertility rate starts decreasing. Therefore, it is recommended for both men and women to have an infertility evaluation if they are 30 and the woman is not getting pregnant after 6 months of having sex.
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is another type of fertility treatment. In this treatment, the surgeons make a small hole in the woman’s ovary to reduce the production of male hormones.
This treatment includes the use of general anesthesia and therefore it is a great risk as general anesthesia can negatively affect fertility because it can damage the ovaries.
In vitro fertilization is also recommended by doctors if any treatment does not work. This technology can be used to help with the fertility and the conception of a child if there is no issue with cost, accessibility, and monitoring.
Other fertility treatments include IVF, ovulation induction, artificial insemination, and several other techniques. All of the techniques help to stimulate more egg production in women’s ovaries and can also help women with endometriosis.
]]>Pregnancy tests and ultrasounds are proven ways to confirm your pregnancy. And a missed period is considered the first sign of pregnancy.
Do you know there are also some uncommon signs and symptoms of early pregnancy?
In this article, we are providing you with 70 early signs of pregnancy. Some of the signs are very common - occurring for almost every other pregnant woman, but other signs are rare and only a few pregnant women experience those.
If you want to know whether you are pregnant or not, notice what’s going on with your body. Your body gives you different signals so that you know you are expecting a baby.
The three most common early pregnancy signs include:
Some women also experience other symptoms such as:
And some are less common signs that also hint at pregnancy are:
We are going to discuss many of these early pregnancy signs and for some, show you how you can manage the symptoms.
Keep reading.
Here is the list of 70 early signs of pregnancy that you should look out for to confirm if you are pregnant or not
A missed period is the most obvious sign that you are expecting and in 90% of cases, the result is positive. In the remaining 10% of cases, the reason can be:
Mild cramping might be an early sign of pregnancy!
It usually happens in the third trimester because of the growing uterus. But you can feel cramps in your lower abdomen during your first few weeks of pregnancy.
If you experience mild spotting that does not turn into periods then it can be implantation bleeding. It usually occurs 6-12 days after ovulation or 8-9 days after conception. Implantation bleeding is often confused with period blood. If you are not sure about the blood on your undergarment, you can consult your healthcare provider.
Implantation bleeding is not common and some women mistake this bleeding as a light period because it usually happens when you are expecting your period.
The fertilization of the egg starts within 1 to 4 weeks and then transforms into a blastocyst. The blastocyst is the structure that develops into the body parts of your fetus. After about 4 weeks the blastocyst implants in the endometrium which leads to bleeding and this bleeding is known as Implantation bleeding.
The following are some signs of implantation bleeding:
Implantation bleeding lasts for less than 3 days or sometimes just for a few hours. It does not need any treatment and usually goes on its own.
Some tips that can help to prevent the risk of mild spotting include:
If the spot looks like period blood but later stops then it can be implantation bleeding. Implantation bleeding occurs when your egg attaches to the uterine wall. The color of the blood would be pink or brown not red.
Implantation pain is like sharp, stabbing cramps and usually subsides quickly. For some women, it is very painful while others don't even feel it.
Early pregnancy can cause cramps and period-like pain due to the changes in the womb, muscles, and ligaments.
If you have seen a mucus-like substance on your underwear every few hours you might need to get ready for a little guest.
Your breasts might feel tender 1-2 weeks after conceiving. Sometimes tender breasts can be a sign of PMS (pre menstrual syndrome), therefore you need to confirm it from your healthcare provider. If breast tenderness lasts after a missed period, it might be a sign of early pregnancy.
If wearing your bra now hurts your boobs then it can be a sign that a life is growing inside you. In some cases, it can be because of PMS but there is a difference between PMS breasts and pregnancy breasts. Breasts feel fuller, heavier, sore, and more sensitive during pregnancy than during PMS.
During weeks 4 to 6, your breast will start to change and grow. It becomes swollen and tender because of hormonal changes. But you don’t need to worry about it as it is normal and your body can adjust to it.
Your nipple also starts to change in its appearance in week 11. The areola (the area around your nipple) starts getting darker and bigger.
With the change in breast size and the increase in blood flow, your breasts might look veiny when you are pregnant.
Pregnancy can make you sensitive even to minor smells which makes you nauseous. Nausea in the second and third trimester are rare. It is more common in the first trimester.
Morning sickness usually begins in the first trimester of pregnancy and goes away between 12 to 14 weeks. So you should keep a record of your missed period and morning sickness.
There is no exact evidence of the main cause of morning sickness and nausea. It is believed that fluctuating hormones are responsible for these health conditions.
Morning sickness and nausea usually start from week 4 to week 6. The condition might get intense when you hit week 9.
Morning sickness not only occurs in the morning but can also occur at any time of the day or even at night. It usually starts during the first trimester and can be mild or severe.
Nausea becomes worst in the last days of the first trimester but it gradually slows down as you enter the second trimester.
Do you feel full or have a heavy feeling in your stomach? It can be a sign of early pregnancy and occurs because of the extra amount of progesterone hormone.
Losing your appetite could be a sign of pregnancy!
Food aversion nausea and an increased sense of smell contribute to repulsion towards food. Sometimes during early pregnancy even when women feel hungry, they cannot eat food properly.
Anything can be expected during pregnancy and no one knows what you will experience the next moment. Sometimes you feel nauseous and the very next moment you develop a strong craving for food. All these are the symptoms of early pregnancy.
With pregnancy the amount of progesterone hormone in your body increases, which causes burping. Pregnancy slows down the process of digestion which builds up excess gas leading to burping.
The hormonal changes during early pregnancy can cause bloating which slows down the process of digestion. So if you are experiencing bloating with missed periods it can be a sign of pregnancy.
Horrible heartburn can be a sign that you are pregnant!
If you are feeling constant heartburn and don’t feel like eating anything, you should visit your doctor for a checkup. Fluctuating hormones can cause the valves between your stomach and esophagus to relax. As a result, the stomach acids leak and cause heartburn.
The low sugar level and increased number of hormones can lead to motion sickness in the initial days of pregnancy. If you are prone to motion sickness on normal days then it is more likely to affect your pregnancy also.
You can try acupressure bands to help with motion sickness.
Constipation is another common sign of pregnancy. The increased amount of progesterone during early pregnancy can slow down the digestive process which leads to constipation.
The fluctuation of hormones, together with diet, and added stress might contribute to diarrhea during early pregnancy.
Pregnancy causes an increased amount of blood in your body. More blood leads to more fluid production which leads to frequent bathroom visits.
Increased urination occurs after the 4th week. Generally, it is believed that frequent urination is a part of the third trimester but some women experience frequent urination even during early pregnancy.
Frequent urination causes a lower level of fluids in your body. Therefore, you should try to drink a lot of water to compensate for this loss. Drink at least 300 milliliters of water every day to keep yourself hydrated.
Set your schedule for bathroom visits to avoid incontinence or frequent urination.
Strong-smelling pee also occurs during early pregnancy. The foul smell is due to an increased amount of HCG hormone or can be because of your heightened sense of smell.
Pregnancy comes with an increased sense of smell also known as Hyperosmia – especially during the first few months. It is also common during the third trimester.
Because of the smell sensitivity, you will find things unpleasing that never bothered you before. Smell sensitivity also triggers nausea and vomiting. Your food preference might also change during pregnancy.
Your smell sensitivity will be back to normal after delivery or within 6 to 12 weeks postpartum.
The increased amount of blood and hormones during early pregnancy can swell the mucus membrane in your nose. This can make your nose more prone to dry out or stuffy.
The swollen mucus membrane is also the reason for your nose bleeding and a sign of early pregnancy.
Not enjoying the taste of your favorite food?
During pregnancy, almost all women experience a change in their taste buds. They hate the smell and taste of the food they once loved. This condition is also called dysgeusia and usually occurs in the first trimester.
The excessive secretion of saliva during pregnancy is called ptyalism. This condition is also common during the first trimester.
A dry mouth can be another pretty good sign of early pregnancy. During pregnancy, hormones affect your oral condition. You might have a dry mouth and feel thirsty during the early pregnancy weeks.
