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Cryptic Pregnancy: All You Need To Know

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Do you think it’s possible for a baby to hide all through pregnancy? Have you heard strange stories about women who don’t know they are pregnant until the baby just pops out in the bathroom? When this happens, it is called a cryptic pregnancy.

Although they are quite rare, cryptic pregnancies are not strange.

In this article, you’d get all the info about cryptic pregnancies; what they are, the symptoms, causes, and how to successfully detect them.

Table of contents

What’s A Cryptic Pregnancy?

Can you be pregnant and not know until the last few days before delivery?

Yes. You can. Interestingly, this is still possible even if you’ve taken multiple pregnancy tests and consulted your doctor.

Here’s the deal:

When this occurs, it is called a cryptic pregnancy. In other terms, it is also referred to as a stealth pregnancy. This is because it can avoid detection by regular pregnancy testing methods.

cryptic pregnancy
pregnancy-scan

For some women, cryptic pregnancies do not come with the tell-tale signs of pregnancy. In fact, symptoms like nausea or mild fatigue (which are strongly associated with pregnancy) may be written off as a passing illness like a stomach upset.

 To help you on this journey, we’d talk about the possible symptoms of cryptic pregnancy.

What Are The Signs of Cryptic Pregnancy?

Pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman. If you’re already a mom, you may experience a different set of symptoms from what you did the first time.

The signs of cryptic pregnancy may be a lot like what comes with regular pregnancy. These include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Mood Swings
  • Increased Urination
  • Swollen/Tender Breasts

However, if you cannot confirm these symptoms with a positive pregnancy test, it is really easy to dismiss them as something else.

Another common sign of pregnancy is the weight gain and resulting baby bump. However, the case is different with cryptic pregnancy because there’s usually no prominent baby bump. During a cryptic pregnancy, the baby may grow at a slower pace than usual. Furthermore, the baby’s position may also explain the absence of an obvious baby bump.

PT Strip result

In addition, a cryptic pregnancy can cause light bleeding or spotting which is often confused for an irregular period.

The Causes of Cryptic Pregnancy

1. Hormones

Once again, the hormones are responsible.

As we mentioned earlier, the fluctuating hormonal levels associated with cryptic pregnancy can cause light spotting or bleeding that resembles a period. As a result, women with irregular cycles often dismiss this bleeding as a period sign, rather than what it really is (a cryptic pregnancy).

Furthermore, if you’ve just given birth, it may take a while before your hormones return to normal. In this period, you may even start ovulating and get pregnant without knowing it.

2. Birth Control

Even if you’re on a birth control plan, there’s still a chance that you may get pregnant. When this happens, you may not experience any of the obvious pregnancy symptoms, leading to a cryptic pregnancy.

3. Stress

High stress levels may provide a possible or alternative explanation for the fatigue or headaches that come with the early stages of pregnancy.

Furthermore, stress greatly affects your hormone levels. This can aggravate or alleviate many common pregnancy symptoms.

4. Physical & Lifestyle Factors

Certain physical factors and lifestyle factors like athleticism can cause your periods to become highly irregular. People who perform high-impact sports often have low levels of certain hormones, increasing the chances of having a cryptic pregnancy.

5. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

This is a serious medical condition characterized by obesity, enlarged ovaries, irregular periods, and reduced fertility. When it occurs, this condition can limit your fertility and create hormonal imbalances which may eventually cause a cryptic pregnancy.

6. Perimenopause

This is the 3 to 5 year period prior to menopause (with or without breast tenderness). In this time window, your estrogen levels would begin to drop and your periods would become less consistent. Pregnancies often go undetected in this period because the obvious symptoms like weight gain and hormone fluctuations may be misinterpreted as menopausal symptoms.

How Do Cryptic Pregnancies Remain Undetected?

As we mentioned earlier, cryptic pregnancies occur when a pregnancy remains undetected for a very long time due to one or more of the reasons above.

Hormonal Imbalance

In most cases, the primary reason is an imbalance in a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. This is the hormone that determines the result of a pregnancy test.

When hCG levels are low, it is possible to get a negative pregnancy test result even during pregnancy. Furthermore, certain fertility drugs or antibiotics can also alter hCG levels during pregnancy.

An Inconclusive Ultrasound

Sometimes, an ultrasound may fail to locate the growing fetus. This happens if the technician is not looking at the right spot. In fact, the chances of this happening are high if you’ve mentioned that previous urine-based pregnancy tests have come in negative.

Furthermore, an ultrasound may fail to confirm pregnancy if:

  • It is an ectopic pregnancy
  • Your uterus has an irregular shape
  • There’s any technical glitch

How Can I Detect A Cryptic Pregnancy?

You can confirm a cryptic pregnancy by:

1. Conducting Multiple Pregnancy Tests

This works.

You can take more than one pregnancy test (with at least one-week interval between two) after a missed period. This would authenticate the result you get. Furthermore, you can consult your healthcare provider for a more accurate blood or urine test.

2. Speaking To Your Doctor

If you’re not certain about the presence or absence of a pregnancy, book an appointment with your doctor. Remember to mention any irregularities with your menstrual cycle.

To help you, he/she may recommend an early ultrasound to confirm the presence of a growing baby.

3. Monitor Your Symptoms

Underrate nothing.

Monitor your symptoms and report any concerns or questions to your health care provider. This would increase the chances of detecting a cryptic pregnancy.

Conclusion

Cryptic pregnancies are real but uncommon.

In fact, it is still largely misunderstood by most people. If you think you’re pregnant, don’t forget that the usual early testing methods like blood tests, urine tests, and ultrasounds are accurate in most cases.

However, if you continue to experience pregnancy symptoms after a negative test result, speak to your doctor for his/her advice. After this, you can wait for another week or two before conducting another pregnancy test.

Finally, if you’re disturbed or don’t think you can handle being pregnant, please contact your healthcare provider.

You are not alone, Mama.

References

Baby Grinding Teeth: All You Need To Know

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A lot of things happen as babies grow. These mental, physiological, and structural changes are crucial to your baby’s proper development. However, these changes can also come in some unexpected and unusual forms; one of which is bruxism. In plain terms, bruxism is the process that occurs whenever your baby grinds his/her teeth or firmly clenches their jaw.

In this article, we’d talk about everything you need to know about bruxism; the causes, duration, effects, symptoms, and what to do whenever your baby grinds his/her teeth.

Read on to find out!

Table of contents

What Exactly Is Bruxism?

As your baby grows and adjusts to the process of teething, you’d probably notice that he or she may begin to grind their teeth while awake or asleep.

Bruxism is the medical term for this process.

As a parent, you may notice that your child has developed a practice of grinding their teeth. However, this is not a cause for concern. Interestingly, a lot of children experience bruxism at one point or another during teething. In fact, recent studies have shown that 3 in 10 children would grind or clench their teeth while growing.

Here’s the good news: Your child would outgrow the process in due course. And of course prevent tooth eruption down the line.

What Makes Babies Grind Their New Teeth?

The truth is no one really knows.

