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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.

You may have seen babies wrapped in rainbow cloths or pregnancy announcements featuring rainbow colors and wondered, what’s with the rainbow? With a new wave of authenticity surrounding the struggles of pregnancy, more and more women are sharing the stories of their rainbow babies. But what is a rainbow baby? In this article, we will discuss the phrase ‘rainbow baby,’ what it means, emotions surrounding rainbow babies, and what to expect when you are pregnant with a rainbow baby. What is a rainbow baby? Rainbows are beautiful and bright symbols of sunshine and good weather after a storm. Rainbow babies are healthy babies that are born after a miscarriage, stillborn, infant loss, or neonatal death. These babies are the ‘rainbow’ that appears after a dark and stormy period. The phrase ‘rainbow baby’ has come to symbolize hope and healing and has become popular in recent years. With the rise of social media and social media influencers, there has also been a rise in authenticity online. More and more women are bringing to light the struggles they experienced with pregnancy or becoming pregnant. What was once taboo to talk about is now becoming commonplace--as family YouTube channels, mommy bloggers, and Instagram influencers display their day-to-day lives and experiences. With this rise of authenticity comes the good with the bad. Mothers have opened up about their miscarriages, the feelings they experience, the struggles with pregnancy, and the joys of it too. So, as these families and women open up they inspire people with their messages of hope in dark periods. There are many emotions that parents may struggle with when they become pregnant with a rainbow baby. Emotions with a rainbow baby When you become pregnant you are likely to experience feelings of excitement, anxiety, and happiness. The loss of a pregnancy or child can cause a lot of guilt and grief. When these emotions are closely tied together and can create a war within your own mind. On the one hand, you are excited and relieved to be pregnant again, but on the other hand, you feel guilty for being happy and anxious that it could happen again. After the loss of a child, the feelings of grief and loss can be overwhelming. It is important that you take time to process and talk through your emotions. It can be hard, especially when you had just experienced so much joy at their arrival. Once you lose a child it is easy to fall into a depression and actively avoid feelings of happiness and fulfillment. This is because it feels like a betrayal to your baby. When you become pregnant again it can be hard to fully give yourself over to the feelings of happiness and joy like you once did. Anxiety is a very common emotion that parents pregnant with a rainbow baby may experience. You are likely nervous that something could happen to your new baby, scared to get your hopes up in case something does happen, and afraid you may do something wrong. It is important that you share your emotions and feelings with someone that you trust--whether that is your partner, a doctor, a therapist, or a family member. What to expect with a rainbow baby pregnancy After learning of your pregnancy and dealing with the influx of emotions, you will likely want to monitor your baby closely. Make sure you talk to your doctor, or physician, about your concerns with this new pregnancy. They can offer you advice and monitor your baby’s activity closely to ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy. They can also provide you with accommodations and assistance with your emotions during this time. Some women choose not to tell family members they are pregnant with a rainbow baby until they feel comfortable. Other women choose to tell their family members and seek support from them through this difficult time. Joining grief groups or seeking out support to process your emotions is essential. A rainbow baby pregnancy can feel like the light at the end of the tunnel. All the trauma and grief you experienced is still there. But it is dimmed by the happiness you are experiencing now. All of the bad things about pregnancy don’t seem as bad because you have a healthy baby to look forward to. Morning nausea means that your baby is growing, and feeling the baby kick can bring overwhelming joy. Women who have experienced a loss of a pregnancy or the loss of a child are more likely to have postpartum depression, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or sleeping disorders. Having a good support system is the key to overcoming these things. Key Takeaways A rainbow baby is a pregnancy after a loss. They are a beacon of hope and a promise of future happiness after a dark period of time. Pregnancy with a rainbow baby can bring up a lot of emotions. Processing your emotions with someone and talking about them can help fight the depression and anxiety that can come. Your postpartum journey is bound to be rife with conflicting emotions. Don’t make it worse with the physical pain that you can experience. Invest in a Bellefit postpartum girdle and recover quickly and with less pain. Focus on yourself and processing your emotions not on the pain, with the help of a postpartum girdle.

When you are pregnant with your first child, you can typically expect people to throw a baby shower for you. But what happens when this isn’t your first child? Enter the baby sprinkle. In this article, we will explain what a baby sprinkle is, etiquette, and give you some fun ideas for themes, games, and gifts. What is a baby sprinkle and is it different than a baby shower? A baby sprinkle is a smaller version of a baby shower. It is meant to help the mother-to-be stock up on all the newborn essentials. Unlike a baby shower, a baby sprinkle is more about celebrating the new child and less about ensuring the mom has all the proper equipment. Having a child can be expensive and there are many things that you need to get when you are expecting your first baby. Baby showers allow your friends and family to help get you all that you will need--- a crib, high chair, car seat, breast pump, etc.--to take care of your newborn. In contrast, a baby sprinkle is less grand and more subdued. A second-time mom (or 3rd or 4th) won’t need all new equipment; she already has a crib and a car seat. So, a baby sprinkle is designed to help her stock up on the essentials or anything that her other child is still using. This can include things such as diapers, wipes, onesies, formula, stroller, a car seat, etc. Baby sprinkle etiquette There are a few things to remember when you are hosting a baby sprinkle. Baby sprinkles are much more low-key than a baby shower. The parents-to-be already have the majority of their big items so they will likely only need smaller gifts. The guest list can be kept to a minimum and the gifts can be smaller. The baby sprinkle is more about celebrating a new addition to the family. Baby sprinkles don’t tend to have a registry. This may not be true for all sprinkles though. If there is a long period of time in between the two children, it is very possible that the parents-to-be got rid of their baby’s old things. Now they may need the big-ticket items, so it is perfectly appropriate to have a registry; but in general, a registry isn’t needed. The host should not be the mother-to-be or either of the grandmothers. This is true for all baby showers and it is also true for a baby sprinkle. Don’t add any more stress to their already stressed-out life. Be prepared to explain. Baby sprinkles are a relatively new phenomenon and many people will not understand what it is. The typical etiquette is that baby showers are reserved for the first baby. So, many guests can be confused as to why they are being invited to a second one. Make sure that the guests understand that this is a get-together to celebrate a new life, and not to ‘shower’ the mother with gifts. Put gift ideas on the invitation. Because many people have never been to a sprinkle before, they will likely not know what to bring. Make sure to list gift ideas on the invitation so that they know what is expected. How To Plan A Baby Sprinkle Baby sprinkles are a much more casual affair and don’t require a lot of planning. However, you can still have fun with a baby sprinkle and keep it informal. A baby sprinkle typically lasts about 2 hours instead of a whole afternoon. This makes it easy to have a small get-together like a birthday party. Instead of catering, just have a few light snacks. Invite the closest friends and family--including the male relatives--and allow their children to join too. A baby sprinkle should be a fun, small celebration of the new baby that is on the way. Baby Sprinkle Party Themes and Ideas To make a baby sprinkle feel a little bit more special try adding a theme to the decor. Some fun baby sprinkle themes include A Sprinkle of Rain - include clouds and rain imagery in the decor Sugary Sweet Sprinkles - coat a cake with jimmies, and use colorful polka-dots on the decor Growing Family - Use lots of flowers, seeds, and plants to show the growing family New Drafted Player - Add a sports element to the party to show that a new member is going to be added to the team. Baby sprinkle games If you have ever been to a baby shower you are probably aware of how crazy baby shower games can get. People get competitive and it can become a little rowdy. Baby sprinkles are more relaxed. