News

Blow the horn! Roll out the red carpet! A new rising star is about to touch ground for the first time. That is…your newborn baby! If you are on your last week of pregnancy truth is, you and your family may be now just sitting tight waiting for the final call. Or…maybe you are running around taking care of all the final touches before the new inhouse celebrity decides to show up! Table Of Contents Here’s What Happens When You Are 39 Weeks Pregnant Have Your Postpartum Recovery Kit Ready Go Through Your Baby’s Kit Preparing Food On Your Last Week Of Pregnancy Go Through Your Birth Plan Make Sure You Have Chosen A Doctor For Your Baby Should You Take A Childbirth Class During The Last Week Of Pregnancy Benefits Of Napping During The Last Week Of Pregnancy Sex During The Last Week Of Pregnancy Pamper Yourself As Much As You Can How To Know If You Are Going Into Labor Sources: All the prepping for your child’s birth peaks about 1 or 2 weeks before your due date! So, which better way to be ready than having a handy guide to all the things to finish up during the last week of pregnancy? Here’s What Happens When You Are 39 Weeks Pregnant What happens when you are 39 works pregnant? Let’s take a quick look at what’s going on inside your lovely womb during week 39 of your pregnancy. By now, you are already on month 9 and your due date may be just 1 or 2 weeks away. Your bub has now reached its birth weight and length, typically around 20 inches and from 6 to 9 pounds, and will start getting ready to meet you face to face very soon. When it comes to changes in your body, you’ll likely feel like every little thing is about to send you into labor! From cramps and contractions to pelvic pressure and the so-called bloody show -when your mucus plug begins to loosen up causing a vaginal discharge- every hour is seemingly announcing the time has come! Have Your Postpartum Recovery Kit Ready Have you got your postpartum recovery kit? Having your postpartum care package ready to go will give you a great edge on anticipating your needs right after childbirth! Disposable underwear, cold packs, a postpartum girdle, and many other items that will ease you into your postpartum recovery, all included in this guide to the 10 Essentials of your Postpartum Recovery Kit. Make sure you have your kit packed and organized inside your baby bag! Go Through Your Baby’s Kit Get ready with your baby’s kit Now that you know what you need to cater to your new mom’s needs, let’s focus on your baby. Many women, during their last week of pregnancy, go through what’s known as ‘nesting.’ This may feel like an urge to have everything planned to the tee! So to put that to great use here’s a roundup of productive things you can do to satisfy your nesting urges. To take it a step further, we’ve selected the top items that should be included in your ‘Welcome Baby Kit!’ You may have these already -who said baby shower presents?!- but it’s still worth to confirm your bub’s care package is all done and dusted! Diapers – heaps of diapers. Car seat -you need one to take the baby home! Toiletries and hygiene products -baby soap, baby towels, wipes, diaper rash cream, cotton balls Stroller, and/or carrier Baby Car seat Bedding and nursery room furniture Baby bathtub Changing mat and baby wraps Baby’s clothing, plus bibs! Thermometer and any other thing your doctor and midwife would recommend. Preparing Food On Your Last Week Of Pregnancy Food prepping during the last week of pregnancy Once you cross that door with your newborn in your arms, things will start running under a very special schedule. It’s incredible to think how such a tiny cutie can cause such a lovely mess! This is when you’ll thank and appreciate the ‘past you’ who took the time to organize and coordinate meals and healthy snacks. Food prepping during the last week of pregnancy can alleviate the stress and reduce the huge amounts of energy spent trying to figure what to eat next! Try not to go at it alone. Get hold of your partner, family, and friends, and put them to work if you wish. People love to be part of such a special season of life. Go Through Your Birth Plan Map your goals of childbirth experience As this study explains, a birth plan’s main goal is to map out the childbirth experience you wish to have. It’s also a way for you to wrap your head around the stages of childbirth and how you’d like things -who’s gonna be there, how your doctor will deal with pain, etc. It’s essential to have a flexible birth plan as this will give you and your doctor assurance. Going through it during the last week of pregnancy will help you and your ‘childbirth allies’ stay on the same page! Make Sure You Have Chosen A Doctor For Your Baby Choose a paediatrician well in advance. It’s recommended to get into choosing a pediatrician for your baby at least 1 or 2 months before delivery. You can do research, read reviews, ask your friends for references, get an appointment to meet him or her. Get clear on what your priorities are. Is the office conveniently located? Will you find staff on call if your baby gets sick? Is the doctor in line with your values? The idea is that by the last week of your pregnancy you would already have this sorted, so you’d just need to re-confirm! If you haven’t made a decision by the time your baby is born, the hospital will assign you a pediatrician. Better stay on top of things! Should You Take A Childbirth Class During The Last Week Of Pregnancy Childbirth classes are not mandatory, but beneficial if you attend. Nowadays, childbirth classes are not mandatory. But there are many benefits associated with addressing childbirth fears, anxiety, learning pain management techniques, and more! Experts recommend starting the classes at the beginning of your third trimester, but of course, not all women can get into these on time, mostly due to costs, and busy pre-baby schedules. If this is you, then try to coordinate maybe 1 or 2 classes during your last week of pregnancy. Even that little can be of use when the big day comes! Benefits Of Napping During The Last Week Of Pregnancy Napping is good during pregnancy If everything seems like a perfect excuse to just doze for a couple of minutes, know that’s completely normal! In fact, you should try to nap as much as you can. There’s now scientific evidence supporting the correlation of napping with giving birth to a baby with a healthy weight! Napping is beneficial all throughout your pregnancy, but again, many women’s busy schedules prevent them from proper rest. However, if you are due in 1 or 2 weeks, you may already have stopped working, so there you go…nap time! Better late than never! Sex During The Last Week Of Pregnancy Having sex or not during pregnancy should be