Go with any Colour Palette You Like

On the internet, you can encounter many unique opinions about which colours your baby’s first environment should be. Here is another one. Although contrasting colours are indeed easier for babies to see, do not feel limited. Humans might not arrive with a fully developed vision and it might be easier for babies to see contrasting colours but vision improves very rapidly! By 2 months, babies are able to scan their surroundings roughly, and by 6 months they will see as well as you. As long as the room contains little stimulation, choosing the colour is totally up to your creativity! 

Choose a Good Quality, Firm, Natural Mattress

Your little one will spend more than half of their first year asleep. Even by 3 years old, the time they have spent sleeping will be more than the time they have spent awake, having fun. Every time your baby sleeps, their skin and airways will be in contact with the materials of their mattress. Choosing a firm mattress with a non-toxic core and a natural, breathable fabric cover, and adding a water-resistant wool pad between the mattress and the fitted sheet makes for the best nursery set-up, ensuring their safety and comfort, and your peace of mind. Crib wool pads are natural, hypoallergenic and good for regulating temperature. 

The Best Crib Sets

Crib sets with bumpers, crib skirts, and quilts are so pretty! However, they might not come in handy in every situation. Research recommends babies sleep on a firm surface, covered by a fitted sheet only, to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and suffocation. Fitted sheets made of natural fibres like cotton, bamboo or lyocell. When picking and putting on a sheet, make sure no cords, strings, or any loose material are within your baby’s reach. The design is up to you! There are many fun and cute designs for you to match with the rest of the nursery, and make the room a whole. 

Blackout Curtains or Blinds

Blackout curtains or blinds come in quite handy when designing a nursery! Sleep is of utmost importance when it comes to the health of our little ones, and helping them develop their circadian rhythm leads them through a healthy path of sleeping pattern. The circadian rhythm is regulated by the melatonin hormone and babies are born with high levels of melatonin. Though they arrive ready to sleep the whole year, this borrowed melatonin disappears after the first weeks, often bringing in “day-night confusion”, which results in babies sleeping more during the day than at night. By keeping your baby’s space dark at night, you will help establish and maintain their circadian rhythm easily, which will bring more rest to you as well. Using blackout curtains or blinds in your baby’s nursery helps keep the room as dark as possible, helping your baby have a clear distinction between day and night. 

No LEDs or Blue Lights

Anything inhibiting melatonin production can disrupt the circadian rhythm by tricking the brain into thinking that it is daytime in the middle of the night, hindering the process of forming it, and disrupting your baby’s precious sleep. At the earliest stage of life, it is best to keep your baby’s nursery screen-free. If you plan to use a night light during nighttime feedings and nappy changes, dim lights with preferably warm red or yellow lights or anything approved to be suitable for nighttime, rather than blue LED. 

Nappy Changing Stations

Nappy changes are quite frequent, especially during the first months of life. If your main nappy changing station is in a different place like a bathroom, adding another station to the nursery can be a lifesaver since that way you won’t have to look for anything or carry your baby around in the middle of the night, disrupting their sleep. On the nappy changing station, having a waterproof or easy-to-clean pad, nappies, wipes, and a few changes of sleep clothes can make your life even easier. 

Comfy Chairs

You will be spending a loooot of time sitting in a chair, feeding and cuddling your baby. A cosy rocking chair with good back support can make quite a significant difference in your overall comfort and physical health. When picking out a chair, keep in mind that safety is just as important as comfort, and remember that babies can get wedged between cushions or pressed against armrests, which are possible suffocation hazards. Consider how you will keep night feedings and cuddles safe and cosy at the same time. While picking a soft chair with good support can be beneficial to your back, having quiet alarms set to keep you awake can prevent your baby from sliding off your arms into the wedges of the chair, preventing any choking hazards along the way. 

Storage Units are Your Best Companion

Many, many things to have under your hand! When raising a baby, you’ll always need to have many things within your reach, resulting in the need for good storage systems. As they grow up, toys will multiply along with other needs, and storage units will multiply even more. Having storage units with touches of fun will not only add a spark to the nursery but attract the attention of your little one as well. 

It is fine to throw some items in at the last minute, like your charger and toothbrush, but you’ll want to have your bag mostly packed and easily accessible by this point in your pregnancy. Some items are essential, while some will help you feel comfy and remind you of the comfort of home. 

Here is an extensive list of everything you may need in the hospital. Let’s get ready together, for a more comfortable labour, delivery and recovery!

Hospital Bag for Mum

What you prepare for yourself is just as important as what you have for your baby. During the time you spend at the hospital, it is important that you are comfy and cosy. On average, mums who choose to deliver with a vaginal birth stay in the hospital for one to two days. If you deliver with a c-section, your stay might be around three or four days. Keep the potential length of stay in your mind as you select a bag, and what to pack in it. Having a bag big enough to fit everything in with some free space allowed might be your best choice. Before packing, you can also ask your hospital what they provide for mums, and prepare yourself considering those as well. 