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun games, but they are probably not going to get too out of control. Baby sprinkle games tend to be more creative and fun instead of competitive. For example, you can have a onesie decorating contest and have a prize for the cutest onesie. You could also have everyone create a cute piece of art for the baby’s nursery. Similarly, you can forgo games altogether and opt for a fun advice box. This gives people an opportunity to write their best advice for a growing family and put it in a box for the parents to read later. A baby sprinkle is all about spending time with family and friends and getting excited for a new addition to the family. Baby sprinkle gift ideas Typically, there will be a small list of gift ideas that the parents are looking for on the invitation, but sometimes that is not the case. Other times, you may just want to give them a little something special. If you are attending a baby sprinkle and have no idea what to get the mother-to-be, here are a few ideas. Stick to the basics. You can never go wrong with the essentials. Diapers, wipes, diaper cream, baby powder, etc. Your gift might not be the most amazing or the most creative, but they will be the most grateful for it. Clothes. Clothes are another thing that parents will be grateful for. This is particularly true if the baby is the opposite gender of their previous child. If they are the same gender, then try going for larger clothes designed for one-year-olds. They may not be immediately useful, but they will be grateful later on. Big-Ticket Items. If you know that they don’t have a lot of the bigger items they will need, go ahead and get it for them. Maybe their stroller is only designed for one--get them one for two. That way there is enough room for the new baby and the other child. Gifts for Mommy. Trust us, a gift for mommy is going to go a long way towards keeping them sane. Especially in the last trimester. Get them a spa gift card, or a prenatal massage, or if you want to go the extra mile--a postpartum girdle. A postpartum girdle is designed to help support and compress the mother’s abdomen after giving birth. It promotes a faster healing time with less pain. A postpartum girdle is a perfect and thoughtful gift to get your friend or family member who is expecting. Because it is not something they would think to get for themselves, but they will thank you for it. Key Takeaways A baby sprinkle is a time to get celebrate the arrival of a new addition to the family. It brings together family and friends and helps the parents stock up on the essentials they will need. A baby sprinkle is much more relaxed than a baby shower, but cute themes and small games are always a plus. Make sure that you take the time to get the growing family a thoughtful gift and invest in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. Trust us, they will be forever grateful.

Whether you are actively trying to get pregnant or not the only way to know for sure if you are pregnant is with a pregnancy test. Early pregnancy symptoms are very similar to period symptoms and because of this many women can get the two confused. The only way to determine if you are pregnant is through a pregnancy test. However, you may be able to determine if you need a pregnancy test sooner if you know what early pregnancy symptoms to look for. In this article, we will detail what early pregnancy symptoms are and what to expect. When Do Symptoms Start Many women are under the assumption that they cannot get pregnancy symptoms until they have missed a period. This is not true. You can experience early pregnancy symptoms almost a week and a half before your period is scheduled to come. In addition, your pregnancy is calculated based on the first day of your last period, even if you were not pregnant at that time. For example, you could have conceived a week after your period ended, but doctors will calculate your due date based on the first day of your last period. This means that the first few weeks when you technically weren’t pregnant are still considered to be the first few weeks of your pregnancy. For this reason, it is not uncommon to not experience any symptoms in the first few weeks of pregnancy. In addition to the pregnancy calculation, once you have conceived it takes about 10-14 days for the fetus to implant into the uterus. It is also for this reason that many people do not experience symptoms until after they have missed a period. Early Pregnancy Symptoms There are a variety of early pregnancy symptoms that can indicate you are pregnant. However, many of them are also symptoms of getting sick or beginning your period. Because of the similarities between symptoms, many women tend to overlook the early pregnancy symptoms they experience until they miss their period. Spotting/Bleeding/Cramping Approximately 10-14 days after conception is when the egg implants itself into the uterine lining. This implantation can cause spotting or bleeding that resembles a menstrual cycle. The implantation bleeding can cause light cramping and typically lasts less than three days. Implantation bleeding is pretty common and occurs in about 25% of pregnant women. Increase in Discharge Soon after conception, the vaginal walls begin to thicken. This change can cause an increase in the amount of discharge that you experience. The discharge is typically white/milky in color. This discharge remains consistent throughout the entirety of your pregnancy. Fatigue As your body prepares to grow a child a lot of hormonal changes occur. One hormone that increases is called progesterone. The increase of this hormone, coupled with low blood sugar, or low blood pressure, can cause fatigue. If you find yourself becoming tired easier it may be an early pregnancy symptom. Breast Tenderness/Soreness With the change of your hormone levels, your breasts may become tender or sore. This tenderness usually lessens as your body adjusts to the new hormone levels. Increased Urination As your body begins to create a new body inside of it, your fluid levels will increase. This increase in bodily fluids leads to an increase in kidney usage which can cause you to have to pee more frequently. If you find yourself running to the restroom more often than usual you may be experiencing an early pregnancy symptom. Nausea/Vomiting The infamous first-trimester nausea/vomiting is no joke. As your progesterone levels increase your body will need to adjust to the new hormone levels. This adjustment period usually lasts around 3 months--your first trimester of pregnancy. Your increased sensitivity to smells can exacerbate this symptom which can lead to vomiting. Morning sickness is a very common symptom of early pregnancy, and it is often one of the first ones to be noticed. Missed Period Perhaps you have experienced all of these symptoms, and you think you might be pregnant, but you aren’t sure. Once you miss your period you can be almost sure that you are pregnant. For some women, missing their period is actually the first early pregnancy symptom that they notice. Whatever the case, a missed period is a big indicator of pregnancy and it is often the one that leads you to buy a pregnancy test. Do all women experience early pregnancy symptoms? No two women are the same and no two pregnancies are the same. Some women may experience all of the above symptoms, others may only experience a few of the symptoms, and still, others may experience none of them. Early pregnancy symptoms are not a tried and true way to determine if you are pregnant, only a pregnancy test can do that. