Category: Physical

When you miss your period, you know it’s time to take the Prega News pregnancy test to check for the good news. Ensure that you read the instructions on the Prega News kit before taking the Prega News pregnancy test, to get accurate results. When you spot the two pink lines on the Prega News pregnancy test, you know that you’re starting a new chapter. As soon as you enter the second trimester, and all the morning sickness is gone, it’s time to plan something exciting.

With your baby arriving soon, you may want to take a babymoon vacation with your partner to relax. Babymoon vacation is increasingly becoming a popular notion among expecting couples as it gives them some much needed break. It’s also a nice way to reconnect with your partner. So what are some things to consider while taking a pre-baby vacation? Well, the Prega News kit is not just for your result, we also take pride in holding your hand as we guide you on this journey.

Tips to Travel in Pregnancy

There are certain things one has to keep in mind before hopping onto the plane, train or car and taking that babymoon vacation. Your body is undergoing many changes during pregnancy to grow and nourish your baby. Thus, it’s important to check up on some things and keep certain things in mind while planning a vacation.

●  Doctor consultation: It’s always best to run the idea by your doctor to check if it’s okay to travel during this period. Airlines often have restrictions on how far along you can be till you’re allowed to fly. Depending on your choice of place, mode of transport and trimester, your doctor will be able to provide the best recommendations and tips for travel.

●  Comfort factor: When you’re pregnant, being comfortable at all times is an absolute must, so do take into account the facilities of the place you will be visiting.

●  Insurance and health plans: Before you set out, it’s best to keep your health records and insurance up to date. Carry these along with you, to be on the safer side.

●  Hospitals: Check for hospital and maternity care in the area where you will be visiting or staying, to ensure that you will have help at hand if needed. Many hotels also offer doctor-on-call so remember to check it out.

●  Weather: The weather can also be a deciding factor as too much sun, too much rains etc. can be not-so-comfortable for pregnant women. It also poses more threats like sunburn, insects, slippery grounds etc.  

Packing Tips 

Packing the right things is a crucial step when planning a vacation during pregnancy. Not only do you have to ensure the comfort levels at all times but also make sure that you have everything you need, even during emergencies.

●  Travel documents: First and foremost, it’s important to pack in all the documents you would need during the trip. This would include identity cards, tickets, payment documents, reservation copies, health records/documents, insurance and prescriptions. Simply plan ahead and prepare for any unforeseen circumstances as well while packing your documents.

● Medication: Along with your prescribed medications, it is always good to carry some over-the-counter first-aid medicines that may be required on the trip. This could include treatment for indigestion, stomach flu, mild fevers, headaches etc. Always consult your doctor before buying these and remember to carry a prescription for the same.

●  Healthy snacks and water: As a pregnant woman, you can have cravings or get hungry at odd times. Depending on room service at odd hours may not be the best bet, thus it’s a good idea to pack in some travel-friendly and healthy snacks. Staying hydrated during pregnancy is also important so remember to pack your own bottle and fill it up from a water source that is clean and safe.

●  Comfortable clothing: It’s a good idea to pack comfortable clothes and shoes in your travel bag. As a pregnant woman, you would want weather appropriate clothes that do not raise or lower your body temperature. Depending on the weather and activities, you might also want to pack in some swimwear, warm jackets or lounge clothes. Always remember to pack extra intimate wear that you find comfortable.

●  Sleeping aid: Flight and car seats can get uncomfortable as you near the advanced stages of pregnancy. So it’s a good idea to take travel pillows and cushions. Also take your sleeping pillow or white noise machine – anything that helps you sleep better during pregnancy.

How to Choose the Pre-baby Vacation Destination 

Most locations can be a pre-baby vacation destination if you plan out the trip well and include things that would be relaxing. However, to choose the best place, you can keep the following things in mind:

●  Mode of transport: It’s important that the journey is not too strenuous for you so take into account how you will be reaching your pre-baby vacation destination. And always consult a doctor about your travel plans.

●  Medical facilities: When travelling during pregnancy, always make sure that your destination has good hospitals and doctors.