Let’s make a list of the things you need in your hospital bag for yourself, for a comfier time spent at the hospital: 

• Clothes: Other than support bras, it is good to avoid anything too restrictive. When packing, keep in mind to include soft and stretchy clothes with breathable fabrics. It is also important to pack a few nursing bras or tanks for your comfort. Other options for nursing bras are nursing-friendly pyjama sets or nightgowns. Nightgowns can come in so handy! Loose, one-piece clothing makes life so much easier, especially postpartum. Nightgowns with buttons on the front, or any kind that allows easy access for breastfeeding are lifesavers, approved by many mums!
  If you plan on delivering in water, dark-coloured sports bras or bathing suit tops can come in handy. Remember to pack extra underwear!
  For footwear, grippy socks are great for keeping warm and cosy and handling slippy hospital floors. Along with socks, slip-on shoes make hospital life and discharge easier. Your feet might swell postpartum as well, which makes slip-on shoes a lifesaver.

• A robe: A comfortable robe is one of the best and the most important items to include in your hospital bag, useful under any circumstance.

• A Birth Plan: If you have one, print and keep a few copies in your bag to be able to highlight some key points for quick reference when needed.

• Adult nappies, maternity pads and other postpartum products: The hospital will provide you with some products but not every product might not work for everyone. Choose the best brand for yourself, and add them to your bag just in case. Along with nappies and pads, you can also pack a perineal spray, and vitamins suitable for postpartum.

• Toiletries: You’ll want your toothbrush, hairbrush, shampoo and deodorant, lotion, face wipes and hair ties in the hospital room. Having your own cosmetic bag will make you feel like you are at home. If you use glasses or contact lenses, keep in mind them and their utensils as well.

• An extra long phone charger: We could not recommend this enough! Most hospital beds are notoriously away from electrical outlets, and you’ll want your phone charged for all the heartwarming moments waiting to be captured.

• Nipple cream: Your breasts and nipples might hurt, or go dry during breastfeeding, and having extra protection would be helpful for a comfier experience.

• Bath towel: Hospital towels can be thin and scratchy, and having your own towel might bring extra comfort.

• Snacks: Labour can take long, and having your favourite snacks by you can make the process comfier and easier.
  
• Entertainment: So much time will be spent in the hospital, and it is nice to have something to do when waiting.

Hospital Bag for Your Baby 

The long-awaited arrival is around the corner! For this grand entrance, it is important to be prepared while not over-exerting yourself. While you may not know what exactly you’ll need, you know what you will likely need. But good news! In most cases, you do not need all that much when you are just starting in life. Before packing for your baby, it is also important to consider what the hospital will provide for your baby during labour, and pack according to that. 

The following list might be helpful for you to get everything ready before the arrival of your little ball of sunshine:

• A car seat: The right car seat should be installed in your car so that it is ready when you leave the hospital. 

• Bodysuits, socks, booties, hats, mittens: Usually most hospitals provide you with clothing, but policies may vary so it is always a good idea to have spares in your bag. You may need to add to what the hospital provides in terms of layers. When choosing bodysuits, it is a good idea to keep in mind that those that fasten up at the front provide the most comfort when changing. 

• A receiving blanket: The hospital will likely provide blankets, but having a blanket on your own is always good to have on hand to use for skin-to-skin contact.

• Muslins: The muslins are soft, light, multifunctional, and do not take up so much space. They can come in so handy, so it is always nice to have one or two by your side.

• Going-home outfit: When packing for leaving the hospital, consider the weather conditions to not over or under-pack for going home. 

Hospital Bag for Your Partner, or Support Person

If you will have your partner or a support person like a relative or a friend staying in the hospital with you, remind them to pack some things as well. In addition to clothes and toiletries to keep them comfortable during their stay, they can also pack books, their laptop, or general entertainment to keep them company in case there is some downtime. Additionally, they can also pack a lightweight blanket and a pillow just in case the ones that they provide at the hospital for them are scratchy and thin. During this stay, it is important that everyone is as comfortable as possible for the best experience. 

What NOT to Pack in Your Hospital Bag?

It is always good to be prepared, but packing too much can be a hassle to handle later on. Additionally, there are some things that the hospitals do not allow, so it is a good idea to check beforehand and pack accordingly. What should we not pack? Let’s see. 

• Too many clothes

• Valuables

• Electronic devices

• Too much food

• Nappies and wipes: Most hospitals provide nappies and wipes during your stay, so double-check this with your hospital before packing nappies or cotton wools. 

If you have any further doubts or questions, we have a baby registry checklist tailored just for you! For more information about preparing for your little one, please refer to our Baby Registry Checklist.

Why is Nipple and Breast Care Important During Breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, most women’s nipples go through many changes from becoming larger to more sensitive. And when your newborn starts feeding from them or you start pumping, more pressure and suction are created, which strains the nipple even more. Breastfeeding can take a long time as well, some babies even nurse for up to an hour, and your baby may feed up to 13-14 times a day. This daily strain on your nipples can go on for up to 2 years if your body keeps producing milk, which brings us to the importance of care. With this amount of strain, it is normal for your breasts to hurt or feel sore from time to time, but treating problems swiftly is crucial to prevent further damage, and ensure the comfort of yourself and your baby. The more wet your nipples get, the more dry and damaged they get, just like what happens to our lips when we keep licking them. Like the way we have to moisturise and soothe our lips to keep them healthy and prevent them from hurting, it is the same for our nipples when breastfeeding. Prevention is better than cure and as long as there is not a serious problem present, soreness and pain should not last long after you and your baby become accustomed to breastfeeding. 

