add_action('wp_footer', function () { echo ''; }, 99); add_action('wp_footer', function () { echo ''; }, 99); Pregnancy Archives - PregnancyBeyond https://pregnancybeyond.com/ca/pregnancy/ Pregnancy, Postpartum and Parenting Information Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:49:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://pregnancybeyond.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PB-Logo-100x100.png Pregnancy Archives - PregnancyBeyond https://pregnancybeyond.com/ca/pregnancy/ 32 32 Birth Control After Baby – Side Effects https://pregnancybeyond.com/birth-control-after-baby-side-effects/ Mon, 12 Jul 2021 10:51:59 +0000 https://pregnancybeyond.com/?p=6587 Reading Time: 2 minutesBirth Control After Baby – Side Effects       Birth Control After Baby: How does birth control actually work? How do I take birth control? What are the available types of birth control options? What birth control method is right for me? How do birth control pills work? What are the side effects of birth control pills? Which contraceptive methods suit me? Are you concerned with any of the questions above? If yes, then you are certainly on the right page. In this video, Labor & Delivery Nurse Chanie talks about the different aspects of birth control and the […]

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Birth Control After Baby – Side Effects

 

Birth Control After Baby

 

 

Birth Control After Baby: How does birth control actually work? How do I take birth control? What are the available types of birth control options? What birth control method is right for me? How do birth control pills work? What are the side effects of birth control pills? Which contraceptive methods suit me?

Are you concerned with any of the questions above? If yes, then you are certainly on the right page.

In this video, Labor & Delivery Nurse Chanie talks about the different aspects of birth control and the side effects of birth control pills.

She goes on to discuss the best methods through which you can initiate the birth control process.

Points covered include:

  • Hormonal v Non-hormonal birth control Which birth control method is for you?
  • Pros & Cons Contraindications and special considerations for moms who are breastfeeding.

 

Questions Answered include:

  • Can birth control cause fertility problems?
  • How soon after birth control can one get pregnant?

 

RELATED – Birth Control After Baby: Methods and Options 

Birth Control After Baby – Side Effects

How does birth control actually work? How do I take birth control? What are the available types of birth control options? What birth control method is right for me? How do birth control pills work? What are the side effects of birth control pills? Which contraceptive methods suit me?

Are you concerned with any of the questions above? If yes, then you are certainly on the right page.

In this video, Labor & Delivery Nurse Chanie talks about the different aspects of birth control and the side effects of birth control pills.

She goes on to discuss the best methods through which you can initiate the birth control process. Points covered include: Hormonal v Non-hormonal birth control Which birth control method is for you? Pros & Cons Contraindications and special considerations for moms who are breastfeeding. Questions Answered include: Can birth control cause fertility problems? How soon after birth control can one get pregnant?

 

 

 


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3 Tips To Sleep Better During Pregnancy https://pregnancybeyond.com/3-tips-to-sleep-better-during-pregnancy/ Wed, 19 May 2021 23:27:48 +0000 https://www.pregnancybeyond.com/?p=219 Reading Time: 2 minutes3 Tips To Sleep Better During Pregnancy Hey pregnant ladies — now you have one more reason to try and get a good night’s sleep. Here are proven tips to sleep better during pregnancy! Poor sleep can disrupt your baby’s immune system as well as lead to a lower birth rate and other complications.  It can be almost as hard to get a good night’s sleep when you’re pregnant as it is when you’re a new parent.   So future mamas now is the time to get plenty of sleep! Okay? Okay. 1️⃣. Work with your doctor. This should probably […]

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3 Tips To Sleep Better During Pregnancy

Hey pregnant ladies — now you have one more reason to try and get a good night’s sleep. Here are proven tips to sleep better during pregnancy! Poor sleep can disrupt your baby’s immune system as well as lead to a lower birth rate and other complications.  It can be almost as hard to get a good night’s sleep when you’re pregnant as it is when you’re a new parent.

 

So future mamas now is the time to get plenty of sleep! Okay? Okay.

