third trimester Content | Baby Billy

Late pregnancy warning signs (part 2)

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)🤰SymptomsWhen you deliver your baby👶, membranes rupture, the amniotic sac🌊 that surrounds your baby breaks and flows out. While rupture of membrane is a normal phenomenon during labor, if it happens too early, it can cause serious complications for the fetus.🤰TreatmentWhen PROM occurs at 34 weeks or more and the amniotic fluid shows that the lungs of your baby have matured enough, doctors may recommend you to deliver the baby👶 because possible signs of infection can lead to more serious complications.🩺 The risks associated with prematurity diminishes significantly as the fetus is reaching the due date. When your baby comes out early, your little one will be intensively taken care of by nursery services and stay healthy.😃 Problems with placenta🤰Placenta previaIf you have placenta previa, you will notice bright red, profuse, and painless vaginal bleeding.🩸 It often occurs after the 28th week of pregnancy and is detected by ultrasound.🩺 Since the placenta abnormally comes out first and blocks the opening to the cervix, the doctor usually suggests cesarean delivery.👩‍⚕️ If labor is unstoppable and the baby is in distress, you and your baby are in life-threatening hemorrhage, immediate cesarean delivery is conducted despite the fetus' age.⚠️ If the bleeding is under control and the labor can be postponed, the doctor👩‍⚕️ will try to prolong your pregnancy days to let your baby have more time to fully develop. 🤰Placental abruptionThis is a rare condition in which the placenta detaches from the uterus prior to labor. It can result in fetal death and cause serious bleeding🩸 and shock in the mother. Sometimes placental abruption doesn't always show harbingers, but some moms experience heavy bleeding and strong contractions.👩 The doctor can evaluate your symptoms and the baby's heartbeat💓 to determine fetal distress and rapidly conduct cesarean delivery if necessary.Post-term pregnancy🤰Post-term pregnancyAny pregnancy lasting longer than 42 weeks is considered post-term or post-date pregnancy. Although it's not dangerous to the mother, it can cause some problems to the baby.👶Since the placenta is designed to effectively function in 40 weeks, starting from week 41, the placenta is less likely to work well.🙁 Decreased amniotic fluid around the fetus, decreased oxygen supply to the fetus, compression of the umbilical cord are reflected on the fetal heart monitor in a pattern called late decelerations. Fetal death can be one of the possible outcomes when the pregnancy is post-term.😢 🤰Meconium aspiration syndromeMeconium is your newborn's first poop.🚻 Most fetuses that have this first bowel movement inside the uterus have no problems. However, if your stressed fetus inhales the meconium, your baby may have trouble breathing because the meconium is stuck in the lungs.😮‍💨 Doctors will have to clear the airways as much as possible for your baby to breathe. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)🤰SymptomsIUGR refers to abnormal growth when your baby in the womb👶 does not grow as much as expected to a certain age. There are two main types of IUGR. Symmetrical IUGR indicates that all parts of the baby's body are similarly small in size, while asymmetrical IUGR means the baby's head and brain are normal-sized but the body is smaller. 🤰TreatmentUltrasound🩺 is done over and over again to determine whether the fetus is small for gestational age. IUGR babies tend to have less body fat and be less able to tolerate stress of labor and maintain body temperature and body glucose after birth. If your baby stops growing in the womb, the doctor may recommend induction or cesarean delivery. Luckily, most growth-restricted babies will catch up their growth by two years old and develop healthily afterwards.😃 