Sore Nipples 

Your nipples can feel sore after every feeding, and they can be red and pointy instead of round and smooth. Soreness in the nipples usually happens when your baby is not latched onto your breast properly and can be easily fixed. If your breast is sitting at the very back of your baby’s mouth, your baby will open their mouth very wide and take in a good deal of breast tissue, so there is nothing to get pinched, and it should not cause any nipple soreness at all. However, if your nipple is sitting in front of your baby’s mouth, you will feel the pinch every time your baby’s tongue comes up, and your baby will not have an easy time feeding either. You can insert your finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to break the latch as soon as you feel pain and then try latching on again. Your baby should take at least one inch of areola into the mouth. 

Avoiding using soap, which can be drying and irritating, on your breasts can also ease the pain as well. You can wash with clean water, or use products specifically formulated for your breasts and nipples. You might also want to let some milk dry on your breast after feeding, which can help reduce some soreness, and use lanolin-based creams specifically for nipple inflammation and soreness. Using nipple shields when not breastfeeding can also protect your sensitive nipples from any further pain or damage. 

Infections or Painful Lumps

Your baby might be latched on properly and you might still develop sore or tender spots or painful lumps. These commonly result from a plugged milk duct or the early stages of an infection known as mastitis. 

If the pain is from a blocked milk duct, you might try applying moist or dry heat compresses to your breast three times a day for 10 minutes, and massage your breast when taking a warm shower. As the duct unplugs, you may express some milk, which helps relieve pain. Continuing to feed on that breast is important for breastfeeding and helps further open the milk ducts. 

If you have pain and tenderness and also feel fatigued, are running a fever, and have some flu-like symptoms, you might have a breast infection. The same methods might still help with the infectious ducts but if your fever does not break in 24 hours you might need further medical help. Call your doctor, but in the meantime, experts say do not stop breastfeeding, as your milk is filled with antibodies, it does not harm your baby.

Yeast Infections or Thrush

Yeast infections are less troubling, but still an uncomfortable condition on the surface of the breast skin. This problem can develop anytime, even after months of successful nursing. Thrush is a form of yeast infection that thrives on milk, and this infection will likely affect you and your baby. Signs of thrush include red or pink shiny skin that usually itches, and may flake or peel. To understand whether or not your baby is infected as well, look for white spots on the inside of the cheeks, or sometimes a persistent nappy rash. If you have a yeast infection, you might also have symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection with clumpy white discharge and extreme itchiness. 

During this time you do not have to stop breastfeeding but both you and your baby need treatment. In this situation, do not try to heal it with home remedies as they may worsen the situation, and consult your physician for the best treatment both for you and your baby.

Engorged Breasts 

Engorgement can develop when your milk begins to flood your breasts. Once the milk starts to come into the ducts, lymph fluids and blood also fill your breasts which can cause the breast tissue to swell. And since the tissue pushes down on the milk ducts, the ducts sometimes can shut. In conclusion, breast milk builds up inside the breast and engorgement occurs. 

Your best solution might be placing cold packs on the breast, for about 20 minutes. This can help reduce the swelling and allow the ducts to open. Also right before nursing, you can put a warm pack on your nipples for a few minutes to help with the milk flow and provide a better feeding experience. 

Showers can affect engorgement badly, as warm pouring water can dilate blood vessels and increase the swelling and congestion in your breast. During this time, the most important thing is to keep on nursing, as this can prevent accumulation and lessen the chances of engorgement.

If you have any further questions about breastfeeding and breast care, we have a Breastfeeding Guide curated just for you! Make sure to check it out to provide both yourself and your baby with the best. 

What Are Stretch Marks? 

Stretch marks also known as striae gravidarum, are streaks or bands that develop on the skin during pregnancy, or any other abrupt physical change our bodies go through. They tend to form when your skin expands or shrinks rapidly. Itchy, thin and pink at the start, the marks tend to get long, and pink, red or brown in colour. They typically appear around the breasts, abdomen, buttocks and thighs. While these are their most common traits, their appearance can differ from one individual to the next. 

When we say that almost every woman experiences stretch marks when pregnant, we are not exaggerating. Roughly 90% of women form stretch marks in their bodies when pregnant. Research suggests that women with a higher abdominal circumference, higher body mass before pregnancy and greater weight gain are particularly susceptible. Your genes and age can also be a contributing factor.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Many factors contribute to stretch mark formation on your body from your family history to your physical traits. Causes are a bottomless ocean, but we have prepared a list of the most common causes of stretch marks for you. Let’s explore:

• Rapid weight gain: As the most common cause of stretch marks during pregnancy, rapid weight gain takes the prize. Sudden expansion of the skin and weight fluctuations can abruptly happen during pregnancy, especially during the second trimester and affect the skin around the breasts, thighs, abdomen and buttocks as it does not have adequate time to adjust. 

