Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms: Preconception, Pumping & Parenting Support

MomMed, a leading brand in mother and baby care, proudly announces its grand Mother's Day campaign, set to kick off on May 12th and extend through May 19th, 2024. This anticipated event encompasses a plethora of exciting initiatives, featuring a captivating Giveaway activity across various social media platforms and exclusive Mother's Day promotions.   Just weeks ago, MomMed unveiled its highly-anticipated Mother's Day campaign titled "Tending to Every Mom's Care," coinciding with the debut of its latest product, the Baby Feeding Essentials Set. In addition to this unveiling, MomMed is thrilled to announce a series of engaging Giveaway activities scheduled from May 12th to May 19th on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.   Participants are cordially invited to follow MomMed's official accounts on these platforms and share their most coveted MomMed product along with the reasons behind their selection in the comments section. Lucky winners stand a chance to receive their desired MomMed product as a heartfelt Mother's Day gift. MomMed is committed to selecting three deserving mothers from each platform as Giveaway winners, a gesture of appreciation to its devoted user base through this interactive initiative.   Moreover, alongside the Giveaway Campaign, MomMed will unveil an extensive Mother's Day promotion, highlighting a diverse array of products. Throughout the campaign period, spanning from May 12th to May 19th, all promotional items will be available at discounted prices. Additionally, customers can enjoy an extra 25% discount on top of these already discounted prices by utilizing the promo code "MOMCARE."   Highlighted Products include:   S21 Breast Pump: Offering unparalleled convenience for nursing mothers on the move, the S21 boasts a compact design and advanced features, ensuring hassle-free pumping sessions anytime, anywhere.   Electric Bottle Brush Cleaner Set: Providing a solution to the challenges of bottle cleaning, this innovative set allows mothers to multitask efficiently, ensuring thorough sterilization for the baby's feeding essentials.   Baby Feeding Essentials Set: This carefully curated gift box includes the acclaimed MomMed Baby Spoon Bottle Feeder, recipient of the prestigious 2024 NAPPA Awards, and other essentials, aiming to transform the feeding experience into a joyful journey for both mothers and babies.   Baby Bottle Warmer: Offering nutrient preservation and a strong emphasis on safety and hygiene, this device provides precise settings and a 24-hour constant temperature mode, catering to nocturnal feedings.   S10 Pro Breast Pump: With efficient milk expression capabilities and personalized settings, the S10 Pro is designed for mothers with high pumping needs, featuring a large capacity and extended battery life.   For further information on MomMed's Mother's Day campaign, please visit the official MomMed website and social media accounts.   About MomMed:   MomMed is a trusted brand dedicated to providing innovative solutions for mothers and babies worldwide. With a commitment to quality and excellence, MomMed offers a comprehensive range of products designed to support mothers throughout their journey of nurturing and caring for their little ones.

With Mother's Day fast approaching, MomMed, a prominent baby brand, is set to host a diverse array of Mother's Day activities under the theme "Tending to Every Mom's Care." The highlight of these festivities is the eagerly awaited launch of the MomMed Baby Feeding Essentials Set, designed to bring joy to both mothers and babies. Adding to the anticipation, MomMed is thrilled to announce a collaboration with the esteemed baby apparel brand, PatPat.     The Baby Feeding Essentials Set is a carefully curated collection of baby feeding products, meticulously crafted to enhance the bond between mother and child. At its heart is the award-winning MomMed Baby Spoon Bottle Feeder, distinguished with the prestigious 2024 NAPPA Awards. This recognition underscores the feeder's safety, quality, and design, endorsed by pediatric nurses, educators, and child development experts.   Complementing the feeder are two baby teethers, spoons, and a fresh feeder, all elegantly packaged in a charming pink box. This gift set is the perfect present for any new parent or expectant mother, offering a comprehensive solution to feeding concerns and transforming mealtime into a joyful experience for both mothers and babies.   In addition to the Baby Feeding Essentials Set, MomMed proudly announces a special collaboration with PatPat, renowned for their high-quality products for mothers, babies, and families. This collaboration introduces a limited edition electric bottle brush set.   Unlike manual brushes, MomMed's Electric Bottle Brush features safe silicone heads and an upgraded motor, ensuring efficient cleaning in half the time. This innovative cleaning tool, already a hit with over 9,000 units sold on TikTok within two months of its launch, now comes in a stylish PatPat pink option and includes a Compressed Wood Pulp Sponge, offering mothers more aesthetic choices and a complete cleaning solution with ease and efficiency.   Both the Baby Feeding Essentials Set and the MomMed x PatPat Electric Bottle Brush Set will be available in time for Mother's Day, providing families with high-quality products to celebrate the occasion. For more information, visit the MomMed TikTok Shop or mommed.com.   About MomMed:   We're not just a baby brand; we're your devoted companion in motherhood. Exceptional products for preconception, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and parenting. Elevate your incredible journey with us.

The thought of nourishing two babies at once might seem daunting, but a mother's milk is a phenomenal resource. Your body is capable of producing enough milk to feed multiple babies, and while it may come with its set of challenges, many mothers find breastfeeding twins to be an incredibly rewarding experience. Tandem feeding requires a mix of patience, practice, a touch of strategy, and determination! The logistics of positioning and scheduling may initially require some trial and error, but with time, you'll discover a rhythm that works for you and your twins. Remember that you're not alone. Many mothers have successfully breastfed their twins, and there's a wealth of advice and support available to help you.   Planning and preparing to breastfeed twins Breastfeeding twins brings a set of challenges distinct from nursing a single baby. The possibility of your twins arriving early is higher than with a singleton pregnancy. Premature babies often have a lower birth weight and may require special care initially. Early birth doesn't mean you can't have a successful breastfeeding journey, but it does mean you might need to start differently - possibly by expressing your milk until your babies are strong enough to nurse directly. Breastfeeding twins essentials list To ensure a smooth breastfeeding journey with your twins, having the right gear can make all the difference. Here’s a list of essentials that can support you: A high-quality double electric breast pump: Essential for mothers of twins, a reliable double pump can save time and stimulate milk production effectively. A great tool if your twins are in the NICU or have trouble latching at first. Breastfeeding pillow for twins: A pillow designed for twins can provide the support you need to comfortably nurse both babies at the same time and ensure an effective latch. Comfortable nursing chair: A chair that supports your back and arms can make extended feeding sessions more comfortable. Look for one with enough room to accommodate your twins' breastfeeding pillow. Breast milk storage solutions: With twins, you might find yourself pumping more frequently so it's wise to stock up on breast milk storage bags. Nursing bras and clothing: Invest in comfortable, easily accessible nursing bras and clothes. This will make breastfeeding or pumping, whether at home or on the go, much easier and more discreet. Nipple care products: Nursing twins can be tough on your nipples. Stock up on safe nipple creams to soothe and protect your skin. Beyond assembling your essentials, you need to prepare mentally and physically for the journey ahead. There's no doubt that breast milk is the best nourishment for your babies so start by educating yourself about the nuances of breastfeeding twins. Connect with other twin parents and consider establishing a support network, including healthcare professionals experienced in multiples. As you navigate the early days, remember that preparation, patience, and support are your best tools. Breastfeeding twins is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right mindset and essentials at hand, it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience.   Getting positioned: Holds and techniques for tandem nursing Finding the right position is key to making things go smoothly for you and your babies. Let's explore some of the different positions, holds, and techniques that can make tandem nursing comfortable for your little duo. The football hold The football hold is often a go-to for many mothers of twins. Imagine cradling each baby like a football, tucked under each arm. This hold is particularly helpful for newborns and moms with a C-section wound, as it keeps pressure off your abdomen. To set up the football hold: Place a twin nursing pillow or separate pillows under each baby. Support each baby's head with one hand, and their backs with your forearms. Position the babies' bodies facing you, with their legs pointing towards your back, and latch them onto a breast each. Double-cradle hold For a more laid-back approach, the double-cradle hold has both children in a cradle position across your front. This can be helpful once your babies have more head and neck control. Creating a double cradle: Cross your arms in front of you, or use a large nursing pillow. Each baby rests head-to-elbow on opposite arms. Adjust their bodies so that they each have enough room. Semi-reclining position A common challenge in tandem nursing is adjusting as your babies grow. Initially, a semi-reclining position with pillows behind your back might be easier than sitting upright. As your babies become toddlers, flexibility and adaptability in positioning will be your best allies. Remember, the key is to find what works best for you and your twins. It might take some practice, but with patience, you'll find your rhythm. And don't forget, help from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counselor can be invaluable in mastering tandem nursing.   Establishing your milk supply When you're starting your journey of breastfeeding twins, your top priority is getting your milk supply established. Begin nursing as soon as possible in the early days after birth, as early feeding can seriously benefit your supply. Feeding twins is a demand and supply process – the more you feed, the more milk you produce. In the early weeks, your newborns will need to be breastfed eight to twelve times per day. This frequent nursing will signal your body to ramp up milk production so be prepared for a rigorous schedule. Pumping between feedings can also be a powerful tool to boost your supply. Staying hydrated is key – aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Your diet also plays a role, so focus on nutrient-rich foods. Breastfeeding multiples is definitely time-consuming, but you need to maintain a balanced diet to sustain your breastmilk supply. Make sure you consume nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Your body needs to recover from pregnancy and birth while producing enough milk for two. Sleep might seem like a distant dream, but it’s crucial to grab rest whenever you can. Napping while your twins nap or getting to bed early can make a difference. Adequate rest helps your body recuperate and ensures you can provide the best care for your newborns. Don't overlook the importance of your own well-being. Take some time for self-care, as a happy, healthy mom contributes to a successful breastfeeding experience. Remember, you are capable of providing for your babies, and with patience and persistence, you can establish a strong milk supply.   Mastering the logistics Breastfeeding twins involves coordinating feedings, managing the mother's milk and supply, and ensuring the well-being of your infants and yourself. Proper logistics can make this complex journey smoother. Here's a checklist to help you: Create a sustainable twin nursing and pumping schedule: To maintain healthy milk production, breastfeeding mothers need to breastfeed their twins or pump every 2-3 hours in the early weeks. This frequent nursing signals your body to produce enough breast milk for both babies. During the night, aim for at least one feed to align with your babies' sleep, which also helps sustain milk supply. Consider pumping after morning feedings when milk production tends to be higher. Balancing direct breastfeeding with pumping sessions allows you to have a backup supply and can give you much-needed flexibility. Store and prepare expressed milk safely: When storing breast milk, label each container with the date and time it was expressed. Freshly pumped breast milk can be stored in a clean, sealed container at room temperature for up to four hours, in the refrigerator for up to four days, and deep-frozen for about six months for optimal nutrient retention. Always use the oldest milk first. To prepare, gently thaw the milk in the refrigerator or by placing it in a container of warm water. Never microwave breast milk as it can create hot spots and destroy nutrients. Involve your partner and support system: You don't have to do it alone. Involve your partner and support system in your breastfeeding journey. They can help with burping, changing diapers, managing the babies during pump sessions, or even giving a bottle of expressed milk to one of the twins. This involvement gives you a chance to rest and lets others bond with the babies. Communicate your needs and expectations clearly to family members and healthcare professionals who are part of your support network. Plan for separation from your babies: Outings and appointments are inevitable, especially in the postpartum period, and they require extra planning. Pack a breastfeeding essentials kit in your diaper bag with a portable pump, storage bottles or bags, and a cooler to store expressed milk. Always have a clean area designated for pumping if you're away from home. If you're separated from the babies due to work or other commitments, try to pump around the same times you would typically feed to maintain your supply and comfort.   Overcoming challenges Anticipating the hurdles of breastfeeding twins can help you navigate growth spurts, return to work, combat fatigue, and manage a larger family dynamic can empower you through this journey. Handling growth spurts, engorgement, clogged ducts and mastitis During growth spurts, especially the 3-month mark, your babies may want to feed more often, leading to an increase in your milk supply. To prevent engorgement, feed your first baby on one breast and the second baby on the other, alternating breasts after each feeding. If you experience engorgement or clogged ducts, apply warm compresses before nursing to help the milk flow more freely. Mastitis, an inflammation of breast tissue, requires prompt attention; keep nursing if possible and consult healthcare support for additional guidance. Breastfeeding after returning to work Returning to work doesn't mean you have to stop breastfeeding. Plan ahead by talking to your employer about a private space for pumping and by establishing a pumping routine that mimics your babies' feeding schedule. Store more milk using a good-quality breast pump and label milk storage bags with the date to ensure you use the oldest milk first. Push through exhaustion and ask for help Many mothers of twins face exhaustion from frequent feedings. Ensure you ask for help from your support system and take turns with your partner or a family member for feeding with expressed breast milk when possible. Prioritize sleep whenever the babies are asleep and lean on others to maintain your energy levels.   Care for yourself to care for two As a mother of twins, your well-being is the fuel that keeps the family engine running smoothly. Caring for yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity so you can care for your two little ones. The first six months can be particularly demanding, as newborns need your constant attention. Remember, every mother is unique, just like your twins have different personalities. What works for one baby may not work for another, so listen to your body and do what’s best for you and your babies. The most important thing is to ensure you are well so you can give the best of yourself to your little ones. Embrace this special time with your twins, and take it one feed at a time.   Breastfeeding twins FAQs Is breastfeeding harder with twins? Breastfeeding twins can be challenging as you're feeding two babies. However, with patience and practice, it becomes doubly rewarding. Is it okay to breastfeed twins at the same time? Yes, it’s okay to breastfeed twins simultaneously. Many mothers find positions that work well for feeding two babies, making it efficient and bonding. Can a mother exclusively breastfeed twins? Absolutely, a mother can exclusively breastfeed twins. Establishing breastfeeding in the first few weeks and maintaining milk supply are crucial. When should I stop breastfeeding my twins? The decision to stop breastfeeding twins varies for each mother, often influenced by health visitors' advice and personal preference.

