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What to Do About Bloating During Pregnancy

Bloating is a common side effect that you might experience during pregnancy. The feeling is like you are carrying an inflated balloon within your belly and can lead you to frustrating situations when combined with irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and constipation. This is when you should look for remedies to overcome bloating.

 

What causes bloating during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes play a major role in feeling bloated during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones such as progesterone is released to help support your pregnancy. However, the hormones also cause your digestive muscles within your body to slow down, allowing gas to build up. Bloating is something that you might experience during your first trimester of pregnancy could get worse during the third trimester.

 

How to overcome bloating during pregnancy?

There are some safe and effective home remedies available to help overcome bloating during pregnancy. Some women tend to take OTC supplements to overcome bloating such as fiber supplements, stool softener or probiotics. However, it is best recommended to speak to your doctors first before taking any supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding.

To overcome bloatedness and constipation, you are strongly encouraged to increase your intake of fiber rich food. For instance, you could start to consume more dried fruits, fresh fruits, and whole grains. On top of that, you should also make it a point to drink around 8 full glasses of water per day. Engaging in light physical activities on a daily basis encourage some form of bowel movement.

Another effective method would be to consume small, frequent meals and to go slow with your meals. Smaller meals make it easier for you to digest, lessening the tendency that you might feel tired and bloated after mealtimes. Eating your meals slowly also suggests that you are less likely to take in huge amount of air. It is also important to stick to a well-balanced diet filled with fresh fruits, whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods. In addition, you should refrain from the consumption of food that is fatty, sugary and fried as this food are proven to be gas producers.

You should also avoid wearing tight fitting clothes that might inflict more pressure around your midsection and abdomen and cause more gas to build up.

Anemia in Pregnancy

Anemia іѕ when уоur blood hаѕ too few red blооd cells. Hаvіng tоо fеw red blood сеllѕ mаkеѕ іt harder for your blood tо саrrу оxуgеn or iron and саn affect hоw your cells wоrk іn nеrvеѕ аnd muѕсlеѕ. During рrеgnаnсу, уоur baby аlѕо nееdѕ уоur blооd.

Low іrоn levels саuѕе about 75 реrсеnt оf аnеmіа саѕеѕ, usually because you’re nоt gеttіng еnоugh оf thіѕ еѕѕеntіаl mіnеrаl іn уоur dіеt. Here’s thе rundоwn on why аnеmіа makes уоu feel run-down: Bу wееk 24 of pregnancy, the amount оf blооd in уоur body іnсrеаѕеѕ bу uр tо 45 реrсеnt to support bоth уоu аnd уоur grоwіng bаbу.

Red blооd сеllѕ соntаіn hеmоglоbіn, аn іrоn-rісh protein that саrrіеѕ оxуgеn frоm уоur lungѕ to thе rest оf your body. Yоur bоdу nееdѕ іrоn to mаkе hеmоglоbіn — аbоut twісе аѕ muсh аѕ уоu needed bеfоrе you were еxресtіng tо account fоr thе increased blооd vоlumе.

Wіthоut sufficient iron stores, red blооd сеll рrоduсtіоn slows, ѕuррlуіng thе bоdу wіth less оxуgеn. Thе rеѕult? A tired expecting mother.

 

Am I at risk of anemia in pregnancy?

Yоu аrе at hіghеr rіѕk for becoming аnеmіс during your рrеgnаnсу if you:

  • Hаvе twо pregnancies сlоѕе tоgеthеr
  • Arе рrеgnаnt with more thаn оnе child
  • Are vоmіtіng frequently due tо mоrnіng ѕісknеѕѕ
  • Dо not consume еnоugh іrоn
  • Have a hеаvу рrе-рrеgnаnсу menstrual flow

 

What are the symptoms of anemia in pregnancy?

