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Pains and pregnancy often go hand-in-hand. The changes you’re experiencing in your body are unpredictable, and oftentimes, annoying. Rather than get frustrated by how you feel, try to be proactive. Taking charge of your pain is the fastest way of not letting it control you. This guide aims to explain the five most common pregnancy pains you’ll experience as well as provide pain-relieving solutions for you to try to make your symptoms subsist. Pain in the Lower Back Pregnancy can cause frequent distress in the body. Most women feel discomfort in the upper or lower back. You’ll notice that in the last few months of carrying a child, the pain increases. Causes According to Parents magazine, the uterus has the capability of expanding 1,000 times its original size to make way for baby. Add that to the extra weight you’ve packed on and you’ve got a literal pain in the butt. Lower back pain can also be due in part to pregnancy hormones and the way they cause the ligaments in the body to become lax. Ways to Get Relief Heat helps. Soak in the tub or use a heating pad or water bottle in the areas of the back that hurt the most. Heat is a natural muscle relaxer. Swelling Water retention or edema is noticeable in the hands, ankles, and feet of pregnant women. The symptom appears around the third trimester of pregnancy for many moms-to-be. Afternoon and evening tend to be the worst for swelling. Causes Fluid build-up causes edema. Up to 75 percent of women experience some form of swelling while pregnant. If your symptoms worsen, it’s time to contact the doctor for further testing to rule out preeclampsia. Ways to Get Relief You can use compression socks, gloves, and even girdles to help reduce swelling. You’ll also want to be mindful of the amount of time you spend outdoors in the warmest months of the year. Elevate your legs often for instant relief. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Tingling or a burning sensation in your fingers, palm, wrist or arm can be due in part to carpal tunnel. Your hand may feel like it is falling asleep a lot. It’s best to give your hands and arms a break from repetitive motions which cause CTS to worsen. Causes Keep your weight gain minimal to prevent damage to the ligament in your forearm to your hand. Talk to your physician about ways to reduce swelling. A diuretic may be prescribed if the fluid retention you have is severe. Ways to Get Relief Get and wear a wrist brace. Do hand strengthening exercises. Take a break from the computer, tablet or phone regularly. Sciatica A literal pain in your butt that traveled from your lower back to your hips and leg, this condition causes great discomfort and numbness. Many women experience it in the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy. It can affect any of the areas it travels to. Causes Pressure on the sciatic nerve is the factor. You may be sitting and standing differently due to the weight you’ve gained. As your uterus grows, it can cause back, pelvic, hip, and leg pain. Ways to Get Relief Do prenatal yoga. You can also do exercises against a wall for added support. This helps with sciatica. Leg Cramps Muscle contractions typically only last a few minutes when they occur in your legs. They are very painful but can be relieved rather easily. Pregnant women often experience the severity of them at night while they are laying down to sleep. Causes Extra blood and water sit in the veins. The effect hormones have on the vascular system causes this issue. That’s why you’re experiencing cramps. Ways to Get Relief Walking and stretching help tremendously. Like other types of muscle cramping, heat helps, too. Invest in a good heating pad or hot water bottle at the start of your pregnancy to get you through the worst times. Take Action to Relieve Pregnancy Pain Right Away Now that you know which pains are predominantly related to pregnancy, you can do your part to relive them. You’ll feel a lot better because you’ve taken action and decided not to let your pregnancy-related pains get the best of you. Carrying some pain-relieving treatment options with you wherever you go is key as it helps you recover from your symptoms quickly.

