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]]>Best Labor And Birthing Positions:
Best Labor And Birthing Positions By Miri Sais (Traditional Birth Attendant ).
Generally, there are many ways to give birth. From squatting to standing, since the beginning of time women have been giving birth in almost any position you can imagine. However, this isn’t an exemplar in the delivery room.
For instance, according to the Third National U.S. Survey of Women’s Childbearing Experiences, 90% of American women who give birth, do so, either laying down or in some state of refinement, often with their legs propped up. In Australia only 78% of women give birth laying down, a 12% difference, even still that’s far too much.
Particularly, multiple studies have proven birthing laying down leads to an increase in pain, longer labor, and tearing. Also, it is the most likely of all positions to lead to the use of forceps/vacuum and epitomizes. Moreover, the same is true for the supine (lying face upward), or reclining positions.
Birth Vlog: “SHE MADE ME REALIZE HOW MUCH OF A STRONG WOMAN I AM”
Still, the numbers are slow to improve. The reason being, many women don’t know of any other birthing positions. Further, it is the primary position we see in regards to birth. Be it TV or literature of the women who do know of other birthing positions, a majority view them as risky “alternatives” and aren’t willing to attempt for fear of harming themselves and their baby, this is not true.
Every birthing position has it’s pros and cons, but each and every one has its needed purposes. And it is vital for mothers to know of them, so when the great laboring day comes she is well aware of all her options.
Birthing Position:
Squatting
In general, this position is done with some form of back support, to keep the mother steady and give her a place to shift weight to. Many choose the aid of another person, or two. You can also use a birthing bar.
Pros
• Good advantage of gravity encouraging faster descent
• Opens pelvis giving baby room to maneuver
• Also allows mobility and betters freedom to shift weight and comfort
Cons
• Can be tiring
• Requires some form of support.
Standing
For support in this position, many use a birthing bar to hold on to, or another person to lean against.
Pros
• Strong advantage of gravity, pushing the baby down
• Reduces backache
• Baby is well aligned in the pelvis
• Helps create a pushing urge
Cons
• Harder for birth attendants to monitor baby.
• May require some form of support.
Hand and Knees
Generally, outside of laying down and reclined, the hands and knees position is the next frequently used.
In this position, the mother’s arms are propped up to reduce tiredness.
Pros
• Can help shift or rotate baby if needed
• Baby is well aligned in the pelvis
• Takes pressure off spine thus relieving back pain
• Can help boost baby’s oxygen level
Cons
• Harder for Mother to view what’s happening
• Arms may get tired
Laying Down Or Reclined
There are two variations of laying down, during labor and delivery, you can lay flat down on your back with or without a stirrup. As well as you can recline with legs down, or with stirrups. While these can be the most complicated of the birthing and laboring positions, there are times when these positions are needed.
Pros
• Comfortable for the laboring mother
• Great resting position
• Easier for the birth team to monitor baby
Cons
• Tearing
• Works against gravity
• Very restricted of Mother’s movements
• Compresses all major vessels which reduce blood flow to the baby
• Can lead to more painful and less effective contractions
Birth Position And Laboring Tools:
These are some tools made to help you in laboring and delivery.
Birth Stool And Chair
Supports birthing positions: sitting, squatting
It may not look like much, but this tool does the most. It’s best to support is in the sitting position, but it’s also helpful to hold on to when squatting, especially if it has handled.
Birthing Bar
Supports birthing positions: squatting, standing
Also called the squat bar, this tool is most commonly used for mothers to hold while squatting or standing.
Birthing Ball
Supports laboring positions: squatting, sitting
There’s nothing particularly fancy about the birthing ball, in fact, many people just use an exercise ball. If you chose to use an exercise ball it’s vital to assure that it’s the right size. Unlike the previous two tools, it’s not a good idea to birth while using the birthing ball, but it is good for laboring.
Preparation
Now that you know a little bit about the different birth and laboring positions and the tools that support them, there’s still some preparation work to be done.
