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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.

A cesarean section (c-section) is the surgical delivery of a baby through your belly and uterus and is surprisingly common. One-third of women in the U.S have a c-section when delivering a baby. It can be planned or be by emergency if something goes wrong during labor. When do I need a c-section? There are many reasons why a c-section can be safer for your baby than a vaginal birth: Macrosomia Your baby may be too big to fit through the birth canal and can't move safely. You Have Had a C-Section Before Some women can have a vaginal birth after having a c-section, but in some cases, it is advised against. Infections If you have HIV or other infections, you could give it to your baby through vaginal delivery. In this case, it is safer to have a c-section. You Have More Than One Baby If you are giving birth to twins or triplets, a c-section might be safer. The Baby Is Upside-Down In some cases, the baby can be upside down, meaning the head is on top and the feet or butt is facing down. There are ways to turn your baby around, but in some cases, it is safer for your baby to be delivered via a c-section. There Are Complications While You Deliver Sometimes complications occur during labor. It can happen that the labor doesn’t move fast enough or stops entirely, and the doctor might change to a c-section. There are also cases where the baby doesn’t get enough oxygen. The medical personnel detects an irregular heartbeat or if your baby has a congenital disability such as a very large brain due to fluid build-ups and the baby needs to be delivered via c-section. Placenta There can be problems occurring with the placenta, responsible for your baby to have oxygen and food. It can cause bleeding during vaginal birth, which happens when the baby's placenta is right above your cervix, called placenta previa. Medical Conditions Diabetes or high blood pressure can make a vaginal birth risky; a c-section will help reduce the risks. Cost of a C-Section Not surprisingly, the cost of having a c-section in the U.S is very high but varies depending on what state you live in as well as what insurance policy you have. If you have no insurance at all, the costs can sky-rocket from $30,000 for a vaginal birth to $50,000 for a c-section. If you have insurance, the costs are still high and can run you around $20,000 if you are insured with Medicaid and $24,000 with any other insurance for the c-section. Be sure to check with your insurance provider as some may not cover a c-section due to the risk that it can have on yourself as well as your child. What Happens After a C-Section It usually takes 2-3 days to be released from the hospital after a c-section. You should get plenty of rest and take care of the wound. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to handle your wound in the following days after delivery: Generally, if your wound is stitched or glued together, you can take showers. Be aware not to scrub or use heavily chemical body wash. Choose a natural soap instead. Look out for signs of infection, fever, heavy pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing, redness, or lots of fluids running out of your wound. In that case, check with your doctor. You can expect vaginal bleeding right after surgery as well as pain and swelling. You can also have breast swelling, and as your hormones change, your hair and skin can change. Many women also see red or purple stretch marks on their bellies and breasts. Unfortunately, they won’t disappear entirely, but they will fade with time. Don’t lift anything too heavy in the first couple of days, and support your stomach by holding it while you sneeze, cough, or laugh as it can hurt otherwise. It’s okay if the pain is too overwhelming, and you can use pain relief such as Advil, ibuprofen, etc. Also, don’t forget to drink enough water and stay hydrated. You might also have to take mediation during the first few days after your surgery, but you can still breastfeed, and it won’t have a significant effect on your baby. There are ways to breastfeed your baby without putting too much weight on your belly, such as the side laying down position or the football hold. Focus on nourishing your body with good food. Vegetables make your breast milk have more flavor, and your child might be more likely to eat vegetables when growing up. Be aware that you might also feel tired and not have much energy due to all your body's stress. Give yourself time and care. If you keep feeling blue after a couple of days, you might have postpartum depression. Call a doctor or a therapist to help you cope. When you start to feel better, you can try returning to doing physical activities. Start with deep breaths, shoulder circles, and light stretches to stretch your belly. However, it’s generally advised to speak to a doctor first before returning to activities such as sports, driving, or lifting anything heavier than your child. Give your body time to recover, and don’t rush.

