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When you are pregnant many things change inside your body, you might have morning sickness, back pain, cravings, mood swings, swollen ankles and not to forget that there is another human growing inside your belly. With changing hormones your immune system can get weakened as well. Getting sick while pregnant is not great and in some cases might have consequences for your baby. That’s why it is important to take care of yourself and your body. There are tips and tricks to boost your immune system and make you more resistant to illnesses. Why is my Immune System Weakening While Pregnant? The reason for that is simple. Your immune system is responsible for attacking foreign things like bacteria, viruses, etc but as your baby is a foreign invader as well, your immune system would attack it if there would be a change happening. Research has found that the timing of the immune system change is exactly timed to prevent the body from rejecting the fetus. Getting sick while pregnant is not great and in some cases might have consequences for your baby. What Can I Do to Prevent Getting Sick in The First Place? Taking care of yourself while pregnant is very important. Your body needs extra care as it is going through extreme change and works hard to develop your baby and keep you alive. It is crucial to invest in your health. This can mean different things such as taking time for yourself to rest, eating healthy food, staying in bed to sleep, meditating, etc. Listen to what your body tells you. Taking time for yourself is for sure not selfish. Eating nutritious food with many vitamins and minerals is important and these two ingredients are directly linked to a strong immune system. Don’t forget to exercise and get fresh air to keep your body healthy. There is also the option of avoiding heavily crowded places and washing your hands regularly to avoid catching any bugs. Ways to Boost my Immune System Get Enough Rest Yes, sleep and rest are important and might even be one of the most important steps to take. Letting your body recharge and giving it a break from all the stress and hard work of the day is crucial for the body to work properly and protect you and the baby. Your immune system, like all the other tasks your body has to perform, only works with a good amount of rest. Drink Enough Water Honestly, water might actually be the cure to many things. It for sure is for staying healthy. Drink 2-3 liters of water throughout the day. Water is recommended but tea can also be counted. Coffee, sweet drinks like sodas, and energy drinks do unfortunately not fall under the ‘healthy’ category and should be avoided. It helps to have a water bottle or a big glass of water that you measure your water consumption in. If you have a one-liter water bottle you only need to drink two to three of those a day and you can bring it wherever you go and measure your water intake even on the road. Eat Nutritious Food You are what you eat! Again this turns out to be very true. You can’t be healthy and boost your immune system only from burgers and fries. It is important to eat vitamins and minerals that can be found in fruits and vegetables. Try eating protein and a low sugar diet and rather choose complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal, wheat bread, quinoa, whole grains, beans, etc. Eating a balanced diet and a good variety of fruit and vegetables can also help you recover way faster if you get sick. But don’t worry, eating a burger once in a while won’t harm you or your baby at all. Sometimes it’s important to eat that comfort food for your mental health and overall happiness so don’t restrict. As long as you switch things up and mix fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and protein you can allow yourself to have a cheat day! Think About Vitamins As your body needs especially many vitamins and minerals to keep your immune system up and running and your body healthy there is the option to take additional vitamins. It is hard to eat as many of them as needed for two people. They don’t replace the vitamins you take in with food but can further help you stay healthy. Talk to your doctor about which vitamins would be beneficial for your situation. Exercise Regularly Exercising on a regular basis is important for so many aspects of life. Not only does it increase the blood flow, lowers stress, and strengthens antibodies, it also makes the immune cells perform efficiently. Avoid Stress Stress for most is difficult to define and you need to listen to your own body and health to see what works for you and what does not. Being stressed out and nervous can weaken our immune system. The stress hormone called corticosteroid in your body can block and stop your immune system from working properly and you can get sick more easily. Coming back to taking care of your body, it is important to check in with yourself to see if you need rest. Think about taking on less work while pregnant if that makes you feel better. Remember it’s not selfish to take time for yourself. In conclusion Being pregnant is often referred to as a miracle yet sometimes while you are in that stage it might not feel like that. It’s important to listen to your own body and do what feels right for you. With these steps above like eating healthy, drinking lots of water, getting rest and exercising regularly, and more you can boost your immune system and keep yourself and your baby healthy and strong. If you choose to take vitamins, ask your doctor or nurse about it and check what will work for your body.

An epidural is a great medicine for reducing the pain during the delivery. It is essentially a small needle and a tiny tube that administers anesthesia into your lower back. The needle is then removed, but the tube remains inside until the medication goes fully inside. After 15 minutes, it will essentially numb your body from your belly button to your legs while keeping you alert and sensitive to pressure. This allows you to continue to push with minimized discomfort during the birth. You can receive an epidural at any time during your delivery, from beginning to middle, to end. The amount of medication received through the epidural can be both increased and decreased throughout the delivery. The doctor will numb the area where the needle goes in so you should only feel a slight stinging sensation. However, you will generally feel very little pain during the injection except for some mild pressure at the site of the insertion. Epidurals are generally very safe procedures and severe complications are exceedingly uncommon. However, there are some lingering effects that all moms should expect if they received an epidural during their pregnancy. Common Side Effects Initial soreness As the epidural wears off after the delivery, you will experience some back cramps and vaginal pain. It's also common to have a small bruise and sore skin in that area. However, both these effects rarely linger for more than 1-2 days after the birth. In the meantime, ice usually helps deal with the soreness. Severe Headaches On some occasions, the needle from the epidural pierces the spinal cord which can cause splitting headaches if left untreated. If this side effect arises, you should discuss treatment with your physician. Difficulty Urinating Since an epidural numbs your nerves from your belly button to your upper legs, the nerves that allow you to control your bladder will also be numb. You may also require a tube to be inserted to empty your bladder. As the epidural wears off, you will also regain bladder control. Low Blood Pressure 14% of women who receive an epidural will feel a drop in their blood pressure, but most experts say it's rarely a cause for concern. An epidural numbs the nerve fibers that control blood vessel muscle contractions. The blood vessels then slowly relax which then lowers the blood pressure. However, if the blood pressure drops too low it can begin to affect the flow of blood to the baby in the womb. To nullify this possibility, most women get IV fluids before they administer the epidural, and their blood pressure is checked throughout the procedure. If your blood pressure continues to drop, you will get some other medication to counteract it. Rare Side Effects Severe Headaches In 1% of deliveries with epidural injections, the needle from the epidural pierces the spinal cord which can cause splitting headaches if left untreated. If this side effect arises, your physician may advise you to use caffeine and fluids to slowly relieve the pain. If it persists, they may administer an epidural blood patch. A small amount of your blood will be injected into the hole where the epidural was injected and when the blood clots, the hole in the spinal cord will close and this should cease your headache within 1-2 hours. Breathing Difficulties On rare occasions, the anesthesia can numb the muscles in your chest that control your breathing. This can lead to a degree of slow breathing. However, this is usually temporary and would be monitored by your physician during the delivery. Infection As with any time you cut an opening in the skin, there is the chance that bacteria might seep in and cause some infection in the skin and can even spread to other parts of your body. This tends to be rare since the needle used for the epidural is usually sterilized before insertion. Seizure In very rare circumstances, an epidural can cause seizures if the pain medication enters one of your veins. Nerve Damage The needle used for the epidural can sometimes hit a nerve which could lead to temporary and sometimes permanent loss of feeling across your lower body. Nerve Damage can also occur if bleeding occurs too close to the area of the spinal cord. According to the American Society of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, this condition only occurs in roughly 1/4000 to 1/200,000 people who receive epidural anesthesia. However, if you feel a numbing sensation after your epidural, let your physician know right away. Common myths about Epidurals Will epidural anesthesia harm the baby? The amount of medication from the epidural that reaches the baby is very small and there is no evidence to say it causes any physical or neurological harm to the baby. Can epidurals slow the labor process or necessitate a C-section surgery? There is also no evidence that the epidural will slow the labor process. When a woman cannot push the baby through the birth canal and requires a C-section, usually the issue has to do with the size of the baby, slow labor progression, or some other medical condition. Even though an epidural does numb the pain, it in no way affects the control you must push your baby through your birth canal. If anything, epidurals are believed to hasten the labor process, not slow it down. Conclusion Even though some of these risks can be quite severe, they are incredibly rare. Almost all physicians consider epidural injections to be a safe and low-risk procedure that dramatically reduces the pain you feel during your pregnancy. However, it always proves prudent to know the side effects in case they do crop up before, during, or after the delivery of your baby.

