Search Results | Baby Billy

Heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms during pregnancy. Prevention is your best bet in minimizing discomfort and avoiding this fiery acid reflux.Heartburn during pregnancy😩What heartburn feels like?It is a burning sensation that starts from the bottom of the breastbone and travels up your esophagus to the lower throat😩. It's often related to gas and bloating. The discomfort that you experience will come and go after delivery.🤰😩What causes heartburn?  Progesterone hormone relaxes the muscles of the uterus and the lower esophageal sphincter, making gastric acid go back up burning your throat. The weight of your growing baby👶 also contributes to pushing stomach acid back up into the esophagus.🙁vvvvv Heartburn prevention😩Avoid food and drinks that upset your stomachCarbonated drinks like soda🥤, alcohol, and caffeine exacerbate heartburn symptoms. Citrus fruits and vinegar containing acids, fatty and spicy food should also be avoided.🙅‍♀️😩Eat small mealsInstead of eating three big meals per day, divide your meals throughout the day and give your body time to digest.🍲 Take your time eating and chewing. 😩Drink water between mealsStaying hydrated is important. Drinking water🥛 between meals helps neutral acids in your stomach and wash all remnants of food in your mouth away.😃 

Glucose Tolerance Test

Why should I take the test?💡When you are pregnant, growth hormones are released to help the baby grow. These hormones may block the action of insulin, causing your body to be unable to cope with extra demand for insulin. Your blood glucose level ends up being too high, and you are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. The glucose tolerance test identifies abnormalities in the way your body processes glucose after a meal. How is the test done?💉All moms-to-be are recommended to get tested for gestational diabetes at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. It is important to eat and drink normally leading up to the d-day of the test. Let your doctors know if you are ill or taking any medications as these can affect the results of the test.Before the procedureYou will be fasting for at least 8 hours. You can fast overnight and schedule the appointment early in the following morning.During the procedureWhen you arrive at a hospital, clinic, doctor's office or lab, a sample of blood will be taken from a vein in your arm. The blood sample will be used to measure your fasting blood glucose level.Type 2 diabetesIf you are tested for type 2 diabetes, you will drink 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of a special sugary beverage containing 2.6 ounces (75 grams) of sugar. Two hours later, your blood glucose level is measured again to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Gestational diabetesWhen you are tested for gestational diabetes, if your blood glucose level is higher than 140mg/dL after the one-hour test, the doctor will recommend the three-hour test. If your blood glucose level is higher than 190mg/dL after the one-hour-test, the doctor diagnoses you with gestational diabetes.To be considered normal for the three-hour-test, a normal fasting blood glucose level is lower than 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L). One hour after drinking the glucose solution, a normal blood glucose level should be lower than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). Two hours after drinking the glucose solution, a normal blood glucose level is lower than 155 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L). Three hours after drinking the glucose solution, a normal level is lower than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L).Your glucose level is measured once every hour. If one of the results is higher than normal, you will be required to test again in four weeks. If two of three results are higher than normal, you will be immediately diagnosed with gestational diabetes. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:Risk factors associated with gestational diabetesIf you are over the age of 35 years, have a family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes in your previous pregnancy, you are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes again.If you are above the healthy weight range or gaining too much weight during pregnancy, there is a likelihood that your baby is also big. Polycystic ovary syndrome and antipsychotic or steroid medications are also red flags for a possible diagnosis of gestational diabetes.Risks of the procedureThe risks associated with drawing blood samples are slight. You may feel dizzy or lightheaded because of loss of blood. Although infection is rare, it is possible in some cases.Monitoring your blood glucose levelsManaging gestational diabetes will be no difficulty if you follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. If your blood sugar levels remain high despite all your efforts and exercise regime, you may need medication to lower the level. Just a reminder, your chubby baby will need special monitoring to keep your baby's glucose level at a safe level after the birth since it may be too low for a while. Always consult with the medical team to protect you and your little one most effectively. 

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.👩‍⚕️