As for the acquiring of birth and laboring tools, many should be available at most hospitals. Make sure in your birth plan you check your hospital for the tools you desire.
As for the positions themselves, for the past two centuries laying down has been the position for birthing. It’s the primary position most doctors know and trust. And for fear of complications, doctors may advise against uncommon birth positions. As I said earlier, there are pros and cons to every position. Each opens up the pelvis a different way and has a different relation to the pull of gravity. No position is the absolute best. There’s no position that you should solely rely on, be it hands and knees, squatting, or laying down. Always keep in mind when choosing your delivery position, the positioning of the baby.
Along with knowing positions and the tools available, always stand firm, and trust your instincts. The best position is choosing your birth team wisely, and your greatest tool.
BREASTFEEDING MOM WHO LOST HER SON TO BREASTFEEDING ADVOCATES BOTTLE FEEDING
About the Author: Best Labor And Birthing Positions
Miri Sais is a Traditional Birth Attendant, Prodigy Entrepreneur, and a Certified Market Garden Trainer. She is 2nd generation home birthing babies.
Miri has helped hundreds of families in her 20+ years as a birth attendant and doula and has personally ushered the births of hundreds of healthy babies into the world. She has also guided countless human beings to heal from emotional pain, grief, miscarriage, inner stress, and trauma, tap into their strength and power, live fully and live vibrantly, and reclaim their radiance, joyfulness, calm and overall sense of well-being. She teaches empowered birth which has the ability to heal the soul and awaken the most enlightened version of ourselves. Find more of her on www.Mirisais.com, on her Facebook page, and on her Instagram page.
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]]>Ways to Avoid Gestational Diabetes Mellitus:
Best Ways to Avoid Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, By Andre Short.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition where women experience high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, although they did not have this condition pre-pregnancy. According to a 2014 analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of gestational diabetes is as high as 9.2%.
Those at risk for developing GDM are women who:
- Had a previous pregnancy with GDM
- Are overweight or obese
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Are over 25 years old
- Gave birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds
- Are African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander
Managing GDM will help ensure you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, but avoiding it altogether is ideal, as 50% of women with GDM go on to develop type 2 diabetes.
One of the best ways to avoid GDM is to be aware of it and make modifications to your lifestyle before you become pregnant. If you are overweight prior to pregnancy, weight loss is something that may help prevent GDM. However, trying to lose weight if you are already pregnant is not ideal, unless you are under the supervision of a maternity nutritionist. High rates of weight gain during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, may increase your risk of GDM. In a study conducted with 1,145 women, researchers found that rapid gestational weight gain in early pregnancy may result in an early increase in insulin resistance that leads to the “exhaustion” of the B cell. This can lead to a decreased level of secreted insulin, which therefore progresses to GDM.
Making simple changes to your diet pre-pregnancy or during pregnancy can have huge effects in decreasing your risk for GDM. Low fiber and high glycemic index foods can increase the risk of developing GDM, while eating a diet rich in protein may help reduce the risk of GDM.
DON’T MISS: PREECLAMPSIA SURVIVOR SHARES HER STORY
Regular physical activity pre-pregnancy will also help decrease your risk for GDM during pregnancy. One study showed that women who participated in any recreational physical activity during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy experience a 48% reduction in risk of developing GDM compared to inactive women. Moderately intense activity such as brisk walking, jogging, or swimming can help keep your blood sugar under control. You want to aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days per week. It’s important to talk to your doctor or midwife about continuing exercise, but most women without pregnancy complications can continue their normal workout routine. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy pregnancy weight gain, which in turn decreases your risk of GDM.
GDM is undoubtedly dangerous to the mother, but it also carries consequences for the baby. Babies in utero store excess sugar as fat, so they can grow larger than normal which can complicate your pregnancy. They may suffer an injury during labor due to their size, or a c-section may be the only option if the baby is too large. The baby may also have a low blood sugar or low mineral levels when they’re born, temporary breathing problems, jaundice or pre-term birth. More serious complications include the increased risk for death and morbidity among infants. Not only does GDM affect the baby in utero, but later in life your child has a greater chance of diabetes and obesity.