• Genetic factors: Some individuals are genetically more inclined to develop stretch marks. If your mother, or sister have experienced them during pregnancy, it is highly possible that you will develop them as well. 

• Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can affect the elasticity and structure of your skin, making you more susceptible to stretch marks. 

• Changes in your cortisone levels: When cortisone levels increase in your body, it becomes a hormone that weakens the skin’s elasticity. Cortisone levels rise during pregnancy which is another issue that can contribute to the development of stretch marks. 

• Carrying multiple babies: Carrying more than one baby, and having double or more the amount of responsibility in your body, can put more pressure on your skin, causing you to develop stretch marks.

• Your age: If you are a younger expecting woman, your chances of getting stretch marks are a bit higher than the women who get pregnant older. If you are in your early 20s or younger than that, since your skin is still open to development, you are more open to stretch marks. Women older than 35 also have a high chance of getting stretch marks when pregnant, since their skin has gradually aged till now. 

Are Stretch Marks Dangerous?

No! They might be a symptom of a few specific medical conditions, but they are not threatening or harmful, and do not cause any known medical problems. 

Do Stretch Marks Fade After Pregnancy?

Since it is a form of skin scarring, stretch marks may not completely fade on their own. However, while they tend to be very apparent in the final trimester, they can slowly begin to fade after you get to hold your baby in your arms. They might even start to turn a bit lighter in colour on their own. 

How to Prevent Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are caused by abrupt physical changes, so sometimes preventing them can be a hassle. But by taking certain precautions, we might be able to lessen the effects on your body and ease yourself a bit during a chaotic time in your life if, though we hope it is not, stretch marks are a cause of stress for you. Here is a small but extensive list of things we can do to prevent stretch marks:

• Natural topical creams: Applying specially formulated creams containing ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera could prevent the formation of stretch marks. Using them daily starting around the third month of your pregnancy, can help with maintaining your skin’s elasticity, drastically decreasing the sight of stretch marks.

• Hydration: Hydration is essential during pregnancy to keep up with the increased blood volume in your body and help build the water sack for your baby. Keeping yourself hydrated also contributes to the elasticity, making it less prone to the damage caused by the stretch. 

• Balanced diet: Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet and not skipping foods rich in collagen and gelatine can help you maintain your weight at a steady rate and help your skin stay elastic, keeping up with your bodily changes. 

• Increasing your vitamin C intake: Vitamin C-rich foods and vegetables contain antioxidants that help repair skin and tissue damage, which helps maintain your skin’s elasticity and prevent stretch marks. When preparing your meals, try to incorporate vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and other leafy greens into it. 

• Massaging your skin: Gently massaging the areas where pregnancy stretch marks are likely to pop up like the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and buttocks with anti-stretch mark creams can also be highly beneficial to your skin’s elasticity, helping you prevent stretch marks.

• Light exercise: Staying active during pregnancy helps you avoid huge fluctuations in your body weight, helping your skin keep up with the changes in your body. Regular exercise helps boost circulation and blood flow to your skin, making it less vulnerable to any possible damage, thus stretch marks are less likely to happen. 

How To Treat Stretch Marks 

Your stretch marks are a badge of your journey of bringing a life into this world, and trust us when we say you are just as beautiful with or without them. Even so, if you want to get rid of them for many reasons, it is an option. They might be a hassle to prevent, or almost impossible to get rid of, but there are many ways that serve as a remedy, reducing their effects to as little as possible. While exploring our list below, keep in mind that some of these methods should be practised after pregnancy, not while breastfeeding, and not without getting approval from your doctor. Here is our extensive list for treating stretch marks, created just for you:

• Anti-stretch-mark creams and lotions: There are various creams to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. When shopping, look for products containing ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, vitamin E, avocado oil, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C which may help improve collagen production and maintain skin elasticity. 

• Laser therapy: Laser treatments on stretch marks can stimulate collagen production and improve their appearance. This is a non-invasive procedure which is done by using laser beams to target the affected areas and promote skin generation. Procedures like this may require multiple sessions for best results. 

• Microdermabrasion: This procedure is done by exfoliating the outer layer of the skin to promote the growth of new and healthier skin cells. This procedure can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. 

• Chemical peels: This procedure is done by applying a chemical solution to the skin, causing the outer layer to peel off, which stimulates skin generation and can improve the appearance of stretch marks.

The wonderful event of bringing a life to the world comes with its own special challenges and false alarms, and experiencing them is just as normal as experiencing the excitement of the first kick inside your belly. One of the false alarms of pregnancy is Braxton Hicks contractions, and knowing what they are and what to do about them can free you from a lot of stress during this special process. Trust us when we say that it only takes a couple of minutes of reading to put yourself at ease, and together let’s explore the extent of this false alarm and how to control the situation.

What are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

A contraction is when your uterus tightens and then relaxes. Also known as prodromal or false labour pains, Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular contractions of the uterus that are normal, and typically not felt until the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Braxton Hicks contractions can be depicted as your body’s way of preparing for your actual labour, but they do not imply that the labour has begun.

What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?

