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]]>Woman Had No Idea She Was Pregnant:
Woman “Had No Idea She Was Pregnant” When She Gave Birth To TWINS!
July 12, 2018
Woman, 21, didn’t realize she was pregnant until she gave birth to twins when she got up to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.
Image: Kennedy News And Media
Beth Bamford, 21, has told how she only learned she was pregnant when she gave birth to twins in her bathroom after getting up to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.
Beth from Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, claims she had no idea she was pregnant because she was still having her periods, and had attributed her weight gain to simply ‘fat’.
While her 22-year-old boyfriend Andy Morris was asleep, Beth welcomed 5lb 10oz daughter Willow.
Terrified, she called for an ambulance, and emergency services talked her through pushing out the afterbirth – but instead popped out twin Freya weighing 5lb 1oz.
Freya, who was breech – meaning she born feet rather than head first – wasn’t breathing.
Thankfully, medics were able to coach Beth through a ‘little shake’ procedure, and the smaller twin took her first breath.
Beth, who is already a mother to three-year-old Elsa-Mae and two-year-old Alivia, says the new babies are a great surprise addition to her family.
Beth had visited her doctor numerous times, thinking she was ill. But neither she nor her doctors realized her symptoms were down to her being pregnant.
She claims she showed no signs of pregnancy because she was still having her periods, was not eating any more than usual, she put the small amount of weight gain down to ‘fat’.
Image: Kennedy News And Media
Beth said: ‘It’s a big shock but a nice surprise. I didn’t know I was pregnant at all.
‘I was in bed with my partner and I was getting pains. Further, I didn’t say anything to him but I went downstairs to get a glass of water and they got worse and I thought I needed the toilet.
‘I was still sitting on the toilet when I gave birth. I didn’t really have time to feel anything as it was happening.
‘It was a rush. One moment I was getting pain and the next moment I have got two new babies.
‘I hadn’t phoned an ambulance but I called the emergency services and they talked me through it as I gave birth to the first one.
‘They told me I needed to get the placenta out. I pushed again but another baby came out, not the placenta. It was a shock.
‘The second one wasn’t breathing because she was breech. I was panicking about what to do because I wasn’t sure what to do with one, let alone two.
‘Nobody was answering me when I was shouting. I couldn’t wake my partner up because I was on the floor with the babies and couldn’t move.
‘Andy eventually woke up and walked into the bathroom and just looked at me.
‘He went to his mom’s bedroom and said: ‘Beth’s got two babies in the bathroom’.
‘She thought he had lost the plot because she knew we had two children already.
‘Two ambulances came and asked lots of questions. Like how far along I was or where my notes were.
‘They assumed I knew that information and had notes, but I didn’t.
DONT MISS: REAL MOM STORIES
‘I told them I didn’t know I was pregnant or having twins. But nobody believed me – even my partner thought I had hidden it from him.
‘I had had the shock of giving birth to babies, and then people accusing me of not knowing.
‘I had nothing, no nappies or anything, to take with me to the hospital.’
Doctors believe Beth was around 37 weeks pregnant when she gave birth to the non-identical twins on February 21.
She was told that if she had given birth in the hospital, she would have had a C-section. Because Freya was breech.
Image: Kennedy News And Media
The newborns and their mum spent a week in the hospital. Where she and the babies were checked over and monitored for signs of distress.
But Beth, who is already mum to Elsa-Mae, three, and Alivia, two. Was happy when all three of them were given the okay to go home.
Beth said: ‘I feel lucky because it could have been a lot worse.
‘I have settled down a bit now, but it is scary going from two to four. It helped to have a lot of support.
‘I have not had to go to and buy anything for them. Because people went out and bought clothes and baskets and things for them.
‘I showed no signs of pregnancy and I even had my periods.
‘I have got ulcers in my mouth which stopped me from eating. So whatever I was eating went to the babies.
MORE ON PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
‘During my pregnancy, I was just doing normal things. I was lifting heavy things. If they had known at work, I wouldn’t have been there.
‘I am a fussy eater and I don’t go out much anyway. But I was still dancing like normal and doing everything that you would do if you’re not pregnant.
‘Doctors thought I had a viral infection. I don’t feel angry. It didn’t pop into my head I could be pregnant.
Image: Kennedy News And Media
The happy mother-of-four concluded: ‘It’s a bit of a struggle but I just have to get on with it.’