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if you have any reason to believe you are pregnant, take a home pregnancy test. If the pregnancy test is positive make sure you schedule an appointment to see your doctor. Once you have a confirmed pregnancy you can begin to prepare for your new addition to the family. Key Takeaways Early pregnancy symptoms include spotting/bleeding/cramping, an increase in discharge, fatigue, breast tenderness/soreness, increased urination, nausea/vomiting, and a missed period. Every woman is different and everybody is different. What may indicate pregnancy to one person may not indicate pregnancy to another. These early pregnancy symptoms are a great baseline to help you determine if you need to take a pregnancy test, but they should not be used to determine pregnancy. Once you have a positive pregnancy test and have confirmed with your physician that you are pregnant you can begin the prenatal preparations. Let Bellefit help you stay comfortable and healthy during and after your pregnancy. With our nursing bras, soft underwear, compression leggings, and postpartum girdles we are prepared for all of your body’s needs. Check out what we have available! Don’t suffer through pain and discomfort when we have what you need to have a healthy and safe pregnancy/postpartum journey.

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 have put together a list of the best tips to beat pregnancy fatigue. Pregnancy fatigue is one of the many things women have to deal with while pregnant. In order to combat this, sleep, food, and water are the main things you need to balance. Reasons for Pregnancy Fatigue There are many reasons you may experience fatigue during your pregnancy. Growing a baby is a lot of work, and your body is experiencing a lot of changes. This is the main reason you feel fatigued during your pregnancy. In each trimester of your pregnancy fatigue can be brought on for a variety of reasons. First-trimester pregnancy fatigue Fatigue is one of the large symptoms that you are pregnant. During the first trimester of pregnancy, the body produces a bunch of different hormones in order to grow a baby. This increase in hormones can cause an increase in fatigue and leave you feeling tired. In addition, women often experience rapid changes in blood sugar/blood pressure due to their pregnancy which can also lead to fatigue. Besides these things, first-trimester nausea can increase fatigue as well. Your body is essentially pummeled with a bunch of changes at one time and is expected to deal with it. Second-trimester pregnancy fatigue During the second trimester of pregnancy, much of the pregnancy fatigue subsides and many women experience a sudden surge of energy. The hormones have balanced themselves out a little bit, your body has adjusted to the new requirements, and you have found a good routine to stay healthy. Third-trimester pregnancy fatigue Throughout the third trimester, fatigue begins to set back in. This time it is due to the rapidly growing baby inside of you. As your stomach swells to accommodate the new baby, you will likely experience discomfort and pain. This discomfort can disturb your sleeping schedule. In addition, your growing baby can add weight that makes it difficult to perform daily tasks. Not only that, but many women have an iron deficiency in their third-trimester which can lead to fatigue. Tips to beat pregnancy fatigue There are a few main ways to beat pregnancy fatigue. They include: getting as much sleep as possible, creating an exercise schedule, taking vitamins, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet. Sleep The best tip to beat pregnancy fatigue is to get as much sleep as possible. Yes, it seems obvious and it is much easier said than done, but there is science behind it as well. A typical adult need between 7-9 hours of sleep a day. A pregnant woman needs about 1-2 additional hours of sleep. This means that your normal amount of sleep is not going to be enough. Try to go to bed a little earlier, or get up a little later - you will thank yourself for it later. As your pregnancy progresses you will find it difficult to get into a comfortable sleeping position. Try investing in a body pillow or shifting your sleeping position. Finally, try to nap as much as possible. Even short little 15-20 minute naps can be beneficial to fighting your pregnancy fatigue. Exercise While setting aside time to exercise may not be a top priority, it is one of the best ways to beat pregnancy fatigue. Exercise tires your body so that you get a better night’s sleep, and it releases endorphins which help you feel better and increases your energy. It doesn’t have to be a super rigorous exercise, but something as simple as walking or swimming can be beneficial. Take vitamins One reason your body may be fatigued is because of a nutrient deficiency. As you grow a baby your body needs more vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy. Taking a prenatal vitamin ensures that you get all of the necessary nutrients that your body needs on a daily basis. This can fight fatigue caused by nutrient deficiency. Stay hydrated Hydration is key to beating pregnancy fatigue. Your body needs more water to function while you are pregnant. If you become dehydrated your blood volume decreases meaning your heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. This can cause fatigue. Staying hydrated allows your body to function properly and ensures that you don’t become tired due to hydration. Try tracking your water or eating water-dense foods in order to increase your water intake. Eat a balanced diet Your body needs a certain amount of nutrients in order to function. Prenatal vitamins can help you reach those nutrients, but you need to maintain a healthy and balanced diet in order for you to feel the benefits. Many doctors recommend eating six small meals a day in order to maintain your blood sugar levels. Try to eat fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and protein and avoid processed foods as much as possible. Many processed foods can spike your blood sugar leading to a rapid fall in blood sugar later during the day. This can cause you to feel fatigued and lethargic. When to see a doctor Pregnancy fatigue is par for the course, but there are some situations where fatigue can be cause for concern. Severe pregnancy fatigue can be signs that you are experiencing other syndromes during your pregnancy such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or anemia. Watch for symptoms such as Restless legs (urge to move legs while resting) Insomnia Sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep) Dizziness Less frequent urination Severe headaches Shortness of breath Heart palpitations Swelling in ankles, hands, or feet If you experience any of these symptoms talk to your doctor. Key tips to beat pregnancy fatigue Pregnancy fatigue is common and not really something you should be too worried about. Your body needs extra sleep, food, and water to create the new life growing inside of you. But just because fatigue is normal doesn’t mean you have to deal with it. Getting extra sleep, exercising, taking prenatal vitamins, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet can all help you beat pregnancy fatigue. After your pregnancy, you are still going to feel a little fatigued. Your body will be recovering from labor and you will be taking care of your new baby. Don’t push yourself and make sure that you recover faster by investing in a postpartum girdle. Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are designed to prevent you from over-extending yourself. This allows you to heal faster and get back to being your amazing self. Try one out today!

