Everything Pregnant

Itchy Tummy

Pregnant tummies may get itchier as your pregnancy progress. As the abdomen expands and stretches, the stretching and dryness of the skin makes it irritably itching. Scratching to sooth the itch might result in scarring and excessive stretch marks. Therefore, use your brain power and stops yourself from scratching those delicate skin on your tummy.

Apply lotions, coconut oil, olive oil, etc, from the start of your pregnancy. Use anti-itching lotion such as calamine or Aveeno to provide relief from itching.

If you itch all over, don't forget to consult your practitioner.

The following article from daily mail is about a rare case of tummy itching resulting in stillborn.

When an itch during pregnancy is a sign your baby is at risk

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2520959/Pregnancy-When-itch-pregnancy-sign-baby-risk.html#ixzz32F92OGb0

Everything Pregnant

Glucose Screening Test

Glucose screening test is a routine test in most civilized countries nowadays. At 28 weeks, your practitioner will ask you to take this test to screen for gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes affect 1 to 2 % of expectant mothers, making it the most common pregnancy complication. Don't get too worried even if you were told that you do have gestational diabetes. You will most likely be assigned a nutritionist who will guide you through a healthy diet and exercise suggestions in order to monitor your weight. Women with gestational diabetes have no problems in yielding healthy babies by following guidelines given by practitioners and nutritionists.

Procedure for Glucose Screening test

You will not need to fast or do anything differently before or after this test. You will be ask to drink a glucose concentrated drink and be taken blood sample an hour afterwards to check your blood glucose level.

If your blood glucose result comes back higher than normal, you will be asked to take a glucose tolerance test to confirm.

Glucose Tolerance Test

You will need to fast at least 8 hours before taking the tolerance test. You may drink water only but not consume any food at all for accurate test result. You will be given another glucose concentrated drink and taken blood sample for test before and an hour after drinking in order to check your blood glucose tolerance level.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

It is a temporary form of diabetes in which your body cannot produce adequate amounts of insulin to handle with your creased blood sugar of pregnancy. It is more common in mothers-to-be who are aged 35 or over and it almost always disappeared after delivery. This condition can easily be managed through healthy dieting, regular exercises and weight control, and it usually has little affects on mothers and babies if monitor closely.
If left untreated and ignored, allowing excessive sugar to circulate in your blood and into fetal circulation through the placenta. Both mother and baby could be in serious troubles. Mothers who ignore this condition and healthy dieting are at risk of producing over-sized baby, as well as for developing preeclampsia (pregnancy induced hypertension). Giant babies are usually accompanied by many neonatal health issues, therefore, follow dieting guidelines and DO NOT ignore the condition.

(data from What to expect when you are expecting)

 

Everything Pregnant

Vegetarian Pregnancy Diet

It is absolutely fine to stay on a vegetarian diet if you are already one. Just like any meat-eating expected mothers, vegetarian mothers-to-be should plan their diet carefully. There are a few guidelines and tips you can follow:

Protein

For those who eat eggs and milk products, you can get adequate amount of protein from dairy products. For vegan though, vegetable proteins will be your only option. Make sure you take at least four-serving protein daily from foods such as legumes, grains, nuts and seeds, etc. Note that 20 to 25mg of protein equals to one serving. Four servings equal approximately 100mg.

Calcium

Same as protein, those who eat eggs and milk have no problem getting their calcium from dairy products. Vegan have slightly more limited choices in this area. Soy beans contain high amount of calcium but beware of their by products which are often loaded with additive such as sugar, corn syrup or honey as sweetener. Check food labels for calcium content and additive. Tofu can only be counted as calcium only if it has been coagulated with calcium. You could also consider calcium fortified juices or some brands of corn tortillas. The recommended daily calcium intake during pregnancy is four servings. Vegetarian calcium rich foods such as soy milk, fortified rice milk, tofu, broccoli, collard greens, kale, mustard and turnip greens, corn tortillas, etc.

Vitamin B12

B12 are mainly found in animal foods, therefore, vegetarian and vegan mothers-to-be should take a vitamin supplement that includes B12 as well as folic acid and iron.

Vitamin D

Meat-eating mothers-to-be can get their vitamin D from fish liver oils. Though sunbathing is also a good source of vitamin D but as the weather can be unpredictable (especially in the UK), and too much sun causes skin cancer, an alternative source should be considered. For vegan, you can get your daily vitamin D from fortified soy milk. Beware that too much vitamin D can be toxic to the body, the daily recommended amount for pregnant women is 600IU.

