Looking for some fun ways to break the baby news to your family? We put this one to our users—here's what they came up with:
“I have an older sister who already has a son. At an extended family gathering my mom said, ‘Well, I'm going to be a grandma again!’ Everyone (aunts, uncles, cousins) turned to my sister and yelled out her name. She was shaking her head no and then they turned to me and said ‘You're pregnant?’” — vagirl06
“For my family: I made a onesie for my 7-month-old niece that said, ‘I'm getting a cousin!’ My husband's family: On Easter, I wore a maternity tank that said, ‘I ♥ baby.’ Everyone was too nervous to ask me about it, so I said to his mom, "I see you looking at my shirt. Aren't you going to say anything?’ And she got all excited and told me she thought maybe I was just wearing the shirt because I thought it was cute or something.” — jesnbrent
“We waited until Easter, and had the whole family on both sides over for dinner. My husband asked for everyone to hold hands right before dinner, so he could say grace. He started with how many things that we are all thankful for, and ended the list with an addition to the family — that we were expecting. The family was so excited, it was a great dinner.” — Dunkin
“I told my parents after coming back from the OB at week nine. I had decided in my mind not to tell them for another three weeks, even though I had the sonogram in my pocket. My mother asked me, ‘So what's going on with your testing? You decided not to do it, didn't you?’ I smiled and threw out the sonogram picture. Shocked them too!” — Ingrid&Richard
“I wanted to tell family members individually, which was neat because everyone got to have their own moment. The best one was when I told my 15-year-old sister. I actually went and pulled her out of cheer practice and she was just ecstatic! It was a total shock for everyone, but it certainly made all of our family members happy.” — Sara0110
“We went to visit my in-laws for my husband's birthday, which is just a few days apart from his brother's birthday. I baked a cake and decorated it with King Cake babies. I wrote ‘Happy Birthday Uncle A and Daddy A’ on the cake. My husband asked my mother-in-law to cut and serve it. She commented on how cute the babies were and read the text. She was so confused, but after a minute she said, ‘Are you expecting?’” — Iguanita
“With our friends, we did the group photo announcement. My husband gathered us all into a group and took pictures with several of my friends cameras, and finally his own. So it went, ‘Say cheese...’ with one camera, ‘Say cheese...’ with the next, and finally ‘Say xyz's pregnant’ with his own camera. Everyone said it and then laughed... but then it set in, and we were able to capture everyone's reaction forever!” — RunAway
“We had an ultrasound at 6 weeks, 4 days. We had a photo of the sonogram, so we scanned it and printed out copies for each grandmother-to-be. We made excuses to give them gifts, then presented each of them with the sonogram in a baby frame. We also had my digital camera ready, which secretly films a movie, too — so we have it all captured for our journal!” — finallyPG
“For my parents, we told them the night before their anniversary with a poem I wrote for them from the baby. My dad got it after the second line and my mom read the whole thing then looked at me crying. — fairytalebride5
“When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, we had plans to go to dinner with my husband's family (mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law and sister-in-law). My sister-in-law was 12 at the time and I found a bib that said ‘I love my aunt’ and put it in a gift bag. I sat next to her at dinner and slipped the bag to her. She opened it without my in-laws seeing and just kinda looked at it confused. She showed my mother-in-law who didn't get it either. My father-in-law finally understood and starting crying. — RugbyBride
SOURCE: Thebump
Cankles. One of the strange but real side effects of pregnancy. Though they’re totally normal, they can be uncomfortable and perhaps, um, unsightly.
Really, what’s the deal with swollen feet during pregnancy?
Can swollen feet be avoided? Is there anything you can do to relieve the swelling? Can swollen feet ever be a sign of something more serious?
Read on, mama. 😊
What does it mean to have swollen feet during pregnancy?
Swollen feet during pregnancy, or edema, is due to your body hanging onto excess fluids, especially in the hands and feet. Though it can happen to anyone at any time for various reasons, edema is particularly common in pregnant women.
What causes swollen feet while pregnant?
Edema is a normal reaction to the inflammation caused by pregnancy. When you’re pregnant, your blood volume and bodily fluids increase by 50%. This excess fluid ensures baby has what she needs when she needs it. But it needs to be stored somewhere, hence your swollen feet.
Besides the feet, swelling can occur in the ankles, calves, hands, and face.
Your kidneys regulate the fluid in your body. If it’s particularly hot out or you’re becoming dehydrated, your kidneys react by telling your body to store excess fluid in case it’s needed. Additionally, your kidneys work to process the stored fluid to give necessary body parts what they need.
The excess strain of a heavy uterus can make circulation from your lower extremities back to your heart a little less efficient, causing pooling of fluids.
What can I do about swollen feet during pregnancy?
There are a number of diet and lifestyle choices that can help with swollen feet while pregnant.
👟 Don’t sit or stand for long periods of time
This may be tricky if you work in an office, but changing positions often can really help relieve edema in pregnancy. A treadmill desk is a great solution, but if you can’t get one of those, you can try a standing desk, or sitting for a while and getting away from the desk frequently to get circulation flowing.
👟 Use gravity to your advantage
If you’re having swollen feet during pregnancy, one great way to relieve the swelling is by putting your feet up often. When you’re lounging at home, try to keep your feet above your heart.
👟 Drink more water
It may seem counterintuitive, but drinking more water will actually help you get rid of excess fluids. When your body is dehydrated, your kidneys think they need to hold onto as much water as possible since there doesn’t seem to be enough. Giving your body the fluids it needs will remind your kidneys that it can get rid of the excess.
👟 Drink less caffeine
Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it increases the amount of fluid you eliminate through urine. However, it also causes dehydration, which makes your kidneys hang onto more excess fluid. Try to reduce the amount of caffeine you have each day—which is good advice for pregnancy anyway—and when you do drink caffeine, make sure to drink plenty of water too.
👟 Balance your electrolytes
Salt is very important for staying properly hydrated. Be sure to get plenty of healthy sea salt in your diet. That means staying away from table salt and processed foods, and instead eating real food seasoned to taste with high-quality sea salt.
In addition to salt (sodium), there are 3 other main electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, and calcium) necessary to keep you adequately hydrated. It’s important to keep these electrolytes in the proper balance.
For example, too much salt without enough potassium can cause heart problems. That’s why balancing the electrolytes is usually more important than adding just salt to your diet. You can get these electrolytes in this liquid supplement form, in a powder form, or from food (some suggestions below).
👟 Exercise regularly
Though exercise can cause some edema (have you ever noticed your hands get puffy after a workout?), its benefits are much greater. Regular exercise optimizes the circulatory system so that excess water doesn’t pool in the legs or hands.