Telangiectasia, also known as “spider veins”, is a condition where enlarged venules (small blood vessels) cause patterns or lines in the skin. These patterns are usually red, cluster-shaped, and take a certain amount of time to form. The name spider veins come from the fact that the lines and clusters are usually very thin, giving them a look similar to a spider web. Spider veins usually appear on visible areas, such as the nose, lips, and fingers. While they are generally harmless or benign, spider veins can be indicators of more serious vein or blood-related issues. However, in most cases, they are nothing to worry about. What causes them? Spider veins are caused by the weakening of valves, which are responsible for pushing and transporting blood in the direction of the heart. The weak valves will not close fully, allowing a small amount of blood to leak back into the veins. Eventually, the buildup of blood will expand the walls of the veins, causing them to become more visible and prominent. Common risk factors for spider veins include: Chronic alcoholism; which can affect blood flow, as well as the liver Aging; which is related to the weakening of the venous walls Corticosteroids; which can weaken and thin the skin A variety of skin conditions such as dermatomyositis, lupus, or scleroderma Hereditary factors What are some of the symptoms? Spider veins alone, while sometimes uncomfortable, are generally not life-threatening or anything like that. Symptoms can include: -Venous pain -An itching sensation An example of a serious condition where spider veins are commonly present is hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Spider vein clusters form on vital organs and can burst, causing large amounts of hemorrhaging and bleeding. Symptoms of HHT include: Chronic nosebleeds Difficulty breathing Seizures Strokes The appearance of dark, purplish birthmarks Why can women get them during pregnancy? It is common for spider veins to develop during pregnancy. Pregnancy is associated with conditions such as increases in overall blood volume, a slower rate of blood flow, and hormone imbalances. All of these factors can cause greater strain on the veins, making them swell or expand, and causing spider veins. It is a perfectly normal condition during pregnancy, and should not be cause for too much concern. How do you prevent them? Spider veins are usually just a temporary side effect of pregnancy. After pregnancy, when your blood volume drops to normal levels, they should become less prominent, or disappear altogether. In some cases, however, they remain permanently. Another thing to note is if you develop spider veins during pregnancy, you are much more likely to have them during future pregnancies as well. It is not really possible for you to prevent the onset of spider veins entirely. That being said, there are ways you can reduce your risk, and minimize its effects: Eating fibrous foods A diet rich in high fiber foods might help reduce the effects of spider veins during pregnancy. Constipation, which is another common pregnancy side-effect, heavily contributes to the strain on veins. Fibrous foods will help with reducing strain during bowel movements, particularly on the veins in the legs, and minimize the effects of constipation. Some examples of high-fiber foods include: Pears Strawberries Apples Avocado Raspberries Carrots Bananas Chickpeas Good levels of vitamin C Vitamin C is used by the body to produce elastin and collagen, two tissues that help your body maintain and rebuild veins. This will help to reduce the damage done to your veins due to the extra strain on them from the increased blood volume. Vitamin C supplements are widely available and generally safe. Examples of foods rich in Vitamin C are: Citrus fruit Peppers Blackcurrants Broccoli Brussels sprouts Potatoes Regular Exercise Exercise is important for improving blood circulation, as well as the strength of your veins. Because spider veins are especially common on the legs, exercises which target the legs especially are important. Exercising can also help you lose weight. Weight gain is another thing that has negative effects on pre-existing spider veins. Excess weight puts additional strain and pressure on the legs and lower body, causing the veins to expand. Pregnancy is less than ideal for high-intensity workouts, such as sprinting or heavy weight-lifting, so it is probably a better idea for you to do aerobic, lower-intensity workouts. Some examples of these include: Walking Light jogging Swimming Elliptical training Rowing Moderate upper-body strength training Yoga Position for better blood flow When you are resting, mostly sitting, try not to cross your legs, or sit in other ways which can restrict blood flow from the legs. Having them elevated actually encourages blood flow to the heart, aided by gravity, and takes some of the strain off of them. Break up your inactive periods Long periods of sitting or standing can inhibit blood flow to the heart. Standing especially can put pressure on your leg veins because of the weight of gravity on the blood and vessels. If you have to stand for an extended period of time, try shifting your weight from one leg to another, or moving your legs around to encourage blood flow. While you are sitting, try standing up and walking around every 30 minutes or so in order to increase your circulation. Compression stockings Wearing compression stockings, or other compression-designed clothes will help with reducing swelling and improving circulation. They should be worn throughout the day but removed at night. That being said, it is probably a good idea to generally avoid tight clothing, especially anything that constricts your lower-body areas. Cosmetic surgery There are certain procedures that can be done to eliminate the visual side effects of spider veins. Laser treatments are a common, but expensive, method of reducing or eliminating visible spider veins. Another method is sclerotherapy, which is when the spider vein clusters are injected with a special solution, causing them to fade and eventually disappear. It is important to note, however, that both of these procedures pose a great deal of risk to yourself and your child during pregnancy. That is why they can only be performed after the pregnancy is over.

