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

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

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

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

We’ve all heard the weird food craving pregnancy stories. Pickles and ice cream, hot dogs and peanut butter, or even pizza with hot fudge on it. And before you ask, yes, these are all pregnancy cravings that real women have had. Besides these food cravings, some women may even experience cravings for things that aren’t even food. In this article, we are going to break down what causes these cravings, common cravings, and foods you should not eat during pregnancy. What Causes Food Cravings During Pregnancy? Throughout your pregnancy, you will likely have some pretty intense food cravings. While every woman is different, the cravings typically begin at the end of the first trimester and tend to decline in the third trimester. Food cravings during pregnancy can be weird and volatile. One day you can love a certain food, and during pregnancy just the thought of it makes you want to vomit. Similarly, foods that you used to despise you can now crave. So, what causes this? Well, researchers still have not been able to determine the exact reason for food cravings during pregnancy but there are a variety of theories. Hormones As with almost anything when it comes to pregnancy a possible culprit for your food cravings is hormones. Your rapid change in hormones can cause your senses to go crazy. You can smell and taste things much better which can influence the way you experience food. Changes to your Senses During pregnancy, your senses become very sensitive. You can smell things much better and this can affect the foods that you crave. Foods with particularly pungent odors may turn you away, while foods that smell good can increase your cravings for them. Nutritional Needs Your body craves the nutrients it needs. If you suddenly find yourself dying for a glass of orange juice, your body may be telling you that it needs some Vitamin C. The same goes for your pregnancy cravings. Because you are growing a new life inside of you, your body will need more of certain nutrients. These can include calcium and iron. Unfortunately, our bodies are not very good at telling us what foods to eat to get these nutrients. For example, if you have an intense craving for chocolate your body most likely is deprived of magnesium. Chocolate doesn’t have a large amount of magnesium in it, but that doesn’t stop the cravings. This is the same with pregnancy cravings. Make sure you have a well-balanced diet with all of your necessary nutrients. Comfort With your fluctuating hormones and increase of stress and anxiety about having a baby, you may find yourself reaching for comfort food. Anybody going through a particularly stressful time can reach for food as a coping mechanism. Pregnancy is one of the most stressful times in a woman’s life, it is only natural that we crave comfort food. Common Food Cravings During Pregnancy There are a few foods that many pregnant women tend to crave. One study determined that the most highly craved foods by pregnant women are: Sweets Fast Food (particularly high calorie, high carbohydrate foods) Fruits Animal Protein Other common cravings include: Pickles Ice cream Fruit juice Dairy Vegetables Chocolate In addition, many women crave a combination of these foods. That’s where weird pregnancy cravings come from such as pizza (fast food) with chocolate on it (sweet). Not only that, but some women are known to crave food outside of their dietary restrictions. For example, a woman who eats a vegetarian diet may find herself craving meat. This can be an indication that you are iron deficient. If you want to maintain your vegetarian diet you can try to add more iron-rich foods to your diet. Or if you are not too stringent, you can just give in and eat meat during your pregnancy. Foods Not To Eat During Pregnancy Most of the time it is perfectly fine and normal to give in to your pregnancy cravings. Sometimes, this is not the case. Some foods that you may crave can cause complications in your pregnancy. Foods like sushi, undercooked meat, soft cheese, and deli meats can lead to bacterial infections. Similarly, many women crave alcoholic drinks. This can be easily remedied with a virgin version of the drink. Dangerous Cravings During Pregnancy Some of the oddest cravings that can come from pregnancy are cravings for non-food items. Women have been known to crave cigarettes, concrete, detergent, or even paint chips. Craving non-food items is a condition called pica. Pica is not uncommon in pregnant women and usually is an indication of a nutritional deficiency. Make sure you talk to your doctor about your cravings so they can recommend a good course of action, such as supplements or an adjustment to your diet. Key Takeaways Food cravings during pregnancy are normal and expected. In fact, one study determined that 50-90% of women experience some form of pregnancy cravings. While there is no definitive reason for these cravings there are a few theories. These theories include changing hormones, changing nutritional needs, a change to your senses, and a desire for comfort. There are a lot of common food cravings and even some cravings that can be dangerous to you or the baby. Thankfully, most food cravings go away after pregnancy, but now you have to deal with the extra weight from all those cravings. Investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle can help you feel better faster so you can get to exercising sooner. Get back into your pre-pregnancy body and get healthy by purchasing a postpartum girdle today!