In conclusion, avoiding GDM altogether is best for you and your baby. But there are steps to take if GDM does present. Regular physical activity and making modifications in your diet are the two best methods for controlling GDM.
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, 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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]]>Emotional Letter:
Emotional Letter – Mom of Triplets Pens To Infertility.
Dear Infertility,
I hated you.
You steal dreams. You break hearts. You bring grief. You consume lives. You are the reason I couldn’t get pregnant on my own. You drowned my heart in deep misery from the inability to become a Mother how most women do. You told me that my body wasn’t good enough. You may have been a huge part of my story, but you never defined me. And on this day, two years ago, I kicked your ass. I defeated you. I showed you that there is a victory in infertility and God finally planted life in my womb.
Infertility, there are so many things you brought with you when you entered my life. It wasn’t just that I couldn’t get pregnant. You brought me more tears than I ever thought I could shed. Because of you, I laid on my bathroom floor in complete emptiness after countless negative pregnancy tests time and time again. I had to endure shots, bruises, and all kinds of meds because when you are infertile and you seek fertility treatment for help, that is what you are in for. You are expensive and exhausting physically, emotionally, and mentally. Infertility, you drowned my heart in disappointment and agony. And truthfully, it was pretty painful every time I heard the words “I’m pregnant” from someone other than myself. And yet, in the midst of all of that-you brought me hope.
As much as I hated you, Infertility, I am also so thankful that you were my story. You made me strong. Even before I got pregnant, my strength was rising. Not only did I feel like Superwoman after all of those injections, meds, blood draws, doctor visits, etc. but I found strength emotionally, as well. I learned how to be brave and walk our story with faith trusting that God knew every single detail better than I did. I learned how to be courageous as my husband gave me a progesterone shot that hurt like you wouldn’t believe every single night for 2 months so I could get and stay pregnant. Infertility, you taught me that I am never alone in my darkest days.
Never did I imagine I would be labeled as infertile. Nor did I imagine that we would seek fertility treatment. However, infertility, it is because of you that I get to be a Mom to my Hope Triplets. This love that I get to experience with them is absolutely undeniable. It is the greatest feeling in the world and if you weren’t apart of my story, I would be missing out on a truly honorable role as their Mommy. It is because of you that two years ago I found myself lying on a doctor bed waiting for two precious and perfectly made embryos to be transferred to my womb.
Infertility, God used you in my life to make a platform for my story and reach the hearts of people walking the same pain I was in. And it is because of you that I have a greater understanding of what hope really is.
Infertility, I don’t hate you, not anymore. God makes beauty out of ashes. You were my ashes, but God made you beautiful. If it wasn’t for you-for the extreme heartache you caused me, the lies you told me, the grief you brought my heart over and over again- not only would I not be a Mom to my darling hope triplets, but I can now truly grasp on to how powerful and remarkable it means to have hope in Jesus Christ.
Hope anchors the soul. Hope does not disappoint. Hope is having faith for what seems impossible. It is trusting God when it feels hopeless. My journey to parenthood was nothing short of hope. God had every single detail orchestrated from the second He planted the seed of Motherhood in my heart. Infertility, today, when I really reflect on those years when you were apart of my life, I can only say, Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mama of Hope
Desiree and her husband have now been blessed with a set of triplets -two boys and one girl- Charlize, Sawyer, and Jax.
Speaking to PregnancyBeyond.com, the triplet mom said “I think this letter really captures the heartache of infertility-and the beauty of it, as well”
Thank you for sharing for sharing this raw open letter. Find more of Desiree and her family on Instagram
RELATED: I AM 36 WEEKS PREGNANT AND I HAVE TWO-MONTH-OLD TWINS
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]]>Singleton, Then Twins And Now Triplets!
