First trimester Content

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Foods to avoid during pregnancy

You're eating not only for yourself but also for the baby. When you're pregnant, you should always stay alert and avoid all items that could potentially make you sick or badly affect your baby's health condition.Why should you avoid certain foods during pregnancy?Some foods are a shelter of bacteria like E.coli.🦠 Meanwhile, pregnancy also diminishes your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to all ailments like flu or common cold.🥶 You are more likely to get sick or suffer from complications such as miscarriage or premature delivery if you have foodborne illness.😟 The disease which crosses the placenta will harmfully affect your baby, developing severe birth defects or serious infections.😔 Foods to avoid during pregnancy🐟High mercury fishFish is loaded with brain-boosting nutrients and omega-3.🐟 However, some fish contain a dangerous level of mercury that is detrimental to your baby's developing nervous system.🧠 The bigger and older the fish, the more mercury it carries. Avoid shark🦈, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and bigeye tuna. Limit white albacore to 6 ounces a week. Fish such as salmone, anchovies, cod, catfish, shrimp, trout, or sardines can be eaten up to 8 to 12 ounces per week. 🥩Raw, undercooked foodRefrain from blood-red meat🥩 because they can harbor bacteria causing food poisoning such as E.coli or Salmonella. Uncooked fish in sashimi🍣, raw oysters should also be off-limits because the danger of ingesting bacteria or parasites is too high. Dishes having undercooked eggs🥚 are so prevalent such as soft scrambled eggs, homemade mousse, raw batter or cookie dough, mayonnaise. Pregnant moms🤰 who consume these rampant raw and undercooked eggs are prone to Salmonella infection.☕Too much caffeineCaffeine wakes you up when you're tired. However, too much caffeine can interfere with the ability to absorb iron, leading to anemia.☕ It is time to switch to decaf ones. You should consume no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day. Any caffeine sources such as chocolate🍫, black or green tea, energy bars and coffee-flavored desserts, ice cream🍨, yogurts should also be controllably devoured to ensure the 200 milligram limit. 🥛Unpasteurized dairy and juicesDairies such as skim milk🥛 and cheese🧀 can be a healthy part of your pregnancy diet. However, anything containing unpasteurized milk is a big no-no since they might have Listeria and other pathogens. Check your products' label before making a purchase.🐄 🍷AlcoholAlcohol is extremely harmful to your health during pregnancy so avoid it at all cost.🍷 The concentration of alcohol that goes into your bloodstream is also the same as that enters your baby, resulting in fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause facial deformities and intellectual disability.☠️ Toast happy events with healthy fruity juices! If you're concerned about alcohol that you drank before you knew you were pregnant, please consult your worries with doctors.👩‍⚕️

Best food to eat during pregnancy

Are you worried that you're not hitting the healthy pregnancy diet mark? Don't worry, you can always look up to this information and prepare all vitamins and minerals that both you and your baby need.Essential nutrients for you and your baby💊Folic acidGetting at least 600 micrograms per day during pregnancy is important. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects, serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord.🧠💊IronIron plays an important role in hemoglobin formation🩸, a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to your tissues. Your body needs iron to make more blood to supply oxygen for the baby.👶💊CalciumCalcium makes bones and teeth strong.🦷 It also helps your circulatory, muscular and nervous systems function normally.🧠 You should aim for 1000 milligrams a day.💊Vitamin DVitamin D assists calcium to do its job and your immune system to stay healthy. You should take 600 IU a day.😃💊DHAAn omega-3- fatty acid called DHA is vital in your baby's brain and retinal👁️ development. It helps absorb fat soluble vitamins and reduce symptoms associated with prenatal depression. You need 200-300 milligrams per day.👁️💊IodineIodine, available in salt, promotes your baby's brain and nervous system development.👁️ You should get 290 micrograms per day.🧂Examples of recommended pregnancy diet🥩Lean meatHigh protein lean meat🥩 provides you energy throughout the day and stabilizes your blood sugar. In addition to being protein-packed, it's also rich in iron, developing red blood🩸 cell supply for both you and your baby.🥜LentilsLentils are a great alternative source of protein that deserves a good place on your plate.🥜 Not only are they rich in vitamin B folate, they are also high in fiber which protects your digestive system and prevents pregnancy-related constipation.🚽 🐟SalmonFatty fish are one of the best foods to eat during pregnancy.🐟 Since your body cannot produce omega-3, salmon are packed with DHA omega-3s and iodine, making it a safe seafood choice for pregnancy.🤰🥑AvocadoThis creamy green fruit has a high amount of folate, along with vitamin B6 which also alleviates morning sickness. It's a healthy source of monounsaturated fats so your body can absorb vitamins in veggies and fruits better.🥑 🥬KaleKale is a potent pregnancy, all in one package of food.🥬 It serves lots of nutrients that you need, including folate, iron, vitamin C, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K and fiber.😄