👟 Optimize your diet
In addition to a healthy pregnancy diet, edema can benefit from a high-protein and high-salt diet, known as the Brewer’s diet. (I know, seems counterintuitive!) Protein in the blood acts as a sponge to hold water inside blood vessels. When there is not enough protein, fluid leaks out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissue.
We know that salt is important in keeping fluid in the blood rather than in the tissue, so the combination of the two is an excellent way to manage feet swelling during pregnancy.
Dr. Brewer had great success working with patients with edema, toxemia and preeclampsia with his diet and protocol. Always check with your doctor before making any diet or supplement changes.
👟 Apple cider vinegar
Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup or two of water, and drink twice a day. ACV is high in potassium, which can help balance your electrolytes.
👟 Magnesium oil or salt bath
Spray your inner arms and legs with this magnesium oil spray per the label’s instructions (again, check with doctor before using.) Place a cup of magnesium flakes into your bath water. Magnesium is best absorbed through the skin, so this is a great way to increase your magnesium levels.
👟 Use a skin brush
This skin brush supports the circulatory system that can help relieve mild cases of edema. Start at feet and brush upward toward the heart. You can then start brush at hands and brush upward toward the heart. This will help move fluid throughout the lymph system and support blood circulation. Do this skin brushing twice per day.
👟 Swimming
Just like water helps with birth, water can also help relieve the pull of gravity on the fluids in your body.
👟 Electrolyte drink
You can try this elecrolyte drink or sip on coconut water with a dash of sea salt.
When should I be worried about feet swelling during pregnancy?
Though edema in pregnancy is incredibly common and normal, it may also be a sign of preeclampsia. If you are having any swelling at all, you should let your health provider know right away. Swelling on its own doesn’t mean you are developing preeclampsia, but it is one of the markers for the condition, so it’s important that your practitioner knows about it to assess other related signs and symptoms.
Other warning signs of preeclampsia:
- Swelling that comes on suddenly
- Excessive swelling in the face
- Ashen appearance
- Skin pitting (when you press on the swollen area and it doesn’t bounce back)
- High blood pressure
- Severe headaches
- Changes in vision
- Upper abdominal pain, usually under your ribs on the right side
- Nausea or vomiting
- Decreased urine output
That being said, the natural remedies discussed above are usually still OK to try even if you have preeclampsia, as the swelling is just a symptom that needs to be managed. The Brewer’s Diet is particularly helpful for preeclampsia. But as always, check with your healthcare provider to see whether it’s safe for you to try any of these home remedies if you are developing preeclampsia.
Swollen feet during pregnancy, what’s the bottom line?
If you have swollen feet while pregnant, there’s no reason to be too concerned. It’s normal and can be treated easily with home remedies.
Keep your practitioner in the loop on your swelling just in case, and keep an eye out for other signs of a problem, like preeclampsia. Chances are, it’s just the normal swelling of pregnancy, but better safe than sorry!
SOURCE: Mamanatural
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/edema-overview
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/preeclampsia/basics/symptoms/con-20031644
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/
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| Image: iStockphoto |
You've taken a home pregnancy test and the result is positive. But is there any chance that it could be wrong?
Home pregnancy tests are pretty reliable -- in fact, most of them can detect a pregnancy with 97 percent accuracy as early as the day after you miss your menstrual period. The tests work by indicating whether or not there's a pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. If you've got a measurable level of hCG, congratulations! You're pregnant -- with these few, rare exceptions.
Chemical pregnancy
The most common explanation for a "false positive" is that you really were pregnant when you took the test. "Some women can get a positive pregnancy test and then three days after their period is due, they have a really heavy period," says Lanalee Araba Sam, M.D., an ob-gyn in Fort Lauderdale. "Really what they've had is an early miscarriage called a chemical pregnancy, and a lot of people call that a false positive. They don't recognize it as a positive pregnancy test that ultimately results in miscarriage." Dr. Sam explains that as many as 25 to 40 percent of pregnancies may end as an early often-undetected miscarriage. Some women don't even know they're pregnant in the first place.
Once you get your positive pregnancy test result, call your doctor and make an appointment. It may be many weeks away, and it can be stressful to wait for acknowledgment that everything's okay with your pregnancy. But, Dr. Sam explains, an ultrasound can't help your doctor see the gestational sac until about 6 weeks, and can't detect a fetus with a heartbeat until around 6 or 7 weeks. Once you see that heartbeat, your chance of miscarriage plummets to less than 5 percent.
In the meantime, look out for heavy bleeding or intense cramping, and call your doctor right away if you experience either of them.
Recent miscarriage
If you've had a miscarriage, hCG can stay in your bloodstream for several weeks afterward, or until your period returns, says Dr. Sam.
Pregnancy test errors
Check your pregnancy test kit to make sure it hasn't expired, and follow the instructions carefully. Making a mistake can affect the reliability of the test results.
Medications
As part of infertility treatments, some women receive hCG injections to cause them to ovulate. If you're one of them, your doctor will advise you on how to accurately test for pregnancy.
Other medications, such as methadone, could also interfere with pregnancy test accuracy, says Sean Daneshmand, M.D., an ob-gyn based in San Diego and founder of the nonprofit organization Miracle Babies.
Rare tumors
In some instances, tumors in the body can produce hCG. This is the case for certain ovarian germ cell tumors and gestational trophoblastic disease, a rare condition in which the cells that normally form the placenta develop tumors instead, says Dr. Daneshmand.
The bottom line is this: If you had a positive pregnancy test, it's 97 percent certain that you're pregnant.
Copyright © 2015 Meredith Corporation.
All content on this Web site, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.
SOURCE: Parents.com
I’ve finally made it to the home stretch of my first pregnancy. Third trimester! Woohoo!
My first trimester was no picnic. My second trimester was awesome. And so far, my third trimester isn’t too bad either.
Maybe one little complaint: I’m so tired. And I’m so sore. My back hurts- oh boy does my back hurt. My feet hurt. My body is just worn out. Okay, that’s more than one complaint, but you can probably put it all together into one package complaint.
If you’re in the same boat as I am, and you probably are considering 50 to 70 percent of pregnant women experience at least some back pain, you may be wondering how to get some relief. Normally, I would pop a few Tylenol or soak in a nice hot bubble bath and let my cares melt away. But as I’ve discovered throughout my pregnancy, most normal remedies aren’t always the safest for baby.
Well, how about a nice soothing heating pad? Are they safe to use while pregnant?
Yes, they are, if they’re used properly.