Puffiness and swelling are a perfectly normal part of the post-delivery experience. Let’s dive in and get informed. Where does swelling occur? After you deliver, many women notice puffiness on some part of their body which is called postpartum swelling. Typically, legs, arms, feet, and hands swell during pregnancy and it’s commonly worse at night and in later stages of the pregnancy as well as right after you deliver. Why does swelling occur? Swollen legs and feet are common during and after pregnancy. During pregnancy, it is partly caused by the weight of the baby pressing on veins that return blood from your legs to your upper body so your heart. Also, as hormones go crazy during pregnancy, they can cause the body to produce and retain more blood. After pregnancy, many women still notice swelling which can be caused by pushing during labor, when fluids can move to your hands, feet, and face while you are pressing. Also if you receive IV fluids during labor the extra fluids might make you puffy and take a while to disappear. In addition, you cannot move around as much right after you deliver which makes it harder for your body to get rid of fluids cause your body still has water that is retained to support the baby. Is it normal? Having puffiness in your face, feet, legs, and arms is totally normal after pregnancy. No need to worry. Be patient, your body has just gone through a lot of stress and change in the last months. It does usually disappear within two or three weeks after delivery through sweating and urinating, yet there are ways to speed up the process. How to Speed Up The Process Drink lots of water Dehydration usually makes the body save water which can lead to swelling. Even though it sounds weird, drink 2-3 liters of water a day to reduce swelling in the legs, feet, and hands. You can also drink herbal tea as herbs have many great advantages to your health. Keep your feet elevated Many women experience swelling in their feet. To get the circulation moving, elevating the feet helps and makes fluids flow. Don’t cross your feet as this can cut off blood flow and make the swelling worse. Try to keep your legs elevated or apart when you sit. Don’t eat too much salt The more salt you eat the more water your kidneys save which can lead to swelling in your arms, legs, feet, and hands. High sodium foods are not ideal and can make the swelling worse. Exercise regularly Light exercise like walking will help the body get rid of fluids by activating the sympathetic nervous system. Use compression stockings Compression stockings increase blood flow and will assist in moving fluids from your legs to your kidneys. Be aware of your caffeine consumption Caffeine is making your body lose water which might lead to dehydration. Being hydrated tells your body to save water which then leads to swelling. Be aware of heat It’s also important to stay cool. Heat can worsen swelling so keeping your body at a steady temperature and staying hydrated will help solve this issue. Wear a Postpartum Girdle This form-fitting shapewear ensures support and shapes your body. It reduces swelling by compressing your tissue which helps your body retain fluids. As it is tightly fitting it also helps your circulation and can reduce blood clots. Another benefit of wearing girdles is the fast transition back into normal activities by giving your body enough support. Foam rollers Foam rollers are another great way to improve circulation. They are usually used for muscle tension and pain but help move blood and water through the body at a quicker pace. Massage Try a massage to get your body’s circulation going. There are many spas and massage therapists that offer mother massages. Foods that Fight Postpartum Swelling You are what you eat. Chances are you have heard this quote before and it shows to hold truth. That’s why you should eat potassium-rich foods to help your body with postpartum swelling. What is potassium? It’s a mineral that works together with sodium, helps your nerves to function properly, regulates the fluids, and also keeps your heartbeat regular. It can lower the sodium levels in your body if you eat enough of it. There are many choices when you want to eat more of the mineral, such as bananas, apricots, yogurt, lentils, prunes, raisins, avocado, mushrooms, kale, yams, oranges. Cooked spinach and broccoli also have a high potassium content as well as cucumbers, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and peas. You should also add vitamin-rich foods. For example, Vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits which include oranges and lemons, strawberries and tomatoes, etc. Vitamin E is also very important. Foods that include this vitamin are almonds and sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, peanuts, spinach, etc. In addition, add foods that are high in protein and complex carbohydrates. Choose whole wheat instead of regular wheat flour. And don’t forget to drink water. How To Identify Non-Normal Swelling In some cases, swelling could mean different things and should be looked at by a doctor. Get checked if you notice the swelling starts to increase instead of decrease, if you feel pain or discomfort, or if you press your swollen skin the mark stays there for more than a few minutes. Please consult a doctor if any of these occur if one foot or arm is more swollen than the other, or if the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms like headaches, blurred vision or you have difficulty breathing. Even though you are busy looking after your newborn, your health is just as important. Be patient with your body and take the rest that you need. If your swelling becomes to much to handle, a postpartum girdle will help manage your symptoms and discomfort, providing you with the support you need.

