Search Results for: period

Your First Period After Pregnancy: What to Expect

December 19, 2023 by Ahialaka Olivia

Your first period after pregnancy is also referred to as the “Postpartum Period.” It is not to be confused with Lochia, although they are similar.

Lochia is heavy bleeding from the vagina following childbirth. It typically starts bright red and frequently contains many blood clots. The flow will be heavy for three to ten days after delivery, followed by light bleeding that can last for a month or more.

Lochia is not a period but an indication that the body is still healing from childbirth, as the uterus sheds the lining that supports the pregnancy.

After healing, the bleeding stops until it is time for your regular period cycle to resume. How long will this take? What should you expect from your first period after pregnancy? Read on to find out!

When Should You Be Expecting Your First Period After Pregnancy?

Your periods will resume at your body’s own pace after birth. However, when you get your first period after childbirth is determined by many factors. One of them is whether or not you are breastfeeding.
If you are not breastfeeding, your period is expected to return to six to eight weeks after giving birth.

On the other hand, breastfeeding parents do not often see their periods again until they stop nursing. If they however happen to stop breastfeeding for an extended time, they may have their periods.

Parents who bottle-feed or make use of a combination of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding may begin to see their periods as early as five weeks after giving birth.

What Will Your First Period After Pregnancy Be Like?

After you have a baby, your menstrual cycle may change. You may experience cramps that are worse or better than before you were pregnant. Your flow may also experience irregular, heavier or unpredictable period lengths and little blood clots in your periods.

Doctors strongly recommend getting medical attention if you have significantly more blood loss than before or have blood clots in your period for more than a week.

Does Your Period Affect Breastfeeding?

If you see your period, your menstrual cycle may have an impact on the amount of milk you produce. This is because the hormonal changes that induce your period may also affect your breast milk.

Your milk production may be decreased between ovulation and the start of your period. Experts advise adding calcium and magnesium to your diet to ensure a consistent flow of breast milk throughout your entire cycle. Your period might also change the taste of your breast milk.

If your infant fusses at your breast during your period, it could be an indication that it momentarily tastes different. You can speak with a lactation consultant, who is a health expert who specialises in breastfeeding if you have any questions or concerns regarding nursing.

Can You Get Pregnant Before Your First Period?

YES, YOU CAN! Even if your periods haven’t come back yet, you can be able to become pregnant as early as three weeks after childbirth.

This is because even if you do not see your period after giving birth, there’s a one to five per cent chance that you will still ovulate during this time making it possible for you to get pregnant. If you are not ready to have another child, consider birth control choices.

When Should You See a Doctor About Your Period?

A person should see a doctor immediately if they are/have:

Bleeding followed by a fever
Severe cramping
Intense bleeding that soaks through more than a pad per hour for longer than 2 hours
Heavy flow, pain, and spotting
Clots larger than a quarter
An absence of their period three months after they have given birth or stopped breastfeeding.

Life after childbirth might be a lot different from the life you already know, but knowing what to expect and being able to prepare for it makes it easier and much more enjoyable. So prepare and enjoy the ride together with your new bundle of happiness!

Can you ovulate without a period? | All you need to know

September 28, 2022 by Adeola Adebo

There’s this thing with ‘5’ and ‘6’; they usually follow each other. As you’d expect, your periods should only come after you ovulate. Like ‘5’ and ‘6’, they should always follow. Therefore, it’s not a miracle when you find that things don’t follow the usual order. When this happens, you can be sure that something is wrong somewhere. This is usually the case for ovulation and periods too. When you ovulate without a period, it is a clear sign that something is not right.

In this article, you’ll find out what ovulation is, the relationship that exists between ovulation and period, and the possibility of ovulation without a period.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is part of a normal menstrual cycle.

It is a term used to connote the release of an egg from the ovary. Ovulation is a physiological process that involves the rupture and release of an egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube. In the fallopian tube, the released egg has the potential to become fertilized. The ovulation process is hormonal, hence, it is controlled by the gonadotropic hormones; leutinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

For conception to occur, the egg has to be released from the ovary into the fallopian tube. It is in the fallopian tube that the egg released can be fertilized. If you are not sexually active, your egg cannot be fertilized. If the released egg is left unfertilized, it disintegrates and the lining of the uterus is shed off.

The shedding off of this uterine lining is what is commonly referred to as menstruation or period.

What is the relationship between ovulation and period?

A menstrual cycle starts on the first day of your period and continues till your ovary releases another egg. Generally, a cycle spans between 21-35 days. However, for some women, it can last longer than 35 days.

The menstrual cycle consists of four phases:

Menstrual phase
Follicular phase
Ovulation
Luteal phase.

The menstrual phase is the time you actually see the blood. It lasts for about 3-5 days.

While ovulation occurs when an egg is released from your ovary to be fertilized, menstruation or period is the bleeding that occurs after ovulation if fertilization does not occur.

Ovulation occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle. If fertilization is successful, the fertilized egg will implant on the prepared lining of the uterus; if not, the lining will withdraw and menstruation will start. During menstruation, blood, mucus, and tissue will flow out of the cervix and vagina.