THIS MOM OF THREE IS EXPECTING ANOTHER THREE
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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The post Woman Had No Idea She Was Pregnant With Twins appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post How ICP Changes Your Pregnancy – Worth Every Itch appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>How ICP Changes Your Pregnancy?
How ICP Changes Your Pregnancy – Worth Every Itch, By Lyndsey Quist (ICP Care).
June is ICP (Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy) Awareness Month. ICP is a medical condition where women experience very severe itching during pregnancy. PregnancyBeyond has teamed up with ICP Care to raise awareness of this liver disorder that develops during pregnancy. In which bile flow is impaired within the liver itself. This condition has been shown to pose a serious risk to the unborn baby.
In today’s post, one mom advises on the importance of early detection, diagnosis, and intervention.
.
Last June, during Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) Awareness Month. I was diagnosed with cholestasis during the third trimester of my second pregnancy. It started at the end of May with mild itching on the soles of my feet. After three nights of no sleep, I turned to Google for support. Assuming that itching on your feet was mild. I was shocked to find out that it was the number one symptom of ICP. A disorder that affects pregnant women and can be fatal to their unborn child. Frantic with worry, I called my midwives as soon as the sun came up. I was surprised when they suggested I come down to labor and delivery that Sunday morning. For some blood work and a non-stress test. I was lucky that my midwife immediately suspected ICP. Also, promised that we would continue testing and monitoring until we had a diagnosis. ICP affects only one in 1,000 pregnancies. Many doctors miss the symptoms or are uneducated about current recommended treatment.
After we confirmed that at 30 weeks my daughter was doing well, I was sent home to wait the several days it would take to get my blood work back. My labs showed elevated liver enzyme numbers but the true indicator of cholestasis is bile acids number above 10. Only a few labs in the country run this blood test and it can take days or even a full week to get results. Symptoms of ICP often start well before your bile acids number are at the diagnostic range. There are many pregnant women that endure weeks of testing and uncertainty before getting a conclusive diagnosis.
Three weeks later I was officially diagnosed with ICP. The diagnosis felt simultaneously like a blessing and a curse. After weeks of waiting and not knowing what will happen with your pregnancy, you now know that you have cholestasis. You can schedule an early induction to lower your risk of stillbirth which increases at 37 weeks gestation. Start the medication Ursodiol which helps to lower your bile acids levels, protecting your baby while in utero. You also start bi-weekly NSTs to make sure your baby is active and thriving. Your doctor appointments quadruple, but if you’re lucky enough to have a team that is knowledgeable about ICP, you feel some relief at having a plan to protect your baby.
The last four weeks of my pregnancy felt long and stressful. At a time when you should be happy and excited about your baby’s arrival, you feel constant anxiety and stress about the health of the baby. For many women like myself, the itching increases in severity. Some days I slept only one or two hours the entire night because I was so uncomfortable. I barely had the energy to care for my active little toddler. There was no energy to prepare my daughter’s room, wash baby clothes, or do ordinary nesting activities. I spent the little mental energy I had arranging care for my son during my endless doctor appointments and upcoming induction. Also, I remember once crying on the phone to his preschool who called to tell me he was upset and needed to be picked up. I was hooked up to a fetal monitor watching as my daughter failed an NST, fearing for my daughter’s life but feeling the guilt of not being there for my two-year-old son when he needed my comfort.
Finally, our induction date arrived. Although I was happy that the induction had finally arrived I was nervous. At 10 pm on a Monday evening, I was given my first dose of Cytotec. After three doses and 16 hours, my labor was not progressing. I was feeling very emotional and exhausted by the hours of unproductive contractions. As I took a break from the induction medication and asked for some time to be alone with my husband, suddenly my water broke naturally and labor progressed quickly. It wasn’t long before I held my beautiful, healthy daughter in my arms.
Two hours after her peaceful entry into this world, the nurses started weighing and measuring my daughter. As the nurses proudly announced each statistic, declaring her good health, my husband snapped photos. I remember that I couldn’t focus on anything they were saying and suddenly I was vomiting and losing consciousness. The nurses and midwives thought I was just responding to postpartum hormone fluctuations and told me not to worry. I continued to get sick and fade out when one of the nurses discovered I was losing a lot of blood. Suddenly everything was happening very quickly. They couldn’t get ahold of a midwife or doctor so my labor and delivery nurse made the lifesaving decision to start me on Pitocin immediately. Despite the Pitocin, I was hemorrhaging quickly and my midwife started to remove the placental pieces that were still inside of me. This procedure was one of the most painful things I had ever experienced but it was life-saving and eventually I was told I was stable. The beautiful moment of my daughter’s birth had been followed by a terrifying hour where I wondered if I survive.