consulted with doctor In case you were wondering, having sex during pregnancy is safe -and this applies to the last weeks too! It may not be too comfortable, but considering you won’t be able to have sex for a while after childbirth, it may be a great way to stay intimately connected with your partner. Sometimes health professionals may argue against it for reasons specific to your pregnancy, so get clearance from your doctor! Pamper Yourself As Much As You Can Pamper yourself the best you can Get a pedicure, a manicure, finish up your shopping, get your maternity shapewear garment ready, spend some time with adults, journal, practice breathing techniques…just do whatever brings you comfort and makes you happy! How To Know If You Are Going Into Labor Be ready to go into the labor and welcome the new joy In this article, you’ll learn the 5 signs that will tell you are getting into labor! This is when the show is about to start and you’ll appreciate all the big and little things you did over the last weeks of your pregnancy. It’s been a long wait! Now you’ll reap the rewards by welcoming your beautiful, healthy bundle of joy into this world. Showtime is on! Bellefit Postpartum Girdles and Corsets – Medical Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended since 2008, Available in 8 Styles & in Plus Sizes Sources: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pregnancy-37-to-40-weeks https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/your-pregnancy-to-do-list/ https://www.lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/GBWC-Post/reframing-your-thoughts-about-the-final-weeks-of-pregnancy-1 https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/sex-and-relationships/sex-at-40-weeks-pregnant/ https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/39/ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Preparing-Your-Family-for-a-New-Baby.aspx https://www.aptaclub.co.uk/pregnancy/weeks/39-weeks-pregnant.html https://www.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/39-weeks-pregnant https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3392605/ https://www.scripps.org/news_items/4943-five-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-pediatrician https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945718301527

Believe it or not, when it comes to the most common pregnancy myths -or truths?-, many of them have not 100% conclusive evidence debunking or proving them right yet! Science is always evolving and changing our beliefs. Think about some ideas that hit the ground running back in the 1950s! Did you know that women back then were prompted to light a ciggy as a way to calm down? Or that breastfeeding wasn’t encouraged because formula milk was supposed to be better? Table Of Contents Hot Tub Pregnancy Myth Pregnancy Glow Myth Hairy Baby And Heartburn During Pregnancy Myth Guessing Gender In Pregnancy Myths Cat Litter Pregnancy Myth Full Moon Myth On Pregnancy Pregnancy Myths About Food A Final Word On Pregnancy Myths Sources In this article, we’ll share with you some of the most common myths about pregnancy, and where science stands nowadays! Hot Tub Pregnancy Myth Will using a hot tub increase the risk of miscarriage? According to this study and other trusted sources, using a hot tub can increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects. This is due to the rising body temperature hot water causes –hyperthermia-, not because of being submerged. The American Pregnancy Association and the Organization of Teratology Information Services also advise that a pregnant woman’s body temperature should never rise above the 102F. Most experts recommend setting the bath on a lower temperature and staying for 10 minutes or less. Keeping an eye on your body’s and water’s temperature is also a must! For more information, read Bellefit’s guide about Pregnancy and Hot Tubs. Pregnancy Glow Myth That pregnancy glow Oh…this is a good one. For starters, don’t take it like pregnancy will make you incandescent! There are both supporters and detractors of the ‘magical’ pregnancy glow, which basically asserts that pregnant women’s skin looks radiant and replenished. Some say this glow comes from the happiness of carrying a child. Others believe it can actually predict your bub’s gender even though there’s no proof for it. At the end of the day, what doctors do know is that an increased blood flow running through your vessels and hard-working oil glands can cause shiny skin that looks flushed. It’s important to say that not all women experience this! Pregnancy can also cause flaky, dry skin. There is a lot of shame around this topic though. Pregnant women are still ‘supposed’ to look fabulous and glowy when the truth is…that’s such an unrealistic expectation! Hairy Baby And Heartburn During Pregnancy Myth Heartburn and Pregnancy Is heartburn a sign of a hairy baby? This old wives’ myth had been debunked by professionals over and over. But, surprisingly, a 2006 study done on 64 pregnant women, actually found a relation between heartburn and babies born with a bit of an Elvis Presley style in their little heads. What scientists have come to fully understand is that high levels of estrogen can increase the levels of heartburn. Heartburn is simply what happens when the sphincter at the base of the esophagus relaxes and lets stomach fluids back into the esophagus. Funnily enough, the scientists that planned and carried this study, did it so to debunk this myth once and for all…so after the unexpected results, who knows? Guessing Gender In Pregnancy Myths Will it be a boy or a girl? “Girls’ heart rates are faster than boys’ heart rates.” “Carrying low means it’s a girl, carrying high that’s a boy.” “Cold feet mean it’s a boy.” What about testing the electromagnetic field with a golden ring or a needle suspended above the belly? “If you experience morning sickness it’s a girl…” So many of the myths about pregnancy that we still hear nowadays are related to guessing the baby’s gender! We are sorry to say, but there’s no conclusive information proving any of these myths! Pregnancy is such a complex process, and there are still many questions without answers. But in this case, it looks like the classic midwives’ tales about gender guessing have received a major blow! Cat Litter Pregnancy Myth Toxoplasmosis and pregnancy There’s a difference between not being able to pat your cat and being mindful of how you change your cat’s litter. The Toxoplasma Gondii is a parasite that lives in cat litter and poo, and can potentially cause an unborn child to get sick and show symptoms of the illness during growth. But, what are the chances of getting Toxoplasmosis while pregnant? First of all, this parasite doesn’t live