Motherhood is a challenging phase of life. before giving birth women are all excited about holding a baby in their arms, looking at the joyful side of a journey. The journey from labor pains to childbirth is a life-changing event.
Counting babies kicks and most of all watching your baby moving in your third-trimester belly is one of the fondest memories of being pregnant.
Rest assured the joys of holding a baby are beautiful and you are going to have the most cherishable memories of all times.
Now you are ready to give birth and excited too, I highly recommend you should visit your hospital pre-birth and get yourself registered. This will save you a lot of time when you will be actually in labor and need immediate assistance.
Moreover, I also recommend you to give your hospital a visit to get yourself aware where is the labor and delivery area plus sign up
For the hospital labor and delivery department a tour to be well aware of the rooms and other formalities, you might have to take care of.
This is a very common question for first-time moms when you know it’s time to bring baby home.
Having all those excitement and butterflies in your belly; one fine day your time would come with real pains and probably with a gush of water.
When you know these are not Braxton hicks (false contractions) and you could actually time your pains at equal intervals. If your contractions are exactly at 20 minutes interval, maybe less or more, you need to pack up your hospital bag.
Well, as a matter of fact, these contractions interval may take days to shrink down to maybe 5 minutes or 3 minutes. Whenever you are able to time them for like 2 to 3 hours at the same interval, you need to call your doctor, nurse or a midwife at your hospital you are planning on to deliver.
If your water breaks, you need to call right away, even you do not feel any sort of contraction or pains.
Once you are at the hospital, you need to check in with all those bands with barcodes. These bands are going to stay on your wrist until you are staying at the hospital.
What happens in the labor room?
Nurses would take care of everything when you get there. If you have more frequent contractions, they would find out and provide immediate assistance. Your doctor or midwife is going to find out how much dilated you are by that time.
If your labor pains are not very frequent and you don’t seem to be dilated more than 2 cm, you might be sent back home.
If your baby is full-term at 39 weeks, you might want to discuss the option of Pitocin, a medicine to speed up the labor pains.
You can opt for epidural. Before that, you need to eat or drink whatever you want because once you get epidural you won’t be able to drink water even.
What happens in the surgery room in case you have scheduled a cesarean or emergency C-section?
If you have a scheduled C-section due to many reasons like baby’s position, multiple fetuses, health concerns, etc., chances are you have to get it in the morning. Thus, you have to make sure you should not have eaten at least 12 hours on the day of C-section. You have to be an empty stomach.
Eat well the night before and sleep better as you are already signing up for sleep deprivation motherhood brings. 🙂
Epidural or General Anesthesia
By any chance you end up having C-section, you most likely be given epidural (spinal) If not general anesthesia.
Nurses would make sure your area for the incision is shaved.
After that, they are going to apply medicine and all the surgical procedure you can expect.
Although doctors, surgeons, anesthesia staff, nurses, every concerned person would be in the surgery room. However, if you want your partner or husband to be in the surgery room, you can surely ask nurses.
They are going to provide the medicated clothes for him so that he can be with you inside the surgery room and you both could enjoy the birth of your baby.
What to expect right after Childbirth
You might be an expert by now for what happens in pregnancy and how to deal with those nauseous mornings, but getting to know what happens in the hospital right after birth is not too far now.
Curious to know or not – here the things you must need to know what happens after birth.
1. Apgar Evaluation
This is a necessary evaluation procedure done after birth. The purpose is to see if there are any medical concerns or not. Doctors measure five signs of the baby’s condition
Heart rate
Breathing
Reflexes
Activity and muscles tone
Skin color
Apgar evaluation score varies from 0 to 10. Babies who score 7 or more are considered healthy. Low Apgar score does not mean any necessary medical concerns.
Researchers say that in more than 98% of babies, quite often the Apgar score reaches 7 within 5 minutes of baby’s life as it is checked twice in the first 5 minutes of baby’s life after birth.
2. Vitamin K injection
Babies are born with vitamin K deficiency as it does not reach the placenta during pregnancy. Thus, doctors make sure that babies get vitamin K injection right after birth to make sure no bleeding in the brain or intestines could occur. Right after the birth baby is given vitamin K injection to help with blood to clot.
3. Antibiotic eye ointment
Your baby will be applied Erythromycin an eye antibiotic ointment to her eyes so that it does not cause an infection that could occur during delivery. Infections could occur due to sexually transmitted diseases, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
If you are concerned, babies can see through the ointment and it is not irritating for babies.
4. Oxygen saturation testing
This procedure is done to check for lower levels of oxygen in the baby’s bloodstream that might identify any significant yet rare heart defects. This is a needleless procedure involves placing a band-aid-like sensor on the baby’s right hand and right foot.
4. Baby Foot is printed
Your baby’s foot will be printed.
5. Identification Bands on wrists and legs
Your baby will also be wearing an identification band on with your name as a mother.
6. Skin to skin
Research has shown that an hour after birth is when your baby is very awake and alert and during that time and it is highly recommended when mother and baby has to be more on skin to skin.
7. Regulating the baby’s body temperature
Baby’s lose body heat fairly quickly, thus it is highly advisable to practice more and more skin to skin to regulate baby’s body temperature after birth.