Baby Grinding New Teeth

Medical experts around the world are still uncertain about the main case of bruxism. However, some of the leading factors include:

  • Misaligned Teeth: As a parent, it is important to note that your baby does not grow all teeth at once. Sometimes, some come before others. Children may grind their teeth because the top and bottom teeth layers are not yet aligned properly.
  • Pain Relief: In some cases, your baby may use teeth grinding as a means to relieve pain or discomfort resulting from an earache or even the process of teething.
  • Other Medical Conditions: Recent studies have shown that bruxism may be the side effect of certain medications or an effect of other serious medical conditions like cerebral palsy, malnutrition, and allergies.

In older children, or toddlers above the age of 3, teeth grinding may be a sign/effect of:

  • Stress: As your child grows, you should expect him/her to become emotionally invested in various situations. For example, a child may worry about an upcoming playdate. Even arguing parents or a suspenseful cartoon may spur teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
  • Anxiety: In other instances, bruxism may be a result of the initial anxiety that comes with a routine change or impending trip.

Wait. Don’t fret.

Teeth grinding is normal and there is no cause for concern. Nothing is wrong with your precious one, and he/she would likely outgrow it with time. Later in this article, we’d talk about how to treat and prevent bruxism in your baby.

When Does Bruxism Start?

Generally, babies may begin to grind their teeth at the 6th month of life when teething begins and at age 5 when permanent teeth begins to grow.

Baby grinding teeth

Interestingly, teeth grinding or bruxism may occur at any time in a person’s life. This is usually a result of some of the reasons mentioned above. In adults, teeth grinding often results from extreme stress or nervousness.

As we mentioned earlier, stress and nervousness may also cause bruxism in children, but the good news is that most infants outgrow the habit. Nevertheless, if you are concerned about how your baby grinds his/her teeth, you can speak with your pediatrician to seek additional support or treatment.

The Signs & Symptoms

As expected, most babies who grind their teeth have no idea of what they’re up to. Therefore, it may be quite tricky for parents to identify the problem.

To help you, we’ve compiled a few essential signs to watch out for:

  • Grinding noise during sleep: Your sound-enabled baby monitor would definitely help with this. As your little one rests, try to listen for any obvious and consistent grinding noise. If you notice this, there’s a major chance that someone is grinding his/her teeth.
  • Complaints: If your toddler complains about a sore jaw, aching tooth or painful face after waking up in the morning, he/she may have spent a large part of the night grinding his or her teeth.
  • Pain with chewing: For toddlers, this is fairly easy to spot. If you notice that your baby struggles with chewing at mealtimes, there is a high chance that he/she is experiencing bruxism.

Whenever parents observe any of these signs in their babies, they often wonder the effect it has on their children. To answer this question, we’d go on to talk about the effects of bruxism.

What Are The Effects of Bruxism?

Thankfully, most cases of teeth grinding or bruxism pass with no harmful effects.

Although some children may experience headaches and earaches, the process is more bothersome to parents than the baby because of the grinding sound.

In extreme (but rare) cases, nighttime grinding can lead to:

  • Chipped teeth.
  • Worn-out enamels.
  • Serious facial pain
  • Increased temperature sensitivity
  • Jaw problems

Does My Child Need To See a Dentist Over Teeth Grinding?

Well, not immediately.

However, if you notice the signs of bruxism on most days of the week, you may decide to make an appointment with the pediatric dentist. Also, if your baby struggles with eating, please consult the pediatrician.

At the clinic, the doctor would check for any of the major effects listed above. Furthermore, he/she may search for teeth misalignment to identify the main cause of bruxism in the first place.

Baby Grinding New Teeth. Seeing a dentist

As we mentioned earlier, baby grinding teeth is often harmless. However, if you are concerned, please book an appointment with your child’s dentist.

How Is Teeth Grinding Treated?

For older children and adults suffering from the significant effects of bruxism, a night guard is often recommended for treatment.

A night guard is a thin, flexible piece of plastic which is placed over the upper gums to prevent the teeth from damage due to grinding.

As we mentioned earlier, this treatment is for adults and older toddlers. For babies who are less than 1-year-old, bruxism is ‘treated’ by offering no treatment at all. This is because the habit often goes away with time.

Baby Grinding New Teeth. African Baby

If you have observed that teeth grinding is your child’s response to stress or anxiety, you can solve the problem by:

  • Creating an easier or more comfortable routine
  • Establishing a cuddle or reading time before bed to help him/her feel relaxed before sleep
  • Providing constant support and verbal reassurance.

Is Bruxism Preventable?

Yes. It is.

To help prevent your child from grinding his or her teeth, you can:

  • Attempt jaw massage and stretching exercises to relax his/her muscles before bed.
  • Reduce obvious stressors, especially before bed.
  • Include lots of water to your child’s diet. This is important because certain researchers have observed a link between dehydration and teeth grinding.

A Final Note from Edie & Amy

In conclusion, it is important to remember that there is no need for concern. Bruxism is one of the many things your child would experience as he or she crosses various developmental milestones.

To make the process easier for your little one, you can watch out for any of the signs mentioned earlier in this article. For any major concerns, please consult your pediatrician.

You and your baby are going to be just fine!

All You Need To Know About Cluster Feeding

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Have you ever wondered what would happen if your baby simply refuses to stop eating? Well, it happens. Thankfully, this article contains all you need to know about this situation, which is known as cluster feeding, and how to manage it effectively.

Sometimes, babies just want more. For most new moms, this may be surprising or even stressful. However, it is a normal phenomenon that primarily represents a developmental milestone.

The great news is: Cluster feeding passes quickly.

In This Article:

What Is Cluster Feeding?

Cluster feeding is simply your baby’s way of improving your breast milk supply as he or she grows. It occurs when a baby suddenly begins to eat much more frequently, or in clusters, for a period. This normal behavior is characterized by a rapid increase in appetite demonstrated by an obvious desire for more food.

It is a simple law, really.

With breastfeeding, the more the demand, the more the supply. 

Whenever your baby seems to ‘request’ for more milk by fussing, crying or turning his/her head from side to side, and reaching out to your breasts, he/she is only trying to get your body to produce more milk to suit the rising demand.

baby sucking her mum's breast

It is also important to note that cluster feeding doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong with your breast milk or supply. Your baby is only increasing the demand to help you increase the supply.

How Can I Identify Cluster Feeding?

For most new moms, it may be quite tasking to identify the period of cluster feeding. To help you, we’ve compiled a few common road signs to make the process easier.

Your child is likely to be cluster feeding if:

  • Baby is three to six weeks old
  • He/she shows the usual signs of hunger at a more frequent rate
  • Baby does not stop crying until nursing occurs
  • He or she wants to eat constantly or frequently, but only for a short period.
  • Baby seems perfectly sated and happy (almost like nothing else is wrong) while eating
  • He/she still has regular wet or dirty diapers.
  • Baby becomes very fussy and does not stop crying until breast milk is offered.

In addition to this, cluster feeding is more common in the evenings. Therefore, if you observe any or all of these signs in your baby in the evening, there is a high chance that your little one is cluster feeding.

Also, older infants may show these signs for multiple evenings in a row or even eat more frequently throughout the day. In most cases, older children cluster feed as they experience teething or growth bursts.