●  Weather: There’s nothing worse than a vacation ruined by humidity, rains or other adverse conditions. Remember to check the weather before booking your babymoon vacation.

●  Relaxing destination: Choose a place that allows for ample rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s good to choose a place that offers a flexible and not hectic itinerary.

Activities to Avoid

As long as you follow some precautions during pregnancy any destination should be a good one for your vacation. However, it’s best to avoid activities that involve sudden and jerky movements, sudden change in directions, and risk of falling or tripping on your bump or back. Some things include saunas, too much sunbathing, horse riding, strenuous hiking, amusement park rides, skiing etc.

FAQ:

 What things to consider while flying in pregnancy?

Always consult your doctor before flying and check with the airlines if they have a limit on the stage of pregnancy which still allows flying. Choose an aisle seat so you can easily access the washrooms, carry water and some snacks, rotate your ankles while sitting and take a walk when it’s safe to do so. Also carry a travel pillow to be more comfortable and consult your doctor for any additional tips or emergency medications.

Should I consult a doctor before travelling during pregnancy? 

Yes, always consult a doctor before travelling and run your plans by them before taking the trip. Not only will they tell you about all the precautions to take but also prescribe the medications you may need. You will also need a write-up from your doctor which states all your medical records and they may be able to help you out with a local doctor. 

When you notice the first signs of pregnancy or miss a period, it’s time to take the pregnancy test. As you reach out for the Prega News kit, you are already hoping for a smile when you see the good news with Prega News result. Ensure that you follow all the instructions on Prega News – India’s no. 1 pregnancy detection kit to get the most accurate Prega News result. And when you see the two pink lines on the Prega News result after successfully taking the pregnancy test, you know it’s a time for celebration.

Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life – a stage where you nourish and grow your baby in your womb and watch as the wonders of nature take place. It is a phase to be enjoyed and celebrated. However, when you’re done with all the doctor visits and other essentials, how do you wait till the time you meet your little one? Well, the Prega News kit isn’t just for your pregnancy test – we also understand this beautiful phase and here are some things that you may find useful to keep yourself occupied during this period.

Indoor Activities for Pregnant Women

Depending on the weather, mood and other variables, there are times when you would want some fun and relaxing things to do indoors. You can check these out:

●  Indulge in some me-time: Before you know it, your days and nights will be filled with baby-duties and cuddle times, so enjoy the me-time during your pregnancy. You could try self-care routines like a nice bath, meditation, a hair care routine, enjoying a cup of your favourite tea or just taking a nap – the possibilities are endless.

●  Organize and make space for baby: You know all the unused things that you stacked away for later use but never used? Yes, it’s time to de-clutter, organize and make space for the little one in your home. You can go one step further and even baby-proof your house to keep it safe when the little one starts crawling or walking.

●  Binge-watch favourite shows: It’s time to go back to that big list of things-to-watch and actually watch them – why not take this time to catch up on your favourite shows or watch the movies you have always wanted to?

●  Experiment in the kitchen: You can learn to make all the things you’re craving for and try out those saved recipes on your list – cooking is fun, relaxing and you get to eat delicious food!

Outdoor Activities for Pregnant Women

When the sun’s out or you’re feeling up for it, there are many outdoor activities that you can try out during pregnancy. Take a look!

●  Gardening: Another de-stressing activity that you can enjoy! Some light gardening like an herb garden or simply summer flowers can bring you much joy and help you start a new hobby.

●  Plan a date night: Before the baby comes, you can take the time to enjoy the ‘couple’ days and bond on a date night – this could be the new restaurant, catching a movie or a play – pick things that you enjoy as a couple.

●  Take a walk: Walking is a beneficial exercise for both body and mind – you can take a walk around the block or explore the new park in your neighborhood and maybe even make some new friends!

●  Plan a picnic: If you’re feeling energetic, you can also plan a picnic or organize a potluck lunch in the park with all your friends.

Singular Activities for Pregnant Women

There are times when you would want to enjoy your own company during pregnancy. So here are some ways to do just that:

●  Reading: Whether it’s your favourite book, a thriller novel, an online article or even a blog on parenting – you can always find something that you enjoy!