8. Latching or Breastfeeding right after birth
As soon as your baby is done with all those requirements after birth, mothers are advised to start breastfeeding their babies right away, as this will help with the flow of milk supply for moms.
Breastfeeding has numerous benefits along with it helps the uterus to come back to its original size within 6 weeks.
9. Bonding with your baby
Right after birth, It is very normal to feel overjoyed to see your little bundle of happiness. Some mothers cannot feel that way which is normal too. Do not stress about bonding if you are not in that state of mind, because most of the time it is the effect of medicines as well.
However, dads would be happy to perform skin to skin if mom is having a surgical delivery.
In my both C section deliveries, at the time my first one was born I was in labor pains for three days, tired and exhausted, yet I just was super excited about bonding with my little guy. On the other hand, while with my second delivery, which was within 19 months, it took a while for me to feel normal again I was having extreme shoulder pain and my blood pressure dropped significantly. I just could not talk. And I could not hold her for a long time.
It is not advisable to hold your baby when you are not feeling normal about yourself. Bonding can weight but you as a healthy mother is more important.
Start skin to skin the moment you start feeling better and want to connect.
Nursing, latching, and feeding after childbirth
If you are a first-time mom, and you THINK that you KNOW how to breastfeed, do not stay in this misconception.
There is a big difference between knowing something and actually doing it.
Some babies do not know how to latch. They will learn slowly and gradually.
However, some babies are great at latching. They know suckle very well.
I would highly recommend first-time moms to consult a lactation specialist. Many hospitals in the US offer lactation classes which are super helpful.
Doctors would not allow you to go home if your baby is not having enough wet and dirty diapers. This means your baby is not having enough to eat.
The lactation consultants will visit you every day during your hospital stay and are there to help. Seek help, consult if you are struggling with breastfeeding.
Some facts about breastfeeding after childbirth
Moms expect delayed milk supply as it takes time to settle in. However, babies are not going to eat too much in the beginning.
Colostrum is the thick form of milk that comes in before the milk supply. Colostrum is the most beneficial first baby food and sufficient for the early days of a baby’s life.
If you are not mentally or physically ready to take care of your baby, talk to your nurse about it. They are there to help. You can ask them to take your baby for the night and have her in the nursery room so you can sleep or rest for that night.
You can also tell them to bring the baby in for her feed or they could give formula if you have talked to your doctor about it.
Whatever you decide to feed your baby, remember FED IS THE BEST.
While you stay a the hospital nurses give you a chart to record about your baby eats, wee and poo schedule.
You have to feed every 2 hours or as per demand. The more you nurse the earlier and quick would be the milk supply.
Care providers want you to time baby’s eating, pee, and poo schedule to ensure baby is performing great after birth.
Baby’s First Poop
Baby’s first poo is called Meconium which is made of mucus, amniotic fluid and everything which baby has ingested while in the womb. Meconium is a black almost tar-like consistency.
Rarely, during normal delivery, babies tend to poo during the delivery process (while passing through the birth canal) which has to be monitored closely. It should not be swallowed as it could pose high risks.
Some babies poo within the first couple of days after birth. This first poo meconium is a good sign that means your baby’s digestive system is working just fine.
Colostrum, your first milk, will help meconium to excrete out of the baby’s body. It protects against infections and also acts as a laxative.
Well during your hospital stay doctors and nurses are going to closely monitor your baby’s health after birth.
Vital Signs test
Vital signs test is a baby’s hearing screening test.
This test is done before you leave the hospital. During this hearing screening, babies are monitored to respond to any sounds by using tiny earphones.
Some babies do not pass their test on their first attempt due to fluids in ears. There are very likely to pass the next day or so. In order to keep baby calm, the examiner might have to give sweet water (don’t worry, it’s just a drop) to have baby calm during the test.
Hearing problems are not very uncommon. If newborns by any chance do not pass the test, it would be helpful to treat any hearing defects earlier.
Physical weight check
Baby’s weight is monitored right at birth and then within the first few days after birth. It is very normal for babies to reduce weight during the first few days of their life.
It is normal for a baby to lose 7 to 10 percent of birth weight in the first couple of days after birth. If your baby keeps losing weight more than 10% of birth weight then you might want to consider supplementing.
Waiting for breastmilk supply is a great way to ensure healthy nutrition for your baby, BUT, if your baby is losing weight and you are struggling with milk supply, you should discuss your concerns about it with your doctor.
They measure the baby’s weight, height, and head circumference.
They are going to check how is your baby breathing.
Number of wet and dirty
To ensure how well your baby is eating, the number of wet diapers could depict. If your baby does not wee or have a wet diaper within 24 hours then your baby needs more nutrition.
Despite, your baby is losing weight after birth within limits even then the number of wet diapers confirms your baby is eating just fine.
If there are no wet diapers for more than 24 hours then you should be concerned.
Shots / vaccinations
If your baby has got a shot/vaccination, the hospital will provide you with a card and name of the vaccination with dates and everything that you need to know for a record.
Hep B vaccination
All Babies get the hepatitis B vaccine before leaving the hospital. HBV is a series of three different shots. All three of them will be received over the course of two years i.e. three times in 24 months.