Singleton, Then Twins And Now Triplets! This Mom of 3 is Expecting Another 3! By Marcel Warfield, Janice Park (WUSA9)
She had one baby, then twins and now she’s expecting triplets, all naturally conceived.
It’s a story of love and surprise.
It all began 10 years ago when Robert and Nia Tolbert of Waldorf, Maryland ran into each other while visiting their friends at work. From that moment, they were in love.
That love turned into a union when they married on August 31, 2014. At this time the couple had a 3-year-old son, Shai, and would be soon expecting twin boys.
Watch the video to hear the couple speak about their three newest additions and to see their extremely entertaining gender reveal.
Read full article here: FIRST TWINS, NOW TRIPLETS: THIS MOM OF 3 IS WELCOMING 3 MORE
SEE ALSO :- BIRTH STORY : MY BREECH BABY
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]]>Benefits Of Delayed Blood Clamping:
Benefits Of Delayed Blood Clamping For Your Baby, By Natasha Burgert, MD, FAAP (@doctornatasha).
Following the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference, Dr Natasha Burgert (@kckidsdoc) shares some key information that emerged from the recently concluded conference.
What You Need to Know About Delayed Cord Clamping
You’ve rejoiced at the two lines on your home pregnancy test. You’ve watched your baby grow from the size of kiwi to a watermelon. You’ve felt first kicks and hiccoughs. Gender reveals, baby registries, baby showers… You’ve done it all!
Throughout these months of excitement and anticipation, your baby has been connected to your body by an umbilical cord. This slippery, thick “rope” is a literal lifeline, containing two arteries (carrying waste products away from the baby to the placenta) and one vein (returning oxygen-containing blood to the baby) to perform this vital job. At the time the baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut as baby begins his or her new life as an independent human.
Traditionally, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut less than a minute after a child is born. Recent research has challenged this practice, however, suggesting that allowing the cord to remain intact and untouched for 3-5 minutes after delivery may have benefits to the new infant. In fact, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports delayed cord clamping for all healthy newborns.
Delayed Cord Clamping (DCC ) has shown numerous benefits to the newborn. It allows time for more oxygen-rich placental blood to return to the baby before cord cutting; resulting in baby receiving more red-blood cells, more iron, and more stem cells before separation. In addition to the potentially easier transition to living outside the womb, this extra blood decreases the risk of both anemia in infancy the risk of needing blood transfusions.
The cool part? The benefit of DCC may extend past the infancy period. One study followed infants for four years after using DCC during delivery and found improved fine motor and social skills relative to non-DCC peers. This neurocognitive benefit was seen more in baby boys than baby girls.
So why wouldn’t you want DCC for your baby? Studies suggest that the benefit of DCC is most significant in preterm babies and babies in developing countries. For women delivering in well-resourced areas, some argue healthy term babies don’t need the extra boost. Also, DCC does not allow for healthy babies to significantly contribute to stem-cell donation. Donated stem cells are responsible for saving lives of children in need of life-saving medical interventions. Many families choose to donate umbilical cord blood rather than opt for DCC.
Although DCC is possible for both vaginal and caesarian births, it’s important to remember that not all birth experiences go as planned. For babies needing additional support at the time of birth, delayed clamping is likely less important than other urgent life-support measures. Alternatively, DCC may not be in the best interest of a mother’s health if excessive bleeding occurs at delivery, or has other chronic illnesses.
Talk to your doc about your preference for delayed cord clamping. Make the decision together on your baby’s birthday to determine what is best for both you.
Congratulations and good luck!
RECOMMENDED : IMPORTANT THINGS FIRST -TIME MOMS SHOULD KNOW
About the author: Dr. Natasha Burgert is a board-certified pediatrician in Kansas City, MO and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. She shares evidenced-based child health information blended with her experience as a mom of two on KCKidsDoc.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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]]>Cancer While Pregnant
Cancer While Pregnant – Beautiful Photos of New Mom Breastfeeding After Mastectomy.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, DeShonjla “Shonni” Peterson, 40, got diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant in November 2016. She was only in her first trimester shares her emotional story with us.