If you’re pregnant and you’ve decided to breastfeed but you’ve never done it before, it can be a little scary and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be this way. The truth is, breastfeeding is much easier than most people realize, even though it does require a little knowledge beforehand. Once you learn a few simple dos and don’ts, you’ll feel like a breastfeeding pro in no time. Why Should You Breastfeed? The truth when it comes to feeding your baby is this: no type of formula will ever duplicate the benefits that your baby gets with breast milk. Breast milk has all of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants the baby needs to grow and thrive, including antibodies that will strengthen their immune system so they are healthier both now and in the future. Breastfed babies tend to have fewer ear infections, upper respiratory problems, colds, and gut problems than bottle-fed babies do. They also have fewer incidents of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as well as tummy problems and childhood leukemia. Regardless of the type of baby formula you use, it is never going to offer the benefits that breast milk does. And if all this wasn’t enough, breast milk is easier for the baby to digest and produces bowel movements that aren’t nearly as malodorous. To be sure, breastfeeding comes out the clear winner in every way when it comes to food for your newborn. Nevertheless, you do need to learn a few breastfeeding tips before getting started, even though they are easier than you think. What to Do First The first thing you should do when breastfeeding is make sure that you’re comfortable. Remember that it can take up to an hour to breastfeed your child, so comfort is a must. If you have a breastfeeding pillow, that makes it much easier. You’ll also want to decide on a position that suits you best. There are several breastfeeding positions available, but the most common one is laying the baby across your chest. When the baby latches on, it’s important that the entire nipple and areola area be in their mouth. One of the most common breastfeeding challenges is sore nipples, but if the baby has the entire area in their mouth and not just the nipple itself, it is much less likely that you’ll have this problem. If you have to break the baby’s suction to adjust their position, place your little finger in between the baby’s gums and the nipple, and try again. It’s also important that you feed the baby off both breasts every time you breastfeed. Naturally, the baby will eat more from the first breast than the second one, but that’s all right. The next time you feed the baby, you’ll want to start with the opposite breast than you did the last time. This way, you won’t suffer with engorged breasts, uneven breasts, or discomfort in just one of the breasts. These things can cause clogged ducts and even an infection, which are miserable. Should I Pump? When it comes to pumping the breasts, some moms do this on a regular basis and store the extra milk, and some moms only pump when their breasts are engorged and uncomfortable. If you’re going to pump, you owe it to yourself to buy an electric pump so that it’s much easier on you. You can store fresh breast milk at room temperature for up to four hours, in the refrigerator for up to four days, and in the freezer for up to six months, although twelve months is acceptable. If you’d like to eventually allow your partner to feed the baby and want the baby to get used to a bottle, don’t introduce the bottle too soon. Babies find it easier to take the bottle than the breast, so if you breastfeed exclusively for at least six weeks before introducing a bottle, it is easier for them to do both. Start with giving them a bottle once a day, then expand it from there. Once the baby is used to both the breast and the bottle, life can become easier for you afterwards. What If You’re Having Problems? Regardless of how prepared you are for breastfeeding, you may eventually run into issues such as sore nipples, breast infections, babies sleeping through a feeding, and more. Fortunately, most of these issues are easy to conquer, especially if you have an excellent breastfeeding support system. If you’re having issues, talk to your doctor, a lactation specialist, or even organizations such as the La Leche League, which has chapters all over the world. The longer you breastfeed, the more comfortable you’ll become with the process. Having challenges along the way isn’t uncommon but in most cases, it doesn’t mean that you’ll have to stop feeding your baby this way. Just seek out some help and you should be good to know. To make it even easier, make sure that you have all the supplies you need, including several nursing bras, bottles to hold pumped breast milk, breast pads to prevent leaking, and of course, a good electric breast pump. Conclusion Breastfeeding is more natural than feeding the baby a bottle, but this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to learn a few tips first. Knowing when, how, and for how long to breastfeed can make the process a lot simpler, and if you do need help along the way, your doctor and organizations such as La Leche League are always there to help.

Taking care of yourself and your baby after childbirth can be a challenge, especially if your birthing plan didn’t go as expected. Postpartum care includes both physical and emotional recovery, but once you know what to expect it can be easier in every way. If you’re feeling a little sad after you get home and you’re wondering if it’s normal, you should know that many women feel a little overwhelmed after giving birth. Knowing when it’s normal and when it’s serious can help you determine what to do about it. What Is Postpartum Depression? There is a difference between having “baby blues” and experiencing true postpartum depression or PPD. Symptoms associated with baby blues include crying, feelings of sadness, and trouble eating or sleeping. They usually go away on their own. PPD, on the other hand, includes symptoms that are more severe and that tend to last a little longer. Some of these symptoms can include: Severe problems associated with sleeping or eating Feelings of extreme sadness and feeling overwhelmed Feeling worthless or guilty Feelings of harming yourself or the baby Difficulty bonding with the baby As you can see, PPD symptoms are different from the symptoms associated with basic baby blues. They are more severe all the way around and last much longer. The most important tip to remember when you’re experiencing these symptoms is to talk to your doctor even if you believe they are minor symptoms. Only a professional is able to ascertain the situation and figure out what to do next. Keep in mind that you may also need medication and therapy if your PPD is bad enough. Can You Get Rid of PPD on Your Own? In most cases, PPD requires either medication, therapy, or both. If you’re interested in seeking help for postpartum depression, you should know that it is nothing to be ashamed of and nothing that should cause you stress. In fact, PPD is not that uncommon and affects a lot of women who have just given birth. While you can’t get rid of it on your own, there are things you can do that can help you feel better, and they include the following: Get as Much Rest as Possible This may seem impossible with a newborn in the house, but if you “sleep when the baby sleeps,” it can help. The more sleep you get, the faster you’ll heal, and not just physically. Even taking a 15- or 30-minute nap throughout the day can provide you with the rest you need, helping you with both physical and psychological healing. Keep in mind that your body has been through a lot, and it needs as much rest as possible right now. Make Time for Socialization with Others Postpartum care can be isolating because it’s easy for you to feel like you’re completely alone. Even if you’re a loner, being alone day after day while taking care of the newest member of your family can be difficult. After you feel better, go ahead and accept invitations for people to come by and see you. Let people close to you come by and help with things such as cleaning and laundry. These types of socialization will do you a lot of good. Exercise When You Can This is another suggestion that can be difficult to do, but even a 10-minute walk up and down the street can help you feel better both physically and emotionally. Naturally, you’ll have to get your doctor’s approval first, especially if you’ve had a C-section, but once you get that approval, some light exercise in the first few weeks after childbirth can be advantageous in numerous ways. Consider Taking Supplements There are numerous supplements that help you heal physically after you give birth, including calcium, vitamin D, and certain fish oils. Look for omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA. Now is definitely not the time for your body to be deficient in vitamins and minerals, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Check with your doctor before taking these supplements, but if they say it’s okay, they can help both physically and emotionally. Eat the Right Foods To heal both physically and psychologically, your diet has to be just right. Eating like you’re still pregnant is a great idea, and make sure that you have lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. These things give your body the nutrients it needs to heal, and keep in mind that eating smaller meals and snacks throughout the day can make it much easier than sticking to just three meals a day. Do Something to Make Yourself Happy A new mom’s life is a very unselfish one, but when you’re going through your postpartum period, it’s crucial that you do something for yourself every once in a while. When you feel up to it, read a book, watch one of your favorite television shows, or take a nice warm bath after you light some candles first. You deserve this time alone, and it’s important that you take it. Conclusion PPD is different from baby blues, but taking good care of yourself and consulting with your doctor if you even think that you have it can make a big difference. When you eat right, exercise, and concentrate on doing things you love, as well as consult with your doctor when you feel the depression may be serious, it won’t be difficult to start feeling much better sooner rather than later.