Morning sickness and nausea during pregnancy

Congratulations! Finally you're sailing along on your pregnancy adventure. Are you feeling any seasickness along the way? That's probably because you are experiencing morning sickness which definitely does not occur in just mornings. Morning sickness🤢What is morning sickness?It describes the nausea and vomiting that happen when you are pregnant.🤰 Depending on how sensitive you are to smells and odors, you may have strong aversions to certain smells or foods that are so powerful that you feel sick to your stomach.👃Morning sickness does not necessarily mean it only happens in the morning. In fact, you can suffer the symptoms any time of the day or night.☀️🌃🤢When does morning sickness start?It typically starts around week 6 until the middle of month 2. It is truly the first sign you'll notice after your hCG hormone levels overcome the threshold to produce a positive pregnancy test result.🤰 🤢How long does morning sickness last? Nausea and vomiting diminish between weeks 12 and 16, but they are at their peaks form weeks 10 to 16. It is possible that you continue experiencing these symptoms when you enter the second trimester or even throughout pregnancy.🤮 Morning sickness causes🤢Hormone levelshCG hormone level is at its peak when morning sickness is worst. Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone relax the muscles of the digestive tract and make it difficult for you to digest food.📈🤢A sensitive brainIf you are already hypersensitive to car sick🚗 or seasick🌊 compared to others, you are subjected to morning sickness. A family history of migraine also makes you prone to morning sickness. 🤢StressEmotional stress such as anger😠, depression😫 can upset the gastrointestinal tract. No wonder when you're under stress, you experience morning sickness more often.🤢FatigueIf you have morning sickness, fatigue can make the nausea worse. On the other hand, morning sickness can increase fatigue.🥴🤢First time pregnancyIf this is the first time you're pregnant, the symptoms might appear more severely and decrease when you're pregnant again.🙋 Your body is less prepared for the sudden surge of hormone levels, making you feel more anxious and resulting in stomach upset. Morning sickness remedies🤢Stay away from offensive smellsBecause your sense of smells is so keen, some scents may be offensive and sickening despite them being familiar. Stay away from smells that make you feel nauseous. Open windows so the air inside your room can be well ventilated.🍲🤢Wear Sea-Band wristlets They are clinically proven to be effective to protect you from severe morning sickness. These 1-inch-wide bands are anti nausea acupressure wristbands that put pressure on an acupressure point and naturally relieve the symptoms.😃🤢Rest wellMeditation, visualization or any methods that help you stay calm can help minimize queasiness. Relax your body and take it easy since rushing only makes your pregnancy experiences worse.😶‍🌫️😌