Steroids given during preterm labor

If you wonder whether you should take steroids during preterm labor, the answer is yes! You can talk to your doctor to get more information about steroids and its dose.What is preterm labor?Preterm labor occurs when regular contractions start kicking in after week 20 and before week 37 of pregnancy.🤰 Preterm birth can result in premature development of some tissues such as lungs, heart💗, brain and other body systems of your baby. The doctor often gives you medications to prolong your pregnancy days and allows all these organs to be fully mature before your baby's arrival.👩‍⚕️ Steroids for preterm labor💉Benefits of steroidsSteroids treatment reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome, bleeding in the brain, and systemic infection.😃 It also prevents life-threatening complications such as necrotizing enterocolitis. 💉Risks of steroidsCorticosteroids are relatively safe for you in the long term.😃 However, a study indicated a link between corticosteroid treatment with small size at birth and neurodevelopmental problems, but the research is ongoing. A single dose of steroid can also increase blood pressure🩸 to levels that require intake of insulin for a little while even though you don't have diabetes. If steroids are combined with other medications💊 such as tocolytics, you are prone to pulmonary edema, a condition in which fluids build up in your lungs. You need to be scrutinized if you receive this combination.🕵️ Who should and should not take steroids?💉Who should take steroids?If you're between week 24 and 34 of pregnancy, you are recommended to take a single course of corticosteroids.💉 The course is given in two injections, 24 hours apart.If you're between week 34 and 37 of pregnancy, at risk of preterm labor within 7 days and have not received steroids before, you are given a single course. If your last treatment was more than 14 days ago and you're likely to deliver within 7 days, you are given one more injection as a rescue dose.💉  💉Who should not take steroids?If you have diabetes, you are advised not to be given steroids since steroids combined with other medications can be more problematic.🙅‍♀️ You need to be monitored carefully for 3 to 4 days after receiving steroids. If you have infections in the womb, you also shouldn't receive steroids.🙅‍♀️ 

Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy

Restless legs syndrome can annoy you, making you uncomfortable when you're trying to sleep. No worries, we will help you figure out how to make things better.😃 Restless legs syndrome🤰What is restless legs syndrome?If you notice an uncomfortable and disconcerting tingling, crawling in your feet🦶 and legs🦵 with an uncontrollable urge to move your legs to relieve these feelings, you probably have restless legs syndrome (RLS). Symptoms tend to get worse when you try to rest, especially right before you sleep😴 or when you have been sitting for a long period of time. 🤰When does RLS hit?Fortunately these symptoms are temporary when you're pregnant.🤰 The symptoms typically peak during the third trimester and gradually disappear by the time your baby is born. RLS doesn't cause harm to your pregnancy but it definitely keeps you awake and drains you at night.🌃🌙 You probably won't be able to get enough sleep, leaving you seriously fatigued and less able to function well during the day.⛅ Causes of restless legs syndromeExperts are not sure of what actually causes RLS, but genetics may play an important role.😶 Some culprit suggestions can be environmental and dietary factors, such as iron deficiency🩸, hormonal changes.Things that worsen RLS🤰CaffeineCaffeine☕, even if you just take a sip of caffeine, is enough to make RLS symptoms worse. You should consider eliminating caffeine out of your diet if RLS symptoms are bothering you. 🤰SmokingSmoking also triggers RLS.🚬 The more you stay inactive and lie still, the more likely RLS will occur. Make sure you go to bed only when you're actually ready to go to sleep. 🤰MedicationsMost drugs used to treat RLS are not recommended to pregnant moms.💊 Some medications such as the antihistamines in cold and allergy remedies also worsen RLS, making you more uncomfortable so you should consult with your doctor about your current symptoms before taking them.👩‍⚕️Things that relieve RLS🤰Stay activeYou might not want to force yourself to suffer an RLS episode while you're just lying still in bed.🛏️ Get up and walk slowly down the hallway for a few times. Gentle movements can help ease the discomfort and make you fall asleep more easily.🤰Distract yourselfYou can try some relaxation techniques to distract yourself and temporarily forget about the pain.🥰 Immerse yourself in other activities that you like, or do something relaxing like massages to make you fall asleep on the first try.😃 🤰Change your dietAlthough there are some doubts about iron deficiency being a cause of RLS, it won't hurt if you go tested.👩‍⚕️ You can fill up on iron-rich, healthy foods to not only boost your health during pregnancy but also deteriorate pain.🍲 🤰Heat/ cold therapySometimes a warm bath🛀 or a heating pad can bring relief. Some moms report to try to apply an ice pack or soak their feet with the coldest water possible to numb the pain. Anything that works for you, go for it!🧊   

Labor positions for active labor (part 2)