Everything Pregnant

Edema during pregnancy

Edema during pregnancy is water retention while you are pregnant. Doctors now recognize that mild edema during pregnancy is completely normal. It is due to the increase of body fluids while you are pregnant and 75 percents of women develop some kind of edema in their pregnancies. Avoid and follow the following suggestions.

Avoid

Natural cure

Don't stand for a period of time.                                               Don't sit without elevating your feet for too long. Don't wear high heels, unless you are Victoria Beckham. According to David Beckham, she goes to the gym in heels. Don't wear elastic-top socks or stockings. Don't wear tight shoes, buy new ones if necessary. Don't get dehydrated. Stay away from caffeine. If swelling persists for more than 24 hours at a time, contact your practitioner.

Lie down on your back with a pillow under the feet.                 Sit down with feet elevated. Sleep on your life side for better blood circulation. Wear comfortable shoes. Exercise regularly to promote healthy blood circulation.    Wear support panty hose. Drink more fluid to flush out excess water retention in your body. Easy on your salt, excessive salt intake leads to water retention. Make hot tea with coriander leaves, it's a natural remedy for reducing swelling. Wear loose clothing.

Everything Pregnant

Constipation

It is one of the first signs of pregnancy since your body tries to absorb as much nutrients as possible from your food intake. What its left becomes dried and hard to pass out.

Constipation may continue throughout your pregnancy due to the affect of your pregnancy hormones wreaking havoc as they cause the muscles in your bowels to relax on the job in order to have more time to make the most of your food.

But don't be discouraged by theses facts. Irregularity can be override by taking the following measures, which can also help ease another common pregnancy symptoms, hemorrhoids.

Increase fiber intake

Substitute as much refined foods with whole-grain ones as you can. Vegetables and fruits are best eaten raw, make sure they are washed thoroughly as many of today's vegetables and fruits are contaminated with pesticides. Choose organic whenever possible.

Increase fluid intake

Your body have a better chance to flush out its waste with sufficient fluid. Most fluids including water, fruit and vegetable juices are very effective in softening stool and keeping food moving in your digestive system. Hot water with fresh lemon slices or prune juice does wonder to ease constipation.

Live and Lactic Culture

Live and lactic culture found in yogurt or yogurt drinks improves digestive system. It keeps your bowel moving in order to fight against constipation.

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Go when you need to

Holding your bowel movements weakens your muscles that control them over time. Set your priority right and do the right thing at the right time.

Prenatal supplements

Excessive calcium or iron found in most prenatal supplements may cause constipation. If that is the case, check with your practitioner to find out if you can modify your supplement formula.

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Exercise and stay fit

Don't stop exercising just because you are pregnant. Unless on doctor's order, moderate exercise encourages active bowel movements. Choose an exercise routine that is pregnancy safe and suitable for your life style, walking, yoga, stretching or swimming are all very good prenatal exercises.

Everything Pregnant

Prenatal weight gain

A healthy weight gain in first trimester should be between 3 to 4 lbs, gaining approximately one pound per week. A further 12 to 14 should be gained in second trimester, making the total weight gained around 14 to 16 pounds at the end of second trimester.

Continue to gain about a pound per week for the rest of the pregnancy should reach a total of 20 pounds towards the end. Weight gained between 20 to 30 pounds is perfectly healthy and normal. It is impossible to control your prenatal weight gain precisely, but between this range should be ideal for an average woman. An underweight mother could gain more and an overweight one should be more cautious.

Breakdown of prenatal weight gain
Baby	7.5 lbs
Plaenta	1.5 lbs
Amniotic fluid	2 lbs
Uterine enlargement	2 lbs
Maternal breast tissue	2 lbs
Maternal blood volume	4 lbs
Fluids in maternal tissue	4 lbs
Maternal fat stores	7 lbs
Total average	30 lbs (approximately)

(data from What to Expert when you're expecting)

Everything Pregnant

Skin Eruptions

Known as pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, or PUPPP. One of the many side effects during pregnancy, usually appears during 2nd trimester.

You should be pleased to know that this condition doesn't affect you and your baby and it generally disappears after delivery. Symptoms of PUPPP include rashes appearing on your tummy as stretch marks, thighs, buttocks or arms of the expectant mother.

There are many types of skin conditions and rashes that can occur during pregnancy and they usually always subside after delivery. It is important to check with your practitioner for professional advise. 