In the ICP community, we have a common saying which is “worth every itch.” There is no better way to explain an ICP pregnancy. So quickly your pregnancy can go from healthy, normal, and exciting to scary. After weeks or months of stress, anxiety, and endless itching, you finally get to hold your sweet baby in your arms and you know without a doubt that every single moment of discomfort and fear was worth it to have this sweet little love in your life. Unfortunately for some families, ICP is not caught in time and they lose their sweet unborn child to a disorder that is very rare. After my own experience, I am so thankful to have had a medical team that was knowledgeable about ICP and to the ICP Care community that provided me with support and information throughout my pregnancy. (Find more info. on ICP here)
ALSO SEE: THE ITCH I FELT WAS LIKE ANTS CRAWLING UNDER MY SKIN
The ICP Care:
ICP Care is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit determined to help pregnant mothers who experience Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy and to deliver healthy babies. ICP Care’s mission is to provide patient support and education. Raise public awareness, support the advancement of research. Improve health care practices. ICP Care helps to connect, support, educate, and empower those affected by ICP – Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy.
We do this by raising awareness of the condition, distributing educational materials for patients and medical professionals. Also, creating a supportive community for friends and families of anyone affected by ICP. We hope that one day, all medical professionals and staff will know the proper protocol for treating Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy. Resulting in less suffering and healthier ICP babies. Find them on Facebook and at www.icpcare.org
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.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The post How ICP Changes Your Pregnancy – Worth Every Itch appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist – For You And Baby appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist:
Congratulations! As you anticipate the arrival of your new baby, it is essential not to forget one of the most important third-trimester to-dos: selecting what to pack in your hospital bag—for you, your baby, and your birth partner. Read here about Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist.
Most women will go into labor between 38 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, so it is advisable to pack well ahead of your due date. If you are expecting twins or multiples, it is recommended that you pack well ahead of the 35-week mark.
Use this essential checklist to help you pack all you need for your maternity hospital bag. (If you’re planning on home birth, it’s still good to have all your gear ready and available somewhere)
Our editors review and recommend products to help you buy the stuff you need. If you make a purchase by clicking one of our links, we may earn a small share of the revenue that support our work, at no additional costs to you. (Learn more)
FOR MOM
- Birth plan
It reflects your wishes and preferences on the type of labor and birth you would like to have. You will need to be flexible about some things and be mentally prepared for changes that may come up during labor.
- Bathrobe
This will be useful if you end up pacing the cold hospital corridors during labor. Buy from Amazon (CHECK PRICE)
- Nightgowns
You may wish not to wear the hospital maternity gown, but make sure to get a front-opening nightgown if you plan to breastfeed. Buy from Walmart (CHECK PRICE)
You might want to take a look at these matching mother and baby maternity robes
- Nursing Bras
Buy from Asos (CHECK PRICE)
- Nursing Pads
Buy from Target (CHECK PRICE)
- Nipple cream
Buy from Target (CHECK PRICE)
- Socks to keep your feet warm and cozy
You will love these really cute maternity socks from Etsy (CHECK PRICE)
- Slippers
Labor often includes a lot of walking around so make sure to include comfortable footwear. If you would like to treat yourself to a new pair of slippers, Macy’s got some absolutely lovely ones. (CHECK PRICE)
- A change of clothes for visitors and for going home.
Psst! You will still look about 6 months pregnant when you leave the hospital. One thing’s for sure, you will look good in one of these dresses from Macy’s(CHECK PRICE)
- Toiletries including towels
Buy this travel pack size from Walmart (CHECK PRICE)
- Tens Machine
A drug-free kind of pain relief used in early labor. Make sure to practice how to put it on.
