November 2022 - Prega News | Pregnancy Test | Pregnancy Test at Home | Pregnancy Test Kit

5 Ways Your Second Pregnancy May Be Different From Your First

Pregnancy 1 vs Pregnancy 2:

Mother Preparing for second pregnancy after the first pregnancy

You need to brace yourself for a new set of pregnancy symptoms that you didn’t see the first time. There may be several first and second pregnancy differences.  Expecting mothers may have severe morning sickness during the first but have no such symptoms during the second.

Physical Symptoms.

The physical manifestations of pregnancy, such as the feelings of heaviness, fullness, and contractions, tend to appear roughly a month earlier in a second pregnancy than they did in the first. This is due to the uterus and ligaments stretching before, but it is also due to your heightened awareness of the sensations. While this may sound painful, other benefits include detecting your baby’s fetal movements roughly a month earlier.

Exhaustion Levels.

Many women report that their exhaustion levels increase with each subsequent pregnancy. Few studies have been conducted on the topic, and the results are contradictory: some find that women are substantially more exhausted the second time around, while others find the opposite.

The Degree of Discomfort.

Your abdominal and uterine muscles will be loosened because they stretch during your first pregnancy. In other words, they don’t have the same degree of ‘staying power’ and your bump will appear much earlier than the first time around. This can also result in pelvic discomfort, which will necessitate more frequent trips to the bathroom to empty your bladder.

Stretch Marks.

It’s also possible to have stretch marks during your second pregnancy or see them return because you may carry your baby lower than you did the first time. If you want to reduce the visibility of stretch marks and reveal restored, revitalized, and visibly smoother skin, use a cream or moisturizer daily This will reduce the likelihood of stretch marks appearing during pregnancy.

The Silver Lining 

Many women who have once given birth are more alert to and likely to notice the early indications of pregnancy a second time around. The good news is that common discomforts like nausea and breast pain may be less acute the second time around. Whether it is your first or second, every pregnancy is unique in its own way. PregaNews will bring you the good news each time and you can journey your way through nine months to add a new member to your family.

Self-Care Ideas After Miscarriage

A miscarriage can affect you in profound and lasting ways. It can affect your relationship with your partner, family, close friends and even yourself. During this period, you need a lot of support to move on with your life and begin the physical and emotional healing process. The most important thing that can ease your pain after an early miscarriage is the affection and understanding of those around you.

When you and your loved ones are prepared for the possible emotional and relational complexities that may follow a miscarriage, then you are better prepared to handle the pain and move closer to holistic recovery in all aspects.

Sleep.

Sleep is a powerful curative force, so make sure you get plenty of it. Sleep as much as possible in the first week, especially in the first 24 hours. Drinking warm milk or doing some light stretching before bed may help you fall asleep.

Communicate.

When you’re ready, talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling and what you need. This might be your partner, friend, family member or a professional.

Medication.

Abdominal cramping and pain are frequent – especially in the first several days. Before using any pain medication, it’s best to talk to your doctor. Seek medical assistance if the pain worsens over time.

Hygiene.

Practice good hygiene by showering regularly throughout the first week to keep infections at bay. It will help if you use pads instead of tampons because your period won’t end for another week. The second week of possible spotting is possible after the first

Be Kind to Yourself.

Whatever the time frame, a loss is a loss. Be patient, and understand that this is a method. It’s not easy to bring up, and you may feel like you have no idea what to do. Treat yourself gently and think about what you need right now. Feel good by indulging in activities you enjoy, such as cooking your favorite meals or getting a massage.

Drop the Shame.

Most women who have a miscarriage also feel guilty and blame themselves for the tragedy. Feeling guilty is detrimental to one’s sense of self-worth. Guilt is a common emotion, but you should try to put it behind you.

Seek Professional Help.

Consulting a therapist or a grief counselor can assist you in developing strategies for dealing with the triggers and the emotions brought on by your loss.

Those who have experienced a miscarriage should know their emotions will change over time. Nobody can predict how long it will take to process their feelings, so it’s best not to set a target date for when you should “feel better.” Don’t rush things, and don’t be hard on yourself.

Prepare for the Future.

After experiencing a miscarriage, many women are eager to get pregnant again as soon as possible. If that is what you want, have a strategy in place. Discuss your options with your doctor, including when you can start trying again and how you will proceed. This may give you renewed faith in the future and a feeling of closure.

Keep Your Partner Close.

It’s normal to isolate yourself during times of sadness, even from your partner. However, experts warn that this can make it more difficult to heal from a miscarriage. Instead, open up to your partner and share what’s on your mind. Plans for the future should be discussed, and it should be recognized that the mother is not the only one affected by the loss. Fathers grieve too but in a different way and may not express it openly. It is best to share grief and use the opportunity to connect better with one another.

FAQs:

Why do some pregnancies end in miscarriage?

