Tag: pregnancy


Stretch Marks: What Every Woman Should Know About It

7
October

Have you ever wondered why pregnant women and those who just gave birth develop stretch marks?

Here’s one more thing: have you ever heard someone tell a pregnant woman not to scratch her tummy to avoid developing stretch marks?

Is there truth to this? And what is the real cause of stretch marks?

There is none! According to WebMD, stretch mark happens because the skin has stretched beyond the normal. This can be caused by three things: pregnancy, sudden weight gain or loss, and weight lifting. Stretch marks are also attributed to genetic factors which causes defects in connective tissues. So if your mother had them, chances are higher that you’ll also have stretch marks.

So if you’re wondering what can be done to avoid stretch marks, here are some tips:

Avoid rapid weight gain or loss;

If you’re pregnant, or if you’re working out to lose weight, moisturize. This is crucial because with sufficient hydration brought about by the moisturizer; the skin becomes suppler, more flexible and better able to stretch.

To get maximum effect, moisturize three or four times a day. Best moisturizing products include those that contain cocoa butter or shea butter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo credits: Stuart Miles

 

 

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Post-partum Depression and Baby Blues: What Some Mommy’s Go Through

21
September

At the onset, let me say that not all Mommy’s go through post-partum depression and/or feel what is generally known as “baby blues”.

If you’re a Mom, or you know someone who is a Mom (now I can hear you say “Of course! Mommies are everywhere!”), chances are you have heard about post-partum depression and/or baby blues.

Here’s one thing we all must understand: the symptoms of both may be similar, but these two are not alike. Post-partum depression is an illness; it can last for months; and someone going through it needs immediate attention. On the other hand, “baby blues” stays for just a few weeks but it ultimately it goes away.

So what are the symptoms of post-partum depression?

Generally, post-partum depression happens to a woman following childbirth, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

Common signs to watch out for include loss of interest on everyday things that gives pleasure and joy such as watching TV, talking with and playing with older children, reading books, sharing stories, going out with the family, exercise, gardening, and even playing sports. Most women going through post-partum depression also appear to be heavily weighed down by something she can not explain. Most women suffering from it would just say “I know there’s something wrong, I just can’t say what it is exactly!” Then there are the teary eyes which always appear ready to cry at any time with just the slight provocation. Loss of appetite can also be a sign, but so is increase of appetite.

What about “baby blues”?

Women feeling “baby blues” have difficulty sleeping at night. She’s also very sensitive emotionally; with a slight provocation she will cry. Most often, women going through “baby blues” cry for no reason at all; and they are almost always melancholic.

So what then?

If you know of someone going through post-partum depression, or if you are going through this yourself, seek medical attention immediately. This is very important because left unattended; this may lead to something called post-partum psychosis, a more severe form of depression.

Women going through post-partum depression need strong emotional support from her family and friends, but most especially from her husband or partner. Always remember that this is not something a woman wants; post-partum depression is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, and it’s something beyond her control.

Lastly, post-partum depression can be treated, and the earlier it is treated, the better for her, her baby, and her whole family.

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Top Ten Foods You Should Eat When Trying To Get Pregnant

29
July

Excited to have a baby?

A healthy diet cannot be over emphasized, more so when you’re planning a pregnancy. It is to be expected that you want to be at your best health as you prepare to be a mother. Equally important to remember at this stage is the fact that the food that you eat will play a great part in helping you get pregnant. If you have been eating the wrong types of food, surely it will have an effect on your ability to conceive.

Make sure that you eat a well balanced diet. Eating good does not mean over eating. Gaining excessive weight is neither ideal nor desirable when you are trying to conceive. Hence, it is imperative that you make sure that the foods that you will be eating as you try to get pregnant are healthy food.

Here are top ten foods you should eat when you want to be prepared and get pregnant.

1. Oysters

Some scientists recommend oysters because of its zinc content.  Zinc deficiencies hinder both male and female fertility.

2. Green leafy vegetables such as Spinach, Asparagus, and Green Beans.

3. Grapefruit, Oranges and Lemons.

Grapefruit

400 micrograms of Folic Acid each day helps in proper neural tube growth.

Citrus fruits in general are good. A diet with sufficient Folic acid will not only help you get pregnant, it will also help you deliver a healthy baby.

Normally, folic acid supplements are given to pregnant women to ensure that the babies are born without any birth defects.

4. Bread, Pasta, Rice and Potatoes.

These are good sources of starch. It would be much better if you try to choose wholegrain options.

Some of the best foods to eat when trying to get pregnant include meat and dairy products. Your body needs protein to conceive. So make sure that you consume food that has high protein and low fat content.

5. Lean Meat and Chicken, Fish, Eggs and Pulses like Beans and Lentils.

These are good sources of iron.

6. Fresh tuna (not canned tuna, which does not count as oily fish); Mackerel, Sardines and Trout Fish.

Eaten at least twice a week, these foods will also do you wonders.

Fish is known to enhance your general health and improve your fertility level. So never shy away from fish when you are trying to conceive.

Reminders though, don’t have more than two portions of oily fish a week.

7. Milk, cheese and yoghurt should be included in your diet since Calcium is very important when trying to get pregnant.

8. For your snacks, you might want to consider healthier options.  Examples would be Sandwiches made of whole grain or wheat bread or Pita bread filled with chicken, cottage cheese or lean ham;

9. Low-fat yoghurts.

10. Raisins, Apricots, and other dried fruits can also be eaten as snack substitutes.

Lastly, always remember that balanced diet is always the best diet.

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