Pregnancy comes with a big list of dos and don'ts, and the don'ts category is sure to contain some rather startling items. Things you've always liked could make you sick, and things you believed were safe have now become dangerous. Even simple, common items like butter will be accompanied by warnings and encouragement. In this article, we'll go over how to eat butter while pregnant and when to eat it.

It's Fine in Moderation
First and foremost, it is critical to recognise that there is nothing wrong with eating some butter during those nine months as long as you do not overdo it. Spread a bit on your toast and toss it in with your soup, but don't eat enormous spoonfuls with every meal. As long as you don't go crazy with them, everything is good.

The risks
Butter, in big quantities, is not beneficial for you due to its high-calorie content. Butter has a lot of fat, which might contribute to weight gain. The pregnant woman must gain some weight; however, gaining too much weight can result in numerous complications during the pregnancy. Furthermore, an uncontrolled butter consumption will not only cause the mother to gain weight; the baby will likely acquire weight as well, making a normal delivery difficult.

Butter that's good for you
Butter is without a doubt a magical food component that improves the flavour of practically anything. It may sound especially appealing during pregnancy, when nausea is a regular part of life, particularly in the first trimester. Butter's flavour might help you keep your food down while also making it taste better. Low-fat, unsalted butter is a smart method to get some butter into your system. Unsalted butter contains significantly less sodium than salted butter, which will help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your salt intake.

Prepare meals at home
Eat home-cooked meals instead of going to a restaurant or driving through a drive-thru. This is because fatty restaurant food typically contains a lot of salted butter as a flavour enhancer, which is what keeps you coming back for more. You won't be able to prevent this while eating outside, so your best bet is to prepare these items at home with no butter or only a little amount of low-fat, unsalted variety.

When you eat butter, make sure to include other healthful foods in your dinner. For example, if you want to have mashed potatoes with butter, include a healthy serving of fresh or steamed veggies, whole grains, and fruits. They'll be able to combat any potential ailment that the butter may bring to your system as a result of their combined efforts. After all, it's just nine months, and everything is unimportant in comparison to your and your baby's health.

Author:
Bump2Baby Scans
Barkby House,
99 Barkby Road,
Leicester,
Leicester,
United Kingdom
LE4 9LG
https://bump2babyscans.co.uk

What if I told you that Iron deficiency affects 9% of women aged 12 to 49. Premature labour and low birth weight are also risks of iron shortage during pregnancy. During pregnancy, women require more iron to maintain the increased blood volume needed to care for the baby and prepare for labour.

The necessity of iron during pregnancy, the benefits of iron supplements, and the risks of excessive iron intake during pregnancy are all covered in detail by bump2baby scans.

Why Is Iron Important During Pregnancy?
Iron is required by your body for a variety of activities even if you are not pregnant.

[*]It is responsible for the synthesis of haemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells.
[*]Myoglobin, a protein that delivers oxygen to the muscles, and collagen, which helps make bone, cartilage, and other connective tissues, both require iron.
[*]It also aids in the strengthening of your immune system and is required for the creation of several vital enzymes.

You should increase your iron intake during pregnancy for the following reasons:

1. To make extra haemoglobin:
Your body produces nearly 50% more blood during pregnancy than it normally does, which is why you require more haemoglobin and hence more iron.

2. Iron deficit before pregnancy:
Many women are iron deficient even before they get pregnant. An insufficient amount of iron causes fatigue. As a result, they require additional iron throughout pregnancy.

3. Increased iron demand for baby's growth:
The need for iron increases as the baby grows, especially in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

4. To prevent pregnancy difficulties:
A lack of iron during pregnancy has been connected to several pregnancy complications, including premature delivery, low birth weight, infant death, and so on. All of them can be avoided if you get enough iron.

Now that you know how important iron is, you should check to see if you're receiving enough of it. What amount of money do you require? Is it possible to obtain it solely through food or with the use of a supplement?

Continue reading to figure out all of the above.

Are You Getting Enough Iron?
During pregnancy, your body uses more iron to produce the extra blood required for you and your fetus. It also aids in the delivery of oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, as well as to the infant. As a result, if you don't get enough iron, you'll get weary soon.

To figure out if you're getting enough iron, you'll need to know how much you should be taking.

How Much Iron Should You Take While Pregnant?

During pregnancy, you'll need a total of 800 milligrams (mg). The fetus and placenta require 300 milligrams, while maternal haemoglobin requires 500 milligrams.

During the second half of pregnancy, your body consumes a lot of iron. As a result, demand rises from 0.8mg per day in the first trimester to 6-7mg in the second and third trimesters.

Every day, you need between 2 and 4.8 milligrams of iron. For the body to absorb the appropriate quantity of iron, you must consume 2 to 4.8 milligrams of dietary iron. The remainder will be expelled by the skin, urine, and intestines.

According to the CDC, at the time of your first prenatal appointment, the recommended iron intake during pregnancy should be 27 to 30 mg of iron supplement per day.

What Iron-Rich Foods Are There?
In addition to the supplements, your doctor may suggest iron-rich foods to include in your daily diet throughout pregnancy.

Heme and non-heme iron are the two forms of iron.

Animal sources of heme iron include red meat, cattle, turkey, chicken, pork, and fish. This form of iron is better absorbed by your body than the other. As a result, eating more heme-rich foods is beneficial.

Plant sources of non-heme iron include spinach, beans, dried fruits, tofu, whole grains, and iron-fortified meals.

Some of the foods containing heme iron (per three-ounce serving) are:
[*]Lean beef chuck steak – 3.2mg
[*]Beef liver – 5.2mg
[*]Lean beef tenderloin – 3mg
[*]Chicken breast meat – 1.1mg
[*]Chicken liver – 11mg
[*]Chicken dark meat – 1.1mg
[*]Turkey dark meat (roasted) – 2mg
[*]Turkey breast meat (roasted) – 1.4mg
[*]Light tuna, canned – 1.3mg
[*]Canned oysters – 5.7mg
[*]Pork loin chop – 1.2mg

Foods containing non-heme iron:
[*]One cup instant oatmeal (iron-fortified) – 10mg
[*]One cup soybeans, boiled – 8.8mg
[*]One cup ready-to-eat cereal fortified – 24mg
[*]One cup cooked lentils – 6.6mg
[*]One cup pinto or black beans, cooked – 3.6mg
[*]One ounce pumpkin seeds, roasted – 4.2mg
[*]One tablespoon blackstrap molasses – 3.5mg
[*]One cup chickpeas – 4.8mg
[*]One cup lima beans, cooked – 4.5mg
[*]One cup kidney beans, cooked – 5.2mg
[*]Half cup boiled spinach – 3.2mg
[*]Half cup raw tofu, firm – 3.4mg
[*]One cup prune juice – 3mg
[*]One slice of enriched white or brown bread: 5.7 mg
[*]One-fourth cup raisins – 0.75mg

During pregnancy, these were the iron sources. However, getting enough iron from food might be difficult, especially if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. Tell your healthcare practitioner about your eating choices so she can keep a close eye on your iron levels.

Tips for Fulfilling Your Iron Needs During Pregnancy:
Here are some easy strategies to keep iron in your diet when preparing your daily meals:

[*]Whenever feasible, cook with a cast iron pan (while using tomato sauces and other acidic and moist foods). They absorb iron and assist you in obtaining some.
[*]Caffeine should not be consumed with meals. Caffeine products contain phenols, which obstruct iron absorption.
[*]Vitamin C-rich foods include oranges, broccoli, strawberries, and other citrus fruits. Vitamin C has been shown to boost iron absorption by up to six times.
[*]Reduce or replace iron inhibitors (substances that limit iron absorption) in meals like legumes, whole grains, soy foods, and spinach with iron-boosting foods like meat, fish, and chicken.
[*]Iron absorption is hampered by calcium. If you're taking calcium supplements, make sure you take them at least once a day.
[*]Heme foods aid in the absorption of non-heme nutrients, therefore including fish or meat in your daily diet.

What Happens During Pregnancy If You Don't Get Enough Iron?
The most common dietary shortfall during pregnancy is iron insufficiency. It commonly appears in the third trimester of pregnancy. Low iron levels can lead to the following symptoms:

[*]Lowered work capacity
[*]Tiredness
[*]Decreased resistance to infections
[*]Iron deficiency anaemia
[*]Cardiovascular stress

Low iron levels during pregnancy can cause a variety of problems for the infant, including:

[*]Low birth weight
[*]Infant mortality
[*]Preterm baby

Even if you were anaemic before becoming pregnant, you should notify your doctor. The amount of iron you need from supplements will be determined by your OBS-GYN.

Should You Take An Iron Supplement When Pregnant?
Your gynaecologist will prescribe iron tablets as the pregnancy continues. It does not, however, imply that you are iron deficient. Supplements are frequently recommended as a preventative measure because the iron needs during pregnancy increase in the months afterwards. Furthermore, your daily diet may not provide enough iron.

Your doctor will examine your iron levels during your first prenatal visit and, depending on the results, may recommend prenatal supplements. However, you should only take them if your doctor has prescribed them.

Remember:
When using iron supplements during pregnancy, you may need to pay attention to certain details.

[*]Take the vitamins at the recommended dosage. Don't take two the next day if you didn't take it the day before.
[*]When taking iron supplements, eat fibre-rich foods to keep your stool from hardening and making it harder to pass.
[*]Make sure the supplements you're taking are current and haven't expired.
[*]Before taking iron supplements, see your doctor to rule out any potential drug interactions or adverse reactions.

Is Too Much Iron Bad During Pregnancy?
Each day, you can consume up to 45 milligrams of iron. If you take more than this, your blood iron levels may rise, posing a risk to both the mother and the fetus.

[*]Excess iron can cause the following problems:
[*]Nausea and constipation are common gastrointestinal problems.
[*]Gestational diabetes or oxidative stress.
[*]In the body, there is an imbalance that may play a role in fertility.
[*]Preeclampsia is linked to miscarriage.

Supplements can sometimes induce negative effects, especially if the dosages are higher than the recommended daily value.

What Are The Side Effects Of Iron Supplements During Pregnancy?
You must maintain a healthy iron balance in your body during pregnancy to avoid the following supplement negative effects:

[*]Gastrointestinal tract upset: One of the most common problems you may encounter is constipation. The juice of a prune will bring immediate comfort.
[*]Darker stools: Iron alters the colour of your stools. However, there is no need to worry.
[*]Nausea and diarrhoea: Supplementation can sometimes make you feel sick. As a result, you can take it with a snack or before going to bed.

Best Time to Take Iron Tablets During Pregnancy
Because iron pills are better absorbed on an empty stomach, it is advisable to take them one or two hours before or after meals.

Iron supplements can be depleted if consumed with other meals such as milk, tea, coffee, cheese, eggs, spinach, whole grains, and yoghurt.

Iron Injection is safe during Pregnancy?
Iron injections are only given to people who have failed to get enough iron through oral supplementation. This means that patients who cannot absorb oral iron or who have severe anaemia despite taking adequate iron dosages are given injections.

[*]This is a costly treatment.
[*]Iron injections can cause hypersensitivity, fever, vomiting, nausea, joint pains, wheezing, and dyspnea, among other things.
[*]Furthermore, injected iron causes teratogenic effects (disturbs fetal development and might result in congenital disabilities).

