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Pregnancy

Visit a Trained Gynecologist To Solve Some Post-Pregnancy Issues

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The efficiency of the pregnant woman’s body is a marvel in itself. The hormonal changes alone can be truly punishing physically and emotionally. Moreover, it is primarily during pregnancy when a woman’s body undergoes some of the toughest and most complex changes of possibly in the human body. Your body is going to produce another human being  within a span of nine months. After that, some woman can face some post-pregnancy issues. There are certain major bodily changes, which women should not ignore after giving birth.

  • Hemorrhoids can be a painful reminder of bodily changes throughout pregnancy and vaginal delivery

Hemorrhoids are basically swollen, bulging veins in the anal passage. They are usually very painful and can arrive during the pregnancy or pop up during a vaginal delivery. If you ever discover that your hemorrhoids are bleeding, that means it’s time to consult a doctor and get them treated. This problem is not just painful but can also be incredibly itchy and a great source of anxiety for many reasons. So, consulting a doctor is the first step to take.

  • Pain in perineal area

Post-pregnancy, many women complain of pain or soreness in the perineal area. A perineal tear or cut can occur during vaginal delivery and can remain painful for a week or more.  However, even the women who make it through vaginal childbirth without a tear or being cut can still remain quite sore for several days post-delivery. Therefore, it is mandatory to share any issues, injuries or anything that you feel is other than normal postnatal perineal problems. For particularly tough births that include long pushing sessions before delivery, you may need to take  a mild pain reliever post-birth.  

  • Pelvic and back pain

Pelvic, back and hip pain may be present in some way just after delivery and up to a few weeks afterwards.  These are most commonly the same type of ‘growing’ pains such as one might experience during the last few months of the pregnancy itself. Just like your body once had to adjust its weight, ligaments, joints, and other muscle functions helping to accommodate the growing baby, the sudden loss of that baby weight may very well cause you to experience the same type of pain and soreness of swift changes in body size.  

  • Discomfort during sex

An issue which is probably more common than it is discussed is discomfort during sex after childbirth.  Most medical professionals will recommend a woman abstain from sex for 6 weeks post-delivery. Most medical professionals recommend this period of time so that any delivery injuries, such as the perineal tear or cut, can fully heal to avoid pain or discomfort during sex. But it is also to allow the woman’s body to safely flush away the remnants of childbirth in the uterus.  Dangerous infections can occur in the time just post childbirth so it’s super important to try to abstain for the full six weeks.  

Visit Your Trained Gynecologist

Always try to catch up with a professionally educated and trained gynecologist whenever you are facing problems with such post-pregnancy matters. With a new baby in your life and a growing family to take care of, it is of utmost importance to be aware and maintain proper self-care after the birth of a child.  

 

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Myths And Superstitions Of Not Announcing Pregnancy During The First Trimester

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Pregnancy is that wonderful period of our life, when you are about to be a mom. Whether for the first time or with your second child the excitement always remains the same. Couples become more careful with their lives and financial conditions, as they prepare their world to welcome a new member to their family.

But, just like with majority of important things in your life, pregnancy usually comes along with some superstitions, especially during the first three months of conceiving. People have mixed emotions with such first trimester superstition. However, as they become more possessive during that time, you may find them immersed deeper in the superstitions than you would have imagined. Their main intention is to keep child safe.

Reasons to need to work on:

There are some actual good reasons to follow such first trimester superstition. Couples are not expected to announce their pregnancy unless they have crossed the 3 months’ time. But why? For that answer, you might want to catch up with the points mentioned below:

  • The reason to keep this amazing news a secret is that women have higher chances of miscarriage during these initial stages. They might even be the victim of spontaneous abortion during those few initial months. So, they try to keep it a secret to keep bad luck away as well as to prevent having to share the devastating news of a pregnancy loss with everyone.
  • Another reason to keep your pregnancy a secret is if you are already tired of hearing pregnancy tips and advice! People get overexcited when they hear about a new bundle of joy arriving. They have so many natural remedies for you to follow. If you don’t want to be a part of this hassle, keep these three months a secret.
  • Sometimes, suffering in silence seems to be the main medicine for many women. The first three semesters can be the worst in women’s life, when they feel the morning sickness at its height. From vomiting to terrible stomach ache, there are loads of problems which a woman has to undergo. These are common signs of pregnancy, which they don’t want to share with others. They want privacy, and that forces them to keep this news a secret. After these symptoms subside after three months, they may be more ready to share the news with the world!