Half of all miscarriages in the first trimester (up to 13 weeks) are due to chromosomal abnormalities. Chromosomes are tiny structures inside the cells of your body that carry your genes. All a person’s physical characteristics are predetermined at birth by their genes. This includes sex, eye, hair colour, and even blood type.

After a miscarriage, what should one do and not do?

    Many women experience severe headaches following a miscarriage; trying a hot or cold compress may help alleviate these symptoms. A hot or cold compress applied to the head can help relieve pain. You’ll feel better immediately after using a hot or cold compress.

    Check your temperature daily for the first five days following a miscarriage. Having a temperature above 99.7 degrees indicates an infection. Therefore, it’s essential to see a doctor if it persists.

    Wait until you have had at least one menstrual cycle before trying to conceive.

A miscarriage can be traumatic for parents to be and time can be the only healing factor to overcome the grief and move on with life.

Tips For Recovery After A Difficult Labour/Pregnancy

The postpartum period, which follows the delivery, is associated with many new signs and concerns.

After what felt like an eternity (40 weeks) of pregnancy and countless hours of labor, you are now a mother. Congratulations! After months of planning and preparation, you’ve welcomed your little bundle of joy and now begins the process of returning back to normalcy after the pregnancy.

You might not feel 100% when it comes to your body and your hormone levels may also be a bit erratic. But don’t give in to the frustration and remember that your body is not privy to your schedule or goals. Your best bet is to take some time off, pamper yourself and eat well.

When does childbirth become challenging?

Birth difficulties, such as an aided delivery, perineal tears, or inadequate pain relief throughout labour, can be highly stressful for the mother and infant. Nonetheless, some women give birth ‘normally’ but experience emotional discomfort. It’s also possible for two people to share the same experience but react very differently to it.

Whatever may be the reason, you need to remember that you are not alone if you suffer anxiety about giving birth. Many other parents can relate to this. The doctors and nurses at your facility will be able to help you.

Doctor holding women hand & Assisting after difficult labour and pregnancy

 

The Body: What to Anticipate?

It’s essential to tune into your body for the first six weeks. Although you will be exhausted and preoccupied with your new baby, it is necessary to pay attention to the changes in your body.

Stay away from the urge to overdo it when your health improves. You may slow your recovery if you try to accomplish too much too soon. Focus on getting adequate rest, hydrating well and follow a healthy diet. If you’ve had a cesarean section then you should expect to have more limitations placed on your daily activities for the first few weeks after giving birth, which includes doing any kind of strenuous physical activity.

What to expect throughout your postpartum recovery?

    Breast pain- You may have painful engorgement and sensitive nipples when your milk comes in for several days. 

    Constipation- Acute Hemorrhoids, healed episiotomies and tight muscles can make the first bowel movement after birth a painful experience. 

    Episiotomy- Your ability to sit or walk may be temporarily impaired by the discomfort caused by the stitches in your perineum (the skin between the vagina and the anus) if it was cut by your doctor or ripped during birth. During the recovery period, it may also hurt to cough or sneeze.

    Hot and Cold Flashes – When your body adjusts to a change in hormone and blood flow levels, it might throw off your internal thermostat. 

    Defecation or urinary incontinence-Suppose you had long labour before giving birth vaginally. In that case, the straining of your muscles at the time of delivery might make it challenging to regulate your bowel movements or cause you to leak urine when you laugh, cough or strain. 

    Vaginal discharge (lochia) – The vaginal discharge will be heavier than your period and may contain clots initially, but it will lighten to white or yellow and stop within a few weeks. 

    Weight – You are likely to lose 6–9 Kg of water weight in the first week after giving birth as your body regains equilibrium from carrying a baby, a placenta and amniotic fluid

    Hormonal Fluctuations – Many pregnant women have hair loss because of hormonal shifts. Things will return to normal soon. Your hair’s natural thickness will return once your estrogen levels are normal.

Woman is crying

How to recuperate?

Try Kegel Exercises.

Regular Kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic floor, allowing you to enjoy giggling without worrying about wetting your trousers. Boosting vaginal muscular tone aids in the maintenance of urinary continence and enhances the enjoyment of sexual activity. When the sphincter muscles are strong, you won’t have to worry about an unexpected bowel movement. Consult your doctor before starting.

Lessen Discomfort.

The perineum needs your assistance in healing. For the first 24 hours after giving birth, icing your perineum every two hours is recommended. Before and after you urinate, spray the area with warm water to prevent urine from aggravating the wound. Take warm sitz baths for 20 minutes daily. If you can, try to avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting, and try to sleep on your side.

C-section Care.

Once a day, gently wash your C-section wound with soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment after drying the damage with a clean towel. Consult your doctor if you’re unsure whether to keep the wound covered or open. Until your doctor gives you the go-light, you should hold off on strenuous exercise.

Stay Physically Active.

Whether you gave birth vaginally or via cesarean section, you shouldn’t engage in strenuous exercise for at least the first several weeks after giving birth. However, after consulting with your doctor, you can take small walks and strolls. Walking aids digestion, relieves constipation, increases circulation and promotes healing.