In all began in October 2016 when DeShonjla “Shonni” Peterson found a lump in her breast, shortly after, on November 22, 2017, DeShonjla got diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer “who knew that during breast cancer awareness month I would discover that I had breast cancer?”
Fastword to the day she was scheduled to have a double mastectomy, DeShonjla discovered she was pregnant! Left with two choices, her breast surgeon suggested she terminated the pregnancy and treat the cancer or continue with the pregnancy and delay treatment.
DeShonjla and her husband Kevin made the decision to protect their unborn child. So they kept the pregnancy “If I choose to start chemo today, I risk something possibly harming Zoe . While there are plenty of chemo babies out there, there isn’t enough evidence to support me risking any additional part of her health.” she said in a blog post.
At week 20 of her pregnancy, on April 7, DeShonjla had a single mastectomy “If I did the bilateral and with reconstruction my baby would be under anesthesia for close to 5 hours and I couldn’t risk that so I went with the lesser of the evils and only had one removed”.
Monday July 31, 2017, DeShonjla “Shonni” Peterson welcomed a healthy baby girl, Zoe Jade and photographer Nceephotography was there to capture the birth and take photos of DeShonjla breastfeeding her newborn. “I couldn’t be more ecstatic to meet her” the proud new mom said.
DeShonjla wrote on Instagram
“Vulnerable is one of those things that I never wanted to be. Vulnerability always equated to weakness to me. Any vulnerability was calculated to make myself feel and look more human. Now as I sit today, transparent in my thoughts and emotions about this journey I feel nothing but strength and relief from my vulnerability. I feel beautiful in this space. This outward body is not where my beauty is housed. It is well within and courses through every fiber of my being. I share this image as another level of vulnerability and transparency. I don’t owe anyone this, but this is where my beauty now resides. It resides in everything I do. It resides in everything I am. It resides in everything I am affiliated with. It resides in everything that I love. Thank you all for walking on this journey with me.”
DeShonjla has since started chemotherapy after she was able to nurse her daughter for about three weeks.
Please continue to put DeShonjla“Shonni” Peterson in your prayers. “This time next year all of the words from this video will come to pass and I claim that!!! We are going to celebrate, exclaim, and boogie down to the ground next year because God’s promise of healing will be manifested and realized. Y’all can STAMP THAT!!! This tale will end happily ever after. Love, life and health will prevail.”
Praying for her victory over this horrible thing called cancer!
SEE ALSO: MOM GIVES BIRTH TO TWINS TWO WEEKS APART
Find more of DeShonjla on Instagram and on her blog.
Photography: Nceephotography
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]]>Pregnancy Symptoms
Top 10 Pregnancy Symptoms You Should Never Ignore, By Dola Kaytee, Mom Coach.
Pregnancy is well known for symptoms as nausea, back pain, and fatigue. Your body goes through major changes throughout these nine months, so it’s important to know what’s normal and what is not. While it is always safe to call your doctor about any symptom that concerns you, you need to keep in mind some symptoms that do require swift attention.
At any time during your pregnancy, call your doctor/ health care provider if you experience:
Vaginal Bleeding
Bleeding after the 20th week should be taken very seriously, it could be a sign of miscarriage, placental abruption(placenta has detached from the wall of the uterus) or placenta previa (placenta lies unusually low in the uterus and partially or completely covers the cervix).
Swollen Face, Hands and Feet
It is normal to have a moderate amount of swelling during pregnancy, this is because your body is holding on to more fluid than usual. However, excessive or sudden swelling in the ankle and feet could be a sign of preeclampsia. Be on the lookout for more swelling in one leg than the other, accompanied by pain, which can signal a possible blood clot.
Reduced Fetal Movements
Beginning at 24 weeks, you should spend some time each day to count your baby’s movements. This movement can be anything from a flutter, kick, swish or roll. Notify your health care provider immediately if your baby has not moved 10 times in two hours or there have been significant changes in what is normal for your baby.