What causes pregnancy aches and pains?
There are a lot of factors contributing to the aches and pains of pregnancy, more specifically back pains:
- Hormones. It always comes back to hormones, doesn’t it? All the symptoms. Well, in this case, your body is producing hormones that soften your ligaments and loosen your joints in preparation for delivery. Consequently, your back isn’t as well-supported, which can lead to pain.
- Shifting center of gravity. As baby grows, so does your uterus. It may make for a cute baby bump, but it also changes your center of gravity, which throws off your posture and your walking gait. To avoid falling over, pregnant women tend to lean back, which can strain lower back muscles, leading to pain.
- Additional weight. Normal pregnancy weight gain is between 25 and 35 pounds. That’s a lot of extra weight for your back to support. Is it any wonder that it gets cranky and sore?
- Stress. Preparing for a baby is stressful! At least for me it is. I put off all baby prep until I was done my most recent semester at school, which gives me less than three months to buy what I need and set everything up for baby. It seems a monumental task, especially since I’m so tired! Stress usually accumulates in weak areas of the body, and what with all those hormones, shifting center of gravity, and additional weight, your weakest point seems to be your poor back.
Leg cramps are also a big issue during pregnancy. While no one is sure what the exact cause is, leg cramps during pregnancy may increase because of the extra weight or dehydration. Whatever the cause, they are incredibly painful. I’ve always had problems with leg cramps, but they seemed especially worse during my pregnancy.
I once heard a joke about a man who said leg cramps were worse than labour. In the joke his wife beat him senseless for such a stupid remark, but I’m inclined to agree with him.
Seriously. I cannot yet fathom anything more painful. Go ahead a laugh at my naivety if you want. I’ll find out soon enough, I guess.
How heat works to soothe pain.
Applying heat to sore muscles helps ease pain a couple of different ways.
Firstly, heat will dilate the blood vessels of the muscles, increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients. This helps heals damaged muscles.
Secondly, heat stimulates the sensory receptors in the skin, which decreases the transmissions of pain signals to the brain, partially relieving discomfort. Finally, applying heat facilitates stretching the soft tissue- muscles, tendons, and ligaments- around the spine. As a result, there will be a decrease in stiffness and injury, and an increase in flexibility.
How to use a heating pad safely.
Heat therapy is a tried and true method for easing aches and pains and a heating pad is a safe way to apply heat to sore muscles. Unlike a hot bath, a heating pad won’t raise the core temperature of your body, which can increase the risk of certain birth defects and miscarriage. But a heating pad is only safe if it is used properly. Here’s how to do it:
- Only wear the pad for a short period of time. Don’t use a heating pad in one area for longer than 20 minutes, maximum. Keeping heat on for longer can lead to skin burns. Many electric heating pads come with a timer that will automatically turn off the heat. But if you’re using one without, or some other sort of heating device- microwavable, hot water bottle, etc.- be sure to set your own timer, especially if you’re tired and in danger of falling asleep.
- Use the lower temperature settings. Start on the lowest setting and, if needed, move up from there. Never use the highest setting though as it can cause skin burns or increase your body temperature too much.
- Do not apply heating pad directly to your skin. Wrap the device in a thin towel, or use it over your clothing. Again, applying it directly to your skin can lead to burns. You’ve got enough pain to deal with, don’t add burns to your list.
- Use on a localized area. Don’t use a heating pad over large areas of your body. Don’t use more than one heating pad. It’s not good for your skin or your body temperature. Just use one at a time on your back, leg, or shoulder and then move on.
- Do not use on your abdomen. While it’s safe to use a heating pad on your joints, hips, back, legs, etc., avoid using one on your abdomen as it can raise your body temperature too much and can mask serious problems associated with abdominal pregnancy pain.
- Don’t fall asleep while using a heating pad. This is especially important if you’re using an electric heating pad that doesn’t have an automatic shut-off timer. Hot water bottles and microwaved rice pads usually only last about half an hour anyway, so there’s not too much danger there if you do fall asleep, but better safe than sorry. Set a timer- a loud one- and avoid using a heating pad while in bed where the likelihood of falling asleep is greater.
- Do not use heating pad with any liniment, salve, or ointment. Many of these have heat-producing ingredients and burns may result.
Alternatives to heating pads.
If you’re not cool with the idea of using a heating pad (see what I did there. I’m so funny), here are some other ways to try to prevent or alleviate your pregnancy aches and pains:
- Practice good posture. To combat the effects of your shifting center of gravity and its effects on your back, try to maintain good posture by standing up straight and tall, holding your chest high, and keeping your shoulders back and relaxed. Avoid locking your knees. Use a wide stance while standing and if you have to stand for a long time, rest one foot on a low step stool. When sitting, choose a chair that supports your back, or place a small pillow behind your lower back.
- Wear the right shoes. You should wear low-heeled shoes with good arch support, as opposed to flat shoes. Avoid high heels which can shift your center of gravity even more. We have a guide with lots of great choices for your pregnant feet.
- Lift properly. While there’s no hard and fast rule about how much you should or shouldn’t lift while pregnant, it’s a good idea to avoid lifting anything more than 30 pounds. Even for lifting small objects, be sure that you lift correctly. Squat down and lift with your legs. Don’t bend at the waist of lift with your back. Know your limits and ask for help when needed. My brother in law recently said he always knew where my sister had been in the house because there was a trail of stuff she had dropped that she hadn’t bothered to pick up because it was too much effort.
- Wear a pregnancy support belt. These are specially meant to support your back during pregnancy and can do a lot to avoid those pains in the first place. Read our guide and see our recommendations here.
- Sleep on your side. The best sleep position while pregnant is on your left side. Keep one or both knees bent and try using pregnancy or support pillows between your knees, under your abdomen, and behind your back. You can also try a pregnancy pillow for some extra support and help getting comfortable to sleep.
- Exercise. My husband’s favorite suggestion for a cure to pregnancy woes. Physical activity helps keep your back strong, potentially helping to prevent back pain.
- Schedule an appointment with a chiropractor, massage therapist, or acupuncturist. Any of these can provide some degree of relief. However, be sure to check with your primary healthcare provider before scheduling an appointment. Also, always disclose that you’re are pregnant before receiving treatment.
- Medication. Talk to your doctor about taking Tylenol or other medication to ease soreness.
When to call the doctor.
It’s not uncommon to have back pain, as well as other aches and muscles pains during pregnancy. But there comes a point when pain goes from being ordinary to being dangerous. Call your doctor if:
- You have severe back pain that lasts more than two weeks.