Sleep To Heal.

Sleep is critical to your physical and emotional health and can aid you in coping with the challenges of parenting. Try to get some rest when your baby does.

Follow your doctor’s advice, have the right diet and keep yourself physically and emotionally fit to enjoy the beautiful journey of parenthood. 

Why Do I Have A Dark Line On My Tummy?

During pregnancy, many women notice the appearance of a dark, vertical line on their stomachs known as the linea nigra, commonly known as the ‘pregnancy line’. It begins at the navel and extends down, towards the abdomen. You may notice a darker linea nigra as your pregnancy progresses, and those of us with darker skin tones are more likely to see it.

Where does the linea nigra appear?

Usually, the linea nigra is located between the pubic bone and the top of the umbilicus (belly button), but it can go as high as the chest. Typically, its width ranges from a quarter to a half of an inch. As you ascend, you could notice a gradual brightening. It could also be a different color than what you often see in pregnant women. These differences are normal and not a cause for worry.

Dark Line on Pregnant women Belly

Around the fifth month of pregnancy, many women notice the line. There are instances when it appears as though out of nowhere. The pregnancy line tends to deepen for most women as their bellies grow.

When does the linea nigra show up?

The linea nigra, a result of increased hormone levels, becomes visible sometime after the end of the first trimester and the beginning of the second trimester. This line is present on the stomach, but in the form of a white line and is known as linea alba. During pregnancy, the linea alba transforms into the linea nigra.

Pregnant Women having dark lines on the stomach

Why does the linea nigra form?

The development of a black line on your stomach, during pregnancy, may result from increased melanin (the substance responsible for giving your skin pigment) production, brought on by pregnancy hormones. Linea nigra affects people of all skin tones, though it often shows up more clearly in individuals with lighter complexions.

 

Higher than normal levels of hormones like estrogen and melanocyte-stimulating hormones influence the cells that produce melanin, thereby affecting the visibility of the black line on your stomach.

How does one describe the linea nigra?

From the pubic bone to the umbilicus, the linea nigra narrows from 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Sometimes it goes all the way up to the bust area. It’s darker than your skin tone, looking brown or even black. Your linea nigra has the same width from the top to the bottom as it does at the top. Neither your pregnancy nor your skin would be affected by this.

When does one stop seeing the linea nigra?

When your hormone levels normalize after pregnancy, so does the linea nigra. As hormone levels recover to their pre-pregnancy levels, most women will notice a gradual disappearance of the effect within the first few months after giving birth. There is some variation in timing from woman to woman.

Is there a treatment for linea nigra?

Other than giving birth, there isn’t much you can (or should) do to get rid of it. Medication and lotions are often not recommended by doctors. Please check with your physician if your worries persist. Avoid doing anything that can cause your skin any discomfort.

Applying some fresh lemon juice to your skin is an all-natural alternative. that can help remove hyperpigmentation. Remember, though, that the pregnancy line will fade away after you give birth.

Can I prevent a line from appearing on my tummy if I am not pregnant?

You can’t avoid the pregnancy line because it’s linked to your hormone levels. However, there are measures you can take to lessen its appearance.

Put on sunscreen.

The Ultraviolet (UV) rays present in sunlight amplify color alterations. Even on cloudy days, it’s essential to apply and reapply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of at least 30. This holds true regardless of the shade of your skin.

Never wax.

Inflammation of the skin caused by waxing can exacerbate melasma, especially in areas of the body where pigmentation changes are prevalent.

Skin allergies.

If you suffer from skin allergies, it’s recommended that you use hypoallergenic skin care products. Inflammatory skin care products, such as soaps and moisturizers, may exacerbate melasma.

How Much Water Should You Drink During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a beautiful phase for the couple as well as their families. As blissful it is to carry and make a baby with your beloved, it is equally important to take care of the lady carrying the baby in all aspects- emotionally, physically and mentally. A small but very important part of it is staying hydrated throughout the day.

The Importance Of Drinking Water In Pregnancy

Drinking water and staying hydrated is all the more important during pregnancy due to many reasons. Water helps in building amniotic fluid around your baby, flushing out toxins from your body along with flushing out any bacteria when you pee that might be trying to creep in. It also produces extra blood, carries nutrients, creates new tissues, enhances digestion etc.

Pregnant women with a glass of water - How much should you drink?

Water circulating in the body also helps in keeping you fresh and less exhausted than usual.

The question that arises is how much water to drink during pregnancy in the entire day? Doctors suggest that you drink at least 8-12 glasses of water per day during pregnancy. This ensures that the baby is healthy and is developing the way it should.

pregnant women drinking water to stay hydrated after workout

Benefits Of Staying Hydrated During Pregnancy

Our bodies naturally require an adequate amount of water to function properly. But during a pregnancy, fulfilling this requirement becomes twice as important for ensuring the health and well-being of the mother and her child. Besides quenching the thirst, hydration has a lot of other benefits for pregnant women. These include:

       Proper transportation of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body

      Decreasing the risk of constipation, UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) and hemorrhoids

      Maintaining the body temperature

      Reducing nausea, heartburn and swelling

Is It Normal To Drink A Lot Of Water During Pregnancy?

