 It is an exciting time as you await the arrival of your tiny bundle of joy, and cannot even begin to imagine all the wonderful experiences you will have together. However, some of these experiences may be a little less exciting, or quite uncomfortable to say the least. The most common pregnancy complaints are: cramps, headaches, heartburn, indigestion, swollen ankles/hands/feet, nausea, vomiting, back pain, acne, and constipation.
Prenatal appointments should be done regularly. For those with a straightforward pregnancy, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, recommends visiting their doctor or midwife:
Women with pre-existing medical conditions may require more attention, and are typically supported by an obstetrician. Conditions such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy, even in healthy women. The presence of the following symptoms would warrant an immediate visit to their midwife or doctor: fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, chills, persistent vomiting, fainting spells, unusual vaginal discharge, blurred vision. A visit should be made to the hospital if there is sudden decrease in fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, headaches or changes to vision, and contractions. What you can do to alleviate some of these uncomfortable symptoms: Cramps Many women experience sudden muscle cramps and spasms in their thighs, legs, and feet. Unfortunately, cramps can occur during sleep. Gentle movements during the day that stretch or exercise the legs, ankles, and feet can be useful. During a cramp, the affected area should be stretched. A simple exercise is rotating the foot in a circular motion 8 or 9 times. Acne Some women may develop acne even if it has never been a problem for them. As hormone levels change rapidly – mainly progesterone, acne is fairly common in the first trimester. Excess oil production triggered by the rapid changes in hormone levels, can generate flare-ups from whiteheads, blackheads, to inflamed red bumps. Acne can be treated using mild cleansers. It is important to be aware of which ingredients are in the products being used during pregnancy. Avoiding products containing salicylic acid is recommended. Drinking a lot of water is also helpful. If acne is severe, speak to a doctor regarding over-the-counter treatments. Headaches Headaches are common during the first trimester, due to the fluctuation of pressure in blood vessels, as a result of hormonal shifts. It is important to stay hydrated by consuming a lot of water. Rest and relaxation is important. To treat tension headaches, a cold compress can be placed against the base of the neck. A glass of water with a pinch of ginger powder, taken 3 to 4 times daily can help alleviate the pain from a migraine. Before looking into painkillers, your doctor or midwife should be consulted. Heartburn Heartburn can create an acidic or bitter taste in the mouth, and a burning sensation in the chest. Discomfort can become more severe later on in the pregnancy, as the baby compresses the digestive tract as it grows. It is important to pay attention to your eating habits. Try keeping track of which foods may exacerbate these symptoms. Eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding meals close to bedtime, eliminating spicy foods, or those high in acidity, would help reduce these symptoms. Living in Fort Worth, Dallas and Denton can bring its own set of pregnancy complaints due to the heat, sun, humidity and those Texas-sized mosquitos! Be sure to wear adequate sunscreen, drink plenty of water and wear bug spray!
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A baby is one of the most precious gifts – they are a blessing you receive, while gifting life to a precious little mini-me. That is just the beginning of gifts. Don’t forget about the baby registry. You finally get to live out your childhood fantasy, prancing around a store and picking out a wish list that will actually be fulfilled. Today, the baby registry takes convenience to a whole new level. From the comfort of your own home, you can easily browse and choose the gifts you wish to receive. Friends and family can shop for gifts with essentially the same ease, and comfort of mind knowing that you actually want what they are giving you. Creating a baby registry online with one of the world’s largest shopping websites, Amazon, is a great choice. Amazon allows you to add items from any department to your baby registry. The site offers virtually anything you could buy at a retail store for a much more affordable price, special offers and deals, and product reviews from past consumers.
This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase an item on this list, you're helping support my small business! The Top 5 Baby Registry Items On Amazon Are: Diapers
Diapers aren’t the most exciting gift, but they area necessity. Diapers are quite literally the only item that is always in use – up until potty-training runs smoothly. They are a practical item to add on the registry. For family and friends that may be on the lookout for a more affordable gift, diapers can be paired as an add-on to another part of a gift.
Diaper Genie
The diaper genie is basically an upgrade of the basic garbage can, equivalent to the smartphone version of the home phone. Dirty diapers are dropped into the self-closing contraption, sealing in the scariest odors that the cutest newborn could possibly produce. This is a great gift for any new parent, because no one likes a smelly home.
Thermometer
A thermometer is a great tool to have in the home. For new caregivers, it is handy to have a thermometer to check their baby’s temperature every now and then when they are feeling a little warm. This is a gift that can be used by any member of the household. Plus, a thermometer will always be useful – it is not one of those gifts that a baby can easily grow out of.
Bottle sterilizer
Newborns, and especially preemies, have yet to develop their immune system, hence it is crucial to protect them from the germs and bacteria that can easily cause infection. A bottle sterilizer can be used on baby bottles and other feeding utensils. It is recommended that a sterilizer be used up until the age of one. The sterilization process kills harmful bacteria that can easily spread and come into direct contact with the baby. While you can easily use a pot of boiling water, a bottle sterilizer is most definitely one of the most useful gifts to receive.
Baby monitor
Baby monitors can be used to listen, watch, or even keep track of a baby’s breathing patterns. With the wide range of gadgets available on the market, there is a baby monitor to suit the needs of any type of parent. Monitors allow parents to have a sense of what is going on or even let them know if their baby is awake or crying when they are not in the same room.
Want help creating your registry? Contact Birth With Bethany for your Denton, Dallas and Fort Worth baby registry shopping assistance needs! |
AuthorI'm Bethany. Wife. Boy Mom. Bradley Method® teacher. Child passenger safety technician. Placenta encapsulator. I like little dogs, big hair and sweet tea. Archives
February 2018
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