It is based in emotion:

Superstition or not, women are given full liberty with their baby’s news announcement. Whenever they feel ready, they can share the news. If they believe in good luck, then they can keep this news a secret. So, let them decide on the next steps to take!

 

 

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WHAT TO DO NOW THAT MY WIFE IS PREGNANT

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Congratulations! You are going to be a Father! For some this news is more exciting than for others.

Well, you did it, your partner is pregnant, and you’re going to be a father. Say it again: a father! Getting a positive pregnancy test is a huge deal!  You’re excited.  You’re nervous.  You really have no idea what to expect!  That’s great and exciting.  You’re in for a wild ride. She’s no doubt feeling the same thrill. After all, you did it together.

Having a baby is a special and emotional time for both the mother and the father. Many expectant fathers like to actively participate in helping their partner through pregnancy from beginning to end. Although it is the woman who carries the child for nine months the father has an equal foothold in preparing for the baby and there are many ways that a man can prepare himself for fatherhood.

Expectant fathers who are having their first child may feel alienated, as they do not know what to expect and what role it is they can play. Here are the next steps on what to do once you find out your wife’s pregnant, and what you can expect as a husband or partner.

While pregnancy and giving birth is Mom’s job, there are a number of ways you as her partner can share the load, too. And guess what? It’s a lot more fun that way. After all, it took two to start this journey! From now until you snip the cord, a lot may happen that no one will have prepared you for ahead of time. There’s no way to anticipate every possible scenario, but you need not be completely in the dark. It’s also good to have an idea of ways you can be helpful to the mom-to-be. Getting involved early and “at every level”, not only makes things easier for the mother, but it also keeps you from feeling left out.

The Wonderful World of Pregnancy

Whatever you think you know about your wife… forget it. She is about to transform into someone you have never seen before. Call it hormones if you want, but things are going to be different around your house in a very short time.

Not every woman responds the same way to pregnancy. Some women absolutely love being pregnant. Others cannot stand it and are miserable the entire time. If this is your wife’s first pregnancy, you will just have to wait to find out which type she is.

Preparing the Nest

When people talk about the changes that happen in pregnancy, they tend to say a lot about changes in the mother’s body and her moods. Less tends to be said about changes in your home, which may interest you just as much as your pregnant partner’s swelling bosom.

Assuming that you have been living together for at least a little while, you’ve settled into a domestic routine. Expect that things she used to do are no longer easy for her to do; and even if she’s willing, she won’t be able to do as much. You’ll willingly need to step up to the plate and do more things around the house than ever before.

Now that you’re soon to be a family, your home also will contain a lot more stuff. These include changing table, nursing rocker, bassinet, swing, stroller, and car seat, plus all the baby toys and gadgets that you never knew existed, but which you now must have.

Things will be different in the bedroom, too. The bed you share may seem less cozy as she becomes more uncomfortable and sleeps fitfully, making frequent trips to the bathroom in the night. You may even lose your bed-mate for a while because some pregnant women prefer to sleep in a reclining chair. Sex during pregnancy is a whole other matter on which plenty has been written on. Remember also that all smoking inside your home has to stop right away. Secondhand smoke is very bad for the baby.

Setting up a Doctor appointment

Once you get a positive pregnancy test, you should setup a doctor appointment between 6 and 8 weeks (or 2 to 4 weeks after her missed period). During this time, the doctor will do a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy. The cool thing is that this will be the first glimpse you’re going to get of your baby!

It’s going to look like 6th-grade biology – a little round circle of a cell that has a little flutter in the middle – your baby’s heartbeat.