Braxton hicks contractions are mild, irregular contractions in your belly that come and go. In most cases, they feel like tightness in your abdomen. These contractions do not get closer together and do not increase in their duration, frequency or intensity. These contractions can feel like mild menstrual cramps and though they can be quite uncomfortable, they usually do not affect your daily life. You can walk, talk and go on with your daily activities during Braxton Hicks contractions. They tend to last less than 30 seconds and they are rarely painful. And while some women may feel a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions, some women do not feel them at all. 

Where Do You Feel Braxton Hicks Contractions The Most?

Braxton Hicks contractions can feel quite similar to menstrual cramps. When it happens, you usually feel them in the front of your belly, but not in your back or lower part of your uterus. We are sure that when we liken them to menstrual cramps they do not sound nice but uncomfortable, but they are not as painful as menstrual cramps possibly can get. 

What Causes Braxton Hicks?

It is still not known why some get these false contractions and others do not. But rest assured that getting them is absolutely normal, as it is your uterine muscles preparing you and themselves for childbirth. Some professionals on the issue say that Braxton Hicks contractions help to soften and thin your cervix, which is also referred to as effacement.

While the actual reason behind Braxton Hicks is still unknown, it is guessed that some of these things might contribute to you getting them:

• Dehydration reduces the blood flow to the uterus, which might lead to cramping and contractions.
• Being very active, movement after being still for a while, exercising, and lifting heavy objects can lead your uterus to have contractions as well.
• Your bladder activity can affect the pressure on your uterus and cause Braxton Hicks as well. Having a full bladder, or emptying it changes the pressure on your uterus and can possibly cause contractions.
• Sexual intercourse during pregnancy could induce Braxton Hicks contractions as well, as your muscles contract during intercourse this can affect your uterus along the way. 

How Can We Differentiate Between Braxton Hicks and Real Cramps?

During pregnancy, false alarms like this can be an extreme cause of stress, which is not good for both you and your baby. With simple questions, we can easily differentiate between real labour cramps and Braxton Hicks contractions, and put your mind at ease. During pregnancy, it is important to remember that one of the first things we have to maintain is our calmness. Let’s discover what can we ask to ourselves when experiencing cramps to understand if it is a false alarm or if we are going into labour.

• How often are we experiencing contractions? While Braxton hicks contractions are irregular and do not get close together, real labour cramps are stronger and are regular. It can be helpful to write down how much time it takes from the start of one contraction to the other and pay attention to how much pain you feel during them.
• How long do contractions last? Real labour cramps can last up to 90 seconds, while Braxton Hicks contractions tend to last shorter though they are unpredictable.
• Do contractions change when we move? When experiencing Braxton Hicks, walking or changing positions could make them stop while real labour cramps do not change or worsen when you walk or shift positions.
• How intense are the contractions? Do they get stronger with time? Braxton Hicks contractions vary from weak to strong and if they start strong, they get weaker over time. On the other hand, labour cramps get stronger and more intense. Talking or walking can get difficult.
• Where do we feel the pain? During Braxton Hicks cramps, you feel the contractions in the front of your lower belly. Real labour cramps hit your cervix, belly or lower back. Pain can be felt throughout your whole body.
• Are there any other symptoms present at the same time? Braxton Hicks are usually present on their own, and no other labour symptoms are present. During real labour cramps your water might break, you might have a bloody show or lose your mucus plug. It might be helpful to time your contractions. 

What To Do When You Feel Braxton Hicks Contractions?

These contractions can come unexpectedly and be a quick source of stress. After being sure that they are really a false alarm, with small and easy actions, we can lighten their effects or make them completely go away.  Let’s check what can be done to ease the cramps:

• If you have been sitting for a long time, taking a walk or simply moving around a bit can ease the pressure.
• On the opposite, if you get cramps while moving around, lying down and resting can ease the cramps.
• Staying hydrated can prevent any possible cramps of dehydration.
• Having a regular meal schedule and snacking when necessary can also prevent the pressure on your abdomen. 
• Having regular bathroom breaks can help prevent tension in your bladder, which can prevent accumulating tension in your muscles and uterus.
• Relaxing activities like taking a bath or getting a prenatal massage can ease your muscles, set your mind at ease and prevent any possible false alarms. 

Do They Mean Labour is Near?

No, it does not. Experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions means your body is preparing for labour, but it doesn’t mean labour is starting or getting close. Braxton Hicks cramps can occur weeks or months before real labour begins, and are harmless.

Gastrointestinal complaints during pregnancy are among the most common issues. Nausea affects 50-90% of pregnant women, while vomiting affects 25-55%. Factors such as young age, obesity, first pregnancy, and smoking can exacerbate these symptoms. Nausea is particularly prevalent in the first trimester, typically lasting for weeks.

To alleviate nausea during pregnancy, consider the following:

• Opt for frequent, small meals.
• Choose a low-fat diet, and toast bread before consuming.
• Avoid triggers such as cigarettes, strong odors, and certain foods.
• Ensure the stomach is never empty by increasing meal frequency to six times a day.
• Consume something dry like breadcrumbs upon waking and rest for a while before getting out of bed.
• Stay hydrated between meals.
• Take short breaks and rest during the day.