Childbirth is not fun either physically or emotionally, but as far as the physical changes in your body, they can be the roughest. The first six weeks after childbirth is officially called the postpartum period, and postpartum recovery can indeed be tough. Nevertheless, knowing what to expect and what to do to ease the process can make things a lot easier on you, and that’s what this article is here to do.   Not All Experiences are the Same Just as there are many different types of births, there are also different types of recovery from those births. That being said, there are a few things to remember that apply to most women recovering from childbirth. These include the following: If you’ve had a vaginal birth, it usually takes three weeks for the perineum to heal if you didn’t tear to six weeks or longer if you tore or had an episiotomy If you’ve had a C-section, it can take four to six weeks to feel like you’re “normal” again Bleeding is normal and is heaviest in the first three to ten days; afterwards, it will taper off and will likely cease at around six weeks after the birth As soon as your doctor gives the approval, you should start participating in some light exercise, even if it’s just walking, which helps speed up the healing process If you’ve had an episiotomy or you tore during the delivery, you owe it to yourself to buy yourself a blow-up “donut” or even an extra-soft pillow and place it under you every time you sit down. Taking sitz baths or warm baths without using soap for 20 minutes at a time several times a day can help a lot. If you had a C-section, taking care of your incision is important and involves cleaning it gently several times a day with soap and water and then drying it completely with a soft towel. Although rare, some women bleed extensively or experience large clots of blood as well. If this happens, you should consult with your doctor because even though it’s likely normal, it may be something more serious and only your doctor will know for sure.   How You Can Feel Better Physically and Heal More Quickly In addition to the tips mentioned above, there are other things you can do that make your postpartum care a little easier. One of the most important things is to stay regular, although you should also know that a bit of constipation immediately after childbirth is not that uncommon. If you eat plenty of fiber-rich foods and drink a lot of water, you should be able to have a bowel movement soon after childbirth. If you don’t, ask your doctor about a mild stool softener. You should also never strain when you’re on the toilet. Your first BM will happen soon enough, and straining can cause more pain and slower healing for your episiotomy or C-section incision. Eat four to six smaller meals a day and keep moving in order to get regular and to avoid hemorrhoids, which can be especially painful after childbirth. If you’re experiencing headaches, muscle soreness, or any other type of pain directly related to the birth, check with your doctor about what you can take to ease the pain. Normally, you’ll only be allowed to take either ibuprofen or acetaminophen and nothing stronger, but these medications can be your best friend in the first six weeks after you give birth. Various aches and pains also require certain tools that you can get from most drugstores. These include witch hazel pads if you end up with hemorrhoids, a small tub called a sitz bath, heating pads or ice packs, and a plastic squirt bottle to clean the perineal area before and after you go to the bathroom to help the area heal faster.   Paying Attention to Both Physical and Emotional Stress Of course, healing after childbirth includes both physical pain and sometimes a little postpartum depression. If you get home and you’re experiencing feelings of sadness or frequent bouts of crying, it usually isn’t a cause for concern. It might be a concern, however, if you are feeling extreme sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, worthlessness, feelings of isolation, or feeling like you may want to harm yourself or your child. If this happens, you need to speak to your doctor right away. The main reason why the “baby blues” occur is because you’re usually not getting enough sleep and because your hormone levels have taken a sudden drop. They are also due to the stress involved in adjusting to life with your tiny new family member. Roughly one in seven new moms experiences full-blown postpartum depression, but the right treatment can make a huge difference. In addition to your doctor, there are also organizations specifically devoted to helping women get past their postpartum depression. Keep in mind that you cannot control whether or not you have this type of depression, so it is nothing to be ashamed of because it is not your fault. You should, however, contact your doctor if you are feeling this way.   Conclusion Childbirth is an amazing experience but it comes with a lot of physical and emotional stress. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to make things a little easier in both areas. Resting, eating right, taking certain medications, and taking care of your perineum or your C-section incision can help you feel better sooner rather than later. Also remember to call your doctor immediately if you have any concerns or questions.

If you’ve started or you’re already in your third trimester of pregnancy, nobody has to tell you that the next few months are starting off to be quite uncomfortable. While being uncomfortable is part of going through the last three months of pregnancy, it doesn’t have to be unbearable, especially once you realize there are things you can do about it. If you’re experiencing any type of third-trimester discomforts, keep reading for some very helpful tips.   Common Discomforts During the Third Trimester From aches and pains to sleep problems and so much more, the third trimester of pregnancy can be a real challenge. The thing is that you can help yourself feel much better if you know how, and below are a handful of pregnancy issues that can be remedied easily. Hip or Back Pain Hip or lower back pain during pregnancy is common because at this point, your body is making extra progesterone so your muscles and joints can relax enough to accommodate the uterus, which is growing quite a bit. Unfortunately, between this and the fact that your posture often changes due to your growing belly, it can cause you a lot of pain. To relieve hip or back pain, there are two things you can do. First, you can purchase a good pregnancy support belt and wear it all the time. These belts are made for pregnant women and fit over and underneath your belly, and they are perfectly safe to wear. Second, you can place pillows under the hips whenever you sit down, or even sit on an exercise ball whenever you can. Urinating More Frequently Than Usual As if it isn’t hard enough to sleep when you’re pregnant because of the size of your tummy, you may find that you’re getting up to urinate much more frequently when you’re in your third trimester. This usually happens because the baby is often pressing down on your bladder and because the amount of fluids in your body has now doubled over what they were when you weren’t pregnant. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot that you can do about it. You have to stay hydrated, so don’t stop drinking liquids just because you’re peeing a lot. If you like, you can stop drinking liquids after a certain time in the evening, but even this doesn’t always help. This problem is usually something that pregnant women can’t make go away. Edema (Swelling) Swelling in pregnancy is worse during the third trimester and usually affects your lower extremities, such as your feet and ankles, more than the other parts of your body. Most of the swelling is caused by the extra volume of blood produced by the body, most of which pools in your lower limbs. While your hands can also swell, this isn’t as common as your legs, feet, and ankles swelling. The best thing you can do to relieve the swelling is to make sure that you don’t remain on your feet for long periods of time. If you have a job that requires you to be on your feet a lot, try to take a break every few hours and elevate your feet for roughly ten minutes before getting back on your feet again. In fact, even if you’re not required to stand, it’s still a good idea to stay off of your feet as much as possible. Reflux or Tummy Problems Tummy problems during the third trimester of pregnancy can include feeling fuller quicker, and it’s because the bigger your uterus becomes, the more it pushes up against the stomach. In addition, the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach doesn’t work all that great when you’re pregnant, so this can cause you to feel full to the point of discomfort even if you haven’t eaten that much. The main remedy for this is to try to eat five or six smaller meals throughout the day instead of three larger ones. Avoid acidic or spicy foods to avoid acid reflux, and don’t eat for two hours before you go to bed. If the reflux gets too bad or if you’re suffering with it constantly, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor. Restless Leg Syndrome Simply put, restless leg syndrome makes you feel like your legs need to move, which can cause even more sleep problems during pregnancy. To make it even more complicated, no one knows for sure why it happens to pregnant women so often. Having said that, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the feeling of having to move your legs while you’re in bed. First of all, stay hydrated. The more hydrated the muscles are, the more relaxed they’ll be and the less likely you’ll have the urge to move them. Vitamin D and calcium supplements also help, as does a brisk walk or even massaging the legs before you get into bed. Some women have also sworn by ice packs or heat packs, which you can use right before you go to bed.   Conclusion Restless leg syndrome, swelling in the lower part of your body, pain in the hip or back area, tummy or reflux problems, and frequent urination are all very common during the third trimester of pregnancy, but with the exception of having to pee a lot, there are methods you can adopt to make the problems a little less severe. Most of all, being kind to your body and using some common sense can also help a lot.

