Pregnancy

Nine Tips for Relieving Pregnancy Sickness

Consider Vitamin B6 Supplements:  Vitamin B6 can help reduce nausea and stress. If you choose to take it, consider taking it at night and opt for coated tablets to minimize potential discomfort.   Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: For pregnant women experiencing severe morning sickness, having three large meals a day might be counterproductive. Instead, try eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.   Separate Eating and Drinking: To avoid feeling overly full, try drinking fluids either before or at least half an hour after eating a meal rather than with it.   Try an Acupressure Band:  Acupressure bands, available over the counter at many drugstores, can be worn on the wrist (three fingers up from the wrist crease) to help relieve nausea. Incorporate Ginger: Foods and drinks containing ginger, such as ginger ale, ginger candies, or ginger tea, can be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting. Some studies suggest that ginger has beneficial effects in this regard.   Avoid Food Triggers:  You may have a strong nausea reaction to certain greasy or spicy foods. After identifying these triggers, avoid them to prevent nausea. Some foods may not only avoid causing nausea but also be easier to digest.   Don't Fall Asleep Immediately After Eating: Avoid going to sleep right after eating, as lying down immediately may increase nausea due to pressure on the stomach.   Sour Foods Can Help Relieve Nausea: In addition to ginger, sour foods can help combat nausea. Lemons, limes, or even sour candies can be effective in curbing the feeling of nausea. Don’t Brush Your Teeth Immediately After a Meal: Brushing your teeth can sometimes induce dry heaves, especially when you’re already suffering from pregnancy sickness. It might be better to wait before brushing your teeth after a meal.   References: American pregnancy, Morning Sickness Remedieshttps://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/morning-sickness-remedies/ NHS, (April 17, 2024), Vomiting and morning sickness https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/vomiting-and-morning-sickness/ Themotherbabycenter, (August 25, 2022) Morning sickness: 10 foods that fight nausea during pregnancy https://www.themotherbabycenter.org/blog/2022/08/foods-that-fight-nausea-during-pregnancy/ Emily Lange, Easing nausea during pregnancy 6 tips https://bestcare.org/news/easing-nausea-during-pregnancy-6-tips   Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.

7 reactions that can occur when you are pregnant

There are many reactions that can occur in the early stages of pregnancy, some of which might lead us to misunderstand and think that these symptoms are just normal or indicative of something other than pregnancy. We will be compiling a list of 7 common symptoms or signs of pregnancy in this article.   Bleeding on implantation While many people might think that bleeding is a sign of menopause, implantation bleeding can be confusing. This is because, bleeding on implantation occurs early on, usually 10-14 days after conception, around the time of menstruation. Since it is often accompanied by cramps and abdominal pain, it is likely to be mistaken for menstruation. And the colour may not be as red as menstruation. Data shows that almost one-third of women experience bleeding on implantation. Frequent urination During the early stages of pregnancy, you may find yourself needing to urinate more frequently. This is hormonal, as pregnancy produces a pregnancy hormone (hCG) that affects blood flow to your kidneys as a way to help your kidneys and your baby's kidneys get rid of waste products more efficiently. At the same time, the growing uterus squeezes your bladder, resulting in less room to store urine. These two reasons contribute to the fact that you will become a regular visitor to the loo.   Heartburn and indigestion This condition, which typically begins around the second month of pregnancy, is caused by the hormones progesterone and relaxin. These hormones slow down the movement of food through your gastrointestinal tract, leading to stomach discomfort and indigestion.   Morning sickness This is a very familiar symptom, but it can actually occur at any time of the day, not just in the morning. And its extent varies from person to person. Severe morning sickness can lead to dehydration, so it's important to seek medical attention if symptoms are particularly intense.   Constipation Due to increased progesterone levels, digestion can slow down, leading to constipation and sometimes flatulence. If you experience these issues, it's best to consult your general practitioner for advice and possible treatments. Back pain When this condition occurs, it is usually in the middle to late stages of pregnancy and the back needs to adapt due to the ligament laxity and postural changes associated with pregnancy, which can cause uncontrollable pain, but it can be relieved by wearing flat shoes and using a chair that soothes your back. It's important to note that, similar to implantation bleeding, back pain does not occur in every pregnant woman; it affects roughly one-third of all pregnant women.   Haemorrhoids Chronic constipation or pressure from the position of the baby's head can also cause haemorrhoids in pregnant women. The severity of this symptom varies.If bleeding or pain is caused by hemorrhoids, increasing your intake of water and fiber can help. Additionally, soaking in warm salt water for 15 minutes may provide relief.If the pain or bleeding persists, it is important to reach out to your doctor to see if you can use a haemorrhoid cream or other means to relieve the pain.   Pregnancy is hard work, and as both the mother's body and mind will change to some degree as a result, adapting and getting used to it can be a process. Any physical or mental discomfort that occurs, hopefully you will be able to contact your doctor for help. Congratulations on becoming a mum, and of course, thank you for choosing to become one.   References: NHS, (March 9, 2023), Signs and symptoms of pregnancy https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/signs-and-symptoms-of-pregnancy/ Poonam Sachdev, (August 17, 2023), Early Pregnancy Symptoms https://www.webmd.com/baby/pregnancy-am-i-pregnant#1-3 Karen Miles, (October 24, 2023), Pregnancy symptoms: 10 early signs of pregnancy https://www.babycenter.com/getting-pregnant/how-to-get-pregnant/pregnancy-symptoms_1146468 Colleen de Bellefonds, (May 10, 2024), Pregnancy Symptoms: 14 Early Signs of Pregnancy https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/early-signs-of-pregnancy-before-missed-period/ Janis, (February 6, 2024), Pregnancy: 11 Signs & Symptoms https://healthnile.com/pregnancy-11-signs-symptoms/