Newborn Metabolic screening
This test is done by pricking your baby’s heel to take blood samples to rule out any signs of illness or diseases. This is done to make sure the baby does not have any disabilities, organ damage, etc.
First bath
The nurse is going to give the baby a bath. Wash baby’s hair and rest she sponge bath baby without having umbilical cord wet.
Additional tests for baby
Measuring bilirubin levels
Some, but not all, newborns require a bilirubin level check – a substance in the bloodstream responsible for causing jaundice.
Baby’s blood type test
Those babies who are born to women having Rh negative or O blood type must be tested. Other babies may get tested depending on the requirements and circumstances.
Other blood tests
Other tests are done to check blood sugar, blood counts, and blood cultures as per the circumstances.
Circumcision
Circumcision is the surgical procedure of removing foreskin on a baby boy’s penis.
Most but not all, boys get their penis circumcised before hospital discharge. Choosing this procedure could be personal or religious preference and could be scheduled even after discharge from the hospital.
In case you want to get it done for your baby boy, circumcision is widely practiced all over the world with many health benefits.
Always discuss its pros and cons with your doctor before you even decide to get it done for your baby boy.
Given the risks and concerns, this needs a lot of aftercare. Watch any signs of an infection. Keep the area dry and keep it covered with cotton gauze and a substantial amount of petroleum jelly on the wee-wee area.
This does not mean to get the process done right away. If you want your boy to get this done, you may want to do it in a couple of days after birth. The earlier the better as it heals pretty quickly within just a few days.
Nurses are going to guide you with care instructions.
What gifts to include in expectant moms gift baskets?
Do you have someone around who is expecting a baby real soon?
These things you can include in mom to be a gift basket that mom-to-be is surely going to love. Every item in the basket is added thoughtfully which has a specific purpose to make it super useful.
Perfect gifts you can choose for every occasion like baby shower, holiday gifts, postpartum gifts, Christmas, birthdays, gender reveal, baby arrival gifts for moms, mother’s days, gift baskets for a delivery day, etc.
Useful things you can add in a gift basket for expectant moms
The maternity phase is about 9 months long and during the last trimester, things are taking a new shape altogether for an expectant mom.
Clothes do not fit in anymore, its sleeplessness, million bathroom trips, swollen hands and feet, leg cramps and whatnot.
While you are choosing a gift for a mom-to-be, it needs to be something super useful and purposeful. If you are a mom already, there is quite a significant chance you are going to agree with me on these gift options you may want to include in a gift basket for your pregnant friend.
However, if you are not a mom yet and still looking for a gift suggestion for your pregnant friend, sister, daughter, wife, this is something she is going to love and use every single thing.
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1. Nursing & maternity Shirts
Although very few moms choose not to breastfeed after birth, still it is very likely she may end up nursing her baby and that’s what needs. The expectant mom is going to use it regardless before or after delivery.
2. Haakaa breast pump
Although breastfeeding is a choice and you do not want to impose it on someone who doesn’t want to do it. However, breastfeeding is getting popular and doctors and nurses prefer moms to nurse for their own health, speedy recovery and giving the best nutrition for the baby. Besides what moms use for pumping breastmilk, I highly recommend moms to have a manual pump handy too. This will save you tons of milk that just leaks aways while nursing on one side.
Also, it is super helpful in relieving engorged breasts and painful letdown.
3. Cooling pads for hemorrhoids
This is useful for soothing hemorrhoids for moms after delivery if you are preparing a basket for the postpartum period, you may want to add this in your gift items.
4. Peri Bottle or a portable bidet
Moms must use water after delivery regardless if they have C-sections or vaginal delivery. Nurses in the hospital make it mandatory to wash ladyparts with water every time you use a toilet after delivery.
5. Extra-long Charging Cable
During the hospital visit, C-section moms cannot move or bend for few days after delivery. It is super essential to have a long charging cable that will help moms keep the phone right next to them even while on the charge. This is a must-have for the pregnant mom’s hospital bag.
6. Nipple cream
If you have been a mom already, you know breastfeeding hurts for the first couple of weeks. During this time, a good nipple cream is super essential for new breastfeeding moms. You cannot go wrong with this idea.
7. Sitz bath soak
Bath soaks are super helpful for vaginal delivery moms. This is a relieving treatment for postpartum discomforts and hemorrhoids.
8. Belly oil
Belly oil or cream is an amazing option for expectant moms. When bellies are getting huge it is very likely for moms to get stretch marks or itchy bellies. So if you are up to preparing a gift basket for a mom who is in her pregnancy period, this is something she is going to love and use.
9. Postpartum body tea
During postpartum, drinking healthy drinks is good for recovery and for breastfeeding too. Moms are going to love this for their postpartum gifts.
10. Raspberry tea for pain
During the last trimester, midwives advice to take raspberry tea for less pain during labor and even after delivery. Raspberry leaves are known to ease menstrual pain and cramping and prepare moms for labor.
11. Milk flow drink
Breastfeeding is a lifetime experience for moms to be and a lot of moms seem to struggle with milk supply. Breastfeeding supplement is an awesome drink for breastfeeding moms to significantly improve milk supply.