During pregnancy, it is not uncommon for certain women to accumulate high blood sugar levels. This is referred to as gestational diabetes, or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Gestational diabetes usually develops sometime between the 24th to the 28th week of the pregnancy. It has been known to occur in roughly 2-10% of pregnancies. Developing gestational diabetes does not necessarily mean you had diabetes before you were pregnant, or that you will have it permanently following the pregnancy. However, getting it during pregnancy has been linked to a higher possibility of developing diabetes, specifically type 2, afterward. If it is not taken care of properly during pregnancy, the condition can also be a risk factor for the future development of diabetes in the child. Complications during the birth and delivery process can also arise from gestational diabetes. What are the symptoms? Gestational diabetes typically does not cause any symptoms, and any that do occur are generally mild, including: Blurry vision Increased levels of thirst Need to urinate Snoring Fatigue What are the causes? Despite the fact that the exact cause of gestational diabetes is unknown, it is believed that hormones are involved. During pregnancy, your body produces increased amounts of certain hormones, such as those involved with insulin resistance. An overabundance of these hormones can lead to an increased resistance to insulin, which is bad news for your body’s ability to regulate your blood sugar levels. What are some known risk factors? You have a larger chance of developing gestational diabetes if you: Are over 25 Are expected to have more than one baby Have had gestational diabetes previously Have had a stillbirth or miscarriage Have a history of high blood pressure or diabetes Were overweight or obese before your pregnancy Have condition(s) related to insulin resistance Have given birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds before How is it diagnosed? It is standard practice for most doctors to semi-regularly screen pregnant women for gestational diabetes. If you are not considered high-risk, in terms of the aforementioned factors, you will probably only be screened during weeks 24 and 28 of the pregnancy. Various blood sugar level tests are carried out to detect gestational diabetes: The glucose test, where you drink a solution of glucose before your blood sugar levels are tested for abnormalities an hour later. You may be required to undergo a period of fasting, where your blood sugar levels will be recorded. After consuming a carbohydrate solution, your levels will be compared to those taken during the fast. This is referred to as the one-step test. Over the course of two days, you will drink two high-sugar solutions. Your blood sugar levels will be recorded and compared as well. This is referred to as the two-step test and does not require any fasting or preparation. Are there different types? There are two types of gestational diabetes: A1 and A2. A1 refers to gestational diabetes which can be managed solely through diet regulation. Cases of A2 will require insulin or medication. What can I do to decrease my risk factors? Although there are no fool-proof methods for preventing gestational diabetes entirely, there are several habits and activities which lower your chances of having it: Aerobic Exercise Aerobic exercise, as opposed to anaerobic, is very important for maintaining a constant level of proper fitness. It involves activities that emphasize cardiovascular conditioning and breathing. It has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as improving the function of the lungs. Most importantly, for the purposes of preventing gestational diabetes, it is extremely helpful for weight loss and controlling blood sugar levels. Examples of low-impact aerobic exercise include: Walking Cycling Swimming Elliptical training machine Rowing Certain types of upper-body strength training Yoga For people with a busy schedule, or a mid-length commute, activities such as taking the stairs or walking, or cycling to work are especially convenient. Examples of high-impact aerobic exercise include: Running/jogging Moderate skipping rope Intense aerobic routines High-impact aerobic exercises are designed more for people who are regularly active. They require a greater deal of time, energy, and effort, to perform consistently. Stretching and other similar activities are especially vital for high-impact aerobics. During later stages of pregnancy, it is recommended that women perform about 30 minutes of low-impact aerobic exercise per day. High-impact aerobic exercise is better to do prior to the pregnancy, or at least in earlier stages. Because blood sugar levels and Body Mass Index (BMI) are so closely linked, it is important to try as best as possible to maintain a relatively stable body weight both before and during pregnancy. Anaerobic Exercise Anaerobic exercises, on the other hand, are much more fast-paced and intense and rely more heavily on your body’s stores of glycogen to fuel your workouts, as opposed to oxygen. This form of exercise usually requires a greater level of physical fitness and can be more demanding on the body. High-intensity workouts are great for rapid weight loss and muscle development. Anaerobic exercise is not recommended for women who are in the mid-later stages of pregnancy, but it can be excellent for building up muscle and losing weight beforehand, decreasing the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Examples of anaerobic exercise include: Weightlifting Sprinting Intense biking Boxing Jumping Diet While reducing consumption of high-sugar foods has not been shown to directly impact the risk for gestational diabetes, eating a healthy diet will certainly help with controlling weight fluctuations and maintaining a stable BMI. Examples of healthy diet habits include: Smaller portions, or controlled portion, sizes Foods with fructose, such as fruit, as opposed to sucrose, such as candy Vegetables and fibrous grains Avoiding sugary drinks, and sticking mostly to water Lean proteins, such as chicken breast Three square meals a day Avoiding snacking at random hours Low-fat dairy products

Pregnancy hormones can affect your body in many ways; one of them can be allergies. It is very common for pregnant women to have allergies during pregnancy. It doesn’t matter if you had them before or not, there is still a high chance of developing them when you are pregnant. There are also cases in which the mother doesn't know about their allergies until she gets pregnant, and they intensify. There are seasonal allergies which are your body’s immune system fighting against things that might not even be that bad for you, such as pollen or dust. Pollen allergy is widespread. Over 60 million people in the U.S are allergic to pollen. There are pretty common ones such as cocklebur, grasses, trees, pigweed, tumbleweed, etc. that can cause seasonal allergies. Most of the time, your allergies won’t harm your baby, and your pregnancy won’t be affected by them. Symptoms In many cases, symptoms can look like a congested nose, itching, runny nose, or headaches. If you have had your allergy before, you might know what your symptoms are and how to tell the difference between a runny nose and an allergy. As your hormones change during pregnancy, it’s normal to get a stuffy nose around the second trimester. The reason is estrogen and progesterone, two hormones your body produces during pregnancy can increase the amount of blood running through your body, which can lead to mucus membranes swelling, the cause of your stuffy nose. If you experience itching and swelling in addition to the stuffy nose, then it might be an allergic reaction. Consult a doctor to be sure. Is it safe to take medication? As always, it is essential to ask your doctor about how to treat your allergies. If you have struggled with allergies before, don't use the medication unless your doctor says it is safe to do so. There are some things to look for when taking allergy medication—nasal sprays are safer than oral medications as they are less likely to get into the bloodstream. How to Ease Allergies Saline Nasal Sprays Saline nasal sprays are usually safe to use for women expecting a child. You spray the liquid into your nose to reduce the congestion. Be Aware of Your Triggers If you have experience with allergies, you often know what triggers them and can try to avoid them as much as possible. You might be allergic to pets, dust, or pollen. You could also experience food allergies while pregnant. Nasal Strips These nasal strips can be bought at the pharmacy and are effective in keeping your nasal passage open. They lift both sides of your nose and keep your nose open. Use a Humidifier A humidifier adds moisture to the air and can help you with allergies. It doesn’t destroy the pollen or other allergens in the air but can help your body against them. Benadryl This medicine is usually considered safe for allergy control but check with your doctor. It blocks histamine that your body uses to form an allergic reaction. Get Some Fresh Air Good old physical activity and fresh air can help with a congested nose. Exercise is essential to keeping your body and your kid healthy. Drink water It seems like water is the solution to many things, but drinking water isn’t only good for you and your allergies, it’s also good for your baby. Seasonal Allergies If you think seasonal allergies might bug you, such as pollen, try to wash your clothes and shower after being outside and vacuum often. Pets You might be allergic to your pet's hair. Try to vacuum often. Apple Cider Vinegar It doesn’t taste great at first, but apple cider vinegar boosts your immune system and can support lymphatic drainage. It also helps the PH balance of the body and prevents heartburn, which is common during pregnancy. Just mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water and consume. Is Testing Safe? If you are not sure if you have allergies and your symptoms aren’t clear, an allergy test might be helpful. Some tests are totally safe for mother and baby. A RAST test is an efficient way to test if you have allergies. This test can be done on more than 400 possible allergies. A blood test can cost anywhere from $100 to $200. Check if your insurance covers it, as many providers do. After receiving your results, consult with a doctor to see if you can take medication or how to ease your allergies effectively. Are Allergy Shots Safe? It isn’t recommended to start with allergy shots while pregnant as they can cause allergic reactions that could potentially harm your baby. If you have been doing shots for a while, you and your baby should be fine. Consult a doctor to be sure. Summary Experiencing new or worse allergies than usual is entirely normal while pregnant and many women can get their allergies under control with the help of a doctor and some precautions. It doesn't harm your baby but can be an annoying accompanist during pregnancy. Be aware of seasonal allergies and keep an eye out if you are not sure what might be causing your reaction. You can also do a safe allergy test. Always consult with a doctor before taking medication.