Labor positions for active labor🤰Exercise ball kneelKneel on a soft mattress to protect your knees while leaning forwards onto an exercise ball⚽ or your partner. This position is especially suitable for moms experiencing back pain as it helps you endure the pain during labor and takes some pressure off your back.😃🤰Lying on your sideLying on your cozy bed🛏️ gives you the comfort and a much-needed rest. Lying on your left side helps you avoid the compression on your blood flow and allow blood🩸 to circulate better. Slide a pillow between your knees for extra comfort.🤰Side-lying lungeYou can rest yourself on your cozy bed🛏️ while opening your pelvis, particularly if you have an epidural. Stack more pillows underneath your belly for more support.😃 🤰Standing lungePut one foot on your chair🪑 and one foot on the ground. Stand firmly while stretching your muscles and ligaments. This position is only recommended when it feels good and doesn't cause more pain in your pelvis, hips or knees.🤗Other labor positions for active labor🤰Birth pool kneelDo you know that warm water🌊 can ease pain and help you relax? Fill your bathtub or a pool with warm water and lean forward in the water to create more space in your pelvis.🤽 The buoyancy of water can help relieve some of the pressure off your pelvis and your back. 🤰Supported squatGet in the squat position while having your partner at the back holding your upper arms. When your pelvis is open, the gravity will help your baby move down faster.👶 Be mindful that the blood flow down to your legs might be a bit interrupted.🩸 🤰Hanging kneelKneel on a soft mattress to protect your knees. You can grab on a window sill, straps, or a bed rail🛏️ and start stretching slowly while facing downwards. Rock yourself gently during contractions.🤰Supported kneelYou can ask your friends and partner to help you stabilize while you're on your knees and open the pelvis.👨‍👧 Getting into this position encourages your baby👶 to descend and the placenta to come out after delivery.  

PUPPP rash in the third trimester

Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, called PUPPP in short, is a very itchy rash that happens later in pregnancy. Although it is not a dangerous condition, it may cause awful itching and make you uncomfortable. PUPPP rash during pregnancy😩What is PUPPP?PUPPP stands for pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy. It's also called polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP) or other names too. It is a very itchy rash appearing on your belly and then spreading to other extremities over time.😩😩What PUPPP looks like?PUPPP first appears as small and pimple-like spots🔴 on the abdomen and around the stretch marks. Then they gradually resemble and develop into hive-like rash. You can also see blisters around them. After a few days, the rash spread from the stomach to the thighs, buttocks, back, arms💪 and legs.🦵 Usually it doesn't show up areas above your breasts. The rash tends to be extremely itchy and disappear after you give birth.🤰😩Causes of PUPPPThe exact causes of PUPPP are unknown.🤔 Rapid stretching of the skin to accommodate the growth of the uterus👶 may cause some damage to connective tissues and skin inflammation. PUPPP probably can be considered as an allergic reaction to male DNA♂️ of the fetal cell circulating in maternal blood. Your immune system recognizes these DNA as foreign and attacks them, causing inflammation.👦 Treatments for PUPPP rashTreatments can only relieve the intense itching but not cure it. You can try a bath with oatmeal or baking soda.🛀 Putting some aloe vera gel can also soothe your skin. Wearing soft, cotton clothing may help too.👚 Don't scratch the rash or it may get worse and spread further.🙅‍♀️ If you have a severe case, you should consult with your doctors for special ointment or antihistamine to make your skin less inflamed.👩‍⚕️🏥

Do your feet grow during pregnancy?