Telling your family and friends

For all the reasons above, the standard for telling people you’re pregnant is 12 weeks.  Once you get past the 12-week mark, the odds of having a miscarriage are extremely low – so it’s safe to let people know.  It’s also the time when you can be a little less worried about whether everything is okay, and start worrying about what you’re going to do when you have a little one in a few months.

Prenatal Visits and the Expectant Father

A generation or two ago, it was unusual for an expectant father to be present during labor, let alone hang out with his pregnant wife in the examination room when she saw her doctor. Now dads are encouraged to go to prenatal care appointments.

Assuming that all goes well, there will be about 15 routine prenatal visits scheduled with varying frequency: once a month until 28 weeks, three or four times up to week 36, and once a week for the last month.

If you can make time to join your partner at all or most appointments, she will likely appreciate it, and you’ll benefit from knowing what’s going on. Two visits in particular are especially worthwhile. During the exam, the doctor should give both of you some general advice on having a healthy pregnancy and address any specific medical issues. You can help by paying close attention and asking thoughtful questions. The exam typically involves simple things like collecting urine and blood samples from the mother, taking her blood pressure, measuring around her middle, and weighing her.

During the 20th week of pregnancy, an ultrasound exam is normally done. This is when many parents get a first glimpse of the baby and take home a sonogram snapshot for the baby’s album. Sometimes ultrasound is used earlier in pregnancy to screen for birth defects or if a doctor suspects a problem. Ultrasound at 20 weeks can also reveal the baby’s sex. You may choose to find out what it is or wait to be surprised.

The Grand Finale

At some point, the mom-to-be will draw up her birth plan. That’s a detailed description of how she wants to do labor and delivery — where to go, who’ll attend the delivery, how she intends to labor, whom she wants in the room, and what your role will be. Taking a birthing class together can help you figure out the best practical ways to support her throughout labor.

When the moment arrives, all might go according to the plan. Circumstances could also trash the plan utterly. Because there are so many different ways for labor and delivery to play out, it’s difficult to describe a typical experience for a father-to-be in much detail.

Nevertheless, it’s fair to assume that you’ll deliver in a hospital, which is where 99% of all births in the United States occur. That means there will be doctors and nurses around, with medical support available as needed. If you plan on going to a certain hospital, you may benefit from visiting the maternity unit (what this is called differs from hospital to hospital) well in advance of the due date to get a real sense of what the place is like. Anticipate spending at least 48 hours there for the delivery.

There’s no way you can predict it, but on average, for a woman having her first baby, labor lasts 12-24 hours from her first contractions to delivery. Your partner may be in the early phase of labor for many hours before the hospital will admit her. If at all possible, spend this time together and help to keep her feeling at ease. When it’s time, proceed calmly to the hospital.

As labor progresses, it gets increasingly painful. Even with pain control measures, it hurts a lot. To you, it might seem like not much is happening as the hours pass. Stay focused on her.  The birth of your child is a big event that will change your life. But no matter how deeply you care, and regardless of how supportive you are, labor and delivery is not your show. Your name is in small type at the bottom of the show bill. Even mom is in a supporting role because, really, the baby is the star.

Ways to Get Involved in the Pregnancy

There are many ways in which you as the expectant father can get involved in the process of pregnancy, as described below:

  • Accompanying your partner to antenatal appointments allows you to see how your baby is growing. You may also be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat if a Doppler machine is used.
  • Attend ultrasound and dating scans with your partner. This will enable you to get a first glimpse of what your baby looks like and you can even get a picture to take home.
  • Join prenatal preparation classes with your partner to learn about being a parent. Prenatal classes are normally offered free by your hospital and can help you to learn the basics of looking after a baby.
  • Be Informed –Try to read up on pregnancy and birth. This will enable you to have an idea of the basics of pregnancy and what to expect at labor and birth.
  • Why not do a class with your partner, such as special aqua natal classes? This involves swimming sessions to help your partner feel relaxed.
  • You and your partner can go shopping for baby items to get in the mood. You can even help in choosing the colors for the nursery, rather than leaving it all to your partner.
  • Prepare a list of baby names and discuss with your partner what names you prefer, be it a girl or boy. There may be an opportunity to find out the sex of your baby at the 5 month ultrasound scan; however, if you want to leave it a surprise then you can always make two lists of names.
  • Take some share of the chores around the house. Your partner’s body is going through a tough transformation process, and she requires rest and understanding. Little things like helping to wash up can really make a difference.
  • Communicating with your partner is vital in identifying any anxieties that you both may have. You may find that you are able to reassure one other about certain issues.
  • Create a birth plan with your partner outlining methods of pain relief and where you want to have the baby. Get involved by voicing your ideas but make sure to listen to your partner’s ideas to make it a special birthing experience.
  • Book a holiday while your partner is pregnant to enjoy some quality time together before the baby arrives. Most airlines allow pregnant women up to 36 weeks to travel. It is however best to travel in the first and second trimesters when there is less risk of premature birth.

Last but not least try to enjoy your new role as the expectant father, your about to be someones hero for the rest of their life!

 

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5 Most Common Pregnancy Food Cravings

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Pickles, ice cream or super crunchy bacon at 3AM. We’ve all heard (or even experienced) it before. Pregnancy is the time when most women don’t feel like themselves which is often reflected on their eating habits. You may start to crave foods that you didn’t even like before.

Pregnancy food cravings are sometimes so strong that you can basically smell and taste the food in your mouth, and the feeling will haunt you until you indulge your cravings.

But what do we really know about pregnancy cravings? What are the most common foods that pregnant women crave and why?

Stick around to find out.

#1 Sweets

Pregnant or not, who doesn’t like sweets? But when you add pregnancy to the mix, it’s a love-hate relationship. While some women cannot stand the smell of sugar during the first trimester, they would kill for an ice cream during the second trimester. Whether you love it or hate it, sugar cravings are pretty common during pregnancy.

You shouldn’t be too alarmed by developing a sweet-tooth during pregnancy, though. It is perfectly okay to indulge every once in a while as long as it doesn’t become a substitute for a well-balanced diet. The reason why some pregnant women crave sweets may have to do with low fat or calcium levels, but as with everything else, you should discuss this with your physician before jumping to conclusions.

#2 Ice

Chomping on ice may be one of the most unusual pregnancy cravings. Unlike some other cravings, however, craving for ice (also known as pagophagia) may have an underlying meaning. As it turns out, craving for non-nutritive substances like ice can indicate certain vitamin deficiencies, which can be more or less serious. For example, some women may crave for ice because it soothes their mouth and tongue which are often inflamed due to iron deficiency.

Ice is not the only non-nutritive substance women tend to crave during pregnancy. There are also cases when women crave paper, starch or even dirt.

#3 Fruits

Fruits are probably the healthiest craving that pregnant women can have. Apart from the usual health benefits, fruits are said to be good for the baby’s IQ as well. That being said, unlike some other cravings, the desire to eat fruits is highly beneficial both for the mother and for the baby.

Fruit cravings are common even among women who normally dislike fruits, and the habit may stick around even after the delivery.

#4 Spicy food

According to traditional Chinese medicine, pregnant women crave spicy foods in order to strengthen their immune system, more specifically the lungs, which are the first line of defense against many illnesses.

Spicy dishes also increase the blood flow which naturally lowers the blood pressure. In addition to that, spicy food stimulates the release of the feel-good hormone, serotonin.

#5 Salty foods

Craving salty foods is probably one of the most common type of cravings. There are various theories as to why this happens. One of the theories is that women’s body needs to retain water during pregnancy and sodium helps with that. Another possible reason is due to hormonal changes or morning sickness which can deplete your body of sodium. Whatever the case, pregnant women should listen to their bodies when it comes to salty cravings unless the doctor suggests otherwise.

But they should do so with a grain of salt. As you know, not all salty foods are created equal. Some salty alternatives are better than others, so you should always opt for healthier choices like vegetable soups, oven baked pretzels, salads or pickles instead of going for deep-fried French fries, hamburgers and chips.

