Pregnancy Lounge

Tag: early

  • Signs of Labor

    It’s not known what brings labor on, but it’s believed that hormones such as prostaglandins stimulate uterine activity and trigger oxytocin release, softening and thinning the cervix. Your body goes through a series of changes when it’s preparing for labor. Although the signs vary from woman to woman (as well as from pregnancy to pregnancy), once your labor has begun, the strong, painful contractions will ultimately give you a clue that it’s time for your little one to be born.

    At first, especially if this is your first pregnancy, you may not know the difference between true labor and false labor signs, making you unsure of what exactly you are experiencing. Becoming familiar in advance with the signs of labor will help you to distinguish the difference when the time comes. If you think you may be going into labor, don’t feel embarrassed to call your doctor or midwife to ask questions, no matter what time of day or night, or go to the hospital.

    Diarrhea, Nausea, Increased Energy

    Labor can start out with signs as simple as experiencing frequent diarrhea and nausea/upset stomach. Some women find themselves suddenly flooded with energy, when the nesting instinct kicks in full-force. Lower back pain and abdominal cramping aren’t uncommon either.

    Rupture of Membranes

    If you’re water breaks, that’s a definite sign that your time is drawing near of holding your little one. When your membranes rupture, it can feel like a little trickle or a big gush of fluid. This is the amniotic fluid that has surrounded your baby in the amniotic sac for nine months. Many times, your water won’t break until later stages of labor, or may even have to be broken manually by your doctor or midwife at the hospital. If you think your water has broken, call your doctor or midwife, because they will most likely want you to come to the hospital. The longer between when your water breaks and when delivery occurs, the greater chance of infection. Use a towel or pad to make you feel more comfortable, never use tampons while pregnant.

    Loss of Mucus Plug

    You may experience the loss of your mucus plug or “blood show” at the onset of labor, although it can occur as early as 2-3 weeks before delivery. This mucus-like discharge may be thick, bloody and stringy. This “plug” is the barrier that seals the opening of your cervix throughout pregnancy, preventing infection. Sometimes it dislodges as your cervix begins to thin and dilate (open). Make sure to let your doctor or midwife know if this happens, especially if it’s heavy and bright red, which could indicate something serious.

    Contractions

    Labor contractions start out similar to Braxton-Hicks contractions, beginning mild and relatively painless. But unlike Braxton-Hicks, they progressively get stronger and longer in duration. Also, true labor contractions will not let up by changing positions or resting, which false labor contractions tend to do. They continue and don’t go away, no matter what you do, they may even get stronger and intensify with activity. When you are really in labor, your contractions gradually become more regular and typically develop a pattern. They commonly begin in your lower back and radiate forward, like waves. False labor contractions are usually just centered in your abdomen and stay there. Your abdomen will feel very hard (usually much harder than Braxton-Hicks), like a basketball during these contractions, which you can feel by placing your hand on your belly. And unlike false labor contractions, real contractions will dilate and efface your cervix.

    Back to Labor Stages

  • More on Episiotomies (continued)

    Many recent studies have shown that routine episiotomies shouldn’t be performed, because they are not helpful to the majority of women, although there are certain circumstances when they are needed. Having an episiotomy can increase pain during the postpartum period, leading to a longer recovery time. In addition, women who have episiotomies may have weaker pelvic floor muscles as well as more pain when resuming intercourse postpartum.

    Episiotomy rates have declined over the years, but the number still remains high. Despite all the evidence against routine episiotomy use, close to 50- 80% of first time moms end up with an episiotomy in the U.S. The majority of women having them done are young white women, who have private insurance, according to a recent study.

    There are a few situations when an episiotomy may be medically necessary. If there is a sign that your baby is in distress while in the birth canal, such as slowing of your baby’s heart rate, an episiotomy may be unavoidable for the sake of your baby’s well-being. If your baby’s shoulders get stuck, if your baby has a very large head that cannot fit through the vaginal opening or if delivery happens too quickly for the skin of your perineum to stretch naturally, you may need an episiotomy.