You finally have a little semi-independent child walking around and now you are pregnant. How are you going to survive pregnancy with a toddler? Don’t panic quite yet. With the advent of the internet, the good thing is you are not alone in your struggles. Thousands of women, just like you, have struggled with the same thoughts and worries. Thankfully, we were able to pull together a list of the top tips on how to survive pregnancy with a toddler. Why surviving pregnancy with a toddler is harder You’ve been around the block before. You know what to expect when it comes to pregnancy and labor now. And while not every pregnancy is the same, you have a vague idea of what is to come. The only problem is now you have to contend with a toddler too. The difficult thing about being pregnant with a toddler is that all the things you used to cope during your first pregnancy are no longer an option. You can’t go take a nap for two hours or go for a quick stroll in the park -- you have a child to look after. Even when you are sick, nauseous, run-down, and tired you have to be there for your toddler. You will have less time to be by yourself and you now have to take care of a child. So how do you survive? Tips on how to survive pregnancy with a toddler Obviously many women have done it before, but how did they do it without losing their minds? Between your doctor’s appointments, your toddler’s schedule, and your partner how will you have enough time to just be yourself? It’s hard. And it can be mentally and physically draining at times, but there are ways you can get through it with your sanity intact. Schedule Personal Time Make sure that you schedule personal time. This means time for yourself to do whatever you want to do. Maybe you want to take a nice bath or go to lunch with some friends--it doesn’t matter what you do. Just make sure you are taking the time to be an independent person. You can’t do the dishes, the laundry, cook, clean, grow a baby, and raise a child without needing some time to yourself. Even if it is just 15 minutes by yourself in the bathroom give yourself a breather to maintain your individuality. Get Help From Others As we said, you can’t do everything in the house by yourself. It is unrealistic and it is unfair to expect you to do everything. Make sure you are getting help from others--whether that be a partner, a friend, a sibling, or a parent. It might feel selfish or like you aren’t being the best you can be by reaching out for help but it is necessary. You need to be the best version of yourself for your child and your growing baby. That means not running yourself ragged. Nap Does your toddler have a scheduled nap time? Take a nap with them. Pregnant women need approximately 8-12 hours of sleep a night. It can be hard to get that when you are getting up to check on your child or suffering from pregnancy discomfort. That’s why naps are so important. Even a small 30-minute nap can mean a big difference in your energy levels later in the day. Encourage Independent Play Independent play is going to be a lifesaver to survive pregnancy with a toddler. Try to encourage your toddler to play with toys or do things that don’t require a lot of your attention. That way you can do the dishes while they play in the living room or you can go to the bathroom while they draw with crayons. Choose activities that you don’t to be an active participant in. This can also help them get used to playing by themselves and make it an easier transition when the baby comes. Find Different Ways To Play If you do need to be a part of their playing try to find ways to play while relaxing. Maybe lie down while they play doctor and diagnose/examine you. Or maybe watch a movie together. While they are entertained you relax and sit/lay down. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you end up relying on screens more frequently than you prefer. It is ok to need time off and it is ok to get that by sitting your child down with an iPad. It’s not the end of the world and you aren’t a bad parent for doing it. So don’t beat yourself up. Your health and sanity are just as important as your childs. Schedule Daycare/Babysitting Some days you are just going to want a break. On those days try to schedule a babysitter or a visit to daycare for a few hours. You will get some time to yourself and your child gets to have fun and play. Go To The Library One of the best ways to get your child entertained, and get time to relax, is by going to the library. Most libraries have reading circles or interactive events designed for children. This can help you survive pregnancy with a toddler. Do Some Prep For The Next Day A great way to stay on top of things and to relieve extra stress is by prepping for the next day. While your child is asleep in bed or taking a nap, you can prepare some morning meals or all of tomorrow’s meals and pop them in the fridge. This prevents you from having to spend that extra time tomorrow and allows you to be prepared for any last-minute things. Surviving Postpartum After giving birth you are going to be confronted with a whole new set of challenges. You are now going to be taking care of a baby and a toddler and you will still be recovering postpartum. Let Bellefit take away one of those worries and invest in a postpartum girdle today. Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are designed to speed up the postpartum recovery process. Leaving you feeling back to your normal self sooner than you would have without it. That leaves you with one less thing on your plate to worry about.