1️⃣. Work with your doctor. This should probably be your first step, before trying any home remedies. There may be significant health issues or symptoms that are causing your sleeplessness (besides pregnancy, which is not a medical condition, I know). And your doctor will know about any complications you should be aware of.

 

2️⃣Set the stage. Before you go to bed, dim the lights and try to limit your screen time. Reading a book or magazine before bed will better help your mind to relax. Make sure your bedroom is cool. Don’t bring anything work-related into your bedroom if you can help it, and definitely not into bed with you.

 

3️⃣. Get some exercise. There are many reasons to exercise during pregnancy — one of them is that it will help you sleep better. Exercise in moderation and check with your doctor about any modifications you should make. Even walking and yoga will help.

 

To learn more about steps to take and what not to do to have a blissful nights sleep, get a copy of our best-selling Pregnancy Sleep Plan HERE

 

You will able to

  • Reduce the risk of birth complications
  • Achieve a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby
  • Be more energized and be in a better mood
  • Improved focus and stay attentive
  • Say goodbye to the vicious cycle of sleepless nights. Sleep well, maintain a positive outlook, and restore the healthy pregnancy you deserve— for good!

 

You will no longer have to

  • Experience a depressed mood and anxiety problems
  • Resort to unnatural sleep patterns
  • Deal with pregnancy aches and pains preventing you from having a restful sleep
  • Stare at the clock, toss and turn for hours when sleep eludes you
  • Resort to pills that may adversely affect the healthy development of your baby.

 

Get your PREGNANCY SLEEP PLAN here!

 


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Endometriosis: I’ll Discuss With My Daughter https://pregnancybeyond.com/tia-mowry-ill-discuss-endometriosis-with-my-daughter/ Mon, 01 Mar 2021 19:11:17 +0000 https://www.pregnancybeyond.com/?p=2851 Reading Time: 3 minutesEndometriosis: I’ll Discuss Endometriosis With My Daughter – Tia Mowry, By Shenna Foster (Endometriosis Foundation of America).   Former Sister, Sister star Tia Mowry is due any minute now, and she can hardly wait to meet her “miracle” daughter. “I was literally just saying, I had a contraction,” Mowry, 39, exclusively tells The Blossom. “I was like, ‘Oh my god.'” The Braxton Hicks are bittersweet. For years, Mowry, struggled with endometriosis and heartbreaking infertility while desperately trying to conceive.   “I never felt like giving up,” says the actress, who is already mom to 6-year-old son, Cree. “But, that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t overwhelmed with […]

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Endometriosis:

I’ll Discuss Endometriosis With My Daughter – Tia Mowry, By Shenna Foster (Endometriosis Foundation of America).

 

Former Sister, Sister star Tia Mowry is due any minute now, and she can hardly wait to meet her “miracle” daughter.
“I was literally just saying, I had a contraction,” Mowry, 39, exclusively tells The Blossom. “I was like, ‘Oh my god.'”
The Braxton Hicks are bittersweet.
For years, Mowry, struggled with endometriosis and heartbreaking infertility while desperately trying to conceive.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhCQocqh_jo/?utm_source=ig_embed

 

“I never felt like giving up,” says the actress, who is already mom to 6-year-old son, Cree. “But, that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t overwhelmed with negative thoughts. My anxiety level just went through the roof. I was just feeling inadequate. I even went through a little bit of depression. There were times when I would be taking a pregnancy test, and I wouldn’t be pregnant, and I would just cry. I’m talking about those cries where you slide down the wall, and you’re sitting Indian-style—next to the toilet.”

As painful as those moments are to relive, one day, Mowry says she’s going to fill her daughter in on endometriosis, which affects an estimated 200 million women worldwide, and, scientists suspect, can have a genetic link.

“I will be the mom who’s not afraid to discuss all things. I want us to be able to be open and honest with each other. Even if that entails me opening up about my struggles with endo. I want to be open with her about everything. Everything. And that’s my goal.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhMa0QPhomf/?utm_source=ig_embed

She’ll have lots of harrowing tales to tell. Mowry recalls moments where the pain would wash over her while driving with her twin sister and The Real co-host Tamera Mowry, who would have to take the wheel while Tia slunk into the backseat. Another time, as the twins sat in a meeting for a proposed series, Mowry remembers almost blacking out. She was finally diagnosed with endometriosis in 2006 at age 30, via laparoscopy, after a decade of suffering. Her delay in diagnosis is shared by millions of women with endometriosis as the wait continues for a definitive non-invasive diagnostic test.