You’ve been warned, but now you have finally experienced them--pregnancy dreams. It is not uncommon to experience weird dreams while pregnant. Now, not only do you have to deal with sleep interrupted by pee breaks and discomfort, but weird dreams are waking up you too. Don’t worry, in this article we will explain why pregnancy affects dreams, when they start, common dreams, and what to do about them. How Does Pregnancy Affect Dreams Pregnant women often report an increase in strange, weird, and sometimes frightening dreams. In addition, pregnant women also report an increased ability to recall their dreams. These dreams can be so real, vivid, and detailed that you may wake up wondering if they were real. In most cases, vivid and detailed dreams during pregnancy are normal and healthy. Dreams help us process our emotions and often can release stress that we may have had throughout the day. So, with this in mind, we can discuss why pregnancy affects dreams. Why Does Pregnancy Affect Dreams There are a few theories about why pregnancy affects your dreams so much. One theory is that it is hormones. Hormones affect so many other parts of your life and your pregnancy experience that this could be the culprit. Another theory is that because you are waking up so many times throughout the night, you are interrupting your dream cycle. When you interrupt a dream cycle you are stopping the dream right in the middle of it. This can lead you to remember more details and imagine the dreams much more vividly. Finally, dreams are also a way that your subconscious processes your emotions and your stress. With so many things to worry about with a new baby coming, you may be unable to process all your emotions during the day. Because of this, your subconscious has more things to process which can cause you to have vivid and intense dreams. When Do Pregnancy Dreams Start Every person dreams every night. You may not remember your dreams in the morning, but everyone has dreams. So, technically you are dreaming throughout your entire pregnancy. However, the vivid dreams and increased recall of dreams typically starts to occur in the third trimester. The belief is that this is because you are waking up multiple times during the night due to your pregnancy. Women in their third trimester wake up more times than the average person during the night to go pee, readjust their sleeping position, or because they are experiencing heartburn, etc. When a woman wakes up in the middle of the night they interrupt their REM cycle which causes them to remember their dreams. Common Pregnancy Dreams Every dream is different, just like every person is different. However, there are a few common types of dreams that pregnant women tend to have. Dreams About Forgetting Something: Some women tend to have recurring dreams where they forget to lock the front door or turn off the oven. These can stem from a fear that you are not ready to become a mother. Injury Dreams: Another common dream is one where you are falling from a high height or you are injured in some way. These can stem from feelings of vulnerability. Restriction Dreams: Dreams where you are physically restricted, tied down, or chained to something are also common. These can be an indicator that you are afraid of the responsibilities and restrictions of becoming a mom. Dreams With Ancestors: You have a new generation of your family growing inside of you, it is only natural that you may dream of your past ancestors. Dreams about your baby: Many women experience dreams of cuddling, kissing, and caring for their baby while pregnant. This can be a way for your subconscious mind to attach to your baby before they are born. Similarly, you can have dreams about the baby and their life after they are born. You can dream about them being born with a problem or deformity, or you can dream about them becoming a child prodigy. These dreams can be a way for your subconscious mind to confront your fears or wishes for your new child. Dreams about Labor and Delivery: Many pregnant women also experience weird dreams about labor and delivery. These typically stem from fears about the labor and delivery process. Sex Dreams: Another very common dream is one about sex. Your hormones during pregnancy increase your sexual arousal, so it is not uncommon for you to have sex dreams. They can be a way of expressing your desires or just be a release of tension. What To Do About Pregnancy Dreams Pregnancy dreams are a completely normal and healthy part of the pregnancy experience. Even nightmares are a way of your subconscious trying to explore unknowns and gain control over a very large change in your life. Don’t worry too much about them. However, if they are interrupting your sleep too much, or you have reason to believe something may be wrong, talk to your doctor. The best way to combat weird dreams while pregnant is to try to get as much sleep as possible. When you wake up in the middle of a sleep cycle, you are likely going to remember your dreams. If you sleep through the night or wake up only a few times, you are less likely to remember your dreams. Similarly, try writing your dreams down in a dream journal. That way you can analyze them and see if there is a common theme among them. Because your dreams are a part of your subconscious there may be something you need to work through in your waking life in order to stop them. All in all, don’t take too much to heart when it comes to pregnancy dreams. Our imaginations are much more creative than we give them credit for. Key Takeaways Weird dreams while pregnant are normal, healthy, and common. There is no specific reason for why your dreams are so vivid, but there are theories about it. These dreams typically occur in the third trimester, and there are usually a few common themes among them. If you are concerned about your dreams, talk to your physician, or try to write them in a dream journal and work out what might be causing them. If you are having dreams about postpartum recovery and your body after delivery, don’t worry, Bellefit’s postpartum girdle has you covered. With a Bellefit postpartum girdle, you can recover faster and get rid of your jelly belly with ease. Simply use this medical-grade compression garment after delivery and watch as the results come to you. Bellefit postpartum girdles are an excellent choice for your postpartum recovery journey. Get yours today!