only in your kitten’s poo. It can also be found in uncooked meat -more on that below! Many people around the world carry the parasite without developing any symptoms, but the underlying worry can be if a woman gets infected while pregnant. As experts from Harvard University recommend, you should avoid eating raw or rare meat. Also, try to avoid changing your cat’s litter box on your own. If you don’t have anyone to help you do this, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly. Keep your cat indoors, and avoid feeding him raw meat -stick to canned or dried cat food!. With all these precautions in place, you are still free to pat your kitten! Full Moon Myth On Pregnancy Full Moon and Pregnancy Nowadays, we have some answers about the effect of the moon and its gravitational pull moving tides across the world. But when it comes to the moon’s effect on humans, there are still many questions without certain answers. As this study explains, our biology is related to seasonal, lunar and circadian rhythms -the sleep-wake natural rhythms and cycles we go through every day. But what about the old wives’ pregnancy myth that says a full moon can send you into labor? By the looks of it, it’s definitely a myth! Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded there were no noticeable differences in the frequency of births across the different phases of the moon. The study compared the birth certificates of over 500.000 babies born over 62 lunar cycles. Pregnancy Myths About Food Food Pregnancy Myths There’s so much information out there! It can be just-so-easy to get confused or paranoid without really understanding the logic behind some of the most common pregnancy myths around food… “Eating spicy food can harm the baby” Spicy food won’t hurt your child. It can cause heartburn and make you feel uncomfortable, so you may want to skip it, but it’s not going to harm your baby! “You should be eating for 2” It’s not that you should ‘eat for 2.’ It’s true that your body needs as many nutrients as it can get to grow your baby, but eating for 2 it’s not a free card to give in to sugar cravings every day -that’s a tough one, right? “It’s not safe to eat fish” Raw fish and high-Mercury fish can lead to complications during pregnancy. For starters, raw fish is a common cause of food poisoning -so you should avoid it whenever possible. The same goes for uncooked and rear meats, and fish with high levels of Mercury. For more information on this, check out Bellefit’s guides: Foods you should avoid during pregnancy Best foods for pregnant women Beyond myths, truths, and facts, getting clear on the best pregnancy nutrition you can get is the most important thing! A Final Word On Pregnancy Myths Common Pregnancy Myths We’ve walked you through some of the most common pregnancy myths and, as you can see, there’s some truth behind most of them. The problems start when beliefs and ideas are taken out of context or don’t have a proper explanation. In the end, it all comes down to learning over and over what’s best for you and your baby! What’s NOT A MYTH after pregnancy? It’s the postpartum belly! Bellefit postpartum girdles were made especially for women after they’ve given birth, who need that extra boost of confidence which usually becomes “lost” after pregnancy. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles and Corsets – Medical Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended since 2008, Available in 8 Styles & in Plus Sizes Sources https://www.healthxchange.sg/women/pregnancy/pregnancy-food-myths-busted https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32033409 https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/131/2/421S/4686960https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/hot-tubs-during-pregnancy/ https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/is-it-safe-to-use-a-sauna-or-jacuzzi-if-i-am-pregnant/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/pregnancy-and-hot-tubs/faq-20057844 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/pregnancy-glow/faq-20115104 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/pregnancy-glow/faq-20115104 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5715231/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17150070 https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/20/health/20really.html https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_qtd1io6q https://www.medicinenet.com/is_it_a_boy_or_girl__myths_and_facts/views.htm https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/toxoplasmosis-a-to-z https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16407788 https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms.aspx https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(05)00005-0/abstract

Learn how to find your body type and the ideal maternity shapewear for you! Choosing the right postpartum girdle for your body shape it's not just about the looks. It's also a way to help you stay comfy, snug, and confident to move around. Wearing a compression garment that looks and feels like it was designed just for you it's a huge game-changer! For starters, let's agree on something: every single type of body shape is gorgeous as it is. However, your needs may differ from the ones of other women. And just as that refers to the type of activities you do, your diet, your genes, and so much more, it also applies to how your maternity shapewear fits your body. If you are a petit new mum with a short torso, why choose a postpartum girdle that's designed for women with a longer upper midsection? In this article, we show you how to find your body type! We'll also explain the specifics for each of the 5 most common shapes, and which models of maternity shapewear and postpartum girdles will help you ease your way into child birth recovery. How To Find Your Body Type Your body type is going to influence your decision to buy the best maternity shapewear. If you are already way into your pregnancy and planning for your postpartum recovery, it may be hard to be too specific on your measures as your body is already changing, so just focus on the overall proportions of your body. New mums that have already given birth and are still losing weight, take this just as a reference for gaining knowledge on what will suit you best. We'll show you how to take your measures, but in reality, most people can guess their body type just by taking a good look at themselves in the mirror! If you are comfortable with it, grab a measuring tape! You'll need to find out the relation between the different parts of your upper body -these are shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. We'll also tell you how to figure out if you have a long