Category: Pregnancy

It is common for women to suffer from lower back pain during and after pregnancy. Many times the obstetrician these women see has little helpful advice to give. They are left to deal with the pain by themselves.
Fortunately a new study confirms that chiropractic care to treat lower back pain during pregnancy is both safe and effective. A study published in April 2014, by Chiropractic and Manual Therapies research journal involved 115 pregnant patients with lower back or pelvic pain who received chiropractic care. Fifty-two percent of the patients noticed improvements within one week of starting care. The percentage increased to 70% after one month and 85% after three months. 88% of patients reported improved back and pelvic pain post-delivery one year after starting the study these findings suggests that chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide women with lasting health benefits.

Chiropractic care for pregnant women is very safe for both the mother and the child. When a woman initially visits a chiropractor they will be able to sit face-to-face and discuss in detail the pain that the patient is experiencing. Next the chiropractor will perform an evaluation including palpation, which is simply feeling the area of complaint for tenderness and spasm of muscles. The chiropractor will also determine the woman’s ability to bend and move her back in various motions.

Chiropractors also specifically examine the woman for misalignments or improper movement of the bones or vertebrae of the spine and the pelvic joints. If these areas are the source and cause of the women’s lower back pain the chiropractor can perform gentle hands-on manipulation to correct the problem.

Another method that chiropractors utilize to assist a woman during pregnancy is the Webster technique. The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/SI joint dysfunction. In doing so normal biomechanical function of the pelvis is improved. Post-doctoral classes are held by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) where chiropractors are trained to use the Webster technique.

After pregnancy, following delivery, many women develop lower back pain. Or the back pain they experienced during pregnancy may continue. If this is the case chiropractic care is also recommended to realign the spine and the pelvis to alleviate and eliminate the discomfort.

Chiropractic care is a safe, effective, practical, drug-free, nonsurgical method to manage and care for lower back pain during and after pregnancy.

To have a good pregnancy we not only have to look at physical health. Being healthy is fundamental in these moments, but also be mentally calm, prepared and happy. That is why we are going to give ten keys to a healthy and happy pregnancy, in which the mind and body combine in harmony to welcome a new member into our lives.

Eat and drink healthy during pregnancy

The diet has to be varied and balanced. The important thing is to take foods rich in nutrients and vitamins such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and iodine, but not in fats. The diet must be varied based on vegetables, fruits, cereals, dairy products, and legumes, without forgetting the daily contribution of meat and fish proteins.

A healthy diet includes maintaining correct hydration. Drinking enough water and milk to give us calcium is essential. We can also take juices, better natural and not sugary. Of course, let’s forget about alcoholic beverages and coffee.

Take the recommended vitamin supplements

To complement a healthy diet the doctor will recommend certain vitamin supplements that include folic acid, along with other vitamin and mineral supplements also beneficial for pregnancy care, such as iron, iodine, calcium… In this way we help the fetus to develop properly, avoiding deficiencies that they could cause complications for both the baby and the mother.

Perform exercise during pregnancy

For our well-being and an ideal weight gain, it is fundamental to perform physical exercise appropriate to our state. Whether swimming, yoga, walking, the Pilates method…

By performing a moderate and constant exercise we will improve our cardiovascular and muscular condition and favor postural correction. All this will provide the pregnant woman with a better general physical condition and will allow her to face the work of pregnancy and childbirth with fewer risks.

Go to medical visits

Regularly visit the gynecologist to do the corresponding tests and obtain adequate prenatal care. This way we will monitor both the health of the baby and ours, having the possibility of consulting the specialist all our doubts and fears, as well as talking about our delivery plan. The prenatal tests will give us peace of mind, they will help us to “get closer” to the baby and with the ultrasound, we will have their first images for the memory.