●  Solving puzzles: Riddles or simple puzzles like jigsaw can really help de-stress and can be a good activity during your alone time.

●  Letters to baby: When you look back on these days, there are so many things you experienced and so many things you wished for your baby – wouldn’t it be nice to write it all down for your baby to read one day?

●  Work on a birth plan: If you’re in your third trimester, this would be an ideal time to come up with a birth plan – you can consult your doctor and your partner and make one that suits everyone!

Group Activities for Pregnant Women

You can also try out some group or small group activities that can greatly help during pregnancy:

●  Decorating your nursery: Whether it’s painting or simply rearranging furniture, you can have a fun time with friends while decorating your nursery.

●  Shopping: A day of shopping for baby and mommy supplies with your girlfriends can be super fun and relaxing.

●  Join a prenatal class: From birthing classes to prenatal yoga – there are many group exercise/knowledge sharing classes for moms-to-be that you can sign up for!

●  Have a baby shower: Nothing like a good, fun baby shower with games and delicious food to bond with all your friends! While you’re at it, you can also throw in a maternity photoshoot to capture the fun side of pregnancy.

Now that we have listed all the amazing ways to stay occupied during pregnancy, tell us in the comments below, which one are you going to try out?

FAQ

What are the different activities for each trimester?

While there are many activities for each trimester, simple exercises like walking, swimming or prenatal yoga are considered safe for all trimesters.

Which self-care product should I choose?

There are many different things to choose from and it depends on your needs – it could be a skin or hair care kit, a sleeping pillow or even comfortable maternity wear!

What should be there in my go-to hospital bag?

Apart from personal hygiene products, you should also keep clothes for yourself and your newborn. Your go-to hospital bag should also have all the birth plan, prescribed medications, post-birth essentials, snacks and some other things. 

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful times in a woman’s life and we at Prega News are always trying to make this journey as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

 What is the second trimester?

 Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters:
1. Week 1 – Week 12 is first trimester
2. Week 13 – Week 26 is second trimester
3. Week 27 – end of pregnancy is the third trimester

 In the second trimester, as your baby grows bigger and stronger, you may notice many of the symptoms of the first trimester ebbing away like nausea and fatigue. This is the time many women consider to be the most enjoyable and relaxed duration of pregnancy.

 What are the symptoms of the second trimester?

 This is time your body grows to adjust the growing baby and these are changes that take place:

●        Your uterus grows

●        Your belly grows – this is the time you have the baby bump

●        You can feel the baby move

●        Increase in appetite

●        Dizziness owing to lower blood pressure

●        Stretch marks

●        Difference in colour of skin or patches

●        Swelling of ankles

Precautions during Pregnancy: Second Trimester

During your second trimester, you may notice many symptoms that lead to discomfort or pain. Here are some of the precautions and remedies to treat these second trimester symptoms:

 Growing belly and breasts leading to soreness
As your body grows to nurture the baby, you may experience soreness and pain in your belly and breasts. Well supported bras with wide straps or a sports bra can help ease the pain by providing adequate support. Massaging your belly with natural oils and wearing snug maternity underwear can also help ease some of the discomfort.

Spotting during pregnancy second trimester
Spotting or vaginal discharge in a sticky, clear or white appearance is deemed normal. This is often noticed after sex during pregnancy and is usually harmless. If you notice any smell or other colour, contact your doctor.

Headaches in Pregnancy – second trimester
Headaches can occur throughout pregnancy and usually subside on their own. While the headaches usually stop in the second trimester, you can try ginger tea, a massage and hot/cold compresses for some easy remedies.

Leg cramps during pregnancy
Leg cramps can commonly occur in the second trimester and often after exercises or prolonged standing. Stretching the calf muscles, wearing comfortable shoes, hot compresses, warm baths and drinking plenty of fluids can help ease them. Also ensure that you stay physically active to lessen the cramps.