Pregnancy insomnia can take its toll on you fast. It’s imperative that you get a good night’s rest as often as possible because sleep deprivation affects your physical and mental health. Now that you know what you can do to avoid pregnancy insomnia, you’ll be more mindful about your actions when it does come time to sleep. If you’ve ever experienced insomnia without being pregnant, you know how disruptive it can be on your life. When you haven’t had enough sleep, you have difficulty concentrating. You’re too tired to think clearly and may do things out of character or even harmful to yourself accidentally. Aches and Pains That Come with a Change in Hormones and Weight Gain Pregnancy insomnia is even worse because you have new aches and pains that you haven’t yet found the perfect treatment for. You not only have yourself to worry about but also your unborn child. Learning how to manage periods of restlessness is essential to your good health and overall well-being. That is why we decided to discuss the subject today so that you’re well aware of what you can do to rest easier at night even when your belly is gigantic and your ankles are swollen. Use this list as inspiration on ways to avoid and overcome pregnancy insomnia. Gain relief and better quality sleep by taking note of the following. You may have no problem falling asleep. Staying asleep once you’ve had your sleep disrupted is another story. If you lay awake at night staring at the ceiling after a short period of rest, you’re likely experiencing insomnia. It can be due in part to the weight you’ve gained and the level of discomfort your body feels. Do what you can to make yourself comfortable. Wear lightweight pajamas that feel soft against your skin. Read something inspirational until you can no longer see clearly. Try counting sheep. Focus on your breathing. Each suggestion helps you fall asleep when you feel like you can’t. A sleep routine is imperative because it connects the body to the mind. When you give your body signals that it is time to wind down, relax, and go to sleep, you’re able to fall asleep quicker. Start an evening routine that emphasizes calm. Meditate right before bedtime to allow your mind and body to achieve blissful slumber. Make sure your bedroom is clean, comfortable, and the right temperature for the season. Darken the space by closing blinds, drawing curtains, and even wearing an eye mask if needed. Put your phone on airplane mode and refrain from checking it throughout the night unless there is an emergency that needs to be dealt with. Give yourself ten minutes to worry and then let it go. If you tend to overthink things, put a time limit on worrying. Give yourself 10 minutes to fret before letting it go. A good night’s sleep is often what is needed to put things into perspective. If you can’t come to terms with moving past it, write a few lines in your journal and promise that it will be the first thing you deal with in the morning. Knowing that you’ll be level-headed and clear-minded with rest makes it so you can relax and get some much-needed sleep before solving your problems. Get a Good Night’s Rest by Putting Pregnancy Insomnia to Bed Pregnancy insomnia can take its toll on you fast. It’s imperative that you get a good night’s rest as often as possible because sleep deprivation affects your physical and mental health. Now that you know what you can do to avoid pregnancy insomnia, you’ll be more mindful about your actions when it does come time to sleep.

Pregnancy and childbirth are miracles a woman’s body can adequately perform. Women have the capability to carry a child in their womb and experience bodily changes that are at times nearly impossible to believe can happen. One such change is subluxation of symphysis in pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium. You may ask what is that? An explanation may be necessary to break down these big words, so you may understand even a small portion of what your body is doing to accommodate the growing child inside you. Definition Subluxation of symphysis is also known as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). This is a condition that causes excessive movement of the pubic symphysis. The symphysis is a midline, nonsynovial joint that connects the right and left superior pubic ram. Because of the misalignment of the pelvis, pain is associated with this diagnosis. Basically, this joint holds the right and left sides of the pelvic muscles together. When this joint becomes soft, pelvic muscles and bones move more freely. With the weight of a growing baby, this can become a painful condition. Diagnosis The major symptom of subluxation of symphysis is pain in the pelvic region. Some sufferers even notice a clicking or popping sound in the pelvic region when they move. If you are suffering from either symptom, you should contact your doctor. Causes Subluxation of symphysis is primarily caused by pregnancy. The bodily changes, weight, and position of baby all play a part in this diagnosis. The symphysis is a strong joint due to the dense network of ligaments surrounding it. During pregnancy and childbirth, the joint and pelvic muscles expand due to the release of the hormone relaxin. This hormone makes it possible for you to deliver your bundle of joy. If this hormone begins to release too early, your body will begin to react by loosening the ligaments surrounding this joint. Once the ligaments have become loose, the joint can move more freely which can be painful during pregnancy and peurperium. Treatment While this condition can cause pain during and after pregnancy, there are ways to manage the pain and enjoy your pregnancy and those beautiful first moments at home. During pregnancy you may want to see a physiotherapist. They can provide exercises as well as manual therapy techniques to ensure you a strong pelvic floor and muscles surround the joints of the pelvic area. Other treatments can include: Hydrotherapy – performing exercises in water can be beneficial to managing pain and increasing flexibility in the pelvic region. Abdominal support garments – wearing a support garment allows you to support your pelvic region and prevent excessive stretching of ligaments. After childbirth and the puerperium period, continuing to wear abdominal support or compression garments are a fantastic way to help alleviate any pelvic pain and allow your body to heal effectively. Prognosis The good news is that subluxation of symphysis usually subsides once you have given birth and does not affect the baby. While your prognosis is good, understand that your body has undergone great changes and will need time to heal. With exercise and the use of an abdominal support garment, you should not only heal quicker but enjoy motherhood pain free. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