Early pregnancy symptoms

Have you been actively trying to conceive? Because very early signs of pregnancy symptoms are similar to premenstrual syndrome, the most accurate way to know that you have a baby on board is to take pregnancy tests. However, these symptoms can still provide credible clues.Early signs of pregnancy before a missed period🤰Basal body temperatureAn elevated basal body temperature🌡️ by 1 degree when you check your first morning temperature can be a good indicator of the big news. The temperature may rise and stay the same during pregnancy, but it's not likely to be a huge increase.😃 🤰Smell sensitivitySmells of your favorite food or previously mild odors👃 that once made you pleasant become unappealing and distasteful. You might want to throw up immediately if the situation is severe.🤮 This is a very common symptom of pregnancy indicating good news.🤰Breast changesTender, swollen breasts followed up with darkening and bumpy areolas🧐 are signs of breast changes that make you feel itchy and be in pain. Tiny bumps growing in size and quantity appearing on your areolas are preparing to produce oils that lubricate your nipples. 🤰FatigueSince all of your energy goes into building a placenta at the early stage of pregnancy, you tend to get hungry more easily. Pregnancy fatigue occurs shortly after you conceive.🥘Other signs of pregnancy including missed periods 🤰 Missed periodsIf you have regular periods🩸, this can be a good sign that all expectant moms experience. Missed periods are very common when you suspect pregnancy.😃🤰Implantation bleedingLight spotting or implantation bleeding can be an early pregnancy signal that an embryo has deposited itself into the uterine wall. Unlike the usual red color of periods🩸, implantation bleeding is usually medium pink or light brown, lasting for a few hours to a few days in discontinuity.📅🤰Changes in cervical mucusIf your cervical mucus becomes creamy and remains the same after ovulation, it's likely that you'll have a positive pregnancy test result.😃 Increased amount of thin, milky-white vaginal discharge post ovulation is normal and healthy. If it gets thicker and lumpy, you need to have a checkup with your practitioner or doctors.👩‍⚕️ 🤰Incessant urinationAfter conception for two or three weeks, you constantly want to pee.🚽 Due to the hormone hCG, your kidney receives more blood, aiding the solid and liquid waste disposal process from the body. Your growing uterus is putting more pressure on your bladder, leaving less space for urine and increasing the need to pee.🚻 🤰Mood swingsBlame your hormonal changes all you want for the sudden mood swings you may be experiencing.😃🥴☹️ Your life is going through a major change, so it's completely normal for your moods to fluctuate.

Miscarriage rates by week

The experience of miscarriage is physically and mentally painful that no words can describe. Miscarriage often occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy when the fetus isn't heathily developing and happens less often after that. Miscarriage🤰What is a miscarriage?Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of pregnancy before the 20th week.🤰 It typically happens during the first three months of the first trimester.📅 Miscarriage can take place for a variety of medical reasons, some of them are unpredictable and out of control. It is very common but that doesn't make the entire experience easier.😭🤰Miscarriage signsDepending on your stage of pregnancy and health condition, the symptoms may vary. Sometimes it happens so fast that you can't detect the signals.😥 Some of the symptoms of a miscarriage are heavy spotting, vaginal bleeding🩸, discharge of tissue or fluid from your vagina, severe abdominal pain, or back pain. If you experience any of these, please call your doctor immediately as soon as possible to prevent miscarriage.👩‍⚕️ Miscarriage causes🤰Chromosome problemsChromosomes are blocks of DNA.🧬 They are the keys to control a wide range of factors, from the baby's hair color to the baby's formation.👶 Any problems happening during cell division or at the point of conception, leading to the fetus receiving repeated or not enough chromosomes can result in miscarriage.😥 The exact cause of chromosomal abnormalities is unknown. The phenomenon is known to occur more frequently in women at advanced maternal age, or greater than 35 years old.👩👵 🤰Maternal health conditions Uterus or cervix infections can be detrimental to a developing baby. If the uterus cavity has any defects, it can't support a healthy pregnancy.🤰 Underlying health conditions and bad lifestyle habits also impair successful pregnancy rate. Malnutrition, drug abuse, hormone issues, or obesity, for instance, can all interfere with fetus development.😟Miscarriage rate by week 🤰Week 0 to 6These early weeks have the highest potential of miscarriage. You can experience it without realizing you're pregnant.😟 The later you conceive your baby, the more dangerous the risks are. 🤰Week 6 to 12When your baby makes it to 6 weeks and has confirmed viability with a heartbeat, the rate of miscarriage drops to 10 percent. The miscarriage rate decreases as the gestinational age increases.😃🤰Week 13 to 20By week 12, the risk of miscarriage drops to 5 percents. However, you shouldn't be ignorant as complications can arise at any point.⚠️