What Causes Cluster Feeding

By now, you’ve probably realized that cluster feeding is a normal process for most children.

Studies have shown that most newborns feed in a fairly predictable pattern, following this routine:

  • 1 meal every 2-3 hours, leading to a total of 8-12 meals in a 24 hour window

As it occurs, your baby will exceed this count. In fact, he or she may feed every hour or even multiple times in the same hour.

To help you understand the process of cluster feeding better, here are the following factors that may lead to your baby increasing his/her demand for breast milk:

1. An Incoming Developmental Milestone

Healthy babies are expected to grow. This growth process is monitored by certain developmental milestones which indicate how healthy your child is. As your baby prepares to cross a new milestone, there are chances that his or her appetite would also increase to match the body’s demands.

2. Your Baby Is Teething

For adults, it is easy to communicate needs or discomfort. However, babies don’t share this luxury. Whenever your baby is uncomfortable, unhappy, or thirsty, he or she may turn to you for breast milk.

This works well because breast milk contains powerful antibodies which fight illnesses, reduce pain, and soothe your baby from any discomfort he/she may be feeling. Although cluster feeding may occur at any period when your child is teething, it is most common in the first three months of life.

3. Breastfeeding Soothes Your Baby

In addition to the perfect nutrient package that comes with breast milk, it contains certain hormones which develop your baby’s response to day and night changes. At night, babies cluster feed to spur the sleep process, making it easier and more comfortable for them.

baby suckling her breast

4. Milk Flows Slower At Night

Like many other body processes, milk flow tapers at night. As a result, your baby may need to nurse longer to get satisfied. Furthermore, babies feed more at night as they prepare for long hours of sleep at night-time.

When Does Cluster Feeding Start?

For most babies, cluster feeding occurs in the third and sixth weeks of life. In this period, babies experience the first of the numerous growth spurts that characterize childhood. As a result, there is a need to increase the breast milk supply in order to fill their ever-hungry (and growing) bellies.

To know when a cluster feeding session is imminent, you can watch out for the road signs we mentioned earlier. Furthermore, if your child begins to smack their lips, reach for your breasts, or position him/herself to nurse, you may be in for a cluster session.

What’s The Duration of Cluster Feeding?

We understand the physical and emotional strain most moms go through during cluster feeding. However, the marathon feeding sessions may be really important as your little one develops. Stay strong, Mama!

The good news is: Cluster feeding rarely extends beyond two days.

In fact, if you continue to observe the signs of cluster feeding for more than seven days, please consult your pediatrician. This may mean that your child is not getting enough calories.

Effects of Cluster Feeding

Although scientists are yet to understand why babies cluster feed, many studies have pointed out the effects of cluster feeding for both the mother and the child.

Some of the positive effects of cluster feeding include:

  • Improves sleep quality, especially after a cluster feeding session
  • Promote emotional and hormonal regulation
  • Increase skin-to-skin time between mother and child
  • Improve breast milk, and nutrient, supply

On the other hand, the negative effects of cluster feeding include:

  • Increased risk of nipple soreness
  • Physical and emotional exhaustion
  • Time constraints
  • May lead to breast engorgement ‘after’ cluster feeding ends.

Tips on Managing Cluster Feeding

Breastfeeding is designed to be a beautiful period of bonding for you and your little one. In addition, breastfeeding lays the foundation of a strong and healthy life for your little one. However, it is not always an easy ride, especially in the periods of cluster feeding.

Although cluster feeding is normal and brief, it may be a stressful period for the entire family. To make the process easier for you, here are some tips on how to effectively manage cluster feeding:

1.    Understand & Accept the Process

While cluster feeding, your baby would nurse a lot. In fact, it may even be more than you ever imagined. The first step to managing this new reality is to accept it.

Accept that cluster feeding is normal and your baby is very healthy. Although some friends or family members may ask why your little one seems to be eating so much, you can reassure them by explaining any of the possible causes mentioned earlier in this article.

Furthermore, we recommend that you accept the demands of this period and try to make the best use of your time while at it.

While nursing during a cluster feeding session, you can:

  • Spend this time talking with your partner or friends
  • Read a book
  • Enjoy the one-on-one bonding time with your baby
  • Binge-watch your favorite TV series
  • Listen to a podcast about breastfeeding
  • Learn more about breastfeeding and motherhood at www.edieandamy.com

2. Stay Hydrated

Water is really important for breastfeeding moms. As you cluster feed, keep a large bottle of water close and remember to take regular drinks from it.

water ina glass cup

In addition to easing your stress, water would boost your breast milk supply and help your baby get the best out of every gulp.

3.    Get Help

As you cluster feed your baby, it may be really difficult to accomplish many other tasks. Therefore, it is advisable to let others help out with these assignments. For example, your partner can help out with cooking or making dinner while you supply your baby with all he/she needs for a healthy life.

In addition, please do not hesitate to request help. This does not make you weak or incapable as a mother. Your family and friends are here to support you and help you through the process.

4.    Set Up A Nursing Area

Since you’d spend a lot of time nursing, make sure you set up a really comfortable nursing area. You can achieve this by placing pillows to support your baby and your back. For some additional comfort, wear a pair of cozy pajamas and a suitable nursing bra that would not irritate your nipples.

mum breast feeding child on a couch

Click here to find out more about the perfect nursing bra for you.

5. Switch Positions Often

The nursing position you select while cluster feeding is really important. For most moms, sitting on a couch with the baby in their arms may be really uncomfortable.

If you’re in this group, no worries!

You can attempt to nurse in a side-lying or laid-back position. Placing pillows in the right position may also allow some arm movement while nursing.

mom laying down and breastfeeding

6. Treat Nipple Problems

A common drawback of cluster feeding for most moms is the resulting nipple soreness or irritation. Thankfully, you don’t have to endure the pain.

As you breastfeed, apply a nipple cream, or even a few drops of breast milk on your nipples before and after nursing for extra moisture and protection.

ice cream like nipple

Furthermore, if you consider the entire process of breastfeeding to be too painful, check your latch position or consult your lactation consultant.

7. Treat Yourself Too

We understand the natural instinct to focus on your baby’s needs. However, breastfeeding is a two-way street.

Do not forget about you!

The fact is: It is difficult to match the increased demands on your body if you’re tired, hungry, or frustrated. As you cluster feed, remember to eat well, take healthy snacks, lots of water, and sleep whenever your baby sleeps.

Also, whenever you can, do something for you. You can take naps, short walks, or perform some quick exercise routines between nursing sessions.

8. Strap Your Baby

Babies love contact. In fact, it soothes them.

As you cluster feed, it may be helpful to keep your child close. To achieve this, you can use a sling or baby carrier which is designed to help you nurse on the go.

Another advantage of keeping your baby close during this period is that you’re present whenever he or she gets hungry again.

child on mum chest

That way, everyone stays happy always.

9. Be Patient

All babies have ‘fussy moments’ where it seems like nothing (except food) would soothe them. This is particularly heightened during cluster feeding. Although it may seem like an endless period of multiple nursing sessions, it would be over in a little while.