With all of the things you have to prepare for when you find out you are pregnant a maternity hospital tour may not be at the top of the list. However, this can make or break your labor and delivery experience. There are many policies and practices in place at the hospital that will affect your labor and delivery. So, that is why it is important to ask questions. If you have a particular birth plan you want to stick to, this is especially important. To make sure you have the best labor and delivery journey, we have put together a list of questions to ask during a maternity hospital tour. What to Expect on a Maternity Hospital Tour While the labor and delivery process can be overwhelming and confusing, it doesn’t have to be. Having as much knowledge as possible before you even go to the hospital can greatly relieve your anxiety and nerves. Many women choose to go on a hospital tour of their preferred hospital so that they know what to expect. While a hospital tour is an excellent idea, it won’t necessarily give your all of the information you may need. A maternity hospital tour typically takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. They are most often guided by a labor and delivery nurse or a hospital educator. Their job is to get you acquainted with the layout of the hospital and make you feel more comfortable and at ease. They will usually cover where you should park, where you will check-in, where the labor and delivery rooms are, and where the postpartum/recovery rooms are. Now while this can be very informative, you may still have questions. So don’t be afraid to ask them. If you are not quite sure what you should be asking, don’t worry we have made a list of questions to ask during a maternity hospital tour. Questions to Ask During Maternity Hospital Tour Depending on your personal birth plan and concerns, you will have questions only pertaining to a few subjects. We have separated into different topics to make it easier to find the relevant questions for you. The topics are labor and delivery questions, C-section questions, and postpartum recovery questions. Labor & Delivery Questions to Ask During Maternity Hospital Tour Where is the check-in area for labor and delivery? Is there a different check-in area at night? Is there check-in paperwork that needs to be done? Can we do it beforehand? What do I need to bring with me to the maternity ward? Do I need to bring my medical chart or can it be sent over? Is there a triage process? How long do women typically stay in triage? What is the birthing room situation? Is there a separate room for birthing? Or can I stay in the same room for all stages of the labor process? Are the rooms shared? Can I get a private room if I want one? What happens when all of the birthing rooms are taken? Is there an overflow area? What amenities are provided in the labor and birthing rooms? Are their showers and tubs? Are there birth balls? Is there a music hook-up? Is food allowed in the rooms? Will I be able to eat and drink during labor? What food can I bring from home? How many people are allowed in the room with me? Are children allowed? Is there a chair/bed/cot for my partner to spend the night in the room with me? Are IV’s required? What pain management options are available? What type of fetal monitoring do you have available? Do you have any labor and delivery statistics for me to look over? Such as what percentage of women are induced? What is the percentage of women who are given an emergency C-section? Etc. Should I send/bring my birth plan? If my doctor/midwife is not on-call, will the on-call doctor go with my birth plan? Will I be able to labor at my own pace or will I be put on a time limit? What positions can I give birth in? Are there doulas here? What are the policies on cameras and filming equipment? Would I be allowed to take the placenta home afterwards? Is there a NICU in the hospital? How far away from the delivery rooms is the NICU? If there is not a NICU, what is the protocol for getting a baby to the NICU? C-section Questions to Ask During Maternity Hospital Tour If my Cesarean is planned where do we go to check in? Will my partner be allowed in the room for the delivery? Can I have photos of the birth? Will I be able to watch the surgery via mirror, clear drapes, or lowered drapes? Will I be able to have skin-to-skin contact with my baby immediately after birth? If my baby needs to be taken from the room can my partner go with them? What medications are available during and after delivery? Postpartum Recovery Questions to Ask During Maternity Hospital Tour What pain relief options are available postpartum? Are they different for Cesarean births? How long is the average stay after labor and delivery? Is there an early discharge policy? Are the postpartum rooms private? Can babies sleep in the same room as me? Can pediatricians do bedside visits? What is your visitor policy? Are young children allowed? Do you have a lactation consultant? Are they available 24/7? What is your policy on breastfeeding over bottles? Can siblings visit? Are pacifiers used in the nursery? If they are, will I be asked for approval prior to their usage? Does the nursery use formula? Will I be notified before formula is used? What new parent support is offered? Key Takeaways The labor and delivery process can be stressful and overwhelming. There are so many moving parts and questions to ask that you can lose track. Hopefully this list of questions can help ensure that you have all your questions answered. Make sure that you are well-informed and are comfortable with your hospital's policies. Some hospitals will offer a postpartum girdle to help with pain after labor and delivery. If your hospital doesn’t offer this, go to Bellefit and get one for yourself. Our postpartum girdles offer medical-grade compression and proven to effectively reduce pain. Don’t suffer with pain and discomfort when we are here to help. Get your Bellefit postpartum girdle today.