👉 First trimester content list

Pica disorder during pregnancy

Pregnancy cravings are part of your pregnancy. It's normal for you to desire strange combinations of food in the middle of the night. However, if you crave nonfood items, you may have a disorder.Pica disorder⚠️What is pica disorder?Pica is used to describe an intense craving for nonfood items such as soil, chalk, dirt.🌭 Pica disorder is more prevalent among children but can occur sometimes to pregnant women.🤰⚠️Causes of pica disorderA clear reason is unknown🤔, however, pica has been linked with iron deficiency. Anemia, for example, which is often associated with cravings for ice, can be the underlying cause of pica.🩸 Low nutrients levels in other vitamins or minerals can result in these unusual cravings. Having mental health conditions may lead to pica as a coping mechanism.😟 Pica treatments⚠️Negative effects of picaDepending what you crave, pica might interfere with your body's ability to absorb other necessary nutrients and affect your baby with lethal and toxic substances.😟 Hence, the baby is prone to more serious problems such as growth restriction, learning disorders or behavior problems in the future.👶⚠️Pica treatments There are no tests for pica yet. Your unusual cravings can be a sign that your body is trying to replenish nutrients.😔 When you discuss your symptoms with your doctor, you will be given nutrient deficiencies treatment first to prevent further cravings if the healthcare provider detects any abnormalities in your diet. Sometimes, behavioral therapy or distractive techniques are prescribed if necessary.👩‍⚕️

Double marker test

Why should I take the test?💡A double marker test is not a definitive test. Instead, it's classified as a predictive test because it can determine any chromosomal malformation in the fetus. Although the screening is not mandatory, it is highly recommended if you are over the age of 35 or you have a family history of certain conditions. The result of the test only tells you there is a heightened risk of trisomies but it doesn't specify any abnormalities. Chromosomal abnormalities can result in serious developmental deformities and health complications such as Down's syndrome or Edward's syndrome. Knowing possible abnormalities can help you manage your pregnancy and prepare for the potential that you will have a child that needs special care.How is the test done?💉 There is a relatively slim time window to conduct a double marker test. Generally the procedure is performed sometimes between the gestational age of 11 and 14 weeks.The test is done with an ultrasound test and a blood sample, screening for blood levels of both free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta - hCG) and pregnancy - associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A). It does not require any preparations. The doctor will contact you near the end of your first trimester or very early in the second trimester. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: Trisomy - chromosomal abnormalityA trisomy is a chromosomal condition in which there are three chromosomes instead of the usual pair of chromosomes. One of the most common trisomy, trisomy 21, or Down's syndrome occurs when the baby has three #21 chromosomes.Other trisomies that signify fatal genetic birth disorders are trisomy 18 and trisomy 13. Trisomy 18 is often related to Edward's syndrome. Trisomy 13 can result in Patau's syndrome. Standard results for the double marker testWhen you receive your result, you can see screen positive, high risk and screen negative. Screen negative is considered a normal result, meaning your baby will not be likely to have chromosomal abnormalities. On the other hand, screen positive means your baby has a high potential of chromosomal abnormalities.If your result is in the normal range, you will be recommended to do further testing if the doctor thinks it's necessary after considering other indicators such as family medical history or age.Positive results for the double marker testThe results of the test allows you to make important decisions about further testing, medical treatment, mental preparation and the overall management of your pregnancy and delivery. If your screening comes back with a screen positive result, you can go over the result with a genetic counselor. You can also choose to confirm the result again with more invasive tests, such as noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), amniocentesis, or chorionic villous sampling.