or a short torso! Bust Measuring your busts carefully will get you the best fit maternity shapewear Take the measuring tape and place it gently around the fullest part of your bust. It's up to you to wear a bra or not for this, but remember the tape needs to be just a little bit tight -don't compress it against your chest. Shoulders Choosing the best maternity shapewear needs you to take the right body measurment. Same here! Wrap the tape around the top of your shoulders, at their widest point above your shoulder blades. Check that it doesn't slip off! Waist Measure your waise size carefully as it will help you decide the best size of maternity wear you need. Place the tape on the narrowest bit of your waist, which usually is just above your belly button, and below your rib cage. Hips Postpartum girdles are one of the best fit maternity shapewear for pregnant ladies. Stand with your feet slightly apart. Find the broadest point and wrap the measuring tape around it. Make sure it's not too tight or too loose! For accurate measuring, always make sure the tape is placed horizontally, parallel to the floor. In this video, we show you how to measure your hips for ordering your Bellefit Postpartum Girdle. Knowing The Length Of Your Torso Measure the length of your torso to get the best maternity shapewear to fit your body type. Getting the right compression garment for your body type is also closely connected to the length of your trunk. To get your torso's measurement, find where the neck connects with your shoulders. Measure down along your spine up to the base of your back, which is where your hips start. Place your hands on your hip bones and extend your thumbs towards your back to find the exact spot! The average torso length for women of " 5'2" to 5'6" height is 15" to 17." Identify if your torso stands within these measures and use it to understand which type of compression garment will suit you best -more on that below! What Are The Different Body Types (And Why It Matters When Choosing Maternity Shapewear) Analyse and understand your body type to buy the best fit maternity shapewear for yourself. There are many different body types as we are all different and come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. With the purpose to help you choose wisely, we've selected the 5 Main Body Types and which specific compression garment to use for it! The most likely is that after child birth, you'll try your best to get back into your pre-pregnancy body. Each type of shapewear is functionally designed to compress certain areas of your trunk and back to give you both the right support and a slender look. Some will also press your hips and hold your bum, which comes very handy when your hips have widened or if you suffer from back pain! 1. Pear Shape Or Triangle Shape Pearl shaped body needs different kind of maternity shapewear fit. The main characteristic of this body type is that shoulders and bust are narrower than hips. You may also have a defined waist that softly leads into your hips and a full rear -sexy momma! Another trait of the Triangle Shape is weight gain around the hips, bottoms, and thighs. Best Maternity Shapewear For Pear Body Types For Pear Shape or Triangle body type, we recommend wearing the Bellefit Bodysuit Corset! Its adjustable and removable straps and upper back coverage will help enhance your breasts and offer support along your whole spine. The corset will also keep your bums and hips covered, protected and contained, which is great for women with wider hips and a curvy rear! This bodysuit is also excellent for women with a long torso. Check out the Bellefit Bodysuit Corset here! Another great option for women with this body type is the Bellefit Girdle Pull Up -only after natural child birth. This girdle offers a high level of compression designed to protect your back and core, but also has full rear coverage. The best thing about it is how the tension is distributed evenly along your trunk. This is very important as for this body type, the center of gravity revolves around the hips. Balancing your torso will give you more comfort. Check out the Bellefit Girdle Pull Up here! 2. Apple Shaped Or Inverted Triangle Body Type Apple shaped bodies have wider hips and narrow shoulders, so different kind of fitting shapewears required. The main characteristic of this body type is that your shoulders are wider than your hips. Plus, your waist may not be too defined and your hips may not be as curvy. Women within this body type usually have thin legs and thighs, with weight being evenly distributed across the trunk and average-sized breasts. Best Maternity Shapewear For Apple Body Types We've chosen 2 different types of maternity shapewear to help you feel curvy-licious while you recover from child birth! The Bellefit Corset Thong has adjustable and removable straps that will help your breasts stand out if you wish so. Plus, its thong rear will help shape your bottoms. This girdle will also keep that annoying back bulge and muffin top on check! You can wear it when swelling is at its peak, both after natural birth or a C-section. Check out the Bellefit Corset Thong here! The Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper is another sweet choice if you are not a big fan of thongs and prefer full rear coverage. This compression garment will help shape your waist harmlessly as it's been designed for new mums with gentle curves. Check out the Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper here! Both of these compression garments are great for apple shape or inverted triangle body types because they help to softly define your waistline giving the firm compression of a medical-grade girdle. The Bellefit Corset Thong will also focus a bit more on your bust and bottoms, so of course, it's up to you to decide what suits your recovery better! 