Don’t worry too much if you have a sour or metallic taste in your mouth. This is another symptom of dysgeusia and it might be a sign of early pregnancy.
Suddenly dislike your favorite drink?
Coffee aversion is common and it occurs due to general food aversions during early pregnancy.
The additional hormones in early pregnancy can make your gums sensitive which leads to gums bleeding.
Difficulty brushing is another good sign that you could be pregnant. Pregnant women often report bleeding and pain while brushing their teeth during early pregnancy.
Wondering why you’ve become sensitive to certain colors?
Pregnancy can be the reason!
According to the studies, pregnant women are attracted to rich ripe colors and are repulsed by bluish colors.
If you are experiencing more sweating than usual then it can be pregnancy. The hormones and high blood pressure can cause more sweating in early pregnancy.
Tracking your basal body temperature is an easy way to confirm your pregnancy because your basal body temperature increases in early pregnancy. If you know your body well, you can tell something is going on because of the sudden temperature changes.
When you are pregnant your body sweats a lot with little effort or workout. At this time your body may lose fluids quickly therefore you should try to stay hydrated and drink a lot of water and fluids.
Sometimes pregnancy can lead to high blood pressure. The increased B.P can be because of several reasons including first-time pregnancy, carrying multiples, your age, being in Vitro, or being overweight.
As every human body is different, you might experience high blood pressure during early pregnancy even if you don’t have any of these problems.
The increased blood pressure and blood flow can cause a feeling of hot flashes in early pregnancy.
Feeling a fast flutter in your chest area?
During early pregnancy your heartbeat starts pumping faster and even harder. Your heartbeat rate can increase by 15-20 beats per minute or even up to 50%.
Palpitations and arrhythmias are common pregnancy conditions because of the fluctuation of hormones. If you have any cardiovascular history it's time to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
The fact is that during early pregnancy the increased progesterone level can cause you to breathe more rapidly and pregnant women feel shortness of breath.
The fatigue, eye strain, and increased blood flow can lead to very intense headaches in early pregnancy.
During the first trimester, women have trouble sleeping. Insomnia in early pregnancy is very common and occurs because of the constantly fluctuating hormones or increased bathroom visits.
Vivid dreams? A little one may be on the board!
Again, hormonal fluctuation is the reason that affects your dreams and sleep pattern.
An increased blood flow and higher blood pressure can make you feel light-headed during early pregnancy.
The increased blood flow can cause dizziness and it can be a sign that you are going to have a having baby.
Feeling tired upon waking up is another sure sign that you are pregnant. Feeling tired and exhausted especially in the first 12 weeks after conception is another sign of early pregnancy. Fatigue during pregnancy is a common condition.
Being stressed out and carrying the baby can lead to backaches that get intense during the nighttime.
Achy joints are another early sign of pregnancy. If you feel numbness or pain in your joints with a missed period, you might be expecting a baby.
Leg pain is among the common signs of early pregnancy. You might also feel restlessness in your legs during the night.
Horrendous leg cramps on waking up could be a sign that you are pregnant.
Health tip: Magnesium supplements help with muscle cramps. You can use it after your doctor's approval.
The round ligament pain usually occurs during 14 weeks. The tightness of ligaments is the main reason for this pain. With pregnancy, your ligaments got compressed to support your growing little one which leads to pain.
Jeans not getting up? Pregnancy can add 1 to 4 pounds in weight even after the first few weeks.
You know that your belly will grow in pregnancy. But pregnancy also affects almost every part of your body. You will feel a gradual increase in your body weight.
You might feel a drastic change in:
An acne breakout is another good sign that you might be expecting - fluctuating hormones again are the reason for these breakouts.
While other early pregnancy signs do not seem good, here is a good one for you. The hormonal fluctuation can bring pregnancy glow to your skin because of the increased level of blood flow.
The stress or shock can make your hair thin and make them prone to fall. But you don't need to worry it's temporary and you get your hair back sooner.
With conception, the rate of hair growth sometimes decreases but it gets back to the normal point after childbirth.
Not all pregnancies give you hair loss, sometimes pregnant women have thicker and shinier hair during early pregnancy. The excess amount of hormonal fluctuation makes your hair shinier and thicker.
Is your body hairier?
The extra body hair in your lower region is caused by an increased amount of estrogen production during early pregnancy.
Noticing darker patches of skin in the cheeks, upper lip, or nose are called pregnancy masks or melasma. Again, hormonal changes are the main cause of all these dark patches.
According to the studies, nails might become more brittle and might chip more easily during early pregnancy. In some cases, pregnant women got incredibly strong nails The reason is unknown but it can be a sign of early pregnancy.
Are you riding on a roller coaster of emotions?
During pregnancy, you might feel quite excited and happy and the very next moment you will feel sad.
Mood swings mostly begin as early as 6 weeks and can last throughout the first trimester. Mood swings are also caused by pregnancy hormones.
During this period, your energy level becomes too low and you might feel like you can't even get out of your bed in the morning. These are the early signs that you are carrying a baby.
The level of estrogen and progesterone will also start to increase during pregnancy. It will affect your mood. The mood swings will lead to other feelings such as:
Does a silly commercial or movie make you cry?
You are going to be sensitive and emotional throughout early pregnancy. Some pregnant women may even have an emotional breakout after the first trimester but it is generally linked to your changing hormones.
During early pregnancy, some women face forgetfulness and memory problems.
If places, smells, or some sounds make you gag, then it means you might be expecting.
If you experience shivering without any apparent reason then it would be a sign. The same irritating fluctuating hormones are the reason behind this.
Itching is not a common sign of early pregnancy. Women usually feel itchy around the belly after the fifth month, when the pregnancy belly starts to grow.
In some cases, pregnant women might feel itching in their bellies due to the drying of their skin during the first trimester.
Feeling sexier!
The extra amount of blood flow can cause extra lubrication in the vagina and increase your sex drive during early pregnancy.
During early pregnancy, the vagina becomes more prone to thrush or yeast infection. In case of itching, burning, or thick discharge from the vagina contact your healthcare provider.
Don't confuse early pregnancy with Urinary Tract Infection as the symptoms look similar. It is better to confirm it with your doctor.
It is like a sharp pain that occurs in your pelvic region. Mostly it occurs in the later stages but in some cases, pregnant women experience this pain during early pregnancy.
Big Fat Positive or BFP refers to the positive home pregnancy test. If you missed your period and your test is positive 99% of the time it means you are pregnant. It's the most accurate sign to confirm pregnancy in the initial stages.
Your body will undergo a lot of changes in early pregnancy. Other than missed periods, you might also experience nausea and breast tenderness. But sometimes it is hard to identify pregnancy. Many women go weeks without knowing that their little one is getting ready.
If you think you are pregnant, takes a home pregnancy test to confirm. A urine test is an easy and reliable test to confirm pregnancy
]]>But first, what's insomnia?
Insomnia is a common sleeping disorder in which the affected person finds it hard to fall asleep or to stay asleep and sometimes both.
It usually occurs at night time and can cause you to wake-up early or have trouble falling back to sleep. Individuals with insomnia do not feel refreshed even after waking up.
Studies have found that insomnia is the most common sleep disorder among all other sleeping disorders. It is also noted that around one-third of all adults globally are affected by insomnia.
As you know, during pregnancy the woman's body goes through several changes to accommodate her infant.
When you are pregnant, you will experience hormonal changes, stress, anxiety, cramps, nausea, and frequent urination.
All of these conditions will keep you awake, especially during the initial days of pregnancy. Similarly, insomnia is also common with pregnancy which affects almost 75 % of pregnant women.
Sleeping problems can occur at any point during pregnancy. But insomnia is more common during the second and third trimesters. It is the time when your belly gets big enough to disturb your sleeping position.
There is no exact time when pregnancy insomnia ends but it can last for a few weeks to months.
It is always best to talk to your health care provider as soon as you notice the symptoms of insomnia. Your doctor can prescribe the appropriate medication to prevent the acute condition.