The greatest approach to ensure that your body receives adequate iron throughout pregnancy is to do so naturally. Consume iron-rich foods as well as foods that aid in the absorption of iron from other foods. Your body should be able to get enough iron from a balanced and nutritious diet for both you and your baby.

Read more pregnancy article at bump2baby scans blogs.

During pregnancy, your body is not only your own, but it also has a baby attached to it who is completely reliant on it. Everything you do will affect the baby. Healthy dietary habits during pregnancy are at the top of the list!

The following are some of the reasons why your baby within your womb may be begging you to eat healthy when you're pregnant:

1. Your child will adopt your healthy eating habits during pregnancy, for life to come
Despite how strange it may sound, numerous studies have found that babies have a high proclivity for picking up on their mothers' pregnancy routines and following them. Food isn't an exception.

If the foetus perceives mommy as a responsible adult who prefers milk to vodka and a cheese sandwich over ice cream, chances are you'll find your small infant unsettlingly wise in his or her breakfast tastes.

2. Eating well during pregnancy protects your baby from a variety of birth and developmental abnormalities.
There is a lot of evidence that children whose moms eat healthier during pregnancy are less likely to have birth abnormalities, developmental delays, neurological impairments, and other problems.

3. Healthy eating habits during pregnancy mean a much better chance of a normal delivery
People are increasingly preferring regular births to caesarians, and with good reason. Pregnancy eating habits that are more healthy entail fewer difficulties and more normal delivery.

4. Maintaining healthy eating habits during pregnancy will help you have a more pleasant pregnancy.
Morning sickness, leg cramps, pelvic pain, or constipation bothering you? Healthy eating habits during pregnancy not only keep such ailments at bay or limit them, but they also make it easier for the doctor to treat them if they do persist because your body is healthy enough to withstand additional medications.

5. Healthier eating habits during pregnancy mean correct baby weight at birth
A baby born underweight is far more vulnerable to health issues and developmental disorders than a baby born at the proper weight. And statistics show that a mother's healthier eating habits during pregnancy have a significant impact on the weight of her baby at birth.

6. It is easier to lose baby fat if you have followed healthy eating habits during pregnancy
Losing the baby fat and getting back in shape is one of the most difficult post-pregnancy problems for a woman. A better diet during pregnancy not only reduces baby fat during pregnancy, making it simpler to lose a few pounds, but it also makes it easier to resume your workout routine after the baby is born.

7. It is more difficult to get infections if you follow healthier eating habits during pregnancy
Infections pose a significant health danger to both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. However, adopting healthy eating habits while pregnant greatly minimises the risk of contracting the infection.

8. Lack of healthier eating habits during pregnancy can lead to DNA-related disorders in the baby
Certain nutrients, such as folic acid, are required for DNA creation, and the newborn is nearly completely reliant on the mother for this. As a result, a lack of these nutrients might harm your baby's basic well-being just because you didn't follow a healthier eating pattern during pregnancy!!

9. Your healthier eating habits during pregnancy will continue to affect your child well into old age
Even in the case of old age disorders such as osteoporosis, it has been seen that children whose mothers had followed good, better-eating habits throughout pregnancy were less likely to suffer the worst of these diseases.

10. Pregnancy is less expensive if you eat healthier.
It is cheaper to follow healthy eating habits during pregnancy than to let your tongue ace your brains and eventually put a hole in your wallet over nine months of pregnancy and 12-18 months afterwards.

According to research, bananas are the most regularly consumed fresh fruits during pregnancy (95.4%), followed by oranges (88.8%), apples (88.3%), and other fruits (40.3 % ). Bananas are high in potassium, calcium, and other critical elements, and they have numerous health benefits for both the mother and the infant.

We explain to you more about bananas during pregnancy here, as well as address some of your questions about them.

Is It Safe To Eat Bananas During Pregnancy?
Yes, bananas are high in nutrients and are therefore safe and good for pregnant women when consumed in moderation. Bananas are high in carbs, vitamins C and B, dietary fibre, essential fatty acids, and minerals, all of which are required for a baby's healthy development.

Health Benefits Of Eating Bananas During Pregnancy
Here are some reasons why you should incorporate bananas in your pregnant diet:

1. Folic acid:
Folic acid is necessary for the development of the foetal brain and spinal cord during pregnancy. Its absence increases the likelihood of congenital defects as well as premature birth. Bananas are a good source of folic acid, which helps to prevent these issues.

2. Vitamin B6:
In the first three months of pregnancy, morning sickness or nauseous feelings are frequent. Bananas are high in vitamin B6, which can help reduce this symptom, especially when paired with the antihistamine doxylamine.

3. Iron:
Anaemia is one of the most prevalent prenatal disorders because the need for blood grows during pregnancy to support the fetus's growth. Bananas are high in iron and can help you battle pregnant anaemia by increasing your iron levels.

4. Fiber:
Bananas' dietary fibre, combined with potassium, aids digestion and helps to expel toxins from the body by preventing constipation. It also contains a significant amount of pectin, which aids digestion. It is beneficial to eat a banana after each meal to maintain regular bowel motions.

5. Sugars:
They give you a jolt of energy right away. Simple sugars such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose play an important role in energy production.

6. Vitamin C:
Vitamin C, which is abundant in bananas, is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants aid in the battle against free radical damage in the body and give cellular protection, hence assisting in the prevention of infections.

7. Carbs:
Bananas, which are high in the good kind of carbohydrates, make you feel full and can sometimes work as a whole meal. When you're hungry, it's the greatest food to choose.

8. Potassium:
Potassium is necessary for maintaining blood pressure stability. Bananas are high in potassium and help the body shed salt, which is a significant cause of high blood pressure.

9. Natural stress buster:
When you're pregnant, tension and apprehension are quite normal. Bananas are a fantastic way to reduce tension and anxiety.

Following that, we go over each of the nutrients found in a banana in detail.

How many bananas can you eat during pregnancy?
A pregnant woman needs about 4,700mg of potassium per day to keep her bodily fluids and electrolytes in balance. As a result, one to two medium-sized bananas can be consumed regularly. They help you satisfy the majority of your nutritional needs, but you should see your doctor before incorporating them into your regular diet.

Are there any side effects of consuming bananas during pregnancy?
There are a few exceptions to bananas that you should be aware of.

[*]If you have gestational diabetes, avoid eating bananas because they might raise blood sugar levels.
[*]A latex component found in bananas called chitinase can cause allergic responses in certain people.

Before including bananas into your diet, take some precautions.

What precautions should you take when eating bananas?
[*]Take organic fruit as an example. The majority of banana cultivars available today have been chemically ripened, which may raise the risk of allergy and respiratory difficulties.
[*]Fresh and clean bananas are preferred. Avoid fruit flies by avoiding those that have been outside for several days.
[*]Bananas that are overripe or deformed should not be eaten.

Some interesting ways to consume bananas during pregnancy
When you need a snack in between meals, you can simply eat the banana as is. You can also incorporate them into your diet in the following ways.

[*]Banana smoothie: To make a fresh smoothie, blend a ripe banana with low-fat milk, brown sugar, or honey.
[*]Banana cake: Combine rice powder, mashed banana, and a pinch of baking soda in a mixing bowl. Honey and any other natural flavouring agent can be added. For a spongy cake, transfer to a mould and steam for around 15 minutes.
[*]Banana ice cream: On a hot day, combine frozen bananas with sugar-free, low-fat ice cream.
[*]Banana oatmeal: To make a healthy morning cereal, combine sliced bananas and chopped almonds into the oatmeal-yoghurt mixture.
[*]Banana walnut muffins: Combine the mashed banana and walnuts with the muffin batter and bake.
[*]Banana pancakes: Mix mashed bananas, wheat flour, and just enough honey to make pancakes. Spread it out on a pan and serve with berries or organic jam.

Bananas can also be added to sandwiches, fruit salads, and fresh fruit drinks.

Author:
Bump2Baby Scans
Barkby House,
99 Barkby Road,
Leicester,
Leicester,
United Kingdom
LE4 9LG
https://bump2babyscans.co.uk

For some women, the first trimester of pregnancy can be challenging. Morning sickness, vomiting, and nausea can be exhausting and hurt a woman's health. It is critical to have a nutritious diet throughout this time. To counteract nausea and vomiting, you may wish to incorporate some herbal mixes in your diet, in addition to fresh fruits and entire grains. Ginger tea, for example, is known to aid with nausea and vomiting, as well as morning sickness during pregnancy. However, you might ask if drinking ginger tea while pregnant is safe. It's an interesting thought. Let's see what we can find out!

During Pregnancy Drinking Ginger Is Safe or Not?
Ginger tea can be beneficial to pregnant women in moderation, especially during the first trimester, since it functions as a natural cure for morning sickness. During pregnancy, however, pregnant women should not ingest more than 1 gramme of ginger each day. In general, it is recommended that a woman consume no more than 1.2 grammes of ginger each day. In exceedingly rare circumstances, some pregnant women may develop a ginger allergy during their pregnancy, resulting in negative side effects.

Benefits of Ginger Tea for Pregnant Women
Here are a few of the many advantages of ginger and ginger tea during pregnancy:

Helps With Morning Sickness:
Ginger is thought to be a natural digestive and respiratory system fortifier. It also contains throat-soothing properties and can aid in the prevention of vomiting. In essence, many doctors recommend ginger tea for nausea during pregnancy. Morning sickness can be controlled by drinking tea at night and shortly after waking up.

Helps With Digestion:
Most doctors recommend ginger throughout pregnancy for the same reasons they recommend it for morning sickness. It helps with digestion. Because your immune system makes digestion more difficult, drinking a glass of ginger tea can help you enhance and fortify your digestive system.

Boosts Immunity:
Ginger has several characteristics that have been linked to increased immunity. When you're pregnant, it's an excellent element to put in your diet or tea because it fights and prevents a variety of disorders.

Relieves Throat Inflammation:
Ginger is well-known for its calming effects, which make it useful for treating throat infections. You can consume ginger tea if you have a sore throat when pregnant.

Helps With Anxiety:
Ginger has a calming effect on the brain and is used to treat anxiety. Ginger tea, in little doses, can help you relax.

Blood Sugar Control:
Ginger is a mineral-rich root vegetable that, when consumed in moderation, can help regulate blood sugar.

Maintains Cholesterol Balance:
Ginger's important minerals can help reduce your body's cholesterol levels; nevertheless, you should consume ginger in moderation and combine it with a heart-healthy diet to maintain good cholesterol levels.

Helps Muscle Recovery:
Ginger's calming properties assist your body in recovering from muscle exhaustion. During pregnancy, a cup of ginger tea can aid your joints and bones, as well as relax and recuperate from acute exhaustion.

How much ginger tea should you drink during pregnancy?
Ginger tea should be drunk in moderation because it might harm you more than it can assist you if consumed in large quantities. A pregnant woman should consume no more than a gramme of ginger per day in any form, according to most medical authorities. To maximise the nutritional value of ginger tea, restrict the amount of ginger in your drink to one gramme per day and add other healthy components to the cup.