Chills or Fever
Fevers during pregnancy is never normal as your baby’s growth and development depend on your body maintaining a steady and healthy temperature. When the temperature spikes up to more than 38.3°C (100.94°F), it is a fever. A recent study has suggested that pregnant women who come down with a fever are at increased risk of having a baby with autism.
Painful or Burning Urination
If you are experiencing pain when you pee, you are likely to have a urinary tract infection (UTI) – cloudy, bloody or foul-smelling urine is another classic bladder infection symptom. Pregnant women can be especially prone to UTI’s due to the uterus sitting directly on top of the bladder; as the uterus grows, its increased weight can block the drainage of urine from the bladder, causing an infection. To prevent the infection reaching the kidney, prompt treatment is necessary as if left untreated, could trigger labor and lead to low birth weight.
Abdominal Pain/ Cramps
Abdominal pain in the second or third trimesters, could be as a result of round ligament pain or Braxton hicks – which are both harmless; however, pains resulting from placental abruption (happens when the placenta peels away from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery), preeclampsia or labor contractions are more serious will require immediate medical attention.
Sudden Vision Changes & Blurred Eyesight
Some changes in vision can be symptoms of potentially dangerous conditions such as pregnancy-induced hypertension or gestational diabetics. Eyesight problems usually involve temporary loss of vision, sensitivity to light and blurred vision.
Rapid Weight Gain
This is when you gain four or more pounds in a week. Complications of too much weight gain can show up during the third trimester and may include: gestational diabetics, high blood pressure, premature birth and heavy birth weight. Make sure you avoid salty food and drink lots of water which helps flush the body and prevent extra water retention.
Itching
Severe itching in late pregnancy can be a sign of a liver problem called obstetric cholestasis (OC). Also know as, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), this condition triples the risk of stillbirth and it is believed to be caused by pregnancy hormones that affect the liver’s ability to transport certain chemicals, such as bile.
Trickle or Gush of Fluid From Your Vagina
This could mean that your amniotic sac has ruptured. If your water breaks before the 37th week of pregnancy, the more serious it is for you and your baby and can predispose both you and your baby to infection. If you are past 37 weeks, then congratulations – this could be a sign that things are about to get real!
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]]>Woman Gives Birth While Shopping
Woman Gives Birth While Shopping At Target!
Heavily pregnant Tanya St. Preux Picault went shopping in her neighborhood Target store in North Georgia when she went into active labor.
Thankfully, Caris Lockwood, a labor and delivery nurse was also shopping with family members when her mother noticed a woman in labor. Lockwood immediately sprang into action! And as she was helping Picault get to the car, her water broke.
So, right by the store’s entrance, Lockwood delivered Picault’s baby: a healthy 7 lb., 10 oz. boy named Maleek.
Picault said she began feeling contractions after leaving a restroom. Soon after that, Lockwood’s mother, Lisa Bozeman, approached her. “I saw a very pregnant woman who looked to be in pain,” Bozeman said. “She mentioned that she needed to get a few things, then ‘might’ go to the hospital to be checked since her contractions seemed to be getting strong.” she told FOX 5.
Not longer after, Boseman went back to Picault to ask if her daughter who’s a labor and delivery nurse, come and look at her.
“God had her there for me that day,” Picault said. “She did such a great job. It was on the news, and I recorded it so I can show [Maleek] as he gets older.”
‘I didn’t think she was going to deliver that fast at first, but then she had a really painful contraction and her water broke. As a labor and delivery nurseI kind of knew what was about to happen’ Lockwood said.
Target has said: ‘We commend the nurses and medical team that jumped in to help and we’re happy to hear mother and baby are doing well.’
Picault and Lockwood said they’ve kept in touch since the birth.