Screening for Down syndrome

Why should I take the test?💡 Down syndrome is a condition in which the baby has an extra copy of the 21st chromosome, becoming trisomy 21. This causes abnormal appearance, dysfunctioning, intellectual disability and other developmental challenges. You are offered a screening test to see if the baby is at risk of having genetic mutations that can develop into Down syndrome or other conditions. You will be provided all information and support you need to make the right decision for you and your family.How is the test done?💉 There are two types of prenatal tests for Down syndrome.Screening tests: The test can identify your risk of carrying a baby having Down syndrome but it cannot ensure or pinpoint exactly whether the baby has Down syndrome. Diagnostic tests: These are very accurate giving you the definite answer. They are often offered to moms whose babies are at greater chances of having Down syndrome. Since the tests can increase miscarriage risks, they aren't often offered to all moms unless they are necessary. You can choose to carry out only screening tests but not diagnostic tests.TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: There are 3 types of screening test for Down syndrome: the combined first trimester screening (9-13 weeks), the non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) (after 10 weeks), and the second trimester maternal serum screening.During the first trimester, screening tests that are often carried out are the combined first trimester screening and NIPT.Combined first trimester screeningBlood test: done between 9 and 12 weeks into the pregnancy. It measures the level of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Abnormality detected in these two hormones suggest there is a problem with the baby's chromosome.Nuchal translucency test: measures the thickness of fluid behind the baby's neck. If the baby has chromosome abnormalities, the area on the back of your baby's neck becomes thicker because more fluids collect in this tissue. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)NIPT is a screening test available from 9-10 weeks gestation. A genetic material from the placenta that can be found in your bloodstream is collected and analyzed by a blood test. This test is usually done in private clinics and suitable for moms who have babies at high risk of Down syndrome. Diagnostic testsDiagnostic tests are the only way of knowing for sure of the diagnosis that your baby actually has Down syndrome. Since they are invasive and increase the risks of miscarriage, they are only offered to moms at greater risk, or moms having genetic mutations or a history of genetic disorders before.Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): done between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. Guided by ultrasound, a needle is inserted through your abdomen to collect a sample from the placenta. The procedure is considered quite safe and not painful as the risk of miscarriage is less than 1 in 100.Amniocentesis: done between 15 and 18 weeks of pregnancy. Guided by ultrasound, a needle is inserted through your abdomen to collect a sample of amniotic fluid. The sample is then used to analyze the baby's chromosome. The procedure is also considered safe, carrying low risk of miscarrriage.

Food cravings and aversions during pregnancy

Pregnancy cravings and aversions are common symptoms during the first trimester. Don't worry, you're not alone on this journey.Food aversionsFood aversion🍲🤮 is the sudden hatred towards a certain dish due to unpleasant smells or texture, even when it is used to be your favorite snack.😢 The most common food aversions include eggs, onions, fish and other seafood, meat, dairy products. It is often associated with morning sickness and nausea.Food cravingsOn the contrary, food craving🍲😝 is a sudden urge for a type of dish that you just can't get enough of. The most common pregnancy cravings include fruit🥝, vegetables, carbs, salty snacks, ice cream and chocolate. It usually emerges at the end of the first trimester. Causes of food aversions and cravings🍲HormonesA flood of pregnancy hormones is the culprit for most of these experiences.😃 If you have strong cravings for sweet food before your period, you're likely to feel the same urges during this time.😃 🍲Eccentric sensesYour taste receptors are hypersensitive and somewhat dull. Even a slight smell of tomato paste can make you feel nauseous and walk away.🥴 Sometimes, you know that your body needs vitamins but these days, it translates into a craving for ice cream with lots of Oreos sprinkles.😋 🍲A need for comfort foodYou may crave special dishes when you feel nostalgic of your past. As long as your comfort food is on the healthy list, it's fine to indulge.😋 Solutions when having food aversions and cravings🍲Try to hold yourself togetherDon't spoil yourself with pregnancy cravings that do nothing for you nutritionally.⚠️ Eat tiny bits of them to make you feel better, but avoid the whole unhealthy bar of chocolate🍫, for example.🍲Give inIt's totally fine to indulge in nutritious food and healthily gain weight.💪 If they are good for the baby, they are approved. If food aversions are severe and limit your list of intake, look for other substitutes among healthy options and try them little by little.😃 🍲Get movingTake a walk🏃‍♀️ and do something else to distract you from unhealthy cravings when they get serious. Reading a book📘 or chatting with other people can also help take your mind off.