RELATED: ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PREGNANCY

 

During that surgery, she says endometriosis lesions were removed from her uterus. Her symptoms were relieved temporarily, but she needed a second laparoscopic surgery about a year later to re-treat the disease.

Hopefully, the worst is over for Mowry. Soon after the back-to-back procedures, she wed actor Cory Hardrict in 2008, and the two welcomed Cree three years later.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdYCd-vhoBF/?utm_source=ig_embed

 

“Cree, I consider a miracle, and my baby girl, I consider a miracle. So for me, every day has been a celebration, even through the nausea, even through the edema, the swelling. I’m just celebrating all of the milestones throughout this pregnancy, and I’m taking every day with gratitude, really.”

But the blissful pregnancy has been a bit, well, bumpy.

“With my baby girl, the first and the second trimester was heaven. I was like, ‘Oh my god, this is amazing.’ I was like, ‘Yes, let’s do this again, Cory. Right after this baby, we’re going to go ahead and try for a third one. But the third trimester has been kicking my behind.”

Now that the Whole New You cookbook author and Quick Fix YouTube series creator has put the finishing touches on her nursery—a patina of calming earth tones—all Mowry can do is eagerly await her daughter’s arrival.

“This is an incredible blessing for me and my husband,” she adds. “I am so incredibly excited to meet my baby girl.” (Article was first published here)

 

 


About EndoFound: The Endometriosis Foundation of America strives to increase disease recognition, provide advocacy, facilitate expert surgical training, and fund landmark endometriosis research. Engaged in a robust campaign to inform both the medical community and the public, the Endofound places particular emphasis on the critical importance of early diagnosis and effective intervention while simultaneously providing education to the next generation of medical professionals and their patients. 


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How to Swaddle a Newborn Baby Safely | Easy Video https://pregnancybeyond.com/how-to-swaddle-a-newborn-baby-safely-easy-video/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 18:49:32 +0000 https://pregnancybeyond.com/?p=5941 Reading Time: 2 minutesHow to Swaddle a Newborn Baby Safely | Easy Technique | Video What is Swaddling? How do I swaddle a newborn baby safely?  Swaddling is an ancient practice of wrapping a newborn/ baby snugly and gently in a blanket or sheet to help them feel calm, relax and eventually fall asleep. Being swaddled reminds babies of the womb’s embrace and it is a similar experience to being cuddled skin-to-skin, which may make them sleep more deeply. ( See Video for how to swaddle safely at the bottom of this page). Most importantly, swaddling promotes safe sleeping in infants and improve […]

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How to Swaddle a Newborn Baby Safely | Easy Technique | Video

What is Swaddling? How do I swaddle a newborn baby safely?  Swaddling is an ancient practice of wrapping a newborn/ baby snugly and gently in a blanket or sheet to help them feel calm, relax and eventually fall asleep. Being swaddled reminds babies of the womb’s embrace and it is a similar experience to being cuddled skin-to-skin, which may make them sleep more deeply. ( See Video for how to swaddle safely at the bottom of this page).

Most importantly, swaddling promotes safe sleeping in infants and improve the quality of sleep in young babies If you are going to swaddle, evidence suggests it is safest to do it from birth.

 

How to Swaddle a Newborn Baby Safely

Swaddling prevents:

  • Your newborn baby from startling herself and disrupting sleep.
  • Your baby from scratching or rubbing as they go to sleep, lots of babies scratch or rub as they fall asleep.
  • Babies from turning from their back to a face-down position, potentially protecting them from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

RELATED: What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?


 

Safe Sleeping Swaddling Guidance

If you decide to adopt swaddling, please follow the safe sleeping swaddling guidance for babies.