12. Lactation cookies mix
Breastfeeding moms seem to love these lactation cookies as they seem improvements in milk supply. Adding these in your gift basket is going to be an awesome idea.
13. Sonogram Keepsake frame
Every mom gets a sonogram when she gets pregnant. Some may not get a chance to put it in the frame or they are too busy to do that. Why not giving this beautiful frame to an expectant mom to save her sonogram images.
14. Funny socks for moms in labor
While moms are in the hospital, they might want to wear socks. Ain’t these cute?
15. Mom and baby matching hospital outfit
Matching costume for mom and a baby is a picture-perfect gift. I am a mom to two and I can give you my word for it, your mom-to-be friend, daughter, sister, daughter is going to love it.
16. Pregnancy Wedge
If you are looking for gifts to add in a gift basket for a pregnant friend, daughter, sister, she is going to thank you for this awesome thing.
17. Box of crackers for late-night munching
Expectant moms love crackers when it comes to late-night hunger pangs. You cannot go wrong by adding a bunch of different crackers for mama to be.
18. Water bottle
When it comes to buying a fancy water bottle, moms-to-be have to think about other priorities that need the immediate expense. If you are looking for a useful gift then you should not skip a nice looking, fancy water bottle.
Choosing a water bottle is a win-win because she is going to use that 100%.
19. Sound machine
Sleeping gets rough when moms-to-be enter in their third trimester. Huge belly size and zillion bathroom trips make it impossible to have a sound sleep.
keeping a sound machine not only helps you sleep better also it will significantly improve sleep quality. I highly recommend using a sound machine for light sleepers.
Pregnancy is the most beautiful and exciting time in a woman’s life. The joy of having a life in you is phenomenal. While mom-to-be is anxious to meet her little bundle of joy, the struggles and discomforts of being pregnant are on the rise every single day as you approach your third trimester. That’s nature’s way of preparing moms for the sleepless nights with trillion bathrooms trips and leg crampings in the middle of the night. Being pregnant is an amazing feeling yet it becomes tough and tougher for moms-to-be as they come closer to their due date.
These pregnancy hacks are going to help moms in making their pregnant life easier so they can enjoy more rather being uncomfortable and super moody. For most women, first and third trimester are toughest and the second trimester seems a little comfortable as you start enjoying baby’s kicks and movements and it feels incredible.
Not every woman has the same pregnancy discomforts but even those who have smooth pregnancy may experience some of these symptoms and that’s totally normal.
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Hacks to ease your Pregnancy Discomforts
1. Relive Pressure on the belly
One of the common discomforts of pregnancy later in the second or third trimester is downwards belly pressure. It seems like the baby is slipping down and the pressure is really uncomfortable in your thighs too. Consequently, it will cause backache and abdominal cramps.
The idea thing to do is avoid heavy lifting as much as you can. Also, you should use pregnancy belly wrap. That is going to support your belly from downward pressure.
2. Fighting Pregnancy Nausea
Nausea is the first and most common symptom of pregnancy. It is one of the early symptoms that may not go the whole 9 months period or may come back in the third trimester.
The best hack to fight nausea is having Gingerale instead of other sodas after meals if you have serious taste issues during pregnancy.
If you are traveling or having nausea and bad taste all the time, try eating tamarind candy or tamarind in any form you like. It has a sour-ish taste. If you add salt on top, tastes amazing.
The idea itself is mouth-watering. However, if you haven’t tried tamarind as yet, you definitely got to try.
3. Tailbone pain hack
When I was pregnant with my son, I had tailbone pain for the whole nine months. I cannot sit on a chair for a long period of time.
My sister told me to use a seat donut cushion or pillow. I used it everywhere I go. That actually helped big time.
If you are having a tailbone or sciatica pain during pregnancy or otherwise. You need to try using a donut cushion. It will keep your tailbone up high and do not let it glide on any surface. Works 100%.
4. Use Wedge Pillow for side sleeping
For some pregnancies, women tend to have drastic weight gain. With an increase in the size of a growing baby, it is hard to sleep comfortably. It is also advised to sleep on the side and not on your back.
In order to follow the safe sleeping during pregnancy, you need support under your huge tummy that is going to balance out the weight.
The wedge pillow is an amazing pillow to use during pregnancy for sleep support or while you are resting.
It is very likely to get tired of side sleeping and you just want to be on the back for some time. Although it is not advised to be on your back while sleeping especially during the last trimester as it could have risks for baby too. For back support, you need a wedge pillow for torso so you are fairly elevated while you are resting.
5. Use Pregnancy pillow for legs support while sleeping
Pregnancy could be seriously uncomfortable at times. You need support on so many things at the same time. The heavier form of everything is putting pressure on your body that is not bearable for yourself too.
In order to have a sound sleep and a better night, you need a sleep support pillow that is going to support your whole body and the nights are not nightmares anymore.
6. Yoga for Legs cramping
If you have leg cramps or “charlie horses” during pregnancy, I know how terrible it gets at night.
Best hack, make sure you drink plenty of water and stay super hydrated.
This reclining hero yoga pose can help significantly with leg cramps.
To learn more effective remedies of leg cramps, read this.
7. Fight Urinary Tract Infection
UTI is a very common condition during pregnancy. If you have it once, you can have it more than once.