If you’ve just entered your third trimester of pregnancy, you should congratulate yourself because you’re that much closer to meeting your child. You certainly have a lot to look forward to, but first you have to go through labor and delivery. Now is a time to start preparing for that magical moment, and if you’re wondering what to include in your hospital bag, you’ve come to the right place.   Preparing for the Best Day of Your Life When it comes to labor and delivery preparation, knowing what to put in your hospital bag makes a huge difference. After all, once you get to the hospital, it’ll be too late to run out and buy what you need to make the childbirth experience a little easier. The sooner you can start packing your bag, the less likely you’ll be to forget anything important. And as a general rule, you should prepare to pack a bag for you and a bag for your partner, as well as a smaller one for the baby. As far as basic toiletries go, the hospital will have a lot of them in the room for you, but one of the most important rules when packing for the hospital is to bring as many of your own items as you can if you want to feel comfortable and more at ease during your stay. Of course, if you forget a basic item, the hospital may be able to get one for you, but to make sure that you’ll have what you truly need, especially if you prefer items that belong to you, devising a hospital bag checklist is a great idea.   How to Get Started Once again, the more items you bring from home, the more relaxed you’ll be when you get to the hospital, so this should be the first rule of thumb when deciding what to pack for labor and the rest of your hospital stay. Below are some general tips to remember when packing for labor and delivery.   What to Pack for Mom Moms should always start with a bathrobe, a nightgown (one that opens in the front if you’re going to nurse), slippers, a few pairs of socks with grip on the soles, a pillow, water bottle, any prescriptions that you’re on, and any important documents, such as your insurance card, driver’s license, and any paperwork that your doctor or the hospital asked you to fill out and bring with you. If you’re planning to breastfeed, make sure that you bring your breast pump (the hospital should have one that you can use, but if they don’t have too many and the maternity ward is full, you’ll need your own), nipple cream, breastfeeding pillow, and several nursing bras. You’ll also want to bring along a few items for your entertainment, such as your cell phone, tablet, or a few books to read. Many women remain in labor for a very long time and you’ll need something to do while you’re dilating. Make sure that you also bring your chargers, eyeglasses or contacts, lip balm, a water bottle, and a going-home outfit, as well as a small bag or tote bag to carry home all of the informational documents and other items that they’ll send home with you.   What to Pack for Your Partner Whether your partner is planning to be your coach or they’re just there for emotional support, they should have their own bag. A great place to start is for them to bring their own pillow and blanket, and you’ll understand this tip if you’ve ever been in a hospital or visited someone there. Just like Mom, they’ll also need their own toiletries, medications, pajamas and slippers, something to wear when they go home, and snacks -- lots of them -- because snacks are sometimes hard to come by in the hospital. They might also want to bring earbuds or earphones, books, a tablet, and of course, their cell phone. Once again, the more “at home” you and your partner feel, the better the entire experience will be, so if they can think of anything else that they’d like to put in that bag, they should do so.   What to Pack for the Baby You might want to pack two or even three outfits for your newborn. If the hospital takes newborn photos, you’ll want a separate outfit just for that and you’ll want something to dress them in when you go home. If you have a C-section and end up staying for more than a day or two, you’ll need some onesies, booties, and at least one receiving blanket. You can also bring bottles, a hat, and a pacifier, although many hospitals will have those on hand for you to keep. You should also have your pediatrician’s complete contact information and an approved car safety seat, which you’ll need to set up properly before leaving for the hospital. In most states, it’s illegal for the hospital staff to allow you to go home without the right type of car seat. When it gets close to your due date, you need to talk to your pediatrician and make sure that you get the right car seat and that it’s installed properly.   Conclusion These, of course, are all suggestions, and you are certainly welcome to bring other items in addition to these. If you’re nervous about it, go ahead and make up a list of your own, and do it at the start of your third trimester to make sure that you don’t forget anything.

If you’re in your second trimester of pregnancy and you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, or GD, there is no need to panic. Once you receive the diagnosis, it’s fairly easy to control, and your doctor will help you learn what to do. Roughly 6% to 9% of all pregnant women are diagnosed with GD, and it usually goes away after you give birth. If you’d like to learn more about it, you’ve come to the right place.   What Is Gestational Diabetes? Even if you’re not diabetic before you get pregnant, it can happen to you afterwards. GD normally happens in the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy and is caused by the hormones in the placenta blocking the effect of the insulin produced in the pancreas. As a result, there are high levels of sugar in the blood, known as hyperglycemia, which needs to be managed so that your organs, blood vessels, and nerves do not become damaged. Some women are more at risk for GD than others are. These include women who: Are overweight Are on bed rest Have received a diagnosis of being pre-diabetic Are older Have diabetes in their family Have certain medical conditions Are carrying more than one baby Also, if you’ve had GD in a previous pregnancy, the chances of being diagnosed again with the disorder are higher. GD is not difficult to control, but because it isn’t that uncommon, most doctors regularly screen their pregnant patients for it. One of the reasons for this is that most women have none of the symptoms of the disease. Some women, however, do have the following symptoms: Urinating frequently and in large amounts Extreme thirst that can’t be quenched Fatigue   How GD Is Diagnosed Testing for diabetes during pregnancy is usually done with something called a glucose screening test, sometimes called a glucose tolerance test. There are both one-hour and three-hour tests that involve drinking a sugary orange-flavored drink and then testing your blood sugar an hour or three hours later. They always start with the one-hour test and use the three-hour test as a more detailed test that lets them know for sure if you have the disease. If your diabetes isn’t controlled during the pregnancy, it can cause women to have large babies and therefore need a C-section, stillbirth, or preeclampsia. It can also cause problems for the baby, including some breathing difficulties and even jaundice. In addition, if GD is diagnosed, there is an increased chance that the baby will be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes later in life. To be sure, controlling and managing gestational diabetes is of utmost importance.   Taking Care of Yourself When You Have GD Fortunately, being diagnosed with diabetes when you’re pregnant doesn’t have to change your life completely, although it does require a minor lifestyle change. After being diagnosed with GD, you’ll be required to watch what you eat, test your blood sugar several times a day, and maybe even consult with a dietician. Exercise also helps, but you don’t have to run marathons to manage diabetes. Light to medium exercise on a regular basis is a big help. When you’re pregnant, you’ll be expected to take good care of yourself, which includes exercising, eating the right foods, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco. These same actions can help you control your GD, although you may have to be a little stricter about your diet. Your doctor and a good nutritionist can help, and your OB-GYN may also send you to see an endocrinologist, which is a doctor who specializes in hormones. Oftentimes, if you have GD the hospital will test your baby’s blood immediately after the birth to test for low blood sugar. Low blood sugar is not that uncommon in newborns whose mothers had diabetes while they were pregnant. Fortunately, testing and monitoring your GD and the baby’s health is easier than most people realize and most of the tests are painless. There are other things that might happen if you have GD. For instance, if the doctor knows you have the disease they’ll monitor the baby’s growth a little closer at each of your visits. They’ll encourage you to exercise more and eat not only healthy, but eat the right foods at the right times. Just like when you’re pregnant, GD is easier to control when you eat four to six small meals during the day instead of three large meals.   Conclusion Gestational diabetes (GD) affects 6% to 9% of all pregnant women but goes away after you give birth. Once diagnosed, you’ll be expected to watch what you eat, exercise, and test your blood sugar throughout the day. You may also be required to see a nutritionist or endocrinologist, especially if you’re having trouble managing the disease. Your baby will also be monitored more closely than normal and probably be tested for low blood sugar immediately after you give birth.

Once you get to your second trimester of pregnancy, you’ll likely be over most of your morning sickness and will be feeling a lot better. Your checkups will change a little and will include an ultrasound at some point, which can also be exciting. Having an ultrasound during pregnancy is common and can tell both the doctor and the mother that things are progressing normally. Before that first ultrasound, however, there are some things that you should know.   Preparing for the Ultrasound The second trimester covers week 13 to week 28. Second-trimester ultrasounds are usually conducted in weeks 18 to 20, although it depends on the individual circumstances of the pregnancy. Many women have an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy in the first trimester, and the second-trimester ultrasound is usually done to test for fetal abnormalities. Keep in mind that this second-trimester scan is not able to diagnose everything because just like other medical tests, it has its limitations. In the second trimester, ultrasounds are usually used to check for things such as the condition of the placenta, fetal anatomy, and how much amniotic fluid there is. While it can tell if there’s extra fluid on the brain, called hydrocephalus, even small heart defects may be hard to find. As a general rule, you do not need to prepare for an ultrasound. Your doctor may, however, ask you to drink a lot of water beforehand so the bladder is full, making it easier for them to view what’s on the screen. Ultrasounds are not uncomfortable or painful; in fact, they are usually enjoyable events. Even though the technician is looking for specific things, you can just relax and enjoy looking at pictures of your baby. Is an Ultrasound Safe? While all medical procedures come with some risks, a fetal ultrasound conducted by a licensed sonogram technician is extremely safe. Unlike X-rays, ultrasounds do not use radiation so the procedure is a lot safer than most people realize. Nevertheless, if you have any questions or concerns about the procedure you should consult with your doctor. Ultrasounds have been used in pregnant women for decades so they’ve been around for a while. To be sure, ultrasounds have come a long way since their younger days and now include both 3D and even 4D capability. The pictures are often so clear that many people feel like they’re looking at the real thing. These days, you can easily get photographs of the images on the screen and many doctors are now doing that even for non-medical reasons. While organizations such as the March of Dimes discourage that, many parents and doctors are agreeing to it anyway.   Things to Know About Ultrasounds The more you know about ultrasounds, the better you’ll feel about having one done. It’s best to ask your doctor questions beforehand so you can make an informed decision, and keep in mind that if the ultrasound is done for medical reasons, insurance will usually pay for it. The procedure itself is painless, although you may feel extra full if you’re asked to drink a lot of water beforehand. There may also be some slight pressure if the tech has to press down on your belly. In general, ultrasounds take around 30 minutes to complete, although it might take slightly longer. The ultrasound technicians are well-trained and know exactly what they’re looking for, and they never take long to complete the procedure. Once the ultrasound is complete, the doctor will go over the results with you and answer any questions you may have at that point. In your second trimester, it may be suggested that you have some additional testing done, and this might include: Triple screen test. This is a blood test that tests for three things: A hormone produced by the baby called AFP, a type of estrogen called estriol, and a hormone produced by the placenta called hCG. This is considered an invasive procedure but gives you reliable information on the child’s DNA. A small sample of the amniotic fluid is taken and the baby’s DNA is analyzed to check for any abnormalities. One-hour glucose test. This test is to check for gestational diabetes, which is a type of diabetes that some women get while pregnant. Usually, the diabetes goes away after you give birth. Cell-free fetal DNA test. This is a relatively new test that checks for chromosomal disorders. It is a screening and not a diagnostic test, but it is a good place to start especially for women over the age of 35.   Conclusion The ultrasound you get during the second trimester of pregnancy is nothing to fear or panic over because it is painless. It usually takes around 30 minutes to complete and is mostly used to check the amniotic fluid, placenta, and fetal anatomy. There is no preparation required for an ultrasound and it makes a very good screening tool.

