Pregnancy Lounge

Tag: expecting

  • Celebrity Pregnancy Rumors – Is Beyonce Pregnant

    Celebrity Pregnancy Rumors – Is Beyonce Pregnant

    pregnancy-beyonceAlthought several sources close to Beyonce’  had released statements saying that the singer and husband Jay-Z are indeed expecting another baby, it is not true.

    Several tabloids have been reporting the news since last week that the power couple are expecting, but Beyonce and Jay-Z had remained tight-lipped about their ever-growing family.  These rumors aren’t really all that unusual since Beyonce has been pregnant every other month for years according to the tabloids. Shouldn’t she have given birth to several children by now?

    Beyonce isn’t the only one prone to pregnancy rumors, repeatedly. I don’t know how many times I’ve read that Jennifer Aniston was pregnant.  In fact, she did a comedic pretend pregnancy commercial for Smart Water where she was expecting triplets.  I can’t imagine it but expect those reports to increase given her upcoming marriage to Justin Theroux which may be on hold given Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are said to be planning to tie the knot this summer.

    Speaking of Angelina. She has also had her fair share of pregnancy rumors. Seems I read one not that long ago.  It’s kind of hard to be pregnant and go through breast surgery and reconstruction.  Don’t you think?

    Brad and Angelina said that they will marry sooner rather than later since their children keep asking them for a wedding date. No date has been announced as of yet since Brad is in the process of filming “World War Z “and his schedule is crazy right right now.

    The couple got engaged in 2012 after Brad gave Angelina a $500,000 engagement ring. Now that’s a ring! Again, at that time they said their wedding would be soon.  I expect an announcement will be pretty soon.  Seems they are in the news a bunch right now.  They are on a roll.

    Update:  They did it!  Brad and Angelina finally tied the knot.

  • Pregnancy Illness

    It is bad enough being sick when you’re not pregnant, but when illnesses such as colds, the flu, virus’ and sometimes food poisoning occur during pregnancy, they can make you feel absolutely miserable. It’s rare for a woman to go through 9 months of pregnancy without coming down with some type of illness at least once.

    Boost Your Immune System

    Your immune system is affected during pregnancy, which can make you more vulnerable to infections, such as coughs, colds and the flu, as well as make your symptoms persist longer than usual. You can boost your immune system by eating a healthy well-balanced diet including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, which contain certain antioxidant vitamins, including vitamin C. These help to fight infections and may help keep you from getting sick in the first place. Also, make sure you are taking your prenatal vitamins daily. Since prevention is so important, staying away from people who are sick may be your best bet for staying well.

    To help alleviate some of the discomforts that can accompany colds or the flu, drink plenty of fluids to maintain your nutritional intake (most important if you have diarrhea or are vomiting). Water, chicken broth, fresh juice, warm tea, jello, and even popsicles are all good options. Freshly squeezed juice is better than juice from concentrate, since it contains more vitamins, minerals and enzymes, as well as less sugar. Herbal teas may be helpful, especially ginger, Echinacea and peppermint. It is best to speak with your doctor or midwife before taking any herbs, because some may be harmful during pregnancy. A drink made up of hot water, honey and lemon may soothe a sore throat, as well as gargling with a warm salt water solution.

    If your nasal passages are dry, help moisten them by using a steam vaporizer or a humidifier. You can have one going in your bedroom, close to your face when you sleep at night. During the day, you can make a tent out of a towel draped over your head and stay underneath it for 15 minutes, three or four times a day. If you don’t have a humidifier, you can also use a pan of steaming water. Saline drops or saline nasal sprays (found at most drugstores) can help, if you are bothered by nasal stuffiness. A warm shower may be an even better way to clear mucus out, if you are congested (besides being relaxing!).

    Sleep helps the body to heal itself. Rest as much as possible when you’re coming down with the flu or a cold. If you have trouble with nasal symptoms, sleep in a recliner or elevate your head with lots of pillows, so you are in a semi-upright position. Also, you might try rubbing a mentholated product on your chest, following the directions on the package carefully.

    Dealing with Fevers

    If you have a fever, you should carefully monitor your temperature by taking it twice a day and if it rises to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, contact your doctor or midwife. You should also call, if you begin to cough up green or yellow mucus, experience a severe sore throat, if your symptoms last for more than a week or if you’re worried about certain symptoms that seem unusual.