How Should Pregnant Women Eat to Avoid Gas Problems?

To address bloating and gas during pregnancy, eat smaller, more frequent meals. Fast food can exacerbate bloating, so it’s best avoided. Additionally, steer clear of gas-inducing foods like dried legumes, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, and onions.

How Should Pregnant Women with Reflux Eat?

Reflux, where stomach acid flows into the esophagus, is common during pregnancy, affecting about two-thirds of pregnant women. Symptoms include a burning sensation behind the breastbone and sometimes in the throat. To mitigate reflux:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• Elevate the head of the bed.
• Avoid eating within three hours of bedtime.
• Limit consumption of alcohol, coffee, chocolate, and high-fat foods.
• Quit smoking, as it worsens reflux by increasing stomach acid production.

What Should Pregnant Women Pay Attention to When Drinking Herbal Tea?

It’s advisable to avoid herbal tea during pregnancy due to the risk of fluid loss and miscarriage.

How Much Weight Should Be Gained During Pregnancy?

Monitoring weight gain is crucial during pregnancy to ensure both maternal and infant health. Weight gain should be gradual, with recommendations as follows:

• In the first three months, aim for 0.5-1 kg per month.
• In subsequent months, target an average gain of 1.5-2 kg per month.
• Overall, aim for a total weight gain of 10-14 kg, averaging around 12.5 kg.

Nutrition Recommendations for Pregnants:

• Limit consumption of sugary, floury, and fatty foods to prevent excessive weight gain.
• Opt for white meat like chicken and fish.
• Choose lean cuts of red meat when consumed.
• Avoid processed meats such as sausage, salami, and pastrami.
• Use healthier cooking methods like boiling, grilling, or baking instead of frying.
• Reduce salt intake, opting for iodized salt when used.
• Thoroughly wash fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains to remove chemical residues like pesticides.
• Limit coffee and tea consumption, ideally consuming them at least 45 minutes after meals.
• In cases of nausea and vomiting, consume small, frequent meals and consider resting for 15 minutes after consuming dry foods like toast or crackers before getting out of bed.

Would you like to share your experiences and questions as a comment?

Have a nice and healthy day!

For expectant parents, the pregnancy period is a sacred and precious time. Individuals start to change their lives for their expected babies during this period and are filled with great excitement. However, avoiding such a bad situation could happen to an expectant mother as miscarriage may not always be possible, and sometimes miscarriage occurs due to the mother’s health problems, or sometimes due to the baby’s own developmental issues. When such a situation arises, the question of how miscarriage is recognised comes to the mind of the parents.

What is Miscarriage (Pregnancy Loss)?

Although not much information is known, bleeding and vaginal discharge are common signs of miscarriage. If pain accompanies the bleeding, miscarriage may be suspected, especially if bleeding is encountered frequently in the first month of pregnancy.

The most important point to be noted about this issue is that not every bleeding may be a sign of miscarriage. In medical literature, the situation of losing the baby before the 20th week is considered as a miscarriage, and after the 20th week, when the baby detaches from the uterus and comes out, it is called premature birth.

Unfortunately, a baby who has a chance of survival after the 20th week cannot survive if it comes out before the 20th week. Many miscarriage cases occur before the 15th week and therefore the baby is completely lost.

It is not always possible to predict the occurrence of miscarriage, but the bleeding, pains, nausea, and muscle cramps experienced during miscarriage indicate to mothers that a miscarriage has occurred.

If there is bleeding that turns brownish or bright red, and abdominal pain accompanies it, you as an expectant mother may be at risk of miscarriage. Especially, pains occurring regularly every 15-20 minutes in the back are a serious sign in this regard. In such cases, and if you experience one or several of these situations, you may need to visit your doctor and have your checks done.

What are the Symptoms of Miscarriage?

Symptoms of miscarriage range from light brownish vaginal spotting or bleeding to heavy bleeding. Other symptoms include:

• Loss of pregnancy symptoms such as nausea or vomiting
• Cramping and pain in the lower abdomen
• White-pink fluid coming from the vagina
• Passing tissue or clots from the vagina
• Feeling faint and light-headed
• Contractions
• Pain starting in a small part of the back and moving to the lower part of the abdomen
• Rapid weight loss
• Not experiencing what should be present in pregnancy

However, it is also important not to think that these symptoms will occur in every expectant mother. Because some expectant mothers may experience a miscarriage without showing any symptoms, and this situation generally manifests itself under a doctor’s control. Therefore, even if you do not experience miscarriage symptoms, you should not neglect your doctor checks regularly. Thus, the detection or treatment of unwanted situations that may occur during pregnancy will be possible.

What Causes Miscarriage During Pregnancy?

Miscarriage can sometimes be due to biological problems of the mother and baby, and sometimes it can be a condition affected by the mother’s lifestyle and environmental factors. Therefore, there can be many different reasons for miscarriage. The main reasons can be listed as follows:

• Smoking, alcohol, and drug use, exposure to environmental toxins, food poisoning, and pollution,
• Physiological disorders of the mother that make pregnancy unsuitable, physical disorders of the uterus,
• Mother being subjected to violence, experiencing psychological breakdown, and being under intense stress,
• Acute infections, febrile diseases,
• Hormonal problems,
• The embryo not descending correctly into the womb,
• Mother being over 35 years old,
• Folate and folic acid deficiency,
• Being excessively overweight or underweight,
• Having heart failure,
• Poor and inadequate eating habits.