Are you stocking new shoes because you can't fit in the old pairs? You may notice your feet get swollen as your pregnancy progresses.Feet grow during pregnancy\👣Swollen feet during pregnancySwollen feet👣 and ankles are common symptoms during pregnancy because of the heavy weight of the uterus. There is also a chance that your feet will actually grow during pregnancy.🤰 👣Causes of feet growthWhen you're pregnant, the pregnancy weight gain puts pressure on your ankles and arches of your feet. Your feet then flatten and lengthen. The surges of relaxin hormones relax ligaments in your feet, allowing the bones to get longer and wider.👠 The bones are not actually growing, but the compactness of ligaments gets unleashed, increasing your shoe size.👟Ways to ease the foot swelling👣Take break and sit downStanding all day long makes blood flow concentrate more in your feet and swollen them up. Take breaks and sit down when you can.🪑👣Comfortable shoesA pair of good shoes👟 will definitely make you feel comfortable and at ease when walking. Avoid shoes that pinch or have tight straps. Look for the ones that have a low heel and provide good support for your arches.👢👣Elevate your feetYour sitting position also affects blood circulation. Elevating your feet🦵 while you sit helps refrain fluid from accumulating in your lower limbs and improve blood circulation.🩸 👣Drink plenty of waterDrinking lots of water helps you visit the bathroom faster.🚽 Excess fluids that cause swelling will be discarded making your feet less inflamed.🥛 

Episiotomy

You haven't seen your baby's head yet even after you push?  A procedure is done to make your vaginal open larger for your baby to slide out. Episiotomy✂️What is an episiotomy?Episiotomy is an incision through the perineum between the vaginal opening and the anus meant to enlarge the vagina and create more space for your baby's head to come out.✂️ Episiotomy speeds up delivery and prevents perineal tears especially if this is your first vaginal delivery.😃 ✂️When do you need an episiotomy?Episiotomy is not done routinely unless you really need it.😃 If your baby is stressed due to lack of oxygen and low heart rate❤️, complicated birth positions such as trapped shoulders, or big head size, the doctor might suggest doing an episiotomy. If you have a preterm baby or undergo forceps or vacuum delivery, an episiotomy is also recommended to protect you and your baby.👶Disadvantages of episiotomy✂️Further tearingYou can tear further through both skin and muscle layers, into the rectal tissues and anal sphincter muscle. The tear might become more severe, lead to perineal tears and affect pelvic floor muscles.😣 You may also find it hard to control your bowel movement and gas.✂️BleedingYou're more likely to lose more blood🩸 at the time of delivery or even have a collection of blood in the perineal tissues. You will feel more pain during recovery. Hence, you might need to wait a bit longer for the incision to heal before you can have sex without discomfort.🙆‍♀️✂️Infection and swellingSince the cut is widely open, if not hygienic, you are prone to infection and swelling as bacteria🦠 can invade your vagina. You have an increased risk of tearing in the next birth if you just receive an episiotomy for your first child. Other physical long-term results are feasible too.😟 The recovery from an episiotomyAfter you just have had an episiotomy, the cut is sealed with dissolvable stitches in a very tender area, and you'll need some time to heal.😃 An ice pack🧊 may reduce swelling and pain. A warm bath🛀 might help you relax better, ease soreness and accelerate healing. Your doctor might recommend some pain relievers that are breastfeeding friendly and stool softener to counteract the pain. Make sure to keep the incision clean and dry all the time to prevent infection.👩‍⚕️  

Why your pregnant belly feels tight and heavy?

Your belly is getting tight and heavy to prepare for labor. You're almost there so buckle up and get ready for the rest of the journey.Why does your belly start feeling hard during pregnancy?🤰Growing uterusAs you're stepping into the third trimester, your uterus pushes against your abdominal wall and makes your belly feel hard.🤰 Your growing uterus also crowds your internal organs such as lung and bladder. Stretch marks on your belly become more visible and itchy.🙁🤰Gas and bloatingGas and bloating can also contribute to belly hardness. You get gassy because hormone changes slow the rate of digestion, leaving the food longer in the intestine🍲 and giving time to bacteria to produce gas.🦨 🤰Braxton Hicks contractionsIf you feel sensations of stomach tightening, it could be Braxton Hicks contractions. They appear more frequently in the third trimester as they prepare your body for labor.😃 🤰Preterm laborSharp pains on one or both sides of your belly might be caused by round ligament pain. However, if you feel excruciating pain accompanied with your belly feeling hard, this belly cramping can signal a more serious problem such as preterm labor.🙁  When to call doctorIf your contractions are so painful that you can't endure it, you should consider calling your doctor.👩‍⚕️ Any signs like vaginal bleeding, less fetal movement, amniotic fluid leaking can be dangerous so you should call your doctor immediately.🏥 