What is the Fourth Trimester and What Can We Do?

As we know, pregnancy is divided into three trimesters: the first trimester from 1 to 14 weeks, the second trimester from 14 to 28 weeks, and the third trimester from 28 weeks until birth. However, the fourth trimester, which encompasses the crucial 12 weeks following birth, is often overlooked. This period is vital for both the baby’s initial experience in the world and the mother's recovery post-pregnancy. Understanding the Fourth Trimester The fourth trimester involves significant changes for both the mother and the baby. During this time, the baby adjusts to life outside the womb, while the mother adapts to her new role. Statistics indicate that babies may cry more frequently during this period. If the fourth trimester is not given enough attention, persistent crying and sleep deprivation can increase the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) for new parents. Tips to Help Your Baby Transition: Swaddle & Sway Create a cozy, comforting environment that mimics the womb. Pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp theorizes that babies are born about three months early. This is why the first three months of life produce all kinds of crying and discomfort. To ease this transition, all we need to do is mimic the womb environment, swaddling and rocking can help replicate the comforting feeling of the womb. Our Smart Bassinet is designed to assist with this, offering adjustable rocking amplitude and timed rocking durations to soothe your baby and provide you with much-needed rest. Skin-to-Skin Contact Bond with your baby through skin-to-skin contact. This practice restores the warmth and closeness they experienced in the womb and helps them become familiar with your scent, enhancing their sense of security. Feeding & Bath Time Use feeding and bath time as opportunities for closeness and comfort. The warm water of a bath can be soothing, and frequent feedings help maintain a sense of continuity from the womb. Taking Care of Yourself is Just as Important: Ask for Help Reach out to friends and family for support with meals and household chores. It's important to acknowledge that you can’t do everything alone, and seeking help is perfectly okay. Eat Well Nurture yourself with nutritious foods to support breastfeeding. Proper nutrition is for ensuring you can provide enough milk for your baby and crucial for your recovery. Rest Make sure to rest whenever possible. Your body needs adequate sleep to recover and function well. Remember, you are not superhuman, and it's important to prioritize rest. By focusing on these aspects, you can better manage the fourth trimester and support both your baby’s and your own adjustment to this new phase of life.   References: Pregnancybirthbaby, (July 2023), What is the fourth trimester? https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/what-is-the-fourth-trimester Mary Rosser, (October 29, 2021), A Mother’s Guide to the Fourth Trimester https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/mothers-guide-fourth-trimester Nivin Todd,(July 11, 2023), What Is the Fourth Trimester? https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-is-the-fourth-trimester Marygrace Taylor, (June 9, 2021), What Happens in the ‘4th Trimester’ (and Is It a Real Thing)? https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/postpartum/what-doctors-wish-moms-knew-fourth-trimester/ NCT, What is the fourth trimester? https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/emotional-and-social-development/what-fourth-trimester Eunjung Choi, Brigitte Kazzi, et al, (September 21, 2022) The Fourth Trimester: a Time for Enhancing Transitions in Cardiovascular Care https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9490714/   Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.