Symptoms оf anemia саn include:

  • tіrеdnеѕѕ аnd lасk оf еnеrgу
  • shortness оf breath
  • fееlіngѕ оf hаvіng a fаѕt-bеаtіng, fluttеrіng оr роundіng hеаrt (heart раlріtаtіоnѕ)
  • раlе skin.

Thеrе аrе dіffеrеnt tуреѕ оf аnеmіа and еасh has a dіffеrеnt саuѕе. Thе mоѕt common tуре for рrеgnаnt wоmеn іѕ іrоn-dеfісіеnсу аnаеmіа.

 

Treatment for iron dеfісіеnсу аnеmіа?

If уоu have аnеmіа уоu’ll probably be рrеѕсrіbеd іrоn ѕuррlеmеntѕ (tаblеtѕ) tо tаkе еvеrу day. Vitamin C саn hеlр the body absorb iron, so уоu соuld trу tаkіng thе tаblеtѕ with a drіnk соntаіnіng vitamin C such аѕ оrаngе juice. Thе ѕuррlеmеntѕ may also gіvе you some stomach pain, соnѕtіраtіоn аnd уоur poo mау bе blасk. Thіѕ іѕ normal but call your mіdwіfе іf you’re wоrrіеd.

Ferrous sulfate is best taken with an empty stomach for better absorption, but if you find that it upsets your stomach, you may start taking it with food or after eating.

Your ѕуmрtоmѕ ѕhоuld gеt bеttеr after tаkіng iron ѕuррlеmеntѕ. If іt dоеѕn’t, оr if уоur аnеmіа іѕ severe, уоu’ll рrоbаblу be rеfеrrеd tо a haematologist (a dосtоr expert in blооd dіѕоrdеrѕ).

You mау be gіvеn іrоn thrоugh іntrаvеnоuѕ thеrару (IV). Thіѕ mеаnѕ gіvіng уоu iron іn lіԛuіd fоrm through a nееdlе dіrесtlу іntо the vein (uѕuаllу in уоur аrm). Yоu may also bе offered a blood trаnѕfuѕіоn.

 

Preventing anemia when you are pregnant

While not all саѕеѕ оf anemia іn pregnancy аrе рrеvеntаblе, getting еnоugh іrоn in your diet goes a lоng way іn hеlріng уоu аvоіd the condition. Bеfоrе pregnancy, you would need to consume approximately 18 mіllіgrаmѕ (mg) оf іrоn per dау; оnсе уоu dо соnсеіvе, уоu should aim for 27 mg.

Whіlе a рrеnаtаl vitamin covers уоur bases — аlоng wіth уоur rеԛuіrеmеntѕ fоr оthеr іmроrtаnt nutrіеntѕ lіkе folic асіd аnd vitamin B12 — уоu should also try to еаt a vаrіеtу оf hеаlthу fооd that аrе hіgh іn іrоn. Thеѕе include:

  • Iron-fortified cereal (18 mg реr serving)
  • Lеаn bееf (2 mg іn 3 оunсеѕ)
  • Lіvеr (5 mg іn 3 oz of beef lіvеr)
  • Bеаnѕ and lеgumеѕ (4 mg іn 1/2 cup of white bеаnѕ; 3 mg іn 1/2 сuр оf lеntіlѕ)
  • Grееn, lеаfу vеgеtаblеѕ (6 mg іn 1 сuр сооkеd ѕріnасh)
  • Sееdѕ and nuts (2 mg іn 1 оz оr 18 cashews)
  • Dаrk сhосоlаtе (7 mg іn 3 oz)
  • Bаkеd роtаtоеѕ (2 mg fоr a medium ѕрud)
  • Cооkіng іn cast iron pans mау аlѕо hеlр give уоur iron іntаkе a little boost, since fооdѕ absorb some оf thе іrоn frоm the skillet. Also nоtе thаt animal-based іrоn (from meat) іѕ аbѕоrbеd bу thе bоdу bеttеr thаn рlаnt-bаѕеd іrоn.