In many cases, pregnant women do not get enough sleep during the first trimester. Irregular and incomplete sleep patterns can cause mood swings and lower energy levels, affecting your health and also your work performance. This can also lead to morning sickness and other symptoms.
The following are the common symptoms of insomnia:
These symptoms can also lead to other symptoms including
The causes of insomnia during pregnancy vary. The following factors might be affecting your sleep patterns:
If a pregnant woman has any of the following conditions she is more prone to insomnia:
Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced by your body. This hormone helps to regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
If you are suffering from insomnia you can use the melatonin. A small dose of melatonin can be very effective with insomnia. Your health care provider might also give it to you as a dietary supplement.
There are several other over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids that you can use with insomnia such as Tylenol PM and Nytol.
NOTE: Taking any medicine without your doctor’s approval can be dangerous to you and your baby. You should not risk your baby’s health.
Similarly, overdosing on any medication can be harmful to your baby. It is always better to ask your doctor before using any supplement or herbal treatment.
Your doctor may recommend a magnesium supplement to prevent certain causes of insomnia such as constipation or leg cramps. Magnesium holds natural relaxing power and helps to relax your muscle which promotes better sleep.
Usually, insomnia is not much of a big concern during pregnancy. The only problem is the disturbed sleep pattern restless nights. It becomes a problem only if you develop chronic insomnia.
Chronic insomnia is when you experience problems sleeping for at least three times a week and for at least three months or longer.
Chronic insomnia can lead to gestational diabetes, stress, anxiety, and depression. It can increase the risk of premature birth or delayed labor. It also increases the risk for cesarean.
Chronic insomnia might last for about 3 months. It is further divided into primary and secondary insomnia. There is no exact cause of primary insomnia and has the typical symptoms as described earlier – problems dropping off to sleep and staying asleep. Secondary insomnia is caused by many factors including:
Sleep plays an important role to keep you healthy and fresh during pregnancy. Therefore, we have compiled a list of some techniques to manage your routine with insomnia and how to prevent it.
The following things can help you to manage insomnia
When you cannot fall asleep after 20 to 30 minutes, just wake up instead of trying to sleep. Get up from your bed and do some boring stuff and then try again to sleep.
The human body needs an average sleep pattern of about 6 to 9 hours. But if you are pregnant, you are more tired and therefore you need more sleep than usual. If you cannot sleep properly, you should take a rest to boost up your energy.
You can use too many cushions or pillows to feel comfortable. The pillows can give you support and help you to have a good night's sleep.
Some lifestyle changes can also help you with insomnia:
You can also talk to your health care provider to prescribe some relevant exercise, medication, or supplements.
There are some ways and lifestyle changes that will help you to prevent or minimize the effects of insomnia during pregnancy:
Pre-birth worries and anxiety can wake you up all night long. You need to sort it out during the day. Talk with your friends or your partner about how you're feeling. Stay relaxed and try some meditation.
You should also develop the habit of writing down your thoughts on paper so that they cannot disturb you while sleeping.
Limit your intake of caffeine and chocolates especially during the late afternoon, in the evenings, and before you go to sleep.
Make a habit of eating your dinner early in the evening. Eating small and healthy meals is also very helpful to reduce insomnia.
Try getting all your fluid requirements early in the daytime and avoid drinking fluids after 6 p.m. This prevents the frequent urges to go to the bathroom during your sleeping hours.
You should develop a routine of exercise during pregnancy. Practicing such exercises also helps to promote better sleep quality.
Try to sleep and wake up at the same time daily. Set a schedule and try to stick to it. You can also include some bedtime activities such as reading good books, enjoying soothing music, practicing light exercise, warm baths, prenatal massages, and sex.
There are many good and effective sleeping apps available. Download one of these apps or some natural soothing music that helps with deep sleep.
In addition to soothing sound, you can shift to dark shade curtains in your bedroom to promote a cozy and comfortable environment.
You can try using a nasal strip if you have a runny nose. A runny nose can be problematic as it will prevent you from having a good night's sleep.
Reduce your screen time and avoid using smart devices before going to bed. The blue light emanating from your screen will affect the performance of the melatonin hormone. This is the hormone that helps regulate you sleep-wake cycles.
Insomnia is a common sleeping disorder during pregnancy but it can be easily treated without harming your little ones. Pregnancy-related insomnia might be disturbing but does no harm to your baby’s development.
Most times, it is a short-term disorder but in some cases, it can become acute. Therefore, if you think you are suffering from insomnia during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor for immediate treatment.
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Welcoming your new family member into your home also comes with challenges.
Having a baby is a great feeling but it is also a huge responsibility for you as a new parent. There are many things that you need to figure out before the kiddo comes to his or her new home.
Besides, making a birth plan, selecting the best health care providers, managing routines during and after pregnancy, mind-setting the siblings, hiring the right babysitter, there is a lot more that you need to manage before baby’s arrival.
In this article, we help you prepare your home for your baby’s arrival.
By following these tips you will also organize your home and make it ready to welcome your newborn.
In the last three or four months of your pregnancy, you begin to feel the urge to clean your home thoroughly. This is called Nesting, or Pregnancy Nesting. It is the period when a mother feels the need to make the home ready for the baby. It can involve vacuuming, sweeping and mopping of floors, washing curtains, and even steam cleaning the carpets to get rid of any germs.
During this time, you also begin rearranging your space in preparation for your new arrival.
It is not an easy task and will take weeks to complete. If you can, ask your friends and family for help. Otherwise, contact a professional organizer who can help you work through it all.
So how do you prepare for your new baby?
Let’s begin.
In general, your home should be well organized, clean, and comfy before your baby arrives.
Here are some areas that you’d want to prepare as you plan for your newborn’s arrival.
Let’s start with the fun part - preparing for the new arrival 🙂. Preparing your nursery can be broken down into a few steps:
First of all, select the space that you’ll use for the nursery.
Whether it’s a space in a particular room or a room on its own, it should be airy, cozy, and comfortable. Ideally, the nursery would be near your bedroom so that you can easily reach your baby in those first few weeks.
Take time to select the design for the nursery. Ask your partner or friends for help if you need to. Are you going to paint the walls (be careful of those fumes!) or use cute and colorful decals? Floral wallpaper? The options can seem endless...
Get only the necessary furniture and other accessories you'll need in the short term. - three to six months at most. Don’t get carried away with all the cute and adorable things you see. Most of the time, you’re not going to need or use them. And they only reduce your available space.
Now that the hard decisions are over, let’s set up your nursery. You’ll need to complete the space by setting up your crib, diaper changing table, and a nursing chair.
Create as many storage areas as possible in the nursery – babies come with a lot of stuff 😂. Clothes baskets and shelf baskets are great at helping you organize many of his or her things. You can also consider installing a hanging organizer on the nursery door or your baby’s crib. A hanging diaper caddy organizer may be a great option for quick changes in limited or small spaces.
Looking for some ideas? Check out these cool furniture pieces with maximum storage for your baby’s nursery.
A baby closet should be organized so that you can find everything easily and quickly. It doesn't need to be filled with a lot of clothes as your baby will be growing quickly these first few months. So only what you need for the first 3 to 6 months.
And you want to be able to find what you need very quickly.
To keep the baby’s closet organized:
You need a lot of space with a newborn. And you also need to pay attention to your older kid(s). De-clutter their room too to make space.
You can donate toys, books, and other accessories that your older kid(s) do not use anymore. Or you can use large storage bags (or bins) to store less-used items.
You should also go through your guest room, if you have one, to make the best use of the available space. Use the areas under the bed and above the cupboards to store things that you don’t use very often.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a newborn stay in the parent’s room for a few months after birth. This way, you can keep an eye on the baby and you don’t have to go too far for those midnight feedings. It’s also a great option for women who have had cesarian section deliveries.
So, you’ll need an area in your room for a baby bassinet.
A bedside bassinet is a great idea! Look for one that comes with a diaper changer, storage area, wheels, and even hanging toys. You can use it for multiple purposes and move it anywhere you want.