3. Oval And Diamond Body Types Choosing best maternity shapewear is all about identifying your body type. These body shapes are all very similar as they refer to women who gain most of the weight across their midsections -stomach and back. Diamond-shaped bodies have broader hips, and narrow bust aligned with the shoulders. However, if you have a prominent bust your body type could be the Oval. The other only main difference is Diamonds carry a bit more weight on their thighs, where Ovals have thinner hips and slender legs. Best Maternity Shapewear For Oval And Diamond Body Types One of our new mom's favorite comes up again! The Bellefit Bodysuit Corset is great for Oval and Diamond body types because it's full back coverage help dissipate the wicked back bulge and love handles! Also, it's removable straps and rounded front helps enhance your bust. Check out the Bellefit Bodysuit Corset here! Our second top choice is the Bellefit Abdominal Cincher Corset -which is also good for ladies with long trunks! With 2 front and 2 rear bonings and powerful compression panels, it helps to define your waist shape -big time! Its frontal 3 rows of hooks also let you keep up with your progress as you start getting back into your pre-pregnancy shape. Check out the Bellefit Abdominal Cincher Corset here! 4. Rectangle or Straight Body Type If you have almost similar sized shoulders and hips, you have rectangular or straight body type. Are your shoulders the same width as your hips? Is your waist not hugely defined? Maybe your buttocks are not too curvy? Then you may have a rectangle-shaped body. Some people refer to this body figure as the "athletic type" as the waistline looks quite straight and your general measurements are quite uniform. Best Maternity Shapewear For Rectangle or Straight Body Type Mums with straight body shape, check out the Bellefit's Pull Up Girdle or the Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper! Both compression garments offer full support and are designed to fit bodies that are not that curvy. The Bellefit Pull Up Girdle is recommended after natural child birth, whereas the Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper is meant for both types of deliveries. Both garments will accompany the natural shape of your body and flatten your tummy for a slender look and feel. Check out the Bellefit Girdle Pull Up and the Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper! 5. Hourglass Body Type If you have a hourglass body type, the need of your maternity shapewear would be different. Women with this body type have a wide bust, wide hips, and a narrow waist. As shoulders and hips are the same widths, and the waist is quite defined, this is the body type that's usually taken as a referent when styling and finding flattering outfits. Keep in mind this is not a very common body type. Sometimes a pear-shape body can be confused with an hourglass, but the actual most common shape is the straight type! Best Maternity Shapewear For Hourglass Body Type We have our Nr 1 bestseller for you, mostly because it's a postpartum girdle that can suit every single woman on Earth! The Bellefit Postpartum Corset with full rear coverage will accompany the natural curves of your body and help flatten your tummy as you recover from child birth. Check out the Bellefit Postpartum Corset here! If you had a natural birth, then we'd recommend the Bellefit Girdle Pull-Up, so you can go back to wearing those tight dresses in no time -while you wear a compression garment that's completely invisible under your clothing! Check out the Bellefit Girdle Pull-Up here! Sources: https://www.sportsrec.com/tell-long-short-torso-8251478.html https://www.healthline.com/health/women-body-shapes https://www.stitchfix.com/women/blog/fashion-tips/find-fit-for-your-body-type/ https://www.metdaan.com/5-common-female-body-shapes/ https://shopyourshape.com/body-shapes/oval-body-shape/

If you’ve ever experienced mood swings while menstruating, you understand that a change in hormones causes them. The same can be expected while pregnant. It’s not unusual for you to feel emotional throughout your pregnancy. In fact, knowing what is causing feelings of discomfort can help you refocus your energy on something positive and productive. Table Of Contents 1. You’re not alone in how you’re feeling 2. There is a silver lining to every cloud 3. They’re called your support system for a reason 4. Hunger can cause you to be hangry during pregnancy 5. Laughter lifts your mood fast Fight Mood Swings After Pregnancy Wondering when do mood swings start during pregnancy? The first trimester proves to be the most volatile. After that period of time, you can count on things getting better. Knowing how to handle your moods helps the not-so-pretty ones pass quickly. Here is a list of things you should know about mood swings and pregnancy. 1. You’re not alone in how you’re feeling It is important to remember that mood swings are a common part of pregnancy and you are not alone in this journey. Most women feel changes in their body and mood while pregnant. Know that you’re in good company. Join an online community for new moms so you can share your experiences with other women who understand what you’re going through. You will also be able to find numerous tips and tricks on how to manage mood swings during pregnancy. If you do suspect you’re depressed, it’s important to share your feelings with a mental health professional. 2. There is a silver lining to every cloud Remember, after every storm a beautiful rainbow awaits. Enjoy the beautiful period while it lasts! When your mood hits rock bottom, it’s important to know that it will eventually pass. One of the fastest ways to shift your mood is to focus on something positive. Even if you’re unable to do an activity that focuses on the thing that you’re thinking about, the thought of it will help bring a smile to your face. Remember fond memories and plans for the future. Allow these things to help you reframe your current situation. You’ll feel in control of your feelings better once you’ve practiced the technique of reframing a couple of times. 3. They’re called your support system for a reason You do not have to fight the battle alone. Let your loved ones know so they can support you throughout the journey. Rely on your spouse, family, and friends in times of need. Talk to them about how you’re feeling. They may be able to give you advice and help you through the mood that you’re experiencing. After all, they know you very well and can distract you with funny stories or an impromptu shopping trip so that you forget how mad or sad you were when you first spoke to them. Knowing what helps with mood swings during pregnancy can go a long way in helping you ease your emotions. 4. Hunger can cause you to be hangry during pregnancy Keep nutritious snacks in hand to keep those hunger pangs at bay. Keep a supply of nutritious, filling snacks on hand to see you through the day. That way, you don’t confuse hunger for an emotion. You may be feeling tired and irritable because you haven’t consumed enough calories. Hunger can aggravate your mood swings during pregnancy. Look for nutrient-dense options that fill you up and help you sustain blood sugar levels. That way, you’re not crashing fast after loading up on carbs. 