If you’re pregnant and you’re experiencing emotional changes that are affecting your lifestyle and/or your mental health, there is no reason to be ashamed or even concerned. The truth is that pregnancy hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, while needed for a healthy pregnancy, can cause emotional changes that you might not realize could be a part of pregnancy. Once you understand them a little better, it’s easier to figure out what to do about them.   Pregnancy Hormones 101: What to Expect The combination of estrogen and progesterone can cause several negative side effects, including nausea, extreme fatigue, and even mood swings. Many women who always felt in control of their emotions before they got pregnant are surprised that they’re much more emotional once they become pregnant. And it isn’t just mood swings; it’s also crying unexpectedly and being easily irritated or agitated. If you’ve experienced a miscarriage before this pregnancy or you had to go through fertility treatments to get pregnant, your emotional ups and downs might be even more severe than someone who’s never had a miscarriage and got pregnant quickly. The emotions you feel when you’re pregnant can center around logical concerns such as how you’re going to handle your finances after the baby arrives or on irrational concerns and fears. If you’re having problems dealing with your emotional changes during pregnancy, there is no need to worry because there are things that you can do to improve the situation. Let’s take a look at some of them. 1. Find Someone to Talk to About the Situation If you have a best friend or a group of friends you enjoy hanging out with, try to get together with them as often as possible. This allows you to talk about your feelings so you can feel better and cuts down on the isolation that you might be feeling right now. Both of these things can help a lot when you’re dealing with the emotional changes of pregnancy. 2. Take Good Care of Yourself If you eat right, participate in light to medium exercise on a regular basis, and rest as often as possible, you’ll feel better physically, which can help you feel better emotionally as well. Being in good health is necessary for a healthy pregnancy and gives you a simple way to better cope with your emotions. 3. Find Ways to Remain Calm If you are tired of dealing with mood swings during pregnancy, spend some time each day concentrating on staying calm. Suggestions include meditating, listening to calming music, taking long baths, and inhaling essential oils such as lavender, geranium, or Roman chamomile. There are also apps with calming sounds on them that you can download, which are especially useful when you’re trying to go to sleep. 4. Try to Take Things One Day at a Time Pregnancy can cause some tension if you think too far in the future because it makes it easier to worry about things, which isn’t good for you physically or emotionally. If you take one day at a time and concentrate only on the present, you’ll find it easier to cope with the emotions you’re feeling. It is said that most of the things we worry about never happen, which is good to remember when you’re pregnant. 5. Eat a Healthy Diet Eating more natural foods instead of processed foods is not only better for the baby but can also help you feel better emotionally. After all, we are what we eat, and concentrating only on putting healthy food in your body can go a long way in helping you feel better emotionally. In fact, you might be surprised at the results. When to Ask for Help It is not unusual for people to need help with anxiety or depression at some point in their lives, so if it happens to you while you’re pregnant, it is no cause for shame or embarrassment. If you have trouble concentrating, can’t stop crying, feel depressed or sad all the time, or feel overwhelmed -- especially if you feel like you might want to harm yourself -- it is time to get professional help. If you can’t afford it, keep in mind that most cities have free mental health clinics available with excellent therapists who can help you. Simply put, there is no reason to feel this way for very long when there are so many places you can go to for help. A licensed therapist can help more than you know and can get you back to your old self again in no time.   Conclusion Mood swings and extreme emotions are not that uncommon during pregnancy. In most cases, you can improve the situation if you take care of yourself, rest as much as possible, meditate, and concentrate on the here and now instead of the far-away future. You owe it to yourself and to your baby to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally.

The second trimester of pregnancy is often the mom-to-be’s favorite. At this point, you’re likely past the nausea and morning sickness, and the baby isn’t so big that you’re getting uncomfortable. Indeed, many pregnant women love the second trimester because it tends to be the most comfortable one. For most women, this is also where the pregnancy “glow” starts to show, making top-notch pregnancy skincare even more important.   What Happens to the Skin in the Second Trimester? In your second trimester, you may start to notice stretch marks on your belly due to the growing fetus. They may also appear on your breasts and may be red or dark purple in color. Not all pregnant women get stretch marks, but many of them do. There are some OTC oils and lotions that claim to lessen or get rid of these marks, but no study has proven that they are effective. Nevertheless, making sure that your skin is moisturized frequently is very important and can keep away at least some stretch marks. Some of the most common skin challenges in the second trimester include: Skin that is drier, especially on your belly Dark skin spots on the facial area (the “mask” of pregnancy) A dark line in the middle of your belly (linea nigra) Sensitivity to the sun Skin dryness is very common during pregnancy, so now is not the time to forget your moisturizer, and even if you’re not experiencing sun sensitivity, don’t forget the sunscreen, either. Applying sunscreen with a high SPF number is important, and you should do this every day. While having glowing skin during pregnancy is normal and appreciated by most expectant moms, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to take care of your skin. Another problem that you might have with your skin while you’re pregnant is acne. Even if you haven’t had acne since you were a teenager, it can reappear while you’re pregnant. You might also experience other conditions that you’ve had in the past, including eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, among other things. This is nothing to be alarmed about because it’s due to your changing hormones, which means that most of the conditions should disappear after you have your baby.   Will Skincare Products Harm the Baby? Most skincare products on the market have been tested and are safe for pregnant women. Nevertheless, keep in mind that since the products go into your skin and your skin is considered an organ, it’s possible for lotions and other skincare products to get to the fetus. When searching for safe beauty products for pregnancy, it’s best to avoid the following ingredients: Hydroquinone, which is a prescription product used to lighten the skin but which the skin absorbs quickly Formaldehyde, which can increase the risk of miscarriage; look on the label for names such as quaternium-15, bronopol, DMDM hydantoin, hydroxymethylglycinate, or diazolidinyl urea Phthalates, which are not included in many products today but can cause dysfunction in both reproduction and development of babies Salicylic acid in high doses, which include skin peels and certain oral medications Retinoids, which are commonly found in many anti-aging products and can cause congenital irregularities in unborn babies Chemical sunscreens, which can disrupt hormones; avoid products that contain octinoxate, oxybenzone, or octocrylene In most cases, it’s relatively easy to determine which skincare products to use and which ones to avoid. A little research is all that it takes to find out the truth. Nevertheless, you can consult with your doctor if you’re unsure or you have additional questions. They always keep up with the latest studies on products that can affect a fetus and can help you decide what to use and what to avoid.   How to Take Care of Skin Challenges In your second trimester, you may experience drier skin, which is uncomfortable, but this is a simple problem to solve. For one thing, keep yourself hydrated by drinking a minimum of eight glasses of water every day. Moisturizing products can also help, especially the ones that contain ingredients such as cocoa butter, hyaluronic acid (HA), and coconut oil. You simply don’t need chemical-filled skin products to help your skin look and feel better. In addition to checking with your doctor or online, you can also go to the Environmental Working Group’s website for help. The EWG can tell you exactly what’s in your skincare products so you can stay away from the ones that are harmful. Considering that you have a developing fetus in your belly, you cannot be too careful when it comes to the products you use, especially skincare products.   Conclusion Your skin will indeed glow in your second trimester, but you can also experience sensitivity to the sun and skin that is much drier than it was in the past. Fortunately, if you use a high-SPF sunscreen, moisturize your skin on a daily basis, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated, your skin will be much healthier in the end.

If you’re newly pregnant, one of the first questions that you might have is, “is it safe for me to exercise while pregnant?” Fortunately, the answer for most women is a resounding “yes.” In fact, exercise has tons of benefits for both you and your baby, but as with anything else related to your pregnancy, you’ll want to get the approval from your doctor first. If you’ve been exercising all along, chances are good that you can continue doing the same thing you’re doing now, but there are exceptions to this rule.   Exercising Basics for Pregnant Women Contrary to what some people believe, pregnancy exercises will not lead to a miscarriage, especially if you either stick with low-impact exercises or only exercises that you’re used to doing. At the beginning of your pregnancy, your doctor will take blood work and maybe even do an ultrasound, so they’ll know exactly how healthy you are and if they should be concerned about anything. If you and the baby are both deemed healthy, you can start exercising right away, but if you’re new to exercise, you should start out slow and build up to more intense workouts. Throughout your pregnancy, you need to let your doctor know if your workout routine changes in any way. After all, exercise is good for pregnant women, but just how good will depend on whether or not anything changes during your pregnancy.   What If You’re a Newbie to Exercise? If you’ve never exercised before and you want to start after you find out you're pregnant, you can start by choosing a low-impact type of exercise and exercise only 5 to 10 minutes per day until your aerobic capacity is built up a little more. Every 6 to 10 days, you can add another five minutes until you’ve built up to roughly 30 minutes of exercise per day. So, what exercises are considered safe workouts during pregnancy? Doctors recommend something aerobic, preferably low-impact, which can include exercises such as: Walking Yoga Dancing Using an elliptical Climbing stairs Swimming Cycling Of course, if you’re used to doing something a little more strenuous, such as jogging or running, you can go ahead and continue your routine as long as you have your doctor’s approval. Whatever your body is already used to doing is usually acceptable and won’t harm either you or the baby. That being said, it’s still a good idea to make sure that the doctor always knows what you’re doing just to be on the safe side.   The Many Benefits of Exercising While Pregnant We all know how beneficial exercise can be, but it’s especially advantageous when you’re pregnant. When you exercise during pregnancy, some of the many benefits include: Much more restful sleep Reduced risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and hypertension caused by the pregnancy Easier to maintain your weight and lose weight after the baby is born Much less anxiety and stress Faster childbirth An improved mood Lower risk of back pain and constipation In fact, many studies have even proven that for women who exercise regularly throughout their pregnancy, there is less of a chance of them having a C-section because their muscles are fitter and stronger. If you build up to 30 minutes of exercise per day for four to five days per week, you’ll benefit both physically and emotionally, and so will your baby.   Dos and Don’ts When Exercising While Pregnant Of course, even if you okay your prenatal fitness plan with your doctor, there are still some dos and don’ts to keep in mind. These include: Do: Wear comfortable clothes Don’t allow yourself to overheat Be aware of your heart rate at all times Stay well hydrated both before and after the workout Wear supportive shoes You should also listen to your body and if it’s telling you that you need to reduce the length or the intensity of your exercises, listen to it! There’s nothing wrong with exercising less often or going back to less-intense exercises, either short-term or long-term. Don’t: Participate in high-impact exercises Choose exercises the cause stress on your torso of pelvis, such as horseback riding Choose any type of contact sport Participate in exercises in which you might fall, such as aerial sports or gymnastics Also keep in mind that exercises that may cause you to overheat or raise either your heart rate or your breathing to high levels should be avoided. If you’re finished exercising and you can’t talk at a regular pace because you’re breathing too fast, it’s time to take it down a notch. It’s always better for your exercise routine to be too lax rather than too intense. In addition, if you’re finished exercising and you are dehydrated, feel nauseated or lightheaded, have a bad headache, or you feel like you’re overheating, this means that you’ve taken it to a dangerous level. If you build up slowly over time to a reasonable exercise routine, this likely won’t happen, but if it does, you need to slow it down a bit. You can always build back up later if your health improves.   Conclusion Exercising while pregnant, even in the first trimester, is acceptable as long as it’s low-impact exercises and you have your doctor’s approval. If you’ve never exercised before, you can start out with 5 to 10 minutes of exercise per day and build up slowly to 30 minutes or so per day. Never let yourself get overheated or dehydrated, and always stick with exercises that are low-impact, non-contact, and easy on your pelvic area and torso.