Cold during pregnancy second trimester

The increase in hormone levels can cause nasal congestion, cold and nosebleeds. Staying hydrated, using a saline solution and also rubbing petroleum jelly around the nose can help ease these symptoms. If it gets more severe, consult your doctor to know the safe medicines you can consume during pregnancy.

Pelvic pain during pregnancy second trimester
The growing belly and body can often lead to pelvic pain in your second trimester. Exercising in water or simply enjoying a warm bath can help you relax and ease the pain. You can also opt for special exercises and pelvic supports to tackle the same and avoid strenuous exercises or lifting weights.

Rash during pregnancy second trimester
The increase in hormones can cause breakouts and rashes on your skin during the second trimester of pregnancy. Natural and safe cleansing products and the right skin care routine can help ease some of these but you can always consult your doctor if they don’t subside in a few days or weeks.

Nausea, stomach cramps, indigestion & heartburn
While most of these subside in the second trimester, some women do experience it throughout pregnancy. Ginger lozenges, proper hydration and following some tips on eating right during pregnancy can help tackle the symptoms.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Light exercises or sex can often cause mild, irregular contractions in the second trimester. If the contractions get regular or too severe, contact your physician immediately.

Urinary Tract Infections
As your body’s delicate during this time, UTI is a common occurrence among many pregnant women. Avoiding unhygienic places, keeping toilets clean and disinfected can help prevent these. However, if you do experience symptoms like urges to urinate frequently or sharp pain while urinating, it’s best to consult your doctor.

FAQ

What should be avoided during the second trimester?
Strenuous exercise, lifting weights, alcohol, caffeine, recreational drugs, raw fish, unpasteurized dairy products and processed meats should be avoided during the second trimester.

What months are the 2nd trimester?
Month 4 to month 6 or Week 13 – Week 26 is considered to be the second trimester of pregnancy.

How should I sleep during the second trimester?
During the second trimester, sleeping on your side and usually the left side is considered comfortable and ideal for both mother and baby. However, sleeping positions during pregnancy can vary for women so find one that feels right to you.

Is it normal to have diarrhea in the 2nd trimester?
Yes, diarrhea during pregnancy is quite common and caused by changes in the body. This can be tackled with a proper diet and careful monitoring.

What to eat during the second trimester of pregnancy?

During your second trimester, include every food group in your diet – protein, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. Eating greens, whole foods, lean meat and pulses is beneficial at this stage and can ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Ever since you brought home thePrega News Kit, you have been eagerly waiting to meet your little one. Remember the butterflies in your tummy, when you carefully read all the instructions on the Prega News kit and took the pregnancy test by Prega News? And thanks to the accuracy of the pregnancy test by Prega News, you celebrated the good news in just 5 minutes!

 However, now that the day of the pregnancy test by Prega News is way behind, and you are weeks or days away from meeting your little one, there is another important thing that may be running through your mind – labour. Well the pregnancy test by Prega News is not the only thing we do! The Prega News kit delivers your good news and also stands with you along the way with other things that you might need – in this case recognizing the signs of labour. Everyone talks about the moment of water breaking and the baby’s head pressing on bowels, which ultimately result in labour pain. But did you know that there can be false alarms too? Yes,  pain or a similar feeling can often be felt in the later stages of pregnancy, which need not necessarily be a sign of labour. Read on to know more!

 Discerning Between Fake and Actual Signs of Labour

 In the last two to four weeks before your delivery, you may experience what is known as ‘false labour’. These are also contractions (also known as Braxton Hicks contractions) but they do not mean you need to rush to the emergency room. Let’s find out more about telling the difference between fake and actual signs of labour:

 What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions which one can feel much like labour pain and can occur during the second trimester but usually take place in the third trimester. They can be uncomfortable more than painful, and may feel like menstrual cramps. It is a way your body prepares for labour by thinning and softening the cervix. They can vary in intensity, can taper off and usually go away with a change in position or when you drink water. These are also sometimes triggered when the mother is very active or after sex. Here’s how you can tell them apart from real contractions:

       ●        Contractions: In false labour, contractions are irregular and don’t get closer together.       