It is absolutely normal to feel extra thirsty during a pregnancy. Just like an increase in the intake of calories and nutrients, the water intake of the body also goes up while a woman is pregnant. An adequate intake of water also prevents dehydration, which can lead to headches, joint pains, cramping and dizziness in pregnant women.

FAQs

How Do I Know If I Am Drinking Enough Water While Pregnant?

There are various signs that serve as a warning to let you know about the lack of hydration in your body. These include:

      Maternal overheating

      Dark yellow urine

      Excessive sleepiness

      Decreased need to pee 

      Feeling dizzy

      Feeling constipated

      Headaches

      Dry mouth

 If you are facing one or more of the above symptoms, you need to take a good look at your water levels.

How Much Water Should A Pregnant Woman Drink A Day?

Doctors recommend drinking 8-12 glasses of water in a single day. Apart from this, it is advised to start your day with a glass or two of water. Followed by drinking two glasses of water with lunch and dinner, and taking regular sips of water during the day. Hydration can also be achieved by drinks like lime water, coconut water, smoothies, milk and herbal teas (based on the doctor’s advice).

What Happens If I Don’t Drink Enough Water While Pregnant?

There are several issues that can crop up due to inadequate hydration. Drinking less than the required amount of water can:

      Induce preterm labor

      Reduce the amount of amniotic fluid that your baby needs in the womb, thereby affecting your baby’s growth.

      Cause dehydration

      Result in fatigue and exhaustion

Once you receive the good news with Prega News, make sure that you keep your body adequately hydrated with water and other fluids, along with following a healthy and active lifestyle. Prega News wishes you a healthy pregnancy and a blissful journey of motherhood ahead of you.

How To Get Relief From Leg Swelling During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful but often trying time for the couple. The bliss of having a baby with your loved one is a great feeling but the period often comes with many difficulties such as nausea, morning sickness, unable to eat much, swelling in legs etc. and these are just a few of the many problems that the couple faces.

Swelling in legs is a very common problem during the period of pregnancy. It happens due to various reasons. It is preventable and treatable and is not considered to be a big problem although it does cause discomfort.

Read on to know everything about swelling in legs during pregnancy.

What Is Leg Swelling?

Leg swelling can occur in any part of the legs which include feet, calves, thighs, ankles etc. It can result from water retention or due to injury and inflammation.

It also happens when the growing womb creates pressure on the body of the pregnant woman and affects the blood flow which leads to retention of fluids in the ankles and thus swelling! The lLack of physical activity and sitting for long hours with legs in a single position for the long duration results in swelling in legs too.

Methods To Reduce Leg Swelling

Although with time, the swelling reduces on its own but, you can try the following to ensure you don’t have swelling in legs anymore:

Pregnant woman doing physical activity to reduce swelling

 

Pregnant women consuming water to reduce swelling

Wear comfortable socks and shoes

      Avoid wearing tight clothes straps

      Avoid standing and/or sitting for too long

      Drink as much water as you can- this will help flush out the toxins as well as excess water from the body.

      Elevate your legs as much as possible.

      Take rest

      Go for massages

      Go for foot exercises- these will ensure blood flow to the legs therefore reducing the swelling

      Go for walks- short walks in intervals during the whole day allows for a great blood circulation in the body and helps in keeping the pregnant woman in better fitness and health.

When Do Feet Swell During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes a hormonal surge in the body of a pregnant woman. This leads to many outcomes like the baby’s growth , providing nutrition to the baby. growing bump, growing uterus etc. A pregnant woman gets swelling in legs due to water retention, standing up or even sitting for longer durations, not drinking enough water, growing in the womb which causes pressure on the pregnant woman and affects blood flow in the body leading to retention of the fluids in the legs.

Swelling also occurs due to hot and humid weather which leads to water retention and exhaustion in the body.

FAQs

How can I reduce swelling in my legs during pregnancy?

Leg swelling in pregnancy is a very common phenomenon. Pregnant ladies can’t work out as quickly as normal ones which affect the blood flow in their body and leads to fluid retention in their ankles, feet, calves, thighs etc.

Swelling can be reduced by:

      Walking more often

      Not sitting or standing for long hours

      Taking rest as and when you see there is swelling

      Drinking at least 8 glasses of water in a day so that the excess water is removed from the body

What causes a pregnant woman’s leg to swell?

Swelling in legs and feet during pregnancy is caused by several factors some of which are as follows:

      Standing or sitting for long hours

      Water retention in the ankles

      Not taking proper sleep or rest

      Hot and humid weather causes swelling too

      Growing a baby puts pressure on the body of the female which affects blood flow to the legs.

