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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.

Women often discuss the pros and cons of an epidural. Labor can be painful, long, and difficult and pain relief is often necessary at some point during labor. There are a wide variety of pain relief options, but one of the most popular and most effective is an epidural. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of an epidural and other pain management options available to you. What is an Epidural? An epidural is a type of anesthesia used for pain relief medication during labor and delivery. This medication injects into the lower spine and prevents your nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. As a result, you have decreased feeling in the bottom half of your body. Contrary to popular belief, an epidural is not supposed to make you completely numb in the bottom half of your body. It relieves the intense pain, but still maintains your ability to feel pressure and movements. This allows you to remain awake and alert throughout your labor so that you can push when the time comes. Types of Epidurals and How They Work There are three types of epidurals. The first is an epidural. This is the most common type for women in labor. A catheter inserts into the bottom part of your spine in an area known as the epidural space. This catheter administers the local anesthetic throughout your labor. The second is the spinal injection. These epidurals are fast-acting and quickly wear off. The injection goes into the epidural space, but unlike the epidural, it does not continue to administer the anesthetic. The spinal injection numbs your lower body for about two hours. Most times this is not used during labor unless they know the entire labor and delivery will take less than two hours. The last type of epidural is a Combined spinal-epidural (CSE). This type of epidural uses both of the above types. A doctor administers a spinal injection to decrease your pain quickly, and then they insert a catheter. The catheter administers the anesthetic throughout your labor. A CSE often uses a lower dose of the anesthetic so that you have a little bit more feeling in the lower half of your body. This allows you to be more aware of your pain and gives you more movement in your lower body. The type of epidural you receive during your labor will differ based on what your doctor and anesthesiologist recommend/use. If you think you may want an epidural during your labor talk to your doctor beforehand so he understands what your preferences are and you can discuss the pros and cons of an epidural. Pros of an Epidural As you are setting up your birth plan one of the steps will be to determine your preferred pain-relief method. An epidural is one of the options that is available to you. Some women, particularly those who want an all-natural birth, may choose to forgo an epidural in favor of breathing methods for pain relief. In order to make an informed decision it is important you understand the pros and cons of an epidural. Epidurals offer pain relief, increased speed of labor, immediate emergency c-section, and the ability to remain awake during labor. Pain Relief Labor is painful. And for some women, this pain can be too much to bear. An epidural offers the pain relief that is needed to continue with labor. It is a safe and effective method for the much-needed relief you may need from your contractions. Increased Speed of Labor This is not a guarantee. Stress hormones slow labor, so you can inadvertently slow your labor when stressed. This hormone can prolong your labor. Once you receive some relief from your pain, your body will begin to calm down and stop producing the stress hormone. This can cause your labor to begin to progress again. Immediate Emergency C-Section In the case of an emergency C-section, you will be able to remain awake and alert throughout it. During the C-section, you will be put to sleep if you did not have an epidural. In addition, you may not be able to see your baby immediately after giving birth. With an epidural, your lower body is numb and your doctor can perform any necessary surgery without putting you to sleep beforehand. Remain Alert During Labor Whether you are giving birth via vaginal delivery or C-section an epidural allows you to be alert and present during your delivery. The pain does not overtake your thoughts, and you can enjoy your baby as soon as they are born. Cons of an Epidural As with any medical procedure, an epidural does come with some risks. It is up to you to decide if the pros outweigh the cons of an epidural. The cons of an epidural include decreased movement, headaches, urinary catheter, lowered blood pressure, and infection. Decreased Movement: Due to the nature of an epidural any movement of the lower body will be limited. While you will still have some sensation in your legs and lower body you will not be able to get up and walk around after you receive an epidural. Headaches: Although rare, some women report getting severe headaches after insertion of an epidural. Urinary Catheter: Because your lower body is numb you will not have control over your bladder. A urinary catheter will collect your urine due to this decreased control. The urinary catheter is removed, once your labor is complete, and your epidural has worn off. After it is removed you may still feel stinging and soreness. Lowered Blood Pressure: For some women who are prone to hypertension this may actually be a pro, as an epidural can decrease your blood pressure. For some women, this is a problem as their blood pressure can drop too low and doctors will have to help increase it again. Infection: In very rare cases the catheter or needle, used for the epidural, causes infection. This is if they are not properly sterilized. There are other mild side effects that can occur from an epidural including itchiness, drowsiness, breathing problems, and muscle weakness. If you experience any of these side effects alert your physician right away so they can remedy the problem. Other Pain Management Options For some women, the pros are not enough to overcome the cons of an epidural. In these cases, there are other pain management options available to them. This includes opioids, pudendal block, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and other natural remedies. If you are attempting to have an all-natural birth with no medical intervention these natural remedies may work for you. Natural remedies include: applying heat or cold to the lower back Massaging the lower back taking warm baths or showers finding comfortable positions, such as crouching, standing, or walking using a labor ball Long Term Side Effects Thankfully after labor is complete and the epidural has worn off there are rarely any long term side effects. In some cases, the epidural can cause permanent nerve damage but these are very rare. In general, you may continue to feel numb after delivery for a few hours. Overall you should be back to normal once the epidural wears off. Unlike other medical pain management options, an epidural will not have any effects on the baby during or after labor. Thankfully after it is all said and done, you will have a baby to enjoy and a long journey ahead of you. Make sure you take care of yourself after labor so you can recover and enjoy all these new moments. Bellefit has everything you need to stay healthy and happy after your delivery. Check out our postpartum garments. We have nursing bras, compression leggings, and postpartum underwear so you can recover comfortably and quickly. We hope this has been an informative article that has helped you reach a decision on your pain relief options.