    The good news is that while a cold can make you quite miserable, it poses no special risks during pregnancy. The flu, however, can be more serious in pregnant women and may sometimes lead to pneumonia. Since flu shots are safe for both you and baby, it’s wise to get one during flu season if you’re past the first trimester. Sometimes medications are necessary, but you should never take over-the-counter cough or cold remedies without checking with your doctor or midwife beforehand, since some contain substances that may be harmful in pregnancy, including alcohol.

  • Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy

    A common discomfort in pregnancy is hemorrhoids. You may experience hemorrhoids when blood flow increases and your growing uterus puts pressure on your rectum and perineum. Hemorrhoids are basically enlarged (varicose) veins in the rectal area that can become worse late in pregnancy and may even bleed slightly. Sometimes they are caused by straining because of constipation.

    Try to avoid constipation by drinking plenty of water and making sure you have enough fiber in your diet.  This will help you prevent hemorrhoids due to constipation.

    Warm sitz baths may bring some relief, as well as ice packs (or witch hazel pads, cooled in the refrigerator) if they become very uncomfortable.  Hemorrhoids occur the most in the third trimester although they can present themselves at anytime when constipated.  Hemorrhoids can be extremely painful.

    More Pregnancy Discomforts

    –Backaches
    –Breast Discomfort
    –Braxton Hicks Contractions
    –Constipation
    –Dizziness and Fainting
    –Fatigue
    –Hand Numbness
    –Headaches
    –Heartburn and Indigestion
    –Hemorrhoids
    –Increased Discharge
    –Itchy Abdomen
    –Leg Cramps
    –Nausea and Morning Sickness
    –Overheating
    –Pelvic Pressure
    –Sleep Trouble
    –Swelling
    –Urinary Problems
    –Varicose Veins

  • Heartburn and Indigestion

    When stomach muscles relax due to increased levels of pregnancy hormones, indigestion and heartburn can occur.  Another reason for heartburn is that your uterus puts pressure on your stomach in the last half of pregnancy.  You may experience a burning sensation close to your heart, as stomach acid irritates the lining of your esophagus.

    Remedies for Heartburn

    To help avoid heartburn, avoid spicy, greasy and fried foods and eat smaller meals, chewing your food slowly and thoroughly. Don’t lay down right after eating a meal and it most likely will help to sleep at night with your head slightly elevated by extra pillows. Don’t take any antacids without consulting with your doctor or midwife beforehand.

    More Pregnancy Discomforts

    –Backaches
    –Breast Discomfort
    –Braxton Hicks Contractions
    –Constipation
    –Dizziness and Fainting
    –Fatigue
    –Hand Numbness
    –Headaches
    –Heartburn and Indigestion
    –Hemorrhoids
    –Increased Discharge
    –Itchy Abdomen
    –Leg Cramps
    –Nausea and Morning Sickness
    –Overheating
    –Pelvic Pressure
    –Sleep Trouble
    –Swelling
    –Urinary Problems
    –Varicose Veins

  • Pregnancy Headaches

    When a combination of common hormonal changes, fatigue and also stress put a strain on your body during pregnancy, you may experience headaches, especially during the first trimester. Relaxation, meditation and yoga may help, if your discomfort is caused by a tension headache. Proper nutrition, along with frequent meals can help you avoid hunger headaches that are triggered by low blood sugar. Stay away from smoky, unventilated rooms and get plenty of fresh air. A walk outside maybe just what you need. Also, keeping up your fluid intake can be very useful in alleviating headache symptoms. Don’t take any pain medications without being directed by your doctor or midwife.

    More Pregnancy Discomforts

    –Backaches
    –Breast Discomfort
    –Braxton Hicks Contractions
    –Constipation
    –Dizziness and Fainting
    –Fatigue
    –Hand Numbness
    –Headaches
    –Heartburn and Indigestion
    –Hemorrhoids
    –Increased Discharge
    –Itchy Abdomen
    –Leg Cramps
    –Nausea and Morning Sickness
    –Overheating
    –Pelvic Pressure
    –Sleep Trouble
    –Swelling
    –Urinary Problems
    –Varicose Veins

  • Hand Numbness in Pregnancy

    When swelling occurs in the nerves in your wrists, it can lead to a condition called Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, which can cause pain and numbness in your hands. The discomfort can be worse at night, so avoid laying on your hands when you sleep and if you wake up in pain, hang your hand over the side of your bed and shake it. If it becomes severe, you may need to wear a splint on your wrists to ease numbness.