Diabetes, whether it be Type 1 or Type 2 is quite common and manageable. People with diabetes learn to manage their symptoms and their condition, and often it does not have an adverse effect on quality of life as long as a healthy diet is maintained and blood glucose levels are monitored closely. When considering having a baby or if you are already pregnant, and have diabetes, there are a few extra considerations you might need to keep in mind before and during your pregnancy. Diabetes is a manageable condition that is also manageable during pregnancy, and just requires balanced management of your health for preparation before pregnancy and monitoring during your pregnancy. Diabetes is a condition during which the body has trouble processing food for use as energy. When we eat, we turn it into glucose so that our bodies can use it as energy. The pancreas makes insulin to help that glucose get into the cells of our bodies, and this helps to regulate our blood-sugar concentration. Insulin is unbalanced when someone has diabetes, and treatment and vigilance are necessary to manage the condition. Pregnancy is also known to cause complications. For about seven percent of all pregnancies, gestational diabetes (diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy) is a potential problem that usually occurs in the second half of the pregnancy. By the time the baby is born, it is usually gone, and it can be managed quite easily, but if it is not treated during the pregnancy, the possibility of complication rises significantly. Causes Hormones are running wild during pregnancy, and some of them can cause the body to be resistant to the action of insulin. This will affect the body’s ability to absorb glucose for your brain, heart, tissues, and muscles. Additionally, it may affect your baby as all of the nutrients the baby receives come from the expecting mother. For mothers experiencing gestational diabetes, insulin fails to move glucose to the cells that need it, leading the glucose to accumulate in the blood and making blood sugar levels rise. How Will You Know? You should know if you start feeling faint or your energy levels are low, but to confirm you should take a blood test. Your doctor will usually have you drink a sweet beverage, which will act as the stimulant for the test. If your blood sugar is too high, then your pancreas is not producing enough insulin, and you have gestational diabetes. Usually, just one test is enough, but some doctors prefer to do an initial screening test and then a longer evaluation to cover all the bases. Having a definitive diagnosis is an important first step toward taking care of you and your baby during pregnancy if you are experiencing gestational diabetes. Who Is at Risk People who have a parent or sibling with diabetes may be at higher risk for gestational diabetes. Knowing your family’s medical history can help plan for this. Expecting mothers who may be overweight are also at higher risk than normal for gestational diabetes. Gaining weight is a natural part of being pregnant, but managing a healthy diet and regular exercise can help lower the risk of getting gestational diabetes and its effects can be minimized if you do get it. Diabetes and Your Baby Keeping your baby healthy during the gestational period is important for the baby’s health when it is born. Gestational diabetes could affect your baby when it is born, causing low blood sugar or high birth weight. Low Blood Sugar If your gestational diabetes has been causing high blood sugar levels during your pregnancy, your baby may have low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia. Without the supply of sugar from maternal blood, your baby’s blood may fall temporarily while the nurses and doctors monitor and treat any episodes of low blood sugar. High Birth Weight Exposure to high sugar levels may also result in higher birth weight for your baby. This could make the delivery complicated for both you and your baby as it weighs more and is physically larger. If You Are Already Diabetic It may be the case that you are already diabetic and are planning to get pregnant. Women with pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes should receive quality preconception care. This will help optimize glycemic control, find complications, assess whether medication is needed, and begin the folic acid supplementation process. Often a healthcare team that includes a diabetes nurse educator, dietician, obstetrician, and endocrinologist/internist with expertise in diabetes is needed. This team will be responsible for managing the effects of the mother’s diabetes pre-conception and during the pregnancy to ensure the health of the mother and the delivery of a healthy baby. Preparation Whether you are at risk of diabetes or already have diabetes, a visit to your doctor or diabetes educator at least 6 months before you start trying to conceive is recommended. The advice and guidance they give you will help at every step of the process, and help increase the odds of healthy and safe childbirth. If you are already healthy and your diabetes is well controlled when you become pregnant, you have a good chance of having a normal pregnancy and birth. Breastfeeding Having diabetes will not affect your breastfeeding, and insulin is not harmful to the baby. Your post-delivery care should continue to ensure that you and your baby are healthy. A baby has a slight chance of developing diabetes if the mother is diabetic, but it is far more likely that they will not. Manageable, and Normal While diabetes is a serious condition that needs to be handled and treated with care, it is not impossible. With the right precautions, care, and team, you and your baby will have a healthy pregnancy and delivery, and you will be able to enjoy being a mother without issues. Sources: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/diabetes-during-pregnancy https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/diabetes-types.html https://www.diabetes.ca/health-care-providers/clinical-practice-guidelines/chapter-36#panel-tab_FullText https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=diabetes-and-pregnancy-90-P02444 https://www.healthline.com/health/gestational-diabetes https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/diabetes-in-pregnancy

When you are pregnant, it can be scary to suddenly see blood. Don’t panic quite yet. Some vaginal bleeding/spotting during pregnancy is normal and most women go on to have a healthy pregnancy. However, some cases can be more severe and require immediate medical attention. How can you tell which is which? Well, in this article, we will go over vaginal bleeding vs spotting, what causes each, and what to do when you experience it. Vaginal Bleeding vs Spotting Bleeding/spotting during pregnancy is pretty common, particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, it can be an indication of a larger problem occurring in your body. Not all vaginal bleeding is the same. There is a difference between vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and vaginal spotting. Vagina bleeding is typically heavy and can fill a pad, and it tends to be red in color. Vaginal spotting is typically a light brown or pink color and doesn’t even fill a panty liner. Vaginal bleeding/spotting can be caused by a multitude of reasons. What Causes Vaginal Spotting During Pregnancy? Vaginal spotting during pregnancy is typically light pink/red or brown in color and usually doesn’t soak a panty liner. These small amounts of blood from the vagina can cause many women to panic, but typically it is not a cause for concern. Spotting in Pregnancy Throughout your pregnancy, vaginal spotting can be a result of implantation bleeding, sex, an internal exam, an infection, or your mucus plug coming out. With each of these cases of spotting, reach out to a doctor to express your concern. They can put your mind at ease and perform more diagnostic tests, if necessary. Implantation Bleeding: At the very beginning of your pregnancy when the embryo implants into the uterine wall, you may experience some spotting. This spotting is usually lighter than your period, but many women still mistake this for their period. Similarly, the bleeding may only last a few hours to a couple of days. Implantation bleeding is very normal and common. Sex/Internal Exam: Throughout your pregnancy, your vagina and cervix become much more sensitive. The blood vessels are closer to the skin’s surface so any sort of minor irritations can cause bleeding. Sex and even a pap smear/cervical exam can irritate the vagina or cervix and cause bleeding. An Infection: If your cervix or vagina becomes infected or irritated you may experience some bleeding. Again, this is because of the delicate nature of your vagina/cervix at this time. Mucus Plug (Preterm Labor): At the start of your labor your mucus plug (the lining which is holding your baby in your uterus) comes out. A small amount of spotting is normal and typically indicates the start of your labor. What Causes Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy? If you are experiencing a heavier blood flow, and the blood appears to be bright red in color, then you may be experiencing vaginal bleeding. Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is typically a sign of a larger problem with your pregnancy. It is important that you contact your doctor to rule out any possible problems. Bleeding in Pregnancy Bleeding during pregnancy can be caused by a multitude of health conditions. Some possible reasons you could be experiencing vaginal bleeding are because of an ectopic pregnancy, a molar pregnancy, a miscarriage, placenta previa, or placental abruption. Ectopic Pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy occurs within the first few days or weeks of the pregnancy. This is when the embryo implants outside of the uterus, typically in the ovaries or the fallopian tube. This condition is life-threatening and needs to be treated as soon as possible by a medical professional. Other symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include light-headedness, fainting, shock, severe cramping or abdominal pain, and shoulder pain. Molar Pregnancy: This condition occurs when a fertilized egg no longer becomess viable and becomes a mass of tissue. This tissue can continue to grow and expand in the uterus. Other symptoms of this condition include nausea, vomiting, and intense abdominal pain. Again, contact your physician if you experience any or all of these symptoms. Miscarriage: A miscarriage typically occurs when the placenta was not viable due to a genetic or chromosomal defect. This bleeding is typically very heavy and is accompanied by abdominal cramping and pain. A miscarriage usually occurs within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Placenta Previa: Placenta previa can cause vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and requires immediate medical attention. This condition is when the placenta lies very low in the uterus and covers the birth canal. Placental Abruption: A placenta abruption is when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall and a layer of blood forms between the placenta and the uterus. This condition is very serious and requires immediate medical attention. What to Do When you Experience Vaginal Bleeding/Spotting If at any point in your pregnancy you experience vaginal bleeding/spotting it is ok to seek out a doctor’s help. Even if it ends up being nothing to worry about it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms please talk to your doctor and seek medical help. Key Takeaways Some vaginal bleeding or spotting during pregnancy is normal, but if it starts to become severe or painful you should probably call your doctor. There are a variety of reasons that vaginal bleeding and spotting can occur, and your physician is the best person to determine the cause of the problem. Many women who have vaginal spotting go on to have a normal and healthy pregnancy. Make sure you are taking care of yourself and your baby before and after your pregnancy. And let Bellefit make your postpartum journey smooth and pain-free with a postpartum girdle. Bellefit postpartum girdles are postpartum garments designed to offer medical-grade compression to your abdomen. This pressure helps to align your muscle back into their original place and prevent you from hurting yourself. With the extra support provided, you can feel safe to perform your daily tasks without fear of hurting yourself or being in pain. Invest in your comfort and your future with a Bellefit postpartum girdle.

Heartburn is one of the many problems that comes with being pregnant. Not only does this condition cause discomfort, but it can keep you awake at night too. No one wants to deal with heartburn, but sometimes it is inevitable. In this article, we will discuss how to handle heartburn while pregnant, including treatments for heartburn and preventions for heartburn. Heartburn While Pregnant Heartburn while pregnant typically begins to occur in the first trimester and continues throughout your pregnancy. Despite its name, heartburn is not related to your heart. Heartburn is when your stomach contents move up into the esophagus. Because of the acidity of your stomach acid, this causes a burning feeling in your chest and throat. Causes of Heartburn While Pregnant During pregnancy your body produces a large amount of the hormones progesterone and relaxin. These hormones are responsible for relaxing your muscles so that your growing baby has room in the uterus. In addition, this slows down the digestive process which can cause indigestion, gas, and heartburn. The slow digestive process is beneficial during pregnancy because it allows the nutrients from your food to be absorbed more thoroughly. This helps your baby absorb the nutrients and benefit from them. An unfortunate side effect is that your gastrointestinal tract doesn’t work as well. At the top of your stomach there is a valve that opens and closes at the entrance to your stomach. The increase of these hormones causes this valve to not open and close properly. This allows your stomach acids and digestive fluids to escape the stomach. Unlike your stomach, your esophagus is composed of a thin and sensitive lining. This lining can be easily irritated by these stomach acids. The result is a burning sensation at the opening which is located near the heart, thus the term heartburn. How to Handle Heartburn While Pregnant Heartburn is uncomfortable but you don’t just have to suffer through it. Thankfully, there are a few treatment options that are safe and available for pregnant women to use. Take an Antacid: Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox are all safe and effective ways to treat heartburn. Not only will these medications help ease heartburn, but they also contain calcium which is a necessary nutrient for fetal development. These are all available over the counter and are relatively inexpensive. Try to avoid antacids that may contain aspirin such as Alka-Seltzer. Try Drinking a Glass of Milk: If you aren’t quite ready to reach for the medications, try drinking a small glass of almond milk. Many mothers-to-be find milk to be a soothing antidote for heartburn. Try using Ginger Candy: Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea. So, many people find it also helps with heartburn. You can find some ginger candies to relieve the heartburn. Try to avoid ginger ale, because carbonation can make your heartburn worse. Chew Gum: When you chew gum your body produces more saliva. Saliva can neutralize the acidity of your stomach acids. However, try not to chew on minty gum as this can make your heartburn worse. How to Prevent Heartburn While Pregnant While there are many methods for treating heartburn, you will probably want to prevent heartburn in the first place. There are some everyday things that you can do to decrease the probability of getting heartburn. Eat small meals throughout the day. Eat several small meals or snacks instead of three large meals. This will prevent your stomach from becoming too full which can lead to heartburn. Avoid certain foods. Things such as caffeine, spicy foods, citrus, carbonated beverages, and fried/greasy foods can increase your probability of getting heartburn. If you find that a certain food usually causes you heartburn then avoid them. Drink after meals not during them. If you drink while you are eating your stomach is likely to become fuller and bloated. This can cause your stomach acids to rise up and cause heartburn. If you eat first and then drink, you can be more mindful of when you feel full. Eat slowly. If you eat too fast you won’t be able to tell when your stomach is getting full. If you eat slowly and mindfully you can check in with yourself and see how full you are getting. This can prevent you from getting heartburn. Wear loose clothing. If you are wearing clothing that is too tight around your abdomen, you can add pressure to your stomach. This can push stomach acids up further and cause heartburn. Keep your clothing loose and comfortable to avoid this. Avoid lying down after eating. Make sure you eat while you are sitting up straight and avoid lying down afterwards for a few hours. When you lie down you stomach acids can come up more easily. Make gravity work for you by remaining upright for a few hours after you eat. Raise your head when you sleep. Make sure you go to sleep with your head elevated. This can help prevent acids from coming up your esophagus. You don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night with heartburn. When To Contact Your Doctor If your heartburn won’t go away or you are prone to heartburn, try talking to your doctor. They can prescribe medication that is more effective than what you get over the counter. They also will be able to prescribe you medication that is safe during pregnancy. Typically, heartburn will go away after childbirth, but if it doesn’t contact your physician. Key Takeaways Heartburn is common among pregnant women. It is caused by pregnancy hormones and can lead to a burning sensation in your chest and throat. There are medications and home remedies that you can use to treat heartburn. The best way to deal with heartburn is to try to prevent it. If your heartburn is severe, prolonged, or you are prone to heartburn, talk to your doctor. Heartburn is one of the unfortunate side effects of the hormones that come with pregnancy. Thankfully after pregnancy, these hormones steadily decrease so you likely won’t experience heartburn anymore. As these hormones decrease your muscles begin to firm up once again and settle into place. Using a Bellefit postpartum girdle, you can make sure that your abdominal muscles fall back into their original place. With medical-grade compression and a comfortable closure, these postpartum girdles are the best on the market. Get yours today!