Is it okay to have swelling during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a very beautiful time period of a couple’s life. It sees a surge of hormones in the female’s body which causes several positive changes in her such as beautiful skin, beautiful hair, glow on the face etc. The same hormonal surge also causes restlessness, breathlessness, nausea etc. One such discomfort that arises is the swelling of legs. Legs hold all the body weight and bear the brunt of daily tasks and activities. When a pregnant woman does tasks by standing up all day or by sitting through the day, she gets swollen legs. Swollen legs are also caused by the growing baby bump which changes the way blood flows to the legs of the mom-to-be.

Pregnant women should take care of their health and well-being once PregaNews confirms the good news. They should make sure to take the necessary steps to reduce leg swelling and ease the feeling of discomfort, else it could impair movement and aggravate the situation.

Is It Safe To Fast While Pregnant?

Fasting is a widespread practice that is advised for various health benefits that it has to offer. Though it maintains health, when you are expecting a baby, the doctors advise against fasting at any given point in time. The nutritional needs of the female’s body as well as the growing fetus are much higher than a normal female. This need does not allow the female to opt for fasting at any time if she is expecting a baby.

Fasting In Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful but trying time of any couple’s life. Along with the bliss that comes along with it, the problems like nausea, morning sickness, exhaustion, lack of sleep etc take a toll on the mother-to-be.

Pregnancy is the time when mother and baby demand high nutritional value both- for the baby’s development as well as the well-being of the mother. Fasting during such a time will not only lead to nutritional deficiency in the mother but can also result in problems with the baby.

Fasting during any time of pregnancy is not recommended but specifically, during the critical period of 22- 27 weeks, it may be particularly risky.

Side Effects Of Fasting During Pregnancy

pregnant women fasting during pregnancy: Know your blood glucose level

Though there are many who speak in favor of fasting even during pregnancy, fasting is known to have these side effects if done during pregnancy:

      Some studies have seen a rise in premature labor due to fasting during the period.

      It is linked to the low birth weight of the baby

      The baby and mother could be deprived of essential nutritional intakes.

      It could lead to a drastic fall in blood glucose levels.

      It can result in dehydration if fasting includes no intake of fluids and water.

      Some cases have also seen the baby shorter in length.

Precautions To Take If You Are Fasting During Pregnancy

Though there are mixed emotions regarding fasting during pregnancy, there are some mothers who fast during pregnancy. Here are some of the precautions that mothers must follow if they decide to fast during the pregnancy:

      Avoid physical activity during the fast. Physical activity can lead you to exhaust your energy much faster than usual.

      Drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day if the fast allows you to drink the water and other liquids.

      If the fast doesn’t allow you to drink any fluids either, drink plenty of fluids before the fast so as to maintain the water balance in the body.

      When you are breaking your fast, break it with something that is gentle on your digestive system as the digestive system would have slowed down after fasting.

      Include a balanced meal to break the fast. This will allow your body to ingest the nutrients after the whole day of fasting.

      Allow yourself to be well rested.

FAQs

1.     Is Intermittent Fasting While Pregnant Safe And Healthy?

Doctors advise against intermittent fasting while pregnant. Doctors state the following reasons why intermittent fasting is not advisable for you and your baby during the pregnancy:

      It might increase the risk of preterm labour (in other words, premature birth of the baby) specifically if fasting is done during the second trimester.

      Milk quality and supply for the baby might be compromised because of it. The body produces milk due to the nutrition that it receives but fasting means no new nutritional supply for the mother and the baby. Restricting calorie intake or fasting for too long can have adverse impacts.

      Low blood sugar can be one of the results. This is one of the most dreaded conditions during pregnancy as well. This is known to make the mother faint and is associated with decreased movement of the fetus.

      Nutritional and vitamin deficiencies are a definite outcome of fasting. Pregnancy is not the time to stay away from calories because of the high nutritional needs of both mother and the baby. According to doctors, a pregnant woman needs approximately 300 extra calories per day during pregnancy.

2.     Can Fasting Harm The Baby During Pregnancy?

Although there are conflicting opinions on this, doctors say that fasting during pregnancy can harm the baby.

Fasting has been linked to the premature birth of the baby along with lower birth weight and lower height during birth due to nutritional deficiencies and other issues that arise because of it.

3.     How Long Can I Fast While Pregnant?

Fasting during pregnancy is not recommended by doctors. Fasting during pregnancy is proven to have various effects on the mother and the baby which are not necessarily positive so it is best avoided.

Fasting for any period of time is not recommended. Even intermittent fasting which means restricting the calorie intake is not recommended during the time period. The mother and the baby need and demand high nutritional intake which if not supplied can lead to nutritional deficiencies and low blood sugar in the mother’s body. These, in turn, will lead to nutritional deficiencies in the baby and other problems.

Taking care of your health after PregaNews confirms your pregnancy is your responsibility as a mother-to-be. You are responsible for the health of your unborn child and it is advisable that you don’t indulge in any behavior that can put the baby at risk.