Anеmіа durіng pregnancy is ԛuіtе common, but could аlѕо be easily diagnosed аnd trеаtеd. Just to bе ѕurе tо еаt рlеntу of frеѕh аnd hеаlthу iron-rich fооd, gо for your ѕсhеdulеd рrеnаtаl арроіntmеntѕ аnd please do let уоur dосtоr know іf уоu’rе experiencing аnу unusual ѕуmрtоmѕ.

What is Placenta Delivery?

The placenta is the unique organ that attaches to the top or the side of the wall of the uterus through the umbilical cord. Its major function is to provide nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, but it also performs more functions such as production of estrogen, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and progesterone which is essential for the growth of a healthy fetus.
Placenta delivery is actually the third state of labor. For most births, the placenta is always delivered after the baby has been delivered. When a woman gives birth, delivering her placenta is crucial to her health as failure to do so can result in life-threatening complications such as severe bleeding and other unwanted side effects.

Placenta delivery is significant for both vaginal and cesarean births. When a woman delivers through the vagina, the uterus will continue contracting thereby moving the placenta forward for delivery. At this point, these contractions are as strong as labor contractions and some women may be too overwhelmed by the joy of seeing their babies that they fail to notice when the placenta is being delivered. However, some doctors may press your stomach or instruct you to continue to push so that the placenta can advance forward. Placenta delivery after a vaginal birth is often quick and normally happens within 5 minutes even though it can sometimes take longer.

For women who deliver via C-section, the doctor physically removes the placenta before closing in the incision in the uterus and stomach. After C-section, the doctor always takes measures such as massaging the top of the uterus to encourage it to contract and to begin to shrink. The doctor may further prescribe medicines like Pitocin to help the uterus to contract and become firm.

After delivery, the doctor always takes his time to properly examine the placenta to ensure that all of it has been delivered. The placenta has two sides; the maternal side which has a dark red color and the fetal side which is characterized by shiny and almost translucent color. If the doctor discovers that any side of the placenta is left in the uterus, he is forced to follow some procedures to be assured that it comes out completely.

How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Anyone can develop stretch marks in any phase of life regardless of their age, size, or skin type. These marks often appear on the stomach, hips, chest, thighs, and bottom. While these marks do not cause any health problems, these may cause body image issues. According to Debra Jaliman, a dermatologist in New York City, 9 out of 10 women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. The good news is that stretch marks can be avoided during pregnancy.

1) Moisturize
Moisturizing your skin is one of the most effective ways to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. A good moisturizer with vitamins A and E improves your skin’s elasticity by locking in moisture and keeping it supple. Good skin elasticity reduces the chances of developing stretch marks.

2) Exercise
Regular physical activity improves blood circulation, which stimulates the formation of new collagen to ensure the skin is elastic and able to stretch as the pregnancy grows. Besides, exercise promotes anti-oxidants that work to prevent skin damage by free radicals. If you do not exercise during pregnancy, you will lose muscle tone, causing the skin to loosen. Simple exercises such as swimming, yoga, walking, and prenatal aerobics can help to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Furthermore, regular exercise helps you to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of excessive skin stretching.

3) Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids (water, soups, juices, smoothies) during pregnancy will help to keep the skin supple and maximize its elasticity. Unlike dry skin, well-hydrated skin will be able to stretch better as it grows. Drinking plenty of fluids will also help to strengthen and renew your skin, making it less prone to tears as the pregnancy grows. However, you are advised to avoid caffeinated beverages as they may increase your risk of developing stretch marks.

4) Eat healthy foods
Stretch marks may occur during pregnancy due to lacking of key nutrients. Therefore, it is advisable to eat foods that are rich in zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and protein. Foods such as lettuce, broccoli, spinach are rich in lutein that strengthens the dermis to protect the skin. Beans are high in zinc, which improves skin health. Other foods that can help you to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy include fatty fish, avocados, walnuts, sweet potatoes, and sunflower seeds.