    More Pregnancy Discomforts

    –Backaches
    –Breast Discomfort
    –Braxton Hicks Contractions
    –    Constipation
    –Dizziness and Fainting
    –Fatigue
    –Hand Numbness
    –Headaches
    –Heartburn and Indigestion
    –Hemorrhoids
    –Increased Discharge
    –Itchy Abdomen
    –Leg Cramps
    –Nausea and Morning Sickness
    –Overheating
    –Pelvic Pressure
    –Sleep Trouble
    –Swelling
    –Urinary Problems
    –Varicose Veins

  • Pregnant Week 7

    Pregnant Week 7

    This week of pregnancy your baby is about 1/3 of an inch in length now (crown-to-rump) and continuing to develop and grow very rapidly. Facial characteristics are now forming, with the beginnings of eyes, ears and nostrils. The upper and lower jaws and mouth are forming and the detail of your baby’s lips, tongue and teeth buds may now be visible.

    The lenses of your tiny baby’s eyes are also developing this week. Your baby’s brain and head are growing, along with the intestines, pituitary gland and pancreas. The leg and arm buds have grown and resemble paddles.

    Your baby’s heart is now made up of four chambers and pumping blood at about 150 beats per minute, which may be detected on ultrasound.

    You are still probably not ‘showing’ yet, although you may have gained or lost (if you’ve been bothered by morning sickness) a few pounds at this point, but you are most likely about the same as pre-pregnancy. Even though changes in you are happening much more gradually than your baby, don’t worry, those changes will come soon.

    Your breasts and nipples may be more tender or sore than you experience just prior to the beginning of your period, caused by hormonal changes that are associated with pregnancy. They also may be slightly larger and a bit swollen at this point, which is completely normal. In addition, you may notice the areola around your nipples getting darker and the glands elevating.

    << more weeks >>

  • International Travel in Pregnancy

    International Travel in Pregnancy

    If traveling internationally here are some pregnancy tips and guidelines to go by. A pregnant woman may be exposed to infectious diseases, just like any other traveler. If you are pregnant, you must take additional special precautions when planning a trip to a remote area or developing country to protect yourself as well as your unborn baby from disease and illness.

    Plan Your Trip

    Before planning international trips especially, you should weigh the availability of quality medical care by researching medical facilities at your destination. Many remote areas have less than first-class medical facilities and risks of tropical diseases such has malaria (which could have very serious effects on your unborn baby).

    Many vaccines and medications routinely recommended for travel may not be safe in pregnancy or adequately studied in pregnant women. Ideally, you should receive vaccines prior to becoming pregnant. If vaccines are indicated during pregnancy, the risk of exposure and risks to you and your baby from the disease must be weighed against potential risks from the specific vaccines. These are things that need to be discussed with your doctor or midwife.

    When Travel Should be Avoided

    If you have certain medical conditions or a history of problems during pregnancy, travel may need to be avoided. You may be advised not to travel if you have a history of preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes (PROM), miscarriage or an incompetent cervix. If you currently have vaginal bleeding, hypertension, gestational diabetes, severe anemia, placental abnormalities, a multiple pregnancy (carrying twins or more) or if this is your first pregnancy and you are over 35, you may want to choose to stay closer to home, to avoid potential problems.

    Don’t Travel Alone

    Traveling with at least one companion is a good choice, particularly when traveling long distances. Make sure to carry a copy of your prenatal records, including a card specifying your blood type and check to make sure your health insurance is valid while you are abroad (if traveling overseas). In addition, check to see whether the policy will cover delivery, if you go into preterm labor. If you will need prenatal care while you’re away, arrange for this before you leave with your doctor or midwife. Anticipate any complications or potential emergencies that could arise before you travel, to minimize possible threats to your unborn baby and to heighten your enjoyment during your vacation.

  • Pregnancy Travel

    Pregnancy Travel

    pregnancy travelIf you’re going through pregnancy, you may be wondering if it’s safe for you to travel & also what extra precautions you should take during your time away. If you are in good health and you’ve already spoken with your doctor or midwife about possible risks and potential problems that may arise (especially if planning to travel abroad), the decision is all yours.  Pregnancy travel — this may be the last time you’ll have a chance to get away with your partner for a while; just the two of you.