Pregnancy weight gain BMI

Why should I take the test?💡 Now that you're pregnant, you're consuming food not just for you but also for your baby. The amount of weight you gain during pregnancy is important for the health of your pregnancy and the long-term health of you and your baby. To tailor the best pregnancy for you and your little one, you should consider how much weight you should gain based on your body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy. BMI is a measurement of body fat that uses your height and weight to determine if your weight is in the healthy range. How is the test done?💉 Jump on the scale. Know your height. You can use a BMI calculator or plug numbers in the following BMI formula calculations.Metric units: BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m)US units: BMI = weight (lb) / height² (in) * 703TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: There's no one-size-fit-all definition of weight gain for all pregnant moms. BMI assists you along the journey of healthy weight gain during pregnancy.General guidelines for pregnancy weight gain if you carry one baby BMI before pregnancy weightRecommended weight gainUnderweight (BMI<18.5)28-40 pounds (13-18kg)Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9)25-35 pounds (11-16kg)Overweight (BMI 25-29.9)15-25 pounds (7-11kg)Obese (BMI>30)11-20 pounds (5-9kg) General guidelines for pregnancy weight gain if you carry twins BMI before pregnancy weightRecommended weight gainUnderweight (BMI<18.5)50-62 pounds (23-28kg)Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9)37-54 pounds (17-25kg)Overweight (BMI 25-29.9)31-50 pounds (14-23kg)Obese (BMI>30)25-42 pounds (11-19kg) If I'm overweight…Overweight leads to various complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and other high blood pressure disorders of pregnancy. Gaining too much weight than the recommended weight also leads to a delivery of a baby that is too large. Therefore, a balance between nutrition and physical activity is critical to maintain your weight in the healthy range. If I'm underweight…It's essential to gain a reasonable amount of weight gain to keep your baby and you healthy. Gaining less than the recommended weight is associated with delivering a baby that is too small or prematurely born. Hence, the baby is vulnerable to illness and may experience some development delays.

Excess saliva during pregnancy

Don't worry too much. Excess saliva during pregnancy is normal to have when you're pregnant and it won't badly affect your baby. But it can affect the quality of your life depending how much saliva you have. Causes of excess saliva👄Excessive salivationUsually your salivary glands produce about 1 ½ quarts of saliva a day but it's not evident since you constantly swallow unconsciously.😃 However, if you suddenly notice you have a lot more saliva in your mouth, you are producing more or swallowing less, either of these two cases.🙂👄NauseaDuring the first few months, you're likely to experience morning sickness and nausea.🤢 Sometimes, when you're nauseated, you produce more saliva than usual so you need to spit some out. When to expect excess saliva 👄Hormonal changesThe real reason why you have excessive saliva in early pregnancy is unknown.🤷 Hormonal changes during pregnancy might be one of the contributing factors.🙂 👄NauseaFeeling nauseous makes you swallow less, leading to saliva build up in your mouth. If you experience a severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum, immense saliva production is much more common.🤢 👄HeartburnHeartburn causes irritation to the esophagus, stimulating your salivary glands to neutralize the tsunami acid in your stomach by producing more saliva.🤢 This phenomenon is also common when you vomit.🤮👄IrritantsCertain irritants such as smoke, oral infections, tooth decay🦷, or exposure to toxins can make you produce an excessive amount of saliva. Consult with doctors for these medical conditions.👩‍⚕️