- You experience back pain or abdominal pain that is accompanied by spotting or bleeding, chills, vaginal discharge, light-headedness, pain or discomfort while urinating, or nausea and vomiting.
These could indicate serious conditions, such as preterm labour or a urinary tract infection.
SOURCES: Momtricks
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20046080?pg=1
www.spine-health.com/treatment/heat-therapy-cold-therapy/benefits-heat-therapy-lower-back-pain
www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/heating-pad-while-pregnant
www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/back-pain-during-pregnancy/
www.sunbeam.ca/en_CA/service-and-support/product-support/product-faqs/heating-pads/help-and-how-to-use/heating-pads-help-and-how-to-faq.html?faq=heating-pads-help-and-how-to-faq-Q-A-3
www.today.com/parents/debunking-myths-about-pregnancy-hazards-2D80554291
www.babycenter.com/0_leg-cramps-during-pregnancy_250.bc
Learn the causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy and find out whether your symptoms are normal or require immediate attention from your doctor.
Some abdominal pain during pregnancy is normal: After all, your organs are constantly shifting, your uterus is expanding, and your ligaments are stretching. And let's not forget morning sickness. But abdominal pain during pregnancy can be much more serious (though much rarer). Consult our guide to learn how to decode your aches and pains, determine when it's time to call the doctor, and get simple symptom soothers.
What are some harmless causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy?
From constipation to round ligament pain, here are some common culprits that cause benign abdominal aches and pains during pregnancy. If the pain you're experiencing continues, or if you have symptoms such as bleeding or strong cramping, check in with your ob-gyn.
Your growing uterus
As your uterus grows, it displaces your bowel, "which can lead to nausea, a sense of feeling full easily, or distention in your abdomen," says Patrick Duff, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Florida at Gainesville. The solution? Eat more frequent, smaller meals, exercise regularly, get rest, and empty your bladder often.
Round ligament pain
"Sometimes as the uterus enlarges, it stretches the round ligaments--two big ligaments that travel off the front of the uterus and down into the groin," Dr. Duff says. You may feel this as lower abdominal discomfort that radiates into the groin; it may be sharp and stabbing when you change positions or dull and achy. It usually begins in the second trimester and will resolve on its own, but if you're extremely uncomfortable ask your ob-gyn if you can take acetaminophen.
Constipation and gas
Constipation and gas are, unfortunately, often part and parcel of pregnancy. Progesterone, a hormone that increases during pregnancy, slows down your entire gastrointestinal tract, making foods travel more slowly through it. To combat constipation, drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods. If that doesn't relieve the problem, your midwife or ob-gyn may recommend a stool softener or a fiber supplement.
Braxton Hicks contractions
"Braxton Hicks contractions are not associated with dilation of the cervix," Dr. Duff says. "They are annoying, but totally benign." The trick is to differentiate these "practice contractions" from real premature labor. "True contractions tend to get closer and closer together," Dr. Duff says. "If someone can carry on a conversation, watch television, or read, then the contractions are probably not real labor." Dehydration can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids. If the contractions persist, or you're not sure whether they're Braxton Hicks or true contractions, call your ob-gyn.
What are more serious cases of abdominal pain during pregnancy?
Many women have healthy pregnancies, but serious complications can develop that require immediate attention from your ob-gyn. Some red flags to watch out for include bleeding, severe pain, fever, and visual disturbances.
Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic or tubal pregnancies, in which the egg implants someplace other than the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube, occur in 1 in 50 pregnancies, according to the March of Dimes. In the unlikely event that you have an ectopic pregnancy, you may experience intense pain and bleeding between your 6th and 10th weeks of pregnancy, as the tube becomes distended. Women at increased risk for an ectopic pregnancy include those who have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past, or have had pelvic, abdominal, fallopian tube surgery, and those who have had endometriosis, a tubal ligation, an intrauterine device (IUD) in place at the time of conception, or a pelvic infection. An abnormally shaped uterus and the use of artificial reproductive techniques also seem to increase the risk.
Ectopic pregnancies cannot continue and require immediate treatment. If you had a positive pregnancy test but have not yet had your pregnancy confirmed by a medical exam, and you experience abdominal pain, you should be evaluated immediately by your ob-gyn, says Linda Chambliss, M.D., chief of obstetrics at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. Your ob-gyn or midwife can perform an ultrasound to confirm whether the egg has implanted in the uterus.
Miscarriage
When women experience abdominal pain in the first trimester, "you always have to be concerned about miscarriage," Dr. Duff says, because the unfortunate fact is that 15 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Symptoms of miscarriage include bleeding and cramping that can be rhythmic or resemble menstrual cramps.
Preterm labor
If you're experiencing regular contractions before you're 37 weeks pregnant, and you have a persistent backache, you could be having preterm labor. Now is not the time to wait it out--call your ob-gyn right away. The contractions may or may not be accompanied by leaking vaginal fluid or blood or a decrease in fetal movement. Even experienced pros on their third pregnancy may not be able to tell if contractions are just Braxton Hicks or true preterm labor, Dr. Chambliss says, so she asks her patients to call anytime they feel contractions. You may end up being sent home because it's a false alarm (Dr. Chambliss says that up to 30 percent of the women who show up in her triage unit are), but it's better to be safe than sorry, especially in this case.
Placental abruption
Your placenta is the source of oxygen and nutrients for your baby. It usually implants high on the uterine wall and doesn't detach until after your baby is born. In rare cases (1 out of every 200 births), the placenta can separate from the uterine wall, a dangerous complication, which is most common in the third trimester. Dr. Duff describes the pain from a placental abruption as "severe, constant, progressively worsening lower abdomen pain." Your uterus may become rock hard (if you press on the abdomen, it won't indent) and you may also have dark, red blood that does not have clots. In some cases, a woman may go into labor when her placenta separates, in which case her ob-gyn will usually deliver the baby by emergency cesarean section. If the abruption is mild, a doctor may allow the pregnancy to continue or may induce labor and do a vaginal delivery. Women at risk for this condition include those who have a history of placental abruption, or who have high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and abdominal trauma.