You may also need to rearrange the master closet to make room for your postpartum essentials and nursing clothes.
First, you’ll need to clean your cabinets and floor thoroughly. Go through your cabinets, drawers, pantry, fridge, and freezer. Get rid of all the expired food items and things that you don't need. Wipe down countertops and mop the floor, so that you have a clean space to start.
Now, you should have some space to set up your newborn’s feeding accessories. You can add a drying station near the sink to keep these accessories. You can also install plastic pantry racks in the cabinets or the freezer to keep things organized.
You’ll need to make a list of household items that you'll need for the first few months after the baby comes home. This includes grocery items, especially non-perishables, canned food, and frozen items, and all the things that you can store for a longer time. Start stockpiling them - it will make life much easier not having to do grocery shopping with a new baby.
Also, make a list of other items that you will need in the coming months. Having a good stock of daily essentials so you don’t have to rush to the store relieves a lot of anxiety.
Newborns depend on their mom for everything. So, it's hard for new mothers to manage the house and kitchen or cook meals with a newborn.
To make it easier, you need to restock and have ready-to-eat meals that you can store in the freezer and use when needed or in an emergency.
Make a list and go grocery shopping. Frozen food items, healthy snacks, and canned foods are highly recommended. Or, if you have the time, prepare some home-cooked meals and put them in the freezer for later.
Clean out the drawers, cabinets, windows and mirror, tub, toilet, and sink in the bathroom. You need to take care of yourself and your baby after delivery. A clean and organized bathroom goes a long way to achieving this goal.
Organize your toiletries in storage baskets or bags, and keep a large laundry basket in your bathroom to make things easier.
Make space in the living room. You can invest in a multi-functional bassinet to keep your baby close. As your baby grows you will need a rocking or bouncing chair, swing, and/or some play toys. So clear and store anything in your living room that is not essential.
Four stations that you should have ready in your home before the baby arrives are areas for :
All four stations should be ready to use with all the accessories and items needed. It will make life with your newborn easier and also saves you time and energy.
There are three important things you need to organize before going to the hospital.
All the bags should be packed and ready for the hospital at least two to four weeks in advance of your due date.
Get your car ready for the newborn in the last month of your pregnancy. Your baby can arrive sooner than expected, so you want to be prepared. Do not leave this for the last minute - trust us! Invest in a quality, certified car seat so you can drive your baby home safely and without any problem.
So if everything we’ve discussed so far feels like way too much work or just the thought of it is making your brain hurt, you can always hire a professional organizer.
A professional organizer will systematically go through each room of your home and help you sort through and prepare your home for your baby’s arrival.
Our go-to professional organizer ‘extraordinaire’ is Adeilah over at Jigsaw Organizing Solutions. No matter your space or organizing challenges, Adeilah can help! Services include upcycling, virtual organizing, and even document digitization.
Your home will be perfectly organized, relieving you of that stress and anxiety, so you can focus all your energy on the arrival of your new bundle of joy.
If you’ve gone through everything we’ve discussed here, your home is now clean, tidy, and ready for your baby’s arrival. In the midst of everything, remember to take care of yourself. Get help whenever possible.
]]>But did you know that exercise is also helpful even after your pregnancy?
Yes, exercise brings a lot of benefits for you after your pregnancy. Therefore you should continue exercises after the birth of your baby.
Postpartum is the 4–6 week period just after childbirth.
Many women begin to feel sad or depressed from 3 to 5 days after delivery. Sometimes depression may begin during pregnancy. If the depression is prolonged or lasts for more than 2 weeks it means you are suffering from postpartum depression. For some people it can last up to 1 year.
But there is no need to worry because exercise can help you to get out of postpartum depression. Following are some benefits of exercise for postpartum women.
Generally, a moderate amount of aerobic activity for up to 150 minutes every week is considered best. But the length of time you exercise is of less importance. Exercising for only 10-minutes can also bring a lot of benefits to your physical well-being. It can keep you fit and helps to strengthen your muscles.
You can start with 5- 10 minutes and then increase it over time. You can divide the time according to your stamina.
For instance, you can go for 10- minutes walk each day or you can work out for up to 30- minutes for 5 days a week. You can manage this time according to your willpower.
The best time for exercise comes when you know that you are ready for it. Pregnant women can start exercising soon after normal vaginal delivery. This is safe and recommended by the doctor.
In the case of cesarean birth or any other complications consult your health care professional first before starting any exercise. Your doctors know better about your health condition and will recommend the best time to start regular exercise.
Some mothers may worry that exercise during breastfeeding maybe not be good. But it is completely safe for you and your child. The composition of your breast milk is also not affected by your exercise.
Below are some tips and measures to follow when you are planning to exercise.
Are you producing more milk before, during or after feeding time? Then try our reusable Breast Milk Collectors. They are food-grade and can be used even under your normal clothing - in your bra - when you're on the go. |
The primary goal in the postpartum period is to get back your strength. You need to especially work on areas including the diaphragm, transverse muscles, and the pelvic floor.
There are some specific after-pregnancy exercises for women that you can start after consulting your doctor. The following moves will help you in rebuilding your strength:
There are two other important exercises also to do during the whole postpartum period:
This exercise is very helpful to do in the postpartum period. Regular practice will help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
How to do:
You can start deep breathing a few days after your delivery. Deep breathing only for few minutes can help to keep your muscles relaxed and help relieve your stress. You can do it while sitting or lying down.
How to do:
Walking is a great workout after delivery. This will refresh your body and mind. You can also take your baby with you for a walk.
After getting your strength back, you can also stop for a while and consider performing a few bodyweight squares.
This is a beginner’s yoga move and is very helpful in supporting your back muscles. The Cat-Cow stretching helps to improve mobility and blood circulation. Your body will get a soothing effect from this exercise.
How to do:
A standard plank is a great total body exercise. You can do it a few weeks after normal vaginal delivery.
You can further modify this move by taking a start from your knees before performing a standard plank.
How to do:
Side plank leg lift is more advanced than a standard plank. It is a variation of the standard plank. You should not do it in the initial weeks of postpartum. Wait until your body gets a little stronger.
How to do:
The Swiss Ball Glute Bridge exercise is great for strengthening and toning your glutes and your hips. The Swiss ball allows you to roll forward in a very natural, fluid way as you rise off the floor.
How to do:
Here's a short video demonstrating how to do the move:
As you can see, there are many benefits - both short-term and long-term to exercising after the birth of your baby. We hope this article helps you to find the exercise(s) that work best for you. Be safe, consult your doctor if anything doesn't feel right or if you are in pain for a long time. And enjoy the benefits of postpartum exercise.
Love always.
]]>Stretch marks are the streaks, scars, or colored lines that appear on distinct parts of the body and occur as a result of overstretched skin.
In medical terms, these marks are also called striae, striae distensae, striae atrophicans, and striae gravidarum.
Stretch marks are most commonly seen in pregnant women but can affect any person. They happen when a person’s skin is stretched and cannot return to its normal form after a period of intense growth. Most people get these marks after pregnancy, puberty, rapid weight gain, and weight loss.
Stretch marks can appear on any part of your body. The following are the most commonly affected body areas for stretch marks:
Stretch marks are not harmful or painful. But people dislike them because they affect their physical appearance.
Generally, they do not cause any kind of medical problem. But in some cases, these marks can become a medical issue and need treatment.
Your body will show some signs before the appearance of stretch marks. The skin can turns pinkish in color and you may feel thinner. Some people also experience irritation or itching in the affected area.
Initially, stretch marks develop as a red-purple, pinkish, or reddish-brown wrinkled. The wrinkles will flatten over time and turn into silvery colors.
Your stretch marks will slowly become less noticeable over time but it can take years to completely fade away.
Stretch marks are caused by the sudden stretching of the skin which as a result of excessive or rapid growth. The following are the major causes of skin stretching:
Pregnancy is the leading cause of stretch marks. Up to 50 percent of pregnant women show signs of these marks during or after their pregnancy. Pregnant women can get these marks on their belly, breast, hips, butt, and thighs.