For now, just take it easy on yourself. Soft pedal a little. Receive help. In fact, ask for it. Furthermore, remember to be patient with your baby if he/she gets really fussy, cluster feeding is simply a response to growth and development.

10. Speak With a Professional

Consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician if you’re really struggling with breastfeeding or cluster feeding. Remember that these professionals are here to hold your hand and make this journey easier for everyone involved.

You can also click here to find out more about how to make breastfeeding easy for you and your little one.

A Final Note from Edie & Amy

Although it can be quite exhausting, cluster feeding is normal, temporary, and important. In a little while, your child would be moving on to other important phases like crawling and teething.

Remember, if your baby remains really fussy even after nursing, consult your pediatrician. Also, if you find breastfeeding to be really difficult, speak with your lactation consultant.

With the explanations and management tips above, we’re sure that everything is going to work out fine for you and your baby.

Baby Poop Colors and What They Mean

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There are many factors that can serve as indicators of your baby’s health. A classic example is your baby’s poop color. Interestingly, baby poop colors vary consistently in the first year of life, especially as their diet and body changes. Although this is normal, it often raises many questions in the mind of most parents who try to understand these changes. Read on to find out all you need to know about your baby’s poop colors and what they mean.

What Is Baby Poop?

Just like adults, babies need to get rid of waste products from the body. Baby poop just means ‘feces’ from your baby. As gross as this may sound, observing baby poop is super important as it gives you a peek into what goes on in your baby’s body.

Black Baby Poop

In the first few days of life, your baby’s poop is expected to be black with a coal-like consistency. This is called meconium, and it appears as a thick, black stool. Generally, meconium contains dead skin cells, mucus, and bile. Iron supplements or Iron-based formula may also cause your baby’s stool to appear dark or black.

The black baby poop is expected only in the first 72 hours of life, however, if it extends beyond this period, it may indicate a problem with baby’s digestive tract. Usually, black baby poop after 3 months of age may indicate a bleed in the digestive tract. In this case, we recommend calling your pediatrician immediately.

Another important fact about black baby poop (or meconium) is that it does not smell. This is because it is sterile and made up of materials absorbed by your baby during pregnancy.

Yellow Baby Poop

This is the first of the ‘transitional stools’ your baby would pass as his/her digestive tract matures. Generally, this is the most common baby poop color in breastfed babies. In addition, the poop may contain small seedy flecks in it. In formula-fed babies, this poop color appears brighter and firmer. Sometimes, this is a sign of diarrhea, therefore, if your baby’s stool runs too fast for comfort, visit your doctor.

Red Baby Poop

Sometimes, your baby’s stool may appear red or pink as a result of various factors. In some cases, this results from the food or drinks he/she may have consumed. However, it may also be an indicator of an underlying medical problem.

The red baby poop color may result from:

  • An intestinal infection
  • Blood in the breast milk due to the mother’s cracked or bleeding nipples
  • Milk allergy
  • A rectal fissure

Just like the color, red baby poop is quite dangerous and should be reported to the pediatrician immediately.

Orange Baby Poop

This may occur in both breastfed and formula-fed babies. The orange color results from various natural pigments in your baby’s digestive tract.

In most cases, this is just harmless and healthy poop.

Brown Baby Poop

Just like the orange baby poop, brown-colored poop is also healthy. As you begin to introduce solids to your baby’s diet, his/her poop would begin to appear thicker and darker. Furthermore, as your baby grows, the poop may begin to appear adult-like, just like the diet.

mom cleaning baby poo

Green Baby Poop

This is usually indicative of diarrhea. Furthermore, green baby poop may be caused by:

  • Dietary changes
  • Slow digestion
  • Food allergies
  • Iron supplements
  • Jaundice treatment

For formula-fed babies, the poop may appear as a combination of green and yellow. If green poop also appears watery, it may be a sign of diarrhea in babies.

White Baby Poop

Weird, right?

In addition to looking weird, white poop simply means baby is unhealthy. Although this is rare, it may indicate that your child is not producing enough bile in his/her liver. Sometimes, white poop results from milk allergies, stomach infections or certain medications.

white baby poop in a bowl

Some babies may also have gray poop when digestion doesn’t go as it should. Furthermore, white or gray baby poop may appear chalky with small particles in it.

Irrespective of the cause, you should report white poop to your doctor immediately.

Does Baby Poop Texture Matter?

Yes.

In fact, it is just as important as the color. A proper understanding of the texture and color of your baby’s poop provides a lot of info on his/her general health status.

To help you on this journey, we’ve compiled a list of baby poop textures and what they mean.

Here we go:

The Thick Poop

For newborns, poop is expected to be thick, dark, and tar-like. This is absolutely normal, as it indicates a fully functional digestive tract. In the first few days of life, this is expected to change to the different transitional stools mentioned above.

Remember to speak to your pediatrician if baby’s poo remains very dark after the first week of life.

As your child matures, and you begin to introduce solid food to his/her diet, the poop would begin to thicken and attain an adult-like texture.

The Seedy Poop

Studies show that breastfed babies tend to have loose stool that contains seed-like particles. This is normal, and it appears as your baby begins to make the gradual shift from breast milk to solid food.

Loose, Watery Poop

Loose, watery poop that is greener than usual may be a symptom of diarrhea in babies. This may appear during breastfeeding, weaning, food intolerance or bacterial infections. On the other hand, formula-fed babies tend to have thicker and firmer poop.

In addition, babies with diarrhea tend to stool more frequently than normal. If you observe this, contact your pediatrician immediately because diarrhea may cause dehydration, which is risky for babies.

The Slimy Poop

In newborns, slimy poop is normal.

Sometimes, an older child’s poop may contain a lot of mucus, making it appear slimy. For children who are teething, this is normal because they tend to swallow excess drool while feeding. However, if your child is not breastfeeding and his/her poop is really slimy, you should speak with your doctor as it may be caused by an infection.

Hard and Dry Poop

Dry or hard poop generally indicates that your child is not getting enough fluids. In this case, we recommend increasing your baby’s fluid intake. If hard baby poops persists, you should also speak with your pediatrician for a proper diagnosis.

As your baby makes the switch from breast milk to solid foods, you may observe that his/her poop attains a firmer consistency. Interestingly, hard poop can be a sign of constipation in babies. Here, you’d find all you need to know about constipation in babies.

A Final Note from Edie & Amy

Every baby (and their poop) is different. Furthermore, the fluctuations are normal. The changes in color, texture and frequency are expected during infancy as your child matures. If you are concerned about anything regarding your baby’s poop, contact your doctor for advice.  

Closely monitoring your baby’s poop color and understanding what it means is an effective way to promptly identify potential health problems.

You are not alone.  

Effective Breastfeeding: 21 Tips For You

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One of the first activities for every new mom is to supply her baby with his/her first meal. Generally, this involves an important process known as breastfeeding. Although most women consider breastfeeding to be a natural and enjoyable process, it is by no means an easy one.

Sometimes breastfeeding can be stressful, time-consuming, painful or even scary. However, we can assure you that everything is absolutely worth it in the end. Once educated about your baby’s stomach size, you’re good to go. We understand that you may have countless questions and concerns about how breastfeeding works and how to do it effectively.