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.

If you are a first-time mother, you may have heard of the term baby dropping. Other people may remark on your belly saying, “looks like the baby has dropped.” But what does it mean when your baby drops? Do you need to be worried? When can you expect it to happen? Don’t worry, in this article we will answer all of your questions about baby dropping. What is Baby Dropping? What does it mean when your baby drops? While baby dropping seems like a scary term on the surface it is actually a completely normal process. Baby dropping, also known as “lightening,” is when your baby moves into position to ease labor. See? Not so scary. Think of dropping as a line from the opening of the vagina to the top of your baby’s head. Then add ruler marks to the line; 0 being the beginning of your pelvic bone, +5 being the top of the uterus, and -5 being the opening of your vagina. During labor, your baby has to go from point +5 to point -5. So this process of them moving from the top of the uterus to the opening of the pelvic bone is called “dropping.” In some cases this dropping occurs a few weeks before labor while in other cases it may not happen at all. Does the Baby have to drop and how do you know if the baby has dropped? There are multiple stages of labor. And baby dropping is one of the beginning stages that your labor is about to occur. For some women (often first-time mothers) the baby will drop a few days to a few weeks before the due date. This is believed to give your pelvic muscles more time to adjust to the labor process. For other women (typically if this is a subsequent child) your baby may not drop until a few hours before you go into labor. This is possibly due to the fact that your body has already experienced the labor process and the pelvic muscles no longer need as much time to prepare. If your baby doesn’t drop at all, don’t worry! Not all women experience baby dropping, and many women experience a healthy labor without their baby dropping at all. When does baby drop: What to expect Like we mentioned earlier it is almost impossible to determine when the baby will drop, because every pregnancy is different. For some women it occurs at around 35-36 weeks and for others it doesn’t occur until they are in labor. Even more interesting, some women will have their baby drop between 35-36 weeks but then move back up closer to their due date. In almost every case, this is not something you should worry about, but if you feel concerned you should contact your doctor. What does it feel like when the baby drops? So, now that you know what baby dropping is, you are probably asking yourself what it feels like. Well, according to most women it feels like they are walking around with a bowling ball between their legs. So probably a little uncomfortable; but again, this isn’t the case for all women. It’s not always apparent when the baby drops. There are some women who feel it happen in one sudden movement, and there are other women who never feel it happening at all. In most cases it depends on how you have been carrying over the course of your pregnancy. If you have had a low belly the entire time, you probably won’t notice when your baby gradually shifts towards your pelvic bone. On the other hand, if you have been carrying high you may notice gradual changes that indicate your baby is dropping. How to tell when baby drops: Signs and symptoms If you are interested in how to tell when baby drops, then consider a few indicators that many women claim to experience when their baby starts to drop. Here is what you can look for: You can breathe easier. If your baby has been resting up towards the top of your uterus this can cause pressure on your lungs. As the baby drops you may notice that the previous pressure has been released and you can breathe easier. More pressure in the pelvic region. This is what many women describe as the bowling ball between their legs. Your baby’s head is now resting in your pelvic bone area which can cause some pressure. More discharge. Because your baby’s head is now resting on your cervix, this can cause the cervix to thin and release it’s mucus plug. This mucus plug can then come out in the form of some extra discharge. More bathroom breaks. You may notice that you need to go pee more than you used to. Your baby is so close to your bladder at this point that the increased pressure can cause you to need to pee more often. Pelvic pain. Some women experience little “flashes” of pain in their pelvic area when their baby rests. This is believed to be because of the pressure on your ligaments in the pelvic area. Your hunger increases. Because your baby is no longer resting near your stomach you may find that your hunger increases. Back Pain. Similar to pelvic pain, back pain can be caused because of the increase in pressure on the lower spine area. How to Get Baby to Drop So, what does it mean when baby drops? Well, if your baby is dropping it means they are preparing for labor. Some women may even decide to encourage their baby to drop in an attempt to induce labor. While there has not been a lot of scientific research into this method of induction, many women claim to have success by: Walking Squatting Doing pelvic tilts Walking is said to help because it relaxes the pelvic region and can open up the hips. Squatting is said to do the same thing. Similarly pelvic tilts help to guide the baby into the pelvic opening and increase their likelihood of dropping. Main Takeaways for Baby Dropping Baby dropping is a natural part of the labor process. It is difficult to determine when this will happen as it is different for every woman and every pregnancy. Make sure you talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have pre-labor and post-labor. It’s just as important that you take care of yourself postpartum as it is during your pregnancy. Your body has gone through an intensive process, and it will take a while to get back to normal. Don’t worry though, Bellefit is here to help you with all your postpartum needs. From comfortable panties, nursing bras, compression leggings, and even postpartum girdles – we have everything you need for a smooth and fast recovery. We hope this has been a helpful and informative article.