  • Use thin materials
  • Do not swaddle above the shoulders
  • Never put a baby to sleep on their front
  • Do not swaddle too tight
  • Check the baby’s temperature to ensure they do not get too hot
  • Not a good idea to swaddle a baby when bed-sharing. A swaddled baby is not able to effectively move covers from the face or use arms and legs to alert an adult who is too close
  • Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows any signs of trying to roll over.

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Video Credit: Talia Ademide. Give her a follow!


 


Join us at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where healthcare experts prepare you for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to:  pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.

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Giving Birth : The Second Stage of Labor https://pregnancybeyond.com/giving-birth-the-second-stage-of-labor/ Mon, 18 Jan 2021 00:41:50 +0000 https://pregnancybeyond.com/?p=5728 Reading Time: 2 minutesGiving Birth to your Baby: The Second Stage of Labor (Scroll down for video of a mother pushing out her baby) The second stage of labor also known as the pushing stage begins when the cervix is completely open (dilated) and lasts until you have pushed out your baby. This stage of labor is also commonly referred to as the stage of expulsion. At this stage, your cervix is 10 centimeters open and fully dilated. The pushing stage can take from a few minutes up to a few hours to birth your baby into the world. In most cases, it […]

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Giving Birth to your Baby: The Second Stage of Labor

(Scroll down for video of a mother pushing out her baby)

The second stage of labor also known as the pushing stage begins when the cervix is completely open (dilated) and lasts until you have pushed out your baby.

This stage of labor is also commonly referred to as the stage of expulsion. At this stage, your cervix is 10 centimeters open and fully dilated.

The pushing stage can take from a few minutes up to a few hours to birth your baby into the world. In most cases, it might take longer for first-time moms than women who have had a baby before.

A small number of women will require assistance with their births, either by forceps or ventouse (vacuum extraction). The obstetrician will choose which is best for your situation.

Forceps are smooth metal instruments that are shaped like large spoons or tongs. They’re curved to fit around the baby’s head. A forceps might be recommended if labor isn’t progressing or the baby’s safety depends on an immediate delivery.

With a ventouse(vacuum extractor), the obstetrician uses suction to attach a soft or hard plastic or metal cup onto your baby’s head.

 

Pushing

Your midwife may encourage you to follow your instincts when your body’s telling you to push, if you don’t want to do this, your midwife will guide you.

Only start to push when you feel the need to and during contractions. If you’ve had an epidural for pain relief, you might not feel the urge to bear down as strongly, so your midwife will tell you when to push.

Make sure to take relaxing breaths and read up on positions that are more effective for giving birth.

 

Related: Best labor and Birthing Position

 

Crowning is the moment when your baby’s head moves down the vagina can be seen completely at your vulva.

Once your baby’s head is born, most of the hard work is over. Your baby may be born covered with a white, greasy substance known as ‘vernix’, which has acted as protection in the uterus. We would then recommend placing the baby in skin contact and allow you to have time together with your new baby.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Rpdb_l0pl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

Watch this video of a mother pushing out her baby. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube channel for more videos.

 

 

 


Join us at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where healthcare experts prepare you for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to:  pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.

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Postpartum – What To Expect in Postpartum? https://pregnancybeyond.com/postpartum-healing-diastasis-recti-prolapse-and-the-pelvic-floor/ Sat, 12 Sep 2020 18:30:25 +0000 http://pregnancybeyond.com/?p=3758 Reading Time: 2 minutes  By Ashley Nowe, Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist. The postpartum period begins immediately after the delivery of the baby and generally includes the first 4–6 weeks after birth. In some cases, the delayed period can last up to six months after childbirth. In this episode of our Instagram Live postpartum series, Ashley, Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist enlightens us on how to keep active during pregnancy and postpartum while preventing excessive diastasis recti, prolapse, and incontinence.   Points Covered: ✳️ How your breath is your superpower (relationship of the diaphragm to the pelvic floor) ✳️ How to […]

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By Ashley Nowe, Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist.

The postpartum period begins immediately after the delivery of the baby and generally includes the first 4–6 weeks after birth. In some cases, the delayed period can last up to six months after childbirth.