Can you ovulate without a period?

In a normal menstrual cycle, ovulation is followed by menstruation.

However, some women do not experience menstruation even after ovulating. This is usually due to different reasons. Some of the possible reasons include:

1. Scarring of the uterus

The uterus can be scarred following a C-section, a D and C procedure, or a reproductive disease. Scarring of the tissue of the uterus can prevent the uterine lining from building up as it should in the first half of the cycle. This results in a very light period or no period at all.

2. Pregnancy

If the released egg during ovulation gets fertilized by a sperm, it prevents the uterine lining from shedding. Rather, the uterine lining continues to build up in preparation for the implantation of the embryo. Thus, there will be no menstruation.

3. Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding your baby exclusively may stop your period from coming. This is primarily because of the hormonal involvement in the breastfeeding cycle.

4. Certain health conditions

There are some health conditions that prevent bleeding such as Asherman’s syndrome. Women with this kind of condition may not menstruate even if they ovulate.

5. Birth control

Some birth control methods may prevent your period from coming. This should have been explained to you before you were placed on it. If you’re on some birth control methods in this category, you may not see your period for a while.

6. Other medications

In addition to birth control, other medications asides can prevent your period from coming. Some of these medications include blood pressure pills, chemotherapy, allergy medications, and some psychiatric drugs. Any of these drugs may also cause ovulation without period.

7. Obesity

Obese women usually experience irregular menstrual cycles and some may not see their periods at all. Obesity is one of the leading causes of infertility.

Losing weight can help restart your cycle.

8. Underweight

Obesity is not the only reason your period may not come; being underweight is also a reason. In obese people, too much fat distorts the normal hormonal balance in the body. In underweight people, a lack of body fat throws the reproductive cycle off. If you’re underweight, you can restart your cycle by bringing up your weight.

9. Excessive exercise

When you’re obese or underweight, the problem is really not your weight but the amount of fat in your body. Regular exercise lowers your body fat and builds your muscles. This absence of fat, even though your BMI is great, may stop your period.

10. Stress

When you’ve gone through too much stress, either physically or emotionally, it may halt your period. However, it is very unusual for stress alone to cause your period to stop.

Conclusion

Your period should follow ovulation. When this is not so, consistently, a further check needs to be done. This is because irregular periods may be a sign of a deeper underlying issue. Furthermore, ovulation without a menstrual period may affect conception if adequate care is not provided, especially when there’s an underlying medical condition.

Remember, your doctors and healthcare providers are always willing to answer any questions you may have concerning your periods or ovulation.

Can Conception Vitamins Delay Period? | All You Need to Know

August 12, 2022 by Adeola Adebo

Do you know that certain vitamins help to prepare your body for conception? While they do not guarantee conception, they ensure that pregnancy goes well if it does happen. If you are trying to get pregnant you can’t be wrong with conception vitamins. However, many women around the world still wonder if conception vitamins can delay period.

This post has all you need to know.

Do conception vitamins really cause delayed periods? A number of to-be-moms struggle with fertility problems and are seeking solutions. Some have refused or stopped the use of conception pills because of the associated myths and misconceptions. One of these myths is the correlation of delayed periods with conception vitamins.

In this article, you will find out what conception vitamins really are, and what they do. You will also get to know more about your periods and the effects of vitamins on your period.

What are conception vitamins?

Conception vitamins are also called fertility vitamins. They are supplements used by women who are trying to get pregnant to help increase their chances of getting pregnant. These supplements contain micronutrients i.e. vitamins and minerals. These micronutrients can be gotten from daily dietary intake but they are usually insufficient, hence, the need for supplements.

Contraception vitamins are also different from normal routine multivitamins. They contain more of the nutrients you need during pregnancy.

What do conception vitamins actually do?

Conception vitamins don’t just help you get pregnant, they also help you to keep the pregnancy healthy. The most important of these conception vitamins is folic acid or folate (vitamin B9). It is a vitamin that is needed by the body cells for growth and development.

You should start taking folic acid at least once a month before conception takes place. Getting pregnant should not stop you from using folic acid. This is because it helps to lower the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect (NTD).

Your menstrual period and vitamins

You lose blood during your periods. You also lose some micronutrients which need to be replaced. Of these micronutrients, a considerable amount of iron is lost during menstruation. This is because iron is found in the red blood cells. As you are losing blood each month, you are losing a great deal of iron too. This is why you need to feed on diets rich in iron to replace your body’s iron stores.

The B vitamins are also very important during your monthly cycle. Asides from the function it performs during pregnancy, B vitamins also help to relieve some menstrual symptoms. Some of the symptoms are moodiness, anxiety, and bloating. B vitamins also help with digestion. They help to break down foods that provide you with energy.

Vitamin D is also very important while menstruating. It is a key nutrient that helps in the absorption of calcium. It also helps to reduce inflammation, which ultimately relieves pain, including back pain and menstrual cramps.

Magnesium has been shown to reduce menstrual pain and menstrual migraines. Despite these functions, excess magnesium can cause diarrhea and reduce your blood pressure.

While your body needs to replenish some micronutrients during your periods, there are some vitamins to avoid like vitamin K. You should also avoid consuming large quantities of fiber and protein during this period.