    Perineal message helps reduce the chance of tearing during birth and the need for an episiotomy. It can make the perineum more flexible and increase elasticity, in preparation for birth. It’s a good idea to start doing perineal massage around the 34th week of pregnancy or before. To perform perineal massage, wash your hands thoroughly (or your partner). Place K-Y jelly, vitamin E oil or another mild lubricant on one or two fingers and gently stretch the lower part of the vagina until you feel a slight burning sensation. Hold the pressure steady for about 2 minutes or so. Repeat this daily for about 8-10 minutes.

    Warm compresses during labor (especially during the pushing stage) encourage the stretching and relaxing of the perineum. Make sure they are only warm, but not hot, which can cause some swelling. Positioning during labor and birth may contribute to whether you need an episiotomy or not. Squatting can help reduce tearing. Avoid laying directly on your back, if possible and keep changing positions if you can. Talk to your doctor or midwife early about your feelings regarding episiotomies, especially if you wish to avoid one.

  • Episiotomy

    A small incision during delivery is an episiotomy. Right before your baby’s head emerges during delivery, in the pushing stage of labor, you may be given an injection of local anesthetic and your doctor or midwife may make a small incision in the skin between your vagina and anus (your perineum). This is called an episiotomy. An episiotomy is usually a second degree cut in both the skin and muscle of your perineum made for the purpose of enlarging your vaginal opening to assist in delivering your baby. The incision is closed with stitches after your baby and the placenta have been delivered. It is one of the most common medical procedures performed on women and also one of the most controversial.

    There are two main types of cuts: a midline (the most common), which is a cut directly towards the anus and a mediolateral, which is a diagonal cut toward the side. The most common are second degree and the least common are fourth degree cuts.

    Many doctors believe that an incision heals more easily than a tear. Other claimed benefits of episiotomy include prevention of possible third or fourth degree lacerations, lacerations that reach the anus, incontinence later on, damage to the pelvic floor and injury to the baby, as well as shortening the pushing stage; leading to a quicker delivery. Some doctors say that episiotomies are preferred, because they are simply easier to repair.
    <<click here for the rest of the article on episiotomies.>>

  • Early Pregnancy Symptoms

    Did you know that some women experience pregnancy symptoms as early as one week after conception? This is true however uncommon. Below you will find a list of the earliest pregnancy symptoms:

    First Trimester Symptoms

    • Implantation bleeding or spotting (usually before your period is due)
    • A missed period, a shorter, lighter period
    • Breast tenderness or swelling
    • Tingling, sore nipples, darkening of areola (skin around nipples)
    • Skin changes, breakouts
    • Nausea, vomiting
    • Constipation, flatulence (gas)
    • Frequent urination
    • Fatigue, sleepiness
    • Food cravings, food aversions, appetite loss
    • Moodiness, irritability
    • Backaches
    • Headaches
    • Increased sense of smell
    • Mild lower abdominal cramps, bloating
    • Continuous elevated basal body temperature
    • Dizziness, fainting
    • Sensitive, bleeding, or swollen gums, excessive salivation
    • Heartburn, indigestion
    • Cervical, vaginal changes (tissue color), sensitivity of the cervix

    Read more on Second Trimester Symptoms

  • 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

  • Early Pregnancy Symptoms

    Pregnancy symptoms vary greatly in intensity and duration from one woman to another. They also vary from pregnancy to pregnancy. For most women, a missed period is the first clue of pregnancy, followed by nausea and/or vomiting (morning sickness) and breast tenderness. But if you don’t have regular periods, you’ll have to watch for other symptoms.

    Some women start to notice symptoms within days after conception, while other women’s symptoms may develop over a few weeks. A lucky few may never feel any symptoms or have any discomfort at all. Most pregnancy symptoms occur due to rapid hormonal changes in your body following implantation of the egg in the lining of your uterus.

    Knowing and understanding pregnancy symptoms is important because each symptom may be related to something other than pregnancy, including pre-menstrual symptoms and illness. Early pregnancy symptoms can be confusing and often misleading, either making you believe you are pregnant when you are not, or not pregnant when you are in fact pregnant.

    If you have one (or more) pregnancy symptom and suspect you may be pregnant, the next step is to take a home pregnancy test or better yet, have a blood test done at your doctor’s office. Most home pregnancy tests can be taken about 10-14 days after conception or the day following when you expected your period. Blood tests can usually detect if you are pregnant even sooner.