5. Laughter lifts your mood fast Fun Fact: Laughter can help alleviate mood swings and boost your mood significantly! Go on and laugh your way to a good mood. Turn on a funny video or listen to a comedy podcast. Call your funniest friend and ask them to speak to you in a ridiculous accent. It may sound crazy but it works! These seemingly peculiar tips will make coping with mood swings during pregnancy easier. Fight Mood Swings After Pregnancy Mood swings and irritability during pregnancy are to be expected, especially considering the weight a woman puts on while carrying a child as well as physical symptoms such as swelling and nausea. But many women don't realize that you can have mood swings after pregnancy too! After pregnancy, your hormones have to adjust back to their normal level. This leaves many women emotional, and many women have to adjust to their new post-pregnancy body. Not only do you have to care for a new baby but you also have to take care of your own body, especially right after you give birth. A lot of discomfort that comes after giving birth can be relieved with a comfortable postpartum girdle. In fact Bellefit has some girdles that are specifically formulated to offer firm support to your back and lower abdomen. These girdles, help take the pressure off your back, relieve back pain, combat diastasis recti, and help you feel comfortable in your body again. Being able to recognize what triggers your mood is important as it will allow you to determine the best way to cope with the way that you’re feeling. It could be as simple as deep breathing or eating a protein-rich snack when you’re hungry. Don't worry about the excess calories! Once your beautiful pregnancy journey comes to an end, you can also use Bellefit's postpartum corsets to bounce back in shape! Bellefit Postpartum Girdles & Corsets - Medical-Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended Since 2008. Available in 8 Styles as well as Plus Sizes. Do you think a healthy diet - coupled with a few lifestyle changes – are enough to effectively manage those crazy mood swings during pregnancy?

Feeling your baby kick for the first time is a truly remarkable thing. It allows you to connect with your baby as early as now. This article will teach you how to get your baby to move more in your womb!

If you go past your due date, should you be concerned? The answer is no, unless your doctor states otherwise, it’s very common for a woman to experience going past due date which serves as an approximation for delivery.

Pregnancy causes your body to change in many ways. In fact, you may look down at your stomach in the next few weeks and wonder if you’re even the same person that you were before getting pregnant. With the influx of hormones, weight gain, and swollen feet comes some exceptionally embarrassing pregnancy problems. Knowing what to expect from the body during the nine months you’re carrying a child is ideal because it allows you to plan for the unexpected. This list of ten embarrassing pregnancy problems are very common for most pregnant women, so don’t worry. There is no need to feel humiliated because many women can relate to what you’re currently going through. Skin Problems Such as Acne If you find your skin breaking out worse than it did when you were a teenager, it’s due in part to an influx of hormones. A Quick Fix: Keep your hands off your face and make sure to cleanse and exfoliate regularly. That way, you’re able to remove impurities easily without causing the problem to worsen. Gastrointestinal Distress You may experience bloating and burp a lot because of it. That’s because the baby you’re carrying is filling the space as he or she grows. A Quick Fix: Eat smaller meals and more frequently to avoid this problem. Stay away from fried and fatty foods as well as carbonated beverages. Darkened Nipples Known as linea nigra, this problem is due in part to the estrogen in your body increasing the amount of melanin or skin pigment. This issue doesn’t normally occur until the second trimester. A Quick Fix: Use sunscreen regularly to prevent the problem from worsening. Stick to dark colored shirts, too, as white is often too revealing. Itchy Nipples The skin stretches in the area due to the breasts preparing for breastfeeding. You’ll notice a difference in the size and appearance of your chest because of the changes occurring in your body. A Quick Fix: Lanolin cream will become your best friend. Also, make sure that the bras you’ve chosen are soft, supportive, and comfortable. Constipation Since your baby is absorbing many of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you’ve consumed, you may notice that your digestive system has taken a severe blow. Once you’ve had a hard time going to the bathroom, it’s time to switch to high fiber foods. A Quick Fix: Make sure that you’re drinking enough water and eating beans, fresh fruit and vegetables, and whole grains. You may need to take a gentle over-the-counter laxative if diet alone doesn’t correct the problem. Groin Pain The ligaments around your pelvis are stretching causing a great deal of pain in the groin. Standing up is often when you feel the severity of this problem, and you might cry out in pain as a result of it. A Quick Fix: Prop your feet up. Rest until the pain has gone away. Bouts of Nausea and Vomiting Morning sickness can occur at any time during the day. Some medical professionals believe that it is due in part to a change in hormones. A Quick Fix: Ginger candy helps curb symptoms of nausea. Crackers are also a quick fix because they soak up excess stomach acid. Urinary Incontinence You may find it hard not to pee when you laugh, sneeze or move suddenly. With a baby sitting on your bladder, it’s to be expected. A Quick Fix: Wear a panty liner until you’ve given birth. Use compression underwear to help keep the weight from pushing down so hard on your body. Wild Dreams Uncertainty about the future can cause undue stress. That’s why it’s important to create a calm, safe sleeping environment for yourself. A Quick Fix: Use a white noise machine or sleep sound app to help lull you to sleep. If that doesn’t work, write out your worries in a journal or try reading something inspiring in bed until you fall asleep. Hemorrhoids Not enough fiber in the diet can cause you to become constipated. That’s why you need to make sure that you drink enough water, eat enough roughage, and don’t strain no matter how bad you need to go. A Quick Fix: Cooling wipes help reduce inflammation. If the hemorrhoids won’t go away after taking a Sitz bath, an over-the-counter suppository may be the next step in reducing the inflammation. Now that you know which embarrassing pregnancy problems most pregnant women face, you can plan accordingly to minimize the fallout. Being prepared is among the easiest ways to move quickly past the humiliating circumstances that occur within your body when carrying a child. It won’t even phase you because you’ve done what you could to make it less embarrassing for you and those around you.