Effect of conception vitamins on period

Conception vitamins cannot delay your period. They are similar to other multivitamins you may be taking daily. Periods are a result of hormonal activities, not vitamins. Your periods happen because your body is preparing for conception and it did not happen.

The egg already released by your ovaries in response to FSH stimulation thickens the lining of your uterus. When pregnancy does not happen, the levels of estrogen and progesterone reduce and you shed off this lining.

When you begin to take conception vitamins in preparation for conception, it increases your chances of getting pregnant. It does this by increasing the levels of micronutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy. When pregnancy now happens, your body is already fortified with the nutrients needed to accommodate the new life and aid proper growth.

With these functions of conception vitamins in mind, you’ll see that it has no effect on the hormones regulating your periods. Using these vitamins will not delay or shorten your period.

Causes of Delayed Period

Since conception vitamins don’t cause delayed periods, what causes it?

Delayed period that is not due to pregnancy may be a result of hormonal imbalances. Some women experience irregular periods leading to early or late periods. If your periods are regular and you are experiencing delayed periods, it may be due to one or more of the following:

Stress
Obesity
Low body weight
Birth control pills
Thyroid issues such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and Cushing’s syndrome
Early menopause
Excessive exercise
Emotional upset
Poor nutrition
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)

How long do folic acid vitamins delay your period?

Folic acid vitamins do not delay your period. They only help to reduce the risk of birth defects associated with iron deficiency. Studies have shown that there’s little association between folic acid supplementation and the regularity of the menstrual cycle.

Do conception vitamins work?

It is good you start taking conception vitamins even before you become pregnant. Most times, your health care provider will recommend some for you if you are planning to get pregnant. Conception vitamins contain extra amounts of folic acid, iron, and calcium that are needed during pregnancy.

Conception vitamins in combination with some lifestyle changes can help you increase the possibility of conception. Some of these lifestyle changes include losing weight, reducing strenuous exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake.

Conclusion

Conception vitamins contain micronutrients to help you keep pregnancy when it happens. This makes them promotes fertility. You should bear in mind that conception vitamins are not the only factor regulating pregnancy. There are other factors including hormones, your health status, age, and weight among others. Staying on conception vitamins alone without putting other factors in check may not improve your chances of getting pregnant.

Consult your doctor to know what conception vitamins to use. If you notice any abnormalities or irregularities with your periods, you should consult your doctor too.

15 Weird Pregnancy Symptoms Before A Missed Period

November 13, 2020 by Adeola Adebo

A missed period is an obvious sign of pregnancy. However, it is not the only sign of pregnancy. In fact, there are other uncommon signs of pregnancy that you may experience before a missed period.

Although a pregnancy test is the most effective way to confirm a pregnancy, a number of other uncommon signs can also be used to detect pregnancy. Nevertheless, most mums-to-be fail to recognize these signs.

What are these uncommon signs of pregnancy? How can you identify them?

Read on to find out!

The Uncommon Pregnancy Symptoms

Weird Symptoms In Your Breasts

1. Tender Breasts

In the early days of pregnancy, your estrogen levels would begin to rise significantly. Most times, this would cause your breasts to become tender, heavy, or sore. This symptom may occur in the week leading to your first missed period.

Furthermore, this increase in blood estrogen levels may cause your nipples to feel tingly, itchy, or prickly.

2. Increased Sensitivity

One of the weirdest and earliest signs of pregnancy for most women is increased breast sensitivity. In fact, this symptom may even begin as early as 7 days after conception. In addition, your breasts may become fuller, heavier, or itchier.

This symptom is so pronounced in some women that they even dread wearing or removing a bra.

3. Darkened Areola

Another weird sign of pregnancy is the appearance of a significantly darkened areola.

As your little one begins to develop, you may notice that your areola (the small circular patch of skin surrounding your nipple) has become really dark. Also, some women also observe certain tiny bumps, or Montgomery Tubercles, which appear around their areola.

However, it is important to note that the appearance of these Montgomery Tubercles does not always mean you are pregnant. Nevertheless, this symptom is closely associated with pregnancy.

Weird Pregnancy Changes In Your Digestive System

4. Nausea

Nausea is a very common symptom of pregnancy, which is often called morning sickness. Most women begin to feel nauseous a few days after the date of conception.

Have you started to notice distinct changes in how your body responds to food? Has the lovely aroma of morning coffee suddenly become irritating? Do your meals look more gross than inviting? In fact, does the mere thought of food make you nauseous?

You just might be pregnant!

Although it is also called Morning Sickness, pregnancy-induced nausea can strike at any time of the day. For most women, this symptom begins in the 6^th to 8^th week of pregnancy. In other instances, the nausea may even begin much earlier than that.

Studies show that this uneasy symptom is due to rising estrogen and progesterone (pregnancy hormone) levels.

5. Food Cravings & Aversions

Another telltale sign of pregnancy is food cravings or weird food aversions. Imagine waking up at 2 am and desperately wanting a bowl of hot pasta and ice tea.

Weird right?