●        Origin: Real contractions start in the back and progress towards the front whereas false contractions are usually felt in the front.

●        Intensity: False signs are usually less intense and taper off but real contractions get stronger with time.

●        Movement: False contractions may subside with a change in position or walking whereas these have no effect on real contractions.

 The Expected Timeline of Labour

 The expected timeline of labour depends on each stage of the labour process: 

●        Early labour: In this stage of mild, irregular contractions, you can also spot clear or pink discharge. This can last from a few hours to a few days – first time moms usually take a few days to go through this stage.

●        Active labour: In this stage, your cervix dilates further, the water breaks and you may experience nausea and cramping. This generally lasts from four to eight hours.

●        Birth of your child: In this second stage of active labour, you actually deliver your baby. For first time moms and women who have taken an epidural, this can last longer. It usually lasts from a few minutes to a few hours.

●        Delivering the placenta: After the birth of your baby, you will need to push one last time to deliver the placenta – this can take anywhere between five to thirty minutes, and sometimes up to an hour.  

Active Signs of Labour 

Here are some active signs of labour that you can observe during active labour:

●        Water breaking: Fluid leakage or water breaking is one sign that indicates you are going into labour. This may be a fluid from the amniotic sac or can sometimes be mucus/blood.

●        Baby’s head pressing on bowels: This manifests as overall discomfort, accompanied by a feeling of sickness in the stomach and rectal pressure with/without the urge to push. The baby’s head pressing on bowels may also cause aches and nausea.

●        Fatigue: With so many changes and your body preparing for birth, you will feel tired and exhausted.

●        Urge to push: You may feel an urge to push and this is an active sign of labour.

●        Regular contractions: In this stage, you will be able to time your contractions – they will last longer and come at regular intervals.

●        Dilated cervix: Your body is preparing for birth and with increased contractions, there will be a dilation in your cervix.

●        Increased spotting or mucus: As you advance towards active labour, you may notice more blood spots or mucus.

During this stage, it’s best to get ready for birth – whether you’re having a home birth or hospital birth. Even when you’re experiencing false contractions, you should call your doctor and prepare to go to the hospital if you feel too uncomfortable or sick.

FAQ:

When and for how long should I push?

When you’re in the active stage of labour and your cervix is adequately dilated, your doctor will ask you to push. While there is no fixed rule on pushing, you should do it as and when you’re ready. If you’re too exhausted, your doctor will recommend a short rest before you’re ready to push again.

Will I need an episiotomy?

Your doctor would recommend an episiotomy if your baby needs to be delivered fast, the shoulders are stuck behind the cervix or there’s an abnormal heart rate of the baby.

What is the usual lactation period?

Doctors recommend exclusive breastfeeding from 6 months up to a year. The actual period will depend on you and your baby’s experience and the doctor’s suggestion. 

As soon as you saw the two pink lines on the pregnancy test by Prega News, you rejoiced knowing that in nine months, you will be cuddling your little one. As the time passes, your body grows and you may end up searching for ways to get better sleep during pregnancy. Well, the Prega News kit doesn’t just deliver the good news – we also stand by you in this journey towards motherhood.

 Posture

 Getting good sleep in pregnancy can be a tricky thing owing to all the hormonal and body changes. Sleeping a lot during pregnancy – first trimester – may be a common occurrence, as your body needs it to grow your baby. However, in the advanced stages, the phrase, “Can’t sleep, pregnancy – third trimester” can hold more truth. There are a few factors which can help you sleep better during pregnancy.

 Sleeping postures can also affect the quality of sleep and thus over the years, doctors have studied this widely to come up with the best sleeping postures for pregnant women. While the trimester, your food habits and other factors such as stress can affect the quality of sleep, finding a good sleeping posture during pregnancy is one step towards getting a good rest, which is essential for you and your baby.  

●        Sleeping on your tummy: If this is your preferred position of sleeping, it can be continued in the first trimester although it is not as widely recommended. From the second trimester onwards, your body will change to accommodate the baby and it can become increasingly difficult to sleep on your tummy.