Kidney problems, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, hypertension and blood pressure problems, diabetes mellitus, and other disorders unfortunately increase the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy. It is known that genetic problems of the embryo also cause miscarriage. This situation is a natural mechanism of the body and prevents the birth of babies struggling with genetic problems by the body.

Ectopic pregnancy, which presents symptoms such as delayed menstruation, irregular vaginal bleeding, and abdominal pain, sometimes progresses very insidiously without any symptoms at all. Let’s take a look at what ectopic pregnancy is and how it is recognised.

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy condition that occurs when the fertilised egg implants and develops outside the normal location of the uterus, most commonly within the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancy cases range from those with no complaints to those termed acute abdomen.

The pregnancy test (ß hCG) in the blood is positive. However, while in normal pregnancies this value increases by 66% within 48 hours, this increase is not observed in ectopic pregnancies. Such an increase in ß hCG only occurs after 7 days. If the ß hCG level is 2000 mIU/ml but the gestational sac cannot be detected inside the uterus by vaginal ultrasound, suspicions should be raised.

What are the Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?

The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can be listed as follows:

• Delayed menstruation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Breast tenderness
• Positive urine test
• Positive blood test

In addition to these symptoms, if one or more of the following complaints suddenly arise during pregnancy, immediate medical attention should be sought:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain or pressure in the shoulder, neck, or rectum
• Sharp cramps in one area of the abdomen
• Vaginal bleeding
• Fatigue followed by dizziness and fainting sensation

Why Does Ectopic Pregnancy Occur?

Ectopic pregnancy develops when the fertilised egg with delayed passage to the uterus develops in the form of an ectopic pregnancy. The causes of ectopic pregnancy are as follows:

• Mechanical Causes
• Functional Causes
• Infertility and Ovulation Treatments
• Failure of Contraception Methods
• Advanced Age

How is Ectopic Pregnancy Recognised?

Ectopic pregnancy can occur in various ways. The symptoms include delayed menstruation, irregular vaginal bleeding, and abdominal pain.

Sometimes it can progress very insidiously without any symptoms at all. The patient may menstruate close to her due date, and if there is damage and bleeding in the tube in the later period, a serious condition with sudden severe abdominal pain and widespread tenderness may develop due to intraperitoneal bleeding. In this case, while blood pressure drops, an increase in pulse is observed. The patient may experience fatigue, a feeling of faintness, and dimming of vision. Shock symptoms may be seen in 25% of patients.

How Long Does Ectopic Pregnancy Last?

Untreated ectopic pregnancy continues until the tissue ruptures and intraperitoneal bleeding occurs, leading to an acute condition, or until medical or surgical treatment is initiated if diagnosed. Rarely, it may regress spontaneously and be eliminated by the body.

Can Ectopic Pregnancy Recur?

The chance of recurrence of ectopic pregnancy is around 10%, regardless of whether the affected tube is repaired or removed.

What Should a Person Who Has Had Ectopic Pregnancy Pay Attention to in Their Next Pregnancy?

They should protect themselves from infections, avoid using birth control pills and emergency contraceptive pills containing only progestin, and should not use an intrauterine device (IUD) as a contraceptive method.

What is the Greatest Risk in Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy diagnosis is delayed, and if rupture occurs from where the ectopic pregnancy is located, intraperitoneal bleeding occurs. The patient may experience fatigue, a feeling of faintness, and dimming of vision. Shock symptoms may be seen in 25% of patients. This is a life-threatening condition.

What Should be the Treatment Method for Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that needs to be terminated urgently. Unfortunately, the embryo attempting to develop outside the uterus cannot survive. Furthermore, there is no possibility for this embryo to be transported to the uterus. Therefore, the treatment method for ectopic pregnancy is mostly termination of pregnancy. This can be accomplished by:

• If the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy can be made early, pregnancy can be terminated by administering one or more doses of appropriate injection therapy.
• If the pregnancy has progressed and has caused damage to the tubes, the egg in the tube is cleaned out through a surgical procedure, and if necessary, the damaged tube is removed.

The treatment of ectopic pregnancy and the ability to become pregnant again after treatment are possible. Even if one of the tubes is removed, women can easily become pregnant with their other healthy tubes.

There is no simple and definite answer to the question of how ectopic pregnancy is recognised. However, after some checks, a clear diagnosis can be made. However, if a sign outside the normal range is noticed by paying attention to the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a doctor without delay.

What is Abortion?

Abortion is the termination of pregnancy within the uterus of a woman who has become pregnant for any reason.

For What Reasons Is Abortion Done?