Recipes for Ginger Tea for Pregnant Women
Here are some of the best ginger tea recipes. You can drink these teas when pregnant, but just twice a day is recommended, even if you add ginger to it. Do not drink your usual tea twice a day while also drinking these teas. Limit yourself to two cups every day. Better still, talk to your nutritionist or gynaecologist about whether or not you should drink ordinary tea or ginger tea while pregnant.

Lemon Ginger Tea:
Brew standard black tea over low heat, then add a teaspoon of grated ginger, half a lemon, and a teaspoon of honey. Stir in the mint leaves and serve.

Ginger Clove Tea: In a pot with boiling water, combine a teaspoon of grated ginger and 3-4 cloves. Simmer for 5 minutes on low heat, then add the tea leaves and continue to boil for another 3 minutes. Remove the tea from the heat, filter it into a cup, add a teaspoon of honey, and enjoy your hot ginger clove tea.

Ginger Green Tea:
In a saucepan, heat a glass of water. Boil for 8 minutes on low heat with a teaspoon of grated ginger. In a glass, pour the ginger-infused water, add 1 green tea dip bag, steep for 3 minutes, then remove the dip bag and sip warm ginger green tea.

Chamomile Ginger Tea:
In a saucepan, combine a teaspoon of ginger and a cup of water; heat to a low boil, then pour into a glass. Add a teaspoon of honey and a chamomile tea bag to the mixture. Allow for 2 minutes of steeping time, then remove the bag and enjoy the warm chamomile ginger tea.

Tulsi Ginger Tea:
Bring a cup of normal tea to a boil with a teaspoon of grated ginger and a few tulsi leaves. In a serving cup, strain the tea and add the honey. Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice. Take pleasure in the tea.

Any Side Effects of Consuming Ginger Tea?
Although ginger tea is beneficial to one's health, it can induce blood loss if drank in excess, especially during pregnancy. Because ginger has blood-thinning characteristics, it can interfere with blood clotting and cause excessive blood loss if ingested in large amounts.

While ginger tea is safe to drink during pregnancy, if you feel uneasy or unwell after drinking it, you should consult your doctor. Ginger should not be consumed in large quantities as it might be hazardous to your health. For more information, consult your nutritionist, and have a healthy pregnancy!

Author:
Bump2Baby Scans
Barkby House,
99 Barkby Road,
Leicester,
Leicester,
United Kingdom
LE4 9LG
https://bump2babyscans.co.uk

Caffeine is a stimulant found in tea, coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, and a variety of meals. It's also found in several drugs and supplements that claim to help with headaches, colds, flu, menstruation symptoms, and weight reduction. The caffeine content varies from product to product.

Because of its possible health benefits, caffeine is eaten in the form of tea or coffee all over the world. For many people, it is a part of their morning beverage since it enhances concentration and functions as a mood lifter.

Caffeine is also popular among athletes and energetic people for increasing their metabolic rate by enhancing the use of fatty acids as a source of energy during hard exercise sessions.

Studies have shown that consuming carbs with caffeine after a workout accelerates the regeneration of glycogen stores. It also helps to alleviate pain and muscle cramps.

However, we will focus on the effects of caffeine consumption during pregnancy in this essay.

Caffeine use is usually restricted or limited for pregnant women up to 300 mg per day. This is because numerous types of research reveal that caffeine use can cause miscarriage, hinder foetal growth, and create malformations in the foetus.

Coffee includes tannins that restrict or block iron absorption, impairing foetal growth. This is why pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake. Birth abnormalities and formal growth retardation are linked to a lack of iron during pregnancy. As a result, coffee should be avoided, especially with meals, as it may impair iron absorption. It can also induce an increase in heart rate, anxiety, and blood pressure, as well as abdominal pain.

Caffeine metabolism slows down in pregnant women, forcing the body to work harder to eliminate it. Furthermore, caffeine can penetrate the placenta and enter the circulation of a developing foetus, impairing growth. Excess caffeine use may also affect fertility, according to some research.

Women who took 500 mg or more of caffeine per day had a higher likelihood of delaying conception, according to European research of 3187 women.

The link between caffeine consumption and low birth weight in pregnant women is also not conclusive. Several studies have suggested that it can lead to low birth weight or abnormalities, although others have found no significant effect. For example, when their moms ingested less than 300 mg of caffeine per day during pregnancy, Brazilian research of 885 women revealed no behavioural differences in their children.

To summarise, while there is little evidence that caffeine has adverse effects on the foetus, the likelihood of harmful effects cannot be fully ruled out. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the American Institute of Medicine both recommend that the dosage be limited to 200 mg per day. Herbal teas such as ginger tea, tulsi tea, and others are very popular among women. Before ingesting caffeine or any herbal tea, it is best to visit your doctor.

Author:
Bump2Baby Scans
Barkby House,
99 Barkby Road,
Leicester,
Leicester,
United Kingdom
LE4 9LG
https://bump2babyscans.co.uk/nipt-blood-tests/

Some women experience stress during pregnancy and the severity of this varies from person to person. A period like this can be quite unpleasant for pregnant women, causing elevated levels of stress and even worry, which is not good for you or your baby's health.

Managing stress during pregnancy is critical to your health and we are here to help reduce your stress levels. When you feel your stress levels rise, we'll show you how to create a calm condition. Many pregnant women have compiled this list of techniques that they use daily, and most importantly, they work!

15 WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS DURING PREGNANCY

[*]Allow Yourself Time
[*]Speak
[*]Take a New Hobby
[*]Cut Yourself a Little Soft
[*]Try to Block Negativity
[*]Know That It's Ok to Be Emotional
[*]Move the Concentration on Your Baby
[*]Try Deep Breathing
[*]Exercise
[*]Self-Care Is the Key
[*]Do Something You Enjoy Everyday
[*]Positive Statements
[*]Share the Stress
[*]Surround Yourself with Positive People
[*]Have a Good Call and a Hug

Author:
Bump2Baby Scans
Barkby House,
99 Barkby Road,
Leicester,
Leicester,
United Kingdom
LE4 9LG
https://bump2babyscans.co.uk/type-of-scans/baby-gender-scan/

The uncontrollable loss of urine that many women experience during and after pregnancy is known as incontinence. It can be demeaning and cause social problems. This can be due to various factors including age and weight. It can be a little annoying for some women, but it can be serious for others. It can happen even after the baby is born. The growing fetus increases the pressure on the bladder, which is one of the causes of this disease. As a result, the bladder sphincter and pelvic floor are overloaded and pee is drained. It can develop to the point where you leak even when you cough or sneeze. This is stress incontinence, which occurs when the bladder sphincter fails to hold back the pee. This problem can also be caused by an overactive bladder, which is typical during pregnancy.

Since childbirth weakens the pelvic floor muscles and causes an overactive bladder, you may experience incontinence after childbirth. It can also damage the nerves that control the bladder, leading to abnormalities in the urethra and bladder. Urinary incontinence in pregnant women can be caused by urinary tract infections and underlying health conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis. If you have this problem, you should consult a doctor and follow their recommendations. Simultaneously, you can try to regulate the condition naturally. You can achieve this by changing your lifestyle. We will show you how in this article.

Kegel Help
These are exercises that can help you strengthen your pelvic floor. It can be done safely before, during and after your pregnancy. Kegels are simple to perform and can be performed anywhere. All you have to do is focus on the muscles that are helping you hold urine. Hold your hands together for ten seconds, as if you were holding your urine. Relax and let go. You can do as many sets of exercises as you want in a day, but a minimum of 5 sets is required. It will be beneficial.

Retrain your bladder
To do this, you will need to keep a bladder diary. Just keep track of when you have a leak and when you go to the bathroom. This will help you plan your trips to the bathroom. It all comes down to recycling your bladder to hold more urine by increasing the time between trips. At first, try to hold your pee for 15 minutes, then gradually increase the amount of time you hold it.

Avoid sugary drinks
Sugary, sparkling, and caffeinated drinks will make you go to the bathroom more often. Try to stay away from these drinks. Instead, consume water and other healthy drinks.

Eat more foods rich in fibre
Taking care of your diet can help you manage incontinence during pregnancy. Make sure you eat plenty of high fibre meals each day. This will help you avoid constipation, which puts pressure on your pelvic floor and ensure a smooth bowel movement. It will be quite beneficial.

Maintain a healthy weight.
Obesity increases your chances of developing this condition. The pressure on your bladder increases as you gain weight, especially belly fat. During pregnancy, try to maintain a healthy weight and then lose the extra weight after the baby is born. This will make it easier to treat incontinence after pregnancy.

Staying hydrated at all times is crucial, but this is more important if you are pregnant. While you may want to avoid using the bathroom as often as possible, getting proper fluid intake is essential for a safe and healthy pregnancy. Here's everything you need to know to stay hydrated during pregnancy.

Why is hydration important during pregnancy?
Water makes up over 60% of our body and plays a crucial role in almost all body functions. The absorption and distribution of nutrients, the elimination of wastes, digestion and the regulation of body temperature are all facilitated by water. It even helps cushion your joints.

You and your baby, as a pregnant woman, need more water than a normal person. This is because water plays a different role during pregnancy. Water, for example, is needed for the placenta to supply nutrients to your growing baby and the amniotic sac to cushion your baby throughout pregnancy.

You become dehydrated when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. This can make it harder for the body to complete its usual activities, leading to constipation and oedema. Insufficient fluid intake for a long time during pregnancy can cause low amniotic fluid and can produce Braxton-Hicks contractions, a type of pregnancy contraction. It can also lead to more serious problems, such as birth defects.

How to avoid dehydration during pregnancy
You've probably heard that drinking eight glasses of water a day is a good idea. However, your hydration needs are determined by a variety of factors including your gender, region (temperature and altitude), and activity level. Yes, your body's fluid requirements can be affected by pregnancy. You will almost certainly need to drink more water than the usual person.

Your body does a good job of keeping track of your fluid intake, which makes you thirsty when you need it most. Checking the colour of your urine is another technique for tracking your hydration level. A soft, lemonade-like shade, rather than a dark yellow, is ideal. Cottonmouth, a dry, sticky feeling in your mouth is a sign that your body needs to be hydrated.

Dehydration can manifest itself in several ways, some of which are less obvious. You might have headaches, lightheadedness, fatigue, or constipation, for example. If you are dehydrated, you may feel overheated because your fluid levels help regulate your internal temperature. It is especially important to keep track of your fluid intake if you experience nausea and are having trouble keeping up with your diet. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest.

Tips for staying hydrated
Here are some tips for staying hydrated and avoiding dehydration during pregnancy. Remember, staying hydrated takes more than water; milk, juice, soup, and watery fruits like watermelons and cucumbers can all help.

Be a goal setter.
Set a daily fluid goal. Stickers or rubber bands on your water bottle can help you track your progress.

Use an app.
Waterlogged and WaterMinder are two free or inexpensive apps that can help you track your fluid intake. Of course, you can just use pen and paper if you want.

Make it a habit.
You are more likely to continue to hydrate if you make it part of your daily routine. Set an alarm on your phone or calendar to remind you to drink throughout the day or have a glass of water in the morning.

Flavour it.
The majority of your fluid intake should be unsweetened fluids. If the concept of still water doesn't appeal to you, try infusing it with some fresh fruit or herbs for a slight boost in flavour.