Pregnancy is full of unexpected changes. Food cravings are one of them, and they can be pretty wild during pregnancy, but they are perfectly normal. Every women is unique, however, and you should always consult with your physician if you suspect you may have an underlying condition. Until then, listen to your body and satisfy your taste buds.

Common Issues Man And Woman Face While Having Sex During Pregnancy

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Pregnancy causes so many bodily changes. You are likely to feel nausea most of the time and even start to vomit without any notice, especially in the mornings, or even when just smelling specific foods. Most of the time, you remain tired and do not feel up to a lot of intimacy with your partner. As both of you are quite cautious about the new baby coming into this world, what’s the first thought that crosses your mind? Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy? Well, there are certain common issues which men and women might face that deserves consideration for venturing down that path.

Common issues faced:

However, not all people are comfortable with pregnancy sex.  You may find yourself trying to have sex with your partner, but find yourself brought up short by your own personal thoughts and concerns. That might cause some distance in your relationship. However, this is not going to take place if you have a supportive husband. It’s time to talk about some issues, which couple face while facing sex during pregnancy.

  • Nausea: This is the first and foremost problem which most of the pregnant women face. Their stomachs are bloated and achy and with the feel of vomiting every other heartbeat away is one of the main reasons on why they love to keep intimacy at bay during such instances. Especially in the mornings.
  • Fear of hurting baby: As new parents are quite cautious with their unborn child’s health, they feel that having sex might hurt the baby inside. Safe, gentle sex is always safe with a pregnancy.  However, if your pregnancy has been dubbed high risk, it’s quite possible that the doctor may order, for few initial months, for you to refrain. After that, the doctor will check the woman’s health and can give you a green light on future sexual activity.
  • Abdominal cramps: Sometimes, women cannot tolerate abdominal cramps. Those get too painful and out of their control. It can also cause them great distress worrying about the viability of their pregnancy. Trying to force intimacy during such instances can make the matter worse. So, it is important to avoid all these problems, especially when you are suffering painful cramps towards the lower abdomen region.
  • Always feeling tired: Due to multiple hormonal changes, women feel tired most of the time during pregnancy. As they are carrying a baby within, so they need complete rest. So, leave the matter on her hands. If she wants to have sex, she will let you know.

Majority of times it is not unsafe to have sex during pregnancy. But, just to be on the safer side, you might want to consult a doctor first. What is often under discussed is the emotional part of this lack of intimacy and it’s important that you talk to each other about the barriers, be for her or him the lack of contact can play a substantial role in stress on the relationship. Intimacy is an important part of relationship health, find other ways to fill this need and continue to enjoy each other. Happy parents make for a happy baby!  

 

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Maintain Your Running Regimen Safely During Pregnancy

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Just because you are pregnant does not mean you have to sit idle all day long. You can actually still do a rather impressive list of physical feats and exercise as long as you work with and listen closely to the advice of your medical professionals.  Running is one of those physically jarring activities that is still safe for an average pregnancy with no high-risk elements.  You may need to rest more often and you absolutely should if your body tells you to, but in reality,  healthy running during the first trimester is amazing for your body, and will help it to adapt to the hormonal changes taking place. Moreover, running at moderate speed can help in addressing proper blood flow circulation and keep swollen feet and other unnecessary problems at bay.

Keep Additional Weight Down

Running can go a long way in maintaining a healthy weight throughout your pregnancy. Remember that you are eating for not one, but two people at the same time, and you should focus more on exercising off the extra proteins you’ll want and need to absorb, instead of avoiding them. Sometimes, after giving birth, your activity level may be determined by your newborn baby, so the running during the pregnancy itself can help stave off common issues women can have before or during pregnancy, such as diseases like diabetes. Avoid falling into that shackle of unhealthy physique by maintaining moderate running, just as your body permits. Never overdo yourself and limit yourself to physical exercise according to the professional suggestions and advice from your doctor.  

