Pregnancy Lounge

Blog

  • Pregnancy Tips

    Did you know for a healthy pregnancy, many doctors recommend a 3 to 4 month preparation period? While trying to conceive, it’s a good time to start taking prenatal vitamins and to develop good nutrition and eating habits. It will ensure that you and your baby will have all the essential nutrients from the moment of conception and throughout your pregnancy. For the rest of the article on getting pregnant and more on fertility, click Getting Pregnant.

    Tip #1

    If you suspect that you may be pregnant, be sure to take the recommended daily allowance of folic acid. Folic acid has been proven to prevent some birth defects if taken in early pregnancy.

    Tip #2

    Keep a journal and write down questions for each of your visits to the OB/GYN and remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question. If it’s worth asking, it’s worth answering. A pregnancy journal becomes a special keepsake in the life of a new mother.

    Tip #3

    Don’t try to do too much. Pregnant women seem to think that they have to keep up the same pace as they did before they were pregnant. First off you’ll only frustrate yourself and your partner. Getting plenty of rest and allowing others to pitch in and help, not only releases frustrations, but can help with morning sickness and pregnancy headaches. Pampering in pregnancy is a necessity.

  • Pregnancy Tickers

    Pregnancy Tickers

    Here are some great pregnancy tickers for announcing your exciting news!

  • Pregnancy and Hair

    Pregnancy and Hair

    pregnancy hairHair changes during pregnancy are common, although some women don’t notice any obvious changes at all. Some women notice changes beyond their growing belly and various aches and pains, including changes in their hair.

    Changes in hair when pregnant can vary widely, some good and some not-so-good. Some fortunate women experience more luxurious pregnancy hair that looks much fuller, thicker and shinier than before, while others may have undesirable changes including hair that appears thinner, more greasy, drier or more brittle. These affects are caused by an increase in the hormone estrogen, as well as increased circulation and blood supply to all areas of the body. In addition, prenatal vitamins help increase the health of your hair and may be contributing to your thicker, shinier mane.

    Hair Loss

    One major hair complaint in pregnancy is hair loss. Hair loss during pregnancy may be due to hormonal problems, including an overactive or underactive thyroid or a vitamin and mineral deficiency. Hair loss is common during pregnancy and even more so after delivery. The most common time related to pregnancy for hair loss is approximately three months after delivery. This shedding is called “telogen effluvium” and typically lasts less than 6 months, although the duration for hair to return to it’s normal pre-pregnancy density can be affected by many factors including breastfeeding, long-term stress as well as blood loss during delivery. Telogen effluvium affects somewhere between 40- 50% of pregnant women. Genetic thinning may be triggered or heightened after delivery and can result in a slow-thinning of the front hairline. Most hormonal changes that cause hair loss during pregnancy often resolves themselves as the body returns to pre-pregnancy hormone levels.

    Healthy Hair

    You don’t have to wait until after your new little one is born to have a healthier head of hair. There are a number of things you can do to improve your hair’s condition as well as reduce the extent of damage and hair loss. Taking your prenatal vitamins daily, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water (at least eight 8-ounce glasses per day) may be your best line of defense. For problems with dry hair, use a stronger conditioner and do deep-conditioning often. If your hair is brittle you may want to stay away from the hair dryer and allow it to simply air dry. If you must blow dry your hair or use other heated instruments, use a cooler or lower setting. If your hair is extra greasy, use a mild shampoo and wash it more frequently to get rid of excess oil. Avoid wearing your hair in ponytails, pigtails or braiding it, because it may pull your hair and place added stress on it, causing breakage. Wait until after delivery before perming and coloring your hair if you possibly can, which can damage your hair even further, on top of possibly causing harm to your unborn baby (especially during the first trimester).

    Hair Growth

    Increased hair growth and thickening may happen on parts of the body other than the head during pregnancy, including the face, arms, legs and even on the abdomen. Body hair in typically male-only spots is called, “Hirsutism” and tends to disappear within 6 months of delivery, although some may hang around longer. To be on the safe side, avoid using depilatories or bleach creams during pregnancy, since they work by using strong chemicals which may not react well with your skin and may also possibly seep into your skin; being absorbed into your bloodstream. There haven’t been any studies to show whether these creams are safe or not, which labels them as category C drugs and therefore it’s wise to steer clear of them until after delivery. Plucking and shaving may be your only good options during pregnancy.