A healthy pregnancy requires proper hydration in addition to eating healthy and staying active. It's easy to forget to drink water during the day, but staying hydrated is crucial. See your doctor if you have any signs of dehydration during pregnancy or if you are concerned about your fluid intake. Visit now: bump2Babyscans.co.uk

Fears and worries, joy and excitement, aches and pains are all caused by that tiny one you're nursing in your uterus. Back pain is a persistent companion for many women throughout their pregnancy; for others, it begins in the second or third trimester; and for still others, pregnancy is blessed with little or no back pain. But have no fear if you're suffering from back discomfort.

What Causes Back Pain During Pregnancy?
You've heard it before, and we'll say it again: While no two pregnancies are the same, there are certain common causes of back discomfort during pregnancy.

First, relaxin, a hormone produced by the body during pregnancy, loosens ligaments and joints in preparation for childbirth. The same hormone can cause instability and discomfort in the ligaments that support the spine. As you may already know, a healthy pregnancy results in weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds. Your spine may experience pain as a result of having to bear that weight. The weight of the baby can also put pressure on the pelvis and back.

Because your centre of gravity varies during pregnancy, it's normal to try to compensate by leaning back. You are probably changing your posture and how you move without even realizing it. These alterations are frequently the origin of back pain. Back pain can be aggravated if the parallel sheets of muscles running from the rib cage to the pubic bone are separated due to your pregnancy, a condition known as diastasis recti.

Emotional stress can cause muscle tension in the back, which can lead to back discomfort or spasms. If you are having a difficult time during your pregnancy, your back pain is likely to get worse.

6 Ways to Relieve Back Pain During Pregnancy

Get an adjustment from a chiropractor:
Find a chiropractor who specializes in or has experience with pregnant and postpartum women, as well as a table that can accommodate a pregnant tummy. Sciatica, or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, can be avoided by making changes during pregnancy.

Keep moving:
While your exercise routine may vary during pregnancy, staying active is essential to relieve back pain. Walking and swimming are great ways to keep your muscles from being too tense. Squats, bridges, setbacks, and lunges are exercises that develop your glutes, hamstrings, and calves, all of which help support your back. The cat yoga pose is also beneficial in maintaining muscle flexibility.

Posture improvements:
Make sure your feet are hip-width apart and your body weight is supported by your heels. If you're making something up (or a little one), bend your knees and twist your hips instead of rounding your back. When you sit down, roll to the edge of the seat, as if you are on an exercise ball, and do not sit for long periods of time. Place a pillow between your legs and sleep on your side to relieve tension on your back while you sleep in pregnancy.

Deep breathing and mindfulness:
Deep breathing and mindfulness can help relieve back pain and reduce stress. Deep breathing, which involves moving the ribs in and out as you exhale and out and up as you inhale, can help the rib cage move properly. Pain control can be helped with mindfulness and meditation. There are several easy-to-use meditation apps available, like InsightTimer.

Get a massage:
If you get a back pain relief massage during pregnancy, don't be surprised if the therapist spends most of the time on your butt because your glutes are very important for back support. You can stretch your calves, hamstrings, and glutes at home with a foam roller.

Wear a Maternity Support Band:
A belly band supports your back, hips, and abs by doing work on loose muscles and ligaments. You should wear one during strenuous activities that require you to bend, lift, walk, or stand.

When you have back discomfort, it is time to listen to your body, take a break, and put your feet up because it is telling you that it is time to rest. We started Lola & Lykke to give other moms the support we needed as we went through our own postpartum journey. When the time comes, we would love to be there for you.

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Bump2Baby Scans
Barkby House,
99 Barkby Road,
Leicester,
Leicester,
United Kingdom
LE4 9LG
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We are proud to provide our families with exceptional treatment during their pregnancy journey on Bump2BabyScans. Our clinics have a variety of private ultrasounds ranging from 6 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, all performed by professionally trained medical sonographers. Our mission is to make you feel healthy during your baby's scan, which is why all of our employees go through rigorous training. Our clinic staff strive to provide you with a first-class experience and are always available to answer any pregnancy-related questions.

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What to eat during pregnancy
Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as home-cooked meals, are perfect for pregnant women. Raw fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly cleaned with warm water before consumption to remove any unwanted chemicals or germs. Meals must be well balanced. A well-balanced diet includes the following foods in adequate amounts and proportions:

[*]Fat (ghee, oil)
[*]Proteins (legumes, sprouts, fish, lentils, meat)
[*]Fibre (fruits, salads, vegetables)
[*]Carbohydrates (bread, rice, chapatti)
[*]Omega 3 fatty acids (sesame seeds, flax seeds, salmon)
[*]Probiotics (curd, buttermilk, yoghurt)
[*]Calcium (green leafy vegetables, tofu, dairy products, almonds)
[*]Minerals (rich sources of iron such as dates, jaggery, figs should be consumed).
[*]Vitamins (citrus fruits rich in vitamin C should be consumed in abundance)

What not to eat during pregnancy
[*]Carbonated drinks, canned foods, and foods that contain preservatives, chemicals, artificial colours, or synthetic substances should be avoided.
[*]High-calorie foods such as sweets and fried foods should be avoided as they provide few nutritional benefits and will simply contribute to fat accumulation and other problems later on.
[*]The intake of alcoholic beverages should be avoided at all costs.
[*]When eating out, make sure the food is prepared hygienically (avoid the temptations of the road), not too oily or spicy (keep it basic), and fresh (idlis and dosas are friends, the cold sandwiches no). It is natural to have cravings for certain foods, but sticking to a homemade solution is always a good idea because if eating out causes illness, the conceiving mother's medication options become limited.

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Bump2Baby Scans
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Leicester,
Leicester,
United Kingdom
LE4 9LG
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While pregnancy is a lovely time for expectant mothers, with hormones changing daily for nine months, one day can be very different from the next emotionally and physically.

Pregnancy is a nine-month adventure that a woman must undertake. The body is going through evident physical changes during this time, but it is also going through chemical changes. Hormonal changes prepare the body not just to carry but also to deliver a baby. While these changes are normal and expected during pregnancy, hormones may wreak havoc on a mother-to-emotional be's and physical well-being, making each stage of pregnancy unique. This puts an expectant mother in a state of uncertainty about how she will feel not only weekly, but also daily.

Here's how your hormones changes during pregnancy and what you should expect.

Estrogen
Estrogen is one of the primary hormones that help a woman get pregnant, according to Healthline. While a woman begins producing estrogen in her teens and continues to do so until she reaches menopause, estrogen levels rise dramatically during pregnancy to help the "fetus thrive and mature," according to the magazine.

Rapidly growing oestrogen levels are to blame during the first trimester when a pregnant woman experiences morning sickness. However, while oestrogen levels continue to rise in the second trimester after the jump in the first, they are not increasing at the same rate as they were the previous 12 weeks. As a result, energy levels increase. This isn't to say that oestrogen isn't still at work. Breast pain occurs during the second trimester as the milk ducts prepare for breastfeeding, according to the Pregnancy Week By Week Calendar.

According to westendmamas.ca, oestrogen levels are at their maximum point during pregnancy by the third trimester. According to the journal, increased levels of oestrogen are to blame for water retention and oedema, but they also produce the "pregnancy glow."

HCG
The Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hormone is used in pregnancy tests to identify whether or not a woman is pregnant. The hormone may not be able to determine if a woman is pregnant or not the earlier she is in her first trimester. The hCG hormone doubles every two days, according to Hormone Health Network, which is why testing for pregnancy should not be done until a woman is suspected of being at least six weeks pregnant.

Until the umbilical cord is fully grown, the levels of hCG will double every few days. According to the publication, once this happens, the hormone's levels will start to drop. The hormone's job after that is to help with progesterone production, which will continue until the very end of the pregnancy.

Progesterone
Progesterone is the other important hormone that aids in the preparation of the body for pregnancy.

Progesterone, as expected, increases the growth of the uterine lining, allowing conception to take place.

The progesterone hormone kicks in after the egg is implanted, preparing the body to deliver the baby. Progesterone loosens joints and ligaments during the second and third trimesters to provide room for the baby to be delivered. Unfortunately, this relaxation of body parts also affects the digestive system, which can lead to not only heartburn and acid reflux, but also constipation, according to the study.

Oxytocin
Oxytocin levels do not grow considerably during pregnancy, unlike other hormones. Instead, according to Parents, hormone levels rise considerably during labour and delivery. This is what causes the uterus to grow for the baby to be born when it's time to give birth.

According to Health Foundations, when the mother smells and sees her infant for the first time after the baby is delivered, a big amount of oxytocin is rushed to the brain. The enormous amount of oxytocin released at this precise moment is what helps a mother and her infant form a deep relationship.

Prolactin
Prolactin is a crucial hormone throughout pregnancy, but it doesn't kick in until the third trimester, when it prepares the body for lactation, according to Today's Parent. Prolactin is "10 times its typical levels" during the third trimester, according to the journal. These levels aid in the production of colostrum, which provides essential antibodies to the infant as he breastfeeds for the first time.

Relaxin
According to what to expect, the relaxin hormone is present in a woman's body at quite high levels during her monthly cycles. The hormone's purpose is to thicken the uterine membrane in preparation for conception. If an egg is not embedded, the uterine lining is shed, resulting in a period and a return to normal relaxin levels in the body.

According to You and Your Hormones, relaxin levels will be at their maximum during the first trimester if conception happens. This is to guarantee that implantation to the uterine wall is robust, as well as to aid in the development of the umbilical cord using hCG.

According to the publication, relaxin is best recognised for relaxing ligaments during the latter stages of pregnancy. The hormone softens the cervix, allowing the birthing process to begin. It also relaxes the ligaments in the pelvic, making it easier for the baby to enter through the birth canal.

For more article contact Bump2Baby Scans's blogs

Everyone has a preferred sleeping posture. Some individuals like to sleep on their stomachs. Some people prefer to sleep on their backs. Some people shift positions dozens of times throughout the night. When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, though, we prefer what we like.

Whether you like it or not, you've probably been told to sleep on your left side now that you're pregnant.

However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Sleeping on your side, whether it's your right or left, is preferable to sleeping on your back. Even sleeping on your back on occasion will not harm you or your baby.

The Anatomy of Lying Down While Pregnant
Anatomical considerations are cited by several specialists as the basis for lying on your left side. In the second trimester, your uterus begins to expand and get heavier. You have a large roundish weight in your belly by the conclusion of your pregnancy, which is pushing certain organs out of the way and placing pressure on others.

When you lie on your back, your uterus rests on the inferior vena cava, one of the largest veins in your body that returns blood from your lower abdomen and legs to your heart. This weight on the vena cava can obstruct blood flow in your body, but it won't entirely stop it.

While sleeping on your stomach may be possible for the first few weeks of your pregnancy, it will become increasingly painful as your pregnancy grows. You'll eventually feel as if you've wrapped yourself around a bowling ball. Sleeping on your stomach in your eighth or ninth month is not physiologically impossible, but good luck trying it.

Your uterus will rest against part of your liver if you lie on your right side, which is why reclining on your left side is normally recommended. However, either side is commonly considered to be OK for sleeping because it is preferable to sleeping on your back.

Find What Works for You
The important thing is to find out what works best for you. It's hard enough to get a good night's sleep during the last few months of pregnancy without having to worry about your sleeping posture. If sleeping on your right side is more comfortable for you, go for it.