5 Benefits Of Swimming During Pregnancy

Swimming helps relieve the pain of pregnant ladies in their bodies and allows them to feel free and weightless in the water. This is a refreshing experience because of all the exhaustion that the pregnant ladies feel due to the growing bump and stress in the body.

Does Swimming Help With Delivery

Swimming is one of the few exercises that help ease the pressure pregnant women face on a daily basis. It takes away backache, and round ligament pain as well as produces weightlessness in the body. Swimming is known to be amongst the few exercises that help ease labor and is known to shorten it. Swimming improves the muscle tone that in turn allows the labor duration to be short and easier

pregnant woman swimming in the pool

 

Pregnant woman swimming in the beach

Can A Pregnant Woman Swim?

Doctors say that swimming is one of the best exercises for pregnant women. The reasons behind the statement are many but the best one is the well-being of the mom and the baby. The sheer weightlessness that the expectant mother feels during the swim is indescribable. They feel pain-free and the world feels like a lighter place on the water. The pressure in the water gives relief from the pressure on the body due to the growing belly.

 

Swimming Workouts For Pregnant Moms

Swimming workouts are some of the best workouts to offer relief to expectant moms. These are some of the best workouts to do preferably with expert supervision in the water:

      Squats

      Back leg curl

      Knee ups

      Aqua Zumba

You can also go for the following:

      Water push down

      Reverse crunch

      Extended leg lift

      Side leg lift

      Treading water

      Flutter kick

Each exercise impacts a different area and allows you to strengthen the whole body if planned accordingly. Please do not try anything new without consulting your doctor and under supervision of a swimming coach.

5 Benefits Of Swimming During Pregnancy

Out of the many benefits, we are listing down the 5 main benefits that swimming offers to pregnant ladies:

      It strengthens the heart by making it more efficient at pumping blood. This boosts oxygen levels in the blood and improves blood circulation in the whole body.

      It gives relief from the growing back pain due to expanding belly.

      It is reported that regular swimming relieves women of morning sickness which is a welcome relief from  the stressful routine that pregnant females have to go through right since they open their eyes.

      It keeps the body cool. This is a great change especially if the weather outside is humid or hot as pregnant females more often than not feel excessive warmth in the body.

      It helps with labor. Swimming maintains muscle tone and increases endurance which are really helpful when the woman goes into labor.

FAQs

1.     What Are The Health Benefits Of Swimming?

Swimming is considered to be a wholesome exercise at any time and more so for pregnant women as it ensures a strong core and strong arms and legs muscles.

Swimming is one such exercise that ensures complete body movement as well as training of the complete muscle set of the body. It strengthens the cardiovascular system. It also builds a healthy weight and strengthens the lungs.

2.     Why Is Swimming Good For Pregnancy?

        Doctors consider swimming a boon for pregnant women.

        It supports the fetus’s weight and development while also providing relief to the lower back of the pregnant female.

        It gives the feeling of weightlessness to pregnant females which almost always helps in providing relief from the round ligament pain as well as the lower back pain. It also provides relief from the pressure that pregnant women feel on their bodies due to growing belly and fetus.

        Swimming improves muscle tone and efficiency which helps pregnant women during their labor. It helps in shortening the labor time while allowing for the natural birth and not C-section.

3.     How Is Swimming Beneficial For Pregnant Women?

Pregnant women need and want some relief for their bodies because of the increasing pressure and weight that they feel due to growing fetuses and belly. Pregnancy proves to be a trying time due to exhaustion, increasing weight that the body has to bear along with nausea and other issues. Swimming is a great exercise that allows the pregnant woman to feel weightless in the water while simultaneously supporting the fetus’ weight as the fetus floats along with the mom-to-be.

Swimming takes off the pressure from the lower back of the pregnant female and allows the muscle set of the entire body to strengthen along with the muscles that help in pushing the baby out during the time of the delivery. It is known to shorten the labor time during delivery.

Once Prega News confirms the good news about your pregnancy, it is time to invest in your wellbeing and that of the new life that you are about to bring into the world. You can take up swimming to keep yourself physically fit and mentally cheerful.

Heartburn Indigestion during the Third trimester

Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase of a woman’s life! Right? A woman feels complete when she gets the good news from Preganews! But with happiness, women have to bear the pain, which is sometimes intolerable! Yes, Preganews understands that women face difficulties during pregnancy, especially, Heartburn & indigestion during their third trimester. Are you the pregnant one who is in her third trimester? If “yes,” here, this blog is dedicated to you! Here you will get to know about pregnancy indigestion and heartburn relief. We will be there with you during your journey!

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn refers to a burning sensation in your chest. Yes, it is an uncomfortable sensation that starts from the chest and moves to the throat. You may find a sour and bitter taste in your throat! Do not worry!  Heartburn during pregnancy is expected due to shifts in body shape and hormonal issues.