Preeclampsia
According to the Preeclampsia Foundation of America, preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders are experienced by 5 to 8 percent of all pregnant women. Preeclampsia can develop anytime after 20 weeks of pregnancy, which is one reason why your doctor checks your blood pressure at every appointment, and it is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Because high blood pressure constricts the vessels in the uterus that supply the fetus with oxygen and nutrients, the baby's growth may be slowed. Preeclampsia also increases the risk of placental abruption, in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. When preeclampsia is severe, it can be accompanied by pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen as well as nausea, headaches, swelling, and visual disturbances, such as flashing lights. It you suspect that you have preeclampsia, call your ob-gyn immediately.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Up to 10 percent of expectant moms will get a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point during their pregnancy, according to the March of Dimes. Typical symptoms include a sudden urge to urinate, pain or burning with urination, and bloody urination--but some patients with a UTI also experience abdominal pain, Dr. Chambliss says. "The concern with UTIs during pregnancy is that they can progress to an infection in your kidneys that will increase your risk of preterm labor," she adds. That's one reason why your ob-gyn tests your urine every visit, to check for the signs of bacteria that can lead to a UTI. The good news is that if a UTI is caught early it should be easy to treat with antibiotics.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose in pregnancy, says Dr. Duff, because "as the uterus enlarges, the appendix pulls up and can get up near the belly button or liver. That atypical presentation gives us a curve ball." And because a diagnosis can be delayed, it's one of the reasons a woman is at greater risk of dying from appendicitis during pregnancy. Although the usual hallmark of appendicitis is pain in the lower right quadrant of your abdomen, when you're pregnant you may feel it higher up. Other symptoms include lack of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
Gallstones
Stones in the gallbladder are more common in women, especially if they are overweight, over the age of 35, or have a history of stones, Dr. Chambliss says. The pain from gallstones (also called cholecystitis) is severe and focused in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen. In some cases, the pain may also radiate around to your back and under your right shoulder blade.
When should I call my ob-gyn?
Don't hesitate to call your doctor if you feel like something's not quite right. "If you have anything that you're concerned about you should contact your ob-gyn or be seen," says Rebecca Shiffman, M.D., director of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Lincoln Hospital in Bronx, New York. "That's what we're here for--to provide answers to pregnant women and to provide whatever care they need." Always call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms:
- Abdominal pain with or without bleeding before 12 weeks
- Bleeding or strong cramping
- More than four contractions in an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal pain
- Visual disturbances
- Severe headache
- Severe swelling of the hands, legs, or face
- Pain during urination, difficulty urinating, or blood in your urine
Is there anything I can do to help ease abdominal discomfort during pregnancy?
- Eat small, frequent meals
- Exercise regularly, in moderation
- Choose fiber-rich foods (including fruits, vegetables, and bran)
- Drink plenty of water
- Empty your bladder often
- Rest as often as you can
Image: ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock
SOURCE: Parents.com
Trust us, we feel your pain. You can blame these not-so-fun pregnancy symptoms largely on the hormones your body is producing (what else is new?), specifically all the estrogen and progesterone. Your body’s making more of both now to relax smooth muscle tissue. Unfortunately, this causes your gastrointestinal tract to relax a little too much, leading to side effects like bloating, indigestion, constipation, stomachaches and, yes, all that horrific gas you’ve been having lately.
But sadly, you can’t blame it all on the hormones. Believe it or not you could actually be adding to your own discomfort just by what you’re eating or what you wear. Here’s a list of the most common causes of bloating and indigestion during pregnancy.
See if you’re guilty of a few of them (or all of them!):
• Eating greasy, fatty, or highly seasoned foods
• Eating or drinking too much caffeine—chocolate, soda, coffee, or other drinks
• Eating big meals
• Eating too fast
• Lying down/not moving much after eating
• Wearing restricting clothing
Sound familiar? Try these tips to help cut back on the bloating:
• Eat several small meals throughout the day
• Pace yourself while eating and drink less during each meal
• Drink water throughout the day and avoid caffeinated drinks
• Try to avoid lying down following a meal. But if you’re totally pooped, at least prop up your upper body with some pillows when you lie down.
• Wear loose and comfy clothing
If you’re still suffering, talk to your doctor immediately to see if maybe something else is to blame.
SOURCE: Thebump
When you're expecting a baby, any kind of bleeding or spotting is unnerving. Learn the causes of bleeding during pregnancy, and what you should do it if happens to you.
Any type of bleeding is terrifying during pregnancy, even for the most level-headed mom-to-be. The good news: Although spotting occurs in nearly one-third of all pregnancies, it often poses no threat to mom or baby. It's common for a small percentage of pregnant women to have spotting after intercourse, for example, and others may have bleeding for reasons that have nothing to do with pregnancy, such as infections or tears to the vaginal wall. "The vast majority of spotting is harmless," says Alyssa Stephenson-Famy, M.D., Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist at the University of Washington, Seattle. But bleeding, no matter how scant, can be indicative of a variety of complications, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and placenta previa, and thus should never be ignored. Here are the various reasons you may experience bleeding during your pregnancy, as well as tips for effectively communicating your symptoms to your ob-gyn.
The First 20 Weeks
Doctors estimate that 25 to 40 percent of women will experience some vaginal bleeding during the first trimester of their pregnancy, and more often than not the pregnancy will progress totally normally, Dr. Stephenson-Famy says. According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are a number of possible causes of innocuous spotting or bleeding in the first half of pregnancy, including:
- Implantation bleeding, which occurs about 4 weeks into your pregnancy as the fertilized egg attaches to your uterine wall.
- Hormonal changes
- Sexual intercourse
- Infections
- Internal exam done by your obstetrician or midwife
Sometimes bleeding during the first half of your pregnancy can be a sign of a more serious condition, however, such as:
- Subchorionic hemorrhage, which is bleeding around the placenta. Although it is possible to continue with a normal pregnancy after this type of bleeding occurs, prompt diagnosis and treatment is vital. "Most subchorionic hemorrhages resolve, but it does put the woman at an increased risk for other complications such as preterm labor," Dr. Stephenson-Famy says.
- Chemical pregnancy, which occurs when an egg is fertilized but never fully implants in the uterus.
- Miscarriage (either threatened or imminent), which is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks. Often, the bleeding or spotting that occurs during a miscarriage will be accompanied by other symptoms, such as cramping or abdominal pain.
- Ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. Sometimes called a tubal pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy cannot progress normally and may be life-threatening to the mother if left undiagnosed.
- Molar pregnancy, a nonviable pregnancy characterized by an abnormal growth on the placenta, and, usually, an abnormal fetus.
Bottom line: Any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can be a symptom of a larger problem, so it's important that you call your doctor right away. Be prepared to give information about the amount of blood you've lost and a description of how you're feeling overall, advises Laura Riley, M.D., author of Pregnancy: The Ultimate Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Dr. Riley says you should insist on being seen if you have any vaginal bleeding that makes you feel faint or soaks through a sanitary pad. You should also be seen if the bleeding is persistent or accompanied by pain or a fever.