Buy from Amazon ( CHECK PRICE)
- Your phone and charger
- Camera
FOR BABY
- Blanket
A blanket to keep your baby warm on the way home. It’s nice for a baby if it’s something you’ve snuggled with so that it smells of you. Buy from Carters (CHECK PRICE)
- Scratch mittens, hats, and socks
Buy from Carters (CHECK PRICE)
- Bodysuit
Buy from Carters (CHECK PRICE)
- Muslin squares
Drape these over your shoulder when winding your baby, particularly if they are inclined to bring back up some feed. Buy from Target (CHECK PRICE)
- Sensitive wipes
Newborns shouldn’t have anything but water on their delicate skin for the first few weeks and sensitive wipes are designed to be gentle on babies’ sensitive skin. Buy from Target (CHECK PRICE)
- Baby bottles
It will be a good idea for dad to bottle feed baby with expressed milk so mom catches some needed rest. An anti-colic bottle has a mechanism for reducing the amount of air the baby takes in during feeding. Buy from Walmart (CHECK PRICE)
- Going-home outfit
Choose something really special from Dillards (CHECK PRICE) or Amazon (CHECK PRICE ). Do remember to include a jacket or snowsuit in the winter months.
- Car seat
You need one to get the baby home! Buy from Amazon (CHECK PRICE)
YOUR BIRTH PARTNER
- Birthing playlist
This can help mom ease anxiety and help her relax
- Snacks and drink
Have a stash of nibbles to keep you occupied, fed, and comfortable
- Toiletries
Make sure you remember to pack a toothbrush and some toothpaste so you can both freshen up.
- A change of clothes
- Phone and charger
- Camera – to record your baby’s precious first moments.
ALSO READ:- KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO HEAD TO THE HOSPITAL: SIGNS OF LABOR
OPTIONAL
- Accessories for your first photos with your newborn.
Check out this: really lovely hair accessories for your baby girl and this cute newborn bow tie for your boy.
- Pacifier
We know not everyone is on the pacifier train, but if you are, be sure to throw one in your hospital bag. Buy from Walmart (CHECK PRICE)
- Sweet Almond Oil
Put some almond oil on the baby’s bum after each diaper change and the poo (meconium) comes right off next time you wipe them. Buy from Walmart (CHECK PRICE)
- Baby milestone cards for those precious first photos
Buy from Amazon (CHECK PRICE)
FOR HOME
Typically, your hospital should provide these items during your stay ( do check with them). Whatever the case may be, these items will be needed for when you get home.
- Sanitary/ Maternity Pad
You may need to change your pad every hour or two hours after giving birth and will definitely run out of the stash from the hospital. Buy from Walmart (CHECK PRICE)
- Cloth Nappies or Diapers
Your newborn might get through 10-12 diapers each day, so start stocking up now and buy in bulk too, its works out cheaper. Buy from Amazon (CHECK PRICE)
- Breastfeeding Pillow
Buy from Amazon (CHECK PRICE)
- Parenting & Baby Book
Buy from Amazon (CHECK PRICE)
Congratulations mama! Your hospital bag is now packed. Keep it handy, either in the car or in your hallway, so you’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice. And of course, we look forward to featuring your newborn over on our Instagram page!
SEE MORE: BROWSE OUR RECOMMENDATION OF PRODUCTS, CAREFULLY SELECTED FOR YOU
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.
The post Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist – For You And Baby appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post My ICP Story – Ants Crawling Under My Skin appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>ICP Story:
My ICP Story: ‘The Itch I felt Was Like Ants Crawling Under My Skin’, By Lia McKernan ( ICP Care),
Generally, June is ICP (Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy) Awareness Month. ICP is a medical condition where women experience very severe itching during pregnancy. For instance, PregnancyBeyond has teamed up with ICP Care to raise awareness of this liver disorder. That develops during pregnancy. Generally, in which bile flow is impaired within the liver itself. This condition has been shown to pose a serious risk to the unborn baby.
In today’s post, one mom warns about the dangers of itching during pregnancy.
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September 20, 2016, I had the most terrifying and wondrous day of my life. That day, my son Maximilian was born. Max joining us earthside went absolutely nothing as we’d anticipated. A rare and sometimes dangerous diagnosis. Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy, at 35 weeks gestation landed me an induction 4 weeks before my due date. I started presenting symptoms about a week before my diagnosis. My main symptom is extreme itchiness all over my body, hands, and feet. I had no accompanying rash.
