With my 6th baby once I hit 30 weeks I started waking up feeling sick again and coming close to throwing up frequently. I had not experienced this before and thought it odd. I know some people never get rid of morning sickness, but for it to come back I thought was odd. But apparently not! There is no explanation for it, it just happens to some people, and with my 6th and now with the 7th I have developed it again.
I continue to take B6, which is supposed to help. It does not seem to make much difference for the third trimester, in my experience. Honestly, I have found that eating something high in protein and good carb as soon as you can helps more than anything. I've never needed any medicines like I sometimes do in the first trimester. I think it may simply be the body craving a little extra nutrients to finish out the pregnancy strong, but again we do not really know why this happens.
Have you experienced third trimester nausea? What helps you?
Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Heartburn
So who out there struggles with heartburn? I know I do. That has been the one thing that is consistent with all of my pregnancies. Heartburn occurs when you have an excess amount of acid in your stomach and it leaps up into your esophagus. It burns!
Because I've been through this a few times, I usually have Zantac or off brand equivalent available in the house and take it once a day. If it's a really bad day I will take it twice. You can take 75 mg or 150 mg. I always start with the lower dose if I have it, because you can always take more but cannot take it back once ingested.
I also have Tums or off brand equivalent handy for those moments I need something now!
Other things that can help are milk, ice chips, eating something bland such as crackers, bananas or toast. I'm sure there are also natural remedies that I'm currently not familiar with, but will add to this as I learn more about them. This is my current experience.
What do you do to help with your heartburn?
Because I've been through this a few times, I usually have Zantac or off brand equivalent available in the house and take it once a day. If it's a really bad day I will take it twice. You can take 75 mg or 150 mg. I always start with the lower dose if I have it, because you can always take more but cannot take it back once ingested.
I also have Tums or off brand equivalent handy for those moments I need something now!
Other things that can help are milk, ice chips, eating something bland such as crackers, bananas or toast. I'm sure there are also natural remedies that I'm currently not familiar with, but will add to this as I learn more about them. This is my current experience.
What do you do to help with your heartburn?
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Vitamin B6 and Unisom
Morning sickness is a common problem among most women in early pregnancy and everyone wants to know what to do to help. There are many things to try from ginger to Phenergan. In my last pregnancy the combination of vitamin B6 and Unisom was suggested to me if I did not want to take stronger medicines. I had been told B6 could help with nausea during my 3rd trimester with my 5th pregnancy but it did not seem to help and I was not told about Unisom. I was a little skeptical about it, but decided to give it a try. I was shocked that it worked!
Here is what you do. Take a tablet of B6 three times a day with meals and take the Unisom right before bed.
I do not think anyone really knows why it works, but it helped me so much this time. My guess is that it helps you get really deep sleep. I still had to eat first thing in the morning, but it helped me to actually be hungry so I could eat. Make sure you eat something high protein with a good carb to help keep the nausea away the rest of the day. This helps in keeping other medications from being needed if you are wanting to avoid them.
Have you tried this combination for nausea? Did it work for you?
Here is what you do. Take a tablet of B6 three times a day with meals and take the Unisom right before bed.
I do not think anyone really knows why it works, but it helped me so much this time. My guess is that it helps you get really deep sleep. I still had to eat first thing in the morning, but it helped me to actually be hungry so I could eat. Make sure you eat something high protein with a good carb to help keep the nausea away the rest of the day. This helps in keeping other medications from being needed if you are wanting to avoid them.
Have you tried this combination for nausea? Did it work for you?
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Pregnancy Prepares Us For Birth
From conception until birth is somewhere around 40 weeks, over half a year. Why is that? I believe this time helps us prepare for birth and being mothers. If we could just drop babies without any preparation it would be very overwhelming. Don't get me wrong, it's overwhelming even with 40 week prep, but we need the time to help us prepare for our births.
Let's be real, for most women pregnancy is not very much fun. There's nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, growing and stretching, the use of muscles you didn't know you had, sleeplessness, restlessness, pulling, swelling and more. At times it can be very uncomfortable and even painful. But it is preparation for the hard work of labor and delivery and motherhood. Everything in this time period takes sacrifice on our parts. No matter what you want in your birth, it is a sacrifice to bring a baby into the world. Pregnancy begins to teach us those sacrifices.
Towards the end it can get almost unbearable. When visiting our hometown, my friend Ashley said, "We have to be miserable at the end so that we will welcome labor." And I thought, that is so true. Labor is painful. It is hard work. But by the end of our pregnancy we are generally ready to meet our babes and labor is a welcome relief, even if it is painful, because we know that the end of the physical pain is in sight.
I need this reminder, because I often do not welcome pregnancy as I should, especially at the end. But I am thankful for each pregnancy that has taught me more about my God, and for each birth that has shown me God's provision and love for me.
How have your pregnancies helped prepare you for birth?
Let's be real, for most women pregnancy is not very much fun. There's nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, growing and stretching, the use of muscles you didn't know you had, sleeplessness, restlessness, pulling, swelling and more. At times it can be very uncomfortable and even painful. But it is preparation for the hard work of labor and delivery and motherhood. Everything in this time period takes sacrifice on our parts. No matter what you want in your birth, it is a sacrifice to bring a baby into the world. Pregnancy begins to teach us those sacrifices.
