While pregnancy can be a beautiful time in your life, it can also bring about pains and aches you did not anticipate. You may find it is less pleasant than you imagined and more strenuous on your body than you thought. While that is all perfectly normal (especially if you are one of the first of your friends to be pregnant), it does not make it easier or helps lessen the discomforts you need to deal with.

To sooth common pregnancy pains and discomforts, start with making sure you drink plenty of water, eat healthy and sleep (or at least rest) when you can. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference these simple, yet powerful elements can make! So don’t take it lightly when your doctor tells you that your fluid intake needs to go up or that you need to rest.

What you eat can affect how you feel when you are not pregnant, so it stands to reason that when you are, it can affect how you feel that much more. Not to mention the affects your nutrition has on your baby, its health and development, and your health, which is crucial to your baby’s.

Taking your prenatal vitamins can make a difference in how you feel, and how much energy you have. Make sure your prenatal vitamins include folic acid and iron, which are important for both you and your baby. If you are feeling extra exhausted all the time, these can help you get your second wind.

Exercising can make wanders to your body, especially when pregnant. Swimming can help with your back aches, and walking can give you that extra bust of energy and so desperately need. Pregnancy yoga can help with your discomforts as well. Speak to your OBGYN about exercising during your pregnancy and to a trainer to see what you can do (as well as what you should avoid) while pregnant.

Whatever pregnancy discomfort you are suffering from, speak to your doctor about and ask for solutions, and speak to friends who have been through a pregnancy to see what they did to get over their pains and aches. While not all remedies work for every woman, remember it is temporary discomfort that will pass shortly after childbirth.

Stay strong!

Going for an epidural does NOT make you a bad mother or any less of a mother, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Deciding to give birth naturally without painkiller or getting an epidural is a decision only you can make for yourself.  

While couples do discuss this possibility and make different decisions about childbirth together, this decision is yours to make. You are the one who is going through the pain of labor and childbirth, and no one else can go through it for you. Not your husband and certainly not your family or friends. Do not let anyone bully you into making a choice that is not right for you, as long as there is no risk to you or baby.

It is smart to plan ahead and think about pain management before you go into the delivery room. Do your homework and research or speak to your doctor about your possibilities, different ways to manage pain during childbirth, which is most suitable for you and why. If you need it, take your time in making this decision, but try to make it before it is time…

And when time comes, have a birth plan ready, but also be open minded about changes that may occur as things progress or if there is a new for an intervention.

As if it is not enough to be anxious about actual childbirth, some of us are also uncomfortable with the thought of being exposed to the world (the obstetrician and staff, and whomever else you invited into the delivery room).

Some women worry about when and where you go into labor, or having your water break in the middle of the supermarket. Most of us (especially if it’s your first pregnancy) worry about the pains of labor and childbirth, the possibility you’ll tear or have to have an episiotomy done, etc.

But do you give any thought to the actual birth and embarrassing accidents that go with it? Well, some women do. So what can you expect (not that you really can control everything, but the number of non professionals you want in the room…) in the delivery room:

Having a bowel movement during labor is very common and normal. More so, the nurse will likely describe the way you should push as when you go to the bathroom. Don’t be embarrassed. The professional staff is not only used to it, they also know it is normal and common.

Some women have an accident while getting their epidural. It is common to pee during the epidural process and the anesthesiologist has likely seen it many times before. It is not uncommon and not a big deal.

When you are pushing your baby you may have gas. Do not worry about it. The doctors and nurses are used to it and there is no reason to be embarrassed.

Another unpleasant thing that can happen during labor and delivery is vomiting. Gain, it is normal, common, and you should not be alarmed or surprised if it turned into projectile vomiting.

If you are concerned about any of these things, all you really can do if limit the number of your (personal) guests in the delivery room. Other than that, just realizing it is natural and the professional staff is used to it. You have nothing to be embarrassed about.

On top of the newness of your life as a brand new mom, you are dealing with the aches and discomforts of your postpartum body, learning to breastfeed or bottlefeed, figuring out your new routine and more.

Of course this is a special and happy time in your life, there is no question about it, but it is also normal to be overwhelmed, tired and scared. After all, you are experiencing it all for the first time, and there is nothing wrong in asking for help, tips, assistant and anything else that may make your new lifestyle a bit easier. 