Definition The perineum is the tissue that is located between the vagina and the anus. There are layers to the tissue being skin, subcutaneous tissue, and the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles are important muscles in regards to the passing of stool and urine. Diagnosis During vaginal delivery, the perineal tissue is stretched with the passing of the baby, mainly the head and shoulders, which can lead to tears of the perineal tissue. There are different grades ranging from 1 to 4 of perineal lacerations. Grades 1 and 2 are most common. Grades 3 and 4 are more severe with tearing of muscles and the anal sphincter. An episiotomy is an intentional perineal laceration made by the physician at the time of delivery. This was performed routinely some number of years ago, but is no long a routine procedure. Episiotomies are usually performed if there is concern for grade 3 or 4 perineal laceration or if there is concern to deliver the baby quickly. Causes Perineal lacerations only occur with vaginal delivery and therefore women with Cesarean sections are not at risk for perineal lacerations. Perineal lacerations most commonly occur with women delivering their first baby. A woman is also at risk for a perineal laceration if the baby is large or if any assistive devices are used by the physician or midwife to deliver the baby such as forceps or a suction device. The diagnosis of a perineal laceration is made at the time of delivery. After the baby has been delivered, the physician will inspect the vagina and perineum for tears that may have occurred. In the case of episiotomy, it will be known that a specific laceration has been made in the perineum. Treatment Initial treatment for perineal lacerations is repair with sutures at the time of delivery. Many women will have local anesthesia or use the anesthesia from their epidural to suture the laceration just after delivering the baby. Women with grade 3 or 4 lacerations, may likely need to have a surgery in order to repair the perineum adequately. The remainder of treatment is aimed at taking care of the wound at home, using ice, avoiding harsh soaps and cleaning in the area, abstaining from vaginal intercourse, reducing constipation, and avoidance of high impact exercises. Bellefit abdominal binders are also beneficial by providing compression to the abdomen to help reduce the abdominal pressure and any straining. Reduction of the abdominal pressure allows for proper healing of the tissue in the perineal area, as they are not subject to straining and pressure. Having a perineal laceration with one delivery does not correlate with the chance of sustaining a perineal laceration with another vaginal delivery. The majority of repaired perineal lacerations will heal within 3-4 weeks after repair with sutures and with the proper after home care. There can be long term issues with perineal lacerations. The most common complication is persistent perineal pain or pain with vaginal intercourse. This type of pain can be common for the first 3 months after delivery, but can also persist much longer. Other complications are urinary or fecal incontinence and the risk for the development of prolapse of the organs in the pelvic area, which may be the uterus, bladder, or rectum. Prognosis Persistent pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, or feeling a bulge in the vaginal area, are all signs to seek care from your doctor for a possible complication of a perineal laceration that may need further medical management.

If your OBGYN has deemed your pregnancy “high-risk,” there are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to the diagnosis. After thoroughly examining you and knowing your medical history, lifestyle choices, daily habits, and prior pregnancies, the medical professional will determine whether your pregnancy poses a risk to you and your baby’s health. If it does, you’ll receive additional care and instructions on how to take good care of yourself until it’s time to deliver. What Causes a High-Risk Pregnancy ? So, what makes your pregnancy different than other people’s? Why are you considered high-risk? Is there something that you’re doing to make your pregnancy riskier than other people’s? Your pregnancy is considered high-risk if: You are overweight or underweight. Are under the age of 18 and over the age of 35. You have had problems with pregnancies in the past. Had issues getting pregnant in the past. You have an autoimmune disease such as lupus. Have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, cancer or blood disorders. Have a STD including HIV. This list is just a sampling of why your pregnancy may be higher risk than others. Your doctor considers your unique medical history. He or she knows you as an individual, your wants, and needs which helps the medical professional come up with a plan of action that is in your best interest. You may even discover that after being pregnant for a while that your pregnancy becomes high-risk. This is the case for mothers who are carrying multiples, ones who have preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, and ones that even go into labor before the 37 week. Women who have infections such as Zika, listeria or toxoplasmosis are also at greater risk during their pregnancies. Receiving follow-up care from your physician is an absolute must because it helps you safely carry and delivery a healthy child until his or her delivery date. If you are considered “high-risk” by your OBGYN, they will want to follow-up with you more regularly. You may have extra appointments scheduled, so the doctor can monitor the baby’s growth and development. Making sure that you always do what your OBGYN has suggested helps prevent problems related to high-risk pregnancies. You’ll want to get the pregnancy tests and screenings needed to ensure a healthy delivery as well as eat nutritious foods, move your body by doing safe exercises, and take the pre-natal vitamin prescribed to you to prevent birth defects. Taking charge of your health and well-being by being knowledgeable, compliant, and communicative is key. Your doctor is available to assist you by answering questions and providing you with medically-sound advice along the way. Prepare for a High-Risk Pregnancy by Following Your OBGYN’s Advice Knowing what may occur during a high-risk pregnancy helps you better prepare for it. You’re not caught off-guard because you didn’t take the precautionary measures necessary to prevent complications. You’re able to follow up regularly with your physician who wants to monitor you and your baby closely throughout your pregnancy.