The hospital shared a photo of the nurse and the new mom and her baby on Facebook, along with this caption: “An ordinary trip to Target quickly became extraordinary for Piedmont Atlanta Hospital labor and delivery nurse Caris Lockwood. Fellow shopper Tanya St. Preux went into active labor as she was shopping, so Caris jumped right in to deliver the 7-pound, 10-ounce healthy baby boy right there at the store’s entrance.”
“We’re happy to hear that the mother and baby are doing well and wish them all the best.”
Credits: ABC News ;Fox5Atlanta
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]]>Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes: Five Facts You Should Know! By Dr. Angela
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. It occurs when the body cannot cope with the extra demand for insulin production – a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels – to meet the extra needs in pregnancy.
In this article, Dr. Angela, shares five facts every expectant mother should know about Gestational Diabetics.
I decided to talk about gestational diabetes in today’s blog post. Mainly because I recently came across a case that COMPLETELY blew my mind, but also because I feel it’s one of those “things” in pregnancy that folks don’t know enough about, and hence, don’t take seriously.
So the case that blew my mind……I recently had the pleasure and privilege of caring for a pregnant mom with pre-existing diabetes, poorly controlled blood sugars, and a fetus that weighed over 9 pounds at 35 weeks. YIKES!
Believe it or not, stranger things have happened. Just when I think I’ve seen it all, something else comes along that literally astounds me. Nonetheless, after caring for this patient, it got me to thinking, “Dr. Angela, what do you think folks need to know the most about Diabetes in pregnancy?” This is what I came up with.
Five Facts You Should Know About Gestational Diabetes:
- NO ONE WANTS IT. It’s that test that is typically done between 26 and 28 weeks in pregnancy. You know, the one following that 50-gram glucose load…..that sugary drink that we all love to hate…doesn’t matter whether you drink it warm or cold, it’s still equally as awful…anyway, your blood is drawn an hour later and hence the results are revealed. In my particular practice, we use 140 as the cut off; i.e., anything higher than this means you have to take the 3hr glucose tolerance test, which is actually the one that is diagnostic……3hrs waiting to have your blood drawn…..there goes the afternoon! Two abnormal values and Gestational Diabetes you have!
- Occasionally we do early glucose screening. This means that we screen you for gestational diabetes at the onset or early on in the pregnancy, as well as in the 3rd trimester as noted above. If you have risk factors, for example, are obese, non-white, have a previously affected pregnancy, history of having a macrosomic(large)baby, a strong family history of diabetes, you may be a candidate for early glucose screening.
- Diabetes in pregnancy is not without risks for the fetus. Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy can lead to excessive birth weight, as noted in the case I mentioned above. Preterm delivery and hence, respiratory issues with the baby. Low blood sugar in a baby could in return lead to seizures. Increased risk of the baby developing diabetes later in life.
ALSO READ: BEST WAYS TO AVOID GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS
- Diabetes in pregnancy is not without risks for pregnant moms. Moms that are diabetic are at an increased risk for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy such as preeclampsia as well as the development of diabetes in future pregnancies, and later in life. Lifestyle is everything. Diet and exercise, which is often a mainstay of the treatment of gestational diabetes should be continued even after the pregnancy is completed.
- Gestational Diabetes is NOT the end of the world. I always said that if God ever wanted to get back at me He would’ve made me a gestational diabetic. I’m so happy that he didn’t as I am the biggest baby imaginable! Doing fasting and 2-hour post-meal finger sticks surely would have been the life of me. With good glucose control, mostly via dietary choices and exercise, we can avoid a lot of the issues noted above. If we are unable to control your blood sugars with lifestyle; i.e., diet alone, we add some form of insulin to help maintain blood sugars in an optimal range. We typically like your fasting blood sugar value to be below 95 and your 2-hour post-meal values to be less than 120.
The moral of the story is this. No one wants gestational diabetes. If you do happen to get it, we will work together to ensure that your glucose control is where it needs to be in an effort to help ensure you have a healthy, happy, baby.
Hoping this blog post has imparted even a bit of knowledge.
Until Next Time,
Look Better. Feel Better. Be Better.