So how does your life change after childbirth?

The first thing that changes is the expansion of your family and the little bundle of joy that is now YOUR responsibility. Being responsible for another human being is huge, let along if this is a little baby who cannot do anything for himself. Simultaneously, your lifestyle as you know it is gone, at least for some time. Don’t freak out. This is an adjustment period. Treat it as such. And ask for help when and if you can!

Learning to feed your baby can be smooth or tricky. That depends on both you and baby. But first you have to decide if you are going to breastfeed or bottle feed. Even just this decision can be nerve wrecking for the new mom. If you haven’t thought of it before, this is a good time to speak to your doctor or ask to consult a lactation consultant.

If you are breastfeeding, you may not have your milk in yet, but only colostrum. Breastfeeding may be painful, uncomfortable, or just a complete disaster. Before you leave the hospital, ask to speak to a lactation consultant. She can observe you and baby during feeding and help with knowledgeable information and tips – how to hold the baby, how baby needs to latch, how to massage your breasts and more. If you have left the hospital already or gave birth at home, you can call any hospital for birthing and ask to speak to a lactation consultant, or speak to your doula or midwife.

If you are bottle feeding you may be overwhelmed by the variety of different bottles out there, the types of nipples and materials, bottle size and shape ext. Ask for help at the store. They know their stock and can recommend the most popular bottle, and your answer questions about the differences and recommendations for colicky baby, younger baby, etc. Also ask friends who have kids for their recommendation. Same goes for choosing the right formula brand and type. Don’t buy a lot, as you could find your baby does not respond well to one type or another.

As a new mom, you are learning how to care for your baby. It is OK if things aren’t perfect at the beginning; both you and baby are learning how things are done best, what is most comfortable for the both of you, etc. In a few short months you’ll be surprised to hear yourself giving other new moms advice. Take your time, don’t beat yourself up when you make mistakes along the way, get a book or take a baby basics class to help you where you need help or ask a family member or friend for assistant.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. After all, your body has been through childbirth, which is not something to take lightly. Try to rest when you can, eat well and follow any directions you got when discharged from the hospital. And if you notice anything out of the ordinary or experience pain, call your healthcare provider.

Happy motherhood!

Your pregnancy is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate fashion. When else will you let yourself loose with flowing fabrics & specialty pants with an elastic band for belly support?

In the last few decades, a real change in style has taken place in the world of maternity clothes. No more wearing tents, or your husband’s shirts, instead there are designs that flow with the curves of your changing body, emphasizing the belly and maintaining flattering proportions.

The current maternity collections favor the feminine body and the changes it goes through throughout the pregnancy.

Summer collection – leading trends

In the summer months, maternity collections feature light dresses, tops with generous openings and shorter pants. Comfort is the name of the game –walks in the park, “vegging” in front of the TV or even work. This summer we see more bold patterns that give a short sleeve shirt a fun twist; as well as, patterns rich in flowers and elements from nature.

Summer collection – tips for how to select the right items

Maternity clothes and body types: for those of use with slender legs airy dresses are recommended.  For those of us who are not as blessed, pants that widen at the bottom (such as bell bottoms) will be more flattering for those with not so slender legs.

If you wish to create the illusion of narrower hips, choose a high cut pair of pants that covers the belly. This cut will also give the appearance of longer legs. An A shaped skirt will also do the trick.

For a more voluptuous look, choose shirts or dresses with a V shape neck what highlight the chest and shoulder areas.

Wining fashionable combinations:

- Different color tights with a long tunic for a casual “chic” look.

- Maternity jeans with elastic bands and a half sleeve top.

Congratulations on bringing home your new baby!

While caring for your little one is your top priority, and if it is your first you may be overwhelmed by all the new things that are now a part of your responsibility, you have to remember to also take care of yourself. After all, you did just give birth, and your body does need to be cared for.

As you have already found out throughout pregnancy, your body goes through many different changes during pregnancy and even postpartum. After childbirth you may deal with hair loss, sore breasts, vaginal soreness, skin changes and more.

Depending on what type of delivery you had, and possible complications involved, you may require different care at home after childbirth. Your doctor or midwife will speak to you about postpartum care before you are discharged. And if you develop new symptoms later, you should speak to your OBGYN for further help.