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!

Postpartum self-care is an essential part of your post-pregnancy recovery. You have waited months for this little bundle of joy to come into your world. Now that they are here you just feel exhausted. It can feel selfish to take care of yourself when you have a newborn. But it is necessary in order to recover emotionally, mentally, and physically. When is Postpartum? The period after you give birth and before you have healed back to your pre-pregnancy self is known as the postpartum period. This period of time can be very tough on mothers. The change from pregnancy, to labor, to mother is a difficult transition and your body is filled with hormones, emotions, and pain. While it can be difficult, it can also be a beautiful time too. Your baby is finally here, you are so excited and so in love with your new child, and all you want to do is stare at them and enjoy their presence. The overwhelming need to care for your new baby can override any inclination to care for yourself and before you know it - you haven’t showered in 4 days. Making sure that you are staying healthy, both mentally and physically, is the key to an enjoyable postpartum journey. Adjusting to Life After Birth The first few days at home with your newborn are going to be a major adjustment. You will have to develop a sleep schedule, and eating/feeding schedule, and plan out time for your partner/other children. You can easily neglect your other duties because you are completely focused on your new baby, but sooner or later you have to face them. The dishes will pile up, the trash will have to be taken out, you won’t have any more clean underwear, and your body will physically ache from labor. Not every mother’s postpartum journey is the same. Some women may get the “baby blues.” The "baby blues" cause crying, sadness, irritability, moodiness, restlessness, and insomnia. Often time this subsides after a couple of weeks when your hormones begin to balance back out again. If you are experiencing these things after a couple of weeks postpartum, you may have postpartum depression. If you think you may have postpartum depression talk to your doctor. It is going to take time and energy to develop a new routine, but you will eventually fall into one and be able to establish a new way of life. Postpartum Self-Care (Mentally) Postpartum self-care is so important in order to have a healthy postpartum recovery that we wanted to give you a few tools for success. Enlist some help. This could be your partner, your friend, your neighbor, your family, or hired help. Ensure that you have people you can rely on to help out. If you need to sleep in one day, have your partner give the baby and bottle and give you time to relax. Maybe you need to take a nice long bath, have a family member watch them while you do. Having someone to help around the house or do the grocery shopping can decrease your stress levels immensely. Find a Get-Away Space. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. You don’t have to have a spa or a zen garden, but find a place where you can go and relax. It can be incredibly overwhelming to take care of a baby all day, make sure you have a place that calms you and resets your day. Maybe this is a chair by the fireplace, maybe it is the outside patio, perhaps it is just your bathroom. The only requirement for space is that it makes you feel calmer just by being there. Have an Activity. According to psychologists, there is power in relaxation activities. This means that having a hobby to partake in, at least once a day, helps to relax your brain and your body. It can be tempting to go and rush through the chores while your baby is sleeping, but what would make you feel relaxed during that time? Perhaps you just want to watch one episode of a show, or maybe you love to knit, or read a good book - find something that makes you happy and excited to do - it might even be sleeping. Spend Time with your Partner. With all of the stress that comes with a new baby, it can be easy to put your partner on the back burner. Healthy relationships require time and work and if you put those aside it can bring up feelings of resentment. Make sure your partner and you do things that you enjoy together. Spend a night in and watch a movie together, go out to a restaurant for a date night, or maybe cook a meal together - do something you both enjoy and have fun. Be Kind to Yourself. Being a new mother and having a baby is a full-time job, and it can sometimes feel like you are not getting anywhere. This can bring up feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration - but be kind to yourself. Celebrate small victories and set realistic goals. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t lose the baby weight or if you don’t have time to throw a party - your journey is not the same as anyone else’s. Postpartum Self-Care (Physically) While mental health is important in the postpartum period, physical health is just as important. We wanted to give you a few tips to ensure you take care of yourself physically after labor. Follow your Doctor’s Orders. Whether you give birth vaginally or through cesarean section your body will have to heal after labor. Some women may even have stitches they need to take care of. Make sure you are following the directions of your doctor or doula in order to properly care for your body after labor. Get Outside and Walk. Walking outside helps not only your physical health but it also helps your mental health. Walking will help keep you active during a time when you can’t do any vigorous exercise. You can go for a walk around your neighborhood, or go to the park, or visit with friends at a coffee shop. There is no limit to where you can go. Eat Wholesome Nutritious Foods. It can be tempting to cut back on calories, but you still need to eat - particularly if you are breastfeeding. No matter if you are breastfeeding or not, you need to make sure your body has all the proper nutrition. This will help it return to its healthy state. Drink Plenty of Water. I know that it seems obvious, but many new moms forget to drink water throughout the day. You need to stay hydrated in order to feel your best and stay healthy. Sleep. Sadly, getting enough sleep is a struggle for mothers with newborns. Their baby will cry to be fed throughout the night and it can be hard to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep a night. Make sure that you try your best - even if that means taking naps throughout the day. Similarly, try to get someone to take care of your baby while you sleep in one morning. Use a Postpartum Girdle. Postpartum girdles are garments that are designed to ensure your body heals properly after your labor. They are used after vaginal or c-section birth and help to keep your abdominal muscles in place as they heal back together. They can be worn during exercise or throughout the day to ensure you maintain proper posture and don’t strain yourself. This can help you heal faster and reduce your postpartum swelling. Try one from Bellefit today. Takeaway At the end of the day, postpartum self-care is a necessary part of the postpartum recovery journey. Your body, and your life, will be going through so many changes that it can cause whiplash. Make sure you are taking time for yourself in the midst of all this change. Ground yourself in activities you enjoy and make sure your body is healing properly. As long as you are doing these things - your postpartum journey should be a breeze.

A common question gynecologists and physicians get is: “what about sex after pregnancy?” This is a valid question - especially after you have just gone through the labor and delivery process. It can be hard to know what to expect if you have never been through it before. In this article, we will break down how long after delivery you can have sex, what to expect from your body and emotions, and how to have a healthy sex life after pregnancy. How Long to Wait for Sex After Pregnancy One of the biggest questions women have after giving birth is how long until you can have sex. Most physicians will recommend you wait six weeks. After giving birth your body has a lot of healing it has to do in order get back to normal after being pregnant. Your hormones have to balance back out, your vagina has to heal, your uterus has to heal, and you have to wait for any vaginal bleeding to stop. All of these things can take up to six months of healing - sometimes more, but by six weeks doctors say that it is safe to have vaginal intercourse again. How Soon Can You Get Pregnant Again? In order to become pregnant, you have to ovulate again, and for women who are not breastfeeding, that can occur as soon as six weeks postpartum. In contrast, the hormones produced during breastfeeding can act as a natural form of birth control, this is called the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) but this is only effective if done properly. After giving birth, some women are ready to start trying to have a baby again but hold off. Doctors say getting pregnant so soon after giving birth can lead to complications in your subsequent pregnancy. It is for this reason you need to have a reliable form of birth control. Condoms, IUD, or implants are the best forms of birth control right after pregnancy. Any form of birth control that influences your hormones can have side effects on your breast milk which can influence your baby. Talk to your doctor to determine the best form of birth control for you. How Does Delivery Affect Your Emotional and Physical Health There are many changes that occur in your body during pregnancy, and many more changes occur after pregnancy. Your body has to go back to normal and your hormones will have to balance back out. This can influence your emotional and physical health. What to Expect Physically After labor, your vagina will have to go through a healing process - particularly if you have had a vaginal delivery. The hormones in your pregnancy cause your pelvic floor to widen, this can stretch your vagina wider and cause it to loosen. Similarly, your body’s hormonal changes, and breastfeeding, can cause vaginal dryness. In addition, because your uterus is healing after pregnancy you will experience vaginal bleeding after giving birth. If you are planning on breastfeeding this can make your breasts feel tender and they may leak milk. All of these things can influence your sex life even after the six weeks have come and gone. To combat this, many women perform kegel exercises on a regular basis to increase their muscles in their pelvic floor. This can tighten your vaginal muscles and help you bounce back faster. Some women may not feel comfortable performing kegel exercises so they choose to do pilates or yoga. These exercises will also help strengthen the pelvic floor. What to Expect Emotionally Many women have a difficult time getting used to their postpartum body and they may feel self-conscious around their partner. These feelings of self-consciousness, your changing dynamic with your partner, and lack of sleep can all cause you to have a low sex drive. In addition, your hormones are changing. One of the hormones released during breastfeeding is called oxytocin - this hormone allows you to bond with your baby, but it also decreases your libido. This hormone is also meant to ensure you do not get pregnant too soon after giving birth. So even after the six-week mark is up, some women are just not in the mood, and that is completely fine and normal. You can still be intimate with your partner in other ways. Healthy Sex Life After Pregnancy All of the hormones and changes to your body can create a new dynamic in the bedroom. You may experience some pain from sex after pregnancy. Vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, and vaginal stretching can all influence how sex feels. Thankfully, there are some great ways to combat these problems so you can get back to having fun in the bedroom. You can easily combat vaginal dryness by using a lubricant. Increase your foreplay, the more turned on you are the more your vagina produces a natural lubricant, which can help to combat dryness. Seek out alternatives - no one said vaginal sex is the only type of sex. If you aren’t ready to have vaginal intercourse quite yet there are plenty of alternatives. Your partner can perform oral sex, massage you, or you can both do mutual masturbation. There are plenty of ways to experiment. Remember sex is about intimacy with your partner, there is no right or wrong way, just do what feels good and leaves both of you satisfied. Try having sex in the afternoon. By the time the evening rolls around you are probably both tired and ready to go to sleep. Don’t put off sex until the evening when you are exhausted, have sex in the afternoon when you are both more awake and less likely to put it off. Takeaway Sex after pregnancy is a difficult situation to navigate. You love your partner and you may want to have sex with them but your body isn’t ready. In contrast, you may not be ready to have sex, but your partner may be. Your hormones and self-consciousness can influence your sex life and make you feel even worse. Thankfully, Bellefit has a solution, our postpartum girdles can help you strengthen your pelvic floor, heal faster, and feel more confident in your body. Our girdles provide pain relief, compression, and stabilization that ensures you are feeling your best and looking your best. Get back to feeling sexy and beautiful by investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. We hope this article has been helpful and that you now know what to expect when it comes to sex after pregnancy.