In this episode of our Instagram Live postpartum series, Ashley, Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist enlightens us on how to keep active during pregnancy and postpartum while preventing excessive diastasis recti, prolapse, and incontinence.

 

Points Covered: ✳ How your breath is your superpower (relationship of the diaphragm to the pelvic floor) ✳ How to reduce your likelihood of diastasis recti by proactively training the deep abdominals ✳ Proactive and safe exercise strategies ✳ Tips for a healthier pelvic floor (how to keep the intensity, but create lower impact workouts).

 

Questions Answered Include: ✳ Will strengthening my core improve my sex life after having a baby? ✳ What tips would you give in rebuilding your core postpartum ✳ How can I safely close diastasis recti after a c-section? ✳ Best tips for improving incontinence after pregnancy

 

We invite you to join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to:  pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle

PRESS PLAY

DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS FOR MORE VIDEOS

 

 

 

 

 


Ashley Nowe is a Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist. Her mission is to help moms stay fit and active during pregnancy and throughout motherhood. Find more of her @getmomstrong


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Postpartum Infections and Pain | Treatment Tips https://pregnancybeyond.com/treating-postpartum-infections-and-pain-in-perineal-area/ Sat, 12 Sep 2020 17:54:09 +0000 http://pregnancybeyond.com/?p=3755 Reading Time: 2 minutesPostpartum Infections and Pain In Perineal Area: Treating Postpartum Infections And Pain In the Perineal Area. By Tiara Caldwell (Certified Doula &IBCLC ).   Particularly, the postpartum period begins immediately after the delivery of the baby. Generally, includes the first 4–6 weeks after birth. In some cases, the delayed postpartum period can last up to six months after childbirth. For instance, in this episode of our Instagram Live postpartum series, we discuss infections. Meanwhile, Tiara, Certified Doula, and IBCLC enlightens us on how to treat them.   POINTS COVERED: ❇️ Common signs and symptoms of most infections to look out […]

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Postpartum Infections and Pain In Perineal Area:

Treating Postpartum Infections And Pain In the Perineal Area. By Tiara Caldwell (Certified Doula &IBCLC ).

 

Particularly, the postpartum period begins immediately after the delivery of the baby. Generally, includes the first 4–6 weeks after birth. In some cases, the delayed postpartum period can last up to six months after childbirth.

For instance, in this episode of our Instagram Live postpartum series, we discuss infections. Meanwhile, Tiara, Certified Doula, and IBCLC enlightens us on how to treat them.

 

POINTS COVERED:

❇ Common signs and symptoms of most infections to look out for.

❇ 4 common postpartum infections: 1. UTI, 2. Endometritis, 3. Surgical scar infection, 4. Mastitis.

❇ Things to consider while pregnant to help reduce the risk of infection and pelvic pain.

❇ Home relief for pelvic pain.

Questions Answered:

  1. How do you prevent postpartum UTI’s?

  2. How are postpartum wound infections treated?

  3. How to prevent infections.

 

We invite you to join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle. Where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to:  pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle

PRESS PLAY

DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS FOR MORE VIDEOS

 

 


Also, Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter


The postpartum period begins immediately after the delivery of the baby. Generally includes the first 4–6 weeks after birth. In some cases, the delayed postpartum period can last up to six months after childbirth.

POINTS COVERED:

❇ Common signs and symptoms of most infections to look out for.

❇  4 common postpartum infections 1. UTI, 2. Endometritis, 3. Surgical scar infection, 4. Mastitis.

❇ Things to consider while pregnant to help reduce the risk of infection and pelvic pain.

❇ Home relief for pelvic pain.

 

We invite you to join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle. Where we invite healthcare experts. Who prepares us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to:  pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.

The post Postpartum Infections and Pain | Treatment Tips appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.

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Early Labor Signs – What to Look Out For? https://pregnancybeyond.com/early-labor-signs-look/ Mon, 25 May 2020 00:23:57 +0000 https://www.pregnancybeyond.com/?p=1709 Reading Time: 2 minutesEarly Labor Signs: Early Labor Signs – What to Look Out For? Is the baby coming? Am I in labor? The truth is, every labor story is different and a woman’s body will almost always give her the signals she needs to recognize that she is in the early stages of labor.   For most pregnant women, the first of the three stages of labor is usually the longest.  During this period, strong contractions help your cervix to thin and begin to open. This is called effacement and dilation.   Here are four things to watch for:   Lightening Your […]

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Early Labor Signs:

Early Labor Signs – What to Look Out For?