The Last 20 Weeks
Although the risk of miscarriage (known as a stillbirth after the first 20 weeks) diminishes greatly after the first trimester, and many of the early complications are no longer a factor (such as ectopic and molar pregnancies), bleeding during the second half of pregnancy should be taken very seriously, especially if it's ongoing, Dr. Stephenson-Famy says. Causes for bleeding in the second half of pregnancy include:
- Sexual intercourse
- Cervical checks, especially late in the third trimester when they become more frequent
- Placenta previa, which is when the placenta covers the cervix either partially or completely
- Placental abruption, in which the placenta tears away from the wall of the uterus, can cause severe vaginal bleeding and is life-threatening to both Mom and Baby. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, a placental abruption is the most common cause of serious bleeding during late pregnancy. The condition is rare, and occurs only in about one percent of all pregnancies.
- Preterm labor, in which vaginal bleeding is accompanied by cramping or contractions, diarrhea, pelvic pressure, or back pain before 37 weeks, could have serious repercussions for the baby if not managed. After 37 weeks, these symptoms could be a normal start to labor.
Bottom line: No matter when it occurs, any bleeding during pregnancy warrants a phone call to your doctor or midwife, even if only to confirm nothing is amiss. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about the color, amount, and timing of blood in order to best help your practitioner determine the possible cause.
Image: xusenru-1829710/Pixabay
SOURCE: Parents.com
There are a lot of misconceptions out there regarding weight loss during pregnancy. The most important things to think about are why this happens and what you can do to prevent it.
Reasons why you might lose your appetite.
1. Morning Sickness (aka Nausea and Vomiting).
Some moms swear they love being pregnant. It gives them the pregnancy glow and the morning sickness for some reason just doesn’t bother them at all!
Others, however, would wake up at 2 AM feeling that heartburn and nausea and just starts throwing up – every day. Sometimes it’s not even just in the morning. It can happen anytime – morning, noon or night. Don’t worry, nausea and vomiting are very common in 70 – 80% of pregnant women in their first trimester. Some may experience in until the beginning of the second trimester, and for multiple gestation, it can stay until the third – sorry ladies.
The constant heartburn, nausea, and vomiting can affect your appetite. After all those trips to the bathroom, that annoying acidic burn you feel on your chest and your sudden aversion to some type of taste and smell, how will you be able to eat properly?
2. Stress.
While internal causes such as hormonal changes and your baby’s growth can cause stress, other outside factors can affect your state of mind.
Financial freedom is probably on top of the worries we have when starting a family. Having a baby will, of course, make you start thinking if you haven’t already of having a savings’ plan.
Being a single mom or working outside of your home or just the fact that you are growing another human being inside of you can be stressful. So many things come in your mind, and you start to worry.
Stress can either increase or decrease your appetite. It can also cause headaches or muscle pain that will affect you during pregnancy and may also lead to a loss of appetite.
3. Constipation.
Hormones bring lots of changes in your body. It can make you moody, happy and believe it or not, it can slow down your food digestion. It causes your intestinal muscles to relax which consequently slows down the digestive system. Food and waste get ‘clogged,’ and it will lead you eventually to difficulty in passing stool or having hard stool.
Think of your intestines as pipes and your stomach as the kitchen sink. Once those pipes get clogged, it can make you feel full and not want to eat. Also, being constipated takes a lot of energy out of you, especially when you’re pregnant. Sometimes, you’d rather just rest than eat.
Eat, think and sleep right.
Now that you know what are the few causes of losing weight during pregnancy, you can then start planning or changing what you may consider as ‘bad habits.’ Whether you’re planning to get pregnant or are already in your second or third trimester, it’s never too late to be healthy.
1. Spread it out.
Try eating small meals throughout the day instead of a one to three big ones. This way, you won’t feel too full, and it can lessen the incidence of nausea and vomiting.
You may also try drinking ginger tea or asking your doctor about ginger pills if you’re up for it. It’s known to reduce or even prevent morning sickness symptoms.
2. Stay on top of your food groups.
Talk to your Ob-Gyn or nutritionist or look through trusted sources on what food and supplements you should be taking and how much weight you have to be gaining throughout your pregnancy. It’s not accurate to go by the rule that you are eating for two. You do need to be more conscious of eating more and staying healthy since your baby or babies will take a lot of your nutrients.
During pregnancy, if you have an average calorie intake and weight, you only have to add about 300 calories during the second and third trimester. During the first trimester, about 100 is good enough. Of course, it’s more if you have multiple babies.
You may also add fats in your diet. Everything in moderation is the key. Fats are needed not only for your growing child but also for your milk production.
Lastly, you can add more fiber to your diet as this can help prevent constipation.
3. Hydrate.
Drink more! While the trips to the bathroom all throughout the day is exasperating and tiring, drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent constipation.
Adding more fluids to your diet such as water and low sugar juices will also keep your sodium level balanced, preventing more complications such as high blood pressure and urinary tract infection. Fewer complications will lead to less stress, thus increasing your appetite and preventing weight loss.
4. Relax.
Try pregnancy yoga, pilates or just a good nap. Practice deep breathing not only for labor but also for releasing negative, stressful thoughts. Exercising is permitted unless your doctor says otherwise. So, take a walk, or go for a run to help get those muscles moving and working. This can prevent constipation, decrease high blood pressure and prevent fatigue and stress.
When to contact your doctor.
When all is said and done and still keep losing weight, ask your doctor. Also, look into these two very serious complications:
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
This is something that gets overlooked by pregnant women because we think it’s common to be throwing up and feeling nauseous during pregnancy. However, persistent nausea and vomiting throughout the day or until later in your third trimester can be a cause of concern. While some women may experience this and be deemed normal, it is still always safe to let your doctor know what you are going through and if you and your baby are staying healthy.
Depression
Stress is a normal condition. However, once you start feeling more stressed, fatigued and down, as usual, take a step back and ask yourself – ‘Am I still OK?’
Depression during pregnancy is common, but, must not be left unnoticed. Some women may already be taking antidepressants before pregnancy, and some tend not to say anything during because there’s not much you can take while pregnant. Some many have had eating disorders or are developing eating disorders which obviously can cause weight loss. If you feel that it’s not just a simple case of appetite loss and gloominess, talk to your doctor.
Staying positive and motivated will help you and your baby stay healthy. Remember, whatever size or shape you are, you are beautiful. That bump is a big deal to be proud of!
SOURCE: Momtricks
No matter what you say to a woman who is nearing the end of her pregnancy, well, it's probably wrong.