Why Should You Breastfeed?

Breastfeeding is the process of nourishing an infant with breast milk by suckling on his/her mother’s breast. The process of breastfeeding is really important for the following reasons:

  • Nutrient Supply: Breast milk contains the perfect combination of every nutrient your child needs in the first six months of his/her life.
  • Boosts Immunity: Effective breastfeeding reduces the possibility of ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and tissue damage. This is because breast milk contains antibodies which fight off harmful organisms and keep your baby healthy always.
Breastfeeding

In this article, we have compiled 21 essential tips to make breastfeeding effective for you and your little one.

The Mom Tips

1. Relax

This is the first step to an enjoyable and effective breastfeeding journey. It is important to note that your baby can sense tension. If you’re nervous or tense, your baby may not latch properly, thereby impairing the process of breastfeeding.

Before breastfeeding, remember that this period is designed to be enjoyable. Calm down, take a deep breath and enjoy the process.

2. Use a Good Nursing Bra

A good nursing bra is really important for effective breastfeeding. A suitable nursing bra would have special hooks, bands, and straps that make your breasts really easy to access during feeding sessions. In addition to this, avoid bras with under-wire while breastfeeding.  

3. Eat Right

Remember, you’re eating for two and breastfeeding consumes a lot of energy. We recommend a well-balanced diet that contains a rich blend of vegetables, proteins and fruits to boost your breast milk production and supply.

4. Stay Hydrated

Breast milk is made up of 90% water. Every mom who hopes to get the best out of her breastfeeding journey should drink water often. Although fluid requirements vary for each person, you should take at least 6-8 glasses of water daily.

In fact, we suggest you drink a glass of water just before you begin to breastfeed when possible. In addition to keeping you hydrated, this would calm your nerves and ease any nervousness.

5. Get a Comfortable Position

Comfort is key. To get the best out of breastfeeding, it is important to find the right position. As a breastfeeding mom, you’d spend a lot of time holding your baby to your breast during feeding sessions. Doing this in an uncomfortable position would leave you with serious back, shoulder, and neck pains.

There are several positioning options for you to choose from. This includes:

  • The Cradle Hold: sitting in a reclined position with your little one nestled in your arms
  • The Lying Down Position: baby and mother lying on their sides facing each other are common.

The important thing is to make sure your body is well supported, and you are holding your baby well.

6. Watch the Signs

Ultimately, your baby’s overall health and nourishment status would show how effective his/her breastfeeding sessions really are. To ensure that your little one gets the best out of every meal, watch out for the following key signs:

  • Swallow Rate: The faster he/she swallows, the hungrier he/she is.
  • Skin Color: After an effective feeding session, a light-skinned baby should be rose-pink or slightly blushed while a dark-skinned baby would look very relaxed and comfortable.
  • Alertness: At the end of a proper breastfeeding session, your child should appear drowsy or completely asleep.

The Baby Tips

Essentially, these are just more tips for the mom. However, the following guidelines would help every baby get the best out of breastfeeding.

7. Use the Golden Hour

The first breast milk you produce right after birth is really important. This ‘first meal’ is called colostrum, which is rich in antibodies, nutrients, and essential vitamins. In addition to nourishing your child, breastfeeding in the first hour after birth (or the golden hour) promotes mother/child bonding.

8. Find the Right Latch

To get the best out of each breastfeeding session, your baby must latch (to your nipples) properly. To get a good latch, hold his/her chin down gently and open as he/she approaches to feed. Next, tickle his/her upper lip with your nipple and wait until the mouth is wide open before you guide the nipple in gently. Aside from ensuring your baby is fed optimally, a proper latch will help you to prevent pain in the breasts.

9. Get the Right Position

Your baby is really smart. We assure you.

In the early stages of breastfeeding, your baby would likely find the right position for him/her. You should pay close attention to this position so you can help him/her get into it easily. The goal is that your baby should face the nipple with his/her head, neck, and body in a straight line.

With the right position, your baby is sure to get the best out of every breastfeeding session.

10. Keep an Eye Out For the Poo

A proper meal is expected to stimulate bowel movement. To monitor how effective the feeding sessions are, keep an eye on your baby’s diapers. In the first few months of life, a baby is expected to have about 8-10 bowel movements daily, however, the diapers are expected to become very wet at mealtimes.

The Nipple Tips

The most important body structure during breastfeeding is the breast. The following tips would prepare your breasts for effective breastfeeding throughout this period.

11. Watch for Changes

As you nurse your child, observe your nipples closely. We advise that you keep an eye out for any obvious change. If your nipples are sore, itchy or reddish, it may mean that your baby is not latching properly.

breastfeeding

Furthermore, you should report any lumps, consistent pain or discomfort to your doctor or lactation consultant.

12. Don’t Use Soap

Soap may leave the skin on your breasts dry and prone to irritation. While breastfeeding, we recommend that you do not apply soap on your breasts or nipples.

13. Keep Your Nipples Moisturized

Use a nipple cream regularly. In addition to moisturizing your nipples, a good nipple cream would keep them soft and pliable always.

14. Use a Cold Compress

Recent medical research show that breast engorgement serves as the leading cause of discomfort while nursing in the United States. This condition arises when the breasts produce more milk than required.

To avoid this, you can apply a cold compress after each feeding session. While using a cold compress, place a piece of cloth between your skin and the icepack. Please, do not place an icepack directly on your nipples.

15. Massage Regularly

While breastfeeding your child, remember to massage your breasts gently and regularly. This would drain the milk effectively and reduce the risk of breast engorgement.

Tips To Boost Breastmilk Supply

16. Drink Water

Again, you need to stay hydrated. Since breast milk is a fluid filled meal for your baby, one of the best ways to boost the supply is to take as much water as possible.

17. Feed on Demand

Allow your child set the pace. Right now, your baby knows his/her needs better than you do. Don’t schedule feeding sessions, we suggest that you breastfeed as often as your baby demands and milk flows.

Furthermore, let your baby determine the duration of feeding sessions. Don’t worry about how long he/she wants it, just remember to supply whenever a demand is made.

18. Switch Sides Often

Resist the urge to focus on one side. In the first few weeks of nursing, feeding from both breasts would boost breast milk production. Remember to alternate the breast you start feeding with each time. Regular feeding from only one breast would make it bigger and more productive than the other one.

19. Eat a Balanced Diet

Your meals matter too. As a nursing mom, you should eat right and eat regularly. Remember to balance your meals with a proper blend of fruits, carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins.

20. Use a Breast Pump

A breast pump is a guaranteed way to maintain breast milk supply for your baby even when you’re not physically present. Remember, the more you supply, the more you produce.

21. Get Professional Assistance

This tip is really important for women with complex problems like extremely low breast milk supply or glandular hypoplasia. In this case, a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group would supply needed support, counsel, and medical advice.

A Final Tip

Remember the breast milk demand and supply rule?

Yes, it works.

Our final tip is that you don’t stop breastfeeding. As you continue to nurse your baby, it’d get easier and the supply would increase. Therefore, no matter how difficult it is in the beginning, the journey would get easier.