When will your baby bump show? It’s official - you’re pregnant! Amidst all the joy and excitement there is probably an undercurrent of stress and nerves. You likely have a million questions running through your head and one of them is most likely when will my baby bump show? If you aren’t quite prepared to tell the world yet then the good news is it won’t be for a little while. If you are ready for your baby bump photoshoot you may be disappointed that you will have to wait a bit. No matter what the situation is - your belly is going to start to grow and you probably want to know what to expect. In this article, we discuss when your bump will show, factors that affect it, and how to navigate your growing body. When will your baby bump show? Every woman and everybody is different, so there is no specific answer for when you will start to show, but we can give you a general timeline. Around the 3 month mark, your baby will be a significant size. Your uterus will probably start to expand to accommodate the baby so you may notice a little bump. This bump will probably not be noticeable to most people - and will likely just look like you are a little bloated. As you reach the 16-week mark, this is where you will most likely start to show the most. And by the time you are 20-24 weeks, you should have a nice little bump to show off. Factors that influence when your baby bump shows There are many factors that influence when your baby bump shows. Your height, weight, number of babies, number of pregnancies, uterus location, and your fitness level will all influence your baby bump debut. Height: How tall you are can affect how quickly your bump will become visible. If you have a shorter torso your bump will probably show faster. If you have a longer torso your uterus can grow upwards before it grows out which can lengthen the amount of time before your bump shows. Weight: If you have a larger percentage of body fat you may not show as quickly as others who have a low percentage of body fat. Number of Babies: If you are pregnant with twins you will see your baby bump much sooner than someone with a singular pregnancy. This is because your uterus has to expand twice as much over the same period of time to accommodate the two babies. The same logic applies to triplets, quads, quints, etc. Number of Pregnancies: If this is your first baby you will probably show later than your subsequent pregnancies. This is because your uterus never fully shrinks back down after your first pregnancy. So, you will be starting off with a bigger uterus than your first pregnancy. Uterus location: This sounds odd, but the location of your uterus can make a difference in when you show. Your uterus can be tilted away from the front of your abdomen which means it takes a longer time to expand out and show. In contrast, your uterus can also be tilted toward the front of your abdomen. This means that when it expands out it shows almost immediately. Fitness Level: Surprisingly, your fitness level also comes into play. If you are a fitness buff and have well-defined abdominal muscles you will probably not show until later in your pregnancy. The reason for this is because your uterus is hidden behind your abdominal muscles. This makes it take longer for your baby bump to show. Some women who are extremely fit don’t even show until they are a few weeks from their due date. All of these factors come into play when your baby bump is growing. That is why there is no hard and fast rule for when your baby bump will show. When will your baby bump show in subsequent pregnancies? If you have been pregnant before then chances are you will be more likely to show earlier in your pregnancy than you did in your first one. The muscles in your abdomen and your uterus have already gone through the pregnancy process. Because of this, your body is more pliable and ready to experience the change again. This means that your pregnancy will begin to show sooner. On the bright side, your pregnancy will also probably have a quicker labor too! What to do in the awkward baby bump stage Before you really begin to show (around the 16-20 week mark) you may notice your bump beginning to grow. This can often cause some discomfort with mothers as they become self-conscious of their little bump. Many women don’t like the appearance of the small bump because it makes them feel like they look bloated. The best way to conceal your small bump is to wear flowy clothing or large sweaters. The flowing fabric will conceal a growing bump and the thick sweaters do the same thing. As your bump gets bigger, you will reach another awkward stage. The stage where you are not quite big enough to wear maternity clothing. But you are also not quite small enough to fit into your regular clothes. The biggest problem you will have is with pants. The best tip we can give is to unbutton your pants. Put one end of a hairband around the button, and put the other end through the hole and around the button again. This will hold your pants in place. Just a long shirt and you are all set to go. In addition, you can always try out a Bellefit prenatal support panty. These are panties that go up around your belly and support your abdomen with the extra weight. Bellefit has some available in addition to a support camisole. Baby Bump Not Showing Many women tend to panic when their bump isn’t showing as fast as they prefer. They think that something may be wrong with them or they may grow concerned with other people’s comments. Don’t fret too much. Every body is different and every pregnancy is unique. Your body may just not show very much. There are some women who hardly show at all throughout their entire pregnancy. Trust what your physician says. If they say that your baby is healthy, then you are fine. There is nothing to worry about, but if you do have concerns talk to your doctor about them. Main Takeaways Pregnancy is a unique and different experience for each and every woman. There are many factors that go into determining when your baby bump will show. Including weight, height, number of babies, number of pregnancies, uterus location, and fitness level. Don’t worry if your bump isn’t showing as soon as you would want it to. As long as your physician says you have a healthy baby there is nothing to worry about. Investing in some fashionable maternity clothes and garments can do wonders with helping you feel confident and comfortable in your pregnant body. Try out some of Bellefit’s prenatal garments and discover why so many women love our brand.