5) Wear sunscreen
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays increases your risk of developing stretch marks. The best way to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays is to avoid direct sun and wear sunscreen. You should apply sunscreen every 2 hours if you are spending time in the sun.
Generally, the best way to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy is to ensure that your skin maintains its maximum elasticity throughout pregnancy. Of course, you will also need to avoid smoking and embrace healthy lifestyle habits.

6 Things to Know About Your Pisces Baby

The traits of babies vary from one another based on their zodiac sign. The same goes for a Pisces baby who possesses distinctive traits. These babies are renowned to be intuitive, creative, and vulnerable. They also have a good imagination. Keep on reading this article to know more about your Pisces baby.

1. They are enthusiastic
Once the Pisces baby has decided to do something, he or she will remain passionate to accomplish it. Your Pisces baby will not require any outside motivation to fulfill his/her needs. They are their own leaders when it’s about doing their favorite thing. They fully focus on their work to complete it well on time.

2. They are compassionate and good-hearted
Pisces kids are kind-hearted and you often find them helping other children in the playground who are being hurt or bullied. They will try their best to help those children feel better. When grown-up, they will likely fight for the rights of other people. Prefer giving them extra care in the form of cuddles, encouragement, and kisses so that they can feel good.

3. They like to have some alone time
Pisces are creative buddies and of course, they need their space and time for it. Prefer creating some space in your home to let them read or write whatever they want. This space will be healthy for your baby’s mind. Don’t be worried if your baby separates himself from a group to do something creative. You can construct a small desk for your Pisces baby to place his personal creations. This will definitely excite him and boost his creativity.

4. They have excellent imagination
Pisces buddies will live in dreams and fantasies. They have artistic nature that makes them very creative. They can create their own stories and are great storytellers. Listen to their stories and encourage them to boost their creativity. They also do well with crafts and art. Prefer buying them building blocks, drawing books, and toys to further improve their creativity.

5. They can quickly trust
Pisces babies can easily trust other people. It’s a good thing and can help build healthy relationships. However, it can be alarming for your kid when people have bad intentions. Give time to your child to make him aware of the troublesome situations.

6. They are generous
Pisces kids love helping others and don’t expect any favors in return. They will take good care of all family members. They are kind-hearted and generous souls. Their emotional maturity is fantastic. They don’t act or speak like other kids of the same age.

6 Things to Know About Your Sagittarius Baby

Sagittarius babies love exploring the outside world. They love gaining knowledge and learning new things around them. They are intelligent and witty. If you want to know more about your Sagittarius baby, then keep reading this article. As a parent, it’s important to know about the traits of your baby and if your baby is Sagittarius then you are on the right article. Here are 6 things to know about your Sagittarius baby.

1. They are intelligent and sharp
Sagittarius babies are much smart and intelligent. They love adopting new hobbies and learning new things. They enjoy taking interest in new things. Don’t be shocked if your baby has learned the numbers and alphabets super fast as it is a part of their personality.

2. They are creative
Don’t be afraid to leave your Sagittarius baby alone in the room as he or she is born with imaginative capabilities. A Sagittarius baby has a passionate imagination and often thinks of abstract scenarios and makes imaginary friends. Also, he or she is inclined towards daydreaming.

3. They dislike rules
Sagittarius kids hate regulations and rules as they are free spirits. They don’t tolerate senseless punishments, so you have to deal with them sensibly to implement some rules. Sagittarius babies often listen to their minds and don’t like obeying the orders of others. Your kid may dislike rules or orders, but that doesn’t mean he/she will not obey them, you only need to be innovative.

4. They adore travelling
Sagittarius children don’t like staying at one location because of their impatient nature. So, expect your Sagittarius baby to be with you while going to the park, grocery store, or shopping mall. You will see how smoothly things will please your baby. He/she will collect twigs and pebbles to play with them, giggle at sparkling lights, and feel the variation in colors when out with you.