Is the baby coming? Am I in labor? The truth is, every labor story is different and a woman’s body will almost always give her the signals she needs to recognize that she is in the early stages of labor.

 

For most pregnant women, the first of the three stages of labor is usually the longest.  During this period, strong contractions help your cervix to thin and begin to open. This is called effacement and dilation.

 

Here are four things to watch for:

 
  • Lightening

Your baby drops lower into your pelvis and relieving some of the pressure on your  diaphragm. You may feel lighter and find breathing a little easier.

 

  • Bloody Show

You pass your mucus plug – a thick, pinkish or blood-streaked discharge that has sealed off your cervical canal for the last nine months.

 

  • Rupture of Membranes/Water Breaking

When the fluid-filled amniotic sac surrounding your baby ruptures, fluid leaks from your vagina. This is commonly called the water breaking. The discharge can be a sudden gush of water or just a trickle. If your water breaks, immediately notify your doctor or midwife.

 

  • Early Contractions

One sure sign of labor is consistent contraction. Unlike Braxton Hicks which are infrequent, irregular and painless, early contractions can feel like menstrual cramps or like a lower backache that comes and goes. They usually follow a progressive pattern and become progressive closer, stronger and last longer.

When the contractions occur every three to five minutes, you’re in active labor. Time your contractions, or have someone time them for you.

 

When to call your doctor

The general rule of thumb is the 5-1-1 rule. Your contractions should be 5 minutes apart and lasting for 1 minute each and continue in that pattern for 1 hour. Once this happens ,you have progressed to true labor and it is now time to head to the hospital.

Definitely call your doctor if you notice any of these:

  • Over a tablespoon of bright red bleeding (not pale pink or dark brown).
  • If your water breaks, especially if the fluid is green or brown or has a foul odor, it may be a sign that your baby is in distress.
  • Your baby is less active, or you have a headache or vision problems.
  • And/ or you experience rapid weight gain, this could be a sign of preeclampsia

READ MORE: BAD PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE

 


Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to:  pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.

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Pregnancy Nutrition : The Importance of Protein https://pregnancybeyond.com/pregnancy-nutrition-importance-protein/ Fri, 15 May 2020 11:11:34 +0000 https://www.pregnancybeyond.com/?p=2730 Reading Time: 3 minutesPregnancy Nutrition: Pregnancy Nutrition: The Importance of Protein By Andrea Short.   The pregnancy nutrition is vital for the health and wellness of you and your developing baby.  In this article, Andrea Short, a Maternity Nutrition and Wellness Specialist discusses the importance of including protein in your pregnancy diet.  .                              A developing baby depends 100% on the mother’s nutritional intake, so it’s important to eat a diet that is nourishing to you and your baby. One nutrient that is very important to increase during pregnancy is […]

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Pregnancy Nutrition:

Pregnancy Nutrition: The Importance of Protein By Andrea Short.

Pregnancy Nutrition

 

The pregnancy nutrition is vital for the health and wellness of you and your developing baby.  In this article, Andrea Short, a Maternity Nutrition and Wellness Specialist discusses the importance of including protein in your pregnancy diet. 

.                             

A developing baby depends 100% on the mother’s nutritional intake, so it’s important to eat a diet that is nourishing to you and your baby. One nutrient that is very important to increase during pregnancy is protein, as this is vital to ensure a healthy outcome.

 

During pregnancy, your whole body is changing; your uterus, breasts, the placenta, and fetus. Your baby changes and develops by leaps and bounds on a weekly basis, which requires a jump in the amount of protein you need.

 

This protein helps grow the new tissues and organs, assists in forming the hair, nails, and bones, helps with milk production and encourages healthy blood production, which increases by 50-60% during pregnancy. The second and third trimesters are when you and your baby are growing the fastest, and consequently, the demands for protein peaks.