  • CDC Recommendation on PreConception

    (continued “preconception”)

    These special preconception recommendations, developed through a consultation process with a select panel of specialists, include maximizing public health surveillance and monitoring which includes improving health programs and policies, the offer of pre-pregnancy checkups for women/couples who are planning a pregnancy, increasing the public’s knowledge and awareness of the importance of preconception health and encouraging everyone to have a reproductive life plan that focuses on drawing attention to reproductive health to reduce unplanned pregnancies, fetal exposure to teratogens, age-related infertility and to improve pregnancy outcomes.

    Other new recommendations include augmentation of research, additional interconception (the time between pregnancies) care and intervention for women who had a previous pregnancy that resulted in infant death, preterm birth or birth defects to reduce future risks, provide preventive visits along with primary care visits for risk assessment and educational counseling related to reproductive health risks, integration of preconception health components into existing public health programs, increase the number of women who receive timely interventions following preconception risk screening and increase public as well as private health insurance coverage for low-income women to improve preventative and preconception health access and affordability.

    Preconception care is a good idea, making a difference in the lives of future babies and helping them have the healthiest start possible, but will be difficult to include as part of standard medical appointments, according to some doctors. In addition, most health insurance companies don’t even have a billing code to allow doctors to begin billing for it. CDC is requesting the American Medical Association (AMA) develop a billing code for preconception care to allow doctors the opportunity of offering these additional preconception services to women. Preconception care recommendations should be implemented over a period of time within the next 2-5 years.

  • Dealing with Postpartum Depression

    Having a baby is supposed to be a thrilling and exciting time, but for many women it can also be a time of fear, stress and even depression. After giving birth, many women (as many as 80% of new mothers) experience a week or two of “baby blues,” marked by mood swings, mild depression, and bouts of unexplained crying, but these feelings typically disappear quickly. Postpartum depression, on the other hand can be described as on-going or worsening intense feelings of sadness, restlessness, irritability or being consistently exhausted and unable to function. Up to 15- 30% of new mothers experience full-blown postpartum depression after delivery, which can last as briefly as 2 weeks, but as long as over a year.

    Common symptoms of postpartum depression include: constant or worsening feelings of worthlessness, helplessness or hopelessness, crying more than usual, lack of interest (or over interest) in baby or caring for baby, being unable to function, extreme exhaustion and sleeping too much (or too little), feelings of being overwhelmed or unable to cope, change in eating habits (not eating or overeating), change in weight, as well as loss of interest or pleasure in activities including sex. Also, being unable to make decisions, trouble focusing, feeling out of control or unusual feelings of rage and feelings of wanting life back the way it was before baby are common symptoms of postpartum depression. Frightening thoughts of suicide or harming baby and fear of being alone with baby that won’t go away are more serious symptoms, which a woman should seek help for immediately.

    << click for the rest of the article on postpartum depression >>

    Depression During Pregnancy
    Postpartum Depression
    Depression After Delivery

  • Pregnancy Weight Gain

    Pregnancy Weight Gain

    The appropriate weight gain during pregnancy depends on several factors, including your height, your age and how much you weighed before you conceived. Typically, if you are average or “normal” weight before becoming pregnant, it’s recommended that you gain between 25-35 pounds; about 2-5 pounds during the first trimester and approximately 1 pound per week after that.

    What is a healthy weight gain for pregnancy?

    If you are underweight before becoming pregnant, it’s recommended that you gain a bit more weight: between 28-40 pounds preferably (depending on the severity of the weight problem). If you are overweight before becoming pregnant, it’d recommended that your total weight gain be a bit less; between 15-25 pounds.

    If you are pregnant with multiples, you will need to gain more weight, depending on the number of babies you are carrying (approximately 35-50 pounds with twins). Weight gain during pregnancy should be gradual with the most weight being gained in the last trimester, although some women notice their weight gain slowing or possibly a slight weight loss just prior to delivery.