Puberty is the growing process in which a child’s body develops and changes into an adult body. Stretch marks from puberty mostly affect young people.
Rapid weight gain in a very short period stretches out the skin which causes stretch marks.
Sometimes people get these marks because of medical conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome.
The use of corticosteroid creams and lotions for a long period of time reduces the levels of collagen, which supports the skin. This reduced amount of collagen makes it easier for the skin to stretch and as a result, your body can show these scars.
Studies have shown that there might be some risk factors associated with the development of stretch marks. According to some research, we can say that stretch marks could happen because of some reasons that are as follows:
Stretch marks can be diagnosed easily after a complete skin examination and by observing the medical history of the affected person.
Stretch marks may often fade gradually and become less noticeable. But it will take a long time. Pregnancy stretch marks become less noticeable at around 6 to 12 months after childbirth.
Treatment for the stretch marks is available but there is not much evidence that supports their effectiveness. Generally, creams, gels, lotions, oils, and topical treatments are used to get rid of stretch marks. Pregnant women can minimize the chance of getting these marks if they start to apply stretch marks creams from the first month of pregnancy.
There are also some cosmetic surgeries for the treatment of these marks. And makeup is frequently used on exposed areas of skin to conceal the stretch marks.
Stretch marks cannot be prevented. But still, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of their occurrence. The following steps will help you in this regard:
You should consume food rich in Vitamin A and C and Minerals like zinc and silicon. These vitamins and minerals are very important for healthy skin.
Maintaining a healthy weight according to your age and height helps to prevent stretch marks.
Try to avoid yo-yo dieting. Yo-Yo dieting is a weight cycling process in which a person loses weight then gains it and then again loses it.
You should try to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.
Currently, there is no treatment available that can completely remove stretch marks. But the use of some products can help to make the scar less noticeable. This is the easiest and safest way to get rid of stretch marks.
Many wonderful products are available in the market that consumers found effective. You can choose the products that include the following ingredients:
We have compiled a list of some of the products that give promising results and seem amazingly effective for stretch marks.
The following are some best-reviewed products for stretch marks:
• Mustela Stretch Mark Cream
• Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter
• Mommy Knows Best Stretch Mark Vanishing cream
• Munchkin Milkmakers All-Natural Belly Balm
• Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks
Stretch marks do occur. They are definitely not pleasing, and with everything else that you're adjusting to in pregnancy, not welcome! However, there are steps you can take to minimize or reduce the effects and duration of their appearance.
All of the above-mentioned products work differently on different skin types. As with any topicals, you may have to try a few of them to find the best one for your skin.
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Some pregnant women also wonder if their sleeping position can hurt their baby or result in any pregnancy complications.
The following are some of the reasons you may be having difficulty sleeping during pregnancy:
In this article, you are going to learn about different sleep positions and some amazing hacks to sleep better during pregnancy.
If a pregnant woman does not get quality sleep she may experience emotional and physical fatigue. This fatigue can make it difficult for her to function properly.
Lack of sleep can also result in depression that can cause serious complications in pregnancy. It might lead to high blood pressure and possibly protein in your urine during pregnancy, a condition known as preeclampsia. There can also be some developmental problems for the baby. /p>
You can follow these simple tips to have a comfortable sleep during pregnancy:
The following are some of the best sleeping positions during pregnancy:
SOS, which means sleeping on the side, is considered the best sleeping position during pregnancy. It provides better blood and oxygen circulation to your body and your baby.
Better circulation also minimizes the chances of swelling, varicose veins in the legs, and hemorrhoids.
When you sleep on your side you are putting minimum pressure on your veins and internal organs.
You might have heard of the benefits of sleeping on the left side. Sleeping on the left side during pregnancy is considered an ideal position.
Sleeping on the left side in pregnancy helps your body to give a better supply of nutrients and blood to the placenta. It also minimizes the chances of swelling in the hands, ankles, and feet.
If sleeping on the left side is important in pregnancy, should we avoid sleeping on our right side? Not necessarily.
Sleeping on the right side comes with a slight risk of exerting compression with the inferior vena cava (IVC), the major vein that brings oxygen-poor blood from the lower body back to the heart..
It is also practically impossible to sleep on a single side for hours. But as long as you are comfortable, you can sleep on either of the two sides.
To help you sleep on your side and get the support you need, try our U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow. |
You can sleep on your stomach before starting week 16 to 18 of your pregnancy.
With tender and swollen breasts and a growing abdomen, sleeping on the stomach becomes very uncomfortable and you should also avoid it.
After week 16 your baby bump starts to get bigger and it would be very uncomfortable for you to sleep in this position. But if it is your habit you don't need to worry, you are not going to crush your baby under you. Amniotic fluid and the uterine wall protects your baby.
For a more comfortable experience, you can use a stomach maternity pillow for your belly. You can also use a donut-shaped pillow making room for your belly, to have a comfortable and peaceful sleep.
During the nine months of pregnancy and especially during the second and third trimester, try to avoid:
If you sleep on your back during pregnancy, you are increasing your chances of developing backache, shortness of breath, digestive problems, and low blood pressure.
When you sleep on your back, your growing abdomen puts pressure on your intestines and major blood vessels that results in all these health problems mentioned above.
As your pregnancy progresses, it becomes difficult for you to sleep properly at night. You can try different sleeping positions during all three trimesters.
In the beginning, you can sleep in any position. During this period of pregnancy, your uterus is still in its initial stages and the tiny fetus weight together doesn't bother your sleep much.
But if you want to change your habit of sleeping on a peculiar side, you can place a pillow between your legs. It will help you to ease the discomfort in your lower back area.
During the first trimester, you might also feel uncomfortable due to frequent urination and your visits to the bathroom. At this stage, some women also feel stressed out due to physical and emotional changes associated with pregnancy.
During the second trimester, you might feel a little relief from frequent urination and pressure of the growing fetus on your bladder. Still, the growing baby and emotional stress might disturb your sleep.
For your second trimester, try using a firm mattress. It will support your back and baby weight. If your mattress is too soft, you can place a board or plank of wood between your mattress and box spring for extra support.
U or C-shaped pillows are also very helpful during this period. They wrap around your body and give support during side sleep.
In the third trimester, you are more likely to experience sleeping problems. You might feel discomfort while sleeping due to your growing pregnancy belly, heartburn, leg cramps, sinus congestion, and frequent urination,
At this stage of pregnancy, you can still use the pregnancy pillow for support. During this period, wedge pillows are very helpful. You can place them under your belly and back to keep yourself from rolling.
Elevating the head of your bed can also be helpful in the third trimester. You can place some books or blocks to elevate it a couple of inches.
The following pregnancy pillows can help you with sleeping:
For different women, different strategies work to have a better sleep at night. Here we have created a list of some sleeping aids for you:
All the above-mentioned tips and sleeping positions might not sound comfortable to try, especially if you are not used to sleeping on either of your sides. But trying them wouldn't hurt you at all.
Also, remember that you may not sleep in the same position throughout the night. So it is normal to keep changing your positions.
]]>During these nine months, you might not be able to take a good night's sleep, especially during the third trimester.
The headache, fatigue, back pain, and discomfort from a large belly can be exhausted. But this is not the only reason you are feeling annoyed or exhausted.
Fatigue is one of the first signs of early pregnancy. After conception and implantation, pregnancy hormones constantly affect your physical and mental condition.
They might affect your physical appearance, sleep patterns, brain condition, mood, and metabolism. It usually disappears in the second trimester; the most comfortable time of all the three trimesters.
As you enter your third trimester, you experience extreme exhaustion and fatigue again.
As you already know, growing a baby is not an easy task. The fluctuating hormones and physical and emotional changes lower your energy level drastically making you feel exhausted.
During the first trimester, your body might react to:
In addition to all these pregnancy symptoms, you also have to deal with:
During pregnancy, your body has to make an additional organ called the placenta. Its function is to provide nutrients and oxygen to your baby. Growing a placenta takes a lot of energy and makes you feel exhausted.
Hormonal changes may also affect your mood and overall condition. They support your pregnancy and increase milk production. They can also make you feel exhausted during pregnancy.