 

What is protein?

Protein is a macronutrient that is made up of amino acids, which are the fundamental building blocks of your cells as well as your baby’s. Not only do you need extra protein to accommodate these growing tissues, but also to avoid consequences of lack of protein such as weakness, fatigue, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia; and consequences for your baby including poor muscle and joint development, muscle or bone deformities, miscarriage, brain damage, and a high risk of birth defects.

 

It’s common for women to develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, but eating a diet rich in protein can help lower your risk significantly. Swings in your blood sugar will cause symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, weakness, nausea, fainting, and hunger pains. While pregnancy already produces these symptoms, they escalate when your blood sugar is not stable. Increasing your protein can keep your blood sugar from spiking and dipping, which is dangerous for you and your baby.

 

It has been suggested that a diet rich in protein can help reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, which is a dangerous condition that causes high blood pressure, edema, migraines, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain, among other symptoms.


RELATED: WHAT TO EAT WHILE PREGNANT

Many women experience nausea, or morning sickness, during their pregnancy.  Women can experience this anytime of the day and during any trimester. Due to nausea, many women don’t, or can’t consume the recommended amount of calories each day. Because of this, I recommend a high-quality protein shake if this is something you can keep down. This is a great way to take in a good amount of calories and protein, and can optionally add in other ingredients such as healthy fats, omega 3’s, fruits, and vegetables. Boosting your protein this way can help ensure you are meeting the daily requirements for you and your growing baby.

 

The majority of women need a minimum of 75 grams of protein per day when pregnant. Depending on the individual’s weight and physical activity levels. Needs can be as high as 100 grams per day or more. Great sources of protein include meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, milk, nuts, and tofu. Keeping a high-quality protein powder on hand can help fill in the gaps where your diet is lacking.

 

In conclusion, protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a key role in pregnancy. Not only to assist in developing you and your baby. But also to help avoid unwanted symptoms that can further complicate your pregnancy.

 

 


About the Author:

Andrea Short is a Maternity Nutrition & Wellness Specialist and Pre & Postnatal Fitness Specialist. She works with women during all stages of pregnancy and beyond to help them have a healthy pregnancy and baby. Working with postpartum women to strengthen, heal, and build confidence is a huge component of her work. She focuses not only on nutrition and fitness but the overall health and wellbeing of each individual. She is the go-to support system for moms like you for nutrition. Also, fitness, and feeling your best so you can be the best mom for your little ones! Join her private Facebook group here; Like her Facebook page here;  Follow her on Instagram here;  Contact her here: www.andreashortwellness.com


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How To Prepare For Birth: 10 Tips From A Doula https://pregnancybeyond.com/how-to-prepare-for-birth/ Tue, 12 May 2020 20:14:30 +0000 https://www.pregnancybeyond.com/?p=2549 Reading Time: 4 minutesHow To Prepare For Birth: How To Prepare For Birth: 10 Tips From A Doula, By Olivyah Bowens.   If you are in your third trimester and are nervous about labor and delivery, Olivyah Bowens a certified doula provides ten tips on how to prepare for the birth of your little one.                                    So you’re pregnant. You’ve bought the crib, planned the baby shower, and picked the perfect name for your new addition, but are you ready for birth? Many women will go through […]

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

How To Prepare For Birth:

How To Prepare For Birth: 10 Tips From A Doula, By Olivyah Bowens.

 

If you are in your third trimester and are nervous about labor and delivery, Olivyah Bowens a certified doula provides ten tips on how to prepare for the birth of your little one.

                                  

How To Prepare For BirthSo you’re pregnant. You’ve bought the crib, planned the baby shower, and picked the perfect name for your new addition, but are you ready for birth? Many women will go through the life-changing experience of birthing a baby but few will be equipped with the knowledge and wisdom to make that experience enjoyable. Yes, enjoyable! After two natural births of my own I can promise you that these 10 tips will make childbirth so much better:

 

Labor Support

1             Get a doula! The most successful people in this world have one thing in common, they all had mentors. Mentors are great because they can help you avoid mistakes, and give you knowledge that you may have otherwise learned the hard way. Consider a doula your birth mentor! Not only can they answer your questions about childbirth but they will also support you through your entire labor. Studies show that continuous labor support from a doula lowers the possibility of getting a c-section, decreases requests for pain medication, and can shorten labor.