If you feel burning sensation while urinating, it is very likely the signs of UTI. Fever and chills should be evaluated immediately.
If not treated properly, the infection can go up to the kidneys and could be fatal. You need to get your antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor.
The best thing to avoid UTI is, make sure you empty your bladder while urinating by leaning forward and putting pressure so nothing is left in there.
Also, make frequent bathroom trips and try not to use public bathrooms unless needed. Drink plenty of water and over-the-counter cranberry tablets may help in developing UTI.
Use flushable wipes when you go to the toilet or use a portable bidet to avoid future UTI. Always wipe front to back.
Having mood swings during pregnancy is one of the common symptoms and there are days when you just feel like crying. Depression strikes are it does not seem to go away.
One of the best remedies is to take a warm shower that works 100% to make you feel better, helps with body cramps, backache, shoulder pain or even Braxton hicks (fake) contractions.
9. Relief Heartburn and gas issues
Heartburn and gas are a very common symptom of pregnancy. If you have sudden pain somewhere in the back or in ribs right after eating then it is gas and it is seriously painful. Been there done that.
The best thing is – Do not sit right after eating, have a small walk and eat small and frequent meals. Stuffing yourself with big meal size can actually increase heartburn.
Organic Whole Psyllium Husk can also help with heartburn and other digestive issues. This can be taken while being pregnant or during postpartum.
10. When Baby is not moving for a while
Once babies are active in the womb, it gets really stressful when you don’t get your kick count for the day or the baby is not moving.
Before you run to the hospital to get your baby monitored, try eating something sweet or drink cold water and see if you can feel her dancing in the womb.
Prenatal vitamins are essential during pregnancy. You have to take it once you find out you are expecting till you are breastfeeding. Although supplements are advised to be taken during the meal still the best time to take prenatal vitamins at night with some snacks during pregnancy to avoid late-night body cramping.
12. Tooth infections
Pregnancy hormones could trigger dental issues you are having for a long time. If it is followed by fever, you need to get antibiotics because tooth infection/or pain may cause preterm labor. It is best to get it fixed once it hits.
This one is a tried and tested remedy for tooth infection pregnant or not pregnant.
For random pain, use Potassium Alum as a home remedy. Melt potassium alum in a pan. Once dry, make it in a powder form and use fingers or toothbrush to apply on the affected gums area or tooth. This works an antiseptic and works 99%. It may be a little more uncomfortable and stretchy in your mouth but it will certainly help.
13. Stretch marks
Stretch marks are a consequence of pregnancy, and unfortunately, they do not go away even after pregnancy. The best way to avoid stretch marks is, keep skin super moisturized. There are times when your body gets super itchy, thanks to pregnancy hormones. Do not scratch your bare skin, rather rub a cotton cloth on itchy skin or gently rub with hand.
Use Curel itch defense lotion after every shower or any other lotion you use. Heavily moisturize your skin during pregnancy to avoid stretch marks.
14. Pregnancy Travel hacks
Traveling during pregnancy gets tough due to dehydration. Sitting in the same seat for long hours.
Take 5-minute walk frequently to ensure blood circulation.
15. Real labor pains vs fake labor pains (aka Braxton Hicks)
Some pregnant women start having contractions from the beginning of the third trimester. This does not mean that it is real contractions. It is very likely to get Braxton hicks contractions confused with real labor contractions.
Braxton hicks would go away if you lay down, take a shower if the pain gets worse, and it will go away with regular Tylenol.
The real contraction would not go away with any of these remedies. They are going to increase with time, regardless. Every contraction comes on the exact interval of time. Moreover, these minutes’ intervals keep shrinking in hours or maybe in days.
16. Natural Labor pains
Do you know what could help you having natural labor pains without being induced?
My midwife told me to use primrose oil capsules after 36 weeks three times a day to get labor contractions naturally. It definitely works.
One of the most annoying pregnancy condition is eye twitching. Religious beliefs aside, this is due to the deficiency of magnesium in your body. Since pregnant woman body is going through so many changes and it is nurturing a tiny human so lacking on essential nutrients is understandable.
However, if you are concerned about frequent eye twitching, I highly recommend you to ask your doctor about taking a magnesium supplement.
Once I started taking magnesium supplements, my eye twitching was completely gone while I was pregnant. Although magnesium supports muscle health still you should talk to your OBGYN about the recommended dose if you have the discomfort of a frequent eye twitch.
Throw a specific baby essential commodity party before baby arrives
Diaper Party
A baby shower can get you almost everything for the baby, from crib to stroller, and everything in between.
The reality of having a baby is “shitting money away” on diapers. Diapers are never enough, regardless.
I saw this idea on Pinterest about throwing a diaper party. Have your guests bring diapers in different sizes that you are going to need along the way.
In my experience size 6 you use the most. Anything after size 3 should be in abundance.
Book party
Another idea is of bringing a book with a little note on a book party for your baby. You can also throw a book party once your baby is 6 weeks old or 6 months old. Nevertheless, it feels like celebrating every milestone your baby achieves. Either way, it’s a win-win.
Clothes Party for your baby
I would suggest to throw a clothes party and have your guests assigned anything above 6 months. Babies grow up fast and having too many clothes for newborns is essentially a waste. Within a first month, most babies if not all, get to the size of 3 months clothes.