What is sciatica nerve pain? Sciatica nerve pain is pain from the lower back through your hips and buttocks to your lower leg. It’s an irritation of your sciatic nerve which is located around your lower spine and ends in the thigh. The sciatica nerve is the largest in your body. It makes you feel sensations like pressure, heat, and pain in your lower back, legs, and feet. Its primary function is to send signals to and from your thigh muscle. You can experience sciatica pain on the outside of your leg in the back or front. It usually affects only one side of the body but in some cases can affect both. Patients often describe it as shooting pain which can range from mild to severe. What can cause it? Sciatica related to age is the most common form. Herniated disk and bone spurs can occur with increasing age. Obesity can also affect the sciatica nerve due to the increased weight and pressure on the nerve. During pregnancy, especially in the later stages, the weight of the baby can put pressure on the sciatic nerve which can cause sciatica pain. It can also be caused by Trauma, Tumor, Spinal Stenosis, Piriformis Syndrome, or Spondylolisthesis. Risk factors that can contribute to getting sciatica are degenerative arthritis to the lumbar spine. Symptoms and What to Look For. Common symptoms of sciatica include: Pain in one side of your leg or buttocks Lower back pain Numbness or tingling in your legs Sudden shooting pain from your lower back to your leg Sitting down causes pain Prevention Exercise regularly and focus especially on stretches. Keep your core strong to assure proper posture and good alignment. Posture is important. It is recommended to choose a good seat with proper support. When you lift something heavy, keep your back straight and don’t twist and lift at the same time. Ways to relieve sciatica pain: Usual treatments include massages, physical therapy, or chiropractic care. However, self-treatment stretches are extremely helpful for pregnant women experiencing sciatica. 1. Child’s pose This is a very relaxing stretch also used in yoga classes. Stretches the spine. Relieves neck and lower back pain and stretches hips thighs and ankles. Kneel on a mat or any soft surface. Move your knees out and your feet together until your big toes touch. Bend down and reach your arms above your head. The forehead should touch the mat. Relax your arms. Repeat multiple times a day. 2. Hip flexor stretch Also, a yoga pose that stretches your hip flexor and turns on your glutes. Start on your hands and knees. Move one leg in between your hands. Your leg should be at a 90-degree angle. Now slowly shift your weight forward. Arms can stay on the ground or by your sides. Repeat on both sides. Repeat multiple times per day. 3. Seated Piriformis stretch This stretch can ease knee and ankle pain and help against sciatic nerve pain. This pose starts seated on a chair. If your right side is affected place your right ankle on your left knee. Try and keep your back straight. No lean forward until you feel a stretch in your buttocks. Repeat on both sides. Repeat multiple times a day. 4. Table stretch The table stretch is great for stretching your lower back and the back of your legs as well as your buttocks. Stand with your feet a little wider than your hips. Face a table or chair. You must keep your back straight. Lean forward with your hands holding onto the table or a chair. Slightly pull your hips back. You should feel a stretch. Moving side to side will increase the stretch even more. Repeat multiple times a day. 5. Standing hamstring stretch This stretch, as the name says, stretches your hamstring and muscles around the sciatic nerve. Stand straight. Place your right leg onto something steady like a bench or a chair. Flex your toes upwards and slowly bend forward reaching your fingers towards your toes. Repeat with the opposite leg. Breathe and repeat multiple times a day. 6. Reclining pigeon pose This pose is commonly used in yoga and helps open the hips. Lay flat on your back. Bring your left leg up so it’s at a 90-degree angle. Lift your right leg and place your ankle on your left knee. Grab your left thigh with both hands. Repeat on the other side. 7. Forward pigeon pose This yoga pose stretches your hips and lower body and increases the flexibility of lower back muscles as well as hip flexors. Start on all fours. Move your right leg forwards so it’s between your hands. Bring your right knee to the ground. Your right foot should be right in front of your left knee. Stretch the left leg back so your left knee is on your mat and release the toes. Shift back so the weight is on your legs rather than your arms. Now slowly bend your upper body forward. Repeat on the other side as well. These stretches help reduce inflammation and work against sciatic nerve pain. Long periods of sitting aren’t recommended so take breaks to get up and move around. Exercise caution and patience when stretching. Some medications help with inflammation and relax your muscles which are also a treatment against sciatica nerve pain. Be sure to talk to a doctor about what’s best for your body.