In your first trimester of pregnancy, there is a lot going on with both your body and your life, but with regular appointments with your doctor all of these things can be much easier. One of the things your doctor may suggest is a series of first trimester tests, most of which are optional but recommended. They can show you what’s really going on with your baby, and we’ll take a look at some of them now.   Do You Really Need These Screening Tests? Legally, no first trimester screening is required, but most moms-to-be want to know if their fetus is healthy and developing normally. Most of the tests are offered near the end of the first trimester -- usually between 10 and 14 weeks -- although some are given as early as nine weeks. If your pregnancy is an at-risk pregnancy or if you’re over the age of 35, the doctor will likely highly recommend that you take certain tests. First trimester prenatal screening usually includes two basic tests. The first one is a basic blood test, which tests the DNA of the developing fetus. They simply draw blood from one of your veins and send the sample to a lab. The second test is a transvaginal ultrasound, in which a tiny transducer is inserted into the vagina to help them get more accurate results.   More Specific Testing Is Sometimes Conducted Sometimes these tests are looking for general information, while other times they are conducted to look for something specific. For the blood test, two substances are looked for in the pregnant woman’s blood. The first is the level of pregnancy-related plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) in the placenta. If the number is too low, it might mean the baby is at risk for some type of chromosomal defect. The second test looks for a hormone called the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Much like PAPP-A, an abnormal number might mean the fetus is at risk for a chromosomal defect. Neither of these tests mean for certain that the fetus will have some type of abnormality. It just means they might be at risk of it. There is also a test to determine if certain birth defects are likely. Many of these tests are done up to weeks 12 or 13 and test for defects such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Trisomy 13, or Trisomy 18. Some of these defects are incompatible with life, so it’s important to many expectant moms that they find this out as soon as possible. There is also an ultrasound test for fetal nuchal translucency, or NT. The test involves looking at the back of the baby’s neck in case there’s thicker-than-normal skin or increased fluid in the area. If there is, it might mean a defect. Finally, there is cell-free fetal DNA screening. With this test, structural birth defects are not found but it is easier to find defects in the X or Y chromosomes, which are the sex chromosomes.   What Happens Next? If you get any type of testing during one of your pregnancy checkups, it might mean that further testing is needed. These tests can sometimes cause false-positive results, and the doctor will want you to know for certain what your options are. First and foremost, you’ll want to ask yourself certain questions before getting any type of testing done. These include the following questions: Will the results be perfect? Before you agree to any type of prenatal test, you’ll want to know the accuracy of each test and what the results mean. Check with your doctor to get the answer to this question. Am I prepared for the results of the test? If you end up with unexpected test results, you’ll have some serious decisions to make, so you need to be prepared for the outcome of the test regardless of what it is. Are there any risks with the test? These tests generally come with very few risks, but since this is your body that’s being affected, not to mention your baby’s, you’ll want to know exactly what the risks are with each test. Once you agree to having the tests done, you’ll be meeting with a healthcare professional after they get the results. In that meeting, they’ll go over everything in detail and answer all of your questions. The test results may, in fact, affect your remaining prenatal care and might even make you change your course, but at least you and the doctor will both know that this is necessary. If something is wrong with your child, you will have to decide whether or not to continue the pregnancy. If you decide to do just that, at least you’ll be more prepared to take care of the child once they arrive. You’ll have the rest of your pregnancy to research the baby’s condition and learn all you can about it so you can be a better parent to the child. The bottom line is this: Only you can make the decision whether or not to get prenatal testing done. This is why it’s so important to ask lots of questions and check with your doctor before deciding for sure to have the testing done.   Conclusion Prenatal testing is done mostly to check for certain birth defects, but the tests can create both false-positive and false-negative results, which means the doctor will likely want to do additional testing. Some of this additional testing is done later in the pregnancy, and you should feel comfortable getting all of the facts about the tests before you make a final decision.

When you’re in your first trimester of pregnancy, one of the most important things that you can do is eat properly. To be sure, “eating for two” is more than just an expression because you are creating a human being and your nutrition requirements are extensive. Still, this doesn’t mean that you can eat anything you like anytime you like. In fact, working with your doctor and establishing a pregnancy diet is crucial to the development of your fetus, and it isn’t as difficult as it seems.   Some of the Basics As a general rule, a developing fetus needs lots of nutrition, but what type? Even though you’re eating for two, you have to keep in mind that one of you is the size of a lima bean, so you don’t have to stuff yourself at every meal. Still, you do need to eat nutritiously at every meal, and when it comes to deciding which foods to eat during pregnancy, the following tips will help. 1. Aim for the Right Number of Calories Pregnancy is not a time to diet, and you’ll want to aim for 2,000 calories per day. If you go over that, it’s not a problem, but 2,000 should be the minimum. If you eat less than that, the developing fetus may not get the nutrition that it needs to grow properly, which is especially important in the first three months of pregnancy. 2. Eat Smaller Meals More Frequently When deciding how to eat in your first trimester, it’s easier to eat three small meals per day plus two to three snacks. Eating smaller and more frequent meals can also help with morning sickness and nausea, not to mention heartburn and tummy issues. Eating this way indeed offers a lot of advantages for the mom-to-be in her first trimester. 3. What You Need to Eat Of course, in addition to making sure that you eat the right amount of food, you’ll also need to eat the right types. This includes lots of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as foods such as: Lean meat that is thoroughly cooked and has the amino acids needed to develop healthy cells in the body Beans and lentils, which have folate, iron, fiber, and protein Kale and other dark leafy green veggies, which contain calcium, folate, iron, fiber, and vitamins C, E, A, and K Yogurt, because of its high calcium content for strong bones and teeth Bananas, which have a lot of potassium and can be easily tolerated when you have an upset stomach Edamame, which are soybean pods and has a lot of protein, iron, calcium, and folate Ginger products, including ginger ale and ginger tea, for its ability to eliminate nausea Always keep in mind that you also should eat a wide variety of foods in order to provide all of the developing fetus needs to grow properly throughout the pregnancy. As far as the specific nutrients are concerned, look for ingredients such as: Protein: Roughly 75 mg per day Iron: Shoot for 27 mg per day Folic acid: Also known as vitamin B9 or folate, aim for 600 mcg per day Calcium: Roughly 1,000 mg per day Potassium: Shoot for 2,900 mg per day, which are usually contained in your prenatal vitamins Vitamin C: Aim for 85 mg per day DHA: This comes from omega-3 fatty acids and can be taken as a supplement 4. What to Do If You’re Nauseated If you’re nauseated a lot and you’re starting to worry that you’re not getting enough nutrition, eating four to six smaller meals per day can help a lot. You should also consider avoiding foods that are spicy or have a high fat content, and try to eat more foods that have a soft texture, are eaten at room temperature, and foods that are easy to eat on the go, such as graham crackers, whole-grain crackers, low-sugar cereal, and pretzels.   Are There Foods That You Should Avoid in Your First Trimester? While your doctor may not specifically prohibit you from eating certain foods, most experts recommend that women in their first trimester should avoid foods such as: Eggplant High-mercury fish such as king mackerel, tuna, orange roughy, and swordfish Certain raw foods, such as eggs, meat and poultry, cabbage, sprouts, and even fish that is undercooked Black grapes Unpasteurized milk Fruits such as pineapple and papaya Any soft cheeses Any processed or deli meats Fruits and veggies that aren’t properly washed Alcohol and caffeine Foods with too much sugar or “empty” calories When it comes to foods to avoid during pregnancy, these are some of the most important ones. If you have concerns about any foods that you’d like to include in your diet, you should contact your doctor soon so you can learn what foods are acceptable and what foods aren’t. Some of the foods mentioned above can be eaten in moderation, but to be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid them altogether. The bottom line is that you want to eat healthy and eat only foods that can help your baby grow and develop properly. Avoiding certain foods means that your growing baby won’t be consuming nutrients they do not need.   Conclusion Learning what to eat and how to eat in your first trimester of pregnancy is a must, but it isn’t that difficult to do. Try to eat a variety of foods that are high in vitamins and minerals and avoid sugary or high-fat foods. With some help and some common sense, it’s easy to eat right while you’re pregnant.