Along with all of the other amazing symptoms of pregnancy, you may be more susceptible to motion sickness during pregnancy. If you are experiencing motion sickness while pregnant, then you are not alone. But how do you distinguish between motion sickness and morning sickness? In this article we will discuss treatments and preventions of motion sickness during pregnancy. What is Motion Sickness? Motion sickness is an unfortunate condition characterized by nausea, dizziness, or vomiting. While pregnancy can make the probability of experiencing motion sickness higher, it is not the only factor. For some people motion sickness is a common occurrence when traveling long distances. Many people, myself included, experience motion sickness when travelling on cars, trains, busses, and boats. For this reason motion sickness has many names including - car sickness, sea sickness, and travel sickness. Causes of Motion Sickness During Pregnancy While you do not need to be pregnant to experience motion sickness, you may be more prone to motion sickness if you are pregnant. There are a combination of factors that can influence your susceptibility to motion sickness. You already experience motion sickness. If you have experienced motion sickness prior to being pregnant, then you are more likely to experience motion sickness while pregnant. You have eaten a large meal before traveling. If you have eaten a lot of food before traveling, or you have eaten some heavy foods, you may be more prone to motion sickness. The movement of the vehicle can cause the food to move around in your stomach which can disrupt digestion and make you feel nauseous. The vehicle is stuffy or the air is not clean. If the air in the vehicle is too hot or is filled with smoke it can become difficult to breathe. This can make you feel light-headed and dizzy. Try to cool yourself down and ensure that you have plenty of fresh air. Your body’s sense of balance is being thrown off. The body’s sense of balance is created through a complex system of nerves and brain signals. This balance-sensing system is made up of the inner ear, eyes, muscles, and joints. When your brain receives conflicting signals from two parts of these systems it can cause you to have the symptoms of motion sickness. For example: if your ear senses movement, but your eyes do not see movement (such as sitting on an airplane), you can experience motion sickness. Symptoms of Motion Sickness During Pregnancy The symptoms of motion sickness during pregnancy are essentially the same as motion sickness for someone who is not pregnant. The symptoms include: Nausea Vomiting Light-headedness Dizziness Sweating Dehydration (due to excessive vomiting) Anxiousness Rapid breathing Hot Flashes Mild Headache Motion Sickness Pregnancy VS. Morning Sickness During Pregnancy Because the symptoms of motion sickness and morning sickness are so similar, some women often may confuse the two. There is one main difference between the two - are you in a moving vehicle? The causes of motion sickness are largely the relationship with your body to the vehicle bouncing, moving, turning, and tilting. In contrast, morning sickness is in response to an increase in hormones in your body. Morning sickness occurs over the course of the day and usually remains consistent. Motion sickness typically lessens or stops after the motion stops. If you are experiencing nausea and vomiting when you have never had a problem before it is most likely morning sickness. Similarly, if you experience nausea throughout the day, but only vomit when traveling, you may have a combination of both. Your morning sickness can be increasing your vulnerability to motion sickness and make you feel even worse. Thankfully, motion sickness can be treated/prevented. Best Treatments for Motion Sickness Pregnancy If you have motion sickness during pregnancy, it can be hard to determine what to do about the symptoms. You want to take medication, but what is safe to have with your pregnancy? Here is a list of possible treatment options for your motion sickness symptoms. B6 supplement. This vitamin can help reduce pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Acupressure bracelet. Some women have found that their nausea is greatly reduced when they use an acupressure bracelet. The bracelet target a specific pressure point in your wrist that is supposed to help reduce nausea. Prescription medication. If you are experiencing motion sickness on a regular basis, talk to your doctor about it. They may be able to recommend a specific medication for you, or prescribe you a behind-the-counter medication to combat your symptoms. Can I Take Dramamine While Pregnant? This is an over-the-counter medication that is designed to help combat motion sickness. Many medical professionals claim it is ok to use during pregnancy and should not harm your baby. As with any medication that you take during your pregnancy, be sure to talk to your doctor before self-medication to ensure that you are being safe. How To Prevent Motion Sickness While Pregnant In order to prevent motion sickness during your pregnancy there are a few things that you can do. Sit with your eyes facing the movement of the vehicle. If your eyes are able to see the movement of the vehicle your brain is less likely to get confused and cause motion sickness. This is because your eyes are able to see the movement and your inner ear is signalling that there is movement. Two of the balance-sensing systems are in unison and this should prevent motion sickness. Eat a light meal. Avoid eating any heavy food or having a large meal before travelling. Small and frequent meals can help combat the nausea. Stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause you to feel light-headed and dizzy. By staying hydrated you will be able to combat those symptoms. Avoid Strong Smells. Try to avoid any strong smells that may worsen your symptoms. Make sure you have fresh air. Try to make sure you have access to fresh air and that it doesn’t get too stuffy. If you are in a car, crack the window a little bit. Takeaways It can be difficult to determine if you are experiencing motion sickness during pregnancy or if you are experiencing morning sickness. Motion sickness can be caused by a plethora of things, but it can be treated/prevented. Make sure you talk to your doctor about your symptoms and stay safe. At Bellefit we believe that your health and comfort are important. Check out our postpartum garments - such as panties, compression leggings, and postpartum girdles. Designed for women like you. We hope this article has been beneficial. Do you have any tips to combat motion sickness during pregnancy? Leave them in the comments below!