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.

In recent years homeschooling has been increasing in popularity among many parents. This year in particular, as the COVID-19 pandemic rages through America, more parents are considering the idea of homeschooling their children. At Bellefit, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about homeschooling your kids. What is Homeschooling? According to the National Home Education Research Institute, approximately 2 million children are homeschooled in the United States alone. Homeschooling, also known as home education is when children are taught outside of a public or private school environment. Homeschooling does not necessarily mean that the children are being taught in the home, but that the household has control over what they are learning, how they are learning, and when they are learning it. Why Homeschooling? There are a variety of reasons that parents may decide that homeschooling is the best option for their child. The two most common reasons behind homeschooling are dissatisfaction with local schools and interest in increased involvement with their child’s education. Dissatisfaction with the local schools can be for multiple reasons including concerns about the school environment, the quality of education, the curriculum, bullying, racism, and the school's ability to cater to their children's special needs. Some families may choose to homeschool because they dislike the secular nature of public schools and want to include more religious influences in their child’s education. Parents may also be concerned that the school environment does not fit their child's needs. This includes students who have learning disabilities or have special needs. Interestingly, a study by the National Center for Education Statistics determined that the number of African-American families has risen to 300,000 children. Some of these black families cite their decision as dissatisfaction with the suppression of African-American history/voices in the school curriculum. Requirements for Homeschooling There are many questions when it comes to who can homeschool and what is required of them. In the United States, the legal requirements vary from state to state. Some states require nothing for homeschooling. Other states require children to attend standardized tests at certain intervals throughout the year. Most states have no requirement that a parent has to be a licensed educator or even have a degree in education. If the parent wants to teach them at home all they need is a desire to do so. For parents whose children have not yet gone to school, they can begin the homeschooling process as soon as the child reaches school age. For others who are looking to take their child out of a school environment and homeschool them, there are more hoops to jump through. A parent must write a letter with their intent to remove the child from school. Once the child is homeschooled they must follow their district's education guidelines. Pros of Homeschooling Before Making a Decision on homeschooling, people often like to look at the pros and cons of the topic. These are the pros of homeschooling: Flexibility - You are able to teach when, where, and how you want to. Homeschooled students follow the typical school year with breaks for summer and holidays. However, some homeschooled children are taught year-round. The flexibility of the school year and the school day often appeals to many parents. Direct Role in What they Learn - When homeschooling you are able to choose exactly what they learn and do not learn. This can be particularly appealing to families who are trying to include more religious influences into their child’s education. One-on-One Help - Teachers have to work in a one-to-many environment at school. They have to teach multiple students at a time. If a child is not understanding a topic they may fall behind. In contrast, homeschooling allows you to teach at their pace. If they understand one topic really well, you can easily fly through it. This gives them more time to work on another topic they struggle with. Fewer Distractions - In a classroom there are plenty of other children and objects that may take away your child’s attention from learning. With homeschooling, you can limit the number of distractions and get them back on track. Cons of Homeschooling While there are many pros of homeschooling, there are also a few cons. Dynamic Changes in Household - If you choose to homeschool you are taking on the role of parent and teacher. This can be difficult to navigate sometimes as you will have to create lessons, organize field trips, coordinate activities with other homeschoolers, and make sure you are compliant with state and local requirements. This is in addition to your normal duties as a parent. Socialization - The downside of homeschooling is that they may not get to interact with other children on a daily basis. Many home-schooled children end up meeting and hanging out together. However, it can still be hard for them to form lasting relationships. Less Time for Yourself - Due to all of your increased duties you will have less time for yourself. This can become stressful and you can burn out easily if you are not careful. It Can be Difficult to Work - Many parents end up having to tighten their purse strings because they are living off of a single income. This is not the case for all parents. Some may choose to use an online homeschooling service so they can work. Some parents still find it difficult to balance the two. Planning a Curriculum With so