The uterus is held in place by pelvic ligaments and muscles. The muscles can become weak or stretched out leading to a lack of support for the uterus. When the muscles become weak, the uterus may sag or descend from its normal position into the vagina. A uterovaginal prolapse is classified by its stage. A complete prolapse means part of the uterus has slipped so far that it protrudes from the vaginal opening. The difference with an incomplete uterovaginal prolapse is that the uterus becomes partially displaced into the vagina, but it does not protrude out. Symptoms Pelvic area prolapses are very common in women. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about one in three women have some type of pelvic prolapse. Of those women, approximately 25 percent develop symptoms. Symptoms of uterovaginal prolapse may vary depending on how far into the vagina the uterus has slipped. For example, the uterus may only descend to the upper vagina. Common symptoms of an incomplete uterovaginal prolapse include: Vaginal pressure or a feeling of heaviness Pain with intercourse Increased vaginal bleeding Frequent bladder infections Trouble passing stool Diagnosis Diagnosis of an incomplete uterovaginal prolapse is usually made after a review of symptoms and a pelvic exam. During the pelvic exam, you may be asked to tighten your pelvic muscles or bear down. Doing these actions may help your doctor determine the strength of your pelvic muscles and how far into the vagina the uterus has slipped. Your doctor may also order a vaginal ultrasound or an MRI to assess the severity of the prolapse. Causes An incomplete uterovaginal prolapse can occur when the pelvic muscles that support the uterus become weak. The muscles can become weak for a variety of reasons. The most common reason for an incomplete uterovaginal prolapse is having one or more vaginal deliveries. Certain factors may also increase your risk of developing an incomplete prolapse. For example, if you have a large baby or have a history of pelvic surgery, it may increase your risk. Although it can occur at any age, a prolapse tends to be more common as a woman gets older. The muscles that hold the uterus in place naturally become weaker as estrogen levels decline. Treatment Treatment for incomplete uterovaginal prolapse is aimed at providing support for the uterus, strengthening the pelvic muscles, and preventing the condition from becoming worse. One way to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support the uterus is by doing Kegel exercises three or four times a day. Kegel exercises involve tightening and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. To locate the right muscles, think about contracting the muscles to stop the flow of urine. Hold the contraction for about five seconds and relax. Repeat the exercise five times. If you are unsure how to do a Kegel correctly, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider. There are a few additional ways to treat the condition including the following: Wear an abdominal binder for additional support. Treat constipation to avoid straining when having a bowel movement. Avoid heavy lifting Consider estrogen replacement if you are postmenopausal. Estrogen may prevent continued weakening of the pelvic muscles. More invasive treatment, such as wearing a pessary, which is inserted into the vagina to support the uterus or surgery is not usually needed unless the condition progresses to a complete prolapse. Prognosis The prognosis for an incomplete uterovaginal prolapse is good. In many cases, conservative treatment listed above can prevent the condition from becoming worse. The condition may resolve on its own without more invasive treatment. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

A Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is Common during pregnancy. They often occur in the bladder, the urethra, and in worst cases, the kidneys. The infection is caused by bacteria that has crept into places in the body where it doesn’t belong. Being pregnant increases the chances of you developing a UTI. Knowing how to avoid getting this type of infection and how to successfully treat it if it does occur is ideal. Preventative measures can be taken from the earliest stages of pregnancy to keep UTIs away. If you have any questions about what is suggested in this blog, make sure to ask your doctor for clarification as he or she possesses specific knowledge about your medical history, instances of UTIs, and details about your pregnancy. What are UTI Symptoms? There are many symptoms that indicate that you have a UTI. For example, do you feel a burning sensation during urination? Are you peeing more often than you did before, but the amount of urine produced is small? If you experience a low-grade fever, have abdominal pain or discomfort or experience chills, nausea, and vomiting, it can be caused by a urinary tract infection. It’s time to seek medical attention