    Check with your doctor or midwife to determine how much weight gain is healthy for you. Remember, a proper diet and adequate weight gain during pregnancy is essential for your health and optimum development your baby.

    Inadequate weight gain can cause problems to your baby such as prematurity and low birth weight. Excessive weight gain can lead to a larger baby, which can complicate the birth process, cause certain health complications during pregnancy and may be difficult to lose after delivery. During pregnancy, weight gain can be broken down to: increased blood: 3-4 pounds, breast tissue: 1-2 pounds, uterine muscle: 2- 2 1/2 pounds, baby: 6- 8 1/2 pounds, placenta: 1 1/2- 2 pounds, amniotic fluid: 2 pounds, maternal fat stores: 7-8 pounds and water in maternal tissue: 4 pounds. What are these little bumps that have appeared around my nipples?

    Those little bumps that surround your nipples (on the dark area called the areola) are quite normal and are called Montgomery glands or, “Montgomery’s tubercles”. They have always been present, but during pregnancy, they tend to enlarge and become much more pronounced, typically first appearing during the first trimester. They become more prominent and swell as pregnancy progresses. They can vary greatly in number, averaging between 4 and 28 per areola. These bumps are glands that produce oils that lubricate your nipples, as well as discourage bacterial growth during breastfeeding. The lubrication they create helps to keep the skin around your nipples healthy and elastic. Using soap to wash them can remove these protective oils and even lead to cracked and sore nipples during breastfeeding.

    Is it safe to continue using tanning beds throughout pregnancy?

    The rays emitted by the bulbs in tanning beds are just as safe as the rays of the sun. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (from a tanning bed or direct sunlight) can prematurely age your skin and heighten your risk of developing skin cancer. Sun exposure can also increase your risk of developing (or intensify) Chloasma or, “the mask of pregnancy”, which is brown patches that appear on your face. It’s believed that the UV light used in tanning beds doesn’t reach far enough into the body to harm a developing baby, but anything that raises your core body temperature should be avoided. Overheating can harm your baby, particularly in the first trimester, when most major organs and structures are forming. UV rays have also been associated with folic acid deficiency, which can lead to neural tube defects. If you must tan, stay in for short periods of time, drink plenty of water and make sure the room is well ventilated. Consider using a spray bottle filled with water, during your tanning session to keep you cool. Get out of the tanning bed before you become hot.

    Menstrual Periods, Drinking and Hair Dye
    Cats, Ultrasounds and First Movements
    Fish, Exercising and Sleep
    Sex, Cesarean and Back Labor
    Tanning Beds, Weight Gain and Areola Changes
    Castor Oil, Smaller Shoes and Nesting Instincts
    First Prenatal Visit

  • Pregnancy Articles

    Pregnancy can be confusing, so we put together a few articles to help you along the way. Enjoy!

    Lower Risks of SiDS

    Although SIDS is still a concern for parents, they can now equip themselves and their babies with knowledge to help lower risk factors thanks to the many studies and reports that are now out about SIDS.

    • Don’t put too many layers on your baby to prevent overheating.
    • Never put your baby on his or her back, but instead place on the side or back.
    • Choose breast feeding over bottle feeding.
    • Remove all items from the crib to provide a safe sleeping environment.
    • Don’t smoke while pregnant or around baby after birth.

    Read our article on, SIDS, Should I Be Worried

    Nails in Pregnancy

    In pregnancy, hair and nail changes can occur but don’t fret. If your nails are brittle or tear more easily in pregnancy, they will return to normal after you give birth. In my case, I had stronger nails due to the extra hormones when pregnant. Every pregnant woman is different. Read more on, Nails and Pregnancy

    More Pregnancy Articles

    Travel When Pregnant
    Bedrest in Pregnancy
    Nutrition and Diet
    Doulas and their Role
    Skin Changes
    Are Tanning Beds OK
    Hair Changes

  • Is it Safe to Use a Tanning Bed While Pregnant

    Is it Safe to Use a Tanning Bed While Pregnant

    tanning bed while pregnantIf you are pregnant, you may be wondering if tanning while pregnant is safe for your unborn baby. You may dread the thought of looking pale especially if you are used to seeing a sun glow when you look in the mirror.