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

The past year has brought a host of changes with it that have been quite unwelcome for most people. The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on economies around the world, thrown millions out of work, and turned much of the way we work and live on its head. For some, this change has been welcome, and for some, not so much. It has made life more complicated, even at the simplest levels. Going to the grocery store requires bringing and wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer at multiple steps of the process, and staying socially distanced through the whole process. If something so simple can be made complicated when a health pandemic strikes, how is something so much more complicated like childbirth different during a pandemic? Delivery Location You will need to choose a delivery location close to you and one that has everything needed for delivering your baby. Likely, you have already chosen a hospital or medical center. Another thing to consider during this process is whether the delivery location is equipped to handle a birth during the pandemic and whether you will feel comfortable there. Visiting Policy It is highly recommended that a support person accompany you to the hospital, and be there for the birth of your child, during and after. Outcomes are often improved by having someone with you. Unfortunately, due to the current health pandemic, many hospitals or medical centers are not allowing anyone to accompany you. It is best to check the visiting policy of your delivery location ahead of time so that you know what to expect. If you are not ok with their visiting policy, then it is best to choose another location as long as it suits you and has the capability of protecting both you and your baby with the necessary precautions such as personal protective equipment and isolated spaces for the delivery. Food Due to the policies around visitors and the person that may want to accompany you, your delivery location may have specific policies around food and how to get it. To keep everything sanitized, most hospitals and medical centers will wrap their food in plastic as well as any cutlery. There will also likely be restrictions on when and where any visitors can get food. In some cases, your support person may not be able to leave for food or clothes to reduce the risk of exposure or infection to the coronavirus. You and your support person should plan to stay in the hospital for a few days at least. What to Expect When Arriving When you arrive at the hospital or medical center, you will likely be rushing and everything will be very exciting. At the same time, you might be nervous because of the pandemic. Luckily, hospitals are a sanitary and controlled environment in which to give birth, and you can trust that they will have the necessary precautions in place to protect you, your baby, and your support person. Who is Allowed In the Room? Your support person may or may not be allowed in the room with you, and this will largely depend on the delivery location’s policy. Since you will both need to be tested before entering, if your support person tests positive for the coronavirus, then it is unlikely they will be allowed in the hospital, let alone the delivery room. While in the room, social distancing (as much as possible) will be necessary. Your support person will be allowed in the room, but will likely need to stand away from the delivery area as the nurses and doctors are working. Measures In Place to Protect Mother and Baby The hospital is focused on protecting all patients, so you will not need to worry about your health as long as you follow the safety guidelines they have put in place. Personal protective equipment will be used by nurses and doctors, and sanitization and social distancing are paramount in any medical setting. You might also need to wear a mask to help protect the health of the nurses and doctors assisting in the birth of your baby. It may be uncomfortable, and make the delivery more awkward, but protecting the healthcare workers who are protecting you is paramount to everyone’s health and safety during this pandemic. What About Breastfeeding? Breastfeeding shouldn’t be an issue if you have been infected with or test positive for the coronavirus. Your healthcare professional will be able to advise you on what to do and whether you should or should not breastfeed. Expect the Unexpected It is normal to have a plan and want to be prepared for the birth of your child. It is the beginning of a new life and you have prepared both literally and in your mind for this special moment. Although your plan is in place, you should expect things to change. The pandemic has upended many normal things in our lives, and with that has come to the complication of managing the health risks of the coronavirus while trying to live a normal life. Anxiety and concern are normal through all of this. Expect the unexpected, and remember that your baby is only the one directing the plan, so don’t worry if something doesn’t happen the way you thought it would. Your doctors, nurses, and support person will all be there to help you along the way. Sources: https://www.whattoexpect.com/news/pregnancy/giving-birth-during-coronavirus-stories/ https://uvahealth.com/services/covid19/birth-coronavirus-faqs