Anything above size 3 is great. Also, keep the weather into consideration when you are setting up a clothes party for your baby.
Are you expecting a baby anytime soon? Get baby’s Sleep book, understand baby sleep concerns before baby arrives
Just like you want to know what to buy for your baby before she arrives, the same way you need to know the care and concerns about baby sleep. You cannot sleep-train a few days old baby, however, you can still put her in the right direction of day and night sleep from day one.
Get my sleep ebook and read it while you are at the hospital waiting for your little one. This will save you so much sleep for yourself too.
Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life. It is that time of the year when a woman feels special, cared for and loved the most. Although pregnancy has it’s own struggles and for some women, it is extremely tough, even then it is the most cherished time in a woman’s life.
Trendy maternity clothes are fun if they are comfy and beautiful. When I was pregnant I had so much hard time finding the right size clothes and nice cute looking as well for just going out or a restaurant visit. However, I did not want to spend too much on clothes which I am not going to use for a long time. Regardless, you still NEED clothes when nothing is going to fit.
I have got a solution to getting inexpensive maternity clothes. If you are struggling with maternity clothes search, you are in the right spot. I am going to guide you on what you can wear or what is worth spending on – depends on your preference, style sense and how far along are you.
For me, comfort is a priority. I would vote for comfort, soft fabric and then what type of clothing I need.
If you are working and pregnant then you definitely need a lot of outfits and certainly the comfortable ones.
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Trendy Maternity Clothes ideas for expectant moms
These are some suggestions you can see what you might like to have for your pregnancy.
Maternity Slogan Shirts
Slogan shirts look super cute. Moms-to-be love having those.
You need to have those that fit depends on how far are you in your pregnancy.
I have found some cute slogan shirts for moms-to-be on Amazon. You can definitely see what works for you.
These are some full sleeve shirts you can wear as per your comfort.
Maternity Bras
Wearing bras during pregnancy gets pretty hard if it is not comfortable. I don’t recommend wearing wired bras. They are extremely uncomfortable as your belly gets bigger. Getting yourself a nice comfortable bra is surely a lifesaver.
Nursing Bras
You could definitely try getting nursing bras by that time if you are planning to nurse after delivery.
Maternity Tanks
Some pregnant women might want to just stay in their tanks while at home. Check their size chart and see if that works for you. Going one size up is not a bad idea if you prefer comfort as much as I do.
Maternity Undies
I have found these undies do make sense for pregnancy, as you can even move your underwear up high on your belly, this thing will stay underneath. You can go a size up for extra comfort.
Tights or leggings for Pregnant belly
It is not healthy to wear super tight bottoms during pregnancy or otherwise because this might affect your blood circulation and also it could cause bloating.
The best solution is getting a couple of pairs of comfortable tights to wear during that time.
For jeans, you need to have the right size. Somehow, I think the maternity elastic attached to jeans that covers full belly does not feel comfortable as it slips down every other minute.
Having maternity jeans in your closet is an option unless you are a really big fan of jeans. I would recommend having maternity leggings or tights for that very purpose. Get some nice pants which do not have to go up high on the belly, as that material slips off pretty much every time. (at least that was my experience. If it is accurate in size, that would be too tight and this I would not recommend.
Maternity Dresses
If you want something for any formal gathering, or just regular random dresses you want for winter or summer season, these are the options.
Maternity Coats and jackets
These are a couple of recommendations on maternity jackets and coats if you like these. This depends on how far along are you during winter time.
Swimsuits for pregnant women
Well, if you are into swimming or going to the beach at any time of the year, you need a maternity swimsuit. here are a few suggestions. You can still use a cover-up style, or if you don’t want to show off your baby-bump on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Stylish Maternity cover-ups Kimono
Lately, I have seen a few pregnant ladies who were wearing cover-ups on their dresses. They were carrying them so well and looked lovely. These could be a great option to add a little color to your plain one-color dresses or shirts.
Pregnancy comes with a lot of hormonal aches. a headache, toothache, backache, a lot of problems you have to deal with while being pregnant. Although some medicines/drugs are not considered safe to be taken while being pregnant, still there are few medicines like over the counter medicines are generally considered safe and those are prescribed by your OBGYN.
Sometimes, a pregnant woman falls trap of such ailments that she cannot avoid medicine at all and to cure that specific condition which has to be treated with medicine so it doesn’t seem to harm baby or mom-to-be.
It is extremely important to pay special attention to the medications/drugs or supplements you take while you are pregnant, especially during the first trimester, which is a crucial time of development for the baby.
In both of my pregnancies, I had to take amoxicillin (an antibiotic). The first time it was because of tooth infection and the second time it was due to Urinary tract infection. To treat both of these ailments I had no choice other than antibiotics.
Here is a breakdown for what conditions in pregnancy you might have to take prescribed drugs which are considered safe if taken moderately. Still, you should avoid unless taking those is the last option.
[I am not a medical professional, this information is based on my experience while pregnant. Whatever medicine I had taken during my pregnancy was prescribed by my doctor/midwife].