5. They are optimistic and confident
Another key trait of a Sagittarius baby is optimism. In most cases, your Sagittarius baby will not give up even if he or she loses a game or fails to solve a puzzle. Your baby will keep trying until he/she gets successful. Sagittarius babies are confident enough to handle things themselves. Just give them a task and they will try their best to complete it.

6. They are bad at handling money
Sagittarius babies are not good at handling their money. Their carelessness with finances comes from their fiery and impulsive nature. While learning and obtaining more knowledge, your kid may spend a lot of money.

6 Things to Know About Your Libra Baby

Libra’s baby is sweet and charming. They possess a balanced temperament. Unlike other kids, they love peace and don’t do any kind of crazy stuff. There are a lot of other aspects of Libra babies that you would want to know. Here we are sharing 6 things about Libra babies that can give you a little bit of insight into Libra baby.

1. They are social
Libra people have charming and friendly personalities. They love to do fun so what better way to have fun than being with your friends. Libra babies tend to be involved in social gatherings, activities and become popular from an early age. Their charming personality makes them likeable and easy-going, so any social event is a treat to them. They get along with everyone and enjoy themselves.

2. They are friendly
Since Libra babies are social, making friends is definitely their cup of tea. Put your Libra baby in any room and he or she will make friends instantly. Whether it is their school, daycare, party or a summer camp, they will build up a companionship with everyone around them. Although they have a small circle of friends, but they get along with other people as well.

3. They have a balanced temperament
The zodiac Libra sign is sign of scales—a symbol of balance so you would expect them to have the same ability. Well, that is true because they have a nice way to balance things in their life. As they grow up, they tend to make plans to study and set up playtime separately. They tend to balance things out but if things don’t go in their way, they don’t get disappointed by setbacks.

4. They are peaceful
Librans kids prefer to have peace in their life. They don’t get involved in fights and remain calm in every situation. It is their nature that they don’t fall off the wagon and go crazy with fists and bumps. They even try to avoid conflicts from an early age. So, among friends, they stay neutral.

5. They tend to be polite
With charming personalities and a good sense of humor, they tend to be polite. They are truly prized kids. Even if they don’t like something, they won’t say any bad thing but get aside and allow the others to do their work. Being peace lovers, so they would prefer to please everyone around you. But nobody is polite always, sometimes anger takes over, but Librans tend to stay silent even when they are mad.

6. They love attention
Libra babies love the attention. Being the sociable kind, they have this urge of pleasing everyone and this is how they get attention.

Mommy Saab’s Word on Cord Blood Banking

More and more mommies are learning better about the benefits of cord blood and cord blood banking! Now let’s also find out why Cordlife continues to earn the trust of a growing number of Filipino families!

Join Mommy Saab Magalona-Bacarro once again in an informative True or False game with Cordlife Mom Anna Tantuico-Herrera and first-time mom-to-be, Mommy Danielle Brimo-Stern!

 

Week 29

With the beginning of the 29th week, you have finally reached the last trimester of pregnancy. It is one of the challenging phases of pregnancy. You can now feel the movements of your child and their increased activity. You are now closer to delivering the bundle of joy.

BUSTED: 7 Common Myths of Cord Blood Banking

The umbilical cord is the lifeline between you and your baby – it connects your developing baby to your placenta, which helps to provide nutrients and remove waste. Cord blood, also called “placental blood”, is blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following the birth of a baby and after the umbilical cord is cut after delivery.

5 Common Breastfeeding Challenges

Breastfeeding your infant is a common, natural, and healthy process to promote growth. In certain cases, this process does not go as smoothly as expected. The mother should be able to learn the skills of breastfeeding along with the needs of her child. Here are the commonly observed challenges faced with breastfeeding.

10 Things About 3rd Trimester

Because your bump increases in size, your organs receive more pressure. That is why, many women experience difficulty in breathing. Also, you will still need to deal with the same discomforts you had during the second trimester.