Well, you just might be pregnant. In fact, some women lose their appetites completely or become strangely selective in food options.

6. Constipation

Sadly, constipation is another weird symptom of pregnancy.

During pregnancy, your body produces hormones like Relaxin and Progesterone which relax your muscles and slows down certain organ functions. Sometimes, the effects of these hormones extend to the digestive system, slowing down the normal digestive process.

When this happens, you may realize that your bowel movements have become less frequent or even incomplete

7. Bloating

Does your tummy feel rounder and bigger than usual? Are your pants now tighter on your waist? Do you feel a bit balloon-ey?

Yes, we know that bloating is a regular PMS symptom, however, the hormonal surge that comes with early pregnancy can also cause bloating.

Although some pregnant women do not experience this symptom until the later part of pregnancy, it may come up really early for some people.

Weird Pregnancy Changes In Your Excretory System

8. Increased Frequency of Urination

Are your bathroom breaks more frequent than usual? Has your ability to hold your pee dropped in recent weeks?

You might just be pregnant.

Increased frequency of urination is also an obvious sign of pregnancy before a missed period and it increases as pregnancy progresses. The changing hormones and extra blood being produced may cause you too pee much more than usual in the early stages of pregnancy.

9. Diarrhea

As we mentioned earlier, some women may experience constipation and gassiness in the early days of pregnancy. In other instances, the exact opposite occurs.

It is possible to experience the runs as an early symptom of pregnancy. This may result from hormonal, dietary, or just stress-induced changes.

Weird Symptoms In Your Mind

10. Mood Swings

A hormonal imbalance can affect the neural signaling process in the brain, leading to sudden and enhanced emotional outbursts. Interestingly, this can be an early symptom of pregnancy for most women.

If you don’t feel normal, take some time out to relax, speak to a friend. Experience some self-love; it’d help you respond properly to stressful situations. Please remember that more serious challenges with your mood in pregnancy need more attention. Please don’t ignore it.

11. Dizziness

Feeling dizzy and light headed is also one of the symptoms of early pregnancy before a missed period. This is because of the stretching of blood vessels which causes a reduction in blood pressure.

This symptom persists during the first trimester and gradually decreases in the remaining trimesters.

Weird Pregnancy Changes In The Other Parts of Your Body

12. Metallic Taste In Your Mouth

This is also known as dysgeusia. It is an awkward and strange taste in the mouth during pregnancy. This can be an early symptom of pregnancy which may persist all through pregnancy in some women.

13. Elevated Basal Body Temperature

The body basal temperature increases during ovulation and then returns back to normal. But in early pregnancy, it stays elevated.

This is due to the high hormone levels during pregnancy. If your basal body temperature remains high for 18-20 days after ovulation, then, you’re probably pregnant.

14. Fatigue & Exhaustion

Changes in hormonal levels can make one feel tired and exhausted.

This makes most women sleep more in the early days of pregnancy. In addition, its normal to feel tired and sleepy after doing a few chores while pregnant.

You can relieve fatigue and exhaustion by eating a healthy diet rich in minerals, iron, vitamin, and plenty of fluid. Read more about tips for fatigue during pregnancy here.

15. Sensitivity To Smell

There is an increased sensitivity to smell in early pregnancy due to an increased level of estrogen. It occurs in the weeks following conception.

When Do These Weird Pregnancy Symptoms Start?

Everything varies from woman to woman.

In most cases, some of these symptoms begin to surface on the 7th to 10th day after conception. On the other hand, some of the other symptoms may take weeks to turn up.

In Conclusion

Regardless of these telltale signs, a pregnancy test is the best way to confirm the possibility of a pregnancy. Whenever you think you’re pregnant, there are a number of easy and reliable ways to get tested.

REFERENCES

Sapra, K.J., Buck Louis, G.M., Sundaram, R., Joseph, K.S., Bates, L.M., Galea, S., Ananth, C.V. (2016). “Signs and symptoms associated with early pregnancy loss: findings from a population-based preconception cohort.” Human Reproduction. Accessed on 19^th October, 2020 from https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/31/4/887/2380064
Katherine J Sapra, Germaine M Buck Louis, Rajeshwari Sundaram, Joseph, K.S., Lisa M Bates, Sando Galea, and Cande V Ananth (2018). “Time-varying effects of signs and symptoms on pregnancy loss <20 weeks: Findings from a preconception prospective cohort study.” Paediatric and perinatal epidemiology. Accessed on 19^th October, 2020 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5772892/#__ffn_sectitle
Guannan Bai, Ida J. Korfage, Esther Hafkamp-de Groen, Vincent W. V. Jaddoe, Eva Mautner, Hein Raat (2016). “Associations between Nausea, Vomiting, Fatigue and Health-Related Quality of Life of Women in Early Pregnancy: The Generation R Study.” Plos One. Accessed on 19^th October, 2020 from https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0166133

10 Reasons Why You May Experience Periods While Pregnant

July 2, 2020 by The Edie and Amy Company

Most women celebrate the news of a positive pregnancy test for many reasons, one of which is a much-needed break from monthly menstrual periods. During a menstrual period, the womb sheds off the extra lining it has built up in case of pregnancy.