Between out-of-control pregnancy hormones and breathless (literally) anticipation over baby's arrival, let's just say you'd be wise to be careful about what you say to a woman in her third trimester. Specifically, you may want to avoid uttering any of the these "gems" of advice and observations that are guaranteed to elicit tears, or worse.
1. "Better catch up on sleep before Baby comes!"
Because it's so easy to sleep at this point in my pregnancy, when I'm as big as a house and have to pee every 14 seconds.
2. "Baby'll be here before you know it!"
Except when you're at the end of your pregnancy, each day feels like a month. So, since I'm 37-weeks pregnant, that means I still have 21 months to go.
3. "My delivery was so hard/long/painful," etc.
Look, this baby has to come out one way or another, and I may already be more or less terrified. But I can pretend like that story about suffering through a 92-hour labor isn't going to make me go home and cry.
4. "Are you going to have any more?"
ANY MORE? I haven't even had this one!
5. "You're still pregnant?"
What was your first clue? Maybe it was the waddle that gave it away? Or was it the profuse sweating? These freak-show boobs? Being as wide as you are tall also makes pregnancy truly hard to disguise.
6. "I went early."
Why are you spreading false hope? WHY?!? That's just cruel.
7. Looking disappointed or cringing when the baby's gender is revealed.
First of all, you asked what I was having. Then you seemed put off when I shared it is another girl. Good thing I'm over-the-moon about it! Hey, while you're at it, don't forget to ask about my plans to go for that boy, something I'm totally focused on just weeks ahead of this delivery! (Not.)
8. "I stopped gaining weight by now. My body just couldn't handle anymore!"
Step away from the pregnant lady and no one gets hurt!
9. "You must be due any day."
Well, no, actually. I still have two months to go. Hold on while I jump off this bridge.
10. "I feel like you've been pregnant forever," or "Your pregnancy flew by!"
I'm the one who is pregnant and can assure everyone that their perceptions of how slowly or quickly it progressed does not mirror mine.
11. "You look so cute!"
Then why don't I feel remotely cute? Maybe you didn't see my swollen feet and acne. And of course there's no way you could have known that I haven't shaved my bikini area since last month, or that my stretch marks are starting to change from a subtle pink color to a searing purple hue. Sigh.
12. "Enjoy this time. It goes so fast."
Pretty sure one day I'll agree.... But it sure isn't today!
Look, it's pretty hard to say the right thing to a woman in her third trimester. The best you can probably do: "I feel your pain!"
Image: boristrost-332908/Pixabay
SOURCE: Parents.com
There will still be hands on your vagina
Surprised? New mom Bump Lori gave it to us straight: "After my second c-section, a nurse came into my room in the middle of the night and gave me what I now refer to as a vaginal car wash. I was NOT expecting that!” It's true: even though it isn't baby's exit route, your vagina will still be involved in your c-section and recovery. Basically, the “vaginal car wash” will come sometime after delivery (and more than once, if needed), and just involves a little rinse-down with a peri bottle and a pat down with a dry cloth—the point is to clean up any blood that will be leaking out after the surgery. (More on that later.) Also, be prepared for a nurse to insert a catheter before surgery (but usually after you've received anesthesia, so you won’t feel a thing).
You’ll probably get the shakes
If you have a spinal, you'll probably spend some time involuntarily vibrating all over (though some find it’s just their legs that spasm). "It's a strange sensation for some patients as it is involuntary shaking, but it's nothing excessive—just a light shiver—and perfectly normal!" says Carolyn Eskridge, an OB with Eastover Ob/Gyn in Charlotte, NC. But don't worry: "It subsides quickly, as the spinal usually wears off after a few hours," assures Eskridge.
You might feel a little tugging
The good news is you’ll be totally numbed from your belly down during surgery (and for a couple of hours afterward), so your cesarean won't hurt a bit. But some moms do claim to feel a little pushing and tugging sensation as baby is eased out of their abdomen (especially if he or she is crammed up near their rib cage).
You will probably be freezing during delivery
We’ve heard from tons of mamas who complain about being ice cold during their c-sections—and many tend to blame it on the cool temps in the OR. But while ORs are definitely kept cooler for other surgeries (to maintain sterility, prevent humidity formation and combat bacterial colonization), Eskridge says doctors actually raise the temperature in the room for c-sections in order to accommodate the new arrival. Still, between being numbed from the waist down and lying still for 30 minutes half-naked, it’s no wonder moms tend to catch a chill. But at least there’s some good news: you can often request warm blankets to be placed on you to combat some of the chilliness.
You’ll get a bonus "leg massage"
After surgery your doctors will bring in contraptions called sequential compression devices (SCDs), which work to improve your circulation and prevent blood clots. They may even slip them on when you’re asleep and numb after surgery—so if you wake up to find them on you, don’t be alarmed. They kind of look like space boots and they may seem a little weird at first (since they inflate and deflate repeatedly), but the sooner your blood gets pumping all around, the sooner your doctors will take them away.
Stool softeners = your new best friend
Pooping can be a major problem post c-section, since it's tough to push when your abdomen is tender and sore. Taking stool softeners after delivery will ease you back into pooping again—and make you a pretty happy camper in the process. Just remember to drink lots of water, and walk around as soon as you can, to keep your bowels awake. And to ease your mind: No, you won’t bust your stitches pooping—it just doesn't happen.
Coughing and sneezing will hurt
“I came home and had a coughing fit one afternoon, and OMG it hurt like the dickens!” says Bumpie BOGOhokie06. Eskridge, who had two c-sections of her own, had the same experience and has some advice: “Splinting (holding a pillow against the abdomen over the incision) is very helpful in preventing pain with cough/sneeze/laughing.” Keep a pillow handy in all rooms of the house, and when you’re riding in a car. Belly bands or other compression garments can also help support your abs, since applying pressure to your muscles after they’ve been cut will help combat the pain that comes from muscle contractions. How long can you expect this to last? Eskridge says most mamas find the pain will be the worst the week after delivery but will gradually get better over the course of a few weeks after that.
Exercise is everything
We’re not suggesting you get up and do a round of jumping jacks, but just getting up and hobbling around as soon as humanly possible is a good idea. (Well, after your doctor says it’s okay.) “Once the spinal wears off and movement is back in the lower extremities, then it is safe to walk around,” says Eskridge. “Plus, it gets the bowels working again and can prevent a lot of gas pain!” It also helps prevent blood clots. So get off your butt.