for the pain that you’re feeling. Rather than allow your medical condition to worsen, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician right away. A doctor diagnoses you with one and prescribes treatment options that help you heal quickly. Avoiding getting a urinary tract infection especially while pregnant is imperative as it can hurt you and your baby. You’ll learn about different ways to prevent a UTI below. What Can I Do to Prevent a UTI? There are many things you can do to prevent a UTI. For example, making sure that you drink enough water is key. It helps flush out bad bacteria out of your urethra. You also want to make sure that you go to the bathroom regularly and don’t use scented or colored toilet paper. Avoid using other hygiene products that are fragranced because they can cause irritation. Investing in cotton-crotched underwear allows the area to stay dry. You won’t need to worry about bacteria invading an area of your body that is already highly sensitive. You can sleep sans panties at night if you’re comfortable with the idea of doing so. The diet that you choose to follow also helps prevent UTI. Eating yogurt is a great idea because it contains cultures that help keep your body’s natural bacteria in balance. You can also sip on cranberry juice because it contains a substance that fights urinary tract infections. Why It’s Important to Treat a UTIs Right Away Treating UTIs effectively is imperative because they can cause discomfort and even affect your fetus negatively. An untreated urinary tract infection can cause kidney infections, preeclampsia, restrict the growth of your baby, and cause preterm birth. Preventing UTIs is key because it helps eliminate the need for medical care and ensures that you’re able to have a healthier pregnancy and delivery overall.

Table Of Contents Definition Diagnosis Causes Treatment Prognosis Women have the beautiful ability to experience pregnancy and childbirth. They can feel movement inside their bodies, see pictures through ultrasound, and experience the sheer joy of bringing a new life in the world. While pregnancy is beautiful, there are some not- so- great experiences a woman may have. A woman’s body is rapidly changing and growing. These changes may come with a pain you have not experienced before. One of the most recognizable pains during and after pregnancy is lower abdominal, inguinal, and groin pain. Understanding what this pain is and how to treat it will help you have a pregnancy with fewer worries. Definition Lower abdominal, inguinal, and groin pain is defined as a sharp or jabbing pain felt in the lower abdomen or groin. This pain becomes noticeable during the second trimester of pregnancy and is normally felt on the right side of the abdomen. Abdominal pain during pregnancy can be alarming. Make sure to contact your doctor if you experience any pain. Diagnosis It is always alarming to feel pain in your abdomen during pregnancy or shortly after delivery. In order to diagnose your pain, you need to know your symptoms and consult your doctor. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor may order blood and urine samples as well as performing an ultrasound. These tests can rule out other causes such as kidney stones, appendicitis, urinary tract infections, or ovarian cysts. Causes Lower abdominal, inguinal, and groin pain is experienced due to the stretching of ligaments around the womb. As the womb becomes larger to accommodate the baby, the ligaments that hold the uterus in place must stretch. A certain ligament known as the round ligament is the culprit of your pain. This ligament attaches the front portion of the uterus to the groin. Normally, this ligament contracts and relaxes slowly when you sneeze, cough, or make rapid movements. During pregnancy, everything speeds up and more weight is applied to the ligament. Due to the enlarging of the uterus during pregnancy, the round ligament is stretched and contracts more quickly, therefore causing pain. Make sure to get enough rest to treat any abdominal pain you may feel during pregnancy. Treatment Treatment of lower abdominal, inguinal, and groin pain during pregnancy is easy. Some actions to add to your treatment plan include: Rest - Your pain should only last a few seconds and with rest, not be a frequent occurrence. Stretching - Having a regular exercise routine can be beneficial to keeping those ligaments pliable during pregnancy. Flexibility will also make delivery easier on your body. Avoid Sudden Movements- Slow everything down. Sudden movements can cause rapid contractions of the ligaments and sharp pains in your lower abdomen and groin. Remember there are two of you. It is understandable to take twice as long to do the same tasks. Abdominal binders or compression - Your doctor may prescribe the use of an abdominal binder or orthotic. Wearing an abdominal binder can help support your rapidly growing belly. Increasing support can keep the ligaments surrounding the uterus from over-stretching. Compression garments are a great way to treat post-delivery effects. Support and encouragement of blood flow allows the body to heal in a quick, efficient way. Prognosis Lower abdominal, inguinal, and groin pain during pregnancy is uncomfortable and can be alarming. The good news ladies is that you have a great prognosis. Once your bundle of joy has entered the world, your body will begin to heal itself and pain will subside. With proper rest and the use of an abdominal binder or compression, your body will heal more quickly, and you can return to your “normal” self. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