• Unplanned pregnancy
• Having a sufficient number of children and not wanting a new child
• Becoming pregnant as a result of an error while using any birth control method (such as forgetting to take the birth control pill, displacement of the intrauterine device, condom breakage, errors made while using the calendar method, failure to take protective measures during breastfeeding)
• Using drugs that may harm the unborn baby without knowing the pregnancy, exposure to X-ray and radiation
• Having diseases in the mother that can endanger her life if she gives birth, diseases where pregnancy is strictly prohibited
• Pregnancies resulting from rape or extramarital relationships
• Situations where the baby does not develop and dies or there is a severe genetic disorder.

What Kind of Procedure is Abortion?

When carried out by an experienced obstetrician-gynaecologist who specialises in abortion and in accordance with the rules, abortion is a very easy procedure with minimal complications. Whether performed with a large plastic syringe called a carmen device or with a vacuum device using modern methods today, it can easily be performed without scratching the uterus through the suction method without scraping the uterus.

Is Abortion Painful?

Generally, short-term superficial general anaesthesia is applied. The patient falls asleep shortly and wakes up smoothly after the procedure, not remembering the abortion and feeling no pain. They regain consciousness in 15 minutes and can walk home after resting for a short while. If the patient has previously had a normal delivery and does not want anaesthesia, the cervix can be anaesthetised with local anaesthesia. During this procedure, the patient is conscious and can chat with the doctor and the assisting staff. They may feel a few minutes of pain similar to menstrual cramps.

What are the Complications of Abortion?

In abortions performed by experts in the field and meticulously, the likelihood of any complication is extremely low.

• Development of infection: In abortions performed using sterile conditions and disposable materials, this possibility is extremely low.
• Retained tissue: In abortions performed by an experienced specialist, this is also a rare possibility. Sometimes, due to uterine fibroids or polyps, pieces in a certain area may not be completely cleaned, leading to unceasing bleeding, and a second cleaning may be required.
• Uterine perforation: Known as uterine perforation in colloquial terms, it is almost never seen in abortions performed within legal limits and gently.
• Continuation of pregnancy despite abortion: In abortions performed under ultrasound guidance, this possibility is quite rare. Delaying the abortion until the formation of the gestational sac prevents this risk.

Can Someone Who Has Had an Abortion Get Pregnant Again?

If no complications occur after an abortion performed with vacuum aspiration and by an experienced obstetrician-gynaecologist, you can get pregnant even the next month.

Is Abortion a Birth Control Method?

Abortion is not a method of birth control, it can be done only if necessary. Therefore, contraceptive rules should be followed as they should be, and efforts should be made to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

What Should Be Considered After Abortion?

Attention should be paid to points such as not having sexual intercourse for 15 days, avoiding swimming pools and the sea for 15 days, taking showers standing up for 15 days, regularly using antibiotics if recommended by your doctor, and going for a check-up to the doctor who performed your abortion after 15 days.

Should People with Blood Incompatibility Get Vaccinated After an Abortion?

Yes, if you have blood incompatibility, you should get an anti-D vaccine after every abortion you have undergone. This is a matter that should not be neglected for the health of your subsequent pregnancies. 

The effect of medications on pregnancy is often not studied due to the risk of harming the pregnancy. However, it is generally known that using medication during the first months of pregnancy is unlikely to harm the baby. But it cannot be guaranteed that there is no risk at all. Understanding the effects of the medication until birth is difficult, and its effects may manifest years later.

You should always consult a doctor regarding medications used during pregnancy. Unfortunately, some expectant mothers make decisions to use medication without consulting a doctor, which can lead to the termination of the pregnancy.

The medications used can have different effects depending on the individual’s genetic makeup, meaning that side effects may vary for each person using the medication. Whether the pregnant person has another illness and the other medications they are taking also affects the risk of side effects. Pregnant individuals with other illnesses (such as heart, kidney, or liver disease) may have a longer duration of the medication in their bodies when they use it, leading to a higher risk of side effects.

Medication Use During Pregnancy

The most commonly used medications during pregnancy are anti-nausea drugs, antacids (medications that reduce stomach acid), antihistamines (medications used for allergy symptoms), analgesics (pain relievers), antibiotics, tranquillisers, and sleeping pills. Although almost 100% of medications used during pregnancy pass from the placenta to the baby, it is stated that only a very small portion of the medication causes unwanted conditions in the baby.

Medications that should never be used during pregnancy include:

• ACE inhibitors
• Danazol
• DES (Diethylstilbestrol)
• Tetracycline (antibiotic)
• Androgen hormones
• Etretinate
• Thalidomide (No longer produced)
• Medications used in cancer treatment
• Isotretinoin
• Rubella
• Epilepsy medications such as Carbamazepine, Trimethadione, Phenytoin, Valproic acid
• Lithium (A medication used in psychiatry)
• Coumarin and its derivatives
• Methimazole
• Radioactive iodine
• Avoid CT (Computerised Tomography) scans and radiation exposure.

Organ formation is completed in the first three months of pregnancy. The subsequent periods are periods of growth and development and cover a period with a slightly lower risk for medication use. Therefore, unless necessary, medication use should be avoided during the first three months of pregnancy.

Medications that can be used during pregnancy include:

• Aspirin
• Pain relievers
• Anti-rheumatic drugs
• Antifungal medications
• Antiviral drugs
• Parasitic medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Asthma medications
• Epilepsy medications
• Diabetes medications