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Medicines that are safe to take during pregnancy for common discomforts and pains
1. Headache
Take Tylenol and try to rest for fifteen minutes to an hour (as long as you can). Try to keep your worries aside for some time and take a sleep break.
2. Backache/Hip Pain or Abdominal Cramping:
If you are having a backache or hip pain, try to take a warm shower, lay down and rest for some time. Overtiredness can cause backache. Try relieving your pain with a heating pad. Wearing a belly band and having massage should certainly help. If not relieved, it is safe to take Tylenol.
Although you have abdominal cramping every now and then. However, if you feel that your pain is getting worse and it is still not time, yes you can take Tylenol and take some rest.
For a tailbone pain, I highly recommend using donut cushion during pregnancy. It works great for tailbone pain during pregnancy and after delivery as well.
3. Leg Cramping:
Overexertion, and too much walking or standing for long hours can cause leg cramping, especially during night time.
If you are feeling tired or ached, you have to lay down and rest because if you are not well-rested you have to take more medication which is certainly not advised.
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is a culprit for all these pains. If you are constipated, drinking water should help.
4. Toothache:
For a minor toothache, you have no choice other than Tylenol. If you don’t want to take Tylenol and the pain is unbearable you can still try some home remedies or oral gel available over the counter.
At times extreme pain does trigger early labor that’s why it is advised by doctors to get your dental issues fixed. Pregnancy hormones tend to trigger dental problems.
5. Tooth Infection
In order to treat tooth infection, you have to take antibiotics. Amoxicillin is considered safe to take during pregnancy. It should be prescribed by your medical professional. Please if you are advised to take antibiotics, finish your dose as advised, infection tends to come back if not treated thoroughly.
6. Urinary Tract Infection
If you have been tested positive for UTI, you have to take antibiotics (amoxicillin). UTI keeps coming back if not cured properly. You have to take medicine and a lot of care to prevent from having it again.
Empty your bladder by leaning forward while urinating.
Clean thoroughly. I highly recommend having a handheld bidet installed or a get a portable one, which you eventually need after delivery.
Drinking cranberry juice may prevent you from having UTI, but when you have it already, it doesn’t help you much. It just prevents you from having it again despite having all that sugar.
For extreme nausea or vomiting – doctors do prescribe medicine like Vitamin B6 and Unisom. However, You can treat it by having fennel seeds, ginger ale, sour candies, etc.
7. Yeast infection
If you get a yeast infection – you will be prescribed Monistat for that condition.
Please do not eat/ avoid sugary items even If you have a mild yeast infection. Fruits, juices and other sugary stuff should be avoided unless it’s completely gone.
Do not use fragrant/ scented soaps or lotions in the vagina.
Wear cotton airy clothes.
8. Sciatica
If you have sciatica condition while pregnancy- do not take any medication unless prescribed, depending on your condition. Physiotherapy should help. Sciatica usually goes away after giving birth.
I had it during the last two weeks in my second pregnancy. It was painful and A LOT of discomforts but eventually, it disappeared once my daughter was born.
9. Rash
If you get some kind of rash (happens in the vagina) Hydrocortisone cream is prescribed.
10. Swelling
If you have swelling in your feet, hands, elevate legs, use compression stocking and drink lots of water.
11. Insomnia
If you are suffering from the lack of sleep, taking Benadryl is considered safe during pregnancy.
12. Fatigue
Safe exercise during pregnancy should help in fighting fatigue. Try to establish good sleeping patterns and take naps.
13. Constipation
If constipation gets worse you can take a stool softener. Colace is advised along with increasing fiber and hydration in your diet.
14. Diarrhea
You might get a prescription for diarrhea medicine which are Immodium, Kaopectate liquid, Maalox. Instead of taking medicines you can try to decrease fiber in your diet until diarrhea resolves, Avoid trigger food and eat mild food like bananas, rice, toasts, applesauce, bone broth, and stay hydrated.
15. Gas
Gas can be really painful, Avoid gas triggering food, spicy food, fried food. Go for a walk or do stretching head down buttocks up. You can take Gas-X, Simethicone, and Gaviscon.
16. Heartburn
You should avoid laying down right after eating meals. Try to avoid fried and spicy food that cause heartburn or acidity for you.
For heartburn Tums, Zantac, Maalox, Mylanta, Axid, Pepcid, Mylacon, Tagamet are considered as safe as prescribed by your doctor.
17. Cold and Cough
If you get a cold or cough during pregnancy, ask your doctor about safe medications. However, Tylenol, Actified, Robitussin, Robitussin DM, Robitussin PE, Benadryl, are considered safe to take.
Other than these you can drink hot soups, bone broths, ginger tea. Rest as much as you can.
Word of Caution
Please let your doctor know about what vitamins or supplements you are taking or any medications you are taking before getting pregnant and even while being pregnant like prenatal, folic acid, biotin or any other supplements. Not every supplement is considered safe during pregnancy.
Do you wake up at night due to leg pain? Are you having pregnancy leg cramps?
Leg cramps are a very common condition yet harmless. Legs cramps occur when muscles in your legs suddenly become tight and painful.
Leg cramping can also be termed as ‘Charley Horses’ when the involuntary muscle contraction occurs particularly in calf muscles.