Running Safely While Pregnant

 

Running, for the average person, male or female, is already a somewhat harsh, physical activity and requires a fit body and great endurance, and running during pregnancy can be a completely different ball game. Your body does not have the same old stamina, and you might lose your energy more often. You may even feel a bit awkward with the physical movement itself.  Especially if your hips begin to widen to prepare for the birth of the baby. Following some steps might help you to run safety when you are carrying a baby within.

  • You have to be a bit easier as you are pregnant. Do not forget to warm yourself up and cool down properly, when needed. If that takes a bit more time, then dedicate that without fail. Your favorite mountain path might be where you prefer to run, but it would be safer to run in areas where you’ll be more unlikely to be injured.  Run in pairs every chance you get.
  • As already mentioned, avoid pushing yourself too hard.  You should be running in such a pace which is comfortable for you. If you do have a running partner, you should be able to carry on a basic conversation with them.  If you find yourself winded in your speech, you’re probably pushing yourself a little too hard.  Don’t hesitate to listen to your body’s limitations during pregnancy.
  • Do not fail to wear comfortable shoes. Uncomfortable shoes will not just prevent you from running smoothly, but can give rise to some dreadful accidents or foot and knee injuries no new mother needs! Make sure to wear proper shoes made specifically for running to avoid injuries, trips, and falls.  
  • Before, during and after running, always stay hydrated. This will prevent you from getting dehydrated, which is already a more likely prospect while pregnant. Always carry a bottle of water where it’s handy to grab a sip really quickly, even while continuing to run. If you find yourself beginning to cramp anywhere, stop, hydrate, rest, and move on again once you are refreshed.

Simple yet effective measures:

It just takes few simple steps to follow and enjoy proper running during pregnancy. However, if you are facing any complications or high-risks and your doctor advises you against this exercise, then it’s better to skip it completely.

 

 

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Dad’s Role In Mom’s Post-Pregnancy Life

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Being a new Dad comes with loads of responsibilities. You were happy when you first got the news that you were becoming a Dad, but when the child finally arrives, it is not uncommon for both parents to feel a bit overwhelmed. You may also feel an new element of protectiveness towards your child.  Suddenly, you feel all the more possessive towards your newborn baby and try to give him or her the best of everything. However, do not forget that you’re not just a new parent, you’re still a husband, partner, and lover. Try to remember that those nights where baby is up, feeling bad all night, and you both begin to get a little edgy. Let’s take a look at how Dad’s can help be the support system a new mother needs and a partner that is one that lasts for life.   

  • Make relationship a priority

There’s nothing wrong with that sudden rush of protectiveness over the new baby in your life, but in order to see your child grow up with loving parents, it is critical to remember to nourish your relationship as often and as fully as you do your new child.  A child can help spouses to come closer to one another, but some of the elements of parenthood can be rather stressful on all roles in the household. After giving birth, your wife needs more attention and love. So, spending more time with her after pregnancy is a must have to enrich the beauty of your relationship more. Sometimes, going out for dates at night can be a good option to keep that relationship warm and healthy.

  • Talk to one another

Post-pregnancy is another time of a woman’s life where she can feel some hormonal changes. That can make your wife and partner suddenly seem like a different person. Don’t leave unspoken stress and concerns between you or allow resentments to build.  It is always mandatory to communicate in healthy relationships and post-childbirth and with all of the hormonal changes she may be experiencing, now more than ever might be important to apply some extra empathy and sensitivity every chance you get! Making sure she knows she’s still the love of your life and your whole world can be extra important at this time.  

  • Divide the work

A child is not only your wife’s responsibility, but yours as well. So, you need to divide all the chores of taking care of baby with your partner as often as possible. She should not be the only one to change a diaper or get the baby to sleep.  If she appears overly tired or distressed, now might be a great time to take the baby for a soothing car ride or maybe off to get a nap with Daddy!

  • Ask about her health

The post-pregnancy period can be a bit of a perilous time hormonally, physically and emotionally.  Make sure your partner is making her post-birth check ups and that she is feeling even keeled emotionally. She might not want to add to your stress by sharing the reality of post-birth body issues, but you consistently asking about her health will let her know that she’s still incredibly important to you and that she can tell you anything, about her physical or emotional health, and that can be critically important at this time.