Don’t Miss: ONE HEARTBROKEN MOM SHARES HER ICP STORY
The best way I can describe the itch I felt was like ants crawling under my skin. After a bit of research and I knew in my gut this was ICP, even before my confirmed diagnosis. Untreated ICP pregnancies have a host of risks. Including meconium staining, preterm labor and delivery. Also, fetal distress, maternal hemorrhage, respiratory distress syndrome, and the risk of stillbirth skyrockets to 15%. My husband and I went from hope, joyful anticipation, and relative calm, to fear, worry, and panic. We needed to get this baby out safely, and we needed to do it immediately. All the natural birthing classes, breathing exercises. Even working with our supportive doula could never come close to preparing us for this.
We checked into the hospital on the evening of September 18, 2016. I remember feeling so incredibly relieved to arrive. Because that meant I’d be hooked up to a fetal heart rate monitor until our baby was born. From the moment I suspected my symptoms were from cholestasis to my confirmed diagnosis. To the second before I was hooked up to that monitor. I was a wreck. I would obsess over every movement, every kick I felt or didn’t feel. Also, I was terrified to go to sleep each night. Fearing if I wasn’t awake to constantly monitor movements, our baby may not make it to the morning. But here we were, finally, after what seemed like a lifetime from hearing the word ‘cholestasis’. 40 hours of labor later, with several interventions and little progress, we made the call. Get. this. baby. out. now.
Maximilian William was born via cesarean section Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at 1:51 pm. 7 pounds, 10 ounces – at 36 weeks! Can you believe it? We did it. We made it. And here we are, almost two gorgeous, exhausting, perfect years later. I love you wholly, unconditionally, and ever so fiercely, my miraculous Max. (Find more info. on ICP here)
The ICP Care:
ICP Care is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit determined to help pregnant mothers who experience Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy and to deliver healthy babies. ICP Care’s mission is to provide patient support and education. Raise public awareness, support the advancement of research, and improve health care practices. ICP Care helps to connect, support, educate, and empower those affected by ICP – Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy.
We do this by raising awareness of the condition. Distributing educational materials for patients and medical professionals. Also, creating a supportive community for friends and families of anyone affected by ICP. We hope that one day, all medical professionals and staff will know the proper protocol for treating Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy. Resulting in less suffering and healthier ICP babies. Find them on Facebook and at www.icpcare.org
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.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The post My ICP Story – Ants Crawling Under My Skin appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post My ICP Story: ‘A Very Serious and A Deadly Condition’ appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>ICP Story:
My ICP Story: ‘A Very Serious and Potentially A Deadly Condition’, By Crystal Abram (ICP Care).
In general, June is ICP (Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy) Awareness Month. ICP is a medical condition where women experience very severe itching during pregnancy. For instance, PregnancyBeyond has teamed up with ICP Care to raise awareness of this liver disorder. That develops during pregnancy. Particularly, in which bile flow is impaired within the liver itself. Also, this condition has been shown to pose a serious risk to the unborn baby.
In today’s post, one heartbroken mom shares her story.
Oh, that infamous ‘itch’ that some proclaimed to be normal while pregnant. 2016 was a very exciting time for my husband and me. As we found out we were going to have a precious baby girl. Around 15 weeks, I had very intense itching that went on for weeks, and all I was told, was ‘oh it’s part of pregnancy’. Weeks went on and I continued to believe it was part of pregnancy.
Three weeks went by and the itch was worse. I looked up online intense itching while pregnant, and that’s when I learned about Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP). This was foreign to me, I had never heard of this. I had a 2-year son at home, and I never had this condition with him. That same day I called my doctor’s office and begged to get tested. Because based on what I read about this high-risk pregnancy condition. It was a very serious and potentially deadly condition for my unborn daughter.
I went in for labs, and two days later I received my blood test results confirming the diagnosis of ICP. My bile acid blood test results were 72, and I prescribed the medicine to help reduce the bile acids. I started taking 500 mg of Ursodiol one time a day. I went in for follow up appointments over the next few weeks and for a routine ultrasound at 28 weeks. Unfortunately, that’s when it was discovered my precious daughter, Victoria didn’t have a heartbeat. I felt like I was in a dream, and that I was desperately wanting to wake up from. As I sat in the doctor’s office, I was avoiding the phone call I had to make to my husband while he 
was at work that morning. I called my sister-in-law first with the bad news, and once she arrived, we called my husband and told him. I waited there at the doctor’s office until my husband arrived. On Friday, May 13th, 2016, we went in to have our daughter. I never thought in a million years, that instead of leaving the hospital with our daughter in a car seat, I left with a box of pictures of her being stillborn.