If you want labor to come naturally, there are some things you can do to induce it yourself without the assistance of a medical professional. The advantages of not needing to be induced by a doctor are that your baby arrives when he or she is ready. Versus when he or she is expected. It gives you more time to prepare because you know that once you’re ready to give birth. You can do the things necessary to induce labor while at the hospital. This guide offers some natural ways to induce labor while pregnant. Walking Gravity has its way of helping your baby drop into your pelvis. The pressure that is caused while walking can help your cervix prepare itself for labor. The more you walk, the better you’ll feel, too. You’ll be better prepared for when it is time for you to deliver because you’ve been working on getting your baby to drop. Tip: Invest in good footwear because you’ll need the extra cushioning when your feet are swollen. They’ll also prevent you from falling if they have sole with a good grip on them. Spicy Food Eating something spicy irritates your intestines. This causes your uterus to contract. You’ll want to be careful, though, because you don’t want to overdo it and cause a terrible case of heartburn. It may taste good to have hot sauce or chilis in a dish. There is no medical proof that this is a surefire way to induce pregnancy naturally. Eat as you wish but don’t overdo if you can’t handle it. Tip: Keep a cup of yogurt or yogurt-based smoothie nearby to help cool down your mouth if eating really spicy food. Acupuncture Inserting pins into the skin can help stimulate the uterus. If you want to coax your baby to move right along, see an acupuncturist for a treatment. It’s a safe and natural way to go into labor without the need to be induced. Acupuncture has many benefits that treat pregnancy-related symptoms, too, so it’s worth looking into at the start of your pregnancy. Tip: Acupuncture helps with sleep issues, headache, and depression, making it an effective therapy to consider during the latter weeks of your pregnancy. Acupressure The pressure point located in the web between your thumb and your pointer finger can be pressed as a way to help induce labor naturally. It’s always best to consult your healthcare practitioner first before doing any type of bodywork yourself. You don’t want to do anything that could potentially harm you or your child. Tip: Pressing on certain pressure points on your body while pregnant can help relieve symptoms of nausea. Use the tips listed above as ways to naturally induce labor. You’ll have better control over where it happens that way. You won’t be on the road on the way to the hospital when your baby decides to come. You’ll have prior notice that he or she is ready to make their entrance into the world! 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

Preterm labor or premature labor is a term that refers to labor that is experienced before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Over 89% of pregnancies make it to full-term while the remaining 11% are premature. When labor occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy but before a due date, it’s considered preterm. There are many risks for both mother and child if a baby is born too early in a pregnancy. What Causes Women to Go Into Labor Prematurely There are many things that cause preterm labor. Identifying risks and eliminating them from your life helps you increase your chances of carrying your child full-term. Working with your primary care physician closely is advisable as he or she possesses in-depth knowledge about your medical history, the medications that you take, and the lifestyle that you live. Here are the factors that are known to cause premature labor: Smoking, drinking and doing drugs. These activities pose health risks for women who aren’t pregnant. They’re doubly troubling for women who are carrying a child. Do everything you can to quit indulging in recreational substances. They produce toxins in the body that spread to the placenta and prevent your baby from getting the vital oxygen he or she needs to survive. Back-to-back pregnancies. When your body doesn’t have time to properly heal after having one baby, it can cause you to go into labor prematurely with the second child. Waiting for less than a year between pregnancies increases the chance of you delivering before 37 weeks are up. If possible, wait more than 18 months to conceive again because the likelihood of you going into labor early decreases significantly. UTI and vaginal infections. Nearly half of preterm births are caused by bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis, uterine infections, and problems with the amniotic fluid. Getting tested for these issues is vital as it can help you prevent problems with your pregnancy. Complications during pregnancy. Preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can be to blame for premature labor. So, can problems with the placenta. Attending all follow-up appointments with your physician is advisable as it allows close monitoring to occur and preventative measures to be acknowledged and taken. This is just some of the causes of preterm labor. Knowing what risks exist and how to prevent them helps increase your chances of carrying to term. That way, you and your child don’t experience further challenges caused by low birth weight. Things You Can Do to Prevent Yourself from Going Into Labor Prematurely There are many things you can do to prevent yourself from going into labor before your due date. The first is to make sure that you space out your pregnancies. As mentioned above, 18 months between one pregnancy and another is ideal. Do things to alleviate stress naturally. Start doing yoga and meditating. Keep a journal as a way to get the thoughts out of your head so you can relax more. If you’re engaging in risky behavior, stop. Quit drinking, smoking, and using drugs. Make sure that you’re doing things that help you have a healthy pregnancy such as taking your prenatal vitamins, watching your weight, and eating a healthy diet packed with the nutrients you and your body need. 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