Although a woman may experience uterine bleeding during pregnancy, it is not due to a period. It is not possible to have a true menstrual period during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes which prevent you from menstruating.

In addition, it is also impossible for your womb to shed its entire lining while maintaining a pregnancy. However, it is possible to have menstrual-like bleeding for a variety of reasons during pregnancy.

Some of these reasons include:

1. Implantation or Decidual Bleeding

Women who complain about having periods during pregnancy are simply experiencing Decidual Bleeding, in which a small part of the uterine lining might shed for the first few months of pregnancy.

A phenomenon called implantation bleeding, which is spotting that can cause period-like bleeding in early pregnancy and can occur in the first month of pregnancy. It usually occurs around the time of the first ‘missed’ menstrual period.

2. Changes in the cervix

The hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause alterations in the cervix, making it softer and more prone to bleeding. In addition, a harmless overgrowth of tissue may form in the cervix.

In both cases, spotting or light bleeding may be occur after sexual intercourse or a pelvic examination.

3.Vaginal Infection

A vaginal infection may cause spontaneous vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. An abnormal vaginal discharge may accompany the bleeding.

Vaginal Infections May Sometimes Occur During Pregnancy
Source: Shutterstock

4. Sexual intercourse

Most women continue to have sexual relations while pregnant, unless a doctor advises otherwise.

In some cases, certain women may experience light spotting or bleeding due to increased sensitivity of the vaginal and cervical tissues.

5. Molar pregnancy

Molar pregnancy is an abnormality of fertilization which causes an abnormal tissue to grow within the uterus.

This is not a typical pregnancy, but the growth within the uterus leads to the typical symptoms of early pregnancy.

A molar pregnancy cannot result in a normal fetus or delivery, however, vaginal spotting or bleeding can be a symptom of molar pregnancy.

Other Causes Are;

6. Ectopic pregnancy

Mild vaginal bleeding and increasing tummy pain may indicate the presence of an ectopic pregnancy. This condition arises when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.

Sometimes, an ectopic pregnancy may be located in the uterine tube. As the pregnancy grows and the tube stretches, the tummy pain becomes increasingly severe.

Sometimes these pregnancies rupture the uterine tube, leading to significant blood loss. Sometimes the amount of visible blood lost bellies the actual amount you are loosing in your tummy.

7. Subchorionic hemorrhage

In this condition, blood accumulates between the wall of the womb and the sac of fluid encasing your baby. Normally, the body frequently reabsorbs these blood clots, however, dark blood or small clots may be discharged from the vagina.

8. Cervical examination

A doctor may inspect your cervix to check for any abnormalities. This procedure can result in some minor bleeding during pregnancy.

9. Uterine rupture

This is a medical emergency that occurs when the womb tears during labour. This condition is likely to occur in women who have previously had a cesarean delivery or surgery on the womb.

10. Placental abruption

In this instance, the placenta starts to separate from the uterus (womb) before the baby is delivered. It is also a serious medical emergency and the baby’s life is at risk.

What’s The Next Step?

If you experience any form of bleeding during pregnancy, it is advisable to note the colour (is it bright red or brown ?), amount (how many pads did it soak up?) and consistency ( were there clups or bits of tissue in it?). This info is important when you speak with the doctor during antenatal clinics. It will give the doctor a clue as to the source and severity of the bleeding.

Bleeding during pregnancy does not mean that you are experiencing a menstrual period. In addition, heavy bleeding may indicate a health issue that requires medical attention. Whenever bleeding during pregnancy is observed, it should always be reported to a doctor in order to rule out miscarriage and other complications. Learn about bleeding after delivery.

References

Nall, R. (2018). Can you have a period while pregnant? Accessed on June 12, 2020 from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322598
Danielsson, R. (2020). Potential Causes of Bleeding During Pregnancy. Accessed on June 12, 2020 from https://www.verywellfamily.com/is-it-possible-to-have-a-period-during-pregnancy-2371251
Blocker, W. (2019). Bleeding During Pregnancy (First, Second, and Third Trimester). Accessed on June 12, 2020 from https://www.medicinenet.com/pregnancy_bleeding_during_the_first_trimester/article.htm#what_should_you_know_about_bleeding_during_pregnancy

Watch the replay of our instagram live on recovery from caesarian sections

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST HEALTHCARE PROVIDER FOR YOUR PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH

March 4, 2024 by Ahialaka Olivia

Selecting the right healthcare provider for your pregnancy and childbirth is a big decision. The choice you make may significantly influence your entire birthing experience. Unlike what most people may think, this choice should not be based on medical expertise alone.

The period of pregnancy and childbirth is one of the most life-changing moments of your life. So the healthcare providers you choose should not only be medical experts but also people who you trust and feel safe with.

Choosing the best healthcare provider for your pregnancy and childbirth — ***Image Source:*** *Pexels.com*

To help you make the best choice, we have summarized the essential things you should note when selecting your healthcare provider. This will ensure you have a supportive and safe journey from conception to delivery.