Wear appropriate clothes

We must wear comfortable clothing (including shoes), appropriate to the increase in weight and volume we experience. This will help the blood circulate better, our movements are correct and not forced and the skin stays healthy. It’s not about being dressed like bags of potatoes, since fortunately being pregnant is no longer at odds with going fashion, and many stores sell beautiful pre-mama clothes. The heels can wait but feel comfortable and beautiful with a nice “wrap” favors a psychic well-being important at this time.

Pampering our mind during pregnancy

If we dedicate time to take care of our body, we must also save time for our relaxation and the care of our mind. Not only is the body more vulnerable during pregnancy. Finding our tranquility and doing relaxation exercises at home will help us feel better. We do not have to park the activities that we like going to the movies, reading, going out to the country, crafts…

Take care of our skin

During pregnancy, it is essential to apply sunscreen creams to prevent skin spots and burns. Due to the action of hormones, the skin of the pregnant woman suffers alterations such as hyperpigmentation. Also, antistrictive creams are important, which prevent the appearance of these scars with the stretching of our skin, with special attention during the final months, when the skin stretches at a very fast rate.

Hydrating the whole body after a bath or shower gives us a moment of relaxation. Gentle massage after exercise helps us feel better. Of course, external hydration must be complemented with internal hydration, drinking plenty of fluids, as we have already mentioned in the section on nutrition. Everything combined will increase our well-being by feeling more careful and beautiful.

A good rest during pregnancy

Sleeping and resting what the body asks of us is very important. Fatigue and sleep can accompany us from the first moment as one of the first symptoms of pregnancy and hopefully will disappear. But it is more than likely that we will feel very tired and sleepy again in the final phase of pregnancy. It is what the body needs, and we must listen to it, resting as much as possible, without forgetting that moderate exercise will make us rest and sleep better.

Childbirth classes

Attending childbirth classes can be very beneficial for both our physical and mental health. Relating to other pregnant women and sharing experiences opens our mind to discover that we are not the only ones who have doubts or fears.

They also help us to acquire knowledge and awareness about the changes in our body, knowing concepts about the phases of childbirth, baby hygiene or breastfeeding will help us feel more prepared for the changes that lie ahead. Through knowledge, an important self-confidence is generated thanks to security, and being a father begins to live already. As much as possible, it is good to share these classes accompanied by the couple.

Communicate with the baby

Talking to the baby, communicating with him, playing music, will make him feel closer, preparing us for the moment in which he really reaches our arms. Know how your evolution is going on month by month, how it is growing in our womb, write a letter, keep a diary of our pregnancy, respond to your kicks…

All these simple activities will achieve that the life that is gestated in our womb will fill more life to us. The possible discomforts of our pregnancy are forgotten in these moments of communication.

Do not forget, to have a healthy pregnancy requires a happy pregnancy. We have to take care of mind and body in this delicate stage of our life, full of emotions and sometimes contradictory sensations. I hope that these tips to achieve a healthy and happy pregnancy encourage you to face this stage of your lives with an optimistic and full of vitality.

You might be thinking why the Zika virus is a big deal for you, if you are an expectant mother?

Well, before that let’s just talk about what it is and how it spreads. The Zika virus is mainly spread by mosquito bites and sexual transmission. The virus does not cause major harm to adults. But it greatly affects babies, if the mother contracts the virus during pregnancy.

So, coming back to the question, yes, the Zika virus causes severe birth defects in newborn babies, born of Zika infected mothers. These babies develop microcephaly, a condition in which they are born with a significantly smaller brain, compared to other babies.

If all these have made you a bit worried and uncomfortable, here is some good news to make you feel a little safer. Cord blood banking! Yes, by securing a cord blood unit, you can be prepared for the future, no matter what.

However, here are some rules that pregnant parents should know about the Zika infection and cord blood banking, if they are willing to donate their cord blood. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Cord Blood Association issued a guideline to protect cord blood units from potential Zika virus transmission on August 26, 2016. The guidelines are as mentioned below:

· The regulations are applicable to anyone who would collect and store blood components in private and public cord blood banks.