    Earliest Pregnancy Symptoms (first trimester):

    • Implantation bleeding or spotting (usually before your period is due)
    • A missed period, a shorter, lighter period
    • Breast tenderness or swelling
    • Tingling, sore nipples, darkening of areola (skin around nipples)
    • Skin changes, breakouts
    • Nausea, vomiting
    • Constipation, flatulence (gas)
    • Frequent urination
    • Fatigue, sleepiness
    • Food cravings, food aversions, appetite loss
    • Moodiness, irritability
    • Backaches
    • Headaches
    • Increased sense of smell
    • Mild lower abdominal cramps, bloating
    • Continuous elevated basal body temperature
    • Dizziness, fainting
    • Sensitive, bleeding, or swollen gums, excessive salivation
    • Heartburn, indigestion
    • Cervical, vaginal changes (tissue color), sensitivity of the cervix

    Later Pregnancy Symptoms:

    • Weight gain
    • Mild edema (swelling of ankles, hands, feet, and face)
    • White vaginal discharge (leukorrhea)
    • Increased appetite
    • Quickening (earliest fetal movement)
    • Nasal congestion and ear stuffiness, occasional nose bleeds
    • Expanding waistline
    • Abdominal achiness
    • Visible veins, varicose veins
    • Trouble sleeping
    • Breast enlargement
    • Hemorrhoids
    • Leg cramps
    • Dark line down abdomen (linea nigra)
    • Itchy, dry abdomen
  • Pregnancy Headaches

    Pregnancy Headaches

    Headaches while pregnant are common and begin at about the 6th week. A quick nap can help prevent headaches while pregnant. Preeclampsia or toxemia can begin with headache and can be dangerous to a pregnant woman. If you are pregnant and get headaches that don’t go away when resting, check with your doctor and make sure you share that information with him at your next visit.

    Spotting

    Spotting is common in early pregnancy. Some women report what seems to be a short light period before the onset of other symptoms. This may be implantation bleeding and not a menstrual period at all (when the egg implants itself into the lining of the uterus). If you are pregnant and you experience spotting check in with your doctor as spotting is also an indicator of miscarriage.

    Light Headedness

    Some pregnant women experience actual fainting and light headedness during early pregnancy.

    Constipation

    Hormonal changes can affect the digestive system and cause constipation. Drinking plenty of water and exercising can help. A pregnant woman should ask her doctor for recommended exercises while pregnant.

    Heartburn

    Heartburn in pregnancy can be symptom in months 1-9. In months 1-4, heartburn is caused by hormonal changes. In months 5-9, the baby can cause pressure on a pregnant woman’s organs. Eating frequent smaller meals and remaining in an upright position at least an hour after eating can help.

    more Pregnancy Symptoms

  • Early Pregnancy Symptoms

    Pregnancy Symptoms can be confusing at times since tender breasts can indicate early pregnancy. It can also be a sign of an expected menstrual period. A missed period is usually an early sign of pregnancy, but can also be skipped after a stressful time in one’s life. Putting symptoms together and taking a home pregnancy test can help to put this confusion to rest.

    Missed Menstrual Period

    One of the first pregnancy symptoms is usually a missed or late menstrual period and is the first indicator that a woman is pregnant, although some women claim to know they are pregnant before they miss a period.

    Tender Breasts

    Tender swollen breasts are another one of the early symptoms. While tender breasts are a symptom of an impending menstrual period, enlarged breasts are not. Sore and swollen breasts with a tingling sensation can be an early indicator that a woman is pregnant.

    Nausea and Morning Sickness

    Nausea associated with morning sickness can be a tell tell sign that a woman is pregnant. Many women suggest that they’ve had nausea up to two weeks before an expected menstrual period and before any other symptom. Eating crackers before getting out of the bed in the morning can help with morning sickness and eating several smaller meals instead of larger meals can help with nausea related to morning sickness.

    Fatigue in Pregnancy

    Extreme fatigue can be another indicator of pregnancy, especially if other symptoms are present. One or two naps per day can help a pregnant woman maintain normal daily activities.

    Frequent Urination

    Frequent urination in pregnancy usually occurs between 6 to 8 weeks after conception.

    Read next five Early Pregnancy Symptoms

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