Start Early To Choose Your HealthCare Provider

The process of selecting a healthcare provider should start early in your pregnancy. This gives you enough time to research, schedule consultations, and build a rapport with your chosen provider

The earlier you begin to engage with your chosen provider, the more time you have to foster the sense of security and trust needed for a positive birthing experience.

Consider Your Preferences in A Healthcare Provider

Reflect on your preferences and expectations regarding prenatal care and childbirth. Some women prefer the personalized approach of midwives, while others feel more secure with obstetricians.

You may also have personal preferences as regards your type of birth, birthing partner or even medical interventions, such as epidurals or cesarean sections.

Research and Recommendations

Extensive research is fundamental to making an informed decision. You can try seeking recommendations from your friends, family, or even online forums.

To help you gain more confidence in their expertise, you could choose to investigate the healthcare provider’s credentials, hospital affiliations, and patient reviews. This could help you properly gauge their reputation and competence.

Evaluate Communication Styles of Your Healthcare Provider

Effective communication is pivotal in any healthcare relationship. A healthcare professional who communicates clearly and empathetically can alleviate anxiety and enhance your overall experience.

The numerous consultation sessions provide you with the opportunity to assess how well your potential provider understands you. Pay attention to how well they listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and explain medical information.

If you feel seen and heard after consultations with them, then they are a good option for you. If you do not, you may need to look elsewhere.

Accessibility and Availability To Your Healthcare Provider

Your chosen healthcare provider must be not only available but also easily accessible. You can determine this by researching their policy on appointments, emergencies, and after-hours care.

Knowing that your provider is accessible when needed can provide reassurance during the unpredictable journey of pregnancy.

Hospital Affiliation

Understanding the hospital or birthing centre where your chosen healthcare provider practices is crucial. It is important that you evaluate the facilities, support staff, and birthing options available. Consider the inclusivity of your care team, including nurses, midwives, and specialists.

This is because the quality of your birthing experience depends not just on your selected healthcare provider, but on the hospital facility as a whole. In many cases, pregnancy and childbirth involve a collaborative effort from various healthcare professionals.

Birth Plan Alignment

Discuss your birth plan with potential healthcare providers to ensure it aligns with their practices. Whether you envision a home birth, water birth, or prefer certain medical interventions, make sure your provider supports your choices and is open to making adjustments when needed.

Experience and Specializations of Your Healthcare Provider

The experience and specializations of your healthcare provider are very important. The journey of pregnancy and childbirth is a complicated process that requires expert management to keep both mother and child safe.

Thus, ensure that you inquire about your healthcare provider’s expertise in managing pregnancies, handling complications, and performing deliveries.

Specialized knowledge in areas such as high-risk pregnancies or fertility concerns may be crucial, depending on your unique circumstances.

Insurance and Cost Considerations

Practical considerations, such as insurance coverage and associated costs, should not be overlooked. Confirm that your chosen healthcare provider accepts your insurance plan, and discuss any potential out-of-pocket expenses.

The last thing you want to be worrying about is bills and insurance when your baby is kicking and ready to come out.

Trust Your Instincts

Intuition often plays a significant role in decision-making. So do not be afraid to trust your instincts when making your choice.

You may feel a strong connection with a particular healthcare provider and sense a genuine commitment to your well-being. As long as you have ascertained their expertise and all the other factors listed above, feel free to make them your choice.

A Word From Edie and Amy

Selecting the right healthcare provider for your pregnancy and childbirth is an important decision. You need to carefully consider medical expertise, communication skills, accessibility and finances.

Additionally, your healthcare provider should be one whom you trust and feel secure with. They should be able to understand your birthing plan and share the vision of your birthing experience.

The best way to choose the right healthcare provider is to start early, research thoroughly, and consider personal preferences. By doing this, you will no doubt enjoy every step of this life-changing experience with a supportive and capable healthcare team by your side.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT A CHEMICAL PREGNANCY

February 19, 2024 by Ahialaka Olivia

A chemical pregnancy, often referred to as a biochemical pregnancy, is a miscarriage that occurs early on before ultrasounds can detect a foetus. It is not a false pregnancy but the loss of a pregnancy before the fifth week of gestation, usually around the time a menstrual period is expected.

In a biochemical pregnancy, the blood test results are positive although no fetus is growing. What causes a chemical pregnancy? What are the symptoms? And what treatment options are available?

Read on to find out!

Symptoms of a Chemical Pregnancy

A chemical pregnancy may have no signs or symptoms. This is because it typically does not persist long enough to result in pregnancy-related side effects like nausea and exhaustion. Some women may even miscarry early without knowing they are pregnant.

However, in some women who experience symptoms, it may present as a heavy period with cramping in pregnancy. Some other signs include:

a blood pregnancy test showing low hCG levels
mild to severe abdominal cramps during a period
light spotting a week or so before the start of a regular period

In a biochemical pregnancy, pregnancy hormones are detectable but low, so you are unlikely to feel any of the typical early symptoms like exhaustion or pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Causes of Chemical Pregnancy

There are no precise causes of biochemical pregnancies. However, in the majority of cases, a miscarriage may be caused by an abnormal embryo. Other causes may include:

abnormal hormone levels
uterine abnormalities
implantation outside the uterus
infections like chlamydia or syphilis which could alter vaginal discharge

Risk Factors

Although there are no sure ways to prevent a chemical pregnancy, there are some identifiable risk factors. Some of these include:

A blood clotting disorder
Gestational Diabetes
Maternal age over 35
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Thyroid disorder
Women undergoing IVF

Outlook

A chemical pregnancy does not mean you won’t be able to get pregnant or give birth normally in the future. Although there is currently no precise treatment for this condition, there are many options to help you get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby.