As a normal part of the postpartum process, sweating is common during sleep. Although this uncomfortable period might affect your sleep and make you cranky, it is totally normal and has some very common causes. But, Why? Pregnancy hormone is responsible for this phenomenon. During pregnancy, your body was taking on and holding more fluid to nourish your baby. This was great for keeping you and your baby hydrated, but now your body doesn’t need to keep all those extra fluids. Postpartum night sweats are getting rid of them through sweating, usually at night. How long? This is a natural process that will eventually taper off, so there’s nothing to worry about. Eventually, the extra fluids from your pregnancy will be gone and the hormone will settle down. It can take a little while for this process to finish, but there’s nothing to worry about as it is completely normal and should be expected. Is there anything I can do? If you want to make yourself a little more comfortable or manage the night sweats you're experiencing, there are a few things that can help, and more that are pretty important for your overall health during this period. Lower The Heat Make sure the area you are sleeping in is cool and comfortable for you. Although you will continue sweating, a cool environment will help the sweat to dry and it will be less uncomfortable. Drink Up Remember that you are expelling excess fluid by sweating, and that means you are losing hydration. Being dehydrated can be dangerous, and it isn’t healthy. Track your drinking habits and try to drink immediately after you wake up if you have been sweating during the night to start your day off right. Keep drinking plenty of fluids, especially if you’re breastfeeding, as this is important for breast milk production. Soften The Experience Putting a soft towel or a pad on your pillow or under your sheets can help absorb some of the moisture leaving your body. Additionally, this will lessen the effect of the sweating on your bedsheets and you won’t need to change them as often during this period. Keep an Eye Out While night sweats are totally normal, if they become abnormal you should seek some help from your doctor. You’re feeling the heat, but you shouldn’t be feeling it so much that your temperature is over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Night sweats are a sign that something is going fine, but a fever might mean that you are sick. This Too Shall Pass While it can be uncomfortable for a while, this is a normal part of the postpartum process and will eventually pass. There is nothing to be worried about, and when it is over you will have the relief of getting back to normal (except for that demanding baby!). Any other discomfort you might be experiencing could be the result of something else, and you should ask your doctor about that, but if your night sweats are the only problem, that’s great. The Long Haul Try to remember that this is one stage in a long haul process while nursing your baby that will eventually finish. You’re now in the middle of an incredible moment for your baby and you; enjoy it! If you’d like more information about night sweats or other topics related to nursing and postpartum recovery, take a look at our site.

Although the days of needing to always be with your baby to breastfeed are over, there are still some challenges every mother encounters when breast pumping. Being able to maintain breastfeeding with the help of a breast pump is incredibly useful and increasingly essential, but it can be difficult to maintain. Increasing your supply and finding the time are two of the most common challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers. If you want to be able to feed your baby breast milk while having the flexibility to be away from your baby occasionally, here are five things you can do to make it work: Pump at Work Although it might take some planning, pumping at work is a great way to keep pumping through the day and maintain your supply. Thanks to the federal Break Time for Nursing Mothers law, employers must provide basic accommodations for breastfeeding mothers. This means your place of work should have a private space to pump or breastfeed and give you the time to do so. You should also check your state laws to make sure because the rules change depending on whether you are paid hourly or you are a salaried employee. Your supervisor will be able to help you find a place, get you the time to pump, and the rest is up to you! Pump A LOT The more you pump, the more milk you will make. If your breasts are full, this is a signal to your body to stop making more. To trigger milk production, a signal should be sent to your body that your breasts are empty and production needs to start. A popular technique is cluster pumping which means pumping every five minutes for repeated stimulation. This isn’t practical for many mothers, especially at work, but when it is possible, give it a try! Eat Healthily Maintaining a healthy diet is critical to maintaining a healthy milk supply. Make sure you are getting enough calories, and are staying hydrated by drinking water and other clear liquids. If you can, start eating a bit more. Some breastfeeding women need to add about 450 to 500 calories per day to their diet. Of course, the kind of calories you are adding is important, just like when you were pregnant. Stay Calm Soothing and calming sounds can sometimes help produce more (and fattier milk) if listened to while pumping. If you’re looking to increase your milk production, this is a simple but fun way to make the experience more enjoyable. Relaxing while you pump is important, and particularly if you are pumping at work, don’t check your phone or respond to messages and calls while you’re pumping. Additionally, focusing on the task at hand sometimes makes the task and its outcome more stressful. Try not to think about how much milk you’re producing, and avoid any other stressors. The Right Gear Your pump, the breast shield, and the speed of suction will all affect how much milk you can get while pumping. It’s important to keep the machine clean and replace anything that needs replacing right away. Sometimes you can rent a hospital-grade pump for a week or month to get more milk when pumping. The Joy of Breastfeeding No matter how much or how often you pump, these tips will help you on your nursing journey and let you and your baby enjoy it every step of the way. If you’d like more information about this or other similar topics head over to our site!