What is PUPPPs? PUPPP (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy) is a skin rash that occurs in about 1 out of every 200 pregnancies. While not much is known about PUPPPs, the condition is not dangerous to you or your child - it is just very uncomfortable. Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy Symptoms of PUPPPs A PUPPs pregnancy rash typically shows up in the third trimester of pregnancy. It is during this time that the baby grows very quickly and your belly has to expand rapidly. This is what causes stretch marks - due to the skin cells not being able to reproduce. It is also during this time that you may notice small red bumps appearing on your stomach. According to the AOCD “It is thought the rapid stretching of the skin causes an inflammatory reaction due to damaged connective tissue, resulting in the urticarial or hive-like lesions.” The red bumps usually look similar to hives, and are also incredibly itchy. Once the rash develops on your stomach it may spread to the rest of your body, and some areas could become increasingly inflamed leading to even more discomfort. Thankfully, the rash doesn’t spread to the face or the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. What Causes PUPPPs? Unfortunately not a lot of information is known about what causes PUPPPs, but some preliminary research has been done that seems to conclude there are a few common factors. A PUPPP pregnancy rash is typically prevalent in pregnant women who are: Caucasion Pregnant with a Male Pregnant with Multiple babies Pregnant with their first child Experiencing rapid, or quicker than normal weight gain Experiencing High Blood Pressure Treatment Options The only way to truly “cure” a PUPPPs pregnancy rash is by giving birth. Yes, it sucks, but it is temporary. While it won’t go away until after you give birth, there are options for you to reduce the itchiness and irritability. Natural Remedies Aloe A great way to soothe the itchiness that comes from the rash is to use aloe on the affected area after showering or bathing. The cooling properties of aloe help to soothe the inflamed area and moisturize the skin. Oatmeal Another way to reduce the itching it by soaking in an oatmeal bath. The oatmeal has properties that adhere to the skin and lock in moisture which helps to soothe the affected area. Cotton clothing Try using loose cotton clothing to ensure that nothing is rubbing or irritating the affected area even more. If you absolutely cannot avoid itching, try using a cotton glove. This will give you some of the desired relief without agitating the skin too much and adding bacteria that could be found under your nails. Cold compress A cold compress is a great way to relieve the inflammation and reduce the need to itch. Medical Remedies Be sure you consult your doctor before you use any medical remedies. These remedies can affect your baby’s health if not used in a proper way or if used too often. Make sure you talk to your doctor before self-medicating. Topical Steroids Topical steroids such as Cortisol creams/anti-itch creams can greatly reduce the need to itch and irritate the skin. DO NOT use oral steroids unless prescribed by a physician. Antihistamines Over the counter antihistamines such as Benadryl can help relieve the symptoms associated with a PUPPPs pregnancy rash. If you have questions about how to treat it or find that it is worsening in intensity, contact your primary care physician right away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Your doctor may have suggestions on ways to treat it that you didn’t think of yourself. Be Prepared While PUPPPs can be irritating, it is only one of the many things that can suddenly occur throughout your pregnancy. It helps to be prepared for anything. That is why we at Bellefit designed our postpartum girdles. Whether you need support after a C-section, compression after a vaginal birth, support for your muscles while caring for your new baby - Bellefit postpartum girdles have got you covered. We want to make sure you look and feel your most confident self. So, invest in yourself and ease your racing mind. Buy a Bellefit postpartum girdle or corset today! What tips or tricks do you suggest for dealing with PUPPPs? Leave them in the comments below!