Also, remember to speak with your doctor about any major concerns or discomfort while breastfeeding.

We hope these tips would help you nourish your little one effectively and make the breastfeeding journey smooth and memorable for you.  

When Can I Take A Pregnancy Test?

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For most women, there’s really no best time to get pregnant. As a result, the choice of when to take a pregnancy test comes with so much anxiety and questions. Sometimes, these women want to be pregnant and on other instances, the mere thought of a little one’s growth is absolutely overwhelming.

Either way, we’re always here to help.

woman checking pregnancy result

Whether or not you’re prepared for the big news, it’s advisable to take the test at an optimal time to improve the chances of an accurate result. In this article, we’d tell you the right time to take a pregnancy test, give you all the gist on the best test for you & how to ensure accuracy in your results.

Table of contents:

First, What Is A Pregnancy Test?

A pregnancy test is a method of determining pregnancy by detecting a particular hormone, called HCG, in your blood or urine. The placenta produces HCG, or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, in the early stages of pregnancy. Although an ultrasound scan can also detect pregnancy, a simple urine or blood test is the earliest option for most women.

Types of Pregnancy Test

pregnancy test kit

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, irrespective of your level of preparedness, you should take any of these tests:

  • Urine Test: This is your classic pee-on-a-stick (pregnancy test strip) option that can be conducted in the comfort of your bathroom. In most cases, two lines confirm a pregnancy.
  • Blood Test: For this, you’d have to visit a hospital to get your blood sample taken and tested for the presence of HCG. Although blood tests are not as common as urine tests, they can detect pregnancy about 7 days after ovulation.

When Can I Take A Pregnancy Test?

What determines the timing of a pregnancy test? Does timing really matter? How much influence does timing have on the accuracy of your test results?

Read on to find out!

Research suggests that the best time to take a pregnancy test is after a missed or late period, because this reduces the possibility of a false negative/positive result.

Although tension, fear or impatience may drive you to take the test immediately you notice a late period or failed contraceptive method, taking a pregnancy test too early may give a negative result, even if you are pregnant.

calculating when to take a pregnancy test

With this in mind, we recommend waiting for at least One Day after a missed period before taking a pregnancy test. This wait is important because many factors (asides pregnancy) can lead to a late or missed period. These include:

  • Stress
  • Diet
  • Medications
  • Certain medical conditions

Does My Cycle Matter?

Yes.

The first question to answer is: Do I Know When My Period Is Late? According to the FDA, 20 in every 100 women will get a negative result on the day they think is just after their missed period, even if they are pregnant.

pen and calendar calculating pregnancy period

If you have irregular cycles or you don’t monitor your cycles, wait until after you’ve passed the longest menstrual cycle you usually have. For instance, for a woman with a cycle range of 30 to 36 days, the best time to get tested is on or after Day 37.

“Even early pregnancy tests cannot detect pregnancy until your period is late”

Does The Time/Day Matter?

Yes, it does.

Remember, pregnancy tests depend on the presence/absence of HcG in the body and like every other hormone, HCG production varies based on time changes. In most cases, except after massive fluid intake overnight, your urine is more concentrated immediately you wake up. Therefore, a urine test at this time is more likely to give a positive result if you are pregnant.

Nevertheless, you can still take the test at any time of the day and get similar results.

Why Should I Take A Pregnancy Test?

Although most women consider a missed period or morning sickness as the ultimate sign of pregnancy, there are other things to look out for.

take a pregnancy test

If you notice any of these signs, you should take a pregnancy test:

  • Fatigue
  • Mood Swings
  • Tender Breasts
  • Headaches
  • Frequent Urination

These are however, only the major signs of pregnancy.

How Are The Results Determined?

A proper understanding of how pregnancy tests work would help you know which test to take and when to take it. As we mentioned earlier, the tests simply detect the presence of HcG in your blood or urine. It is important to note that this hormone is only produced after the developing embryo implants into the uterine wall.

pregnancy result

Although most home-based pregnancy tests cannot detect the exact amount of HCG in your blood, they are suitable to detect the minimum amount present. Rarely, hCG levels are so low that they go undetected, which causes a negative result and a crytptic pregnancy.

Are The Tests Accurate?

If you read and follow all instructions, most tests guarantee 99% accuracy. However, this promise is not fail-safe. Research studies in the United States that analyze the amount of HCG detected in pregnancy tests postulate that most tests are actually 46% to 86% accurate. In a specific study, analysis revealed that most tests yield a positive result only 80% of the time on day 28 of a woman’s menstrual cycle.

A Final Word

Taking the test at the right time maximizes the possibility of an accurate result, therefore, a proper understanding of the details above would really help you.
The perfect time to take a pregnancy test is a day after a missed period and in the early hours of the day, with your first urination. Furthermore, you can always visit your doctor at any time to discuss the possibility of a blood test.

All You Need To Know About Reflux In Babies

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Dealing with reflux in babies can be stressful for both mother and child. Oftentimes, this condition leads to many stressful demands while feeding and in most cases, many moms don’t know how to ease the baby’s obvious discomfort.

Thankfully, that’s why you’ve got us!

This article contains all you need to know about reflux in babies; the mechanics, causes, diagnostic tests, and several easy home remedies.

First, What Is Reflux?

Reflux is a medical condition characterized by an improper function of the muscle above the stomach, resulting in the rise of stomach contents into the esophagus. This could ultimately lead to spitting up or vomiting.

It’s a common condition in babies which is relatively harmless in most cases. However, understanding why your baby has reflux isn’t always as straightforward as many of us want. Although the condition is rarely serious and becomes less common as a baby gets older, it’s unusual for infant reflux to persist for over 18 months.

What Causes Reflux In Babies?

Babies have a smaller esophagus and weaker muscle tone than adults. This means that the valve that guards the lower end of their esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter or LES) is weaker, making some babies susceptible to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

As the lower esophageal sphincter opens, ingested milk can come back up the esophagus to the throat, possibly leading to gag, or choke reflexes in the baby.

When Does It Occur?

Infant reflux occurs when food moves back up to the throat from a baby’s stomach. In a healthy infant, reflux can occur multiple times a day due to a poorly coordinated gastrointestinal tract.

In most cases, babies with this condition are healthy; it’s just that their digestive tracts are still developing.

The Mechanics of Reflux

The esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. There is a valve at the top of the stomach that keeps food from going back up into the esophagus. If this valve is underdeveloped or opens at the wrong time, the stomach contents can move back, or “reflux,” into the esophagus.

Foods That May Cause Reflux In Babies

1. Tomatoes & Tomato sauce

Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants & provitamin A for healthy breastfeeding babies. However, they are also very acidic, which can lead to a very gassy, uncomfortable, and irritable baby.

As a result, tomatoes increase the production of acid in the stomach, leading to reflux.

2. Spicy Foods

Sure! You can’t afford to miss your Kimchi, chorizo potato, green chile omelet. Although these meals are nice & spicy, they shouldn’t be a part of your baby’s diet, as they are known to trigger acid reflux.