Swollen feet during pregnancy is a common occurrence and is completely normal. You may notice your shoes getting tighter, or your ankles getting larger as you get closer to your due date. In this article, we will discuss what causes swollen feet during pregnancy and how to get some relief. What Causes Swollen Feet During Pregnancy Thankfully early in your pregnancy, you are unlikely to notice any sort of swelling in your feet. You may notice a little bit of bloating in your first trimester as your hormone levels increase, but it will more than likely only get a little puffy. Most women do not experience any swollen feet in the first trimester. In the second trimester (particularly starting weeks 22-27), as your pregnancy progresses you will likely begin to notice your shoes fitting tighter and your rings getting stuck on your fingers. This swelling is due to an increase in fluid retention and an increase in blood flow. As your body prepares for labor, it begins to hold onto extra fluid - softening the bodily tissues and preparing your body for birth. The third trimester is when swollen feet are the most common. At this stage, your body really begins to store any extra fluid available and soon your toes and fingers begin to become unrecognizable. In addition, the increased pressure from your growing uterus can slow the blood flow from your legs to your heart. This isn’t dangerous, it is just uncomfortable. Are there Risks with Swollen Feet During Pregnancy? Swollen feet are a very normal part of pregnancy. More often than not, your swollen feet are just a sign that your body is doing its job and preparing for birth. However, there are some cases where swelling is cause for concern. One condition, known as preeclampsia, includes rapidly swelling feet as a symptom. Preeclampsia is a condition that causes severe high blood pressure and it must be treated immediately. However, preeclampsia comes with other symptoms as well. The symptoms for preeclampsia include: Sudden/rapid swelling of feet, hands, eyes, and face Dizziness or blurred vision Severe headache Difficulty breathing In addition, if you notice swelling on only one foot/leg it can be a symptom of deep vein thrombosis. DVT is a blood clot that needs to be treated. If you have any concerns at all about your swelling feet, talk to your doctor. They will be able to determine if there is any cause for concern. How to Prevent/Treat Swollen Feet During Pregnancy While swollen feet may or may not be painful, it can definitely become uncomfortable or bothersome. Thankfully there are a few things that you can do to help reduce your discomfort. Reduce Sodium Intake - Salt increases your body’s water retention. This is on top of your increased fluid retention due to your pregnancy. To reduce your sodium intake you can try to avoid any canned or processed foods, and increase the number of fresh foods you eat. Stay Hydrated - It may sound counter-intuitive but if your body becomes dehydrated it will hold onto any extra water that is available in your body. This can increase swelling. To combat this make sure you are drinking at least 10 cups of water a day. This will ensure you are hydrated and will decrease your swelling. Avoid Standing or Sitting for Long Periods of Time - Make sure you are promoting blood flow by avoiding remaining in one position for too long. If you tend to sit for long periods of time, make sure to get up and walk around a little. If you tend to stand for hours a day, try sitting down and resting every hour or so. Elevate your Feet - elevating your feet at the end of a long day can promote the fluid that has been building up in your feet and ankles to move around. This will decrease your swollen feet during pregnancy. Sleep on your Left Side - When you are going to sleep at night, make sure you are sleeping on your left side. This relieves pressure off of your inferior vena cava which is a major blood vessel that returns blood to your heart. This will allow your blood flow to increase and circulate more effectively throughout your body. Get in Some Exercise - Make sure you are getting in some exercise during the day. This can be things like prenatal yoga or even swimming. Both of these exercises increase your blood flow and reduce swelling around the ankles. Stay Cool - Swelling can increase as the temperature increases. If you are experiencing swollen feet during pregnancy in the hot/warm months, try to stay cool. Use a fan, a cool compress, or even some ice packs to reduce swelling. Invest in Compression Stockings - Support stockings are a great way to increase your blood flow and reduce swelling. In order for them to be effective, you will have to put them on in the morning before your day starts. This reduces the amount of swelling as the day progresses. Takeaway Swollen feet during pregnancy are completely normal and expected. They are caused by your body increasing its fluid retention as it prepares for labor. Thankfully, there are things you can do to get relief and prevent the swelling. In addition, your body will slowly go back to normal after you have given birth. If you are looking to decrease postpartum swelling try out some of Bellefit’s postpartum garments. We have compression leggings, postpartum girdles, and shapewear. Get back to looking and feeling your best after pregnancy. We hope this has been a helpful article and that you found some ways to get relief for your swollen feet during pregnancy.

What is preterm labor and what happens if you experience a preterm labor? Well, don’t worry we will break it down for you. And make sure you are prepared for anything that comes your way. What is preterm labor? Premature labor, also known as preterm labor, is when a mother’s body begins the labor process too early. Labor is typically considered preterm if it occurs more than three weeks before your due date. Preterm labor can lead to fetal complications if not treated properly. Complications of Preterm Labor One of the largest complications of going into preterm labor is delivering the baby too early. Babies continue to develop in the uterus throughout the entirety of a woman’s pregnancy. This means that it takes 40 weeks for a baby to fully develop and survive outside of the womb. Premature babies often need special care and can sometimes suffer with long-term mental and physical disabilities. Delivering a premature baby can lead to them living with birth defects, learning disabilities, or even physical disabilities. Causes/Risks of Preterm Labor While there is no one specific reason, there are many theories about what can cause preterm labor in pregnant women. smoking/alcohol/drug use – The use of elicit substances can cause miscarriage as well as low birth weight and birth defects. If the baby is experiencing any stressors from being in the uterus, the body will begin labor. small intervals between pregnancy – There is an increased risk of a woman experiencing preterm labor if they wait less than 18 months before becoming pregnant again. multiples birth – women who carry multiple babies at the same time are more likely to give birth to premature babies. The uterus is only designed to grow and feed one baby at a time. So in the case of multiple babies, there is an increased risk that your body will go into preterm labor. pregnancy complications – pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia can cause the body to go into preterm labor. problems with the uterus or cervix – If a woman’s uterus is malformed, too large, or has other problems it can be difficult to carry the baby to term. If the cervix is too short or cannot stay closed this can cause preterm labor as well. stress levels – Your stress levels directly impact your baby’s stress levels. Any traumatic incident can lead to the release of hormones that induce labor. occupational factors – If a woman works at a very physical job where they have to stand on their feet all day or perform physically demanding duties; they have a higher chance of having a preterm labor. maternal age – Women under the age of 17 or over the age of 35 are at a higher risk of experiencing a preterm labor. A previous preterm birth – If the mother has had a previous preterm birth she is more at risk for a preterm labor in her subsequent pregnancies. Symptoms of Preterm Labor So, what exactly should you be on the lookout for when it comes to premature labor? Contractions that occur every ten minutes. Bloody vaginal discharge. Cramps, similar to a period. Excess back pain. Increased pelvic pressure Unfortunately many of these symptoms are every-day problems that pregnant women face, so it can be difficult to tell the difference between everyday ailments and signs of a preterm labor. Just be as in tune with your body as you can be and pay attention to anything that may seem worse than normal. What Happens if You Go Into Premature Labor? Once your doctor determines you have gone into preterm labor, there are a variety of actions they may take. You may be admitted to the hospital, put on bedrest, treat with medications, or even given corticosteroids. These actions are used to try and stop preterm labor so you do not have a premature birth. How to Prevent It While there are ways that doctors can stop preterm labor, the best way to avoid it is by preventing it from happening in the first place. Space out your pregnancies – There is an increased risk of preterm labor if you are pregnant with a baby 18 months after having one. You can avoid this increased risk by spacing out your pregnancies. See your doctor on a regular basis – By keeping up with your doctor’s appointments on a regular basis, they will be able to catch any signs of preterm labor. In addition, they can give you instructions on what you can do to prevent it. Control your alcohol and drug use – Unless your doctor explicitly states that you can continue to take a medication, cut out all drug usage. You will also need to cut out all alcohol use. These substances cause preterm labor and other birth complications that you can prevent by simply not taking them. Take prenatal vitamins – Part of maintaining a healthy pregnancy is making sure you have all the necessary nutrients. To ensure you are getting all the necessary nutrients prenatal vitamins are essential. These will keep you and your baby healthy. Have a well-balanced nutrition – In addition to your prenatal vitamins you will want to maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet. This can also help you have a healthy pregnancy. Postpartum Care Taking care of yourself during pregnancy is important, and so is taking care of yourself after pregnancy. Not only will you have to deal with being a mother now, but you also have to maintain your own autonomy. That is where Bellefit is here to help. At Bellefit we believe that every woman deserves to feel confident and strong. That is why we design postpartum girdles that help you get back to feeling and looking your best. Not only are they functional – they are comfortable too. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself a Bellefit postpartum girdle today! We hope this has been a helpful guide to premature labor and walked away just a little more educated.