Table Of Contents 5 Steps to Tell if Your Abs are Separated After Pregnancy Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 How to Fix Diastasis Recti and Get a Flat Stomach A Bellefit Postpartum Girdle Exercises Safe for Postpartum If you’ve had your baby and are having trouble losing your pregnancy weight or still look pregnant, it could be because you have diastasis recti. Pronounced dī-ăs′tə-sĭs rec-tie, this is where the connective tissue between your abdominal wall, called the linea alba, is overstretched and your ab muscles are separated. A little stretching is normal during pregnancy. A diastasis recti is considered harmful when the linea alba is stretched too far to heal on its own, usually greater than two finger-widths apart. This is often accompanied by: Pelvic, hip, or back pain Incontinence Intestinal issues An inability to contract or stabilize your core “Mummy tummy” – still looking pregnant after having your baby Here’s how to tell if you have this condition, and how to bring your abs back together! 5 Steps to Tell if Your Abs are Separated After Pregnancy Assessing for DR from Allison Lambert on Vimeo. You can watch the video or follow the steps below! Step 1 Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Take a few deep breaths while completely relaxing your body, especially your abs and your butt. Step 2 Use your index, middle, and ring fingers to feel the firmness of your linea alba. Keeping fingers close together, knuckles pointing at your legs, start just below your sternum and firmly press fingers along your connective tissue. Stop about 1-2 inches below the belly button. Notice any soft or squishy areas. Pay attention to how deep you can go in some areas if noticeable. Step 3 Repeat with your chin tucked and your head lifted off the floor: You can put one hand behind your neck, but do not pull your neck. Make sure your shoulders stay on the ground and only your head comes off of floor. Feel for the left and right sides of your ab muscles coming together and record any gap in finger widths. If you don’t feel anything, add a finger until you do (some may need 1-2 hands). Repeat as needed until you feel you’re getting an accurate assessment. Step 4 Record your results at the following areas: Halfway between your sternum and belly button- about 3 fingers below your sternum (chest bone) Halfway between your belly button and pubic bone- about 3 fingers below your belly button At your belly button A small separation can be normal and heal in the first few weeks postpartum. If the finger width is two or more, special exercises, binding, and precautions need to be taken. Step 5 To determine if your abs can still contract despite a separation, repeat Step 3 again. This time take a big belly breath in and as you’re forcing all the air out, perform a small kegel. Notice how this changes the gap. If there’s no tension or narrowing, it demonstrates a dysfunctional diastasis recti If you noticed a large gap but it narrows, it means your diastasis is “functional” meaning your abs can still contract Note: if you feel anything out of the ordinary, like a painful bulge in the abdomen, contact your OBGYN or doctor A mixture of safe postpartum exercises and a Bellefit Postpartum Girdle are the perfect remedy for diastasis recti. How to Fix Diastasis Recti and Get a Flat Stomach There are two tried and true ways to help close diastasis recti. A Bellefit Postpartum Girdle Helps your body to heal with the support it needs. Also stimulates your Lymphatic system to help remove toxins and decrease swelling and bring your abs back together safely. Exercises Safe for Postpartum Many exercises can make your separation and incontinence worse, so choosing only safe workouts is key. A program designed for diastasis recti will help you gain your strength back and stabilize your core without any harmful exercises. Discovering if you have this condition is the first step to bringing your abs back together and feeling strong and healthy again! About the author: Allison Lambert is the personal trainer behind The Fit Tutor, a site dedicated to making workouts and healthy eating attainable for all women, no matter their schedule or stage of life. She passionately writes about the struggles of living a healthy lifestyle, and includes tips on healthy eating, accountability, and finding time for yourself in motherhood. She has designed a Postpartum Workout Program, including recovery for C-sections and diastasis recti. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

One of the things that you may have noticed that has changed since you’ve become pregnant is how urgent your need to pee is. You may not even make it to the bathroom in time and be forced to use incontinence pads whenever you leave the house. If your bladder is giving you fits because you’re pregnant, there are some things you can do to minimize the embarrassment of making a beeline for the bathroom every time the urge hits you. Knowing when urinary incontinence starts and what causes it helps you gain better control of the condition. This guide helps you identify the changes that you’re experiencing with your bladder and gives you sound advice on things you can do to stop the pee-pee dance before it starts. You’ll walk away from the blog feeling more confident than you did before because you’re able to show your bladder who is in charge! What Causes Urinary Incontinence in Pregnant Women? When hormones fluctuate, they cause your bladder to act accordingly. Relaxin and progesterone are to blame because they’re what keeps the muscular organ in