Throughout the night, everyone switches positions a few times. You may discover that you have been sleeping on your back for some time when you wake up. Don't be concerned.

Try to sleep on your left side as often as possible. Early in your pregnancy, start sleeping on your left side to acclimate to it. Snuggle up a bit and keep your knees and hips bent to increase your chances of staying on your side. To feel more comfortable, use pillows. Use a pillow or one of those long body pillows between your knees. To stay on your side, try putting a pillow behind your back. You can also get a wedge-shaped pillow to help support your stomach. During their ninth month, some women find sleeping in a reclining chair to be more comfortable than sleeping in a bed. Follow your instincts and do what feels right for you.

Tell your obstetrician or midwife if you discover that sleeping on your back is the only way you can get a good night's sleep. They may suggest that you get some sleep rather than worry about it, but simply let them know and ask for their opinion.

Click here to read more about sleep and pregnancy.

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Leicester,
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What Are the Early Pregnancy Signs Before the Missed Period?
Many women find such "unexpected pregnancy" stories difficult to believe because the changes to our bodies are generally rather obvious! It's always beneficial to be aware of the early indicators of pregnancy, but what are the early and first symptoms to be aware of? How does our body inform us that this extraordinary transformation is taking place? To assist you, we've compiled a list of early indicators of pregnancy before a missing period to help you spot any changes in your body or mood.

Here's a complete list of pregnancy symptoms, starting with the less noticeable ones before a missing period and progressing to the more visible ones.

When Do Pregnancy Symptoms Begin?
It's crucial to remember that each woman is unique. While many women are so familiar with their bodies that they can tell they are pregnant within days, for others, the first sign of pregnancy is when they go into labor.

While some of the early pregnancy signs and symptoms listed below do not always indicate pregnancy, they are the most typically reported early signs. During the first month of pregnancy, some women will have very few symptoms while others will have all of them.

11 Signs and Symptoms of Very Early Pregnancy

1. Missed period
A missed menstrual cycle is generally the first indicator of pregnancy for a woman who has always been regular. Women, on the other hand, skip periods for a variety of reasons, including mental distress, illness, extreme weight loss, excessive exercise, fear about becoming pregnant, the approach of menopause, and occasionally coming off the pill.

So, just because you haven't had your period doesn't indicate you're pregnant.

2. Breast tenderness
If you're pregnant, your breasts may feel different right away - or not until the second trimester in some cases. Some women report that their nipples have become more sensitive, or that their breasts have become heavier, fuller, and pain or tingle. There is frequently an increase in superficial veins over the breasts, as well as the appearance of small nodules in the areola.

3. Headaches
Some ladies get headaches regularly. These are common early pregnancy symptoms that are considered to be caused by hormone fluctuations. They can be treated with the prescribed amount of paracetamol after the first trimester.

4. Vaginal discharge in early pregnancy
Early in pregnancy, an increase in white or clear vaginal discharge is normal. However, you should notify your midwife or doctor if the discharge changes color, smells, causes irritation, pain, or becomes bloody.

5. Frequent Urination
During the first three months of pregnancy, it is fairly usual to wee more frequently. Many women discover that they have to get up in the middle of the night — sometimes many times.

The pressure from the expanding uterus on the bladder causes this frequent desire to pass water. It normally fades away in the middle months before reappearing when the baby grows larger and begins pulling on your bladder - particularly when her head has engaged in the pelvis.

6. Early pregnancy constipation
The hormone progesterone relaxes the intestine's muscle, slowing its motility and producing constipation in variable degrees. This can last for the duration of the pregnancy. Although constipation is not a symptom of pregnancy in and of itself, it can be an additional clue for women who are normally highly regular.

7. Exhaustion / Fatigue
This is a distinct early symptom of pregnancy and can be extremely evident throughout the first three months. Women who are normally bursting with energy may find themselves needing to nap during the day.

Many women experience fatigue in the early months of pregnancy as their bodies adjust to quickly shifting hormone levels; however, fatigue fades in the middle months and then returns in the last trimester.

Exhaustion is caused by the strain that your increased weight places on your body; numerous trips to the bathroom during the night also indicate that your sleep is disrupted, and you are not receiving enough rest.

8. Nausea / Morning sickness
For some women, nausea or sickness is a frequent early pregnancy symptom that can occur at any time of day, not only in the morning. Some unlucky women experience nausea and vomiting throughout their pregnancy, which can range from being sick to just a feeling of nausea.

Food aversion is also prevalent during this time, in addition to sickness and nausea.

Although the actual aetiology is unknown, it is assumed to be linked to high levels of progesterone.

9. A change in tastes and cravings
For many women, changes in taste may be one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. Even before the first period is missed, some people experience an odd taste in their mouth. It differs from woman to woman, but it's usually characterised as metallic.

Many women stop eating particular foods and develop a strong dislike to the smell of cigarette smoke and the smell or taste of alcohol shortly after missing their first period, prompting the inquiry, "Am I pregnant?"

Many women also say they can't stand the smell of cooking fat or are revolted by a cuisine they used to adore. On the other hand, some women may develop a strong need for a specific meal very early on, which can also be a sign of pregnancy.

10. Changes in the skin
Skin changes are a typical early indicator of pregnancy. Skin can get drier, but it can also become prone to breakouts. These can last for several months in some cases. Many women remark that their skin has never looked or felt better while they are pregnant and that their hair and nails are also stronger. See our article on the advantages of being pregnant.

11. Bloating, cramps and backache
Many women confuse these early pregnancy symptoms with PMS (premenstrual syndrome), however, they can be caused by hormonal changes and uterine growth.

12. Early pregnancy mood swings
Mood swings are fairly frequent in early pregnancy, and they're usually caused by your shifting hormones. One of the first indicators that you're pregnant is a shift in your mood, which is especially prevalent in the first few weeks.

You can learn more about hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Getting quality sleep isn't always easy when your hormones are out of whack and your belly is the size of a basketball. You might fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow after an exhausting day of nurturing the life within you. On the other hand, you can rollover and over so much that by the time your alarm goes off, it feels like you only got a few hours of sleep.

The endless sensations associated with growing a baby cause sleep problems throughout pregnancy. Although your body is asking for more sleep than usual, getting the hours you need isn't always easy, but there are things you can do. Here's everything you need to know about sleep during pregnancy, plus what you can do to get some rest.

The importance of sleep
With high-flying hormones, a growing placenta, and a heavier weight to carry, you're bound to be getting more sleep than usual. It takes a lot of energy to grow a human being, and exhaustion is your body's way of informing you that you need to relax.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, not getting enough sleep during pregnancy can increase your risk for preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Sleep deprivation has also been linked to longer labor and higher cesarean section rates.

Sleep through pregnancy
While being pregnant can be a magical time, your sleep routine may not be. You may feel drowsy during the day or too sick to sleep at night for the first few weeks as progesterone levels rise and the placenta is growing.

During the second trimester, you may have a little more energy - or at least feel less inclined to doze off - but for other women, lethargy persists. Your body pumps more blood during pregnancy, which can increase your heart rate and make it difficult to sleep.

You may have a hard time finding a comfortable position and getting more than a few hours of sleep as your belly grows in the third trimester and your body retains more water.

Problems sleeping during pregnancy
Pregnant women have trouble sleeping for a variety of reasons, and it's often a mix of minor issues. There can always seem to be something getting in the way of a good night's sleep, from increasing stomach and bladder pressure to physical aches and pains, restless legs, and a racing mind.

Fortunately, however, all hope is not lost. Here is an overview of the most common sleep problems during pregnancy and what you can do about them:

[*]Your Expanding Belly: It's no secret that it's hard to sleep with a melon-sized bump, especially if you're used to lying on your stomach. The tension in your liver and other organs is relieved by lying on your left side, and many women find this the most enjoyable sleeping position during pregnancy. A pregnancy pillow, which supports your tummy and cradles you on all sides, can also have a big impact.
[*]Frequent urination: The pressure of your enlarging uterus on your bladder may make you feel like you need to urinate more frequently. This is inevitable for many pregnant women. On the other hand, going to the bathroom shortly before bed can help you get more uninterrupted sleep.
[*]Body aches: Back pain and stiffness can also make it difficult to sleep during pregnancy. Back and neck fatigue can be relieved by using a pregnancy pillow or supporting yourself with a few pillows. Stay hydrated and do light stretching.
[*]Restless Leg Syndrome: The tight feeling that makes you want to constantly move your legs in bed (also known as restless leg syndrome) can make it difficult to get the rest you need. Because it may be linked to anemia, increasing your iron intake may help, but consult your doctor before starting any additional supplements.
[*]Vivid dreams or nightmares: As your due date approaches, you may start having weird or disturbing nightmares. Over the past few weeks, thoughts of racing and increased blood pressure have been common (and completely understandable). If you're having trouble sleeping because of this, consider turning off your electronics, meditating, and avoiding writing to-do lists right before bed. If stress regularly prevents you from sleeping at night, we recommend that you talk to your doctor.

Although the symptoms of pregnancy make it harder to fall asleep and maintain sleep, good sleep isn't all that different when you're not pregnant. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding appliances before bed can all help, and a decent pillow or two can't hurt either. You can always ask your doctor for safe pregnancy sleep aids if you are still having trouble sleeping well.

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Leicester,
Leicester,
United Kingdom
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What to know about pregnancy after 35

While there is nothing magical about being 35 that makes you 'at high risk', it was chosen as the cutoff because the risk of having a child with a chromosomal disorder was higher than the threshold. risk of miscarriage associated with amniocentesis at this age (an invasive procedure available in the second trimester that diagnoses chromosomal disorders in the fetus). Women should be offered amniocentesis during pregnancy if they are 35 years old. However, circumstances have changed and all women, regardless of age, are now routinely offered amniocentesis as well as additional screening and diagnostic options.

Because of the way women's eggs are created, stored, and ovulated, the risk of conceiving a child with a chromosomal abnormality increases somewhat each year as we get older. When a woman is still a fetus, her eggs begin to mature and are then put on hold until she reaches puberty. During each ovulation cycle after adolescence, an egg matures, divides, and is released. As a woman ages, her eggs are held in suspension for longer, which increases the risk that the genetic material inside the egg (chromosomes) will not divide properly when the egg divides. If this egg is fertilized, the resulting embryo may have an extra or missing chromosome, resulting in Down syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, or other problems that frequently lead to miscarriage. A woman who is 35 years old when she is due has a 0.5% chance of having a child with a chromosomal problem. This risk is around 1.6% for women over 40.

Please contact for the baby scan at Bump2Baby Scans by calling (116) 403-0211 if you would like more information on prenatal genetic screening and testing or make an appointment.

Pubic bone discomfort is quite common during pregnancy. This pain is often caused by a condition known as symphysis pubis (SPD). The hormone relaxin causes the pelvis to loosen later in pregnancy, especially around the pubic bone. This is generally a good thing because it simplifies labor for both mom and baby. However, the gap can be exacerbated at times. This can be very uncomfortable and can last for a long time in the early postpartum period.

When a joint is too lax, it can become unstable and painful. Pubic bone pain is the most common symptom of SPD. Most of the pain is located above the pubic mound, in the area of ​​the pubic bone (under the pubic hair). Certain movements can be unpleasant for some women. Getting out of bed, getting into the bathtub or car, putting on pants, sitting for long periods, or completing repetitive tasks are examples of these activities.