Physical changes in pregnancy are another factor causing exhaustion and fatigue. Your high metabolism, increased heart rate, blood sugar, and blood pressure can make you exhausted.
You may feel a bit relieved as your second trimester starts. The second trimester is usually considered to be the easiest trimester. During this trimester, morning sickness usually fades away and you might feel a rush of energy in your body.
The third trimester has its negatives and positives. As your due date gets closer you feel more tired.
The following are some of the reasons, you feel exhausted in your third trimester of pregnancy:
The growing baby bump carries a lot of weight and it adds pressure on your back and pelvis area. Carrying a lot of extra weight in just a few months can also cause back pain and make you feel tired.
Some mothers feel stressed out when they realize that soon they are going to have a baby. It’s a great responsibility. And it’s normal to feel a bit of stress but you can also feel exhausted from all the stress. Discuss how you feel with your partner or friend to ease the tension. Having a baby is a beautiful gift of nature and you are going to love it.
Pregnancy insomnia is another reason that you are all stressed out. Many pregnant women cannot sleep properly at night due to acidity or restless leg syndrome. When you don’t get enough sleep you may feel exhausted the whole day.
You should not take risks during your pregnancy as they can be life-threatening for both you and your baby. If you feel that something is not right at any time during pregnancy, you should contact your health care provider or midwife.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you should see your doctor immediately:
Your health care provider will help treat or reduce the effect of these pregnancy symptoms.
In pregnancy, your body is sending you lots of messages. Pay attention and again, consult your healthcare provider if you think something is not quite right.
The following are some tips for you to deal with exhaustion, fatigue, and sleep deprivation during pregnancy:
Lack of sleep during pregnancy results in increased blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.
A healthy pregnant woman should spend at least eight hours in bed. Even if you are not sleeping, give your body some time to rest. If you are having a problem falling and staying asleep, try going to bed a little earlier than usual.
If you cannot sleep during pregnancy, speak with your health care provider and tell trusted family and friends about your sleep insomnia. Don’t take sleeping pills in pregnancy, no matter how tired or exhausted you feel. Always consult your doctor before taking any medicine.
Creating the right atmosphere in the bedroom is very important for optimal rest. To avoid sunlight and make your bedroom cozy, cover your windows with blackout curtains. It will help you to have a deep sleep.
The glow from digital clocks and illuminating nightlights can also disturb your sleep so turn them off if you have any. Keep the bedroom temperature a little cooler than the rest of your house for a better sleeping experience. Remove anything that’s not needed for sleep from your bed and wash your bed sheets often.
During the first and third trimesters, pregnant women often complain of not having enough sleep at night. Fatigue and restless legs during the first trimester and frequent urination, body aches, and pregnancy irritation during the third trimester prevents women to have enough sleep.
If you are also unable to sleep properly, napping can help you to cover all the sleep that you have lost at night. Short naps during that day can help relieve some of the tiredness. However, don’t take a nap in the late afternoon or early evenings as they can disturb your night sleep routine.
In early pregnancy, women often have lower blood pressure and blood sugar level. This can make you feel tired. Try to keep your blood pressure and blood sugar level balanced as much as possible. However, too high blood sugar levels might result in gestational diabetes, so you have to be careful.
Instead of having two or three large meals a day, you can have six smaller healthy meals every day. Frequent meals enriched with nutrition and protein also helps to combat fatigue.
Drinking water and healthy fluids are also highly recommended as it keeps you hydrated and avoids nighttime leg cramps.
Caffeine during pregnancy keeps you active and awake for a much longer time. If you take caffeine after lunchtime, you might stay awake later or wake up more frequently at night.
Caffeine can also keep your baby active and he or she might kick and roll inside your tummy when you are trying to sleep. Experts also recommend that pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to one or two cups a day.
All the physical changes and weight gain during pregnancy puts extra pressure on your body. A simple and regular exercise routine can help you to overcome all the stress and exhaustion you are feeling during pregnancy.
The following are some of the benefits of exercise during pregnancy:
As always, you should consult your health care provider before starting any exercise or workout.
Pregnancy is a tiring experience, both physically and emotionally. Almost every woman has felt this exhaustion; it is completely normal. After all, it is not an easy job to grow and carry a baby for nine months.
With the tips discussed above and in consultation with your doctor, midwife, or other health care provider, you can find relief (some, if not all) for the exhaustion you feel during your pregnancy.
]]>No matter what mode of nutrition you choose for your baby, people are going to have different opinions about it.
In this article, we have tried to give you as much information as you need to make the choice that is right for YOU between breastfeeding and formula feeding. You will know which one is better and more practical for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding is known to be the best source of nutrition for infants. Breast milk contains all the nutrients required for a baby. It is safe, clean, and contains antibodies that boost the immune system of your baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months. During this time, your baby doesn’t need solid food, liquid, or even water. Also, even after you start introducing other foods to your baby you should continue breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding has many benefits. It is very practical because it is available at any time, at the right temperature for your baby and usually, you will have enough milk to satisfy your baby’s needs.
Other advantages of breastfeeding for your infant include:
There are also advantages of breastfeeding for mothers:
You can also pump and store breast milk for later use.
Although breastfeeding has several advantages, there are also some disadvantages:
Babies can receive all the nutrients they need from breastfeeding alone. If you think that your baby requires additional nutrition, consult your pediatrician.
Doctors usually recommend vitamin D to infants, especially if you are only breastfeeding. Vitamin D helps your baby to absorb calcium and phosphorus that are important for bone strength and growth.
If your baby isn’t breastfeeding properly, having trouble latching on to the breast, or if you cannot breastfeed for any other reason you can pump breast milk.
It is a very convenient method and you can store as much milk as you want. Then all you need to do is warm the amount of breast milk in a bottle before giving it to your baby. Always use a clean and sterilized bottle to feed your baby.
Keep your confidence level high, learning as much as you can about postpartum and breastfeeding. It will help you to stay stress-free. Keeping your surroundings peaceful and calm will also help with your breastmilk production.
You can also try breastfeeding more frequently, having your baby feed from both breasts at each feed or pumping between feedings.
Ask your partner or someone you trust for support if needed. You can also consult your health care provider or a lactation consultant at any time.
Although breastfeeding is considered the best source of nutrition for infants many factors may lead you to consider formula-feeding.
One of the most common reasons is the pain and discomfort associated with breastfeeding mainly because of an incorrect latch position. Other reasons can be
Formula feeding is not a bad option to feed your infant. Some of the benefits of formula feeding are:
If you are going to select bottle feeding you need a kit. Always carry feeding bottles, teats, and bottle warming equipment with you.
Infant formula can be dangerous for some babies as it doesn’t contain any immune-boosting elements that breast milk contains. It’s also not as easily digestible as breast milk.
If prepared carefully and as directed, infant formula supports healthy babies who have normal dietary needs. Some babies who are premature or weak when born require a special formula to meet their nutritional needs.
Breast milk contains soothing compounds that encourage the baby to sleep. It is also very easily digested so your baby wakes often to feed.
Formula milk isn’t as easily digested. So your baby stays fuller for a much longer time. Formula-fed babies, however, are more prone to gas, bloating, and pain. So you may still have to stay awake to soothe your crying baby.
Feeding your baby with breast milk and formula milk is called combination feeding and many parents do this.
Sometimes, mothers may combine breastfeeding with formula feeding. They use formula milk when they are in a public place breast milk otherwise. In this way, you don’t need to prepare your infant’s feed at midnight.
Formula feeding combined with breastfeeding however can disrupt how your baby breastfeeds. It can also lower the milk supply.
Before you introduce formula milk to your baby, wait until your baby is at least one month old. You should make sure that breastfeeding is well developed and your baby can balance both.
If you are giving a combination feeding to your baby, make sure you are not adding formula directly to your breast milk. Formula milk is prepared to provide the basic vitamins and calories to your baby.
If you want to mix breast milk with formula milk, add some water in formula milk before you mix it with breast milk.