Sciatica during pregnancy

Reaching the end of the pregnancy journey leaves you with more pain and discomfort. If you have pain radiating from your lower back to your buttocks and down your leg, you probably have sciatica.⚠️Sciatica during pregnancy🤰What is sciatica?Sciatica is a sharp, tingling and shooting pain that runs from your lower spine to your buttocks and down the back of your legs🦵. It results from the inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve. 🤰Symptoms of sciaticaSome symptoms of sciatica include pain in the lower back, buttocks or legs🦵. You will find it difficult to walk or stand.🚶 Your legs feel weak and tender. Causes of sciatica during pregnancy🤰Weight gain and growing uterusAs your uterus is growing, your added weight puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. Hence, you will notice pain in your legs🧍🏼 and lower back.🤰Hormonal changesWhen you're pregnant🤰, high levels of relaxin hormones build up and relax ligaments. Hence, joins become unstable and mobile, contributing to tense muscles and sciatic pain.🙁 🤰Shift of the center of gravityYour growing belly👶 and breasts fall forwards and shift your center of gravity. Your lordotic curve is stretched, causing muscles in your buttocks and pelvic area to tighten up and press down the sciatic nerve.☹️ 🤰Baby's positionIt's nearly show time👍! Your baby👶 is ready and in position. As your baby's head moves downwards into the birth position, it may rest on the sciatic nerve and cause pain.  Ways to relieve sciatica🤰Warm compress on the spotYou can take a warm bath🛀 to relax your body and ease the pain. You can also use a warm compress or a heating pad for 10 minutes at a time to mitigate the irritation.🤰ExerciseMove your body around. Stretch your muscles with stretching exercises or prenatal yoga🧘. Swimming is also a great exercise that takes off some of the pressure of the nerve.🤽  🤰Sleep  Sleep😴 on the opposite side of the pain if the pain only happens on one side. For extra comfort at night, you can use a firm mattress or a pregnancy pillow to support your back.🛌🏻 🤰Consult with doctorIf the pain is serious and you can't endure it, you should talk to your doctor👩‍⚕️ for pain medication. A safe dose of acetaminophen can be prescribed to make you feel better but keep you and your baby safe.😃  

Carpal tunnel during pregnancy

Carpal tunnel during pregnancy refers to tingling pains in the fingers, wrist, hands and arms. It is a common symptom because of all the swelling you're expecting.Carpal tunnel during pregnancy👋What is carpal tunnel?Carpal tunnel is a common syndrome when you're pregnant.🤰 You experience numbness or a dull ache in your fingers, hands, wrists and arms.✋ You also have swollen fingers and go through trouble grabbing objects and performing simple motor skills in daily routines.👋Causes of carpal tunnelFluid retention collected in your tissue of the hands and wrists and increase in blood volume🩸 compress the median nerve, causing throbbing pain. You may feel more uncomfortable at night since the wrist is usually bent when you sleep.👌There's not much you can do to prevent the syndrome because eventually all the natural changes will find you when you're pregnant.🤘 You can mitigate the pain by making minor changes in your daily life and get used to it.🤟  How to relieve carpal tunnel👋Limit activities involving hands movementFigure out which activities cause you the most pain and avoid doing them. Try to limit them as much as you can, especially the ones where your wrists are mostly immobilized like working on computers.✍️👋Breaks when workingTake breaks to move your arms and stretch your hands. Moving around increases blood flow and relieves the pain.🤘 You can also use wrist stretches, such as wrist extension and wrist flexion.🤟  👋Sleep positionAvoid sleeping🛏️😴 on your hands and try to keep your wrists straight instead of bending them. If you wake up with pain, shaking your hands and doing a little stretching might help you.👋Pain relieversIf none of those methods work, you should consult with your doctor to ask for anti-inflammatory pain medications that are safe for pregnancy. They don't cure the pain but can only temporarily alleviate it.🤘✌️