Everything Pregnant

Best Sleeping position during pregnancy

 

You are likely to sacrifice sleeping on your belly and sleeping on your back as pregnancy progress. It becomes uncomfortable to sleep on your belly as your tummy grows and you will put too much strain on your back if you continue sleeping on your back. The back position rests the weight of your growing uterus on your back, intestines and two major blood vessels. This can aggravate backaches and hemorrhoids and making digestion less efficient. It might also interfere with breathing and blood circulation.

The best sleeping position  is sleeping on your left side. The heart is on the left side of our body, sleeping on your left benefits fetus by improving blood flow and nutrients supply to the placenta. It also promotes the kidneys to eliminate waste products and fluids from the body more effectively in order to reduce swelling in the ankles, feet and hands.

Everything Pregnant

Seat Belt Safety during pregnancy

Statistically prove conclusively it is much safer to fasten your seat belt than not to fasten it during pregnancy. The safest way to do so is to fasten the belt below your belly, across your pelvis and upper thigh. (as shown in the green belt picture on the right) Place the shoulder harness over your shoulder, diagonally between your breasts and to the side of your belly. (do not place it under your arm)
The amniotic fluid and uterine muscle will absorb most impact during an accident, no need to worry about hurting your fetus by placing a belt across your belly. Fastening your seat belt correctly during pregnant, and any other time really, gives you and your baby the best chance of surviving an accident.

Everything Pregnant

Things to Avoid During Pregnancy
Alcohol	Most women have taken a few drinks in their first trimester especially before realizing that they are pregnant. There's no scientific evidence to show that a few drinks on a couple of occasions proven harmful to a developing embryo. However, continuous consumption throughout pregnancy will bring on lots of problems if not stopped. Drinking 5-6 glasses of wine or beer or spirits a day is considered too much. Regular alcohol consumption during pregnancy leads to undersized infant, mentally deficient, multiple deformities, and high mortality rate. Therefore, stop while you are trying to conceive or as soon as you missed your period would be the right thing to do as a mother.
Cigarette Smoking	Luckily, there's no evidence to show that smoking prior conceiving will be harmful to your fetus. However, smoking while you are pregnant, especially after first trimester is highly dangerous. Smoking while you are pregnant confined your fetus in a smoke-filled womb. Harmful substances speed up fetus' heartbeat, causing fetus to cough, sputter and deprived from oxygen in order to thrive and grow. Smoking also causes miscarriage and infant death, therefore, STOP smoking altogether the moment you decide to be a mother. It's the best gift you can offer to your baby in life.
Sugar Substitutes	Most commercial sugar substitutes contain no nutritional values and are not suitable for pregnant women. It is better, to watch the amount of sugar you are taking instead of using sweeteners which are usually packed with harmful / useless chemicals.
Cat	Avoid contact with cat litter while you are pregnant. Cat litter could contain toxoplasmosis which is dangerous to mother and fetus during pregnancy.
Hot Tubs, Saunas, Electric Blankets and Heating Pads	We should avoid raising our body temperature to over 38.9C (102F) during pregnancy, especially in first trimester. Overheating leads to potential developmental problems of embryo or fetus. Avoid hot tubs or saunas for longer than 10 minutes or working under extreme heat for a long time. A pregnant woman is more likely to be dehydrated, feel dizzy and have low blood pressure. Cuddle your partner instead of an electric blankets or heating pads.
Microwave oven	Two types of human tissues are most sensitive to microwaves. They are the eye and the fetus. If you have to use a microwave oven, get an electrician to check that there's no leakage. Make sure the seals or gaskets around the door are intact. Leave the room while it is in operation.
X Rays	Dental X rays are directed far away from your uterus and you can wear a lead apron to shield the uterus, but unless it is absolutely necessary, dentist usually put off any X rays until after delivery. All other X rays should be avoided during pregnancy.
Lead	Studies showed that exposure to lead in relation to reducing children IQ, affecting pregnant women and their fetuses. Too much exposure to mineral during pregnancy increases the risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension or miscarriages. Water is a common source of lead exposure. It is worth while to invest in a water filter and find out exactly what the filter does and what substances it can filter out from your tap. Old paint used to be a major source of lead. If you live in a house dated back to 1955 or earlier, make sure you stay far away from it if you decide to remove the paint or any refurbishment.
Insecticides	These commercial products should be treated with caution while you are NOT pregnant anyway. Stay away from these products while you ARE pregnant would be the safest thing to do.
Picking up older children	You should avoid carrying heavy load to the point of exhaustion while you are pregnant. Carrying your toddler occasionally without straining your back is acceptable. You will find it harder to do 0so as your belly grows and naturally avoid doing so anyway.