Reasons for Leg Cramps during pregnancy
There are few reasons for leg cramping
Leg muscles become sore because of some serious physical activity like exercise, running, etc.
Pregnancy Hormones
Deficiency Of essential Vitamins
Poor blood circulation
Lack of stretching/exercise
Legs cramping is one of the toughest things that happen during pregnancy. It gets crazy sometimes at night and the discomfort is so much that you can’t even sleep or rest peacefully.
Sometimes too much walking in your third trimester or physical fatigue or dehydration can also lead to leg cramping.
How to survive Leg cramps during Pregnancy
Well in pregnancy you just can’t take medications for random aches and discomforts unless it is really needed or prescribed by your OBGYN.
For cramping, you don’t have to take any medicines just a few remedies help you sleep comfortably through the night.
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1. Hydration is the key to survive leg cramps during pregnancy
I can’t emphasize that enough. You should drink lots and lots of water.
Every time I had complained to my midwife about my legs cramping and she always asked: “Are you drinking enough water”.
Sometimes you don’t really feel like drinking water. You just don’t like the taste. Thanks to pregnancy hormones. Taste aversion is a real thing. You can drink water in some other form.
Just try not to be too busy to drink water. Sometimes you are already juggling up with so much while pregnant that you tend to forget about water.
If you are pregnant and considering these hydrating drinks, just watch out for caffeine intake.
If that’s the case, keep a water bottle around you. Preferably on each level if you have to move up and down. Sometimes you feel just too lazy to get up and go all the way to your kitchen to drink water.
Try not to drink water that is too cold or too hot. Just a room temperature water should be fine.
2. Take essential Prenatal Vitamins/Magnesium/Potassium
Lack of magnesium or potassium might also be the reason for leg cramps or leg pain during pregnancy.
Magnesium is known to improve muscle health. Eating magnesium and potassium-rich food while you are pregnant or in everyday life other than pregnancy is the best choice for your health.
Banana is a rich source of potassium. Eating a banana with a cup of milk would certainly help.
If you have muscle twitching during pregnancy most likely in the second and third trimester, you should take magnesium tablets if your OBGYN gives you a green signal about taking magnesium supplements other than your prenatal vitamins. Just take the recommended dosage.
You can take potassium for your leg crampings if they happen quite often other than pregnancy.
3. Yoga Pose or Stretching
If cramping gets worse at night, you should try this yoga pose. It worked for me 100% every time I had leg cramps in the middle of the night.
Reclining Hero Pose
It is a modified form of reclining hero pose. Sit up on your buttocks – legs folded on a comfortable place (floor or a bed). Place your hands on the back of the pelvis and release your lower back and upper buttocks. Then finish reclining, either onto the floor or a support blanket or a pillow. Use as much height as you need to make the position reasonably comfortable.
Recline unless you feel stretch in your legs. You can move your lower legs outside only if you feel comfortable doing it. It takes a lot of flexibility though. Stay in this position for a couple of minutes (as shown in the picture) and relax.
Caution: If you have any serious condition of a back, knee or ankle avoid this pose.
Due to your baby weight on your belly won’t let you stay in this position for a long time.
This pose will help in relieving your cramps. It works for my leg cramps whenever I have trouble sleeping.
If you think this is something you cannot do, just try random legs stretching. Sit up and straighten your legs. Try touching your toes with your hands by leaning forward.
4. Massage your legs
If you are lucky enough to have someone massage your legs with essential oils in the middle of the night. Olive oil works great. Massage is a great way to relax your muscles. It is known to be one of the most effective ways of relieving cramps.
You may want to try compression socks to relieve leg pain. These socks would help with blood circulation and works very well even during postpartum.
Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet can actually help. Food that is rich in Calcium, Potassium is of great benefit to you and the baby.
Eat Bananas and milk every day.
Dates, Figs, Coconut, almonds, walnuts, and raisins should be kept at an arm’s reach if night time hunger pangs hit.
Calcium-rich food would help in relieving pain.
6. Take Prenatal Vitamins at night
Prenatal vitamins are super essential while you are pregnant and until you are breastfeeding. You need to take your vitamins regardless. It is somehow recommended to take your prenatal vitamins at night.
This may help minimize cramping at night significantly.
Moreover, too much laziness/less movement in your lifestyle can even slow down blood circulation. Walk as much as you are comfortable with. Stretching can help in reducing leg cramps. Stay active, hydrated and listen to your body. When your body tells you that you feel tired, sit down, put your feet up and rest until you get your energy back.
Leg cramping is a common pregnancy discomfort, however, if you experience that even without being pregnant, you may want to get your vitamin D levels checked. For some people, leg cramping is one of the significant symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.
Hi -I am Madiha, mom to two beautiful kids. If you are a new mom or on your family journey, you can find helpful tips about pregnancy, postpartum, newborn care, toddlers and product reviews. Join the tribe and let’s grow together as moms. Enjoy having kids in our lives while they are little and more fun.
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Hi -I am Madiha, mom to two beautiful kids. If you are a new mom or on your family journey, you can find helpful tips about pregnancy, postpartum, newborn care, toddlers and product reviews. Join the tribe and let’s grow together as moms. Enjoy having kids in our lives while they are little and more fun.