many families choosing to do homeschool, there are a wide variety of options available to them. This includes options with curricula and resources. There are multiple options available depending on your philosophy, learning approach, or time available to teach. Parents typically adhere to the basic subjects taught in a school curriculum. They may dive deeper into a subject if their child demonstrates interest in it. The flexibility available to parents who homeschool allows for them to teach what they think is in their child’s best interest. It also allows students to receive an individualized approach to learning that matches their unique interests or strengths. Takeaway Homeschooling has become increasingly popular in the past 50 years. Parents enjoy the flexibility it allows them and the ability to create their own curriculum at home. Hopefully, this article has helped you make an informed decision about what is best suited to you and your lifestyle. We at Bellefit know that education begins the minute you come home with your newborn. We want to ensure you are pain-free and ready to take on your new role as a mother. Make sure you are getting the support you need with any of our postpartum garments. Keeping you looking and feeling your best.

Working from home with a baby can be difficult - especially during these uncertain times. Thankfully, we have picked up a few pointers here and there to ensure that you remain productive while also taking care of your baby. Time-management, multi-tasking, and partnership are all effective tips for working from home with a baby. In this article, we will break down these tips into more digestible parts - so you can be a businesswoman and a mother. Tips for Staying Productive It is easy to be productive when you are at the office with little to no distraction from your work, but when you are home it can be difficult. Your baby may be crying, your toddler may be begging for your attention, and sometimes even your dog can be whining to go outside. There are constantly things competing for your attention, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be productive. So what are ways that you can stay productive and still take care of everything else? Take Breaks: Even while you were at the office you were entitled to a work break. This probably looked like scrolling on your phone, or maybe taking a walk outside, or maybe even chatting in the coffee room, but when you are working from home you can use your 15-minute breaks to take care of things. Take the dog for a walk, change the baby’s diaper, play with your toddler - that way you can still attend to other things, and remain productive. Take Advantage of Naps: Make sure while you are working from home that you set up a nap schedule. For infants, you can put them down for multiple naps a day, for toddlers you can put them down for one. And while many people say nap when they nap, this doesn’t count for a working mom. You will want to take advantage of that uninterrupted time to get work done. Try Working Different Hours: If you are able to work it out with your employer you can try to create a schedule that works for you. Maybe your baby needs the most attention in the afternoons, schedule your day around that. It may not be ideal, but it will help you get your work done. Share the Stress: If you are currently working from home because of the pandemic, it is likely your partner is also working from home. Make sure that you share the pressure of working from home with a baby with them. It is not all up to you to attend to the baby’s needs. If you don’t have a partner to help out, enlist the help of a babysitter or even a family member - you don’t need to go through it alone. Create a Work Space: This doesn’t mean you need to have a whole office space in your house, but make sure you have a place where you can keep all your work located. Make sure this place is free of unnecessary distractions - like the television. This will allow your mind to associate the space with work, and you will be more likely to get things done when you are there. Working from Home with a Newborn Depending on how old your child is, working from home can present different types of struggles. It can be difficult to work from home with a baby, particularly if they are a newborn. They need to have their diapers changed, they cry for food, when they are uncomfortable they can be fussy - and they don’t have the communication skills to tell you what they need. This can create a frustrating guessing game that takes away your time and energy while you try to soothe them. These are a few things that have worked for other moms: Keep the baby in a sling/wrap. This allows them to be near you at all times and leaves your hands free to work. This will keep your baby nice and calm, and you can keep an eye on them if they start to get fussy. Work While Breastfeeding/Pumping. Many moms use the time that they are breastfeeding or pumping to get work done. Keep your computer on a flat, solid surface, and prop your baby up on a pillow towards your breast. This way you have at least one arm free to type and work. Freeze Your Milk. Make sure you have a ready supply of milk available for anyone who may want to help out. This way you won’t have to breastfeed if someone is watching your baby for a few hours - they will have milk available for them to use at all times. Working from Home with a Toddler As your baby gets older new challenges will arise when you work from home. Your toddler may try to get into things while you are working, or they may throw a tantrum while you are on a work call. These can be frustrating and it can feel like you have no options available to you, but it’s not true. Here are a few things moms have discovered that help keep your toddler occupied and you productive: Work While They Play. The good portion of your child’s day is spent playing. This is a great time for you to work and get stuff done - while they are entertaining themselves. Have a Designated Play Area. This area can be a playpen or a play mat where they have toys and other things to keep them occupied. Try Out a Play Swing or Glider. A swing or a glider keeps your baby occupied, and in a contained area. They learn to use their leg muscles and learn to play with toys. Child-Led Activities. Try introducing your kid to some child-led activities. These are things like playing with blocks, drawing, and duplos. Anything where your child does not need your input to play a game. This will keep them occupied, enhance their creativity, and allow you to work. Coping with Tantrums One of the biggest concerns that parents have while working from home with a baby is that their baby will start to cry or have a tantrum. It is a valid concern, and no one wants to be on a phone call when their baby decides to cry. There are plenty of tricks to try to eliminate temper tantrums, but here are a few that you can try: Reward good behavior Try to avoid saying ‘no.’ Make sure they have enough sleep Divert their attention with something when they are about to have a tantrum Make Sure You Have Time for Yourself Ultimately, you are such a hard-working woman and mom that you probably rarely think about yourself. Make sure you take the time to check in on yourself. You need to take care of your own mental health so you can prevent burnout. Keep good lines of communication open between your employer as well as your partner and family. This can relieve any excess stress you may experience. If you are a new mom it can be even more stressful to deal with work. Not to mention navigate being a new parent. Not to mention the pain and postpartum recovery your body has to go through. Bellefit wants to be there for you to make sure your postpartum journey goes smoothly. That is why we create postpartum garments such as leggings, panties, girdles, and waist trainers. So that you can take care of yourself and stay comfortable all while being a boss. Try out our garments today. We hope this article has been helpful and that you found a few tips that can work for you.

Giving birth at home has become much more popular in recent years, and many women are choosing a home birth over going to the hospital. There are many different factors to consider before deciding if giving birth at home is right for you. In this article we will give you everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision. What is a Homebirth? For centuries women have been giving birth in their homes. It wasn’t until the 1900s, as modern-day medicine improved, that women began to move to hospitals to give birth. As our collective knowledge of labor and pregnancy increases, women are beginning to feel comfortable giving birth at home again. There are many misconceptions about giving birth at home that have pervaded our understanding. A home birth is a vaginal delivery without the use of medication. A home birth involves the support of a trained professional, a midwife or a nurse-midwife, who helps safely deliver the baby. Many mind-body techniques are used to help aid the mother in reducing pain and having an easy labor and delivery. Is giving birth at home right for you? While a homebirth may seem like an enticing option there are a few things to consider before making a decision. For some women, giving birth at home is not an option. Women are not recommended to have a home birth if they: Are diabetic have preeclampsia experience high blood pressure are at risk for preterm labor have had a cesarean section in the past Are carrying multiples These conditions make it difficult for the mother to have a safe and healthy labor at home. A home birth may be right for you if you: have a healthy, low-risk pregnancy want to avoid medical intervention (pain medication, labor augmentation, or labor induction) Want to give birth surrounded by family and friends Have cultural or religious concerns Or want a less expensive labor What to expect when giving birth at home There are many misconceptions about giving birth at home, but here is what you can expect. Before Labor Before you are close to your due date, you will want to reach out to a midwife to formulate a birthing plan. This plan will detail where you want to give birth, who you want to be with you, how you want to reduce discomfort, and how you will handle complications/emergencies. You will both work together to have a physician on call in case you need to go to the hospital. Your midwife will also let you know what supplies to have available and how to prepare for your birth at home. During Labor A midwife will come prepared once you go into labor, and will guide you through the delivery process. Unlike many people believe, a midwife will have medical supplies necessary to deal with any birthing needs. Typically a midwife will bring pharmaceuticals, oxygen, IVs, equipment necessary to monitor and record vitals on both mother and baby, and other first aid equipment. In addition midwives are trained to use various other medical instruments that may be necessary during birth. After Labor Your midwife will be trained to take care of your baby post-delivery – including administering medications, or even how to perform a full resuscitation. Your midwife will also be able to guide you through the breastfeeding process, and teach you the basics you will need to know for them to fully latch on. You should keep your physician in the loop on your birthing plan and inform them once the baby is born. Home Birth Options When people think of giving birth at home they typically tend to think of a water birth. And while many women do have a water birth at home, some women choose not to. One of the benefits of having a home birth is being able to decide where you want to have your baby. If you want to have it on the floor, in the bathtub, on your bed, or even your couch. The whole objective of a home birth is to make you as comfortable as possible. Pros of a Home Birth Now that you know the basics of a homebirth, let’s talk about some of the reasons women choose to give birth at home. Don’t have to worry about transportation to and from the hospital All the comforts of your home are readily available to you throughout the entire labor and delivery process – including snacks, clothing, a shower, and your bed. The transition into breastfeeding and recovery is much smoother and more relaxed. You can have whoever you want come to the birth. May be easier on your bank account. Cons of a Home Birth There are so many pros of giving birth at home, but there are also a few cons. If the labor doesn’t go according to plan, hospital transportation will be necessary. Typically in these cases a “Plan B” has already been discussed so there should be no problems getting to a hospital. Not a good option if you do not have a low-risk pregnancy. Some women are not comfortable with giving birth at home