After a vaginal delivery, you may suffer from vaginal soreness. If you had an episiotomy or tear, it is likely you’ll feel the wound for a few weeks or longer. To ease the pain, use ice pack or Witch Hazel pad. Use the squirt bottle provided by the hospital to keep the perineum area clean, and soak in a warm bath. Do you Kegel exercise, to help your pelvic floor muscles strengthen. If you see or feel any signs of infection (intensified pain, tear area becomes hot or swollen), contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Regardless of the type of birthing experience you have had, you will be bleeding for up to six weeks postpartum. This bloody discharge is called lochia, and starts with a heavy flow of blood (and sometimes blood clots) for the first few days, and usually gets lighter after the first week. It gradually tapers off. While lochia lasts, do not use tampons. Instead, use sanitary napkins. Call your doctor if you pass clots larger than your fist, have a fever, or soak a sanitary pad within an hour while lying down.

During the first few days after delivery, you may feel contractions, which usually feel like menstrual cramps. These contractions actually help compressing the blood vessels in the uterus, and by so prevent excessive bleeding. The contractions usually take placed during breastfeeding. If you are experiencing them, speak to your doctor, who may recommend over the counter pain reliever.

You may experience difficulty urinating. That is typically caused by swelling or bruising of tissue around your bladder. Contracting and releasing the pelvic muscles while sitting on the toilet may help you urinate.  This usually resolved on its own. Contact your doctor if it hurts to urinate, you feel you cannot empty your bladder completely or if you experience unusual frequent urination. Kegel exercises can help as well.

Hemorrhoids are stretched and swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum. Due to all the pushing you did during childbirth, you may be suffering from hemorrhoids, which are typically more noticeable during a bowl movement. To ease the discomfort, soak in a warm bath, apply chilled Witch Hazel pads, and speak to your healthcare provider for a medication.

It is normal to experience constipation after childbirth. If you find you are avoiding bowel movement because you fear hurting your perineum or aggravate the pain of hemorrhoid or episiotomy tear, you are not alone. To help things going again, eat foods high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also drink plenty of water.

Four days to a week after childbirth, your milk will come in and you may experience engorgement. To ease the discomfort of full, hard and tender breasts, nurse your baby or express milk. Take a warm shower and ask your doctor about over the counter pain relieve medicine.

If you are not nursing, wear a firm, supportive bra. Compressing the breasts helps stop milk production. Do not pump or express milk since this will continue your milk production. To ease the pain and help dry you up, put chilled cabbage leaves in your bra.

Leaky breasts are a common problem of new moms. Usually that stops when your body learns the amounts your baby needs. In the meantime wear nursing pads in your nursing bra.

Six weeks postpartum you will meet your OBGYN for your postpartum checkup. Make sure to ask any questions you may have and remember to discuss contraceptives, if that’s the route you want to go.

Miscarriage is the loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. A pregnancy loss after the 20th week is referred to as preterm delivery. About 10-25% of pregnancies will end up in a miscarriage, which usually happens in the first 13 weeks of the pregnancy.

There are different types and reasons for a miscarriage, and it is always helpful to have the knowledge if you experience a miscarriage, or worry about the possibility of miscarrying. It is always best to consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions.

While in most cases the cause for miscarrying cannot be pinpointed, there are different causes that can lead to a pregnancy loss. The most common cause for miscarrying is chromosomal abnormalities. Other causes include: maternal age (a pregnancy over the age of 35 is considered high risk automatically because of the mother’s age), maternal trauma, improper implantation of the egg into the uterine lining, hormonal problems, infections, maternal health problems, and lifestyle (smoking, drug use, malnutrition, excessive caffeine and exposure to radiation or toxic substances can all lead to miscarriage).

When experiencing a loss of pregnancy, symptoms can include lower back pain, dull or sharp abdominal pain, or cramping and vaginal bleeding.

If you have miscarried, the tissue passed from the vagina should be examined to determine if it was a normal placenta or a hydatidiform mole. Also, you need to be checked to determine whether any pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus. If any pregnancy tissue is still present in the uterus, you will be watched up to two weeks, and surgery or medication may be required.