You may also notice some swelling around your pelvic bone, waddling, or the fact that your legs don't come together all the way. When walking or moving your legs, you may detect a clicking sound. Her doctor or midwife can help you better understand her symptoms.

Relaxation and loosening of the pelvic ligaments are also a common cause of the wiggling seen in pregnant women.

Risk factors
If she is pregnant, this is not her first child, or her child is very large, she is more likely to suffer from pain in her pubic bones. Previous pregnancy with SPD is also a risk factor.

Diagnosis
Your doctor may order an ultrasound instead of an X-ray because X-rays are not recommended during pregnancy. The space between the pelvic bones can be examined using ultrasound. However, it is more common to make a diagnosis based solely on your symptoms. An X-ray is the best diagnostic test available if you have already had your baby and are still in pain.

Treatment
When you have a baby, SPD is usually relieved. In the meantime, several treatments can help her feel better while she is still pregnant.

Pelvic and lumbar support
Use a pregnancy / maternity folder to help stabilize your pelvis as much as possible, which can also help decrease back pain. You can also wear a rebozo, a Mexican shawl. According to studies, a flexible belt or belt is more effective than a rigid one. This can also help you avoid further injury from an unstable pelvis.

Physiotherapy and / or acupuncture
Talk to your doctor or midwife about these options. They can be beneficial in the long run. While they are time consuming, many people believe they are worth it. Ask your therapist or acupuncturist what you can do at home to reduce your visits.

Avoidance
Avoid circumstances that cause you pain. Sit down to put on your pants or sit on the side of the tub and stand on both legs at the same time.

Limited position
It is also a good idea to avoid standing for long periods. If you must stand, put on comfortable shoes and make an effort to move, even if it just means switching from one foot to the other now and then. Alternatively, you can stand with one foot resting on a small stool or box.

Exercise
Certain types of exercise can help relieve pain. Ask your doctor, midwife, or physical therapist for exercises. Swimming, for example, can relieve pain due to its buoyancy.

Recovery
The good news is that relaxin production stops immediately after delivery, so you should feel much better. If you don't feel better after a few weeks, see your doctor for a second opinion. Additional therapies, such as physical therapy, may be required to help improve muscle strength in the pubic bone area.

Final words
Pubic bone pain can be very uncomfortable during pregnancy and can make even the simplest tasks difficult. Talking with your doctor or midwife can help you devise a strategy to reduce pain. Most of the time, this will involve making lifestyle changes and waiting for the child to arrive. However, several therapies can help you feel better about your pelvic pain during preganacy.

Read more: 10 Pregnancy Care Tips During The Winter Season

Read more: All you need to know about the Labor Induction

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When you get pregnant, your body undergoes substantial changes. The amount of blood in your body increases by 20-30%, increasing the availability of iron and vitamins required by the body to form haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to other cells in the body.

Many women may not have enough iron during the second and third trimesters. You can become anaemic if your body requires more iron than it has.

Due to increased blood volume, mild anaemia is common during pregnancy. Severe anaemia, on the other hand, can put your child at risk for anaemia later in life. Also, if she has anaemia during the first two trimesters, she is more likely to have a preterm delivery or a low-birth-weight baby. Anemia also puts pressure on the mother, increasing the chance of blood loss during labour and making it harder to fight infection.

Am I at Risk?

If you do any of the following during your pregnancy, you are more likely to become anaemic.

[*]Having two pregnancies one year apart.
[*]Are you expecting several children?
[*]Are you vomiting frequently as a result of morning sickness?
[*]Get insufficient amounts of iron
[*]Do you have a heavy menstrual flow before conception?

Many of the symptoms of anaemia during pregnancy are also symptoms that you might have if you are not anaemic, such as:

[*]Feeling tired or weak
[*]Progressive paleness of the skin.
[*]a fast heartbeat
[*]Respiratory problems
[*]Concentration problems

Doctors usually perform various tests to determine the proportion of red blood cells in the plasma and the amount of haemoglobin in the blood. These are signs that you are about to become anaemic.

Can pregnancy-related anaemia be prevented?

If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, the best way to avoid anaemia is to eat right. Iron-rich foods (such as dark green leafy vegetables, red meat, fortified cereals, eggs, and peanuts) can help you maintain the iron supply your body needs to function effectively. Your obstetrician will also prescribe vitamins to make sure you are getting the right amount of iron and folic acid. Make sure you get at least 27 milligrams of iron every day. If you develop anaemia during pregnancy, iron supplements can usually be used to treat anaemia.

Ask your doctor about your risk for anaemia and get a blood test at your first pregnancy visit. You should also get tested four to six weeks after giving birth. Your doctor may refer you to a haematologist, a doctor who specializes in blood disorders, depending on your condition.

Read More: Oral Care During Pregnancy

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More than 70% of all pregnant women experience some form of sleep deprivation. Insomnia is the most commonly mentioned problem. Insomnia can occur during pregnancy for a variety of causes, which will be explored further below. Contrary to widespread assumption, maternal sleep issues have no bearing on the development of the child. Rest assured (no pun intended!) that you are not alone if you have trouble falling asleep or waking up regularly. Here is some important information to know.

What Are the Causes of Insomnia During Pregnancy?

Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy, which might affect your sleeping habits. The expanding size of your abdomen, which can cause heartburn and frequent urination, can be a big contributor. Dreams that are vivid and hormonal shifts are two frequent variables that might affect your sleep. Abdominal and back discomfort are also common complaints among women. Any of these issues can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep.

What to do if you suffer from insomnia during pregnancy?

[*]First and foremost, try to unwind. Your baby will not be harmed by insomnia. Some women worry excessively, which has a negative impact on their mental well-being. Talk to your partner, a friend, or a health care professional if you're experiencing emotional stress, and try to stay calm. Take a warm bath or get a massage from your sweetheart before going to bed.
[*]Eat your meals at regular intervals to reduce your chances of experiencing heartburn. A good time interval between dinner and bedtime is ideal because a full stomach keeps your energy levels up and prevents you from falling asleep. Additionally, you should consume liquids before going to bed so that you do not have to go to the bathroom several times. Before going to bed, stay away from chocolate and coffee.
[*]Exercising is beneficial to your sleep as well as your general health. At least 30 minutes of physical activity per day is recommended. Kegel exercises are beneficial and simple to perform at home. Meditation and yoga are also beneficial for both the mind and the body.
[*]Make a relaxing sleeping environment. Adjust the ambient temperature and light a scented candle with your preferred perfume, for example. If you can't sleep, do something relaxing like reading or watching a show on TV.
[*]If at all feasible, sleep during the day. Napping is a healthy habit to have throughout pregnancy, but avoid taking extended naps because you may have difficulties sleeping at night. Do not keep track of how many hours you sleep. It's entirely acceptable to sleep a little longer while pregnant!
[*]Do not take any over-the-counter insomnia treatments. The majority of pharmaceutical drugs, as well as some natural products, can be harmful to your kid. Always consult your doctor, nurse, or midwife before taking any drug.

Read more: How to Calm Anxiety While Pregnant

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Almost a hundred hormones make up the human body. Each has a distinct purpose. As you might expect, the body goes through significant hormonal changes throughout pregnancy. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, progesterone, relaxin, human placental lactogen (hPL), prolactin, and oxytocin are a few hormones that are directly important for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and successful delivery.

The first of these is hCG, also known as the pregnancy hormone. When you get a positive pregnancy test, this hormone is detected.

Estrogen and progesterone are two other hormones necessary for a healthy pregnancy. They are made in the ovaries and their levels change throughout the menstrual cycle. They help in the uterine preparation for pregnancy. You will have higher levels of these two hormones during pregnancy.

Another crucial hormone at work is relaxin. It's a protein hormone released by your ovary throughout pregnancy that relaxes your pelvis when you're ready to give birth.

The hormone hPL is responsible for ensuring that the fetus receives enough food. Prolactin, on the other hand, is the hormone that causes the production of breast milk.

Finally, during labour and delivery, oxytocin is responsible for causing contractions in the uterus.

"For some women, the increase in progesterone levels is linked to the mood swings they experience during their first trimester."

Hormone levels in the first trimester of your pregnancy
During your first trimester, you will experience the most dramatic hormonal changes. You will notice a significant increase in the production of progesterone and estrogen.

The hormone progesterone is important for thickening your uterine lining, which allows an egg to implant. It also works as a relaxer to keep your uterus from contracting until you reach your due date. Increased progesterone levels have been linked to mood swings in some women during their first trimester.

Estrogen promotes increased blood flow to the placenta. The placenta is a transient organ that connects the fetus to the uterine wall and allows the fetus to absorb nutrition, remove waste products, and perform other processes essential for the development of the embryo. This increase in estrogen can cause frequent urination and tenderness in your breasts. On the positive side, it is believed that the increase in estrogen levels is responsible for "the healthy glow of pregnancy".

The production of hCG begins during the first trimester. Through placentation, a technical term for the creation of the placenta plays an essential role in establishing and maintaining pregnancy. Your hCG levels double every other day for the first ten weeks of pregnancy. This surge is what causes your period to stop and the placenta to prepare for a baby. In contrast, increased levels of hCG frequently trigger nausea and vomiting, a symptom known to many women as morning sickness.

Hormonal changes in the second trimester of pregnancy
Your body responds to the influx of new hormones passing through it during the second trimester. The level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) begins to drop. Some of the pregnancy symptoms that you had in the first trimester, such as nausea, start to go away. Relaxin, the hormone that helps you give birth by relaxing the muscles in your pelvis, begins to increase. Relaxin can also cause pain by affecting the ligaments that support the joints in the lower back. This hormone is most likely to blame women with lower back pain during pregnancy.

Estrogen and progesterone levels also increase. These hormones also cause your body to make more melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour. This is why some women's nipples or facial areas are darker.

"Oxytocin is also called the 'love hormone' and is known to trigger the mother-child bond."

The third trimester: hormonal peaks and drops
Your estrogen levels will be at their highest throughout the third trimester. The swelling around your ankles and feet could be caused by your high estrogen levels. Prolactin levels are also at their peak, signalling your body to start producing milk for breastfeeding. During this time, as your pregnancy progresses, relaxin begins to relax the pelvic muscles in preparation for childbirth.

You will notice an increase in oxytocin and a decrease in progesterone just before labour. The hormone oxytocin causes contractions in the uterus. This is one of the indicators that you are about to give birth. It also helps reduce bleeding after childbirth. To compensate for the initial decreases in progesterone and estrogen, oxytocin levels rise again soon after birth. It is also known as the “love hormone”, and it is linked to the mother-child bond.

What Do Low Hormone Levels Mean For Your Pregnancy?
When any of the seven primary hormones are lower than normal, it can cause problems. Low levels of hCG have been associated with a higher risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a problem that occurs when the embryo sticks to the outside of the uterus rather than inside. Low estrogen and progesterone levels, as well as fluctuations in hCG levels during the first trimester, have been linked to probable miscarriages because their job is to provide an optimal environment for the developing fetus.