As a pregnant woman, you have probably been warned of the restless nights you will experience when the baby comes, but what about now? What about your nights spent awake staring at the ceiling despite being exhausted. Among the multiple struggles of pregnancy is the dreaded pregnancy insomnia. While almost 75% of women experience pregnancy insomnia (particularly in the third trimester) it is not as widely talked about. In this article, we will talk about what causes pregnancy insomnia, how long it lasts, and how to deal with it. What is pregnancy insomnia? According to WebMD insomnia is “a sleep disorder in which you have trouble falling and/or staying asleep.” Insomnia can be caused by any number of problems and typically lasts a couple of nights. Chronic insomnia occurs multiple nights a week for multiple months. Pregnancy insomnia is insomnia that is induced by being pregnant. Pregnancy symptoms such as pregnancy dreams, frequent urination, inability to get comfortable, and heartburn can all lead to pregnancy insomnia. While it is annoying, insomnia is not dangerous for your baby’s health. What causes pregnancy insomnia? Typical pregnancy symptoms are often the main source of pregnancy insomnia. Your body is going through many changes, so it can take a lot of adjustment to get comfortable. Pregnancy insomnia can be caused by Heartburn Frequent trips to the bathroom Back pain Abdominal pain Breast tenderness Vivid dreams Nausea/vomiting Leg cramps Shortness of breath Causes of pregnancy insomnia are not limited to this list. Increased anxiety about labor, delivery, and being a mother can also lead to insomnia as well. How long does it last? Pregnancy insomnia can last throughout your entire pregnancy. But the good thing about pregnancy insomnia is that it is not permanent. Pregnant women will typically develop insomnia in the late 2nd trimester or the early 3rd trimester. This is due to your growing belly and your increased inability to get comfortable. Thankfully, after you have given birth the things keeping you awake should stop. Pregnancy insomnia may stop, but you may have trouble sleeping for other reasons. If you are still having trouble sleeping after you give birth, talk to your doctor about it. How to combat pregnancy insomnia When it comes to pregnancy insomnia there are two ways you can approach the problem. You can learn to manage it or you can try to prevent it. Both ways are effective and trying to do both will get you the best outcome. Managing insomnia Some nights may be worse than others when it comes to your pregnancy insomnia. So, learning ways to manage those nights is key to getting as much rest as possible. If you find yourself unable to get comfortable, unable to fall asleep, or waking up multiple times a night try out these techniques. Get out of bed. While it may seem counter-intuitive getting out of bed and occupying your mind can help you fall asleep. Particularly if you are stuck in an anxiety rut and are unable to control your wandering thoughts. Get out of bed and read for a little bit, or start on a coloring page. Anything to keep your brain occupied while keeping your body at rest. If you do this for about 20-30 minutes your brain may finally catch up and you may find yourself yawning. As soon as you begin to feel tired, get back into bed, and try to fall asleep. Stretch it out. If you are having trouble getting to sleep because you are uncomfortable, try getting out of bed and stretching. Doing some lunges, or stretching your hamstrings can help with restless legs or leg cramps. Sleep as much as you can and keep track. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Some nights you may get loads of sleep, while others you may get none. While it may feel like you are not getting enough sleep it is possible that you actually are. Try downloading a sleeping app on your phone and track how much you are sleeping a night. Then, log how you feel every day and see if you can find trends. Some people may discover they only need about 6 hours of sleep to feel awake, while others may discover they need 9. Knowing what your body needs can help you feel better prepared for the day if you don’t get as much as you need. Preventing Pregnancy Insomnia Just like a growing belly, pregnancy insomnia is one of those things that you are probably not going to avoid. The physical and mental stress of pregnancy is bound to interrupt your sleep at least a few nights out of your pregnancy. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to get the best night’s sleep. Try to prevent pregnancy insomnia as much as you can by following these techniques. Avoid caffeine. Particularly, when it is close to your bedtime. Don’t eat too close to bedtime. Eating too much and too fast can cause you to have heartburn or stomach problems. Try to eat earlier in the evening so that you can avoid the discomfort. Work out. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine. This can help make you tired later in the evening and help you stay asleep. Stop water intake. Try not to drink anything an hour before bed. This can prevent you from having to make any middle of the night toilet runs. Create a bedtime routine. Having a specific bedtime routine will train your body to become sleepy at the same time. Try to go to sleep at the same time every night and try to stop electronic usage at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep. Download an app. Meditation apps such as Sleep can help soothe a racing mind and help you feel tired. Get a white noise machine. If you are a light sleeper this is an excellent investment. The white noise will help to drown out any other noises that could prevent you from falling asleep. Get as comfortable as possible. Make sure that you have a lot of pillows and that you are not too hot. Body pillows are a pregnant woman’s best friend. Particularly in the third trimester when your belly is big and cumbersome. Key Takeaways Pregnancy insomnia is when a pregnant woman is unable to fall asleep or has a difficult time staying asleep. It typically occurs in the 2-3rd trimester, but it can last throughout the entire pregnancy. Taking steps to manage it and prevent it is the best way to combat pregnancy insomnia. Thankfully, pregnancy insomnia should end after labor and delivery but other things can prevent you from getting sleep. After your baby has arrived, your body will be experiencing a lot of changes. Investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle can help you stay asleep and feel less pain after your labor. A postpartum girdle is a compression garment that eases the residual pain that occurs after childbirth. Invest in a better night’s sleep and deeper sleep by getting a Bellefit postpartum girdle today.