8 Baby Registry Mistakes Every Parent Should Keep In Mind

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It’s super exciting to hold your baby for the first time, especially after nine long months of waiting. It’s understandable that parents can get really excited and unknowingly make some registry mistakes. Let’s make sure that the baby registry doesn’t overwhelm you by going through some of the most common mistakes.  We’ll provide you with some significant tips and ideas that might help you to avoid falling for the 8 most common baby registry mistakes.

  • Avoid following the checklist

Do not feel obligated to strictly follow the checklists made for the baby registry format of any store you’ve chosen to use. As every family is unique with different financial and family planning needs, following a strict list might end up being less helpful and more a source of unneeded stress. Start early so you can take as much time as much as possible.

  • Avoid all the new items

Another mistake some parents make is insisting on buying everything new. While some hygienic items have to be new to put on your baby, it’s alright to grab a few sleepers or socks from the bargain bins or second hand shops.  

  • Never visit the store alone

Being a new mom can cause some serious nesting feelings! If you know that you’re in a particular nesting mood, bring a friendly shopping spotter to help you make the most reasonable purchases for your needs. Tagging along with another mom with experience can be incredibly helpful.

  • Don’t be afraid to ditch expensive trends for function and comfort

The ever changing baby fashion market can be impossible to keep up with. Not only can it present new families with unexpected financial issues, but some trends can also leave new parents exhausted or anxious.  Comfort for the baby and function for the parents is imperative . Don’t be afraid to go for the basics that make life easier for you, your baby, or your family.  If you ever feel uncomfortable with a trend, just consult your pediatrician.

  • Don’t register for a lot of Newborn gear

Babies in their earliest months of life grow faster than imagined. Clothes labeled “Newborn” will look absolutely wonderful and fitting on your newborn, but he or she will be out of the newborn size in a week or two. Focus more on those early months sizes for items you’ll need to get some real use out of.  

  • Spend more on hygiene and health

When it comes to your baby’s health, hygiene is not the place to cut back.  Do! buy the expensive diapers.  Do! go for the high-quality baby bottom rash cream that is a bit expensive but known to be effective. Your baby’s early months are when you’ll learn whether he or she may have any allergies or specific issues that may require special or specific treatment. Health and hygiene isn’t the place for bargains!

  • Register for multiple diaper sizes

As with the newborn sized clothes, those adorable, well-fitting tiny newborn diapers are absolutely the cutest things! And they will fit your average newborn baby for a week, maybe two, but then you’ll be moving up to the next size rather quickly.  You’ll average around 10 – 14 diapers a day, and you’ll want to keep the baby in the newborn sizes, for that nice little cut-out, until the umbilical cord falls off.  So try to keep those numbers in mind when stockpiling before baby is born.  

  • Add the OTC medicines

Medicine is always a necessary item for registry. This might not be a fanciful item to shop, but will definitely help you to stay prepared for years to come. Check with experienced parents and your baby’s pediatrician to find out what type of OTC medicines your baby may require in her or his early months.  

If you can follow these 8 simple tips, you can easily avoid registry mistakes for your newborn.

 

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Common Post-Pregnancy Issues a Majority Of Women Face

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Pregnancy can be the most wonderful experience for a woman. It is not just going to change her life, but that of the father and other family members. You are inviting a new life in this world after dealing with the pain and discomfort for nine long months. So, it’s very important to remember that during pregnancy, a woman will go through some serious physical and sometimes emotional changes. Some women may experience an enjoyable, issue free pregnancy, but still suffer from post-pregnancy issues. The time just after the birth of your baby can already be stressful enough.  Let’s take the time to learn more about the post-pregnancy issues a majority of women will face so you’ll know what to expect.