Keeping track of these hormonal changes before, during and after pregnancy is essential to ensure the health of you and your baby. Maintaining normal hormone levels can be as easy as sticking to a healthy exercise routine and eating a well-balanced diet. Understanding your hormones and their cycles can help you become more aware of your overall health. Using the small in-house lab to track your progesterone patterns and learn more about your fertility is a great way to do this.

Read more: Medication in Pregnancy

Read more: Heartburn During Pregnancy

Read more: Group B Strep: Its Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Pregnancy is the time when you prepare to welcome your tiny bundle of joy into the world. It's also a time when women's bodies change and they may feel uncomfortable. Headache is very common during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Pregnancy headaches are most common in the first and third trimesters, but they can happen at any moment during the pregnancy.

Other causes of headaches during pregnancy include:
[*]Dehydration
[*]Stress
[*]Sleep deprivation
[*]Preeclampsia
[*]Blood sugar levels are low.
[*]Stopped smoking during pregnancy
[*]Women who used to consume a lot of caffeine but had to cut back due to pregnancy

How to get relief from headaches during pregnancy?
Mild headaches can be relieved throughout pregnancy without the use of medications if you follow the steps below.

Do physical activity
Though it may seem difficult to stay active when pregnant, integrating physical activity into your routines, such as walking or aerobics, might help reduce headaches. However, before undertaking aerobics or any other type of exercise, make sure to check with your doctor.

Cold compress
If you have a mild headache, lie down and apply a cold pack to your head.

Eat regularly
Preventing pregnant headaches is as simple as eating scheduled meals regularly and eating a nutritious diet. Make sure you're staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Practice relaxation methods
Deep breathing, visualisation, yoga, and massage are among relaxation practises that can help you feel better.

Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil's anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties might help to calm the mind and relieve discomfort. A few drops on your pillow should suffice to help you sleep well.

Manage stress
Stress management might aid in the alleviation of minor pregnancy headaches.

Maintain a sleep schedule.
Pregnancy headaches can be caused by a lack of sleep. Make sure you get enough sleep and stick to a regular sleep pattern.

Avoiding triggers
Headaches can be caused by certain odours, meals, and postures. During pregnancy, try to stay away from headache triggers.

Headache is common during pregnancy, but if it doesn't go away or you're experiencing more than usual, see your doctor. Severe headaches may indicate pregnancy concerns such as high blood pressure or organ damage. Fortunately, some effective pregnancy headache treatments might help you feel better.

Read More: 11 Things Unborn Babies Can Do in the Womb
Read More: Stress During pregnancy and Its effect on the baby

Constipation is a frequent condition during pregnancy, with over half of all pregnant women experiencing it at some point. Constipation is characterised by abdominal pain or discomfort, infrequent and difficult bowel motions, and the passing of hard stools.

What causes constipation during pregnancy?
Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, including concern, anxiety, lack of physical activity, and a low-fibre diet. Constipation is caused by an increase in progesterone hormones, which relax the intestinal muscle, permitting food and waste to pass through your system more slowly.

Iron pills might cause constipation in some people. If you're taking iron supplements, be sure you're getting enough water. It's possible that you'll need to switch to a different sort of iron tablet but talk to your doctor first.

How can I prevent or treat constipation during pregnancy?
Many of the steps involved in preventing and treating constipation are the same.

Here are some things you can do to help prevent constipation or treat it if you currently have it:

[*]Eat a high fibre diet: Fruits, vegetables, morning cereals, whole-grain bread, prunes, and bran should all provide 25 to 30 grammes of dietary fibre per day. This makes it easier to poop because the faeces are thicker.
[*]Drink a lot of fluids: It's critical to stay hydrated, especially when boosting fibre consumption aids to promote smoother stools. Each day, drink 10 to 12 cups of water. A high-fibre diet combined with plenty of liquids is the most effective way to remove waste. Sweat, hot/humid conditions, and exercise can all cause you to need more fluids.
[*]Routinely exercise: Constipation is more likely to occur if you are inactive. Walking, swimming and other moderate exercises stimulate the intestines, which helps them perform better. Schedule 20-30 minutes of exercise three times per week.
[*]Over-the-counter remedies: Metamucil (Category B) is an over-the-counter medicine that can help soften your bowel motions and relieve constipation. Always be with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter drugs.
[*]Reduce or eliminate iron supplements: Constipation may be exacerbated by iron supplementation. During pregnancy, good eating can often meet your iron requirements. Constipation can be reduced by taking lesser quantities of iron throughout the day rather than all at once. Check your iron levels and discuss how to regulate iron intake throughout pregnancy with your health care practitioner. Here are several natural ways to get iron.

What remedies for constipation should be avoided during pregnancy?
Because laxative drugs may increase uterine contractions and cause dehydration, they are not advised for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy. Consult your doctor about using a fibre supplement, a laxative, or a stool softener over-the-counter.

Because mineral oils impair nutritional absorption, they should not be taken during pregnancy.

Is constipation a serious problem during pregnancy?
Constipation during pregnancy is seldom a symptom of another problem, but it might be. Call your doctor or midwife right away if you have severe constipation that is accompanied by abdominal pain, alternates with diarrhoea, or you pass mucus or blood.

Haemorrhoids, which are bulging veins in the rectal area, can also be caused or worsened by straining during a bowel movement or passing a hard stool. Haemorrhoids are exceedingly inconvenient, yet they rarely cause major complications. They usually go gone after a few days of your baby's birth. Call your doctor if the discomfort is severe or if you have rectal bleeding.

Read More: Oral Care During Pregnancy
Read More: Cramps During Pregnancy – What’s Normal and What’s Not

The majority of the weight you gain during those 40 weeks of pregnancy comes from your growing tummy, but it's normal and healthy to gain a few extra pounds as well. When it comes to pregnancy weight increase, there is no one-size-fits-all solution because it is dependent on your body type, starting weight, and other factors such as whether you're expecting a single baby or multiples. Continue reading to learn more about pregnancy weight and what's best for you and your baby.

What Is a Normal Weight Gain During Pregnancy?
Because no two pregnant women are alike, the ideal weight gain is based mostly on your pre-pregnancy weight and BMI.

What is the BMI (Body Mass Index)? It stands for body mass index, a ratio calculated by multiplying your weight (in kilogrammes) by your height (in metres) squared. In most circumstances, it provides an estimate for body fat measurement.

When it comes to weight increase during pregnancy, the general rule of thumb is that if your BMI is low, your recommended weight gain will be more than if your BMI is higher. If you're unsure about what's best for you, chat to your doctor about the appropriate amount of weight to acquire during pregnancy.

Gaining Pregnancy Weight Gradually
When you're pregnant, it's crucial to gain weight gradually, so resist the urge to "eat for two." In reality, your body will not require any additional weight to sustain the baby throughout the first trimester. Given that you may also be suffering from morning sickness, gaining weight during the first several months may be tough. However, throughout the second and third trimesters, you'll need to gain weight steadily and gradually as your pregnancy advances.

This is an approximate estimate of how many more calories you should consume each trimester for a healthy pregnancy weight increase.

[*]First trimester: no extra calories needed.
[*]Second trimester: about 340 extra calories/day.
[*]Third trimester: about 450 extra calories/day.

These extra calories are based on a daily intake of 2000 calories as a starting point. Remember that these recommendations may change based on your BMI and other factors, such as whether you're having twins or multiples.

If you're not hungry, there's no need to force yourself to consume more calories. Rather, pay attention to your body. Follow a healthy pregnancy diet plan, and if you're still unsure, talk to your provider about your calorie requirements.

When you should not diet while pregnant, you should be aware of the things you consume. Make sure you're eating plenty of nutritional, healthful foods — you don't need to eat double servings of chocolate and ice cream to keep your growing baby nourished.

Your healthcare professional can provide you with nutrition guidance if you're overweight or underweight so that you and your baby stay healthy during your pregnancy.

Where Does Pregnancy Weight Gain Come From?
Pregnancy weight increase does not always equate to fat growth. When a baby is born, she usually weighs between seven and eight pounds, which accounts for a large amount of the average weight rise during pregnancy. Other factors that may play a role in your pregnancy weight are:

[*]Larger uterus (2 pounds)
[*]Placenta (1.5 pounds)
[*]Amniotic fluid (2 pounds)
[*]Larger breasts (1 to 3 pounds)
[*]Increased blood volume (3 to 4 pounds)
[*]Increased fluid volume (2 to 3 pounds)
[*]Stores of extra fat (6 to 8 pounds)

When your baby is delivered, you will lose the majority of your pregnancy weight, but you will need those extra fat stores to stimulate breast milk production.

The most crucial item to consider during your pregnancy is your own and your baby's health. The best thing you can do, regardless of your beginning weight, is to make sure you're getting the nutrition you and your kid require. Each mother is unique, so pay attention to your body and don't be hesitant to get advice from your healthcare practitioner about the best way to gain weight during pregnancy.

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Pregnancy and heartburn are two typical problems that some people have to deal with. You probably know that there are some techniques to relieve heartburn during pregnancy, as well as some ways to avoid aggravating the problem. Taking care of your body and treating all the diseases and afflictions your body has to offer is a smart thing to do.

Heartburn can affect almost all parts of the body, but it is most common in the lower stomach, where acids from food accumulate and threaten the oesophagus. Heartburn symptoms can range from moderate to severe, depending on the severity of the condition.

Overeating is one of the most common causes of heartburn. When stomach acids and bile are discharged, the stomach expands and contracts. This causes heartburn in the chest and back, which is often accompanied by nausea. If your doctor thinks that pregnancy is causing you heartburn, they will probably advise you to avoid eating greasy or spicy foods during pregnancy. This helps prevent stomach acid from building up and causing acid reflux.

Consuming too much coffee or alcohol can also cause heartburn. When these two chemicals increase your heart rate and blood pressure, the pressure of stomach acids increases, which can cause heartburn. This problem can be avoided by pausing after every few cups of coffee or alcoholic beverages.

Other more important causes of heartburn can occur during pregnancy. Diarrhoea is another common heartburn symptom that is not always related to pregnancy. Certain foods, such as citrus fruits, citrus juices, certain spices, cocoa, tomato sauces, dairy products, and chocolates, can cause diarrhoea.

Heartburn can also be caused by some medications. Certain over-the-counter medications, such as antacids and stomach treatments, fall into this category. For your problem, your doctor may prescribe some medications, and if these do not work, he may prescribe a stronger prescription.

While breastfeeding their newborns, some moms experience a lot of acid reflux. During all this time, they have abdominal pain, which can also occur during menopause, especially in women who have not had a period in a long time. If you have this form of heartburn while breastfeeding, you should see your doctor immediately to avoid further difficulties.

Heartburn is common during pregnancy and you will be able to control it. If you eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water while avoiding spicy foods and drinks that irritate the condition, you may see significant improvement.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps flush toxins from the body and keeps you hydrated at all times. It will also help you avoid dehydration, which means you will feel better during your next case of heartburn.

Keep your baby's hypertension under control. If you have a hard time sleeping at night, you may want to consider putting him in a bassinet at night so that it doesn't interrupt your sleeping pattern. Also, getting enough rest during the day and eating the right types of food will help you sleep better at night. The less time you are awake, the less likely you are to suffer from heartburn. It is one of the reasons why so many women use a large number of prescription drugs to relieve their heartburn. The less stressed you are, the less acid reflux will affect you.