Pregnancy has its ups and downs, and they can make giving birth feel bittersweet in a way. Once your little one has arrived, you may end up missing some of the best parts of pregnancy, but chances are that you won’t regret being done with the worst parts. https://youtu.be/A2t0F2gWvhQ The Best Part Of Being Pregnant Extra Kindness and Care Every ordinarily grumpy folks can get a bit overprotective of the pregnant ladies in their lives, and strangers can get in on the act too. Special acts of kindness like people you’ve never met rushing to help you with heavy groceries or giving up their seats on a bus or family members giving you special treats and generally fussing over you in the best way possible, being pregnant really lets you see the best of the people around you. The Special Pregnancy Bonding Feel There’s nothing quite like that feeling of knowing that your child is growing inside you. Getting to actually meet your child is fantastic, but it makes sense that some moms miss the feeling of being pregnant thanks to this special just-the-two-of-us bond. Shopping for Adorable Baby Stuff Shopping is always fun, but it’s even more fun when you’re designing a whole new wardrobe and bedroom for a little person who hasn’t arrived in the world yet. For many parents, picking out different colors and cute prints is one of the most enjoyable parts of pregnancy (other than the sense of excitement and happiness, of course). The Worst Part Of Being Pregnant Physical Discomfort From morning sickness to weight gain and other issues, pregnancy isn’t necessarily a physically enjoyable experience. While not every pregnant woman experiences significant discomfort, most feel some sort of nausea, fatigue, pain or general weirdness at some point in the process. Pregnancy skin might look totally different from what you’re used to, and sleeping can also be more of a challenge. Nosy Nellies You know what they say about opinions—everyone has one, and they don’t know how to keep it to themselves when they see a pregnant woman. From pressuring you about breastfeeding to policing what you eat and how you exercise, unwanted advice is one of the least-enjoyable parts of pregnancy. Unfortunately, this is an almost entirely universal experience, and even some women who hated getting this kind of advice when they were pregnant will turn around and do it to others. Anticipation and Nervous Energy There is some excitement that’s naturally a part of most pregnancies, but many expectant parents also experience a good dose of anxiousness as well. Whether your concerns are financial, logistical or theoretical, this is also totally normal. Luckily, by the time you give birth you’ll already have moved past most of the things that tend to cause pregnant mamas some agita, including the actual delivery itself. From start to finish, pregnancy includes its blissful moments of enjoyment and its minor annoyances and major concerns. This balance is part of parenthood as well, so why not take the bad with the good and make the best of it? You Might Also Like: 5 Things I Wish I’d Known About Before My First Baby

Are you prepared for the home stretch as you come towards the end of your pregnancy? This checklist will help you make sure you have all your ducks in a row before your little one arrives. Last Month of Pregnancy Checklist https://youtu.be/BPDMCEckrRo 1. Do something nice for yourself. New moms tend to share a few things in common, one of which is a complete focus on their baby’s needs to the expense of their own. Take all the time you can to pamper yourself at this point. Get your hair styled or cut. Get a manicure and take care of any other personal care indulgence you can think of. 2. Enjoy social time with adults. Chances are that you and your newborn aren’t going to be having deep conversations about current events or catchup chats about the latest gossip. Get your fill while you can. Go to a brunch with your girlfriends, have a romantic date with your partner. Spend some quality time with your bestie. Make the most of your relatively open dance card while it lasts. 3. Get your house ready. You’ve probably spent the last few months super focused on the nursery, the baby’s bathroom, baby-proofing and making room in the kitchen for bottles and other feeding supplies. As you put the finishing touches on these tasks, don’t forget to set yourself up for success too. Do your laundry, stock your pantry and make a list of any upcoming household chores will need to be taken care of while you’re busy taking care of the baby. Your partner, family and close friends can help you do all of this both now and later, so don’t stress out! 4. Test out your gear. It’s a good idea to make sure all of your baby gear is unpacked and in a place you’ll remember. But, you can take this a step further. Test everything now so you can understand how it works and be sure you have everything you need to keep things up and running. Perhaps that motorized crib mobile isn’t actually working properly, or the stroller you ordered has a mystery lever you’re afraid to touch. Figure all this stuff out now so you don’t have yet another thing on your plate once the baby arrives. You can also take this time to start looking at girdles, nursing pajamas and other garments that you’ll need after your delivery. 5. Line up your announcements. Get excited about the baby’s arrival by looking up birth announcements. You can even book a photoshoot with a newborn photographer if you’re so inclined. If not, be sure to clear out the storage on your camera or phone so you can take tons of pictures of the new arrival to include with your announcement. You’ll want to free up plenty of space on your phone and your partner’s phone and maybe even invest in a separate camera anyway. You’re going to be taking a ton of photos in the next several years. Why not set up an at-home photo printer while you’re at it so you can have hard copies to frame as well?