Towards the end it can get almost unbearable. When visiting our hometown, my friend Ashley said, "We have to be miserable at the end so that we will welcome labor." And I thought, that is so true. Labor is painful. It is hard work. But by the end of our pregnancy we are generally ready to meet our babes and labor is a welcome relief, even if it is painful, because we know that the end of the physical pain is in sight.
I need this reminder, because I often do not welcome pregnancy as I should, especially at the end. But I am thankful for each pregnancy that has taught me more about my God, and for each birth that has shown me God's provision and love for me.
How have your pregnancies helped prepare you for birth?
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition in pregnant women marked by high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine and can be accompanied by swollen feet, legs and hands. It usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy. The exact cause is unknown.
It is most commonly seen in first time pregnancies, teen moms and women over 40. Other risk factors include:
Other symptoms of preeclampsia include:
It is most commonly seen in first time pregnancies, teen moms and women over 40. Other risk factors include:
- History of high blood pressure,
- History of preeclampsia in other pregnancies,
- Mom or sister having preeclampsia,
- Multiple pregnancy (twins, etc)
- History of diabetes, heart disease, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Other symptoms of preeclampsia include:
- Rapid weight gain caused by increase in body fluid
- Abdominal pain
- Severe headaches
- Change in reflexes
- Reduced or no urine output
- Dizziness
- Excessive nausea and vomiting
Seek immediate medical attention if you have the following:
- Sudden/New swelling in your face and eyes
- Blood pressure greater than 140/90
- Sudden weight gain over 1-2 days
- Abdominal pain especially in the upper right part of the abdomen
- Sever headaches
- Decrease in urine output
- Blurry vision, floaters or flashing lights
When caught early, preeclampsia can be manageable with blood pressure medication, but if it goes undetected it can be serious for you and your baby. In extreme cases it can become eclampsia, which causes you to have seizures. There can be other effects as well.
If you are close to term when symptoms occur, it is likely they will induce labor. If you are not close to term and it is not yet severe they will likely try to control your blood pressure with medication and bed rest. If severe, they may deliver you even if you are early.
Have you had any experience with preeclampsia?
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Normal Discomforts
Throughout pregnancy, your body is changing as your baby grows. These changes can cause many discomforts that, under normal circumstances, might be something to be concerned about, but are quite normal for pregnancy.
Round ligament pain
The round ligaments are several thick ligaments that surround and support the uterus. As the uterus grows during pregnancy, the ligaments are stretched and can cause pain in the lower abdominal and groin areas. It is usually a sharp sudden pain and can be very uncomfortable, but will go away relatively soon. Sudden movements are the most likely to cause it to occur, such as sneezing, turning quickly, coughing, laughing and rolling over. Doing things slowly is the best way to avoid this discomfort, but there are times when it is unavoidable. When you feel it, just stop for a moment and wait for it to subside.
Mild Cramping
As your uterus grows with a growing baby, it will often times cramp a little here and there. This can also happen after having intercourse or doing strenuous exercise. As long as there is no bleeding or worsening of the cramps, this is normal and part of the expected discomforts of pregnancy. Drink lots of water and if it is bothersome, use mild heat to help alleviate the feeling.
Sciatic Pain
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body that provides sensory and motor function to the lower part of the body. This is some of the worst pain during pregnancy that can be quite normal. You feel it at the top of the gluts and it often radiates down the leg(s). It is sharp and stabbing. This nerve can easily be pinched as the baby grows and moves around causing this pain to happen. The best way to alleviate the pain is to lie on your side opposite where you feel the pain. If it gets worse or you are unable to get comfort from the pain, notify your provider. Generally speaking, this pain is short lasting like round ligament.
Mild Swelling
Later on in the pregnancy, you may notice mild swelling in your hands and/or feet. As your body fluid increases, it can be challenging for your blood vessels to hold it all and some fluid will seep into the intercostal space causing swelling. The best thing you can do for swelling is drink water and put your feet up. If the swelling becomes severe and effects more than just hands and feet it could be a sign of high blood pressure and that should be checked out by your provider.
What mild discomforts have you dealt with?
Round ligament pain
The round ligaments are several thick ligaments that surround and support the uterus. As the uterus grows during pregnancy, the ligaments are stretched and can cause pain in the lower abdominal and groin areas. It is usually a sharp sudden pain and can be very uncomfortable, but will go away relatively soon. Sudden movements are the most likely to cause it to occur, such as sneezing, turning quickly, coughing, laughing and rolling over. Doing things slowly is the best way to avoid this discomfort, but there are times when it is unavoidable. When you feel it, just stop for a moment and wait for it to subside.
Mild Cramping
As your uterus grows with a growing baby, it will often times cramp a little here and there. This can also happen after having intercourse or doing strenuous exercise. As long as there is no bleeding or worsening of the cramps, this is normal and part of the expected discomforts of pregnancy. Drink lots of water and if it is bothersome, use mild heat to help alleviate the feeling.