The first trimester of pregnancy is filled with excitement and a little nervousness, especially if this is your first pregnancy. Unfortunately, it also comes with numerous discomforts, the most common one being nausea and morning sickness. The thing is that you can handle these discomforts more easily if you know what to do about them, and it’s a lot simpler than you think. The Basics Up to 70% of all pregnant women experience some type of nausea or other discomforts in their first trimester, and while some of it is minor, some women can be quite miserable. It isn’t just nausea, either, because other symptoms can also be present. This is due mainly to the rapid changes happening in your body. Below are a few of the most common challenges in the first trimester along with things that you can do about them. 1. Nausea and Other Tummy Problems Nausea and vomiting are never any fun, but you might have other tummy issues as well, the most common of which is constipation. You may also get sick to your stomach from smelling certain foods, especially foods that are oily or have a very strong smell. The smartest thing that you can do when you’re nauseated is to eat smaller meals throughout the day and make sure that you’re eating foods high in protein and carbs. You should also have snacks with you at all times, and drinking something that contains ginger, such as ginger ale, can help with the queasiness. Whole-grain crackers, peanut butter, and cheese are good foods to eat, as is peppermint tea. Coping with pregnancy nausea is easier if you don’t let yourself get too hungry. Also, if your nausea gets so severe that you can’t seem to keep anything down, you should give your doctor a call. If you’re constipated, it is likely due to the pregnancy hormones, which tend to slow down bowel activity. The growing fetus can also start putting pressure on your intestines and even the rectum, which can make constipation worse. Light exercise, drinking 8 to 10 cups of water per day, and eating foods such as yogurt, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables can be a big help. 2. Extreme Fatigue The fact that your body is changing so much and at a very rapid rate can make you tired, but pregnancy fatigue is very different from other types. If you’re working, you might find the afternoons to be particularly tough, so you might want to consider taking a nap as soon as you get home. If this is your first pregnancy, getting in a few catnaps is a lot easier, but the bottom line is that you should rest as often as you can during the first trimester. The second trimester is usually better. In addition to resting when you can, going to bed no later than 10pm is highly recommended. Remember that you are creating a human being and it’s exhausting. Rest as often as possible during the day, eat right, and go to bed early so the fatigue is a lot easier on your body and your mind. 3. Heartburn Problems Many women experience heartburn in the first trimester and even later in the pregnancy. This is due to the fact that you’re producing a hormone called progesterone, which loosens the soft muscles that surround your uterus. It also slows down the digestive process, which can cause heartburn. Avoiding all spicy foods and eating frequent meals during the day is a great way to reduce this heartburn. You can also eat almonds because they contain an ingredient that helps the digestive process. Make sure that the almonds are raw and plain, not filled with sugar or salt. Eating a few raw almonds before you go to bed can help to greatly reduce heartburn pain, since a lot of this pain occurs at night. 4. Discomfort in Your Breasts Starting in early pregnancy, your breasts will begin to change to prepare for lactation. They may feel sore or heavy, and they might feel extra sensitive. They may also feel a bit tingly, but all of these things are normal. The main thing that you’ll want to do is wear a good support bra and maybe even go braless once you’re home. Soaking in warm water that contains a few drops of rosemary or lavender can also help because both of these oils are known to help you relax. 5. Light Bleeding or Spotting Bleeding during the first trimester doesn’t usually mean that you’re having a miscarriage, so you shouldn’t panic if you bleed or spot a little. Nevertheless, any bleeding or spotting at all should be reported to your doctor, and if you bleed starting in your second trimester, calling the doctor is even more important. Normal bleeding in the first trimester is light and temporary. If you’re having cramps or soaking through pads, it’s time to contact the doctor immediately. Other symptoms in the first trimester can include mood swings, food cravings, and having to pee more frequently. If you’re ever unsure about other symptoms, just call your doctor because they’ll know what’s normal and what isn’t. Conclusion As you can see, nausea during pregnancy isn’t the only common symptom in your first trimester. Fatigue, heartburn, and sensitive breasts can also occur, as well as other symptoms. These are normal symptoms for early pregnancy, but you should never hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any concerns about any of them. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Bonding with a newborn is an essential part of parenting, and it's not just for moms. Fathers also play a crucial role in building a strong relationship with their babies. However, dads of breastfed babies can sometimes feel left out, as they can't feed their little ones the way mothers can. But from my experience, there are plenty of ways for dads to bond with their breastfed babies.   Ways Dads Can Bond with A Breastfed Baby The truth is bonding with a breastfed baby can be a challenge for dads, especially if they feel left out of the feeding process. However, there are many other ways to bond with a newborn even if they are breastfed.  Here are some of my favorite ways for dads to bond with their breastfed babies.  1. Bottle Feeding with Expressed Milk Just because dads aren’t breastfeeding doesn’t mean they can’t be actively involved in feeding times. Moms can pump breastmilk and store it in a bottle for dads to feed the baby. This allows dads to experience the joy of feeding their child and create a special bond. It also can give mom a much-needed rest. 2. Burping the Baby After Feeding Another way dads can participate in the feeding process is by burping the baby after feeding. By holding the baby upright against their chest or sit them on their lap and gently pat or rub their back you are actively engaged in close physical contact which helps with the bonding process. 3. Diaper Change With feeding a baby comes diaper changes! Dads can use diaper changes as opportunities to bond with their breastfed babies. During diaper changes, dads can engage in playful interactions with their babies, such as making funny faces or singing songs. This can help create a positive association with diaper changes and make them a more enjoyable experience for both dad and baby. 4. Skin-to-Skin Time After Breastfeeding After the baby completes breastfeeding, fathers have a valuable opportunity to foster a deeper connection through skin-to-skin contact.  This practice involves holding the baby against their bare chest, providing a comforting and secure environment for the infant. Skin-to-skin time offers numerous benefits beyond mere physical warmth.  It encourages the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone," which promotes bonding and feelings of closeness for both parent and child.  Moreover, this intimate contact allows fathers to become more attuned to their baby's cues and signals, such as subtle movements or changes in breathing patterns.  It's a serene moment where fathers can marvel at the miracle of life and create lasting memories with their little one.  Additionally, skin-to-skin time can be particularly beneficial for premature babies, as it helps regulate their body temperature and promotes weight gain.  5. Soothing and Comforting the Baby Babies can be fussy for all types of reasons other than just hunger. If mom is feeding on a schedule rather than on demand, dad can be the one to help comfort and sooth their baby.  My husband loved to use a baby carrier for this, which also helped to free up his hands, especially when our baby had fallen asleep. 6. Participating in Nighttime Routines Nighttime routines are an essential part of parenting, and dads play a crucial role in creating a comforting environment for their babies, even if they're not breastfeeding.  While moms may take the lead during nighttime feedings, dads can actively participate in other aspects of the routine to support both their partner and their baby.  Whether it's cuddling with the baby, singing a lullaby, or simply being there to offer a reassuring presence, dads have the power to make nighttime routines a bonding experience for the whole family.  7. Reading or Singing During Breastfeeding As mom breastfeeds, dad can participate in the nurturing process through reading stories or singing songs. This not only enhances the comforting atmosphere but also fosters a deeper bond between dad and baby.  By immersing the baby in the soothing rhythm of storytelling or the melodic cadence of songs, dad creates a shared experience that enriches their connection.  These moments of shared intimacy contribute to the development of a strong emotional bond between dad and baby, laying the foundation for a loving and supportive relationship as the child grows. 8. Attending Breastfeeding Support Sessions Dads can show their support for breastfeeding by attending breastfeeding support groups, lactation consultations or classes with mom.  This not only demonstrates solidarity but also enhances their understanding of breastfeeding and the bond it creates between parent and child.   Bonding Tips for Dads of Breastfed Babies Whilst moms can hold the advantage of baby bonding with pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, it doesn’t mean dads can’t develop an intense and powerful bond with their baby. Whilst there are many ways dads can form that bond, I think that there are also a few additional tips to remember: 1. It Takes Time Don’t be discouraged if the bond doesn’t form straight away. It can take time for your baby to get to know you, after all you are only just getting to know each other. 2. Start Early You don’t have to wait till your baby is born to start your bond. From around 18 weeks babies can hear within the womb, so let them get to know your voice and start forming that connection prior to birth. 3. Be Present You need to be there to form a bond. So, engage in activities that allow you to spend quality time with your baby, such as reading books, singing songs, going for walks, or simply cuddling. The key is to be present and attentive to your baby's needs and cues. 4. Remember Your Bond Is Just as Special You might not be the primary carer of your breastfed baby, but that doesn’t mean that your bond isn’t any less special. Your relationship with your baby is something that is special and unique to you, so be confident in your bond with your baby.    Cherish it! Let it grow into something beautiful that will exist between you and your child forever.