Preparing for the birth of your new child takes time, and that is what maternity leave is for. So while maternity leave is essential to your well-being, and your baby’s, it can be hard to know what to do. You have a limited amount of time and it can be overwhelming the amount of stuff you have to do. We put together a list of 9 maternity leave activities that will help you prepare, and enjoy your time with your new baby. What is Maternity leave? Maternity Leave is essentially a vacation period that you can take to prepare and enjoy time with your newborn. According to American Pregnancy Association, “Maternity leave is usually created from a variety of benefits that include sick leave, vacation, holiday time, personal days, short-term disability and unpaid family leave time.” Maternity leave ensures that the mother is adequately prepared and financially stable for when the baby comes. It also gives time for the mother and child to bond and allows the mom time to recover after giving birth. There are a variety of things that influence the amount of time you have for maternity leave, but the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected maternity leave. There are a few requirements for you to be considered “eligible” for this leave, but many people qualify. Therefore, the typical amount of time for maternity leave (in the United States) is about 12 weeks. When to Take Maternity Leave? It is your personal preference when you decide to take maternity leave. Some women decide to take 4 weeks off before their due date so they have time to prepare for their new baby. Other moms choose to wait until the last possible minute so they can have all their time off with their new baby. So, when you decide to take maternity leave is really up to you. It is a good idea to involve your partner in the decision as well. That way you can both determine a good amount of time to be off and enjoying your new baby together. Financial constraints may also play a role in your decision, but in the end, it is all about your personal preference. What to Do During Maternity Leave So whether you decide to take your maternity leave early, or later, we put together a little list of nine things you can do during your maternity leave. Before Baby Comes There are a few things you can do during your maternity leave that will make life after giving birth a little easier. Organize your Leave from Work Maternity leave is long, and this lengthy departure from work can leave your co-workers and boss scrambling to pick up the slack. It is important that you form a plan with your boss and co-workers so everyone can be on top of your job duties. If you have a good plan in place, when you eventually come back, you can pick up right where you left off. Contact Health Insurance Maternity leave is semi-complicated when it comes to time off and what you qualify for and what you can take. You are going to want to sit down with your Human Resource manager to figure out what you can take. In addition you may want to contact your health insurance provider to make sure you know exactly what is covered in your plan. Food Prep Before Baby There are a bunch of things you will have to worry about after you give birth. Make sure that preparing food isn’t one of them. There are plenty of recipes and great food prep tips that will make food prep quick and easy. Check out this article for more information on why food prepping before the baby arrives is a great idea. Test Out the Gear For some reason, it always seems like baby carriers, seats, and strollers are way more complicated than they need to be. There are dozens of straps, clips, and velcro that it can be difficult to understand what goes where. Before the baby comes, it is a great idea to test out the new gear. That way when the baby does come you won’t be hopelessly confused on how to get the baby carrier out of the car. Arrange Some Help Those first few weeks back from the hospital can be overwhelming. All the time spent feeding, doing laundry, and finding time for yourself can be overwhelming. And while you may not want to be away from your new baby for even a minute, you will need to step away at some point. That’s where you will need some help, maybe it is only a couple hours, or even a couple minutes, but having someone you can rely on to help is essential. Whether that be your partner, a parent, a friend, or even a babysitter. Once Baby Comes Once the baby comes, you will want to take full advantage of the time you have with them. Here are a few ideas to keep you sane, and enjoy time with your new baby. Set Aside “Me Time” Once the baby comes, your time will be consumed with feeding, playing, sleeping, and occupying your baby’s attention. A great way to prevent becoming overwhelmed is to set aside some me-time. This doesn’t mean you have to leave the house, or spend money. You can simply take a long bath while the baby is asleep. Or read a book you have been meaning to get to. Whatever makes you happy and allows you to relax for a short amount of time. Join Mommy Groups Another great way to occupy your time, and make the most of your maternity leave, is with a mommy group. These groups are found in your area and are designed to bring together new-moms and their children. These groups can be instructional – such as learning to breastfeed. Some can be fun – such as “mommy and me music time”. These groups provide a great opportunity for you to connect with your new baby, and also find some new friends. Take Pictures As anyone with a child will tell you, “time flies”. Make sure you can capture the small moments and growth by taking lots and lots of pictures. A great way to announce the birth of your child is through professional newborn photos. Not only are they a great keepsake, but you can show off your beautiful baby to your friends and family. Get Out Everyone knows if you are inside for an extended period of time that you can go a little stir-crazy. Couple that with the fact that your only companion is a baby, it’s no wonder that mothers enjoy time outside. A great way to