When your friend is pregnant, it can be hard to figure out what to do to help them. What do they need during this time? Do you get a gift for your pregnant friend or help them out? Well, it really depends on your friend, what do they appreciate? We have a few ideas that can help you get started on helping your pregnant friend. Offer Practical Support One of the best gifts you can give to your pregnant friend is the gift of support. Offering practical support in the form of doing laundry, picking up groceries, and doing dishes can really make their day easier. It’s hard being pregnant, their body is going through a lot of changes and that can make it hard to get everyday tasks done. So take a look at their to-do list, and offer any form of support that you can. They will be incredibly grateful, and you can do something nice for your friend. Couple Buying Fresh Fruit And Vegetables In Sustainable Plastic Free Grocery Store Have a last get-together Even though your friend is pregnant, they are still the same person they were before. Yes, they are about to bring a child into the world, and that will come with some changes, but it won’t change everything. It can be hard to be pregnant and still feel like an individual. Pregnant women are constantly having their space invaded, being told what to do, how to do it, and how to raise the child later. It can be incredibly frustrating – it feels as though you are seen as just a vehicle for your baby and not as your own person. Make sure you treat them like your friend. Take them out to parties, go to brunch, go shopping, keep doing the same things as you always have. This will make them feel like an individual again, and let them escape from the constant stress of getting ready to give birth. A great way to really enjoy your time together is having a last get-together with all your friends before she gives birth. Don’t focus on her pregnancy, just focus on having fun. She will appreciate it, and be able to have fun before she is cooped up with the baby in the house. Go Shopping with Her Preparing to have a baby is stressful and difficult. There is so much you have to buy and read and learn before your baby comes. It can be helpful to have a friend to help you with all of the craziness. You guys can go shopping together for baby things. Talk and distract her from the overwhelming amount of stuff she has to do. And just be there for her. You could even help by carrying her bags for her. Especially once she gets further along in her pregnancy. Spend Time with Her A great gift for your pregnant friend, is the gift of your time. The chaos and craziness of preparing for a baby is not fun. Having something to look forward to throughout your week is a lifesaver when you are pregnant. So make sure to plan outings, and fun things with her. It will be a great opportunity for you to see and hang out with your friend. And for her, it is a great chance to feel normal again. Amid all the planning and preparing, it is good for her to have one source of stability to cling to. Try not to change how you interact with her, just because she is pregnant doesn’t mean she is a completely different person. She is the same person, and she wants to be viewed that way, so give her your time and ear. Listen to her problems Between the crazy hormones, the changing body, and the changing lifestyle your friend is going through some stuff. She may want to talk about the baby and complain about stuff, or she may just want a distraction for a bit. Be open and willing to listen and talk with her about it. You don’t have to know how to help, and many times she won’t want advice or help, she just wants someone to listen. She already has her doctor, books, her partner, and random people telling her how to live her life, she doesn’t need you doing it too. If she just needs to complain, just listen and be understanding. Imagine being in her shoes, and talk about how much it must suck. She will be grateful that someone was there to listen. Gifts for Pregnant Friend Little gifts for your pregnant friend are a great way to show your love and support for her. Everyone loves to get little surprise gifts. It doesn’t have to be anything big or crazy, but even just bringing her breakfast in the morning can make her day better. If you notice her feeling down one day, take the time to ask her what is wrong, and bring her something to cheer her up a little. Maybe she is just really feeling nauseous one day, bring her some ginger ale and crackers. It may not seem like a lot, but it shows that you are listening and care about them. Offer her Support After Her Pregnancy After your friend has given birth, what do you do now? You can still offer your love and support for her, even once she has given birth. You can still continue to help her with practical things like laundry, and dishes. She may even appreciate it more, because now she doesn’t have time to do those things, since she is focused on caring for her newborn. Another great gift for your pregnant friend – or postpartum friend – is a postpartum gift basket. Her body is going through a lot right now, especially after giving birth. She is going to need pads, and underwear, and she may even want a postpartum girdle. That is where Bellefit comes to the rescue. We have everything you will need to create a postpartum gift basket for your friend. With nursing bras, comfortable underwear, and postpartum girdles. And if you don’t want to take away her choice, you can always buy a gift card too. She will be incredibly appreciative of all your help and support. We hope this has been a helpful guide for you to help your pregnant friend. And we hope you have found some ideas for gifts for your pregnant friend.