Trying to get pregnant can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, and if you’ve been trying for a while and believe you might have accomplished your goal, there are always certain ways to know for sure. If your periods have always been irregular, it’s a little more difficult to know for sure if you’re pregnant, so it’s good to look for other signs besides a missed period. Below are some of those signs. 1. Nausea As most people are already aware, morning sickness is common in the first trimester of pregnancy, and being nauseous, with or without actually vomiting, is often the first sign that someone thinks she’s pregnant. In fact, experiencing nausea during pregnancy is something most pregnant women deal with and it can start as early as four weeks. If you’re interested in learning more about coping with pregnancy nausea, it’s a lot easier than it seems. You might start by tracking your nausea so you know when you’re the most vulnerable. Eating smaller meals, smelling scents such as citrus and some herbs, staying hydrated, and drinking ginger tea can also help. 2. You’re Urinating More Often Even in early pregnancy, you may start taking more trips to the bathroom, and there are numerous reasons for this. For one thing, your kidney is growing and your uterus is expanding. Your hormones are also changing and the blood is circulating more intensely to the pelvic area. As the pregnancy progresses, the baby will put pressure on your bladder, which is yet another reason why you have to pee more often. 3. Mild Cramping If you bleed a little in the first trimester, it is usually not a concern, and you can also experience mild cramping due to the fact that the uterus is expanding. In most women, it can feel like menstrual cramps, and it can happen very early on in the pregnancy. Other tummy problems that you may experience in the first trimester can include constipation, bloating, and heartburn. If you are having any of these issues, it might be because you’re pregnant and you don’t know it yet. Keep in mind that bleeding after the first trimester should immediately be reported to your doctor, as it is not normal in most cases. 4. A Feeling of Lightheadedness Even people who have never had dizziness or lightheadedness in the past might experience these things in early pregnancy. They are caused by a change in your blood pressure, growing weight that can affect your balance, and of course, your changing hormones. That being said, it can also be caused by an iron deficiency or other medical issues, but once the doctor confirms your pregnancy they’ll do a complete blood workup so that the issue can be identified. Lightheadedness can also be made worse if you get up or lie down too quickly or even if you change positions quickly. Taking it a little slower when you’re pregnant can help. 5. Breast Changes The most common breast changes in early pregnancy include soreness and tenderness, and it’s the first sign that they’re pregnant for some women. Within two weeks of conception, it’s possible for you to experience changes in your breasts. This can include a tingly feeling or even extra sensitivity in the breasts, nipples, or both. Breast changes are caused because the breasts are preparing themselves for lactation. As a result, breast tissue increases, the nipples may darken, and the veins in the breast area can become more noticeable. All of these things are normal. 6. Fatigue and Extreme Tiredness In the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, fatigue and tiredness can make you miserable. In fact, many women experience extreme fatigue even if they take naps during the day, and they describe it as a “different type” of fatigue from what they’ve had in the past. There are now many physical demands on your body in order to accommodate the growing fetus, and this usually results in being extremely tired much of the time. Fatigue is also the result of the increase in progesterone that your body is making, which is essential to the fetus. Nevertheless, that progesterone can make the mom-to-be very tired. Fatigue later in the pregnancy is usually the result of carrying around so much extra weight. 7. Frequent Headaches For women who aren’t used to getting headaches, pregnancy headaches can be awful. Even if you’ve had headaches in the past, getting headaches while you’re pregnant is never a lot of fun. The fact that your hormones are changing so much is the reason for these headaches, and you should know that they will not harm the fetus in any way. If you find that your headaches are severe and/or they’re accompanied by other symptoms such as blurred vision, you should call your doctor sooner rather than later. The headaches may be normal, but they can also be a sign of something more serious, such as preeclampsia or a few other conditions. If you’re even thinking about getting pregnant and you experience severe headaches, it’s time to call your doctor. Conclusion While a missed period is often the first sign of someone being pregnant, that is not always the case. Some women have irregular periods and some women will have a period at the beginning of their pregnancy. Fatigue, breast changes, nausea, lightheadedness, cramping, and more frequent urination are other ways that may mean you’re expecting a baby. There are other signs as well.

Every mom-to-be wants a pregnancy that’s healthy and progresses normally throughout the nine months, but it doesn’t happen by chance. While a lot of what happens during a pregnancy is out of the mom’s control, there is still a lot that can be monitored to make sure everything is progressing as it should. If you want to feel more in control of your pregnancy, you’ve come to the right place. How Far Along Are You? When you go to your doctor appointments after finding out you’re pregnant, one of the things that they’ll do is measure your tummy in order to estimate the baby’s size, and the baby’s size will depend on the exact week of pregnancy. A typical pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, and the way your due date is determined is based on the date of your last menstrual period, or LMP. If your pregnancy hasn’t been confirmed by a doctor, you can use an online pregnancy due date calculator to determine when the baby is due to enter the world. Typically, women ovulate about two weeks after their last period, and since you can only get pregnant when you’re ovulating, a pregnancy is actually only 38 weeks long. In essence, you aren’t even pregnant the first two weeks of your pregnancy because the calculators always count from the last menstrual period and not when you were ovulating, since that date is difficult to determine. Is it Possible to Determine When You Conceived? Many women know exactly when they conceived, but this isn’t true for everyone. If you’re trying to get pregnant, you might be using one of those over-the-counter ovulation predictor kits, which tells you when you’re ovulating. Keep in mind that the day you have sex is not necessarily the day that you got pregnant. Sperm can live in the body for up to five days, so determining the exact day you got pregnant can be a challenge. Still, if you use an online conception date calculator, you’ll likely get closer to the exact date of conception. These calculators are easy to find and easy to use. Let’s face it -- babies don’t always arrive on their due dates anyway, but if you’re using one of these calculators, you likely won’t be off by more than just a few days to a week. If you use a calculator to determine how far along you are and when you conceived, it helps a lot. What If You Got Pregnant Through IVF? In-vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a way to help couples have a baby when they are having trouble conceiving the regular way. It involves mixing the sperm and egg in a lab and then implanting it into the mom-to-be. IVF is very successful and is a last resort for many couples, and if this is what you used to get pregnant, an IVF due date calculator -- again, which can be found online -- is the easiest way to tell when your baby is due. If you’re an IVF patient, you’ll need to know your IVF transfer date, which is easy to learn. Here’s an easy way to do this: For a Day 5 embryo transfer, count 261 days from that transfer date For a Day 3 embryo transfer, count 263 days from that transfer date When you go through IVF, everything is documented in your medical records well, so learning when your transfer date is never difficult. If you cannot remember the date on your own, call the office of the clinic where you got the procedure done and they can give it to you. Once you know that, these online IVF calculators are very effective. Your Doctor Has Methods of Keeping Track of Everything Right from the start, you’ll want to make sure you know when your baby is due and learn what you need to do to keep the pregnancy healthy the entire nine months. The doctor will also look at how much weight you’ve gained at each appointment, so now is definitely not the time to diet. Once again, if you’re monitoring everything, another type of calculator, the pregnancy weight gain calculator, is a good one to use. In most cases, the amount of weight you’ll need to gain will vary depending on your weight before you got pregnant. A healthy weight gain is 11 to 40 pounds, but you should talk to your doctor and go by that recommendation if you’re unsure. Women who are underweight at the start of their pregnancy will usually be asked to gain the most weight so that your BMI is always within a healthy range. OB-GYNs use a variety of methods to make sure that your pregnancy is progressing normally, including ultrasounds, prenatal tests, and of course, regular visits to the doctor that are usually scheduled every four weeks until late in the third trimester, when they are usually scheduled more frequently. If you keep these visits and listen to your doctor, it’s much easier to keep an eye on everything so that you can have a healthy baby in the end. Conclusion Making sure that your pregnancy is progressing normally is essential and usually starts with determining how far along you are. This is a lot easier if you use calculators to determine when you conceived or when your last menstrual period was. The good news is, most of the calculators can be found online and are free and easy to use. If you have any questions about the information that you discover when using a calculator, a visit to your doctor is recommended.

Expecting mothers have a lot to prepare for before their newborn arrives, especially if it your first baby. Yet, with so many baby products on the market, it can be overwhelming for new moms to know where to start. As a mom of two, I know the feeling well!  So, let me share with you a few tips and tricks to help make shopping for a newborn much easier.   Tips for Moms to Shop for Their Newborn From one mom to another, here are my top tips for moms to shop for their newborn baby. Set your Budget When it comes to baby gear there are products to suit every budget! From luxury baby items to budget friendly, the key is to work out how much you are willing to spend when preparing for your baby.  This will give you a great guide to what shops to visit and brands to invest in.   Make a List Before you even start to think about hitting the shops, create a list of essential items you'll need for your newborn.  This can include clothing, diapers, feeding supplies, nursery furniture, and safety gear like the MomMed Baby Nasal Aspirator.  And then include all your nice to have items. Having a list will help you stay organized, on budget, and ensure you don't forget anything important.   Consider a Baby Registry Family and friends love to shower new parents with gifts to welcome their newborn, so why not consider adding your wish list of baby items to a baby registry. It’s a great way for family and friends can buy you baby items that you need and want. I also love this option if you are planning to host a baby shower. Make sure to add gorgeous gift set like the MomMed Baby Shower Gift Set for those family and friends that want to buy a few items all beautifully packaged together. Once you’ve had your baby shower, you can then look to hit the shops for the remaining items you need.   Start with Small Quantities of Consumables Babies are not a one size fits all, so I highly recommend starting with smaller quantities of consumables like diapers, wipes, formula, bath products, and baby clothes, till you know what items work for you and your baby. You don’t want to go all out buying a year’s worth of diapers only to find out that your baby reacts to them or that brand isn’t the right fit leading to blowout. The same goes for formula.   Or baby clothes that you baby has grown out of before they even had a chance to wear them. So, my tip is to focus on purchasing the essentials first, in smaller quantities. You can easily buy additional items such as diapers later as you determine your specific needs. 1. Prioritize Safety When choosing baby products, prioritize safety above all else.  Look for items that meet safety standards and certifications, especially for items like car seats, cribs, strollers, and baby carriers.  Avoid purchasing second-hand items unless you can verify their safety and quality. 2. Consider Longevity For me one of the biggest temptations while shopping for my newborn was to buy all the adorable newborn baby clothes! Seriously, they are so little and so cute!  But babies grow quickly, so I do recommend purchasing clothing and baby gear that will last beyond the newborn stage.  Look for adjustable or convertible items that can adapt to your baby's changing needs, such as convertible cribs or expandable strollers. Or even baby clothes in larger sizes. 3. Seasonal Shopping Similar to longevity, when shopping for a newborn, it's important to keep the season in mind for you newborn.  During the colder months, focus on purchasing warm clothing, blankets, and accessories to keep your baby comfortable. During warmer months, lightweight clothing and breathable fabrics are a better choice.  It's also really important to consider your baby's age and size for the season that you are shopping for. Ask yourself, will the season be different when your baby arrives? How long will they need to be in that sizing for that season? One great way to tackle this is to buy items that can be layered depending on the weather. 4. Think About Convenience Choose items that will make your life as a new mom easier. I love the MomMed Electric Bottle Brush Cleaner Set for example, as it helps to clean all the baby bottles with ease! Other items to consider are a diaper bag with plenty of pockets and compartments for organization or a baby monitor with features like temperature monitoring and two-way audio. 5. Ask for Recommendations Don't hesitate to ask other moms for recommendations on products they found useful for their newborns.  Online parenting forums, social media groups, and mom-to-mom networking can be valuable resources for gathering advice and recommendations. 6. Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and promotions at baby stores and online retailers. Sign up for newsletters or loyalty programs to receive exclusive offers and discounts on baby products. Just remember to keep in mind your baby’s sizing, quantities of consumables, and seasons. 7. Trust Your Instincts Ultimately, trust your instincts when choosing products for your newborn. Every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another.  Choose items that feel right for you and your baby's needs.