Mood swings during pregnancy

You are angry because of stress and fatigue. The next moment you feel anxious and worried about becoming a parent. All these roller coaster of emotions you're having are called mood swings during pregnancy.Mood swings🥴What are mood swings?If you've ever oscillated between sadness☹️ and happiness🤗, joy and utter despair, you are having mood swings during pregnancy. It's a wild ride of emotions that is unpredictable and chaotic.🥴 🥴Causes of pregnancy mood swingsPregnancy can be stressful and overwhelming due to surges of hormones🤰, fatigue and morning sickness, sleep deprivation, anxiety and stress. One day you are excited at the thought of having a baby.👶 The next day you immediately fall into lugubrious low wondering whether the baby will be healthy, you'll be a good mom. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!🙆‍♀️How to manage pregnancy mood swings🥴Take it easyPut yourself, your health and your emotions at the top of the to-do list.👩 Pampering yourself is one of the most important parts of taking care of the baby. You have to be happy first in order to give birth to a healthy and happy baby.😃🥴Share with your partnerExpressing how you feel, communicating with each other👨‍👧 often, and reassuring yourself that you're more than enough will certainly boost your confidence and mental strength. You can always be there for one another after the baby comes.😃 ❤️🥴Do something that makes you feel goodHave some 'me' time. Taking time alone to do something just for you makes you feel relaxed and calms you down.😃 It can be taking a nap, going for a walk🚶, watching movies with your best friend, a pampering night with massages💆. Do anything that makes you happy.🥴Manage your stressDon't let your frustration bottle up, find ways to resolve it. Figure out why you're stressed and talk it out with friends and families.👨‍👧 If you still find that anxiety is creeping in, try taking yoga classes, practicing meditation or consulting with your therapist.👩‍⚕️

Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)

Are you experiencing pelvic pain? It could be symphysis pubis dysfunction!Symphysis pubis dysfunction😞What is SPD?Symphysis pubis dysfunction happens when ligaments sitting centered between your pubic bones relax and become more flexible.😃 When these ligaments become too relaxed, the pelvic joint is unstable, causing strange sensations and pain.😣😞Causes of SPDThe hormone relaxin is the culprit to blame. This hormone relaxes your ligaments and makes them stretchy so that your baby can come out more easily.👶 However, if the ligaments stretch too far, movement in the pelvic joint results in pain.😣 SPD treatment during pregnancy😞Avoid triggers as much as you canYou should avoid heavy lifting and pushing.🏋️ Sit down to do most of your basic needs.🪑😞Apply a heating pad or ice pack to the pubic boneIf you use a heating pad, don't leave it on for longer than 10 minutes at a time since the baby's temperature will be consequently increased.🥵 You can also use an ice pack to ease the pain.🧊😞Wear a pelvic support beltYou can use them to support your pelvic bones back to place. They are readily available online or in drugstores.😃😞Do your Kegels and pelvic tiltsRegular practice will help you ease the pain while putting pelvic bones back to their positions. It can also help you strengthen your muscles but don't overdo it.🏃‍♀️😞Pain reliefIf the pain is serious, you can ask your doctors about pain relievers. You may also need therapy if necessary.👩‍⚕️

