Pregnancy Health

Can You Get a Tattoo While Pregnant?

Every pregnant woman likes to commemorate her pregnancy in different ways. Some women make pregnancy belly casts and paint them; others like the idea of getting inked. Tattoos are a creative outlet for some women, but just how safe is getting a tattoo when you’re pregnant? Can you get a tattoo while pregnant? What does the medical community say about this subject?

Doctors and reputable medical organizations, such as the March of Dimes, DO NOT recommend that you get a tattoo while pregnant. They strongly urge all women to wait until after their baby is born before getting inked.

Wearing Contacts in Pregnancy

by Guest Writer Leave a Comment

Many of the physical changes a woman goes through during her pregnancy are commonly known, such as hormonal spikes, increased body mass index (BMI) and swelling of hands and feet. Something many future mothers are not aware of is that their eyes also have a possibility of swelling, causing the cornea to thicken.

While this is a normal occurrence during pregnancy, it could still be a problem for mothers using contact lenses.

The eyes swell in accordance with variations in blood and body fluid pressure, which incidentally is the same thing that causes the previously mentioned swelling of hands and feet. [Read more…] about Wearing Contacts in Pregnancy

Hot Tubs vs. Hot Baths: What’s Safe During Pregnancy?

by DP Nguyen 5 Comments

Sitting in a hot tub when pregnant, or taking a long hot bath sounds like a relaxing and wonderful way to get relief from all your pregnancy-related aches and pains. But you might want to resist the temptation. One of these options is safe, and one is not. So what’s safe during pregnancy – a bubbling hot tub, or a hot bath?

If you guessed – hot bath, you’re right. Taking a hot bath, as long as the water is comfortable and not scalding hot, is perfectly safe when you’re pregnant.

On the other hand, hot tubs and pregnancy do not go together. It is a dangerous mix, and you should avoid it when pregnant. Hot tubs, especially in the first trimester, can increase your risk of complications, such as miscarriage and birth defects.

What are the Earliest Signs of Pregnancy

by DP Nguyen 66 Comments

It’s been a few weeks since you did the deed (without protection), and now you’re wondering, “Am I pregnant?”

You feel more exhausted than normal; your breasts are swollen and tender; and you’re always running to the bathroom to pee. Are your symptoms normal PMS, or are you pregnant?

Because PMS symptoms can be remarkably similar to the very early signs of pregnancy, it’s a good idea for you to assume that you’re pregnant (or could be pregnant). If you think that you might be pregnant, start making healthy eating choices, pay careful attention to any over-the-counter or prescription medications you take, and avoid any nicotine or alcohol products until you rule out pregnancy. Make sure that you also begin taking prenatal vitamins!

So, what are the earliest signs of pregnancy?
[Read more…] about What are the Earliest Signs of Pregnancy

What are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

by Guest Writer 2 Comments

Every pregnant woman will experience contractions at some point in her pregnancy. Some might have contractions earlier on; others may not feel these uterine contractions until closer to labor. If you’re freaked out about preterm labor, you might be worried that your contractions mean that your baby is coming early. For this reason, it’s a good idea for you to learn the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions vs. true labor contractions.

What are Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions, also called false labor pains, are intermittent uterine contractions that are getting your body ready for delivery. Most medical experts argue that Braxton Hicks are your body’s way of toning the uterus up and preparing it for labor and delivery. They argue that without these practice contractions, your body won’t be in the right shape to give birth.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

by DP Nguyen 3 Comments

Every pregnant woman in the United States will get tested for gestational diabetes in the second trimester – sometime between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant. This is a routine test that is part of regular prenatal care, and it allows your physician to provide better obstetric care.

So, what is gestational diabetes? And how can it affect your pregnancy?

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes (high blood sugar) that develops in pregnancy. For a majority of women, this form of diabetes occurs only during pregnancy. Unlike Type 1 or Type 2, gestational diabetes often disappears after your baby is born. In rare cases, gestational diabetes transforms into Type 2 diabetes after delivery. [Read more…] about What is Gestational Diabetes?