A rainbow baby is the ultimate gift for parents that are welcoming a child after the difficulty of experiencing a miscarriage or stillbirth. Friends and family get to come together and celebrate this new bundle of joy with the happy parents for a baby shower, bringing gifts, good times, and a lot of fun with them. Whether you are throwing or attending a rainbow baby shower, there’s always something you can do to contribute. One of the best themes for a shower like this is - wait for it - rainbows. Whether the soon-to-be mom loves bright colors or wants to celebrate with joy and excitement, rainbows are the perfect theme for a baby shower. Here are a few ideas to get you started when planning this momentous occasion. Invitations Why not incorporate rainbows into every element of the shower? Remind everyone that this shower is to celebrate the treasure found at the end of the rainbow for this new mom with an invitation designed with a rainbow. You can incorporate rainbows into the color theme, and if you’re feeling creative, try implementing all of the colors of the rainbow throughout the text as well. Start the baby shower off right from the beginning with the theme on the invitation. Guest Book When putting together a guest book to help record the good times for when you’re reminiscing later, you have another great opportunity to incorporate the rainbow theme again. A colorful guestbook compliments the shower perfectly and is a keepsake that will be cherished for years to come. Try making your guestbook with 3D elements if possible, possibly with a rainbow on the front, or incorporating the colors of the rainbow into a fun design. Try something the expecting mom really loves and show her you’re thinking of her! Garland What better way to incorporate a shape that streaks across the sky in a beautiful array of colors than to make a rainbow garland? A string of rainbows or a long piece of rainbow-colored garland is the perfect piece to tie the space together. Put it in doorways, across windows, and if you’re outside, you can string it up anywhere and everywhere. You might even be able to hang it from the trees! Cake It wouldn’t be a party without cake, and in keeping with the rainbow theme, a rainbow-colored cake is a perfect dessert for your rainbow baby shower. The cake could be frosted with rainbow colors, or the cake itself could be baked with colors inside. Whatever you choose to do, the colors will be a memorable touch to whatever delicious cake you decide to serve... Plates and Cutlery ...And when you’re ready to serve it, what better way than on some rainbow-colored plates and cutlery? Matte or pastel colors would look great with some disposable plates and cutlery that you don’t have to worry about washing when you’re done. That colorful cake is going to look great served and eaten on an equally colorful set! Balloons It wouldn’t be a party without balloons! It’s a great item to buy with a rainbow theme because balloons often come in rainbow shapes, and if they don’t, you can buy multi-colored balloon packs to create a rainbow effect at the baby shower. Set them all up in a line or tape them in a rainbow shape, and double down on the rainbow theme with your inflatable decorations. Floral Centerpieces Take your rainbow theme to the next level by arranging flowers in a rainbow pattern on the table, right in the center. For maximum effect, you can do large groupings of the same color and create a long rainbow of flowers lining the center of the table. The impact of having an abundance of natural colorful flowers will stick with your guests for a long time, and the smell will be a welcome addition as well. Toys Now that the guests are taken care of, it’s time for the baby on the way and the soon-to-be mom. Gifts are a classic part of a baby shower and give you the perfect opportunity to incorporate a little more rainbow in the party. Classic gifts like clothes and toys are timeless, and if you can find a rainbow onesie or socks in rainbow colors, this would be the perfect gift to bring. If you are planning the shower, try talking to the other guests ahead of time to coordinate gifts, and see if anyone else can help find some rainbow-themed clothes or toys for the little one on the way. Gear for Mom Let’s not forget who this baby shower is for, right? Your expecting mom could use some gifts and gear for when her baby arrives, and this is a great opportunity to bring more gifts. Strollers, bibs, bottles, and breastfeeding equipment, and postpartum girdles are all helpful starters for any mom-to-be. A medical-grade postpartum girdle like from Bellefit can help a mom post-childbirth in recovery, as it supports her abdomen and back. If you can find a fun design (maybe rainbow-themed), even better. With this, she’ll be getting back to everyday life with her newborn and enjoy every moment in no time! Check it out!

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.