Smell sensitivity

Can you tell what's on the menu today? Does the slightest smell of food from the kitchen already turn your stomach the moment you just walk in? You're extremely sensitive to smells and odors, even the ones that used to make you feel pleasant, Mom.Smell sensitivity😷What is sensitivity?Smell sensitivity, also called hyperosmia, is a heightened or hypersensitive sense of smell👃 that pregnant Moms often experience at the early stage of pregnancy especially during the first trimester.😷 Previously mild odors or pleasant smells now become unappealing, distasteful and trigger vomiting.😷What causes smell sensitivity?You can blame pregnancy hormones. Increased levels of estrogens make scents stronger and more conspicuous like an assault on your nose. Soon you will feel better as pregnancy progresses.😃 What can you do to alleviate the symptoms?😷Eat smart You should cook and eat only foods that you can stand the smells of.🍲 Even your favorite food can become your enemy so choose your menu wisely and avoid all scents that make you feel dizzy.🥴😷Freshen upVentilate your room often😮‍💨. Leave windows open whenever possible to get rid of all unpleasant smells👃 or musty odors.😷Take care of your noseSaline washes💧 and sprays can help keep your nasal passage clean and healthy👃. You can also wash off all the dust to make you breathe more easily.😷Sniff the good stuffsTry to surround yourself with pleasant and soothing smells such as lavender, mint, lemon, cinnamon.😃 They are more likely to make your nausea go away than make it worse.😷Ditch deodorants or fragrancesSwitch to unscented or lightly scented deodorants, toiletries and cleaning products to diminish any chemical odors in the house.🙆‍♀️ You might be a fan of perfumes and cologne but they can be too strong for you now. Go easy on your perfumes and colognes because they can upset your nose if you smell them for a long time.😉

Itching during pregnancy

Do you feel your belly and breasts are growing to accommodate your baby's growth? Itching in pregnancy is common and inevitable. Don't worry, we got you covered. Causes of itching during pregnancy🥴Skin stretchesAs your baby is growing bigger and bigger, your skin stretches when your breasts and belly are growing in size. Itchy nipples are also common during pregnancy.🤰🥴Dry skin and hormonal changesDuring winter, if your skin is not moisturized enough, you can feel extra itchy and uncomfortable. Dry heat from the heating system can also lower moisture in the air and exacerbate itching.☀️🥵🥴Itchy skin conditionsSome skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can improve better and worse depending on each individual case.😃 If you experience severe itching on your palms or the soles on your feet, you should reach out to doctors since these symptoms may require medical care.👩‍⚕️Ways to prevent itching during pregnancy🥴Lukewarm showers or bathsHot water🚿 can make your skin like a desert and itching worse. It's best to use mild, fragrance-free soap🧼 and rinse it off well with lukewarm water. Then towel yourself to dry.🥴Stay as cool as possibleTry to avoid being outside for a long time bearing the heat of the day. Heating either from the sun☀️ or the heating system🥵 in winter can make itching worse.🥴Wear comfy clothesCotton and comfy clothes👚 are your best options to keep yourself cool. They don't get in contact with your skin much so it will be less irritated.🥴MoisturizeBody lotion🧴, hand cream or any kind of moisturizer are your best friends now. After taking shower, apply a thin layer of cream and let it absorb. You'll notice how soft your skin is.😃 🥴Lower your stressStress and anxiety during pregnancy☹️ may seem unrelated but actually can worsen itching. Stay positive and maintain a healthy mental state of mind.😃 Ways to relieve itchy skin during pregnancy🥴Apply coldPut an ice pack or wet compress on itchy areas for a few minutes until the itchy fades.🧊 Then apply moisturizing cream on that area.🥴MoisturizeSince lack of moisturize is the main culprit, lotions and creams that are fragrance free are the best remedy. Pure the cream on itchy areas and observe the magic.🧴 🥴Occasional warm oatmeal bathOatmeal baths are available in drugstores and online.🛀 Colloidal oatmeal binds to your skin, locks moisture and provides a protective barrier.🥴Apply medicines before moisturizingConsult with your healthcare provider about anti-itch medications if you feel extremely itchy. While most of these medicines are safe for pregnant women, it's best to review them and apply as instructed.👩‍⚕️

First trimester Content | Baby Billy