    The safest time for a woman to travel during pregnancy is in the second trimester, preferably month 4 through month 6; when there is the least risk of miscarriage (which would more likely happen prior to 12 weeks) and premature labor (which would be more likely after 28 weeks). Plus, during the second trimester, morning sickness has typically let up; allowing you to feel better and in addition, you are not big enough yet to feel too uncomfortable being out-and-about. Also, check with the airline as some have specific restrictions for pregnant women.

    more on Travel in Pregnancy

    International Travel When Pregnant

  • Pregnancy Stretch Marks and Skin

    Pregnancy Stretch Marks and Skin

    In pregnancy, your skin may begin to change right before your eyes. These changes are a very common and usually an expected part of pregnancy, although not every woman will experience all the same skin changes. Most skin changes during pregnancy can be blamed on the effects of various hormones. These ever-fluctuating pregnancy hormones can do some strange things to your skin, but most changes are not permanent and they tend to disappear within a few months after you give birth, although they generally come back in subsequent pregnancies. Except for affecting your appearance cosmetically, most common skin changes don’t harm you or your unborn baby in any way.

    Pregnancy Stretch Marks

    Stretch marks. We’ve all heard of them and we’ve all hoped they wouldn’t strike us during pregnancy, but the fact is 50- 90% of pregnant women are affected by them to some extent. Most appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips and thighs during the second and third trimesters. Keep your weight gain within the recommended range, apply a nourishing lotion to your stretching skin daily to keep it well moisturized and eat a sensible, well-balanced diet, as well as drink plenty of water to help keep your skin as healthy as possible.

    Pregnancy Glow

    One of the few desirable changes that may occur to your skin during pregnancy is often called, “the glow of pregnancy”. Friends and family (and complete strangers) may comment on it, while you may not even notice the difference. Hormonal changes and increased blood circulation tend to make your oil glands work overtime, causing your face to appear shinier than normal, as well as make your cheeks look rosier.

    Skin and Hormones

    There are a few less desirable skin changes you can expect during pregnancy. Hormonal changes are also responsible for the unwelcome and very aggravating change of pimple outbreaks (those oil glands working overtime). However, depending on your hormones and skin condition, you may not suffer from this problem at all. Occasionally, long-term acne conditions may actually clear up during pregnancy, if you are lucky. If you become bothered with acne breakouts, keep a strict cleansing routine, by washing your face twice a day (more often can lead to dry skin) with a mild over-the-counter cleanser. Stay away from medicated acne creams or scrubs, without checking with your doctor or midwife first, because some may contain substances that are not recommended for pregnant women.

    Skin Itching in Pregnancy

    Itchiness and dryness is a common problem during pregnancy, particularly in relation to your growing belly and breasts. The skin across your abdomen may become very itchy as it stretches and tightens, as well as your breasts as they enlarge. You may also find that your palms and/or soles are red and itchy, which is likely caused from higher estrogen levels. Try to avoid scratching, which may only aggravate the problem and make it worse. Instead, moisturize with lotion and avoid hot showers and baths (which you should already be avoiding during pregnancy). A warm oatmeal bath may help alleviate some of discomfort, if it becomes unbearable. You can buy pre-mixed oatmeal bath preparations at many drugstores. If you have bothersome itching that doesn’t go away or becomes worse, contact your doctor or midwife to make sure there’s not an underlying medical problem causing your symptoms.

    Rashes

    Sometimes during the last 1-2 months of pregnancy, women experience red, itchy, pimply skin eruptions. This is a common skin condition called “pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy” or PUPPP for short, which occurs in about one in every 150 pregnancies. It usually begins on the abdomen and spreads to the thighs, upper arms and sometimes the buttocks, but thankfully never the face. PUPPP is not harmful to you or your baby and will disappear after you give birth, although it can reappear in subsequent pregnancies, though it generally only appears during first pregnancies. Your doctor or midwife will most likely prescribe a topical anti-itch ointment or possibly an oral medication to help alleviate the intense itchiness.

    Pregnancy Mask

    Sometimes during the second trimester of pregnancy, women develop chloasma or “the mask of pregnancy”. Chloasma generally appears as irregular brown patches on your face. They are most common on the forehead, cheekbones, nose and chin, as a result of increased pigmentation caused by those wonderful pregnancy hormones at work once again. The good news is: they gradually will fade after delivery. There”s not a whole lot you can do to prevent Chloasma, but wearing a good sunscreen and avoiding direct sunlight can help keep your skin from producing even darker pigmentation. Concealing makeup applied to your face can help even out facial tones. If any changes in skin pigmentation are accompanied by pain, tenderness or redness or if you notice any changes in the color or size of a mole, don’t hesitate to let your doctor or midwife know immediately.

    Linea Nigra

    During the last half of pregnancy, you may notice a dark line running down the middle of your belly from the top to the bottom. This is common and is called the “linea nigra”. This line is normally there, but those wacky pregnancy hormones tend to darken this line, making it more noticeable. Thankfully, it will fade back to normal after delivery.

  • 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.

  • 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