 

Symptoms and Causes of Pregnancy Indigestion and Heartburn

Are you in your third trimester? If “yes,” you might be suffering from the problems that occur due to Heartburn. Here we have the Symptoms and Causes of Heartburn:

Pregnant woman with heartburn

Symptoms of Heartburn are :

Pain in your chest or feeling of burning

      You might feel your body is bloated.

      Burping frequently

      Feel sick the whole day

      Bring up food

More than 50% of women report severe Heartburn during the third trimester. Many women face heartburn issues before pregnancy and some after pregnancy. If you have the above symptoms, you are suffering from Heartburn.

Causes of Heartburn:

Hormone levels changing: Yes, hormone levels change during your pregnancy. It causes indigestion and slows down your digestive system and leads to Heartburn and bloating.

The uterus is enlarging: Your uterus size gets enlarged as your baby grows in the third trimester. It can push your stomach acids into your esophagus. That is the reason you suffer from Heartburn in your third trimester.

Esophageal sphincter relaxing: Progesterone, the pregnancy hormone, leads to relaxing the stomach acids, and it reaches into the esophagus, and you experience the sensation of Heartburn.

Ease Pregnancy Heartburn

You are having a little one inside you! You can keep the acid at bay and enjoy these precious moments by taking some preventive steps. There are a few things that help you to prevent pregnancy heartburn from flaring up:

Prop yourself up at night: It’s difficult to sleep well without acid reflux during pregnancy. But if you want to prevent heartburn, prop yourself up while sleeping; this will counteract the acid.

Do not lie down after eating: Yes, we understand that it might be tempting to have a post-meal nap, but it’s not good for your health. It will lead to heartburn. So do not sleep or lie down after eating.

Skip acidic or fried food: Do you still want to have those greasy chips that give you pain later on? Avoid fatty foods. Have more nutritious food for your baby’s growth, and take minerals and vitamins.

Drink liquids between meals: If you are the kind of person who loves to have a swig of drink during meals, you need to change your habit now. Liquid after each bite can cause heartburn. So take little sips in case you are thirsty during your mealtime.

Food that soothes heartburn

Moms to be, you must take a good food diet to avoid heartburn. Here, we have a diet for heartburn! Now, all the would-be moms who follow this diet can hope to get some relief from heartburn and indigestion.

diet for heartburn for pregnant woman

      Yogurt is the best to take.

      You must drink milk with honey

      Snack on almonds, like nuts, lowers acidity.

      Eat Pineapple or papaya, as it lowers heartburn.

      Chew some sugar-free gum

      Ginger works like magic

      Take some medication

The above tempting food will reduce your heartburn and give you some relief. The right food can return the smile back to your face. Would-be moms, now add the above food to your diet and see yourself enjoying your third trimester without having heartburn and indigestion. These are known to be early pregnancy indigestion remedies.

Key Takeaway

Sometimes pregnancy heartburn and indigestion problems are unbearable! We can empathize with all the would-be moms in their third trimester and having third-trimester indigestion! Do not worry! Some more time, your baby will be in your arm till then; follow the above diet and preventive measures, and you will be free from the terror of heartburn and indigestion! Preganews believes every woman should enjoy these nine months beautifully; we have covered all the heartburn symptoms, causes, and diet in this article. We think your motherhood days should be precious for you, without any health concerns.

People also ask ( FAQ)

What is the difference between heartburn and indigestion?

Heartburn and indigestion are two different problems! Indigestion is mainly related to digestive issues. On the other side, heartburn is defined as a problem that occurs due to stomach acid reaching into your Esophagus. Heartburn is known to be a type of indigestion. As a pregnant woman, you might be facing both problems simultaneously.

What does heartburn or indigestion feel like?

When you are suffering from heartburn or indigestion after pregnancy, or in your third trimester, you might feel the pain between the bottom of your breastbone, and the pain goes to your belly button. You might feel the sensation of burning in the upper abdomen, and you will get an uncomfortable heat between your belly button and breastbone. You might also feel a bloating sensation in the upper abdomen.

How long can heartburn indigestion last?

Uncomfortable indigestion and heartburn can last for some hours or longer, but they can stay for long in pregnancy, depending upon your health. Mild heartburn due to fatty acid or spicy food intake can last until your food gets digested properly. In case you bend over or lie down, the heartburn or indigestion will return for several hours.

Does water help heartburn?

Sometimes when heartburn attacks you during your pregnancy, a few sips of water can give you a sigh of relief. This can be because water neutralizes the acids and wash them away from your esophagus. Water is neutral as it has a pH of 7. Yes, water tends to dilute the acid and brings relief.

Hospital Bag Essentials – Preparation for D-Day!

Preparing for the D-Day when you can finally hold your little cherub in your arms is exciting and a bit unnerving for new mothers. It is good to remember a few pointers so that you arrive at the hospital, fully prepared for the momentous event of your life.

When should I start packing my hospital bag?

By the time you reach 36 weeks, you should have your hospital bag packed and ready to go to the hospital whenever labor begins.