Everything Pregnant

Know the Facts

Factors	What to do?
Nausea and vomiting	It is unlikely that you will be interested in sex if you are feeling queasy or sick all day long. The good news is, morning sickness usually peaks between 9-12 weeks and starts easing up and gradually disappear as you approach 2nd trimester.
Fatigue	First trimester is more exhausting than 2nd trimester. Fatigue do ease up once you get used to being pregnant and before your tummy grows too big. Second trimester is the best time to enjoy sexual relationship with your partner since you won't need to worry about contraception and your engorged genital will bring you things that you've never experienced before.
Engorgement of genitals	This is caused by increased blood flow to the pelvic area and hormone changes in your body. Your engorged genital will be extra sensitive which could lead to multiple orgasms.
Leakage of colostrum	You might experience transparent discharge from your nipples towards the end of 3rd trimester. Pre-milk called colostrum could leak during sexual stimulation. You can always keep your lace bra on if it bothers you. Otherwise, there's nothing to worry about whatsoever.
Breast tenderness	While fuller and more firmer breasts enhance sex for some couples, some women find it too painful to be touched. Communication is the best solution. Make sure your partner understands your suffering and not resentment to his touch.
Change in vaginal secretions	You may notice that your vaginal secretions might increase in volume, change in consistency or odor while you are pregnant. Increased lubrication could be joyful for some and too much for others. Don't forget to talk it through with your partner.
Bleeding during sex while pregnant	The mouth of your uterus becomes engorged, blood flow increased and much softer during pregnancy. Bleeding could occur with all these contributing with deep penetration. Should it happen, if without discomfort and cramps, make sure you consult your practitioner at your next visit and avoid deep penetration.
Worry about hurting the fetus or miscarriage	If you have no track record of miscarriages or any other complications during pregnancy, having sex is totally safe and fun. The fetus is well protected inside the amniotic sac, and the uterus is completely sealed by a mucous plug in the mouth of the cervix to prevent infections.
Early labor triggered by orgasm	It is true that orgasm could trigger contractions but they usually last less than half an hour without cramps or pain. Studies actually showed that sexually active couples during pregnancy have lower rates of premature labor than those who decide to keep their distance.
Worry that the penis might hit the baby at the end of 3rd trimester	Many practitioners suggest avoiding deep penetration or it's about time to put the red light on if it starts to cause discomfort towards the end.

 

Everything Pregnant

To Eat or Not to Eat	Reasons	Food Sources
Raw Meat	Seafood or undercooked red meat or white meat should be avoided as they might be contamiated with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis and salmonella.	Beef, pork, chicken, duck, all other red and white meat
Deli Meat	Deli meats could be contaminated with listeria. Listeria could cross the placenta and infect the fetus leading to infection or blood poisoning.	Ham, roast beef, salami, mortadella, pastrami or any other cold cut meat.
Fish with Mercury	Studies showed that Mercury consumed during pregnancy linked to developmental delays and brain damage of baby.	Shark, swardfish, king mackerel, tilefish, etc.
Smoked Seafood	Smoked seafood should be avoided as it could be contaminated with Listeria, unless cooked thoroughly.	Smoked seafood labeled as lox, nova style, kippered and jerky.
Raw Shellfish	Raw shellfish could be contaminated with many kinds of seafood-borne illness. Even after cooking, the algae-related infections are still there. Therefore, it is wise to avoid shellfish as best you can.	Oyster, clams, mussels, etc.
Raw eggs	Raw eggs or food containing raw eggs are at risk of being contaminated with salmonella.	Foods made with raw eggs such as salad dressings, ice crea, custard, hollandaise, etc. Commerical pasteurized ones are safed to eat though.
Soft Cheese	Soft cheese may be infected by Listeria.	Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Forgonzola, Mexican style cheeses, unless clearly labeled as made from pasteurized milk.
Caffeine	Caffeine should be avoided during the first trimester to reduce the risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. Stick to 200mg or less per day or decaffeinated options.	Coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, commercial juice, etc.
Alcohol	No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Consuming alcohol while pregnant could lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other developmental disorders.	Any drinks, foods or desserts containing alcohol.
Unwashed Vegetables	Raw or unwashed vegetables could be exposed to toxoplasmosis.	Wash your vegetables thoroughly before consuming.