    Regardless of whether you are pregnant or not, there are many considerations to keep in mind regarding exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Exposure to too much sunlight and UVR can age your skin prematurely (causing wrinkles and age spots) and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

    Even without tanning, some pregnant women experience something commonly known as “the mask of pregnancy” or Chloasma, which appears as irregular brown patches on the face. This is caused by increased pigmentation due to hormones which rise during pregnancy. Sun exposure and tanning increases the risk that it will appear. If you have already developed Chloasma, using tanning beds or basking in the sun can make your skin produce even darker pigmentation, intensifying those unsightly dark patches. To avoid Chloasma, sun block and shade are your best bets.

    Tanning Beds

    All that said, in pregnancy tanning inside with a tanning bed is just as safe as tanning outside in the direct sunlight. Although the rays emitted by the bulbs in tanning beds can be as dangerous as the rays of the sun to skin tissues, those rays don’t penetrate far enough into the body to harm a developing baby. Even though there is no evidence that the UV light used in tanning beds reach the baby, there is still some controversy about tanning during pregnancy. Many doctors and midwives advise against using tanning beds (also exposure to the natural sun), while others recommend they be used with caution.

    Anything that will raise your core body temperature, such as hot tubs, saunas and tanning beds can be harmful to your unborn baby, including general over-exposure to the sun. Overheating (also called hyperthermia), particularly during the first trimester, can result in developmental damage to your baby, including spinal malformations. In addition, some studies have found a possible link between UV rays and folic acid deficiency, which is especially critical during the first trimester of pregnancy. Folic acid is responsible for preventing neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. In addition, the heat produced from indoor as well as outdoor tanning can affect breast milk production because of the loss of fluids through perspiration.

    Tanning Precautions

    If you still feel that you must tan, there are some very important precautions you should follow. If you are going to use a tanning bed, consider shorter durations to prevent overheating, as well as burning. During pregnancy, your skin’s sensitivity to burning may be increased, so you should start with short sessions until your body is tanned. Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids to prevent light-headedness and dehydration, whether indoors or outdoors. If you are using a tanning bed, make sure there is adequate ventilation in the tanning room and if you get uncomfortable or start to feel too warm, then get out, whether your session is over or not.

    Self-tanning products such as lotions, foams and creams may be safer to use to acquire that Summer glow, but some doctors and midwives recommend avoiding them also. Many creams and lotions are absorbed through the skin, and may even cross through the placenta to the baby. The main concern is whether the active ingredient in self-tanning products, dihydorxyacetone (DHA) is able to penetrate the skin. Studies do not confirm that it can, but some doctors and midwives encourage women to wait until after the first trimester, just to play it safe. Check with your doctor or midwife for the latest research about tanning during pregnancy and also before using any type of self-tanning products. A tanning bed while pregnant may or may not be a good idea.

  • Pregnancy Tanning

    Pregnancy Tanning

    tanning-pregnancyIf you are pregnant, you may be wondering if tanning during pregnancy is safe for your unborn baby. You may dread the thought of looking pale especially if you are used to seeing a sun glow when you look in the mirror.

    Regardless of whether you are pregnant or not, there are many considerations to keep in mind regarding exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Exposure to too much sunlight and UVR can age your skin prematurely (causing wrinkles and age spots) and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

    Even without tanning, some pregnant women experience something commonly known as “the mask of pregnancy” or Chloasma, which appears as irregular brown patches on the face. This is caused by increased pigmentation due to hormones which rise during pregnancy. Sun exposure and tanning increases the risk that it will appear. If you have already developed Chloasma, using tanning beds or basking in the sun can make your skin produce even darker pigmentation, intensifying those unsightly dark patches. To avoid Chloasma, sun block and shade are your best bets.

    Tanning Beds

    All that said, in pregnancy tanning inside with a tanning bed is just as safe as tanning outside in the direct sunlight. Although the rays emitted by the bulbs in tanning beds can be as dangerous as the rays of the sun to skin tissues, those rays don’t penetrate far enough into the body to harm a developing baby. Even though there is no evidence that the UV light used in tanning beds reach the baby, there is still some controversy about tanning during pregnancy. Many doctors and midwives advise against using tanning beds (also exposure to the natural sun), while others recommend they be used with caution.