Your body drastically changes when you become pregnant, but those changes don’t stop after you give birth. After giving birth, your body has to adjust back to a new state of normal. This may result in a new postpartum body that doesn’t look quite the same as before you gave birth. In this article, we will go over what to expect after you have given birth and how your postpartum body changes. What to Expect After Giving Birth For nine months your body went through a drastic change. Now, after labor and delivery, your body has to adjust back to a new state of normal. This process can last anywhere from six weeks to one year. The first six weeks of your postpartum journey are the most physically grueling and mentally taxing. Between recovery from labor, breastfeeding, and the hormonal changes it can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, we were able to put together a list of some milestones and basic knowledge to expect during the postpartum period. How Your Postpartum Body Changes (First Six Weeks) The first six weeks after giving birth are the most crucial and intense. Directly after giving birth there are a variety of things that your body goes through. First, your body needs to recover from the delivery process. For women who had a vaginal delivery, this can include bleeding, and vaginal pain. For women who had a C-section delivery, this can include incision pain and vaginal bleeding. During this time your body is also adjusting to the decrease in hormones which can cause severe mood swings, crying, and an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. In addition, your uterus is shrinking back down and your body is getting rid of any retained fluid. This means that you will likely have to pee frequently, sweat, and that your tummy will start to shrink back down. After this, your body should start to slowly heal from the delivery. About two weeks after your labor and delivery you should start to see your vaginal bleeding decrease. As your vagina heals from any tearing you may start to feel itchy or your C-section scar may start to itch as it heals. Mentally, many women go through a period of “baby blues.” The rapid change in your hormones, coupled with the new duties as a mother can be overwhelming and lead to periods of sadness and anxiety. This is completely normal, but if you are having intrusive thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby you may want to talk to your doctor. Due to your rapidly changing hormones, you may also experience some hair loss after giving birth and even some acne or dry patches. In addition, your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor may be weak. This can lead to decreased bladder control and constipation. Similarly, your abdominal muscles may have separated during your pregnancy, this is a condition called diastasis recti. This condition can cause pain, weak abdominal muscles, and can be long-lasting if not properly taken care of. How Your Postpartum Body Changes (After Six Weeks) Six weeks after your labor and delivery, you should be cleared by a doctor to start more vigorous activities such as sex and exercise. It’s up to you to decide if you feel up to doing these things yet. Every woman is different so it’s up to you to determine when you are ready. Your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor should strengthen. This can help you get back your bladder control and lead to less pain when moving around. Make sure you are doing some abdominal and pelvic floor exercises to regain strength. Your period typically will start to come back around the six-eight week mark. Your breastmilk may begin to dry up around six months after giving birth and your hair should stop falling out. If you had a c-section delivery you can also expect to be a little tired around the six-month mark. Overall you should start to feel better mentally and physically. If you have any lingering pain or depression, reach out to a doctor. Long-Lasting Body Changes After Pregnancy and Birth It can be difficult to accept, but after pregnancy and delivery, your body can change completely. The rapid increase and decrease of weight and the act of labor can cause long-lasting and permanent changes to your body. This is completely normal and expected. You had to grow a life inside of you and give birth! These changes can include stretch marks, a change in weight distribution, wider hips, a few extra pounds on your stomach, varicose veins, and C-section scarring. All of the long-lasting changes are just reminders of how powerful and beautiful your body is. Don’t look at them as negatives, but think of them as landmarks on the map of your life. When to Talk to a Doctor The first six week period after giving birth is the most crucial when it comes to possible complications. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. They should be able to diagnose and treat any problems that come about after giving birth. Chills or fever Heavy bleeding (soaking an entire pad in a short amount of time) Foul-smelling discharge Severe pain/redness/swelling/discharge from C-section incision Fainting, nausea, vomiting Constipation (lasting more than three days) Swelling/redness in your breasts Headaches/vision changes Swelling/redness in your legs Persistent and Intense feelings of sadness Key Takeaways Your body goes through a lot during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Afterward, your body will continue to go through physical and mental changes. This can result in permanent and long-lasting changes to your postpartum body. The first six weeks are the most crucial period to help you have the most pain-free and successful postpartum journey. With a postpartum girdle, you can help shrink your uterus back to its original position, strengthen your abdominal muscles, prevent diastasis recti, and experience less pain. Don’t suffer through a painful postpartum journey when there are helpful tools at your disposal. Purchase a Bellefit postpartum girdle today to feel and look your best.