POSTPARTUM GAS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

December 13, 2023 by Ahialaka Olivia

The process of pregnancy and childbirth is not easy. Your body starts changing even before you find out you are pregnant. These changes continue through your pregnancy and even after childbirth. Unfortunately, not all these changes are pleasant. One of such unwelcomed changes some women may experience is postpartum gas or flatulence.

What causes the increased flatulence after pregnancy? How can you deal with postpartum gas at home? When should you be worried? Read on to find out.

What Causes Postpartum Gas?

It’s common to experience flatulence after giving birth as many women say they feel gassier than usual after having their baby. Postpartum gas can be caused by a variety of factors during the postpartum period. Some of the most common causes include:

Pelvic Floor Damage

Pregnancy and childbirth puts a lot of strain on your pelvic floor. In some women, the muscles of the pelvic floor may even overstretch and tear. Although the majority of vaginal tears sustained during delivery heal without any problems, some women will experience changes in bowel habits. One of the most common changes is postpartum gas.

Constipation

After delivery, your bowel movements may slow down for the first few days. This could cause you to be constipated, with trapped, painful gas as a side effect.

Additionally, some of your prescribed medications like iron supplements or painkillers could also cause you to be constipated.

Diet and Lifestyle

What you eat also has a major role to play in the amount of gas you produce. Some foods have been shown to significantly increase your gas production. Some include high-fiber foods, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, chewing gum, processed products, carbonated drinks, etc.

When Should You Worry About Postpartum Gas?

We understand that your increased flatulence can be embarrassing and even uncomfortable. Fortunately, in most cases, postpartum gas is nothing to worry about and it resolves on its own.

However, you should begin to worry if your gas is accompanied by any of the following:

heavy bleeding
abnormal vaginal discharge
fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C)
severe lower stomach pain
feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up
Anal incontinence

These could be warning signs that you have an infection or a vaginal tear that needs surgical repair. You should contact your healthcare provider.

Home Remedies For Postpartum Gas

Postpartum gas usually does not require any treatment. However, the following tips may help you feel better:

Drink plenty of fluids, like water, herbal tea or lemon water.
Eat a healthy nutrient-dense diet while avoiding notorious gassy foods
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation
Get as much rest as possible.
Try using mild laxatives or stool softeners if your constipation is severe.
Do kegel exercises regularly to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

Take Home Message

There are many possible causes for your increased gas after having delivery. It is common for women to suffer gas after giving birth, therefore there is no reason to feel ashamed.

This adverse effect will often disappear as your body recovers. If it does not, consult your healthcare provider. They can aid in determining the reason for your postpartum gas and make recommendations for treatments or drugs.

Everything You Need to Know About Postpartum Depression

October 17, 2023 by Ahialaka Olivia

Your little bundle of joy is finally here! After those tiring 9months, you finally get to hold your baby in your arms. You have every reason to be happy, but you can’t seem to shake away the feeling of overwhelming sadness. If this is you, you may be suffering from what is known as “Postpartum Depression.”

What is postpartum depression? How do you know if you have it? How can you cope with it? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression, commonly known as PPD, is a form of depression that develops after giving birth. It involves strong emotions of sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that remain for a long time after childbirth.

Postpartum depression is not restricted to just the person who gives birth but can affect adoptive parents and surrogates as well. This is because after having a child, people go through a lot of mental, emotional, financial, physical, and social changes that may induce depression.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Symptoms of postpartum depression may include:

Lack of motivation and energy.
Difficulty concentrating or thinking.
Excessively worrying or being tense.
Loss of interest in past interests or hobbies.
Eating less or adjusting one’s appetite.
A lack of interest in your child or feeling uneasiness around your child.
Having trouble falling asleep or constantly wanting to sleep.
Having persistent headaches, aches, pains, or stomach problems.
Crying excessively or without cause.
Feeling sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt.
Suicidal or self-harming thoughts.
Thoughts of harming your child or feeling like you don’t want your baby.

Please let your doctor know as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

There is no specific cause of postpartum depression, but the following may be responsible:

Physical Changes: There might be a change in the physical environment after childbirth. Your body would also change too, and you may have a hard time adapting. These changes may cause new moms to feel worn out, irritable, and depressed.
Emotional Issues: The period after childbirth is one of the most stressful moments mothers have to go through. This stress may affect your emotions and make it difficult to deal with even little issues.
Genetics: According to studies, the likelihood of developing postpartum depression is increased if there is a family history of the condition.

It’s important to keep in mind that none of these problems are your fault, and you are not responsible for what you are feeling.

Can Postpartum Depression Affect Your Baby?

Yes, as postpartum depression may make it difficult for both you and your baby to adjust to breastfeeding. As a result, your baby may not nurse for long.