Dr. Angela
RECOMMENDED: TOP TIPS FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
About Dr. Angela : Wife, mother, Midwesterner, and award-winning OB/GYN, Dr. Angela is equal parts best girlfriend and bold professional, supporting women’s health with innovative approaches to care and heavy doses of humor. Dr. Angela has done more than launch a successful practice, she has defined herself as a voice for a new generation of womanhood, established her ASK DR. ANGELA brand committed to authenticity, and built a community rooted in trust, candor, and compassion. Find more of Dr. Angela on her website and on her Instagram account.
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Esther Junaid’s Baby Shower “A Princely Arrival”
A sweet little prince is on his way and to royally welcome him, beautiful expecting mama Esther Junaid celebrated with this super stylish ladies-only baby shower. The party was held at BelAir House in West Dulwich, London and the theme of the baby shower was A Princely Arrival.
Every royal celebration involves gold, and this baby shower does not disappoint! The color scheme was a combination of muted mint green, gold and white color palette. The decor featured beautiful custom signage, elegant centerpieces, pretty golden balloons and LED marquee sign letters which spelt out b-a-b-y. The beautiful design definitely created a beautiful ambiance to welcome the little bundle of joy. Oh and lets not forget the custom Snapchat filter! Read on to see photos from this luxe baby shower celebration.
Mom’s Gorgeous Outfit
The gorgeous expectant mom was glowing in a grey colored high low layered ruffle dress by a British designer Gbemi Okunlola. Her dress was paired with a personalized handheld clutch and Aquazzura shoes . Her outfit perfectly complemented her pregnancy curves!
Menu
Guests enjoyed a delectable three course meal which was accompanied by a champagne and canapé reception.
The main menu comprised of:
Starters:
Fried salt fish fritters with a mango and chilli salsa
Tomato, mozzarella and avocado salad with a balsamic glaze
Mains:
Jollof rice (a classic tomato based rice infused with herbs)
Nigerian fried rice (vegetable variety rice with prawns)
Stewed chicken (peppered chicken in a tomato based sauce)
Dessert:
Dark chocolate and coffee mousse
Fresh fruit jelly with ice cream
Sweet table:
The sweet table was absolutely enchanting. It featured red velvet iced cupcakes and assorted candy in the color palette (mints, chews, sweets, individually wrapped chocolates balls, mint colored marshmallows) as well as paper bags and gold serving scoops.
Also featured was a two-tier cake with the custom “Oh Baby” gold cake topper. Each tier of the cake was a different flavor; the top tier was strawberry and vanilla sponge cake with a buttercream and strawberry jam filling and the bottom tier was a chocolate cake with a chocolate fudge filling.
Beautifully arranged alongside were decor items such as fresh flowers and a balloon cascade, a miniature pram, rocking horse and roll top bath, as well as two golden teddy bears.
Baby Shower Games
Guest had an amazing time and played fun games such as Don’t say Baby, Baby Bingo, Guess the size of the Bump, Drink the Baby Bottle Race . The game Drink The Baby Bottle Race had the expecting mommy caught up in laughter “I didn’t realize how many of the ladies were so competitive” she said.
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The fab mommy was so glad to see her vision come to life and here is what she had to say; “The highlight of the day was celebrating the upcoming arrival of our little prince with my sisters, cousins and friends. I was overwhelmed with how much love and excitement there was in expectation of our newest son #APrincelyArrival.”she told Pregnancybeyond.com. “This is baby no.2 for my husband and I, and so I’m most looking forward to witnessing how our family dynamics will adjust with our new arrival, especially how our eldest son will adjust to the role of a big brother”.
Thank you Esther, and congratulations to you and your family on your newest addition.
Credits:
Fab Mama: Esther Junaid
Dress: AloNuko ; Event Planner: Mrs Wedding Planner
Sweet Table: Sugar Tables London ; Cake: Panari Cake
Photographer: Love Exposed Photography ; Videographer: Dan Erman
Also Read: Whitney’s Garden Theme Baby Shower
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