Get on an exercise program, as some experts believe that a good exercise routine is just what your body needs to stay healthy. By organizing an exercise regimen, you can be very active and help keep your heart healthy by doing something enjoyable during the day.

Certain medications can also help a pregnant woman treat her heartburn. Some doctors recommend antacids, but you should discuss them with your doctor first.

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Back Pain is one of the most common symptoms among pregnant women. Back pain affects around half to three-quarters of all pregnant women.

While back discomfort in the later stages of pregnancy is easy to pinpoint (hint: blame the belly), what causes back pain in the first trimester? Here's what to anticipate.

Causes of back pain during early pregnancy

First Trimester
[*]Early pregnancy
[*]Hormone increase
[*]Stress

Second and Third Trimester
[*]Shifting centre of gravity
[*]Weight gain

Treatment for early back pain during pregnancy
There are techniques to relieve back discomfort no matter what stage of pregnancy you're in. You won't be able to prevent it, but you can help to reduce the agony.

Use these suggestions to keep your back pain to a minimum during your pregnancy.

[*]When you're seated or standing, keep a proper posture in mind. Stand tall and relaxed, with your chest high and shoulders back.
[*]Standing for long periods should be avoided. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, try resting one foot on a raised surface.
[*]Remember to squat instead of bending at the waist if you need to pick something up.
[*]Lifting heavy objects should be avoided.
[*]Wear supportive shoes that are practical.
[*]For light support, sleep on your side, not your back, with pillows tucked behind your belly and between your knees.
[*]Exercises that strengthen and support your abdomen and back are safe to undertake during pregnancy.
[*]Consider wearing a supporting garment or belt as your abdomen expands to relieve some of the pressure on your back.
[*]Learn more about how a chiropractic adjustment might help relieve back discomfort by looking for local chiropractors who specialise in pregnancy-related care.
[*]When seated, try to keep your feet up and make sure your chair provides adequate back support. For extra low back support, use a lumbar pillow.
[*]Make an effort to obtain lots of rest.

Meditation, prenatal yoga, and extra rest can all be beneficial strategies to control your stress levels if your back discomfort appears to be linked to them.

Back pain can be relieved with ice packs, and prenatal massages are also a great way to relax and unwind. Consult your doctor about anti-inflammatories if your back pain is severe. Any medication should only be taken with your doctor's permission.

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While there are some physical changes associated with approaching labour, each woman's experience is unique. "Normal" can mean different things to different women. Normal labour signs and symptoms can appear anywhere from three weeks before the expected due date to two weeks afterwards, and there is no way to predict when a woman will go into labour. The 10 most common signs and symptoms that labour is approaching are described in this article.

1. The baby drops
When the baby "drops," it's referred to as "lightning" in medical terms. The head of the baby sinks further into the pelvis. This can happen up to two weeks before labour begins for some women, while it may not happen at all for others.

2. An increased urge to urinate
The baby's head falling into the pelvis can cause an increased desire to urinate. Because the baby's low position exerts even more strain on the urine bladder, many women approaching birth may experience frequent urges to urinate. Because there is less strain on the diaphragm from underneath when the baby drops, breathing may become easier.

3. The mucus plug passes
The passage of the mucus plug is a sign that labour is approaching. During pregnancy, the cervical aperture is generally kept closed by thick mucus generated by the cervical glands. Before birth, this mucous plug must be removed. The mucous plug is pushed out of the vaginal canal by pressure from the baby's head, sometimes as a blood-stained vaginal discharge (called a “blood show”). The mucus plug may not be discharged until after labour begins for some women, while others may observe mucus flow in the days leading up to labour.

The Pros and Cons of 7 Childbirth Delivery Methods

Consider the pros and cons of the following delivery options to help you determine which one is best for you:

1. Vaginal birth
2. Hypnosis
3. Birth of water
4. Caesarean (Caesarean)
5. Homebirth
6. Lamaze
7. Bradley Method

4. The cervix expands
Although this is identified by a healthcare professional during a pelvic examination, dilation of the cervix is a sign that labour is coming. This starts days, if not weeks before labour begins; "fully dilated" indicates the cervix has dilated to a breadth of 10 cm.

5. Thinning of the cervix
Thinning (effacement) of the cervix occurs in addition to dilatation. Because a thinner cervix dilates more easily, this happens in the weeks leading up to labour. During a pelvic exam, a healthcare provider can identify this symptom as well.

6. Back pain
As labour approaches, many women report back pain, particularly dull discomfort in the lower back that comes and goes. Back pain can occur in conjunction with or independently of other types of contractions. As the third trimester develops, women may notice loosening of the joints, particularly in the pelvic area, in preparation for delivery.

7. Contractions
As labour approaches, women's contractions become stronger and more frequent, and might be described as pounding, tightening, stabbing, or similar to menstrual cramps.

During the third trimester, irregular contractions, sometimes known as Braxton-Hicks contractions or "false labour," occur toward the conclusion of the pregnancy. Braxton-Hicks contractions are usually milder than genuine labour contractions and do not happen at regular intervals. When contractions are spaced fewer than ten minutes apart, it's usually the start of actual labour.

8. A burst of energy
In contrast to the usual tiredness of pregnancy, many women report experiencing a surge of energy and excitement in the weeks leading up to labour. This tendency is commonly referred to as "nesting," and it is typically accompanied by a sense of urgency to complete tasks or make plans for the baby.

9. Feeling like having a bowel movement (diarrhoea)
Pelvic pain and pressure are frequently described by women as a desire to urinate. In the days leading up to labour, some women report having diarrhoea or having loose bowel movements.

10. Your water breaks
The rupture of the amniotic membranes, often known as "water breaking," usually signals the start of labour. It is not usually a tremendous flood of fluid, as it is often depicted in movies, but rather a gradual dripping or trickle. Colourless and odourless amniotic fluid is ideal. Amniotic fluid does not have an odour, which makes it difficult to distinguish from urine. If you suspect you're leaking amniotic fluid, you should call your doctor right soon.

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It is vital to eat more because carrying a baby in your body demands a lot of energy and nutrients. You wouldn't allow tradies to go hungry after a long day on the job, and you shouldn't let your body go hungry after a long day of constructing someone.

Adding sour cream to every meal or making the burger and chips treats isn't the only way to get more energy and minerals. However, if you're starting in the baby-building business and are a little on the slim side, you'll need to eat more and arrange your diet to ensure you're receiving enough of all the appropriate nutrients.

Malnutrition occurs when your body does not receive enough calories to sustain its health; as a result, you may lose weight, your muscles may degenerate, and you will feel weaker. You should gain weight throughout pregnancy, and if you don't, you could still be malnourished. Even if you were already overweight, pregnancy is not the time to try to reduce weight; you'll need to put on some baby weight.

Good things in small packages
You'll need to make sure you receive adequate micronutrients in addition to eating enough to gain weight.

It's not just babies who are petite and charming. Micronutrients, which you acquire from your diet, are also beneficial in little doses. You may not be able to see them, but they are there, working tirelessly on your behalf. If you eat well, your diet will provide you with all of the micronutrients you and your foetus require.

Folate (found in foods like beans and spinach) is a B vitamin that aids in the development of your baby's spinal cord, nervous system, and brain. You'll need to eat a lot of little calcium packages, which can be found in dairy foods, to keep your little bones and teeth in good shape. Vitamin A and iron are also essential. You can discuss with your doctor which pregnancy vitamin supplements might be most beneficial in supplementing your diet.

If I don’t eat enough, neither does my baby
Your foetus can't go to the Deli for a snack; it can only acquire what it needs from you. As soon as you become pregnant, your foetus begins to need food from your body, with a special emphasis on micronutrients. All of the new cells that the sperm and egg divide into require a lot of micronutrients and energy.

If you eat well before becoming pregnant, you'll have some extra micronutrients on hand, and your foetus will have all the energy it requires. The brain and spinal cord grow throughout the first month or so, and folate deficiency is the most common cause of defects at this time.

Holy Guacamole: What can happen if I don’t eat enough?
When you don't eat enough when pregnant, your health and that of your foetus are jeopardised. Women who are underweight before pregnancy are more likely to be malnourished during their pregnancy. It's more difficult to make up on nutrients after you're pregnant, so prospective Mummies should start eating more fruits and vegetables before the pregnancy test indicates a positive result.

Underweight women are also more likely to have a preterm delivery, a stillbirth, or a miscarriage, as well as pregnancy issues including hypertension. Make sure your iron levels are adequate as well, because being pregnant while iron-deficient increases your chance of anaemia.

Malnutrition affects people of all ages, not only pregnant women. The unborn child is also harmed, and he or she may be born with low birth weight or mental impairment. Other complications, such as respiratory, digestive, or neurological issues, can also arise. Low birth weight is linked to a higher risk of sickness throughout the baby's life. Malnourished mothers give birth to babies who are more likely to die within the first month of life.

So keep in mind that when you eat properly, your baby does as well.

Baby, you rock me
Nutrition deficiency in the womb can influence the foetal metabolism and predispose the baby to type 2 diabetes before it is born. Undernutrition in the womb can raise the risk of malignancies, cardiovascular illnesses, infectious diseases, and kidney problems, in addition to metabolic issues. You want to give your child birthday presents, not diabetes, so eat wisely while you're pregnant and give your child the gift of health.

Eat and be merry
Even if you can't drink alcohol while pregnant, if you eat well and your kid is healthy, you'll be OK.

Eating healthy entails more than avoiding burgers and chips; it also entails receiving enough nutrition to fuel the incredible event of developing a baby - from scratch!

If you are confused about healthy eating during pregnancy, contact us at Bump2Baby Scans

As the summer months quickly approach and the temperatures are expected to soar, think about expectant mothers who will be feeling the heat much more than usual!

Because of your tummy, being pregnant can lead to hectic evenings, and finding a comfortable posture can be difficult! When the temperature rises, you can almost always count on a sleepless night.

Here are some of our favourite ways to stay cool during pregnancy! We hope they keep you cool and comfortable during the hot summer months.

>> Invest in a good fan. Having an electric fan in your bedroom will help you feel fresher and get a better night's sleep. Also, if your workplace doesn't have air conditioning, see if you can bring one with you. Even modest portable fans can help keep you cool on the go.
>> Staying hydrated is crucial during pregnancy, but it's even more vital during hot weather. Drink lots of ice water; if you find that boring, add a little sugarless cordial or a drizzle of lemon or lime juice (hey, you might even think it's an iced gin and tonic if you close your eyes and use your imagination!)
>> Fill a bowl with ice water and soak your feet! It will also help you relax and relieve swollen ankles. If the weather is nice outside, set up a small paddling pool in the garden, grab a book and relax while your legs and feet cool off!
>> Keep a damp flannel in the fridge to place it on your head or neck, and take the opportunity to lie down and relax for five minutes.
>> Maintain a relaxed and cool atmosphere by dressing in loose cotton or linen clothing. Avoid wearing tight pants or clothing as they will even make you feel too hot.
>> Lack of sleep and being hot and upset can cause tension, so why not book a comfort scan with us at Bump2Baby Scans? While we may not be able to influence the temperature outside, we can almost certainly reassure you with one of our soothing pregnancy scans.
>> A growth and presentation analysis, for example, will give you comfort if you are concerned about your baby's typical growth and well-being during the second half of your pregnancy.