Post-Pregnancy Issues

Physical recovery is going to take some time post-delivery. It can be even more painful and take a lot longer to recover if you had to go through C-section. When it comes to vaginal delivery, you won’t have to take pain medication, but you will still need to maintain the best self care you can so that you have plenty of energy to take care of your newborn baby.  Let’s learn a bit more about the post-pregnancy issues now:

  • Breast Engorgement:  Whether you have decided to breastfeed or bottle feed your baby, you will still have to deal with the initial engorgement, sometimes also known as ‘your milk coming in’. With or without breastfeeding, your breasts will become full and incredibly sore within the first week of giving birth.  Most women deal with this by using safe pain relievers, or hot and cold compress methods but always consult with your physician on important physical health matters.     
  • Hair loss:  Pregnancy can do a real number on the hair.  During pregnancy women will often have luxurious, glowing, wonderfully healthy looking hair that grows fast, but post-pregnancy, just as many women find themselves shedding more hair than usual.  This shouldn’t be cause for alarm unless a bare spot begins to form.  It would be important to get to a doctor for that since it could be from a vitamin deficiency, especially common in women who are breastfeeding. This hair shedding commonly last around six months.
  • Vaginal bleeding:  You will bleed vaginally post-pregnancy, even if you deliver by C-section. For most women, you can expect to bleed for a period of 2 to 4 weeks, but it isn’t rare to bleed vaginally up to six weeks post-pregnancy.  What is important to watch out for is the rate of flow.  By the end of the two week period, the flow should be seriously diminished from what it was just post-birth.  If you’re still bleeding heavily at that time, contact your medical professional.
  • Discoloration of skin: Many women have skin discoloration during and after pregnancy. This discoloration can come from everything from stretch marks and strained skin to actual melanin changes in the skin during the hormonal period of pregnancy. One of the issues relating to melanin and fluctuating hormones is known as the linea nigral. That is where a line from below the navel all the way to the pelvis can grow fine, dark hairs as well as the melanin itself darkening under those fine hairs.  The unusual nature of linea nigra is that for some women, it will disappear post pregnancy.  The fine hairs will drop off and you’ll never know it was there.  For others, it may be there for life.  Women with darker shades of hair are more likely to experience this type of skin discoloration from pregnancy.  

There are solutions available for all these problems, and a trained gynecologist will be able to help you with that. So, if you are suffering from any of these issues, you know who to call for help.

 

Sources:

One Look at the Husband’s Role During The Time Of Post Pregnancy

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Well, yes, women undergo some serious hormonal and bodily changes during pregnancy. But, fathers are not completely excluded. They might not feel physical changes, but mentally, there is some serious turmoil taking place. When you first hold a baby in your hand, the feeling of fatherhood awakens within your mind; giving a completely new feeling. After all the drama and waiting, your child is finally here. Mothers, however, need some extra care, and that’s when fathers come in.

  • Making doctor’s appointments:

Post pregnancy sometimes come with loads of issues, which a woman cannot handle alone. She needs the doctor’s help. However, they are so involved with the baby that they can’t make phone calls or book an appointment online. That’s when husbands can help. They can make the booking for their significant others, and take them to doctor as well, when the time comes.

  • Taking care of child sometimes:

Even though a child needs mother the most, that does not mean a father can’t do anything. Giving birth to a child is a quite painful and tedious job. Afterwords, a woman is always tired and feeling sleepy. Unfortunately, due to breastfeeding, from time to time and taking care of child, she doesn’t get that rest. After feeding the baby, let her take some rest. Fathers need to step in and take care of baby.

  • Letting the mom sleep at night:

Most have a tendency to sleep in the morning and stay awake at night. Little ones are always in need of attention. During the day, new moms are always on their feet taking care of the baby. So, during night time, they might want to get some sleep. A husband can volunteer to take care of the babies during night and let the woman take some rest.

  • Be by her side:

Always staying by her side is the best moral support you can present your wife with. Helping her all the time will not just let you come closer to your partner but will help you to create an extra special bond with your child. It is mandatory to know more about the ways you can support and help your wife, from first till last.

Ref links:

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/men/how-you-can-help-mum-after-your-babys-birth/

http://www.medic8.com/healthguide/pregnancy-birth/mother-baby/the-father-s-role.html