    Anything that will raise your core body temperature, such as hot tubs, saunas and tanning beds can be harmful to your unborn baby, including general over-exposure to the sun. Overheating (also called hyperthermia), particularly during the first trimester, can result in developmental damage to your baby, including spinal malformations. In addition, some studies have found a possible link between UV rays and folic acid deficiency, which is especially critical during the first trimester of pregnancy. Folic acid is responsible for preventing neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. In addition, the heat produced from indoor as well as outdoor tanning can affect breast milk production because of the loss of fluids through perspiration.

    Tanning Precautions

    If you still feel that you must tan, there are some very important precautions you should follow. If you are going to use a tanning bed, consider shorter durations to prevent overheating, as well as burning. During pregnancy, your skin’s sensitivity to burning may be increased, so you should start with short sessions until your body is tanned. Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids to prevent light-headedness and dehydration, whether indoors or outdoors. If you are using a tanning bed, make sure there is adequate ventilation in the tanning room and if you get uncomfortable or start to feel too warm, then get out, whether your session is over or not.

    Self-tanning products such as lotions, foams and creams may be safer to use to acquire that Summer glow, but some doctors and midwives recommend avoiding them also. Many creams and lotions are absorbed through the skin, and may even cross through the placenta to the baby. The main concern is whether the active ingredient in self-tanning products, dihydorxyacetone (DHA) is able to penetrate the skin. Studies do not confirm that it can, but some doctors and midwives encourage women to wait until after the first trimester, just to play it safe. Check with your doctor or midwife for the latest research about tanning during pregnancy and also before using any type of self-tanning products.

  • Pregnancy Answers – FAQs

    Pregnancy Answers – FAQs

    There’s no conclusive evidence that indicates whether or not hair dye is a risk during pregnancy. Generally, pregnant women are advised against using hair dyes while pregnant, or at least during the first trimester when the baby’s organs are being formed and many neurological developments are taking place. Pregnant women are typically advised to stay clear of any chemicals or fumes, so if you choose to dye your hair, make sure you are in a well-ventilated room and always use gloves. Or, to be even more cautious, highlight your hair instead of fully coloring it. This way, the chemicals won’t come in contact with your scalp (because you apply the dye 1/2- 1 inch from your roots) and can’t get into your bloodstream.

    Can You Have Menstrual Periods During Pregnancy?

    Menstrual periods cannot happen during pregnancy. The cycling of your hormones stops because during pregnancy your hormone levels remain high, which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue. There are no major drops in these certain hormones (estrogen and progesterone) which would cause a period to occur. They are continuously produced, preventing the shedding of the uterine lining. Some women may appear to have light periods during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, although the spotting or bleeding is caused by a different factor. Close to one percent of women have some abnormal bleeding early in pregnancy, often mistaken for a period. In half the cases, the bleeding stops and the pregnancy continues with no additional bleeding problems. Likely causes of bleeding in the first trimester include: threatened miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, a subchorionic hemorrhage and polyps on the cervix. Later in pregnancy, bleeding can be caused from placental problems or premature labor. If you experience any bleeding, you should notify your doctor or midwife immediately.

    Can a Few Drinks Before I Knew I Was Pregnant Affect My Baby?

    Don’t be alarmed if you had a drink or two before you found out you were pregnant, because it’s unlikely that it caused harm to your unborn baby, however, it’s very important to stop drinking as soon as you suspect you may be pregnant. No amount of alcohol is proven safe and continued drinking will cause a variety of problems for your baby including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), prematurity, low birth weight, mental retardation and other abnormalities. Be careful for the remainder of your pregnancy and focus on staying as healthy as you can from now on.