Experts recommend that you breastfeed your infant for at least 6 months. Breastfeeding should also be continued even after you start solid food. Your baby can drink breast milk even until he or she reaches the age of 2 years.
Deciding on the best option for your baby is not an easy task- it might be difficult to decide which one is better. To know which one is better, focus on your baby.
Once your baby arrives you can decide if you can meet the expenses of formula milk or if you can avoid eating your favorite food that might be dangerous for your little infant while breastfeeding.
Most women decide before the birth but once their baby arrives they change their minds. While you are focusing on the pros and cons of breastfeeding and formula feeding think about your baby’s health.
Ask your doctor or lactation consultant, they can help you to make the best decision. If your baby is feeding normally and regularly then you can continue breastfeeding but if your baby is very weak or not able to suck properly you always have another option.
There are many opinions around breastfeeding vs formula feeding. Breastfeeding does contain everything that your baby needs and for this reason is the preferred choice. However, every mom’s situation is different. So make the choice that works best for you.
]]>In this article we discuss some simple at home exercises you can do when you're pregnant.
Exercise during pregnancy is beneficial for both you and your baby as it helps in normal and healthy pregnancy and labor.
If you are pregnant, you may experience backaches, swollen ankles, and restless nights which can be due to or in addition to bloating and constipation. To avoid all these annoying symptoms during your pregnancy, exercise should be an important part of your daily routine.
We are not talking about heavy exercises like weight lifting. But simple activities like running and walking can help provide some comfort. It can also boost your mood and help reduce stress and anxiety.
As far as your baby is concerned, exercise allows your baby to develop a healthy and fitter heart, a lower BMI, and better brain health.
The simple answer is, yes. Exercise is completely safe for both of you and your baby. But you should always ask your health care provider before doing anything. Tell him or her about the pregnancy symptoms and how you are experiencing. Maybe you need complete bed rest and exercise is not good for you at all.
As mentioned above, exercise has many benefits for the human body. And there are some simple home workouts during pregnancy to help lead to a healthy and easy pregnancy and labor.
Here are a few benefits of home workouts that reduce pregnancy side effects:
It would be remiss of me not to say – When you are expecting you should not take any risk. Be very careful before doing anything.
Home workouts are your best option when you’re pregnant. You don’t need to go to the gym. You don’t have to follow specific timing. I mean, what else can you want? For a home workout, you only need to clear out space in your living room or any other suitable place.
Here are some very simple and easy home workouts that are completely safe during pregnancy. We have listed here workout routines for beginner, intermediate, and advanced stages.
Before starting any exercise, let’s do some warm-up to increase the blood flow in your body:
Now you are ready to begin your routine. Below we have outlined beginner, intermediate and advanced routines depending on your level of experience. You can change your routine when you think you are ready for progress.
The beginner routine exercises provide a full-body workout within a few minutes.
The bridge position can also be used as a warm-up.
To get into the position:
Chair squat position strengthens your legs and core. This exercise eases your muscles and helps you in everyday movement.
To get into the position:
Knee pushup is a great exercise for a beginner. This exercise will help you to build your muscle strength.
To get into the position:
After mastering the beginner’s routine you can try the intermediate moves. It is a more advanced approach towards home workouts. The intermediate routine includes:
Any exercise routine that includes a single leg is harder than using both legs. A Single-leg bridge can be tough at first.
To get into the position:
While doing squat for intermediate routine, you can now remove the chair. It will allow you to form a regular bodyweight squat.
Repeat the same process of the squat but this time you only have to imagine that you are sitting on a chair by hinging at your hips and pushing back your bottom.
As you can guess, the standard pushup is tougher than a knee pushup.
When you are comfortable with progress your ability to do the knee push up, you can start standard pushups.
The Get-up Squat can help relieve stress and tension. This exercise also helps to ease and revive the muscles of your legs
To get into the position:
If you are comfortable with the Intermediate routine and think that you can easily adopt a more difficult exercise routine, here are some more advanced moves. As always, be careful with your body. Take your time and stop if you feel any pain.
In a bridge with an extended leg, you lift one foot and then extend the leg straight out. This position makes the single-leg bridge more difficult.
Throughout this exercise, you should keep your foot flexed. Repeat the exercise with both of your legs.
For the overhead squat, you extend the arms overhead.
This exercise will keep your upper body in motion. In addition to this, your lower body will also get benefits from the overhead squat. To get into the position you should extend your arms overhead.
For a one-leg pushup, lift one of your legs and put more weight on your other three limbs. It is a more difficult exercise and requires more energy.
For a one-legged pushup, get into a pushup position and then lift your leg off the ground to complete the pushup.
This low-impact cardio workout is best for the third trimester and postpartum.
For a warm-up:
To get into the position:
This exercise will increase your heart rate and regulate the blood flow in your vessels.
Alternatively, here’s a 15-minute low-impact workout video you can follow:
From recent studies, 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise is enough for a pregnant woman. You do not need to exercise everyday. You are allowed to skip some days.
Also you should not do strenuous exercises like running on a treadmill or riding a bike at the gym. The exercises you need include some simple and easy tasks. You can walk for 10 minutes a day if it is convenient for you. Similarly, normal house chores like vacuuming and yard work also count as your daily workout.
Here's another workout option for a full body workout:
Pregnant women should always take the following precautions during exercise:
Even if until now you are feeling yourself to be less productive and lying in the bed all day, remember it is never too late.
You can start today or right now. You just need a little motivation and you are good to go. Be active for a good change in your life for you and your baby.
]]>Hey mom. How are you doing? As your pregnancy progresses you’re beginning to see some of the physical changes in your body. You’re most likely in your second trimester, and your growing belly is now visible, as your baby grows inside you. However, with your growing belly comes some additional challenges for which you may need some support. But before we get into that, let’s discuss what’s happening with your body.
The bigger your baby bump gets, the more uncomfortable you begin to feel. This discomfort is due to the loosening of the ligaments in your body leading to changes to your posture and for many, pain in different parts of your body. A type of pain that you may experience as a result of the increased body weight are called Round Ligament Pains.
Round Ligament Pains are the sharpshooting sensations that usually take place after 14 weeks of pregnancy. They are often felt in the lower belly or groin area on one or both sides of your belly. Many women experience it during the second and third trimesters. And this is very common and normal.
These pains happen when the uterus expands to make more room for our growing baby and to prepare our body for labor. As the uterus grows, the ligaments around the abdomen get stretched and can result in back pain.
Pregnancy support belts are very helpful to overcome ligament pain and back pain. These belts add support to the belly so you can easily continue your daily activities with little to no discomfort or pain.
If you are experiencing round ligament pain, pregnancy support belts and bands can be very helpful. These belts and bands wrap around your lower back and abdomen to support your bump easing the pressure on your lower back and pelvis.
Your growing bundle of joy can also be a source of strain and pain during your pregnancy. Pregnancy belly belts wrap around your lower back and abdomen, providing support for their belly and helping to prevent pelvic and hip pain during pregnancy. Many pregnant women have reported that belly belts help ease their pelvic pain.
Ok, before we start, there is one important thing you should know: pregnancy support belts and pregnancy bands are different from each other. Pregnancy bands are designed in a way to help you wear your regular jeans and trousers for a much longer time. While the belts provide more support for your belly to help with the weight and discomfort of your growing baby.
Belly bands are flexible and stretchable. These bands are made of soft garments shaped like a tube. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, designs, and shapes. When your tummy gets bigger most of your regular clothes won’t fit anymore. You can use belly bands to hide those unbuttoned or unzipped pants. These bands also help you to cover the skin of your belly that gets exposed as the belly expands.
Some belly bands provide very mild compression on the belly and can also support your lower back and hips. They are mainly used as a fashion accessory.
Belly belts are used as maternity supportive wear. These are more rigid belts that wrap around your belly in a way that covers most of it to add support to the lower back, hips, pelvis, and abdomen during pregnancy.
Some belly belts are narrower and strap-like and you can wear them to help extend the life of your regular clothes during pregnancy. But it is usually sitting on top of clothes like a camisole or vest.