exercise and escape your house is by walking the neighborhood with your baby. Not only will this help you get back into shape, but it is a great way for your baby to get some stimulation. Postpartum Recovery Maternity leave is not only about spending time with your baby, but making sure you have a good postpartum recovery. After spending hours in labor with little rest, and the sudden transitions your body has to endure, you can be left feeling sore, fatigued, and weak. Postpartum recovery is a journey, and you don’t want to have a long and painful one. That is where Bellefit comes in. Bellefit makes the best postpartum recovery garments to experience your postpartum life with less pain. We have everything you would need for your postpartum journey – girdles, compression leggings, nursing bras, etc. We want to make sure your postpartum journey is the easiest part of your pregnancy experience. Shop all of our garments today, and get back to feeling your most confident and strongest self. We hope this has given you a few ideas of what to do during your maternity leave. If you have any more suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

These pregnancy facts can help you determine what to expect and how to react. Over the course of your 40 week pregnancy, you will experience a lot of changes. Some of these will be physical changes, and some will be mental. In order for you to better prepare yourself for the journey, we created a month by month overview of what to expect. First Trimester Pregnancy Facts The first trimester of pregnancy is considered the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. That means that the first trimester is about 3 months long. So what can you expect in those months? Month 1 The first month of your pregnancy is usually the one where you discover you are pregnant. Some women may not find out they are pregnant until the second month of pregnancy – so it really depends on your body. The major physical change in the first month of pregnancy is your hormones. Your hormones in the first month are extremely elevated and your body is not used to these hormones. This can cause nausea, increased urination, breast/nipple tenderness, and even fatigue. One day you could be fine, and the next day your stomach is churning at just the thought of tuna. Month 2 In the second month of your pregnancy you will typically demonstrate the same symptoms as month one. The nausea may increase to vomiting, and many women make lifestyle changes for the baby’s health. In regards to mental health, increased moodiness may occur due to the increased hormones. And some women may even experience a low sex drive. Month 3 Good news, in the third month, your body is finally beginning to adjust to the increased hormone levels! Your appetite may return, and you may even find yourself with some pregnancy cravings. Some women may even begin to grow a little tummy. This is also the month where you will finally be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat. Second Trimester Pregnancy Facts After your first trimester, the second trimester feels like a breeze. Your body has finally adjusted to the hormones, and your stomach isn’t big enough for you to begin feeling uncomfortable. Many women claim that the second trimester is the best trimester. Month 4 Physically you are going to start feeling much better. Your hormones have stabilized and your appetite has likely returned. You may feel a little heartburn as the uterus grows upward towards the stomach. Your energy will likely increase and you might even get back your sex drive. Mentally, get ready because the fourth month is where a lot of things can happen. The baby is finally big enough for you to really begin to have a little bump. And you may even begin to feel the baby moving around. Not only that, but you also can have your ultrasound around this time. Your first picture of your new baby! Month 5 In terms of pregnancy facts – your uterus is the size of a cantaloupe. That means that most women gain between 5 and 15 pounds by this time. Your increasing uterus means you will begin to have a larger appetite, your heart will have to work a little bit harder, and you might get a little bit of constipation. “Pregnancy brain,” is a fancy term for forgetfulness, and it usually kicks in around this time. Just don’t forget that this is the month where your doctor can determine the baby’s gender. Month 6 Ok, we are closing in on the end of the second trimester. It took a lot of energy and time to get to this point, but you are almost in the home stretch. This means that it is crunch time. The baby is going to start growing incredibly rapidly at this point, so you may gain some weight – about a pound a week. Your stomach will start to grow bigger, and that may mean stretch marks. Because of this extra weight, you may also get some leg cramps, and even hemorrhoids. Take time to rest, you are growing a baby! Third Trimester Pregnancy Facts The last trimester of pregnancy is both physically and emotionally draining. Try not to lose hope, your new baby is almost here. But just to prepare you in the meantime, here are some pregnancy facts for the last three months. Month 7 In the seventh month your baby is starting to get ready for life. They will begin moving around and you could even see a little hand or foot on your tummy. While this is amazing, it can also be a little uncomfortable, especially when you are trying to sleep. Everyday tasks may become more difficult as your stomach grows and your muscles fatigue easier. You may even get Braxton-Hicks contractions at this point. According to What to Expect, Braxton-Hicks are when “Your uterine muscles are flexing in preparation for the big job they’ll have to do in the near future.” Your whole body is changing so it is not uncommon to experience: headaches, heartburn, backaches and shortness of breath. Your uterus is growing and pushing on all the surrounding organs, so you may also have to pee more frequently. Month 8 At this point, your baby is almost fully developed and is now preparing to