This condition may also make it difficult for you to care for your baby if they get sick. You may not quickly notice any signs that they need urgent medical treatment and this may affect your baby’s health.

Therefore, it is essential to seek help immediately if you notice any signs that you may be depressed.

How to Cope With Postpartum Depression

Generally, dealing with depression involves a multidisciplinary approach with no single right way to treat it. Unfortunately, there is also no magic wand that can make all the sadness go away.

However, the following tips may be of help:

Stay Fit and Healthy

Make an effort to be active each day. You could do something as simple as taking a walk. Also, make sure to eat well-balanced meals and get as much sleep as you can.

Ask for Help and Accept It.

Keep in touch with those who are close to you and let them know how you are feeling. You are going to need all the help you can get after childbirth. Don’t be shy to ask for it.

Indulge in Some Self-care.

Make time for yourself and the activities you love, such as hobbies, conversations, and outings with friends and family.

Join a Support Group for New Parents.

Finding others who are going through similar situations will help you feel less alone and make things easier to handle.

Seek Medical Care

If the feelings of overwhelming sadness won’t go away, seek help from your doctor or healthcare professional. They have several options to offer you such as therapy, counseling, or medications.

Take Home Message

Postpartum depression is something that a lot of new parents experience after childbirth, so you are not alone. Reaching out to those who can assist you may not be easy, but it’s the best thing you can do for yourself, your baby, and those around you.

Child Breathing Techniques: How to Breath Through Labour

October 11, 2023 by Ahialaka Olivia

Childbirth is a really intense process. However, breathing calmly and correctly can make the process much easier. Therefore it is a good idea to learn and practise certain childbirth breathing techniques as your due date gets closer.

Patterned breathing refers to the act of breathing at a variety of different speeds and depths. The goal is to find breathing patterns that can get you to relax in the labour room. The ideal breathing pattern should be at a comfortable respiratory rate and it should not cause you to feel dizzy or out of breath.

Advantages of Childbirth Breathing Techniques

Breathing exercises are beneficial when preparing for childbirth. Some benefits of patterned breathing during childbirth include:

eases the birthing process by helping with pushing during labour.
keeps the mother calm and helps her react more positively to pain.
provides a sense of control and security.
makes contractions more efficient.
helps the mother deal with feelings such as stress, anxiety or anger.
increases oxygen thereby providing more energy and power for both mother and baby.

Types of Breathing Techniques

It is good to remember that the childbirth breathing technique you will need to use will change with the different stages of labour. This is because there is no one ideal breathing technique for labour.

However, different childbirth breathing techniques have been shown to be beneficial at different stages of labour.

Early Stages of Labour

Some good techniques for his stage include:

Slow Breathing

When a contraction is strong enough to prevent you from moving or speaking without pausing, start slow breathing. Use this breathing technique for as long as you find it helpful. Here’s how it’s done:

Find a focal point.
When the contraction starts, let out a long, calming breath. As you exhale, let go of all the tension in your body.
Breathe in deeply through your nose and out slowly through your mouth.
Pause until the urge to breathe in comes again.
Concentrate on relaxing a different part of your body with each exhale

Light Accelerated Breathing

This is done when labour is actively progressing and the contractions intensify. Here’s how it’s done:

Find a focal point.
When the contraction starts, let out a long, calming breath. As you exhale, let go of all the tension in your body.
Try to match your breathing pace with the pace of the contractions and keep your mouth and shoulders relaxed as you breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth.
At this point, start taking little, gentle breaths through your mouth. Your breathing rate should increase along with the intensity of the contraction.
Take a final deep breath as the contraction ends.

Transition (Variable) Breathing

This is typically used when transitioning into the second stage of labour. However, if you’re feeling worn out or overwhelmed during the first stage of labour, you can also use it. Here’s how it’s done:

Find a focal point, preferably your spouse or a photograph.
When the contraction starts, let out a long, calming breath. As you exhale, let go of all the tension in your body.
Take five to twenty light, shallow breaths through your lips every ten seconds.
Every third, fourth, or fifth breath, try to exhale more forcefully and for a longer period of time.
When the contraction ends, take one or two deep breaths to calm yourself.

Second Stage of Labour

This is the period between when your cervix is fully dilated and the delivery of your baby.

Expulsion Breathing

This is used once the cervix is fully dilated and the second stage of labour has started. It is important to note that expulsive breathing should be used only after your cervix is fully dilated otherwise, it could harm your cervix. Here’s how it’s done:

Find a focal point. You can focus on your spouse, a photograph or the baby moving down and out.
When the contraction starts, let out a long, calming breath. As you exhale, let go of all the tension in your body.
When you get the overwhelming urge to push, bear down while tucking your chin into your chest. Then bend your body slightly forward and hold your breath while you push. Slowly exhale after every five to six seconds while you do this.
When the contraction ends, take one or two deep breaths to calm yourself.

Tips to Remember

Childbirth is an intense process, even for moms who have given birth before. However, practising these breathing techniques and keeping a positive mindset may make the birthing process easier. Just breathe in, breathe out, and your baby will pop right out!