and would have less anxiety about the delivery if they knew they would be in a hospital. Postpartum Care Unlike a typical hospital birth, postpartum care with a home birth is more frequent and personalized. A hospital usually requires a 48-hour stay and then sends you home with your new baby and no additional help. When you give birth at home, a midwife will come over multiple times in the first few weeks postpartum to check up on you and the baby. That way they can address any concerns or problems you may have. Postpartum care is essential when it comes to your health and your baby’s health. That is why Bellefit has created the best postpartum girdle around. Our postpartum girdle is made with medical-grade compression fabric and is designed to help you heal faster and with less pain. Don’t believe us? Check out our testimonial page to see just how much Bellefit’s postpartum girdles have helped. We hope that this guide to giving birth at home was helpful and gave you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your birthing plan.

How to postpartum abdominal binders work? For centuries women across multiple countries and cultures have used belly binding post-pregnancy. So why is this such a big thing, and does it actually help? In this article we will break down all the misconceptions and truths around postpartum abdominal binders. What is a postpartum abdominal binder? A postpartum abdominal binder is a garment that you wear after you give birth. This garment supports your post-pregnancy belly and helps you recover quicker from your pregnancy. An abdominal binder is one of the many garments used for this purpose, and there are plenty of other options if you don’t like binders. Postpartum belly wraps, girdles, corsets, and waist trainers all work to produce the same result. The difference with an abdominal binder is they are often medical-grade and provide compression. Does it work? As a pregnant woman there are many products designed to get your money and not provide what they claim. It can be incredibly frustrating to figure out which products work and which don’t. There are so many benefits to wearing a postpartum abdominal binder that it can seem too good to be true. I mean, it’s just a piece of fabric, how can it help so much? Well, scientific studies have shown the effectiveness of postpartum binders. Turns out they do work. According to a study published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, “Patients who received abdominal binders reported less pain, lower SDS scores, and higher hemoglobin and hematocrit levels following cesarean delivery.” In another study published by Physiotherapy, women who used an abdominal binder were able to walk farther than others without it. This means that women who had a C-section and were given abdominal binders had less pain, lost less blood, and were able to perform physical activity more than other women who were not given abdominal binders. How does it work? Medically – abdominal binders have been proven to work to reduce pain, but what about the other claims? How can an abdominal binder help with weight loss? During pregnancy your body releases a hormone called relaxin. This hormone relaxes your muscles and your ligaments so that they can stretch to accommodate your baby. After you give birth, the relaxin is still active for a few months. During this time a binder pushes the muscles back together while your body tightens back up. In addition, the support that a postpartum abdominal binder provides relieves extra stress on your abdomen and supports your muscles. This relieves the pain you experience after childbirth, and helps you be able to exercise faster. The binder itself is not going to cause weight loss, but it provides you the support you need to be able to exercise – which will cause weight loss. Pros of an abdominal binder There are many pros to using an abdominal binder including: Diastasis Recti relief: A common condition that many women experience after giving birth is diastasis recti. Diastasis recti is a condition where the abdominal muscles have separated during pregnancy and need to heal back together. One of the challenges with diastasis recti recovery is you can’t use you abdominal muscles. A postpartum abdominal binder prevents you from over-using your abdominal muscles thus speeding up your diastasis recti recovery. You can read more about how binders help with diastasis recti on our website. Stabilizing your abdomen: The compression on your abdomen pulls together all the ligaments, muscles, and organs in your body while they heal. This will ensure that your body goes back to its natural state without any problems. Supporting your back: The structure of a postpartum binder provides support for your lower back. It can also prevent you from using poor posture. This support also restricts your ability to twist and stretch too much which can prevent your body from healing properly. Speeding up C-section recovery: A binder reduces the pressure on your surgery incision. It also prevents your clothing from snagging on any stitches or staples. When to use/when not to use Many healthcare professionals recommend using an abdominal binder 24/7 starting two days after giving birth for the next six weeks. This is the main healing period for your abdominal area, and when a binder will be the most effective. You can use it after that time period, but it may not be as effective. One mom wrote about her experience using an abdominal binder which you can find at Mom.com. For some women a postpartum abdominal binder may not be the best option for them. Any woman who shows signs of infection, had pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia, or experienced amnionitis should probably avoid using a postpartum binder. You should always talk to your doctor to get their advice before trying anything new. In Review Postpartum Abdominal Binder are great garments to help speed up your postpartum recovery. They can ease pain, support your back, stabilize your abdomen, provide diastasis recti relief, and even help with your C-section recovery. There are many different types of postpartum binder available on the market, but our postpartum binders are different. Made with medical-grade compression material, our postpartum garments registered with the FDA and proven to work. Check out what we have today and get back to feeling comfortable and confident in your postpartum body!