3. Peppermint, Chocolate & Caffeine

Although we understand that babies love sweet things, these foods relax and keep the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) open for longer periods, causing the contents of the stomach to reflux.

4. Fatty foods

Fried foods, high-fat meats, pastries with frostings, fish, chips, and cheese take longer to digest because they contain fat. Therefore they also increase the risk of reflux.

5. Fruits & Fruit Juice

Fruits like oranges, apples, and bananas exacerbate reflux in babies and should be avoided or taken in minute quantities. Sometimes, fruit juice can be helpful, but it’s important to regulate the quantity.

Symptoms of reflux in a breastfed baby:

  • Bringing up milk after every feeding.
  • Spitting milk and gagging or choking on the milk that is brought up. There may be difficulty swallowing.
  • Persistent cough.
  • Abdominal pain
  • Forceful or projectile vomiting where the milk shoots out of the mouth.
  • Frequent waking at night and refusal to feed.

 Are There Any Tests?

Normally if your baby is growing healthy, there is usually no need for diagnostic tests.

Treatment

However, in cases of persistent weight loss, your pediatrician may order any of the following tests:

  • Ultrasound: This imaging test can detect a condition called pyloric stenosis where the entrance to the small intestines from the stomach is narrowed.
  • Lab tests: Blood and urine tests can help identify or rule out possible causes of recurring vomiting and poor weight gain.
  • Esophageal pH monitoring: This involves the passage of a thin tube & device through a baby’s esophagus to measure the acidity levels.
  • X-ray: These images can detect obstructions in the digestive tract.

Home Remedies For Reflux In Babies

As usual, we’re here to help with several easy & reliable tips:

  • Feed your baby in an upright position and afterwards, attempt to keep him/her in a sitting position for about 30 minutes.
  • Smaller & frequent feedings: Feed your baby slightly less than usual if you’re bottle-feeding, or cut back a little on nursing time.
  • Remember to burp: Frequent burps during and after feeding can prevent a buildup of air in your child’s stomach.
  • Put baby to sleep on his/her back: Remember to place your baby on his/her back to sleep, even if they have reflux. This helps to calm them down.

Finally,

It’s important to know that reflux is common in infants and your little one is going to be fine. Follow the tips above, avoid risky meals and report any disturbing symptoms to your pediatrician.

References
  • Megan Moreno(2014).Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Journal of American Medical Association.168(10): 976
  • Paul, E.(1994).Gastroesophageal reflux:  One reason why baby won’t eat. The Journal of Pediatrics.125(6):104-105.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) In Pregnancy

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Do you know that high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of complications and death during pregnancy?

Wait!

When last did you check your blood pressure?

When last was your blood pressure checked during pregnancy?
High blood pressure is one of the symptoms of pre-eclampsia

As a mum-to-be, it is necessary to monitor your blood pressure regularly. As a result of the new life growing in your tummy, your body works extra hard to meet the growing demands. Sometimes, this may lead to an over-stretching of your systems.

In this article, you’d find helpful tips on hypertension; the types, treatment, and possible complications during pregnancy.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure also is also known as hypertension.

Hypertension is a sustained rise in blood pressure that occurs as a result of several factors. Severe or uncontrolled hypertension during pregnancy can cause complications for you and your baby.

It is also important to note that high blood pressure can occur before, during, or after pregnancy.

Types of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

1. Gestational Hypertension

This type of high blood pressure develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Gestational hypertension usually goes away after childbirth but it can increase the risk of developing hypertension in the future. Thankfully, in this case, there’s no sign of possible organ damage. However, women with gestational hypertension may develop preeclampsia.

2. Chronic Hypertension

In this instance, the rise in blood pressure was present before pregnancy or before the 20th week of pregnancy. That is to say, the pregnant woman in question is a known hypertensive patient.

3. Preeclampsia

Whenever a sustained rise in blood pressure is observed after the 20th week of pregnancy; it is termed preeclampsia. It is usually associated with signs of damage to other organ systems.

Complications of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

1. Restriction Of Your Baby’s Growth

Hypertension can decrease the flow of nutrients to the baby through the placenta resulting in slowed or decreased fetal growth.

Foetal Growth

2. Preeclampsia

The chances are higher for women with high blood pressure to develop preeclampsia compared to women who have normal blood pressure.

3. Preterm Delivery

High blood pressure may stimulate early labor, leading to preterm delivery. Furthermore, the risk of preterm labor is increased if the baby doesn’t get enough nutrients and oxygen.

4. Caesarean Delivery

A woman with high blood pressure may have to undergo a Caesarean birth. This helps to relieve the stress of vaginal birth and prevent possible birth-related complications.

C-section

5. Organ Damage

When hypertension is not properly managed, it can result in potentially life-threatening injury to the brain, lungs, heart, liver, and some other major organs.

6. Postpartum Hypertension

A woman is at risk of postpartum hypertension, i.e. hypertension that starts after delivery if she had high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Managing Hypertension During Pregnancy

Some of the drugs used to manage hypertension are safe and can be used during pregnancy. On the other hand, some medications pose a serious threat to the mother and a growing baby during pregnancy.

Furthermore, it is necessary that you consult your doctor to prescribe the best drugs to manage hypertension in this period.

In Conclusion,

It is important that you follow your doctor’s prescription during pregnancy. Don’t stop using a drug on your own accord and don’t self-medicate.

Finally, it is really important to stay healthy for you and your baby. Stay strong and stay healthy always to avoid a case of threatened abortion.

REFERENCES
  • Stephanie Braunthal and Andrei Brateanu (2019). “Hypertension in pregnancy: Pathophysiology and treatment.” Sage Open Medicine. Accessed on 24th September 2020 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6458675/#__ffn_sectitle
  • Reem Mustafa, Sana Ahmed, Anu Gupta and Rocco C. Venuto (2012). “A Comprehensive Review of Hypertension in Pregnancy.” Journal of Pregnancy. Accessed on 24th September, 2020 from https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/105918
  • Tooher J, Chiu CL, Yeung K, Lupton SJ, Thornton C, Makris A, O’Loughlin A, Hennessy A, Lind JM (2013). “High blood pressure during pregnancy is associated with future cardiovascular disease: an observational cohort study.” BMJ Open. Accessed on 24th September, 2020 from https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/3/7/e002964

Managing Postpartum Hypertension

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High blood pressure is quite normal during pregnancy. In fact, it’s the most common medical problem in pregnancy. Sometimes, this rise in blood pressure remains after childbirth, causing postpartum hypertension.

Immediately after childbirth, blood pressure drops but may tend to rise again in the first five days after delivery. In addition, women with normal blood pressures during pregnancy may also experience brief hypertension in the early days of motherhood.

What is Postpartum Hypertension?

Postpartum hypertension occurs when blood pressure values of 140/90mmHg and above are observed on more than two occasions within a four-hour window after childbirth.

Severe hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 160 mmHg or more and/or diastolic blood pressure of 110 mmHg or more on 2 or more occasions repeated within a short period of time (minutes).