come into the world. This means that you may begin to feel more pressure in your pelvic region and Braxton-Hicks contractions may increase. All of the other fun things that come in the third trimester are still there, but don’t give up you are almost to the end. Month 9 Your due date is likely just around the corner, but don’t be surprised if it comes and goes uneventfully. Just be patient, your body and your doctor know what is best, so be sure to stay up-to-date with those appointments. Sleep may be a little hard to come back at this point, but your breathing might be easier. This is because the baby is settling into the pelvic region relieving the pressure on your lungs. Mentally your “nesting” instincts are going to kick in. You may find yourself incredibly tired one moment and ready to clean the entire house the next. Your mind is just preparing for the arrival of a new family member. Embrace those instincts. Your Postpartum Body Yay! The baby is here. Not only is your entire life now changed, but so has your body. If you are breastfeeding you get to look forward to all the changes that come with breastfeeding. And even if you aren’t breastfeeding, your body is still in recovery. Labor is a long and intensive process and now your body is dealing with the sudden changes. It can be a long and painful journey to full recovery, but it doesn’t have to be. Bellefit creates the best postpartum girdles to make sure your postpartum recovery is smooth and endured with less pain. Coming in all shapes, sizes, colors, and types – Bellefit postpartum girdles are medically designed compression garments that ease your recovery. Make sure you invest in your future self by purchasing a Bellefit girdle. We hope that this guide of pregnancy facts has helped you to prepare and know what the road ahead looks like. Pregnancy is both terrifying and amazing at the same time. We want to be there to help.

Surprise! You’re not done with nausea yet. Some women talk about how bad the nausea is in the first trimester, and yes it is bad, but you can also get third trimester nausea – and it is somehow worse. In your first trimester, you’re just coming to terms with being pregnant. You see someone or something that reminds you of your condition and feel the familiar queasiness in your stomach. In the beginning you worry about being sick at work or having to run to the bathroom in public, but as time goes on you get used to it. Your morning sickness becomes an occasional thing, though it's always there waiting for you when you least expect it. But in your third trimester, there is a different kind of morning sickness waiting for you each day—the kind that hits when you are driving along on what feels like a normal day. Not only do you have to deal with the other aches and pains that come with the third trimester, but nausea too? Yeah, we know, it sucks! Don’t get too stressed out though, we found and tested the best ways to deal with nausea in the third trimester and came up with a list of the best techniques to try. What Causes Third Trimester Nausea? So, what exactly causes third trimester nausea? There is a long list of reasons you could be having nausea in your third trimester including: Acid Reflux Change in Metabolism Increasing Hormone Levels Low Blood Pressure Pre-Eclampsia According to Dr. Laura Riley from Parents magazine, “nausea can result when the uterus compresses the stomach or when the normal contractions of the stomach slow down.” So, should you be worried? According to Dr. Farrell, Medical Director and gynaecologist at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, about “20% of women can have [nausea] into the second trimester and some can have it throughout.” For some women the problem can be caused by the pressure of the uterus on the stomach combined with food becoming difficult to digest. For other women, the problem can be as serious as pre-eclampsia. You should always talk to your doctor about any problems that are happening during your pregnancy, and third trimester nausea is nothing to sneeze at. Tips to Prevent Nausea in Late Pregnancy There are ways you can deal with your third trimester nausea, but if nothing you do is helping to relieve the nausea, you should speak with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis. The best way you can deal with nausea is by preventing it from coming on in the first place. If you begin to realize that you are dealing with third trimester nausea, there are preventative measures you can take to deal with it. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Monique | Fertility & IVF Nutritionist (@moniquecormacknutrition) Avoiding Certain Foods Some women have aversions to certain smells during pregnancy, most likely due to the heightened sensitivity of their sense of smell. While an aversion to a smell you normally enjoy might be annoying, it can be more than just an inconvenience—some women have experienced queasiness while walking by the food counter at the supermarket. The smells that are most commonly reported as triggers are those with overly strong odors (such as fish, eggs, and pickles), but some other foods and smells can also cause an adverse reaction in some women. Be aware of what you eat and what you are exposed to during your pregnancy. If a certain smell will make you feel ill, try to refrain from coming in close contact with it as much as possible. The most common culprits behind food aversions are morning sickness and headaches. Morning sickness is caused by hormonal changes which take place when the placenta forms in early pregnancy. Although some women don't experience morning sickness at all, nausea and vomiting can last until the end of the first trimester and sometimes beyond. Rest During pregnancy, the body goes through many changes and the growing fetus puts a lot of stress on it. As a result, it's not uncommon to feel more tired than usual and have trouble sleeping. The exhaustion can be especially draining because the extra weight makes it harder to move around comfortably. One of the best ways to handle this is