You are considered full-term once you are 37 weeks pregnant. This indicates that your baby could be born at any time. Your due date falls at the end of the 40th week of your pregnancy. This is due to the fact that there is no means of knowing when you conceived.

However, by the time you begin your 37th week, your baby is completely mature and ready to enter the world.

The majority of babies are born between the ages of 37 and 40 weeks. If your kid arrives before 37 weeks, he will be labeled premature, and after 40 weeks, he will be deemed overdue.

 

Must have for mother

While the hospital will supply the necessities, having familiar items from home might put you at peace.

Before you pack, check with your hospital to see if there are any restrictions on what you can wear. Some hospitals, for example, may choose or require you to wear a hospital gown during birth.

While this list appears to be very long, it should all fit into a single overnight bag.

women getting ready for D-Day with hospital bag

While the hospital will supply the necessities, having familiar items from home might put you at peace.

Before you pack, check with your hospital to see if there are any restrictions on what you can wear. Some hospitals, for example, may choose or require you to wear a hospital gown during birth.

While this list appears to be very long, it should all fit into a single overnight bag.

1. Your identification. This may sound apparent, but you will require identification during check-in. For admittance, you may also require your insurance card and any other paperwork provided by your doctor.

2. List of medications. This information will most likely be requested upon check-in. And perhaps again once you’ve settled in. It’s far easier to hand over a piece of paper if you’re in labor and can’t recall everything you’re taking.

3. Medications. Yes, if you’re on any common prescription meds, the hospital pharmacy can usually give them – And if you’re on a less common medication, the hospital may not have any on hand. To avoid these potential headaches, plan to bring your own.

Consider the following items if you know you’ll be having a cesarean delivery:

1. Support your underpants. Bringing some C-section recovery underwear, which is high-waisted and gives light compression, can be beneficial. You might also wear fold-over underwear that sits beneath your incision.

2. Wrap in compression. Bring something  for extra postpartum belly support. Consult your doctor for recommendations, including when you can begin wearing a wrap like this.

3. Wear loose clothing. You may feel better at ease wearing clothing that does not rub against your incision, such as nightgowns rather than slacks.

4. Snacks that are unique. Reduce post-surgery constipation with fiber-rich foods such as an apple or quick oatmeal with dried fruit.

Pack baby's stuff for the big day

Must have for baby

Most supplies for your child’s stay in the hospital will be provided. In fact, some delivery units may even insist that babies wear hospital-branded onesies until they are discharged for safety reasons.

Pack baby’s stuff in the diaper bag you intend to use once they’re born.

1. Outfit for going home. While it won’t be the first thing you use, it could be the most exciting. Have fun choosing what your baby will wear home. Consider the weather when making your plans. You should bring some spare clothing in case one becomes filthy.

2. Wipes and diapers Bring a pack of diapers with you to the hospital if you have specific diapering needs. If you intend to use cloth from the start, this includes infant cloth and a damp bag.

3. Swaddling and receiving blankets You may wish to have a few of your own swaddles on hand to practice wrapping baby.

4. Blanket. If it’s cold outside, use a heavier blanket to hug the baby in the car seat on the way home.

The key takeaway

In the end, what you pack for your hospital or birth center stay is entirely up to you and your specific requirements. Make a list of the items you believe are necessary for your own comfort and wellness.

And don’t be concerned if you forget something or fail to pack your suitcase in time for labor. (It does happen!) Most likely, you’ll have most of what you need — or you can send someone out after your kid is born to collect the rest.

FAQs

1. What should I pack in my hospital bag for my pregnancy?

Ans: 1. Hospital paperwork, identification, and insurance card

2. a bathrobe

3. socks

4. slippers or flip-flops

5. Massage oil or body lotion

6. Sponge and water spray

2. When should a pregnant woman pack her bag for the hospital?

Ans: Between weeks 32 and 35 of your pregnancy, you should have your hospital bag packed in case your baby arrives earlier than expected. Around the 28-week mark, or the beginning of your third trimester is a good time to begin packing.

3. How many nappies should I pack in my hospital bag?

Ans: Nappies: Plan on using 10-12 nappies per day. In the early days, babies can defecate after virtually every feed, and you don’t want to risk them developing a nappy rash if you leave a nappy on for too long.

4. What should you not pack in your hospital bag?

Ans:

     ●      Underwear.

      Diapering Supplies.

      Clothes for Pregnancy.

      Complete beauty bag.

      Pads for women.

      Your Mattress

You are not going away for a month so pack only the essentials and let the other stuff be.

5. What to Wear While in Labour

Ans: You are allowed to wear a hospital gown. Wear a Loose-Fit Dress. You are permitted to wear your most comfortable t-shirt. Wear comfortable clothes and follow the instructions of your doctor.

PregaNews understands your excitement as the D-Day draws near. After all, we are the ones who gave you the good news regarding your baby’s arrival. Prepare for your baby’s arrival. Stay safe and keep your bags packed.

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