“Is Weight Loss OK During Pregnancy?”

Is Weight Loss OK During Pregnancy?

Most women should focus on gaining weight, not losing it, during pregnancy. Pregnant women need to consume an extra 300 calories each day during their second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This helps provide your baby with the vitamins, minerals and nutrients he or she needs to thrive and grow.

Some women will lose a little bit of weight rather than gain weight during their first trimester. Often this is associated with severe morning sickness, which can reduce a woman’s ability to eat. Frequent nausea or vomiting may contribute to weight loss.

Losing a couple of pounds during your first trimester is probably not a problem. Sometimes however, morning sickness can develop into a more serious condition. Some women will develop hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy. Read more

“What Do I Do If My Water Breaks During Pregnancy?”

What Do I Do If My Water Breaks During Pregnancy?

Television shows always dramatize labor and delivery. Watch any TV program and you’ll see a woman going in to labor instantly, often delivering her baby within minutes of the first contractions.  You may imagine you will be at work one day when suddenly a huge gush of water pours out of you and five minutes later you are giving birth.

Fortunately, for most women, this is not the case. By now you may have heard a story or two about a woman who’s water broke dramatically and unexpectedly in the grocery store or in some other inconvenient place.
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“What Are The Warning Signs Of A Urinary Tract Infection ( UTI ) During Pregnancy?”

What Are The Warning Signs Of A Urinary Tract Infection ( UTI ) During Pregnancy?

UTI Infections Common During Pregnancy
Urinary tract infections or UTI’s also commonly referred to as bladder infections, are common during pregnancy. They typically result from an inflammation or bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Pregnant women are more at risk for urinary tract infections during pregnancy than at other times, particularly during pregnancy weeks 6 through pregnancy week 24. Read more

“How Do I Know If I Am Carrying Twins During Pregnancy?”

How Do I Know If I Am Carrying Twins During Pregnancy?

During each of my pregnancies I wondered at some point or another whether I might be carrying twins. This often happened after people told me how “large” I looked for my due dates. I also have a family history of twins and triplets, on my moms and my dads side.

Despite this I successfully carried three babies to term without carrying twins or more. Of course, were I to have more children this may change. For some the prospect of carrying twins is exciting and mysterious. For others it is filled with mystery and anxiety. Read more

“What is Toxoplasmosis and How Can It Affect My Baby?”

Is Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy Dangerous?

During my first pregnancy we had a large, furry cat in the house. I had often heard having a cat during pregnancy was dangerous. My fears surmounted me when one day I was vacuuming up some droppings and my vacuum literally exploded. I was certain I had inhaled enough toxic substances to permanently harm my unborn baby.

Fortunately many of my fears were instantly relieved with a quick phone call to my doctor. Most women will not develop new toxoplasmosis infections during pregnancy. Of course, there is always a small risk, so it is important you take steps to educate and protect yourself from this potentially dangerous infection. Read more

“How Do I Minimize Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?”

How Do I Minimize Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?

Do you fear stretch marks? Stretch marks are one of pregnancies long lasting side effects. While temporary side effects including morning sickness and bloating often fade in the weeks following labor and delivery, some side effects of pregnancy, including stretch marks remain for months and years following the birth of your baby.

While some women consider stretch marks with much fear and loathing, others wear their stretch marks as a triumphant reminder of their pregnancies. Whether you welcome the thought of stretch marks or dread them, keep in mind stretch marks are a common side effect of pregnancy. Read more

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