· All blood donations are recommended to be screened for the infection.

· If an expectant mother, willing to donate her baby’s placental blood unit, is found to be infected with the Zika virus at any point of her pregnancy, her registration will be ineligible.

· She will be ineligible to donate her cord blood unit, if she stays in an active Zika cluster or travels to any such area during her pregnancy.

· If she had sex at any point of her pregnancy with a Zika infected male in the past six months, she will also be considered ineligible. The reason being, the Zika virus can also be sexually transmitted.

Now you must be thinking, should you store your baby’s cord or placental blood, if you are infected with the Zika virus? The answer is yes. No matter if your baby is at risk of the Zika virus or not, storing a cord blood unit will ensure a secure future. Moreover, all these guidelines and regulations stand for a fact that these stem cells are significantly rare. So, storing a cord or placental blood unit and getting a bunch of life-saving stem cells is always a better option than having nothing in hand, when you need a transplant in the future. And just as mentioned earlier, the Zika virus does not pose any major risk to male adults and non-pregnant women.

Cord or placental blood banks take an extra screening process to check for the Zika virus infection in order to eliminate any risk. After the screening process, if you are found to be at risk, your cord blood will still be collected and stored, so that any future illness of your family members can be treated. The processing and storing processes ensure that no cross contamination takes place.

The pregnancy symptoms are there, but you’re not 100% sure that you are pregnant, even though the pregnancy test reading showed positive. You will need the help of a medic for assurance. You must not be scared to see a doctor if this is the reason that you are trying to identify the symptoms yourself. In pregnancy you cannot avoid seeing a doctor. At some point you will need his or her help.

Are you excited after finding out you are pregnant? And why wouldn’t you be. It’s a fabulous time for every woman expecting her first baby. However, with the first baby and overall pregnancy some women tend to feel anxious and frightened. This is because they don’t know what to expect in the next nine months leading up to the birth.

First let’s not panic, remember you are expecting a baby therefore unnecessary stress is not good. There is nothing to worry or be frightened about. Throughout your pregnancy you will be monitored by a doctor or midwife from day one. Any questions ask those looking after you for the answers.

Want to know if you have conceived? Check the list below of pregnancy symptoms.

Note: Not all women are the same in pregnancy and symptoms may differ.

1. Women often connect pregnancy with that missing period. Yes it is a typical sign however, there are other reasons why the menstrual cycle plays up. If menstruation has altered and your period hasn’t come don’t fret it causes stress and that is not healthy. Remember the first couple of months are critical so avoid fretting.

2. Morning sickness. Another typical early pregnancy symptom. Vomiting can happen at any time of the day, but women are more known to throw up first thing in the morning.

3. Tender breasts is unavoidable due to them growing in size. Aside from soreness, a tingling sensation with visible veins may appear on the outer of each breast. Nipples might darken and feel firmer

4. The urge to urinate more is something you may have to cope with as it’s a common symptom.

5. Constipation happens because of pressure of the growing uterus on the rectum.

6. Another early pregnancy sign is vaginal discharge increasing in loss.

7. Body changes especially in the first trimester will affect the pregnant woman causing tiredness and fatigue

8. A first trimester symptom not in all women is the nasty taste in the mouth at the time of eating usually.

9. Not all women have cravings but the vast majority do. It remains unclear why craving certain foods happen. Past research stated it’s down to no special nutrients in the body or hormonal changes.

Symptoms help prove conditions fact however, unless a doctor is the one trying to identify the symptoms you yourself must not depend on them.

You are not alone in pregnancy, aside from family your doctor and midwife are there throughout every stage. Take each day as it comes. Do as instructed by the midwife, and there shouldn’t be any reason not to have a great nine months and give birth to healthy baby boy or girl.

Tips

1. Always check with a professional first before doing anything you are not familiar with. As mentioned earlier not all women carry their baby the same therefore what may help and be good for one expectant mother may be a bad thing for another. Enjoying your pregnancy will make you feel good about yourself and baby too in the womb, so yes enjoy this time.