Sleep. The ever-important yet sometimes elusive beast. A good night’s sleep is necessary to maintain your mental and physical health. Sadly, once you add a newborn into the house it is unlikely you are getting that much of it. However, once you figured out a schedule that works for you, and become attuned to your baby’s habits you have probably settled into a routine. Suddenly, your baby is deviating from that routine--fussing when you put them to bed, waking up more often, or even not falling asleep. If any of these sound familiar it is likely you are experiencing a case of sleep regression. In this article, we will discuss sleep regression, what it is, why it happens, when it happens, and how to deal with it. What is sleep regression? Sleep regression is when your baby (who normally sleeps pretty well) suddenly has trouble sleeping or falling asleep. Cases of sleep regression typically last between two to four weeks before the baby settles back into its old routine. The occasional nighttime interruption or temporary changes are to be expected with a newborn, but if these turn into the new regular you are probably dealing with sleep regression. This break from their normal sleeping habits can be frustrating for you and for them, and can even be an indication that there is a bigger problem to deal with. Signs of sleep regression So, what are the signs of sleep regression? And how are they different from the occasional sleeping disruption? The signs of sleep regression can vary depending on the reason for your baby’s change in sleep schedule. In general, the signs for sleep regression include: Fussing or crying when you try to put them to sleep Waking up more often during the night Not wanting to take naps Trouble falling asleep or getting back to sleep Changes in appetite Why does it happen? There are multiple reasons why your baby may be experiencing sleep regression. A change in routine A growth spurt (causing them to be hungrier than usual) Teething pain Illness Developmental Milestones Traveling All of these things can cause your baby to wake up more frequently or have problems going to sleep. When does it happen? Depending on the reason for their sleep regression there may be no way to tell when your child will experience a sleep regression. However, some reasons, such as developmental changes, teething, or growth spurts are pretty predictable. There are typically about three sleep regressions that you are likely to experience in your child’s first year of life. They occur around four months, six months, and eight months of age. At four months, your child is experiencing a developmental change in their brain that causes them to wake up more frequently. When your baby is first born their brains are wired to have two sleep cycles a night. Around the four-month mark, their brain begins to develop and mature, and their sleep cycle changes to four times a night--like an adult. This means that they are having lighter sleep cycles and are more likely to wake up. At six months, your baby is experiencing a growth spurt and this can cause them to have an increased appetite. Similarly, at eight months, your baby is going through a lot of developmental milestones. They are learning a language, starting to crawl, teething, and growing. All of these things can cause them to experience a sleep regression. How to combat sleep regression In order to combat sleep regression, you need to ensure that your baby is tired, pain-free, and full when putting them to sleep. One of these three things is often the culprit when it comes to sleep regression. Here are some tips to combat sleep regression: Put your baby to bed when they are drowsy but not yet asleep. This teaches them to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. Rocking your baby or holding them until they are almost asleep and then setting them in their crib can help. You can also remain in the room and offer reassuring touches and sounds until they fall asleep. If they begin to fuss and cry again then you can pick them up and try again. Feed them as much as needed. If your baby is going through a growth spurt they can sometimes wake up hungry. Try feeding them a little bit more food before putting them to sleep and seeing if that helps. If they wake up in the middle of the night, try seeing if they are hungry before putting them back to sleep. Keep it quiet and dark in the room. As your baby’s sleep cycle changes, they will be easier to wake up in the middle of the night. Making sure there are no noises or excess light to wake them up can help them stay asleep and fall back to sleep if they wake up. Investing in a white-noise machine can help keep the room quiet. Try to stick to a routine. Sticking to a routine can help your baby stay asleep and fall asleep because their body has adjusted. Deviating from this routine can cause problems with sleep regression. Adjust their bedtime. If your baby typically has two naps a day but decides not to sleep for one of them, adjust their bedtime accordingly. If they have two 30 minute naps, but they missed one, put them to bed 30 minutes earlier. If a baby is overtired it can increase its crankiness. Preventing sleep regression Sleep regression is a natural and normal part of child development. In most cases, there is not a way to prevent sleep regression. Developmental milestones and outside influences are likely leading to your baby’s sleep regression. Try your hardest to makes sure your infant’s needs are met, keep them on a schedule, and alleviate any pain (if they are sick or teething); but if those are not the cause it could be indicating a bigger problem. When to contact a doctor If your baby appears to be sick contact your pediatrician. Illness or pain can be causing sleep regression. Similarly, if you have been working on a consistent sleep routine for a while and nothing seems to be helping, contact your pediatrician. They can address any concerns you may have and offer advice. Key Takeaways on Sleep Regression Sleep regression is when your baby deviates from their normal sleeping routine and wakes up frequently or has trouble going to sleep. It can be caused by many different factors, but staying consistent with a routine, making sure their needs are met, and keeping them pain-free are the best ways to combat it. As it has been said, sleep is an important part of your life as well as your baby’s life. Make sure you are getting enough of it and make sure you are staying pain-free by investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. Bellefit postpartum girdles are designed to help your body heal after childbirth. They offer medical-grade compression and can help prevent diastasis recti. Stay pain-free, heal faster, and take care of your baby with the help of a Bellefit postpartum girdle.

Your first prenatal appointment can be overwhelming and stressful. Being prepared and knowing what to expect before your appointment can take a lot of the stress away. In this article, we will discuss when to schedule your appointment, how to prepare, and what to expect at your first prenatal appointment. When To Schedule Your First Prenatal Appointment As soon as you get that positive pregnancy test you should be scheduling your first prenatal appointment. Prenatal care is a vital step to experience a healthy pregnancy and delivering a healthy baby. Your first prenatal visit is typically scheduled for the second month of your pregnancy when you are between 6 and 8 weeks of pregnancy. This is usually shortly after you first discover you are pregnant. Try to schedule an appointment soon after your at-home pregnancy test. Many practitioners will be able to fit you in relatively quickly while others may have a waiting period. Between the time you get an at-home positive result and when you are scheduled to go to the doctor, be sure you are taking as many necessary precautions as you can. If you believe you are likely to experience a high-risk pregnancy make sure you try to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Who To Book For An Appointment You and your partner will need to determine what type of healthcare professional you would like to use. If you choose to use a midwife you can typically book an appointment directly with them. You should consult with your general practitioner to make sure you are eligible to use a midwife. If you are going to use an OB/GYN you may need to get a referral from your general practitioner first. Sometimes you can book an appointment directly with the OB/GYN. How to Prepare For Your First Prenatal Appointment Once you have scheduled an appointment you will want to prepare for your first prenatal visit. There are many questions you may have and there are many questions you will need to answer at your first appointment. In order to have a smooth and quick appointment, you will want to have prepared beforehand. For your first prenatal appointment bring A list of medicines/supplements. Some medications and supplements are not safe to take during your pregnancy. You will want a full list of all medicines that you take on a daily basis including their dosages. These medicines may need to be changed in order for you to have a safe pregnancy. Comprehensive medical history. Make sure you have your full medical history - including your gynecological history, immunization history, allergies, previous illnesses, surgeries mental health history, obstetrical history, and even potential disease exposure. This information can affect the risk of your pregnancy and it is important for your practitioner to know. Comprehensive family medical history. Make sure you have a list of illnesses that run in your family as this can also affect the health of your baby. This can include genetic disorders, a history of gestational diabetes, or hypertension. This goes for both sides of the family. Come with questions. As you go through your day be sure to keep a list of questions that run through your head. This can include questions such as How much weight should I gain? Is it safe to exercise? What symptoms should I expect? Are there symptoms I should tell you about? What foods should I avoid? Having all of this information prior to your visit will ease your mind and will make your visit run smoothly. What Will Happen At The First Prenatal Appointment So, you have scheduled the appointment and you have prepared for the appointment now the day is finally here. What can you expect? Well, there is going to be a lot going on. Your first prenatal visit is typically the one that takes the longest. Normal Check-Up Your practitioner will perform a normal check up on you. This includes taking your vitals, examining your heart, lungs, breasts, and abdomen, and taking your height and weight. Your doctor will also look at your uterus and check the size and shape of your pelvis. Confirmation Of Pregnancy Test Results Even though you have gotten a positive pregnancy test at home your practitioner will perform another pregnancy test at your appointment. They will typically do this through a urine test or a blood test. Series Of Tests Besides the pregnancy test, your practitioner will perform a series of other tests as well. This will require your blood to be taken so they can check for STDs, check your blood sugar, check for anemia, and screen for antibodies. These tests can help the doctor determine how to proceed with your pregnancy and the medications you may need. Besides the blood test, your practitioner will also take blood for a genetic carrier screening. This examines your DNA for any common genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, etc. They may also offer a test for fetal abnormalities to screen the baby for genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Your practitioner will also likely perform a pap smear - unless you have already had one recently. This can also help them examine your cervix and your uterus for the age of the pregnancy. Finally, your practitioner will likely perform an ultrasound to check on the baby. Official Due Date Your practitioner will calculate the day that you conceived and they will give you your official due date. End of Visit At the end of the visit, your practitioner will sit you down and discuss what to expect for the rest of your pregnancy. They will talk about any testing that may need to be done. Your practitioner will talk about the importance of eating well, exercising, and avoiding substances. They will recommend prenatal vitamins, give you the necessary medications, and advise you on how to stay healthy and safe during your pregnancy. Finally, they will talk to you about what you can expect and they will warn you about the symptoms you may experience. This is a great time to pull out your list of questions and discuss any concerns you may have. Your Next Prenatal Appointment After your first prenatal appointment, you will be asked to schedule a follow-up appointment with your physician. This will typically take place 4 weeks after your first appointment. As you get closer to your due date your physician will recommend classes or groups you can join to prepare for the arrival of your baby. They may also begin to discuss postpartum care and what you can expect. Your postpartum journey is long and hard, but it doesn’t have to be. With Bellefit’s postpartum girdles, your postpartum journey can be quick and you can enjoy it with less pain. Bellefit offers a plethora of postpartum garments that make your life much easier. This includes comfortable compression leggings, a nursing bra, and postpartum girdles. Make your life easier by investing in a postpartum girdle today!