There will be blood
"I was surprised about the postpartum bleeding," says Bumpie BChenier. "I guess I figured since the baby didn't come out vaginally, I wouldn't bleed (boy, was I wrong)." You won’t have as much postpartum bleeding as with a vaginal delivery (since the vaginal cavity is wiped clean at the time of your surgery), but bleeding will still happen. After all, your uterine wall has to heal itself after the placenta has been detached, and your blood vessels are responding to the dip in hormone levels. Plus, that thick lining that grew to support baby throughout your pregnancy will need to shed itself in the weeks after your delivery. Don’t worry though—any bleeding should be light and only last about six weeks, max.
That scar might freak you out (for a little while, anyway)
Some moms admit they didn’t realize just how prominent their scar would be at first. “I felt totally disfigured,” says Bump Lori of her c-section scar. “But over time, it faded and flattened a lot, and now I actually love it. It's my mommy battle scar!” Don’t fret over it too much—just expect that while you may be weirded out at the beginning, the newness of it will fade in time. Want to help it fade faster? Eskridge suggests trying scar-fading ointments—but only after you’ve let it heal for six weeks (applying anything sooner may cause an infection).
You may have gas pains—in your shoulders
Yep, you read that right. You may get some wicked gas pain in your shoulders after delivery. When your bowels become sluggish after surgery, the resulting gas pain can press on the diaphragm, and that pain can extend to the shoulders. To combat this, your nurse will offer you anti-gas meds and encourage you to walk around as soon as possible. But that’s not the only cause of postsurgical shoulder pain. Eskridge says that sometimes moms feel this way as a result of "referred pain"—pain that’s actually being caused in another part of the body (in this case, your uterus), but felt somewhere else, because of the way your nerves react. Yes, it can be rough, but the pain should subside in a day or so.
SOURCE: Thebump
Black eyes, dark hair… I was picturing how my son would look once I finally got to meet him. Later in the day, I read reviews on strollers I’d been meaning to research. Which reminded me to pick out a few more onesies at the baby store.
Sounds fun, except… I was at work. The file on the computer I was supposed to be working on was still glaring at me. Instead of fonts and layouts, I was looking at gender prediction charts and researching which fish is safe to eat.
If you can relate, read on.
Because even if you love your job, pregnancy is on our minds. We can’t focus. We feel our productivity sliding, and it doesn’t help we’re uncomfortable from the general fatigue of being pregnant.
You know you need to get a grip, but how can you keep up at work when you’re always distracted?
How to keep up at work during pregnancy
With so many distractions these days, staying focused is getting harder than ever. Social media, email, coworkers dropping by… even a non-pregnant employee struggles with concentration. Add to that a pregnancy that takes your attention away, and it can be hard to keep up at work.
What are a few ways you can bring focus into your work, even if you’re pregnant?
1. Schedule your day, including downtime
Downtime and social media aren’t the evils of the world. I’m not proposing we stay away completely from them. They have their place in our lives, but only when we define boundaries around them.
Try this: schedule your day, including downtime. Write exactly what you plan to do during your work hours, from lunch breaks to meetings. Then, schedule your downtime for researching strollers and making doctor’s appointments.
Cal Newport, author of Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, says:
Schedule in advance when you’ll use the Internet, and then avoid it altogether outside these times. I suggest that you keep a notepad near your computer at work. On this pad, record the time you’re allowed to use the Internet. Until you arrive at that time, absolutely no network connectivity is allowed—no matter how tempting.
Scheduling downtime makes the rest of your day more productive. You’d be surprised how much time you waste when you’re juggling work with your personal life.
Instead, when you’re working, work. Then go crazy finding those paint chip colors for the nursery during the time you’ve given yourself.
2. Set reminders on your calendar
Many digital calendars sync with other programs to remind you of your tasks. If you accepted a meeting with a coworker, set your calendar so it adds that meeting for you. Better yet, set it so it sends you reminders long before as well as close to when the meeting starts.
3. Know your most productive times
Did you know willpower is finite? The way we talk about willpower, you’d think it has more to do with our personality or our motivation. Researchers are finding that willpower depletes throughout the day. No one wakes up in the morning and says, “Well, I give up on my diet—give me that banana split sundae for breakfast.”
We all have our productive times, and it’s usually in the mornings. I was lucky: my work schedule means I’m in the office at 7am. I’m able to crank out so much work before anyone else comes in compared to the rest of my day.
Use your productive times to do your most challenging projects. You’ll resist distractions for your important tasks when your willpower is fully loaded.
4. Give yourself deadlines
I’m not a fan of last-minute projects. These rush projects are more likely to be poor in quality with tons of mistakes. But I am a fan of deadlines, particularly challenging ones that push you to get things done.
Imagine you had to write a ten-page report, and you had three weeks to do it. You’ll probably waste time drawing it out longer than it needs to be. But what if you gave yourself two days to draft, write and polish the report?
Sometimes, more time isn’t a good idea. Parkinson’s law states:
Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.
You’ll push yourself to get things done when you know you only have a limited to complete them. Even if you don’t have a set deadline for a project, make one for yourself. If the deadline is too far in the future, break it up piece by piece so you have regular deadlines.
Set a challenging but realistic deadline to push yourself to get it done. Some moms even add self-imposed deadlines by taking a day off before they need to finish a project. Having Friday off is enough of a push for them to finish their tasks in four days instead of five.
5. Recharge with stretch breaks
As I’m sure you know by now, pregnancy comes with its own challenges. Whether you’re slugging through the first trimester or nearing the end, it’s tough to work and be pregnant.
Use your breaks to recharge. You’re already getting up many times to use the restroom or grab some water. This time, make it purposeful. Concentrate hard when you’re at your desk, then use those breaks for your body and mind. Gather your focus, stretch your body, and steer yourself back to your projects when you’re ready.
6. Plan for the next day
Having a plan is key when you want to keep up at work. Before you dash out at the end of the day, spend the last 15 minutes writing your tasks for tomorrow. Combine this task with time blocking your calendar. Write any meetings you need to attend and the important tasks you should do first.
When you come in the next morning, you won’t waste time wondering what to do. You’ll already have a plan in place. Most important, you’ll know where in your day your most important work sits.
Then, outline every to-do list, placing time limits on each one. Decide whether these tasks are even important or if you even need to go to those meetings (would a quick one-on-one recap work better?). Taking these extra steps now will avoid wasted time reviewing them the next day.
Conclusion
Staying focused at work can be challenging even for the regular employee. Add pregnancy to the mix, and it’s no wonder many moms find it hard to keep up at work. But by practicing the tips above, you’ll avoid wasting time and remain productive.
Even as you’re daydreaming out the window about your baby’s eye color.
Image: dianaforsberg92-3774697/Pixabay
SOURCE: Sleepingshouldbeeasy