Menstrual period usually resumes within a few weeks after a miscarriage. Talk to your OBGYN about pregnancy after a miscarriage, and learn the facts. Most healthcare providers will suggest waiting at least one menstrual period before trying to conceive again.

If you are planning to give birth in a hospital, you will want to know which hospital you are going to prior to the start of labor. Some health groups only have one birthing hospital in each area, while others have a variety for you to choose from. Depending on your health group and your insurance, you will have different options. Ask your OBGYN and / or your insurance agent for the appropriate information.

Before you get to the hospital, speak to your healthcare agent about coverage for your childbirth stay. You want to know the facts before you go in, so can be prepared rather than surprised and possibly disappointed.

Once you know which hospitals are available to you, go take the tour. Each birthing hospital has scheduled tours for expecting parents. Ask friends about their hospital experience and if they would recommend one hospital or another.

When you are 37 weeks pregnant, you want to have a hospital bag ready, so when labor starts you can just pick it up and go. Make sure you always have more the ¼ tank of gas in your car, and know more than one route to get to your hospital.

Since this is the one occasion you WANT to remember your hospital stay, check if camera and video are allowed and make sure to assign it to someone else (you will be busy giving birth to your child).

The length of your stay depends on the type of birth (vaginal or cesarean), your health and the health of your newborn baby. You will typically stay two nights after a vaginal delivery, and three to four nights after a cesarean delivery. Ask the doctors and nurses about your discharge if you are concerned.

While you are at the hospital, take the time to rest from childbirth and bond with your baby.  If you need the rest, don’t invite family and friends to the hospital, you will be home soon enough to see them, but will not have the luxury to lie in bed all day.

Also remember to take advantage of the hospital’s resources. Ask to see a lactation consultant if you are breastfeeding, to get all your questions answered and get hands on help with breastfeeding. If you are at all confused about baby care, you can ask the nurses for help and guidance. Make sure you are not neglecting yourself. Tell the staff if you are experiencing any type of pain or discomfort, they may be able to relieve it.

While you are growing your little bundle of joy inside you, it is normal to fear for his / her healthy development. While it may seem you have no control over it from the outside, there actually are ways you can care for your unborn child even during pregnancy.

To give your fetus the best chances of a healthy life, avoid smoking and second hand smoking, avoid alcohol consumption, make sure to take your prenatal vitamins, stay away from amusement park rides and well as riding bicycles, minimize your caffeine intake, eat healthy and get plenty of fluid and rest.

Many women are concerned about their dietary habits. Which foods are safe during pregnancy and which foods should be avoided, is caffeine consumption safe and how much is too much, which types of cheese should be avoided, how done the egg is, what really is in  salad dressing and will it harm the baby and so on. Try not to over obsess about what you eat and drink. The important things to stay away from are raw meat, seafood, unpasteurized milk or cheese and alcohol. Other things, even caffeine, are still allowed during pregnancy, but in moderation.

If you are used to sleeping on your belly, you may be concerned about whether or not it is safe to continue laying on your belly, and when you should avoid it. You’ll be relieved to know that during early stages of the pregnancy it is perfectly safe to lay on your stomach. When your belly grows it will become uncomfortable for you to lay in that position anyways. In other words, our body is certainly designed to care for the baby during pregnancy.

Miscarriage is a fear of many pregnant women, but don’t let it take over. Instead, take the time to learn the facts. About 15% of all pregnancies end is a miscarriage. Most pregnancy losses occur during the first trimester. The risk of a miscarriage is dramatically lower after the 12^th week of pregnancy.

Though about 12% of pregnancies end in Preterm labor, most of them occur to women with high risk pregnancy, who are aware of the possibility and their doctor both knows about it and is ready for it (as much as possible). Most cases of preterm labor occur when there is a pregnancy with multiple babies, there is a history of preterm labor, and other known complications. Though there are cases of women who deliver prematurely without warning. All you can do is try to stay calm, and be ready to head to the hospital when needed.

“Am I fit to be a mom?” is a very common concern during pregnancy. The up side is that if you are concerned, it also means you care, which is a fantastic start. You could be a natural or you may take a little while to get used to your new role as a mom and all that comes with it. If you are worried, sign up for parenting classes (those are usually offered