●        Sleeping on your back: This position is generally best avoided during pregnancy, although if you roll over in your sleep, that is not a worrisome thing. Sleeping on the back puts all your pregnancy weight on your back, intestines and the vein that carries blood from the lower part of the body to your heart. This can lead to aggravated backaches, indigestion and also lowered blood pressure levels which can result in dizziness.

●        Sleeping on your side: Sleeping on either side during pregnancy is recommended by doctors although sleeping on your left is the best position. Sleeping on the left allows for more blood circulation and nutrient flow to the placenta. This in turn enhances kidney function and prevents swelling of ankles etc.

 Apart from good sleeping positions, you can also try propping up your head with multiple pillows to get better sleep. Use pillows as you like to get maximum support and comfort. You can also consider buying a pregnancy or maternity pillow for a full support for your body.

 Eating Habits

 Eating habits can also impact the quality of sleep and thus are important to monitor during pregnancy. Maintaining good eating habits will not only help nourish your baby, but also help you get better sleep in the advanced stages of pregnancy. Let’s look at some good eating habits:

●        Staying hydrated with plenty of water and natural, homemade juices is a good idea and aids in better sleep.

●        Trying drinking milk or calming tea just before bedtime. You can also pair this with a light snack such as peanuts or crackers. Having a fuller stomach can help you sleep better.

●        Avoid spicy, acidic and fried foods at dinner as these can increase heartburn, resulting in disturbed sleep. Keeping yourself propped up on pillows can also help keep heartburn at bay.

●        Make a note of the foods that your baby reacts to – avoid these foods during dinner so your baby’s activities don’t keep you up.

●        You can try to eliminate caffeine completely or limit it to the morning cup, to prevent insomnia.

●        Keep a check on what you eat during pregnancy to ensure that you’re getting the maximum nutrients, thus resulting in feeling better and sleeping better.

●        If nausea is keeping you up, try eating several small meals of light and bland foods, to prevent nausea.

 Effect of Lifestyle Habits

 Lifestyle habits can also impact your sleeping habits and hamper your abilities to get a good night’s rest. However, with a few simple tricks and tips, you can easily tweak these habits or create new ones which can help you sleep better. Let’s take a look at some lifestyle habits that can help improve your sleep quality during pregnancy. Use these 8 tips to get better sleep!

●        To catch up on some rest and sleep better at night, get in some short naps during the day. Sleeping for too long can also impact your bedtime routine so keep your naps short for better nighttime sleep.

●        Stress and anxiety can negatively impact your quality of sleep during pregnancy. It’s best to talk it out or write it down and keep your head clear of unnecessary worries at night. Having a calm, relaxed and free mind can help you sleep better.

●        Keeping yourself active during the day and getting in some physical exercises can help you sleep better. Avoid heavy exercises and go for walks a little ahead of bedtime to ensure that you get good sleep.

●        Practice deep breathing and focus on your baby’s health, when you’re having trouble falling asleep. You can also try white noise or sleep apps to fall asleep faster.

●        During pregnancy, your body temperature is usually higher than before so sleeping with the cooling on, is a good idea.

●        Try to relax before bedtime to get a good night’s rest. A warm shower, reading a light chapter or a massage can help you de-stress and sleep better during pregnancy.

●        Set a bedtime routine and try to adhere to the same everyday, to help your body adjust to the new routine.

●        Staying away from the phone and other screens a few hours before bedtime can help relax your eyes and result in better quality of sleep.

 FAQ:

 Do eating patterns affect the sleep cycle during pregnancy?

Yes, caffeinated foods can keep you awake for longer and spicy or fried foods can cause heartburn thus disturbing sleep.

 Will I get better sleep if I take a nap while being on my side?

Sleeping on the side during pregnancy is recommended and can help you sleep better. Taking short naps during the day is also a good idea as it helps you get some rest.

 How does my cell phone affect my sleep?

Using the phone for too long before bedtime can negatively impact your sleep. Looking at your phone screen for too long before bedtime not only affects your eyes, but also keeps your mind disturbed and active, both of which can prevent sleep.