Causes of Postpartum Hypertension

There is no specific cause of hypertension after pregnancy. But the following may put a woman at risk of having postpartum hypertension:

  1. High blood pressure during pregnancy : A woman is at risk of postpartum hypertension if she had high blood pressure during pregnancy. High blood pressure before pregnancy also puts a woman at risk of developing hypertension after childbirth.
  2. Pre-eclampsia: A condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of 3proteins in the urine during pregnancy.
  3. Obesity: Obese women are at a higher risk of developing postpartum hypertension.
  4. Birth of multiples also puts a woman at risk for postpartum hypertension.
  5. Diabetes: Having diabetes increases your chances of developing hypertension after childbirth.

What Are The Symptoms?

  1. High blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or more
  2. Proteinuria (excess protein in urine)
  3. Decreased volume and frequency of urination
  4. Severe headache
  5. Pain in the upper abdomen (usually beneath the ribs on the right side)

Management of Postpartum Hypertension

A wider variety of antihypertensive agents are available for managing hypertension after childbirth compared with the antenatal period. This is because the effect of a baby’s presence on his/her mother’s system ends at birth.

Whenever a new mum has a personal or family history of hypertension, reduced levels of blood potassium, and other related conditions, her doctors would have to monitor her blood pressure closely.

The best kind of antihypertensive drug to use after childbirth is one that will:

  • Effectively control blood pressure.
  • Cause minimal side effects.
  • Have no negative effect on babies with breastfeeding mothers.

The following are antihypertensive drugs with no known adverse effects on babies receiving breast milk:

  • Labetalol and Atenolol

Both are beta-blockers. Asthmatic women and mothers with a history of heart problems should avoid this drug.

Treatment

Atenolol requires only a single dose per day, putting it at an advantage over others since it increases compliance in women who find multiple doses difficult.

  • Nifedipine

This is a Calcium channel blocker that functions by reducing the diameter of blood vessels. In addition, it doesn’t really seep into breast milk.

With a doctor’s approval, Nifedipine can initially be prescribed at a dose of 10–20 mg twice daily. However, once control is established, the daily dose can be converted to 30-60mg.

Other anti-hypertensive drugs include:

  • Enalapril
  • Captopril
  • Metoprolol

The first-line agent is Atenolol in combination with Nifedipine. Nevertheless, if the mother wishes to breastfeed her baby, diuretics are usually avoided because of the increased thirst it causes. Because of the risk of postnatal depression, sedation, and postural hypotension, Methyldopa should be avoided after childbirth.

In Conclusion

Early detection and management of postpartum hypertension is essential to prevent further complications. In addition to this, hypertensive mothers should follow the doctor’s prescription and advice religiously.

Finally, you should avoid over-the-counter drugs at all times.

REFERENCES

CAN I HAVE A VAGINAL BIRTH AFTER C-SECTION? HOW?

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Ngozi dreaded the possibility of another C-section. Although the last one was successful, she desperately wanted a vaginal birth this time. In addition, she considered one surgery to be more than enough.

There are two major means of giving birth in today’s world. The more common one is the vaginal birth. This involves the mother pushing out the baby from the uterus through the vagina.

The Caesarean method (C/S) involves the doctor making a cut in the belly and uterus and the baby is delivered via this means. Under certain conditions, the doctor may recommend you having a C/S instead of a vaginal birth.

Quite a number of women, like Ngozi, prefer a vaginal birth for their next pregnancy after Caesarean Section (VBAC). Thankfully, this is acheivable.

According to a study done in the United States, seven out of ten women who opted for a vaginal delivery after a C/S had successful deliveries.

As usual, we’re here to guide you and supply all the relevant info you need on this journey.

What is VBAC?

VBAC stands for Vaginal Birth After Caesarean. It is a term that connotes having a vaginal birth (delivery) after a previous delivery through a Caesarean section.

VBAC is not right for everyone though. Some factors put some women at risk of some complications if they go for VBAC. The first step in the VBAC process is a meeting with your doctor to determine the possibility of it working out.

Things To Consider Before Opting For A VBAC

1. The Incision

This refers to the type of incision (cut) made on your uterus (womb) during the previous C-section. It is important to note that this incision differs from the one made on your skin during the procedure.

The direction of cut made on your uterus largely determines the possibility of a VBAC. If you had a transverse incision (a side-to-side cut) across the lower, thinner part of your womb, you’re more likely to have a successful VBAC.

2. Number of Previous C-sections

This follows a simple rule; The more C-sections you’ve had, the lower the chances of a successful VBAC.

3. Health Factors

Sometimes, medical tests reveal that a vaginal birth may be risky for you and your baby. Examples include whether you are obese, have pre-eclampsia. As a result, your doctor may insist on another C-section.

4. Number of Developing Babies

Here’s another simple rule; The more the babies, the more the push.

Delivering multiple babies can cause an obvious strain, making the vaginal birth process more difficult. Therefore, a woman carrying multiple pregnancies following a C-section birth may have to undergo another C-section.

5. Your Baby’s Weight

The larger your baby, the least likely a VBAC will be successful and thus it may not be offered.

What Are The Benefits Of VBAC?

1. No surgery.

This is definitely a big relief to most women. A vaginal birth after C-section simply means that no cut will be made on your body.

2. Shorter Recovery Time.

In clear terms, the recovery process for a vaginal birth is shorter than what is required after a C-section. This affords you more time to spend with your little one and loved ones.

3. Lower risk of infection.

With vaginal delivery, you’re at a lower risk of contracting any infection.

4. Minimal blood loss.

Thankfully, blood loss in a vaginal delivery is minimal compared to a C-section.

What Are The Risks?

  1. Uterine Rupture: During the process of labour after a previous C-section birth, the womb faces a small risk of tear. This arises as a result of unhealed cuts or high-risk incisions. However, this is a rare occurrence.
  2. A Possible Return To C-section: During a vaginal birth, unplanned situations may force your doctors to fall back to a C-section in order to preserve both lives (You & Your Baby).

How Can You Prepare for a VBAC?

First things first! Consult with your doctor at the first antenatal visit after the previous C-section to know if a VBAC is possible.

Ensure that your doctor has your complete medical history. This will enable your doctor make the best decision in your interest. You will only be allowed to go into spontaneous labour. Your health team will be on standby for an emergency Caesarean section. They will monitor your progress in labour carefully, no medication to make the womb contract or induce labour will be given for safety reasons. If your doctors are not happy about your progress an emergency Caesarean section will be provided.

Treatment

Above all, it is safer to register with a hospital that is known for handling emergency C-sections.

Conclusion

Yes, having a vaginal birth after a C-section is possible. In addition, the chances of a successful VBAC increases when labour starts without any induction on your due date or before it.

Nonetheless, you need to take every necessary precaution to ensure that everything goes well. Finally, ensure your doctor has all of your previous medical history and whatever is going on with you currently.

REFERENCES
  • March of Dimes (2015). Vaginal Birth After Caesarean. Accessed on 25th August, 2020 from https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/vaginal-birth-after-cesarean.aspx
  • Mayo Clinic Staff (2020). Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC). Accessed on 25th August, 2020 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vbac/about/pac-20395249
  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) (2017). Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Delivery. Accessed on 25th August, 2020 from https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/labor-delivery-and-postpartum-care/vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-delivery