check. When the hormones go haywire, your bladder doesn’t know what to expect, so it works in overdrive. If you’ve had problems with urinary tract infections, given birth vaginally in the past, weigh more or are older when you become pregnant, you’ll likely experience urinary incontinence while carrying a child. If you sneeze, laugh or cough, you may notice that you’re unintentionally leaking urine. Carrying spare pads and maternity underwear with you in your purse is one way you can take care of the issue right away. When Should I Expect My Bladder to Become Overactive? Not long after becoming pregnant, you’ll notice that your bladder controlisn’t what it used to be. Many women experience urinary incontinence during pregnancy. It’s nothing to be ashamed of because its symptoms can be minimized rather easily. There are many things you can do to retrain your bladder and even strengthen it. If urinary incontinence is something that you experienced with prior pregnancies, you know what a nuisance it can be. Taking charge of the situation gives you greater relief than you can even imagine especially when you’re out and about running errands or visiting with family and friends. What to Do About Urinary Incontinence? There are many things you can do to reduce episodes of urinary incontinence. The first is to do three sets of 30 Kegels a day. This strengthens the muscles that control urine flow. You’ll be able to prevent yourself from peeing until you get to the bathroom. Eliminate bladder-irritating foods and beverages such as coffee, soda, citrus, and tomatoes. Keep a supply of pads on hand for emergency situations and come up with a schedule for peeing while pregnant. Every 30 minutes is a good starting point as it trains your bladder to behave. Controlling your urge to pee every two seconds while pregnant takes skill. It’s easy once you’ve gotten some practice, however. When you take control of your bladder rather than let it control you, you’re able to get more done and go more places with ease. You won’t be posed with the difficult question of “Where’s the bathroom?” wherever you go.

Anyone who knows a pregnant person is privy to stories of horrific morning sickness. In fact, very few women report not feeling sick to their stomach at least once during their pregnancy. If you’re wondering what to expect now that you’re carrying a child, don’t worry. Morning sickness and nausea are subjects that need to be addressed. In fact, no blog geared toward pregnant women should be without this valuable information. Consider This Your Guide to Morning Sickness and Nausea During Pregnancy. It provides valuable insight as to the causes of each and what to do about it when it strikes. That way, you can experience a calmer, healthier pregnancy. What is Morning Sickness? Morning sickness or nausea gravidarum, nausea/vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), emesis gravidarum, and pregnancy sickness occurs in many pregnant women. It causes extreme nausea and vomiting. Some women experience morning sickness with all their pregnancies while others have mild symptoms or none. The illness occurs day or night and its exact cause remains unknown. There are many ways to treat morning sickness and avoiding certain foods can help minimize symptoms. Ginger, in small doses, has been known to settle the stomach and make pregnant women feel better quickly. First Trimester around the six week mark is when woman begin to experience morning sickness What Stage of Pregnancy Does It Occur? The first trimester is usually when morning sickness starts. By week six, nausea and vomiting occur. Women develop a strong sense of smell that often overwhelms them and makes them feel sick. They may not want to eat certain foods, either, because they cause the pregnant woman to gag. By week 12 to week 14, symptoms subside, and women no longer feel nauseous. Morning sickness, although uncomfortable for mothers, does not negatively affect babies. It doesn’t have to be a problem for you, either, because there are things you can do to prevent morning sickness and minimize its symptoms. Try to avoid eating any food that may upset your stomach and sense of smell. What Can I Do to Prevent It from Happening or Minimize Its Symptoms? Avoid foods that make you feel queasy. Stick to the foods that you can eat without nausea. Try to select nutritious options whenever possible to minimize symptoms of morning sickness Pregnant woman should eat more often throughout the day and smaller meals to help with morning sickness and nausea. Control when you eat and how much you’re eating. Staying hydrated while pregnancy will alleviate the morning sickness and nausea during the first trimester. Eat early in the day and have a light snack before bed. Space out your meals throughout the day. It’s better to eat several mini-meals than a few large ones. Choose the best nutrient-packed foods and stay hydrated throughout the day. Make proteins and complex carbs part of your everyday. Also, drink enough liquid so you won’t get dehydrated. You’ll want to avoid foods and beverages that cause gas and heartburn such as carbonated soft drinks and acidic fruits and fruits juices. Take Charge of Morning Sickness and Nausea Safely and Easily Being pregnant is a miraculous experience. It’s one worth celebrating daily. Morning sickness and nausea do not need to ruin things for you. In fact, knowing how to deal with the feelings as they come up helps minimize the intensity of them. You’ll be back to doing your normal routine in a matter of no time by applying the advice given here.