    Menstrual Periods, Drinking and Hair Dye
    Cats, Ultrasounds and First Movements
    Fish, Exercising and Sleep
    Sex, Cesarean and Back Labor
    Tanning Beds, Weight Gain and Areola Changes
    Castor Oil, Smaller Shoes and Nesting Instincts
    First Prenatal Visit

  • Pregnancy Nails

    Pregnancy Nails

    pregnancy nailsNails, like just about every other part of a woman’s body tend to change during pregnancy. Many women notice that their fingernails and toenails change sometimes for the better, but sometimes for the worst. Some changes you may like, some you won’t. Every woman is different and most nail changes (or the lack of nail changes) during pregnancy are normal. Nails typically return to normal after delivery or when you stop breastfeeding.

    Due to extra pregnancy hormones (as well as prenatal vitamins and a generally healthier diet), your nails may grow faster, longer in length and become stronger when you are expecting. On the downside, some women experience softer, brittle pregnancy nails that peel, split and break more easily and sometimes develop rough surfaces.

    If your nails split and tear more easily when you’re pregnant, keep them short and well-trimmed. Nails should be cut straight across and rounded slightly at the tip for maximum strength. If you’ve always loved your long nails, it may help to remind yourself that shorter nails make it easier to care for and caress the sensitive skin of your baby.

    Avoid the chemicals in nail polish and nail polish remover. Using nail polish may damage your nails and make them much worse. A recent study has shown that certain chemicals that are commonly found in nail polish and removers (such as methyl methacrylate and acetonitrile) are dangerous and can cause numerous health problems including skin irritation, rashes and even poisoning. Not all nail polish and polish removers contains these harmful chemicals; you can find some that contain only natural ingredients and are biodegradable. Another downside to polish is that it prevents your nails from breathing. If you must use an acetone-containing polish remover, be sure to do your nails outside or at least in a well-ventilated room, because of the harmful fumes.

    The single most important thing you can do for your nails is to eat right and take your prenatal vitamins every day. Taking a good-quality, prenatal vitamin supplement is wonderful for the nails because they have such a high-nutrient density. Protein is the key nutrient needed for encouraging nail growth; a handful of almonds or cashews daily are excellent providers.

    Other things you can do to protect your nails are: wear rubber gloves when washing dishes (or anytime you’re working with water), gardening and when working with detergents or cleansers, moisturize your nails by applying lotion or cream at bedtime and avoid chemical-based cuticle softeners, instead use natural oils such as emu oil. Also, never remove your cuticle, because it may allow a painful and unsightly infection to develop. If your nails are yellow or discolored, soak them for a few minutes in pure lemon juice (wait for cuts to heal, otherwise the juice will sting), followed by a soak in olive oil. If you notice any swelling or pain associated with your nail changes, report it to your doctor, midwife or dermatologist.

  • SIDS Questions

    With regard to SIDs, is there a risk of choking when my baby sleeps on his or her back?

    Not usually, babies automatically swallow or cough up fluids. Doctors have found no increase in choking or other problems in babies sleeping on their backs.

    What about side sleeping?

    To keep your baby safest when he or she is sleeping, always use the back sleep position rather than the side position. Babies who sleep on their sides can roll onto their stomachs. A baby sleeping on his or her stomach is at greater risk of SIDS.

    Some infants may have health conditions that require them to sleep on their stomachs such as reflux.

    If you are unsure about the best sleep position for your baby, be sure to talk to your doctor or nurse.

    Some products claim to be designed to keep a baby in one position. These products have not been tested for safety and are NOT recommended.

    Are there times when my baby can be on his or her stomach?

    Yes, place your baby on his or her stomach for “tummy time,” when he or she is awake and someone is watching. When the baby is awake, tummy time is good because it helps your baby’s neck and shoulder muscles get stronger.

    Will my baby get “flat spots” on his or her head from back sleeping?

    For the most part, flat spots on the back of the baby’s head go away a few months after the baby learns to sit up. Tummy time, when your baby is awake, is one way to reduce flat spots. Another way is to change the direction you place your baby down to sleep. Doing this means the baby is not always sleeping on the same side of his or her head. If you think your baby has a more serious problem, talk to your doctor or nurse.

    What other things can I do to keep my baby healthy?

    • Eat the right foods if you are nursing.
    • Get frequent check-ups with your doctor or nurse.
    • Breastfeed your baby.
    • Take your baby for scheduled well-baby check-ups.
    • Make sure your baby gets his or her shots on time.
    • Enjoy your baby!