Sciatic Pain
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body that provides sensory and motor function to the lower part of the body. This is some of the worst pain during pregnancy that can be quite normal. You feel it at the top of the gluts and it often radiates down the leg(s). It is sharp and stabbing. This nerve can easily be pinched as the baby grows and moves around causing this pain to happen. The best way to alleviate the pain is to lie on your side opposite where you feel the pain. If it gets worse or you are unable to get comfort from the pain, notify your provider. Generally speaking, this pain is short lasting like round ligament.
Mild Swelling
Later on in the pregnancy, you may notice mild swelling in your hands and/or feet. As your body fluid increases, it can be challenging for your blood vessels to hold it all and some fluid will seep into the intercostal space causing swelling. The best thing you can do for swelling is drink water and put your feet up. If the swelling becomes severe and effects more than just hands and feet it could be a sign of high blood pressure and that should be checked out by your provider.
What mild discomforts have you dealt with?
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
What Types of Exercise Are Good For Pregnancy?
During pregnancy you want to do exercises that are low impact. What is best for you, you will have to figure out. If you are already exercising and it is not jarring, you should be able to continue. If you are not a regular exerciser but want to start, there are many options for you.
Some great options include water aerobics, swimming, walking, indoor cycling, elliptical and low-impact aerobics.
Being in the water during pregnancy is wonderful! Just being in the water and moving around is helpful as the water adds natural resistance and can give you a full body work out that is low-impact. It also helps alleviate some of the pressure you may have on your body and light. Getting out of the water can feel a bit overwhelming as you feel the extra weight when getting out, but it is worth it for the benefits of exercising in the water.
If you are more of a gym person there are a few low impact choices available to you. Elliptical and indoor cycling have very minimal impact as your feet stay on the peddles. You can also use a stair stepper, though it can have a little more impact depending on how you step. Walking on an indoor track is also a great option as you are in a temperature controlled environment and walking on a track does not cause as much jarring as cement.
Low-impact aerobics is also a good option, but I would advise working with someone who has been trained in leading aerobics as they should be able to help you know your limits.
What should you avoid?
Any activity that would pose a great risk to your baby or your health should be avoided.
Stay away from exercise that involves jarring or lots of bouncing such as jump rope, intense running, etc.
Contact sports such as softball/baseball, basketball, volleyball, football, etc should be avoided.
Avoid exercises or activities with a high risk of falling such as horseback riding or skiing.
Be wise in stretching and muscles toning. Avoid exercises that will put a lot of pressure on your abdominal muscles (this also helps with preventing DR), such as sit-ups, deep knee bends and double leg raises.
It is also unwise to exercise in hot humid weather, so check the weather before heading outside.
What exercise do you enjoy?
Some great options include water aerobics, swimming, walking, indoor cycling, elliptical and low-impact aerobics.
Being in the water during pregnancy is wonderful! Just being in the water and moving around is helpful as the water adds natural resistance and can give you a full body work out that is low-impact. It also helps alleviate some of the pressure you may have on your body and light. Getting out of the water can feel a bit overwhelming as you feel the extra weight when getting out, but it is worth it for the benefits of exercising in the water.
If you are more of a gym person there are a few low impact choices available to you. Elliptical and indoor cycling have very minimal impact as your feet stay on the peddles. You can also use a stair stepper, though it can have a little more impact depending on how you step. Walking on an indoor track is also a great option as you are in a temperature controlled environment and walking on a track does not cause as much jarring as cement.
Low-impact aerobics is also a good option, but I would advise working with someone who has been trained in leading aerobics as they should be able to help you know your limits.
What should you avoid?
Any activity that would pose a great risk to your baby or your health should be avoided.
Stay away from exercise that involves jarring or lots of bouncing such as jump rope, intense running, etc.
Contact sports such as softball/baseball, basketball, volleyball, football, etc should be avoided.
Avoid exercises or activities with a high risk of falling such as horseback riding or skiing.
Be wise in stretching and muscles toning. Avoid exercises that will put a lot of pressure on your abdominal muscles (this also helps with preventing DR), such as sit-ups, deep knee bends and double leg raises.
It is also unwise to exercise in hot humid weather, so check the weather before heading outside.
What exercise do you enjoy?
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Can I Exercise During Pregnancy?
Generally speaking, if you are a healthy woman and are having a healthy pregnancy the answer is yes. In fact, it is recommended that you exercise during pregnancy as it helps with weight gain, diabetes and overall feeling better.
If you are already exercising, you can continue the exercise you are doing, though you may need to decrease the amount of time or intensity. Listen to your body and do not over do it. Be wise.
If you have a health condition such as heart problems, diabetes, or joint problems it may not be OK for you to exercise.
If you have any questions at all about exercising, ask your health care provider.
Do you exercise while pregnant?
If you are already exercising, you can continue the exercise you are doing, though you may need to decrease the amount of time or intensity. Listen to your body and do not over do it. Be wise.
If you have a health condition such as heart problems, diabetes, or joint problems it may not be OK for you to exercise.
If you have any questions at all about exercising, ask your health care provider.
Do you exercise while pregnant?
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