Belly belts and bands also have many other positive effects. Some of these are:
If you wear a pregnancy belt or band in the third trimester, it helps improve mobility, so walking and running may be easier and more comfortable. Moreover, these belts will help reduce the chances of any injury while you are exercising.
In our review of pregnancy support belts, we looked at the features of the belt, the price range as well as the review rating in making our choice. That being said, here are our top picks for pregnancy support belts that you can use during pregnancy:
Being pregnant doesn’t mean that you have to be uncomfortable all nine months. Pregnancy support belts can be a relief for you to avoid any discomfort while working. But we recommend that you should ask your health care provider before using them. During pregnancy, your practitioner should know everything you do.
Also, remember that pregnancy supportive wear should only be used in moderation. Use them only when you are feeling very uncomfortable. Wearing these belts and bands all the time can slow down the blood flow.
If you are wearing a pregnancy belt or pregnancy band, also remember to:
You can customize pregnancy belts and bands so they can fit you better. During pregnancy, your center of gravity changes, and these belts provide extra firm support. They also help to balance a good posture.
]]>Pregnancy acne is completely normal. It is a common occurrence during the first and second trimesters. Pregnancy acne is a sign of a growing baby but it can be annoying to some extent.
...more than one out of two pregnant women can expect to develop acne...
(Source)
During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone, called androgen, in high quantities. Due to this extra androgen, glands in your skin called the sebaceous glands, produce more sebum.
Sebum is an oily, waxy substance that lubricates the hair and skin of mammals. This is not typically a problem, but this oily and waxy substance in high doses, can clog the pores in your skin trapping dirt and bacteria along with it. This buildup of dirt and bacteria leads to inflammation and breakouts on the skin resulting in acne.
If you experience acne during the menstrual period chances are there that you may also have acne during pregnancy. Just like your skin gets clear after your menstrual cycle, pregnancy acne is also temporary and fades away after some time.
In this article, you are going to learn some very important facts about pregnancy acne. We are also going to tell you how you can treat pregnancy acne.
Let’s get started...
If you're prone to acne like me, then you would be wondering: Where does pregnancy acne show up? Where does pregnancy acne occur? Or even, what week does pregnancy acne start?
Pregnancy acne may occur on any part of your body, at any time during pregnancy. However, these breakouts are more common during week 6 of pregnancy.
As the progesterone level increases in a pregnant woman, it causes excessive secretion of sebum. And as discussed earlier, this extra sebum can clog the pores of the skin where bacteria start building up resulting in pregnancy acne.
In the first few weeks of pregnancy, your body becomes very sensitive as you experience physical and emotional changes. So besides wondering when it starts, I’m sure your next question is: how long does pregnancy acne last?
Pregnancy acne can start at any time during pregnancy. Most women experience it during the early stages of pregnancy, around the 6th week.
This acne can last throughout the pregnancy but in some cases, the blemishes clear up during the third trimester. If acne doesn’t occur during the first trimester, there is a chance that you might not develop it throughout your pregnancy.
When you are pregnant it is just as important to be careful about what you use on your body as what you put into your body. The following are some tips on how to deal with pregnancy acne:
Face cleansers are the best defence against pregnancy acne. During pregnancy regular cleansing is very important. Clean your face twice a day with a good quality cleanser that is gentle on the skin.
Make sure that you wash and rinse your face properly, especially the areas of your face where you are prone for the pores to get clogged.
Avoid over-washing, as your skin may lose its natural moisture and elasticity that leads to breakouts. Scrubbing and squeezing pimples or blackheads are also not healthy for you. Squeezing your pimples during these days can make the zits last longer and result in scars.
To reduce the irritation from dry skin, use an oil-free moisturizer. Don’t use harsh acne soaps as they make skin drier and can result in breakouts.
To avoid acne in pregnancy, use oil-free skin and hair care products. Products that have a non-acnegenic label on them are more effective for you.
Washing your face twice daily reduces the chances of breakouts during pregnancy. In addition to keeping your face clean you should also take care of your hair.
Wash your hair regularly to avoid excessive sebum on your scalp. Your pillow covers, towels, or anything that you use for hair should be clean and dry.
Include the maximum amount of vitamins in your diet. Vitamin A is essential for acne treatment and it will be beneficial for you and your baby’s health. Vitamin A is used in many beauty products because it keeps the skin healthy.
You can include vitamin A-containing foods in your diet. Foods like milk, eggs, carrots, and fish have sufficient vitamin A. Always consult your health care provider if you want to take any supplements of Vitamin A.
Not only during pregnancy, but the stress in normal everyday life, can also result in pimples. In pregnancy, when all of your hormones and responses are heightened, stress can easily lead to acne. So avoid taking on too much stress and try to stay calm and happy.
Drinking a lot of water helps your skin stay hydrated and moist. Thus, it results in lower chances of pregnancy acne, and breakouts.
To prevent acne in pregnancy, you must take care of your diet. Sugar and refined grains can make the situation worse.
Change your diet from sugar and junk food to whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish. Pure dark chocolate is also helpful to prevent acne during pregnancy.
When it comes to pregnancy, pregnant women are very cautious about their health and their baby. Any harmful chemical or toxic substance can result in many complications. Although there are many cures for acne in pregnancy you cannot take any risks. Instead of using harmful chemical products for acne, it is better to use natural remedies for pregnancy acne.
If you don’t want to apply or use the typical beauty products, you can try these natural remedies to reduce the chances of pregnancy acne.
Don’t use apple cider vinegar on your skin directly as it is very acidic and can result in burns. You need to make a solution of apple cider vinegar with distilled water.
For the solution, you need one part raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar and three parts distilled water. This toner is enriched with naturally occurring enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids that are very good for your skin.
Take a small cotton ball and soak it in the apple cider vinegar mixture. Gently apply it to your skin to absorb the excess oil.
If you feel that your skin is getting excessively dry, you should stop the treatment.
Baking soda is another essential substance that is used to dry out the oil from your skin and promote healing. Baking soda is mostly used as a spot treatment.
It is not suitable for everyone and is not recommended by skin care professionals. It can irritate the skin and remove the protective oil from the skin.
To use, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. Applying this mixture to the pimple directly will minimize their appearance. Let the mixture dry completely before rinsing.
Citrus fruits like lime and lemons contain alpha hydroxyl acids. This alpha hydroxy acid helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog skin pores.
Applying lime or lemon juice to your skin helps to reduce the chances of acne. The antibacterial and astringent properties of citrus fruits make them excellent exfoliates. Their use also gives a glowing and younger appearance to your skin.
For application, squeeze the lemon or lime and apply the juice directly to the acne spots using small cotton balls. Wait for the mixture to dry completely and rinse with cool water.
The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of honey make it the first choice for most people. It leaves a soothing effect on your skin and gives it a glowing, younger, and healthier look.
Before applying honey, rinse your face properly with warm water. You can directly apply honey to your skin as it has no side effects and is very gentle on the skin.
After applying, wait for at least 20 to 30 minutes so the skin absorbs the honey. Use warm water for rinsing and cleaning honey.
Coconut oil is another naturally occurring substance that is very helpful to reduce acne during pregnancy. Coconut oil has remarkable antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
It has no side effects, absorbs in the skin easily, and leaves a soothing effect on your skin. All these characteristics make it a wonderful choice to be used for reducing acne. You can change your nighttime moisturizer with virgin coconut oil for the treatment of acne.
Cucumber and oatmeal are used for inflammation and breakouts. They leave a cooling and soothing effect on the inflamed patches of skin. Cucumber and oatmeal masks are very helpful and effective to minimize acne during pregnancy.
If you haven’t developed acne during early pregnancy yet, you can take some precautionary measures to avoid it throughout your pregnancy.
Follow these easy and simple precautions to avoid acne during pregnancy:
Ok, so there you have it. Remember, even though this can be annoying, it will soon be over as your hormones normalize. Take precautions to avoid the chances of getting pregnancy acne and keep your skin healthy.
Here’s to your happy healthy pregnancy.
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