 

2           Educate yourself! You wouldn’t attempt to go on a road trip if you didn’t know how to drive. Don’t allow yourself to go into childbirth without first learning about it. You’ve got nine months to immerse yourself in all things birth. Even if you are unable to get a doula you can sign up for a childbirth class and read a few books! One of my favorites is “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth”.

 

3            Stretch! Today most people are sitting too much and this is not good for the muscles that are used in giving birth. Tight and weak muscles in the pelvis and abdomen can make giving birth more difficult. Try stretching your hips and hamstrings every day and make squatting your best friend. (squatting is especially useful in the pushing stage because it opens up the inlet of the pelvis to allow the baby’s head to more easily pass through.)

 

Tone the Uterus

4             Add RRLT + Dates to your diet! Now this one is fairly easy. Drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea helps tone the uterus (make it stronger) and can help to shorten labor. While dates have been shown to raise the production of oxytocin in the body which is the main hormone responsible for having a spontaneous vaginal delivery. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea should be consumed only after the first trimester as it can cause mild uterine contractions. Dates can be consumed at 36 weeks.

 

5            Affirmations! Many women have a pre-existing fear of the pain of childbirth. This can increase stress levels and produce more cortisol in the body. Cortisol is not good for laboring women because it can impede the very important production of oxytocin. Re-wiring the way you think about birth can reduce stress and help your body to release the hormones necessary for a less difficult birth. Some women have such positive outlooks on childbirth that they actually have an orgasmic birth. Don’t believe me? Google it!

 

6            Visualization! Along with affirmations creating a mental picture of what you want your birth experience to look like is a great way of calming those anxieties about birth. I envisioned having quick labor throughout my pregnancy and let’s just say I barely made it into the hospital before the baby came out.

 

Keep your mouth open

7           Practice opening your mouth! There is a connection between the muscles in the vagina and the muscles in the mouth. Women who keep their mouth open and relaxed during the pushing stage have less tendency to tear. The best time to practice this is, you guessed it when you’re taking a number two!

 

8           Create a Birth Plan! Do you want continuous fetal monitoring? Should Pitocin be administered in the case of a stalled labor? Would you like delay cord clamping? These are just a few of the questions you have to be prepared to answer during or after birth. Of course, labor is not the best time to be thinking about these things so do yourself a huge favor and answer these questions before going into labor.

Creating a birth plan helps your doctor or midwife know what you want in your birth without having to actually communicate it in the middle of having contractions! It also helps to keep you and whoever will be with you during birth to be on the same page.

 

9            No negativity. As your belly begins to grow more and more you will probably encounter other moms who are ready to tell you their very traumatic birthing story. Although this can be healing for them it is not at all helpful to an expectant mother. Learn to walk away from scary birth stories and not engage in conversations about traumatic birth experiences. Stay positive!

 

10          Accept the challenge! Every woman’s labor and delivery is unique but most of us can agree that it is a challenge. Accept the fact that labor can be a challenging process but with the right information and sufficient preparation, you can have an awesome experience.

 

Happy birthing!

 

ALSO SEE:  HOW BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS YOU AND YOUR BABY

 


About the Author of How To Prepare For Birth:

Olivyah Bowens is a doula and mother of two from Baltimore, Maryland. She completed her degree in Dance and English while pregnant with her daughter Ozara and recently finished her doula training in Washington D.C while pregnant with her new baby girl Oniyah. Olivyah not only has a passion for natural birth and breastfeeding but is equally passionate about nutrition. As a health enthusiast, she promotes a holistic approach to well-being through her Youtube channel and Instagram page @herholisticpath. She aspires to one day become a midwife and open her own birthing center while continuing to spread knowledge about holistic well being.

 


Join us over the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare you for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to:  pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.

Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

 


 

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