We all know that childbirth is painful. What many people (and many first-time mothers) don’t realize is that the pain is not limited to the active labor and delivery portion of your childbirth. During childbirth, your vagina has to stretch and accommodate your baby’s head. Sometimes this can result in a vaginal tear. In this article, we will discuss what a vaginal tear is, what causes it, if you can prevent it, and what to expect for vaginal tear aftercare. What is a vaginal tear during childbirth? A vaginal tear also called a perineal laceration, is when the skin and muscle between your vagina and your anus are torn. The area between your vaginal opening and your anus is known as your perineum, hence the term perineal laceration. During the child birthing process, the skin around your vagina thins. This allows your skin/muscle to stretch during your labor and delivery. This is meant to decrease your likelihood of vaginal tearing. Sometimes vaginal tears still occur despite all necessary precautions and preventions. What causes a vaginal tear during childbirth? There are a few reasons why a vaginal tear may occur. The baby’s head is too large The labor occurs too quickly Forceps or other tools are used during the delivery process When the baby’s head is too large the tissue around the vagina is unable to stretch. This prevents the baby’s head from coming through the opening. The extra room necessary for the baby to come out can cause the surrounding tissue to tear. If the labor occurs too quickly the tissue and muscle around the vagina has not had adequate time to thin out. Without the necessary thinning the skin and muscle cannot stretch enough and this can cause a vaginal tear during childbirth. Finally, in particularly difficult labors, the baby may have difficulty coming out of the vaginal opening and may need extra assistance. In these cases, doctors may need to use forceps or other tools to guide the baby out. Despite their best efforts, this can cause some trauma to the surrounding tissue and result in a vaginal tear. Types of Vaginal Tears During Childbirth There are four degrees of vaginal tears that can occur during childbirth. The majority of women (90%) will experience some degree of tearing during childbirth. To determine the severity of the tear two factors are taken into consideration--how deep and how long the tear is. The first degree of vaginal tearing results in a small injury to the skin just outside of the vaginal opening and into the perineum. The second degree of vaginal tearing (the most common) affects the skin and the muscle outside of the vaginal opening and into the perineum. The third degree of vaginal tearing extends into the perineum and moves down toward the anus. The fourth degree of vaginal tearing extends all the way to, or into, the anus. Third and fourth degree tearing is uncommon and occurs in only 1% of women. First degree tears will heal naturally but anything above that will likely need stitches. What is an Episiotomy? Unlike a vaginal tear, which occurs naturally during the child birthing process, an episiotomy is used by a doctor to open the vaginal canal for the baby. An episiotomy is a cut, made by a nurse, doctor, or midwife, that extends from the vaginal canal to the top portion of the perineum. The cut creates more space for the baby. The patient must give the doctor permission to perform the procedure. Can you Prevent Vaginal Tearing During Childbirth? While there is not definitive or conclusive research to determine their effectiveness, some women do take measures to decrease the severity of their vaginal tearing. In order to decrease the severity of vaginal tearing you can Push slowly - if you take your time during the labor process, and don’t push too hard, your tissue has a chance to thin out and stretch. Your physician will help you through this process and advise you on when and how hard to push. Keep your perineum warm - during your labor you can apply a warm cloth to your perineum area to help it stretch and thin. Perineal Massage - prior to your labor, in the third trimester, you or your partner can perform a perineal massage to help stretch the area. Your physician can also perform this massage during the labor. Deliver in an upright position - Make sure you are comfortable during your delivery. Delivering in an upright/seated position can help reduce tearing. Vaginal Tear Care After your labor is complete you will be in a lot of pain. Your body has gone through a traumatic ordeal and the whole experience will take time to heal from. Depending on the severity of your tear your physician may have to give you stitches. Your doctor or midwife will give you instructions on how to care for yourself so be sure to follow their directions. In general your physician will advise you to Keep it clean by spraying warm water over it after using the restroom Keep it dry by patting it with a clean cloth or gauze Don’t touch it leave it to heal by itself Make sure to use the restroom. It is normal to be wary of the bathroom but it is important for your health. Some women recommend using stool softener to make it easy on those first few days while you are healing. How long does it take to heal? Like many cuts and lacerations it can take a while to heal. After about a week or a week and a half your tear should be healed within 7-10 days. However, you will likely still feel tender and experience a lot of pain for the next several weeks. How to Reduce Pain Pain is a natural part of the healing process but it can be frustrating and overwhelming when you also have other things to deal with. To reduce the pain you experience as much as possible try to ice it, heat it, numb it, prevent strain, and keep it cushioned. Using a cushioned donut pillow can be incredibly helpful. Besides your perineal pain you may also experience some pain elsewhere. Using a postpartum girdle can help reduce pain in other areas of your body. A postpartum girdle can help reduce pain and swelling, get you feeling better and more confident, and speed up the healing process. Not only that, but a postpartum girdle allows you to perform your everyday tasks without the fear of straining yourself. The support offered by a postpartum girdle allows you to perform tasks without the fear of hurting yourself. Key Takeaways A vaginal tear during childbirth is a normal and common part of the labor and delivery process. They can range in severity and may require stitches. Your doctor or midwife will give you instructions on how to care for it and there are ways you can reduce your pain. We at Bellefit want to make sure you are feeling your best so you can enjoy your time with your new baby. That is why we offer affordable and comfortable postpartum girdles. To make your postpartum journey smoother and easier. Try one out today!