The doctors initially didn’t want to test me for this because based on the statics this condition is typically seen or diagnosed during the last trimester. I was told that the next time I get pregnant they will test me for ICP asap and not wait. In August 2017, we found out we were expecting again, and at the doctor’s office, I was immediately tested for ICP at 6 weeks pregnant. My bile acids were already at 14. I was immediately started on the correct dosage of Ursodiol, at 900 mg a day, and referred to Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
These high-risk pregnancy specialists have experience in the proper treatment and management of Cholestasis of Pregnancy. With this pregnancy, there was a much better game plan set. I had scheduled Non-Stress Tests- (NST) and Bio Physical Profiles (BPP) done throughout the pregnancy, and the plan delivers by 37 weeks, due to my previous stillborn daughter. The highest my bile acid got with this pregnancy was 20, and my medication was increased to 1200 mg a day. The doctors continued to monitor and watch our son, and I delivered a healthy baby boy Aydan at 36 weeks and 3 days weighing 5 pounds and 1 ounce.
My hopes are with more research there will be a cure in the future for ICP. My experience is one that no Mother wants to only have pictures of a memory of their child. I would advise any expectant mom to continue to fight to be tested, and don’t let anyone say ‘Oh it’s normal to itch intensely while you’re pregnant’. Please always advocate for yourself and your unborn child! (Find more info. on ICP here)
About The ICP Care:
ICP Care is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit determined to help pregnant mothers who experience Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy and to deliver healthy babies. ICP Care’s mission is to provide patient support and education. Raise public awareness, support the advancement of research, and improve health care practices. ICP Care helps to connect, support, educate, and empower those affected by ICP – Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy.
We do this by raising awareness of the condition, distributing educational materials for patients and medical professionals, and creating a supportive community for friends and families of anyone affected by ICP. We hope that one day, all medical professionals and staff will know the proper protocol for treating Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy, resulting in less suffering and healthier ICP babies. Find them on Facebook and at www.icpcare.org
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.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The post My ICP Story: ‘A Very Serious and A Deadly Condition’ appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post Best Ways to Avoid Gestational Diabetes Mellitus appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>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
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.
The post Best Ways to Avoid Gestational Diabetes Mellitus appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>The post My Bump Style: Simple and Energetic- Nifesimi appeared first on PregnancyBeyond.
]]>My Bump Style:
My Bump Style: Simple and Energetic- Nifesimi.
Fashion Curator and new mom to a beautiful baby girl, Nifesimi walks us through her pregnancy wardrobe trimester by trimester.
Enjoy!
My pregnancy style was very laid back unless I had to attend fancy functions. For the most part, I wore clothing similar to what I wore pre pregnancy but went a few sizes up. I also found myself wearing more dresses but not a lot of pants or skirts. I mainly recycled old pieces in my wardrobe until they were too snug. Trust me, no one has to tell you when it’s time to start buying clothing in bigger sizes. I was also careful about prints, some prints tend to make you look bigger.
I started needing to wear maternity clothes towards to end of my second trimester. By that time I had gained a lot of weight and couldn’t fit in regular sizes again unless I went 2-4 sizes up.
I felt most comfortable in my go to look- jeans with either a tank or a t-shirt. I was also in love with anything halter style and stretchy fabrics.
My 3 must have maternity accessories would be fitted dress, stylish and comfortable flats and leggings.
Style Tip: My advice is for you to wear what works best for your shape and be confident. The sexiest thing any woman can ever wear is confidence. Play around with different styles and stick to what works best for you; there were times when I would order so many things and had to return. Most importantly, stick to anything that can accommodate your growing bump e.g. stretchy fabrics.
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Babymoon: EXCELLENCE PLAYA MUJERES Is Absolutely Gorgeous!
Gorgeous mama-to-be was on a babymoon vacation recently and she’s shared with us her amazing experience from her trip to Mexico.
Enjoy!
At what week of pregnancy did you take this trip?
I was 23 weeks pregnant during my vacation.
Your babymoon destination and why?