2. Be strict with your health. A healthy lifestyle is always important for you and the unborn baby. If advised by the midwife not to do something, then don’t do it. She will have said this for a reason.

3. Eat foods suggested by the midwife or dietician.

4. Brace yourself for early pregnancy symptoms and body changes. Remember that fat belly isn’t going to be there long if your shape is a problem to you. Shops these days have beautiful designer maternity wear for women like you. Try not to let your size bother you just focus on the end deal and you will be fine.

You are all excited to finally find out that you are going to have a baby and can’t wait to break this news to your family. But how did you realize you are pregnant? Apart from the obvious symptoms, morning sickness is one sign that your baby is on its way. Ever wondered what is morning sickness and why does it occur? And is it really only morning sickness? Let’s find out.

When you are pregnant, your body undergoes a lot of changes, and some of these changes are due to certain hormones working full shifts, like hCG – human chorionic gonadotrophin and oestrogen. Your body produces these hormones in significant quantities as the placenta has achieved the appropriate growth and has the capability to transfer the nourishment of the baby in the womb.

Morning sickness usually begins during the 5th or 6th week of the pregnancy but this is not necessary in all cases. Some women start feeling morning sickness as early as the 5th week in their pregnancy.

Although it happens in the mornings, hence the name morning sickness, but in some cases the vomiting can occur any time during the day or even throughout the day. At the onset, anything that made you feel nauseated before pregnancy, can easily tick you off to vomiting. A smell that didn’t go well with you, sight of something you don’t usually like, etc.

The extreme form of morning sickness is called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). If you are queasiness lasts all day, ending you in you being sick a number of times during the day, unable to eat or drink, then you may well have HG.

HG can cause dehydration and weight loss. Seek help from your doctor as soon as possible.

In most cases, HG will end by the time you’re about 20 weeks pregnant. Unfortunately, for some women, it does not go away completely until the end of pregnancy.

So, what causes hyperemesis gravidarum? And are there any risks involved? Should you be worried?

Although the exact cause of HG is unknown, a few factors are likely to be involved, including hormonal changes. Some women are more likely to get HG than others. Most likely if,

1. You are expecting your first child
2. You are expecting a girl or twins/triplets
3. Women in your family had HG during their pregnancies
4. You suffered HG in your past pregnancy
5. You are prone to motion sickness or migraines
6. You had weight issues during pregnancy

Although morning sickness or HG can make you feel miserable, it is a good sign. It means that the levels of hormones in your body are high, protecting your pregnancy. Rest assured that you should be through the worst by week 16. it’s very unlikely that your baby will be harmed. Without effective treatment, there is a risk that your baby may be smaller than average at birth. But it’s unlikely that your baby will be affected in this way.

Try not to worry about eating a balanced diet, especially if you can’t hold anything down at this stage. Your baby can catch up on his nutrients later on in your pregnancy when you’re feeling better.

There are steps you can take to help lessen, and cope with, the symptoms of HG:

• Consult your doctor early on and explain how bad you are feeling, and that you’d like treatment.
• Seek your partner’s assistance with basic household chores like grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning. Get you family and friends to come over and babysit your first-born whenever possible.
• If you have history of nausea from certain foods and smells, it is best to avoid them as much as possible during the pregnancy as the slightest sight or smell can trigger the queasiness syndrome in you. If cooking smells make you feel sick, try eating only cold foods.
• Drink water regularly in small sips that will keep your body hydrated at all times. You can also try sucking on ice-cubes as that can may also help in such situations.
• It is important to keep eating regularly, even in little quantities, whenever you can. You can catch up on good nutrition later, as your baby will get her nourishment from your body’s reserves.
• Get as much rest as you can. Tiredness can make nausea and vomiting worse.

Don’t feel guilty about how you feel. You are ill and it is absolutely not your fault.