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.

Giving birth is one of the most natural things the female body can do. So why do you need birthing classes? While it may seem counter-intuitive attending a birthing class can be very beneficial and informative. Attending a birthing class can help reduce anxiety around giving birth and help you know what to expect. What is a birthing class? A birthing class is a class that you can attend in order to gain some knowledge about the birthing process. Pregnancy and infant care are more widely understood than the actual labor process. These classes are set up by physicians, hospitals, and even private instructors. They provide women, and their partners, with the knowledge and tools to have a good birthing experience. What you will Learn Depending on the type of birthing class you decide to take, you can typically expect to learn the following: Techniques to Relax – such as breathing exercises and distracting yourself. Labor Positions – finding a labor position that works for you can help to ease the pain and speed up the delivery process. Pain relief options – they can teach you about when and how to ask for pain medication or for an epidural. The stages of labor and delivery – this will help you to understand your body’s natural processes and what to expect when you go into labor and throughout the experience. Possible Complications – and how they can be treated and fixed. This prepares you in case of any complications. Basics of baby care Birth planning and assistance. Many women like to go into their labor with a birthing plan, these classes can help you write one out and assist you with choosing the type of birth you want to have. Medical interventions that are used during labor. This can include an emergency C-section. Hands-on Knowledge of alternative pain relief techniques – including breathing and relaxation. Benefits of Birthing Classes Birthing classes are incredibly beneficial for parents looking to educate themselves on what to expect before, during, and after labor. Not only do these classes inform you and ease your anxiety about the labor experience, but other benefits can come from participating in a birthing class as well. Such benefits include: Connecting with your partner on a deeper level. Befriending other couples who are expecting. Addressing your fears or concerns about childbirth. Confidence in yourself and your ability to give birth. Different Types of Classes In birthing classes, the actual material and teaching style will be different depending on the instructor and the type of birthing class. There are a few common types of birthing classes that many women use and find to be helpful. These are their names and what they might involve: Lamaze: Lamaze is a type of relaxation technique class. The main objective of this class is to teach the mother how to breathe through labor and her partner how to coach her on. While they do teach available pain medications, these classes typically advocate for a natural approach to labor without a minimal amount of medical intervention. The Bradley Method: These classes focus on preparing the mother for a natural birth without the assistance of medication. Hypnobirthing: This technique promotes the use of deep relaxation and the removal of fear and tension from your body. It claims that this state of deep relaxation (a kind of meditative hypnosis) will allow you to have a pain free childbirth. Birthing from Within: These birthing classes focus on preparing the couple for the life journey ahead of them. They don’t focus on the information and data portion of giving birth but on the “transformational” experience of bringing forth life. The classes address the deeper needs of the couple and less on the medical aspects of childbirth. International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA): These classes take a more rounded approach to birthing classes and try to educate mothers on all the options available to them. When to Take a Birthing Class There are some birthing classes that you can take in the early trimesters that help you throughout your pregnancy. These classes focus mostly on nutrition during pregnancy, exercise, and the baby’s development over the months. However, you take most traditional birthing classes when you are around 7-8 months pregnant. These birthing classes focus on the labor, delivery, and postpartum portions of pregnancy. How to Find One Ok, now that you know what to expect at a class, the different types of classes, and when to take a class; you are probably wondering how to find one near you. Well, the first step would be to talk to your primary care physician. Your doctor will suggest a meeting in your area that is suited to your needs. They may even conduct a birthing class themselves and you could possibly get a tour of the hospital where you would be giving birth. If you aren’t having any luck with a physician you can also reach out to other mothers in your area and ask for their recommendations. And if you still aren’t having luck, a quick Google search can typically help you out. Postpartum Care Some birthing classes can also address postpartum care for the mother. These classes can help you to understand what to expect in your postpartum body and help you to overcome some struggles you may have. It can be incredibly difficult to get back to feeling confident and sexy in your postpartum body, but Bellefit is here to help. We designed postpartum girdles to help you feel your best and speed up your recovery process. Check out our selection today! We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing a birthing class. Tell us about your birth experience in the comments below!