We went to Playa Mujeres Mexico. We chose this because of the resort – it was adults only and was known for its amazing food! We are both foodies so it seemed like the perfect fit. The beaches were so gorgeous with fine white sand and clear turquoise waters! A plus – it doesn’t break the bank.
How long was the plane trip and how did you cope with flying during pregnancy?
I was asleep most of the flight, to be honest. The flights themselves weren’t long it was the layovers that were lengthy. I believe the total flight time (between two flights) was five hours.
How long was your babymoon vacation?
It was one week!
How would you describe your babymoon experience?
It was amazing. It was relaxing. We had perfect weather and the best food. I loved the luxurious treatment and pampering I received at the resort. My boyfriend got me a lovely prenatal massage that was heavenly and we did many excursions. Every night was like a date night!
Fun things to do at this destination
For anyone visiting this area of Mexico a tour of Chichen Itza (Mayan Ruins) is a must. We also took a catamaran ride to Isla Mujeres. And went swimming in a cenote (a sinkhole within a cave that contains groundwater) it was BEAUTIFUL!
Which of these activities did you enjoy more?
Swimming in the cenote was definitely lovely! This and Chichen Itza were my two favorite excursions. I really enjoy experiencing history – such as the Mayan ruins.
Things to know about this destination
For pregnant women traveling here, I would be mindful that some areas in Mexico do have outbreaks of Zika virus – even currently. There were no mosquitoes in this area of Mexico but in other areas they are rampant. I would suggest to do your research to best protect you and your baby!
Some of the amenities you enjoyed?
Room service! All-inclusive is lovely in that you can order whatever you’d like. I definitely ate like a queen while I was there! Eating for two had me eating well haha!
The funniest thing that happened to you during your babymoon?
I blame my horrible pregnancy brain for this. Haha, I can’t remember a specific funny moment!
5 essentials to pack for your babymoon and why?
Especially for a beach babymoon – I would say these are 5 essentials
Sunscreen!
Comfortable maternity swimwear. Laying on the beach with a baby belly is no fun if you have a fussy swimsuit.
Dresses! For me easy of wear was huge. I loved being able to just throw on a cute summer dress and go. Maternity shorts? Meh. No thanks.
A good tinted moisturizer. For my makeup-wearing ladies, this was a must! I love to wear makeup but a full face in that Mexico heat? No thanks. The tinted moisturizer had me feeling pretty without all the cake.
An insulated water bottle. This was a lifesaver for me. It kept my water cool while on the beach and made sure I was hydrated.
Would this have been a good babymoon destination at a different time of the year?
I’ve heard mosquitos are rampant in the summer months so I’d do my research! Also. Be mindful of the heat. I’m sure this would be lovely during the summer if those two factors checked out.
5 Keys to a fantastic babymoon?
Relax!
Indulge! Get a massage. Explore. Just because you can’t drink while pregnant doesn’t mean there are more fun things you can do.
Enjoy alone time with your partner. Do things you both find fun that you might not be able to do when the baby comes.
Sleep. I don’t know about y’all but I had a lot of sleep to catch up on.
If your location permits it and you’re like me – shop! Shopping alone is relaxing and finding pieces from new and exotic places is fun.
On a scale of 1 – 10 with 10 being the most positive, would you recommend this destination to other expectant mamas?
If you’re heading to an area in Mexico that is NOT at risk for Zika this location is very accommodating for future mamas. I’d give it a 9!
Thank you for sharing your honeymoon adventure with us!
SEE OTHER BABYMOON DESTINATIONS
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This Mom is 36 Weeks Pregnant And Has 2-Month-Old Twins.
New York Fashion Designer, Althea Harper, and her husband wanted to add to their family.
They both already have a daughter together and decided to start trying for another baby, however, they had no success with conceiving. Battling with infertility, Althea and her husband made the decision to use a surrogate to carry their biological child.
Shortly after the surrogate became pregnant with their twins, then more good news – Althea discovered she was also pregnant!
She is 36 weeks pregnant in this image with her two-month-old twins and older child.
What an amazing story. Congratulations Althea on your beautiful growing family, a true story of modern motherhood.
Thank you for sharing this photo and amazing story with us @glow_portraits
SEE ALSO: PHOTOS FROM THE ‘GRADUATION CEREMONY’ OF PREEMIES LEAVING THE NICU
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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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
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.
Follow PregnancyBeyond on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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