to get plenty of sleep and rest early in pregnancy. Although there is no medical evidence that rest can stop nausea, some women find that when they are well rested, they feel less nauseous. This is important during pregnancy because it gives your body time to relax and reset so that it can function properly. The more you rest now, the less likely you will be to become ill or fatigued later on in pregnancy. Resting now also helps ensure that your body will be healthy when your baby arrives. A healthy mom means a healthy baby, which is great news for both of you! Eat Small Meals And Often An easy way to overwhelm your digestive system is by eating 3 large meals a day. If you've never experienced nausea or vomiting in your life before becoming pregnant, it might be a surprise when you start to feel queasy. But, it's not just in your head: your body is preparing itself for the changes associated with pregnancy, and your digestive system will work differently than it did before you became pregnant. When you're pregnant, your stomach doesn't empty as quickly as it did before you were expecting. What this means is that if you eat a large meal at dinner time, your body has to work harder to digest it. So, if you're like most people and have three square meals a day, this can make it more difficult for your stomach to digest the food and that can make you nauseous. When we eat too much food at one time or too many heavy foods in one day, our bodies have trouble processing the foods correctly which can lead to indigestion and other uncomfortable symptoms. By eating five or six meals a day, instead of three large ones, you are giving your body the chance to digest food at a more gradual pace, which will help prevent nausea. Eating smaller portions also helps keep you energized throughout the day, so you can get more done without feeling sluggish. Transitioning from three meals and two snacks to five or six meals a day can take some time, though, so don't feel like you have to make the switch overnight. Start out by making a commitment to having two snacks instead of one and work your way up from there—it might take some time for your body to adjust, but before long, you'll be able to keep nausea at bay (and get your energy back) without even thinking about it! Stay Hydrated One of the best ways to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy is by staying hydrated. But getting enough water can be a challenge when you're busy or short on time. Having a water bottle with you helps ensure that you're getting your daily intake of water. Water is necessary for our bodies to function properly and when your body is growing a baby, it needs even more than normal. A key symptom of dehydration is nausea – so make sure you are constantly sipping water throughout the day. How to Deal with Morning Sickness in Third Trimester If you are already experiencing nausea there are a few ways you can help your body deal with it. There are plenty of ways for you to combat the queasiness and get your body back to feeling better. Drink Water Like I said earlier, if you are feeling nauseous, it could possibly be that your body is a little dehydrated. Make sure to take small sips of water over the course of the day. Ginger One of the most common side effects of pregnancy is nausea. The feeling of nausea can decrease after a few months, but you may still experience it, especially in the morning and during stressful situations. Ginger is known for its ability to decrease nausea and vomiting. If you are looking to take a more proactive approach you can drink some ginger tea, ginger ale, or even eat some ginger candies. Ventilate Your Space Heat can be a contributing factor to your pregnancy nausea, so make sure to have a fan or even some ice packs nearby to cool you off. It's important to stay cool during your pregnancy because it can help to decrease nausea and vomiting. If you're feeling hot, try removing layers of clothing, lying down in the coolest place in your house, standing in front of a fan or misting yourself with cool water. These are all great ways to stay cool without having to put on extra clothes that could add to your discomfort. Can I take Medication for Third Trimester Nausea? For some women, nausea is something that they have to deal with throughout their whole pregnancy. If none of the preventative measures, or home remedies are working for you, try talking to your doctor about a prescription medication for nausea. Your doctor will be able to take your personal medical history and pregnancy challenges into consideration and prescribe you a medication that can work. Your doctor will help you decide what’s best for you and your baby. When Should You See a Doctor if You Are Experiencing Nausea During Late Pregnancy While nausea in the third trimester can be nothing to worry about, there are some cases where it can indicate a much bigger problem. If you experience nausea as well as extreme vomiting, a fever, dizziness, weight loss, loss of appetite, or your baby stops moving as often – contact your doctor immediately. These can be indicators that something more is going on. @jasminechiswell I Thought It Was Gone For Good...🥲 ♬ lol im famous - Trixisye Key Takeaways Third trimester nausea is annoying and awful, but it can be prevented or dealt with in some cases. For other women, third trimester nausea is an indication of something bigger that is happening. Talk to your doctor if your condition worsens. After you give birth you may still experience nausea due to your body’s sudden adjustment. If this does happen, you can always continue to try the home remedies listed above. They are great suggestions to treat nausea no matter if you are pregnant or not. You want to get back to feeling better faster and being your best self for your new family addition. Bellefit® Postpartum Girdles & Corsets – Medical-Grade, FDA-Registered, doctor-recommended since 2008. We at Bellefit, have created postpartum girdles and corsets to aid your postpartum recovery journey. 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